Category Archives: Community Events

Children Of Eden opens in Thousand Oaks

Before his retelling of the Witches of Oz in Wicked, composer Stephen Schwartz took on a contemporary retelling of some of the most popular biblical tales known to man. Children Of Eden uses these stories and characters to strike a universal chord in all of us. Beautiful music, story, humor, and imagery remind us of Spring, filled with new life bursting all around. Children Of Eden opens on Friday, April 8th, playing until Sunday, April 17th,  at the 1,800-seat Kavli Theatre at the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza, located at 2100 Thousand Oaks Blvd.

Every year, Cabrillo provides a delightful new show to surprise audiences. This year, meet the Children Of Eden! Based on the stories of Adam and Eve, and of Noah and the Ark, it’s actually the story of parents and children… of knowing when to hold on tightly to family… and of knowing when to let go. In other words, it’s the story of all of us. With music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz  and script by John Caird it fills the stage with illustrious storytelling, dance, humor, and beautiful songs, including “Spark of Creation,” “Lost in the Wilderness,” “In Whatever Time We Have,” and many more. Tellingly, Stephen Schwartz has been quoted as referring to Children Of Eden as his favorite of his works.

The cast features over 50 of Southern California’s brightest theatre stars!

Vol. 9, No. 12 – March 16 – March 29, 2016 – Events

Events by Ana Baker

Mar. 17: The East Ventura Community Council will celebrate St. Patrick’s Day by delving into Mayor Nasarenko’s recent State of the City address.

Also on the agenda is an update by Development Chairperson Daniel Cormode on Ventura’s water situation, as well as a report on the status of  the SOAR (Save Open Space and Agricultural Resources) renewal initiative by Norene Charnofsky.

The meeting will start at 7 p.m. at the First Assembly of God Church, 346 N. Kimball Road. For more information call 804-7558.

Mar. 17: Craig Werner, author of We Gotta Get Out of This Place: The Soundtrack of the Vietnam War, will do a book reading and signing with a question and answer segment.

The event will take place Thursday 7pm at the Bell Arts Factory, 432 No. Ventura Ave. This event will also feature a Vietnam photo exhibit provided by the Ventura County Museum.

 

Intimate and deeply informative, with a scope that encompasses both the war itself and the way that music has helped raise awareness of veteran’s issues long after its end.

For more information call  643-1960.

Mar. 19: Audubon 8:30 a.m. at Foster Park/Ventura River. Leader: David Torfeh 794-5334. The Ventura River flows through this green park with lots of shade trees. With winter rains, we may see some interesting species at the river, such as Green Heron or mergansers. Inside the park, we will see oak woodland species such as quail, bluebird and woodpeckers.

Mar. 19:  Ventura County Genealogical Society will hold their free monthly program, open to the public.

Saturday at 1p.m. at the Ventura County Public Health Auditorium, 3147 Loma Vista Rd.

Speaker, Barbara Randall, Professional Genealogist and Lecturer will discuss “Do You Really Know Your Irish Roots? Understanding 6,000 years of Irish History.”

Mar. 20: 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. The 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.

Admission charge $3. Lunch is available for $5 more. Monthly meetings are held on the 3rd Sunday of each month at the Ventura College location. More information about chapter 190 can be found at www.nawcc-ch190.com.

Mar. 22: Channelaire Chorus of Sweet Adeline, will present their competition music for free at 7 p.m. sharp. Located at the Center for Spiritual Living, 340 Mobil Ave. Camarillo. April 5, 13, 19 and 26th   rehearsal time from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Contact:   557-4962 for more information. The ability to read music is helpful but not necessary.

Mar. 23: The College Area Community Council will be meeting on Wednesday. A representative from the Ventura Police Department will address recent crime trends in the neighborhood.  The Council, which represents citizens between Mills and Victoria bordered by Foothill and Hwy. 126, meets at 7 p.m. in the Wright Event Center at 57 Day Rd. on the Ventura College campus. 658-7225 for more information.

Mar. 23:  “Let’s Play Duplicate Bridge!” New games offered beginning Wednesday, March 23rd (FREE that day too) for 0 – 49 AND 0 – 1,250 master point players. 12:30 p.m. start at the Temple Beth Torah, Kimball & Foothill Road.  Meet new players, learn about our local ACBL Cub, and have fun!

For more information call Susan Lang:  340 – 7735.

Mar. 24: Portuguese Fraternal Society of America will hold its monthly meeting on Thursday.  This meeting is open to any person of Portuguese descent or interested in the Portuguese culture.  The meeting will be held at Main Street Restaurant and Steakhouse, 3159 East Main St.  At 11:30 A.M. for a 12:00 P.M., no host luncheon / meeting.  For more information and reservation, please call Cora Corella at 483-6285 or Yvonne Westervelt at  483-4168.

Mar. 24: April Davis, a Ventura College student and winner of the 2015 La Estrella competition, will perform at the Friendship Connection 08’s annual membership luncheon at the NOM Tequila Grill, Crown Plaza Hotel, at 11:30 a.m. The FC is a group of retired ladies who like to have fun. Prospective members are invited. Call 218-6124 for more information.

Mar. 26.  Audubon 8:30 a.m. Ojai Meadow Preserve. Leader: John Pavelko 798-2571. The field trip to the Ojai Meadow Preserve will be a combined event with the Ojai Valley Land OVLC manages over 2,300 acres and 25 miles of trails with 9 employees in the Ojai Valley. Take Hwy 33 toward Ojai and turn left at the Y. The preserve is on the left side. Parking is available in front of the entrance and also at the nearby high school or church, if necessary.

Apr.8&9: This year’s Ladies’ Conference is Friday, April 8, 6:30 – 9:30 pm, and Saturday, April 9, 9:30 am – 3:30 pm.  Trusting God in Me, with teachings emphasizing trusting God. Registration begins on Friday evening at 6 pm at The River Community Church at 889 E. Santa Clara St.

The guest speaker, Rev. Janet Hattem, has been a long-time friend and associate of this church. Janet has served in many capacities as a leader in Women’s and Children’s Ministry.           The cost is $50, which includes lunch and a T-Shirt plus all supplies for Friday evening’s activity.  All registrations and payments must be made by Sunday, April 3; late registrations and walk-ins will be $60. For further information visit www.therivercomunity.org or call 648-7955.

Apr. 15&16: Kris Kringle Boutique presents Spring Fling, a two day event with over 30 vendors where you can find homemade springtime decor and crafts, clothing, jewelry, florals, up-coming holiday gifts and much more! This event is open to the public and is free admission. Located at the North Ranch Community Center 1400 N. Westlake Village, CA 91362. See their ad in the next issue for more info.

Friday 15, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday 16, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

 

Explore Ventura’s Art scene at Paint Ventura April 2nd

Find your creative side and explore Ventura’s Art scene at this year’s Paint Ventura April 2nd featuring a variety of artists in all mediums creating, selling and competing in downtown Ventura

art paint ventura insetSpring Art Fair And Paint Out/ 10am – 4pm at Plaza Park in Downtown Ventura / free

Spend the day enjoying local arts and craft vendors as you watch them create in their artisan booths. More than 70 fine artists and crafts persons display and sell their original work amid a street festival atmosphere in conjunction with the City of Ventura’s 150th Anniversary Festival.

Grab your art supplies and join in the all-inclusive Quick Draw Paint Out where you have 2 hours to paint/ collage/ draw your work of art from start to finish. Open to All subjects, All mediums and All ages.  $10 participation fee,

Or join in and watch the fun happen and be one of the judges to pick the several winners.  Free Kids Interactive Art Activities- Kids QuickDraw Painting Competition, taking place alongside the adult QuickDraw(12-2) kids 12 and under have the chance to paint or draw their own creation. Join us for a fun Spring Afternoon of art and celebration, find out more info at www.PaintVentura.com or  Red Brick Art 643-6400.

 

Public invited to Ventura 150th “City Hall Open House” on Friday, March 11

Community members of all ages are invited to visit Ventura City Hall, located at 501 Poli Street, for a fun afternoon learning about local government during an Open House celebrating Ventura’s 150th anniversary of cityhood.  The free event will be held Friday, March 11, from 1 to 4 pm.

Art and historic tours, music, refreshments, displays, open offices and a mock City Council meeting conducted by VUSD fifth grade school children are all highlights of the afternoon.

FOYER – Meet your guide Glenda Jackson at 1:15 and 3 pm in the first floor Foyer for a tour of the historic building with fascinating stories about its landmark architecture and role as the former county courthouse. At 2:30 pm Community Partnerships Manager Denise Sindelar will guide you through the building’s nationally prominent Municipal Art Collection – a permanent showcase of the county’s finest artists.

ATRIUM – Enjoy live music, refreshments and displays by the Ventura Water, Police and Community Development departments in the first floor Atrium from 1 to 4 pm.

COUNCIL CHAMBERS – Don’t miss the mock City Council Meeting conducted by Ventura Unified School District fifth grade school children at 2 pm in the majestic second floor Council Chambers, once the county’s superior court.

COMMUNITY MEETING ROOM – Explore a century of dramatic historic photos of city history in this former courtroom on the second floor from 1 to 4 pm.

SANTA CRUZ CONFERENCE ROOM – View a 20-minute film celebrating the first century of City Hall in the smallest former courtroom on the second floor 1 to 4 pm.

CITY MANAGER, CITY CLERK & HUMAN RESOURCES OFFICES – Meet city officials and explore the offices of government leaders during the open house from 1 to 4 pm.

CITY HALL EAST BACK PARKING LOT – Visit “touch a truck” displays behind the building from Ventura Police, Fire, Public Works and Ventura Water from 1 to 4 pm.

Experience 1840s California at free Olivas’ RANCHO DAYS on March 13

Find out what life was like on a California Rancho over 170 years ago during the “Rancho Days Celebration” on Sunday, March 13, from 11 am to 3 pm at the historic Olivas Adobe, 4200 Olivas Park Drive, near Ventura Harbor.

Step back in time to experience Ventura’s Western heritage-Chumash, Mexican and Cowboy-at California’s only remaining Monterey Style adobe built in the 1840s by a Mexican family on the 4,694-acre cattle-and-crop land grant Rancho San Miguel.

Enjoy great period entertainment and try your hand at a dozen engaging and educational activities for the whole family with Rancho-era workshops led by outreach staff, volunteer experts and heritage services organizations including the Ventura County Hand Weavers & Spinning Guild, Olivas Adobe Historical Interpreters and Channel Islands Woodcarvers.

Make adobe bricks. Grind corn and grill tortillas. Pan for gold. Rope a steer. Try beading, birding and animal tracking. Craft some Mexican paper flowers. Learn more about the Chumash natural and spiritual worlds, the adobe’s barrel organ, Gene West wooden toys, laundry days and Thaumatropes and old gadget guessing games plus watch antique gun demonstrations, tour the historic adobe with costumed docents abd visit the Mexican food truck onsite to purchase authentic refreshments.

ENTERTAINMENT LINEUP

11-12              Mariachi Aguilas de Oxnard

12:05-12:25   Ballet Folklorico de Bell Arts – repeats 1:05-1:20

12:30-1           Professor Tinker’s Magical Medicine Show – repeats 1:25-1:50

2:10-3             California State Old time Fiddlers – Range Riders

The Rancho Days Celebration is an all-free event in celebration of the City of Ventura’s150th anniversary of cityhood thanks to the sponsorship of Olivas family descendants Bill and Elise Kearney.

Friendship Sangha of the Heart hosting free program Mar. 7

On Monday evening March 7th the Friendship Sangha of the Heart, a Spiritual Growth Program of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Ventura (UUCV), will be hosting this special free program. Join us in the Sanctuary of the UUCV for meditation practice at 7:00 pm, the book talk with Timber Hawkeye at 7:30 pm or both. Everyone is welcome! Timber says, “What I love about Buddhism is that it’s not a religion… It also doesn’t require other beliefs to be wrong, but rather strengthens your existing faith (whatever it may be).”

Museum of Ventura County and Channel Islands National Park, host “Tales of Island Life” festivities Mar. 6

On Sunday, March 6, from 11 am to 4 pm, the Museum of Ventura County, in partnership with the Channel Islands National Park, hosts a fun-filled day for families with the theme “Tales of Island Life.” This is one of the occasional Sundays that the two organizations will jointly host in celebration of the Channel Islands National Park’s 36th anniversary, as well as the commemoration of the National Park Service’s 100th Anniversary.

“Tales of Island Life” is an all-day event on March 6 that will celebrate the human history of the Channel Islands.

All-day children’s activities include:

A large “touch tank” that introduces kids to the real sea life that exists on the islands in the tide pools—SEE and TOUCH sea anemones, sea urchins, starfish, sea cucumbers, and hermit crabs.

Meet Buddy, a red-tail hawk (aka Buteo jamaicensis) from the California Hawking Club. The red-tailed hawk is widespread in North America, partially due to historic settlement patterns, which have benefited it.  On the Channel Islands, the red-tail hawk is mostly found on San Miguel Island.

All day crafts:  make fish prints, make a fox origami, participate in an archaeological dig, and make your own Channel Islands button.

Ranger-led demonstrations tell kids about the Junior Ranger program, and kids can meet Tigran Nahabedian, the Channel Islands’ first underwater Junior Ranger.

Other all-day activities for kids include a career scavenger hunt, photo ops with a cutout pinniped, fox or park ranger.

A living history program will be presented that will feature the story of sea captain’s wife, Margaret Eaton.

National Park Service staff will share how they protect the park resources at stations on island fox recovery, kelp forest monitoring, shipwreck surveys, historic preservations, and more. Attendees can ask divers, scientists, archeologists, and others about their careers.

Timed events

  • At 12:00 pm, Betsy Lester Roberti will give a program that describes her childhood memories growing up on the remote, rugged, and windswept San Miguel Island in the 1930s and 40s.
  • At 2:00 pm, Channel Islands National Park Superintendent Russell Galipeau will lead a conversation about the past, present, and future management of the park. Visitors are encourages to ask Superintendent Galipeau anything they want to know about the islands!
  • The park film, Treasure in the Sea, will be shown at 11:00 am, 1:00 pm, and 3:00 pm.

The event on March 6 is free for all, as part of the Free First Sunday program at the Museum of Ventura County.  Refreshments will be available for sale from Aaron’s Tacos food truck, West Bar-B-Que and Kona Ice.

 

Tender Life Maternity Home Walkathon

Join your friends at the Tender Life Maternity Home Walkathon on  Saturday, March 5, at The River Church. The walk will start at 9:45. Registration begins at 9:00am.

The Tender Life Walkathon is a great way to involve your family and friends in a fun, charitable experience. The walk is less than 2 miles. Simply ask people you know to sponsor you in support of Tender Life Maternity Home, a nonprofit program that provides pregnant women with safe housing and supportive services.

For 30 years, Tender Life Maternity Home, a program of Project Understanding, has offered a loving and supportive environment for women who desire to carry their babies to term but lack the necessary means to do so. Download registration form by visiting www.projectunderstanding.org.

AIDS Walk Ventura

AidWalkVenturaAIDS Walk Ventura will take place in Plaza Park on Saturday, March 5, at 8:30 AM.  The goal of AIDS Walk Ventura is to raise awareness about HIV and AIDS and to fund future efforts for education, outreach, and prevention within Ventura County.  The event has a long history in Ventura County and has been hosted by a number of organizations throughout the years. Diversity Collective Ventura County (DCVC) is proud to bring this event back to Ventura, in partnership with Ventura County Department of Public Health, and with the help of numerous volunteers and sponsors.  Collectively, DCVC aims to reduce and stop the spread of HIV and AIDS in Ventura County.

In the 2014 HIV/AIDS Surveillance Report, the Ventura County Department of Public Health (VCDPH) reported 77% newly diagnosed (or re-ascertained) cases occurring in those under 35 years of age (VCDPH, 2015). The agency also reported both HIV and AIDS diagnoses rose over the previous year.  Joseph Summers, DCVC Vice President stated, “We need as much community support as we can get. We are actively seeking donors, sponsors and volunteers, including healthcare organizations, to join us to inform the community on various resources available to them.”

If you would like to be a sponsor, volunteer, or for general information, please visit http://www.diversitycollectivevc.org/aids-walk-ventura.html. Health Fair Vendor booths will be free of charge.  In kind donations and monetary sponsorships are tax-deductible. Contact Joseph Summers at [email protected] or 619-5428 or further questions.

“State of the City” event brings Ventura Chamber and City together

Mayor Erik Nasarenko will discuss the present and future of Ventura.
Mayor Erik Nasarenko will discuss the present and future of Ventura.

Mayor Erik Nasarenko will deliver the annual State of the City Address at the Ventura Chamber of Commerce’s State of the City Breakfast on Thursday, March 10 at the Crowne Plaza Ventura Beach. Mayor Erik Nasarenko will discuss the present and future of Ventura.

The Ventura Chamber of Commerce hosts the breakfast every year.  “The State of the City address is the perfect opportunity for the business community to engage with City Hall and hear directly from the Mayor about his priorities and vision for the coming year,” says Stephanie Caldwell, President and CEO for the Chamber. “We look forward to hearing Mayor Nasarenko’s address and exploring how the business community can work to support his objectives,” she adds.

The event will include a networking session starting at 7:30am, breakfast at 8:00am, followed by Mayor’s State of the City address, “Invest in Ventura, Now and for a Strong Tomorrow.” The event takes place at the Top of the Harbor Ballroom at Crowne Plaza Ventura Beach.

The cost is $40 for members and $50 for non-members, and $5 more at the door. Registration is required: www.venturachamber.com/stateofthecity. For more information, contact the Chamber’s Events Director at [email protected] or 643-7222.

 

 

E.P. Foster Library – March events

3/2, 9, 16, 23, 30 Wednesdays 12-2 pm

some stress relieving coloring. Coloring sheets and pencils provided. Available from 12pm to 2pm so stop by for a minute or ten!

Oil spills and microbes: How does nature remediate massive petroleum discharges?
3/6 @ 3pm
Channel Islands Lecture Series
Patricia Tavormina, Lecturer

Spontaneous Chess
3/12 & 22 @ 1 pm
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!

Opera Santa Barbara
3/18 @ 12 pm
These concerts, featuring members of the Mosher Studio Artist Program,

eLibrary Gadget Fest
3/26 @ 11 am
Want eBooks but just haven’t had the time to figure out how to get them from the library? Learning a language and want access to free learning tools?

Assemblage Workshop
3/30 @ 6pm
Local Artist Ron Smith will conduct an Assemblage workshop.

Library LAB Open Workshop
3/2, 9, 16, 23, 30 4:30-6:30 pm Come by the library on Wednesday evenings to learn more about our 3D printer and laser cutter—or to use them yourself!

Poetry Open Mic Night
3/3, 10, 17, 24, 31 Thursdays 7:30-9 pm On these Thursday nights, come join this group of writers as they meet in the Topping Room to share their work.

Ukulele Jam Session
3/7 & 21 Mondays 7-10 pm Locals gather to play the ukulele on the first and third Monday of the month.

Early Literacy Class     3/1, 2, 8, 9, 15, 16, 22, & 23                                                             Tuesdays & Wednesdays 10:30am
A great way to introduce your child to early literacy and the library.

Homework Center      3/1, 3, 8, 10, 15, 17, 22 & 24
Tuesdays & Thursdays 3-5pm                                                                                                 Homework Helpers will be available to help students in grades K through 12 with their homework assignments.

Paws for Reading        3/5, 12, 19, & 26
Saturdays noon- 1pm
Read aloud to a registered service dog (sign-up required).

TAG Teen Advisory Group
3/2 & 16 Wednesdays 4 pm
Active members will get credit towards School Community Services Hours. TAG meetings are in the Young Adult area on the 2nd floor.

Knitting with Anacapa Fine Yarns
03/03, 10, 17, 24, 31 Thursdays 3 pm
Learn to knit or improve your knitting skills with Anacapa Fine Yarns.

Youth Chess Club
3/7, 14, 21, & 28 Mondays 3 pm
Learn to play chess or improve your current ability! Assisted by Class A tournament player Jack Cashman.

College Planning Workshop
03/1 Tuesday 7 pm
This workshop is put together and facilitated by Linda Kapala and is suitable for parents and students in Grades 9-12.  It will be held in the Topping Room.

Makeshop
3/8 & 22 Tuesdays 3-5 pm
Building fun at the library! Makerspace event.

Lego LAB: Build, Learn, and Play!
3/1, 15,& 29 Tuesdays 3 pm
3/5 Saturday 10 am
Exciting challenges every meeting. Bring your imagination and experiment with creative designs. Children of all ages welcome!

Spring Crafternoon
3/16 Thursday 3 pm
A craft in the afternoon themed to the Spring season.

Dance Party!
3/11, 3/17, and 3/25 Fridays and Thursday 10-11 am
Enjoy non-stop music and movement for children ages 2-5 and their grownups in the Topping Room!