Local photographer Stephen Adams will visit the Ojai Library at 10 a.m. on Sat., Feb. 11 to present a seminar titled “Better Family Photos.” This seminar is for family photographers who know the basics of taking photos with a smartphone or pocket camera but are not satisfied with their results.

Adams earned his M.A. from San Diego State University in Television and Film and has taught classes at SDSU and community colleges. You can see more of his work at www.StephenAdamsPhoto.com.

Registration is required email [email protected]. This event is free and open to the public.

On Sat., Feb. 11 Heather Castillo will be at  the Ojai Library at 1 p.m., to deliver a talk titled “TADA! Validating the Magic of Theatre and Dance.” Castillo comes from CSU Channel Islands (CI), and is the first speaker in this season’s CI Library Lecture Series.

On Sep. 26, 2016 Governor Brown signed SB 916, the TADA! Act into law. Written by Senator Ben Allen of Santa Monica, the Theatre and Dance Act will provide all students in California access to dance and theatre as part of their public education experience. Heather will discuss the benefits of inclusive arts education and its new required prominence in K-12 education.

Opera Santa Barbara will present a series of Free Noontime Concerts at the Ojai Library on the second Thursdays of February, March, and May, 2017. Each concert will begin at 12 p.m. in the main room of the library and will last approximately 45 minutes. Their first concert will be on Thursday, February 9.

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.

Performances To Grow On is proud to present Animalia, a performance featuring the puppets of Hobey Ford on Saturday, Feb. 18 at 3 pm at the Ojai Art Center, 113 S. Montgomery.  Tickets in advance are $15 for adults and $10 for children and tickets are available online at www.ptgo.org by phone at 310-890-1439 or at the Ojai Coffee Roasting Company. Tickets are $5 more at the door.

The quintessential favorite, Hobey Ford’s “Animalia” explores the magical world of animals.

The Ojai Raptor Center (ORC) takes in about 1,000 sick, injured, and orphaned wild animals each year, specializing in birds of prey, with rehabilitation and release back to the wild always being the main goal.  ORC receives the majority of these patient admissions between the months of April-August and is looking to recruit  new volunteers for the upcoming nesting season.  ORC is seeking volunteers, over the age of 17, who can commit to at least one 4 hour volunteer shift per week.  If you are interested the annual New Volunteer Orientation on Feb. 19 at 1pm. Held at 370 Baldwin Rd Building E1. Please bring something to sit on.

Ojai Raptor Center’s Director Kim Stroud and her staff will discuss different volunteer opportunities available, and what to expect when working with wildlife, and birds of prey. For more information on volunteering with ORC, please visit http://www.ojairaptorcenter.org/volunteer-information/

The Ojai Studio Artists organization is awarding over $10,000.00 for art scholarships this year to qualified high school and college students who are residents of Ventura County and plan on pursuing a career in the visual arts.  Applicants are eligible to receive one scholarship award per year with a maximum of four scholarships total.

This is a wonderful opportunity for art students to receive financial aid, to augment their resumes and to connect with OSA’s vibrant community of artists.  Professional artists from OSA will jury the digital entries, awarding scholarships based on merit, varying from $50 to $2000.

Since its inception, the Ojai Studio Artists (OSA), a 501 (c) (3) California non-profit organization, has raised well over $200,000.00 for educational support.

Application forms and submission requirements can be downloaded at: www.ojaistudioartists.org.  Applications must be received by Friday, May 5, 2017.

Events by Ana Baker

Free admission stage show, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. First Sunday of every month.  Old Time Country Bluegrass Gospel Music Assoc. Poinsettia Pavilion, 3451 Foothill Rd. For more Information call 517-1131.

Ventura Poinsettia Dance Club meets every Monday from 7:30 p.m. to 9:45 p.m. at the Poinsettia Pavilion. Ballroom, swing, Latin, mixers and line dancing. Members $10, non-members $12. Call Rick at 415-8842 for more information.

Audubon events
Feb. 4: 8 a.m., Work Day Hedrick Ranch Nature Area. Sandy Hedrick 340-0478. 8 a.m. for self-guided birding. Work from 9 a.m. to noon. Long pants and boots or closed shoes are required. Bring water, gloves and sun protection.

Feb. 11: 8:30 a.m., Soule Park. David Wappler 706-416-8555. Situated in east Ojai, this large park offers grasslands, large deciduous trees and riparian habitat that bring out winter feeding flocks.

Feb. 5: Citizens for Peaceful Resolutions meeting on Sunday, 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.  E.P. Foster Library, Topping Room. Topic will be on Non-Violent Communication. Victoria Kindle Hodson internationally recognized author, and passionate proponent of respectful interactions between people will be the speaker. Admission Free. For more information on Citizens for Peaceful Resolutions  www.c-p-r.net, or  Mary Olson 223-1187

Feb.6: Toastmasters International Speech craft Course, attendees of all experience levels will learn how to develop and improve public speaking skills with growing confidence.  Taught over 8 meetings on the first and third Monday evening of each month. The mission of Toastmasters is to empower individuals to become more effective communicators and leaders. February 6, 10; March 6, 20; April 3, 17; May 8, 22; from 7 p.m. to 8:45 p.m. $75 cost includes course materials.  Union Community Partners Building 801 S Victoria Suite 201.  http://800498.toastmastersclubs.org/For more details contact Ed Blumenstock 746-5732

Feb.8: The Ventura County Camera Club will hold a critique meeting on Wednesday, at 7 p.m. at the Poinsettia Pavilion. A professional photographer will critique member’s prints and digital images. Each month a special topic is chosen which features interesting aspect of photography.  Anyone with an interest in photography is welcome and admission is free. Only members may submit images for critique. See the club’s web site for more information or call 908-5663. WWW.VenturaCountyCameraClub.com

Feb.9: The Ventura County Climate Hub meeting will be a goal setting meeting for climate policy, events and celebrations. The Ventura County Climate Hub is a grassroots, non-partisan local affiliate of 350 along with 26 local partner organizations.  Planning will focus in three areas: policy, transition actions, arts, media and celebrations from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Unitarian-Universalist Church of Ventura, 5654 Ralston St.  To create a local movement working to reverse climate change by engaging together to promote clean energy, environmental justice, appreciation for the interconnectedness of humans in the ecosystem, and celebration of the beauty of our planet.

Feb.10: The General George S. Patton, Jr. Chapter, Sons of the American Revolution February luncheon meeting ” Military Advisor to Iraqi Police Commandos “, presented by Mr. Marty Spann.  The event will take place at 11:30 a.m. in the Garden Room, Marie Callender’s Restaurant.  The cost for lunch is $20 per person.  For additional information or for assistance in determining your possible Revolutionary War genealogical roots, call Bill Bays 650-3036 or Robert Taylor

216-7992. the chapter website is http://pattonpatriots.org.

Feb.11: The 9:15 a.m. workshop for the Ventura Beginners PC Users Group on Saturday, will be Creating Your Own Greeting Cards. Gmail and Other Google Services will begin at 11 a.m.  The group meets on the third floor lounge of Cypress Place Independent Living at 1220 Cypress Point Lane. All beginning and intermediate computer users are welcome to attend. For further information, call 648-1368.

Feb. 13: The Ventura Poinsettia Dance Club presents the Valentines Ballroom Dance. Debut performance of the Ventura Jazz Trio which is an extension of the Ventura Jazz Orchestra. Featuring the vocal stylings of Lisa Pardini. Cha cha, Rumba, Foxtrot, Swing, or just listen. Monday from 7:30 p.m. to 9:45 p.m. at the Poinsettia Pavilion Ballroom.  Admission is $12, $10 for members and $5 for students. Free refreshments and parking. For more information call 648-1143.

Feb.14:  The Evolution of Ventura Audubons Shorebird Recovery Program at 7:30 p.m. At the Poinsettia Pavilion. Cynthia Hartley, Vice President, Ventura Audubon.  Cynthia obtained her federal recovery permit in 2008 and has been working on Snowy Plover recovery at Ormond Beach ever since. Cynthia has a master’s degree in geographic information science (GIS) from the University of Maryland and teaches GIS at CSUCI.  Cynthia will share her experiences from 20 years of work at Ormond Beach.

Feb.19: The Ventura/Santa Barbara chapter of the National Association of Watch & Clock Collectors presents the Seaside Clock and Watch show at the Ventura Fairgrounds. The show is open to the public and admission is only $5 with children 16 and under and active military free. The hours are from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. There will be hundreds of antique watches and clocks on display and for sale. Free evaluations of a guest’s clock or watch will be available to learn about its condition and history. Limit of one item per guest. Ventura County Fairgrounds, Seaside Park, Santa Cruz Hall.  www.nawcc-ch190.com or email [email protected] or call 647-6463.

City of Ventura Barranca Vista Imagination Center classes.  Check out hundreds more on web-site

Call  658-4726 or 654-7553 to register, if you already have an ACTIVENET account online, visit www.cityofventura.net Classes and events held at the Barranca Vista Center ~ 7050 Ralston Street in Ventura unless otherwise noted

New Year-New You!  18 years-adult
1/20     F          9:30 am-12:30 pm        $40+$20 materials fee  #8221
Join Alison Mytych and your friends for hikes, art projects, camaraderie and new perspectives on our great state. Meet in the City Hall Atrium for an “art hike” up the moderate-to-easy trails behind City Hall. Class held at 501 Poli St.

Friday Night Tap  12 years-adult
1/20-2/10         F          6:30-7:30 pm   $40      #8015
Learn basic steps, combinations and routines to upbeat rhythms and music. Classes are progressive but designed for the beginner. Instructor Elli Busch. Classes held at Billy Clower Dance Studio, 75 MacMillian Ave. in Ventura.

Mad Science System 3: Did Someone Say Science?  5-12 years
1/24-2/28         Tu        4:30-5:30         $115+ $35 supply fee  #8189
Discover the wonders of chemistry, flight and aerodynamics. Experiment with inertia, gravity and centrifugal force. Find out the science behind magic tricks, analyze structures and experiment with conductors to create your very own circuit to take home.

Basic Guitar  9 years-adult
1/24-2/28         Tu        7-8:30 pm        $55      #8039
Bring your own acoustic or electric guitar to learn folk and pop strums, patterns and chord progressions. At Dudley House, 197 N Ashwood St. Instructor Randy Covington.

Big City Inspirations  18 years-adult
1/25-2/22         W        10-11:30 am     $85      #8080
Use wood, paint, fabric and found objects to create skylines, people and interiors inspired by the world’s big cities. Instructor Judee Hauer.

Adult Ballet  18 years-adult
1/25-3/15         W        7:30-8:30 pm   $60      #8084
Release stress as you tone, strengthen and increase flexibility. Wear comfortable clothes for easy movement. Instructor Jenae Kartawidjaja.

Rubicon Theatre Company presents Gulf View Drive , the third and final play in Arlene Hutton’s Nibroc Trilogy, directed by Indy award-winner Katharine Farmer with the same cast reprising their critically-acclaimed roles from the Los Angeles Times “Critic’s Choice” productions of Last Train to Nibroc and last season’s See Rock City. Lily Nicksay of “Boy Meets World and Erik Odom of “The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 2” return as May and Raleigh, along with See Rock City featured cast members Clarinda Ross (Spit Like a Big Girl) and Sharon Sharth (Waiting for Grace). Joining the cast is returning Rubicon artist Faline England (Crimes of the Heart (Indy Award)/Turn of the Screw (Ovation Nomination).

The ongoing love story of May and Raleigh concludes with the Kentucky couple now living comfortably in Florida, where their settled life is once again rocked by the arrival of family and turbulent events that threaten their sunny existence. Their love and devotion are put to the test when they must make unconventional decisions in a rapidly changing world, reshaping their idyllic 1950’s lifestyle. Gulf View Drive opens on Saturday, January 28 at 7:00 p.m., with previews January 25-27, continuing through February 12.

Rubicon Theatre Company
Ventura’s Downtown Cultural District
1006 E. Main St.

Ticket Range: $30 – $55 ($99 for opening night including post-show party.)
Previews: $30-$35
Prices above do not include a $4 ticket service fee
Discounts Available for Groups of 10+
Discounts for Seniors 65 and over, Students, Teachers and Military available
Box Office (for single and group tickets) 667.2900

2/10 Friday, noon
Spend your lunch hour listening to members of the Mosher Studio Artist Program, who will perform a selection of popular opera arias and duets as well as some musical theatre pieces. The concert will also offer a “preview” of Opera Santa Barbara’s upcoming productions.

2/27 Monday, 5:30pm
Just received a ukulele as a gift? Found an old ukulele in the closet? The perfect opportunity for you to develop your ukulele skills with “Your first ukulele lesson”. Alan Ferentz will provide the musical instruction.

2/25 Saturday, 2-4pm
Join for another crafty year of assemblage, collage and altered book crafting with Ron Smith.

2/21 Tuesday, 6:30-9:00 in the Topping Room
“The Drought Defying California Garden” presented by the California Native Plant Society, Channel Islands Chapter.

2/4, 11, 18, & 25  Saturdays, 10:30am in the Rentfrow Room
Are you learning Spanish but need some practice speaking? Join this informal group to chat and practice your Español! Bring your own coffee

New Day!
Library LAB Open Workshop
2/6, 13, 20, & 27  Mondays @ 5-6pm
Come by the library on Monday evenings to learn more about our 3D printer and laser cutter or to use them yourself! Ask the library staff about what you need to bring to print or engrave an item of your own, or just drop in to see what we’re up to in our library makerspace, now upstairs!

Makerspace Open Workshop
2/1, 8, 15, & 22 Wednesdays @ 5-6 pm Come by the library on Wednesday evenings to learn more about our 3D printer and laser cutter—or to use them yourself! Ask the library staff about what you need to bring to print or engrave an item of your own, or just drop in to see what we’re up to in our library Makerspace, now upstairs!

Poetry Open Mic Night
2/2, 9, 16, & 23 Thursdays @ 7:30-9pm
On these Thursday nights, come join this group of writers as they meet in the Topping Room to share their work.

Ukulele Jam Session
2/13 & 27 Mondays @ 7-10pm
Locals gather to play the ukulele on the first and third Monday of the month.

Spontaneous Chess
2/4, 11, 18, & 25 Saturdays @ 1pm
Calling all chess players! Keep your skills sharp with this one-hour, drop-in session of free play. Boards will be set up and ready to go. Bring your best moves!

Dance Party! 2/10 Friday & 2/18 Saturday, 10:00am in the Topping Room
Enjoy non-stop music and movement for children ages 2-5 and their grownups.

2/2 Thursday, 10:30am-12pm
STEAM monthly will explore concepts related to science, technology, engineering, art, & math in fun and sometimes silly ways.

2/1, 8, 15, & 22 Wednesdays, 4-5pm in the Makerspace
Learn and have fun in the Code Club! Kids will be introduced to computer programming using Code.org and Scratch. They will build confidence in computer science through  self-directed skill building, critical thinking, collaboration, and creativity.

No computer experience needed *Aimed at kids 8 – 13*
Bring your own laptop to connect and follow- along 10 library laptops will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis

2/25 Saturday, 10am-4pm 4th annual Mini Comic Festival –
For comic lovers of all ages, there will be many activities, including an anime workshop for kids, zombie preparedness class, vendor tables, games, and special guests, including True Thomas the storyteller, and the Mandalorian Mercs, a very special Star Wars cosplay group.

Events by Ana Baker

Free admission stage show, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. First Sunday of every month.  Old Time Country Bluegrass Gospel Music Assoc. Poinsettia Pavilion, 3451 Foothill Rd. For more Information call 517-1131.

Ventura Poinsettia Dance Club meets every Monday from 7:30 p.m. to 9:45 p.m. at the Poinsettia Pavilion, 3451 Foothill. Ballroom, swing, Latin, mixers and line dancing. Members $10, non-members $12. Call Rick at 415-8842 for more information.

Jan. 18: The end of the year Luau for the Ventura Surf Club is Saturday at 5 p.m. everyone is welcome.

Intra club contest award ceremony at 5:30 p.m. Taco dinner with all the sides at 6 p.m. No host bar, cash only. Club members $ 20 and Nonmembers $ 30. Tickets are avail at Ventura Surf Shop, at the door, or on line at www.VenturaSurfClub.org/Luau.php Located at the Knights of Columbus 36 Figueroa St, 643-6756

Jan. 19: The regular monthly meeting of Assistance League of Ventura County will be conducted on at the Chapter House, 913 East Santa Clara St.  Meeting begins at 9:30 a.m. New members and guests are welcome.  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 3351 Telegraph Rd. helps fund these programs. Find more information on the Website assistanceleagueventuracounty.org or [email protected]. 643-2458

Jan. 19: The East Ventura Community Council will hear a status report from Commander Rick Payne of the Ventura Police Department, when it meets on Thursday, at 7 p.m., at the First Assembly of God Church, 346 N. Kimball Road. Jill Santos, Ventura County Manager for Food Forward will speak. Come and learn what they are accomplishing and how you might help them alleviate hunger in our community. Dan Cormode, Development Chairperson for the Council, will present an update on Ventura’s water supply. The council represents residents who live east of Victoria Avenue. Books in good condition are always accepted by San Buenaventura Friends of the Library. The public is encouraged to attend and participate. For more information call 804-7558 or visit the group’s Facebook.

Jan. 21: Creative ways around and through procrastination! Let’s have some fun. Did you know that it’s super common to procrastinate? Join professional organizer and certified creativity coach Tracy Wallace for creative solutions. EP Foster, Topping Room from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Jan. 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, including public safety and economic development. The upcoming meeting will include a report on property development in the area.  The Council, which represents citizens between Mills and Victoria bordered by Foothill and Hwy. 126, meets in the Wright Event Center at 57 Day Rd. on the Ventura College campus.  Free parking is available adjacent to the Event Center.  Call 644-8695 for more information.

Jan.28, 29. God and Country Rally.  Patriotic 2-day event for the whole family.  Saturday evening 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Enjoy patriotic music and singing, a free barbecue tri-tip meal, and an uplifting message from Dr. Jim Schettler, VP of West Coast Baptist College, Lancaster.  Sunday, January 29, the 2-day event will continue 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., with more great music, an All-American picnic lunch of barbecue burgers and hot dogs, and a jump house for the kids. Located at the Poinsettia Pavilion 3451 Foothill Road. For more information 209-550-1433 or www.everycityusa.org

Feb.5: The 1892 Dudley Historic House Museum will be open for docent-led tours from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. accompanied by period music in the parlor and upstairs library landing. Admission is free. The museum is located at the corner of Loma Vista and Ashwood streets in Ventura. For information please call 642-3345 or visit the website at www.dudleyhouse.org.

Feb. 6, 20: The Ventura County Philatelic Society Two Mondays, Feb.6th and 20th from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at the Church of the Foothills, 6279 Foothill Road.  Admission and parking are free. Stamp trading and camaraderie. Come for a great evening. Contact: [email protected] or 320-1601

Feb.7:  Mended Hearts of Ventura will meet Tuesday from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Community Memorial Hospital, 8th floor. Come share if you have had heart surgery or stent implant. Group meets the first Tuesday each month. They have excellent speakers, leading Cardiologists, Nutritionists, Dietitians, etc. from our area who give excellent information. Contact: Richard Hatcher 644-2733

The New York Post has compared him to superstar Lily Tomlin, saying storyteller/actor/writer Doug Motel “is one of those rare comedians who creates and becomes totally original characters.” His work has been seen all around the globe, but on January 28th, Motel returns to the stage in Ojai.

“Amuse-bouche – Morsels from the Mind of Storyteller Doug Motel” is an evening of stories selected from his original plays, books and essays –Performance is at 8pm on Saturday, January 28th at Kim Maxwell Studio, 226 West Ojai Avenue, #102. Tickets are $10 in advance and $12 at the door. Advance tickets available at: https://amuse-bouche2017.eventbrite.com.

Additionally, Doug will be leading a fun, inspiring workshop entitled “Playing the Game of 2017” on Sunday, January 29th,  at 4pm. This personal growth event will focus on imagining and creating the year of your dreams. Ticket price is only $15 if you book in advance and $20 at the door.

Ojai Library. Local students from the Thacher School will visit the library from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturday, January 28, to provide a special one-day-only Teens Teach Tech event.

Join Rev. Karen at Meditation Mount, on Saturday, January 21, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., for a morning devoted to inner peace—which, of course, is the foundation for outer peace in the world around us.

The morning will be devoted to contemplation, wisdom talks, prayer and quiet walks on the grounds of Meditation Mount. The retreat is by donation; $10 is suggested. Randee Vasilakos, RScP, assists and is available for personal prayer throughout the morning.

Meditation Mount is located at 10340 Reeves Road. For more information, contact Rev. Karen at 310-968-8928, or register online at www.karenswylie.com.

Join Ojai native plant guide Lanny Kaufer and special guest Professor James Adams of USC School of Pharmacy on Saturday, February 11, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. for a Winter Medicinal Plant Workshop on how to treat colds, flus and stay healthy in the winter with botanical home remedies.

The morning plant identification session will take place on the trail at the Ojai Valley Land Conservancy’s Ojai Meadows Preserve where Dr. Adams and Kaufer will identify and discuss the medicinal uses of a wide variety of native plants found in the mixed habitat. The afternoon hands-on preparation session will be held at a community kitchen in Ojai.

The morning outing from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. will be a slow-paced walk of about 1 mile round-trip on a level, well-used trail. After a one-hour lunch break, the afternoon kitchen session from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. will focus on preparing plants that can used for treating and preventing colds and flus.

The price for this full day workshop is $65 until January 28. After that, the cost will be $75. No dogs or smoking, please.

For more information or to register, visit HerbWalks.com, email [email protected] or call 805-646-6281.

The Ojai Valley Library Friends and Foundation presents the newly renovated Ojai Library Book Store, Twice-Sold Tales and the newly constructed Library Community room. on Sunday, January 22, at 2pm to celebrate the Grand Re-Opening of the book Store, All profits from the Book Store go to providing the three Ojai Valley Libraries:

The Beatrice Wood Center for the Arts in Upper Ojai will host a special Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar Workshop and Concert on Saturday January 21. It will begin with Double Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar Workshop with guitar masters Jim Kimo West and Ken Emerson, from 1:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Center’s 8585 Ojai-Santa Paula Road location.

The Day of Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar continues that evening with an intimate concert staring guitar masters Ken Emerson and Jim Kimo West starting at 6:30 p.m. at Logan House/Happy Valley Cultural Center.