In recognition of mothers being the primary caregivers in our lives and the community, Livingston Memorial Visiting Nurse Association will honor Ellen Brokaw (Mother of our own city employee Elena Brokaw)and remember Corolyn Powell at a Mother’s Day Luncheon, Friday, April 22 at the Las Posas Country Club in Camarillo.

Proceeds from the event support Livingston’s home healthcare programs and services throughout Ventura County.

For ticket and sponsorship information, please contact Stephanie Montenegro at 642-0239 x793, [email protected], or visit the agency website: www.lmvna.org.

Home gives us a sense of belonging and stability. It’s so much more than just a physical structure. Yet, so many people in the U.S. face housing instability and homelessness on a daily basis. A shocking 76% of Americans live paycheck-to-paycheck (Bankrate.com Survey 2013). They are just one accident or injury away from losing everything, including a place to call home.

To advocate for increased public housing assistance, ReThink: Why Housing Matters, an initiative to change the misperceptions surrounding public housing, has created a documentary film “Our Journey Home. The documentary, produced by Emmy-Award winning filmmakers, Stillmotion, and narrated by singer-songwriter, Jewel, follows three families supported by public housing and examines how their relationship to home has shaped them.

One such story featured in the film is of Ventura County resident, Rosalio Galaviz, whose family immigrated to the U.S. at a young age, in search of a better life. However, shortly after, Rosalio’s mother was left alone to raise five children on a minimum wage job. While public housing provided a safe and stable place for his family to live, Rosalio decided to become the change he wanted to see in his community and overcame his circumstances by enrolling in the Ventura Police Academy.

“Public housing offered us the tools in life to become successful,” says Galaviz in “Our Journey Home.” “If you want to see a change in the world, then you have to be that change in the world. A police officer can make that change.”

Rosalio is currently a police cadet in training and striving to give back to Ventura County, the place he calls home.

On Apr. 20 ReThink in partnership with the Housing Authority of the City of San Buenaventura will be hosting a public screening event for “Our Journey Home.” The screening will be followed by an invigorating panel discussion with notable members from housing authorities, the Ventura County police chief and Rosalio Galaviz.

Wednesday, April 20
Century 10 Downtown –  555 E Main St.
6:30 – 7:30 PM: Film Screening
7:30 – 7:50 PM: Panel Discussion
Price  $9.00

The tickets can be reserved online at: www.tugg.com/events/93414

For the month of April, the Ojai Photo Club changes its focus to explore a genre of photography that finds beauty in things falling apart. Sean Kilmurray, an emerging photographer and student at Brooks Institute, will speak about creating mysterious and evocative images in unconventional settings. The theme of his talk is “Entropy.” The meeting will take place on Tuesday, April 19, 2016, at 7:00 p.m., at Help of Ojai’s Kent Hall, 111 Santa Ana St

For a preview of Kilmurray’s photography as well as his other talents in sculpture and woodworking, go to: seankilmurrayphotography.com.

The Ojai Photography 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/.

In this drought-stricken year, protecting family, home, and property from wildfires is more important than ever. Have fun learning how at the Ojai Wildfire Safety Fair on Saturday, April 30, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., at Sarzotti Park. Meet Smokey the Bear, Robby the 10-foot-tall fireman, and most of Ventura County’s First Responders at an event designed to entertain and inform the whole family. Alan Thornhill and Martin Young will provide live music; Vegan Marios and Me Gusta Tamales will offer food; while vendors will display a variety of home fire prevention products. The Fair is presented by the Ojai Valley Fire Safe Council and is free, thanks to a National Fire Plan grant from the cooperative fire program of the U.S. Forest Service, Department of Agriculture, Pacific Southwest Region, through the California Fire Safe Council.

For more information on wildfire safety, visit www.vcreadysetgo.org. For additional information about the Wildfire Safety Fair, contact Will Castagna, 646-7307, or visit http://www.firesafeojai.org/.

The First Annual Ojai Wine Walk benefit event will take place Saturday, April 16, 2016 from 5pm to 9pm, in Ojai, CA.

The Ojai Wine Walk will take guests on a sunset wine-tasting tour through Ojai’s charming Arcade Plaza.  Wine tastings will take place at 10 arcade shop and art gallery locations along the Arcade route and feature tastings by 10 select wineries.  Wine tastings will be hosted by Carolina Gramm Olive Oil Tasting Room, Dan Schultz Fine Art Gallery, Genesis of Ojai, Glo West Beauty, Kava Home, The Kindred Spirit, Love Heals Jewelry, Made In Ojai, Primavera Fine Art Gallery, and Soultonic.

Event admission is $45 for a Wine Walk Pass, which includes ten (10) 2oz wine tasting tickets, wine glass, tour map, and child care provided by Ojai Youth Entertainers Studio (OYES), with reservations. Guests of the tour will check-in at OYES theatre to receive their pass. OYES theatre is located at 316 E. Matilija Street, Ojai, CA, 93023. Event tickets are on sale now at www.ojaiwinewalk2016.eventbrite.com

This benefit event shall sponsor the ongoing youth programs for the Ojai Youth Entertainers Studio (OYES). OYES is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization offering enrichment courses in youth drama and performing arts, and entertainment for all ages. For more information about OYES upcoming events visit www.ojaiyes.org/events  or call 646-4300.

Guests of the Ojai Wine Walk are invited to gather afterwards at The Vine 308 E. Ojai Ave., Ojai, CA.

For Kids – The Ojai Youth Entertainers Studio will host Kids Night Out from 5:00pm to 8:30pm for children ages 7 and up. Children will enjoy a movie, pizza and theatre games! Kids Night Out will be provided with purchase of Ojai Wine Walk pass and be limited to 2 reservations per purchase. Space is limited, and advanced reservations are required.

Musical fruit? It’s a very old joke, but one that will turn into reality with banana keyboards

at the Silly Science event at the Ojai Library on Tuesday, April 19, at 3:30 p.m. Two MIT researchers have designed a kit that can turn fruit into musical keyboards using a simple circuit board, an alligator clip, and a computer. They call it “Makey Makey.”

April’s science experiment using the Makey Makey kit will show children how to transform just

about anything into a musical keyboard in just a few simple steps.

Please join the Ojai Library on April 19 for some musically fruity experimental fun! This activity will also be at the Meiners Oaks Library on Wednesday, April 20, at 2:30 p.m. and at the Oak View Library on Thursday, April 21, at 3:30 p.m. These events are 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.

Events by Ana Baker

Would you like to meet new friends? Whatever the reason, Ventura’s Conversation Group is the right place for you. This eclectic group meets Wednesdays from 4 p.m. to 5:45 p.m. Located at the Yolanda’s Mexican Restaurant at 2753 Main St. Several people usually stay for a drink and a bite to eat afterward. Be sure to bring an interesting topic to discuss.

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. The evening meeting takes place every Tuesday from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Bible Fellowship Church located 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.

The daytime meeting is held from 1p.m. to 3p.m. at the New Visions Center in Ventura on the first and third Saturdays of the month. Turning Point Foundation’s New Vision Center is located at 1065 E. Main Street. Email [email protected], visit facebook.com/DBSA.Ventura or call 746-3106 for more information.

Apr.14: The Oxnard Film Society will be celebrating the 100th year of the Irish Rising with a screening of the documentary 1916 The Irish Rebellion on Thursday, at 7 p.m. at the Museum of Ventura County.  Narrated by Liam Neeson, this landmark documentary tells the dramatic story of the events that took place in Dublin during Easter Week 1916. Starts at 6 p.m. with live Irish music by the Decker Brothers, and Irish balladeer Willie Quinn, food and drink at the Museum of Ventura County, screening at 7 p.m.  George Sandoval and McNally will host a Q&A session after the screening.

Apr.14: The Ventura County Professional Women’s Network (VCPWN), is hosting their monthly dinner meeting.  This meeting format is different because you change tables throughout the night.  Come early to bid on some awesome baskets and gift certificates.  Networking starts at 5:30 pm and dinner goes from 6:00 to 8:15 pm at the Wedgewood Banquet Center.  The cost for the dinner meeting is $28 for members who register early and $33 for guests and members.

For more information about the event or to register log on to www.vcpwn.org.

Apr.16: Audubon event 8:30 a.m. Santa Clara River Estuary/Surfers Knoll.  Leader: Alexis Frangis 217-4833.  We hope to see a variety of shorebirds.

Apr. 16: LeeAndra Chergey is scheduled from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., to discuss, read and sign her memoir Make a Wish for Me: A Family’s Recovery from Autism.  LeeAndra Chergey explores the devastation of “losing” her son Ryan to the silence of autism and her family’s struggle to get him back. www.okaysothenisaid.com. Dr. Bill Saleebey, noted networking guru and author will have a book signing of and reading from “Connecting: Key Networking Tips for Business and Life,” 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday.

Bank of Books 748 E. Main St.  Reception to follow Saleebey, 7:30 p.m. at 2465 Sherwood Dr.

Apr. 16: Ventura Friends of the Library will hold a Buck-a-Bag Book Sale at the Vons at Telegraph and Victoria from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Restock your bookshelves along with your groceries.

We’ll provide the bag.  Fill a plastic bag and take home a bag of books for just $1.  Fill a larger paper bag and take it home for $2. We’ll even provide a box which you can fill for $4.

Apr. 16:  Champagne On Main, “A Spring Wine Walk and Street Fair”, is back for its second big year in Ventura! This special event combines two of everyone’s favorite delicacies, Top-Shelf Champagnes and Gourmet Chocolates and again takes place on Main Street/Downtown District, on Saturday, from 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Proceeds from Champagne on Main benefit the Downtown Ventura Organization. Check-in locations: Now Ventura (185 E. Santa Clara St.); Bombay Bar & Grill (143 S. California St.); and Winchester Saloon (632 E. Main St.). Information 628-9588. To purchase ticket go to www.champagneonmain.com.

Apr.17: Ventura County Ballet (VCB) will bring a twist to this year’s spring production with its version of “Don Quixote of la Mancha” for one exciting performance on Sunday, at 2 p.m. at Oxnard Performing Arts Center. Attendees that love Russian history, ballet will see it all in addition to our own Ventura County top talent dancers like, 15 year old Olivia Miller from Ventura. For more information and tickets visit, http://venturacountyballet.com or by calling the VCB event line at 323-6620.

Apr. 17: The American Handwriting Analysis Foundation’s SoCal Chapter will meet on Sunday, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the EP Foster Library to discuss what handwriting reveals about honesty and dishonesty. Chapter president Sheila Lowe and Vice President Lena Rivkin will present a variety of handwritings from saints to sinners. Guests are welcome to bring a handwriting sample for comments by the members. For additional information [email protected] or 658-0109.

Apr. 17: 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.

Meeting starts at noon and at 11 a.m. there will be an informal workshop where a topic on clocks or watches will be demonstrated and discussed. There will be a mart where items will be for sale followed by lunch and a program. $3 admission charge. Lunch is available for $5. Watches & clocks will be on display. More information about chapter 190 can be found at www.nawcc-ch190.com.

Apr.18: Zeta Chi Parliamentarians (formerly Channel Islands) will meet at 7 p.m. and feature a lesson by Sally LaMacchia titled “Come to Order.”  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.

Apr.19: Audubon event 8:30 a.m. Lake Casitas.  Leader: Adele Fergusson 415-4304. Join us on a nice walk at the lake, looking for early Spring migrants. We may see Rufous Hummingbirds, grosbeaks and orioles, as well as ducks, geese and waterfowl.

Apr. 20: the Ventura County Library is celebrating 100 years of service. We hope you can join them to celebrate the Centennial from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Historical exhibits open at 4 p.m. and speakers at 5:30 p.m. “Tell us your story” booth. Event held at E.P. Foster Library Topping Room.

Come get a glimpse into what the next 100 years hold for Ventura County Library!

Apr.21: California State Parks Ranger Alexis Frangis will address the next meeting of the East Ventura Community Council on the topic, “Helping Endangered Species and Related Issues.”

Other subjects of concern to residents will also be addressed.

The council represents those who live east of Victoria Avenue. Books in good condition are always accepted by San Buenaventura Friends of the Library, and are very much appreciated.

The meeting will start at 7 p.m. at the First Assembly of God Church, 346 N. Kimball Road. The public is encouraged to attend and participate! Check our Facebook page for updated agenda items. For more information call 804-7558.

Apr.25,26: CMH Auxiliary will be having a Gift Shop Fundraiser “Masquerade” $5 Jewelry and Accessories Sale.  Experience the Frenzy on April 25 and 26 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.  Location: CMH Lobby.

The Auxiliary is seeking new volunteers.  Please pick up a Volunteer Application at the Auxiliary Front Desk any day but especially if you are shopping our sale.

Apr. 27: The Ventura County Camera Club a free public presentation and dialogue with professional photographers Jami Tarris and Theo Allofs to be held 7 p.m. at the Poinsettia Pavilion.  The husband and wife team has a combined 40-plus years’ experience.  Club meetings are free to the public, however, only members can submit images for critique.  Learn more about the Ventura County Camera Club at www.venturacountycameraclub.com

Apr.24: One hundred years ago a small army of Irish Nationalists took over central Dublin in an event that sparked the rebellion for Irish freedom.  Local Irish Americans will gather at Ivy Lawn Cemetery at noon, exactly 100 years from this event to pay tribute to the martyrs.  There will be the reading of the Proclamation, a declaration of independence and equality, by a prominent Irish American followed by the singing of songs of the era in Irish and English.  There will also be an Irish bagpiper, laying of wreath, and procession of flags.The public is welcome.

Apr.27: Ben Unseth, Executive Director of Project Understanding, will speak about his agency’s mission at the Friendship Connection 08’s lunch at Osabi Restaurant in Ventura at 11:30 am. Prospective members are welcome. Please call 218-6124 for further information.