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Some of the E.P. Foster December events

Altered Book/Collage Workshop . Repurpose an old book into a new piece of art. Bring an old book and your imagination. Local artist Ron Smith will be leading this workshop. Some materials will be supplied but feel free to bring special items for your altered book.
12/7 Wednesday @ 6pm

Spocabulary. This poetry performance and writing workshop with an open mic is geared towards high school and college students but all are welcome. Specific emphasis is on SLAM Poetry. Presented by Phil Taggart and Aaron Gardner.
12/14 & 28 Wednesdays @ 6:30pm

Spanish Conversation Group in the Rentfrow Room. Are you learning Spanish but need some practice speaking? Join this informal group to chat and practice your Español!
12/3, 10, 17, 24, & 31 Saturdays @ 10:30am .

Join in the library for some stress relieving coloring. Coloring sheets and pencils provided. Available from 12pm to 2pm so stop by for a minute or ten.
12/7, 14, 21, & 28 Wednesdays @ 12-2pm!

Come by the library on Wednesday evenings to learn more about 3D printer and laser cutter or to use them yourself! Ask the library staff about what you need to bring to print or engrave an item of your own, or just drop in to see what we’re up to in our library makerspace.
12/7, 14, 21, & 28 Wednesdays @ 4:30-6:30pm

On these Thursday nights, come join this group of writers as they meet in the Topping Room to share their work. Poetry Open Mic Night.
12/1, 8, 15, 22, & 29 Thursdays @ 7:30-9pm

Ukulele Jam Session. Locals gather to play the ukulele on the first and third Monday of the month.
12/12 Monday @ 7-10pm

Calling all chess players! Keep your skills sharp with this one-hour, drop-in session of free play. Boards will be set up and ready to go. Bring your best moves!
12/3, 10, 17, 24, & 31 Saturdays @ 1pm

Children’s Events

Winter Crafternoon Get your craft on in the afternoon and enjoy the crisp shapes and colors of winter!
12/15 @3:30-5:30pm

Early Literacy Class
Tuesdays & Wednesdays @ 10:30am

A great way to introduce your child to early literacy and the library. Join us every week for stories, poems, music, movement, a simple craft, and fun!
12/6, 7, 13, 14, 20, 21, 27, & 28

Lego Play Build, Learn, and Play! Bring your imagination and experiment with creative designs. Children of all ages welcome!
12/6 &20 Tuesdays @ 3pm

TAG: Teen Advisory Group If you want to share ideas, meet new people and have a great time shaping the library teen program join TAG! This is for 13+ and grades 8+ and counts toward community service requirements.
12/7 & 21Wednesdays @ 5pm

Ventura County Certified Farmers’ Market

The Ventura County Certified Farmers’ Market Association has announced its holiday schedule for its Ventura locations. The Downtown Ventura Market, held on the corners of East Santa Clara and Palm Streets from 8:30 a.m. to 12 noon., will be open both Christmas Eve, Saturday, December 24, 2016 and New Year’s Eve, Saturday, December 3, 2016 and will be open regular market hours.

The Wednesday market held at the Pacific View Mall, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., will remain open during the holiday season.

The weekly markets offer shoppers delicious fresh fruit and vegetables, meat products, herbs, honey, eggs, nuts, olive oil, jams & jellies, fresh cut flowers, potted plants, and much more.

Harrison’s trash collection delayed one day for Thanksgiving

In observance of Thanksgiving Day, the employees of Harrison Industries are taking the day off on Thursday, Nov. 24. As a result, customers who normally have their trash and recyclables or green waste collected on Thursday or Friday will have it collected one day later than usual.

The Thanksgiving holiday will not affect customers who have their trash and recyclables or green waste collected on Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday.

The regular schedule for all customers will resume the following week.

Harrison Industries serves the cities and surrounding unincorporated areas of Ventura, Ojai, Camarillo as well as the unincorporated areas of El Rio, Somis, Ojai Valley and Channel Islands beach communities as E.J. Harrison and Sons; Fillmore and surrounding unincorporated areas as Santa Clara Valley Disposal; and Thousand Oaks, Newbury Park and surrounding unincorporated areas as Newbury Disposal.

For more information, call 647-1414.

Events at the Traveler Cafe

Closed on Thanksgiving!

Fri. Nov. 25: Post-Turkey Friday Specials & Happy Hour Live Jazz Chill-Out with Martin & Macias 4-7pm

Sat. Nov. 26: R & R Saturday Specials & Christmas Gift Card Specials!
Bernie Larsen plays Happy Hour 5-7 pm

Sun, Nov. 27: Sunday Mimosa Brunch Special, Live Music 9:30 am – 1pm

Thurs. Dec. 1: Happy Hour Live Jazz Chill-Out with Martin & Macias 4-7pm

Fri. Dec. 2: Bernie Larsen plays Happy Hour 5-7 pm

Sat. Dec. 3: Saturday Pint-Nite Happy Hour Jam with Local Live Music 5-7pm

Sun, Dec. 4 : Sunday Brunch, Live Music 9:30 am – 1pm

Interface Children & Family Services’ Youth Advisory Board honored at National Philanthropy Day

Ventura’s Tina and Andy Killion, Volunteers of the Year, Ventura County.

The Association of Fundraising Professionals Santa Barbara and Ventura County Chapter announced this year’s National Philanthropy Day honorees including Keets and Hugh Cassar for Philanthropists of the Year, Ventura County; Tina and Andy Killion for Volunteers of the Year, Ventura County; and Interface Children & Family Services’ Youth Advisory Board for Youth in Philanthropy at their recent luncheon.

“One of the most amazing things about living in our community is the generosity of those who live here. The people of our community truly care. They are dedicated and compassionate. The Association of Fundraising Professionals is honored to recognize and celebrate this year’s outstanding National Philanthropy Day honorees. These individuals and organization are making a difference in our community with their time, talent, and treasure,” says Elaine K. Mah Best, President, AFP Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties Chapter.

Celebration and Awards Luncheon recognizing all of the honorees and celebrating National Philanthropy Day were held on Thursday, November 17 at the Ventura Beach Marriott. In addition to recognizing the generous philanthropy in our region, the chapter celebrated its 30th anniversary. Norbert Tan, Executive Director, Ventura College Foundation, served as Master of Ceremonies.

The Killions have served as leaders for this Caregivers signature fundraising event for each of the 15 years since its inception. Their enthusiasm and dedication has helped . . . supply Ventura County seniors with resources and social and personal support, allowing them to stay in their homes and continue useful and satisfying lives.

Andy and Tina Killion grew up in our waterfront community and have raised their family here. Andy’s lifelong passion for boating inspired him to create a Spectacle of Sails and Boats right off our beautiful Ventura Pier in order to bring attention to the important work of the Caregivers Organization. Caregivers serves hundreds of Ventura County seniors by responding to the important needs of homebound and frail elders. Andy and Tina left their corporate careers in 2005 to purchase and operate Anchors Way Marine Centers in Ventura and Channel Islands Harbors. Since wrapping up their boat yard adventures they have both returned to their former careers.

National Philanthropy Day is the occasion each year when thousands of people around the world come together to celebrate giving, volunteering, and charitable engagement, thus raising awareness of the role of philanthropy in our society. Here in Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties it is a special day each November when we pay tribute to our own – exemplary local philanthropists, organizations, and professionals who give so generously of their time, talents, and financial support, making our community a better place for us all.

Ballet to feature live music performed by the Footworks Community Orchestra

Footworks Youth Ballet was created with the goal of providing a place for young people to thrive and grow through the joy of dance

Celebrate the holiday season with Footworks Youth Ballet’s variation of The Nutcracker, featuring live music performed by the Footworks Community Orchestra and singers from the Carpe Diem Chorus.

In this version of the holiday classic, the wave of a wand transforms a holiday party into the world of magic to include a Nutcracker Doll, a Sugar Plum Fairy Doll, and dancing Columbine, Pierrot and Harlequin Dolls—as well as dancing Bon Bons, Candy Canes, and an appearance by Mother Ginger and her Petite Pollichinelles. This year’s production also features a King and Queen who reign over the Land of the Sweets.

Founded by Kirsten Oakley, Footworks Youth Ballet was created with the goal of providing a place for young people to thrive and grow through the joy of dance as they learn the art and discipline of classical ballet. Productions are unusual in that they allow senior dancers the experience of partnering with professional guest artists, a rare opportunity for young dancers. Guest artists for this season include Christopher Bonomo as Herr Drosselmeyer, Adrian Hoffman as the Nutcracker Prince Doll, Kenny Borchard as King of the Land of the Sweets and Hai Cohen in the famous Arabian divertissement. Dancers from the youth company are also cast for the principal roles, including the Sugar Plum Fairy, the Snow Queen and the Queen of the Land of the Sweets.

For each ballet production, Footworks Youth Ballet hosts a sold-out performance for over 3,000 school-aged children to see the ballet. Most of the tickets for the children are provided at the reduced fee of $5.00 each, and many of the students qualify for free tickets.

The Nutcracker, presented by Footworks Youth Ballet
Sat. Dec 10, 2.00 pm
Sun. Dec 11, 2.00 pm
Oxnard Performing Arts Center
Tickets $19, $24, $29

Call 486.2424 to buy tickets, or order online at footworksyouthballet.org

Take a hungry person to lunch day

Part of National Hunger and Homelessness Week
by Jill Forman

“The days are long and the nights are cold.”
~ Christine Chalquist, formerly homeless

Jamie didn’t want to leave the Vagabond Coffee Shop. “It’s nice to be inside,” he said. “Thank you very much. It’s like going on a trip and looking out the window, so pleasant. Makes people like us feel normalized”

Jamie and his friend Sean were there as part of the third Take a Hungry Person to Lunch Day. Sponsored by the Unitarian Universalist Church of Ventura, the event partners those in need of a meal with others who want to provide them one. More important, the participants sit down to lunch together and talk, sometimes for hours.

About 40 folks showed up at the church in the late morning, were greeted by Reverend Dana Worsnop , and heard from Sue Brinkmeyer and Kathy Powell, the organizers of the event through the church’s Lift Up Your Voice program. “The holiest work we do,” said Reverend Dana, is human depth of meeting.”

Christine Chalquist, a former corporate VP who was on the streets for years, shared her experiences. She emphasized how difficult it is to get out of homelessness when there is no place to sleep, shower, use a phone etc. “You can’t get ahead.” She was helped by doing service for others at the Harbor Church, and is currently housed and employed. “You feel beat up,” she said, “Less than. Every day.”

The group also heard from Macheel, who describes herself and living “on the fringe of homelessness;” she is trying to hang in there until she and her daughter finish school. She also credits the Harbor Church program for helping her, and giving her a place to volunteer and be of use.

As Chalquist also said, homeless folks want something to do and a way to give to others. She now volunteers with the UU Church’s Park Outreach program, taking clothing, blankets, and personal care items.

After some logistical instructions, and a blessing by Rev. Dana, the group drove to two local parks. There were a few difficulties – some of the people were initially reluctant – but everyone found lunch partners.

At the Habit, Mario was having lunch with Andrea and her father Al. They had read about the event in the Breeze. They were learning about Mario, who is “an entrepreneur and a scholar” according to Al.

Also at the Habit were Rev. Dana, Woody and Jim. Woody said the subject of their discussion was, “Me being an idiot.” (He gave permission to quote that.)

Down the street at the Vagabond, Ronnie, Maura and Dave were talking about “life on the street.” Jim, Janette, Don and Suzanne were discussing what benefits are available (Jim worked for the county.) A few other groups were chatting amiably and enjoying large quantities of food. The Vagabond staff knows many of the homeless by name; the owner, Jolene, came out to greet the customers personally.

Jamie and Sean were discussing “taking over the world” with Sally and Alan. Sean is looking forward to getting his retirement soon and being able to afford a place to live. Jamie is full of praise for the agencies that help him, from the One-Stop drop-in center, to the people at the UU church, to the local police – especially one officer who gave him a bike when his was stolen. Though they have many tales of the difficulties of street life, it doesn’t seem to have made them bitter.

As Sally said, looking across the table at her new friends, “Everybody deserves a good meal.”

Vol. 10, No. 4 – November 23 – December 6, 2016 – Movie Review

Doctor Strange/4 Palm Trees
by Eduardo Victoria/[email protected]

When we first meet Doctor Stephen Strange (Benedict Cumberbatch), he’s an esteemed neurosurgeon at the top of his game. His unparalleled skill comes with a cost, however – he’s arrogant, a bit brash and very shrewd of the patients he deems worthy of his time. When a freak accident causes Strange to drive his car off a cliff, rendering his hands useless. After tons of closed doors and colleagues who’ve deemed his case impossible, he uses his last funds on a plane ticket to Kamar-Taj, Nepal. There, he finds a sect of sorcerers lead by a woman simply known as the Ancient One (Tilda Swinton) – their mastery over the mystic arts and the spirit could hold the key to Strange’s recovery. As he studies under the Ancient One, however, an old pupil of hers named Kaecilius (Mads Mikkelsen) reappears. He hopes to conjure up a forbidden power in exchange for eternal life, and at the cost of reality as we know it. This forces Strange to realize that the power he’s been given holds great responsibility. As his powers grow, he eventually has to choose between going back to a way of life he once knew, or defending it.

What makes Strange’s origin story so satisfying is that it’s basically the story of a selfish, self-centered man who realizes the world is much bigger than him. It’s the simplest of stories at the outset, and nothing we haven’t seen before, but when mixed with the film’s contemplation of time and mortality, equates to an adventure with slightly more weight to it. By focusing on such grounded ideas, Derrickson never loses his emotional tether, allowing Strange’s journey to the end of his ego to manifest itself both thematically and metaphysically.

The film’s visuals, they’re totally unhinged and worth the price of admission alone, delivering insane action sequences which smash through the bounds of physical possibility with unabashed glee. No two battles are the same, with Strange and his colleagues defending reality, as we know it through environments that shape shift with clockwork complexity. In the best way, Derrickson’s commitment to the bizarre makes the film feel unmoored from its very foundations and liberated from its peers, going full blast into hardcore fantasy mode with a ferocious vitality and ingenuity.

The performances are like the icing on top, adding depth to characters who feel authentic and well-rounded. As Strange, Cumberbatch is perfectly cast. The film centers on his ability to balance being self-absorbed yet charming, and it’s a fine line that few could replicate. It also makes the film rewarding, to see how he changes throughout, slowly realizing the responsibility of his new powers and how much he can do with them. Swinton brings a sense of gravitas and power to the Ancient One, balancing hidden layers which become more apparent as the film progresses. As one of her most trusted, Chiwetel Ejiofor’s Karl Mordo is a nice contrast to Strange. Confident in his powers and motivated by a burning conviction, his arc sits nicely beside Strange’s and converges in a way that makes the character more interesting than his printed counterpart. Mikkelsen has so much charisma, and even through he’s doing horribly dark things, you believe that he doesn’t view himself as a villain.

In a lot of ways, Doctor Strange’s achievements feels like a culmination of what Marvel’s done in the past, and where they’re heading in the future. It takes the origin story template and finds ways to make it feel new, working well as a standalone while still tying into the larger scheme of things. At a time when superhero films are starting to all feel and look the same, Derrickson’s latest is a rich feast that pushes the ideas of what we expect in the genre (at least visually) and adds another colorfully vibrant reality to an already dense roster of heroes.

115 minutes. Rated PG-13. Now Playing at Cinemark Downtown 10.

Vol. 10, No. 4 – November 23 – December 6, 2016 – Music Calendar

For more events go to VenturaRocks.com

Amigos Cafe & Cantina
546 E. Main St.
805-874-2232
Mondays: Open mic w/ Beers Bros.
Tuesdays: Musicians Night Out
Wed 11/23: Coso Live – Musicians Brew
Fri 11/25: Soul Machine
Sat 11/26: Strange Weather
Sun 11/27: 5 pm Bromero Captain Q & Flashman; 9 pm Karaoke
Wed 11/30: Keith Cain
Thurs 12/1: Synrgy
Fri 12/2: Right Amount of Wrong
Sat 12/3: Barrelhouse Wailers
Sun 12/4: 5 pm The Tossers; 9 pm Karaoke

Bombay Bar & Grill
143 S. California Street
Fridays: DJs – College Night
Saturdays DJs

Café Fiore
66 S. California Street
(805) 653-1266
Wed 11/23: Otis Hayes
Fri 11/25: Instone
Sat 11/26: Red Muffs
Tues 11/29: Bill Owen Jazz Express
Wed 11/30: Rick Jarrett
Thurs 12/1: Rick Whitfield
Fri 12/2: Action Down
Sat 12/3: Otis Hayes

The Cave
4435 McGrath Street
Weds & Saturdays: 5:30 – 8:30 pm Varon Thomas
Thurs & Fridays: 5:30 – 8:30 pm Warren Takahashi

Copa Cubana
Ventura Harbor Village
Tuesdays: The Down Home Trio
Fri 11/25: Brandon Ragan
Sat 11/26: Live Band Karaoke
Sun 11/27: 4 pm Laura Cozzi Soul Machine

Dargan’s Irish Pub & Restaurant
593 E. Main Street
(805) 648-3001
Sun 12/4: 4 pm The Sunday Drivers

Discovery
1888 Thompson Blvd
Wed 11/9: Starlight Swing Night w/ DJ Lance
Wed 11/23: The Holdup
Fri 11/25: Yung Yizzo
Sat 11/26: The Jive Aces
Sat 12/3: Helmet

Downtown Ventura
Main Street & California
Sat 12/3: Ventura Winter Wine Walk

El Rey Cantina
294 E. Main Street
Fridays: 4 pm Xoco Moraza and Friends; 9:30 DJ/Karaoke by DJ Gold Dust
Saturdays: DJ Erock

The Garage
1091 Scandie Avenue
Fri 12/2: Kool Keith, Kosha Dillz

Gigi’s Cocktails
2493 Grand Avenue
(805) 642-2411
Thurs, Fri & Sat: Karaoke

Golden China
760 S. Seaward
(805) 652-0688
Karaoke seven nights a week 9 pm
Tuesdays 7 pm: Open Mic
Grapes and Hops
454 E. Main Street
Wednesdays: The Swillys
Fri 11/25: Shawn Jones
Sat 11/26: TD Lind
Fri 12/2: Paul Mars Black

The Greek Restaurant
Ventura Harbor
Sat & Sun 7:30 pm
Belly Dancing, Greek music and show

Hong Kong Inn
435 E. Thompson Blvd
Mondays: Karaoke
Thursdays: Gypsy Blues Band swing night
Fri 11/25: Hi Hat Entertainment presents Brother Yusef
Sat 11/26: Del Franklin
Fri 12/2: Hi Hat Entertainment presents Doug Macleod

Keynote Lounge
10245 Telephone Road
Tuesday and Wednesday: Karaoke
Thursday: Open Mic
Sunday: Karaoke
Fri 11/25: Jamm Nite Special
Sat 11/26: Brandon Ragan

Made West Brewing
1744 Donlon Street
Music at 6:30
Wed 11/23: Jeff Uzzel

Majestic Ventura Theater
26 S. Chestnut Street
Tues 11/29: Somo featuring Stanaj

O’Leary’s
6555 Telephone Road
Tuesdays: Free Jukebox
Wednesdays: Karaoke
Fri 11/25: Live Band Karaoke

Pacific View Mall
3301 E Main Street
In front of Trader Joe’s
Fri 11/18: Rock Cats Rock

Paddy’s
2 W. Main Street
Wednesdays: Karaoke
Fri & Sat: DJs

Poinsettia Pavilion
3451 Foothill Road
(805) 648-1143
Mon 11/28: Monday Night Dance Club with Wyatt Haupt Band
Sat 12/3: The Ventura Jazz Orchestra
Sun 12/4: Old Country Grass Band
Mon 12/5: Monday Night Dance Club with Dick Parent Band

Prime
2209 E. Thompson Blvd
Tuesdays: Danny D
Fridays: Mike Moody
Saturdays: Jessica Ash

Red Cove
1809 E. Main Street
Thursdays: Music Club Open Jam Night
Sat 11/26: Metal Night

Rookees Sports Bar & Grill
419 E. Main Street
(805) 648-6862
Fri and Sat: Rotating DJs

Sandbox Coffeehouse
204 E. Thompson Blvd
805-641-1025
Thurs 6 pm, Weekends noon
Thursdays Open Mic
Sat 11/26: Licity Collins
Sat 12/3: Patrick Hillham
Sun 12/4: Eight Years Gone

Sans Souci
21 S. Chestnut
Sundays: DJ Darko
Mondays: Karaoke
Tuesdays: Twisted Tuesday w/ DJ
Wednesdays: Open mic
Thursdays: DJ Spinobi

Squashed Grapes
2351 E. Main St.
805-643-7300
Live jazz music 7-10 pm
Wed 11/23: Ventura Jazz Collective
Fri 11/25: Jay Leach Lap Steel
Wed 11/30: RJ Mischo, Goldwasser & Kaplan
Thurs 12/1: SBCC Jazz Ensemble
Fri 12/2: Bevan Manson & Friends
Sat 12/3: Rachel Flowers Trio

Star Lounge
343 E. Main Street
Sat 11/26: Pull the Trigger

Surf Brewery
4561 Market Street
Music 6-8 pm
Sat 11/26: Soul Purpose
Sat 12/3: Inertia

The Tavern
211 E. Santa Clara Street
(805) 643-3264
Metal Wednesdays
Get it Right Thursday DJs

Traveler Café
1070 E Front Street
Fridays 5-7 pm: Bernie Larsen
Sundays 11-1 pm: Bernie Larsen

Ventura Beach Club
281 W. Main Street
Sat 11/26: 4Kids 2 Kids Toy Drive w/ Ray Jay & Uptown Brothers, Michael John & Bottom Line, Tommy Marsh, Kelly Zirbes, Tom & Milo

The 805 Bar
Ventura Harbor
Sat & Sun: Noon Kenny DeVoe
Fri 11/26: 4 pm Kenny DeVoe; 8 pm Teresa Russell

Vol. 10, No. 4 – November 23 – December 6, 2016 – Events

Events by Ana Baker

Ventura Poinsettia Dance Club meets every Monday from 7:30 p.m. to 9:45 p.m. at the Poinsettia Pavilion, 3451 Foothill. Ballroom, swing, Latin, mixers and line dancing. Members $10, non-members $12, first time dancers are free. Call Rick at 415-8842 for more information.

There will be a regular Ventura Discussion Group meeting at Main Street Restaurant 3159 Main St., Wednesday from 4 p.m.to 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.

Nov.25: Like to play acoustic music? 4th Friday of each month from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Songmakers.org welcomes all lovers of acoustic music, instrumentalists, singers, and singer/songwriters of 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, 750-8281

Nov.25, 26, 27 Dec. 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11: Come celebrate the spirit of holidays past at the historic Dudley House. The 23rd year of this annual fundraiser for the museum features quality crafts, home décor, antiques and a tearoom with refreshments, silent auction and bargain items. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. with a flea market added on Sundays. On Saturday, December 3rd, “Mrs. Claus” will visit the tea room at 1:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. to share the history of our favorite Christmas traditions and her life with the famous Mr. Claus. Dudley House is on the corner of Loma Vista and Ashwood, admission is free. Call 642-3345 for information.

Dec.1: Interactive Workshop on Grief and Loss, Thursday, 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. A time of strategizing on ways to enjoy the holidays while journeying through grief and loss, regardless of the cause or length of time. Led by Turning Point Counseling Therapist Barbara Suggs, M.A., MFT Intern #82444, at The River Community Church in the Fellowship Hall, 859 E. Santa Clara Street. Register by calling 766-4150 or e-mailing [email protected] to reserve your seat. The workshop is free, light refreshments will be served.

Dec.3: On Saturday, at 4pm the First United Methodist Church of Ventura will have an early Christmas concert (free to all) ,“The Light of Christmas”. It will be followed by a soup supper in the fellowship hall. 1338 East Santa Clara Ave. Come get in the Christmas spirit with classic Christmas anthems, some spirituals, and Handel’s “Hallelujah Chorus”.

Dec.4: Temple Beth Torah is hosting a Hanukkah Boutique on Sunday. Jewish items for Hanukkah and secular gifts for anyone wishing to celebrate the holidays, birthdays, anniversaries and more. Vendors showing wood work items, jewelry, one of a kind gifts, Glassware, paintings, clothing, craft like items, cookie gift jars and more. Latkes for lunch provided by the Men’s group. Free and is open to the community from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. 7620 Foothill Rd. If you would like more information please call the school at 647-3798.

Dec.4: On Sunday 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Citizens for Peaceful Resolutions will be holding their Annual Season of Peace Meeting at E.P. Foster Library, Topping Room, A Common Word: Facing the Future Together. Join Marianne Farina, CSC, Ph.D. in an exploration of dialogue to help us to think critically and engage with the realities of others holistically. Admission Free.

For more information on Citizens for Peaceful Resolutions and how you can get involved: www.c-p-r.net, Contact: Mary Olson 223-1187

Dec.4: Old-Time Country Bluegrass Gospel Music Association presents free music concerts on the first Sunday of every month at the Poinsettia Pavilion from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. The next concert session features the very lively, versatile and talented “Old Country Grass Band”. This will be the annual Christmas Music Show. All are welcome. Call 517-1131 for more information.

Dec.10: Amnesty International USA Local Group #452 is holding its annual Write-a-thon at College United Methodist Church, 4300 Telegraph Road from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

This event is part of Amnesty International’s Write for Rights campaign, the world’s largest letter writing event, which engages people to speak out on behalf of prisoners of conscience, human rights defenders and communities at risk from around the world. Drop in between 1 and 4 pm to write letters. Your hand-written letters, combined with hundreds of thousands of others from around the world, can change the lives of this year’s 12 cases. They furnish paper, pens, stamps, snacks and good company.

Jan.7: Day of Mindfulness: Renewal for the New Year 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

A day to quiet the mind and open the heart. A day of healing, with the Venerable Kusala, an American born Buddhist monk, ordained in the Zen tradition of Vietnam.

Unitarian Universalist Church of Ventura Sanctuary (UUCV), 5654 Ralston St., A gratitude offering will be gratefully accepted, but is not required, $35 suggested.

Sponsored by the Friendship Sangha of the Heart, a program of the UUCV.

More information and registration at FriendshipSangha.org/register.

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