Community & Special Events

Special Events

Thursday, October 3

The Roots of Taoist Classical Feng Shui, explore the beginnings of both the form and the compass schools of Feng Shui. 6:30-8 p.m., Venice/Abbott Kinney Library, 501 S. Venice Blvd., Venice, (310) 577-3000.

Friday, October 4

Fall Stories at the Library, 1343 6th St., autumn stories and a craft for children age 4 and older, 4 p.m., (310) 458-8620.
Thinking Globally and Acting Locally, a panel discussion on “What is the most just and ethical stance on Santa Monica’s living wage ordinance?” 7 - 9 p.m., Unitarian Universalist Community Church, 1260 18th St., (310) 452-6353.

Saturday, October 5

Ask the Doctor: A Free Educational Workshop, a talk about cancer treatment and taking control of side effects of medicine, The Wellness Community - WLA, 2716 Ocean Park Blvd., Suite1040, (310) 314-2555.
Making & Decorating Sugar Skulls, a slide lecture and workshop, with a children’s class ($20) at 10 a.m., and an adult class ($45) at 1:30 p.m., California Heritage Museum, 2612 Main St., (310) 392-8537.
Psychic Fair & Spiritual Healing Festival, 20 minute readings of your choice including Tarot, Past Lives, Career, Palm, Love Life, Money, Aura and More. Readings $8 contribution or three for $20, 1 p.m. - 4 p.m., 1714 21st St.
Laughter in Yiddish Songs, presented by the LA Yiddish Culture Club, The Skirball Cultural Center, 2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd., L.A., 7 p.m., (323) 655-8587.

Sunday, October 6

Los Angeles Walk for Farm Animals, with celebrity guest Linda Blair, on the footpath at Washington St. in Venice, 8:30 a.m., for more information, call (310) 545-9489.

Tuesday, October 8

California Retired Teacher’s Association, Santa Monica chapter, meets at the United Methodist Church, 1008 11th St., 11:30 a.m., lunch at noon, $7.50, (310) 828-2674.
The Los Angeles Computer Society (LACS) holds its monthly meeting, 7 p.m., Fellowship Hall, 8065 Emerson Ave., Westchester (at the corner of 80th Pl.). There will be open “help” forums (beginners, here’s your chance) starting at 6:00 p.m., (310) 289-7177.

Ongoing Community Events

Alateen, every Friday night, teens share their experience, strength and hope about how they have been affected by the drinking or using of a friend, relative or family member, Quaker Meeting House, 1440 Harvard St., (310) 837-6821.
A.R.T.S. Anonymous, a support group for creative people, every Sunday, 10:30 a.m., Wild Oats Community Room, 500 Wilshire Blvd., (310) 559-5328.
Ballroom Dancing every Saturday in the auditorium of the Felicia Mahood Senior Center, WLA, $2 per person, 1 - 3 p.m., (310) 479-4119.
Caring Support for people 55 and over, weekly groups and individual sessions with trained peer counselors, Center for Healthy Aging, 2125 Arizona Ave., (310) 576-2554, ext. 217.
Chi Kong, and ancient Chinese exercise based on inner body energy, for Seniors; free classes taught by Paul Tseng, Wednesdays, 2 to 3:50 p.m., 1433 2nd St., free, (310) 434-4306.
City Speakers Toastmasters, RAND hosts a Toastmasters club that meets from noon to 1 p.m., on the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month. Meetings are held at RAND, 1700 Main Street, Conference Room 1734, Call Penny, (310) 393-0411, ext. 7159.
Community Yoga Classes offered to students of all levels. $7, Monday through Friday 12:30 p.m., and 3:30 p.m., Saturday/Sunday 2:15 p.m., Santa Monica Yoga, 1640 Ocean Park Blvd., (310) 396.4040.
CPR and other courses in First Aid, including pet and infant, offered weekly by the American Red Cross of Santa Monica, (310) 394-3773.
D.A.FF.Y! (Drug & Alcohol-Free, Yay!), Sundays, 12:30 p.m. - 2 p.m., Wild Oats Community Room, 500 Wilshire Blvd.
Farmer’s Market, four weekly markets of fresh produce and flowers, 2nd & Arizona Ave.: Wed. 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. & Sat. 8:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.; Pico Blvd. & Cloverfield Blvd.: Sat. 8 a.m. - 1 p.m.; Main Street & Ocean Park, The Victorian at Heritage Square: Sun. 9:30 a.m. - 1 p.m., features live music, pony rides, coffee, omelets, crepes & free craft workshop; (310) 458-8712.
Fitness Programs for Women with Cancer - Team Survivor, a nonprofit providing free health and fitness programs for women in cancer treatment and recovery, holds weekly walking groups and exercise classes in the Santa Monica area. Other programs available. Call (310) 829-7849 for locations and information.
Food Addicts Anonymous meets every Thursday evening from 7:30 - 8:30 p.m. at Grace Lutheran Church, 4427 Overland Ave., Room 7, Culver City, no dues or fees, (310) 412-6620; also every Monday evening from 7:30– 8:30 p.m. at the Beit T’Shuvah Treatment Center, 8831 Venice Blvd, (310) 412-6620.
Gay Men’s Support Group for men 55 and older, share experiences and feelings in a confidential atmosphere, sliding scale fee, phone interview required, Center for Healthy Aging, (310) 576-2550, ext. 222.
Grief Support Group, sponsored by Saint John’s Health Center, geared toward helping individuals and other family members cope with loss, (310) 829-8992.
Health workshops and lectures, some free, some at cost, ranging in topics from blood pressure to breastfeeding to parenting to care for the elderly, Monica-UCLA Medical Center, (800) 516-5323.
Israeli & International Folk Dancing, with Avi Gabay, Temple Beth Torah, 11827 Venice Blvd., Mar Vista, Tuesdays, 8 p.m., $6, (310) 398-4536.
Just Between Men - Prostate Cancer Networking Group, the second Monday of each month, 7 - 9 p.m., The Wellness Community, 2716 Ocean Park Blvd., Ste. 1040, (310) 314-2555, (310) 314-7586.
Karate club, operates off the principle that no child will be turned away for lack of funds, 2013 Colorado Ave, (310) 892-KICK; www.CaliforniaKarateClub.com.
Marina Single Sailing Club, meets at 10 a.m. second and fourth Sunday of every month at Burton Chace Park Pavilion, 13650 Mindanao Way, MDR, for more information, call (310) 226-8000.
Mentoring Program Seeks Retired Teachers, help mentor first-year teachers in Compton, Pasadena, Los Angeles and Lynwood, by offering your expertise, including classroom observation and feedback, call UCLA Center on Aging for more information, (310) 794-0676.
Musicians invited to meet weekly and perform in concert with the Santa Monica College Emeritus Band, Lincoln Middle School, Tuesdays, 7 p.m. in the Bandroom, California and 14th Sts., (310) 474-5271.
Nature Walk with The Children’s Institute, everyday, various locations in the Santa Monica Mountains — from Malibu to Topanga to Beverly Hills — for directions and reservations, call (310) 998-1151, all walks begin at 10 a.m., $7 suggested donation per family, $5 for members.
New Widow and Widower Bereavement Group for those with recent losses, PICA Adults Day Services and Counseling Center offers a group to help cope with loss, recognize strengths and make new friends, Thursdays, 2 - 3 p.m., $8 per session, pre-registration required, (310) 478-0226.
Overeaters Anonymous meeting, every Wednesday, 7-8 p.m., Reed Park Auditorium, 7th St. just north of Wilshire Blvd., newcomers meeting at 6:30 p.m., a nonprofit fellowship; no dues or fees, (310) 392-1130.
Pancreatic Cancer Support Group, meets the fourth Monday of every month from 5 -7 p.m., free, for people with pancreatic cancer and their families, Wellness Community-WLA, 2716 Ocean Park Blvd., Ste. 1040, (310) 314-2555.
Pet Faire with Paws n’ Play grooming and vetmobile, second Sunday of every month from 9 a.m. to noon, Westminster Off-Leash Dog Park, Venice, (310) 301-1550.
Restorative Yoga Classes, Monday and Wednesday evenings, 6 - 7:30 p.m., Ienger style yoga classes offered daily, Pre & Post-Natal students welcome, Yoga Garden, 2236 26th St., (310) 450-0133; www.yogagardenstudios.com.
Speechreading (lipreading) Classes for the Hard of Hearing and their family and friends, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:30 – 11:30 a.m. at the Felicia Mahood Senior Center, 11338 Santa Monica Blvd., free, (310) 477-2094.
Santa Monica Strutters, a walking program for seniors sponsored by UCLA Healthcare, Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, from 8 - 10 a.m. in the 3rd level Community Room at Santa Monica Place, (310) 319-4560.
Senior Suppers, discounted meals for people over 55, 3:30 to 7 p.m. in the cafeteria at Santa Monica-UCLA Medical Center, 1250 16th St., $3.25 plus tax, (310) 319-4837.
Sivananda Yoga Center, offering a variety of classes at different levels, also workshops on positive thinking, natural beauty and mediation, schedules vary throughout the week, 1746 Abbot Kinney Blvd., Venice, (310) 822-9642.
Slave Salon Extraordinaire, a series of instructional events featuring special guests and top hair designers consulting on hair, fashion, nutrition, style, skin care, etc., second Tuesday of every month, 6:30 p.m., 1223 Abbot Kinney Blvd., Venice, (310) 581-1142.
Soroptimist is a service organization available to help women and children, meetings are held the first and third Wednesday of each month, for more information, call (310) 395-6168.
Teen Youth Group, All high schoolers welcome for games, snacks, and hanging out, Fridays 8 - 10 p.m., Quaker Meeting House, 1440 Harvard St. Bring a friend! (Totally non-religious content.) Joanna or Jos: (310) 815-9730.
Toddler Time on Thursdays, a fun-filled, theme-based program designed for parents and toddlers (2 to 4) using a hands-on approach to explore the museum, play and tell stories, advance registration required, $10 (general), $6 (members), The Skirball Cultural Center, 10 - 11:15 a.m., (310) 440-4636.
Travelers Aid Society of Los Angeles at LAX is looking for volunteers to assist travelers from all over the world on weekdays, weekends and evenings. Volunteers assist travelers with accommodations, transpiration and sightseeing information, (310) 646-2270.
Usable Household Donations, The Society of St. Vincent de Paul is facing a severe shortage of usable donated items such as couches, chairs, tables, drawers, coffee tables and major appliance, children going back to school also need backpacks and notebooks, etc., to donate, call (800) 974-3571 or visit www.svdpla.org for more information.
Volunteer as a Technical Reader for Blind & Dyslexic Students, there is urgent need for technical readers who can also do a decent job describing the graphs, charts, illustrations or maps to those with vision impairments, to volunteer, call (310) 414-6506.
Widows and Widowers, discuss feelings that often accompany loss, Wednesdays, 1 - 2:30 p.m., Center for Healthy Aging, 2125 Arizona Ave., (310) 576-2554.
WISE Retired and Senior Volunteer Program presents opportunities for volunteers 55 plus to tutor children at lower income schools. Tutor reading, work with children on art and other projects, or use computers to teach literacy (training available), (310) 394-9871, ext. 452.
Write Away, share your existing work and write new pieces in a supportive, constructive weekly meeting, 12 - 2 p.m., Tuesdays at the Ocean Park Library, 2601 Main St., (310) 392-3804.