Events 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.

Free Joint Replacement Classes
2nd Monday of the Month (March 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 (March 3), from 1 – 2:30 p.m. Free informational class that teaches you how to manage your life with diabetes.

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 7p.m. at the Poinsettia Pavilion, Canada Larga room, 3451 Foothill Road. For more information, contact Laura Lindsay at (805) 836-9100.

Ventura Poinsettia Dance Club meets first 2 Monday nights of the month 7:30 p.m. Poinsettia Pavilion 3451 Foothill. Swing, line dance, waltz, Latin and more. First dance lessons are free 6:40 p.m. Call Rick (805) 415-8842 and www.poinsettiadancers.org 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.

Are you a stamp collector? 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]

The Channel Islands Bicycle Club (CIBike) is a non-profit recreational organization. The club’s purpose is to promote bicycling for recreation, health, sport and transportation. The meetings are free and open to the public and will be held on the second Wednesday of March, April, May, September, October and November. Museum of Ventura County, Doors open at 6:30 p.m. for a refreshment social and the presentation begins at 7p.m. The March meeting will feature an informative heart health presentation by a professional from Community Memorial Hospital. For more information, please visit www.cibike.org or contact [email protected].

Feb. 26: The College Area Community Council will meet on Wednesday, at 7 p.m. A representative from the VC Area Agency on Aging will provide information on programs and services available. As always, representatives from Ventura College and the police department will give brief updates. The Council meets in the Wright Event Center at 57 Day Rd. Free parking is available adjacent to the Event Center. CACC represents citizens in Council District 3, neighborhoods between Dunning/Lemon Grove and Hill Road, north of Hwy. 126. collegeareacouncil.com/map Call (805) 644-8695 for more information.”

March 1: Old-Time Country Bluegrass Gospel Music Assoc. Sunday, 2-4 p.m.  First Sunday of every month at the Poinsettia Pavilion, 3451 Foothill Rd. Music on stage. Jamming room open. Free admission and free parking. Open to Public. For more information call 805-517-1131 or visit Facebook: OTCBGMA

March 1: The 1892 Dudley Historic House Museum will be open for docent-led tours from 1 to 4 p.m. Admission is free. The museum is located at the corner of Loma Vista and Ashwood streets (197 N. Ashwood). For information please call (805) 642-3345 or visit the website at www.dudleyhouse.org.

March 4: Beach Cities Neighbors and Newcomers (BCNN) -women’s social organization serving Oxnard, Ventura, Port Hueneme. 9:30-11:15 am. Coffee, socializing, program. Jerry Clifford will discuss Osher Lifelong Learning Program (OLLI,) college level classes for adults over 50. Knights of Columbus, 36 Figueroa St. Parking via Santa Clara. Free for guests first time. See www.bcnnwomensclub.org.

March 7, 8: The 58th Annual Gem, Mineral, Fossil & Jewelry Show of the Ventura Gem & Mineral Society (VGMS) takes place March 7 and 8, (10 – 5 p.m., Saturday; 10 – 4 p.m., Sunday) at the Ventura County Fairgrounds 10 W. Harbor Blvd. The show is open to the public and admission is free, although the Fairgrounds charges a parking fee if using the Fairgrounds lot. This is a great kid-friendly, family event.

March 12: Annie Goyal will visit the Saticoy Library at 3:30 p.m. on Thursday, to deliver the talk “Autism Through the Eyes of a Parent.” Ms. Goyal has been working actively with kids on the Autism Spectrum and other disabilities since 2008. She holds a master’s degree in social work and a graduate degree specializing in Child Development. She has gained experience working with several school districts such as VUSD, SVUSD LAUSD and Charter schools. She has provided home services with Star of CA in Ventura County and has worked with children in the age range of 3-17.

This event is free and open to the public. For additional information, contact Mary Birch, Librarian, at (805) 671-5148.

March 15: California Lutheran University Community Counseling Services presents a Mindfulness Workshop at the Hill Road Library on Sunday, at 10:30 a.m. Life is a struggle at times. Everyone must manage difficult thoughts, emotions, and stressors. Sometimes we get so caught up in our difficulties that they consume our life. Life can also be magnificent. This workshop teaches participants the practice of mindfulness. The California Lutheran University Community Counseling Services clinics provide therapy to children, adolescents, individuals, couples, and families. All therapy sessions are provided by master’s and Doctoral students who are supervised by licensed psychologists and marriage and family therapists.

This event is free and open to the public. For additional information, contact Linda Cherry, Librarian, at (805) 677-7180. The Hill Road Library is located at 1070 South Hill Road. Hours of service are 10 – 6 p.m. Monday through Wednesday, 2 – 6 p.m. Thursday, and 10 – 2 p.m. Friday through Sunday.

March 18:The Sespe Flyfishers of Ventura will be conducting their Annual Fund Raising Auction Event. Hundreds of new, used, fresh and saltwater items, including rods, reels, wading gear, lines, books, flies, trips, and much, much more of everything needed for fly fishing. This event takes place on Wednesday evening at The Church of the Foothills, 6279 Foothill Road, starting at 6:00 PM. All are welcome.

Attorney H. Frederick Seigenfeld of Seige Law will visit the Ojai Library at 6:30pm on Wednesday, February 26, 2020, to present a talk centered around protecting your loved ones, yourself, and your assets. The presentation will cover subjects such as advanced healthcare directives, wills and trusts, probate, and more.

This event is free and open to the public. For additional information, contact Ron Solórzano, Regional Librarian, at (805) 218-9146.

Hours of service are 10am to 8pm Monday through Thursday and 12pm to 5pm Friday through Sunday.

The Ojai Photography Community opens its 2020 season of monthly events with “The Bald Eagles of Lake Casitas,” presented by wildlife photographers Sally Carless and Bob Massey on Tuesday, February 18, at 7 p.m. in Help of Ojai’s Kent Hall, 111 Santa Ana Road. The event is free and the general public is invited to attend.

The bald eagle was chosen as the national symbol of the fledgling United States in 1782, representing strength and freedom. Carless was there on her birthday in 2013 to see the very first eagle chicks. They captivated her heart and from that time on she has observed, photographed and filmed the eagle family.

Massey connected with the Lake Casitas eagles through Carless’s exhibit. Since childhood he had longed to observe bald eagles in the wild and in 2014 his dream became reality.

The Ojai Photography Community, which is devoted to inspiration, camaraderie and education, meets on the third Tuesday of each month, February – November. Monthly free presentations are part of the group’s community service and education outreach. For more information, visit http://www.ojaiphotographycommunity.com/index.html.

Join Rev. Karen S. Wylie at The Ojai Retreat on Sunday, February 16, from 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m., for her Mid-Month Devotional Retreat, this month devoted to an exploration of love.

“Love is the essence of who we are,” Rev. Karen says. “How can we find true love within ourselves? Join her for a beautiful morning to explore the nature of love through meditation, shared insights, revelations, inspiration, sacred stillness, uplifting songs and quiet walks in nature. Randee Vasilakos, RScP, assists and anchors our gathering in a consciousness of prayer and healing.

People of all faiths and traditions, or no tradition, are welcome to attend.

The Ojai Retreat is at 160 Besant Road. The retreat is by donation; $20 is suggested. For more information, contact Rev. Karen at 310-968-8928, or register online at www.karenswylie.com. Rev. Karen is the author of Into Me See: A Book for Daily Inspiration, available on Amazon and her website.

Join Ojai herbalist and forager Lanny Kaufer on Presidents’ Day, Monday, February 17, for an Herb Walk and “Stone Soup” Picnic at Euterpe Farms in Ojai. He’ll walk the borders of the farm adjacent to the Ventura River Preserve identifying edible and medicinal plants such as sagebrush, purple sage, white sage, and elderberry. Then he’ll gather the group around an oak wood fire for wild food processing demos and a “stone soup” picnic based on the folk tale of the same name. The soup will be built around a California bay leaf (in place of the stone) and dried creek nettles.

The walk will begin at 9 a.m. At 11:30 a.m. the group will begin preparing for the picnic which will conclude around 1:30 or 2:00 p.m. The cost is $45 including all materials other than vegetables and herbs contributed to the stone soup.

Please visit the event listing at HerbWalks.com to register or call 805-646-6281 for more information.

Free Adult Grief & Bereavement Support Groups
Every Wednesday, from 6:30 – 8:00pm. Free for anyone who has lost a loved one.
Receive emotional and educational support

Free Joint Replacement Classes
2nd Monday of the Month (February 10), held from 4:00 – 5:00pm. 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 (February 4), from 1:00 – 2:30pm. Free informational class that teaches you how to manage your life with diabetes. 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 7p.m. at the Pointsettia Pavilion, Canada Larga room, 3451 Foothill Road. For more information, contact Laura Lindsay at (805) 836-9100.

Ventura Poinsettia Dance Club meets first 2 Monday nights of the month 7:30 p.m. Poinsettia Pavilion 3451 Foothill. Swing, line dance, waltz, Latin and more. First dance lessons are free 6:40 p.m. Call Rick (805) 415-8842 and www.poinsettiadancers.org 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.

Are you a stamp collector? 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]

The Channel Islands Bicycle Club (CIBike) is a non-profit recreational organization. The club’s purpose is to promote bicycling for recreation, health, sport and transportation. The meetings are held on the second Wednesday of March, April, May, September, October and November. Museum of Ventura County, Doors open at 6:30 for a refreshment social and the presentation begins at 7:00, The March meeting will feature an informative heart health presentation by a professional from Community Memorial Hospital. For more information, please visit www.cibike.org or contact [email protected].

Feb.16: 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 11:00 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 1:00 pm.

The program this month will be a presentation Ken McWilliams on Seth Thomas Tower Clocks.

More information about chapter 190 can be found at www.nawcc-ch190.com.

Feb. 20: Ventura Mayor Matt LaVere will explain the city’s water litigation issue (City of San Buenaventura vs. Duncan Abbott et al) and other topics of interest at the meeting of the East Ventura Community Council. 7 p.m. at the Connect Church, 346 N. Kimball Rd.

Jeff Hereford, Principal Transportation Engineer with the City of Ventura, will discuss transportation projects related to the east end as well as other citywide plans.

Stephen Peck, President of U.S. VETS, part of the team developing Veterans’ housing next to the State Veterans’ Home on Telephone Road, will detail plans as part of the community outreach for this venture.

And a representative of the Ventura Police Department will present neighborhood crime statistics.

Other items may be added to the agenda, so check the website for updates.(www.eastventura.org)

Books in good condition are always accepted on behalf of Friends of the Library.

For more information, contact Marie Lakin, Chairperson: [email protected]

Feb.23: 5pm-8pm. Swing Shift Big Band plays at the Sportsman Restaurant at 4426 Central Ave, Camarillo.
Come listen at the Sportsman for dinner and drinks and listen and dance
to the music of the 40’s. The artistry of Count Basie,
Duke Ellington and other great bands.  This music is complemented
by the lyrical voice of our vocalist, Jan, who sings the songs of Peggy Lee, Ella
Fitzgerald and others of that marvelous era.  Admission is $10 per person.

Feb.26: The College Area Community Council will meet on Wednesday, at 7 p.m. Council meetings include speakers and discussion on topics of neighborhood and community interest, including public safety and economic development. The Council meets in the Wright Event Center at 57 Day Rd. Free parking is available adjacent to the Event Center. Call (805) 644-8695 for more information.”

Feb.29: Richard Senate Ghost Talk & Tour Saturday  7 to 9 pm

Steampunk Ghost Hunting – A talk on Victorian ghost hunting and theory. Some early tools that were used . Then a tour to use these ideas at a haunted site. Fee: $6/person

Bank of Books 748 E. Main St (805) 643-3154

March 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 are an experienced fly fisher or a complete novice learn and enjoy this great sport. If you don’t have a fly rod, don’t worry, just come and use one of theirs. Chumash Park, Petit and Waco, 9:00 to 11:00AM, in East Ventura, off Telephone Rd.

For more information: Bob Smith (805) 647-3522

www.sespeflyfishers.org

March 7&8: The Ventura Gem Show: 58th Annual Gem, Mineral, Jewelry Arts & Fossil Show

Sponsored by the Ventura Gem & Mineral Society.

Sat. (10 AM – 5 PM) & Sun., Mar. 8, 2020 (10 AM – 4 PM)

Ventura County Fairgrounds.

Admission: Free (please note, though, that the Fairgrounds charges parking fees)

50+ exhibits of gems, minerals, fossils & lapidary arts; on-going demos of lapidary arts, jewelry making & gold panning; raffle prizes & silent auctions; a white elephant “Country Treasure Store” & plant sale; 15+ dealers; children’s activities & free resources for teachers. A SoCal tradition for 58 years!

Proceeds from the show support a $1,000 scholarship awarded to a local college student in the earth sciences and/or jewelry arts and also support free educational outreach efforts for local schools, teachers, home-schoolers, and youth groups.

Contact Person: Richard Slyker, (805) 312-8467, [email protected]

Website: www.vgms.org

March 11: 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 will critique member’s prints and digital images. Anyone with an interest in photography is welcome and admission is free. Only members may submit images for critique. for more information about the club and examples of member’s work or call 908-5663. WWW.VenturaCountyCameraClub.com

March 14: Families and children are invited to visit the Hill Road Library at 12pm on Saturday, to celebrate Pi Day. Pi Day – for the love of math…and pie. The Greek letter “π” is the symbol for pi (the ratio of a circle’s circumference to its diameter). Pi Day is an annual celebration of math and learning, and it also happens to be Einstein’s birthday, so come celebrate with us.

We will be making pi day bracelets, printing π symbol cookie cutters on our 3D printer, and other fun Pi Day activities. Children ages 6-16 can complete our Pi Day challenge to win a certificate for a Pizza Man Dan’s personal pizza pie.

The Hill Road Library, 1070 South Hill Road. Hours of service are 10am to 6pm Monday through Wednesday, 2pm to 6pm Thursday, and 10am to 2pm Friday through Sunday.

March 19: The regular monthly meeting of Assistance League of Ventura County Thursday, the Chapter House, 913 East Santa Clara St. The meeting begins at 10:00 am, men and women are welcome, and there is no age requirement.
Assistance League is “Transforming Lives, Strengthening Community” through several philanthropic programs: B.U.F.F.Y. Bear, Operation School Bell®, Girls Club/Teen Club, and Assistance League School for young children with learning delays. The Bargain Box Thrift Shop helps fund these programs.

Find more information on the Website: assistanceleagueventuracounty.org, like us on Facebook, Instagram, or email [email protected].
Telephone: 805-643-2458 (Monday – Thursday, 8 AM – 2 PM)

by Ana Baker

Livingston Camarillo Hospice is pleased to announce a new 10-week closed-ended grief support group program, Understanding Your Grief, written by author, educator and grief counselor, Alan D. Wolfelt, PhD. Wednesdays 6 – 7:30 p.m. February 5th through to April 8^th Fridays 10-11:30 a.m. February 7th through to April 10^th. Ongoing Support Groups are also offered at Camarillo Hospice. Free of charge and held at 400 Rosewood Avenue, Suite 102, Camarillo. To register for a support group, please contact Stacia Sickle, LCSW, at 805-389-6870 x452 or [email protected].

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. Contact [email protected] or 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 7p.m. at the Pointsettia 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. $12 for live music $10 for Teddy & Betty. 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.

Are you a stamp collector? 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]

Feb.2: Old-Time Country Bluegrass Gospel Music Assoc. Sun. 2 – 4 p.m.  First Sunday of Every Month
Poinsettia Pavilion, 3451 Foothill Rd. Music on stage. Jamming Room Open. Free Admission. Free parking. Open to Public. For more information call 805-517-1131 or visit Facebook: OTCBGMA

Feb.2: The 1892 Dudley Historic House Museum will be open for docent-led tours from 1 to 4 p.m.  Admission is free.  The museum is located at the corner of Loma Vista and Ashwood streets (197 N. Ashwood).  For information please call (805) 642-3345 or visit the website at www.dudleyhouse.org.

Feb.2-23: Hill Road Library presents a weekly screening of Black History Month Matinees every Sunday in February. Each screening will begin at 11:30 a.m. The four films highlight different eras and aspects of black history in America. This event is free and open to the public. For additional information, visit our website or contact Linda Cherry, Librarian, at (805) 677-7180. Hill Road Library is located at 1070 S Hill Road. Hours of service are 10 – 6 p.m. Monday through Wednesday, 2 – 6 p.m. Thursday, and 10 – 2 p.m. Friday through Sunday.

Feb. 5: Beach Cities Neighbors and Newcomers (BCNN)is a women’s social organization serving Oxnard, Ventura and Port Hueneme. 9:30-11:15 a.m. Coffee, socializing and program. Lyra Quartet, award-winning competition chorus, singing acapella, barbershop style with some doo-wop, spirituals and love songs for Valentine’s Day. Knights of Columbus, 36 Figueroa St. Parking via Santa Clara. Free for guests first time. See www.bcnnwomensclub.org.

Feb.8: February, the month of red roses and all things about expressing your love!  Join us and our guest speaker Berthena Parrish, M.S., L.M.F.T., as she speaks to us about love. You will have an opportunity to share how you express love and to ask questions.  Mark Saturday, February 8th, 2020 at 8:30 am.  Meet us at Mimi”s in Ventura.

Don’t forget, on the afternoon of February 8th (4:30) there is a fundraiser benefiting Ribbons of Life.  Coach Robin of the Ventura Collage Women’s basketball team, will share breast cancer awareness via their 13th annual game at the VC Athletic Event Center.  Silent Auction is before the Ventura vs Oxnard game!  Come cheer them on!!

Feb.9: Celebrating our Young Artists! This year, there are seven! An amazing group of outstanding soloists performing at auditions and they are pleased to present seven young soloists to perform with the orchestra. The highly acclaimed local composer, pianist and conductor, Daniel Newman-Lessler, will step onto the podium as guest conductor for the Young Artists concert. Sunday afternoon, at 3p.m. at First United Methodist Church, 1338 Santa Clara Street.

Feb.18: 20-year-old club “The Model Investment Club of the Channel Islands” meets on the 3rd Tues of the month, 1:45 P.M. People interested in learning more about investment clubs may attend a model club meeting to observe a real stock investment club in action as members review the club portfolio performance, potential buy and sell decisions and stocks that are on the club’s watch list. The club does not sell or solicit any products. These events are free. Please contact hostess Arla for directions to the Ventura location and reserve a spot. (805) 987-2000. For further information visit: www.betterinvesting.org/channel.

March 7: Soroptimist International will sponsor the 13th Annual STOP Human Trafficking Community Walk and Speaker Panel at the Museum of Ventura County, 100 E. Main Street. The event starts with a walk down Main Street and followed with a panel of three speakers, two of whom are trafficking survivors. Social service agencies will be on site with additional information. Event is on Saturday from 1- 4 p.m. and free to the public. The five Ventura County Soroptimist International clubs are SI Oxnard, SI Ventura, SI Camarillo, SI The Conejo, and SI Fillmore, launched a “Dream Big” community awareness campaign beginning January-March. The goal is to bring a new and/or renewed awareness about the heinous crime of human trafficking and sexual slavery that happens in cities, including our own, throughout Ventura County. For more information go to www.stoptraffickingventuracounty.org

The Ojai Library will present a series of Monday Matinees weekly beginning on Monday, February 10. Each screening will begin at 11:30am, with six total films, concluding on Monday, March 23. Please note that February 17 is excluded, as the library will be closed in observance of Presidents’ Day.

Catch up on the excitement of awards season as the library screens the nominees and winners for 2020. See these acclaimed movies again or for the first time, and decide which is the best of the bunch!

Joseph “Joe” Lee Suh will visit the Ojai Library at 4:30pm on Wednesday, February 5, 2020, to present a special talk, “New Year, New Business: Start, Grow, Expand, and Recover with the U.S. Small Business Administration.”

Looking to start a new business or to grow, expand, or recover an existing one? As the nation’s go-to resource and voice for small businesses, the SBA provides counseling, capital, contracting, and disaster recovery expertise and assistance for the nation’s 30 million+ small businesses so they can confidently start, grow, expand, or recover.

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 Ave. Hours of service are 10am to 8pm Monday through Thursday and 12pm to 5pm Friday

The Ojai Valley Museum kicks off a new monthly event on Sundays. Family Fun Day Sunday will take place on the last Sunday of every month from 1-3pm. Admission is free. Each month the museum will feature a different family friendly theme. All ages are welcomed and encouraged to attend.

Admission is free to Family Fun Day Sunday. The Ojai Valley Museum is located at 130 W. Ojai Ave; 805 640-1390; OjaiValleyMuseum.org.

The Ojai Studio Artists Second Saturday mini-tours starts on February 8 with five open studios in the Meiners Oaks area of the Ojai Valley. Featured this month are Eilam Byle, new member Eric Dubnicka, Andrea Haffner, Vera Long and Elaine Unzicker. Studios will be open from 10am – 3pm. Admission is free, and the studios are all located within a few miles of each other.

A map for the February 8 mini-tour will be available on the website www.OjaiStudioArtists.org by February 1. Any changes or additions to the list of artists will be posted there.

The Ojai Performing Arts Theater Foundation (OPAT) is pleased to announce that four new members have been added to its board. They are: Stuart Crowner, as Secretary of the board; Richard Camp, as Artistic Director; with Michael Addison and Kathleen Kaiser as Board Members. Crowner has been an OPAT producer for several years, Camp has been Artistic Director, Kaiser assisted with marketing, and Addison has directed Shakespeare plays for OPAT in the past.

On Wednesday, February 5, 7PM, Villanova Preparatory School Wildcats boys basketball team will host their Tri-Valley league game against the Santa Clara High School Saints. Proceeds will be donated to the Leukemia Foundation. The idea to create a fundraiser around the game came from Villanova head basketball coach, Eugene Ayala, whose brother was diagnosed with a rare form of leukemia in June 2019.

Villanova Preparatory School/Clark Gymnasium

12096 N. Ventura Ave. Ojai.

This event is open to the public and will also include dinner, t-shirts, a silent auction, and other items available for purchase.

On January 16, members of the Ojai Women’s Fund, an all-volunteer giving collective, gathered to honor ten local non-profit organizations receiving grants totaling $110,000. Now in its fourth year, the Grants Gala drew a standing-room-only crowd to hear the inspiring stories shared by grant recipients and to celebrate OWF’s ongoing success. Grants were given in five categories, Arts, Education, Environment, Health, and Social Services.

Opera Santa Barbara will return to the Ojai Library to present a Free Noontime Opera Concert on Thursday, January 30, 2020. The concert will begin at 12pm in the main room of the library and will last approximately 45 minutes.

On Saturday, February 1, from 1 to 2 pm, retired Park Ranger Carol Peterson will visit the Ojai Library to deliver a special talk entitled Island of the Blue Dolphins: Discover the True Story That Inspired the Book. This is a presentation for young readers and their families.

Attendees will explore a new Channel Islands National Park website to learn more about the Lone Woman of San Nicolas Island, the Native American woman whose life inspired Scott O’Dell to write the award-winning novel. Visit the site at www.nps.gov/islandofthebluedolphins.

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 Ave. Hours of service are 10am to 8pm Monday through Thursday and 12pm to 5pm Friday through Sunday.

On Saturday evening, February 8, from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m., Ojai native plant educator Lanny Kaufer will lead a plant identification Full Moon Sunset Herb Walk to a vista point above the Ojai Valley where the group can watch the moon rise at 5:15 p.m. and the sun set at 5:25 p.m. Following the walk, participants are invited to enjoy an optional “after-party” at Ojai Valley Brewery and Azu Restaurant where brewmaster Jeremy Haffner crafts beers with the same local native plants they just visited.

After completing online registration, those participating will receive an email with instructions to meet at the Park-and-Ride lot in downtown Ojai between 3:00 and 3:30 p.m. and carpool to the trailhead to minimize the crowded parking situation there.

From there all attendees are invited to join Lanny and his wife Rondia at 6:45 p.m. across the street at Azu Restaurant and Ojai Valley Brewery.

Register now at HerbWalks.com by calling 805-646-6281. Registrants will receive a confirmation email with all necessary info a few days prior. No dogs or smoking, please.

Leslie Marcus, of Ojai, will show her work throughout January at Poppies Art and Gifts. A reception with the artist will take place Jan. 17 from 5-7 p.m. at 323 E. Matilija Street, Ojai.

Marcus will show her collection of hand-painted 55-in. scarves, which can be used as shawls or body wraps. In addition, she will display oil on canvas paintings. Her motifs feature flowers, hearts and sensual women.

Mrs. Shirley Bradshaw feels stuck in the same old house with the same boring husband. When she accepts an invitation to join a friend in Greece, she discovers somebody she forgot about: her true self, Shirley Valentine. The Ojai Art Center Theater’s 2020 season takes off with this life-affirming production, January 24 through February 16.

From Tony award-winning playwright Willy Russell (Educating Rita and Blood Brothers), Shirley Valentine inspires every woman who ever found herself frustrated with her life. Shirley contends with her own empty-nester syndrome, coupled with her husband Joe’s obsessive-compulsive disorder. On a Greek beach overlooking sparkling water, Shirley encounters a vastly different lifestyle complemented by romantic spice. The experience opens a window to her long-lost identity.

The one-woman show stars Anna Kotula, who worked with director Steve Grumette to combine the depth of a seminal female character with a humorous self-deprecating housewife. Anna produced the show with Richard Sven Shelgren, and incorporated set design by Bianca Rice.

Events by Ana Baker

Livingston Camarillo Hospice is pleased to announce a new 10-week closed-ended grief support group program, Understanding Your Grief, written by author, educator and grief counselor, Alan D. Wolfelt, PhD. Wednesdays 6 – 7:30 p.m. February 5th through to April 8th

Fridays 10-11:30 a.m. February 7th through to April 10^th. Ongoing Support Groups are also offered at Camarillo Hospice. Free of charge and held at 400 Rosewood Avenue, Suite 102, Camarillo. To register for a support group, please contact Stacia Sickle, LCSW, at 805-389-6870 x452 or [email protected].

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. Contact [email protected] or 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 7p.m. at the Pointsettia 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.

Are you a stamp collector? 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]

Jan.16: Marlyss Auster, President and CEO of the Ventura Visitors and Convention Bureau Board will be the featured speaker at the next meeting of the East Ventura Community Council. Ms. Auster will explain the bureau’s tourism efforts and how they help generate revenue for our city. The Council will also hear from Stephen Peck, President of US VETS, part of the team developing veterans’ housing next to the State Veterans’ Home on Telephone Road, as part of the outreach effort to inform the community about plans for this development.

Connect Church, 346 N. Kimball Rd.

For more information, contact Marie Lakin, Chairperson: [email protected]

Jan.16: The regular monthly meeting of Assistance League of Ventura County will be conducted on Thursday, at the Chapter House, 913 East Santa Clara Street in Ventura. The meeting begins at 10 a.m. Assistance League is “Transforming Lives, Strengthening Community” through several philanthropic programs: B.U.F.F.Y. Bear, Operation School Bell®, Girls Club/Teen Club, and Assistance League School for young children with learning delays. The Bargain Box Thrift Shop helps fund these programs. assistanceleagueventuracounty.org, like us on Facebook, Instagram, or email [email protected].
Telephone: 805-643-2458 (Monday – Thursday, 8–2 p.m.)

Jan.19: 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 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 Restoration of an Elisha Hotchkiss Clock by David Spong. Monthly meetings are held on the 3rd Sunday of each month at the Ventura College location. More information about chapter 190 can be found at www.nawcc-ch190.com.

Jan.24: (4th Friday of each month), 7- 10 p.m. Like to play acoustic

music? 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.

Jan. 25: Saturday, Financial Hangover from the Holidays? Start the New Year off right! 12:30 – 4:00 pm. Debtors Anonymous Workshop will discuss how to thrive financially all year long. Suggested Donation: $20. No one turned away for lack of funds. Bell Arts Center, 432 N. Ventura Ave. For more information TEXT Rie: 805-798-3567.

Jan. 25: Ghosts of the California Missions. Richard Senate will talk on the ghosts of the Missions and the investigation of La Purisima and tour of the Mission San Buenaventura. Fee: $6/person. Saturday 7-9 p.m. located at the Bank of Books 748 E. Main St. (805) 643-3154

Feb.1: On the “First Saturday” of each month the Sespe Flyfishers of Ventura conduct an introductory class on Fly Fishing and Casting the Fly Rod. charge and all are welcome. Whether you an experienced fly fisher or a complete novice If you don’t have a fly rod, just come and use one of ours. Chumash Park, Petit and Waco, 9 – 11a.m. For more information: Bob Smith (805) 647-3522

www.sespeflyfishers.org

Feb.1, 2: On Saturday, Ventura Friends of the Library will hold a Book Sale
at the Topping Room at E.P. Foster Library, 651 E. Main St. Members admitted 9 – 10 a.m.
Open for all 10 – 3 p.m. On Sunday, February 2, book sale will be open to all 12 – 3 p.m.
Books individually priced.  This sale will feature vintage books. Watercolors and photos by Susan and Hank Stoutz will also be for sale. Framed watercolors up to $150.00.  Unframed watercolors and photos $5.00 to $40.00.

Feb.8: Come enjoy an inspirational evening featuring Steve Perren, Baritone, and Patricia Lathrop-McPherson, Soprano, as they perform Broadway hits at Step Up Ventura’s Inspirational Broadway Concert. The concert will be held on Saturday, at 7 p.m.  Accompanied by pianist Miriam Arichea at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Kahler Hall, 3290 Loma Vista Road.  All proceeds from the event will benefit Ventura County’s most vulnerable homeless population — children ages 0 – 5. Tickets are $20 per person in advance through Eventbrite and $25 at the door.  Sponsorship opportunities are available by contacting Event Coordinator Corrine Thomas at (805) 824-0600 or via [email protected].

Feb.12: The Ventura County Camera Club will hold 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 on fine art photography followed by the showing of member images. Myrna Cambianica noted Ojai fine art photographer will critique member’s prints and digital images. Anyone with an interest in photography is welcome and admission is free. Only members may submit images for critique. for more information about the club and examples of member’s work WWW.VenturaCountyCameraClub.com

Paul Jenkin, Ventura Campaign Coordinator for the Surfrider Foundation, will visit the Ojai Library at 6pm on Wednesday, January 15, to present a special lecture titled “Community Resilience in the Face of a Changing Climate.” The Surfrider Foundation is an international environmental organization dedicated to the protection and enjoyment of the world’s waves and beaches through a powerful activist network.

Join Paul as he describes the ongoing efforts to restore the beach at Surfers’ Point in Ventura and remove Matilija Dam from the Ventura River. Since 1994, Paul has worked to restore the coast and watershed in Ventura, California, where he lives.

Author Rick Tuber will visit the Ojai Library at 1 pm on Saturday, January 18,to deliver a talk on Film Editing, Writing, and “Noirmedy.” Tuber will be discussing and answering questions about his three books and will also talk about his long career in film editing and what made him become a writer at the age of 60—it turns out that both professions are all about story telling!

Rick Tuber is an American author and film editor. He attended California State University, Northridge, and has been working in film since the 1980s, earning a Primetime Emmy award and an ACE (American Cinema Editors) award for best editing for a drama.

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 Ave. Hours of service are 10am to 8pm Monday through Thursday and 12pm to 5pm Friday through Sunday.

On February 8, the Lola Haag Jazz Quartet will return to the Ojai Underground Exchange. Featured in the quartet are Jimmy Calire, Danny Young, and David Hunt. They will perform “A Salute to Tony Bennett,” a combination of classic jazz standards and favorites. The concert will start at 7:30 p.m. For more information, call 805-340-7893. The Ojai Underground Exchange is located at 1016 West Ojai Avenue.

Chamber On The Mountain will present the Grigoryan Brothers, Guitar Duo, on Sunday, January 19, 2020 at 3:00 pm. Guitarists Slava and Leonard Grigoryan are regarded as Australia’s finest guitar duo. Hailed by the Adelaide Review, “The Grigoryan Brothers’ name is shorthand for a mastery of the guitar.”

The performance will take place at Logan House (at the Beatrice Wood Center for the Arts) in Upper Ojai. Audience members are invited to stay and meet the artists at a reception following the performance.

Tickets are $25. For more information, visit www.ChamberOnTheMountain.com.

Poppies Art and Gifts will hold its monthly book club meeting Jan. 14 from 6-8 p.m. The first selection for 2020 will be “Oil and Marble: A Novel of Leonardo and Michelangelo” by Stephanie Storey.

The art history thriller focuses on the rivalry between the two artists – the established master Leonardo and emerging artist Michelangelo — in early 16th-century Florence, Italy.

All adults are welcome to the free event. Light refreshments will be served.

Poppies is at 323 E. Matilija St., Ojai, next to Java & Joe Specialty Coffee, Tea and Gifts. For more information, visit poppiesartandgifts.com.