Saturday, December 31
Walk the Labyrinth on New Year’s Eve, a replica of the one laid on the floor of Cartres Cathedral in the Middle Ages, First United Methodist Church, 1008 11th Street, 3 – 9 p.m., (310) 393-8258.
Sunday, January 1
Free Foster Care & Adoption Orientation, “There’s Someone Here Who Can’t Wait To Be Loved” – Westside Children’s Center, 12120 Wagner Street, Culver City, Cross Street: Inglewood Blvd., One block South of Culver Blvd. 6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m., (310) 390-0551.
New Year’s Day Economic Empowerment Celebration, 1135 E. Janis Street, Carson, 12:00 – 1:00 a.m. Economic empowerment is the key to taking back our communities. (310) 632.5584
www.gpcnetworks.org.
New Year’s Day Resolution Festival, Santa Monica Pier, 9:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m., a day-long event at the Santa Monica Pier created to help individuals and families kick-start their New Year’s resolutions. To help support their goals, there will be free workshops and lectures focusing on various subjects (health, financial management, conflict resolutions, etc.) and low-fee physical competitions (soft sand run/walk, 10,000 steps walk, and a Polar Bear Swim). Also, participants can allocate $10 of their fees to one of the beneficiary charities listed.
Ongoing Events
A Faery Hunt – search for faeries and other mysterious creatures spotted around Heavenly Pond. Saturdays (at the Franklin Canyon location pending weather, closed holidays). 2600 Franklin Canyon Drive, Beverly Hills, at the William O. Douglas Outdoor Classroom. Look for the “Faery” sign for parking. Don’t forget to bring your camera, hats, and sunblock! 818-324-6802 , $10 Suggested Contribution.
A.R.T.S. Anonymous, a support group for creative people, meets every Sunday at 10:30 a.m. Wild Oats Community Room, 500 Wilshire Blvd., (310) 836-1495.
Ballroom Dancing every Saturday in the auditorium of the Felicia Mahood Senior Center, 11338 Santa Monica Blvd., WLA, $2 per person, 1 – 3 p.m., (310) 479-4119.
Boy Scouts of America – Pack 887 is the only pack for home-schooled boys on the Westside. Cub Scouting is for 1st to 5th grade boys who enjoy hiking, fun crafts, outings, camping and much more. Scouting provides safe, fun social interaction for home-schooled boys. Boys of all ethnicities and abilities are welcome. For more information contact Del Herrera at 310-317-9762, Rachel Douglas at 323-939-6106 or Tammy Boone at 310-396-9619.
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.
City Speakers Toastmasters, RAND hosts a Toastmasters club that meets from noon to 1 p.m., on 2nd and 4th Wednesdays. Meetings are held at RAND, 1700 Main St., Conference Room 1734. For more information, call Penny, (310) 393-0411, ext. 7159.
Circumcision Restoration. NORM-SoCal (National Organization of Restoring Men – Southern California). A group for men seeking information on non-surgical foreskin restoration. Located at SHARE! Center, 5521 Grosvenor Blvd., Los Angeles. Third Sunday of the month, 2:00 p.m. Free. 310-753-4259 or www.NORM-socal.org.
CPR and other courses in First Aid, including pet and infant, offered weekly by the American Red Cross of Santa Monica, (310) 394-3773.
Creative Living For Women, a circle of women discuss current health and personal issues in a safe, supportive atmosphere, Library of the Presbyterian Church in Pacific Palisades, Tuesdays at 1 p.m., (310) 475-1211.
Dance and Live Fiddle Band, the California Dance Cooperative holds contradances (which is sort of like square dancing, only more fun) on the first and fourth Saturday night of every month, Brentwood Youth House, 731 South Bundy Drive, just north of Montana Ave. 7:30pm. All ages welcome. Snacks provided. $9.00, (818) 951-2003.
Del Rey Toastmasters, 7 p.m. sharp every Thursday at the Marina International Hotel in Marina del Rey. 4200 Admiralty Way, (310) 301-2000.
Farmers’ Market, four weekly markets of fresh produce and flowers, 2nd and Arizona Ave.: Wed. 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. and Sat. 8:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.; Virginia Ave Park : Sat. 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.; Main Street and 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 Monday from 7:30 – 8:30 p.m., Beit T’Shuvah Treatment Center, 8831 Venice Blvd., and every Saturday at noon at the S.H.A.R.E. Center, 5521 Grosvenor Blvd., (310) 412-6620.
Free Stroke Recovery Program at the WISE Adult Day Service facility at 1510 Pico in Santa Monica. The program runs from 9:00 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays and includes therapeutic exercise and classes on the psychological aspects of stroke recovery for stroke survivors and family members. Pre-registration is required. Call (310) 575-1699.
Israeli Folk Dancing (Every Tuesday), 7:30 p.m. – midnight, Westside (JCC) Jewish Community Center, 5870 W. Olympic Blvd., $7, all ages welcome, (310) 284-3638.
Free Actors Workshop every Thursday, Edgemar Center for the Arts, 2437 Main Street, 1 p.m., (310) 399-3666.
Free Salsa Dancing to DJ: Sundays at.Casa Escobar every Sunday night. Salsa dancing, 9 p.m. – midnight free admission. Beginning and Intermediate one-hour dance lessons begin at 7:30 p.m. every Sunday with Isabellesalsa.com for $10 per person. Friendly atmosphere – all ages over 21 are welcome. CASA ESCOBAR, 14160 Palawan Way, Marina del Rey (310) 392-3493.
Great Books every third Monday once per month in the Community Room at the Santa Monica Library Fairview Branch, corner of Ocean Park Blvd. and 21st Street, 7 – 8:45 p.m., 2101 Ocean Park Blvd., $15.95, (800) 222-5870.
Health workshops and lectures, some free, some at cost, ranging in topics from blood pressure to breastfeeding to parenting to care for the elderly, Santa Monica-UCLA Medical Center, (800) 516-5323.
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, a community club that operates on the principle that no child will be turned away for lack of funds, 2013 Colorado Ave., (310) 892-KICK; www.CaliforniaKarateClub.com.
Lap Time, an 8-week series for babies 0 – 24 months, through February 8, Santa Monica Public Library, Fairview Branch, 2101 Ocean Park Blvd., (310) 450-0443.
Lawn Bowl at Douglas Park with the friendly Santa Monica Lawn Bowls Club. Join us for a FREE lesson at noon Monday-Wednesday-Friday or at 10 AM or 11 AM Sundays. Wilshire at 25th. You’ll learn why we love our sport! Reservations required: 310-281-1901. Email: bowls@rightbox.com
Lipreading classes for the hard of hearing, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m., Felicia Mahood Senior Center, 11338 Santa Monica Blvd., WLA, (310) 477-2084.
Low-Cost Law Clinic, daily consultations with different attorneys for just $25, call for schedule, document preparation service also available, The Legal Grind, 2640 Lincoln Blvd., (310) 452-8160.
Lymphedema Support Group meets the 2nd Wednesday of every month from 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. All are welcome for information and mutual support. Call (310) 815-1077 for location.
Marina del Rey/Venice TOPS Sensible Weight Loss Support Group holds weekly meeting, 821 Dickson Street, MdR/Venice area, 6:00pm. Enthusiasm high – cost low, $1/meeting. 310.488.2375 or camelion@camelioninc.com for
info.
Marshall McLuhan-Finnegans Wake Reading Club, the first Monday of every month, Venice Abbot Kinney Memorial Branch of the Los Angeles Public Library, Venice Blvd., 6 – 8 p.m., (310) 821-1769.
Meditation with LA Dharma. LA Dharma hosts 2 non-sectarian Buddhist meditation groups in Westwood facilitated by Michael Shiffman (7:30 PM) and Juliet Soopikian (7:00 PM women only). Our intention is to offer group settings to support those with ongoing practices. For further information visit LA Dharma at www.ladharma.org, email michael@ladharma.org , or call 310-445-2160.
Mental Yoga, classes take place every Monday at 8:00 p.m. at Habitat Creative Center located at 3226 Thatcher Avenue in Marina Del Rey. Sessions last 90 minutes, and the first time is always free. After that, classes are only $15. Anyone can register and find other details, including session topics, at www.mentalyoga.com.
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.
Men’s Group, Weekly support group for people 55 and older, talk about personal issues in a confidential environment, not drop-in, must call first, sliding scale, Center for Healthy Aging, 2125 Arizona Ave., (310) 576-2550.
Men’s Heart Support Group – Third Thursday of the Month, Dinner, 7:00 P.M., San Gennaro Restaurant, Brentwood, very casual. 5-7 men. Jerry (310) 476-5885.
Mt. Olive Film Night, Mt. Olive Lutheran Church, 1343 Ocean Park Blvd., entertaining and thought provoking films shown on 2nd and 4th Saturdays, supper at 6 p.m., films start at 7 p.m., free, for more information, call (310) 452-1116.
Musicians invited to meet weekly and perform in concert with the Santa Monica College Emeritus Band, Lincoln Middle School, in the Bandroom, California and 14th Sts., Tuesdays, 7 p.m. (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.
Senior Improv Workshop – Ongoing free class for seniors over 55, 12 noon Tuesdays, Comedy Underground, 320 Wilshire Blvd., Santa Monica, alley entrance. (323) 512-8245.
Overeaters Anonymous, Newcomers Meeting, held every Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. at the Reed Park Auditorium, one-half block north of Wilshire Boulevard, on Seventh Street. No dues, fees or weigh-ins. Regular meeting follows from 7-8 p.m. (310) 392-1130
Painting/drawing classes for children ages 4 – 11, to promote self-expression and communication through visual arts, Art Works Painting Studio, 13051 West Washington Blvd., MDR, (310) 202-1894.
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.
Preserve & Restore the El Segundo Dunes, second Saturday of each month, at the center of the Santa Monica Bay shoreline: just north of El Segundo on the west side of Pershing Dr. between Imperial Hwy and Westchester Pkwy, 9 a.m. – noon, 13 years of age and up, (310) 641-3738;www.dune-prairie.org.
Reading Tutor Cynthia Kolodny will help children in grades K-6 with reading skills, beginning at 2:30 P.M. Advanced registration for the 30-minute tutoring session is required. Friends of the Kaufman Brentwood Branch Library, 11820 San Vicente Blvd., (310) 472-0163.
Recovery, Inc. support groups for people suffering with depression, anxiety, panic attacks, anger, substance abuse, obsessive compulsion, bipolar disorder, etc. offer cognitive behavior therapy in a structured interactive format. meeting at Regis House. Thursdays, 6 p.m., 11346 Iowa, West L.A. (310) 479-7447.
Santa Monica Bay Woman’s Club Social Bridge, Mondays, 12 – 3:30 p.m., 1210 4th Street, dessert / beverage served, $2 for non-members, call Joyce (310) 395-2100.
Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District operates quality preschools at several sites throughout Santa Monica. Our programs are well-equipped and staffed with qualified professionals. No cost to qualified families. Enroll now! Call Child Development Services at (310) 399-5865.
Sand & Sea Speakers, a top-ranking Toastmasters club – learn to become a more confident, poised speaker, Best Western Gateway Hotel, Carousel Room, 1920 Santa Monica Blvd. (at 20th Street), Monday nights, 7 – 9 p.m., (310) 474-7704.
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.
Santa Monica Oceanaires barbershop harmony chorus invites men of all ages and voice parts to sing each Tuesday, 7 p.m. – 10 p.m., 9733 Venice Blvd.(Church of Christ), West L.A., www.oceanaires.org, (310) 202-1380.
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.
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.
Stage Movement, for actors, singers and dancers, free first class for new students, with Irina Skobeleva, Santa Monica Dance Studio, 211 Arizona Ave., 2 – 3:30 p.m., (310) 319-5339.
T’ai Chi tone and strengthen every body muscle. Free classes. Tuesdays, 12:30 – 2:30 p.m., Memorial Park, 1401 Olympic Blvd. (310) 434-4306.
Talk About It, a monthly book discussion group for 5th, 6th and 7th graders, they will discuss “Howl’s Moving Castle,” Montana Avenue, 1704 Montana Ave., (310) 829-7081.
Theraputic Hatha Yoga, with Bea Ammidown, RYT 500, Wednesday, 7 – 8 p.m., Thursday, 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., and Friday, 10 – 11 a.m.; Yoga and Writing Workshop continues to 12:30 p.m. For more info, call (310) 358-3338.
Teen Youth Group, All high schoolers welcome for games, snacks, and hanging out, Fridays 8 – 10 p.m., Santa Monica 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), Skirball Cultural Center, 2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd., L.A., 10 – 11:15 a.m., (310) 440-4636.
T.O.P.S. Weight Loss Support Group, new in Marina del Rey/Venice area. Sundays 6 to 7pm. Enthusiasm high – cost low. All welcome. Andres at camelion@camelioninc.com for location.
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.
Walking for Health and Fitness, sponsored by the American Cancer Society, Santa Monica Relay for Life Program and the Santa Monica Track Club. The group meets Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 4 p.m. and Sunday mornings at 9 a.m. in Palisades Park at San Vicente Boulevard. Please call coach Jerry Condon at 310 451 4139 for further information.
Wednesday Meditation with LA Dharma from 7:30 – 9:00. LA Dharma hosts a non-sectarian Buddhist meditation group in Westwood facilitated by Michael Shiffman. Our intention is to offer a group setting to support those with ongoing practices. For further information visit LA Dharma at www.ladharma.org, email michael@ladharma.org , or call 310-445-2160.
Westwood Co-Op Folk Dancers offers International Folk Dancing every Thursday evening. Beginners teaching 7:15 – 8 p.m., intermediate teaching 8 – 9 p.m., followed by general dancing, ending time, 10:30 p.m., Felicia Mahood Senior Center, $3 donation at the door, for more info call (310) 306-7372.
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 offers 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 in a supportive, constructive weekly meeting, 12 noon to 2:30 PM, Tuesdays, Fairview Branch Library, 2101 Ocean Park Blvd., (310)458-4675 or www.writeawaywritinggroup.com. Free. 3rd Monday of each month. Monday or Tuesday.