New West Symphony Presents "Duet of Remembrance" February 29 and March 1

Mendelssohn, Shakespeare, and a historic children’s opera

Saturday, February 29 | 7:30 PM | Thousand Oaks

Sunday, March 1 | 3:00 PM | Camarillo

At its next concert, New West Symphony is performing two of the most influential and powerful works of art - and you don't want to miss it.

Felix Mendelssohn's A Midsummer Night's Dream gave us the unforgettable Wedding March.

And Brundibár inspired hope in a generation of Czech Jews during a dark era of human history.

Mendelssohn reimagines Shakespeare

William Shakespeare wrote a play around 1596 called A Midsummer Night's Dream, a comedy involving eloping lovers, fairies, a magical flower love potion, a wedding, and a guy whose head gets turned into a donkey. In 1827, a German teenager named Felix Mendelssohn was so inspired by it that he wrote an incredible piece of music he titled the Overture to A Midsummer Night's Dream.

Usually an overture is the first piece of music in a full-length opera. By this time Felix had already written five operas -- no big deal for a 17-year-old, of course. LEARN MORE

Brundibár, the children's opera that survived the Holocaust

In 1944 the Nazis fooled the world. When Red Cross inspectors came to visit the Theresienstadt concentration camp, it looked like a peaceful and happy little town for Jewish people. The inspectors had no idea what life in the camp was really like.

In this strange "transitional" camp people starved, died of disease, and disappeared suddenly - but they were also allowed to have music. Orchestras, music lessons, and even jazz performances happened in the camp.

Most popular of all was a children's opera named Brundibár. Everybody wanted to see it, tickets were sold out, and it had a hidden anti-Nazi message. LEARN MORE

See it before it’s gone

Don't miss your chance to see both masterpieces live and in person at New West Symphony's next concert, with actors from Kingsmen Shakespeare Company and the Los Robles Children's Choir!

February 29 in Thousand Oaks and March 1 in Camarillo! Tickets start at $30 at newwestsymphony.org/dreams.

2020 Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ventura County Golf Classic in Moorpark on April 27th

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ventura County hosts its annual Golf Classic on Monday, April 27, 2020 at Moorpark Country Club, 11800 Championship Drive.

Ventura County’s premier charity golf tournament, and BBSVC’s longest-running signature event! Enjoy a day on prestigious greens, swag, food, drink, and an evening of fun. This event sells out every year…so confirm your spot today!

The agency welcomes back its returning event sponsors, including long time Title Sponsor, Select Workforce Specialists. A complete list of sponsors can be viewed at bbsvc.org/golf. Those interested in sponsoring or participating in the Golf Classic, are asked to contact Rene’ Solem at 805-603-4938 or visit www.bbsvc.org/golf for more information.

About Big Brothers Big Sisters of Ventura County

Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBSVC) has been helping youth in Ventura County and neighboring communities realize their potential for over 45 years. Facilitating more than 1,500 one-to-one mentoring relationships annually, BBSVC is committed to bringing this life-changing program to every child who needs it. BBSVC is an independent 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that depends on private donors for 75% of its funding. To donate, become a mentor, or learn more, please call 805-484-2282 or visit www.bbsvc.org

CSU Channel Islands Science Carnival in Oxnard on Saturday, March 7, 2020

There will be plenty of “spooky science” at the 11th Annual CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) Science Carnival set for Saturday, March 7 from 4 to 8 p.m. at Rio Vista Middle School at 3050 Thames River Drive in Oxnard.

The Science Carnival was originally scheduled for Nov. 2, 2019, but the fires of late October required that it get rescheduled for March of 2020.

Science Carnival organizer and founder Phil Hampton, Ph.D. wanted to recreate everything the kids would have experienced — including Halloween.

“Science Carnival is usually a spooky science kind of event normally held around Halloween,” Hampton said. “There were so many people who came on the night of the Science Carnival in November of 2019 and kids who were disappointed to learn it had been cancelled, so we’re reinventing this well-loved event as Halloween in March.”

Kids can come in costume and there will be plenty of creepy, gooey, deliciously gross exhibits to pique kids’ interest in science such as screaming Gummi bears; do-it-yourself glow-in-the-dark slime; and Moorpark College Chemistry will be running an activity where kids learn how a substance derived from algae can be used to make slimy worms.

Also on display will be the always-popular air-powered marshmallow shooters, Flubber and Oobleck (the goop in the Dr. Seuss book “Bartholomew and the Oobleck.”).

The 120 exhibits are designed to delight and intrigue pre-K through 8th grade guests and their families, but at the heart of the carnival is the hope that kids develop an interest in some form of science, technology, engineering and math that makes them want to continue exploring the field.

“My goal is to let kids experience the wonder and love of science in a fun environment where both the kids and parents can see the mystery, awe and wonder in science and be inspired,” Hampton said. “Hopefully they consider science, technology, engineering or math (STEM) as a potential future for their kids.”

The exhibits are staffed by CSUCI volunteers as well as volunteers from other partner groups such as all three community colleges; the Boys & Girls Club of Santa Paula and Greater Oxnard and Port Hueneme; all three commands from Naval Base Ventura County; Sunny Smiles Dentistry (with a toothbrush robot!); Pacifica High School Physics and the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers who will show kids how to create their own simple motor.

Families from Santa Barbara are also encouraged to attend. The Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History and MOXI, the Wolf Museum of Exploration & Innovation in Santa Barbara, will also set up displays.

The event is free and open to the public and usually draws almost 3,000 kids and parents. Limited snacks will be provided for purchase and families are encouraged to bring a picnic or arrange to eat off-site.

About California State University Channel Islands

CSU Channel Islands (CSUCI) is reimagining higher education for a new generation and era. We are an innovative higher education institution that enables students to succeed and thrive – serving as an engine for social and economic vitality that provides the intellectual resources necessary for a thriving democracy. With more than 7,000 students, 1,200 employees and 14,000 alumni, CSUCI is poised to grow in size and distinction, while maintaining one of the most student-focused learning environments in public higher education. Connect with and learn more by visiting www.csuci.edu or CSUCI’s Social Media.

Free Nature Hikes and Classes at Camarillo Grove Park

Free nature hikes and classes at Camarillo Grove Park, 6968 E Camarillo Springs Rd, Camarillo. All hikes are FREE! Fun for all ages! No registration necessary. Come prepared with sturdy hiking shoes, a hat, water, sunscreen. Parking fee is waived for these events.

Spring Equinox: Guided Nature Hike

Thursday, March 19, 5-7pm at Camarillo Grove Park

Had enough of winter? Let’s welcome in spring, banish the winter blues, and celebrate the spring equinox by enjoying a hike. We will start to see seasonal flora appear and will start to see a change of birds and the start of baby animals.

Storrie’s Stories: Guided Nature Hike

8-9:30am W 4/1 at Camarillo Grove Park

Join our Recreation Services Manager as he relays the history and mystery of Camarillo Grove Park during this early morning guided hike. Will the information be correct? Your guess is as good as ours. Bring water and questions to ask on the trail.

Birds of Spring II: Guided Nature Hike

9-11am Sa 4/18 at Camarillo Grove Park

Meet some special birds, including those arriving to nest, those about to leave after a warm winter stay, as well as year-round residents. Come to Camarillo Grove and explore the birds in this area; we’ll compare to those we saw at Mission Oaks.

Flower Power: Guided Nature Hike

9-11am Sa 4/25 at Camarillo Grove Park

With this year’s rain, we look forward to seeing more wildflowers. Join us on a hike as you learn about the different flora and fauna of the area.

Rock Painting Class

2-3:30pm Th 2/20 at Camarillo Grove Park

Sit outdoors and get your creativity on as we transform ordinary rocks into colorful works of art. Great for decorating your garden at home. Paints, rocks & brushes will be provided.

Nature Journaling Class

9-10:30am Tu 4/14 at Camarillo Grove Park

Learn how to create your own unique Nature Journal while listening to the birds and enjoying the smell of the trees surrounding you. Learn how to sketch and journal about your experience with nature. Bring your own journal & drawing supplies of choice. Some pens, pencils, watercolors & color pencils will be available for use.

Nature Photography Classes

2/18 Tu 4-5:30pm or 4/16 Th 45:30pm at Camarillo Grove Park

It’s time to get your National Geographic on! Step outside and observe nature like never. Learn technics on how to photograph the wildlife right here in Camarillo! Find out where to look for creatures and how to practice patience with this craft. Take home photos, skills, and a whole new desire to snap photos of the natural world around you.

indd.adobe.com/view/05833027-9d86-444b-80ca-d87c082aff2a?startpage=12

50th Annual Camarillo Rotary Viva La Comida Community Dinner on Monday, January 27, 2020

The 50th Annual Viva La Comida Community Dinner will be held on Monday, January 27, 2020 from 5 to 8 PM at the Camarillo Community Center, 1605 Burnley Street, Camarillo.

Enchiladas, mariachis, magicians and an opportunity drawing! Dine-in, take-out or drive-through. The traditional enchilada dinner includes beans, rice, salad and a salsa bar. Soft drinks, beer, wine and margaritas will be available. Live entertainment includes a mariachi band, piñatas for the kids, opportunity drawings and more.

Tickets are $15, available from any Camarillo Rotarian, at Camarillo Plumbing on Ventura Blvd. or at the door. Proceeds benefit the Boys & Girls Club and other local charities. Call 805-312-5506 for more information.

Rotary is an organization of business and professional leaders providing humanitarian service and building goodwill. Rotarians have served the needs of communities worldwide since 1905. Camarillo Rotary meets Wednesdays at noon. For more information about Rotary and Viva sponsorship opportunities, see www.camarillorotary.org

New West Symphony "Happy 250th Ludwig!" Concert in Thousand Oaks, Camarillo, January 25, 26

New West Symphony celebrates the Ludwig whose music ignites a fire of emotion, today as ever before. The lovely and fiercely talented Eroica Trio performs Beethoven’s “Triple Concerto” for cello, piano, and violin with the orchestra. Plus, you’ll hear the fiery, iconic Symphony No. 3, known as the “Eroica” Symphony.

Even though Beethoven wrote the Triple Concerto and his Third Symphony practically at the same time, it’s almost impossible to find two works by the same composer more opposite in spirit, style, scope and impact.

Triple Concerto for Piano, Cello, Violin and Orchestra

By Beethoven’s time, concertos for multiple instruments were out of style, far more common in the bygone Baroque era, and the Triple Concerto was the only piece that he wrote for more than one soloist. Whereas the Eroica Symphony burns with drama and fury, the Triple Concerto is far less tense, overflowing with light lovely melodies and playful dialogue between the trio instruments.

Symphony No. 3 “Eroica”

Beethoven originally dedicated his Third Symphony to Napoleon Bonaparte, but when the conqueror declared himself Emperor of France, Beethoven tore up the symphony’s title page in a fit of rage. With this groundbreaking symphony, he divided audiences for years and made transitions between such varied styles and moods seem natural, even obvious. As a composer, Beethoven straddled the line between the elegant Classical style he mastered and the bold Romanticism he pioneered.

Saturday, January 25, 2020 | 7:30 PM | Bank of America PAC, Thousand Oaks

Sunday, January 26, 2020 | 3:00 PM | Rancho Campana PAC, Camarillo

Tickets start at $30 at newwestsymphony.org/happy-250th-ludwig

Lucky Shamrock 5K in Ventura on Sunday, March 15, 2020

The Lucky Shamrock 5K is planned for Sunday, March 15, 2020 on the oceanfront Ventura Promenade. Starts at 8am. Your entry includes chip timing, a shirt, finishers’ medals and a breakfast burrito from Aloha Steakhouse and beer (21+) from Firestone Walker Brewing Co.

More info at runsignup.com/Race/CA/Ventura/LuckyShamrock5K

Moorpark College Performing Arts 2nd Annual Holiday Spectacular December 6-8, 2019

MOORPARK COLLEGE WELCOMES THE SEASON WITH THE 2ND ANNUAL HOLIDAY SPECTACULAR

Moorpark College Performing Arts announces its “2nd Annual Holiday Spectacular” with offerings from the Theatre Arts, Music and Dance programs running December 6th and 7th @ 8:00pm and December 8th @ 2:00pm. As a special bonus in the offerings this year, the “Spectacular” will also feature performances from several community partners including students from Lindero Middle School, Youth Musical Theatre and California State University Channel Islands.

After the success of last year’s “1st Annual Holiday Spectacular,” the Moorpark College Performing Arts programs are back for another offering of comedy, music and dance to jump start the holidays on campus and throughout the community! This seasonal celebration is sure to bring even the stingiest Scrooge into the Holiday spirit. Last year, more than 100 Moorpark College students in the Performing Arts contributed to this production and, with community partners already lined up, this year’s offering promises to be even more spectacular than the last. Ring in the season at Moorpark College Performing Arts Center as they prepare for final exams with classic and new musical selections and fun and frivolity for the entire family.

“This production was so much fun last year,” said John Loprieno, show Producer and Performing Arts Department Chair. “To see all of our programs showcased on one stage was amazing for the families and friends that usually come to support their students in a single program. I can’t tell you how many community members and even faculty and staff members of the college that repeatedly told us that they never knew there was such incredible and diverse talents here at Moorpark. Where else can you find full-stage Dance recitals, Wind Ensembles and Jazz Band concerts, Musical Comedy and Muppet style puppets all in one place?”

“The Moorpark College Holiday Spectacular” will run December 6th through December 8th with evening performances Friday and Saturday @ 8:00pm and a Sunday matinee @ 2:00pm on the main stage theatre at Moorpark College. Tickets are now on sale and may be purchased through the Moorpark College Performing Arts Center Box Office at (805) 378-1485 or online at www.moorparkcollege.edu/pac. Moorpark College is located at 7075 Campus Road in Moorpark.

Los Robles Master Chorale Holiday Concert "A Joyful Noise" in Westlake Village on December 8, 2019

Los Robles Master Chorale's 70-voice ensemble will present its annual holiday concert, A Joyful Noise, on December 8 at 4:00 pm. Featured will be breathtaking traditional classics as well as contemporary arrangements of holiday favorites in the swinging style of the popular vocal group, Pentatonix, accompanied by jazz quartet. Tickets are available in advance at www.losroblesmasterchorale.org and are priced at $30 adults, $25 seniors (65+), $15 students (18 and under), and $5 children (12 and under). Additional $5 per ticket charged at door. Further information is available by calling 805-526-SING (7464).

The concert will take place at the Westlake High School Carpenter Family Theatre, 100 Lakeview Canyon Road on Sunday, December 8, 2019 from 4-6pm.

3rd Annual Festival of the Trees at The Oaks Mall November 20 to December 8, 2019

Festival of the Trees on display November 20 through December 8, 2019 at The Oaks shopping mall in Thousand Oaks.

Trees will be displayed on the lower level next to Cotton On.

ALL TREES ARE AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE

Trees have been decorated by local businesses, service clubs and individuals.

The trees will be on display at the Oaks from November 20th through December 8th. During that time shoppers and guests will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite tree and to purchase them as well.

(Be sure to look for The Oaks tree!)

The voting will close at 9 pm on December 8th. The Trees that received the most votes will be announced on December 9th. Awards will be given for the 3 best decorated trees.

Any sold trees will be available for pick up by the winning bidders on December 9th (local delivery available). Any unsold trees be donated to families in need.

All event proceeds will benefit the HOSPICE OF THE CONEJO.

www.shoptheoaksmall.com/Events/Details/530701