Evening of Gratitude: Celebrating the Hearts and Hands of Every Volunteer

Ventura Breeze
May 8, 2026
There’s something special about a community that shows up—not just for the big moments, but for the quiet, steady work of making life better for everyone. According to the *Ventura Breeze*, the Camarillo Public Library will host an “Evening of Gratitude” on Thursday, May 21, from 4 to 6 p.m., honoring the volunteers who pour their hearts into our local nonprofits, schools, and neighborhood projects. With Kenny Larsen tickling the ivories and light refreshments on hand, it’s a chance to pause and say thank you to the folks who rarely ask for one.
This year’s celebration carries extra weight. The event will present the Norm Weitzel Award and honor Randy Alcorn, along with the Richard & Su Countess Scholarships for students. For those of us in Ventura County, this isn’t just a ceremony—it’s a reminder that our community’s strength runs on the kindness of neighbors. If you’ve ever been helped by a volunteer or want to cheer them on, RSVP by Tuesday, May 19. Let’s fill that room with gratitude.
This summary was written by AI based on the original article from Ventura Breeze.
City
VenturaSource
Ventura BreezePublished
May 8, 2026
AI-curated summary from local news sources
Explore VenturaAll Ventura NewsMore News from Ventura
County of Ventura Earns 2026 Beacon Gold Vanguard Award for Sustainability Achievement
Great news for our county — Ventura has earned the 2026 Beacon Gold Vanguard Award from the Institute for Local Government, and it's a well-deserved nod to years of quiet, consistent work on energy savings and cutting greenhouse gas emissions. This isn't just a plaque for a shelf; it reflects real progress in how County government runs its operations and how those efforts ripple out into the wider community. For those of us living here, it's a reminder that sustainability isn't just a buzzword in the 805 — it's being baked into daily decisions, from facilities to fleet to community programs. The Ventura Breeze first reported the honor, and it's worth taking a moment to appreciate the staff and local leaders who've kept this focus steady through changing times. As we head into 2026, this award sets a nice benchmark. Here's hoping it sparks even more momentum — and maybe a little friendly competition among neighboring cities to see who can go greener next.
VenturaThe Oxnard Friends of the Library Donates $5,000 to Launch Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library in Ventura County
Great news for little readers across Ventura County! The Oxnard Friends of the Library just gave $5,000 to the Ventura County Library Foundation to help bring Dolly Parton's Imagination Library to our area. That money fills a crucial funding gap so free, high-quality books can start arriving in mailboxes for kids from birth to age five. If you've got a little one at home, you know how much those early years matter. Having a fresh book show up with their name on it builds excitement for reading and gives every family a chance to grow a home library, regardless of income. It's a simple idea with a big impact, and it's wonderful to see our neighbors in Oxnard stepping up to make it happen. Hats off to the Friends of the Library and everyone working to get this off the ground. As the Ventura Breeze reported, this is the kind of community investment that pays off for generations. Keep an eye out for sign-up details as the launch gets closer.
VenturaOn Vacation – Canadian Rockies in Alberta Canada
Our neighbors sure do get around! Bill Wayson and Nancy Rasmussen were spotted way up north in the Canadian Rockies, standing atop the terminal moraine of the Athabasca Glacier in Alberta. And they didn't just pack a light jacket — it was a brisk 6°C (42°F) with 50 mph katabatic winds whipping down the ice as they made the climb. That's the kind of story that makes you want to double-check your own packing list. This little snapshot comes to us courtesy of the Ventura Breeze, which invites locals to take the paper along on their travels and send in a photo. It's a fun reminder that the 805 spirit wanders far and wide — and that when we head out of town, we carry a bit of home with us. Got a trip of your own planned? Snap a picture with The Breeze and share it. In the meantime, we're just glad Bill and Nancy are out there representing Ventura, windburn and all.