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, first time dancers are free. Call Rick at 415-8842 for more information.

DBSA Ventura, the local chapter of the Depression & Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA) hosts two regular, confidential, peer-led, self-help support groups in the County. Tuesday from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Bible Fellowship Church at 6950 Ralston Street in Room 301 of Building 300. Email [email protected], visit facebook.com/DBSA.Ventura or call 253-3289 for more information. 1p.m. to 3p.m. at the New Visions Center on the first and third Saturdays of the month. At 1065 E. Main. Email [email protected], visit facebook.com/DBSA.Ventura or 746-3106 for more information.

There will be a regular Ventura Discussion Group meeting at Main Street Restaurant 3159 Main St., Wednesday from 4 p.m.to 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.

Nov.10, 11: Community Memorial Hospital’s Auxiliary Gift Shop is presenting a Masquerade Sale from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.  147 Brent Street, hospital lobby.  Lots of scarves, jewelry, bags, watches and novelty items priced at $6 for many items.  A great source for stocking suffers, and all those on your holiday gift list.  All proceeds from this sale will be for CMH.  Please shop for unique, great value gifts.  While you are visiting this sale, pick up an application to volunteer with the Auxiliary.

Nov.11: The General George S. Patton, Jr. Chapter, Sons of the American Revolution November luncheon meeting will feature the program “Kentucky “, presented by Barrie Walters.  The luncheon event will take place on Veterans Day, Friday, at 11:30 a.m., in the Garden Room, Marie Callender’s Restaurant.  All SAR & DAR Compatriots, friends, and visitors are welcome to join us. Lunch is $20 per person.  For additional information or for assistance in determining your possible Revolutionary War genealogical roots, please call Bill Bays 650-3036 or Robert Taylor 216-7992.  For information regarding SAR membership and chapter activities  http://pattonpatriots.org.

Nov.12: In conjunction with Veterans Day, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1679 in Ventura will host a family-friendly special event on Saturday. All military veterans, active service members, their families and the general public are invited to attend. Admission is free.

The Canteen opens at 10 a.m. The popular band Action Down entertains from noon to 4 p.m. Food will be available beginning at 1 p.m. and charitable drawings will be conducted throughout the afternoon. Proceeds benefit programs of the VFW and Auxiliary which assist veterans and their families. VFW Post 1679 is at 3801 Market St. Call 642-2674 for more information.

Nov. 12: Ventura Audubon Society 8:30 a.m. Ormond Beach Leader: David Torfeh 794-5334. Look for a variety of waterfowl such as willets, whimbrels, Black‑necked Stilts, and Black‑bellied Plovers. Meet at the Arnold Road entrance.

Nov.12: Field Trip, Geologic Overview of Ventura & Ojai, Saturday, from 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. For information please call 746-5826. Lead by K. Mason Redding CA Registered Geologist (RG 5785)

Nov.12: Ventura Singles Roundtable Discussion, Saturday from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.  Join us to talk about life, love, family, friends, work, fun, spirituality, whatever is on your mind, whatever is in your heart. By Dr. Vondie Lozano, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist. Group guided imagery/hypnosis included. Cost: free. V E.P. Foster Library, Topping Room. For more information go to https://www.meetup.com/Ventura-Singles-Roundtable-Discussions/events/

Nov. 15: Ventura Audubon Society 8:30 a.m. Lake Casitas.   Adele Fergusson 415-4304.  There will be lots of walking, so wear comfortable shoes and bring snacks and water. Target birds will include the resident Bald Eagles, Green-Backed Heron, Chipping and Lark Sparrows, Common Merganser and Spotted Sandpiper.  Park in front of the entrance to the Lake and walk in from there.

Nov.17: The regular monthly meeting of Assistance League of Ventura County will be at the Chapter House, 913 East Santa Clara St.  At 9:30am, with new members 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 helps fund these programs. Find more information assistanceleagueventuracounty.org.

Nov. 19: Ventura Audubon Society 8:30a.m. Carpinteria Salt Marsh. Rocky Ludes 208-9648
The Salt Marsh Reserve is an excellent birding location due to the estuary, wetlands, and upland habitats. Special birds including Belding’s Savannah Sparrow, Clapper Rail, Green Heron and California Thrasher.  Take HWY 101 North to Carpinteria, exit Casitas Pass Road., right on Carpinteria Ave, left on Linden and right on Sandylane Road to Ash. Park along Ash.

Nov. 19, 20: International ballet sensation, Aaron Smyth, will reprise his role as the Prince in Ventura County Ballet Company’s annual holiday production, Every performance are dedicated to the memory of long time cast member, supporter and community pillar, Sandra Laby. Maestro Robert Lawson will lead the 52-piece Ventura College Symphony Orchestra in playing Tchaikovsky’s classic score.  Nov. 19 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Nov. 20 at 2 p.m. Dec. 9 at 7 p.m., Dec. 10 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. and Dec. 11 at 2 p.m. at the Ventura College Performing Arts Center, 4700 Loma Vista.

Nov.19: Christian Edition, a widely traveled and acclaimed men’s chorus, will be in concert on Saturday, beginning at 11 a.m. at the Ventura Seventh-day Adventist Church.  This internationally known men’s chorus will present a program of classic Christian hymns and selected contemporary sacred music.  Bring your friends to this outstanding event.  6300 Telephone Road.  For more information call Polly at 642-5387.

Nov.20: Channel Islands Chamber Orchestra  with Kuanfen Liu, Artistic Director presents Jazzy Holiday with Miriam Arichea and The Rubicon Harmonix. Featuring  Piano Concerto No. 2 Op. 14 by Nikolai Kapustin with piano soloist Miriam Arichea.
Angel’s Carol & What Sweeter Music By John Rutter and other holiday favorites.
Sunday at 3 p.m. First United Methodist Church, 1338 E. Santa Clara St.
Donation of $20 appreciated
Youth 18 and under free
Information is available at 643-8621 or www.CHICOVC.org.

Nov.20: Live Your Best Life Hypnosis Meetup, Sunday at 5p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Join Dr. Vondie Lozano, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Certified Hypnotherapist for, “What Would You Like to Attract into Your Life?” Group Guided Imagery/Hypnosis included. Ventura E.P. Foster Library, Topping Room. For more information go to www.meetup.com/live-your-best-life-hypnosis/events/

Nov.21: CA Zeta Chi parliamentarians will meet at 7 p.m. and will feature a lesson by Jill Martinez entitled “More Meetings.”  Main Street Restaurant and Steakhouse, 3159 E. Main St.  Those wishing to eat should arrive at 6 p.m.  Non-members are welcome.  Membership is $25 per year.  For information, Sharon Hillbrant, 479-6738, or zetachi.webstarts.com.

Events by Ana Baker

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, first time dancers are free. Call Rick at 415-8842 for more information.

There will be a regular Ventura Discussion Group meeting at Main Street Restaurant 3159 Main St., Wednesday from 4 p.m.to 5:45 p.m. Several people stay for a drink and a bite to eat afterward. Bring an interesting topic to discuss.

Oct.26: The College Area Community Council will meet on Wednesday, at 7 p.m. at the Wright Event Center at Ventura College. The meeting will begin at 7 p.m. meet at 6:30 p.m. to take a short tour of the CAPS Media Center. The meeting will include our continuing discussion about zoning and property developments along Telegraph Rd and our first official election of officers.

Oct.27: Portuguese Fraternal Society of America.  The local chapter of PFSA (Council #128) will hold its monthly meeting on Thursday at Main Street Restaurant and Steakhouse, 3159 East Main Street, 11:30 a.m. for a 12 p.m. no host luncheon.  For more information and reservation, please call Cora Corella at 483-6285 or Yvonne Westervelt at 483-4168.

Oct. 29: Halloween Party at VFW Post 1679 on Saturday. A pot-luck dinner is set for 6 p.m. followed by “Scary-oke” (karaoke) at 7 p.m. Admission is free. Beverages can be purchased.

Halloween attire is encouraged (but not required) and a costume contest will take place with cash prizes of $50 for first place and $25 for second place. Benefits veterans and their families.

VFW Post 1679 is at 3801 Market St. For more information call 642-2674.

Oct.31: Halloween night, Monday, at 6 p.m. tune in News Talk 1590 KVTA as Celebrity Guest Host Tom Spence dares you to turn down the lights, crank up the sound, and hug your pumpkin! Every Now and Then Theatre with Conejo Players Theatre present, “Halloween with Grandpa,” with Aubree Spence in her international acting debut, enjoying Grandpa’s six stories:

Oct.31:  Join the Ventura Family YMCA for some Halloween fun from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Pacific View Mall. The fun will include snacks, Halloween crafts, and more.

Nov.2&3: Come one come all!  Community Memorial Hospital’s Auxiliary Gift Shop is having their Annual Holiday Boutique.   Wednesday from 10AM to 5PM and Thursday from 8AM to noon  the doors will be open for shopping.  The sale will be on the 8th floor in Nichols Auditorium.

CMH Auxiliary Members will offer  handmade crafts, knits, etc.   Auxiliary members have obtained from local merchants (too many to list here) valuable gift certificates and products that will be available for purchase. Donated bottles of wine from local wineries will be raffled.  Additionally, there will be a White Elephant Sale.

All proceeds from this sale and all Gift Shop sales are donated back to CMH annually.  While shopping, consider picking up a volunteer application form.  With the opening of the new hospital next year, the Auxiliary will need many new volunteer members.

Nov.2:  Ventura County Garden Club presents McGrath Family Farms Tour Wednesday, at 11a.m. Located at 1012 W. Ventura Blvd. Camarillo. Cost is $7 a person. Over 30 years of providing educational tours should make this an interesting experience. Lunch to follow at Soup plantation, Camarillo.

Nov.2: The Beach Cities Neighbors and Newcomers Club, (BCNN ) is a group of active women who enjoy sharing activities. Monthly meeting from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Ventura Museum Pavilion No charge for meeting and no reservation is required. A song and Dance Performance by “Tatjana”, a professional and talented one woman show will be presented!

Nov.3-6: Ventura Unified High Schools Book Fair . Shop at Barnes & Noble Ventura on these dates and Barnes & Noble will donate 15% or more to your Ventura Unified high school of choice. All the Ventura Unified high schools are participating, Buena, El Camino, Foothill, Pacific and Ventura. Mention your school of choice at the register. Everything counts towards the Bookfair, including purchases of books, games, toys, music, movies, Café food & drink, and more! Please support our Ventura Unified High School Libraries!

Nov 5: Gold Coast Concert Chorus will be having their 4th Annual Silent and Live Auction Fundraiser. Saturday from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Church of the Foothills 6279 Foothill Rd. Appetizers, desserts, beer and wine. Free admission.  Auction items include: vacations, themed gift baskets, original artwork from local artists, dinners, hair care, jewelry, personal services and much more. More information www.goldcoastchorus.org

Nov. 6: Old-Time Country Bluegrass Gospel Music Association presents free music concerts on the first Sunday of every month at the Poinsettia Pavilion from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.  Our next concert session features the lively, versatile and talented “Old Country Grass Band”.  For more information call 517-1131.

Nov.6: 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. For information 642-3345 or www.dudleyhouse.org.

Nov.7 & 21: Stamp trading and camaraderie at the Church of the Foothills, 6279 Foothill Road from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.  Admission and parking are free. Come for a great evening.  They are a fun group. Contact [email protected] or 320-1601

Nov.9: The Ventura County Camera Club will hold a critique meeting on Wednesday at 7 p.m. at the Poinsettia Pavilion. A professional photographer from the area will critique member’s prints and digital images. Each month a special topic is chosen which features some interesting aspect of photography. This month’s topic is “Architecture”. 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 about the club and examples of member’s work or call 908-5663.  WWW.VenturaCountyCameraClub.com

Nov.10: The Ventura County Professional Women’s Network (VCPWN), supporting the interests of women business owners and professionals, is hosting their monthly dinner meeting.  Thursday, at the Wedgewood Banquet Center.  Networking starts at 5:30 and dinner is from 6:00pm to 8:15pm. The cost for the dinner meeting is $28 for members and $33 for guests and members who register late. www.vcpwn.org.

Nov.18&19: Kris Kringle Boutique & Holiday Show. Two days only. Open to the public, plus free admission and featuring over 35 vendors. Get started on your holiday shopping with handcrafted and garden decor, jewelry, clothing and much more.  North Ranch Community Center, 1400 N. Westlake Blvd, Westlake Village. This is a Toys for Tots benefit so bring a new unwrapped toy if you please and be sure to see their ad in the next issue for all the information. 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on [email protected]

Nov: 19:  St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 3290 Loma Vista Road welcomes all to the Festive Flamingo Bazaar being hosted on Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.  A wide variety of local crafters and personal style, sweets and home goods specialists will gather together to help shoppers find the perfect gift to fulfill their holiday shopping list, or find something special for themselves.  Also a home-baked goods sale, raffle and refreshments including Luau BBQ by Big Mann BBQ.

Altered Book Workshop
11/ 2 & 16 Wednesdays @ 6pm
Repurpose an old book into a new piece of art.  Bring an old book and your imagination. Local artist Ron Smith will be leading this workshop. Some materials will be supplied but feel free to bring special items for your altered book.

EP Foster Library and the Justice Bus Project are partnering with Bryan Cave, Bank of America, and Public Counsel Center for Veterans Advancement to provide a free legal clinic to underserved veterans in great need of assistance with VA benefits and criminal record expungement. Medicare 101 with speaker Samuel Schwartz

Adult Coloring Book Break
11/2, 9, 16, 23, & 30 Wednesdays @ 12-2pm
Join for some stress relieving coloring. Coloring sheets and pencils provided. Available from 12pm to 2pm so stop by for a minute or ten!

Library LAB Open Workshop
11/2, 9, 16, 23, & 30 Wednesdays @ 4:30-6:30pm
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.

Stuffed Animal Sleepover
11/1 Tuesday @ 10am-7pm
Drop off your stuffed animal at the library for a sleepover at the library. Your stuffed friends will have an adventure of a lifetime!

STEM for Early Learning Workshop
11/1 Tuesday @ 5-6:30pm
In this hands-on workshop, parents/caregivers and children ages 0-5 will learn how to take a concept from a picture book and create an easy science, technology, engineering and/or math (STEM) project ; how to use simple everyday household items to create STEM projects; how to modify projects to explore more STEM learning *

TAG: Teen Advisory Group
11/2 & 16 Wednesdays @ 5pm .
If you want to share ideas, meet new people and have a great time shaping the library teen program join TAG! This is for 13+ and grades 8+ and counts toward community service requirements.

MakerBox: Experiment with Makey Makey
11/10 Thursday @ 3:30pm
Experiment with different types of fruit to control the melody and compose unique songs using the Makey Makey system!

Robot Invasion
11/16 Wednesday @ 4:30-6:30pm
Join the Youth and Makerspace Librarians at this robotics petting zoo! Come and see the robots and other gadgets the library has to offer and make a brush bot pet of your own to take home! This is in partnership with the Library LAB (the Makerspace) and the Maker Mentors.

Youth Chess Club
11/7, 14, 21, & 28 Mondays @ 3pm
Learn to play chess or improve your current ability! Assisted by Class A tournament player Jack Cashman.

On Wednesday, Nov. 2 at 7 p.m., the Ventura Hillsides Conservancy (VHC) will host the second installment in their free environmental speaker series entitled: “Connecting California’s Mountain Lions to be discussed by wildlife ecologist

International and local conservation biologist and wildlife ecologist, Dr. Anthony J. Giordano, will discuss the ecology of mountain lions including how they represent a wildlife conservation success story, mountain lion-human conflicts and their potential as a “tool” for connecting wild places.

The mountain lion is North America’s largest “small cat” and much like the wolf and grizzly bear, has been vilified as a pest to the livestock industry.  Historically ranging from coast to coast, today’s mountain lion populations are moving eastward and reclaiming areas they formerly inhabited.  Although California has the largest state population of mountain lions in the U.S., the future of mountain lions in California depends on the ability to make room for them as the human population grows.  In Southern California in particular, mountain lions are threatened by encroachment of development into wilderness areas, increased demand for dwindling water supplies, and a fragmented landscape caused by the state’s expanding transportation infrastructure.

This free community lecture will take place in the Santa Paula Room at the Poinsettia Pavilion. The event is free but reservations are encouraged. To RSVP, visit www.venturahillsides.org/events. For more information, call VHC 643-8044.

Anthony J. Giordano possesses more than 22 years of experience working in the field on global conservation issues. He holds a double B.S. from Long Island University at Southampton College in Biology (Zoology) and Environmental Science (Biology), a M.S. in Conservation Biology and Applied Ecology from Frostburg State, and a Ph.D. in Wildlife science and Management from Texas Tech. Currently he is based in Ventura, CA, where he directs S.P.E.C.I.E.S. (http://www.carnivores.org), a global carnivore conservation organization, and is President of the Wild Felid Research and Management Association (http://www.wildfelid.org).

Can you believe that the Surfrider Foundation Ventura County Chapter has been doing great things for 25 years! It all started when a group of passionate people met at the Ventura County Fairgrounds in 1991 to form one of the first chapters for the Surfrider Foundation nationwide.

Come out to Surf Brewery on October 29th to celebrate their achievements with great music, food and beer! The event runs from noon- 9pm with live music from 2-6pm. from Sea Hunters and reggae from Fire Stick and Rising Son. There will be a kid’s art tent, an environmentally friendly fashion show,

Admission is $5 at the door or for $12 at the door you can get admission, a commemorative steel pint cup and first beer fill. Funds raised at the event will benefit Surfrider’s local programs and campaigns. There is a special VIP package only available online in advance. For $40 you get admission, a commemorative steel pint cup and first beer fill PLUS a commemorative long sleeve t-shirt, a Surfrider reusable bag and a 22oz bottle of the commemorative beer to take home. https://ventura.surfrider.org/25th

The Surfrider Foundation also engages the community to help protect local beaches, ocean and waterways with core campaigns and programs such as monthly beach cleanups, an Ocean Friendly Gardens program and a Hold On To Your Butt cigarette litter campaign. The Ventura County Chapter also helped with the Surfer’s Point Managed Shoreline Retreat Project while we are still working on more long-term solutions for protecting Surfer’s Point.

The brewery is located at 4561 Market Street.