CAMARILLO

Watercolor artist plans demonstration

The community is invited to see a watercolor come to life before their eyes during "An Afternoon with an Artist" scheduled 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Saturday at AlmaVia of Camarillo, 2500 Ponderosa Drive North.

Professional watercolor artist Tom Winans will lead the painting demonstration. While painting, Winans will explain what he is doing and the reason behind it so the audience can better understand the painting process.

Winans has studied painting, especially watercolor, for more than 20 years, and three times at workshops under the world-famous watercolor artist Robert E. Wood. Winans was recognized by Yosemite National Park as "Artist of the Week" in July 2006, and his painting "Arch Rock at Anacapa Island" was selected by Ventura College Community Services for the cover of Kaleidoscope for the May 2007 edition.

To RSVP for the free demonstration, call AlmaVia of Camarillo at 388-5277. AlmaVia is a nonprofit assisted living and dementia care program sponsored by Elder Care Alliance.

OJAI

Book, photo exhibit honors seniors

For several years, Ojai resident Fred Rothenberg has taken photos of senior volunteers and asked their thoughts on why they serve the community. His photographs have been compiled in a new book, "Faces of HELP of Ojai."

Spotlighting 20 men and women, "Faces of Help of Ojai" honors some of the hundreds of volunteers who have given their time and energy to make HELP of Ojai the caring organization it is.

On Thursday, the 20 volunteer "faces" will be part of a reception and premier exhibit of the framed photos featured in the book. The reception runs from 4 to 6 p.m. at HELP's West Campus, 370 Baldwin Road, Ojai.

Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door; all proceeds support HELP's programming and include a signed copy of "Faces," self-guided tours and refreshments. Tickets are available at HELP's Little House, 111 W. Santa Ana St.; the Attitude Adjustment Shoppe and the West Campus.

The books have received national recognition from the Corporation for National Service, the parent of the Retired Senior Volunteer Program.

Those attending the reception and premier exhibit will have a chance to meet and honor the featured volunteers: Alice Ragland, Bernice Briggs, Burt Blume, Chuck Montag, Ed Danner, Edie Isham, Ellen Blair, Fred Linkenhelt, Georgia Blair, Joyce Chell, Marshall Kirkpatrick, Merle and Wilma Coke, Roy Hammerand, Roz Milbank Tuttle, Sally Chewning, Shirley Wilmott, Stan Carpenter, Tom Jamison and Verne Hodson.

Also on hand will be Fred and Ila Rothenberg, who co-produced the book. Visitors will also have a chance to see the beginning transformation of the former Sheriff's Department Honor Farm into HELP's West Campus.

For additional information or to make a reservation for Thursday's reception, contact Kathleen Tarrats at 646-0144, or e-mail her at kathleent@helpofojai.org.

THOUSAND OAKS

Seniors dust off bats and gloves

Seniors 50 and older looking for a ball diamond are welcome to play recreational softball Tuesday and Friday mornings at Thousand Oaks Community Center. It's part of Thousand Oaks Senior Softball.

Just show up at 8:45 a.m. with bat, glove and rubber cleats.

In addition, seniors whose skills are still sharp can try out for a team in the minor league. These games are Wednesday mornings at Borchard Park.

Tryouts for the spring/summer league are held at the Thousand Oaks Community Center. To schedule a tryout or general information, potential players should contact Marv Fineroff at marvdad@adelphia.net.

Tickets on sale for Goebel Center events

Tickets are on sale for two events at the Goebel Senior Adult Center in Thousand Oaks in late June.

Sponsored by the Conejo Recreation and Park District, there will be a summer barbecue and ice cream social the afternoon of June 29.

The food will include a hot dog or hamburger, chips, potato salad, a soft drink and an ice cream sundae. Food will be served at 3:30 p.m., and tickets are $7.

The district will then play host to a summer sock hop dance from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. June 30 at the Goebel Center.

Coop's Déjà Vu will entertain with oldies but goodies from the '40s, '50s and '60s. Sock hop attire such as leather jackets, poodle skirts and saddle shoes is suggested, and there will be a contest for the best sock hop attire.

Tickets, $7 in advance and $9 at the door, include the musical entertainment, complimentary photos and a deli meal.

The center is at 1385 E. Janss Road, Thousand Oaks. For information, call 381-2744.

VENTURA

DAV plans holiday activities, meeting

Disabled American Veterans Chapter 24 is asking its members to show their patriotism and support by attending the 10 a.m. Memorial Day observance today at Ivy Lawn Memorial Park in Ventura.

After the ceremony, DAV members are invited to the nearby Elks Lodge at 2126 Knoll Drive for a lunch sponsored by the American Legion. After lunch, a short meeting will be convened, said Max Van Der Wyk, senior vice commander.

On the agenda is discussion of the chapter's presence at the June groundbreaking for the veterans home in Saticoy.

Van Der Wyk, after serving for 15 years as Chapter 24 commander, is stepping down. The new commander is Gary Schaupp.

For more information, call 650-9417.