Category Archives: Community Events

It’s a Fair and Fine Season at Rubicon Theatre Company

Lily Nicksay and Erik Odom from the 2014-15 production of Arlene Hutton’s Last Train to Nibroc. Photo by Christopher Brown
Lily Nicksay and Erik Odom from the 2014-15 production of Arlene Hutton’s Last Train to Nibroc. Photo by Christopher Brown

It’s already shaping up to be a remarkable season at Rubicon Theatre Company this year with their resplendent opener, the two piano version of My Fair Lady and the world premiere adaptation of Charles Dickens A Christmas Carol by Rubicon Founder, Karyl Lynn Burns.

What can audiences look forward to experiencing in 2016? The season features two American Premieres, a beloved classic, a one-person drama about an American icon, and a campy musical send-up of ‘50s sci-fi films loosely based on Shakespeare’s The Tempest.

The next mainstage production opening January 27 is See Rock City the second play in the Nibroc Trilogy by Arlene Hutton. Those who saw the Ovation nominated Last Train to Nibroc will want to discover how May and Raleigh’s Appalachian love story continues. Even for those who missed the poignant Last Train to Nibroc at Rubicon, See Rock City stands alone as a funny, touching and universal portrayal of a young couple very much in love.

Next up is Jethro Compton’s stage adaptation of the film classic The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance in its American Premiere on the Rubicon stage in March, directed by Rubicon Artistic Associate and multiple award-winner Jenny Sullivan.

Another American Premiere follows with Sabina Berman’s eXtras. In this new adaptation, a Hollywood film crew arrives in a village in Mexico to shoot a major motion picture, wreaking havoc on the fragile ecosystem of the community. Two major stars from Mexico, brothers Bruno and Odiseo Bichir, play all of the characters — starlet, director, crew and the locals who are working as extras on the set.

Next in the season is David Rintels’ riveting tale of Clarence Darrow. This trenchant and timely drama is based on the life and landmark cases of the illustrious, controversial trial lawyer who at one time commanded over a quarter-million dollars for each case. Rubicon’s production features Co-Founder and Artistic Director Emeritus James O’Neil, whose great-grandfather was Clarence Darrow’s cousin.

Several productions are still in consideration for the company’s fall offering including a Pulitzer Prize-winning American classic, a contemporary comedy and a World Premiere. Rounding out the 2016 mainstage season is Return to the Forbidden Planet by Bob Carlton, a campy send-up of the sci-fi film “Forbidden Planet.” Set on a spaceship sometime in the future, the show features a galaxy of 1950’s and 1960’s rock-and-roll classics and a roller-skating Robby the Robot.

Subscriptions to Rubicon’s 2016 Season include discounts of up to 15%, discounts for tickets purchased for friends, guaranteed seating, ticket insurance, free exchanges (with 72 hours’ notice), and advance notice of special events. Single tickets for each of the shows are also on sale and available via the box office at 1006 E. Main Street (Laurel entrance) or by phone 667-2900 or online: www.rubicontheatre.org.

 

 

 

 

Vol. 9, No. 6 – December 23, 2015 – January 5, 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. We will take a holiday vacation until January 6. On January 6 we will have Tony Morgan as a speaker.

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 7:30p.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.

Dec. 24: Christmas Eve Worship Events:  Ventura First United Methodist Church is open to all for a 4:30 p.m. candlelight service featuring their Children’s Choir and a Soloist.  The community is also invited to a 7 p.m. candlelight service with special music presented by the church’s Chancel Choir, Dr. KuanFen Liu, Director.  A message titled “Good News of Great JOY for ALL people” will be given by Rev. Jane Hetherington Rauth.  643-8621.

Dec. 27: Rev. Karen S. Wylie, an Agape-licensed minister and spiritual counselor as well as a nationally known speaker and writer, will be the guest at Unity of Ventura on Sunday. Her topic will be “When the river is rising.” The service begins at 10 a.m. at the Rubicon Theater, 1006 E. Main Street.  Rev. Karen will sign copies of her book, Into Me See: A Book for Daily Inspiration, immediately following the service.

Unity of Ventura is a spiritual center led by Rev. Cathy Jean Norman and based on the universal spiritual principles taught by Unity and its founders Charles and Myrtle Fillmore. For more information, contact Unity of Ventura at 653-1059 or Rev. Karen at 310-968-8928, or through her website: www.karenswylie.com.

Dec.31: Ventura Improv Company (VIC), will be at the Rubicon Theatre on Thursday. The gala will include a comedy improv show, snacks, desserts, sparkling wine and soft drinks, not to mention a raffle and door prizes to help bring in additional income to the VIC, a non-profit. The event’s growing popularity will be well-suited to the spaciousness of the Rubicon. Many local individuals and companies donated their goods, gifts and services for this important fundraising effort for the VIC.

The cost of the event is $50 per person; $40 for military and for seniors 55+; and $25 for ages 15 and under. The event runs from 7p.m. to 10:30 p.m., so that guest may ring in 2015 elsewhere or beat the crowds’ home.  More information and online ticket purchase: www.venturaimprov.com/newyears.

Jan. 2: Join the Ventura Family YMCA on Community Open House Day from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and the entire month of January is free. At the Y, you belong to more than a gym. You can feel comfortable just being you. Tons of group exercise classes, free weights, cardio equipment, youth classes, and a staff that will help you reach your goal to become an even better you. The Y is the nation’s leading nonprofit committed to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Financial Assistance is available to individuals and families who cannot afford membership. More information: Call 642-2131 or visit the website at www.ciymca.org/ventura

Jan 3: The 1892 Dudley Historic House Museum will be open for docent-led tours from 1p.m. to 4 p.m. accompanied by period music in the parlor and upstairs library landing. Admission is free. The museum is located at the corner of Loma Vista and Ashwood streets. For information please call  642-3345 or visit the website at www.dudleyhouse.org.

Jan. 4, 18: The Ventura County Philatelic Society meets on Mondays from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at the Church of the Foothills, 6279 Foothill Road. Admission and parking are free. Come for a great evening of stamp trading and camaraderie. They are a fun group. Contact: [email protected] or 320-1601

Jan.5:  Mended Hearts of Ventura Group meets the first Tuesday each month at the

Community Memorial Hospital on the 8th floor from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Come share if you have had heart surgery or stent implant. They have excellent speakers, leading Cardiologists, Nutritionists, Dietitians from our area who give excellent information. Contact: Richard Hatcher 644-2733

Jan. 13: The Ventura County Camera Club will hold a critique meeting on Wednesday at 7p.m. located 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 “Texture”. 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

Jan.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, 4667 Telegraph Road. The regular 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 an informational meeting and program.

This month’s program will be a presentation by Rodney Baker on the Santa Barbara County Court House Clock Tower. Anyone interested in watches and clocks, (modern & antique) is invited to visit and join our chapter. There is a $3 admission charge. Lunch is available for $5 more. Watches and clocks will be on display. More information about chapter 190 can be found at www.nawcc-ch190.com.

 

Holiday Toy Drive for local Ventura County children

Currently there are 1,000 children in foster care and thousands of additional low-income kids in Ventura County, and these youth are in need of toys and other gifts this holiday season. In an effort to bring some holiday cheer to these children in need, there are programs that help coordinate through Children and Family Services – Foster VC Kids and Children’s Services Auxiliary (CSA), involving hundreds of donors and volunteers for the Holiday Toy Drive.

A team of businesses throughout the community have joined together to invite and encourage the public to donate unwrapped toys and other gifts to these underprivileged kids through CSA. Toy donation locations included Ventura County Fire Stations, Ventura County Government Center, The Oaks and Pacific View malls.

During the week of Christmas, toys will be distributed through the Holiday Toy Store where foster caregivers and low-income parents can shop for free. Donations and gift options range for ages 0-teens, and include baby dolls, matching games, books, bicycles, clothes, board games, sporting equipment, movie passes, music gift cards, arts and crafts and more. Any and all contributions will greatly benefit local VC children. Putting a smile on a child’s face this Christmas is a present all in itself, if you are searching to donate something that little bit special, maybe a trike? They are ideal for christmas and they can help a child to learn to ride and have some fun, not only this time of year but all year round, it is a gift that keeps on giving.

“Every year we do our best to increase gift donations to these kids in need,” explains President of the Children Services Auxiliary Board, Teresa Brumit. “With the support of the VC Fire Departments, local malls, volunteers and everyone who donates, we’re able to collect and distribute a ton of wonderful gifts. Every child deserves that special holiday miracle, and we’re fortunate we have the opportunity to make their holiday wish come true.”

About Ventura County Human Services Agency, Foster VC Kids
Ventura County Human Services Agency (VCHSA) strengthens families, supports self-sufficiency and promotes safety, health, and well-being. All of their service areas operate and perform at the highest level to meet the needs of individuals, families, and the community by providing assistance, aid, and protection for foster youth and beyond. VCHSA demonstrates the ability to work in multicultural environments and ensures that policies, programs, and actions communicate respect for the dignity of all people. Visit www.fostervckids.org for more information.

About Children Services Auxiliary
The Children’s Services Auxiliary (CSA), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 1983, is a volunteer run organization whose mission is to meet the needs of Ventura County’s court-dependent children. These children have been displaced from their homes due to abuse, neglect, or abandonment. The Auxiliary also serves youth who have recently transitioned from the foster care system. The CSA Board of Directors work closely with Ventura County Children and Family Services to identify the needs of the court-dependent children and transitioning youth.

Ventura Hillside Conservancy looking for volunteers for tree planting Sat., Dec. 19, 9am-12pm

CALLING ALL VOLUNTEERS!

We know it’s a very busy time of year but Ventura Hillside Conservancy hopes that you can put your holiday shopping on hold for a couple of hours this Saturday, Dec.19, and help us plant trees from 9 a.m. – noon at our Big Rock Preserve.

Volunteers both young and old are encouraged to join us as we dig holes in the soil and plant young trees along the Ventura River Parkway. If you joined us last month at our first Tree Planting Party, you know how much fun it is to dig in the dirt with 100 new friends. If you missed out, here’s your chance to pitch in and help us start approximately 75 young trees off on the right foot.

Thanks to the ongoing generosity of our friends at REI, we will be giving away free REI t-shirts to the first 25 people to arrive!

To get to Big Rock Preserve, take Highway 33 toward Ojai and exit at Casitas Vista Rd. Turn right, park underneath the highway overpass and walk to the bike path. Take a left at the bike path entrance and we will be set up a short way ahead – near the mural. Please wear pants, sturdy closed-toe shoes, sunscreen and bring a shovel and a friend!

If you have questions, give us a call 643-8044. Hope to see you on Saturday!

10th Annual Homeless Persons’ Memorial Service Sun., Dec. 20, at 3pm in Ventura’s Plaza Park

All are invited this Sunday afternoon, December 20, at 3 pm to participate in the 10th Annual Homeless Persons’ Memorial Service in Ventura’s Plaza Park, across from the post office, at Santa Clara Street and Fir.  Services will be in the gazebo.  We will remember by name 17 men and women who died homeless in our community in the past year. We know that those who lack a home die young compared to the rest of us.  Of those we will remember on Sunday, 3 were in their 30s; 5 in their 40s, 6 in their 50s, 2 in their 60s, and 1 was  82 and blind.  They died in bushes, in alleyways, in encampments, on sidewalks and in motels.  They left behind children, and spouses, siblings and parents.  Come help us remember them and join us in a silent walk through downtown Ventura to solemnly say that we want to live in a community where everyone has a safe and warm place to live. 
 
Participating clergy include:
Neal Andrews, member, Quaker community and Ventura City Deputy Mayor
Pastor Jim Ayars from Ventura Seventh-Day Adventist Church
Pastor Kris Bergstrom from Church of the Foothills (United Church of Christ)
Rev. Ed Brock, Interim Minister of Unitarian Universalist Church of Ventura
Pastor Jim Duran – The River Community Church
Pastor Sam Galluci from the Harbor Church
Rev. Dr. Jonathan Hall – First Church of Christ
Rev. Judy Prando – Center for Spiritual Living
Pastor John Robison – College United Methodist Church

Santa Stops by the Ventura Family YMCA

The Y teams up with the ACTION Foundation and the Community Christmas Shoppe to Help Families in Need This Holiday Season

The Ventura Family YMCA presents their annual Santa Stops by the Y event on December 12th from 8AM-10AM.  This morning is a community event for children to have their photo taken with Santa and the opportunity to participate in fun crafts!  RSVP on the Y’s Facebook page and bring one unwrapped toy or gift per child to enter; with a suggestion of one gift per child. The donations will benefit low-income families by giving them the chance to find holiday presents at the ACTION Foundation’s Christmas Shoppe.

The Ventura Family YMCA, the ACTION Foundation, and the Community Christmas Shoppe

Unwrapped toys and gifts will be donated at the Y. These donations will help low-income families within the community.  Children participating in the event will have their photos taken with Santa and a fun time making Christmas themed crafts.

Ventura Family YMCA 3760 Telegraph Road. Ventura

A free community event for families to enjoy their time together, which also supports those who need help in our hometown.

Established in 1887, the Channel Islands YMCA is a charitable organization of seven YMCA branches serving Santa Barbara and Ventura counties including: Camarillo Family YMCA, Lompoc Family YMCA, Montecito Family YMCA, Santa Barbara Family YMCA, Stuart C. Gildred Family YMCA in Santa Ynez, Ventura Family YMCA, and Youth and Family Services YMCA which operates Noah’s Anchorage Youth Crisis Shelter, the St. George Family Youth Center and My Home.

New West Symphony Harmony Project celebrates the season with free community concert Dec. 12th

Young members of the New West Symphony Harmony Project of Ventura County will present a free concert for the community on Saturday, December 12 at 6:00 pm at Bell Arts Factory, located at 432 N. Ventura Avenue in Ventura. The concert will include classical pieces, jazz tunes and holiday songs performed by 40 students from Ventura’s DeAnza Middle School and Cabrillo Middle School who take part in the New West Symphony Harmony Project youth development program.  The sixth, seventh and eighth graders will perform on violin, viola, cello, flute, clarinet and saxophone.

 The New West Symphony Harmony Project provides after-school music instruction to 140 underserved children in grades 3 through 8 in West Ventura, with 40 students on the waiting list.  The program, which is funded largely through individual donations and community and foundation grants, was founded in 2011 by Ventura arts philanthropists Sandra and Jordan Laby and is managed under the direction and auspices of the New West Symphony. During its first season, 35 participants began by learning rhythm and percussion on orange Home Depot buckets, and today the program currently offers instruction on 10 different musical instruments. All students receive a full scholarship and are given instruments to use for the duration of their participation.

“All of our students have been working very hard these past few months, attending rehearsals two-to-three times a week and regularly practicing at home,” said New West Symphony Harmony Project Director Andrea Landin. “Concerts provide a time for the community to come together to support these young musicians and listen to their accomplishments. Our parents and teachers are so proud of them!”

Ms. Landin, who has been instrumental in the development of Harmony Project as both administrator and teacher and runs the daily operations of the program, was recently named recipient of the 2015 City of Ventura Mayor’s Arts Award for Arts Educator.  She may be reached for further information at 805-279-2424 or [email protected].

Ventura Potters’ Guild Holiday open house Sun., Dec. 13th

Ventura County Potters’ Guild Gallery
Ventura Harbor Village
1567 Spinnaker Drive Suite 105

The Ventura Potters’ Guild is having a Holiday open house, Sunday, December 13, 2015 from 2 – 6 p.m.

Handbuilding and wheel demonstrations will take place from 2 – 4:30 by Joe Cervantes, Roe Estep and Kim Mehyre Clarke.

Come meet some of the 23 ceramic artists from Ventura, Ojai, Santa Barbara, Simi, TO and Oxnard that represent the Guild. There will be refreshments and fun. Bring the kids! Join us for our 5th year at Ventura Harbor!

Harbor Village Gallery and the Tina O’Brien Gallery will also be have their Holiday Open houses that day. The more the merrier!

Vol. 9, No. 5 – December 9 – December 22, 2015 – 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.

Dec.11: The General George S. Patton, Jr. Chapter, Sons of the American Revolution December luncheon meeting will feature the program “Colonial Christmas”, presented by Mr. Robert Taylor.  The luncheon event will take place at 11:30 a.m., Friday, in the Garden Room, Marie Callender’s Restaurant, 1295 S. Victoria Ave.  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, please visit the chapter website at http://pattonpatriots.org.

Dec.12: You are warmly invited to an Advent Evensong on Saturday at 5 p.m.  Three charming choral Advent pieces by Dietrich Buxtehude (1637-1707), the originator of Abendmusik will open our program, followed by Bach’s glorious Cantata 51, Jauchzet Gott in allen Landen, featuring Patricia Lathrop-McPherson, soprano and Randy Jones on trumpet.  Finally, Nick Akdag on bassoon will present Vivaldi’s pastoral F major concerto for bassoon. Helen Farson directs from piano and harpsichord.  Admission is always free. Ventura Seventh-day Adventist Church.  6300 Telephone Rd. Call 641-9646 for more information.

Dec.12: Amnesty International Local Group #452 will be holding their annual Write-a-thon on Saturday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. The event is part of Amnesty International’s Write for Rights campaign, the world’s largest letter writing event, which engages people to speak out on behalf of prisoners of conscience, human rights defenders and communities at risk from around the world.

All are invited to drop in to write letters. We furnish paper, pens, stamps, snacks and good company.  Jon Portera and friends will inspire us with live music again this year. Located at College United Methodist Church, 4300 Telegraph Road.

Dec.13: What’s Blue Christmas Service? This special evening can be a meaningful experience for anyone who may be having difficulty during this holiday season, due to a significant loss in his or her lives.

At the Blue Christmas Service we’ll have music, a heartfelt message, special readings and candle lighting.  Each household will receive a small ornament to serve as a reminder of the hope and wholeness that we all look forward to. Service will be held on Sunday at 6 p.m. at Ventura Vineyard Church 1956 Palma Drive, Suite A.

Dec.13: Christmas Sing Along located at The Open Door Coffee House, 1338 E. Santa Clara Street, First United Methodist Church. Wesley Center invites the community to a delightful evening of singing Christmas carols and secular traditional and seasonal favorites, at 6p.m.   (5p.m. to 6 p.m. Candlelight Labyrinth walk adjacent to Coffee House) 643-8621

Dec.15,16: There will be a final Year 2015 Auxiliary Gift shop sale “Accessory Mania”.  Please drop by Community Memorial Hospital 147 N. Brent Street and shop for yourself or Holiday gifts.  The sale will be located in the first floor main lobby.  Keep in mind the Auxiliary is always looking for new volunteers.  While shopping, pick up an application at the front door.

Dec.19: Ventura County Genealogical Society annual holiday potluck luncheon and U.S. Marine Corp Toys 4 Tots Toy Drive at 12p.m. Located at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Auditorium

3501 Loma Vista Road. Please bring a friend and a new, unwrapped toy, $20 or less.

A U.S. Marine will be present to accept your donation. This is your chance to tell your story to people who will actually listen. You may find help from the group. Please bring your favorite appetizer, salad, main dish or dessert to share. For more information, visit http://venturacogensoc.org/

Dec.31: The Santa Barbara Symphony, under the baton of Maestro Nir Kabaretti, will usher in the year 2016 with a rousing New Year’s Eve pops concert at the historic Granada Theatre in downtown Santa Barbara. Featuring a guest appearance by award-winning soprano Lisa Vroman, and a program of popular classics and favorites from stage and screen, the performance will begin at 8:30 p.m.

In addition to works by Gershwin, Berlin, and Strauss, musical selections will include well-known passages from The Phantom of the Opera, Back to the Future, and Star Wars. A musical celebration spanning several traditions, from Viennese New Year’s concerts up to and including some of the most iconic and beloved tunes from Broadway and Hollywood,” said Maestro Kabaretti, now in his 10th season as the Santa Barbara Symphony’s music and artistic director. Tickets start at $38 and can be purchased at www.granadasb.org or by calling 899-2222.

 

Vol. 9, No. 5 – December 9 – December 22, 2015 – Ojai News & Events

On Saturday, December 19, from 1 to 2 p.m., Jill Swaim will visit the Ojai Library to deliver a talk entitled Road Scholar: Adventures in Lifelong Learning. Love to travel? Enjoy learning new things, exploring interesting places, and meeting people who share a love of adventure? Swaim will speak about Road Scholar, the world’s largest—and America’s first—educational travel organization for adults. Road Scholar offers nearly 8,000 affordable programs each year in about 90 countries worldwide. These programs offer a chance to expand your mind while being in the company of other people who believe that learning is one of the best parts of life. This event is free and open to the public. For additional information, contact Ron Solórzano, City Librarian, at 218-9146.

From December 16 to December 23, the Ojai Valley Libraries will be marking the
launch of the MakerBox Collective by holding numerous 3D printing demonstrations using a LulzBot Mini 3D printer. This printer is featured in one of seven MakerBoxes, each containing materials and instructions for a different activity. These boxes will travel between the participating libraries of the MakerBox Collective, bringing the maker experience to library users across Ventura and Los Angeles Counties.

The Ojai Library will have the 3D printer until Sunday, December 20, during which time they will hold occasional demonstrations and information sessions. The printer will then travel to the Meiners Oaks Library on Monday, December 21, and to the Oak View Library Tuesday and Wednesday, December 22 and 23.

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.

The Meiners Oaks Library is located at 114 North Padre Juan. Monday hours are 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. The Oak View Library is located at 555 Mahoney Avenue in Oak View. Tuesday and Wednesday hours are 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. The Ventura County Library is available 24/7 at www.vencolibrary.org.

A new show by visionary artist Joyce Huntington, “Painting in the Light,” will fill the Ojai Art Center from January 9 through February 3, 2016. A reception for the artist will take place on Saturday, Jan. 16th, from 1:00-3:00 p.m. at the Center, 113 S. Montgomery St.

The internationally known Huntington spent most of her childhood in the desert southwest. A precocious, dance-obsessed child, she faced a near-death bout with polio, which left her confined to a wheelchair. No longer able to dance, her creative spirit found new expression in painting. She has since dedicated her life to bringing feelings of peace, healing, and inspiration to others through her artwork, which springs from visions she receives in meditation.

In addition to many gallery showings, her paintings have illustrated many children’s books, as well as the cover of Ojai-resident Rev. Karen S. Wylie’s Into Me See.