by Ana Baker
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.
Contact [email protected] or call (805) 642-0239 for more information.
Free Joint Replacement Classes
2nd Monday of the Month (November 11), 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 (November 5), from 1-2:30 p.m. Free informational class that teaches you how to manage your life with diabetes.
All 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 7:00 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.
There will be a regular Ventura Discussion Group meeting at Main Street Restaurant 3159 Main St., Wednesday from 4 – 5:45 p.m. Several people usually stay for a drink and a bite to eat afterward. Bring an interesting topic to discuss if you can.
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.
Nov. 9: The Ventura County Poetry Project and Solo Novo will host a reading from Solo Novo Press’s. It recently published Psalms of Cinder and Silt, a collection of poems resulting from the fires and mudslides in Ventura and adjoining counties. The public is invited to celebrate the publication of this historical community effort in response to the disasters we experienced in recent fires. Located in the Pavilion at the Museum of Ventura County 100 E. Main Street, on Saturday from 2-4 p.m.
Nov. 9: 7-9 p.m. Ghosts of Old Ventura – The downtown of Ventura is rumored to hold several ghosts linked to the colorful history of the community. Such phantoms as: The ghostly lady of Oak Street and the robed monk of the old Mission, perhaps one of the padres buried under the altar. One might be the spirit of Red Molly who haunts Main Street. Several hotels and saloons are rumored to be haunted. Many stories date back to the speakeasies of the Prohibition Era, from well-dressed gangsters to their befeathered gun molls. The tour begins at Bank of Books with a talk and a tour of haunted sites. Fee: $6 per person
Nov. 10: 9-11a.m. Find solace in Wild spaces with a beach nature and bird walk hosted by the Nature Conservancy. Ormond Beach is a hidden gem with wildlife taking refuge in its wild spaces. In this nature walk, look for signs of wildlife in and around the wetland area through the dunes to the beach. Bring binoculars if you have them and wear comfortable walking shoes. The walk is roughly 1 1/2 miles. Park at the end of Arnold Rd., Ormond beach, Oxnard. Questions contact Amy Davis [email protected] or 770-853-4715.
Nov.12: The Ventura County Writers Club welcomes anyone interested in writing to attend their November general meeting at the Pleasant Valley Rec Center. Author Connie Hood will facilitate the interactive presentation, “Real People and Imaginary Friends.” Attendees can expect a fresh and engaging look at storytelling and character development. The event starts at Tuesday 7 p.m. 1605 Burnley St. in Camarillo. Go to venturacountywriters.com or call Sheli Ellsworth at 805.300.1365 for more information.
Nov.13: Get into the Holiday spirit on Wednesday, from 12:30-2:30 p.m., at Ventura City Hall’s Community Meeting Room # 202; 501 Poli Street with the Ventura Parkinson’s Disease Support Group. For more information and important detailed directions to the meetings, please see the full press release in the Breeze Senior Living Section or call Patty at 805-766-6070.
Nov.13,14: Community Memorial Hospital Auxiliary is happy to be having its annual Holiday Boutique. The Boutique is returning after a 2-year break due to the construction of the Ocean Tower. Items Included in the boutique are baked goods, assorted crafts, book sale, and a White Elephant table plus many more items. Vendors will be Mary Kay Cosmetics, Pampered Chef, Potholders & Quilts, Tupperware and Quilts and Blankets.
It will be held at the CMH Mountain Tower Lobby, 147 N. Brent St. on Wednesday, from 8-4 p.m. and Thursday, 8-3p.m.
Nov.15: Channel Cities Jazz Club (CCJC) presents its monthly dance event featuring live music for your dancing and listening pleasure with music from the big band era and beyond.
1-4 PM every 3rd Sunday of the month at The Golden China Restaurant, 760 S. Seaward Ave.
Featuring The Barrel House Whailers
(Jammers welcomed from 1-2:15)
Nov.17: The Ventura and Santa Barbara County chapter of the National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors (NAWCC) will meet Sunday, in the Campus Student Center of Ventura College, 4667 Telegraph Road. The regular meeting starts at noon and at 11a.m. there will be an informal workshop where a topic on clocks or watches will be demonstrated and discussed. There will be a mart where items will be for sale followed by lunch and an informational meeting and a program at 1p.m. The program this month will be a presentation on Interval Clocks by Mostyn Gale. www.nawcc-ch190.com.
Nov. 17: The Climate Reality Project: Ventura County, CA Chapter, General Meeting. This is a general membership meeting and leadership election. Everyone is welcome. 2 p.m. E.P. Foster Library, Topping Room 651 E Main St. For more information: [email protected]
Nov. 23: 9-11a.m. Adventure hike along the Santa Clara River. This is a Nature Conservancy property with no established trails. Help create one before winter arrives at this beautiful location where there has been a restoration several years ago. If you have trail clearing tools, feel free to bring along. There are no facilities at this location. Please use restroom before arriving. 250 S. Hallock Dr. Santa Paula. Park at the end of Hallock Dr. Meet at the gate. Questions contact Amy Davis [email protected] or 770-853-4715.
Nov. 29, Dec. 1; Dec. 6-8 & 13-15: Dudley House Holiday Boutique. The 26th free annual fundraiser for the 1892 historic house museum features quality crafts, home décor, antiques and collectibles plus a tearoom, silent auction and bargain items. Hours are 10 – 6 p.m. with a flea market added on Sundays. 197 N. Ashwood. (805) 642-3345.
Dec.7: On the “First Saturday” of each month the Sespe Flyfishers of Ventura conduct an introductory class on Fly Fishing and Casting the Fly Rod. In December our “First Saturday” is on the 7th. There is no charge, and all are welcome. Whether you an experienced fly fisher or a complete novice we want to help you learn and enjoy this great sport. If you don’t have a fly rod, don’t worry, just come and use one of ours. Please join us at Chumash Park, Petit and Waco,
9- 11 a.m., in East Ventura (off Telephone Rd). For more information: Bob Smith (805) 647-3522 www.sespeflyfishers.org