Ojai native draws attention to Guantanamo Bay detention camp
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- Published: Thursday, 24 December 2020 08:51

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“Guantanamo Voices” author Sarah Mirk.
Perry Van Houten, Ojai Valley News senior reporter
An Ojai native has won national recognition for her new book about the Guantanamo Bay detention camp in Cuba.
Klepto Cat Mystery turns out to be the cat’s whiskers
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- Published: Friday, 18 December 2020 10:11

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Klepto Cat Mystery author Patricia Fry with one of her favorite felines.
Perry Van Houten, Ojai Valley News senior reporter
Ojai-based author Patricia Fry is celebrating the publication of her 90th book.
Create new customs for this Thanksgiving
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- Published: Friday, 20 November 2020 09:01

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Chef Robin Goldstein
Chef Robin Goldstein, Special to the Ojai Valley News
When it comes to the holidays, we all look forward to a feast. Customary foods are a large part of most Thanksgiving celebrations, along with adorning the table with florals and vintage linen, handed-down china, heirloom pieces, and candles that set the mood to create the picture-perfect setting.
Yom Kippur: A day of Atonement
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- Published: Friday, 25 September 2020 12:10
By Rabbi Lisa Bock, Jewish Community of Ojai
In these final Days of Awe, we may remember our recent celebration of Rosh Hashanah and its meaningful salutation — “Shanah tovah tikateivu v’teichateimu” — “May you be inscribed and sealed in the Book of Life for the New Year.” We wish this for our family, our friends, and acquaintances. We appreciate receiving this blessing from others. I recall the first time I heard this greeting, and thought how meaningful it is for everyone. We are all hoping for a good year, and particularly to have the grace of G-d to steady and keep us throughout the year.
Poppies Book Club picks historical novel
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- Published: Friday, 25 September 2020 12:07

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Latest book to be discussed by Poppies Book Club Oct. 13.
The Poppies Book Club will meet Oct. 13 at 6 p.m. at Poppies Art and Gifts, 323 E. Matilija St., Ojai. Readers will meet on the back patio for safe social distancing.
Netflix premieres 'Kiss the Ground' documentary Sept. 22
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- Published: Friday, 18 September 2020 12:31

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“Kiss the Ground” directors Josh and Rebecca Tickell, along with their two children, at Big Picture Ranch in Ojai.
Austin Widger, Ojai Valley News reporter
“Kiss the Ground,” a documentary years in the making from Ojai directors Rebecca and Josh Tickell, is finally coming to big and little screens next week.
Villanova senior Atticus Fehr shoots for science film prize
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- Published: Friday, 18 September 2020 10:46

Screenshot from Atticus Fehr
Atticus Fehr’s submission to the Breakthrough Science Challenge explains the theory of general relativity.
Anyone can vote for Atticus Fehr and help him with the popular vote by viewing his video at www.facebook.com/watch/?v=633525660904278.
Voting ends Sept. 20
Austin Widger, Ojai Valley News reporter
Atticus Fehr of Ojai has advanced to the semifinals of the Breakthrough Junior Challenge.
The challenge offers a chance at a major college scholarship of $250,000, a $50,000 prize for a teacher, and a $100,000 breakthrough science lab for the student’s school of choice. Fehr, a senior at Villanova Preparatory School, is one step closer to winning.
Porch Gallery Ojai presents "Resurrection: New Works by Dennis Mukai"
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- Published: Friday, 18 September 2020 10:37

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Dennis Mukai, pigment ink on 100% rag, 33 by 23 inches
Inspired stylistically by the Japanese Shin-hanga woodblock prints of the early 20th century, Dennis Mukai has added a personal touch to the traditional themes of landscapes, famous places, beautiful women, kabuki actors, and birds-and-flowers. His exhibit — “Resurrection: New Works by Dennis Mukai” — can be viewed at the Porch Gallery, 310 E. Matilija Ave., Ojai, through Oct. 18.
Four film festivals to screen Ojai woman's documentary
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- Published: Friday, 11 September 2020 08:53

Former Nordhoff Ranger Olivia Adelman, a recent Dean’s List graduate of Occidental College, enters the film festival world with her statement student short documentary, “BOXED.”
Her film has been accepted as an “Official Selection” into four film festivals to date — the Ojai Film Festival, the Malta Short Film Festival, the Experimental, Dance and Music Film Festival, and the Los Angeles Lift-Off Film Festival.
Armstrong is guest artist at Poppies Art and Gifts
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- Published: Friday, 11 September 2020 08:50

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“Flurry,” watercolor by Cheryl Armstrong
Poppies Art and Gifts announces its September Guest Artist — Cheryl Armstrong of Ojai. She is showcasing her art at the shop, 323 E. Matilija St., Ojai. Armstrong’s original watercolors, prints, and cards will be available throughout the month.
A retired nurse and college English teacher, Armstrong began painting in 2013. She studied watercolor with Chris Sullivan in Laguna Beach and later participated in workshops with Ratindra Das, Tom Fong, and Skip Lawrence.
Poppies Art and Gifts features all local fine art and photographs, handcrafted items, and locally made products at affordable prices. Safety protocol for Ojai businesses is followed in the store. Masks are required.
New store hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursdays through Sundays. Mini art workshops are offered on Mondays. For more information, visit www.poppiesartandgifts.com.
Ojai artists will get their chance to paint utility boxes
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- Published: Friday, 11 September 2020 08:47

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A drab utility box in Houston, Texas, is transformed.
Calling Ojai artists! The deadline is fast approaching to submit your proposals for the city of Ojai Paint-Box Project. This is a unique chance to add character — your character — to the streets of our town. It is open to all Ojai artists over the age of 18.