The Humane Society of Ventura County, will hold its 10th annual “Cats in the Canyon & Hounds in the Hollow” fundraiser on Sunday, Sept. 25, at Boccali’s Pizza and Pasta Restaurant in Ojai. Proceeds go to the care of animals in need throughout Ventura County.

This year’s event, which will feature a full vegetarian Italian buffet and a “Buy It Now” marketplace with bargains on items and services from Ventura County businesses, will run from 4 to 7 p.m. Guests also can interact with animals looking for new homes and visit with staff and volunteers. Boccali’s is located at 3277 E. Ojai Ave. The Main Street Jazz Band will provide musical entertainment.

The HSVC has provided continuous support and services to animals in need and their companions throughout the county for over 84 years.

Earlier this year, the HSVC announced it will be entering phase one of a large project to rebuild its 34-year-old dog kennels. Increasing funds are necessary in order for the private non-profit to reach its goals.

Tickets purchased in advance are $50 for adults and $30 for children 12 and under. Tickets bought on site will be $60 and $30.

For tickets, to donate a marketplace item or to inquire about sponsorship opportunities, call the shelter at 646-6505 . For more information on the HSVC, visit www.hsvc.org.

Laubach Literacy of Ventura County is now offering free workshops to help volunteers learn to become English as Second Language (ESL) tutors of adults.

The current workshop will be held over two Saturdays, September 17 (from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM) and October 15, 2016 (from 9:00 AM to noon). The two-day workshop will be held at Barrister Executive Suites in Ventura; directions will be given upon registration.

Various methods and materials for teaching English to adults will be demonstrated and taught during the workshops, enabling the new tutor to begin ESL tutoring right away. The workshops will help you teach reading, writing, and speaking English to adults who are non-fluent English speakers. For anyone who is a non-speaker of English, you might want to check out this article as it details how you can be become a fluent speaker of the English language. However, neither teaching experience nor the ability to speak a foreign language is necessary for these workshops.

To register, get more information and directions, please call 385-9584, and please take some time to check out www.laubachventura.org.

The public is invited to attend the Water: Take 1 kick-off reception from 6-8 p.m. on Sept. 21 at the Crowne Plaza Ventura Beach Hotel, 450 East Harbor Blvd. Celebrate and learn about water and conservation with this cocktail reception. Complementary beverages and appetizers will be provided and guests will enjoy a special video screening about making a difference in the water community.

The annual festival, presented by Ventura Water, aims to elevate the value of water by inviting filmmakers from across the globe to submit short films of less than five minutes, in any genre (animation, comedy, documentary, drama, experimental, or sci-fi) that address the topic of water. This year we welcome a new partner, the Palmdale Water District.

The event is free and tickets are not required but those interested in attending must register ahead as seating is limited. To register, email Debra Martinez at [email protected]. She will add your name to the guest list and email back a confirmation for your attendance. If you have questions please email Debra or call  652-4587. Or, go to www.watertake1.com and hit the “RSVP NOW” button to register.

Last year, 48 film entries were submitted featuring a wide variety of locales. A panel of environmental and entertainment professionals judge the entries, and awards will be given at a ceremony in the spring of 2017.

The 23rd annual benefit for the historic Ventura Pier is on Saturday, October 1st, from 5-8pm. Each year more than 800 residents and visitors attend this beachfront culinary fair adjacent to the pier to sample the county’s best food and spirits provided by over 50 area businesses. This year marks the 23rd anniversary of Ventura’s premier wine, beverage and food event.

Restaurants, cafes, wineries and breweries serve their signature dishes and beverages from tented booths along the seaside Promenade while guests will enjoy live music by Caliente, dancing under the stars and an amazing silent auction. It’s a community celebration to honor the City’s 143 year old pier.

The sell-out event hosted by Pier into the Future–-a non-profit organization- “is a much anticipated community gathering of friends that raises funds for our beloved Pier”, said Pier Into the Future Executive Director Jenise Wagar.

The organization was founded by a group of dedicated community leaders, in partnership with the City of Ventura, to establish an endowment fund to maintain and enhance the historic Ventura Pier for future generations to enjoy. The organization has contributed over $500,000 to the City of Ventura over the last 23 years to enhance the Pier.

General admission tickets are $75.00 and include food and beverage tasting and a commemorative Pier wine glass. A limited number of VIP tickets are offered at $125 each. VIP tickets include all of the benefits associated with General Admission, plus early entrance to the event at 4:30 pm and a reserved seat at a VIP table along the promenade.

Tickets are available on line at www.brownpapertickets.com or by calling 800.838.3006. Visit www.pierintothefuture.org for more information.

“Making Strides Against Breast Cancer “is the theme of Ventura Elks Lodge #1430 BBQ fundraiser for the American Cancer Society on Saturday, Set. 17, 2016 at the Elks Lodge, 2126 Knoll Dr., starting at 4 pm. Tickets are on sale for $20 presale $23 after 5 pm Sept. 16 by calling 639-0303 or at the Lodge office.

“This special event will feature music by the “Big Adventure “band and other musical entertainment for listening and dancing. We invite the public to attend, enjoy themselves and join in the fight to help us eliminate breast cancer,” Sheryl Holloway, event coordinator said.

Ventura Elks are deeply involved in the local community sponsoring the ST. Patrick Day Parade; Ventura County Fair parade; scholarships; youth activities and community involvement. The Lodge is one of the nearly 2,200 nationwide Lodges of BPO Elks of the USA. The organization has contributed more than $20 million to designated charitable and philanthropic programs. Membership information can be obtained through the Ventura Lodge or at www.venturaelks.us.

Sept.25: 1:30 pm – First United Methodist Church, 1338 E. Santa Clara. Justice Steven Perren, Associate Justice of the Court of Appeals, and retired judge Melinda Johnson will present an informed and unbiased analysis of each of the November ballot propositions. This meeting is being hosted by the First United Methodist Church.

Ventura Unified School Board and candidates running for Ventura City Council

September 29th, 6:30 pm – School Board candidates. 7:45 pm – City Council candidates. Cabrillo Middle School, 1426 E. Santa Clara St.

The LWVVC hosts candidate forums in order to assist the public in learning more about individual candidates running for office.

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.

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.

Sept. 17: Ventura Audubon Society field trips Surfer’s Knoll/Santa Clara River Estuary at 8:30 a.m. Leader: Kay Regester 258-1025. Hope to see a variety of shorebirds including Snowy Plovers, grebes, turnstones, Whimbrels, godwits, cormorants and sandpipers, as well as many ducks and gulls.

Sept. 17: The Bookkeepers Association of Ventura County will present a seminar from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, at the Ventura Adult Education Center. Entitled “How to Start a Business,” and will cover:  Business Start-Up, Quickbooks Set-up, and Human Resource issues.  The seminar costs $65 for members and $80 for non-members or $10 more at the door.   A continental breakfast and lunch will be provided.  Visit http://www.bavc-online.org or call Donna Gordon at 218-1425 for more information.

Sept. 17: Do you have an itch to “serve?” Come and learn about the Salvation Army’s many programs and efforts to strengthen the Ventura community. There are many ways you can get involved!!! Attend the open house on Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.  650 S. Petit Ave.

In addition to information tables there will be free food, music and jolly jumps for the kids!

Sept.18: The Ventura and Santa Barbara County chapter of the National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors (NAWCC) will meet Sunday, in the Campus Student Center of Ventura College, 4667 Telegraph Road. The regular meeting starts at noon and at 11 a.m. there will be an informal workshop. This month’s program will be Tips & Tricks used in clock and watch repair and care. There is a $3 admission charge. Lunch is available for $5 more. Watches & clocks will be on display. Held at Ventura College. More information about chapter 190 can be found at www.nawcc-ch190.com.

Sept. 19: CA Zeta Chi parliamentarians will meet at 7 p.m. and will feature a lesson by Registered Parliamentarian Gerry Olsen titled “Which Minutes When?”  At 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, contact Sharon Hillbrant, 479-6738.

Sept. 19: The Ventura Poinsettia Dance Club presents their annual fund raiser at the Poinsettia Pavilion at 7:30 p.m. Come join the fun and dance to the Dick Parent Trio. Food will be provided by Assisted Home Health Care.

Sept. 20: Ventura Audubon Society field trips Ventura Settling Ponds at 8:30 a.m. Leader:  Adele Fergusson 415-4304. Enjoy a morning of mostly waterfowl birding. Spotting scopes are always welcome.

Sept. 24: Ventura Audubon Society field trips Emma Wood State Beach/Ventura River Estuary at 8 a.m. Leader: Neil Ziegler 208-3149. Begin at Emma Wood State Beach, target Snowy and Semipalmated Plovers and Caspian Terns. There will be a fair amount of walking, so please dress appropriately in layers and comfortable shoes.  There is ample street parking along the outside of the park on W. Main St. Park outside and walk in.

Oct. 1: Earn silver master points, meet new players, have fun at the fall Duplicate Bridge Tournament. Saturday, 9:30 a.m. and 2:15 p.m. sessions.  Camarillo Community Center; 1605 E. Brunley. For more information contact Rose Buckley at 659-9223 or [email protected]. Founded in 1937, the ACBL is the largest bridge organization in the world, serving 167,000 members, 3,200 bridge clubs and sanctioning 1,100 sectional and regional tournaments annually. For more information about the ACBL, visit www.acbl.org.