Category Archives: Community Events

SCAN classes for seniors are wonderful

“GERD, IBS, Crohn’s Disease and Colitis: What You Need to Know” will be discussed at the SCAN Health & Wellness Center on Friday, January 15th, at 11 a.m. The one-hour discussion will be led by Ventura physician Bruce Woodling, M.D., as part of a monthly health series called “Taking Charge.” Dr. Woodling will talk about reflux, diet, and Barrett’s Esophagaus, IBS facts, symptoms and treatments; as well as symptoms and treatments of Crohn’s Disease and Colitis. The program is free to seniors 55 and older and their caregivers. Seating is limited to those new to the center and reservations are required. Call 658-0365 to register.

Trying to figure out how to use your new iPad? The SCAN Health & Wellness Center is offering a free “iPad Basics for Seniors” class Wednesday, January 27 at 9 a.m. at the SCAN Health & Wellness Center. During this two-hour, entry-level class, seniors will learn basic tablet terminology, initial set-up procedures, the features and gestures of their iPad, and more. The iPad Basics class is open to seniors 55+ who are new to the center. Please bring your iPad. To register for this class, please call 658-0365 (space is limited).

It’s possible to live with diabetes – learn how at a Diabetes Management Workshop at the SCAN Health & Wellness Center. On Jan. 26, Feb. 23 and March 22, Health Educator Mary Arevalo will share how to live well with diabetes, how to create a meal plan, how to add activity to your life and how to manage your medications. Each class is from 9:30 a.m. – 12 noon. This workshop is sponsored by the Gold Coast Health Plan Health Education Department. For more information, call 437-5606.

A 15-minute chair massage for seniors 55 and older and their caregivers. Certified Massage Therapist Linda Mac Dougall has many years of experience in treating older adults with chronic and acute conditions with therapeutic massage. Schedule your appointment for an upcoming Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The seated, fully-clothed neck, shoulder and back massages cost $15 per session, and can help get rid of those knots and stress in your upper back, shoulders and neck. To make an appointment, call 658-0365.

SCAN Health and Wellness Center, 6633 Telephone Road, Suite 100 in Ventura.

Vol. 9, No. 7 – January 6 – January 19, 2016 – Events

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 4p.m. to 5:45p.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, 2p.m. to 4p.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 9:45p.m. Located at the Poinsettia Pavilion, 3451 Foothill. Ballroom, swing, Latin, mixers and line dancing. Members $9, non-members $11. Call 407-9971 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 6:30p.m. to 8p.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.

Jan.8:  The General George S. Patton, Jr. Chapter, Sons of the American Revolution luncheon meeting will feature the program ” Tracing Your Hispanic Heritage and the American Revolutionary War “, presented by a distinguished panel consisting of Georgine Herd, Pat Harmon, and Dr. Sunny Vazquez-McMullen, all members of the Conejo Valley Genealogy Society.  The luncheon event will take place in the Garden Room, Marie Callender’s Restaurant on Friday at 11:30 a.m.  All SAR & DAR Compatriots, friends, and visitors are welcome to join us.  The cost for lunch is $20 per person, and includes a slice of Marie Callender’s pie.  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, visit http://pattonpatriots.org.

Jan.9: Unitarian Universalist Church will feature, Practicing living joyfully in the present moment with Leslie Rinchen-Wongmo. The day will begin with the documentary film Creating Buddhas: the Making and Meaning of Fabric Thangkas, featuring Leslie’s story and artwork, and will be filled with opportunities to practice living joyfully in the present moment. A gratitude offering will be gratefully accepted, but is not required ($35 suggested). Sponsored by the Friendship Sangha of the Heart, a Spiritual Growth Program of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Ventura from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Leslie Rinchen-Wongmo has been a beginning meditator and aspiring mindful person for over 40 years. Now resettled at the Channel Islands Harbor, she continues to make Buddhist textile art on commission and to teach mindful art-making to students around the world through her Stitching Buddhas Virtual Apprentice Program. For more about Leslie http://threadsofawakening.com/

Jan.12: Audubon Society It’s all about bees.  Dr. Ruben Alarcón will discuss the diversity of bees, their importance for native plant communities and agricultural systems, and ways homeowners can promote bee populations.  He is a pollination ecologist and associate professor of Biology at CSU Channel Islands. Program will be held at the Poinsettia Pavilion, Foothill Road beginning at 7:30 p.m.

 

Ventura College expands schedule, offers Saturday Classes

This January, Saturday classes return to the Ventura College schedule, as the college continues to give students new options to access learning conveniently, as increasing student access and attracting working adult students are priorities for the college.

“We are here to serve students and the community, so we’re delighted to offer Saturday classes as a way to give busy people a way to further their education and careers,” said Kim Hoffmans, Ed.D., vice president of academic affairs.

Most courses begin on January 16 and meet for 18 weeks. Course offerings include introductory classes in sociology, speech communications, United States history and guitar. Also offered are courses toward certified nurse assistant, for smog license update, in intermediate guitar and in cardio machine training.

Saturday classes are an especially great option for high school seniors who want to get a jump-start on their college requirements, Hoffmans noted. “Students can apply online and receive their acceptance instantly. Then they can enroll in the class online and just like that, they’ve launched their college education,” she said.

For more information and to register, visit www.venturacollege.edu, or call Ventura College at 289-6000.

January celebration of Martin Luther King, Jr.

Martin Luther King, Jr. was one of the main leaders of the American civil rights movement. A Baptist minister by training, King became a civil rights activist early in his career, leading the Montgomery Bus Boycott. His efforts led to the 1963 March on Washington, where King delivered his “I Have a Dream” speech, raising public consciousness of the civil rights movement and establishing King as one of the greatest orators in American history.

In 1964, he became the youngest person to receive the Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts to end segregation and racial discrimination through civil disobedience and other non-violent means.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is a United States federal holiday marking the birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr. It is observed on the third Monday of January each year, which is around the time of King’s birthday, January 15.

King was assassinated on April 4, 1968, in Memphis, Tennessee. He was posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Jimmy Carter in 1977. Martin Luther King Day was established as a national holiday in the United States in 1986. In 2004, King was posthumously awarded a Congressional Gold Medal.

A national hero and a civil-rights figure  King summoned together a number of black leaders in 1957 and laid the groundwork for the organization now known as the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC). King was elected its president, and he soon began helping other communities organize their own protests against discrimination.

 

 

 

Tall ships return to Ventura Harbor

Photo of  by John Ferritto

A movie star tall ship and her companion return to Ventura this winter for more than three weeks of sailing adventures, cannon battles, and educational programs for young people. The brig Lady Washington and the topsail ketch Hawaiian Chieftain are scheduled to sail into Ventura Harbor Village January 15 and stay until  February 8.

New this year are three Evening Sails on Wednesday January 20, January 27, and February 3. These 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. excursions are opportunities for individuals and families – who are unable to sail on the weekends – to enjoy an educational and relaxing experience on an authentic tall ship. Passengers are encouraged to help raise a sail, learn a sea shanty, or just soak up an ocean sunset. Tickets are $35 each.

The Ventura stop also includes the popular Battle Sails, which are three hour recreations of a typical 18th century cannon duel between two tall ships using real cannons, and gunpowder, but no cannon balls. Tickets are $75 for adults, and $67 for seniors (62+). Students with ID, active military, and children 12 and under are $39.

 

Town Hall Meeting  for Our County, Our Kids

As a foster parent, families can become a link in a lifelong chain. Loving homes can provide the unconditional healing, support and guidance that can help a child and siblings thrive and grow as every child needs. With over 1,000 youth still in need in Ventura County, foster youth from birth to teens especially need a loving parent who will support them as if they were their own.

On Saturday, Jan. 23 from 9-11 a.m., Foster VC Kids, a division of Ventura County Children and Family Services, will host a Town Hall Meeting in which aspiring families can learn more about what it takes and how amazing it is to become a home for VC foster children.

“Our own youth are inspiring us on the radio, at panels and especially at this very special Town Hall meeting, in which we will hear from those involved in foster care who will address and hopefully inspire the need for more quality homes as resources for our youth,” says Elizabeth Thasiah of Foster VC Kids.

Joining the event and showing their support will be Supervisor Steve Bennett – a huge advocate supporting foster care. “One of the great drawbacks to this process has been the lack of awareness and information available to educate potential parents on why they should consider this inspirational avocation – helping children in need,” explained Bennett. “This is your chance to find out how meaningful it is to open your life to a child and family.”

Other outreach includes the VC Fire Department, police/sheriff and health care industries, faith communities and current foster families. In addition, Foster VC Kids is inviting local FFA’s (foster family agencies), Casa Pacifica and experts of foster care to answer any questions. It’s an event for all, and Foster VC Kids is encouraging the county to spread the word to bring awareness to this important event.

Help Foster VC Kids in our mission to find more Homes with Heart.

Join us for an Informative Town Hall Meeting. Bringing together local citizens, community leaders, educators and County employees to talk about innovative ways to uplift our local youth.

Ventura County Human Service Agency

855 Partridge Drive, Ventura

 

 

Elite Theatre Company presents one-act festival Jan. 15th – Feb. 7th

The Elite Theatre Company is proud to present its 7th Annual One-Act Play Festival, opening Friday, January 15th and playing to February 7th. The plays are a compilation of the winners of the 2015 One-Act Play Writing Competition chosen from nearly 100 submissions from North American playwrights.

The selections are both dramatic and comedic, and include a love story with a twist, a marriage on the rocks, and a lonely woman seeking contact with the outside world. The Elite Theatre Company is the only theater in Ventura County that regularly showcases new plays by both known and unknown playwrights, as part of our goal to produce and promote new works to our patrons.

All tickets are $15.00. Performances are Fridays and Saturdays 8.00pmand Sundays at 2.00pm.

The Elite Theatre is located in the Channel Island’s Fisherman’s Wharf at 2731 S. Victoria Ave., Oxnard CA 93035. For more info please visit http://www.elitetheatre.org/ or call 483.5118.

Ventura Botanical Gardens to celebrate “Sow In The New Year”

Join the Ventura Botanical Gardens for our annual Sow in the New Year on Saturday, January 9 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Celebrate and help brighten the gardens by sowing California native wildflower seeds.

Sow in the New Year is a family-friendly opportunity to get outdoors, enjoy spectacular ocean views and breathe in the crisp winter air while scattering the hillsides with wildflower seeds. The seeds promise an arresting display of blossoms in the spring. Participants will have the chance to learn about California native plants, sustainability, water conservation, erosion control and the future of the Ventura Botanical Gardens.

Tracy Long, president of Ventura Botanical Gardens, commented, “Sow in the New Year is all about celebrating new beginnings. It is a fun opportunity for our community to create new plant life that will be enjoyed for generations to come. We welcome everyone to join us in this step toward developing the Gardens into a premier landmark.”

Admission to Sow in the New Year is free and open to all ages. Parking is available at the Summit Plateau (formerly the BBQ Area) off of Brakey Drive. Guests may also park in the upper parking lot above City Hall and hike the trail to the Summit Plateau. Gardener’s gloves, a water bottle, comfortable clothing and closed-toe shoes are recommended.

For more information, visit www.VenturaBotanicalGardens.com.

Vol. 9, No. 6 – December 23, 2015 – January 5, 2016 – Ojai News & Events

Actors who want to be part of “The Addams Family” musical at Ojai ACT should show up for auditions Jan 2-4 for a production that goes from March 11 to April 3.

The show is based on Charles Addams’ cartoons which mostly appeared in The New Yorker, depicting a ghoulish American family with an affinity for all things macabre. In this musical, it’s told with song and dance full of frivolity and silliness.

All ages and genders may audition; in fact, if enough youth show up, Director Gai Jones may cast a youth version for the Saturday matinees.

The Family consists of Gomez and Morticia Addams who have two teenaged children, Pugsley and Wednesday. In the household are Uncle Fester, Grandma and a manservant called Lurch. The plot requires a “normal and uptight” couple, Mal and Alice, whose son Lucas falls in love with Wednesday.

There are also plenty of other characters available: athletes, cowboys, Indians, ancestors, flappers, chefs and parts for ballet and tap/jazz dancers, among many others.

Auditions are held at Ojai ACT, 113 S. Montgomery St., on Saturday and Sunday (Jan. 2 and 3) from 2 to 3:30 p.m. and Monday (Jan.4) 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.

For details on what is expected at the auditions, go to www.OjaiACT.org. To schedule an audition time (prior to Jan. 1), contact [email protected].

Ojai Music Festival has announced its 70th festival, from June 9-12, 2016, with 2016 music director Peter Sellars. Honoring a long-held spirit of pushing boundaries with artists, music, ideas, and audiences, the Festival celebrates its milestone 70th year by broadening the roster of artists, continuing a focus on concerts for the community, and expanding the Festival’s geographic reach.

Ojai welcomes Finnish composer Kaija Saariaho and showcases her works including the American premieres of the chamber version of La Passion de Simone and her newest dramatic creation Only the Sound Remains.

Ojai presents a commissioned work by Pulitzer Prize-winning Caroline Shaw Don’t Let Me Be Lonely and presents the world premieres of Josephine Baker: A Personal Portrait with arrangements and music by percussionist/composer Tyshawn Sorey and a new work by Cuban composer/conductor Tania León for YOLA (Youth Orchestra of Los Angeles) and ICE (International Contemporary Ensemble).

ICE and the Calder Quartet return on the heels of their brilliant 2015 Festival appearances, and Ojai welcomes alumni soprano Julia Bullock and violinist/vocalist Carla Kihlstedt; Ojai debuts include the Grammy-winning vocal collective Roomful of Teeth, Egyptian singer Dina El Wedidi, Indian Carnatic singer Aruna Sairam, and YOLA.

Media partner WQXR’s Q2 Music hosts Peter Sellars and select festival artists in New York on May 13 at 7pm as a special live event at The Jerome L. Greene Performance Space at WQXR and WNYC; “Q2 Music Presents Peter Sellars” will be webcast live on Q2 Music and video-streamed live on q2music.org and thegreenespace.org.

In its sixth season, Cal Performances’ Ojai at Berkeley is slated for June 16 to 18, 2016 following the Ojai Music Festival.