The Morro Bay Art Center Gallery, 835 Main St., will present, “For the Birds,” an art show running from Jan. 14-Feb. 22. A free artists’ reception is set for 2-4 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 17.
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New Year—New Storytime. Story Time at the Grover Beach Community Library, 240 N. 9th St., Grover Beach, will now be held every Monday at 10:30 a.m. Children of all ages are welcome for some stories, songs and surprises in English and Spanish.
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The Central Coast Women for Fisheries is again having an enchilada fundraiser, featuring enchiladas made with West Coast caught albacore tuna in red or green sauce. Cost is $10 for a tray of four. Red sauce is flour tortillas and green is corn. To order call Jackie at 772-8281 or Sharon at 674-4854. Order early, supplies limited. Pick up date is 1-5 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 6 at the Morro Bay Community Center, 1001 Kennedy Way. See: www.womenforfisheries.org for more information on the non-profit group.
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The Hollister Institute will host a free public discussion of the book, “Things Hidden: Scripture as Spirituality,” at 10 a.m. Thursdays, Jan. 14 through March 17 at St. Benedict’s Church, 2220 Snowy Egret Ln., Los Osos. The book’s author, Franciscan priest Richard Rohr, is the founder of the Center for Action and Contemplation in Albuquerque, N.M. He is also the author of “Falling Upward: Spirituality for the Two Halves of Life” and “The Naked Now: Learning to See as the Mystics See,” among others. “The development of consciousness is a gradual, lifelong process; it’s not typically a straightforward journey,” Rohr said. “We may catch a glimpse of Divine Reality, but often it’s too much for our small self, and so we recoil until great love, suffering, or contemplative practice help us surrender a bit more.” Email to: [email protected] to register for this discussion group. To receive notifications for future events, see: https://faithmatters.us.
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Camp Fire is celebrating its 80th year on the Central Coast, and they want to connect with people and hear their story and how Camp Fire has impacted their life. Call them at 805-773-5126 or visit their alumni page at the new website www.campfirecentralcoast.org.
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Take part in the 2016 San Luis Obispo County Library’s Adult Winter Reading Program, “Hot Reads for Cold Nights — Get Cozy with your Community Edition.” Complete eight challenges and receive prizes and surprises. The fun starts on Jan. 15 and ends on April 15. This program is part of the County Library’s promotion, “Discover Community @ the Library.” Countywide programming will feature community resources and highlight some of the notable and unique aspects of the Central Coast. For more information see: www.slolibrary.org and view the Event Calendar on the home page or contact your local library.
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Literacy for Life has an ongoing and urgent need for volunteer tutors throughout SLO County. To volunteer, see the website at: www.literacyforlifeslo.org for more information. Training sessions are 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 30 and Saturday, Feb. 6 at the SLO City/County Library, 995 Palm St., corner of Osos. Cost is $25 materials fee. Call 541-4219 for information and to sign up.
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The San Luis Obispo County Genealogical Society is sponsoring its 30th all-day seminar, entitled, “Genealogy Quest: How to Grow Your Family Tree,” from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, March 5 at the Odd Fellows Hall, 520 Dana St., SLO. Nationally known speaker, J. Mark Lowe, will be featured, plus professional genealogist, Cafi Cohen. Attendees will learn how to use the best genealogy sources online, and using land and marriage records to expand their family trees. For cost and to make reservations, see: https://slocgs.org or call 466-3997 with questions.
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Cuesta College and the Community Foundation San Luis Obispo County Women’s Legacy Fund are taking nominations now for the 39th Annual Women of Distinction Awards, which celebrates March as Women’s History Month and recognizes “the contributions women have made in the areas of volunteering in the community, their profession and in philanthropy.” The four award categories are: Community and Public Service Award — Professional; Community and Public Service Award — Volunteer; Progress for Women Award; and the Grace N. Mitchell Lifetime Achievement Award. The award ceremony will be held from 4-6 p.m. Thursday, March 17 in Rm. 5401 (Bldg. 5400) at Cuesta’s Hwy 1 campus. The deadline to submit nominations is Sunday, Jan. 31. For more information on the awards and nomination instructions, see: www.wlfslo.org.
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After four solid years of dry winters, the ocean phenomenon, El Niño, has returned and is being predicted to make this a hard, wet winter indeed. In the interest of public service and safety, Caltrans and the Highway Patrol have produced an online video with tips on how to be safe on the roadways. The “Be Storm Ready” public service announcement is posted online at: www.youtube.com/watch?v=yTBIBUumQTk&feature=youtu.be.
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St. Benedict’s Church in Los Osos is looking for volunteers to stock, sort or cashier at its Abundance Shop thrift store. Experience with handling cash and donations for non-profits is preferred. Shifts range from a minimum 3 hours a week and a committed day/timeframe, Tuesdays-Saturdays between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Contact Shop Manager, Francis Rivinius, for an appointment at the Abundance Shop, 2190 9th St.
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Lifelong Learners of the Central Coast, a local non-profit organization that presents various classes held in different venues throughout the year, has some upcoming classes with registration being taken now. Most courses cost $5 each session for members or $10 each for non-members. Upcoming classes include: “Darwin’s Revolution and Its Impact, Part 1,” 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesdays, Jan. 13, 20 and 27 at KCBX in San Luis (Part 2 begins in March); “The Meiji Revolution in 19th Century Japan,” 1-3 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 19 at the SLO Adult School Rm. B3; “Great Discussions 2016- World’s Great Religions,” 10-noon Thursdays, Jan. 21 (and dates in February and March TBA) at Congregation Beth David in SLO; “The Amateur Philosopher Rides Again,” 10-noon Thursday, Feb. 4 at the SLO Adult School Room B3; “Shake, Rattle and Roll-Earthquake Hazards on the Central Coast” 1-3 p.m. Friday, Feb. 5 at the United Methodist Church in Atascadero; “A Day with Beethoven, Ravel & Tian,” 9-10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 6 at the SLO Library and the dress rehearsal at 1-3:30 p.m. at the Performing Arts Center at Cal Poly; “Demystifying Your Home Computer,” 10-noon Tuesday, Feb. 9 at KCBX in SLO; “Masterworks of American Painting-Part 3,” 10-noon Thursdays, Feb. 11, 18, and 25 at the SLO Adult School; and “1905-Einstein’s Amazing Year,” 1-3 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 16 at the SLO Adult School. Register through Brown Paper Tickets or go to: lifelearnerscc.org for more information and membership.
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SLO Hotline is looking for volunteers to answer a mental health support, crisis and suicide prevention line, staffed 24/7. The next volunteer training is scheduled to start in late January. Volunteer resource and support specialists are trained to staff the County’s only 24-hour crisis line that can be reached at (800) 783-0607. Training involves eight classes and additional mentoring. Hotline volunteers are asked to commit to a minimum of 16 hours a month for one year. Volunteers work in the office as well as man the phone lines on scheduled shifts with supervision for the first three months. “SLO Hotline Volunteers form the core of this service,” said program coordinator Mike Bossenberry. “Ranging in age from 18 to 80, they bring a diversity of experience and skills, and share a common interest in helping others.” For more information, email Bossenberry at: [email protected] or call 540-6541.
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The Estero Bay Republican Women’s Federated, whose members encompass Los Osos, Morro Bay and Cayucos, will have its next monthly luncheon at 11:30 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 21 at the Morro Bay Golf Course Clubhouse. Speaker will be Randall Jordan currently chairman of TPCC which works to renew conservative values to the California Republican Party. Lunch is $22. The Republican Women’s Club promotes a Republican political platform. For membership information call 772-3874 or email Joanne at: [email protected].
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After a successful first year in existence, the Friends of the Morro Bay Harbor Department is turning its sights on 2016. The Friends group, a non-profit organization that raises money to assist the Harbor Department in buying needed equipment, is holding a scoping meeting at 6 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 21 at the Morro Bay Yacht Club, 541 Embarcadero. The group is coming off an active first year, having participated in several public education events, launching a website and a very successful Drive-in Movie fundraiser at Morro Rock, held in November. The meeting will help plan future fundraisers and events for 2016. Call Becka Kelly at 772-6254 for more information.
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The fine art photography of Ronnie Goyette is on display in a new show entitled, “Wings,” with winged creatures — from birds to butterflies — in striking poses and brilliant colors, and in honor of the Winter Bird Festival, at the Seven Sisters Gallery, 601 Embarcadero, Morro Bay (in Marina Square). The show runs through March 8. “Our county has the largest number of over wintering monarchs in North America and besides being a local attraction, raising them and growing milkweed are a passion of mine,” said Goyette.
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Hundreds of scholarships are available for Cuesta College’s 2016-17 academic year and the application period is open now through March 2 for most scholarship programs. Among the scholarships is the Promise Scholarships, which pays the first year’s tuition for new Cuesta students who graduated from a SLO County high school. Students can apply for the Promise Scholarship up until Aug. 1, however, they will no longer be eligible for the 2016-17 general scholarships after March 2. To apply for both the general scholarships and Promise Scholarship, see: httpss://cuesta.academicworks.com/users/sign_in.
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The San Luis Outdoor Painters for the Environment or S.L.O.P.E. is kicking off a celebration of Montaña de Oro State Park’s 50th Anniversary with a special art show and benefit sale of original works, “dedicated to the park’s enduring beauty,” reads a news release from the group. Featured are more than 30 artists using various mediums, and limited edition fine art prints on sale with a portion of the proceeds benefiting Central Coast State Parks Association and Montaña de Oro State Park. An opening reception and chance to meet the artists is set for 5-7:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 4 at the Museum of Natural History in Morro Bay State Park, 20 State Park Rd., Morro Bay. The museum will also host the exhibit and manage sales through the end of February. Also at the Museum, at 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 21 is a special event, “Panel at the Park: Crossroads of Central Coast’s Art, Nature & Commerce,” moderated by ARTS Obispo’s Executive Director, Angela Tahti. RSVP to (805) 544-9241. 
The museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. See: www.ccspa.info/morrobay for more information. For information about S.L.O.P.E., see: www.slope-painters.com. ••• The Central Coast Watercolor Society’s next monthly program is set for 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 26 at the SLO United Methodist Church, 1515 Fredericks St. The program will be a demonstration by California artist, Chris Van Winkle — a juror for the Aquarius 2016 Watermedia Pacific Regional Exhibition, will demonstrate his techniques at 7 p.m. Free and open to the public. Call (805) 439-0295.
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The San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden will have a special event in January for children. The garden is located at 3450 Dairy Creek Rd., off Hwy 1 across from Cuesta College. The event is a “children’s book crafting and nature observation” class, from 1-2:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 23. Join children’s author and fabric artist, Beryl Reichenberg, in the Garden’s Children’s Garden and be guided through the process of altering books to create fun and unique projects to take home, and later participate in an acorn planting. Bring your creativity and enthusiasm. Free. ••• The San Luis Blues, semi-pro baseball team, will toss out its first pitch for the 2016 season in May, and the schedule includes fireworks shows and a big home stand this summer. The Blues, who play in SLO’s Sinsheimer Stadium, open the season with a 7-game home stand May 27 vs. the Santa Maria Packers. The Blues will be chasing their third league title in the past six years. General Manager Adam Stowe said, “We’re chomping at the bit and can’t wait for another great season of Blues Baseball. We’ll face one of the most challenging summer collegiate schedules in the country.” Second year head coach Jamie Clark has put together a great roster, which is college players from across the country, and the Blues will have 34 home games this season. Normal tickets are $5 a game and season ticket plans, as well as mini plans and group rates are available. Get tickets at the Blues’ office, 3442 Empresa Dr., Ste. B, SLO.
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The Special Heroes Amateur Softball Association, a local organization that raises money for special needs community members for sports programs, will host the 5th Annual Golf Special Heroes Event, from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Jan. 23 at Laguna Lake Golf Course in San Luis Obispo. The event is free for special needs people who will enjoy a fun day of golf and three competitions. Registration starts at 9 a.m. The Greater Pismo Beach Kiwanis Club donating a free lunch for participants that day. Additionally, local members of the California Highway Patrol will be on hand to meet with the participants to also help make it a fun and exciting day. Local community members and businesses that would like to help sponsor the event to help Special Heroes raise funds for their programs, can contact event organizer Peggy Hoobery at (805) 489-4910. All funds raised by sponsors will be used to hold other free sporting events for the special needs participants of the Special Heroes program.