Every year between the end of November and the end of December, Jewish people around the world celebrate the holiday of Chanukah, the Festival of Lights. Chanukah begins on the 25th day of the Hebrew month of Kislev, but the starting date on the western calendar varies from year to year. This year it starts on sundown on Dec.24 and ends on Jan.1,2017..

In the land of Judea there was a mean (boo) Syrian king, Antiochus. The king ordered the Jewish people to reject their God, their religion, their customs and their beliefs and to worship the Greek gods. There were some who did as they were told, but many refused. One who refused was Judah Maccabee.

Judah and his four brothers formed an army and after 3 years of fighting, the Maccabees were finally successful in driving the Syrians out of Israel and reclaimed the Temple in Jerusalem.

When Judah and his followers finished cleaning the temple, they wanted to light the eternal light, known as the N’er Tamid, which is present in every Jewish house of worship.

Only a tiny jug of oil was found with only enough for a single day. The oil lamp was filled and lit. Then a miracle occurred as the tiny amount of oil stayed lit not for one day, but for 8 days

Jews celebrate Chanukah to mark the victory over the Syrians and the rededication of the Jerusalem Temple. The Festival of the Lights, Chanukah, lasts for eight days to commemorate this miracle of the oil.

The menorah candles are lit to celebrate the 8 days that the oil stayed lit.

The spellings of Chanukah has caused some confusion. Part of the reason for this confusion may be due to the fact there is no exact English translation of the Hebrew word for Chanukah. So to help clear up some of the confusion here are just a few of the different spellings one might encounter.

Chanukah, Chanukkah,  Hanuka, Hanukah , Hannukah ,Hanukkah. In the United States it is most common to use the spelling Chanukah.

Last season’s critically acclaimed, world premiere hit Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol returns to Rubicon Theatre Company with Broadway veterans Peter Van Norden (RTC’s Copenhagen) and Emmy Award-winner Joe Spano (“NCIS,” RTC’s Bucky and Sylvia) as they reprise their roles in this innovative, but faithful retelling of the holiday classic.

Adapted by Producing Artistic Director Karyl Lynn Burns and directed by Brian McDonald, the 25-member cast features many of the same actors from the original production that earned a “Critic’s Choice” in the Los Angeles Times and rave reviews from Ventura County Star, CASA Magazine, VIDA Magazine and the Ventura Breeze. Presented as a play with music, this dynamic and compelling stage version of the novel incorporates highly theatrical elements with characters playing inanimate objects and animals on a multi-level set much in the style of the Royal Shakespeare Company’s landmark production of The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby. Back by popular demand it opens on Saturday, December 10 at 7:00 p.m. and runs until Dec.24.

Rubicon Theatre Company
Ventura’s Downtown Cultural District
1006 E. Main St.
Ticket Range: $40 – $65 ($150 for opening night including post-show party at Rhumb Line Restaurant)
Box Office (for single and group tickets) 667.2900

The Ventura Port District has an opportunity to consider a thoughtful and synergistic economic development strategy for two undeveloped sites in the Southwest harbor area. Wednesday, November 9, at 7:00pm.

Four Points Sheraton Ballroom 1050 Schooner Dr.

The Board of Port Commissioners approved a Request for Proposals (RFP) to Lease Ventura Port District Property for Development of Visitor Serving Uses which was released on May 2, 2016. Proposals were due August 12, 2016. On Wednesday, November 9, the District will hold an informational meeting at which time, three development teams who responded to the RFP will present their concepts for the two sites. This is the first public meeting, with additional meetings planned for 1st quarter 2017. No action will be taken on November 9 with respect to the proposals. However, the goal of the RFP is to ultimately select one or more development teams to enter lease negotiations with the District.

The District is focused on increasing the visitor serving uses throughout the harbor. The proposed in-fill projects provide the opportunity to do something special along the waterfront of Ventura Harbor.

The District is taking the first step in a lengthy entitlement and permitting process that involves the City of Ventura, the California Coastal Commission and community stakeholders.

They invite you to attend the first public meeting to learn more about the proposals being made by three different development teams. Your input is a valuable part of the process. https://venturaharbor.com/

Musicians in Monochrome, an exhibition featuring photographs by David Baker, will run until December 31, 2016, at the Coffee Connection #1, 311 El Roblar Street, Meiners Oaks.  Gallery hours are Monday-Friday, 5:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday 6:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Baker describes his exhibition as, “a series of black and white photographs showing the personality of Ojai’s talented local musicians and songwriters.” Baker has been photographing Ojai’s musicians for the last four years. He has captured the feeling, emotion, and character of each performer and his images show the heart and soul of his subjects.

An Ojai resident since 1998, Baker was always involved in Ojai activities but in 2011, after returning from a five-year assignment in the Midwest, he was asked to chair the Photography Branch of the Ojai Art Center. For a full biography and gallery of images go to: http://www.ojaiimages.com/

The Ojai Women’s Fund (OWF) is thrilled to announce selection of its first-year grant recipients. Originally slated to award five grants (one in each category of Arts, Education, Environment, Healthcare, and Social Services), a surprise ballot tie in the Social Services category increased total grants to six!  The Ojai Women’s Fund will award $10,000 to each of the following nonprofits to help fund specific programs that assist Ojai lives and improve the Ojai community: Arts:  Ojai Youth Opera Company; Education:  Girls Empowerment Workshop; Environment:  Once Upon A Watershed; Healthcare:  Livingston Memorial Visiting Nurse Association; Social Services:  Nan Tolbert Nurturing Center and Reins of H.O.P.E.

OWF will present the financial awards December 1st at a public celebration at St. Thomas Aquinas Center, 183 St. Thomas Dr.at 5:00 p.m. A $20 per person donation is requested. Please call to RSVP at (805) 746-3096, or order tickets online by November 25 at www.ojaiwomensfund.org

The Ojai Holiday Home Tour & Marketplace kicks off the season with festive inspirations on November 12 and 13, 2016. Presented by the Ojai Festivals Women’s Committee, this annual event entering its twentieth year invites guests to tour four distinctive Ojai Valley homes uniquely decorated by local designers and each with historical significance in the valley.

Also taking place is the companion event that same weekend – the Holiday Marketplace held at the Matilija Junior High School Gymnasium (703 El Paseo Road) featuring a collection of curated lifestyle and fashion items from more than 40 vendors. Admission to the Marketplace is free.

The Home Tour and Marketplace benefit the Ojai Music Festival and its BRAVO education and community program, which offers free music workshops and concerts to the Ojai Valley public schools and the community.

The tour price is $40 per person advance and $45 day of the event. Single tickets are available by calling 805-646-2053 or online at OjaiFestival.org.

On Saturday, November 12, the Water-Saving Landscapes: Rainwater Harvesting and Turf Reduction Workshop will be held at the OVGC Resource Center (206 N Signal Street #S) from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Registration will be at 8:45 a.m.

Want a drought-appropriate garden but not sure where to begin? In this workshop learn the basics of turf removal, ways to capture and store rainwater, native plant selection and care, plus the importance of mulch. Participants will receive a workbook that helps explain what is appropriate for their landscape, plant list resources, and a tour of a front yard redesigned to capture rainwater.

The cost is $10 for OVGC members, city residents & if you pledge to ride your bicycle to the class; $20 for everyone else.

The workshop is hosted by the Ojai Valley Green Coalition and sponsored by the City of Ojai and SoCal Gas Company. For further details and to register visit ojaivalleygreencoalition.com/Save_Our_Water.html or call  669-8445.

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.