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.

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.

Cabrillo Music Theatre brings its yearly Holiday Show for the troops back to the Civic Arts Plaza, with Cabrillo’s 2015 Holiday Family Celebration!  For years, Cabrillo has been putting on a specially-prepared variety show exclusively for the troops and their families presented at the Naval Base in Ventura County.  Due to the great success of last year’s Holiday Family Celebration, Cabrillo will once again transfer this memorable show to the Scherr Forum on Sunday, December 13th.  This year, Cabrillo Music Theatre is proud to announce a collaboration with Montecito Bank and Trust, who has chosen to sponsor this holiday celebration in honor of our troops.  Cabrillo audiences will get to enjoy this unique performance, featuring Cabrillo Music Theatre show stars, the Kabrillo Kids, The Cabrillo Teen Project, plus familiar holiday characters, audience sing-a-longs, a pre-show reception with audience and cast, and an appearance by Santa Claus himself! Perfect and affordable for the entire family.

Performance is at the Scherr Forum of the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza on Sunday, December 13th, at 7pm, and will be preceded by a reception outside the theatre with the cast and Santa Claus.  The performance runs 90 minutes, and is perfect for the entire family.  Tickets are $25 each, and are on sale now at www.cabrillomusictheatre.com or at the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza box office.

Discover how Old California Rancho families prepared to celebrate the year-end holidays with a free candlelight tour of the City of Ventura’s historic 1847 rancho – the Olivas Adobe, located at 4200 Olivas Park Drive – on Sunday, December 13, beginning at 5:30 pm. Tours are conducted in groups and offered every twelve minutes – dress warmly. Tours are free but reservations are requested by calling 658-4726.

The Holiday Candlelight Tours are a great way for families to get into the spirit of the season and have fun learning about life at a California Historical Landmark. The Olivas Adobe also features a gift shop that has traditional handcrafted items that visitors can purchase as gifts for the holidays.

The Candlelight Tours are presented by the Olivas Adobe Historical Interpreters, a volunteer non-profit group dedicated to preserving the only Monterey Style adobe home in Southern California from the Gold Rush era. Docents make the history of the Olivas Adobe come to life by celebrating its Chumash, Old West, Rancho and Latino heritage through weekend tours and year round special 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.

Nov. 27: Treacy Villa Residential Care Facility is accepting new, unwrapped Toys for Tots this holiday season from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily at 3842 Loma Vista Road. Please bring them to the front reception desk. Nov. 27, thru Dec. 16. For more information, call 644.1292.

Nov.27: Wandering Ghosts a Talk and Tour 7p.m. to 9 p.m. Featuring  Richard Senate, author, and ghost expert. $5 .  The Bank of Books in Downtown Ventura.

Many ghosts haunt homes and buildings. Ventura has many of them in her downtown. But, some ghosts wander the streets and parks. These wandering ghosts are the subject of this discussion.   An interesting look at the supernatural side of Ventura as the holidays approach.

Mr. Senate will be signing his books Nov.27, 28, & 29; December 4,5,6,11,12, & 13.

Nov.28: Come celebrate the spirit of holidays past at the historic Dudley House. The 22nd year of this annual fundraiser for the museum features quality crafts, home décor, antiques and collectibles and a tearoom with refreshments, silent auction and bargain items. Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. with a flea market added on Sundays. On Saturday, from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m., well-known local history expert and tour guide, Glenda Jackson, will talk about and sign her Ventura pictorial history books. The Dudley House is located on the corner of Loma Vista and Ashwood, admission is free. Call 642-3345 for information.

Nov. 28:  Audubon New Trip – Ocean Beach County Park, Lompoc 9:30 a.m.   Alexis Frangis 217-4833.  Join a day trip to a beautiful coastal location in northern Santa Barbara County. Ocean Beach, reminiscent of Bolsa Chica, sits in pristine isolation just steps from some of our most engaging and beautiful shoreline. Snowy Plovers nest on the beaches. Bring food, water and a lunch.

Dec. 2, 10:  Spice-Topia will be hosting cooking classes by Chef Amy Tyrrell of Morsels as You Wish. Each class fee is $35 and includes a complete recipe book and sampling of all dishes on that evening’s menu. Dec 2: Holiday Cookies and Bars features toasted almond and cranberry cookies plus lots of other good stuff. Dec 10: Morning After Brunches features Korean Chicken and Waffles plus lots of other good stuff. 6:30pm to 8:30pm, 576 E. Main St. 628.3267 spice-topia.com

Dec.3, 4, 5: “Clara Cries Nuts”: Aloft Dance Theater brings back this local holiday favorite with its humorous and inspiring message about the holidays. Nocturnal Episode #8 features lead character Clara, former American Ballet Theater ballerina, Colleen O’Callighan, as she twists her way through a post-holiday, stress induced, dream state. Written and directed by Pamela Pilkenton with Associate Director and Choreographer Cathy Jean Butter, ‘Clara Cries Nuts’ searches for the true meaning of the holidays.  8 p.m. December 3, 4, 5. NAMBA Performing Arts Space, 47 S. Oak Street, Ventura. $25. Tickets: http://claracriesnuts.brownpapertickets.com  Information: 628-9250.

Dec.4: The Ventura Poinsettia Dance Club and The Ventura Jazz Orchestra invites you to a Holiday Big Band Dance/Concert from 8 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. featuring headliner vocalist Donna Greene with special guest vocalist Julija Zonic. Special appearance by vocalist/pianist Smitty West. Nineteen musicians at their best performing the great American song book. Along with Christmas music you can dance to.

Poinsettia Pavilion Ball Room, 3451 Foothill Road. $15 admission at the door. Free refreshments and parking.

Dec.5: Day of Authors from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. located at the Bank of Books, 748 East Main Street.

11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Marie-Ange Faugerolas Angels:  The Definitive Guide to angels from Around the World. 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Mandy Jackson-Beverly: A Secret Muse. 3 p.m. to 5p.m. Edna Esfeld Brainwashed: Fighting for the Enemy: An American Soldier’s WWII Memoir as a Hitler Youth and German Soldier. 5p.m. to 7 p.m.  Marion Scherer Hello, 31.

Dec.5: The local chapter of Portuguese Fraternal Society of America (PFSA Council #128) will hold its annual Christmas Luncheon on Saturday. This holiday luncheon is open to any person of Portuguese descent or interested in the Portuguese culture.  It will be held at the Four Points Sheraton, Windjammer Room.  The cost for the luncheon is $30 per adult and $20 for children (including tax & gratuity).  The festivities will begin at 12 p.m.  Anyone interested in attending should make a reservation and meal request with Cora Corella at 483-6285 or Yvonne Westervelt at 483-4168.

Dec.6: “Elvis” will entertain at the Christmas Charity Ball hosted by the Ventura Elks Lodge #1430, 2126 Knoll Dr. The event is open to the public with cocktails at 5 p.m., dinner 6 p.m. and entertainment beginning at 7 p.m. Music will be by  Raymond Michael (aka Elvis) with Master of ceremonies Jim Mc Croay. The menu is chicken cordon bleu, mash red potatoes and gravy, green salad and New York Cheesecake. Dinner will be served by Lions Boys and Girls Club of Ventura.  An opportunity drawing will be held by Malcolm Cornett for Pre-paid ticket at $15 are available, prepay and reserve your table of 10 by contacting June 647-5338,  Loretta 643 1512,  January 642-1518. Additional information is available calling the Ventura Elks #1430 office at 639-0303.

Dec. 7, 8, 15, 16: CMH Auxiliary Gift Shop will have 2 final sales this year.  December 7th and 8th, show will be held in the Lobby 7a.m. to 5 p.m.  Wonderful gifts and stocking stuffers will be available.

December 15,16, “Accessory Mania” in Lobby as well.  Come and complete your holiday shopping lists.

Please keep in mind that the Auxiliary continues to seek new volunteers.  Openings in many of the services are available.  For information please call CMH Auxiliary front desk 652-5043, visit web site, or stop by and pick up an application.

Dec.11&12: Friday Dec. 11, at 8:00 pm, Sat. Dec. 12, at 2:00 pm Gold Coast Concert Chorus presents Mystery and Wonder a celebration of the holiday season with ancient carols reimagined and new songs of rejoicing from around the world, as well as holiday favorites and beautiful songs of the season.St. John’s Lutheran Church – 1500 North C St., Oxnard. Adults $15.00, Sr./Student $12.00, Child under 12 $5.00.  616-7269 or [email protected].

On Sun., Nov. 29, the Ojai Film Society (OFS) will screen “Meru,” an exhilarating and profound documentary about three mountain climbers who attempt to scale the Himalayan peak known as Meru—the Shark’s Fin. On Sun., Dec. 6, OFS will screen the “The Second Mother,” a heartbreaking and humorous Brazilian film. The films are screened at 4:30 pm at Matilija Auditorium, 703 El Paseo. For more information, visit www.ojaifilmsociety.org.

“Jacob Marley’s Christmas Carol” is a delightful twist on the infamous tale of the terrible Scrooge, told from Marley’s point of view. Chock full of wit and emotion, this “superbly written” story plays at Ojai ACT from Nov. 27 to Dec. 20; Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. Tickets are $18 or $15 for seniors, students and Art Center members. The show is not recommended for children 10 and under. Tickets are available by calling 640-8797 or online at: www.OjaiACT.org

“A Winter Gift” is presented by three of the premier Celtic Harpists in the world. Patrick Ball, Lisa Lynne and Aryeh Frankfurter perform Celtic legends, along with Irish and English literature woven together with beloved and rare pieces of holiday music. The concert and storytelling event will take place at Ojai Valley Women’s Club at 441 East Ojai Avenue in Ojai, CA on Thursday, December 3rd, at 7:00 PM. Tickets are $20 advance and $25 at the door. Kids under 15 are half price. For info and advanced tickets call 665-8852 or visit www.OjaiConcertSeries.com. This trio is well known for their first show “Legends of the Celtic Harp,” which tells stories and legends of the harp through time. In their new show, “A Winter Gift,” storyteller and wire-strung harpist Patrick Ball along with harpers and multi-instrumentalists Lisa Lynne and Aryeh Frankfurter step into a magical world of Irish and English literature. The trio presents a heartwarming collection of tales and music from Celtic legend and traditional folk stories. They perform a  Child’s Christmas in Wales, a chapter from The Wind in the Willows, and passages from Shakespeare, William Butler Yeats, and Thomas Hardy, and mingle them with beloved and original pieces of seasonal music. Audiences will hear three Celtic Harps, Swedish Nyckelharpa, Fiddle, Bandura, Bouzouki and more.  Visit www.LegendsOfTheCelticHarp.com for more information.

“Wassail,” The Holly and the  Ivy,” “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” and other great songs of the holidays will be brought to life by the Ojai Community Chorus as they present “Christmas:  Gifts from the Heart” Saturday, Dec. 5 at 7 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 6 at 3 p.m. at the Ojai United Methodist Church. A bake sale and boutique will also be held.The concert will be set in Vienna and will pay tribute to great Viennese waltzes plus waltzes with a Christmas theme. The chorus will be accompanied by local musicians John Boyd, James Antunez, and Ben Ginsberg.

The Ojai United Methodist Church is located at 120 Church Rd. Tickets are available at Angela’s Flowers, 226 West Ojai Ave. and from chorus members. Get your tickets early and take advantage of the presale price. Suggested donations are $20 for general admission in advance and $25 at the door. Seniors 65 and over and student tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door. Children ages 6 through 11 are admitted for $5. Children younger than 6 are admitted free, but there are no provisions for child care during the performance. Free refreshments will be offered after the concerts. View the website at ojaicommunitychorus.com.