At 1 p.m. on Saturday, August 20, and Saturday, August 27,  the Ojai Library will host a special set of short performances courtesy of the Ojai Art Center. These Ojai Art Center One Acts will take place in the main library space and will serve as a preview of the Ojai Art Center’s next production: One Act Laugh Track.

One Act Laugh Track will consist of short original one acts featuring local talent. At these special library preview events you will have a chance to meet the playwrights, directors, and actors.

These previews are free and open to the public. For additional information, contact Ron Solórzano, Regional Librarian, at  218-9146.

From Sept. 16 through Oct. 2, One Act Laugh Track will run at the Ojai Art Center Theater, Fridays and Saturdays at 7 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. The Ojai Art Center , 113 S. Montgomery Avenue, Ojai.

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.

As the 40-year anniversary season of Herb Walks winds down, Ojai nature guide Lanny Kaufer will lead his 4th annual Fall Equinox Nature Hike in the peaceful Mixed Conifer Forest on Pine Mountain (elevation: 7000 feet) at the time of year when the pine nuts usually are dropping. According to Craig Carey, author of Hiking and Backpacking Santa Barbara and Ventura, the Reyes Peak Trail along the northern slope of the peak is “quite simply one of the most beautiful stretches in the southern Los Padres.”

The outing will start at 9:00 a.m. with an optional carpool caravan of about 35 miles up Highway 33 from the Maricopa Plaza, to the Reyes Peak trailhead. The final 5.5 miles are on a narrow, winding paved road and the very last half-mile is dirt. Trucks or SUV’s are preferred for the last stretch but most passenger cars with high clearance can also make the drive.

The group will start walking into the Sespe Wilderness from the trailhead at about 10:30 a.m., stopping for lunch in the pines, and returning to the trailhead at 3:00 p.m., arriving back at the Maricopa Plaza by 4:00 p.m. They will hike on a well-used trail, stopping often to identify and discuss native plants, birds and wildlife. There will be some elevation gain and loss skirting the north side of Reyes Peak, sometimes traversing hillsides on a narrow trail. The total hiking distance will be about 3 miles.

This intermediate level hike is suitable for moderately experienced hikers or physically fit beginners. Weather and marine layer permitting, the group will have panoramic views of the Cuyama Valley to the north and the Channel Islands to the south.  There is no prepayment required, just a promise to notify Kaufer in a timely fashion if plans change. Registrants will receive a confirmation email several days before with all necessary info.

The cost is $25 for adults, $20 for seniors 62 and older, and $20 for full-time students. Lunch is not provided. Kids 5-12 can go free, one per adult, by prior arrangement. No dogs or smoking, please. [email protected].

Asian and Pacific Americans ancestral roots represent more than 50 % of the world, extending from East Asia to Southeast Asia, and from South Asia to the Pacific Islands and Polynesia.

In commemoration of this important history, “I want the Wide American Earth: An Asian Pacific American Story” is now on display at the Museum of Ventura County as part of a 21-city national tour. This exhibition was created by the Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Center and the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service and has been greatly enriched by art and artifacts from local Asian and Pacific Americans

This exhibit celebrates Asian Pacific American history across a multitude of cultures and explores how Asian Pacific Americans have shaped and been shaped by the course of the nation’s history. It tells the rich and complex stories of the very first Asian immigrants, and their participation in key moments in American history by many photos, written history, clothes and  art.  And their contributions to our very local history and culture which can be observed throughout Ventura.

“The Wide American Earth: An Asian Pacific American Story” includes contributions from local artists Hiroko Yoshimoto, Tiger Huang, Virgil Cardinez, Bijian Fan and Katherine Chang Liu as featured in this exquisite presentation of fine art and Asian culture and traditions, old and new.

The exhibit is not to be missed and closes on August 28.

by Veronica Johnson

For the month of August, the Ojai Photo Club will focus on humor. Sergio Aragonés, internationally known cartoonist for over 50 years, will speak about creating a humorous story. On Tuesday, August 16,  at 7:00 p.m., at Help of Ojai’s Kent Hall, 111 Santa Ana St.

The presentation will be as spontaneous as his cartooning – relating to the audience that evening. Expect a discussion of his life as a cartoonist, changes in cartooning in this century and his process of creating a story. Aragonés, widely regarded as “the fastest cartoonist in the world today,” will demonstrate his amazing talent using an easel and pens.

Monthly presentations are part of the Ojai Photography Club’s community service and education outreach. Visitors are always welcome to attend.

The club, which is devoted to education, inspiration, and camaraderie, meets on the third Tuesday of each month, February – November. Only members may submit images for review. For additional information please visit www.ojaiphotoclub.com.

Two veteran performers are uniting their talents for a journey back to the 1920s through the 1950s in a nostalgic musical treat at Ojai Art Center entitled “Songs Our Mothers Sang” on August 6.

“We’ll involve the audience with songs that are fun to sing and I’ll croon some old favorites,” said Gale McNeeley, who was a boy soprano at his Catholic church in the 1950s, and has sung for his supper ever since.  He has performed in the Blue Jacket Choir in the Navy, at Cabarets in New York and on Broadway.

“We’ll be doing duets, too,” said Betty Faas, his long-time collaborator. At an early age, Faas taught herself to play the piano so well that her relatives asked her to accompany them at a large family reunion. That began a 70-year career playing for glee clubs, soloists, special events and school programs.

McNeeley and Faas have been seen at the Ojai Art Center for six years, presenting shows entitled “Archy and Mehitabel,” “Over the Rainbow,” “Songs and Satire,” “A Jacquel Brel Cabaret,” “A Tribute to Pete Seeger,” and last summer’s “50 Years in Musicals.”

For the Saturday show, the songs range from “Stardust” and “As Time Goes By” to “Let’s Call the Whole Thing Off” and “Baby It’s Cold Outside.”

The celebration starts at 3 p.m. at the Ojai Art Center, on Saturday Aug. 6.

No reservations are necessary and there is a suggested $10 donation at the door. For more details, call McNeely at 406-4997.

Ojai’s real-life “blues brothers,” Michael and Lanny Kaufer, are bringing the long-running Bowlful of Blues festival back to Libbey Bowl on Saturday, September 17,  after an 11-year hiatus. Michael Kaufer, co-founder of the festival with the late Clarence Sterling, will co-produce this year’s event with brother Lanny and promoter Shane Butler of the popular Ojai Concert Series. The show is a benefit for the non-profit Ojai Mardi Gras Wake-Up! Krewe. Net proceeds will be used to bring music and art supplies and extended educational opportunities to local youth. The festival will run from 3:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Information and online tickets are available now at www.bowlfofblues.org. Tickets are $40 in advance for general admission festival seating but are being offered online at a $35 early-bird price until August 17. Admission price at the gate will be $45.

Rubicon Theatre Company presents Moonlight and Magnolias, the hilarious fly-on-the-wall comedy by Ron Hutchinson about how the most iconic film in Hollywood history almost did not get made. Directed by Stephanie A. Coltrin, this production features the same principal cast members from her critically acclaimed staging of Moonlight and Magnolias at Hermosa Beach Playhouse in 2010.

Three weeks into filming “Gone With the Wind”—Atlanta has burned, Scarlett O’Hara has been cast, but there’s no workable script and the director has been fired. Legendary film producer David O. Selznick seemingly has the biggest white elephant in Hollywood on his hands, and only five days to save the troubled production from certain failure.

Desperate, he brings in the formidable Victor Fleming to take over as director and famed screenwriter Ben Hecht to rewrite the lackluster script. The only problem is Hecht hasn’t read the book, and the clock is ticking. With the shades drawn, phone calls unanswered, and subsisting only on a diet of peanuts and bananas, Selznick and Fleming reenact scenes from the novel for Hecht to adapt into a screenplay that would become an epic Academy Award-winning film.

Playing until September 18
Rubicon Theatre Company
Ventura’s Downtown Cultural District
1006 E. Main St.
Box Office (for single and group tickets) 667.2900.

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 St. [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.

August 6: The Channelaire Chorus will be holding its annual Ice Cream Social
Located at Center for Spiritual Living, 240 Mobil Avenue, Camarillo.
1:30 p.m. for entertainment and luscious Italian Ices. Cost $15.

August 9: The Ventura County Writers Club will be presenting two money management speakers at their monthly meeting. The program will focus on writers and other home based businesses trying to survive in challenging financial times. Paula Williams founder of the Simi Valley accounting firm, Number Crunchers, will offer reliable information and practices for writers to maximize tax benefits.

Mira Reverente aka the Money Savvy Mommy and co-author of Suddenly Single: Women’s Guide to Finance will also be speaking. Reverente is a contributing writer for the Breeze, a journalist, editor, blogger and single mom.

The meeting is free and open to the public at 7:00 p.m. at the Pleasant Valley Senior Center at the corner of Carmen and Burnley Streets in Camarillo. Contact Sheli Ellsworth at 499.3490 for additional information.

August 10: The Ventura County Camera Club will hold a critique meeting on Wednesday, at 7 p.m. at the Poinsettia Pavilion, 3451 Foothill Rd. 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 “Shadows”. 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

August 12: Open house at Children’s Music Academy of Ventura on Friday, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Located at 5725 Ralston Street, #222. Come check out their studio and get an exclusive coupon. Meet the awesome teachers and hear performances from their superstar students. Fun and refreshments will be provided.

This event is free, but please RSVP online at http://bit.ly/2a6scQN

If you have any questions, please email [email protected] or visit www.childrensmusicacademy.org/ventura-ca

August 13: “Secrets of e-mailing photos” will be presented by Bob Crum to the Ventura Beginners PC Users Group on Saturday. Basics of Power Point and creating stationery will be workshop topics. The group meets 9:15 a.m. to noon in the 3rd floor lounge of Cypress Place Independent Living, 1220 Cypress Point Lane.  All beginning and intermediate computer users are welcome to attend. For further information, call 648-1368.

August 20:  Bank of Books Saturday 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Featured will be Mike Casper, The Sing Son Child, a love story, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Mike Casper originally from Albany, NY lives in San Diego with his family and his two dogs, Jet and Pip. He is currently working on his next installment of this series, The Angel School. 748 East Main 643-3154.

August 24: The Starlight Swing Night and the Ventura Jazz Orchestra invite you to a Big Band Dance Party. Located at Discovery Ventura 1888 East Thompson Blvd. Dance lessons start at 7 p.m. on Wednesday. Show/dance starts at 8 p.m. For more info visit http://www.theventurajazzorchestra.com

August 27:  Bank of Books featured will be Philip Brown, Light Runner, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Philip Brown, A contemporary fantasy author, is motivated by the power of words to change lives. He teaches high school and is inspired by his students, many of whom struggle to overcome difficult social and personal issues. He believes the classroom is a place filled with brilliant and amazing stories. 748 East Main Street, 643-3154.

City of Ventura Imagination camps and classes check out hundreds more on our web-site
Call (658-4726 or 654-7552 to register, if you already have an ACTIVENET account online, visit www.cityofventura.net
Dance classes held at the Barranca Vista Center ~ 7050 Ralston Street in Ventura unless otherwise noted

Billy Clower Ballet 6-10 years
7/21-8/18 Thursdays 4-5 pm $60 #6631
Learn fundamental ballet techniques, positions and exercises for the development of flexibility, core strength, balance, poise and grace. Instructor Marni King.

Billy Clower Pre Ballet Class 3-5 years
7/21-8/18 Thursdays 3:15-4 pm $60 #6435
7/22-8/19 Fridays 9-9:45 am $60 #6437
We teach ballet concepts, positions and steps with fun and engaging songs to spark a lifelong love of dance. Instructors Marni King (Th) and Kate Kozacek (F).

Billy Clower My Parent & Me Ballet/Tumble Combo Class 18 months-3 years
7/22-8/19 Fridays 9:45-10:30 am $60 #6433
A fun upbeat class for you and your child to dance, tumble, stretch, play with instruments and more! Wear comfortable clothes that you and your child can move in.

Billy Clower Hip Hop Class 3-5 years
7/22-8/19 Fridays 10:30-11:15 am $60 #6439
Boys and girls develop musicality, creativity, listening skills and coordination during this non-stop, action-packed class. All music and moves are age appropriate. Instructor Kate Kozacek.

Belly Dance-4-Fitness 18 years-adult
7/25-8/29 Monday s 6-7 pm $65 #6401
Each session includes a warmup, BD workout, choreography and cooldown. Shimmy, twist and tone in this fun cardio class. Dress comfortably in workout attire and optional hip sash. Instructor Anja Christy.

Tap with Haley 18 years-adult
7/25-8/29 Monday s 7:15-8:15 pm $60 #6447
Get a great mental/physical workout with simple tap steps and rhythm patterns. All dance levels welcome. Instructor Haley-Nicole Harwood.

Line Dance with a Twist 18 years-adult
7/27-8/29 M/W 1-2 pm $60 #6449
For experienced line dancers: enjoy fun exercise with a twist of salsa, ballroom and jazz. Instructor Jackie Ringhof. No class 7/4.
City of Ventura Imagination camps and classes check out hundreds more on our web-site
Call (658-4726 or 654-7552 to register, if you already have an ACTIVENET account online, visit www.cityofventura.net
Dance classes held at the Barranca Vista Center ~ 7050 Ralston Street in Ventura unless otherwise noted

Billy Clower Ballet 6-10 years
7/21-8/18 Thursdays 4-5 pm $60 #6631
Learn fundamental ballet techniques, positions and exercises for the development of flexibility, core strength, balance, poise and grace. Instructor Marni King.

Billy Clower Pre Ballet Class 3-5 years
7/21-8/18 Thursdays 3:15-4 pm $60 #6435
7/22-8/19 Fridays 9-9:45 am $60 #6437
We teach ballet concepts, positions and steps with fun and engaging songs to spark a lifelong love of dance. Instructors Marni King (Th) and Kate Kozacek (F).

Billy Clower My Parent & Me Ballet/Tumble Combo Class 18 months-3 years
7/22-8/19 Fridays 9:45-10:30 am $60 #6433
A fun upbeat class for you and your child to dance, tumble, stretch, play with instruments and more! Wear comfortable clothes that you and your child can move in.

Billy Clower Hip Hop Class 3-5 years
7/22-8/19 Fridays 10:30-11:15 am $60 #6439
Boys and girls develop musicality, creativity, listening skills and coordination during this non-stop, action-packed class. All music and moves are age appropriate. Instructor Kate Kozacek.

Belly Dance-4-Fitness 18 years-adult
7/25-8/29 Monday s 6-7 pm $65 #6401
Each session includes a warmup, BD workout, choreography and cooldown. Shimmy, twist and tone in this fun cardio class. Dress comfortably in workout attire and optional hip sash. Instructor Anja Christy.

Tap with Haley 18 years-adult
7/25-8/29 Monday s 7:15-8:15 pm $60 #6447
Get a great mental/physical workout with simple tap steps and rhythm patterns. All dance levels welcome. Instructor Haley-Nicole Harwood.

Line Dance with a Twist 18 years-adult
7/27-8/29 M/W 1-2 pm $60 #6449
For experienced line dancers: enjoy fun exercise with a twist of salsa, ballroom and jazz. Instructor Jackie Ringhof. No class 7/4.

Adult Programs & Special Events

8/2 Tuesday @ 6:30-7:30pm Introduction to Mindfulness Meditation
In our hectic 24/7 world, managing stress is the new necessity. Find out more about this non-religious stress reduction practice for everyone.

8/3 Wednesday @ 6pm Altered Book Workshop
Repurpose an old book into a new piece of art.  Bring an old book and your imagination.

8/12 Friday @ 12pm Storytime: Short Stories
Storytime? For grownups? That’s right! Bring a brown bag lunch and have someone read to you just like old times! Stories will be read from the Saturday Evening Post.

8/10 & 24 Wednesdays @ 6:30pm Spocabulary
This poetry performance and writing workshop with an open mic is geared towards high school and college students but all are welcome.

8/16 Tuesday @ 7pm Flora of Ventura: A California Native Plant Society Lecture
David Magney is a Certified Consulting Botanist. He will discuss the process of becoming a Certified Botanist in addition to rare flora of Ventura County. Presented by the California Native Plant Society, Channel Islands Chapter.

8/19 Friday @ 12pm Santa Barbara Museum of Art
Art Floats My Boat: A History of Boats Depicted in Art
Presented by the Docent Council of the Santa Barbara Museum of Art, the Community Speakers program features lectures written and delivered by docents. Enjoy some art on your lunch break!

8/27 Saturday @ 10:30am in the Rentfrow Room Spanish Conversation Group
Are you learning Spanish but need some practice speaking? Join this informal group to chat and practice your Español! Bring your own coffee!

8/3, 10, 17, 24, & 31 Wednesdays @ 12-2pm Adult Coloring Book Break
Join us 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!

8/3, 10, 17, 24, & 31 Wednesdays @ 4:30-6:30pm Library LAB Open Workshop 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.

8/4, 11, 18, & 25 Thursdays @ 7:30-9pm Poetry Open Mic Night
On these Thursday nights, come join this group of writers as they meet in the Topping Room to share their work. Featured readers change weekly.
8/6, 13, 20, & 27 Saturday @ 1pm Spontaneous Chess
Keep your skills sharp with this one-hour, drop-in session of free play. Boards will be set up and ready to go.
Children’s Events

8/2, 3, 9, 10, 16, 17, 23, 24, 30, & 31 Early Literacy Class
Tuesdays & Wednesdays 10:30am A great way to introduce your child to early literacy and the library for stories, poems, music, movement, a simple craft, and fun!

8/4, 11, & 18
Thursdays 3:30 pm Crafternoon
Get your craft on in the afternoon. This summer’s crafternoons are themed to this year’s Summer Reading theme: Read for the Win!

8/6, 13, 20, & 27 Saturdays Noon- 1 pm Paws for Reading
Read aloud to a registered service dog (sign-up required)

Teen Happenings

8/5 & 19 Gaming Day Every other Friday 2:30 pm
We’ll fire up the Wii U for some competitive and cooperative game play.

8/1, 8, 15, 22 & 29 Mondays 3 pm Youth Chess Club
Learn to play chess or improve your current ability! Assisted by Class A tournament player Jack Cashman.

Wednesdays 3 pm Summer Reading Shows
8/3, Jessica Vang: Enjoy the song and dance of Jessica Vang.