Avenue Library
Children & Family Events
Día de los Niños/Dίa de los Libros
4/28 Saturday @ 11:00 am—2:00 pm
Join the Avenue Library as hundreds of libraries throughout the country host special multicultural events in celebration of Día (El día de los niños/El día de los libros, Children’s Day/Book Day).

E.P. Foster Library
Adult Programs & Special Events
Educational Nature Series: Shark Bite
4/11 Wednesday @ 7-8pm
Bryan Swig, Ph.D. will present his research on the tooth fragment that he used to extract DNA from one of the fatal attacks that occurred at Surf Beach.

Educational Nature Series: Let’s Monkey Around
4/24 Tuesday @ 7-8pm
Anita Stone, Ph.D. will present her research on the primate life histories, social behavior and mating habits of squirrel monkeys. Lecture series featuring research from California Lutheran University science faculty

California Native Plant Society Lecture
4/17 Tuesday @ 7-9pm
Please join us for an interesting and enlightening lecture series presented by the California Native Plant Society, Channel Islands Chapter. See you in the Topping Room!

Adult STEAM Workshop
4/21 Saturday @2-3pm, 3rd Saturday of the month
Do you want to learn about what’s new in Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math (STEAM)? Each month a different themed program will be presented. See you in the Makerspace! This month we will explore Fiber arts.

Ongoing Events
Children’s Events
Early Literacy Class
4/3, 4, 10, 11, 17, 18, 24, & 25
Tuesdays & Wednesdays @ 10:30am
A great way to introduce your child to early literacy and the library. Join us every week for stories, poems, music, movement, a simple craft, and fun!

Teen Happenings
Teens and Money
4/21 Saturday @ 10-11am in the Topping Room
Learn about managing money effectively, preparing for common upcoming bills, establishing credit, managing their own budget, and ways to track spending. Presented by Patti Braga with Ventura County Credit Union.
Steam Monthly
4/11 Wednesday @ 4-6pm
Steam Monthly is a structured event in the E.P. Foster Library Makerspace. This month will have a game design focus.

Hill Road Library
Children’s Events
Discover Science
4/3 Tuesday @ 4pm
Join Rachel Chang for this hands on workshop as she demonstrates science principles of chemistry, physics, and biology.
Maker Lab
4/12 Thursday @ 4pm
Join us each month as we learn how to use a 3D printer, build with Legos, connect squishy circuits, or create with VEX robotics. Aimed at 10 and up.

Adult Events
Author Panel
4/28 Saturday @ 11am—1pm
Everything you always wanted to know about novel writing but were afraid to ask: 4 local authors share their individual experiences from Concept to Publishing.
Saticoy Library
Children & Family Events
Lego Play
4/2, 9, 16, 23, & 30 Mondays @ 1- 5pm
Build, Learn, and Play! Bring your imagination and experiment with creative designs. Children of all ages welcome!

Adult Classes & Events
English Classes
4/2, 4, 9, 11, 16, 18,23, 25, &30
Monday & Wednesday @ 3- 5pm
ESL Conversation Groups hosted by Laubach Literacy of Ventura County

On April 23, Ojai’s own Carol Kline, a N.Y. Times best-selling author who co-wrote several books for the “Chicken Soup” series will be the guest speaker at the Salon. Her topic for the evening will be on writing narrative non-fiction such as memoirs, and about self-publishing self-help books. The Salon begins at 7 PM in the Ojai Art Center Gallery.

A freelance writer/editor for more than thirty years, Carol specializes in narrative non-fiction and self-help books and has taught meditation programs to the general public since 1975.

Come at 7:00 p.m. in the Ojai Art Center gallery for her talk, followed by a reception and book signing. The event is free or a suggested donation of $5.00.

Performances To Grow On will present a performance with internationally renowned storyteller Clare Murphy on Saturday, April 21 at 8 pm at the Topa Topa Winery, 821 W. Ojai Ave. The performance is a benefit for the upcoming Ojai Storytelling Festival, Oct. 25-28, 2018. Tickets are $20 and are available at ojaistoryfest.org. Local musician, Cindy Kalmenson will open the performance at the winery. Food and wine will be available for purchase at the event.

Ojai Valley Lavender Festival, Inc. (OVLF) invites local artists to submit lavender-themed art to the 2018 OVLF Art Contest. Jury-selected works will exhibit at The Oaks in Ojai, June 4-29, and display for sale at the Ojai Valley Lavender Festival in Libbey Park, June 30.

Submission date is June 3, 3pm-5pm at The Oaks in Ojai. Works should be 2-D, sized up to 30”; maximum 2 entries per artist; no entry fee. See www.ojaivalleylavenderfestival.org for complete details.

Submissions are now open 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.

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

The early deadline is on April 1, for a fee of $25, the late deadline on June 1, for a fee of $35, the regular deadline on May 1, for a fee of $45, and the extended deadline is on July 1 for a fee of $55.

To enter go to www.ojaifilmfestival.com/entries/

There will be a free Ojai Chautauqua Panel on Water for the Ojai Valley on Sunday, April 15, from 3:00-5:00PM at the Matilija Junior High Auditorium, located at 703 El Paseo Road.

Admission is free thanks to private donations and support from the Ojai Valley Chamber of Commerce and Oak Grove School. Seating is limited. Reservations are strongly recommended. Visit www.ojaichat.org.

In addition to panels promoting civil discourse on topics of national concern, The Ojai Chautauqua is launching a series of events specifically focused on issues facing the Ojai Valley. The moderator will be Richard Hajas, member of the Ojai Valley Water Advisory Group, and the panelists will include Tom Ash, water conservation expert and horticulturalist, Mary Bergen, board member of the Casitas Municipal Water District, Connor Jones, Ojai Permaculture founder, Bruce Kuebler, board member of the Ventura River Water District, Alex Kim, managing director of the Ojai Valley Inn, and Bill Weirick, Ojai City council member.

The purpose of the Ojai Chautauqua is to engage Ventura County in civil discourse about controversial and highly passionate subjects.

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. 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.

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.

Richard Hatcher at 644-2733.

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. Agriculture Museum in Santa Paula. The exhibit runs through July 16. 26 Railroad Avenue, Santa Paula is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Wednesday through Sunday. For more information, visit venturamuseum.org or call 525-3100.

Sandbox Coffeehouse is celebrating its 6 year Anniversary. They will be celebrating this weekend with live music, gourmet tacos- and beer and wine, served every day. Sandbox Coffeehouse would like to thank Ventura and its partners for their support and kindness. 204 East Thompson Blvd. www.sandboxcoffeehouse.com www.facebook.com/sandboxcoffehouse

www.yelp.com/sandboxcoffeehouse

Mar.28: The College Area Community Council will meet on Wednesday at 7 p.m. The program will include a discussion of recent rainstorms and the fire recovery process and a consideration of the proposal to change CACC boundaries to align with the new City Council District 3. Matt LaVere, Council member. Ventura Police Department and Ventura College will be there to discuss neighborhood issues. CACC represents citizens between Mills and Victoria bordered by Foothill and Hwy. 126. Call 644-8695 for more information.”

Mar. 31: Author, Gary Gasaway will be appearing at Bank of Books 748 E. Main St. at 1p.m. After the meet and greet, there will be a signing of The Coach’s Chronicles III. 643-3154

Audubon events:

Apr. 1: 8:30 a.m. Ojai Meadows Raeann Koerner 701-1919. This beautiful preserve is a birding hotspot and includes a restored wetland and native plantings .

Apr. 7: 9 a.m. Work Day Hedrick Ranch Nature Area (HRNA) Spring Clean Up Sandy Hedrick 340-0478.

Arrive at 8 a.m. for self-guided birding which usually yields some interesting birds. This will be our Spring Clean Up.

Apr. 11: 8:30 a.m. Lake Casitas, Adele Fergusson 415-4304

We will be looking for hummingbirds, grosbeaks, gnatcatchers as well as ducks, geese and waterfowl. Hopefully we will see a Bald Eagle.

Apr. 15: 8 a.m. Krotona Institute Jesse Grantham [email protected]

Krotona Institute is a theosophical study center, with acres of beautiful grounds, including grasslands, pines, oaks, and ornamental plants with a lot of water features.

Apr. 22: 2 p.m. Ventura Settling Ponds, Frank DeMartino 906-8733

The settling ponds at the Ventura Harbor is a reliable place to find ducks, grebes, gulls and terns, as well as songbirds and raptors.

Apr. 28: 8:30 a.m. Emma Woods Linda Easter (818) 519-2833

We will begin at the entrance to Emma Wood State Beach and follow the path that leads through the willow forest. The estuary is always an exciting place to bird, and target birds.

Apr. 5: The Ventura County Chapter of the Military Officers Association of America will meet at 11:30 a.m. on Thursday at the Bard Mansion on the NBVC Port Hueneme. The meeting includes Lunch and a presentation by Mike Pettit, Director, Ventura County IT Department. Tickets cost $15 per person paid at the door. Call Jon at 642-6748 for more information.

Apr.8: On Sunday at 2 p.m. the Ventura Friends of the Library & Museum of Ventura County, presents the Tri-County premiere of the film EX LIBRIS: The New York Public Library.

Located in the Museum Pavilion. Free to the public, the event marks the opening of National Library Week. There will be an intermission with light refreshments provided by the Museum’s Volunteer Docent Council. Mary Olson 223-1187

Apr.8: Old-Time Country Bluegrass Gospel Music Assoc. performance – Sunday, 2:30-4:30 meeting at new location… Knights Of Columbus Hall, 36 Figueroa ,Ventura.

Free admission, free parking in the rear, Open to public. For more information visit Facebook OTCBGMA or call 517-1131.

Apr.10: Ventura Audubon Society presents Allison Alvarado who will be discussing her past and current research with Hermit Thrushes. Allison Alvarado is an Assistant Professor of Biology at Cal State University Channel Islands. She has worked with Hawaiian Honeycreepers on the Big Island, Fairy Wrens in Australia, Neotropical migrants in Alaska, and the San Clemente Loggerhead Shrike. Discussion begins at 7:30 p.m. at the Poinsettia Pavilion.

Apr. 11: The Ventura County Camera Club will hold its monthly meeting on Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. at the Poinsettia Pavilion. The first part of the meeting will be an instructional workshop. This will be followed by the showing of member images. Anyone with an interest in photography is welcome and admission is free. See the club’s web site for more information about the club and examples of member’s work or call 908-5663. WWW.VenturaCountyCameraClub.com

Apr. 14: The Ventura Personal Computer Users Group will meet Saturday, at the Cypress Place Active Senior Living building, 1220 Cypress Place. A workshop on manipulating picture files will begin at 9:30 a.m., followed by a Q&A session, and presentation at 11 a.m. by Bonnie Wiley on Primrose Excursions. Everyone who would like to know more about their computer or excursions is welcome to attend any or all sessions. For more information 648-1368.

Apr.21: Learn all about growing water saving California native plants. Members of the Master Gardeners club of Ventura will be available to offer free instruction to the public on how to plant and care for California native plants. Located at 1901 Spinnaker Drive in the Ventura Harbor. Plants for sale will be available in front of the National Park Service visitor center. Saturday 9a.m. until 1 p.m.

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.