Listen to our newest podcast new episode

A new episode of the District’s podcast, "Stories from the Heart: Inspiring Tales of Life, Love and Learning," is now available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, SoundCloud and our website. In this new episode, local resident Sherry Call shares a deeply personal story about her mother’s declining zest for life and the journey toward accepting her mother’s heartfelt decision to let go. It’s a moving reflection on love, loss and understanding.

She starts: "During the spring of 2024, my mother, who was 88 at the time, said something that shocked me. She told me she didn’t want to go through another winter. We had been having a nice conversation talking about kids and grandkids, friends, her dog Nugget. This was a sudden and confusing turn that seemed to come out of nowhere. I asked her what she meant. She repeated it: 'I don’t want to go through another winter.'

"When I asked why, she said she was tired. I asked her what the solution was. She said, 'I just don’t want to be here anymore.' I remember asking her very directly, 'So are you telling me you want to die?' And she said 'yes.'"

LISTEN TO HER FULL STORY HERE.

Have a story of your own to share? We’d love to hear it. Submit a form on our website or contact Community Services Manager Michelle Rogers at 805-388-1952, ext. 116.

Free counseling for family caregivers

Caring for a loved one can be rewarding, but it also can be overwhelming. The District offers Mental Wellness Services for Family Caregivers to help you navigate stress, strengthen family relationships, and find balance in their caregiving role.

Benefits of mental wellness services

✔ Reduce caregiver burnout

✔ Improve communication and coping skills

✔ Build stronger family connections

✔ Access to a safe and supportive space

Remember, you don’t have to do this alone. Let the District help you care for yourself while you care for others. 

Services are provided by Ellen Louise Hood, Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT 160759), supervised by Jenica Polakow, LCSW 79623. Call for an appointment . There is no cost.

New VR classes this summer

Join us for a new series of virtual reality adventures this summer. "Off to the Races & More" combines cycling, paddle board and art. You'll be safely seated while you use a desk cycle and wear a virtual reality headset so it feels like you are traversing along a boardwalk next to the ocean, through mountains, by lighthouses and more.  Pop balloons that appear in front of you as you make your way down a trail improving your hand-eye coordination and thinking skills. Enjoy a game of paddle board and then paint on an infinite canvas. Watch a video here to see what this amazing class is all about. We have seats avaiable 10-11 a.m. Friday, July 31; 10-11 a.m. Monday, Aug. 24; and 10-11 a.m. Friday, Sept. 24. Cost is $5 for in-District residents and $9 out of District. Call 805-388-1952. The class is held on our campus, 3639 Las Posas Road, in Camarillo.

A new class is "Trivia and Travel VR" and it's geared toward beginners.  Join us for some travel adventures with trivia mixed in. We are going to spend 35 minutes traveling around the world and finish with trivia related to culture, education, arts, entertainment, animals and nature.  This class will be offered 10-11:15 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 18. Sign up before it fills up!  Cost is $5 for in-District residents and $9 out of District. Call 805-388-1952. The class is held on our campus, 3639 Las Posas Road, in Camarillo.

Also new is "Road TRip Across the U.S.," which will be offered 10-11:15 a.m. on Monday, Aug. 31. Join us as we explore the United States by car with stops in Virginia, Utah, Arizona, North Carolina, New Mexico, Nevada, Las Vegas, Death Valley and back home to Ventura County. Cost is $5 for in-District residents and $9 out of District. Call 805-388-1952. The class is held on our campus, 3639 Las Posas Road, in Camarillo.

"Scenic Hot Air Balloon Tours," also a new class for beginners, will be offered 10-11:15 a.m. on Monday, July 27. Go up, up and away in this immersive 3-D video experience of hot air balloon rides in different locations around the world. Call 805-388-1952 to register. Cost is $5 for in-District residents and $9 out of District. The class is held on our campus, 3639 Las Posas Road, in Camarillo.

Anyone 13 and older may participate. View other Adventures in VR offerings here.

New travel itineraries for VR Travel Clubs

Whether you're new to our Adventures in VR program or a regular, you'll want to join one of our VR Travel Clubs this summer and travel the world virtually! We have new itineraries that are sure to impress even the most seasoned traveler.

Week 1 – Scenic European Visits  

·         Switzerland Alps Balloon Ride

·         Tours of Italy

·         Tours of Portugal

·         Tours of Greece

·         Excursion: Buckingham Palace Tour

Week 2 – Underwater Destinations  

·         Hawaiian Reef Wildlife

·         Dive with Sea Lions and Sea Turtles  

·         Great Barrier Reef

·         Coral Fish Underwater

·         Excursion: Swimming with Whale Sharks and Dolphins

Week 3 – Iconic Landmarks 

·         Highlights of Thailand

·         The Grand Canyon

·         Tour of Egypt

·         Fly Over Christ the Redeemer

·         Excursion: Aurora Borealis

Week 4 – Space Exploration  

·         Physics of Space

·         NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory

·         NASA Hubble Mission Control

·         Excursion: Space Walk Training

Travel Club 18 will meet 10-11:15 a.m. on Wednesdays, July 29-Aug. 19

Travel Club 19 will meet 1-2:15 p.m. on Thursdays, Aug. 27-Sept. 17

Travel Club 20 will meet 10-11:15 a.m. Wednesdays, Sept. 30-Oct. 21

Call 805-388-1952 to register. Cost is $30 for in-District residents and $39 out of District. The four-week series is held on our campus, 3639 Las Posas Road, in Camarillo.