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.

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.

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.

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.