Category Archives: This ‘n’ That

BAA presents Ventura Mandala (new Artwalk Feature)

Thursday and Friday, September 19 and 20, 10am – 5pm
by Ojai Mandala Artists and Mandala Medicine Movement

Volunteers Needed

BAA is a major sponsor of this new-to-ArtWalk feature, a 40-foot mandala, to be painted on Ventura’s Main St. in front of the San Buenaventura Mission. It will be finished before ArtWalk commences and will be left on the street for one month.

A mandala is a geometric set of patterns, colors, and shapes, usually in the form of a circle. It is used in many faith traditions and represents wholeness, totality, infinity, timelessness, and unity.

Mandala painting has been a long-standing tradition for Ojai Day for more than 30 years with an emphasis on bringing together artists and community members. Foundational to its creation is that it is free and involves people of all ages and all artistic abilities. And now it is coming to Ventura!

Volunteers NeededYou are invited to join the artists and community builders by volunteering to help create the mandala. All ages and all abilities are welcome. You don’t have to be an artist to participate. You are invited to paint but you can also be involved by:

  • Manning the paint table, where you will welcome participants and organize and hand out paints and supplies
  • Setting up and tearing down the prep areas

River Sauvageau, founder of Mandala Medicine Movement, says the biggest need right now is at the paint table. “I am asking for help at the paint table, that is where we need help the most. This does not mean [volunteers] cannot paint, if they want to.”

If you would like to be involved in creating this piece of timeless beauty, whether as a painter with family and friends or a support organizer, please contact River at (805) 669-8058 (text is best) or email at [email protected].

Most of all, just show up, participate, or support the participants on Thursday and Friday, 10am to 5pm or see the finished product during ArtWalk, Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 21 and 22, noon to 5pm on Saturday and 11am to 4pm on Sunday!

Bodhi Salt Kitten Yoga and Adoption Event

Image by Rorozoa on Freepik.

The Humane Society of Ventura County (HSVC) is partnering with Bodhi Salt Yoga for its first-ever kitten yoga and adoption event on Sunday, Sept. 22, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Bodhi Salt Yoga, 175 S. Ventura Ave., Suite 103B, Ventura. The event promises a day of kitten fun while supporting the HSVC.

This time of year is known as “kitten season,” when warmer temperatures cause more female cats to go into heat. Like many shelters, the HSVC is inundated with kittens during this season. The goal of the event is to find loving homes for many of these baby cats.

Event Schedule:

  • 9–11 a.m.: Kitten meet-and-greets and supervised interactions. A designated area in the smaller studio room will allow potential adopters to interact with the kittens. On-site adoptions will be available with a staff member present. Kittens are available for a $60 adoption fee (regularly $150). Please note that kittens cannot go to their forever homes until after the yoga class. However, you can pre-adopt a kitten before the class to ensure you take home your dream kitty!
  • 11:15 a.m.–12:15 p.m.: Kitten yoga class led by instructor Whitney Carver. This 60-minute, donation-based class will benefit the animals of the HSVC. During the class, kittens will freely roam the space, offering an unforgettable and adorable yoga experience. Space is limited to 24 participants to allow the kittens more room to explore.
  • 12:15–1 p.m.: After the yoga class, pre-adopted kittens can be picked up by their new “pawrents.” Any kittens still available for adoption will remain at the studio until 1 p.m. before returning to the shelter in Ojai.

To reserve your spot, visit BodhiSaltYoga.com/classes or call (805) 628-9099.

Vol. 17, No. 26 – Sept 18 – Oct 1, 2024 – Community Events

Ventura

Ventura’s ArtWalk Features the Best of the Area’s Vibrant Art Scene: Sat, Sept. 21, 12 – 5pm and Sunday, Sept. 22, 11 am – 4 pm. Downtown.

The family-friendly event will feature hundreds of artists in local galleries, businesses, restaurants and on the grounds of Mission Park and the Albinger Museum. Artist booths, popular local bands, aerialists, poetry, dance, a film festival, street painting, puppetry and a children’s area will all be a part of this event run by an enthusiastic all-volunteer team. Live painting and pottery demonstrations will also be featured. This huge, free event unites Ventura’s west side neighborhoods, businesses and arts community in a two-day celebration of the creative spirit. Transit to ArtWalk Ventura and along the route will again be at no cost through the generosity of Gold Coast Transit. Register to participate at www.artwalkventura.org.

Namba Performing Arts Space: 4th Annual Playwrights’ SPLASH Festival Weekend #2 and #3. Namba Performing Arts Space, 47 S. Oak Street.

The 2024 Playwrights’ Splash Festival brings new playwrights to Ventura and provides a platform for emerging artists to share their stories. Support for the festival is provided by the City of Ventura Cultural Funding Grant Program and Ventura County Behavioral Health. Tickets for each show are $20 online or $25 at the door. Or purchase a “SPLASH Pass” and see all three shows for $60! Includes a complimentary drink for each show and waives ticket fees. Join us at the SPLASH Festival and support the flourishing performing arts scene in Ventura. Learn more at NambaArts.com.

September 20 – 22
Namba Performing Arts Space is thrilled to announce the second weekend of its 4th Annual Playwrights’ SPLASH Festival, a three-weekend celebration of innovative theater that will run from August 30th through October 20th. This year’s festival brings to Ventura the best of the Hollywood Fringe Festival, featuring eight carefully curated shows that highlight new voices in theater.

Friday, September 20 at 8 PM, The Godmother
Kicking off the second weekend, we are proud to present “The Godmother,” which brings to life the story of Griselda Blanco, one of the most notorious drug lords of her era. Melina Farahani’s solo performance is guided by the intricate direction of the piece, offering a tale of power, sacrifice, and the indomitable bond between mother and son. This show is a profound exploration of family and the human condition.

Saturday, September 21, 8 PM, Mermaid
“Mermaid” intertwines a personal narrative with African mythology. Italome Ohikhuare’s solo show follows a Nigerian-American woman discovering a link between her health and an ancient mermaid goddess. This poignant and magical performance explores themes of identity, heritage, and healing.

Sunday, September 22, 7 PM, Magic for Animals
“Magic For Animals” closes weekend two on Sunday, September 22, at 7 PM, with Liz Toonkel’s witty and insightful one-woman show that blends magic, humor, and activism. Toonkel, who is the actor, writer, and producer, uses allusions to explore pressing issues like animal welfare and climate change, delivering a heartwarming and thought-provoking narrative.

Weekend #3 (October 18 – October 20)

Mental Health Awareness/Poetry Weekend with “The Funny Thing About A Panic Attack” by Ben Kassoy, “Resilient AF” by Kamakshi Hart, and “Mictlan” by Cristina Glezoro and Martin Arreola, with shows in Spanish and English.

American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s Out of the Darkness Community Walk: Sat, Sept. 21, Promenade Park near the Ventura Pier

Join the walk to promote the importance of suicide prevention. In 2021, over 420 Out of the Darkness Walks took place in communities and on campuses across the United States, attended by over 80,000 dedicated people who shared their passion for a growing movement. The goal is to spread awareness of what is currently a leading cause of death in the U.S., and let others know they are not alone. Help ensure that mental health is looked upon with equal importance to physical health and continue to bring hope to those affected by suicide. Register: afsp.org/vc.

VACE CAREER and EDUCATION EXPO: Tues, Sept 24, 2:00 – 5:00 pm, VACE Campus 5200 Valentine Road.

This event is FREE and open to the public! This is a GREAT opportunity to meet local business owners and representatives. Someone might need someone with your exact skill set or might know someone else who does. Scan the QR code to register. www.workforceventuracounty.org or www.facebook.com/WDBVC.

The Museum of Ventura County: The Curse of The Vampire. Tales from the Book of Nosferatu. Sept 19 – Nov 17.

The artists have created a spine-tingling, comic-like experience that will thrill anyone fascinated by Dracula and occult storytelling. You’ll be scared, amazed, and completely immersed in a world where imagination meets the supernatural! The Curse of The Vampire: Tales from The Book of Nosferatu is a collaborative exhibition that features seventeen George Stuart Historical Figures enhanced by blown up retro comic book style illustrations created by artists, Paula Pugh and Weshoyot Alvitre. The exhibition brings a fictional story to life, chronicling the rise and fall of a vampire dynasty from Vlad the Impaler (the first alleged vampire) to Dracula to Alexander Cepesi (one of the last vampires). The story unfolds through illustrations created by Pugh and Alvitre in a retro comic book style. www.venturamuseum.org/upcoming-exhibitions.

2024 Ventura Women’s Conference: Sat, October 19m 8:00 am – 4:00 pm. Poinsettia Pavilion.

The theme is “Wellness Warriors… embrace, empower, energize. Giving you the tools to gently warrior through life with compassion and grace.” Twelve women will speak on their wellness expertise, and over 20 health and wellness vendors will share products and services. Tickets are available at Eventbrite and all proceeds benefit Food Share Ventura. www.venturawomensconference.com

Channel Islands Chamber Orchestra: Sun., Sept 22, 3 pm. First United Methodist Church, 1338 E Santa Clara St.

“Season Opener!” Sinfonia concertante in B-flat major by Joseph Haydn (Kimaree Gilad, Oboe; Cavit Celayir-Monezis, Bassoon; Sharon Cooper, Violin; John Fare, Cello)

Concerto in G minor for Organ, Strings and Timpani Francis Poulenc A Midsummer Night’s Dream by Felix Mendelssohn. Tickets are $20 online in advance and

$25 at the door. Students and children under 12 are free!

cichamberorchestra.org/general-admission/p/september22. 

Ventura County Cultural Heritage Board hosts Speaker Session Q&A: Mon, Sept 23, 1:15 p.m. Multi-Purpose Conference Room, Hall of Administration, Ventura County Government Center

Join Us for the Ventura County Cultural Heritage Board Speaker Series! Speaker: Dr. José M. Alamillo will discuss his research on Farmworker Labor Camps and Farmworker Movements in Ventura County, including the nation’s largest bracero camp, Buena Vista Camp, in Oxnard. Don’t miss this insightful presentation!

Chabad of Ventura High Holidays: Crown Plaza Ventura Beach

Rosh Hashanah: October 3 & 4, 10:00 am – 2:00 pm, Shofar at 12:00 pm. Thursday, October 3, 5:30 pm at the Ventura Promenade Beach Playground for “Shofar in the Park.”

Yom Kippur; October 11, 6:30 pm, October 12, 10:00 am – 2:00 pm

Chabad of Ventura services are designed to make everyone feel welcome and at home. The prayers, conducted with Hebrew/English prayer-books, are lively, engaging, and inclusive – spiced with inspiring tunes and insightful explanations throughout – allowing all to absorb the experience at their own level. There is NO CHARGE for seats; your donation is greatly appreciated. Advance reservations are suggested to secure your seat. Reservations can be made online or over the phone. 805-658-7441. www.ChabadVentura.com/HighHolidays

Patchwork Show: Nov 3, 2024, 11-5pm, Downtown Ventura.

Patchwork Show Ventura brings all the charm of a beach town (you can even see the ocean from the show!) including a walkable collection of local shops and restaurants. Over the past 16 years, Patchwork has grown from a small parking lot craft fair into multiple locations including street festivals and large indoor marketplaces. Each location is as unique as the venue and showcases different makers and collaborations that reflect the local environment and community. www.dearhandmadelife.com/patchwork-show/

Ongoing:

Social Golf Club

Actively recruiting new members Men’s golf club. Set Tee times a year in advance for every Tuesday and Thursday at 9 different courses in Ventura County. https://challengersgolfclub.com

Ventura Senior Men’s Group: First and Third Tues each month: 11:30 am – 1:30 pm at Poinsettia Pavilion.

Any man who considers himself in the “senior” category (and many who don’t) might benefit from a visit to the Ventura Senior Men’s Group.  Buffet luncheon with interesting speakers and good friends. Your first lunch is free. We talk about everything except religion and politics. Eligible to all men 50 plus. Call Tom at 805-657-1071 for more information or visit VSMG.net to find out who our speakers will be.

Play Bridge: Every Tues, Wed and Thurs at 12:30 pm.

ACBL-sanctioned duplicate bridge games. All levels of play, and we will guarantee to have a partner for you if you need one. Lessons are available. Tuesday, Wed and Thursday games are held at Temple Beth Torah, Foothill & Kimball Rd, Ventura. Every Saturday at the Ventura Townhouse.  For additional info visit our website at www.vcbridge.org. Contact Rose at [email protected].

Ventura County Philatelic Society: First and third Mon each month – 7:30 pm.

Church of the Foothills, Ventura. For more information, visit https://venturacountyphilatelicsoc.org.

Beach Cleanup: First Sat of every month – 8:30 -10:30 am.

Meet your neighbors and help keep our beach looking fresh. Hosted by Pierpont Beach Community Council in partnership with Surfrider. Meet up at the end of Seward near the beach. (1140 S Seward St). Arrive any time during the timeframe. Fun for the whole family! Supplies provided – BYO water.

Ojai:

Monday Matinees: A Movie Screening Series, First and Third Mondays at 12pm. The Ojai

Library, 111 East Ojai Ave.

The Ojai Library announces the launch of Monday Matinees. The library will be hosting free movie screenings on the first and third Mondays of each month at noon. There will be a special additional screening on Monday, September 30, 2024, to round out the first month.

This program aims to provide a fun and relaxing way for visitors to enjoy a diverse selection of films, ranging from classic favorites to contemporary hits. The movie listings will be posted in the library, ensuring that everyone can stay up to date with upcoming features. For additional information, contact Ron Solórzano, Regional Librarian, at (805) 218-9146 or [email protected].

Ojai Studio Artists Tour: Saturday, Sunday and Monday, October 12 – 14

Always a highlight of the Southern California arts calendar, the (OSA) is back with a three-day “choose-your-own adventure” extravaganza. More than 70 artists open their private spaces over the course of the long weekend in a tour that features paintings, sculptures, fiber arts, collage, jewelry, glass, prints, mixed media and all manner of artworks, all experienced in a variety of intimate and idiosyncratic spaces by members of a community-based nonprofit devoted to celebrating Ojai arts.

Ticket holders get a program and map of participating studios, from back yard wonderlands within walking distance of the town arcade to stone cabins nestled up Sulphur Mountain. Tickets are $20, giving visitors access to all studios over the three-day weekend (and supporting art scholarship programs for Nordhoff High art students). www.ojaistudioartists.org/all-tours/2024-fall-open-studios-tour.

Oxnard:

Beach Cities Neighbors and Newcomers Meeting: Wed, October 2, 9:30 – 11am, PCYC Pacific Corinthian Yacht Club 2600 Harbor Blvd.

Guest speaker and BCNN member, Lisa Mirisola, a recently appointed volunteer member of the Ventura County Clean Air Fund Advisory committee, will present an introduction to local air quality, electric vehicles and fueling technology.  BCNN, Beach Cities Neighbors and Newcomers, meets the first Wednesday of the month. It has dozens of small group off shoots from sports activities, to wine tasting, bridge, games, book groups and more. (www.bcnnwomensclub.org).  

Catching Memories: Kevin Brannon and Reel Guppy Outdoors Inspire a Generation

“Catching Memories” is the mission of Reel Guppy Outdoors, a free youth fishing program founded by Kevin Brannon. Seeing a need in his community, Brannon realized many kids longed for someone to take them fishing, just as he had done with his own children. His inspiration came from his own childhood, growing up in a low-income, single-parent household after the loss of his father. Life became a cycle of foster homes and shelters, leaving Brannon with uncertainty and hardship.

Living near the Port Hueneme Pier, Brannon found solace in fishing, often using salvaged fishing lines and hooks. Armed with a tin can as his makeshift fishing pole and leftover bait from the pier, he became a modern-day Huck Finn, finding peace and escape in the ocean.

By the age of 9, Brannon began working aboard local party boats, assisting passengers with fishing. The boats gave him a sense of safety, purpose, and solitude, which further fueled his passion for the sport and helping others. These experiences eventually shaped the foundation of what would become Reel Guppy Outdoors.

More than 25 years later, Brannon produces Reel Anglers Fishing Show California, which includes the Reel Guppy Outdoors program. His goal is to pass along his connection with the ocean, using fishing as a tool to foster self-worth, leadership, and success in the youth he mentors. The same survival skills that once saved him are now helping a new generation thrive.

Brannon also created Ocean of Opportunity, a program that brings California’s marine ecosystems to students through interactive simulations. In these lessons, classrooms explore piers, lakes, rivers, and tide pools, with a particular focus on the nearby Channel Islands National Park. Using props, artificial lures, and displays, students learn about marine life, responsible fishing, and conservation. The program includes an in-class clinic and an outdoor fishing trip, where participants practice knot-tying, explore wildlife, and engage in team-building activities.

The Reel Guppy Learning Center expands on this with hands-on marine education, video production, and media skills, empowering young people to connect responsibly with their local waters. To date, the program has served over 7,000 children, all free of charge.

On September 7, 2024, the Port Hueneme City Council recognized Brannon as one of the 2024 Hueneme Heroes Award recipients, honoring his significant contributions to the community. This recognition, as a hometown hero, was perhaps Brannon’s most meaningful award.

For more information about Reel Guppy Outdoors, please visit: www.reelguppyoutdoors.com.

The Bookmark About Libraries and Friends

by Mary Olson

Ventura Friends of the Library are holding a Books by the Bag Sale on Saturday, October 5, 10 am to 3 pm at the Vons at Telegraph & Victoria (6040 Telegraph Road). Buy a $5 bag and fill it up! Fiction, Non-Fiction, Children’s Books, Young Adult Books, Teacher Resources.

Any day of the week, please drop in to 2nd Look Books, the Bookstore of Ventura Friends of the Library located in E.P. Foster Library. The store is open Monday through Saturday, 11:00 am to 4:00 pm and Sunday 1:00 to 4:00 pm. We have non-fiction and fiction and a comprehensive children’s section. Other surprises may appear according to the donations we receive – currently we have some vintage sheet music, for example, 1934 “Love in Bloom” that Bing Crosby sang in the movie “She Loves Me Not”.

Ventura Friends of the Library will hold their Annual Membership Meeting on Sunday, October 20, 1:00 to 3:00 pm in the Topping Room of E.P. Foster Library. Our featured speaker will be Elizabeth Moore Kraus who will discuss her book 3 Sisters, 3 Weeks, 3 Countries (Still Talking). Our annual meetings are always open to guests who are interested in our organization or our guest speakers!

Ventura County Library aims to unite the Ventura County community around a common narrative with One County, One Book. This year’s community reading selection is: Rough Sleepers: Dr. Jim O’Connell’s Urgent Mission to Bring Healing to Homeless People by Tracy Kidder.

From the publisher’s description of Rough Sleepers, “Kidder tells the story of Dr. Jim O’Connell, a gifted man who invented a community of care for a city’s unhoused population, including those who sleep on the streets—the ‘rough sleepers.’ After Jim O’Connell graduated from Harvard Medical School and was nearing the end of his residency at Massachusetts General, the hospital’s chief of medicine made a proposal: Would he defer a prestigious fellowship and spend a year helping to create an organization to bring health care to homeless citizens? That year turned into O’Connell’s life’s calling. Tracy Kidder spent five years following Dr. O’Connell and his colleagues as they work with thousands of homeless patients, some of whom we meet in this illuminating book.”

Copies of Rough Sleepers are available to borrow at your local Ventura County Library branch. The Hill Road Library Book Club will discuss this book at their September meeting, Tuesday, September 24, 4:00 to 5:00 pm.

The culminating event will be the second annual Ventura County Celebration of Books on Saturday, October 12, on the campus of California State University, Channel Islands. This event is free and open to the public! Parking is free.

Dr. Jim O’Connell, the subject of Rough Sleepers, will be the featured speaker from 2:00 – 3:00 pm in the Grand Salon, followed by a book signing with Dr. O’Connell. Paperback books will be available for purchase or bring your own. Limit of two copies signed per person. There will also be a panel discussion in the Grand Salon from 11:00 am – 12:00 pm on The State of Homelessness in Ventura County: A Conversation with the Professionals. See https://www.vclibraryfoundation.org/events/ for more details.

Exhibits by local organizations and Friends of the Library groups will be open to the public on the North Quad from 11:00 am to 1:30 pm. CSUCI Early Childhood Studies & Ventura County Library will offer children’s activities. Bring your own lunch to picnic on the lawn or enjoy food from a local food truck from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm.

 

 

 

 

B-29 Doc History Restored Tour to Land in Camarillo in October

One of Two Remaining B-29 Aircraft Still Flying

Hosted by the Southern California Wing of the Commemorative Air Force (CAF SoCal), the B-29 Doc History Restored Tour will land at the Camarillo Airport from Oct. 3-6.

B-29 Doc, one of 1,644 B-29 Superfortress aircraft built by the Boeing Company in Wichita, KS, during World War II, is one of only two remaining B-29 aircraft still airworthy and flying today. The historic warbird will be available for ground and cockpit tours and B-29 Doc Flight Experience rides.

“Camarillo has a rich history of World War II and Cold War-era aviation that contributed greatly to the defense of our nation,” said Josh Wells, B-29 Doc executive director. “That history is kept alive by the CAF Southern California Wing thanks to the dedication of its members, who keep a large collection of WWII and post-war-era aircraft alive to showcase the history of our nation and honor those who fought to defend freedom at home and abroad. The B-29 Doc History Restored Tour is all about: Honor. Educate. Connect. Bringing B-29 Doc to Camarillo to partner with the CAF SoCal mission means furthering our joint-ability to keep history alive and flying for generations to come by giving people a unique opportunity to get up close and personal with history.”

B-29 Doc will arrive at Camarillo Airport on Wednesday, Oct. 2, and will be available for ground and cockpit tours Thursday, Oct. 3, and Friday, Oct. 4, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days. B-29 Doc Flight Experience rides will be available on Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 5 and 6, at 9 and 11 a.m. both days, followed by ground and cockpit tour access from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. While the aircraft is on the ground, visitors can climb inside the cockpit through the forward bomb bay to look inside one of only two B-29 Superfortresses still airworthy and flying today.

“The Commemorative Air Force (CAF) SoCal is thrilled to welcome the iconic B-29 Superfortress, “Doc,” to our ramp,” said Lucien Pillai, public information officer for the Commemorative Air Force Southern California Wing. “It’s a true privilege to host such a remarkable piece of living history, and we’re excited to share this beautiful aircraft with our community. While guests tour “Doc,” they are also invited to explore our WWII Aviation Museum and view our collection of restored aircraft and other artifacts. We extend our heartfelt thanks to Doc’s Friends for bringing this historic treasure to Camarillo, allowing us to experience and honor this incredible chapter of aviation history”.

Admission for ground and cockpit tour access will be $20 per person or $30 per family, which includes access to the renowned CAF SoCal Museum. Tickets for museum, ground, and cockpit tour access can be purchased at the door on the days of the event. B-29 Doc Flight Experience tickets are on sale now at www.b29doc.com/rides. For more information about the CAF SoCal Wing, visit www.cafsocal.com.

 

High Holidays on the Horizon: A Time for Peace and Unity

by Tracy Marcynzsyn

As we embark on the upcoming holiday season, uniting as a community is paramount, says Rabbi Ben Goldstein of Ventura’s Congregation Am Hayam.

“A lot of people feel more drawn to be more a part of a community now than they have in years past,” says Goldstein, named Congregation Am Hayam’s new rabbi in July.

In light of the current events in Israel, “we’ve seen the need to gather together as Jews,” he notes, adding, “It’s more important than it has been in a long time … when significant historical events, like 9/11, or 0ctober 7 occur, we tend to focus on what’s important in life.”

Goldstein discovered what matters most in his own life while studying to be an actor in his younger years.

“I came to the West Coast from Rochester, New York, in 2000. I wanted to be an actor … I was in the unions and did some work here and there, but it was not meant to be,” Goldstein says.

Rather than waiting tables between auditions like many fellow hopeful actors, Goldstein took a different path.

“I had a very strong Jewish education growing up, so instead of being a waiter, I decided to teach Hebrew school and ended up finding it so fulfilling,” he explains.

So, he enrolled in American Jewish University in Los Angeles and became a rabbi in 2010.

As a rabbi, “I love being able to make meaningful connections and help people make their lives better,” he says.

At Congregation Am Hayam (Am Ha Yam in Hebrew means “People of the Sea”), Goldstein appreciates the welcoming community spirit.

“It’s a really nice, wonderful community—it’s more laid back than being closer to L.A., and it’s not as competitive,” says Goldstein, who hails from Woodland Hills.

He aims to promote hope and share peace during the High Holidays, which start with Rosh Hashanah on October 2-4 and conclude with Yom Kippur on Oct. 11 and 12. A full schedule of services offered throughout the season can be viewed online at congregationamhayam.com.

“My hope is for people to have a meaningful experience where they can balance the seriousness of the year with the hope of moving forward,” says Goldstein, adding, “on the Day of Atonement, we make our resolutions to be better people than we are today. I also hope for a year full of peace, where people come to the realization that we’re not different, independent beings, but we’re interdependent beings—we’re all in this together!”

He extends an invitation to anyone who wants to attend services and has not been to the synagogue to RSVP by email to him at [email protected].

Sidebar: Box off

Jewish New Year Services

Congregation Am HaYam services to welcome the Jewish New Year 5785 with Rabbi Ben Goldstein, the congregation’s new spiritual leader.

Congregation Am HaYam offers live streaming services the first full Shabbat of the month. Services on the third Shabbat of the month are both in-person and streaming.

“What I love most about Rabbi Goldstein is his engaging discussions with congregants during Torah services,” says Brenda Rich, Congregation Am HaYam’s president. “His services combine the rich traditions of our heritage with dignity, knowledge and humor.”

The Jewish High Holidays, also known as the Days of Awe, begin Wednesday evening, October 2 and continue on October 3 and 4. Kol Nidre is Friday night, October 11 followed by Yom Kippur services on Saturday, October 12.

Congregation Am HaYam welcomes the community and is offering membership free for the first year, which entitles new members to tickets for the high holiday services. For more information, please contact Brenda Rich at 805 644-2899 or email her at [email protected].

A Red Carpet Affair: Community Memorial Foundation  Announces 50th Benefactors’ Ball on October 19

Two local physicians and a leading community philanthropist will be honored at the Community Memorial Foundation’s 50th Benefactors’ Ball, taking place on Saturday, October 19 at the Commemorative Air Force Museum in Camarillo. The public is invited to support the provision of high-quality healthcare in Ventura County by attending this formal affair.

”We are thrilled to be celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Benefactors’ Ball with such an extraordinary event,” said Patty Williams, Community Memorial Foundation Director of Development. “The evening will not only honor exceptional physicians and philanthropists in our community, but also pay tribute to the impact Community Memorial has had on our community over the last 50 years.”

Honored this year with the Cephas Bard, MD Award for Physician of the Year is Edward Banman, MD. A Saticoy resident since 1978, Dr. Banman has served as a family physician to two — going on three — generations of Ventura families. He is an original founder of Primary Medical Group, with offices in Ventura, Saticoy, Santa Paula, Oxnard, and Camarillo, and a long-standing supporter of the Community Memorial Foundation.

This year’s Cephas Bard, MD honoree for Retired Physician of the Year is Dr. Henry “Hank” Oster. By the time he retired, infectious disease specialist Henry “Hank” Oster had spent 52 years in the medical field. He and his family have thrived in Ventura since moving to the area in the late 1970s. Dr. Oster has been a Foundation supporter for many years and looks forward to traveling, cycling, and family time in retirement.

The Community Leader of the Year award goes to John Hofer – businessman, investor, and philanthropist. Hofer and his family played a significant role in the philanthropic campaign to build the new Community Memorial Hospital Ocean Tower and have been ongoing supporters of the Community Memorial Foundation ever since.

The Benefactors’ Ball begins at 5:00 pm with a cocktail reception, followed by a multi-course dinner at 6:30 pm, live music, dancing, a live auction, and awards presentations. The event will have a Hollywood/red carpet theme, complete with “celebrity” appearances by Marilyn Monroe, Tom Cruise, and a fly over by US Aviator Amelia Earhart in a 1930’s era Boeing Biplane!

Sponsorships and tickets are available at https://www.benefactorsball.org.

Tickets on Sale for “Pier Under the Stars” – benefit for the historic Ventura Pier

Tickets are now on sale for Pier Under the Stars – the 29th annual benefit for the historic Ventura Pier on Saturday, October 5th, from 4:30pm – 7pm. Each year more than 500 residents and visitors attend this beachfront culinary event adjacent to the pier to sample the county’s best food, wine and spirits provided by over 25 area businesses.

Restaurants, cafes, wineries and breweries serve their signature dishes and beverages from tented booths along the seaside Promenade while guests enjoy live music by Ignition & dancing under the stars and an amazing silent auction. The sell-out event hosted by Pier into the Future–-a non-profit organization “is a much-anticipated community gathering of friends that raises funds for our beloved Pier”, said Pier Into the Future Executive Director Jenise Wagar-Hernandez.

The organization was founded by a group of dedicated community leaders, in partnership with the City of Ventura, to establish an endowment fund to maintain and enhance the historic Ventura Pier for future generations to enjoy. The organization has contributed over $1,168,000 to the City of Ventura over the last 31 years to enhance the Pier.

General admission tickets are $95 and include food and beverage tasting and a commemorative Pier wine glass. A limited number of VIP tickets are offered at $185. VIP tickets include all of the benefits associated with General Admission, plus a reserved seat at a VIP table along the promenade and a special wine tasting in the VIP area with early entrance at 4pm. Tickets are available online at www.eventbrite.com. Visit www.pierintothefuture.org for more information.