Events by Ana Baker

Livingston Memorial Visiting Nurse Association & Hospice offers ongoing Adult Bereavement Support Groups for anyone who has lost a loved one. The groups are free and open to the community. All classes held online through zoom:

• Mondays 3 – 4:30 p.m.
• Tuesdays 10:30 – Noon
• Wednesdays 6:30 – 8 p.m.
• Thursdays 6 -7:30 p.m.

Please call (805) 389-6870 or visit lmvna.org/grief for details or to register.

The Ventura Investment Group has reconvened and is meeting in the rear room of Denny’s Restaurant at the corner of Telegraph and Ashwood each Monday at 10:30 a.m. All people interested in investment are welcome.

“Tiny Beautiful Things” runs at the Ojai Art Center Theater through Oct. 24, Friday and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays 2 p.m. The play follows Sugar, an online advice columnist who uses her personal experiences to help the real-life readers who pour their hearts out to her. Lynn Van Emmerik stars as Sugar. Ashley Osler, Elektra Cohen, and Isabel Roth play letter writers. Tickets are $20 general admission, $15 for seniors and Art Center members, available at https://ojaiact.org/tbt. In compliance with the Ojai Art Center, CDC and County of Ventura Masks and proof of vaccinations are required of all audience members.

October 12: Ventura County Writers Club is hosting renowned author Ken McAlpine at their next general meeting held at 1605 Burnley St. in Camarillo at 7p.m.

Everyone has an untold story and McAlpine will be speaking about “Why to be a writer. How to be a writer.” He will be sharing the wisdom, lessons learned during his 30 years’ long writing career and the valuable advice from writers. Ken McAlpine is the author of 10 books, both fiction and non-fiction. His three-book series (Juncture, Nexus, Departure), a tale part cerebral Jaws, part Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea and part Warning, were recently optioned by Inspiration Media for either film or television development. Most important, he lives in Ventura with his lovely wife Kathy, who is far and away his better half.

Oct. 16: New West Symphony Presents Delights and Dances. Live, In-Person Performances Saturday, at 3pm at the Performing Arts Center at Ventura College.

After a yearlong, around-the-world virtual tour, the New West Symphony (NWS), with Grammy-winning conductor Michael Christie as Artistic and Music Director, returns to the stage to experience the joy of live classical music performances once again. “Delights and Dances” is a 70-minute program with no intermission. Proof of vaccination and masks are required at all venues. General Admission Tickets ($40) and Information www.newwestsymphony.org/delights-and-dances

The Channel Islands Chapter of Better Investing Model Club (a real working investment club that serves as an educational element for the Non-Profit national Better Investing® (501 c 3 organization) is again meeting in person in Ventura for a lunch meeting on the 3rd Wed of each month. New and prior members invited to enjoy “stock talk” and fellowship. To receive an invitation and directions to online or in person attendance, please contact our host: Arla at (805 987-2000 or [email protected].

Oct. 23: The first ever Sespe Flyfishers rummage sale will be Saturday, 9am to 3pm at Church of the Foothills, Ventura. There will be a bit of fur and feather from every creature that walks or flies, along with dubbing, threads, tinsels, tools, hooks, fly lines, ready tied flies, signature collector flies, and many rare and beautiful things. All at prices so low that you will want to bring your credit card! There will even be some things that are free! There may never be another event like this, don’t miss it. There will be no early admission. For more information, visit website at Sespeflyfishers.org or Contact [email protected].

Oct. 23: The Kiwanis Club of Ventura Suburban is proud to announce a unique wine – tasting event on Saturday, at the Ventura Elks Club, 2126 Knoll Drive from 4:30 – 7:30 p.m. The event, called “Uncorked for Charity” features local home wine makers, a winemaking demonstration by Patrick Kelly, founder and owner of Cavaletti Vineyards, chances to win local and commercial wines, and a delicious spaghetti dinner. Tickets: $35 a person. To purchase tickets or for more information go to www.uncorkedforcharity.com; email [email protected]; or call 608-338-8062. Proceeds will go to support Kiwanis Club of Ventura Suburban Youth and Community Projects and scholarships.

Oct. 2: The “Sespe Flyfishers of Ventura” will again be conducting our “First Saturday” introductory class on Fly Fishing and Casting the Fly Rod. There is no charge, and all are welcome. Whether you are an experienced fly fisher or a complete novice we want to help you learn and enjoy this great sport. If you don’t yet 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 every one’s safety we ask all those attending to please comply with any current recommendations by the Ventura County Health Department. For more information: Bob Smith (805) 647-3522

www.sespeflyfishers.org

Oct. 6: Ventura County Garden Club will meet for a docent led tour of the Ventura Botanical Gardens on Wednesday at 11 a.m. Guests are welcome. Admission is $7.
For more information contact Christine Gallagher at, [email protected]

Oct.8,9,10&15: Namba Performing Arts Space is launching the First annual Women’s Voices Festival, in the spirit of Hollywood Fringe, Solo Fest, and LA Women’s Theater Festival. We will be showing 8, culturally diverse solo stories performed by the award-winning women who wrote them. Each show has received awards, laurels and peer recognition while sharing stories from women in diverse communities. Location 47 S. Oak Street. Tickets sold online at NAMBA arts website. www.nambaarts.com

Ojai Art Center Theater invites you to brainstorm regarding the final show of the 2021 season, The Holiday Showcase. Directors Tracey Williams and Gai Jones seek a variety of community talents to perform monologues, scenes (original and scripted), songs, dances, improv, stories, and poems. All ages may participate, youth through sages, individuals, groups, and families.

Zoom informational meetings happen on Monday, September 13 or Thursday, September 16 both at 7 p.m.. To receive the Zoom link, submit your name and email prior to September 11 to [email protected] and [email protected]. An in-person meeting takes place at the OACT on Tuesday, September 14 at 7 p.m.. The purpose of the meetings involves brainstorming on how people might perform/participate and share any ideas about the entire show elements and/or performers.

Rehearsals begin first week of October, and shows run the weekends of December 10-12 and December 17-19. An after show OACT party transpires on December 19.

Ideas for performances include family friendly stories about celebrations of various winter traditions and holidays such as: Christmas, Hanukkah, Winter Soltice, Kwanza, 3 Kings Days, Epiphany, St. Lucia Day, Festivus (Seinfeld), Boxing Day, Las Posades, and others.

Local Ojai resident Anagarika Sucinno will visit the Ojai Library at 2pm on Sunday, September 26, to offer the first of a series of talks entitled Karma and the End of Karma: Unweaving the Karma Complexity. Two subsequent talks will take place on Sunday, October 10, and Sunday, October 24, also at 2pm. This in-person event and its participants will be subject to all current and applicable COVID-related safety protocols required by the County of Ventura.

There is much confusion and contradiction around the concept of karma. Questions of Being, free will, good and bad, life, and rebirth.

Consciously or unconsciously we live with three questions: Who am I? Why am I here? Where do I go when I die? Knowing it or not, the way we answer these questions drives the course of our individual life—and the fate of nations. That, and karma!

Though each of these three talks has a central focus, they are not isolated, but form a composite offering covering karma as it operates through individuals, collectively, and upon the life of the world.

These events are free and open to the public. For additional information, contact Ron Solórzano, Regional Librarian, at (805) 218-9146.

The Ojai Library is located at 111 East Ojai Avenue in Ojai, CA. Hours of service are 10am to 8pm Monday through Thursday and 12pm to 5pm Friday through Sunday.

Events by Ana Baker

The Channel Islands Chapter of Better Investing Model Club (a real working investment club that serves as an educational element for the Non-Profit national Better Investing® (501 c 3 organization) is again meeting in person in Ventura for a lunch meeting on the 3rd Wed of each month.  New and prior members invited to enjoy “stock talk” and fellowship. To receive an invitation and directions to online or in person attendance, please contact Arla at (805 987-2000 or [email protected].

Sept. 12: Join us at the Olivas Adobe as we travel back in time to celebrate the history of this charming property. “Days On the Rancho” Experience what it was like to live and work on the Rancho Sam Miguel with hands on activities, storytelling, music and more. 11-3 p.m. admission is free.

Sept. 14: The Ventura County Writers Club is inviting anyone interested in radio, acting, writing or production. A panel discussion with Bill DeFoi, George Vincent and Paul Montgomery will begin at 7 p.m. at the Pleasant Valley Parks and Rec complex 1605 Burnley in Camarillo. For more information go to venturacountywriters.com or call Breeze contributing writer Sheli Ellsworth at 805.300.1365. The event is free.

Sept. 16: Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko will be the featured speaker at the next virtual East Ventura Community Council meeting. Mr. Nasarenko will report on the changes he’s made and current happenings in the District Attorney’s office. The Council will also learn about the city’s Safe Sidewalks program, and hear updates on National Emergency Preparedness Month, as well as the new veterans’ housing project in East Ventura. Area crime statistics will be shared by Commander Weeks of the Ventura Police Department. Other topics may be added to the agenda, so be sure to check the group’s Facebook page for updates.

The meeting will be held Thursday at 7 p.m. online via Zoom. The meeting will be recorded for later viewing on the website, www.eastventura.org. For more information, contact EVCC Chairperson, Deborah Meyer-Morris at [email protected].

Sept. 18: Japanese Treasures Upscale Resale One day only. Mostly used Japanese treasures such as dolls, clothing, dishes, scrolls, etc. for sale. Cash only no credit cards. Masks will be required. Saturday from 1- 4p.m. at the St. Matthews Methodist Church corner of Wendy and Potrero (1360 Wendy Drive in NP) For questions, email [email protected]

Sept. 22: The Ventura College Area Community Council will be holding a Zoom meeting on Wednesday, at 7p.m. Council meetings include speakers and discussion on topics of neighborhood and community interest, including public safety and economic development. CACC represents citizens in Council District 3, currently neighborhoods north of Hwy. 126 between Dunning/Lemon Grove/Agnus on the west and Hill Road on the east. Visit the College Area Community Council website @ https://caccventura.com to learn more, to be added to the mailing list and to access a link to the Zoom meeting.

Sept 24: 7:00-9:00 pm. Richard Senate Ghost Talk & Tour
Soiled Doves Tour of Haunted Brothels in this look at the raw side of Ventura. This was a wild place long ago and much of the growth was stimulated by Prostitution meeting the needs of cowboys, oilmen and sailors. Some of the phantom ladies of the night still walk these streets and their former places of employment. (Due to the adult subjects no one under the age of 18 will be permitted)
Bank of Books, 748 E. Main St. (805) 643-3154 Fee: $10/person Limited to 30 people.

Sept. 25: Saturday, 1pm – 3pm
Church of Scientology of Ventura 2151 Alessandro Drive, Ventura (805) 585-4400
[email protected].
United For Human Rights open house to commemorate International Day Of Peace 2021.
Join us for this day that is devoted to strengthening the ideals of peace both within and among nations and peoples. And celebrate peace by standing up against acts of hate and by spreading compassion, kindness. Seating is limited due to social distancing requirements

Special Guest Speakers:
Tim Mcdonell Regional Director – Peace Catalyst International, Los Angeles Fire Captain – Retired
Thepo Tulku -Co-Founder Tibetan Assoc of Southern California, Monk, Lama, Rinpoche and served the Dalai Lama

Javier Saucedo of Ventura County’s Green Business Program will visit the Ojai Library at 2pm on Friday, September 10, to explain and demonstrate the contents of the DIY Home Energy Savings Toolkits currently available for lending from Ventura County Library locations.

3C-REN and the Ventura County Library have partnered to create the DIY Home Energy Savings Toolkit. The toolkit includes tools, equipment, and a guide to help you save energy and increase the comfort of your home. There are items for you to keep, like LED light bulbs, outlet gaskets, weatherstripping, and water leak detection dye tablets; and tools to return, like an infrared laser thermometer and a Kill-A-Watt meter. Join this event for a demo of the kit, to ask your questions, and to learn about other sustainability programs in your area.

Javier Saucedo joined the construction trade in 1990, continuing until 2006 when he became an energy conservation specialist working with SoCalGas, SCE, and California weatherization programs. He currently leads the County’s Green Business Program, performs residential and commercial energy audits, and oversees quality control on energy saving upgrades.

This event is free and open to the public. For additional information, contact Ron Solórzano, Regional Librarian, at (805) 218-9146. The Ojai Library is located at 111 East Ojai Avenue in Ojai, CA. Hours of service are 10am to 8pm Monday through Thursday and 12pm to 5pm Friday through Sunday.

The Ojai Storytelling Festival will present special performances for students on Friday, Oct. 29 at Libbey Bowl in Ojai at 9:30 (primary) and 11:15 (upper grades 4-12). The performances will present nationally acclaimed professional storytellers from around the United States. This year’s line-up includes Donald Davis, Regi Carpenter, Bill Harley, Diane Macklin, Kim Weitkamp, Bil Lepp and the Reverend Robert B. Jones.

Check website for the storytellers that are scheduled for each of the performances. Each of the sessions will feature stories appropriate to the grade level attending the performance. A special group ticket price for 10 or more is just $5 per ticket. Tickets for groups and individuals less than 10 are available on our website. For group tickets, phone 310-890-1439 or visit www.ojaistoryfest.org.

Finding Light, a new exhibition featuring artworks by the Ojai Studio Artists at the Ojai Valley Museum. Using a wide variety of mediums and styles, sixty artists depict how they found light. View the exhibition for inspiration about how you too, can continue to find the light in your life.

Although viewing artwork in person is a much richer experience, an online version of the exhibition is available on the museum’s website, OjaiValleyMuseum.org.

The exhibition will be on view through the end of October 11.

In addition to Finding Light, small exhibitions on a range of topics related to the history of the valley, and a diorama of the Sespe Wilderness, are always on view at the museum.

The Ojai Valley Museum is located at 130 W. Ojai Avenue in Ojai.

Events by Ana Baker

Aug 25: The Ventura College Area Community Council will be holding a Zoom meeting on Wednesday, at 7 p.m. The August meeting will focus on historic buildings and the preservation of community character through architecture. CACC represents citizens in Council District 3, currently neighborhoods north of Hwy. 126 between Dunning/Lemon Grove/Agnus on the west and Hill Road on the east. Visit the College Area Community Council website @ https://caccventura.com to learn more, to be added to the mailing list and to access a link to the Zoom meeting.”

Aug 27: Richard Senate’s Ghost Talk & Tours Return 7-9 pm. Located at the Bank of Books 748 E. Main St. 805-643-3154. Discover the ghosts of Old Ventura that lurk in saloons and re-enact tragic events from the days when this place was a wild cow town. You will never see Main Street the same after this tour of haunting stories and mysterious happenings.
Fee: $10/person. Advance reservations recommended.

Aug 28: The Jewish New Year, 5782, a time for reflection and recommitment is approaching. Congregation Am HaYam invites all to join with them in observances. S’lichot Services will take place via Zoom on Saturday, with a study session at 7:30 p.m., services at 8:15 p.m., and a second study session following. To receive the link, please call 805-469-0268.

Rosh HaShanah and Yom Kippur services will be both in-person and through YouTube. Services on the first and second days begin at 9:00 am both Tuesday, September 7 and Wednesday, September 8.

Kol Nidre begins on Wednesday, September 15 at 6:30 p.m. Yom Kippur services on Thursday, September 16 begins at 9 a.m. Fran Lande will lead a Study Session at 4:15 p.m., followed by Minchah (Afternoon) services at 5:15 and Ne’ilah (Concluding Services and Shofar Blasts) at 6:15. Please call 805-469-0268 to receive the link. CAH is located at 4839 Market Street, Unit C (rear). Ample free parking is available. Please call 805-644-2899 for ticket or other information or see our website at www.amhayam.com.

Aug 29: NAMBA Performing Arts Space, Inc. presents a new play “Breaking the Code” by local playwright Claudia Hoag McGarry. One day only, Sunday at 3 p.m. at NAMBA Performing Arts Space 47 S Oak St. in Historic Downtown Ventura. Tickets are $20 and are available on www.NambaArts.com. Starring Shelly Best, Gul Saeed, Heather Terbell, Claire Waterhouse, Shari Howard, Marlene Matosian. Music by Ashley Jones and Paul McGarry. Directed by Jordana Lawrence.

Sept. 4&5: Happenings at the Dudley Museum
Richard Senate, long known as Ventura County’s “Ghost Hunter” and other docents will lead tours of the 1892 Dudley Historic House Museum on Sunday September 5th from 1 to 4 p.m. Senate will be signing his books including the booklet, “Are There Ghosts at the Dudley House?” for sale in the gift shop. Tour group size will be limited. Admission is free. For information please call (805) 642-3345 or visit the website at dudleyhouse.org.

Sept. 4: The monthly plant sale continues at the Dudley House from 8 to 2 p.m. Bromeliads, orchids, succulents, tillandsias, rhipsalis, garden art and more. Vendors welcome (plants only), please call Charlie at 805-746-4317. The museum is located at the corner of Loma Vista and Ashwood streets (197 N. Ashwood).

Sept. 4: The Sespe Flyfishers of Ventura will again be conducting “First Saturday” introductory class on Fly Fishing and Casting the Fly Rod. There is no charge, and all are welcome. Whether you are an experienced fly fisher or a complete novice we want to help you learn and enjoy this great sport. If you don’t yet have a fly rod, don’t worry, just come, and use one of ours. Chumash Park, Petit and Waco, 9 to 11a.m. For every one’s safety we ask all those attending to please comply with any current recommendations by the Ventura County Health Department.
For more information: Bob Smith (805) 647-3522 www.sespeflyfishers.org

∙Local Ojai resident and yoga practitioner Garo Malkhassian will visit the Ojai Library at 2pm on Friday, August 13, to facilitate a discussion of yoga and self-realization, and to introduce a new discourse series.

Malkhassian believes yoga and meditation to be useful means for restoring balance and equilibrium in order to lead a meaningful life. Following an introduction into awareness and health and finding the tools to seek tranquility through implementing this knowledge, he feels the Ojai environment has made it possible to create and follow his own personal interpretation, one that is compatible with the contemporary world. Malkhassian will discuss this interpretation during his initial presentation and encourage additional discourse as the series progresses.

These events are free and open to the public.

For additional information, contact Ron Solórzano, Regional Librarian, at (805) 218-9146.

The Ojai Library is located at 111 East Ojai Avenue in Ojai. Hours of service are 10am to 8pm Monday through Thursday and 12pm to 5pm Friday through Sunday.

∙Leaders of Ojai’s Thacher School have decided to remove the name of the former head of the school from its dining hall after pressure to do this from a petition signed by more than 500 current and former students, parents and employees. Trustees voted unanimously to remove the names of former longtime Head of School Michael Mulligan and his wife, Joy Sawyer-Mulligan, who also worked at the school, from the dining hall and athletic field.

It was one of several actions Thacher’s board of trustees announced as part of an ongoing response to an investigative report released in June detailing multiple allegations of sexual assault and abuse over nearly 40 years by Mulligan.

∙The Ojai City Council has voted unanimously to extend a ban on chain businesses with five or more locations. The ban would be for a year but could end sooner if a revised ordinance is approved by the council prior to the year.

Events by Ana Baker

August 15: CCJC presents, “The Phoenyx Big-Band,” Sunday from 1-4 p.m. at the House of Dance, 3007 Bunsen Ave. Suite E. Swing/Pop/Blues/Dixie Jazz and continuous entertainment, great dance floor and free parking. Donations $10 Members and $15 Non-Members. Qualified musicians welcome for Open Jam Session before featured band. Join us the 3rd Sunday of the month. www. ChannelCitiesJazzClub.com

August 19: The East Ventura Community Council, former County Supervisor Kathy Long will talk about the “Rising from the Ashes Home Tour” benefitting the Ventura County Library Foundation, to take place in the Fall. The Council will have the opportunity to weigh in once again on the city of Ventura’s General Plan revision. They will also hear from the Ventura Tree Alliance, a newly formed non-profit dedicated to making Ventura a more beautiful and greener place to live. Area crime statistics will be shared by Commander Weeks of the Ventura Police Department. The committee revising the group’s By-Laws will present a brief report. Other topics may be added to the agenda, so be sure to check the group’s Facebook page for updates. The Council represents those who live east of Victoria Avenue, and the public is encouraged to attend and participate. The meeting will be held on Thursday, at 7p.m. online via the Zoom application. Join Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89105016185?pwd=S1JyZFozZ1owZUxqWnh0KzhQWUN3QT09

August 21, Saturday, 1-4 pm. The Ventura County Genealogical Society
presents two Free Family History Presentations Online with Zoom

1:00 p.m. Presenter: Judy Janes
“Discover Family History in Online Newspapers”
Newspapers offer a broad range of information about our families. Digital newspaper collections have\ proliferated in recent years, and are searchable by name, keyword, or
date. Learn how to use this powerful new tool to uncover
fascinating stories about your families.

Presenter: Debra Dudek “Discovering your UK/Irish Roots Online” Websites and Resources for English, Welsh, Irish and Scottish Ancestry There is no such thing as “one-stop genealogy shopping”! This program will lead you through the resources and search techniques.

All our monthly lectures and workshops are free to our members and the public. Non-members should request a Zoom invitation here
https://venturacogensoc.org/request-invitation-to-lecture/.
Visit our website at https://venturacogensoc.org/

August 25: The Ventura College Area Community Council will be holding a Zoom meeting on Wednesday at 7p.m. An invitation and link to the meeting will be sent to everyone on the CACC mailing list. Community Council meetings include speakers and discussion on topics of neighborhood and community interest, including public safety and economic development. The meeting will focus on historic buildings and the preservation of community character through architecture. CACC represents citizens in Council District 3, currently neighborhoods north of Hwy. 126 between Dunning/Lemon Grove/Agnus on the west and Hill Road on the east. Visit the College Area Community Council website @ https://caccventura.com to learn more, to be added to the mailing list and to access a link to the Zoom meeting.

The Ojai Storytelling Festival is pleased to welcome back, two-time Grammy winning storyteller and singer, Bill Harley to the 20^th Ojai Storytelling Festival, Oct. 28-31.  Bill will perform and lead a workshop during the 4 day festival. Tickets for the festival are available at www.ojaistoryfest.org.  A variety of ticket packages are available.

Bill Harley is well-traveled, well-read, well-educated, well-spoken and well-loved. Accompanied by his guitar, his narrative songs and stories, both original and traditional, are a celebration of our common humanity. Best known for his work with children and families, his ability to navigate through a confusing world with humor and wisdom is evident in his masterful storytelling as well as his numerous award-winning recordings and books. A two-time Grammy winner, he is vibrant, outrageous, unpredictable and genuine with songs and stories about growing up, schooling and what it is to be human—our connections with one another and with the planet we share. Recognized by audiences and peers as one of the finest performing storytellers in the country, his work has influenced a generation of children, parents, performing artists and educators. Bill tours internationally as a performing artist, author and keynote speaker from his home in Seekonk, Massachusetts.