Opera Santa Barbara will return to the Ojai Library to present a Free Noontime Opera Concert on Thursday, March 15. The concert will begin at 12 p.m. in the main room of the library and will last approximately 45 minutes. The Opera Santa Barbara Studio Artists will perform a selection of popular opera arias and duets as well as some musical theatre pieces, accompanied by piano.

Between April 1 and April 30, the Ventura County Library System will be commemorating National Poetry Month by holding its annual county-wide Haiku Poetry Contest. Participants will be able to submit their own original haiku at any of our library locations or online at tiny.cc/vclhaiku.

A traditional Japanese haiku is a three-line poem with 17 syllables in a 5/7/5 count. Haiku emphasizes simplicity, intensity, and directness of expression. Winners will be selected from throughout our library system, with prizes including gift cards from local businesses. The contest is open to all ages and topics.

At 2 p.m. on Saturday, March 17, the Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom (WILPF) will visit the Ojai Library to host a screening of the documentary film Bowling for Columbine. After the screening there will be a discussion facilitated by members of WILPF.

In Bowling for Columbine, filmmaker Michael Moore looks at the 1999 Columbine High School massacre in the context of America’s high homicide rate and the proliferation of guns in our country and culture. Moore engages with corporate entities involved in the sale of guns, explores gun violence in other countries, and looks at some specific individuals who are outspoken in their support of the National Rifle Association.

Events are free. For additional information, contact Ron Solórzano, Regional Librarian, at 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.

Directed by Michael Addison, William Shakespeare’s Macbeth will be produced by the Ojai Art Center Theater and Ojai Performing Arts Theater. The play will run on weekends, March 16 through April 8, Friday and Saturday evenings at 7:30 pm. There will be a Sunday matinee at 2 pm. Tickets run from $18 to $20, and students under 25—$10. Purchase tickets online at: OjaiACT.org or call 640-8797 to reserve seats.

Tour the one-of-a-kind herb garden, harvest medicinal herbs, and prepare home remedies during the Earth Island Medicinal Herb Garden with Carol Wade and Lanny Kaufer. The herb walk will take place on Saturday, March 24th, from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The cost is $60, including all materials. Register at HerbWalks.com or call 646-6281

Mark and Holly Jansen of Jansen Photo Expeditions have been leading photographic tours in Iceland for the past 5 years, and have seen evidence of changes in the area due to ice melt, receding glaciers and the impact of man on the environment. In their presentation, which will be on March 20th at 7 p.m., they will show an amazingly beautiful Iceland, but also some of the evidence that they have seen from being frequent travelers there and the changing climate they have witnessed.

Held at Help of Ojai’s Kent Hall, 111 Santa Ana St. Monthly free presentations are part of the Ojai Photography Club’s community service and education outreach. The general public is always welcome. Visit www.ojaiphotoclub.com/ for more information.

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 415-8842 for more information.

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 at the Moose lodge, 10269 Telephone Road. More information at countrylovers.com.

The Ventura County Philatelic Society meets on the first and third Mondays 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]

Ongoing, first Wednesday, of each month, 6-10 pm, Gold Coast Modular Railroad Club meets at the Murphy Auto Museum. Now exhibiting Saturdays and Sundays, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.; in April, exhibit on Fridays, 10 a.m. – 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 229-7429

March 15: The East Ventura Community Council. A representative of the Ventura Police Department will give an update on crime and safety. Jeffrey Lambert, City of Ventura’s Community Development Director, and Dave Ward, Planning Manager, will present “Eastside Community Development Report.”

Thursday at 7p.m. at the First Assembly of God Church, 346 N. Kimball Road. The public is encouraged to attend and participate. For more information, contact John McNally, Chairperson, EVCC 804-7558

March 15: The regular monthly meeting of Assistance League of Ventura County will be on Thursday, at the Chapter House, 913 E. Santa Clara St. The meeting begins at 10 a.m. Assistance League is creating “A Brighter Tomorrow for Today’s Children” 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 disabilities. The Bargain Box Thrift Shop helps fund these programs. More information assistanceleagueventuracounty.org. Telephone: Monday – Thursday 8-2 p.m. 643-2458

March 18: The Channel Islands Maritime Museum is hosting a free event from 12 – 4 p.m. “Celebrate the Whales” will offer an afternoon of fun, education and exploration of our largest mammal, the whale. Whale-related activities include craft-making, chalk drawing contest, jump house, artifact displays, live music, fun whale facts and education. Admission to the outdoor activities are free and admission inside the museum will be discounted for the day

March 18: 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 11 a.m. there will be an informal workshop. There will be a mart where items will be for sale followed by lunch and an informational meeting and a program at 1 p.m.

The program this month will be a presentation by Ferdinand Geitner. There is a $3 admission charge. Lunch is available for $5 more. More information about chapter 190 can be found at www.nawcc-ch190.com.

March 19: Would your child like to enjoy the beach, learn ocean safety and learn how to outrigger paddle too? Hokuloa Outrigger Canoe Club is looking for keiki (youth) ages 10 -19 years old to participate in their program this year! First practice is Monday, 5:30 pm. Meet up at South Jetty Beach (across from the Channel Islands National Park Center at the end of Spinnaker Dr.) at 5:15pm. For more information www.hokuloaoutrigger.com or 407-5824.

March 22: The local chapter of the Portuguese Fraternal Society of America will hold its monthly meeting on Thursday, at 11:30 a.m. for a 12 p.m. no host luncheon/meeting. This meeting is open to any person of Portuguese descent, or, interested in the Portuguese culture.   Main Street Restaurant and Steakhouse, 3159 East Main St. For more information and reservation call Cora Corella at 483-6285, or, Yvonne Westervelt at 483-4168.

March 23: 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 at the Bell Arts Factory Community Room, 432 N. Ventura Ave. Listeners welcome. Held the 4th Friday of each month, from 7- 10 p.m. Mike Wittlin, 750-8281.

March 24: The Ventura Food Co-op with the support of Harvest Café is having a presentation-get together for assisting and encouraging people to build green, from 2 – 4 p.m. Harvest Cafe at the WAV-175 S Ventura Ave. Featuring experts from the Green Building Council and contractors with local green building experience. What are the considerations for building, rebuilding and remodeling to meet the design features of Green Building? VenturaFoodCoop.com VenturaFoodCoop@gmail .com. This is a free event and open to the public.

On Sunday April 8th, from noon-4pm, the Ojai Raptor Center (ORC) will open its doors to the public for their annual Spring Open House, a rare opportunity to meet the non-releasable “ambassador” raptors, and tour the Center that is otherwise closed to the public year-round.

The ORC Open House will have a $5 entry fee per person with children under ten admitted for free. This is a dog-free event www.ojairaptorcenter.org for more info.

Dr. Arthur Vander will visit the Ojai Library at 1 p.m. on Saturday, March 3, to deliver a presentation titled “How Does the Brain Produce Consciousness?” Dr. Vander will explore the relationship between the physical brain and mental events, and will present this topic at a level appropriate for lay audiences with no formal background in science.

CI speaker Kiki Patsch will visit the Ojai Library at 1 p.m. on Saturday, March 10, to deliver a presentation titled “Beaches on the Edge.” Patsch comes from CSU Channel Islands (CI), and is the second speaker in this season’s CI Library Lecture Series. CSU Channel Islands hosts dozens of free public lectures at libraries throughout Ventura County. For additional information, contact Ron Solórzano, Regional Librarian, at 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.

Due to the damage caused to Meditation Mount by the Thomas Fire, this month’s half-day retreat with Rev. Karen will be at The Ojai Retreat. The topic will be “Waking Up to Our True Identity.” The gathering is on Saturday, March 10, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The Ojai Retreat is at 160 Besant Road.

At her half-day retreat, participants will come together for a morning of inner reflection, quiet walks, wisdom talks, sharing and sacred songs. Randee Vasilakos, RScP, will assist in anchoring a consciousness of peace and love. People of all faiths and traditions, or no tradition, are welcome to attend.

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.

The “Slow Cooking: Delicious & Nutritious” class on Sunday, March 18, 1:00 p.m. will be with author and private chef Randy Graham. Randy says, “Let’s start the new year off with a slow bang! A slow cooker bang, that is.” In this class you will learn how to creatively use your slow cooker. You will learn to make and to taste slow cooking recipes from his new book, Ojai Valley Slow Cooker Cookbook, and take home a signed, complimentary copy as part of the $75 class fee. Participation is limited to 10 individuals. This class will fill quickly so don’t hesitate to call the Lavender Inn at  646-6635 for reservations.

Events by Ana Baker

Audubon field trips
March 4: 9 a.m. Work Day Fillmore Fish Hatchery Leader: Sandy Hedrick (805) 340-0478
This is a new venue for restoration planting for the balance of this work season. Planting native plants for a future interpretive center on 5 acres at the entrance to the Fish Hatchery.

March 10: 8:30 a.m. Malibu Creek State Park Leader: Tevin Schmitt (661) 904-1563
There are trails through oak and sycamore woodlands on chaparral-covered slopes and birds.

Call Leader for directions.

March 14: 8:30 a.m. Camino Real Park Leader: Adele Fergusson (805) 415-4304
Camino Real is a grassy park surrounded by pines and eucalyptus and is an excellent Spring migrant hotspot.

March 17: 8:30 a.m. Ventura Settling Ponds Leader: Jim Howard [email protected]
The settling ponds at the Ventura Harbor is a reliable place to find ducks, grebes, gulls and terns, as well as songbirds and raptors.

March 24: 8:30 a.m. Santa Clara River Estuary Leader: Tevin Schmitt (661) 904-1563
Shorebirds including Snowy Plovers, Ruddy and Black Turnstones and hopefully Surfbirds We begin at Surfers Knoll off Spinnaker Drive

April 1: 8:30 a.m. Ojai Meadows Preserve Leader Raeann Koerner (805) 701-1919
This beautiful preserve is a birding hotspot and includes a restored wetland and native plantings.

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

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.
Feb.28: The College Area Community Council will meet on Wednesday at 7 p.m. The meeting will include reports on various public works projects and representatives from the Ventura Police Department and Ventura College. Wright Event Center at 57 Day Rd. Free parking is available adjacent to the Event Center. 644-8695 for more information.

March 2: On First Friday, Art City Gallery will test out its newly donated AV equipment (a gracious donation from Lorenzo DeStafano and the Ventura Film Society) with two film screenings, from 7-7:30 p.m. and 9-9:30 p.m. Steve Aguilar will show recent short films. Titles of short films to be seen include Shyanne Happens , The Duck, Black Sheep and others. Art City’s resident DJ DownNgoing will spin at least one set afterwards, into the night.

March 4: Sophia Kidd will teach Introduction to Chinese calligraphy to students of all ages, Sunday, 10-11:30 a.m., in the Gallery. $15 per student, room for five. Email: [email protected] or phone 836-1095 to rsvp or apply for a need-based scholarship. 197 Dubbers St. 648-1690. artcitygalleryandstudios.com

March 4: This month’s Free First Sunday, at the Museum of Ventura County explores the gentle art of rock stacking with self-taught artist Juan Manuel Cisneros. From noon–2 p.m., Manuel will be leading a workshop for youth and adults. His work may be viewed along E. Santa Clara Street and Junipero.

If stacking rocks is not your thing, then you can learn the fine art of rock painting from our own local Rock Fairy. All supplies provided. For information, visit venturamuseum.org or call 653-0323.

March 4: In addition to docent-led tours of the Dudley Historic House Museum, there will also be an orchid sale on the grounds and an early Easter gift sale in the gift shop. From 1-4 p.m. The museum, built in 1891, is located at Loma Vista and Ashwood streets. For information please call 642-3345 or visit the website at www.dudleyhouse.org.

March 6: Employment Development Department invites you to attend an

Employee or Independent Contractor Seminar 9 – 12:30 p.m. At the EDD Tax Office

Training Room 4820 McGrath Street, Suite 200. To make reservations, visit the EDD website at www.edd.ca.gov/Payroll_Tax_Seminars/ or call 866-873-6083. Requests for services, aids, and/or alternate formats need to be made prior to the event by calling 866-873-6083 (voice) or TTY 888-547-9565.

March 6 & 20 : Retired men will meet for lunch at the Elks lodge in Ventura at noon on Tuesdays. We will have a speaker on a topic of interest and various social activities. If this sounds like something you might enjoy, drop by, introduce yourself, and will foot the bill for your first lunch. Steve Carroll has the details for you at 642-1359.

March 7: California Lutheran University Science Faculty, William Bilodeau, PhD will visit the E.P. Foster Library Topping Assembly Room on Wednesday, at 7p.m. to deliver a lecture titled “Geology Rocks.”

Dr. Bilodeau will highlight the Ventura County’s structural geology, the volcanic and sedimentary origins of the western Santa Monica Mountains, and the tectonics of Southern California. Dr. Bilodeau will also comment on the recent post-Thomas Fire mudslides and slope stability in the hills above Ventura.

Irma Morales, Senior City Librarian, 648-2715.

March 9: The General George S. Patton, Jr. Chapter, Sons of the American Revolution March luncheon meeting will feature “Patton’s Finance Officer and his Warrior Ancestors”, presented by Mr. Douglas Millikin. At 11:30am in the Garden Room, Marie Callender’s Restaurant, 1295 S. Victoria Ave. All SAR & DAR Compatriots, friends, and visitors are welcome. If you choose to join lunch, cost is $20. For additional information or for assistance in determining your possible Revolutionary War genealogical roots, call Bill Bays 650-3036 or Robert Taylor 216-7992. For information regarding SAR membership and chapter activities, http://pattonpatriots.org.

March 11: The Channel Islands Chamber Orchestra, KuanFen Liu Artistic Director will present its third annual “Night at the Light Opera” concerts Sunday at 3 p.m. at First United Methodist Church 1338 E Santa Clara St. The concerts will feature vocal artists singing favorite arias and ensembles from operettas. Donations of $20 are appreciated. Youth 18 and under are free. For more information call 484-8000 or visit www.CHICOVC.org.

Lindsey Boubel and her basset hound George will visit the Ojai Library every second and fourth Wednesday from 3 to 4 p.m. Lindsey and George will also visit the Meiners Oaks Library every first and third Wednesday from 1 to 2 p.m. George is a certified therapy dog and will be available for children to read to as part of their new Paws for Reading program.

Shirley Waxman will visit the Ojai Library at 1 p.m. on Saturday, February 24, to deliver a talk entitled “POP Art and the American Dream.” This talk explores the works of the most celebrated American Pop artists, including Andy Warhol, James Rosenquist, Roy Lichtenstein, Jasper Johns, and Wayne Thiebauld, who all boldly experimented with new media and the American Dream.

At 3 p.m. on Saturday, February 17, the Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom (WILPF) will visit the Ojai Library to host a screening of the documentary film The Occupation of the American Mind. After the screening there will be a discussion facilitated by members of WILPF.

The Occupation of the American Mind explores the media-driven perception of Israel in the United States. This event is free and open to the public.

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.

Celebrity photographer Guy Webster returns to Ojai Photography Club with a presentation on “Second Look.” The event will be held on February 20, 7 p.m. at Help of Ojai’s Kent Hall, 111 Santa Ana St. The general public is always welcome to attend. Find more information at www.ojaiphotoclub.com/

Herb Walks with Lanny Kaufer and the Ojai Valley Green Coalition (OVGC) will present renowned fire ecology expert and author Richard Halsey on Saturday, February 17, in Ojai for a workshop on how to create resilient gardens and homes in Southern California as residents go forward in the post-Thomas Fire era. The day will begin at 10 a.m. with a morning walk and continue at 1:00 p.m. after a lunch break with a slideshow talk.

The cost for the full workshop is $25 for adults, $20 for seniors 62-up, and $15 for students 13-18 as well as those who lost residences or landscapes in the Thomas Fire. Admission for the afternoon session only is $15 for the general public or $10 for OVGC members. Scholarships also are available for the afternoon lecture through OVGC. For more information visit HerbWalks.com or call 646-6281.

The Ojai Mardi Gras Wake-Up! Krewe is excited to host the 28th Annual Mardi Gras Masquerade Ball, Saturday March 3rd, 7:30 pm till 1:00 am, at the Ojai Art Center, 113 Montgomery St.

This year’s theme is “Moulin Rouge – Too Loose to Trek.” There will be dancing, a costume contest, a traditional bead toss, can-can dancers, and the coronation of this year’s Royalty, a ménage à trois: Queen Luce (Lucy Roadarmel), Queen Too (Nancy Nazario) and King Trek (Bruce Smith). Winners will receive a free ticket to next year’s Mardi Gras.

Tickets for Mardi Gras are $25 in advance and $30 at the door. Advance tickets are available on-line at ojaimardigras.com, or can be purchased in Ojai at Studio Sauvageau, Cardinali Bros. Music, Ojai Coffee Roasting Co, and Ojai Creates. For more info call the Ojai Mardi Gras Hotline at 646-7843.

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 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].

Feb. 15: The regular monthly meeting of Assistance League of Ventura County will be at the Chapter House, 913 East Santa Clara St.  Doors open at 9:30 a.m., meeting begins at 10 a.m., with guests and new members welcome. 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 or [email protected].

Telephone: Monday – Thursday 8 – 2 p.m. 643-2458 

Feb.15: East Ventura Community Council meeting a representative of the Ventura Police Department will give an update on crime and safety. Development Chairperson Dan Cormode will present information about development and water issues. 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. Books in good condition are always accepted on behalf of Ventura Friends of the Library.

The meeting starts Thursday at 7 p.m. at the First Assembly of God Church, 346 N. Kimball Road.

The public is encouraged to attend and participate.

Feb. 17: Ventura Friends of the Library will hold a Book Sale at the Topping Room at E.P. Foster Library, 651 E. Main St. All genres, many Large Print titles and Children’s books, books individually priced

Members admitted 9 – 10 a.m. Open for all 10 – 3 p.m.

Feb. 18: 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 a.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 1 p.m. The program this month will be a presentation by Ken McWilliams on “Banjo Clocks”. Anyone interested in watches and clocks, (modern & antique) is invited to visit and join our chapter. There is a $3 admission charge. Lunch is available for $5 more. Watches & clocks will be on display. 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.

Feb. 20:  Speaker Antonio Sanchez Inviting California to Dinner: Bringing California native plant foods into your life and the future of native plant agriculture. This one of a kind presentation, led by native food enthusiast Antonio Sanchez, discusses the ancient and emerging field of California native foods and their cultivation. With an eye on the past and the many living traditions that have been passed down by local indigenous peoples, this unique lecture explores how old ways can combine with new ways to find a place in local gardens and kitchens. Doors open at 7 p.m., lecture from 7:30 – 9p.m., Topping Room, E.P. Foster Library. Website: http://www.cnpsci.org/ Email: [email protected] Co-founder of Nopalito Native Plant Nursery in Ventura.

Feb.20: Retired men with some spare time. Drop in for a Tuesday meeting of the Ventura Retired Men at the Elks lodge. It’s better than a movie, sure beats a bar and we’ll pick up the tab for your lunch. Call Steve Carroll for all the fine print at 642-1359

Feb.22: 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 Main Street Restaurant and Steakhouse, 3159 East Main Street. We will gather at 11:30 a.m. for a 12 p.m. no host luncheon/meeting. For more information and reservation please call Cora Corella at 483-6285.

Feb. 23: Ventura County Bell Arts Song Circle 4th Friday of each month, 7-10 p.m. 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 at the Bell Arts Factory Community Room, 432 N. Ventura Ave. Listeners are welcome. Mike Wittlin, 750-8281.

Feb.24: Open House for Hokuloa Outrigger Canoe Club. Saturday, from 10- 1p.m.

Adults and children ages 9 and up are invited to try outrigger paddling. We are located at Ventura Harbor Cove Beach. Wear clothing that can get wet, sunglasses, hat, and sunscreen. You must be able to swim. Check us out at Hokuloaoutrigger.com

Feb.24: Free Landscape Class- Regrowing from the Ashes: An Opportunity to Reestablish & Reclaim Our California Landscape. Come join us as we focus on understanding local fire ecology, and how to maximize this critical time’s opportunities to transform our burnt and ash-blanketed landscapes back to their vibrant, lush, and resilient natural states. Saturday, from 9 a.m. to Noon at Oak View Park & Resource Center at 555 Mahoney Ave, Oak View. RSVP at [email protected] or 469-2251 Ext. 105.

March 3,4: The Annual Gem, Mineral, Lapidary and Fossil Show of the Ventura Gem and Mineral Society (VGMS)  takes place at the Ventura County Fairgrounds 10 – 5 p.m., Saturday 10 – 4 p.m., Sunday admission is free. Fairgrounds charges $5 for parking. This show will feature 60+ displays of gems, minerals, fossils, and award-winning handcrafted jewelry.  Among these will be educational exhibits of fossils collected locally in and around Ventura County. The show is the society’s major fund-raising event helping to underwrite educational activities, including their annual college scholarship. For further details, call VGMS President Diane Cook 312-8467, or i[email protected], or web site at www.vgms.org.