Roger Ewing, Elmo Maiden, Art Sherman, Cindy Libonati (Left to Right)

By: Cindy Libonati

Many of us recall the infamous Winton Churchill speech during the Battle of Britain as the United Kingdom awaited the German invasion.  But today, in a society that has largely forgotten about the debts we owe our very own soldiers, a famous WWII B-24 pilot subtly reminded me of an era that sacrificed nearly everything in the name of democracy.

Step into the West Hills Wendy’s on any average Monday morning and you’ll stumble upon a group of veterans, who, by the looks of things, appear to be rather absent in terms of cognition.  But spend a moment introducing yourself and be prepared to step into a time warp, back into the beginnings of WWII.  Elmo Maiden, assigned to battle in Attlebridge, England as a B-24 pilot was quick to share his thoughts about WWII.

“The whole country mobilized, we put people on rations, everybody made a sacrifice,” Maiden said.  “It was a completely different philosophy.  If we are not willing to do that, why sacrifice 50,000 people like we did in Vietnam and not finish the job?  Anything that is worth doing, you either do it completely, or you don’t do it.”

Elmo proposed an interesting idea regarding war and the sacrifice of our country.  WWII brought about an entirely different approach to war – the sacrifice spread into every aspect of society.  It once again reminded me of the debt we owe these veterans.

If you’re looking for a way to say thanks, visit Operation Gratitude.  Or, just stop into the Wendy’s at 6430 Platt Avenue in Canoga Park on any Monday morning between 9 and 10.  A simple thank you goes a long way.

EwingSIR does not guarantee information contained in this blog, readers are encouraged not to rely solely on this information and to do their own independent research of facts contained herein. Blog information was obtained from independent sources that we do not endorse, and we do not investigate this information for accuracy. Cindy Libonati, Real Estate Agent, Ewing and Sothebys.

Pam D' Ambrosio (left) Alan Woodcock (right)

Pam D’ Ambrosio, from the Ewing & Assoc. Sotheby’s Agoura Office and her husband, Alan Woodcock, enjoy an adventure on the lake in their restored Amphicar.  Many hours went into the restoration of this unique amphibious car/boat and they do get many curious stares when they are out on the lake.  Their friends enjoy going along for the ride too.

The Amphian was built in Germany in the 60′s and has a Triumph Herald engine.  It is referred to as the Model 770 – 7 knots on the water and 70 miles on the road. The car is put into gear (a stick shift gear) when going down the boat ramp and that switches it to the propellers and you are “going swimming” in the lake.

When in the water, the car gets many lookers and as well as questions.  Pam and Alan have fun with the car and will at time tell other boaters “We’re lost, do you know where the freeway is?”.

EwingSIR does not guarantee information contained in this blog, readers are encouraged not to rely solely on this information and to do their own independent research of facts contained herein. Blog information was obtained from independent sources that we do not endorse, and we do not investigate this information for accuracy.  Irma Haldane Real Estate Agent, Ewing and Sotheby’s.

Helping in the back of the shelter

By: Karen Crystal

When winter rains pound in Thousand Oaks and Westlake, where do the homeless find a place with a roof?  The Lutheran Social Services’ winter homeless shelter in Thousand Oaks is one option.  On December 1st, during one of our biggest winter storms, 20 people checked in for a hot meal and a dry place to lay down.

People struggling financially are urged to come to dinner once in a while to save some grocery money and avoid falling behind on rent.

The homeless can use a multitude of donations such as backpacks, hamburger gift coupons, toothpaste, toothbrushes, shaving cream, deodorant, shampoo, soap and razors. You can drop these items at, 80 E. Hillcrest Drive, Thousand Oaks. For more information, call (805) 497-6207.

EwingSIR does not guarantee information contained in this blog, readers are encouraged not to rely solely on this information and to do their own independent research of facts contained herein. Blog information was obtained from independent sources that we do not endorse, and we do not investigate this information for accuracy. Karen Crystal real estate agent Ewing and Sothebys.

By: Kyle Gulock

A multitude of obscure stories abound during desperate times.  Combine this with an extraordinary passion for lizards, an airport and Australia and you truly get something unusual.  After a Lomita man smuggled 15 lizards through LAX security  in November, he now faces felony charges for smuggling wildlife into the U.S. With two geckos, two monitor lizards and 11 skinks strapped to his chest, Michael Plank allegedly attempted to transport the 15 live lizards into the States.  He now faces a maximum penalty of up to five years in prison and up to $250,000 in fines.

EwingSIR does not guarantee information contained in this blog, readers are encouraged not to rely solely on this information and to do their own independent research of facts contained herein. Blog information was obtained from independent sources that we do not endorse, and we do not investigate this information for accuracy. Kyle Gulock Real Estate Agent Ewing and Sotheby’s.