Events by Ana Baker

Have you or a loved one suffered a brain injury, stroke, or concussion? Looking for information, resources, and connection with others who have similar experiences? Join for a support group on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of every month from 4:00-5:30 p.m. at Bible Fellowship Church, Building 300, 6950 Ralston St. We also have groups that meet in Oxnard, Camarillo, and Thousand Oaks. Call 805-482-1312 for more information.

Ventura Poinsettia Dance Club Monday nights 7:30 – 9:45p.m. Poinsettia Pavilion. Ballroom, swing, Latin and line dancing. $10 members, $12 non-members. Dance lessons 6:45 – 7:15 $5 for couple $3 for single. Call Rick 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

The Ventura Retired Men’s Group welcomes interested men to their semi-monthly Tuesday lunch ($15) meetings at the Ventura Elks lodge. This regular congenial social event, besides a healthy, satisfying meal, supplies a welcome atmosphere to talk and joke, hear a speaker on a variety of relevant topics. Hear more from Steve at 642-1359

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.

The Ventura County Philatelic Society meets 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 / 320-1601 or [email protected]

Mended Hearts of Ventura. Come share if you have had heart surgery or stent implant. Group meets the first Tuesday each month at noon at Lemon Wood Mobile Homes, 850 Johnson Dr. Excellent speakers leading Cardiologists, Nutritionists, and Dietitians etc. from our area.

Contact Richard Hatcher at 644-2733.

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. They are a fun group. Contact Bill Garner 320-1601 or [email protected].

Cross Town Hikers 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.

First Wednesday, of each month, 6-10 p.m., Gold Coast Modular Railroad Club meets at the Murphy Auto Museum, Oxnard. Now exhibiting Saturdays and Sundays, 10 – 4 p.m. Visitors and new members are welcome. Member initiation fee $10, monthly dues $20, $10 for Juniors. Murphy Auto Museum, 2230 Statham Blvd., Oxnard. www.gcmrc.com. For more information, call (805)229-7429.

July 19: The East Ventura Community Council will have a representative from Ashdon Development, will continue discussion with Council members, soliciting their views on the proposed retail establishments for the 4.7-acre parcel on the southeast corner of Wells Road and Darling. Ventura Police Department will present an update on area crime and safety. Some candidates for the November Ventura City Council election will make a brief presentation about their qualifications and their objectives. The council represents those who live east of Victoria Avenue. 7 p.m. at the First Assembly of God Church, 346 N. Kimball Road.

July 19: Thursday, 6pm to 9pm. Open House for FIND (A Friend In Deed)

Attend to learn about peer-led creative, supportive and educational opportunities for folks experiencing or who have experienced mental health or substance misuse challenges. Light refreshments served.

Bell Arts 432 Ventura Ave Studio39

[email protected]

July 21: On Saturday, from 10- 3 p.m. Ventura Friends of the Library will hold a Book Sale

at the Vons 6040 Telegraph Road. Quality used books at bargain prices. All genres, including special interest, classics and vintage; fiction, including current hardcover and paperbacks, DVDs, books on cd and tape, puzzles, and more. Kathy Thomson, [email protected] (805) 750-6630

July 24: Pierpont Community Council general membership meeting has been moved from the 3rd Tues this month to the 4th Tuesday July 24th.

July 25: 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. CACC represents citizens in City Council District 3. Wright Event Center at 57 Day Rd. Free parking is available adjacent to the Event Center. Call (805) 644-8695 for more information.

July 25: On Wednesday, from 10 – 1 p.m. Ventura Friends of the Library will hold a special

Fairy and Folktales Book sale at Hill Road Library, 1070 S. Hill Road. For those who love to share stories with children. Some well-known illustrators. No book is over $5. Many are like new or gently used.

Aug. 8: The Ventura County Camera Club will hold its monthly meeting on Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. at the Poinsettia Pavilion. Admission is free. An instructional workshop will be followed by professional photographer’s critiquing of members images. VenturaCountyCameraClub.com

Joan Dewhirst will visit the Ojai Library at 1 p.m. on Saturday, July 21, 2018, to deliver a talk entitled “Color: More Than Meets the Eye.” Ms. Dewhirst comes via the Santa Barbara Museum of Art’s Community Speakers Program.

Color has been an important tool for artists since prehistoric times, used in recording nature, capturing reality, and creating beauty, all the while engaging the senses. This lecture will explore some of the hidden mysteries of color—its power to evoke emotion, to convey meaning, and even to produce sound.

Viewing paintings by Van Gogh, Francisco de Goya, Marc Chagall, and many others, we’ll see how feelings of passion, fear, and love motivated artists to use certain colors.

At 3 p.m. on Saturday, July 28, 2018, the Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom (WILPF) will visit the Ojai Library to host a screening of the documentary film Do the Math.

Written and directed by Kelly Nyks and Jared P. Scott, Do the Math follows environmentalist Bill McKibben as he confronts the fossil fuel industry in an attempt to alter the terrifying math of the climate crisis.

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 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Friday through Sunday.

The Ojai Playwrights Conference (OPC), one of the nation’s most acclaimed new play development programs, announces its 21st season with another inspirational and thought-provoking program featuring playwrights, new play workshop presentations, and special performance events from August 5 through 12,

The 2018 OPC New Works Festival, Breaking Light, will feature twelve public events over six days with both seasoned and up-and-coming playwrights, Actor Patrick J. Adams and other guest artists will be performing scenes from Bill Cain’s newest play, Road to Glory, during the Intersection Event on August 9.

“The 2018 OPC season is titled BREAKING LIGHT because this year’s playwrights are breaking through the darkness of division, despair and polarity, and lighting the way toward compassion, inclusion and hope,” Seating is limited for the OPC New Works Festival; tickets ($30) may be purchased online at www.ojaiplays.org.

Performances To Grow On is proud to present Jamaica Farewell, the award-winning play starring Debra Ehrhardt and directed by Joel Zwick, of My Big Fat Greek Wedding fame on Saturday, August 18 at 7:30 pm at the Ojai Art Center Theater. Tickets are $35 in advance and are available at www.ptgo.org. Tickets are $5 more at the door. Proceeds will benefit the Ojai Storytelling Festival. Following the play, famed director Joel Zwick will offer a Q&A following the performance.

On Sunday night , July 29th, Ojai Jazz Concerts presents The Carl Saunders Quartet at the Ojai Art Center 113 South Montgomery St. from 7-9:30pm

Tickets are $30 online and $35 at the door

Doors open at 6:30 pm Rich Tell 805-746-0936

Tickets at Eventbrite : www.ojaijazzconcerts.com.

Events by Ana Baker

Ventura Poinsettia Dance Club Monday nights 7:30 – 9:45p.m. Poinsettia Pavilion. Ballroom, swing, Latin and line dancing. $10 members, $12 non-members. Dance lessons 6:45 – 7:15 $5 for couple $3 for single. Call Rick 805-415-8842 for more information.

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

The Ventura Retired Men’s Group welcomes interested men to their semi-monthly Tuesday lunch ($15) meetings at the Ventura Elks lodge. This regular congenial social event, besides a healthy, satisfying meal, supplies a welcome atmosphere to talk and joke, hear a speaker on a variety of relevant topics. Hear more from Steve at 805-642-1359

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.

The Ventura County Philatelic Society meets 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.

Bill Garner 805- 320-1601 or [email protected]

Mended Hearts of Ventura. Come share if you have had heart surgery or stent implant. Group meets the first Tuesday each month at noon at Lemon Wood Mobile Homes, 850 Johnson Dr. Excellent speakers leading Cardiologists, Nutritionists, and Dietitians etc. from our area.

Contact Richard Hatcher at 805-644-2733.

First Wednesday, of each month, 6-10 p.m., Gold Coast Modular Railroad Club meets at the Murphy Auto Museum. Now exhibiting Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, 10-4 p.m. Visitors and new members are welcome. 2230 Statham Blvd., Oxnard. www.gemre.com or 805-229- 74294 for more information

Join the Cross Town Hikers 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/

July 6: Ormond beach Nature walk and Beach cleanup. 9-11am. The Nature Conservancy is hosting a nature walk and beach cleanup. Come visit Ormond beach with a naturalist and discover the flora and fauna of the wetland and beach habitat. Focus will also be to collect trash from fireworks from July 4th. Clean up supplies will be provided. The walk is 1 1/2 to 2 miles. Wear durable walking shoes. Bring binoculars, if you like. 301 McWane Blvd. Oxnard. Please contact Amy Davis [email protected] or 770-853-4715 regarding questions.

July 11: The Ventura Parkinson’s Disease Support Group is pleased to present their meeting from 1 -3p.m. at the Lexington Assisted Living, 5440 Ralston Street. They are focusing on “making exercise fun” like it used to be when the bell rang for recess. Lisa Oliver, Manager of Title Boxing, will inform and demonstrate Rock Steady Boxing, a non-contact boxing program specifically created for people with Parkinson’s Disease. Amber Stevens, Associate Executive Director at the Ventura Family YMCA will share her thoughts. For more information call Patty at 805-766-6070 and see the Breeze senior section.

July 11: There will be a 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.

July 12: Oceanview Toastmasters announces their new home at Lexington, 5440 Ralston St. Located in the Bijou room 2nd floor. The meeting starts at 6:45 p.m. on 2nd and 4th Thursday of each month. Guests are most welcome. If you’ve ever considered attending a Toastmasters Meeting, please come and meet the friendly members. You’re welcome to sit and enjoy the speeches, and if you want to improve your speaking skills, here is an opportunity. There is no charge for guests. For more information Ed Blumenstock at 805-746-5732.

July 13: The General George S. Patton, Jr. Chapter, Sons of the American Revolution July luncheon meeting will feature a special program ” Second Amendment in California: A Brief History and Future Trends “, presented by Mr. Robert Arabian. The luncheon will take place at 11:30 a.m. in the Garden Room, Marie Callender’s Restaurant, 1295 S. Victoria Ave. All SAR and DAR Compatriots, friends, and visitors are welcome to join us. If you choose to have lunch, cost is $20. For additional information or for assistance in determining your possible Revolutionary War genealogical roots, please call Bill Bays 805- 650-3036 or Robert Taylor 805-216-7992. For information regarding SAR membership and chapter activities, please visit the chapter website at http://pattonpatriots.org.

July 15: 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 by David Walter on “Watchmaking”. Anyone interested in watches and clocks, (modern & antique) is invited to visit and join. There is a $3 admission charge. Lunch is available for $5 more. Watches, clocks and tools will be on display and for sale.

Monthly meetings are held on the 3rd Sunday of each month at the Ventura College. More information about chapter 190 can be found at www.nawcc-ch190.com.

July 17: Discover the Santa Clara River watershed. 8-10 am. Meet at the gate at the south end of Hallock Dr. Santa Paula. Start your day off right by exploring land along the Santa Clara River that the Nature Conservancy has restored. Be prepared for an adventure! There is not really an established trail. It is a little rugged so please wear durable hiking shoes. There are no facilities at this location. Please contact Amy Davis [email protected] or 770-853-4715 regarding questions.

Aug.10: Mixteco/Indígena Community Organizing Project in Oxnard “Night in Oaxaca.” Night in Oaxaca is their largest annual event, and benefits all MICOP’s 19+ programs. The night will feature a menu of Oaxacan cuisine, traditional dance performances, and a celebration of the extraordinary group of indigenous youth scholarship winners. Friday, at the Olivas Adobe in Ventura, 4200 Olivas Park Dr. from 5-7:30 p.m. Tickets and more information can be found at https://NIO2018.bpt.me.

The newest original exhibition at the Ojai Valley Museum highlights the local work of some of those architects. “StARCHITECTURE: Ojai by Design” included are outstanding buildings. Museum director Wendy Barker encourages the community to visit the museum to “explore the valley’s rich, rarely seen, architectural history.”

Free Opening Reception on Saturday, July 7 from 5-7pm. The exhibition will be open through October 28.The Ojai Valley Museum is located at 130 W. Ojai Ave.

Agora Foundation Four-Day Great Books Summer Intensive

These four days, July 31st to August 3rd, will include readings from Lucretius, Bacon, Emerson, Thoreau, Jonas, and Oliver. Plus lectures, nature walks, astronomy, panels, and more. Tuition is $800 and includes all meals, texts, seminars, lectures, and nature walks. Lodging is not included. Book discounted rooms directly with The Ojai Retreat by calling (805) 646–2536.More information, visit www.greatbooksojai.com/humanity’s-place.html or (805) 231-5974.

On Friday, July 6th, Topa Mountain Winery will host Safety Harbor Kids 11th Annual Concert Fundraiser featuring the world renowned Paul Barrere and Fred Tackett, of Little Feat, bassist Kenny Gradney, Grammy winning drummer, Tony Braunagel and the Texicali Horns with Darrell Leonard and Joe Sublet. The event, held to raise funds for parentless youth, will also include music by Shakey Feelin’ and Miles Tackett & The Three Times.

There will be door prizes, special entertainment and silent auction including a Gibson SG signed by songwriter/artist Robby Krieger of the Doors, an SHK supporter. Doors open at 6:00

Safety Harbor Kids is a nonprofit with the mission to enrich the lives of orphans, foster and homeless children through education in the areas of College, Career, Music, the Arts and Personal Growth. Visit www.safetyharborkids.org.

The Beatrice Wood Center for the Arts will present Ken Emerson & Jim Kimo West in concert on Saturday, July 7th at 7 pm. They are living legends in the world of Hawaiian slack key and acoustic steel guitar, and this is a rare opportunity to see both master players perform together up-close and personal. As recognized masters of Hawaiian slack and steel guitar, Emerson & West will delight the audience with their masterful performances, blazing improvisation and spontaneity.

Played from the heart and soul through the fingers, and flowing with vivid tropical images, Hawaiian slack key is truly one of the great acoustic guitar traditions in the world. In slack key, some of the strings are slacked from the standard tuning, with the thumb playing the bass while the other fingers play the melody and improvise in a finger-picked style.

Kumu Rona Koe will be dancing solo Hawaiian hula to accompany their performance.

Tickets are $25.

Emerson and West will present a slack key guitar workshop at the Center at 2 pm, the day of the concert. The cost of the workshop is $40.

For more information, or to purchase tickets online, visit beatricewood.com, or call 805-646-3381.

by Ana Baker

Ventura Poinsettia Dance Club Monday nights 7:30 – 9:45p.m. Poinsettia Pavilion. Ballroom, swing, Latin and line dancing. $10 members, $12 non-members. Dance lessons 6:45 – 7:15 $5 for couple $3 for single. Call Rick 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. 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

The Ventura Retired Men’s Group welcomes interested men to their semi-monthly Tuesday lunch ($15) meetings at the Ventura Elks lodge. This regular congenial social event, besides a healthy, satisfying meal, supplies a welcome atmosphere to talk and joke, hear a speaker on a variety of relevant topics. Steve at 642-1359

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.

Mended Hearts of Ventura. Come share if you have had heart surgery or stent implant. Group meets the first Tuesday each month at noon at Lemon Wood Mobile Homes, 850 Johnson Dr. Excellent speakers leading Cardiologists, Nutritionists, and Dietitians etc. from our area.

Contact Richard Hatcher at 644-2733.

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 320-1601 or [email protected].

Letters for the Lost, an exhibit marking the 90th anniversary of the St. Francis Dam Disaster, commemorates the lives lost during one of America’s worst civil engineering disasters of the 20th century. At the historic Agriculture Museum in Santa Paula, itself a St. Francis Dam survivor in one of the heaviest damaged cities within the dam’s flood path. Through July 16. 26 Railroad Avenue, Santa Paula open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Wednesday through Sunday. For more information, visit venturamuseum.org or 525-3100.

First Wednesday, of each month, 6-10 p.m., Gold Coast Modular Railroad Club meets at the Murphy Auto Museum. Now exhibiting Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, 10-4 p.m. Visitors and new members are welcome. 2230 Statham Blvd., Oxnard. www.gemre.com or 229- 74294 for more information

Cross Town Hikers 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/

June 21: The regular monthly meeting of Assistance League of Ventura County on Thursday at the Chapter House, 913 East Santa Clara Street. The meeting begins at 10 a.m. Men and women are welcome, and there is no age requirement. Assistance League is creating “A Brighter Tomorrow for Today’s Children” through several philanthropic programs. The Bargain Box Thrift Shop helps fund these programs. Find more information assistanceleagueventuracounty.org, Facebook, or email [email protected]. Telephone: Monday – Thursday 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. 805-643-2458

June 21: A specialist in the city of Ventura’s Environmental Sustainability Division will be the featured speaker at the Thursday meeting of the East Ventura Community Council. The Division is seeking input on the city’s Energy Action Plan. The presenter will also talk about sustainability programs underway.

Ashdon Development will discuss acquisition of a 4.7-acre parcel on the southeast corner of Wells Road and Darling for retail development. The agenda includes an update on the Thomas Fire rebuild and a representative of the Ventura Police Department. The council represents those who live east of Victoria

At 7:00 pm at the First Assembly of God Church, 346 N. Kimball Road. For more information, contact John McNally, Chairperson, EVCC: 805-804-7558

June 22: Family Float Night at the Ventura Aquatic Center. Friday, June 22 & 29, 6:45-8:45 p.m.

2 years and under are free, 3 years to adult $5. Family Float Night is a great time to gather the family for an evening enjoying our beautiful Ventura summer nights. Families may bring their pool floats and order pizza or bring a picnic dinner. For more information 805-654-7511.

June 26: Come chow down and support the Brain Injury Center of Ventura County at Winchester’s Grill & Saloon 632 East Main Street. 5 – 10 p.m. 20% of all food purchases will benefit the Brain Injury Center of Ventura County. For more information please call 805-482-1312

June 28: Portuguese Fraternal Society of America – The local chapter of PFSA (Council #128) will hold its monthly meeting on Thursday. This meeting is open to any person of Portuguese descent, or, interested in the Portuguese culture. The meeting will be held at Marie Callendars Restaurant, 1295 S. Victoria. 11:30 a.m. for a 12 p.m. no host luncheon/meeting. For more information and a reservation please call Cora Corella at (805) 483-6285, or, Yvonne Westervelt at (805) 483-4168.

July 1: Dudley Historic House Museum docent-led tours and a plant sale from 1 – 4 p.m. Freddie the American Mini Horse will be in attendance for photos and buggy rides from 1:30 – 3 p.m. Museum admission is free, but a $5 donation will be asked from riders for Freddie’s expenses. The museumin is located at the corner of Loma Vista and Ashwood. For information (805) 642-3345 or www.dudleyhouse.org.

July 1: Old-Time Country Bluegrass Gospel Music Assoc. meeting will be Sunday 2:30-4:30 p.m.

Located ate the Knights of Columbus Hall, 36 Figueroa. Free admission, stage music and jamming, free parking in the rear. Open to Public. For more information call, 805-517-1131 or visit Facebook: OTCBGMA

July 11: The Ventura County Camera Club Wednesday, at 6:30 p.m. at the Poinsettia Pavilion, 3451 Foothill Rd. Admission is free. All Welcome. An instructional workshop will be followed by a professional photographer’s verbal critiquing of members submitted images. VenturaCountyCameraClub.com .

Join Rev. Karen S. Wylie on Sunday, June 24, 10:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. at the Ojai Retreat. The morning will be devoted to “Awakening!” through contemplation, inner reflection, quiet walks, wisdom talks, sharing and sacred songs. 160 Besant Road. People of all faiths and traditions, or no tradition, are welcome to attend.

Randee Vasilakos, RScP, will assist and anchor the morning in a consciousness of prayer and healing.

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.

Sucinno (Ian James) will visit the Ojai Library at 1 p.m. on Saturday, June 23, to deliver a talk on Compassion and Care at the End of Life. Sucinno will share observations and insights gained while going through caring for his wife, Chandra, when she had cancer, including her hospice time and eventual death. Additionally, he will talk about what can be done before such an event overtakes a couple.

Sucinno hopes to provide gentle words that will help couples to ease into this strange space, and thus be less overwhelmed at the thought of it and its actual happening.

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 are 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Friday through Sunday.

33 Variations opens June 22 at Ojai Art Center Theater for four weekends. Friday and Saturday at 7:30 pm and Sunday matinee at 2 pm. Tickets are available online at www.OjaiACT.org or call 805-640-8797 to reserve seats.

Submissions will close July 1 for the 19th annual Ojai Film Festival. Ranked as one of the Top 100 Best Reviewed Festivals on FilmFreeway the Ojai Film Festival continues to grow in prestige as one of the country’s premier destination festivals.

The 10-day Film Festival has a reputation for showcasing the best new films from emerging and established filmmakers, and has helped launch a number of careers over the last decade. Since 2000, 15 alumni have received Academy Award nominations, two have won an Oscar, and numerous others have gone on to gain distribution and win prestigious awards.

The winning screenwriter receives lodging and passes to the Ojai Film Festival’s Awards Ceremony, where the winning screenwriter is given special recognition, a trophy and a table read staged by the well-established acting community in Ojai.

The Festival’s theme is “Enriching the Human Spirit Through Film.” The event provides audiences a diverse lineup of titles from around the world.

The extended deadline, on July 1st, entry fees for film are $65 for features and $60 for shorts. For screenplays, the fee is $55.

To enter go to www.ojaifilmfestival.com/entries/. Accepted entries will be notified in mid-August.

The Ojai Film Festival takes place from November 1 – 11, at theaters around Ojai. For details about the Festival visit www.OjaiFilmFestival.com.

Events by Ana Baker

Ventura Poinsettia Dance Club Monday nights 7:30 – 9:45p.m. Poinsettia Pavilion. Ballroom, swing, Latin and line dancing. $10 members, $12 non-members. Dance lessons 6:45 – 7:15 $5 for couple $3 for single. 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

The Ventura Retired Men’s Group welcomes interested men to their semi-monthly Tuesday lunch ($15) meetings at the Ventura Elks lodge. This regular congenial social event, besides a healthy, satisfying meal, supplies a welcome atmosphere to talk and joke, hear a speaker on a variety of relevant topics. Hear more from Steve at 805-642-1359

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.

Mended Hearts of Ventura. Come share if you have had heart surgery or stent implant. Group meets the first Tuesday each month at noon at Lemon Wood Mobile Homes, 850 Johnson Dr. Excellent speakers leading Cardiologists, Nutritionists, and Dietitians etc. from our area.

Contact Richard Hatcher at 805-644-2733.

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. They are a fun group. Contact Bill Garner 805-320-1601 or [email protected].

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/

First Wednesday, of each month, 6-10 pm, Gold Coast Modular Railroad Club meets at the Murphy Auto Museum, Oxnard. Now exhibiting Saturdays and Sundays, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Visitors and new members are welcome. Member initiation fee $10, monthly dues $20, $10 for Juniors. www.gcmrc.com. For more information, 805-229-7429.

June 8: The General George S. Patton, Jr. Chapter, Sons of the American Revolution June luncheon meeting will feature a special program ” Native Americans during the Revolutionary War “, presented by Mr. William V. Wenger. The luncheon event will take place Friday at 11:30 a.m. in the Garden Room, Marie Callender’s Restaurant, 1295 S. Victoria Ave. All SAR & DAR Compatriots, friends, and visitors are welcome to join us. If you choose to join us for lunch, cost is $20 per person, including a slice of Marie Callender’s pie. For additional information or for assistance in determining your possible Revolutionary War genealogical roots, please call Bill Bays 805-650-3036 or Robert Taylor 805-216-7992. For information regarding SAR membership and chapter activities, please visit the chapter website at http://pattonpatriots.org.

June 12: The Ventura County Writers Club is hosting award-winning author, publisher, editor and writing coach Marcia Meier at 1605 Burnley Street in Camarillo at 7:00 PM. Meier, who recently co-edited the book Unmasked: Women Write about Sex and Intimacy After Fifty, has been awarded a bronze IPPY medal as a part of the 22nd Annual Independent Publisher Book Awards.

Westlake resident Carol Fogel will also speak about her book, Rosie Sees the Light, based on the fictional experience of a spunky Mexican immigrant sent to a home for the aged after experiencing health issues. For more information call Ventura Breeze contributing writer Sheli Ellsworth at 805.300.1365.

June 19: Join NAWBO Ventura County on Tuesday, at the Wedgewood Center, 901 Sterling Hills Drive, Camarillo from 5:30 – 8 p.m. for a must-attend presentation about Proposition 64, the legalization of the recreational use of marijuana and how it impacts your business as an employer. The dinner meeting is open to all and seats may be reserved at www.NAWBOVC.org. Guest speaker Rabiah Rahman, Esq. of Strauss & Strauss, APC, will address many questions and concerns employers are raising about their rights and liabilities with regards to marijuana use by employees.

“NAWBO supports business owners as they traverse the challenges and successes of entrepreneurship,” stated Elaine Hollifield, President of NAWBO VC.

Membership is open to women sole proprietors, partners and corporate owners as well as those businesses that support women owned businesses. Learn more www.nawbovc.org.

June 22: Like to play acoustic music? Songmakers.org welcomes all lovers of acoustic music, instrumentalists, singers, and singer/songwriters of all levels, to join in a free song circle. Fourth Friday of each month from 7-10 p.m. at the Bell Arts Factory Community Room, 432 N. Ventura Ave. Listeners welcome. Mike Wittlin 805-750-8281.

Nationally recognized singer Vivian Mason will visit the Ojai Library at 1 p.m. on Friday, June 8, 2018, to deliver a special musical performance. Mason will be accompanied by pianist Jimmy Calire.

Mason is a versatile entertainer who has performed at clubs, concerts, festivals, and in film and television. She has toured across the country from San Francisco to New York.

Ojai local Erin McKeever will visit the Ojai Library at 2 p.m. on Sunday, June 10, to host a screening of the documentary film Crazywise. During a quarter-century documenting indigenous cultures, human-rights photographer and filmmaker Phil Borges saw how these cultures often identify “psychotic” symptoms as an indicator of a person’s gifts or shamanic potential. Through interviews with renowned mental health professionals including Gabor Mate, MD, Dan Siegel, MD, Robert Whitaker, and Roshi Joan Halifax, PhD, the documentary Crazywise explores the growing severity of the mental health crisis in America dominated by biomedical psychiatry.

She can be reached by email at [email protected], or by calling (310) 463-5089.

Kathryn Padgett will visit the Ojai Library at 1 p.m. on Saturday, June 9, to deliver a talk “Carved Paper: The Art of the Japanese Stencil.” Ms. Padgett comes to us via the Santa Barbara Museum of Art’s Community Speakers Program. Japanese paper stencils, or katagami, are the pattern-bearing tools used in a resist-dyeing textile process.

Ojai Library’s Ukulele Club will resume meeting on Wednesdays from 4-6 p.m. for a weekly workshop and jam session.

The Ukulele Club is about sharing the fun, simplicity, and musicality that the ukulele offers, and learning and practicing with other players. Feel free to bring a copy of a song or tune that you like; the club collects these in a book of songs used during meetings.

Ojai Library’s Prime Writers’ group will meet on Wednesdays from 5-6 p.m. for a weekly writing workshop. The Prime Writers’ group is a place for aspiring young authors and poets ages 8-18 to meet other writers, to share their writing with each other, and to provide constructive feedback on one another’s works. The group is not a class but rather a place for young writers to explore the creative writing process.

The Ojai Library is located at 111 East Ojai Ave. Hours of service are 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Friday through Sunday.

The Ojai Photography Club will feature fine-art photographer Felice Willat as the presenter for June. The event, “Lifescapes,” is free and open to the public and will be held June 19 at 7 p.m. in Help of Ojai’s Kent Hall, 111 W. Santa Ana Road. For more information on Willat, go to http://www.felicewillatphotography.com/

Monthly free presentations are part of the Ojai Photography Club’s community service and education outreach. The general public is always welcome to attend.

The club, which is devoted to education, inspiration, and camaraderie, meets on the third Tuesday of each month, February – November. More information is available at www.ojaiphotoclub.com.