Editor’s Note: A Season to Smile

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Photo by Andrea Lehman

Beatrice Wood loved chocolate.

The renowned artist, who resided in Ojai for much of her life and lived to be 105, rather famously attributed her longevity to “art, books, chocolate and young men.”

I think she would have approved of her legacy taking a culinary turn through Beato Chocolates (About Town). Founded by Lisa Casoni and Heather Stobo — who ran Ojai’s beloved Porch Gallery for years before their confectionary careers — the company has imbued its quality chocolate bars and bonbons with Wood’s wit, whimsy and zest for life. The same irreverent and joyful spirit that she brought to the avant-garde Dada art movement is encapsulated in Beato Chocolates’ flavors, shapes and packaging. Try a bite, and absorb some of that rebellious revelry yourself.

The holidays, of course, are all about revelry — and nothing quite captures this magical time of year like “The Nutcracker” ballet. This year, we spotlight Ventura’s own Oakley Ballet Center and its Footworks Youth Ballet (Culture). These talented dancers will bring the Christmas classic to the Ventura College Performing Arts Center this weekend, and the sparkling and festive production is guaranteed to enchant audiences this holiday season.

If you are considering a holiday away from home, allow us to recommend Avalon on Catalina Island. No magic is needed to find this enchanted isle…but from the moment you arrive, you’ll be under its spell. We delve into the numerous beauties and charms of Avalon and its surroundings in Travel.

For many of us, the holidays are synonymous with gift giving and, thus, shopping. So we rounded up some wonderful gift ideas for everyone on your list. Even better: These items all express something special about Ventura County, and are either made locally or sold by local vendors.

As we wind up 2024, I hope this edition of Ventana Monthly brings a little light and joy to your season. Here’s to a merry month, regardless of what or how you celebrate. Happiness should always be in season.

– Nancy D. Lackey Shaffer
nshaffer@timeslocalmedia.com