THE PARKINSON’S SUPPORT GROUP OF SANTA MARIA features a speech therapist speaking about Parkinson’s on March 26 at 1 p.m. at Grace Baptist Church, 605 E. McCoy Lane, Santa Maria. Info: 937-7776 or 925-0266.
THE SANTA BARBARA COUNTY ANIMAL CARE FOUNDATION presents a full-day workshop titled “It’s Raining Cats and Dogs,” featuring information on pet care, free for kids ages 9 to 12 on March 28 from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Animal Shelter, 548 W. Foster Road. Info: 260-2386 or sbcanimalcare.org.
THE FALL PREVENTION TASK FORCE OF SANTA BARBARA COUNTY presents a fall prevention workshop on March 31 from 9 to 11 a.m. at Mussell Senior Center, 510 East Park St., Santa Maria. Info: 925-0951, Ext. 207.
ALLAN HANCOCK COLLEGE presents a nursing career workshop on March 31 from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Santa Maria campus Forum, 800 S. College, Santa Maria. Info: hancockcollege.edu or 922-6966, Ext. 3384.
THE NONPROFIT SUPPORT CENTER presents a “Two Day Grant-Writing Bootcamp” on April 1 and 2 from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the First Bank of SLO, 997 Monterey St., SLO. Cost is $250, $175 for members. Info: 681-1040.
THE AMERICAN RED CROSS holds Disaster Training Classes on the third Saturday of the month through May in Santa Maria and the fourth Saturday of the month through May in Santa Barbara. Info: 687-1331, Ext. 124.
LUCIA MAR ADULT EDUCATION offers a variety of classes through the summer. Registration and class info is available at lmusd.org or 474-3900.
WORTH THE DRIVE
COLLABORATION LLC and Mission Community Bank present a free educational business seminar about the SBA program and the Federal Economic Stimulus on March 27 from noon to 1 p.m. at 3196 S. Higuera, suite D, SLO. Info: 541-9040 or collaboration-llc.com.
THE CACHUMA NATURE CENTER presents a basic fishing skills workshop on March 28 from 8:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. at the Nature Center, Cachuma Lake. Cost is $10. Info: 693-0691.
AN AWAKENING THE DREAMER Changing the Dream Symposium is March 28 from 1 to 5 p.m. at 216 State St., Santa Barbara. Info: 448-8001 or gabrielle@pessimistsbeware.com.
THE ROHDE FOUNDATION holds an informational meeting with Dr. Rohde about the foundation’s work in Africa on March 28 from 6 to 7 p.m. at St. Mark’s Church, Los Olivos. Info: jesserohdefoundation.org.
THE BODHI PATH BUDDHIST CENTER presents “The Power of Wishing Prayer” with dharma teacher Bart Mendel on March 29 from 10 a.m. to noon at the center, 3484 Gregory Ct., SLO. Info: 594-1388 or bodhipath.org/slo.
THE SANTA BARBARA COUNTY SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT presents the North County Citizen Academy beginning April 1 from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Buellton City Council Chambers, 140 W. Hwy. 246, and continuing through May 6. A graduation barbecue is May 9 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Applications are accepted through Mach 27 at P.O. Box 156, Buellton, CA, 93427. Info: 686-8151.
CAL POLY presents national bestselling author Brian Wansink speaking on April 2 at 7 p.m. in the Harman Hall of the Christopher Cohan Peforming Arts Center, Cal Poly, SLO. Info: 756-0673 or pacslo.org.
UCSB ARTS AND LECTURES presents journalist William Greider reading from his new book “Come Home America: The Rise and Fall (and Redeeming Promise) of Our Country” on April 2 at 7:30 p.m. at the UCSB Campbell Hall, Santa Barbara. Info: 893-3535 or artsandlectures.ucsb.edu.
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.
SMALL BUSINESS START-UP WORKSHOP features successful business speakers and how-to information on starting a business every second Wednesday from 4 to 5 p.m. in the Santa Maria Town Center mall. Reservations: 925-2403, Ext. 812.
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.
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 CENTER 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 Mar 26 – Apr 2, 2009.