ALLAN HANCOCK COLLEGE presents a lecture about the Great Depression titled “Hitting Home: Life During America’s Great Depression” presented by Roger Hall on Oct. 2 at 6:30 p.m. in the Santa Maria campus Forum (C-40), Allan Hancock College, 800 S. College, Santa Maria. A Suicide and Violence Prevention Forum is Oct. 7 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Abel Maldonado Community Youth Center, South McClelland, Santa Maria. Info: hancockcollege.edu or 922-6966, Ext. 3209.
THE SANTA BARBARA FAMILY CARE CENTER presents a “Why is Play and Creativity Important?” class on Oct. 6 from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Santa Maria Public Library, 241 S. McClelland St., Santa Maria. Info: 925-4789 or sbfcc.org.
WORTH THE DRIVE
THE EXPLORATION STATION presents a “Learn How to Maneuver the Internet” class on Oct. 2 from noon to 3 p.m. A “Making Powerful Presentations” class is Oct. 6 from noon to 3 p.m. An “Intro to the Computer” class is Oct. 7 from noon to 3 p.m. A “Beginning Word Processing” class is Oct. 7 from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. A “Mastering E-Mail” class is Oct. 8 from noon to 3 p.m. A “Free Business Marketing on the Web” class is Oct. 8 from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. An “Open Office I” class is Oct. 9 from noon to 3 p.m. The Exploration Station is located at 867 Ramona Ave., Grover Beach. Info: 473-1421 or explorationstation.org.
WESTSIDE STUDIOS offers Saturday voice-acting classes and workshops for six weeks starting on Oct. 3 at Westside Studios, Oceano. Cost is $265. Info: 489-9326.
THE SANTA BARBARA MUSEUM OF ART presents the lecture “Roaming in the Celestial Realm: Immortality and the Imagination in Han Dynasty China” on Oct. 4 from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. at the museum, 1130 State St., Santa Barbara. Info: 884-6430 or kcarl@sbma.net.
THE WILDLING ART MUSEUM presents a Fall Birding Course Oct. 5 through Nov. 9 from 8:30 to 10 a.m. at the museum, 2928 San Marcos, Los Olivos. Cost is $100, $75 for members. Info: 688-1082 or wildlingmuseum.org.
THE CITY OF PISMO BEACH, Recreation Division Community Development Department, offers a “Women’s Empowerment and Self Defense” class on Oct. 5 from 6 to 10 p.m. at the Shell Beach Veterans’ Hall, 230 Leeward, Shell Beach. Suggested donation is $10. An “Arthritis Prevention and Treatment” health seminar is Oct. 7 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Pismo Beach Veterans’ Hall, Pismo Beach. A “Creative Empowerment” class runs Oct. 7 through Nov. 4 from 1 to 2 p.m. at the Pismo Beach Veterans’ Hall, 780 Bello St., Pismo Beach. Cost is $60. Info: 773-7063 or pismobeach.org.
THE CANCER CENTER OF SANTA BARBARA presents “Meeting the Challenges of Cancer: A Men’s Forum and Discussion” on Oct. 6 from 5 to 6:30 p.m. at the Lompoc Hospital District Room, 504 East Hickory Ave., Lompoc. “Cancer Conversations” is a support group in Solvang meeting Oct. 8 and 22 from 4 to 5 p.m. at Rabobank, 1660 Copenhagen, Solvang. Info: 563-5852 or ccsb.org.
CAL POLY hosts a lecture by American Poultry Association instructor James Adkins on Oct. 7 from 7 to 9 p.m. at Cal Poly, SLO. Info: 756-5086 or sarc.calpoly.edu.
SANTA BARBARA CAN presents a forum on creating sustainable communities featuring “Best Practices in Sustainable Transportation, Energy Use, Landscaping, and Community Gardening” on Oct. 7 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Santa Maria Public Library, 421 S. McClelland, Santa Maria. Info: 722-5094 or Deborah@sbcan.com.
ONGOING
EDUCATIONAL WORKSHOPS for inventors, entrepreneurs, new product developers, and creative individuals that feature expert speakers and resources meet every first Wednesday of the month from 6 to 7 p.m. for the public at the eastside branch of the Santa Barbara Public Library, 1100 E. Montecito St.
Info: 879-1729.
BUSINESS SKILLS OPEN LAB offers free computer classes for all levels, including classes in MS Word 2002, Power Point, Internet Explorer 6, and more. Offered by Allan Hancock College Noncredit Education and Community Programs. Santa Maria. Info: 922-6966, Ext. 3209.
NINA TOASTMASTERS CLUB 80 meets noon to 1:15 p.m. on Thursdays in the Merrill Gardens activities theater, 1350 N. Suey Road, Santa Maria. Info: 925-2403, Ext. 814. Info: nina80.wordpress.com.
NOONTIME TOASTMASTERS CLUB shows that the fear of public speaking is easily fixed while having fun. For gentle, caring, and constructive help, drop in every Thursday from noon until 1:15 p.m. Info: 478-3071.
RANCHO DE GUADALUPE HISTORICAL MUSEUM features displays of memorabilia and photographs from the early days of Guadalupe. The museum is located at 1005 Guadalupe St. and is open Saturdays and Sundays from 1 to 3 p.m. or by appointment. The historical jail is open the last Sunday of each month from 1 to 3 p.m. Polaroid “jailbird” pictures are available for $2. The jail is at 4555 Ninth St. Info: 343-5901.
GUADALUPE CULTURAL ARTS & EDUCATION CENTER features information and exhibits on the history of Guadalupe and surrounding areas. It also features information about cultural awareness and the diverse community groups. The center offers arts, presentations, and educational classes. It is located at 1065 Guadalupe St. Hours are Tuesdays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Info: 343-2939.
WATERCOLOR PAINTING FOR BEGINNERS AND ADVANCED is offered by the Santa Maria Parks and Recreation Department Thursdays from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Elwin Mussell Senior Center, 510 E Park Ave., Santa Maria. Cost is $57.25, $46 for city residents. Info: 925-0951, Ext. 260.
GENSPAN A.P.P.L.E. PROGRAM (Adults Providing Positive Learning Experiences) seeks volunteers to work with Santa Maria Valley area school children. Volunteers assist as mentors in classrooms and help students with reading, writing, and more. No special skills are required. Info: 614-4968.
SENIOR CONNECTION is an information, referral, and assistance program of the Central Coast Commission for Senior Citizens. New classes are forming for people interested in volunteering to help senior citizens in the community. Info: 928-2552 or 1-800-510-2020.
THE PACIFIC PRIDE FOUNDATION is seeking volunteers to help locals and their families affected by HIV/AIDS. Help is needed in the Necessities of Life Food Pantry, office support, community events, and more. Volunteers can also help in LGBT youth programs, support groups, and speaker panels. Info: 349-9947, Ext. 103.
SANTA MARIA INCLUSIVE LEARNERS (SMILe) meets every Monday from 10 to 11:30 a.m. to discuss academic enrichment, and engage in social interaction and fun. All home educators and alternative learners welcome. Info: 938-1307.
SANTA BARBARA COUNTY CHAPTER OF THE AMERICAN RED CROSS offers free disaster services classes to the public. Info: 928-0778.
SANTA MARIA VALLEY DISCOVERY MUSEUM, 705 S. McClelland, is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and closed on Sundays. Admission is $8 per person; kids younger than
2 get in free. Info: 928-8414.
COMMUNITY CPR AND FIRST AID classes are offered by Fast Action Safety Training. Classes can be taught in schools, churches, businesses, or community centers. Classes are also offered in pet first aid and workplace safety. Spanish courses also available. Info: 929-0921.
RETIRED & SENIOR VOLUNTEER PROGRAM (R.S.V.P.) knows of a vast number of volunteer opportunities and can match just about any skill or interest you have with a community need. Info: RSVP, 922-9931.
SANTA MARIA CITY HALL TOURS are available on Tuesdays and Thursdays, hosted by city staff. Call to book a tour: 925-0951, Ext. 200.
COELHO ACADEMY OF MUSIC offers a variety of music lessons including keyboard, drums, guitar, and vocal. “Worship training center” and “rock school” available. The academy is located at 325 E. Betteravia Road, Suite B-4. For scheduling, additional fees, and other information, call 925-0464.
LEARN ENGLISH with free classes at Allan Hancock College’s Santa Maria campus, Building W, Room 11, 800 S. College Dr., Monday through Thursday from 12:30 to 8:30 p.m. Info: 922-6966, Ext. 3299.
LOMPOC CITIZENS’ POLICE ACADEMY is a nonacademic informational course hosted by the Lompoc Police Department, conducted every Thursday over a 15-week period. Class size is limited to 25 students. Participants must be at least 14 years of age, have no felony arrest history, and not have been arrested for any charge within the past three years. All applicants will be screened prior to admission into the class. Pick up an application in the lobby of the Lompoc Police Department or call 736-2341.
NEW LIFE DIVORCE CARE MINISTRY offers video seminars on divorce care. Info: 937-0077. Or to find a nearby group, call 489-3254, Ext. 10.
VANDENBERG AIR FORCE BASE conducts free tours on the base every second Wednesday of the month at 10 a.m. through the public affairs office. Tours last about two hours and include a visit to the Heritage Center for a look at how the base evolved, plus space and missile artifacts. Make a tour reservation three weeks in advance by calling 606-3595.
BUELLTON SENIOR CENTER serves the Santa Ynez Valley with one-to-one computer tutoring for seniors age 55 and older. Learn at your own pace. Specialized equipment is available for low-vision and physically impaired seniors. Info: 688-4571.
GENSPAN FOUNDATION is seeking volunteers for its “Story Catchers” program. Training is free. Info: 614-4968.
VOICE-OVER WORKSHOP teaches the basics of copy interpretation, microphone technique, taking direction, and understanding the audition process. Class meets for four weeks in Oceano. Info: 489-9326.
This article appears in Oct 1-8, 2009.