Ojai officials took action earlier this year to cut back on water use. One unanticipated casualty, however, was Ojai’s public fountains, some of which are prominent pieces of public art in the City’s pedestrian-oriented downtown.
Recently the City reversed course, turning its fountains back on amid the withering drought, confident that it is already doing enough to conserve water, and that turning on the fountains, which re-circulate water, will have little impact on overall conservation.
Meanwhile, City officials continue to look for ways to reduce water use. Already the City has reduced watering of public landscaped areas, eliminated regular sidewalk washing and replaced with spot cleaning, and cut the watering of playing fields by about one-third.
“Jacob Marley’s Christmas Carol” is a new twist on an old tale coming up at Ojai ACT, and while only four actors are needed to fill the roles, they need to be “in decent physical condition as there will be much physical comedy and pantomime.”
Auditions are Friday, Sept. 18 from 6-7:30 p.m. or Saturday, Sept. 19 from noon-1:30 p.m. at the Ojai Art Center. Callbacks are the next day, Sunday Sept. 20 from noon to 1:30 p.m. Bring a resume and head shot. Roles are for Marley and Scrooge (aged mid-30s to mid-50s) and The Record keeper and The Bogle, which can be male or female; aged 20 – 60. A paid stage manager is also needed.
Rehearsals begin Sept. 20 and the run at Ojai ACT is from Nov. 27 – Dec. 20 Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Details are on the Ojai ACT website: www.OjaiACT.org. For questions, contact Klaif at: [email protected]
“Dr. Dolittle” talks and sings to the animals in Ojai ACT’s enchanted musical version of the famous tales of Hugh Lofting until Oct. 4 at 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. Adoptable pets are shown an hour before the Saturday matinees. Geared to entertain all ages, experience it live at the Ojai Art Center, 113 S. Montgomery St. Tickets are $18 general, $15 seniors (62+), students and Art Center members, and $10 youth 12 and under. For reservations, call 640-8797 or online at www.ojaiartcenter.org.
Join Rev. Karen S. Wylie on Saturday, September 19, at her Mid-Month Devotional Retreat at Meditation Mount. The morning will be an opportunity “to journey into the sanctuary of our own soul, to ‘Emerge and See,’” Rev. Karen says “The morning will be devoted to silence, contemplation, wisdom talks, sacred songs, and prayers of gratitude. The gathering takes place from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and is by donation: $10 is suggested. For more information, contact Rev. Karen at 310-968-8928, or register online at www.karenswylie.com.
Ojai Community Bank announced the appointment of Kim Gibas as Head of Branch Administration. Gibas brings over 30 years of experience in the banking industry to the Bank’s leadership team. This appointment is part of the Bank’s growing effort to support financial development in Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties. A long-time resident of Ventura County, Gibas is actively involved in a myriad of charitable and community organizations, including Camarillo Rotary Club and the Camarillo Chamber of Commerce.
Villanova School is honored to host Nick Vujicic, an international motivational speaker, to address the students as part of his Stand Strong Ojai, 2015 presentation where he will share his message of what life is like without limbs. He will be Villanova’s guest in the Clark Gymnasium at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, September 18, 2015. His message centers on an anti-bullying and anti-suicide theme, reinforcing Christ’s message that we are all loved and encouraging people to never give up when life presents challenges.
His powerful message of love and endurance is sure to inspire all who hear it. Villanova is blessed to be able to meet him and listen as he shares his experiences with our students, staff and faculty.
The Temptations Review Featuring Dennis Edwards, former lead singer of the legendary Motown Records rhythm and blues group The Temptations, will perform at a special fundraising event at Ojai’s Libbey Bowl on Saturday, Sept. 26.
The concert begins at 7 p.m. and is being co-sponsored by the Community Memorial Healthcare Foundation and Ojai Valley Community Hospital Foundation. It promises to present a high-energy performance of classic hits, including “Ball of Confusion,” “Papa Was a Rollin’ Stone,” “Ain’t Too Proud to Beg,” “I Wish It Would Rain” and “My Girl.”
Proceeds benefit Community Memorial Health System’s construction projects: the building of a new Community Memorial Hospital in Ventura and the building of a new skilled nursing facility adjacent to the Ojai Valley Community Hospital.
General admission tickets and special seating packages, some featuring a pre-concert dinner with cocktails, can be purchased online at www.cmhsatthebowl.org. For more information, call 667-2881.
