Calendar of Events

Breastfeeding-Friendly Awards
Breastfeeding Coalition of Ventura County
Date: Every day (May 17-Jul 1)
Ages: All are welcome Admission Fees: free

The Breastfeeding Coalition of Ventura County is seeking nominations for its annual Breastfeeding Friendly Awards.   Nominations of Employers, Childcare providers and Healthcare providers will be accepted through June 30. Winners will be contacted the week of July 12th. Selected nominees will be publicly acknowledged on August 3 and their awards will be presented by the Ventura County Board of Supervisors, coinciding with National Breastfeeding Awareness Week, August 3-7, which is celebrated in the United States and throughout the world.  Nomination forms may be obtained at the following links:  www.breastfeedventura.org or http://www.breastfeedventura.org/awards.html

Nomination forms will be accepted at any of the eight WIC offices throughout the county or mailed to WIC, Ventura County Health Care Agency, Attn: Laura Flores, 2240 Gonzales Road, Suite 290, Oxnard, CA. 93036. You may also fax the form to 805-981-5250. For any questions, please call Laura Flores at 805-981-5273.

The Breastfeeding Friendly Award recognizes local businesses and agencies of all sizes, licensed childcare centers or daycare providers, and healthcare providers that support optimal health for families with breastfeeding support.

After the winners are announced the public is invited to a no host picnic at Thille Park, organized by LeLeche League of Ventura, acknowledging National Breastfeeding Awareness Week, with members of the Breastfeeding Coalition of Ventura County.

Employers, childcare centers and providers, and healthcare providers make a critical difference in whether a working mother continues to breastfeed her infant. Supportive employers, childcare providers and centers, and healthcare providers deserve to have their efforts recognized and rewarded.

Local Plays & Musicals
Date: Every Su, Mon, Tues, Wed, Th, Fri and Sa

We have some great local theatres and production companies.  Check their websites periodically to see what's showing!  Everyone loves live theatre! 

• Camarillo Community Theater, 330 Skyway Dr., Camarillo, 805-388-5716
• Santa Paula Theater Center, 125 S. 7th St., Santa Paula, 805-525-4645
• Rubicon Theatre Company, 1006 E. Main St., Ventura, 805-667-2900
• Thousand Oaks Performing Arts Center, 2100 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks.  (see also Cabrillo Music Theatre)
• Theater 150, 316 E. Matilija Street, Ojai, 805-646-4300

Whale Watching
Channel Islands Harbor
Whale Watching Season is here
Date: Every day (Jan 5-Apr 10)
Ages: all Admission Fees: varies

Channel Islands Harbor celebrates the migration of the Pacific Gray Whale with its 14th Annual Celebration of the Whales. Each winter, these enchanting whales migrate through the waters of the Santa Barbara Channel on their way to the lagoons of Mexico, where the females will give birth. Daily whale watching excursions from the Channel Islands National Park will provide sightseers with the best opportunities for viewing the whales as they travel south. Excursions begin Dec. 26 and run through Apr. 10, 2010.

Businesses at Channel Islands Harbor offering these sight-seeing excursions include Channel Islands Sportfishing, (805) 382-1612, and Island Packers, (805) 382-1779. For more information, visit www.channelislandsharbor.org.

Preschool Storytimes
Date: Every weekday
Admission Fees: Free
Special Instructions: View websites for calendar of themes.

Monday

• 10am Camarillo Library, 4101 Las Posas Rd., Camarillo. 388-5222
• 10:30am (bilingual) & 5:30pm (English) Prueter Library, 510 Park Avenue, Port Hueneme. 486-5460
• 6:30pm H.P. Wright Library, 57 Day Rd., Ventura. 805-642-0336
• 7pm (bilingual) South Oxnard Branch Library, 4300 Saviers Rd., Oxnard, CA 93033

 

Tuesday

• 9:30am Barnes & Noble, 4820 Telephone Rd., Ventura. 339-0990
• 10am & 7pm Camarillo Library, 4101 Las Posas Rd., Camarillo. 388-5222
• 10am Colonia Library, 1500 Camino Del Sol, Oxnard. 385-8108
• 10:30am E.P. Foster Library, 651 E. Main St., Downtown Vta. 805-648-2716
• 10:30am Prueter Library, 510 Park Ave., Port Hueneme. 486-5460
• 10:30am & 7pm, Oxnard Library, 251 S. A St., Oxnard. 385-7535
• 10:30am Ojai Library, 111 E. Ojai Ave., Ojai. 646-1639
• 11am Borders, 241 W. Esplanade, Oxnard. 988-6886

 

Wednesday

• 10am Camarillo Library, 4101 Las Posas Rd., Camarillo. 388-5222
• 10:30am Prueter Library, 510 Park Ave., Port Hueneme. 486-5460
• 10:30am Blanchard Library, 119 North 8th St., Santa Paula. 525-3615
• 10:30am Ojai Library, 111 E. Ojai Ave., Ojai. 646-1639
• 3:30pm H.P. Wright Library, 57 Day Rd., Ventura. 805-642-0336

 

Thursday

• 10am Colonia Library, 1500 Camino Del Sol, Oxnard.
• 5pm South Oxnard Branch Library, 4300 Saviers Rd., Oxnard, CA 93033
• 7pm (bilingual) Oxnard Library, 251 South A St., Oxnard. 385-7535

Friday

• 7pm (American Sign Language) Barnes & Noble, 4820 Telephone Rd., Ventura. 339-0990

La Leche League Meetings
Le Leche League
Date: Every weekday
Ages: Moms & babes Admission Fees: FREE!

Camarillo La Leche League: meets on the second Friday of each month at 10 a.m. in Building F, Suite 160, at Camarillo Health Care District, 3639 Las Posas Road in Camarillo. We also offer an evening meeting on the fourth Thursday of each month at 6:30 p.m. in building H, suite 191, at Camarillo Health Care District.

Oxnard Le Leche League:  meets on the 3rd Tuesday of each month at 10am. 

Ventura Le Leche League: meets on the 3rd Tuesday of each month at 10am.

 

All breastfeeding mothers and mothers-to-be interested in breastfeeding are welcome to come to our meetings or call one of our Leaders for breastfeeding help or information. Babies are always welcome at our meetings.

Ladies Night at Vertical Heaven
Vertical Heaven
Date: Every Mon at 6:00pm
Admission Fees: $5

Ladies Night!  Ladies climb for $5 after 6pm.

MY GYM Current Classes
MY GYM Children's Fitness Center
Date: Every day
Ages: 6 wks - 13 years

Your first class is free!  Award-winning, non-competitive program designed so that kids will succeed! Children 6 weeks -  13 years of age develop strength, balance, coordination, flexibility and social skills through music, dance, relays, games, unique rides, gymnastics and FUN!

Free Parent & Child Classes in Oak View
Nan Tolbert Nurturing Center
Free Parent & Child Classes in Oak View
Date: Every Mon, Wed and Fri
Ages: Parents & Children Admission Fees: FREE

Please visit our website for class dates and times.

Children's Divorce Support Group
GEC Counseling Center
Date: Every Mon from 4:30pm to 5:30pm
Ages: 6-12 Admission Fees: $30 per session. A limited number of sliding scale fees are available.
Special Instructions: This group is open to both boys and girls, ages 6 -12.

Children can often feel like the only kid who's ever been through a divorce. A group setting can be a great way for kids to learn they are not alone in their experiences or feelings. Through fun activities, kids can learn creative ways to express their feelings and take comfort in relating to their peers.

This group is facilitated by Rian Schoeffling, a marriage and family therapist intern supervised by Kathleen Buckley MFT #30759.

Free Parent & Child Classes in Camarillo
Pleasant Valley Neighborhood for Learning Resource Center
Free classes for parents and children up to five years!
Date: Every Mon, Tues, Wed, Th and Fri
Ages: Parents and Children Admission Fees: FREE
Special Instructions: Call to register

Our mission is to create and provide support and solutions that enhance school readiness for children ages prenatal to five and their families.

 

Building Blocks Ages 0-2. Reading, playing, talking and spending quality time with your child are the building blocks to healthy development. Join us on Mondays and Fridays, 9:30-11:30 am.

 

Learning Time Ages 2.5-4. Children engage in creative letter, number, shape, and color activities.  Tuesday 9:30˜11:30 am, Wednesday 9:30-11:30 am.

 

NEW! Movin' and Groovin'/Kids in the Kitchen Ages 2.5-4. Children participate in activities that focus on healthy choices and lifestyles. Come join us! Thursday 1:00-2:00 pm. (Alternates weekly)

 

Literacy & Me Ages 3.5-5 Children and parents participate in a month long series of classes on a variety of topics to help prepare for kindergarten. Tuesday 1:00-3:00 pm, Thursday 9:30-11:30 am.

 

Discovering Math and Science Ages 3.5-5.

Infant Massage Ages 0-2. Parents will learn how to use massage to further the emotional bond with their infants along with improving parent/child communication and learning skills. Call for class schedule.

 

Baby Sign Language Ages 0-2. This class will enable children to be active communicators at an earlier age, by teaching them basic sign language. Children will more quickly be able to understand and communicate with the world around them. Call for class schedule.

 

Parent Time Parents of children 0-5. Join us for scrapbooking and other fun activities. Find the answers to your parenting questions through discussion with other parents. Childcare provided. Monday 11:30 am-12:45 pm. Every 4th Monday of the month.

 

Family Fun Nights Ages 0-5. Join us for pizza and a new workshop each month - on a variety of topics - to help support you in your role as your child's first teacher. Free childcare. 6:00 pm-7:30 pm. (Call for dates and locations.)

 

Please check out our website calendar for more

Domestic Violence Support Group For Women
Interface Children Family Services
Date: Every Mon from 3:00pm to 5:00pm
Ages: Adult Women Admission Fees: FREE

Open Groups with a safe and supportive environment.

Facilitated by therapists and women who have had similar experiences.

If you are in or out of a domestic violence relationship and are looking for solutions, we invite you to participate.

 

Schedule

Oxnard - Every Wednesday 5-6:30pm

Santa Paula - Every Monday 3-5pm

Thousand Oaks - Every Thursday 6-8pm

Mothers Guild FREE Breastfeeding Support Group
Mothers Guild/Renee Mandala, MA CD(DONA) CLC
Date: Every Mon from 10:30am to 11:30am
Ages: For Moms, Dads and babies Admission Fees: Donation Suggested $5- $10

Breastfeeding can be amazing, joyful, and even challenging ... come with your questions and concerns. Support can make all the difference in learning to breastfeed or overcoming challenges. We are here weekly, just drop in. We are in same parking lot as Santino's Pizza, near Ventura College.

Ongoing Support Groups
Rainbow Connection Family Resource Center
Date: Every Mon, Tues, Wed, Th and Fri
Ages: All Admission Fees: Free

Support groups for autism, cerebral palsy, down syndrome, autism, special needs, NICU, g-tube/j-tube, mental/physical challenges.  See website for calendar of support groups, activities, and events.

S'MORES & HOT CHOCOLATE NIGHT
Vertical Heaven
Date: Every Tues from 6:00pm to 11:00pm
Ages: High School and College Students Admission Fees: $10 per person / $5 IF YOU ARE ONLY INTERESTED IN THE S'MORES AND HOT CHOCOLATE AFTER 6PM
Special Instructions: Includes climbing, hot chocolate and s'mores!

$10 FOR HIGH SCHOOL AND COLLEGE STUDENTS.

CLIMBING, HOT CHOCOLATE AND S'MORES!

New Dance and fitness classes
House of Dance
New classes begin soon
Date: Every Tues (Feb 16-Mar 23) from 6:00pm to 7:00pm
Ages: 14 and above Admission Fees: 4 week classes $40.00
Special Instructions: some 6 week classes $60.00

Hip Hop classes 6-weeks $60.00 begin Tues. Feb. 16 at 6 PM

Oak View Teen Center
Ojai Valley Youth Foundation
Date: Every Tues, Wed and Th
Ages: 12-18 yrs. old Admission Fees: Free

"To provide a safe, fun place for teens to grow with each other and have the community to ensure success for all."

Zumba Classes
Ballet Academy Ventura
Fitness to Latin Beat!
Date: Every Tues from 5:00pm to 6:00pm
Ages: teen/adult Admission Fees: $10/class or $40/month
Special Instructions: Fitness to Latin Beat

Discover your latin side. Get fit to a Latin beat.

Free Youth Arts Program for Children
Bell Arts Factory
Date: Every Tues, Th and Sa
Ages: 6 to 13 Admission Fees: free

Bell Arts Factory's after-school and Saturday art programs provide a creative and nurturing environment for children to engage in art-making experiences. These free classes allow youth to enjoy a variety of artistic media, interact with others, and build self-confidence.

 

We welcome all, and the day's program may include painting, drawing, Native American crafts, recyclable art, mixed media or drama. There is an emphasis on multicultural lessons, which demonstrates there are many different peoples who contribute to our world of art.

 

Classes are held on Tuesdays and Thursdays 3:00 to 5:00 PM and Saturdays 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM. 

 

Family Fun Night
Pump It Up
Date: Every Tues and Wed from 5:00pm to 8:00pm
Ages: 2 - 10 years only Admission Fees: $9 per child - parents free
Special Instructions: One parent must stay, socks and signed waivers are required.

Big interactive inflatables in a safe, secure, and air-conditioned indoor arena. You and your family are bound to have a great time! Don't forget your socks!

 

Save $1 when you mention VenturaParent.com!

 

 

T'ai Chi Ch'uan for Health
House of Dance
T'ai Chi Ch'uan
Date: Every Tues from 5:55pm to 6:55pm
Ages: Teen to Adult Admission Fees: $25.00 First Person 4 week session, $15.00 Each additional Family Member per 4 week session
Special Instructions: Comfortable shoes and clothes

Learn the Chinese Martial Art and system of low-intensity exercise often referred to as moving meditation.

T'ai Chi strives to calm the mind, reduces stress, and helps to maintain good health, vitality and improve balance and coordination.

Farmers' Markets
Date: Every Su, Wed, Th and Sa
Admission Fees: free

The freshest of produce, flowers, eggs, nuts, honey and potted plants available direct to the consumer from California farmers. Open year-round, rain or shine!

 

Sunday

• 9am - 1pm, Ojai Certified Farmers' Market, 300 E. Matilija St., Ojai. 805-698-5555
• 10am - 2pm, Channel Islands Farmer's Market, 3600 S. Harbor Blvd., adjacent to Marine Emporium Landing Shopping Center, Channel Islands Harbor, Oxnard. 805-643-6458

Wednesday

• 9am - 1pm, Midtown Ventura Certified Farmer's Market, Pacific View Mall West Parking Lot, South of Sears. 805-529-6266

Thursday

• 9am - 1pm, Downtown Oxnard Farmers' Market, Plaza Park South B Street. 805-483-7960

Saturday

• 8:30am - 12pm, Downtown Ventura Certified Farmers' Market, Santa Clara & Palm St.

Breastfeeding Support Group
Community Memorial Hospital
Date: Every Wed from 10:00am to 11:30am

Research shows that women breastfeed longer when they have group support, and we offer this support. Led by a registered nurse and certified lactation counselor, you may ask questions, share advice, or just listen in a relaxed and welcoming environment. The group is drop-in format and is free of charge. Join us for coffee, tea, snacks, and support. Groups meet every Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. at the Breastfeeding Resource Center. For more information or help breastfeeding please call 805/667-2838.

Domestic Violence Support Group For Women
Interface Children Family Services
Date: Every Wed from 5:00pm to 6:30pm
Ages: Adult Women Admission Fees: FREE

Open Groups with a safe and supportive environment.

Facilitated by therapists and women who have had similar experiences.

If you are in or out of a domestic violence relationship and are looking for solutions, we invite you to participate.

 

Schedule

Oxnard - Every Wednesday 5-6:30pm

Santa Paula - Every Monday 3-5pm

Thousand Oaks - Every Thursday 6-8pm

Flamenco
Ballet Academy Ventura
Discover Flamenco!
Date: Every Th
Ages: 6 years-adult

Thursdays:
Intermediate adults - 3:30 - 5:00pm
Beginner children (6-14 years) - 5:00 - 6:00pm
Beginner (15yrs - adult) - 6:00 - 7:00pm

Flamenco for children and adults taught by exquisitely accomplished dancer and choreographer Pamela Lourant.

Baby and Me (Birth - 8 Months)
Community Memorial Hospital
Date: Every Th from 10:00am to 11:30am
Ages: birth - 8 mos. Admission Fees: $40.00 for each group of six classes, you may renew every six weeks. If you delivered at CMH you may use your coupon for one fre
Special Instructions: No pre-registration is required. Just show up with your beautiful baby.

The role of being a new parent can be overwhelming at times. Become part of a caring group of parents with babies up to eight months of age. This class combines group support and education that empowers your natural abilities to parent. Learn up-to-date recommendations about infant care and development, and ways to cope with the emotional, social and physical transitions into parenthood in this on-going weekly class. Topics are varied, some have guest speakers.

 

Tasting Party at Dream Dinners
Dream Dinners - Victoria Village
Life Just Got Easier!
Date: 03/05/2010 from 5:00pm to 6:00pm
Ages: Adults & children 8+ Admission Fees: FREE
Special Instructions: Please RSVP to 805.644.4478

Stop in to Dream Dinners to have a Taste of several items from our current menu. Learn about a revolutionary new way to create healthy, homemade dinners for your family while saving both time and money! You can't go wrong!

Comedy Improv Show
Ventura Improv Company
Date: Every Fri and Sa from 8:00pm to 10:00pm
Ages: 12 and over

Ventura Improv Company performs comedy improv every Friday and Saturday night at 8pm. Our schedule is updated regularly with our full menu of shows, workshops, special events and more.  Shows typically last about 1 hour, 45 minutes. Concessions (soft drinks, coffee, candy and cookies) are available at the box office before the show and during intermission.

Tickets:

• $10 each for ages 12+
• $8 for under 12
• $8 for seniors 55+
• $8 for college students or members of the military with ID
• Groups: $8 per ticket for groups of 10 or more. See additional policies about group reservations, below.

Reservations/Refunds:

• To reserve tickets, call (805) 643-5701 ext. 2, or email

Kidz Yoga with Lynne Thurston
yoga jones
Great one hour class for kids
Date: Every Fri from 3:30pm to 4:30pm
Ages: 8 -12 yrs Admission Fees: $10
Special Instructions: Pre-registration required

Fun classes that incorporate play and creativity to nurture focus and self-confidence in children.

Family Night / Couples Night at Vertical Heaven!
Vertical Heaven
Date: Every Fri from 5:00pm to 11:00pm
Ages: All Ages! Admission Fees: $5 per family member
Special Instructions: 3 family members minimum

• Come join us at Vertical Heaven for a family night of fun! Discover a great way for the whole family to stay connected, healthy and fit! 
• COUPLES (ROMANTIC) CLIMB TWO FOR THE PRICE OF ONE AFTER 6PM!

First Fridays
First Fridays Ventura
Date: The 1st Fri of every month from 5:00pm to 8:00pm
Ages: All Admission Fees: FREE

JOIN US for a free a self-guided tour of local art galleries, art studios, museums and alternative art venues on the First Friday of every month from 5 - 8 pm. Maps available at all participating venues. OUR MISSION is to show why Ventura is California's NEWEST ART CITY! Spend your day relaxing by the beach and your evenings perusing the arts in Ventura.

 

Date Night! Adult Comedy Show
Ventura Harbor Comedy Club
Date: Every Su, Fri and Sa
Admission Fees: $15 per person / exceptions will occur on special events
Special Instructions: Reservations recommended

Parents!  You need a night out!  Take your spouse or group of friends out to a night of comedy at the Ventura Harbor Comedy Club in the Ventura Harbor Village.  You will laugh so hard and forget all about your 2 year old's tantrums or your teen's attitude.  See website for comedians performing. 

Showtimes:

Fridays 8pm

Saturdays 7pm & 9pm.

Sundays 7pm

 

Carpinteria Greenhouse & Nursery Tour
Santa Barbara County Flower & Nursery Growers' Association
What's "GROWING" on in Carpinteria's Greenhouses?
Date: 03/06/2010 from 11:00am to 4:00pm
Ages: All Admission Fees: FREE
Special Instructions: Please visit our website for location of participating growers!

The event consists of 10 growers in the Carpinteria Valley that will be opening their greenhouses and nurseries for short 30 minute tours from 11 am to 4pm. This event is Free and Open to the Public. There is no set itinerary - pick and choose which growers to visit and go! Each grower will be showcasing different products. For more information go to www.carpinteriagreenhousetours.com

Kid's Circle Support Group
Community Memorial Hospital
Date: Every Sa from 10:00am to 12:00pm
Ages: kids

Kid's Circle (for children who have a loved one with cancer)
Date: 2nd & 4th Saturdays of each month
Facilitator: Ruth Lever, Ph.D., The Wellness Community

48th Annual Gem, Mineral & Fossil Show
Ventura Gem & Mineral Society
48th Annual Gem, Mineral, Lapidary & Fossil Show
Date: Every day (Mar 6-Mar 7)
Ages: All Admission Fees: Free (Fairgrounds charge parking)

March 6th from 10am-5pm &

March 7th from 10-4pm

 

Gems - Exhibits - Raffle Prizes - Minerals - Dealers - Silent Auctions - Fossils - Demonstrations - Plant Sale - Jewelry - Kids' Activities - Flea Market.

Pre-natal Yoga with Anyez
yoga jones
Relax and prepare for your baby with Anyez in a beautiful yoga space!
Date: Every Sa from 9:00am to 10:30am
Ages: adult Admission Fees: $15/class or package priced passes

Come experience a full length class to enhance comfort in pregnancy while preparing body and mind for birth. For all stages of pregnancy; prior experience not needed.

Free Airplane Rides!
Aviation Museum of Santa Paula
Date: The 1st Su of every month from 10:00am to 3:00pm
Ages: All

Every First Sunday of the month, please come out to visit our Museum! Local aviation history comes alive on First Sundays. Our Chain of Hangars are open for you to explore from 10am until 3pm.  Free airplane rides to kids ages 7-17 courtesy of The Experimental Aircraft Association Chapter 723!   The Museum's Gift Hangar, located inside CP Aviation, offers a wonderful variety of toys and apparel for the airplane buffs of all ages. Every First Sunday is a little different, but our First Sunday Open House is always FREE to the public. Cancel if rain.

Women's Circle
Pulse Drumming
Date: The 2nd Fri of every month from 7:00pm to 8:30pm
Ages: Girls/Women 15 yrs. & up Admission Fees: $15 - if pre-paid by Thurs. before event. $20 at the door
Special Instructions: Register on website

Bring your friends and join us for a djammin' good time. Lisa Beck will teach a new Multicultural RHYTHM, DANCE & SONG each month. Wonderful desserts and teas served each class. 10% off your entire purchase (Don't forget we have very unique gifts and FREE gift wrapping) and too many surprises to mention, all included in the price of admission!

 

 

Friday Night Ballroom Dances
Billy Clower Dance Studio
Ballroom Social Dances For 4th - 7th graders
Date: Every 2 weeks on Fri from 7:00pm to 9:00pm
Ages: 4th - 7th grades Admission Fees: $ 7.00
Special Instructions: Bring Two Dimes for Ticket Dances and Dress appropriately

Held approximately twice a month on Friday evenings 7 - 9 pm, each dance has a theme such as sock hop, celebrity night, disco night, red carpet affair, luau, etc. Throughout the evening different types of music are played for the different styles of ballroom and freestyle dance - usually the foxtrot, the cha cha, the jitterbug, rock and roll, and hip hop. All the dancers are given tickets at the beginning of the evening which they collect from one another throughout the dance - the more partners they dance with the more tickets they collect - and at the end of the evening we raffle off prizes. At about 8 pm we break for refreshments and the second half of the dance usually consists of dancing games such as the chain dance, the Paul Jones, and the limbo.

"Say It Straight Up" Writing Contest Open to Young People 12-25
Straight Up Ventura County
Great prizes!
Date: Every day (Mar 12-Apr 30)
Ages: 12-25 Admission Fees: None

Are you interested in making a change?
Are you concerned about the issues of underage and binge drinking and impaired driving?
Are you a Ventura County young person, age 12-25?
Take action! Make your voice heard!

Write an essay about the issues of being a young person - and dealing with the issues surrounding underage and binge drinking and impaired driving.

The winner in each age category (12-17; 18-25) will receive fabulous prizes including $100 cash, and all of our entrants will be honored in an appreciation ceremony!

Deadline: April 30!


Download our submission guidelines and entry form on the Straight Up website.

Information and Meet the Instructor of New Children's Classes.
Gwen King
Find out more about these new engaging theme based classes for children
Date: 03/13/2010 from 9:30am to 10:30am
Ages: Parents of Children Ages 6 - 11 Admission Fees: Free

Come meet Gwen King and learn more about this new class series for children ages 6 - 11. Gwen has taught singing and creative drama to children for over 15 years. Each week the children will explore a different topic through various activities, including games, crafts, creative drama, story and song. Themes explored include, We're All Connected, An Attitude of Gratitude, and Listening to Your Inner Voice.
Classes held:

Sat. March 20th - May 8th from 9:30am - 10:30am. and

Tues March 16th - April 20th from 4:30pm - 5:30pm

(No class April 3rd, April 6th, or May 1st)

Art Center of Ojai, 113 S. Montgomery St. Ojai, CA. 93023

Class fee is $105.00 plus a $10.00 Materials Fee

(Register by March 13th and receive $10.00 off)

Lowe's Build & Grow Kids Clinic
Lowe's
Date: The 2nd Sa of every month from 10:00am to 12:00pm
Ages: 5-12 Years Admission Fees: FREE!!

Lowe's Build and Grow Kids Clinics are FREE "How-To Clinics" on the 2nd & 4th Saturday of each month at all participating Lowe's Home Improvement stores. Children must be accompanied by an adult. They will enjoy constructing various fun wood projects using real tools.

Raising a Relative or Friend's Child?
Kids & Families Together
You are not alone!
Date: The 2nd Tues of every month from 6:00pm to 8:00pm
Ages: all Admission Fees: Free
Special Instructions: Free Childcare with RSVP

Raising a relative or friend's child? This support group may be for you!
*in partnership with the Moorpark & Ventura Community Colleges' Foster & Kinship Care Education (FKCE)*

For some, it may come in the form of a startling midnight phone call. "I'm sorry ma'am/sir, but your sister/cousin/best friend has been arrested. Please pick up his/her children." For others, it might happen because of a tragic accident or perhaps ...a physical or mental disability, even military service prevents birth parents from raising their own children. Regardless of how the news comes or reasons behind them, those who answer the call find themselves in the same confusing whirlwind of paperwork and urgent decision making. In addition, caregivers may experience feelings of shame, anger, grief, anxiety, and concern over the child's well-being. While raising children has never been an easy task, for kinship caregivers, every day challenges become more complicated and cumbersome, and it can take its toll.

Our free bi-monthly Kinship Support & Resources Groups can help provide you with a safe place to explore any concerns or successes related to raising someone else's child. Learn the tools to help you get and keep your bearings along the way, because you are not alone. We are here for you. Free childcare with pre-registration.

To register or for more information, contact Mayra Almontes at 805.643.1446 ext. 125 or email at malmontes@kidsandfamilies.org.

Ventura Group: every 2nd & 3rd Tuesday of the month from 6-8 pm. Kids & Families Together Center at 856 E. Thompson Blvd., Ventura, CA 93001.

Camarillo Group: every 1st & 3rd Thursday of the month from 9am-11am. Camarillo Health Care District in the Dos Caminos Plaza at 3639 E. Las Posas Rd., Bldg. E, Suite 117.

Kindergarten Registration Begins!
Your school district
Date: Every day (Mar 18-Jun 18)
Ages: must be 5 by Dec. 2 Admission Fees: free

Kindergarten Registration begins this week in many school districts!

 

Please check your district website for information.  Click here to link to all the school districts in our area.

Family Fun Night
Pulse Drumming
Family Fun Night!
Date: The 3rd Sa of every month from 3:00pm to 4:00pm
Ages: All ages welcome Admission Fees: $20 per family

Families travel on a magical adventure through West Africa and beyond! Bring your drums, bells and shakers or play on ours.  Everyone is welcomed to join in the experience, please
RSVP as soon as possible, this class fills fast!  NO TWO CLASSES ARE EVER ALIKE!

 

 

Thousand Oaks Philharmonic Announces Open Auditions for Soloists
Thousand Oaks Philharmonic
Open auditions to fill remaining soloist positions for the 2010 season
Date: 03/21/2010 from 2:00pm to 4:00pm
Ages: 10+ Admission Fees: $30 audition registration fee
Special Instructions: Auditions

The 2010 season auditions are open to student vocal and instrumental performers from the greater Ventura County area. Students may register by sending an application to tophilharmonic@gmail.com. Any piece for instrument or voice and orchestra is acceptable repertoire for the audition. Applications must include name, instrument, address (both postal and email) phone, age, school attending and the name of the current music teacher. Music teachers in the area are invited to register their eligible students as well. There is a $30.00 registration fee for each audition. Applications must be received by March 15.

Charter School Information Meeting
Ventura Charter School of Arts and Global Education
Come learn about Ventura Charter School
Date: 03/25/2010 from 7:00pm to 8:00pm
Ages: Parents of children in gr K-8 Admission Fees: free

Learn how this tuition-free K-8 public school is changing the way students learn.

Town Hall Meeting, Performance and Discussion about Underage Dri
Straight Up Ventura County and VUSD
Concerned parents and youth come together!
Date: 03/25/2010 from 6:30pm to 8:30pm
Ages: Ages 13-adult recommended Admission Fees: Free
Special Instructions: Refreshments will be provided

Ventura County is one of more than 1000 communities nationwide that will hold a Town Hall Meeting on March 25 to raise awareness about today's trends in underage drinking. Parents, teachers, law enforcement, youth, and other local leaders will come together to explore underage drinking as a social and community issue and to discuss strategies for positive change. Straight Up Ventura County, in collaboration with the Ventura Unified School District and the Federal Government's Interagency Coordinating Committee on the Prevention of Underage Drinking, is sponsoring the event.

Parents, please note: Some content may not be suitable for those under 13.

Agenda includes...

-- A performance by local youth
-- Panel discussion featuring law enforcement, youth advocates,
and community leaders
-- "Reality Party" performance
-- A chance to ask questions, create dialogue, and seek
solutions

Registration is encouraged but not necessary. See the website for for more information

Cottontail Day at Ventura Harbor
Ventura Harbor Village
Kids Meet the Cottontail Bunny!
Date: 03/27/2010 from 10:00am to 3:00pm
Ages: All Admission Fees: Free
Special Instructions: $1 Egg Hunt, Ages 1-7, 11 AM - 2 PM Every 30 Minutes

Come celebrate Spring time with friends and family! The Cottontail Bunny can be spotted hopping around giving children a chance to take a photo or grab a hug. Plus, a hands-on arts & crafts project table offers a chance for children to create keepsake mementos to take home. Visit the free Great American petting zoo to see a llama, donkey, wallaby, ducks, and goats or make a toy for the rabbits at the Camarillo Animal Shelter booth! More family fun activities include face painting, inflatable jumpies, and chalk art on the Main Stage. For children ages 1 - 7 bring your baskets and join in the $1 egg hunt held every 30 minutes from 11 AM - 2 PM (free coloring book while supplies last). Parking and admission to the event are free.

Enjoy the springtime air and come early for Sunday breakfast or lunch at one of the many harbor-view restaurants or take the family on a Harbor cruise. Stop by the Village Arcade for a fun family game. Need an extra sweet for the baskets? Take home delicious homemade fudge or homemade waffle cones from Coastal Cone Ice Cream. Enjoy unique items and a seaside experience at the Ventura Harbor Village shops along the promenade.