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.

Adult Programs/Special Events

H.O.P.E. for Warriors (12/5 @ 1pm) – A presentation by Reins of H.O.P.E., a Ventura County based organization dedicated to offering Equine Assisted Psychotherapy. The talk will address how sessions help veterans develop coping skills for PTSD, Traumatic Brain Injury, anger, depression, addiction, and grief.

Flowering Plants of the Mt. Piños Area (12/ 9 @ 7:15pm) – California Native Plant Society Channel Islands Chapter – Join us to learn more about the native plants of this mountain region located in the Los Padres National Forest on the boundary between Ventura and Kern Counties.

Ongoing Events

Library LAB Open Workshop (12/9 & 12/23 4:30-6:30pm) – Come by the library on alternating Wednesday evenings to learn more about our 3D printer and laser cutter—or to use them yourself! Ask the library staff about what you need to bring to print or engrave an item of your own, or just drop in to see what we’re up to in our library makerspace.

Poetry Open Mic Night (12/3, 10, 17 Thursday 7:30-9pm) – On these Thursday nights, come join this group of writers as they meet in the Topping Room to share their work.

Ukulele Jam Session (12/14 & 28 Mondays 7-10pm) – Locals gather to play the ukulele on the first and third Monday of the month.

Teens Teaching Tech (12/12 Saturday 12-1pm) – Need help with technology? Bring your device to the library to get help from local teens.

*Computer classes are now one-on-one sessions. Call the library for more information.

Children’s Events

Dance Party! (12/4 Friday 10:30-11:30 am) Enjoy non-stop music and movement for children ages 2-5 and their grownups in the Topping Room!

After School Reading Crew (12/9 Wednesday 5:30-6:30pm) – K-3rd grade elementary students and their families are invited to this literacy enrichment class.

Early Literacy Class (12/1, 2, 8, 9, 15, 16, 22, 23, 29, & 30 Tuesdays & Wednesdays 10:30am) – A great way to introduce your child to early literacy and the library. Join us every week for stories, poems, music, movement, a simple craft, and fun!

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

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

Teen Happenings

TAG Teen Advisory Group (12/2 & 16 Wednesdays 4pm) – Active members will get credit towards School Community Services Hours. TAG meetings are in the Young Adult area on the 2nd floor.

Youth Chess Club (12/7, 14, 21, & 28 Mondays 3pm) – Learn to play chess or improve your current ability! Assisted by Class A tournament player Jack Cashman.

Special Events

Winter Crafternoon (12/16 Wednesday @ 3:30-5pm) – Get your craft on in the afternoon at E.P. Foster Library. Enjoy a special winter themed craft!

Makeshop (12/1 &15 Tuesdays 3-5pm) – Building fun at the library! Learn to build for wind. Children of all ages welcome.

Holidays in December
We will be closed:
Friday, December 25 in observance of Christmas Day
Friday, January 1 in observance of New Years Day

Let Island Packers create a special holiday gathering by scheduling a Ventura Harbor holiday cruise or whale watching trip aboard a beautifully decorated 64-foot catamaran. There are many options for holiday cruises this December.

These cruises offer a fun, unique way to bring relatives and friends together for an outdoor activity while viewing the decorated boats in Ventura Harbor and the lighted homes in the Ventura Keys. Come to the Ventura Harbor early for parking and enjoy the shops and restaurants at Ventura Harbor Village before your cruise.

Island Packers offers the following holiday cruise selection:

One-Hour Caroling Cruises: Passengers can sing along with the crew or just relax and admire the decorated homes and boats in the Ventura Keys.

Ventura Parade of Lights: Friday, December 18 & Saturday, December 19. Passengers have the option to be a part of the boat parade ending with an onboard view of the fireworks display at 8 p.m. or just cruise and view the parade and fireworks.

Private Group Holiday Parties (great for company functions): Cruise options are: a buffet-style dinner, a no-host or host bar, and entertainment.

Whale Watching Excursions, December 26 through April marks the official start of the gray whale migration. Regular trips are scheduled through mid-April. Departure times are listed daily on the Island Packers website. Rates start at $37 per adult for this half-day trip.

Island Packers Gift Certificates are great stocking stuffers and gifts! They are easy to purchase by calling the office or stopping in at our Ventura location, 1691 Spinnaker Dr. Popular gift certificates include:

For more information, pricing,reservations or to purchase gift certificates visit www.islandpackers.com, call 642-1393, or visit Island Packers at 1691 Spinnaker Dr., Suite 105B, in Ventura Harbor Village.