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NEWS AND HAPPENINGS ON THE FARM!
Musician, storyteller keeps kids enthralled - July 14, 2008 Thirty-five years later, the Benicia resident is sharing his own musical talent - and Native American heritage - regularly with youngsters at Vallejo's Loma Vista Farm. Three days a week, Kiwamura visits the farm's summer camp to play his Native American flute and tell traditional, multitribal stories. "For one thing, the stories have great messages for kids," said 47-year-old Kiwamura, who is of Japanese and Cherokee ancestry. "They are thousands of years old. And storytelling, for Native Americans as well as Japanese, is a way of passing down history." Kiwamura's soothing voice and calm manner make him extremely easy to listen to, said farm staff member Rita LeRoy. "He captivates people of all ages," she said. "Even the children will sit still and really focus on his stories. He has them enthralled." "These stories are life lessons," he said. "For me, sharing with the kids is my way of helping them create a better world for themselves." Kiwamura began sharing his beautifully handmade instruments and stories at Loma Vista Farm on Rainier Avenue last summer. "The kids are entranced when they sit in circle," farm volunteer Barbara Velasco said. "When he tells stories, he captures their attention. "And when he talks about his flutes, he shares them. ... He makes them available so everybody can blow into a flute." "Kevin's bringing all that back to life," farm board president John Muras said, adding that the display will add to the overall experience of elementary school students on field trips who regularly visit the farm. "What he's doing on the farm will help teachers teach required lessons about native cultures." As for Kiwamura's musical talent - that runs in the family, he explained. His cousin, Ryuji Iwamura, has been first flautist in the Tokyo Symphony for nearly 30 years. Kiwamura began playing classical and jazz trumpet in his early teens, training with the San Francisco Symphony. At one point, he said, he was one of the top young trumpet players in the state. By his late teens he switched over to bass and keyboards to play in heavy metal and pop bands. In his 30s, he launched a successful post-production and recording company, doing music for large international trade shows. Moment of inspiration
"I fell in love with the sound," he said. "So I purchased one from him. And that's what got things rolling for me." He sells his music on a Web site, www.whisperinglight.com, and at a handful of stores, including The Foggiest Idea on First Street in Benicia. Kiwamura also makes traditional Japanese kanji wood art, which he sells at The Foggiest Idea. "Just the terminology is different," he said. "That tells me that a lot of us who have differences today have more similarities than we think."
Wal-Mart Awards Loma Vista Farm $1,000 Community Grant - August 1, 2008
We're delighted to announce that Barbara Velasco, Loma Vista Farm Board Member was contacted by Wal-Mart in American Canyon informing her that Loma Vista Farm has been award a Community Grant for $1,000.00. Per Barbara Velasco, "This is wonderful news and I did not know that we had applied." Friends of Loma Vista Farm and VCUSD graciously thank Wal-Mart for their outstanding community support in the local area.
Friends of Loma Vista Farm Announces "Summer Fun On The Farm" Registration Levels - July 28, 2008
Loma Vista Farm released Summer School, "Summer Fun On The Farm 2008”, attendance levels. Barbara Velasco, head of Loma Vista Farm’s Summer Fun On The Farm program was proud to release information around this year’s highly successful Summer School program. “The program was huge success with energetic and eager kids in all sessions”, said Barbara Velasso. Barbara went on to say, “Its been a busy 4 weeks, and I’m proud of the flawless excution of our team”.
All students were awarded a uniquely designed Loma Vista Farm t-shirt to help them remind them of their fun filled week of learning. This year’s attendance was 128 eager campers (students) over the 4 weeks. A total of 54 scholarships were issued to needy families who applied for the funds.
Highland Elementary School Faculty Fund, A Surprise Donation Honoring Kenn Browne! - July 17, 2008
Friends of Loma Vista Farm received a surprise donation of $800.00 yesterday from the Highland (Elementary School) Faculty Fund in honor of Kenn Browne. The note reads:
July 16, 2008 Thank you.
Highland Faculty and Staff
What a nice surprise for Loma Vista Farm and a great honor to Kenn! Congratulations Kenn!
Iron Workers Finishing up the New Chicken Coops, Adding Netting Cover - July 11, 2008
It was a busy day on the farm as the new chicken coops were nearing completion after months of construction, hours of long work, and support from the Iron Workers. Loma Vista Farm thanks all the guys for a job well done! You're persistence and commitment is greatly appreciated.
Looking at the photo you did moving the net to the far left, barely seen on the ladder is Steve, lead person first one on left under net: Alessandro. Second: Alasdro. Third: Jose. Last: Luis
Alex: Did all the tree trimming and post hole digging for the chicken coops and for Kevins area. Alex all did the cement work setting poles at coops, fixed the chain saw and one weed whacker.
Vincent: Did all the painting of tables and helped wherever he could.
Jose and Luis made the gates and did a great job. They never worked with wood or wire before and figured it all out including hanging the gates straight. Luis told me they only work with welding of iron, soldering, rebar, cutting and splitting of wire etc. so they had a lot of fun doing this and liked where they worked.
Summer Fun On The Farm Summer School Kicks Off to Strong Start - July 10, 2008
Happy campers had an active week at Loma Vista Farm's Summer School program. Classes began on Monday, July 7 at 8:30 a.m. This week's activities included ice cream making, Native American stories from Kevin, making a quilt, sailing home made boats, being in a 'tug of war', moving wood chips, and interacting with the animals. Also, picking blackberries for the ice cream and the ice cream unveiling. Campers were eager, happy, and full of energy! Pictures from this weeks events.
4-H Display at Solano County Fair Benefiting Loma Vista Farm - July 9, 2008
One of the Mom's in my 4-H project, Ilene, set up a Farm Display at the Solano County Fair which opened today. Ilene's display won 1st place and took Best of Show! The prize is $250 which she is kindly splitting with the Farm. She is distributing Farm brochures as well. Thank you Ilene, you are wonderful!
By TONY BURCHYNS/Times-Herald staff writer
Loran "Cal" Calvert, the longtime caretaker of Loma Vista Farm, who was sometimes described as a classic "cowboy" who loved animals and could fix anything, died early Sunday of prostate cancer. He was 76.
For more than 25 years, Calvert tended animals, gardens and made repairs on the farm, which has provided hands-on agricultural lessons to Vallejo school children for years.
"He really cared about the animals," said Arlene Hoffman, a board member of the nonprofit Friends of Loma Vista Farm. "He was a cowboy at heart. His life was taking care of the animals, keeping the plants green ... he was a happy-go-lucky person with a dry sense of humor ... always hitting you with one-liners."
Calvert lived in a mobile home on the farm with his wife Beverly. They were the only residents of the plot.
"We came to the farm as caretakers in 1982," Beverly Calvert said. "We've been here 26 years. He loved the interaction with children and animals on the farm."
Seven years ago, Calvert was diagnosed with prostate cancer, and Beverly Calvert wanted to move. But Calvert insisted that the couple stay on the farm, where he loved his work, his wife said.
"He used to say, we live in the best place on Earth," she said. "He was a farm boy at heart."
"He would just find things throughout the years and fix them ... and just quietly do his thing. He never did it for attention. He was a good guy. We'll really miss him," Arcadi said.
Calvert worked as a diesel mechanic on Mare Island after he left the U.S. Navy in 1952. He retired in 1974, Beverly Calvert said. For a time, he taught a small engine repair class for youngsters and collected old gas-powered lawn mowers, his wife said.
"He liked to keep a low profile ... he was perfectly happy to live there and not have a lot of personal accolades," Beverly Calvert said.
Before joining the Navy, Calvert left his home in Nyssa, Ore. at age 11 and hitchhiked to California with a buddy, his wife said. He then made his way working on farms.
"He was very resourceful and independent," she said. "And he had the most infectious laugh."
Services for Calvert will be 11 a.m. Monday at Twin Chapels Mortuary, 1100 Tennessee St., Vallejo.
In lieu of flowers, the family is asking donations be made to Friends of Loma Vista Farm, 150 Rainier Ave., Vallejo, CA 94589.
In Memory of Loran “Cal” Calvert, June 29, 2008
The Loma Vista Farm family is saddened by the passing of Farmer Loran “Cal” Calvert, one of the Farm’s caretakers. Beverly and Loran “Cal” Calvert eagerly moved to Loma Vista Farm on June 28, 1982, to serve the Farm as caretakers. For 26 years Bev & Cal Calvert have been keeping an eye on the Farm, and farm animals, 24 hours a day, especially after school hours and on weekends.
Cal was born August 24, 1931 in Nyssa, Oregon. “That's in Eastern Oregon where it's high desert and the jack rabbits carry canteens of water, at least that what Cal always told me!” said Beverly Calvert. The Loma Vista Farm family and farm animals are saddened by the absence of Cal from the Farm. Our thoughts are with Beverly and the entire Calvert family. Loma Vista Farm would not be what it is today had it not been for the support of the Calverts over the past 26 plus years.
Rotary Club of Vallejo Donates $10,000 For Project At Loma Vista Farm, June 16, 2008
By RACHEL RASKIN-ZRIHEN/Times-Herald staff writer
The Rotary Club of Vallejo has made more than $60,000 in donations to more than a dozen Vallejo-based nonprofit organizations, according to its president.
It's the most money the organization has ever given in a single year, said Rotary President Connie Klimisch.
"We had a really good fundraising year," she said, while acknowledging that 2007 has been among the most financially difficult in recent memory for many people.
"Maybe it's because we've been around Vallejo so long that people know we give to good organizations," Klimisch said. "Maybe I have good begging power, I don't know."
The presentation of the donations - ranging from $1,000 to more than $20,000 - was made Thursday at the club's weekly luncheon, Klimisch said. Some smaller donations were also made, she added.
"Our mission this year was to help children, though some of the donations were for other than children's charities," Klimisch said.
Most notably, Meals On Wheels was given a cash award of $5,000, she said.
Spreading the Wealth
Source: Connie Klimisch, president, Vallejo Rotary Club
"We felt they were in jeopardy of losing their program and in this day and age, with money so tight, the seniors really need food," she said.
The Florence Douglas Senior Center was also given a grant, Klimisch said. The selection of charities was based on requests made and a determination that the organization is stable and that the money would go to programs and not salaries, she said.
Projects are also being donated, including a $20,000 picnic area pavilion for Children's Wonderland, Klimisch said.
"There will also be a project at Loma Vista Farm for $10,000," she said. "It will be either a research lab or we'll rebuild a damaged pen. It will depend on what they need most." Klimisch said she's proud to be part of an organization willing to step up and help in hard times.
"The Vallejo Rotary Club has had an outstanding fundraising year and is happy to be able to share over $60,000 with our community," she said.
The Rotary Club is a worldwide organization of business and professional leaders who provide humanitarian service, encourage high ethical standards in all vocations, and help build goodwill and peace, according to an organization statement. The Vallejo chapter was founded in 1921, Klimisch said.
• E-mail Rachel Raskin-Zrihen at RachelZ@thnewsnet.com or call 553-6824.
Zoe Hawley, 4, feeds rabbits at Loma Vista Farm, one of the nonprofit organizations to share in more than $60,000 distributed this year by the Vallejo Rotary Club. The farm will get $10,000. (Stacey J. Miller/Times-Herald file photo)
Carolyn Libby, Loma Vista Farm's Founder Visits! - June 4, 2008
A rare treat for Loma Vista Farm occurred today. Long time Farm friends and staff were delighted with excitement upon meeting with today's visitor. The Farm's founder, Carolyn Libby, visited the farm. In 1974, almost 35 years ago Carolyn Libby had a vision that she was determined to make a reality. Her hard work and commitment lives on today at Loma Vista Farm.
During her visit Carolyn Libby said, "It was so wonderful to see how things are still there and still cared for. The magic is still there. Thank you!!"
Loma Vista Farm Art for Animals! Thank You to Luna Gilligan - May 23, 2008
Loma Vista Farm is an Idea That Matters - Luna Gilligan, Luna Design Illustration Art Direction, has submitted an application to "SAPPI" for funding support to benefit Loma Vista Farm. Luna's energy and excitement around the application is felt by all. Impressed with Luna's design and design, we wish the application much luck as it's considered by the SAPPI folks. The competition is stiff for the SAPPI award.
Luna's ideas and creativity are amazing and delightful to view. Loma Vista Farm thanks Luna Gilligan for her commitment and many years of support and dedication to Loma Vista Farm. Attached are some of the amazing are beautiful concepts that Luna designed around the topic of "Loma Vista Farm".
To view the campaign, please click HERE.
Cindy's Corral Dedication, Remembering Farmer Cindy Reed - May 3, 2008
Cindy’s Corral was dedicated during the Loma Vista Farm Spring Festival 2008. Cindy Reed is remembered by all as one of California’s best educators. Her dedication and commitment to Loma Vista Farm, the children of Vallejo and the surrounding community is matched by no one. She loved the animals and the kids.Loma Vista Farm pays tribute to late 'Farmer' Reed at its Spring Festival.
There was no other like "Farmer" Cindy Reed to those who knew the former face of Loma Vista Farm. Farmer Cindy is missed by all. As part of the dedication, Deacon Mike Urich blessed the animals and Cindy’s Corral.
Download Cindy's Corral Dedication
Loma Vista Farm’s Spring Festival 2008, A Huge Success! - May 3, 2008
Loma Vista Farm’s Spring 2008 Festival was a huge success. Record attendance was estimated for the Spring Festival event. Revenue for the event, was up 50% versus last year’s Spring Festival. The day was full of activities with plants, cake walk, face painting, fence painting, wool spinning, Native American information, and more. The highlight of the day was the dedication of Cindy’s Corral to honor the late Farmer Cindy Reed.
Many pictures from the day’s activities show a day of fun, learning, and fundraising for Loma Vista Farm. Thanks to all who attended the event.
To view all pics from the Loma Vista Farm Spring 2008 Festival click here.
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Kevin "Village Stone" Kiwamura Kevin "Village Stone" Kiwamura knew he was a musician when he picked up a trumpet and first heard Harry James and Herb Albert and the Tijuana Brass. 
