FRI., NOV. 17

The Final Frontier "Star Clusters" Trail to the Stars. Explore largest objects in the known universe from the comfort of a neighborhood park. Upper Las Virgenes Open Space Preserve. 7 to 9 p.m. Meet at Victory trailhead (Victory Boulevard, west of Valley Circle Boulevard). Bring water, jacket, flashlight covered in red cellophane. For all ages. Free, $1 for parking. (310) 454-1395, ext. 153, www.LAmountains.com.

Outer Space Ventura County Astronomical Society hosts Dr. Marc Rayman from JPL, 7:30 p.m., Vista Elementary School, 2175 Wisteria, Simi Valley. Rayman speaks on NASA's Deep Space 1 and Dawn missions. (805) 520-9666.

Artistic Survivor Bruce Kanegai (high school art teacher, karate instructor, TV "Survivor") demonstrates the art of "perspective" 7:30 to 9:30 p.m., Simi Valley Library, 2969 Tapo Canyon Road. Sponsored by Simi Valley Art Association. $5 donation. Anne Cannata, (805) 526-6215 or Edith Wells, (805) 526-3012.

Kids' Concert Conejo Valley Children's Concert Series presents Norman Foote and his songs, props, zany humor and wordplay, 9:30 and 11 a.m., 6:30 p.m., Scherr Forum Theatre, Countrywide Performing Arts Center, 2100 Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks. $7, $10. All tickets by mail. (805) 388-3021.

Gingerbread Houses Westlake Junior Women's Club hosts 25th annual Gingerbread Fundraising Boutique today, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and tomorrow, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., St. Maximilian Church, 5801 Kanan Road, Westlake Village. 35 vendors show handmade wares and baked goods, desserts for sale. Also, silent auction for Gingerbread House Competition items. Event proceeds go to many local charities. Leisa Schwartz, (818) 865-0401.

SAT., NOV. 18

Flea Market Angels in Agoura inaugural Flea Market, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Agoura High School's teacher parking lot. Shopping, baked goods for sale. All proceeds to Casa Pacifica home for abused and neglected children. (818) 408-9038.

Ballroom Dancing Thousand Oaks Dance Club meets in ballroom, Goebel Senior Center, 1385 E. Janss Road, Thousand Oaks. Doors open 7 p.m., dancing 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. Music by The Starlighters. $5 members, $7 nonmembers. Singles, couples welcomed. Light refreshments. (805) 381-2744.

Eye On The Birdie Birding field trip at Ahmanson Ranch with Conejo Valley Audubon Society. Leave Rancho ParkandRide 8 a.m. or north end of Kanan Road, 8:30 a.m. Bring water, jacket. See sparrows, hawks, oak titmouse, warblers, woodpeckers, more. Dee Lyon, (805) 499-2165.

Oaks Chamber Singers Oaks Chamber Singers with Royal Oaks Festival Orchestra presents Requiem by John Rutter, German arts songs by Louis Spohr, Korean boat songs and arias. 8:15 p.m., St. Paschal Baylon Church, 155 E. Janss Road, Thousand Oaks. $20, $16. (805) 499-1913.

We Love Computers See Microsoft's newest operating system, Vista, at Channel Islands PC User Group general computer club meeting, 8:30 to 11:30 a.m., Boys & Girls Club of Camarillo, 1500 Temple Ave. Meeting is open to the public, free. www.cipcug.org.

Funds For Children AlmaVia of Camarillo hosts fifth annual holiday boutique, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., 2500 Ponderosa Drive North. Handmade crafts, gift items, homemade jams, baked goods. Proceeds benefit children at Casa Pacifica crisis and treatment center. (805) 388-5277.

Learn About Avians Mountains Restorations Trust hosts November Youth Naturalist Program, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Headwaters Corner, 23075 Mulholland Hwy., Calabasas. Children ages 8 to 12 examine bird pellets, bird bones and feathers through microscopes. Guest speaker brings live birds for observation. View birds with binoculars. Pre-registration required. Fee $15. Susan Haugland, (818) 591-1701, ext. 181.

Support Missions Mission Council of Emmanuel Church hosts annual Christmas Mission market 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., 588 Camino Manzanas, Thousand Oaks. For sale: luncheon items and handcrafted goods from natives of developing countries. Youth Ministries also provide children's activities, car wash, bake sale to finance mission trip. (805) 4984502.

Creativity

Unleased Studio Channel Islands Art Center presents seventh annual Juried Membership Exhibition, "Outside the Box." Opening reception 4 to 6 p.m., CSUCI campus, building 18, Ventura Street, Camarillo. (805) 383-1368.

Gifts For Sale Conejo Valley Mom's Club and Out-back's fifth annual Holiday Boutique, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.,1040 Even-star, Westlp.m.,1040 Evenstar, Westlake Village. Unique gifts, raffle, bake sale. (805) 375-1064.

Bibliophiles Friends of the Calabasas Library hosts quarterly book sale, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., 23975 Park Sorrento. Adult fiction, nonfiction, children's books, audio books, movies at $2 and less. (818) 225-7616.

Swing Your Partner Ripsnorter Square Dance Club hosts plus level square dance with A-1 tip. 7 p.m. rounds, 8 p.m. squares. Camarillo Community Center, 1605 E. Burnley St. $6 donation. Ed and Beth, (805) 482-3201.

Learn About Wildlife Biologist Richard Posey lectures on recreation in California's National Wildlife Refuges and Condor Recovery Program, 2 p.m., National Park Service Visitor Center, 401 W. Hillcrest Drive, Thousand Oaks. Free. (805) 370-2301.

New Homes For Pets Petstop Rescue fundraiser garage sale, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., 3004 Kilaine, Simi Valley. All proceeds help abused pets find new homes. Denise Esswein, (805) 526-4472.

SUN., NOV. 19

Cities' Concert Community concert and jazz band performs music from Mozart and movies, 5 p.m., Willow Elementary School, Agoura Hills. Sponsored by city of Agoura Hills Department of Community Services, Las Virgenes Unified School District, city of Westlake Village. (818) 597-7361.

Hanukkah Boutique Congregation B'nai Emet hosts annual Hanukkah Boutique, 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., 4645 Industrial St., No. 2C, Simi Valley. For sale: gifts, jewelry, books, toys, clothing, food, housewares, art work, Judaica items. Meridith, (805) 581-3723.

Run Dog Run Second Annual Rabid Dog Run. 5K, one-mile Fun Run and Walk, Tierra Rejada Farms, Moorpark. All proceeds benefit Deirdre Malafronte Foundation (scholarships to children who have lost a parent). Children's activities, raffle, prizes to racers. January Ornellas, (805) 5539520. www.active.com.

MON., NOV. 20

Gal's Night Out Moorpark Women's Fortnightly Club hosts evening meeting, Gal's Night Out, 7 p.m., at home of Suzy Lesiak. Several vendors will show gift items for holiday shopping. Lesiak, (805) 530-1577.

WED., NOV. 22

Holiday Feast Rotary Club of Simi Sunrise, Council on Aging host 16th annual Thanksgiving dinner for seniors and homeless, 5 to 8 p.m., Simi Valley Senior Citizens Center, 3900 Avenida Simi. Music, entertainment by Simi High School. Free tickets for scheduled seating times at Senior Citizens Center. Transportion from Dial-a-Ride, (805) 583-6464. Information, (805) 583-6363 or event chair Ray Meyerson, (805) 526-1202.

SAT., NOV. 25

Time To Dance Buckles and Bows Square Dance Club hosts plus level dance, 7:30 to 10:30 p.m., Borchard Community Center, 190 Reino Road, Newbury Park. Jay Henderson is guest caller. $6 donation. (805) 499-2920.

SUN., NOV. 26

For The Birds Bird fielding trip to Lake Piru, Fillmore Fish Hatcheries. Leave Janss Park and Ride, 8 a.m. Bring water, jacket. See ospreys, herons, egrets, bald eagles, more. Sponsored by Conejo Valley Audubon Society. Tom Halpin, (805) 746-4598.

TUES., NOV. 28

Sing Around Campfire Naturalist leads "Nighttime Tricks to Find Treats" Campfire Program. Lasky Mesa in Upper Las Virgenes Open Space Preserve. Meet 7 p.m., Crummer Canyon Road off Mureau Road just inside gate, caravan up to Lasky Mesa. Stories, songs, marshmallows. Bring stories, songs, picnic dinner. Free. Reservations requested. (310) 454-1395, Ext. 153. www.LAmountains.com.

THURS., NOV. 30

Songs About Santa Westlake High School Choir presents holiday concert, "Santa Unplugged," school theatre, 100 N. Lakeview Canyon Road. Today through Saturday, 7:30 to 9:30 p.m., and also 1 to 3 p.m. Dec. 2. $7, all seats reserved. (805) 4976711, ext. 2111.

The Play's The Thing Moorpark High School presents play, "A Gap in Generations" by Jerry Blunt, performed in commedia del arte-style. 7 p.m. today, 7:30 p.m. tomorrow, 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday. Performing Arts Center, 4500 N. Tierra Rejeda Road. SRobertson@mrpk.k12.ca.us.

FRI., DEC. 1

Great Bargains Senior Concerns hosts Bargain Boutique and Thrift Shop, Human Services building, 80 E. Hillcrest Drive, Thousand Oaks. Preview today, 4 to 8 p.m., with champagne, appetizers, entertainment. $10. Regular boutique tomorrow, 11 am. to 4 p.m., free admission. Holiday decorations, grab bags, baked goods, collectibles, household items, clothing. (805) 497-0189.

Get In Shape Gail Holloway, personal fitness consultant, leads outdoor fitness and exercise walk, rain or shine, 9:30 to 11 a.m., Soka University of America, 26800 W. Mulholland Hwy., Calabasas. Free, open to public. Moderate hike, 60-minute exercise session. Bring bottled water. RSVP (818) 878-3741.

Handel and Mozart Los Robles Master Chorale, Moorpark Symphony Orchestra present Handel's Messiah (Christmas portion) and Mozart's Requiem today and tomorrow, 8 p.m. and Sunday, 4 p.m. Main Stage, Moorpark College Performing Arts Center. Tickets $5 to $18. (805) 3781485.

SAT., DEC. 2

Chumash Culture Redbird hosts annual Toy Drive, Chumash Cultural Day, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Oakbrook Park Chumash Interpretive Center, 3290 Lang Ranch Parkway, Thousand Oaks. No admission fee but new, unwrapped toys and school supplies requested for Native American children. Cultural demonstrations, hiking, refreshments, Chumash Earth Singers/ Sons of the Tomal drum. Families welcome but leave dogs at home. (805) 217-0364.

Winter in Moorpark City of Moorpark hosts Moorpark Hometown Holiday, 1 to 5 p.m., Arroyo Vista Community Park. Winter Wonderland with 20 tons of snow, tot lot. Santa's craft workshop, food court, live entertainment by community groups, photo ops with Santa Claus, lighting of the city Christmas tree. $5 per child, parents free. (805) 517-6300.

SUN., DEC. 3

Let's Have Flapjacks YMCA, Y's Men Club host 41st annual Conejo Valley YMCA Pancake Breakfast, 8 a.m. to noon, YMCA, 4031 N. Moorpark Road, Thousand Oaks. Pancakes, sausage, orange juice, coffee. $4 at door. Proceeds benefit Y Indian programs and Y Men's Club. (805) 523-7613.

Holiday Homes Meadowlark Service League in Camarillo hosts 28th annual Holiday Home Tour fundraiser, 1 to 5 p.m. See four homes decorated for holidays. Complimentary refreshments. $25 in advance, $30 at the door. Proceeds to local charities.Vicky Berman, (805) 3885436.

Tree Lighting Hospice of the Conejo hosts second annual community tree lighting for 2006 Tree of Life, 5 p.m., Gardens of the World, 2001 Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks. Choir, singers, harpists. Refreshments served. Bring lawn chairs, blankets. Free. (805) 495-2145.

Sisterhood Boutique Temple Adat Elohim Sisterhood hosts fourth annual Holiday Boutique, 2420 E. Hillcrest Drive, Thousand Oaks. 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. today, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. tomorrow. Women's and children's fashions, books, toys, jewelry, accessories, Hanukkah-related gifts. Refreshments, raffle. Admission and parking free. Net proceeds to fund community charity efforts. (805) 497-7101.

MON., DEC. 4

Revolutionary Conejo Valley Chapter National Society Daughters of the American Revolution meets 11:30 a.m., garden room, Plug Nickel Restaurant, 717 Lakefield Road, Ste. 1, West-lake Village. Anne Lampman, California State Regent, presents program "Christmas customs from the American revolution." $23.50. Carol Satterthwaite, (805) 532-1148.

Bird Book Joan Lentz gives slide presentation on her new book, "Introduction to Birds of the Southern California Coast" at Conejo Valley Audubon Society meeting, 7:30 p.m., Western Foundation of Vertebrate Zoology, 439 Calle San Pablo, Camarillo. (805) 987-2721 or www.ConejoValley Audubon.org.

TUES., DEC. 5

Unplugged Acoustic Music Club/Songmakers meet for pizza and music, 6:30 to 10 p.m., Camarillo Round Table Pizza, 880 Arneill Road near Ponderosa. For beginner, expert musicians and music lovers. TJ Zeiler, (805) 482-0029.

Food For Thought The Language and Philosophy of Peace discussion group hosts John Suarez, MD, speaking on "Intelligent Design, Evolution and Peace." 7:30 to 8:45 p.m., Simi Valley Library community room, 2969 Tapo Canyon Road. Free. Q&A follows 25-minute talk. Chris or Nancy Redgate, (805) 583-8018.

WED., DEC. 6

Needlepoint Channel Islands Chapter The Embroiderer's Guild of America meets 9:30 am, Camarillo United Methodist Church, 291 Anacapa Drive. Program: Christmas ornament exchange. Beginners welcome. (805) 498-5956.

THURS., DEC. 7

Hobbyists With Heart Conejo Valley Woodworkers Association meets 7 p.m., Redwood Middle School, 233 W. Gainsborough Road, Thousand Oaks. Members make, donate wooden toys to Interface Children Family Service for underpriviledged children. (805) 492-2968, www.cvwa.org.

FRI., DEC. 8

Kid Fun City of Agoura Hills Department of Community Services hosts Kid's Night Out for ages 5 to 11, 6 to 10 p.m., Agoura Hills Recreation Center, 30610 Thousand Oaks Blvd. Supervision by experienced recreation leaders. Pizza, movie, craft, games. $20 one child, or $40 two or more children from same family. RSVP by Dec. 7. (818) 597-7361

Harmonies of Hope Village Voice Chorale presents winter holiday concert, "Hamonies of Hope," 8 p.m. today, 2:30 p.m. tomorrow, Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza Scherr Forum Theatre. Christmas songs from around the world. $18. Village Voices (805) 379-5913, Civic Arts Plaza box office (805) 4492787, Ticketmaster (805) 583-8700.

SUN., DEC. 10

Christmas Music Camarillo Community Band plays annual Christmas Concert, 3 p.m., Camarillo Community Center auditorium, 1605 Burnley St. Julie Judd, band director at Chaparral Middle School in Moorpark, guest director. Appearance by Santa Claus. (805) 484-8050.