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. Meetings held at Livingston Memorial Visiting Nurse Association
Free Joint Replacement Classes
2nd Monday of the Month (December 9), 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 (December 3), 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. 21: The regular monthly meeting of Assistance League of Ventura County will be conducted on Thursday, at the Chapter House, 913 East Santa Clara St. The meeting begins at 10 a.m., men and women are welcome, and there is no age requirement. Assistance League is “Transforming Lives, Strengthening Community” through several philanthropic programs. The Bargain Box Thrift Shop helps fund these programs.
Find more information on the Website: assistanceleagueventuracounty.org, or on Facebook, Instagram, or email [email protected].
Telephone: 805-643-2458 (Monday – Thursday, 8-2 p.m.)
Nov.21: Suz Montgomery, Chair of the Advisory Council to the Area Agency on Aging, will talk about the city of Ventura’s upcoming Senior Strategic Plan at the next East Ventura Community Council meeting. Meredith Hart, Safe and Clean Program Manager for the city of Ventura will present an update on a new homeless shelter. Ken Maryanski, Partnership Specialist with the United States Census, will talk about the upcoming 2020 census, which counts every person living in the United States every 10 years. In addition, election of Officers will be held. The Ad Hoc Nominating Committee’s recommendations will be presented, and nominations may also be made from the floor. The public is encouraged to attend and participate. 7 p.m. at the Connect Church, 346 N. Kimball Rd. For more information, contact Marie Lakin, Chairperson: [email protected]
Nov.22: Like to play acoustic music? (4th Friday of each month), 7 – 10 p.m. Songmakers.org welcomes instrumentalists, singers, and singer/songwriters at all levels to join in a free song circle at the Bell Arts Factory Community Room, 432 N. Ventura Ave. Listeners welcome! Info: Mike Wittlin, (805) 750-8281.
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.8: A Family Christmas Spectacular! Christmas Celebration of Music and Arts featuring live entertainment, special musical guests, Christmas Cookie and Hot Chocolate to follow. All ages, 4:30 p.m., Community Presbyterian Church 1555 Poli St.
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. 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
Dec.7: Kids of all ages (2-18) are invited to attend and be involved in holiday craft projects provided by Lakeside Family Counseling. There is a fun time to be had by all who come. Snacks and drinks will also be provided. Parents can join in with their kids or take a breather and chat with others at the bonanza and enjoy some holiday refreshments. Noon until 3 p.m. at 1500 Palma Dr. in the large training room.
