Celebrations for graduation at Villanova Preparatory School begin with a Baccalaureate Mass at 7 pm on Friday, May 26, at St. Thomas Aquinas Parish, 185 St. Thomas Dr. Commencement exercises are set for 11:00 a.m., Saturday, May 27, in the Villanova Grotto. The ceremony will be presided over by the Very Rev. Kevin Mullins, O.S.A., Prior Provincial of the Province of St. Augustine.
The commencement address will be delivered by John Huddy, a Class of 1993 Villanova Preparatory School graduate currently working as a foreign correspondent for the Fox News Channel, assigned to the Middle East bureau in Jerusalem.
Join Ojai native plant guide Lanny Kaufer on a Memorial Day Nature Hike to El Nido, May 29th from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Attendees will learn to identify edible and medicinal plants and the ecology of Ojai Valley Land Conservancy’s Ventura River Preserve. The hike will cost $25 for adults, $20 for seniors 62-up, $15 for students 13-18, and kids 5-12 will be free, one per adult. Register at www.HerbWalks.com or by phone at 646-6281.
Everyone is invited to the 40th Annual Art in the Park held Memorial weekend (Saturday & Sunday May 27th and 28th from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.) in Libbey Park. Come browse, meet the 80+ artists, listen to music, grab a bite and enjoy the weekend. Professional and high school art and music featured. Admission is free. Call 646-0117 for further information or visit www.ojaiartcenter.org/art-in-the-park.html. A variety of art mediums are featured. Musical styles include folk, rock and jazz. Fine art in a fine place!
Join Rev. Karen at Meditation Mount, on Saturday, May 27, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., as she guides attendees in “the greatest work you will ever do—which is to awaken in consciousness.” The morning will be devoted to inner reflection, wisdom talks, sacred music, and quiet walks on the beautiful grounds of Meditation Mount. Randee Vasilakos, registered Science of Mind Practitioner, will be available to assist with prayers for personal healing and reconciliation.
The retreat is by donation; $10 is suggested. Meditation Mount is located at 10340 Reeves Rd. For more information, contact Rev. Karen at 310-968-8928, or register online at www.karenswylie.com.
Nordhoff High School, home of International Thespian Troupe 4816 will be performing their production of Steel Magnolias.
The International Thespian Festival, produced by the Educational Theatre Association, celebrates student achievement in the performing arts. The 54-year-old event, which this year takes place June 17-24 at the University of Nebraska in Lincoln, brings together more than 4,000 high school drama students and their teachers for a week-long immersion in classes, lessons in critical observation, and opportunities to perform for an audience of their peers from across the nation and around the world.
