Call 658-4726 or 654-7552 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 St.

Playwell TEKnologies
Camps with LEGO®
Jedi Engineering
#6758 M-Th 9 am-12 pm
12/19-12/22 5-7 years $155
Young Jedi explore engineering principles as they design and build such motorized and architectural projects as X-Wings, R2 Units, Energy Catapults, Defense Turrets and Settlements for a galaxy far away.

Jedi Master Engineering
8-12 years $155
#6759 M-Th 1-4 pm 12/19-12/22
Build complex machines and structures with gear trains, worm drives, pneumatics and eccentric motion including X-Wings, AT-AT Walkers, Pod Racers, Star Destroyers, Cloud Cities, Settlements and Fortresses.

Mad Science Camp
Fun-Engineering Mix-ups & More
6-11 years *$195 + $35 materials fee half-day camp
$325 + $40 materials fee full day camp
7366 M-F 9 am-12 pm *12/26-12/30
7367 M-F 9 am-3 pm 12/26-12/30
Discover the mechanics behind skyscrapers, bridges, tunnels and simple machines that lift weights and launch marshmallows. Learn about chemical reactions you encounter in daily life. See how film captures light and make images move during “Shutterbugs” day. Explore the nature of birds, beasts and bugs. At BVC.

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.

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.

Dec.9: The General George S. Patton, Jr. Chapter, Sons of the American Revolution December luncheon meeting will be their annual Christmas program, including a Colonial Christmas program presented by Mr. Robert Taylor.  The luncheon event will take place at 11:30 a.m. Friday, in the Garden Room, Marie Callender’s Restaurant, 1295 S. Victoria Ave.  All SAR & DAR Compatriots, friends and visitors are welcome to join us.  The cost for lunch is $20 per person, and includes a slice of Marie Callender’s pie.  For additional information or for assistance in determining your possible Revolutionary War genealogical roots, please call Bill Bays 650-3036 or Robert Taylor 216-7992.  For information regarding SAR membership and chapter activities, visit the chapter website at http://pattonpatriots.org.

Dec.10 & 11, 17 & 18 – 11am – 4pm – Experience the festive spirit of a European Christmas Market recreated by The December Store & More, Harbor Gallery & Gift Shop, Mermaid Gallery, Ventura County Potters’ Guild and Village Carousel & Arcade. Attend the First Annual European Christmas Market!  Artists of all types, Ethnic foods, Made to order toffee, fudge and caramel apples.

Ventura Harbor Village in the courtyard next to the December Store.

Dec.17: In the midst of this season of lights, you are warmly invited to an Advent Evensong on Saturday, at 5 pm featuring the lovely Oratorio de Noël by Camille Saint-Saëns.  Written in only 11 days, this compact and sublime 35 min. work is Saint-Saens’ tender homage to the story of the Nativity and includes exquisite solos, a duet and trio interspersed with  choral writing.  Soloists include Patricia Lathrop-McPherson and Molly Clementz along with a chamber ensemble.   Helen Farson conducts from the keyboard.  Admission is free.  Approx. service time 1 hr.  Ventura Seventh-day Adventist Church.  6300 Telephone Rd.

Dec.18: Sunset Nature Walk from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Ormond Beach at the end of Arnold Rd.

Participants are invited by the Nature Conservancy to join us on a guided sunset walk around the Ormond Beach wetland to explore the dunes, plants and animals ending with sunset on the beach.  The walk is about 1 1/2 miles and flat.  Admission is free.  For more information, refer to The Nature Conservancy website http://www.nature.org/ourinitiatives/regions/northamerica/unitedstates/california/placesweprotect/la-ventura.xml or email [email protected].

Dec. 23: Like to play acoustic music? 4th Friday of each month, 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. 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! Info: Mike Wittlin, 750-8281

Jan.21: Our March. Our Future. Justice For All. Join our community on Saturday, at 10am in downtown Ventura for a peaceful march reflecting equal rights and an inclusive America. Please visit link for details www.facebook.com/justiceforallventura.

“Elf Jr – The Musical” connects the holiday with family and wonder with a bright and comic flair as Buddy, brought up by elves, searches for his birth father who’s on the Naughty List. It plays until Dec 18 at Ojai ACT, 113 S. Montgomery St. at 7 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and 2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. Tickets are $15 adults, $12 for seniors, students and Art Center members and only $10 for youth 12 and under. Reservations are at 640-8797 or online:

www.OjaiACT.org

Join Rev. Karen at Meditation Mount, on Saturday, December 10, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., as she guides us in trusting the divine truth that is always present regardless of outer appearances.

“No matter what happens in the outer world, fear is never the answer,” Rev. Karen says. “One of the blessings of a deep spiritual connection with the Self is the ability to transform feelings of fear and separation into resourcefulness and infinite possibility.

“We are not alone in this world though sometimes we may feel that way. We are connected on a very deep level with each other and with the Universal Intelligence that created us. We will be sharing, listening to sacred music, and creating a space for healing to occur.”

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, Ojai. For more information, contact Rev. Karen at 310-968-8928, or register online at www.karenswylie.com.

Altered Book/Collage Workshop  . 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.
12/7 Wednesday @ 6pm

Spocabulary. This poetry performance and writing workshop with an open mic is geared towards high school and college students but all are welcome. Specific emphasis is on SLAM Poetry. Presented by Phil Taggart and Aaron Gardner.
12/14 & 28 Wednesdays @ 6:30pm

Spanish Conversation Group in the Rentfrow Room. Are you learning Spanish but need some practice speaking? Join this informal group to chat and practice your Español!
12/3, 10, 17, 24, & 31 Saturdays @ 10:30am .

Join in the library for some stress relieving coloring. Coloring sheets and pencils provided. Available from 12pm to 2pm so stop by for a minute or ten.
12/7, 14, 21, & 28 Wednesdays @ 12-2pm!

Come by the library on Wednesday evenings to learn more about 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.
12/7, 14, 21, & 28 Wednesdays @ 4:30-6:30pm

On these Thursday nights, come join this group of writers as they meet in the Topping Room to share their work. Poetry Open Mic Night.
12/1, 8, 15, 22, & 29 Thursdays @ 7:30-9pm

Ukulele Jam Session. Locals gather to play the ukulele on the first and third Monday of the month.
12/12 Monday @ 7-10pm

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!
12/3, 10, 17, 24, & 31 Saturdays @ 1pm

Children’s Events

Winter Crafternoon   Get your craft on in the afternoon and enjoy the crisp shapes and colors of winter!
12/15 @3:30-5:30pm

Early Literacy Class
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!
12/6, 7, 13, 14, 20, 21, 27, & 28

Lego Play   Build, Learn, and Play! Bring your imagination and experiment with creative designs. Children of all ages welcome!
12/6 &20 Tuesdays @ 3pm

TAG: Teen Advisory Group 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.
12/7 & 21Wednesdays @ 5pm

Celebrate the holiday season with Footworks Youth Ballet’s variation of The Nutcracker, featuring live music performed by the Footworks Community Orchestra and singers from the Carpe Diem Chorus.

In this version of the holiday classic, the wave of a wand transforms a holiday party into the world of magic to include a Nutcracker Doll, a Sugar Plum Fairy Doll, and dancing Columbine, Pierrot and Harlequin Dolls—as well as dancing Bon Bons, Candy Canes, and an appearance by Mother Ginger and her Petite Pollichinelles. This year’s production also features a King and Queen who reign over the Land of the Sweets.

Founded by Kirsten Oakley, Footworks Youth Ballet was created with the goal of providing a place for young people to thrive and grow through the joy of dance as they learn the art and discipline of classical ballet. Productions are unusual in that they allow senior dancers the experience of partnering with professional guest artists, a rare opportunity for young dancers. Guest artists for this season include Christopher Bonomo as Herr Drosselmeyer, Adrian Hoffman as the Nutcracker Prince Doll, Kenny Borchard as King of the Land of the Sweets and Hai Cohen in the famous Arabian divertissement. Dancers from the youth company are also cast for the principal roles, including the Sugar Plum Fairy, the Snow Queen and the Queen of the Land of the Sweets.

For each ballet production, Footworks Youth Ballet hosts a sold-out performance for over 3,000 school-aged children to see the ballet. Most of the tickets for the children are provided at the reduced fee of $5.00 each, and many of the students qualify for free tickets.

The Nutcracker, presented by Footworks Youth Ballet
Sat. Dec 10, 2.00 pm
Sun. Dec 11, 2.00 pm
Oxnard Performing Arts Center
Tickets $19, $24, $29

Call 486.2424 to buy tickets, or order online at footworksyouthballet.org

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 usually stay for a drink and a bite to eat afterward. Bring an interesting topic to discuss if you can.

Nov.25: Like to play acoustic music? 4th Friday of each month from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. 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. Info: Mike Wittlin, 750-8281

Nov.25, 26, 27 Dec. 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11: Come celebrate the spirit of holidays past at the historic Dudley House. The 23rd year of this annual fundraiser for the museum features quality crafts, home décor, antiques and a tearoom with refreshments, silent auction and bargain items. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. with a flea market added on Sundays. On Saturday, December 3rd, “Mrs. Claus” will visit the tea room at 1:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. to share the history of our favorite Christmas traditions and her life with the famous Mr. Claus. Dudley House is on the corner of Loma Vista and Ashwood, admission is free. Call 642-3345 for information.

Dec.1: Interactive Workshop on Grief and Loss, Thursday, 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. A time of strategizing on ways to enjoy the holidays while journeying through grief and loss, regardless of the cause or length of time.  Led by Turning Point Counseling Therapist Barbara Suggs, M.A., MFT Intern #82444, at The River Community Church in the Fellowship Hall, 859 E. Santa Clara Street. Register by calling 766-4150 or e-mailing [email protected] to reserve your seat. The workshop is free, light refreshments will be served.

Dec.3: On Saturday, at 4pm the First United Methodist Church of Ventura will have an early Christmas concert (free to all) ,“The Light of Christmas”. It will be followed by a soup supper in the fellowship hall. 1338 East Santa Clara Ave. Come get in the Christmas spirit with classic Christmas anthems, some spirituals, and Handel’s “Hallelujah Chorus”.

Dec.4: Temple Beth Torah is hosting a Hanukkah Boutique on Sunday. Jewish items for Hanukkah and secular gifts for anyone wishing to celebrate the holidays, birthdays, anniversaries and more. Vendors showing wood work items, jewelry, one of a kind gifts, Glassware, paintings, clothing, craft like items, cookie gift jars and more. Latkes for lunch provided by the Men’s group. Free and is open to the community from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. 7620 Foothill Rd. If you would like more information please call the school at 647-3798.

Dec.4: On Sunday 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. Citizens for Peaceful Resolutions will be holding their Annual Season of Peace Meeting at E.P. Foster Library, Topping Room, A Common Word: Facing the Future Together. Join Marianne Farina, CSC, Ph.D. in an exploration of dialogue to help us to think critically and engage with the realities of others holistically. Admission Free.

For more information on Citizens for Peaceful Resolutions and how you can get involved:  www.c-p-r.net, Contact:  Mary Olson 223-1187

Dec.4: 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.  The next concert session features the very lively, versatile and talented “Old Country Grass Band”.  This will be the annual Christmas Music Show. All are welcome.  Call 517-1131 for more information.

Dec.10: Amnesty International USA Local Group #452 is holding its annual Write-a-thon at College United Methodist Church, 4300 Telegraph Road from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

This event is part of Amnesty International’s Write for Rights campaign, the world’s largest letter writing event, which engages people to speak out on behalf of prisoners of conscience, human rights defenders and communities at risk from around the world.   Drop in between 1 and 4 pm to write letters. Your hand-written letters, combined with hundreds of thousands of others from around the world, can change the lives of this year’s 12 cases. They furnish paper, pens, stamps, snacks and good company.

Jan.7: Day of Mindfulness: Renewal for the New Year 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

A day to quiet the mind and open the heart. A day of healing, with the Venerable Kusala, an American born Buddhist monk, ordained in the Zen tradition of Vietnam.

Unitarian Universalist Church of Ventura Sanctuary (UUCV), 5654 Ralston St., A gratitude offering will be gratefully accepted, but is not required, $35 suggested.

Sponsored by the Friendship Sangha of the Heart, a program of the UUCV.

More information and registration at FriendshipSangha.org/register.

After three years of construction, the Ventura College Art Department is proud to announce the grand opening of the remodeled Studio Arts Building (SAB) and the newly constructed New Media Gallery on Thursday, December 1, from  6-8:30 pm  at 4667 Telegraph Road.  Opening ceremonies will take place across from the New Media Gallery followed by studio class demonstrations, faculty and student displays, and a closing reception with light refreshments for the exhibition, Innovation and a Rejection of the Past: The Artistic Avant-Garde. The event is free and open to the public.

In March 2002, citizens of Ventura County voted to authorize a $356 million general obligation bond to renovate and expand all three Ventura County Community College campuses.
“On behalf of the Board of Trustees, Chancellor Bernard Luskin and Ventura College President Greg Gillespie, I would like to thank the residents of Ventura County for approving the funds to support these projects,” said VCCCD Board Chair Larry Kennedy.  “We are proud of the work that has gone into constructing the Studio Arts Building and New Media Gallery and look forward to presenting these 21st century facilities to our students and the community.”

The Ventura College Art Department offers beginning and intermediate courses in Color and Design, Drawing, Life Drawing, Painting, Sculpture, Ceramics, Digital Media, Photography, and Art History to assist students in gaining insight into creative and critical thinking. The Ventura College Art program has a long tradition of producing many of the region’s most accomplished artists and continuing education students who have forged advanced skills and careers as exhibiting artists, educators, graphic designers, photographers, illustrators, art technicians, art historians, commercial artists, and gallery/museum professionals.

The Art Department maintains two galleries: Gallery 2, a student-run gallery and art lab, and the New Media Gallery exhibiting work by historically significant and nationally known artists. Additionally, these exhibition spaces provide students with hands-on experience in gallery and museum management.

After six decades of providing quality community college education at the 4667 Telegraph location, Ventura College, with the support of the voters, will celebrate its history and look towards the future as it prepares to serve a new generation of Ventura County students. For more information on art classes or to obtain notices of upcoming art events, lectures, and exhibitions, please contact the Ventura College Art Department, Gwendolyn Huddleston, Ed.D., Dean of Academics, [email protected], 289-6388.

Learn more about the Corporate Games by attending an informational meeting scheduled on December 8, at 6:30 pm at Ventura City Hall, 501 Poli St., in the Community Meeting Room. Meetings will give tips on how to make your participation in the Corporate Games successful. Staff will also address the Point System, Selection of Events and tips on how to improve your performance in the Corporate Games. Go to http://www.cityofventura.net/corporategames for more information.

The Leslie Marcus Solo Fine Art Exhibition will be opening December 1 until December 31st. The exhibition will be held at the Ojai Roasting Company, located at 337 East Ojai Avenue.

The Ojai Community Chorus will present its winter concert, “A Christmas Party in a Pear Tree,” on Saturday, Dec. 3 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 4 at 3 p.m. at the Ojai United Methodist Church, 120 Church Road.

The unfortunate partridge, Party, is stuck up in the pear tree. It takes some doing to get him down, but he is finally rescued just in time for Christmas. Along with this whimsical vignette the chorus will present holiday classics such as “Silver Bells,” “Silent Night,” and the exciting “Feliz Navidad”. Also featured will be John Rutter’s stirring “Gloria, Allegro Vivace”. A children’s ensemble will contribute a lively touch to the program.

Director Connie Woodson states, “A trademark of Community Chorus concerts is its presentation of a wide variety of music, providing something to please everybody’s tastes. This concert is no exception.”

Backing up the Chorus will be John Boyd on guitar and Ben Ginsberg on the piano, while James Antunez will provide background on drums and percussion.

A boutique and bake sale will also be held, with lots of Christmas ideas to help with shopping.

Tickets are available from Chorus members or at the St. Thomas Aquinas Thrift Shop, 334 E. Ojai Ave. Suggested donations are $20 for general admission in advance and $25 at the door. Seniors 65 and older and student tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door. Children 6 through 11 are admitted for $5. Children younger that 6 are admitted free, however, there are no provisions for child care.

For further information call 640-0468. Check out the Chorus’ website at ojaichorus.wordpress.com.

The Mira Monte Elementary School’s Ojai Food Truck Friday is held every first Friday of the month. It is a fund raising event for Mira Monte School. A portion of all of the sales from the food trucks is given to the school.

This next event is going to be holiday themed. There will be live music, family photos, free live music and lots of great food. It will be held on December 2nd, from 5-8:30pm, at Mira Monte Elementary School, 1216 Loma Drive. Mandrigali will perform a Yuletide set of music and The Grinch will be shown at 7:00pm (outdoor movie- people need to bring blankets or chairs).

Dr. Rainer Buschmann will visit the Ojai Library at 1 p.m. on Saturday, December 3 to deliver a talk titled “Liquid Histories: Madeira and Port Wine.” Dr. Buschmann comes from CSU Channel Islands (CI), and is the final speaker in this year’s CI Library Lecture Series. His talk will highlight why Madeira became such prominent place to grow grapes during the early period of Iberian expansion. CSU Channel Islands hosts more than a dozen free public lectures from September through December. This event is free and open to the public. For additional information, contact Ron Solórzano, City 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.