American Book Fest, an online publication providing coverage for books from mainstream and independent publishers, has announced the winners and finalists of its 2022 American Fiction Awards. Now in their sixth year, the latest American Fiction Awards are for titles published between 2020-2022, in over 70 genre specific categories. These books, reviewed by a distinguished panel of industry judges, represent a phenomenal mix of storytelling skills from a wide array of publishers throughout the United States.
“HOUSE BOY”, winner in the “Multicultural Fiction” category, is an urban thriller with socio-political and racial overtones, a fact-based tale that Lorenzo first read about in the UK in the mid-90s and has been working on ever since, between his many other film, theater and literary projects.
His novel inhabits a shadowland where ancient traditions take root and prosper in our so-called modern world. In the polite suburb of Hendon, North London, behind the windows of an undistinguished house at 321 Finchley Lane, exist domestic horrors performed by desperate human beings upon their chosen victim, such as passersby could scarce imagine. In this house, the lives of a young Dalit man, Vijay Pallan, and an older Brahmin woman and her son, Binda & Ravi Tagorstani, intersect as if decreed by history. Through the increasingly disturbing encounters between these three characters, the reader is exposed to the harsh realities of the caste system and modern slavery, the boundless capacity for human pain, and the ultimate blessing of even one man’s survival.
Published June 7, 2022 by Atmosphere Press, the book has received glowing reviews, including…
“Evocative imagery, sociopolitical relevance, and a compelling storyline. Vijay’s traumatic experiences transcend fiction and read like an authentic, contemporary depiction of the effects of the caste system and human trafficking.” – Kirkus Reviews
“HOUSE BOY offers quite a different focus and insights than most as it traverses the human psyche and its ability to perform, accept, or defy grave injustices. …rewards its audience with gripping moments and surprising revelations.” – Midwest Book Review
Lorenzo’s book features jacket design by the Breeze’s own Alfred J. Lewis of Studio Nothing.
Lorenzo thanks the Ventura Breeze and all his other friends in the Ventura community for their longtime support. He also thanks everyone at American Book Fest & Atmosphere Press for their belief in this novel, and to EMG, the young Indian man whose traumatic life experiences inspired this book.
“HOUSE BOY” is available as a Trade Paperback or eBook and can be ordered from your local bookstore, or from many online retailers.
When the PRC first opened its clubhouse doors 45 years ago this October 1st it was one of the first multi-purpose clubs in the United States. Tennis and swim clubs were common and racquetball was growing in popularity throughout the country. Yet the Garrett brothers were among the first to combine tennis, racquetball, swimming and a workout room to create a private membership club. Fourth generation Venturans, Scott and Spencer Garrett returned to Ventura in the summer of 1975 and started developing the Club on 5.5 acres leased from the Pierpont Inn. With the backing of their parents Betty & Joe Garrett they attracted a few investors and secured a loan from the Bank of A Levy. Over the years the Garretts have continued to make improvements to the Club to keep pace with the changing needs of its members.
There aren’t many businesses that make it through 45 years. When asked what gives him the greatest satisfaction, Spencer Garrett said “I think what we have done well and still do is to create an atmosphere where people can meet and make life-long friends.” There are still 32 people who have been members ever since the clubhouse opened in 1977. As they did for the 40th Anniversary in 2017, the Garretts have invited the Charter Members to a special reception the afternoon before the club wide party. On tennis court #1 on Saturday, October 15th, this year’s party, “Retro 70s”, will feature desserts, drawings and dancing to the tunes of D.J. Scott Christopher. Once again party proceeds will go to benefit a local non-profit. This year the Food Share of Ventura County is the beneficiary.
Club Manager Kerrie Anderson, who first started at the Club in 1986 as a Fitness Director, is excited about the planned renovations to the Pierpont Racquet Club. “Like so many other small businesses we have been challenged the last couple years by the pandemic. We are thankful to all our members who stuck with us during periods when operations had to cease. Today our tennis and swim programs are as strong as ever and many of our members are now into playing pickleball. Our gym and fitness classes continue to see more and more members getting back into their routines. We also have seen a influx of new members, especially young families. It is great to see so much activity at the Club again” added Kerrie.
When asked about future plans, Spencer Garrett said, “Scott and I never gave much thought to what was in store 10 years after we opened let alone 45. We’ve been blessed with so many great employees and members that this has never felt like a job. It’s been a privilege to see all that we have created and I know the future will be even brighter. I look forward to 2027 when we will host a party to celebrate our 50th year.”
Pierpont Racquet Club 500 SanJon Road Ventura, CA 93001
Rosh Hashanah occurs on the first and second days of Tishri. Jewish Year 5783 begins at sunset on Sept. 25. In Hebrew, Rosh Hashanah means, literally, “head of the year” or “first of the year.” Rosh Hashanah is commonly known as the Jewish New Year. This name is somewhat deceptive, because there is little similarity between Rosh Hashanah, one of the holiest days of the year, and the American New Year.
There is, however, one important similarity between the Jewish New Year and the American one. Many Americans use the New Year as a time to plan a better life, making “resolutions.” Likewise, the Jewish New Year is a time to begin introspection, looking back at the mistakes of the past year and planning the changes to make in the new year.
The shofar is a ram’s horn which is blown somewhat like a trumpet. One of the most important observances of this holiday is hearing the sounding of the shofar in the synagogue.
No work is permitted on Rosh Hashanah. Much of the day is spent in temple, where the regular daily liturgy is somewhat expanded. There is a special prayer book called the machzor used for Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur because of the extensive liturgical changes for these holidays.
The common greeting at this time is L’shanah tovah (“for a good year”). This is a shortening of “L’shanah tovah tikatev v’taihatem” which means “May you be inscribed and sealed for a good year.”
On Oct. 4, Yom Kippur also known as the Day of Atonement, is the holiest day of the year in Judaism. Its central themes are atonement and repentance. Some Jewish people traditionally observe this holy day with an approximate 25-hour period of fasting and intensive prayer, often spending most of the day in synagogue services.
Yom Kippur completes the annual period known in Judaism as the High Holy Days or Yamim Nora’im (“Days of Awe”) that commences with Rosh Hashanah.
Lima Beans can be found at the Ventra city hall if you look hard enough. Photo by Patricia Schallert
by Richard Senate
The beautiful Ventura City Hall sits like a grand dame over the downtown of our community. It was built over a century ago to serve as the Ventura Counties Courthouse. Few people notice that above the doorway is a strange ornament. They are pods of some sort of plant. An odd symbol for such an august building–but a fitting one. They are pods of Lima Beans! Their scientific name is Phaseulus lunatus but they are better known as lima beans or butter beans. Why are they there? Because Ventura was once the lima bean capital of the nation and taxes on the humble bean helped to pay for the construction of the courthouse in 1912.
They came to California from Peru (hence the name Lima after the capital of that South American nation). New evidence indicated they were really developed in Guatemala by the Native American peoples of that land. They found that in the 19th Century the lima bean grew well in Ventura’s soil. It is a dry crop with little need for irrigation and soon trainloads of the bean were shipped back east and Ventura became know for her butter beans.
In the 1897 World’s Fair, Ventura Counties contribution to the California Pavilion was a 97-foot-tall Chinese pagoda made and covered with lima beans. The pagoda was only fitting, because most of the beans were harvested by Chinese Laborers.
We’ve all heard the saying, “I can’t function until I’ve had my coffee.” Whether or not that’s true for you, coffee is often one of the first things many of us think about in the morning. Some home-brewed beans will certainly do, but when you’re dealing with something as integral to your day as coffee, you want to make sure it’s done right.
Yelp searched all through the US and Canada to find the best spots to sip on a cup of coffee,
This is an all-time list of the Top Coffee Shops in the US, according to Yelp. They identified businesses in the coffee shop category, then ranked those spots using a number of factors including the total volume and ratings of reviews. Tatiana’s Coffee and Tea in Venture came in as number 9.
This shop is owned by husband and wife duo Tatiana and Diego, who are both originally from Colombia. Menu favorites include the “Espresso Con Panna,” and the blended “Espresso Chunk.”
Tatiana stated “As you may be aware already, we have been named the 9th best coffee house in the country including Canada. Wow this was a great surprise to Diego my husband and to my self.”
Sheldon Brown from August 24 Breeze I so very sorry to report that the most wonderful Breezy (Deena) Gledhill has passed away from cancer at only 45-years-old. Last summer she told us that she was cancer free and how wonderful that was. But, cancer does what it wants and it returned with a vengeance. Her spirit through all of this was unbelievable and an inspiration to all who knew her.
She first approached me over 10 years ago to become an account executive for the Breeze. With that name I immediately hired her. Without her the paper would not exist as her ability to meet people and have them advertise was great.
I considered her to be my adopted daughter and will miss her always.
Adela Trainor I saw on FB. I’m so sorry Sheldon. I know how much you loved “your girl”. It is heartbreaking for us left behind but hopefully her spirit is free to be all that we knew her to be, without being held back by a failing body. Let her light shine through all that knew her.
Cindy Summers She was such a brave and courageous fighter, even when dealing with the lowest points of her struggled she always showed caring, kindness and compassion for others it truly seemed cancer had no chance against her bright light
I never imagined this would happen
Ana Baker Breezy was just as fun as her name. I will always remember the constant texts she sent me all year to help me in my grief. She was an inspiration and a fighter. Breezy had an amazing soul. My heart will always remember her. I will mis her.
Jennifer Talt-Lundin I am so, so very sorry to hear that she has passed. I am heart-broken. We absolutely adored Breezy and we have been sending so many positive vibes her way, for her to beat this awful disease and be able to continue to enjoy her beautiful life. She was such a pleasure to work with and she will be greatly missed by all here.
Our hearts, prayers and thoughts are with you and her family during this difficult time. She touched so many people and was such a bright light in our harbor community.
Carol Leish She would always compliment me on what I wrote for the ‘Ventura Breeze.’
She was always positive, even with going through so much. And, I was also impressed with her many posts on Facebook talking about her ‘journey.’
Going to miss her a lot, too. As Judaism says, ‘Her memory will continue to be a blessing.’❤
Valerie Bereman Oh Sheldon, I am so very sorry she passed. I only knew her through e-mails, but we became friends on the side. She was so fun and sensitive. What a fighter she was. I am at a loss for words, you were a great family to her
I know. I am so sorry for you and the Breeze family.
Patti Channer
Another bright star in our galaxy.
Lysa Urban I’m so very sorry and saddened to hear… I didn’t know that Breezy was ill. She was a wonderful, uplifting person. My sincerest condolences to you, her family and the Ventura Breeze family.
Amy Brown I am so very, very sorry—she was just wonderful and very loved.
Mike Macke Our deepest condolences to all of her family, and the Breeze family, who we know considered her family. Breezy will be dearly missed and our hearts our saddened by her loss.
With deepest sympathy,
Susan Bejeckian Sheldon I was so sad to hear today about the passing of Breezy.
She truly was a wonderful person, full of boundless enthusiasm.
I will really miss working with her.
Jennifer Buckley Hi. Just wanted you to know I’m very sorry about Breezy. I know she had become like family. She cared for both of you so much and was happy to be included in family celebrations. A lovely person. She will be missed.
Alfred J. Lewis For the decade she was part of the paper I have to say, with absolutely no reservations, it ran like a Swiss watch. The clients loved her as well.
She always kept her private live private, but she had a great sense of humor and, try as I might, I could never get her goat. She was completely bullet proof, right up to the end.
Breezy loved guinea pigs, so I started sending her guinea pig videos on Instagram. I didn’t know what else to do, I knew things weren’t going well and I wanted to do something. Anything. She always seemed to enjoy them. I hope she did. I hope it made things a tiny bit easier.
I don’t pray and I gave up drinking so I can’t offer a toast. I’ll say I miss her and leave it at that.
From Reardon With deep sorrow and much love, we mourn the passing of Deena “Breezy” Gledhill, who lost her courageous battle with cancer on August 22, 2022 at the age of 45.
Breezy was special from the day she was born. Making her debut on 7/7/77, Breezy’s arrival made the local newspaper in Burbank, California, where she was born to lucky parents, Denise and Don Gledhill. Breezy grew up in nearby Santa Clarita, graduating from Saugus High School in 1995 and going on to earn a BA from Chapman University.
In 2008, Breezy made the move to Ventura, California, where she immediately fell in love with the community. Breezy’s luminous spirit enabled her to develop authentic and lasting friendships wherever she went. From her first local job as a server at Mimi’s Cafe to her years working with The Ventura Breeze newspaper, Breezy built an army of friends who would forever be changed for the better, just for having known her. One of Breezy’s passions was working with the senior community. She spent much of her time being a chaperone on field trips and visiting her senior buddies, who she loved to spend hours with, listening to their stories from the past. Breezy cherished these moments and the bonds she made.
Breezy was a free spirit, who danced to the beat of her own drum and had a heart of gold… or perhaps tie-dye. In her free time, Breezy loved playing her Little Martin guitar and listening to the Beatles on Sunday mornings. Live music brought her joy, especially Tom Petty and Pearl Jam, and she was so proud to watch her brothers play throughout the years. The beach was her happy place, where she found beauty, inspiration, and solace. It was along the rocks at Surfer’s Point where Breezy first discovered that she had a raw talent for photography, capturing stunning pictures of both nature and people. Breezy’s greatest joy, however, came from spoiling her niece, Louvelle, and Breezy would revel in sharing Louvelle’s latest photo, or funny anecdote, with anyone she met.
Breezy’s sincerity, dedication to others, and empathy had an impact on every life she touched, which could be seen by the sheer number of old friends and new who reached out, dropped by to visit, and/or offered support to Breezy during her cancer fight. Her last two years were not easy but are a testament to Breezy’s strength and heart that she never stopped fighting and never allowed cancer to steal her love of life.
The world has lost an incredible human being, and she will be greatly missed.
Breezy is survived by her mother, Denise Gledhill, her brothers, Doug and Derek, her half-brother, Scott, her sister-in-law, Sheryle, and her niece, Louvelle.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The Humane Society of Ventura County or The VCAAA Foundation. Arrangements are under the direction of the JOSEPH P. REARDON FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICE, Ventura.
Sheldon, Staci Brown and James Gray enjoying a day out with Breezy
Sea lions enjoying a cool day at the docks at Ventura Harbor. Photos by Patricia Schallert
As sea lions are taking over some of our docks with their loud barking and poop the question is what can be done to remove them? Not much.
The Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 provides federal protection not only to harbor seals, but also to northern elephant seals, California and Steller sea lions, whales, porpoises, sea otters and other marine mammals. This law prohibits killing or harassing these shy creatures in any manner. It’s illegal to harass, feed, hunt, capture, collect or kill these animals.
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), in recent years the populations of these animals have increased dramatically and are now considered healthy and robust.
Cheap Trick burst onto the music scene nearly 50 years ago, became icons in the subsequent decades, and took their rightful place in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2016. When the band rocked the Ventura County Fair stage, they did so with their characteristic genre-transcending flair, along with some next generation talent. Many of their fans also felt that music should be a family affair, and were there with their children to see the band that had been so influential in their own youth.
25-year-old Jason Kell and his mom Margie Foot were right at the front of the stage for the show. “I’m really grateful that I was raised listening to this music, and was introduced to these concerts at a young age, and then continued the tradition as I’ve grown up,” Kell said. “It’s really nice to have that experience with my mom.” The two have shared their love of live rock shows over the years, from AC/DC to Van Halen, as well as seeing their first Cheap Trick concert together when Jason was only 13. “It’s so great to share this as a family, and to see an amazing band like this together again,” she said. Kell shared that if he becomes a parent he definitely intends to continue this legacy of introducing kids to great music early on.
Bre Magdalik and her mother Sue Fooshee have a similar tradition of attending major concerts together and are diehard Cheap Trick fans. “They’ve had a significant impact on me and I think their contribution to American music has been substantial. Their lyrics, energy, and musicianship always bring so much joy,” said Magdalik.” The first time I saw them live my uncle was working for them. I knew it was going to be a great show but when they hit the stage I was completely blown away by their energy and how much fun it seemed they were having. I vowed then that I’d keep seeing them perform as long as they wanted to keep playing!”
They both shared that they were glad to see that Cheap Trick’s children are involved in their music. “We have musicians in our family too and it’s definitely a family affair! It’s something special to share with your loved ones, so it’s very cool to see families rocking out together,” said Fooshee, who has always had eclectic musical taste, and helped foster that same appreciation in her daughter as she grew up.
Migan Locascio said she was most excited to see Robin Zander play again, and was at the show with her 17-year-old son Ryan, who had never seen Cheap Trick before. “We go to all of the greatest concerts, he’s my best concert date,” she said. She introduced Ryan to 80s rock bands when he was growing up. “It’s so great to go listen to cool music with my mom,” said Ryan, who will be attending Pepperdine in the fall, and has developed his own wide range of musical genres along the way.
Sometimes kids discover music on the radio that their parents grew up with, and then get to rediscover it together. “I was listening to a band and after a while, I was like ‘I like that one song’ and didn’t realize it was Cheap Trick at first,” said 17-year-old Heidi Shoemaker, at the concert with family and friends, including her mom Josefina, who first saw the band in 1979. “Now I love Cheap Trick, I grew up with them. It’s cool seeing them and other bands with my parents.”
The Ojai Valley Museum is holding a raffle for a beautiful quilt made by the Ojai Community Quilters. Tickets are on sale now with the winner drawn on October 15, Ojai Day. Tickets are available at the museum or contact the museum to purchase. All proceeds benefit programs at the museum.
The “Grandmother’s Garden” quilt has a special history. Heidi DiCapua started the quilt with blue pieced medallion flowers with red centers. Unfortunately, she passed away before finishing the medallions. Her husband Peter donated the flowers to the Ojai Community Quilters. Heidi belonged to the group for many years.
Glenda King, Sheryl McArthur, Ann Scanlin, and Jane Weirick took on the task of completing the 49 large and 36 smaller flowers and turning them into a queen-sized quilt. It was then machine quilted by Susan Leech. Making this quilt was a labor of love for the group. They dedicated the quilt to the memory of their long-time friend Heidi, and her beautiful detailed work.Photographs don’t do the quilt justice. See it in person at the Ojai Valley Museum.
The Ojai Valley Museum is located at 130 W. Ojai Avenue in Ojai. Free parking is available behind the museum, enter from Blanche Street. The Museum is open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 10 am to 4 pm and until 7 pm on the 3rd Friday of the month. Suggested admission is $5 per adult,$1 for children 5-18. Facemasks are encouraged inside the museum.
Kara Lakes is the ideal person to continue Performances To Grow On.
In Kara Lakes, Brian and The Ojai Storytelling Festival have found the ideal person to continue Performances To Grow On in the spirit Brian intended. Kara has been a teacher in the Ojai Valley for over 20 years, bringing creative music and storytelling techniques to her students. Kara looks forward to expanding accessibility to low income, hearing impaired, and special needs communities, with help from local organizers. To that end, Kara will continue expanding access to the art of storytelling.
Purchase tickets for the 21st annual Storytelling Festival, October 27th-30th, 2022 and find out about other events by visiting /www.ojaistoryfest.org
Ojai ACT Artistic Director Tracey Williams Sutton pulled some magic out of her hat with the announcement of the company’s 2023 season of plays. Opening the season in January 2023 will be Becky’s New Car, by Steven Dietz. Becky is a middle-aged woman in a middle-aged marriage with humdrum job and a humdrum adult son living at home. Then she meets a mixed-up millionaire who makes her an offer she can’t refuse. Or can she? The audience are her new best friends on this quirky adventure so prepare yourself to listen. It’s definitely worth the ride.
Red by John Logan, directed by Aileen Marie Scott will open in March.
For the summer musical, Artistic Director Williams Sutton will direct Nunsense, the original musical in Dan Goggin‘s successful franchise. It seems there’s been a tiny mix up in the kitchen and the sisters need money. Fast. Don’t miss their raucous fundraising attempts next June.
The mood shifts to the dark side in September with the production of the classic 1929 mystery, Rope by Patrick Hamilton.
For the holiday season OACT will offer the majestic musical, Scrooge, directed by Gai Laing Jones, with book, music, and lyrics by Leslie Bricuse. Adapted from the film—also written by Bricuse—this colorful rendition of the Dickens’ classic brings 19th century London alive again.
The Ventura Senior Men’s Group meets for a social lunch and program at the Poinsettia Pavilion on the first and third Tuesday each month. Men of all descriptions are always welcomed to stop in to sample our shenanigans. Bob Likins at 805-587-1233 or Rick Follenweider at 650-520-1098 can supply details.
Wanna Play Bridge? Join us for ACBL sanctioned duplicate bridge games every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday at 12:30 p.m. All levels of play and we will guarantee to have a partner for you if you need one. Lessons are available. Contact: Richard 805-850-8011 or Rose 805-659-9223 or [email protected]. All Welcome.
Sept. 7, 21: Parent grief support group. The Compassionate Friends (TCF) of West Ventura County provides free grief support for families after the death of a child. Parents, grandparents and siblings over 16 are welcome to join us on the first and third Wednesdays of every month from 7-8:30 p.m. via ZOOM. First-time attendees join the call at 6:45 p.m. We provide peer-led support where you can openly grieve without judgement. If interested, please contact (805) 835-9100 and leave your email address so we can forward the ZOOM link via email a few days before the scheduled call. For more information, visit TCFVentura.org. To speak with the TCF Chapter Leader in Ventura, contact Laura Lindsay at (914) 610-8918. We welcome you to this club no one ever wants to join. We understand grief and are here to help you take the next step in your healing journey.
Sept.10, 11: The 14th Annual Ventura Art & Street Painting Festival, benefitting Food Share of Ventura County and the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Ventura, returns to Ventura Harbor Village 10-5 p.m. The event allows artists to display their work in the artist’s vendor festival near Fisherman’s Memorial between Andria’s Seafood Restaurant and Market and Brophy Bros Clam Bar and Restaurant.
Sept.11: Rancho Days – Celebrate Life on the Rancho Olivas Adobe. Experience what it was like to live and work on Rancho San Miguel. Free hands on activities, storytelling, music and more. New exhibit in the small adobe. Open Sundays 11-3 p.m. September-December. House tours for a small fee. www.cityofventura.ca.gov/olivasadobe.
Sept. 15: The East Ventura Community Council meeting is on Thursday at 7 p.m. Participants will hear from City of Ventura Planning Staff on the topic of Land Use Alternatives. The community is invited to weigh in on the options, which include increased heights and the possibility of utilizing SOAR protected lands. The East Ventura Community Council is inviting local candidates for City Council in Districts 4, 5 and 6 to introduce themselves. This will be an opportunity for candidates to share information about themselves and their goals. (It will not be a forum for questions.) Commander Weeks of the Ventura Police Department will discuss area crime statistics.
Sept. 17: The Ventura County Genealogical Society presents Free Family History Program online with Zoom, Saturday 1- 4p.m. https://venturacogensoc.org/this-month/
Presenter: Chris Paton “British & Irish Newspapers”
Presenter: Karen Fortin “Creating Google Earth Tours”
All monthly lectures and workshops are free to our members and the
public. Non-members should request an invitation here
Sept. 17: at 7pm Call Me Elizabeth, a one-woman show about the early life of Elizabeth Taylor, will be presented at NAMBA Performing Arts Space. The production, written by Kayla Boye and directed by Erin Kraft, comes to Ventura following a critically acclaimed world premiere in the 2022 Hollywood Fringe Festival. Set in May 1961, Call Me Elizabeth is inspired by Taylor’s conversations with writer Max Lerner as they discuss plans for a biography. General admission tickets are now on sale for $20 and may be purchased by visiting www.nambaarts.com or by calling the Box Office at 805-628-9250. 47 S. Oak St.
Sept. 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 11a.m. and a mart where items will be for sale followed by lunch. An informational meeting and a presentation on a topic on clocks or watches will start at 1 p.m. Anyone interested in watches and clocks, (modern & antique) is invited to visit and join our chapter. Bring a watch or clock for a free evaluation.
More information about chapter 190 at www.nawcc-ch190.com.
Sept. 20: At 5:30 pm, Livingston’s Grief & Bereavement Program will be offering a weekly Good Grief Club to children from 7-11 years old who have lost a loved one. The club will be focused on the themes of acknowledging death and remembering the loss of the person that passed. The club will run for 8 weeks. Contact (805) 389-6870 for more information.
All support groups are free for the community. Additional support groups include General Bereavement Support Group Mondays 3:00 to 4:30 pm. General Bereavement Support Group Tuesdays 10:30 am to 12 pm. General Bereavement Support Group Wednesdays 6:30 to 8 pm. Adult Loss of Parent Support Group 1st and 3rd Thursday of every month 6:00 to 7:30 pm. Reinvesting in Life After Loss Wednesdays 1:00 to 2:30 pm. Widow and Widower’s Support Group Wednesdays 1:00 to 2:30 pm. Young Widow and Widowers Support Group Tuesdays 5:30 to 7 pm. Visit www.LMVNA.org for more information.
Sept. 23: The Oxnard Performing Arts Center Corporation (OPAC) is closing out its two-year program, Close to Home: A Community Conversation Spotlighting the People, Places and Perspectives Surrounding Homelessness, with a night of storytelling. The public is invited to OPAC on Friday, from 6 to 8 pm for a free outdoor performance called Stories from the Street.
Sept. 28: The College Area Community Council will be holding a Zoom meeting on Wednesday at 7 p.m. Everyone on the CACC mailing list will receive an invitation and link. Visit the College Area Community Council website to be added to the mailing list or to access a link to the Zoom meeting @ https://caccventura.com
American Book Fest, an online publication providing coverage for books from mainstream and independent publishers, has announced the winners and finalists of its 2022 American Fiction Awards. Now in their sixth year, the latest American Fiction Awards are for titles published between 2020-2022, in over 70 genre specific categories. These books, reviewed by a distinguished panel of industry judges, represent a phenomenal mix of storytelling skills from a wide array of publishers throughout the United States.
