"Newbury Park Rocks" Group Proves to Be Quite Popular on CVG Facebook Page

Image courtesy of Newbury Park Rocks Facebook Page

I didn't think much of it when a Facebook Page called "Newbury Park Rocks" contacted us to share a little about but what they do. 

So what do they do? Well, apparently this is becoming "a thing" throughout the country. The group paints, hides and finds decorative, painted rocks in the Newbury Park area.

Grab a rock and paint something whimsical, funny, inspirational and/or uplifting on it. After it dries, place it somewhere, partially hidden, such that someone will discover and enjoy that rock.

Well that certainly is a fun idea! So I thought, OK, I'll make mention of it on a Monday late morning, on the Conejo Valley Guide Facebook Page and I'm sure a few folks will find it interesting.

Well on one count, I was right. Some folks did indeed find it interesting. But I was wrong on "a few," as over 160 people have clicked the "Like" button and the interest has been very strong. I'm certain other rock hiding groups will pop up throughout Ventura County.

Cute idea!

The Ventura County Genealogical Society Can Help You Track Your Roots

Founded in 1978, the Ventura County Genealogical Society is a non-profit educational organization in Ventura that is dedicated to the promotion of genealogy, public education and fellowship to everyone interested in family histories.

The goals of the Society are to encourage family history and genealogical research; to educate and instruct members through lectures, workshops, and an annual seminar; to educate the members in effective genealogical research skills, and to publish information of interest to genealogists.

Some of the various topics that I've seen the Society cover include using online genealogical resources, family history training, family legacy writing workshops and much more.

With over 200 members, the Ventura County Genealogical Society hosts speakers at monthly meetings generally on the third Saturday of each month (except December) in Ventura.  The Society also maintains a reference library located at the Camarillo Public Library.

For more information about the Society, visit www.venturacogensoc.org.

Cloudy and Cool Conejo Valley This First Sunday of 2013

Darts Promoter L. David Irete captured this neat photo of the Conejo Valley before sundown tonight on this cool, cloudy, slightly rainy first Sunday of 2013. Irete is the biggest darts enthusiast in town, so make sure to follow his Facebook page.

It is supposed to be sunny tomorrow, but the rain is expected back later in the week. No worries...check this list of things to do around Ventura County with the kids when it is WET outside (unless of course you enjoy jumping in puddles!).

Here's how it looked around 11 a.m. this morning while I was running (literally) around town.

Cool, Blustery New Year's Day 2013 in the Conejo Valley

HAPPY NEW YEAR!! Today was a beautiful, dry New Year's Day in the Conejo Valley, with cool temperatures, partly cloudy skies and plenty of wind. We were out and about around town  and plenty of people were enjoying the outdoors, appropriately dressed!

If one of your new year's resolutions is to become more active, you are in the right place! Here are some great activities to look into in 2013:

Trails and hiking around Ventura County

Hiking groups around Ventura County

Hundreds of community parks around Ventura County

Fish and fishing options around Ventura County

Golf courses and tennis courts around Ventura County

Horseback riding options around Ventura County

Running and cycling groups throughout Ventura County

The All-Woman ChannelAire Chorus Has Performed in Ventura County Since 1962

For over 50 years, the ChannelAire Chorus has been sharing its exciting barbershop sound, performing throughout Ventura County for civic and charitable organizations, private groups, churches, community events and fundraisers.

ChannelAire Chorus is a group of 80+ women who love to sing and share their passion for music. The chorus encourages women to pursue musical excellence while advancing the uniquely American art form of 4-part a capella barbershop harmony.

Members of ChannelAire come from throughout Ventura County and ages have ranged from 18 to over 80! The group practices on Tuesday nights in Camarillo. The group has traveled and performed around the world, including Carnegie Hall, U.K., Japan and countless other locations.

ChannelAire is a 501(c)(3) non-profit entity that was founded on March 20, 1962 (for the record, that is older than, me, Conejo Joe).

ChannelAire is a registered chapter of Sweet Adelines International, one of the largest singing organizations for women in the world with over 27,000 members.

For more information, visit www.channelaire.org or visit ChannelAire's Facebook page. How about hiring ChannelAire to perform for your next function!? 

Time Warner put together this nice overview video about the group:

Can You Believe It? This Is (Was) The Last Day of Summer 2011!

Thanks to local dart guru L. David Irete we have this beautiful sunset to remember the last of our summer 2011 here in the Conejo Valley. And speaking of darts, check out the Ventura County Darts Association website at www.vcda.org. Darts is a great hobby (or perhaps a sport to some)...for nearly 100 groups and clubs around Ventura County, CLICK HERE.