PROGRAM REGISTRATION: After you have your room assignment, come over to the Road Scholar table to register with the program staff and pick up your arrival packet which we'll review during our orientation session before dinner.
ORIENTATION: Begins before dinner. We'll have an overview of the program ahead and review the up-to-date schedule, responsibilities, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, any other administrative issues, and answer your questions. Please be aware that instructor availability and local circumstances may require adjusting program elements. In the event of changes, we will notify you as quickly as possible. We appreciate your understanding.Dinner: Dinner at hotel. Menus are contracted for the program and are designed to offer balanced, healthy meals for the participants.Evening: CROSSING POINTS: Participants introduce themselves to the rest of the group.
Enjoy the remainder of the evening getting to know your fellow participants and discovering what you share beyond a love of lifelong learning.Lodging: Crowne Plaza Ventura BeachMeals Included: Dinner
Shelly Cohen, former assistant conductor with Johnny Carson, will conduct a journey back in time to the Swinging Sounds of the Big Bands, a musical era which reached its peak from 1935-1946. Not only will you hear the stories behind the music but, most of all, you will listen to some of the most toe-tapping music you’ll ever experience.Morning: CLASS: The Modern American Presidency
Dr. John Pendleton will examine the role of the US Presidents as national symbols, political leaders, and economic pace-setters. He will focus on elections from 1960-2012 and presidents who served during other critical historical periods.Lunch: Lunch at hotelAfternoon: CLASS: “The Search for Signs of Intelligent Life in the Universe”: Backstage at the Rubicon Theater
You will learn about the elements of play production and what’s happening in American theater from Brian McDonald, the Rubicon Theater’s Education Director, and others throughout the week. Their focus will be on Jane Wagner’s comedy/satire masterpiece, “The Search for Signs of Intelligent Life in the Universe” made famous by her collaborator, comedic actress Lily Tomlin.Dinner: Dinner at hotelEvening: CLASS: History of Ventura
People have lived along this stretch of the California coast for at least ten thousand years. San Buenaventura, the ninth of the California missions, was founded in 1782 by Father Junipero Serra. He named it after the Italian St. Bonaventure, hence the nickname Ventura, which means "city of good fortune."
The City of San Buenaventura was incorporated in 1866. Ventura became the County seat when Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties split in 1873. That same year a courthouse and wharf were built, a bank was opened, and the first public library was created.
An oil strike in 1914 fueled rapid growth. In the years following World War II, farmland gave way to outward suburban development. Ventura has matured into a seaside community known for its scenic coastline and hillsides and rich culture.Lodging: Crowne Plaza Ventura BeachMeals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Shelly Cohen, former assistant conductor with Johnny Carson, will continue his musical journey back in time to the swinging, feel-good sounds of the Big Band era. Not only will you hear the stories behind the music but, most of all, you will listen to some of the most toe-tapping music you’ll ever experience.Morning: The Modern American Presidency
Dr. Pendleton will continue his presentation of the role of the US Presidents as national symbols, political leaders, and economic pace-setters. He will focus on elections from 1960-2012 and presidents who served during other critical historical periods.Lunch: Lunch at hotelAfternoon: CLASS: “The Search for Signs of Intelligent Life in the Universe”: Backstage at the Rubicon Theater
In this continuing series of lectures, you will learn more about the elements of play production and Jane Wagner's satiric comedy, "The Search for Signs of Intelligent Life in the Universe” from Brian McDonald and members of the Rubicon Theater staff.Dinner: Dinner at hotelEvening: PERFORMANCE: Theater Sports: A group of improvisational actorsLodging: Crowne Plaza Ventura BeachMeals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Dr. Pendleton will continue his presentation of the role of the US Presidents as national symbols, political leaders, and economic pace-setters. He will focus on elections from 1960-2012 and presidents who served during other critical historical periods.Morning: CLASS: The Big Bands Revisited
Shelly Cohen, former assistant conductor with Johnny Carson, will continue his musical journey back in time to the swinging, feel-good sounds of the Big Band era. Not only will you hear the stories behind the music but, most of all, you will listen to some of the most toe-tapping music you’ll ever experience.Lunch: Lunch at hotelAfternoon: Free Afternoon to explore Ventura on your own.
Suggest a visit to the Museum of Ventura County which celebrates, preserves and interprets the art, history and culture of Ventura County, the California Channel Islands and the surrounding region, OR visit San Buenaventura Mission, OR walk along the ocean promenade.Dinner: Dinner at hotelEvening: FIELD TRIP: Attend a performance of “The Search for Signs of Intelligent Life in the Universe” at the Rubicon Theater in Ventura. Enjoy a Talk Back session with the solo actor and crew following the performance.Lodging: Crowne Plaza Ventura BeachMeals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Dr. Pendleton will complete his series of lectures about the role of the US Presidents as national symbols, political leaders, and economic pace-setters. He will focus on elections from 1960-2012 and presidents who served during other critical historical periods.Lunch: Lunch at hotelAfternoon: CLASS: “The Search for Signs of Intelligent Life in the Universe”: Backstage at the Rubicon Theater
Engage in a wrap-up session of your theater experience at the performance of "The Search for Signs of Intelligent Life in the Universe”.Dinner: Dinner at hotelEvening: Free EveningLodging: Crowne Plaza Ventura BeachMeals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Join Shelly Cohen, bandleader extraordinaire, for a final session exploring the musical greats and fabulous sounds of the Swinging Big Band Era.
HOTEL CHECK OUT: This concludes the program. We hope you have enjoyed this 3-course program and will join us for other rewarding adventure in the future. Best wishes for all your journeys!Meals Included: Breakfast
Ventura, CA 93001
(805) 653-0323
One of the museum's permanent exhibits explores the community's past from the Chumash era through the 21st century. It consists of a fascinating collection of artifacts and displays focusing on Native Americans, Spanish and Mexican pioneers, and European and Yankee settlers. Especially notable are the George Stuart Historical figures, which are intricately carved figures from history that are dressed in elaborate period costume.For additional information, visit: www.venturamuseum.org
(805) 648-2075 or (800) 333-2989
Ventura offers a variety of recreational opportunities such as beach walks, biking and hiking trails, bird watching, camping, golf, sport fishing, water activities and whale watching. The Crowne Plaza Hotel is situated next to the beach and an oceanside boardwalk that stretches for many miles. Some trail heads are within walking distance of the hotel For additional information, visit: www.ventura-usa.com