Wrapping Up the Year with Music, Magic, and Memories in the Making
As 2025 comes to a close, Ventura Townehouse is brimming with holiday cheer, heartfelt celebrations, and moments of reflection. From our dazzling Holiday Extravaganza to live music, decorating contests, and special outings, this month is filled with opportunities to gather with friends, make memories, and celebrate the season. We’re also welcoming new residents, honoring our centenarians, and sharing joy with the community through acts of kindness.
Holiday Extravaganza
Saturday, December 13
Shop Celebrate Discover the Magic of the Season
Get ready to kick off the holidays in festive style! Our Holiday Extravaganza is returning – and this year promises to be bigger, brighter, and merrier than ever. Join us for a joyful celebration filled with local vendors, seasonal delights, family fun, and holiday cheer.
Festivities will be from 5pm till 8pm with Strolling Dickens Carolers, a variety of vendors for you to do your holiday shopping, and the Ventura Townehouse fabulous dessert buffet with champagne and coffee.
New Year’s Eve Party
Wednesday, December 31
Ring in the New Year with us at an unforgettable evening filled with celebration, great company, and spectacular entertainment! As we say goodbye to 2025 and welcome in a bright new year, we’ve planned a night full of energy, joy, and memorable moments.
Dance the night away to the sounds of a five-piece jazz band featuring singer Jeanne Tatum from 7pm till 10pm. Hors d’oeuvres, an array of desserts and a full bar. You can also enjoy our wine and champagne bar and perhaps a hot chocolate with Bailey’s liqueur.
A Warm Welcome to Eleanor Guzik
Eleanor, a retired nurse practitioner and decorated Red Cross volunteer, spent years traveling the country in an RV with her husband before settling in Ventura. She’s embraced everything from harp playing to hospice work and was nationally recognized for her disaster relief service. Now at the Townehouse, she’s enjoying an active lifestyle—and just a little pampering.
Russell Bliese Turns 100
Russ was born on December 29, 1925, in Watertown, Wisconsin. He was the oldest of six children and joined the Navy with his father’s permission after high school. He served as a radioman and gunner on SBD dive bombers and was stationed aboard the USS Randolph and USS Philippine Sea.
After the war, Russ joined IBM and earned a B.S. degree at night from the University of Louisville. He rose to become President and CEO of IBM Korea and retired at age 60 with a presidential handshake from Korea.
After retirement, Russ became a licensed pilot and a skilled golfer. At 85, he shot an 85 in a golf tournament. His longevity secret? “Good genes, taking care of myself, and daily long walks.”
Happy 100th birthday, Russ! We’re proud you’re part of our community.
Employee of the Month
Congratulations Saray Fajardo
Saray has been with us for three years and serves as lead prep cook in our kitchen. She enjoys working with her great team and takes pride in her role.
Saray is a busy mom of three boys—twin seven-year-olds and a sixteen-year-old—who all play sports. She attends all their games and enjoys balancing family and work life.
Random Act of Kindness
Thank you, Annette Okumura, Barbara Bean and Barbara Morris for bringing music and joy to our memory care residents every Thursday afternoon.
Special Holiday Events
[Events section – concerts, parties, contests – see prior content]
Outings
- Dec 3: Santa Barbara Train Shopping Trip
- Dec 17: Channel Islands Harbor Holiday Lights
- Dec 22: Scenic Holiday Lights Drive with Mr. Ed
December Movies (6:30 PM)
- Dec 1: Mission Impossible
- Dec 8: OH What Fun
- Dec 15: A Merry Little Xmas
- Dec 22: How the Grinch Stole Christmas
- Dec 29: Champagne Problems
Special Holiday Movies
- Dec 20: It’s a Wonderful Life
- Dec 25: Christmas with the Kranks
- Dec 27: Home Alone 2
- Dec 30: New Year’s Eve
Happy Hour – Fridays at 3:00 PM
- Dec 5: The Blue Moon Boys
- Dec 12: Jumpin’ Joe Band
- Dec 19: Resident Party with the Townehouse Singers and Darwin and Claudia Duo
- Dec 26: Birthday Celebration with Steve Ormond
Looking Ahead:
As we wrap up another memorable year at the Townehouse, we extend our gratitude to every resident, family member, and staff member who helps make this community so special. May your holidays be bright, your hearts full, and your new year off to a joyful start. See you in 2026!
Read the full issue of our December 2025 Newsletter here: December 2025 Newsletter PDF