Students from Sunset School in grades 3rd through 5th participated in the Quick Start Tennis Program with Ojai Coach Philippe Gache. They learned the skills and rules necessary to play tennis and had a great time. The program is run by volunteers and the hope is to teach children a sport they might not have had access to that they can go and play with minimal resources on into adulthood.   Students will participate in a Ojai Valley Quick Start Tennis Tournament in December.

Villanova Preparatory School is celebrating the annual Wildcat Classic Golf Tournament and Oktoberfest Dinner at Soule Park in Ojai. The even will be at Soule Park Golf Course on Friday, October 30. Registration will be at 9:00 a.m., tee time at 11:00 a.m., and feast time at 4:00 p.m.

Come join over 100 players in the annual golf tournament with a foursome, support the event as a sponsor, or just come enjoy the Oktoberfest dinner and raffle. Families, friends, alumni, neighbors and public are all welcome! Call the school for information 646-1464 x127, or email [email protected].

This year, Villanova Preparatory School’s goal is to raise over $22,000 to use towards athletics and scholarships. Like many educational establishments, the school relies on the generosity of businesses and individuals from the community to assist in providing a quality education for the students.

As a donor to the event, names and/or business will be proudly listed on the event promotion materials for a large number of attendees to see. Additionally, business information will be listed on the website which will showcase all of the donors.

Galerie102 is pleased to present “Genesis,” a two-person show featuring paintings by Stella Maria Baer and sculpture by Elisa Berry Fonseca opening Saturday, November 7th with an Artist’s Reception from 4-6 pm and on view through December 6.

“Genesis” brings together the work of two-long term friends and artistic collaborators, representing not only the trajectory of their friendship and artistic relationship, but also the subtlety and depth of their work that, when combined, creates a stunningly symbolic diorama of “the heavens and earth.”

Both Baer and Fonseca hold Master of Arts in Religion degrees from Yale

Sunset 8th grade Jonny Sinklier wins Ventura Optimist Student of the Month award! The Sunset School 8th grader is an extraordinary young man who is diligent in his studies and excels in all academic areas, but is never boastful. He is creative, articulate and adds to every conversation in a productive way. He is a quiet leader amongst his peers, not the one to “demand things,”  but rather he leads by example. The Sunset School Annual Fiesta will be held on November 6th, from 4:00- 7:30 at Sunset School.  There will be free entertainment, including Bell Arts Ballet Folklorico, Mexican Trick Roping Charreria demonstration, Mariachi music, food, game booths, and fun for the whole family!

On Thursday, November 5, from 6 to 8 p.m., author and scholar Dr. Ward Parks will visit the Ojai Library to offer a presentation titled “Why Do We Suffer?”

The Ojai Valley Green Coalition will host the Focus Earth film “Racing to Zero, In Pursuit of Zero Waste” as part of the Ojai Film Festival Sunday, November 8 at the Ojai Art Center Theatre, 113 S. Montgomery St.

The film presents new solutions to the global problem of waste. By simply substituting the word resource for the word garbage, a culture can be transformed, and a new wealth of industries can emerge. “Racing to Zero” begins 3:00 p.m. followed by a panel discussion and mini-Expo in the gallery. Tickets are $12 and available through ojaifilmfestival.com. To learn more about the film and panelist visit ojaivalleygreencoalition.org.

The Ojai Valley Museum invites you to join them on Saturday, November 7 at 7pm for “Mystery in the Museum.” Event attendees will go a treasure hunt for clues in the galleries, as well as puzzle over artifacts and a historic photograph. There will be prizes for the winners.  You will enjoy delicious food and drinks and bid on some amazing silent auction items. The fun fundraising event is graciously sponsored by Ojai Community Bank. Tickets are $50 per person. Support your local community museum and have fun at the same time.

To RSVP for Mystery at the Museum, or for more information, call the museum at 640-1390, ext. 201, e-mail [email protected], or visit the museum website at OjaiValleyMuseum.org. The museum is located at 130 W. Ojai Ave.

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.

Oct. 29: Seattle-based Flamenco dancer Savannah Fuentes brings her latest show, Northern Lights to WAV in Ventura at 175 South Ventura Ave. Savannah will be joined by cantaor (male flamenco singer), direct from Spain, Juañarito, and guitarist Bobby de Sofia. The 8p.m. performance is the 27th stop on a 35-date tour of the Western U.S.

Oct. 31:  Ventura Audubon Society’s Field Trip starts at 8:30 a.m. at Calleguas Creek/ Round Mountain. Leaders: Karin Kersteter 901-2203 and Adele Fergusson 415-4304.  Round Mountain is a small lake at the base of a scrubby hillside. Birds such as Hooded Mergansers, Lesser Yellowlegs and White-faced Ibis feed in the lake. In the nearby hills, wrens and gnatcatcher forage for insects.

Oct. 31: Ghouls, ghosts and games will be available at the Ventura Elks Lodge #1430 6th Annual Halloween Pre-Teen Carnival from Noon to 3p.m. Located at the Elks Lodge, 2126 Knoll Dr. Hot dogs, chips, punch are provided for kids 12 and under. Age appropriate games will be played and prizes. Come in costume or not, prizes will be awarded and activities are open to children 12 and under.

This highly successful event is supported and participated in by Elks sponsored members Girls Scout Troop and Cub Scout Troop, Ventura Boys and Girls Club is and other youth organizations

Nov. 1: On Sunday, Citizens for Peaceful Resolutions monthly meeting will be from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.  Land-Use in Ventura County: should we SOAR? County Supervisor Steve Bennett, one of the co-authors of SOAR, will speak to the history, value and future of SOAR at E.P. Foster Library’s Topping Room 651 E. Main St. Admission is free.

Nov. 1: Ventura Audubon Society’s Work Day – Hedrick Ranch. Leader: Sandy Hedrick 340-0478. Arrive at 8a.m. for birding which usually yields some interesting birds. Work from 9a.m. to noon. Long pants and boots or closed shoes are required. Bring water, gloves and sun protection.

Nov. 2, 16: The Ventura County Philatelic Society will meet on Monday from 7:30p.m. to 9:30p.m.  Stamp trading and camaraderie located at the Church of the Foothills, 6279 Foothill Road.

Admission and parking are free. Contact: [email protected] or 320-1601

Nov. 3:  Mended Hearts of Ventura Group meets on the 8th floor of the Community Memorial Hospital.

Tuesday from 7p.m. to 9p.m.  Come share if you have had heart surgery or stent implant.

Call if more information needed Richard Hatcher 644-2733

Nov.4: The Beach Cities Neighbors and Newcomers Club, (BCNN ) is a group of active women of all ages who live in Ventura, Oxnard, or Port Hueneme and enjoy activities such as hiking, bridge, dining, wine outings, reading, cooking and more. No charge for meeting and no reservation is required.

Located at the Ventura Museum Pavilion from 9:30a.m. to 11a.m. Coffee or Tea is available at a nominal charge of $1.00. Speaker: Amy Tyrel Chef & Owner, Morsels as you Wish, will be the speaker

For additional information, please visit bcnnwomensclub.org  for more info call 647-8105 or 985-8085.

Nov.4: Join the Urbane Cafe, 4960 Telephone Rd on Wednesday, from 4p.m. to 9 p.m. for a Fundraising Event for the Ventura Soroptimist Club. Come and check out the salads and sandwiches that Urbane Cafe has to offer. Just download the flier from website at www.soroptimistventura.org/fundraising.html and bring it with you when you order. Urbane Cafe will donate 20% of the sales to the Ventura Soroptimist Club for their scholarships. For questions please call Cyndi Damron at 216-4728 or [email protected].

Nov.5, 11: 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. Nov.5: Holiday Appetizers & Desserts features Pear, Pecan and Blue Cheese Canapes plus lots of other good stuff. Nov.11: Holiday Sides features Pistachio Risotto with Saffron plus lots of other good stuff.

6:30p.m. to 8:30p.m., 576 E. Main St. 628-3267 spice-topia.com

Nov.6, 8: Opera Santa Barbara will open its 2015-16 season with a uniquely compelling, film noir-inspired production of Mozart’s timeless masterpiece Don Giovanni. Performances will take place at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, November 6, and at 2:30 pm on Sunday, November 8, in Santa Barbara’s historic Granada Theatre. Ranging in price from $29 to $204, tickets can be purchased at www.granadasb.org or 899-2222.

Nov.7:The Salvation Army in Ventura invites everyone to enjoy an evening of music and more as part of a free holiday concert on Saturday,  from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. at the Ventura College Performing Arts Center, 4700 Loma Vista Road.

The concert, which kicks off the 2015 Christmas Kettle Season, features one of The Salvation Army’s premier concert bands from Torrance, California.  Money received in the Christmas Kettles is used exclusively to provide services and assistance to disadvantaged families in individuals in Ventura.

Lt. Fabio Simoes of The Salvation Army in Ventura explains that, in addition to a special family-oriented event, “it is an opportunity for the community to learn about and perhaps partner with The Salvation Army to do the most good for Ventura.”

For more information call 659-3598.

Nov.7: Starlight Supper Club will host an evening of 1940’s glamour, taste, and sophistication. The 3rd Annual Starlight Supper Club’s fundraising event will benefit Project Understanding. Featuring the Ventura Jazz Orchestra Septet on Saturday at 5:30p.m. located at the Crown Plaza Ventura beach.

Admission $75. Tickets available for purchase at: https://starlightsupperclub2015.eventbrite.com

For more info please contact Charleen Morla 236-1309 or visit www.projectunderstanding.com

Nov. 7: 8:00 a.m.  Ventura Audubon Society’s Field Trip Pine Mountain Leader: Karin Kersteter 901-2203. If you have never birded Pine Mountain (not to be confused with Mt Pinos), now is time! Join us as we bird several locations, beginning at Pine Mountain Inn on Hwy 33 and ending at the top of Pine Mountain, at an elevation of 6600 feet. The fields around Pine Mountain Inn are teeming with sparrows and finches, including Lawrence’s Goldfinches and Golden-crowned Sparrows. Glowing golden cottonwoods will add to day. Further up the mountain, we will be seeing and hearing usual montane species, such as Mountain Chickadee, Pygmy Nuthatch and Steller’s Jays. Carpooling is suggested for this trip due to narrow winding roads.

Nov.8, 15: The Unitarian Universalist Church of Ventura annual Fine Art and Crafts Fair will take place on two Sundays, from 11 a.m. to 1p.m. The fair features a large variety of art, photography, mosaics, jewelry, stained glass, crafts, textile art and more. The fair will be held in Berg Hall at the church, located at 5654 Ralston St. Ample parking is available in the back of the church.

Nov. 10: Ventura Audubon Society’s Field Trip, Emma Wood/Ventura River Estuary, begins at 8 a.m. Leader: Adele Fergusson 415-4304.  Begin at the entrance to Emma Wood State Beach, searching the scrub for sparrows and warblers. Follow the path that leads through the willow forest (often finding wrentit and other secretive birds here) and finally across the sand dunes to the Ventura River Estuary. The estuary is always an exciting place to bird, and target birds.

Nov.13: Family Science Night is happening Friday, from 6p.m. to 7:30p.m. in room 114 of Buena High School.  Hosted by Science League students, who are organizing an evening of fun participation and demonstration for local families (target audience: ages 8-13).  The evening is free, although science themed snacks will be available for purchase.  Theme for the evening is “Halloween Leftovers”.

Nov. 13: The General George S. Patton, Jr. Chapter, Sons of the American Revolution November luncheon meeting will feature the program” The Other 14th Colony – Vermont “, presented by Mr. Fred Dunn.  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.

Nov. 14: Paul Bishop book signing will be from 1p.m. to 3 p.m. at Bank of Books, 748 East Main Street. With her special abilities, top LAPD Robbery-Homicide detective Calamity Jane Randall thought she knew all about interrogation until she was partnered with detective Ray Pagan. Wielding a suspect’s vocal intonations, emotions, and physical gestures like a scalpel, Pagan’s empathetic lie catching abilities are legendary. Ripped from the experiences of thirty-five year veteran LAPD detective and nationally recognized interrogator, Paul Bishop, Lie Catchers takes the reader inside the dark and dangerous mind games of the men and women for whom truth is an obsession. More info call 643-3154.

Nov. 14: The Ventura Beginners PC Users Group will meet Saturday, in the third floor lounge of the Cypress Place Active Senior Living building, 1220 Cypress Pl. A review of Ribbon commands will begin at 9:15a.m., followed by Q&A session, and a presentation at 11a.m. by Michael Shalkey on Skype and Internet features. Everyone who would like to know more about their computer is welcome to attend any or all sessions. For more information 648-1368.

The Ventura County Professional Women’s Network (VCPWN), one of the county’s long standing organizations supporting the interests of women business owners and professionals, is hosting a Progressive Networking Mixer and Silent Auction on November 12th from 5:30 to 8:15pm.  This event, held at the Wedgewood Banquet Center in Ventura at 5880 Olivas Park Drive, will provide a fun environment for business networking, good food and new friendships.

Founded in 1982, VCPWN has enjoyed a long tenure of promoting the professional and personal growth of Ventura County women through education, mutual support and sharing of resources.  With the current members in diverse businesses and professional disciplines, VCPWN continues to be one of the premiere woman-focused organizations in the area.

For more information about the event or to register log on to www.vcpwn.org.  You can also get more information about joining this great group.

The cost for the evening is $28 and can be paid at www.vcpwn.org/dinner-meeting, or at the door.

The director and designers behind Rubicon Theatre Company’s acclaimed environmental productions of Fiddler on the Roof and Man of La Mancha have reunited on an intimate, two-piano chamber version of the legendary Lerner and Loewe classic My Fair Lady. Based on George Bernard Shaw’s play Pygmalion, the musical tells the story of Professor Henry Higgins, an arrogant and attractive phonetician who makes a wager that he can transform a “deliciously low” Cockney flower-seller (Eliza Doolittle) into an elegant lady by teaching her to speak more beautifully. The magnificent score includes “I Could Have Danced All Night,” “On the Street Where You Live,” “Wouldn’t It Be Loverly,” and “I’ve Grown Accustomed to Her Face.” For Rubicon’s production, Director James O’Neil returns to the source material to explore the Shavian themes of class struggle, social reform and women’s rights.

The 17-member cast features Ovation and Indy Award-winner Joseph Fuqua as Henry Higgins, newcomer Kimberly Hessler as Eliza Doolittle, Rubicon veteran Rudolph Willrich as Colonel Pickering, Patrick DeSantis  as Alfred P. Doolittle, and Will Sevedge as Freddy Eynsford-Hill.
Sunday, Sunday, November 15.
Regular performance times and prices:
Wednesdays at 2 p.m. ($54) and 7 p.m. ($59) (Talkbacks following Wednesday evening shows except during previews)
Thursdays at 8 p.m. ($64)
Fridays at 8 p.m. ($54)
Saturdays at 2 p.m. ($64) and 8 p.m. ($64)
Sundays at 2 p.m. ($64)

On Sunday, November 1, the Museum of Ventura County hosts a free community celebration of music, dance, and crafts from 11am – 3pm for the whole family. Visitors can also see the artist-created altars, called ofrendas, on display throughout the museum, and have their faces painted calaveras–style for a small fee.  This annual celebration has become very popular at the Museum , highlighting the local traditions of Day of the Dead/Dia de los Muertos.

Entertainment includes performances by Ballet Folklórico Mestizo of Oxnard College, Ballet Folklórico de Bell Arts, and Danza Azteca Tonzatin as well as DATA (DeAnza Academy of Technology and the Arts) Mariachi.

Join the Ventura community in the sharing of thoughts and things at the Third Annual Really Really Free Market at Kellogg Park. Bring what you can, take what you need.

Members of the Westside and neighboring communities will participate in a true “gift economy” by sharing with neighbors unwanted stuff, games, talents, skills, services and entertainment. The mission is to give to others and receive the generous gifts others bring to give away. Absolutely, totally, really, really free!

On Sunday, November 8th, from 1-5pm community members will flock to Kellogg Park to share their goods and receive items from others. People can bring any usable items that they would like to give away and can take whatever they need – no barter, no trade, only free.

“This will be our third year hosting a Really Really Free Market in Ventura, and we are inspired every year by the energy at the event and the people that it benefits”, says event organizer, Ally Gialketsis. “Not only does the event bring people together in community and reduce the waste, it also supports members of our neighborhoods who do not have the means to buy new goods.”

In addition to physical items, people can share thoughts, ideas, skills, and knowledge at the event. There will be a wide variety of workshops for participants to take part in. People can learn how to knit or how to Timebank, about programs for military veterans and guerilla gardening. They can also participate in a collaborative art activity or host a workshop of their own! All are encouraged to bring a skill or bit of knowledge to share amongst neighbors and friends.  Community members interested in hosting a workshop or looking for more information about the event, should go on Facebook at Ventura Really Really Free Market 2015 or contact Ally at 216-4621.

CMH Auxiliary Gift shop will have a special sale October 14 & 15 “Books are Fun” in the CMH Lobby 147 N.Brent Street.  All are welcome to shop this sale.  Books make great holiday gifts.  And mark your calendars  for their Holiday Boutique November 5th and 6th.  All proceeds from Auxiliary Gift shop are donated back to Community Memorial Hospital.

The Auxiliary continues to take applications for new volunteers.  Many of their services have available openings on various days and times for volunteers .  Bookcart is one of those services.  This service provides donated magazines for visitors as well as patients.  And.  supports the gift shop by offering recycled books for sale there. Volunteering gives back to the community and provides much needed support to CMH, which is Ventura’s only nonprofit hospital.  Please stop by the Auxiliary front desk for more information and to pick up an application.

On Friday, October 16, from 1 to 2 p.m., Songster Juan D. Mendoza will visit the Ojai Library to deliver a concert titled “A Bitter-Sweet Taste of Saudade: Songs of Pleasant Sorrow from Brazil and Portugal.” Saudade is a Portuguese word—lacking a specific English equivalent—that refers to a feeling of nostalgia, loneliness, melancholia, and sadness that is at the same time joyful and pleasant. Mr. Mendoza has performed his solo concert elsewhere in Ventura County and is excited to bring his art to Ojai. He has performed at festivals and fairs as well as in bistros and cafés in Mexico. Through his music he seeks to create a distinctive atmosphere and mood that encapsulates the concept of saudade. This event is 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 Ventura County Library is available 24/7 at www.vencolibrary.org.

A Salon Series is taking place at the Ojai Valley Green Coalition Resource Center located at 206 N. Signal St. . The final Salon for 2015 is Friday, October 16, 7 to 9 p.m. In this salon, the role, seen or unseen, that dirt plays will be discussed. So come and share – what’s the dirt on dirt?

A donation and beverage to share are appreciated, though not required. With limited seating, please arrive early. Full details available at ojaivalleygreencoalition.org.

The Ojai Photo Club welcomes Ventura photographer and musician, Chris Jensen, as its guest presenter for the month of October. His talk and slide show of images will take place on October 20, at 7:00 p.m. at Help of Ojai’s Kent Hall, 111 Santa Ana St.

Jensen will be addressing portrait photography. His images range from creative and often quirky compositions to masterful studies that reveal the sitter’s essence. He will discuss the primary and secondary elements of creating compelling portraits and he indicates, “First and foremost is lighting, lighting and lighting!”

Monthly presentations are part of the Ojai Photography Club’s community service and education outreach. Visitors are welcome to attend.

The Ojai Photography Club, which is devoted to education, inspiration, and camaraderie, meets on the third Tuesday of each month, February – November. Only members may submit images for review. For additional information please visit: www.ojaiphotoclub.com.

On Saturday, October 24, from 1 to 2 p.m., local author Nick Marinoff will visit the Ojai Library to talk about his book “Take a Loan off Your Shoulders: 14 Simple Tricks for Graduating Debt Free”, and to offer advice to help all future students and their families avoid the monetary mistakes associated with college enrollment.

The book details the steps Nick took to earn a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university without owing a dime. With student loan debt having surpassed the trillion-dollar mark, Nick offers tips and advice to readers who wish to save on their educational endeavors and avoid the financial burdens of student loans.

This event is free and open to the public. For additional information, contact Ron Solórzano, City Librarian, at 218-9146.

The Oak Grove School Annual Open House & All-School Showcase, at 220 West Lomita, will take place on Saturday, November 7, from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. Discover the art of living and learning at Oak Grove School. View student work, enjoy student performances, find out more about our progressive college-preparatory high school, boarding program, junior high, elementary and early childhood programs. This event is for prospective families, current families and friends of Oak Grove School. The event is free and open to the community and will feature campus tours and open classrooms, entertainment and award-winning vegetarian fair, and complimentary family photos. For more information, visit www.oakgroveschool.org/openhouse.