Calendar: 03_12

Holiday Celebration at Historic Stow House A unique family tradition with live music, a bake sale, refreshments, craft making and gifts. Saturday-Sunday, 1-4 p.m.; Stow House, 304 N. Los Carneros Road; 964.4407; $5/3.

Una Noche de Las Posadas Celebrate the season with a re-enactment of Joseph and Mary’s search for lodging in Bethlehem, in the Spanish tradition. Saturday, 5-7 p.m.; El Presidio Historic Chapel, 123 E. Canon Perdido St.; 965.0093; Free.

Richard Barre Local mystery writer discusses and signs “Bethany,” the second in his series of Christmas short stories. Friday, 6 p.m.; Hotel Oceana, 202 W. Cabrillo Blvd.; 892.2722.

Harbor Parade of Lights Decorated boats and fireworks light up the harbor in the spirit of the season. Sunday, 5:30 p.m., with a children’s area and photos with Santa at 3 p.m.; Shoreline Drive at Harbor Way; 564.5520; Free.

LAComputer Fair Tech bargains galore. Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Earl Warren Showgrounds, 3400 Calle Real; 800.800.5600; $5, $3 parking.

Absinthe Quiz Night Santa Barbara’s original quiz night is back with its original host. Put together teams of up to 6 people to answer questions for prizes. Wednesdays, 7 p.m.; Absinthe Bar, 500 Anacapa St.; 965.5057; $5 per person.

Goleta Chamber Holiday Mixer Partake in refreshments, enjoy entertainment and get some holiday shopping done, too. Wednesday, 5-7 p.m.; Maravilla, 5486 Calle Real; 967.4618 for reservations; $10/5.

Victorian Christmas Walk Six beautifully maintained Victorian mansions and gardens will be open for docent-lead or independent walking tours. Saturday, 2 p.m.; Christine Palmer lectures on Victorian culture at 4 p.m.; Unitarian Society of Santa Barbara, 1535 Santa Barbara St.; 965.4583 for reservations; $20.

3rd Annual Snow Day 30 tons of snow makes its way to Goleta, along with a live DJ playing holiday music, an ice sculptor and carriage rides. Saturday, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.; Camino Real Marketplace, Storke Road at Hollister Ave.; 705.4742; Free.

Christmas at Casa Del Herrero Daily tours of the historic home through Sunday, 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.; Special candlelight tours Friday-Saturday, 4 p.m. 1387 East Valley Road; 565.5653 for reservations, which are required. Daily tours $20, candlelight tours including entertainment and reception, $35.

March for Peace It’s never too late to march for peace. Join others promoting world peace Saturdays, 11 a.m.; Vera Cruz Park, 130 E. Cota St.; 965.7771.

Backstage Tours at the Lobero Theatre Docent-guided tours of California’s oldest continuously operated theater. Available by appointment. 33 E. Canon Perdido St.; 966.4946 x613; Free.

Scenic Flights Spitfire Aviation offers tours, or you can set your own itinerary. 204 Moffett Place, Suite P; 967.9328; $165 and up.

Historic DowntownWalking Tour Docent-led tours leading to hidden courtyards and fountains. Saturdays, 10 a.m.; Santa Barbara Public Library fountain, 40 E. Anapamu St.; 965.6307; $5.

Fresh Produce, Grown Locally Farmer’s Markets offer fresh fruit, vegetables, flowers, street musicians and other treats. Old Town Tuesdays, 4-7:30 p.m., 500 State St.; La Cumbre Plaza Wednesdays, 11 a.m.-2 p.m., 110 S. Hope Ave.; Summerland Wednesdays, 3-7 p.m., 2200 Lillie Ave.; Goleta Thursdays, 3-6:30 p.m., 5700 Calle Real; Carpinteria Thursdays, 4-7 p.m., 800 Linden Ave.; Montecito Fridays, 8-10:30 a.m., 200 Coast Village Road; Downtown Saturdays, 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Santa Barbara and Cota streets.

Crab and Lobster, Still Pinching There’s no seafood fresher than the catch brought in at the Fishermen’s Market. Saturdays, 7:30-11:30 a.m.; Santa Barbara Harbor; 965.8112; Free.

Young Professionals Club Gala benefits the Wilderness Youth Project, which promotes community-building through nature experiences. Wednesday, 7: 30 p.m.; Montecito Country Club, 920 Summit Road; 898.9407.

Winter Solstice Masked Ball A light buffet, silent auction and musical entertainment benefit the Summer Solstice Celebration. Saturday, 7: 30-11:30 p.m.; Santa Barbara Polo and Racquet Club, 3300 Via Real; 965.3396 for reservations; $60.

Parade of Lights Gala Enjoy fine wines, food, festive entertainment and the best indoor view of the harbor boat parade. Proceeds benefit Girls, Inc. of Greater Santa Barbara. Sunday, 5-7:30 p.m.; Cabrillo Pavilion Arts Center, 1118 E. Cabrillo Blvd.; 963.4757 x16; $50.

Santa Barbara Botanic Garden seeks docents to give tours, which requires a time commitment and training. 682.4726 x126.

Adopt a Family The Salvation Army asks you to adopt a family by providing Christmas gifts and a Christmas meal. Through Friday; 964.8738.

Garden Court Toy Drive Donations of unwrapped toys (new or like-new condition) can be dropped off at Garden Court. Toys will be donated to needy children through The Unity Shoppe and The Westside Boys & Girls Club. Donations through Dec. 19. Garden Court, 1116 De la Vina St. 884.0095

Goleta Library Book Drive Donate to the library and it will buy a gift book for the library’s collection. 500 N. Fairview Ave.; 964.7878.

Gran Kermesse El Camino Elementary School holds its annual fundraiser, featuring food, music and dance in celebration of its school community. Today, 5:30 p.m.; 5020 San Simeon Drive; 692.5574; Food and drink tickets from 25¢ to $1.50 apiece.

Aeromedicos Santa Barbara Pilots, medical translators and various medical volunteers sought to treat patients in Baja. 963.3011.

Cartridges for Kids Tri-Counties Easter Seals can earn cash for your empty and used inkjet, laser, fax and copier cartridges. Drop them off at Easter Seals Center, 532 Santa Barbara St.; 899.4557.

Candy Cane Train Ride on a holiday decorated miniature train and pick up some treats and favors. Through Dec. 23; Goleta Depot, 300 N. Los Carneros Road; 964.3540; $3, extra rides 75¢ apiece.

Toys, Trains and Teddy Bears A display of all things Christmas, past and present. Through Dec. 23; Goleta Depot, 300 N. Los Carneros Road; 964.3540; Free.

S.B. Playgroups Fun at the parks for kids, a social break for parents. Various play groups meet Mondays-Fridays and hold field trips. 692.0090.

Cachuma Lake Nature Center Exhibits and displays on Chumash history, geology and local wildlife. Wednesdays and Saturdays; 693.0691; Free with $6 per vehicle for parking.

Santa Barbara Little Gardens Club holds its annual Christmas Tea featuring Dottie Iverson demonstrating wreath making. Guests welcome. Tuesday, 2 p.m.; Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History, 2559 Puesta Del Sol Road; 964.9494.

Santa Barbara Parrot Head Club A pursuit of various causes under the banner of Jimmy Buffet’s music. Last Thursday of each month, 7:30 p.m.; Sharkey’s, 416 State St.; 963.9680; $25-$40.

Gold Coast Miniaturist, a club for adults interested in making and collecting all things in minature, meets 9:30 a.m. the first Saturday of each month in Goleta. All levels of interest and experience welcome; 968.9418 or 565.0200.

Native Daughters of the Golden West Meets the first and third Tuesdays of each month, 7:30 p.m.; Goleta Valley Community Center, 5679 Hollister Ave.; 563.0519.

Santa Barbara Lodge F&AMasons First Thursday of each month with dinner at 6:30 p.m., meeting at 7:30 p.m. Family dinners the third Thursday of each month at 6: 30 p.m. Masonic Center, 16 E. Carrillo St.; 966.4502.

Parliamo! Italian conversation group. All levels welcome. Tuesdays, 5:30-7 p.m.; Via Maestra Restaurant, 3343 State St.

Le Cercle Français French conversation group. Wednesdays, 5:30-7 p.m.; Pacific Crêpes, 705 Anacapa St.; 897.3810; Free.

Social Rubber Bridge Regulars and part-timers welcome. Tuesdays, 1-4 p.m.; Goleta Community Center Senior Lounge, 5679 Hollister Ave.; 968.6132; 50¢.

The Write Stuff Prepare for peer reviews and share writing practices. Every second and fourth Monday, 7: 30 p.m.; Borders Books, Camino Real Marketplace; 968.1370; Free.

Leads to Business Networking Club Meets Tuesdays, 11:45 a.m.-1:15 p.m. Max’s Restaurant, 3514 State St.; 385.3530 to RSVP.

State Street Ballet’s Nutcracker A glamorous interpretation of Tchaikovsky’s ballet, set in the 1940s. Saturday, 2 and 8 p.m., Sunday, 2 p.m.; Lobero Theatre, 33 E. Canon Perdido St.; 963.0761; $20.50-42.50.

Santa Barbara Festival Ballet Presents a classic version of Tchaikovsky’s ballet, including a fully orchestrated symphony. 2:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. Saturday and 2:30 p.m. Sunday at the Arlington Theatre, 1317 State St.; $15-$38; 963.4408.

Dance-Away Lively variety of music in a smoke- and alcohol-free environment. Fridays, 7:30-10: 30 p.m.; Unitarian Society of Santa Barbara, 1535 Santa Barbara St.; 967.5241; $5 adults/$1 children.

Line Dancing All ages and skill levels welcome, no partner necessary. Mondays, 6:30-7:30 p.m.; Community of Christ Church, 4675 Via Los Santos; 967.7990; $3.

Chasidic Jazz Dance Thursdays, 10-11:30 a.m.; Bronfman Jewish Community Center, 524 Chapala St.; 957.1115; Free.

Contra (Country) Dance All ages and skill levels welcome. Tuesdays, 8-10 p.m., except the last two weeks in Dec.; Carrillo Recreation Center Ballroom, 100 E. Carrillo St.; 969.1511; www.sbcds.org; $3.

Ballroom Dance Enjoy live orchestras. All ages and singles welcome. Saturdays, 8-11 p.m.; 100 E. Carrillo St.; 897.2519; $9.

Square Dancing Santa Barbara Taws ’n’ Paws meets for Plus Level dancing. Wednesday, 7:30 p.m.; St. Mark United Methodist Church, 3942 La Colina Road; 967.3369; $5 donation.

Kids Draw Architecture Open house Friday, 5-7 p.m. and exhibit through Jan. 7, 2004. Architectural Foundation Gallery, 229 E. Victoria St.; 965.6307.

Bryan Dinkins Hand-carved, hand-painted sculptures in bass wood. Through Dec. 30; Cate School Hitchcock Theater, 1960 Cate Mesa Road; 684.4127 or 682.4522.

A Gypsy’s Perspective An original series of photographic collages with pastels. Reception and exhibition Sunday, 1-4 p.m.; Divine Inspiration Gallery of Fine Art, 619 Linden Ave.; 684.1174.

The Art Den Grand Opening exhibit displays work from creative thought to insane results. Saturday, 5 p.m.; The Art Den, 416 Anacapa St. Unit C; 884.4717.

Messengers Anne Luther presents new assemblage works Friday-Jan. 28, 2004, reception Saturday, 3-5 p.m.; Step One Art Gallery, 855 Linden Ave.; 566.2157.

Holiday Art Show Works in various media for $300 or less on exhibit through Jan. 4, reception Sunday, 2-4 p.m.; Faulkner Gallery, Santa Barbara Public Library, 40 E. Anapamu St.; 962.1402; Free to look.

Mystery & Magic Hand tinted photography, paintings, watercolors and collage by locals Jill Sattler and Gene Ingles-Ward. Through Jan. 24; Gallery TEN-TWENTY-NINE, 1029 State St.; 886.0192; Free to look.

Worshiping the Ancestors Chinese commemorative portraits from 1450-1940 and historic furniture, textiles and dress. Through Feb. 15; Santa Barbara Museum of Art, 1130 State St.; 963.4364; $7, additional $5/3 for lecture.

Reflections of the Central Coast Clyde Kirkpatrick presents marine-themed watercolors. Through Jan. 31; Santa Barbara Maritime Museum, 113 Harbor Way; 962.8404 x100 to RSVP for the limited reception.

Fine Lines Drawings from the collection of Wynn Kramarsky through Jan. 11; Contemporary Arts Forum, 653 Paseo Nuevo; 966.5373.

Mosaic Art Local favorite Patti Jacquemain goes to pieces with an ancient art for contemporary times. Through Dec. 28, Mission Creek Studios Art Gallery, 2948 Nojoqui Ave. #2, Los Olivos; 688.8792; Free to look.

At Home and Abroad Californian painters working in Europe demonstrate the influence of foreign travel on the study of the California regional tradition. Through Jan. 25; Santa Barbara Museum of Art, 1130 State St.; 963.4364; $7.

Insights Works that link contemporary American Art with Buddhist philosophy and practice. Through May 16, 2004; University Art Museum, UCSB; 893.2951; Free.

Sally Storch: “Lost and Found” New paintings of familiar moments. What was lost now is found. Through Jan. 6; Sullivan Goss, 1266 Coast Village Road; 730.1460.

Packhorses and Power Figures Sculptures by local artist Peter Cole, marrying African ancestral power with American life and symbols. Through Feb. 3; Sullivan Goss, 7 E. Anapamu St.; 730.1460.

The World of Carl Linnaeus See the work of the man who created the system by which we classify plants and animals. Through Jan. 4; Maximus Gallery, Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History, 2559 Puesta Del Sol Road; 682.4711; $6/5/4.

The Gift Show Get that special person a photograph or book instead of a fruitcake this year. Shows concurrently with selections from Edward Weston. Through Dec. 23; Staton•Greenberg Gallery, 15 W. Anapamu St.; 962.9876; Free to look.

Margethe Mather & Edward Weston An exhibition of the 12-year working relationship between the two influential photographers. Through Jan. 18; Santa Barbara Museum of Art, 1130 State St.; 884.6462; $7.

Working Land A Photographic Portrait of Contemporary Agriculture in Santa Barbara. Through Feb. 27; Channing Peake Gallery, 105 E. Anapamu St.; Free.

Desert Views Paintings and photographs present unique visions of the American West. Through Jan. 9, 5-7:30 p.m.; Fielding Graduate Institute Art Gallery, 2112 Santa Barbara St.; 898.2947; Free to look.

American Perspectives John Abner’s social and political artwork. Through Monday; UCSBMultiCultural Center Lounge; 893.8411; Free.

Community Reflections Artists render the historic Presidio District and Santa Ines Mission. Through Dec. 14; Casa De la Guerra, 11-19 E. De la Guerra St.; 966.1279; $3 admission.

The Bounty Roger Donaldson’s take on the mutiny on the Bounty. Today, 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m.; Santa Barbara Maritime Museum Munger Theater, 113 Harbor Way, Suite 190; 962.8404.

Hula Class No experience necessary. Saturdays, 12:30-1:30 p.m.; Blue Star Rising, 5880 Calle Real; 683.6100.

Compassionate Communication Improve your communication skills and connect more easily with others. Sundays, 4:30-6:30 p.m.; Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital, Room C; 682.7895; Free.

Mahakankala Center Guided Buddhist meditation. Sundays, 10:30 a.m.; 925 E. Quinientos St.; Montecito meetings, Wednesdays, 7:15 p.m.; 1469 East Valley Road; 965.1813; $10 donations requested.

Sit ’n’ Stretch Light exercise for any age. Wednesdays, 12:30 p.m.; Bronfman Jewish Community Center, 524 Chapala St.; 957.1115; Free.

Laughter Helps Cancer Patients Classes are designed for those dealing with the disease and other life-threatening illnesses. Tuesdays, 3-4:15 p.m.; Multipurpose Room, Cancer Center, 2320 Bath St., Suite 107; 563.8820 x13 to register.

People with Arthritis Can Exercise Wednesdays, 11 a.m.-noon, and Fridays, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.; Wellness Resource Center of Santa Barbara; 892.5556.

Fighting Colon Cancer Christine Pickett, M.S., R.D., teaches how to fight cancer through diet. First Wednesday of each month, noon-1 p.m.; Cancer Center of Santa Barbara, 2410 Fletcher St., Suite 104; 569.2243; Free.

Nutrition Class for Diabetes Jeannine Mesipam, R.D., teaches this course. Thursdays, noon; Sansum Medical Research Institute, 2219 Bath St.; Free.

La Leche League of Santa Barbara Breastfeeding information and support for mothers. Second Thursday of each month, 10-11:30 a.m.; Birth Resource Center, 4141 State St.; 961.2205; Free.

Noon Swim Program for Adults Experienced lap swimmers only. Santa Barbara High, 700 E. Anapamu St.; 966.1191; $100 per year.

Power to the Voters Gregory Graves of the UCSBDepartment of History speaks about initiative and recall, and their historical roots. Monday, 7:30-9 p.m.; First Presbyterian Church Fellowship Hall, 21 E. Constance St.; 893.4388 for recommended reservations; $10/8.

American Association of University Women Dr. Peter Brill and David Debin will define the Third Age at the AAUW’s holiday luncheon, Today, 11: 30 a.m.; Montecito Country Club, 920 Summit Road; 563.0633 before Dec. 8 for reservations; $35.

Holiday Nature Craft Workshop Bring the family to make gifts and cards using natural materials. Saturday, 10 a.m.-noon; Santa Barbara Botanic Garden, 1212 Mission Canyon Road; 682.4726 x102; $40 per family up to 4, $9 each additional person.

Art From Scrap gives a workshop on making planes, trains and automobiles. Saturday, 10-11:30 a.m.; Art From Scrap, 302 E. Cota St.; 884.0459; $6.

Prophet: The Hat Maker’s Son Study the life and work of Robert Muller, former Asst. Secretary General of the U.N. Fridays in Dec. and Jan., 12-2 p.m.; Karpeles Manusscript Library Museum, 21 W. Anapamu St.; 957.1936.

Red Cross Workshops CPR for the Professional Rescuer includes 2-person CPR and use of pocket masks. California Child Care goes over adult-infant-child CPR and pediatric first aid. Both classes are Saturday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.; American Red Cross, 2707 State St.; 687.1331; $40-55.

Women In Film Jerry Olson speaks at the next networking breakfast Saturday, 9-11 a.m., check-in at 8:45.; Café Del Sol Restaurant, 30 Los Patos Way; 967.8881 to RSVP; $15/10.

Leads Club Coed Division Drew Wakefield of Morgan Stanley and William H. Jones speak at the next meeting of the networking organization. Wednesday, 12:30 p.m.; University Club, 1332 Santa Barbara St.; 455.2399.

SABER and SBBA Jennifer Selland of Well-Run Concepts and Gary Kravetz of NCCExecutive Search Consultants speak at the SABER breakfast meeting today, 8-10 a.m.; University Club, 1332 Santa Barbara St.; 968.1282; $30/25.

Santa Barbara Republican Assembly holds their Christmas party dinner today, 5:30 p.m.; Elephant Bar and Restaurant, 521 Firestone Road; 682.8752.

Meet-up for Dean Learn about the candidate, local activities and supporters. First Wednesday of each month, 7 p.m.; Franklin Neighborhood Community Center, 1136 E. Montecito St.; 884.1846; Free.

Town Hall Meeting Share ideas promoting peace, politics and good will through community action. First and third Wednesdays, 7-9 p.m.; 1535 Santa Barbara St.; 685.8822.

Veterans For Peace Meetings Mondays to discuss war and films. Social hour, 5-6 p.m., films 6 p.m.; Veterans Memorial Building, 115 W. Cabrillo Blvd.; 564.2698.

IWC Study Group on Sufism Informal study group meets every second and fourth Thursday of each month, 8-9:30 p.m. Currently considering the teachings of Seyyed Hossein Nasr, “the Heart of Islam.” All are welcome. Concord House, 1407 Chapala St.; 967.1055; Free.

Plato Discussion Circle Informal study group meets the last Saturday of each month, 4-6 p.m. Institute of World Culture, Concord House, 1407 Chapala St.; 967.7263 for the current reading assignment; Free.

Mariah Carey The best-selling woman performer of the 1990s spreads some glitter in Santa Barbara. Monday, 8 p.m.; Arlington Theatre, 1317 State St.; 963.4408; $60-100 plus service charges.

Kevopalooza ’03 The Isla Vista music festival includes Bablefish42, Deadbilly’s, Doul Doubt, Blue Room, Cease to Exist and Track Fighter. Saturday, noon-10 p.m.; Anisq’Oyo Park, 950 Embarcadero Del Mar; 968.2017; Free.

Fall Showcase of Contemporary Music Students selected as outstanding by a panel of judges will perform piano pieces written after 1920. Today, 7 p.m.; Music Academy of the West Lehmann Hall, 1070 Fairway Road; 965.5483; $10/5 donations requested at the door.

Dos Pueblos High School Choir Concert Over 100 voices will be raised in the holiday spirit. Friday-Saturday, 7:30 p.m.; Marjorie Luke Theater, 721 E. Cota St.; jbarnett@cox.net; $12/6.

Alma Flamenca Berto y Flamenco Vivo perform a passionate program. Sunday, 2 and 7 p.m.; Center Stage Theatre, 751 Paseo Nuevo; 963.0408; $19-25.

SBAll Star Jam features members of the Animal Liberation Orchestra, Amiaka, Dreamtime Continuum, the Messengers, and the Rebecca Kleinmann Quartet, to benefit Conception Coast Project. Wednesday, 8:30 p.m.; Absinthe Bar, 500 Anacapa St.; 965.5057; call for cover charge.

San Marcos High School Madrigals Come hear the beautiful and seasonal sounds of the school’s most elite singers. Tuesday, 7 p.m.; San Roque Church, 320 Calle Cedro; 967.4581 x357; $10/8/5.

Teka and Rebecca Troon the Brazilian jazz artist and the singer-songwriter perform at the Song Tree Concert Series, Dec. 18, 7:30 p.m.; Live Oak Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 820 N. Fairview Ave.; 403.2639; $15/12.

Beethoven Birthday Celebration The Santa Barbara Music Club presents chamber music in honor of Ludwig Van. Saturday, 3 p.m.; Santa Barbara Public Library Faulkner Gallery, 40 E. Anapamu St.; 683.0811; Free.

Battle of the (Marching) Bands features award-winning field shows of over 20 high school marching bands from all over the state. Saturday, 11 a.m.; Santa Barbara High School Peabody Stadium, 700 E. Anapamu St.; 966.9101 x252; $7.

Pacific Sound Performs its annual holiday show of a cappella choral works of both secular and religious music. Saturday, 2 and 7:30 p.m.; Unitarian Society, 1515 Santa Barbara St.; 800.353.1632; $15/12.

Christmas Cantata The Unity Church choir performs Friday, 7 p.m.; 227 E. Arrellaga St.; 966.2239.

A Canticle Christmas The 50-voice vocal ensemble will awaken the spirit of the season by singing master chorale works from the 16th century to the present. Friday-Saturday, 8:15 p.m. and Sunday, 3 p.m.; San Roque Catholic Church, 3200 Calle Cedro; 566.4646; $18/12.

Tuba Christmas 40 brass players of all ages play traditional carols. Saturday, 12-1 p.m.; Storke Placita, 700 Block of State St.; 962.2098 x23; Free.

Headless Household performs their 14th annual eclectic, multitasking Christmas concert. Monday, 8 p.m.; Center Stage Theatre, 751 Paseo Nuevo; 963.0408; $10/7.

Advent Organ Series Ray W. Urwin performs seasonal pieces Sunday, 3:30-4:30 p.m.; Trinity Episcopal Church, 1500 State St.; 965.7419.

A Celtic Christmas Westmont’s choral groups present their holiday concert Friday and Saturday, 8 p.m.; Trinity Episcopal Church, 1500 State St.; 565.7040; Free, but donations accepted.

Channel City Men’s Barbershop Chorus Immediate openings in all four parts. No audition. Mondays, 7:30 p.m.; Trinity Lutheran Church, 909 N. La Cumbre Road; 682.5005.

Inner Light Community Gospel Choir Invitation to all without auditions. Mondays, 7 p.m.; Goleta Presbyterian Church, 6067 Shirrell Way; 961.2712.

Schmooze Room A community social cafe for seniors. Wednesdays, 2:30 p.m.; Bronfman Jewish Community Center, 524 Chapala St.; 957.1115; Free.

Senior Health Clinic Comprehensive health assessment by a public health nurse.Daily, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; county Public Health Department; 681.2568.

Retired and Senior Volunteer Program Ages 55 and older are encouraged to participate in this invaluable service. 963.0474.

Tai Chi Goleta Valley Senior Center provides fun, healthy events, including this great class to strengthen, stretch and rejuvenate. Mondays, 10:45-11:30 a.m.; 5679 Hollister Ave.; 683.1124; Free.

Light Up a Life Special tree lighting ceremonies to comfort those grieving the loss of loved ones. Saturday, 6 p.m. at Linden Ave. at 8th St.

Celebrate Recovery Christian group to heal people’s pains and hang-ups. Mondays, 6:45-9 p.m.; 924 Anacapa St., Suite 1A; 965.9283.

Post-Polio Support Group Meetings the last Wednesday of each month. 12:30-2 p.m.; Easter Seals, 532 Santa Barbara St.; 899.4557.

Single Living in a Couples World Mondays, noon-1:15 p.m.; Bronfman Jewish Community Center, 524 Chapala St.; 957.1115; $5.

Life After Loss Meetings Mondays, 1-2:15 p.m.; Bronfman Jewish Community Center, 524 Chapala St.; 957.1115; $5.

Current Events Rap Group Meetings Tuesdays, 10-11:15 a.m.; Bronfman Jewish Community Center, 524 Chapala St.; 957.1115.

Anorexic and Bulimic 12-Step Meeting Help for the eating disordered. Mondays, 6:30 p.m.; St. Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church, Picasso Road and Camino Pescadero, Isla Vista; 692.9940 or 692.9942; Free.

Autism Society of America Fourth Wednesday of month, 7-8:30 p.m.; First United Methodist Church, 305 E. Anapamu St.; 569.1091.

Diabetes Support Group First Friday of each month, noon; Sansum Medical Research Institute, 2219 Bath St.; 682.7638; Free.

Caregivers Support Group Meetings every second and fourth Tuesday of each month, 4-5:30 p.m.; Visiting Nurse and Hospice Care building, 222 E. Canon Perdido; 963.6794.

Free Legal Aid Legal outreach for those finding the law out of their reach. Monday-Thursday, 9: 30 a.m.-noon and 1-4 p.m.; 301 E. Canon Perdido; 963.6754; Free to needy residents and senior citizens.

Epilepsy Support Group Meetings Fridays, 7 p.m.; 967.4370.

John Muir’s Winter Tales Master actor and storyteller Lee Stetson portrays naturalist John Muir, the father of Sequoia and Yosemite National parks. Saturday, 3:30-6 p.m.; Victoria Hall, 33 W. Victoria St.; 964.4212; $12/8.

The Big Story A children’s holiday program by Doris Miller. Sunday, 6 p.m.; 550 Cambridge Drive Baptist Church; 964.0436.

The Country Club Ensemble Theatre Company presents Douglas Carter Beane’s social satire about holidays amongst the privileged. Tuesdays-Saturdays through Jan. 4, 8 p.m. and Sundays, 2 and 7 p.m.; Alhecama Theatre, 914 Santa Barbara St.; 962.8606; $24.50-34.50.

Baby with the Bathwater SBCC Theatre Group presents a dark comedy about parenthood by satirist Christopher Durang. Tuesday-Saturday, 8 p.m.; SBCCJurkowitz Theater; 965.5935; $10/8/5.

Canticle Benefit Concert celebrates the season and the release of their fourth album, O Wondrous Mystery. Dec. 20, 6 p.m.; Trinity Episcopal Church, 1500 State St.; 566.4646; $50.

Hanukkah Concert featuring the Stein Family Band performing Jewish songs and Hanukkah favorites. Dec. 21, 4 p.m.; Congregation B’nai B’rith, 1000 San Antonio Creek Road; 964.7869; Free.

Not Your Bubbe’s Chanukah Party Enjoy latkes, candles, a vegetarian potluck and fun on the second night. Bring your menorah and dreidls if you’d like. Dec. 20, 6:30 p.m.; 681.1334 for directions and to RSVP by Dec. 19.