All posts by admin

Focus on the Masters Archive & Library (FOTM) at the Ojai Library

The public is invited to join Focus on the Masters Archive & Library (FOTM) at the Ojai Library for a celebration of the creative spirit from students at Topa Topa Elementary and residents from Providence Ojai.  Artwork created in the Learning To See Outreach (LTS) will be exhibited from May 9 – June 10, with a reception on Tuesday, May 21 from 5:30 – 6:30.  Awards will be presented, and all are welcome to create their own beautiful leaf print with us! 111 East Ojai Avenue.

 FOTM documents the lives and works of extraordinary artists from our community, providing art programming for all ages. 

 

Vol. 12, No. 15 – Apr 24 – May 7, 2019 – Events

by Ana Baker

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 – 7:15p.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. 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.

Musicians’ Sober Support Meetup @ FIND (A Friend in Deed) every Monday night 7-9 p.m. Bring acoustic instrument(s) for jamming after sharing support for sobriety.Bell Arts-Studio 39-432 Ventura Ave. For further information [email protected].

The Ventura County Philatelic Society meet on the first and third Mondays each month at 7:30 p.m. at the Church of the Foothills, 6279 Foothill Rd. Admission and parking are free. Come for a great evening. Contact: Bill Garner (805) 320-1601 or [email protected]

Mended Hearts of Ventura. Come share if you have had heart surgery or stent implant. Group meets the first Tuesday each month at Lemon Wood Mobile Park, 850 Johnson Dr. They have excellent speakers, leading cardiologists, nutritionists, dietitians from our area. Contact Richard Hatcher at 805-644-2733.

Ongoing, first Wednesday of each month, 6 – 9 p.m., Gold Coast Modular Railroad Club meets at the Murphy Auto Museum.  Visitors and new members are welcome. Member initiation fee $10, monthly dues $20, $10 for Juniors. Exhibiting Saturdays and Sundays, 10 – 4 p.m. Murphy Auto Museum, 2230 Statham Blvd., Oxnard. For more information, www.gcmrc.com, or call 805- 407-6717.

Co-Dependents Anonymous (CoDa) is a 12-step fellowship of men and women whose common purpose is recovery from codependence in the development and maintenance of healthy relationships. Every Friday at 6 p.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Church, 5654 Ralston (enter through side door off parking lot). Further information Deva 805-814-5650 or Maryann

We’re looking for some good men to fill our chairs at Ventura Retired Men’s Group, we’ve got programs and activities you might enjoy as you shoot the breeze or chew the fat. We meet on the first and third Tuesday each month at the Knoll Drive lodge of the Ventura Elks. Stop in to say hello, tell us who you are, and we’ll treat you to one of the great Elks meals.  Bob Likins is itching to answer your questions at 805-587-1233

The Ventura Rotary Club, Ventura Downtown Lions Club and the Salvation Army of Ventura have partnered to bring the community a free Eye Clinic. The goal and vision are to provide free eye glasses for those in need. Patients are seen each Tuesday from 9-11a.m., walk-ins only first come first served. The Eye Clinic is located inside the Salvation Army Hope Center. 155 S Oak St, Ventura.

April 24: “The College Area Community Council will meet on Wednesday, at 7 p.m. Representatives from Ventura College and the police department will give brief updates and answer questions and other issues of community interest will be discussed.  Wright Event Center at 57 Day Rd. Free parking is available adjacent to the Event Center.

Call (805) 644-8695 for more information.

April 27: Saturday, 9 am – 1 pm, Channel Islands Native Garden Plant Sale,1901 Spinnaker Drive (at the end of the Ventura Harbor).“Bring the Islands Home” plant sale features many varieties of California native plants, including species from the Channel Islands. These plants have been grown from seed by gardeners (many are Master Gardeners) who work at the CI native garden.

Sponsored by the Channel Islands Park Foundation and supported by Ventura County Master Gardeners (Both are non-profit).

May 1: BCNN is a women’s social club open to ladies who reside in Ventura, Oxnard and Pt Hueneme.  Coffee-Speaker meetings are held on the 1st Wednesday of each month from 9:30 – 11a.m. at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 36 Figueroa St. Parking is on Santa Clara Avenue. Guests are welcome to come a couple times before becoming a member; dues are $30/year. Dr. Cathy Kim presents Integrative Body Medicine (IBM).  In her practice, she gives insights and education to help patients learn how to heal themselves with clean nutrition and practical exercises. Learn more at http://www.bcnnwomensclub.org/.

 

May 4: 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 you can learn and enjoy this great sport. If you don’t have a fly rod just come and use one of their’s. Chumash Park, Petit and Waco, 9 – 11a.m.

For more information: Bob Smith at (805) 647-3522. www.sespeflyfishers.org

May 5:  The 1892 Dudley Historic House Museum will be open for docent-led tours from 1 – 4 p.m. along with a visit from “Kerosene Cal” who will entertain with tales of survival during the California Gold Rush.  Admission is free.  Located at the corner of Loma Vista and Ashwood streets (197 N. Ashwood) in Ventura.  For information please call (805) 642-3345 or visit the website at www.dudleyhouse.org.

May 5:  Old-Time Country Bluegrass Gospel Music Assoc.

Sunday from 2 -4p.m. Poinsettia Pavilion, 3451 Foothill Rd.
Music on stage. Jamming Area. Free Admission. Free parking
Open to Public. For more information call,805-517-1131 or visit Facebook: OTCBGMA

May 5: 23rd Annual Garden Tour 12 – 4 p.m. Put on by Livingston Memorial Visiting Nurse Association and Hospice, started in 1996, by a dedicated group of volunteers. The Garden Tour is now one of Camarillo’s signature events.  In addition to five amazing gardens, the tour features art exhibits and demonstrations, a delightful garden-themed boutique, enticing raffle, live music and delicious refreshments. Cost is $25 and all proceeds from the event directly benefit the grief and bereavement programs at Camarillo Hospice, a program of Livingston Memorial Visiting Nurse Association and Hospice.  For more information go to: www.lmvna.org/gardentour

May 8: The Ventura Parkinson’s Disease Support Group is excited to announce a “Field Trip” for members and supportive community friends to the Oxnard Family Circle Adult Day Health Care Center at 2100 Outlet Drive, Ste 380 in Oxnard from 2:30 – 4:30 p.m. Will also be joined by Brenda Birdwell, Ventura County Family Consultant with Coast Caregiver Resources Center and Betty Berry, Senior Advocate and guest columnist with Senior Concerns for the Ventura County Star. For details see the full article in the Breeze’s Senior Section or call Patty at 805-766-6070.

May 8: The Ventura County Camera Club will hold a meeting on Wednesday, at 6:30 p.m. at the Poinsettia Pavilion, 3451 Foothill Rd. The first part of the meeting will be an instructional workshop.  This will be followed by the showing of member images. A professional photographer from the area will critique member’s prints and digital images. Anyone with an interest in photography is welcome and admission is free. Visit the club’s web site for more information about the club and examples of member’s work or call 908-5663. WWW.VenturaCountyCameraClub.com

May11: City of Ventura Free Gardening Class. Learn the importance of trees in a water wise landscape. This class will cover the best varieties plus review tree planting, maintenance, and watering tips and more. 10 -11:30 a.m. City of Ventura Maintenance Yard 336 Sanjon Road. RSVP at www.venturawater.net

May 12: The Ventura Women’s Center, better known as the Poinsettia Pavilion, invites one and all to a champagne brunch on Mother’s Day. In addition to the delicious food, a professional photographer will be available to capture the memory of your Mother’s Day celebration.

Tickets are $55 for adults, $35 for children 3-10 and children 2 and under are free. Seatings are at 10:00 am and 12:30 pm. The proceeds from the brunch will go towards the continued renovation and updating of the pavilion.

Please attend for a wonderful brunch and help keep this Ventura landmark going strong! For more information, reservation and tickets, please visit www.poinsettiapavilion.org or contact 805-648-1143.

May14: Understanding Southern California Coyotes a Ventura Sierra Club Educational Series. Featuring Justin Brown, Ecologist, National Park Service from 5:30 – 7p.m. Located at the EP Foster Library Topping Room 651 E. Main St. Admission is free. Find out what coyotes eat and how they travel on our roads. Discover where coyotes live locally and how to respond when you encounter one on a hike or in a neighborhood. More information at [email protected]

May 21: BetterInvesting® Invites the Public to Educational Sessions on “Investing Education, 2019”. The Model Investment Club of the Channel Islands meets on the 3rd Tues of the month, 2:30 p.m. May 21 and June 18. people interested in learning more about investment clubs can attend a model club meeting to observe a real stock investment. These events are free. Please contact Jeanette Casserly for directions to the Ventura location and reserve a spot. (805) 506-7997. For further information visit: www.betterinvesting.org/channel

Marta Nelson (1922 – 2019)

Marta Nelson, one of Ojai’s most beloved artists, passed away peacefully at age 96. Marta was a painter, a printmaker and a sculptor in papier mâché. She was a traditionalist who knew when to bend the rules, an optimist who felt compelled to paint something beautiful, a citizen of the world who strongly believed that artists have a mission: to use the arts as a vehicle for peace.

She dedicated her life to community, establishing art programs that continue to this day. Among her legacy, is the co-founding of the prestigious Ojai Studio Artist (OSA) Tour. Established in 1984, OSA is a highly respected group of artists that open their studios annually the second weekend in October, with mini tours throughout the year.

Marta was originally from the Los Angeles area, settling in Bakersfield, before she and Hank retired to Ojai in 1981. Her formal education includes studying illustration at the Chouinard Art Institute. Marta shared in her 2006 Focus on the Masters Oral History, “I chose illustration so I could earn a living.” She worked as a newspaper illustrator at a time when a woman was credited under their husband’s name. She added, “That always bothered me – being listed as Mrs. Henry Nelson. It was as though a woman had no identity of their own.”

While in Bakersfield, Marta taught art classes at Bakersfield Community College and Spanish to elementary school students. Her love for teaching continued throughout her life with her most recent students among her fellow residents at The Gables of Ojai retirement community.

In Marta’s early days, she worked in the animation department for Screen Gems Colombia Pictures painting backgrounds and mixing color for the animators.

As a college student, Marta majored in Spanish, an experience that opened her eyes to the beauty of culture throughout the world. She became a folk dancer in the 1950s – Spanish dancing being among her favorite – and traveled to festivals throughout the state. She took up belly dancing at age 40 to address her arthritis. Her love for travel and cultural experiences became an inspiration for many paintings and prints. She described herself as a perennial student, always experimenting and eager to learn something new.

To learn more about Marta visit: www.OjaiStudioArtists.org

Ventura County Pastel Artists Annual Spring Show

“Nectarine Blossoms” a pastel by Julie Smith

Visit the Ventura County Pastel Artists at their Annual Spring Show, “Spring into Pastels”, a multi-Media event to be held at West Hills Gallery, 1545 Cuyama Road, Ojai.  Pastel paintings along with other mediums will be showcased and offered for sale. Attend the reception on Saturday, May 4, 2019 where you will meet the artists and watch demonstrations on some of the techniques and materials used with pastels.  The doors will open at 11am to 4pm on Saturday, May 4 and the Gallery will also be open on Sunday, May 5, from 11am to 4pm.

Ventura’s historic Ortega Adobe receives much-needed repairs

The City of Ventura’s historic Ortega Adobe recently received some much-needed repairs and improvements thanks to an anonymous donor.

The recent enhancements included adobe wall and beam repairs, exterior painting, installation of safety lighting and electrical wiring, directional signs on Main Street, and drought tolerant native landscaping. The generous donation also supported the addition of the Ortega Adobe into the city’s Downtown Historic Walking Tour Guide.

Built by Emigdio Ortega and home to the Pioneer Ortega Chili Packing Company, the Ortega Adobe is the only surviving adobe house representing the kind of buildings that dotted Main Street in the 1950s.

The Ortega Adobe House is open Monday-Sunday from 9 am – 4 pm and is free to visitors.

Vita Art Center presents the work of four glass artist from southern California

The Vita Art Center is proud to present the work of four glass artist from southern California. The exhibition presents a diverse array of techniques and approaches to handmade glass including functional, sculptural, and wall mounted. The artists are: Joe Cariati, Katherine Gray, Kazuki Takizawa and Susan Stinsmuehlen-Amend.

Champagne Preview Reception: Saturday April 27 from 4-7 p.m

First Friday Community Opening: Friday, May 3 from 6-9 p.m.

Exhibit Dates: April 27 – May 24

Vita Art Center, 28 West Main St.
805-644-9214
www.VitaArtCenter.com

Holland Rugs Ribbon Cutting

Holland Rugs recently held their ribbon cutting at 2343 E. Thompson. Holland Rugs is a family owned and operated local business. Owners Andrew and Wendi Holland have been in the rug business since 2004. Andrew has studied with rug repair and restoration experts to be able to provide expert rug care to Santa Barbara, Ventura, and LA counties.
(805)-630-0302

Photo by Michael Gordon

Cabrillo Jazz Band to perform near and far this Spring

Kids playing jazz, how wonderful!

The Cabrillo Middle School Jazz Band has a full performance calendar this Spring with appearances and competitions at a wide variety of events from auctions and carnivals to law firm mixers and graduations. Competitions will take them as far as San Francisco this month alone. The 19-piece jazz group is led by the school’s music director, Mario Boccali. And, while he leads three wind ensemble groups and three string orchestras, there is clearly a special place in his heart for his jazz bands.

With nine jazz band performances scheduled in a three-month span – most outside school hours – Boccali’s dedication to the students’ success is evident to many. The choice to have the Jazz Band at an upcoming event was an easy one according to Mike Velthoen, managing partner of Ferguson Case Orr Paterson.

Most band members didn’t play an instrument before entering middle school in sixth grade, explained Boccali. The band, which features comprehensive rhythm and brass sections regularly takes home a number of awards both individually and as a group.

The event at the law firm is part of the organization’s “Engage and Enlighten” series which has featured musicians, authors and other artists in the recent past. The event is open to the public, however an RSVP to the firm is requested.

In addition to the May 2nd performance at Ferguson Case Orr Paterson, the Jazz Band is scheduled to perform publicly at the Museum of Ventura County on May 5th, the Loma Vista Elementary School Carnival on May 10th, the Westlake Jazz Festival on May 11th and a benefit concert at Boccoli’s in Ojai on May 18th.

RSVP for the May 2nd event at Ferguson Case Orr Paterson by calling (805) 659-6800.

is open to the public.

How long have you been leading the jazz band

  • 2005

How long have you been music director at Cabrillo

  • 2002/2003

What do you like about leading the jazz band

  • That it’s get to explore ameircan music, art form, and kids a chance to be creative, right on the spot in the form of imporivinsng

What are your music philosophies when teaching kids jazz

  • I want them to basically get to know the art form, want them to learn how to play without having to read music, play by ear, be able to create a solo.

I want them to be able to learn how to be creatinv on the spot, jazz gives them an opp to this, it’s an oral tradition, not helpd to the restriction what the composer wrote, piece of what people created, put their own input on It, wonderful for studenad and jazz

They regularly have events over there, I don’t’ know how often, he approvedhed him last year. I didn’t know much about it, got it on the schedule for this year, and he mentioned it, publicity. Supporing tht ekdis is terrific, kids sounds amazing and a lot of the community doesn’t get to hear them.

They have regular mixers for their clients,

People have been

Free community cleanup, recycling and document shredding

City of Ventura residents have an opportunity to discard and recycle unwanted items free of charge and shred paper documents (up to 4 banker size boxes) on Saturday, May 4, 9am-12pm, at 765 S. Seaward Avenue as part of the City of Ventura Community Cleanup and Recycling Event.

The event is conveniently located at the corner of Seaward Avenue and Alessandro Avenue; residents can access the collection site via Alessandro. Items accepted include metal, wood, yard waste, furniture, appliances, computers and other electronics. Household hazardous waste such as motor oil, batteries and paint will not be accepted at this event.

“The City holds Community Cleanup events four times a year in partnership with E. J. Harrison & Sons,” said Joe Yahner, Environmental Services Manager. “This allows residents to maintain their property free of debris and clutter by disposing of bulky waste and other items that aren’t normally accepted with the weekly trash pick-up. Well-kept properties keep our city safe and enhance our neighborhoods.”

This event is for city of Ventura residents; please bring photo ID with proof of residency (current utility bill, or driver’s license with your current address).

Residents who want to dispose of hazardous waste such as paint, solvents, motor oil, etc. can call (805) 652-4525 to set up an appointment for the next household hazardous waste collection event held on the third Saturday of each month. For more information or to register for the next hazardous waste collection event online visit the City of Ventura website at https://www.cityofventura.ca.gov/323/Hazardous-Waste-Toxics-Reduction.

Latest treatments to manage pain explored at a free CMHS Seminar

Approximately one in five adults in the United States suffers from chronic pain and too many of them depend on opioid drugs for relief. Pain management has come a long way over the years, and while opiates may be the right answer in some situations, patients should know they have many other options to manage pain that are safer and more effective.

The latest treatments to manage pain will be the focus of a free seminar at 6 p.m. on Thursday, May 16, in Ventura. Titled “What’s Out There Besides Drugs? The Latest Options in Pain Management, Including Alternatives to Opiates,” the seminar is hosted by Community Memorial Health System as part of its 2019 Speaker Series.

The guest speaker will be Dr. Robert Frey, a board-certified pain management specialist. He received his medical degree from St. George’s University School of Medicine and completed pain management residency training at the University of Arizona. Dr. Frey is an active member of the Community Memorial Hospital medical staff.

The seminar will begin at 6 p.m. at the Museum of Ventura County, 100 E. Main St. Registration is free but reservations are required. For reservations, visit www.cmhshealth.org/rsvp or call Brown Paper Tickets at 800-838-3006.

Community Memorial Health System is a not-for-profit health system, which is comprised of Community Memorial Hospital, Ojai Valley Community Hospital, the Centers for Family Health, and various outpatient centers serving communities located within Ventura County, California.