by Ana Baker
Hospice Volunteer Training Course begins Tuesday, January 14th, for 8 consecutive weeks from 9-12p.m. at Livingston Memorial Visiting Nurse Association & Hospice, Ventura. Learn new communication, explore issues of grief and loss, learn to share view of spirituality, understand concepts of symptom management and end of life care. For more information, contact Maddy Hazard, Manager of Volunteer and Bereavement Services at Livingston Memorial Visiting Nurse Association. (805) 642-0239 x 775 or visit lmvna.org.
Free Adult Grief & Bereavement Support Groups
Every Wednesday, from 6:30 – 8 p.m. Free for anyone who has lost a loved one.
Receive emotional and educational support. Meetings held at Livingston Memorial Visiting Nurse Association. Contact [email protected] or call (805) 642-0239 for more information.
Free Joint Replacement Classes
2nd Monday of the Month (January 13), held from 4– 5 p.m. Free informational class that teaches you what to expect pre and post-surgery.
Living with Type 2 and Pre-Diabetes Classes
1st Tuesday of the Month (January 7), from 1– 2:30 p.m. Free informational class that teaches you how to manage your life with diabetes.
Classes held at Livingston Memorial Visiting Nurse Association & Hospice, 1996 Eastman Ave., Ste. 109. Call (805) 642-0239 for more information.
The Compassionate Friends of West Ventura County is a support group for those who have experienced the loss of a child. Parents, grandparents, and siblings (over age 14) are all welcome. The group meets the first and third Wednesday of each month at 7p.m. at the Poinsettia Pavilion, Canada Larga room, 3451 Foothill Road. For more information, contact Laura Lindsay at (805) 836-9100.
Ventura Poinsettia Dance Club Monday nights 7:30 – 9:45 p.m. Poinsettia Pavilion. Ballroom, swing, Latin and line dancing. $10 members, $12 non-members. Free dance lessons 6:45 – 7:15 p.m. Call Rick (805) 415-8842 for more information.
Ventura’s ACBL Duplicate Bridge Club offers games for all levels of play. Learn the game, play with your peers, and earn master points while you are having fun. There is a game every day of the week. Check out their website at www.vcbridge.org
Country Western Line Dancing every Tuesday 7 – 9 p.m. Instruction every night. Located at the Moose lodge, 10269 Telephone Road. More information at countrylovers.com.
Cross Town Hikers join in on Wednesday nights for a moderate-paced hike that includes views of Ventura from the cross, a walk out to the end of the pier, and a stroll along the Promenade back to the Museum. Four miles with an 800-foot elevation gain. Meet at 7 p.m. sharp at the fountain across the street from the Mission. Join Facebook page for more information: https://www.facebook.com/groups/800215670039426/
The members of the Ventura Investment Group meet on Mondays for an informal discussion of recent economic events. Topics cover current events that affect stocks, funds, real estate, and interest-bearing investments. The meeting is from 10 – 11:30 a.m. at the Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf at Telephone Road and Main Street. Visitors and potential members are welcomed. There are no dues or requirements to participate, and all levels of experience are welcomed.
Brain Injury Center of Ventura County. www.BrainInjuryCenter.org
Support Groups for brain injury/ stroke survivors and their family/caregivers
Learn more about brain injury/stroke and available services. Meet others who are facing or have faced similar challenges. Meet new friends and connections, give and receive support.
Encounter Church 6950 Ralston St., Bldg. #300 (805) 482-1312
2nd and 4th Wednesday of every month, 4-5:30 p.m.
Men are you retired and routine-tired? Ventura Retired Men suggest you visit a Social Lunch Meeting on the first or third Tuesday each month at the Poinsettia Pavilion. Stop in, say hello, have a sip at the bar if you like, they will buy you lunch, and you can sample the hospitality as they go through activities and hear the speaker of the day. Bob Likins can tell you more at 805-587-1233.
Jan. 8: The Ventura Parkinson’s Disease Support Group welcomes the public along with those who find themselves navigating the challenges of Parkinson’s Disease and other neurological conditions. Wayne Pickerell of SC3 Research Group – Neurosearch, will help us start the New Year with an educational overview of Parkinson’s Disease and answer questions. Hand-out resources available at every meeting. We are an independent and volunteer-organized group not affiliated with any other organization or group.
Parkinson’s Disease Overview with Q&A 12:30 -2:30 p.m., Ventura City Hall 501 Poli Street, Community Meeting Room #202. For more information and important detailed directions to meetings, please call Patty at 805-766-6070.
Jan.11: Jan. 11: Jazz drumming giant Joe La Barbera headlines a benefit concert for Parkinson’s Disease research on Saturday, at The Winery Ventura. Music starts at 7 p.m. Tickets are $15 each. Cash only at the door. The winery is at 4746 Market St. All ticket sales go to Team Fox, the fundraising arm of the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research.
La Barbera, of Woodland Hills, has played with a Who’s Who of jazz luminaries, including Phil Woods, Gary Burton, Chuck Mangione, Tony Bennet and Woody Herman. He’s best known as the last drummer to play with piano icon Bill Evans. La Barbera has been a mainstay on the Los Angeles jazz scene; toured with numerous artists in Europe, Asia and New Zealand; and taught at CalArts in Valencia for more than 25 years.
La Barbera will be joined by members of Coda, the longtime jazz group led by local drummer Charles Levin. Musicians performing include Steve Marsh, tenor saxophone; Bevan Manson, piano; Hans Ottsen and Brad Rabuchin, guitars; and Tom Etchart and Domenic Genova, bass.
Jan. 25: Ghosts of the California Missions. Richard Senate will talk on the ghosts of the Missions and the investigation of La Purisima and tour of the Mission San Buenaventura.
Saturday 7 – 9 p.m. Fee: $6/person. Bank of Books 748 E. Main St. (805) 643-3154
