Spurred on by a smile
High school students raise money for Habitat in honor of late friend
By Darleen Principe darleen@theacorn.com
      Tyler Broberg made a lasting impression on those who knew him- one that blended kindness and an ability to make everyone around him smile. His classmates at Royal High School remember the 16yearold honor student telling funny jokes and sharing stories between classes.
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Toy, blanket drive will benefit American Indian tribe impacted by wildfires
By Eliav Appelbaum eliav@theacorn.com
      Redbird, a nonprofit organization based in Simi Valley that promotes awareness of American Indians and their history, is holding a toy, school supplies and blanket drive at the Simi Valley Library's community room from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 1.
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Reagan legacy recounted through Nancy's elegance
Fashion exhibit on display now
By Margie Anne Clark Special to the Acorn
      If fashion can be defined as a universal language expressing who we are and where we are going, then Nancy Reagan spoke it fluently, with a radiance and grace that defined a presidential legacy. Like a late 20thcentury vignette of Camelot, the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum opened its new exhibit, "Nancy Reagan: A First Lady's Style" on Nov.
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Get involved with the Community Council
      The Simi Valley Community Council meets for a no-host lunch on the second Thursday of each month from September through May at the IHOP Restaurant, 2525 Erringer Road. Following a short business meeting and guest speaker presentation, members and guests share upcoming events and needs.
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Holiday hours for farmers' market
      The Thousand Oaks Farmers' Market at 403 W. Hillcrest Drive will be open most Thursdays from 2 to 6:30 p.m. throughout the holiday season. The market was closed yesterday, Thanksgiving Day, but will reopen Thursday, Nov. 29 and remain open prior to Christmas Day.
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Program aims to provide holiday gifts for seniors
      Home Instead Senior Care of Simi Valley is gearing up the annual Be a Santa to a Senior gift drive. The organization has teamed up with local community organizations, retailers and volunteers to collect, wrap and donate gifts to lonely seniors or those in need in Ventura County.
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Volunteers needed for 2008 Amgen Tour
Major cycling event now in its third year
      Organizers for the 2008 Amgen Tour of California have announced that volunteer opportunities for the professional cycling road race are posted online at the official tour website, www.amgentourofcalifornia.com. Volunteers looking for an opportunity to participate in the third annual race can apply online for positions.
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Personal experience pushed resident into a life of work for mental health research
Growing up with schizophrenic sister has lasting effect on woman's life
By Margery Walshaw Special to the Acorn
      Meggin Hollister Hagendoorn was just 12 in 1977, the year her 15yearold sister, Annick, was diagnosed with schizophrenia. Once a high-performing student who was twice voted class vicepresident, Annick suddenly began to demonstrate unusual and risky behavior that her parents first interpreted as typical teenage rebellion.
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Drum major leads troops into battle . . . of the bands
      HIGHLANDER- Royal High School Band drum major Mike Gillooly, senior, salutes the judges before starting the field show at the 12th Annual Battle of the Bands hosted by Moorpark High School Saturday.
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Ready the house for holiday guests
      The holiday season brings with it great meals, presents, beautiful decorations and guests- lots and lots of guests coming and going. Holiday guests, be they family members or friends, often show up early, stay late or even pop by unexpectedly. And with them can come hectic, harried moments to get the house company-ready.
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