Skill-Sharing Group Opens New Chapter

Living Treasures, a grass-roots program in Ojai that seeks talented community members willing to share their skills with the public, has branched out to Ventura.

The program, started three years ago by Ojai resident Sanford Drucker, asks for the public’s help in nominating members of the community who are willing to share their skills or talents with neighbors of all ages. In the past, nominees have included Expressionist painters, advertising directors, psychologists and physicians.

“There are talented people that don’t have a vehicle to give to the community,” said Glenn Slensker, president of the program’s newly formed Ventura chapter. “This program provides a vehicle for them to share their knowledge with the community.”

Living Treasures is being launched in Ventura as a service project of the Unity Church of Ventura County and all four chapters of the city’s Rotary Club, organizers said. An advisory board makes the final selections, and the chosen mentors participate in a two-year program for schools or other organizations.

In Ojai, Charlotte Bronstein, 77, who once worked in the film and television industry in Montreal, shares her skills by working with students in various performing arts programs. At the cafeteria of Matilija Junior High, Bronstein once helped students put on an improvisational play on ancient Egypt.

“It’s wonderful to find at my age you are still able to be a contributing member to the community,” Bronstein said. “The interaction with young people is one of the most satisfying things.”

Nomination ballots in Ventura may be obtained and dropped off before Nov. 16 at locations including Foster Library, 651 E. Main St.; Ventura High School, 2155 E. Main St., and the Ventura Chamber of Commerce, 785 S. Seaward Ave.