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.

Commercial and residential development plans, as well as updates on other civic issues such as proposed library plans, proposed residential growth management, and water shortage concerns, are on the agenda for the next meeting of the East Ventura Community Council.

The council represents those who live east of Victoria Avenue. Books in good condition are always accepted by San Buenaventura Friends of the Library, and are very much appreciated.

The October 15 meeting will start at 7 p.m. at the First Assembly of God Church, 346 N. Kimball Road. The public is encouraged to attend and participate! Check the Facebook page for updated agenda items. For more information call 804-7558.

The celebrity photo exhibit by Ivor Davis is on display at the  Ventura College, Santa Paul campus, through Dec. l8. Ventura author journalist Ivor Davis, shares his photo collection of over half a century featuring some of the greats of showbiz and the world.

Santa Paula campus, 957 Faulkner Road, 106, Santa Paula, is open from 8 a.m. to  8:30 pm.

The photos “From Presidents to Pop Stars” chronicles movie stars and politicians and sports superstars,  interviewed by Davis over half a century. Davis, a longtime resident of Ventura, is also the author of the prize winning memoir “The Beatles and Me on Tour.”

Events by Ana Baker

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.

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.

Oct. 13:   Ventura Audubon Society presents “The Salmon Seekers, Coastal Bears of Alaska”.  Ed MacKerrow will take on a photographic journey with the bears and other wildlife of Coastal Alaska.  Salmon are the lifeblood of Alaska. Ed MacKerrow, Ph.D. is a scientist who researches complex adaptive social systems, a professional nature photographer, and a wilderness explorer.  He serves on the boards of scientific societies and the Bosque Del Apache NWR.  Program will be held at the Poinsettia Pavilion beginning at 7:30p.m.

Oct. 14: The Ventura County Camera Club will hold a critique meeting on Wednesday, at 7p.m. 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. The topic Movement/Motion Blur. Anyone with an interest in photography is welcome and admission is free. 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

Oct. 17: Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary 1679 is sponsoring its Fall Parking Lot Sale on Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Post Home, 3801 Market St. Items for sale include household goods, arts and crafts, jewelry, tools, clothing and more. The Auxiliary will sell hamburgers and hot dogs from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. A bake sale starts at 10 a.m. The event is open to the public. Admission is free. Proceeds benefit the VFW’s programs assisting veterans and their families. For more information call 642-2674.

Oct 17: Ventura Audubon Society’s Field Trip starts at 8:30 a.m. Camino Real Park. Leaders: Linda Easter 482-7537 and Neil Ziegler 208-3149.  Camino Real Park can be a potential gold mine of warblers and other migrating species in the fall. If you’re lucky, you might see a rarity such as a Blue-throated Gray Warbler, a Black-and-White Warbler, or perhaps even a Baltimore Oriole. Begin along Aurora Drive at the east end of the park and walk into the park.

Oct. 17: The Ventura Emblem Club #157 will hold their 4th Annual Holiday Boutique on Saturday, at the Ventura Elks Lodge, 2126 Knoll Drive. 9a.m. to 3p.m. Local and visiting artisans, jewelry designers and clothing designers, horticulturists and sculptress will be displaying their creations with other crafters. Tri Tip sandwiches and holiday delicacies will be available for sale. The Elks will be selling racks of ribs on a preordered only basis. Order requests and additional information is available at Elks Lodge at 642-1467 or 639-0303 or Lodge office. The proceeds from this annual boutique will be used for the charity and scholarship projects the Ventura Emblem Club.

Oct. 18: The Ventura Sports & Race Car Club is pleased to present, The 8th Annual Ventura Motorsports Gathering 2015. This year will feature, Jaguar and all “Timeless Classics.”

Gathering will be held on the main lawn at the Ventura Harbor Village. We will also feature Classic Wooden Boats at the assigned dock. Participants will be treated to a wine tasting as part of their entry fee. Cost for entry is $50 for the driver and car and includes one guest. Participants are encouraged to dress in period costume from your car’s era.

Online registration https://venturamotorsportsgathering.wordpress.com

Oct. 18: 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 11a.m. There will be an informal workshop where a topic on clocks or watches will be demonstrated and discussed. This month’s program will be a presentation by Rodney Baker on the Santa Barbara Courthouse Clock Tower. Anyone interested in watches and clocks is invited to visit and join chapter. There is a $3 admission charge. Lunch is available for $5 more. More information about Chapter 190 can be found at www.nawcc-ch190.com.

Oct.20:  Ventura Retired Men’s Group will meet from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Ventura Elks Lodge, 2126 Knoll Drive.  Jean Clark, General Manager of Ivy Lawn Memorial, will talk about Ivy Lawn services and associated planning.  Meetings are held on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month. For more information on VRMG & its future events, please visit http://www.VenturaRetiredMen.org/fp.html, call Gene Wink at 647-2513, or email [email protected]

Oct 20:  Ventura Audubon Society’s Field Trip starts at 8:30 a.m.  Canada Larga Road.  Leader: Adele Fergusson 415-4304.  Drive and walk as we bird this beautiful canyon road and one of the best birding hotspots. Target birds will include: American Pipit, Red-breasted Sapsucker, Nuttall’s Woodpecker, and Lark Sparrow, with a possibility of Mountain Bluebirds.  Directions: From 101 N, take the 33 and exit Canada Larga Rd. and turn right.  Meet at the beginning of the road.

Oct. 21, 27:  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. Oct.21-Pumpkin Palooza features Pumpkin, Bacon & White Bean Roast plus lots of other good stuff. Oct.27: A Ghoul’s Gotta Eat! Turkey, Pear & Brie Grilled Sandwiches plus lots of other good stuff.

6:30p.m. to 8:30p.m., 576 E. Main St. 628.3267 spice-topia.com

Oct.22: Portuguese Fraternal Society of America – The local chapter of PFSA (Council #128) will hold its monthly meeting on Thursday.  This meeting is open any person of Portuguese descent or interested in the Portuguese culture.  This meeting will be a potluck luncheon of Portuguese regional food held at a private residence.  For more information and reservation to attend, please call Cora Corella at 483-6285 or Yvonne Westervelt at 483-4168.

Oct. 23:  Bank of Books will be having an Evil Ghosts-Tour and Talk on Friday 7p.m. to 9p.m. at

748 East Main Street, 643-3154. Lecture fee/donation is $7 per person.

Not all ghosts are Casper the Friendly Ghost. Some seem bent on mischief and some can only be called demonic. Richard Senate never believed such things could exist until he came face to face with one. In his 30 year career he has faced several of the negative creatures and he will talk about some of them in this unique talk.

Oct. 23: Tender Life Maternity Home and Project Understanding will be having a birthday bingo bash to celebrate 30 years of building new lives. $30 Entry / 10 Games. Lots of great prizes. 6p.m. to 9p.m. at Ventura Elks Lodge #1403 2126 Knoll Dr. For more info or questions call 653-7474 or visit projectunderstanding.org

Oct 24: Ventura Audubon Society’s Field Trip starts at 8:30 a.m.  Lake Casitas. Leader: Karl Krause 415-0188.  Lake Casitas is a great birding location every season of the year. Target birds will include: the resident Bald Eagles, Green Heron, Chipping and Lark Sparrows, Golden-crowned Sparrows, Common Merganser and Spotted Sandpiper. We will meet outside the gate, and walk in. There will be lots of walking, so wear comfortable shoes and bring snacks and water.

Maybe you could dress your dog to win the contest.

Head to Ventura Harbor Village on Saturday, October 24th for Halloween happenings seaside .  The fun begins at Noon with the Annual HOWL-O-Ween Dog Costume Contest at pet-friendly Ventura Harbor Village’s Carousel Stage.  Entry is free and prizes will be awarded for Spookiest, Cutest, Sea-Worthy, Creative/Original, and Best in Show! Every dog gets a treat from sponsor Ventura Pet Barn and owners can enjoy pet-friendly dining patios, a photo board just for pets, pet drinking fountain, walking promenade, new the PAWlor Menu (just for dogs) at The Parlor restaurant, and riding with your pooch with Ventura Boat Rentals on the water.

Calling all costumed kids and families to join in the new  Safe Trick –Or-Treat in Ventura Harbor Village. Ventura Harbor Village welcomes little ones for treats from Harbor restaurants and retailers as you stroll seaside.  Face painter and crafts with Harbor Village Gallery will be on site. Bring your favorite goody bag! Then grab lunch or an ice cream, coffee drink or smoothie, play at the Village Carousel & Arcade or take a pedal boat ride with the family.  The Safe Trick-or-Treat ends with the Thrill the World Zombie Dance at 3pm to break the World Record – in a global performance to the classic Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” . Dressed zombies dance simultaneously on the Ventura Harbor Main Lawn. Sign up to participate as a dancer at www.ThrilltheWorldVentura.com or come to the Harbor to watch zombies by the sea!  Admission and Parking are free.  For more information visit www.VenturaHarborVillage.com