Happenings includes community events, meetings, classes, community resources and needs. To submit an item for inclusion email to: happenings@vcreporter.com.
THURSDAY
WOMEN IN COUNTRY MUSIC: THE FIRST FIFTY YEARS | 10 a.m.-12 p.m. In this course, we will trace the roles of women in country music’s first half century, from its first interpreters in the 1920s to the 1970s. Taught by Cary Ginell. Part of the Fifty and Better lecture series, designed to offer university-level courses and lectures (no tests, no homework) taught by experts in the field, and to host social engagement activities for people age 50 and older. Six-week courses are $40; two-part lectures are $15; or bundle all winter courses for $140-200. www.callutheran.edu/centers/lifelong-learning/fifty-better/lecture-series.html.
FRIDAY
UNMET TRANSIT NEEDS PUBLIC HEARING | 9 a.m. The Ventura County Transportation Commission invites the public to attend a public meeting about transit needs that are not currently being met and are reasonable to meet in the cities of Camarillo, Fillmore, Moorpark, Santa Paula and Thousand Oaks and in adjacent areas of unincorporated Ventura County. Camarillo City Hall Council Chambers, 601 Carmen Dr., Camarillo, www.goventura.org/unmet-transit-needs.
JEWISH WOMEN ON THE AIR AND SCREEN: GERTRUDE BERG AND BARBRA STREISAND | 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Jewish women played groundbreaking roles in the development of American entertainment, from stage to radio to film. This course will focus on two Jewish women whose contributions have significantly shaped the American entertainment industry: Gertrude Berg and Barbra Streisand. Taught by Cliff Wilcox. Part of the Fifty and Better lecture series, designed to offer university-level courses and lectures (no tests, no homework) taught by experts in the field, and to host social engagement activities for people age 50 and older. Six-week courses are $40; two-part lectures are $15; or bundle all winter courses for $140-200. www.callutheran.edu/centers/lifelong-learning/fifty-better/lecture-series.html.
VIRTUAL REALITY GAMES FOR TEENS | 3-4:30 p.m. You asked, we listened! VR is back every first and fourth Friday of the month. Aimed at ages 13-18. YA Library of the Camarillo Public Library, 4101 Las Posas Road, Camarillo, 805-388-5222, camarillolibrary.org.
SATURDAY
GROUNDHOG DAY RACE | 8 a.m. On your mark. Get set. Go! Moorpark High School’s track and cross country teams will host the 11th Annual Moorpark Groundhog Day race. The 5K is a fast, chip-timed road race that finishes at Moorpark High’s beautiful stadium. All ages and abilities are welcome. Participants age 11 and under who complete the 5K will receive a finisher medal. There will also be a “Catch the Groundhog” one-mile fun run for kids 11 and under which will be held on Moorpark High’s track with finisher medals for all. Proceeds from the event benefit the track and cross country teams. Post-race festivities include an awards ceremony with age-group medals plus refreshments, vendors and a raffle of prizes donated by local businesses. For registration and additional details, including a course map, visit moorparkgroundhogday5k.org.
INTRO TO FLY ROD CASTING AND FLY FISHING CLINIC | 9-11 a.m. Whether you are an experienced fly fisher or a complete novice we want to help you improve your casting and learn to enjoy this great sport. If you don’t yet have a fly rod, don’t worry, just come and use one of ours. Please join us at Chumash Park, Petit and Waco, in East Ventura off Telephone Road. For everyone’s safety we ask all those attending to please comply with any current recommendations by the Ventura County Health Department. There is no charge and all are welcome. For more information, contact Casting Program Coordinator Thomas Hall at 805-377-5249 or www.sespeflyfishers.org.
BACK STACKS USED BOOK SALE | 10 a.m.-2 p.m. If you love books but are on a tight budget, we have just what you need. Great inventory of gently used books at low prices: fiction, non-fiction, children’s books and more, from $0.50 to $2, as well as collectibles starting at $4. The February special is 50% off all books with a red cover, in recognition of Valentine’s Day. Proceeds support the Blanchard Community Library. 119 N. Eighth St., Santa Paula. Enter via the north parking lot, through the roll-up door in the back.
YOGA WITH ALANA MITNICK | 12-1:30 p.m. Meditation Mount is pleased to present Yoga with Alana Mitnick every first Saturday of the month in the Auditorium. Yoga brings us into a more loving, conscious, and honest relationship with ourselves, others, and the natural world. Drawing awareness towards the subtle body through breath and sensation, this gentle yoga flow is designed to awaken the heart and inspire a flow of energy in preparation for meditation. Her yoga classes are accessible to people of all ages, bodies and abilities. $27. 10340 Reeves Road, Ojai, meditationmount.org/experience/yoga-with-alana-mitnick-2023-01-07/.
COYOTE RESCUES HAWK BOOK LAUNCH | 1-4 p.m. The Channel Islands Maritime Museum will be hosting a celebration and book launch for the new book Coyote Saves Hawk by local author and tribal elder Alan Salazar “Puchuk Yaʼiaʼc.” Coyote Rescues Hawk is based on a Chumash story dating back at least 300 years. Illustrator Mona Lewis will also offer a free earth pigment class. Participants of all ages will learn to make natural earth paint and use it to paint their own pictures. Guests will have the opportunity to meet Salazar for storytelling from 2:30 p.m. until 4 p.m. and to also meet Lewis for a natural paint class from 1 p.m. until 2:30 p.m. This event is family friendly, appropriate for all ages, and free for the entire community. Channel Islands Maritime Museum, 3900 Bluefin Circle, Oxnard, 805-984-6260, cimmvc.org.
CHINESE NEW YEAR CELEBRATION | 7 p.m. This is an annual event sponsored by the Conejo Chinese Cultural Association for more than 30 years. Over 300 youngsters and 100 adults participate in stage performances and 200 or more volunteers organize, direct and produce the event. The dramas, music, special arts, and dance performances in this event are based upon, and derived from, the rich heritage of Chinese culture, which carries a continuous tradition over five thousand years. This event brings diversity, harmony, mutual respect and vitality for all citizens in the area. Come celebrate the Year of the Rabbit! $12-$45. Fred Kavli Theatre at the Bank of America Performing Arts Center, 2100 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks, 805-449-2787, bapacthousandoaks.com.
SUNDAY
GUIDED INSIGHT JOURNALING WITH RACHEL GARAHAN | 1-3 p.m. Take a moment to pause with the ritual of creative meditation and reflective writing exercises offered in the auditorium at Meditation Mount. In this journaling workshop for all levels, we will weave together seasonally relevant prompts inspired by archetypal, mythical, astrological themes and more to access our own inner wisdom and guide our month ahead. No experience necessary. Bring: a journal, pen and an open heart. $27. Meditation Mount, 10340 Reeves Road, Ojai. For exact dates and times, visit meditationmount.org/events.
AIR NATIONAL GUARD BAND OF THE WEST COAST | 2 p.m. The Air National Guard Band of the West Coast provides a wide spectrum of musical support for events that enhance the morale, motivation, and esprit de corps of our Airmen, foster public trust and support, aid recruiting initiatives, and promote our national interests at home and abroad. The band comes to Port Hueneme to present its concert “Hollywood Forever.” Free; reservations required. Oceanview Pavilion, 575 E. Surfside Dr., Port Hueneme, 805-986-4818,
www.oceanviewproductionstudios.com.
FULL MOON SUNSET NATURE HIKE | 4-7 p.m. Watch the sunset and moonrise from a vista point with Lanny Kaufer. Meet at the trailhead at 3:45 p.m., and hike 1.5 miles on a well-worn dirt fire road with uneven footing and some elevation gain. Walk back to the trailhead by daylight, moonlight and flashlight. Light rain will not cancel; heavy rain or thunderstorms will. No dogs or smoking. $35 Register now at HerbWalks.com or by calling 805-646-6281.
CALIFORNIA YOUNG ARTISTS SYMPHONY | 7 p.m. The California Young Artists Symphony presents Shostakovich’s First Cello Concerto Performed by Ben Hong (Los Angeles Philharmonic) and Mahler’s First Symphony led by David Chan (NY Met). $35-85. Bank of America Performing Arts Center, 2100 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks, 805-449-2787, bapacthousandoaks.com.
MONDAY
ROCK AND ROLL’S EARLY YEARS: THE LOS ANGELES CONTRIBUTION | 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Artists like Sam Cooke, Ritchie Valens, The Penguins, and The Coasters were breaking out of L.A., while many local record labels became national rock and roll mainstays. We will take a nostalgic romp through musical history as we identify the Los Angeles contribution to the early years of rock and roll and beyond. Taught by Tony Moon. Part of the Fifty and Better lecture series, designed to offer university-level courses and lectures (no tests, no homework) taught by experts in the field, and to host social engagement activities for people age 50 and older. Six-week courses are $40; two-part lectures are $15; or bundle all winter courses for $140-200. www.callutheran.edu/centers/lifelong-learning/fifty-better/lecture-series.html.
CHAIR YOGA | 3-4 p.m. Take a moment to stretch! Instructor Lisa Clements Feeney will teach chair yoga suitable for everyone. No experience needed. Sponsored by the Friends of the Camarillo Library. Community Room of the Camarillo Public Library, 4101 Las Posas Road, Camarillo, 805-388-5222, camarillolibrary.org.
EARLY MEMORY LOSS SUPPORT GROUP | 3-4 p.m. A four-week series for those coping with early-stage memory loss, but who do not have any diagnosis of dementia. Share and process your worries with others, learn tips and tricks and know you are not alone. $40. Senior Concerns, 401 Holdencamp Road, Thousand Oaks, 805-497-0189, www.seniorconcerns.org.
ALL THE BEAUTY AND THE BLOODSHED | 3:30 and 6:30 p.m. Oxnard Film Society presents an epic, emotional and interconnected documentary about internationally renowned artist and activist Nan Goldin told through her slideshows, intimate interviews, ground- breaking photography and rare footage of her personal fight to hold the Sackler family accountable for the overdose crisis. A 2023 Academy Award nominee. Runtime: 1 hour, 57 mins. Rated R (some sexual content, language). In English. $8 seniors, $11.25 general admission. Plaza Cinemas 14, 255 West Fifth St., Oxnard, www.oxnardfilmsociety.org.
BLACK HISTORY MONTH: COLLABORATION “QUILT” POSTER | 4-5:30 p.m. Connect with others as we piece together a symbolic yet meaningful representation of what happens when individuals join together to make a greater whole. Each participant will pick a prominent historical figure and add it to the library’s “quilt.” Materials provided. Aimed at ages 13-18. YA Library of the Camarillo Public Library, 4101 Las Posas Road, Camarillo, 805-388-5222, camarillolibrary.org.
TUESDAY
GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP PROGRAM FOR LGBTQ+ COMMUNITY | through April 11. Livingston is pleased to announce a new free 10-week grief support group program for our LGBTQ+ community. The group will meet every Tuesday from Feb. 7 through April 11. The group will meet in person at our Camarillo Grief Center. Please contact Livingston’s Grief and Bereavement Program for reservations at 805-389-6870 or online at lmvna.org/grief. Space is limited.
REMBRANDT TO RUBENS: THE NORTHERN BAROQUE | 10 a.m.-12 p.m. via Zoom. The dramatic and theatrical Baroque style of the 17th century rapidly travels through Europe and evolves with its geographic regions and patronage. Peter Paul Rubens and Rembrandt van Rijn, along with all of the artists that they inspired and influenced, defined the Northern Baroque tradition. Taught by art historian Katherine E. Zoraster. Part of the Fifty and Better lecture series, designed to offer university-level courses and lectures (no tests, no homework) taught by experts in the field, and to host social engagement activities for people age 50 and older. Six-week courses are $40; two-part lectures are $15; or bundle all winter courses for $140-200. www.callutheran.edu/centers/lifelong-learning/fifty-better/lecture-series.html.
THE GRAND TOUR: THE HISTORY OF UNIVERSAL, HOLLYWOOD’S FIRST GREAT STUDIO | 1-3 p.m. via Zoom. This course will cover the entire history of Universal Studios including its early embrace of television, which turned the studio into a giant television production factory. We will discuss Carl Laemmle – an innovative pioneer who built the studio and was responsible for some of the early, ground-breaking decisions (including opening up to the public for tours). We will also talk about Lon Chaney – Universal’s first great star – and other big names in the silent era. Taught by Matthew Weisman. Part of the Fifty and Better lecture series, designed to offer university-level courses and lectures (no tests, no homework) taught by experts in the field, and to host social engagement activities for people age 50 and older. Six-week courses are $40; two-part lectures are $15; or bundle all winter courses for $140-200. www.callutheran.edu/centers/lifelong-learning/fifty-better/lecture-series.html.
LOCAL AUTHOR TALK: SAL LEDESMA | 2-3 p.m. Local author Sal Ledesma will be discussing his book, Manage Softly Successfully. Community Room of the Camarillo Public Library, 4101 Las Posas Road, Camarillo, 805-388-5222, camarillolibrary.org.
TEEN CRAFTERNOON: FAIRY DOOR | 4-5:30 p.m. Create a little piece of magic and leave it in your room or garden! Materials provided. Crafternoons is a series of after school craft activities for teens held in the Young Adult Center. Aimed at ages 13-18. YA Library of the Camarillo Public Library, 4101 Las Posas Road, Camarillo, 805-388-5222, camarillolibrary.org.
CHRISTINA MITTERMEIER | 8 p.m. The conservation photographer and marine biologist will give a talk as part of the Distinguished Speaker Series. Bank of America Performing Arts Center, 2100 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks, 805-449-2787, bapacthousandoaks.com
WEDNESDAY
VALENTINE’S DAY TAKE AND MAKE CRAFT (ALL AGES) | All day. Make a Valentine’s Day Card to give to a loved one! Take and Make Craft Kits will be available at the Children’s Desk. Camarillo Public Library, 4101 Las Posas Road, Camarillo, 805-388-5222, camarillolibrary.org.
TEA AND CRUMPETS: ENGLISH DESIGN FROM HENRY VIII TO QUEEN VICTORIA | 10 a.m.-12 p.m. The increasing wealth in Europe following the Renaissance and exploration of the New World was reflected in the sumptuous furniture, interiors, and decorative arts of English palaces and country homes. This course will focus on the popular styles and design influences during the reigns of Henry VIII through Queen Victoria, including Tudor, Jacobean, William and Mary, Queen Anne, Georgian, Regency, and Victorian styles. Taught by Eleanor Schrader. Part of the Fifty and Better lecture series, designed to offer university-level courses and lectures (no tests, no homework) taught by experts in the field, and to host social engagement activities for people age 50 and older. Six-week courses are $40; two-part lectures are $15; or bundle all winter courses for $140-200. www.callutheran.edu/centers/lifelong-learning/fifty-better/lecture-series.html.
THE WHY OF THE HOLOCAUST | 1-3 p.m. This course will examine why and how the Nazis were able to influence and enable almost an entire continent to murder, and why many of the Jews in Europe stayed in Europe. It will focus specifically on what impact these conclusions can have on genocide prevention for today. Taught by Jason Hensley. Part of the Fifty and Better lecture series, designed to offer university-level courses and lectures (no tests, no homework) taught by experts in the field, and to host social engagement activities for people age 50 and older. Six-week courses are $40; two-part lectures are $15; or bundle all winter courses for $140-200. www.callutheran.edu/centers/lifelong-learning/fifty-better/lecture-series.html.
CAM I AM SUSTAINABLE: COMPOSTING 101 | 4-5 p.m. Come and explore the wonderful world of worms, and learn how to set up your very own worm farm with Camila Guzman, also known as Ventura County’s Queen of Compost. This lecture will discuss the environmental impact of food waste and how we can shift our perspective to view our waste as a valuable resource to build healthy soils. We will discuss the basics of backyard composting, as well as introduce various methods to apply compost to your garden in order to reap all of the microbial benefits. She will share her story about the magic of soil and compost and inspire every individual to make a big difference to our planet one food scrap at a time. Learn tips and tricks on how to manage your food waste and receive information on how to find a community compost hub near you! Community Room of the Camarillo Public Library, 4101 Las Posas Road, Camarillo, 805-388-5222, camarillolibrary.org.
MEET YOUR YOUNG ADULT LIBRARIAN | 4-5 p.m. Teens are invited to an informal conversation with Young Adult Librarian Luz Sandoval. Get to know your library and what services it offers for teens. Aimed at ages 13-18. YA Library of the Camarillo Public Library, 4101 Las Posas Road, Camarillo, 805-388-5222, camarillolibrary.org.
LAND BANKING | 6:30-9:30 p.m. Guest speaker Christopher Meza, the leading authority on Land Banking and pre-development real estate, will speak at the February meeting of the Ventura County Real Estate Investors Association. Free; reservations are recommended. River Ridge Country Club, 2401 W. Vineyard Ave., Oxnard, vcrealestateinvestors.com.
THURSDAY
WOMEN IN COUNTRY MUSIC: THE FIRST FIFTY YEARS | 10 a.m.-12 p.m. In this course, we will trace the roles of women in country music’s first half century, from its first interpreters in the 1920s to the 1970s. Taught by Cary Ginell. Part of the Fifty and Better lecture series, designed to offer university-level courses and lectures (no tests, no homework) taught by experts in the field, and to host social engagement activities for people age 50 and older. Six-week courses are $40; two-part lectures are $15; or bundle all winter courses for $140-200. www.callutheran.edu/centers/lifelong-learning/fifty-better/lecture-series.html.
SOMIS THURSDAY CLUB | 11:30 a.m. Local women’s club meeting and catered lunch. This month’s program will feature a hands-on craft session taught by one of our members. Kits to make a paper basket will be provided. Visitors and prospective members are welcome. Please call 805-469-5059 or email patti.dizazzo@gmail.com to RSVP.
TEEN ADVISORY BOARD | 4-6 p.m. Teen Advisory Board (TAB for short) is an engaging leadership group that develops programs and services. Earn service hours at our meetings, which are held every second and fourth Thursday of the month. Conference Room of the Camarillo Public Library, 4101 Las Posas Road, Camarillo, 805-388-5222, camarillolibrary.org.
COMMUNITY NEEDS, OPPORTUNITIES AND RESOURCES
ACADEMIC COMPETITION VOLUNTEERS WANTED | Ventura County’s popular academic competitions are returning in person this year, but we need the support of community volunteers to present these events for local students. The Mock Trial (Feb. 6-9; Ventura County Superior Court) and Science Fair (March 24; Ventura County Office of Education) will be taking place over the next several weeks. On average, more than 400 volunteer judges and scorers are needed to support the 2,500 students who participate. Please see www.vcoe.org/Competitions for additional information and links to our online volunteer registration forms.
BIG ROCK PRESERVE VOLUNTEERS WANTED | Get outside and assist Ventura Land Trust staff with preserve maintenance and restoration activities such as mulching, invasive species removal and trail maintenance. More information and sign up at www.venturalandtrust.org/big_rock_beautification.
CAREER PATHWAYS AT BLANCHARD COMMUNITY LIBRARY | Patrons of Blanchard Community Library can now access CAreer Pathways, a collection of digital platforms for online learning tools designed to meet the needs of those entering the workforce or who want to get a better job. Funded by the state and administered by the California State Library, CAreer Pathways offers Coursera, Linkedln Learning, GetSetUp, and Skillshare — resources that offer specialized courseware that help people improve job skills and prepare for high-wage jobs. Access to CAreer Pathways is free and available through the Blanchard Community Library’s website at www.blanchardlibrary.org/resources/online-learning and via the “CAreer Pathways” link on the library’s main page. For additional information, please contact the Adult Services Librarian, Justin Formanek, at 805-525-3615 or email justin.formanek@blanchardlibrary.org.
FREE DAYS AT VENTURA BOTANICAL GARDENS | The public is invited to visit the Ventura Botanical Gardens free of charge on the following dates: Feb. 2, March 22, April 8, May 29, June 21, Aug. 17, Sept. 4, Oct. 31, Nov. 23 and Dec. 25. Come enjoy this beautiful, natural environment boasting picturesque paths, thousands of plants and extraordinary views at no cost! 567 Poli St., Ventura, venturabotanicalgardens.com.
INFORMATION ON THE HIGH SCHOOL AT MOORPARK COLLEGE | Through March 28. The High School at Moorpark College allows students to earn both their high school diploma and college credits at the same time. HSMC is located on the Moorpark College campus where high schoolers, beginning their freshman year, take both high school and college-level classes. The school is open to any student in Ventura or Los Angeles counties. HSMC will host an in-person information night on Feb. 28. Virtual sessions are offered on March 28. For more information, call Dr. Shirleen Oplustic at 805-378-6312 or contact her via email at soplustic@mrpk.org. Additional information can also be found at www.hsmc.mrpk.org.
LANDLORD ENGAGEMENT PROGRAM | Are you a Ventura County property owner/housing provider seeking stable tenancies, rental income, and a way to help our neighbors who need a home? Do you have a housing unit to lease in the near or immediate future? We are seeking studios to 3+ bedrooms. United Way will provide financial and supportive services to ensure a smooth and mutually beneficial housing process. Join the effort and receive a leasing bonus of up to two times the rent charged for the unit! This incentive is available for landlords and is separate from any costs incurred by program participants. For more information or to learn more about the Landlord Engagement Program, contact Carie Bristow at carie.bristow@vcunitedway.org or 805-485-6288 x235.
MENTORS NEEDED FOR WOMEN UNITED EDUCATION AWARD RECIPIENTS | Women United is seeking potential mentors in professional positions who would like to guide a single mother college student and help her reach her career goals. Anyone who has professional experience in a business environment and is willing to meet with a mentee for 2-3 sessions during the semester (in person or via Zoom) is encouraged to apply. To learn more, contact Leslie Osuna at leslie.osuna@vcunitedway.org or 805-485-6288, ext. 224.
PUBLIC HOUSING APPLICATIONS ACCEPTED | Through Feb. 15. Applications will be accepted online through Wednesday, Feb. 15, at 4 p.m. Applications will be accepted via an online portal at onlineportal.ahacv.org. Due to scarce resources available to the Area Housing Authority, up to 3,000 applications will be selected by random lottery drawing and placed on the waiting list from all eligible applications received. The random lottery selection order will be used to determine the applicant’s placement on the waitlist. Date and time the application is submitted will have no bearing on final order or placement on the waitlist. For more information on the Public Housing program, its requirements and how to submit an application, please visit http://tinyurl.com/33r4ub7a.
WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT BOARD REGIONAL AND LOCAL PLAN MODIFICATIONS | Through Feb. 19. The Workforce Development Board of Ventura County (WDBVC) has released its 2023 Regional and Local Plan modifications for workforce development in the county. The plans are available for public review and comments through Feb. 19. The Regional and Local Plan updates were developed using various outreach and research methods to ensure that multiple perspectives were identified and heard across sectors and stakeholders and that the reports contained solutions for more robust economic and job growth. The reports are available at workforceventuracounty.org/about-us/wdb-regional-and-local-plans. Please send public comments to HSA-Info.WDB@ventura.org by Feb. 23.
ONGOING/UPCOMING EVENTS
CAMARILLO QUILTERS | 9:30 a.m., second Tuesdays of the month. The Camarillo Quilters meet the second Tuesday of every month. Quilting speakers, workshops, library, free table and community quilts. All are welcome. Pleasant Valley Community Center, 1605 E. Burnley St., Camarillo, camarilloquilters.com.
CIRCLE OF FRIENDS | First Wednesday of the month. Want to cure the Holiday Blues? Consider joining Circle of Friends, a social group for retired women. The Club is seeking new members. The group meets once a month for business/luncheon on the first Wednesday of the month at the Poinsettia Pavilion, 3451 Foothill Road, Ventura. Various events promote friendship and fun by the members hosting several special interest activities: cooking, walks, crafts, Scrabble, excursions, discussion group, movie night and card and board games. For more information, call Loretta at 805-216-1694 or Carol at 805-340-6336. Price for luncheon is $25 and annual fee is $50.
DEPRESSION AND BIPOLAR SUPPORT ALLIANCE MEETING | Tuesdays, 6:30-8 p.m. This Ventura-based peer support group for those experiencing depression and bipolar disorder will resume its free weekly meetings at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Ventura. Enter by way of the main door. Please bring your own N95 mask. For more information, contact Wendell Jones at 805-640-6472, wenj16630@sbcglobal.net or DBSAlliance.org. 5654 Ralston St., Ventura.
FAMILY STORYTIME | Mondays, 4 p.m. Every Monday the South Oxnard Library hosts an all-ages storytime with Miss Joanne in the Children’s Area. South Oxnard Branch Library, 4300 Saviers Road, Oxnard, 805-385-8129, www.oxnard.org/library/south-oxnard-branch-library/.
FREE TUTORING FOR ADULTS | Aimed at anyone 18+ who wants to learn or improve their English and learn American culture. One-on-one tutoring is arranged by the tutor. Instruction is available in Oxnard, Ventura, Camarillo, Ojai, Saticoy, Santa Paula, Thousand Oaks and Moorpark. Locations can be in public libraries, coffee shops, churches, outdoors, or any place convenient to the tutor and adult learner. Free. For more information, contact Laubach Literacy of Ventura County, 805-385-9584 or www.laubachventura@gmail.com.
GRIEF AND BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT | The Livingston Memorial Visiting Nurse Association and Hospice offers compassion and understanding through a variety of support groups. All support groups are free for the community. To find a support group near you, visit www.lmvna.org/grief/.
HOPE AND HELP FOR OVEREATERS | Saturdays, 10-11 a.m. Is your eating out of control? Are you feeling fat? Overeaters Anonymous can help. 133 S. Laurel St., Ventura (building next to the church). For more information call Amy at 805-340-5882. Donations only.
JEST IMPROV | Saturdays, 2-4 p.m. Need to laugh or be silly? JEST Improv holds weekly, improv drop-in classes for beginners and all experience levels, Saturdays, 2-4 p.m. at Diversity Collective, 2471 Portola Road, Ventura. Classes are $15 each, or $10 each with JEST membership. More information at www.jestimprov.com.
JEST START HERE: IMPROV 101 AND SHORT FORM | Wednesdays, 6:30-9 p.m., Through March 1. Registration is now open for anyone and everyone who has ever even thought about dipping their toes into the exciting world of comedy improv. If you’ve ever watched Whose Line Is It Anyway? and thought, “I would love to do that!”; or you need a little help meeting new people and actually speaking to them face-to-face, now is your chance. This seven-week class culminates with a student showcase (participation optional). $150. Diversity Collective, 2471 Portola Road, Ventura, www.jestimprov.com.
SOUND MEDITATION | Fridays and Sundays. Morning and sunset sound meditation sessions will take place weekly in person at the Viewpoint at Meditation Mount. Sunday morning sessions 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. with Suburbanoid. Friday evening sessions 6:15-8:15 p.m. with Trinity of Sound. $25; registration is required. 10340 Reeves Road, Ojai. For exact dates and times, visit meditationmount.org/events.
SUNSET YOGA AND SOUND MEDITATION | Thursdays, 6:30-8 p.m. Connect with your mind, heart and body in a picturesque outdoor garden setting overlooking the beautiful Ojai Valley. Please bring your own yoga mat and props, and a blanket (optional) for closing meditation, which will be accompanied by crystal singing bowls. $20; registration is required. 10340 Reeves Road, Ojai. For exact dates and times, visit meditationmount.org/events.
SURVIVORS OF SUICIDE LOSS GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP | First and third Wednesdays, 6:30-8 p.m. If you have experienced the loss of a loved one due to suicide, do not hesitate to join this Livingston Memorial Visiting Nurse Association and Hospice group. Livingston’s Grief and Bereavement Programs are committed to maintaining an open, accepting, confidential atmosphere. All are free of charge and conducted over Zoom. More information at www.lmvna.org.
SWAP MEET | Wednesdays, 7 a.m.-2 p.m. Every week, the Ventura County Fairgrounds hosts dozens of vendors selling a wide array of antiques and collectibles. Vendor space available; contact Sue Adams at 818-590-5435. $2 admission.10 W. Harbor Blvd., Ventura, www.snaauctions.com.
VENTURA SENIOR MEN’S GROUP | Twice monthly. 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 lunch meetings at the Ventura Poinsettia Pavilion twice monthly. We’re strictly a social bunch, with no governing agenda and no obligation to any sponsor. Drop in and say YOUR piece; we might all benefit by it and we’ll treat you to a lunch to hear it. Call Lyle at 805-341-9820 if you’d like to know more; he’ll fill you in.
WINTER WHALE WATCHING SEASON | Through April 15. Join popular whale watching trips with Island Packers’ Gray Whale excursions. Trips depart from Ventura Harbor or Channel Islands Harbor and each 3-3.5 hour cruise takes you to the Southern California waters of the Santa Barbara Channel, with views of the Channel Islands National Park. These waters are known for their marine mammal diversity, and you may get to see other species of marine mammals along with the migrating Gray Whales. Seals, sea lions and several species of dolphins along with occasional Orca Whale pods may also be seen on your trip. Fun for all ages! Afterward, enjoy dining at the Ventura Harbor Village or Channel Islands Harbor eateries and restaurants. For more info and booking, contact Island Packers at 805-642-1393 or islandpackers.com/winter-whale-watching/.
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