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Vistas Lifelong Learning
  • Welcome
  • About Vistas
    • About
    • Board of Directors
    • Curriculum Committee
  • Membership
    • Join Vistas
  • Vistas Calendar
  • Courses and Programs
    • Current Courses
    • Book Clubs
    • Course Videos
    • How to Register
    • Past Courses
    • Become a Presenter
  • Donate
  • FAQ
  • Contact
May
21
9:30 AM09:30

Gilbert and Sullivan 3/3

  • Wednesday, May 21, 2025
  • 9:30 AM 12:00 PM 09:30 12:00
  • Google Calendar ICS

Gilbert and Sullivan

Wednesdays: May 7, 14, and 21, 9:30 a.m. – 12 noon
Weinman Hall, Music Academy of the West 1070 Fairway Road, Santa Barbara
VISTAS member price: $40; non-member price: $60

Presented by Bob Weinman
In this three-meeting presentation, my object all sublime will be to polish up the handle of the big front door. You will find out that things are seldom what they seem and you will learn the scientific names of beings animalculous and how the punishment will fit the crime, since I, of course, have got a little list. Here’s a first-rate opportunity to learn the why and wherefore as we give three cheers and one cheer more for William Schwenk Gilbert and Arthur Seymour Sullivan. Will any of your favorite songs be left out? Never! Well, hardly ever!

Gilbert and Sullivan
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May
22
1:00 PM13:00

Art and Spirituality in Japan and China

  • Thursday, May 22, 2025
  • 1:00 PM 3:30 PM 13:00 15:30
  • Google Calendar ICS

Art and Spirituality in Japan and China: Works from the Santa Barbara Museum of Art

Thursday, May 22, 1:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Bethany Congregational Church 556 N. Hope Avenue, Santa Barbara
VISTAS member price: $20; non-member price $30

Presented by Sarajum Quazi
Discover how rulers have used these pieces to inspire faith and comfort in their people. Explore the transformation of the Demon Oni in Japanese folklore, the legacy of Prince Shōtoku as a champion of Buddhism, and the fierce yet humble protectors, the Heads of Ni-O. Learn about the tragic love story of Emperor Xuanzong and Consort Yang Guifei and its impact on East Asian culture. Delve into the art and fashion of the Tang dynasty and meet the wise Lohan, a custodian of Buddha's teachings. Conclude with the serene presence of Guanyin, the Bodhisattva of Compassion, and reflect on its profound significance.

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Art and Spirituality in Japan and China
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May
26
1:30 PM13:30

Monday Nonfiction Book Club

  • Monday, May 26, 2025
  • 1:30 PM 3:30 PM 13:30 15:30
  • Zoom (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Our Monday Nonfiction Book Club meets online via Zoom. Membership is limited to 20; in case of over-enrollment, prospective participants will be placed on a wait-list. Books will be proposed and selected at the September meeting. Once complete, the selection list for the 2024–25 year will be posted on the VISTAS website.
Each discussion is led by a different group member, who comes in with suggested questions (which we are all free to supplement).
Some books recently read include: The Premonition: A Pandemic Story (Michael Lewis); The Women’s Hour: The Great War to Win the Vote (Elaine Weiss); Last Boat Out of Shanghai: The Epic Story of the Chinese Who Fled Mao’s Revolution (Helen Zia).

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Jun
12
1:30 PM13:30

Thursday Nonfiction Book Club

  • Thursday, June 12, 2025
  • 1:30 PM 3:30 PM 13:30 15:30
  • Private Residence (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

The Thursday Nonfiction Book Club meets in person at a private residence. It is full and not accepting new members at this time.

View Event →
Jun
13
9:30 AM09:30

Mystery and Espionage Book Club

  • Friday, June 13, 2025
  • 9:30 AM 12:00 PM 09:30 12:00
  • Google Calendar ICS

Second Friday of each month, September through June, 9:30 a.m. – 12 noon
First Fall 2025 meeting: September 12
Bethany Congregational Church 556 N. Hope Avenue, Santa Barbara
VISTAS members only: $25 for the year; enrollment limited to 12

Mysteries! Spies! Detectives! Private Eyes! If you want to add a little intrigue to your reading list, this is the book club for you! VISTAS is pleased to announce the formation of our newest book club, dedicated to the popular genre of mysteries, spy/counterspy novels, and thrillers. Mysteries are the oldest form of literature within this arena, going back to the 19th century with the works of Edgar Allan Poe and Wilkie Collins. Spy novels began growing in popularity starting around the era of World War I, and thrillers as we know them today began to come into their own shortly after the end of World War II with books by Mickey Spillane and others.
At our first meeting, we will become acquainted with fellow group members, review the types of novels we’ll be reading, and discuss our first selection, The Key to Rebecca, by Ken Follett. Group members also will receive a complimentary copy of the book The Brass Ring, by local author Lance Mason. Dr. Mason will attend our second session, on Oct. 11, and will lead the discussion of his book. Time permitting, we’ll also dive into our next novel, The Foreign Correspondent, by Alan Furst. Starting with the third class, two books will be discussed at each session. Enrollment for this book club is limited; in case of over-enrollment, a wait-list will be created.

View Event →
Jun
19
10:00 AM10:00

Fiction Book Club

  • Thursday, June 19, 2025
  • 10:00 AM 12:00 PM 10:00 12:00
  • Bethany Congregational Church (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS
View Event →
Jun
23
1:30 PM13:30

Monday Nonfiction Book Club

  • Monday, June 23, 2025
  • 1:30 PM 3:30 PM 13:30 15:30
  • Zoom (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Our Monday Nonfiction Book Club meets online via Zoom. Membership is limited to 20; in case of over-enrollment, prospective participants will be placed on a wait-list. Books will be proposed and selected at the September meeting. Once complete, the selection list for the 2024–25 year will be posted on the VISTAS website.
Each discussion is led by a different group member, who comes in with suggested questions (which we are all free to supplement).
Some books recently read include: The Premonition: A Pandemic Story (Michael Lewis); The Women’s Hour: The Great War to Win the Vote (Elaine Weiss); Last Boat Out of Shanghai: The Epic Story of the Chinese Who Fled Mao’s Revolution (Helen Zia).

View Event →
Jul
10
1:30 PM13:30

Thursday Nonfiction Book Club

  • Thursday, July 10, 2025
  • 1:30 PM 3:30 PM 13:30 15:30
  • Private Residence (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

The Thursday Nonfiction Book Club meets in person at a private residence. It is full and not accepting new members at this time.

View Event →
Jul
17
10:00 AM10:00

Fiction Book Club

  • Thursday, July 17, 2025
  • 10:00 AM 12:00 PM 10:00 12:00
  • Bethany Congregational Church (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS
View Event →
Jul
24
1:30 PM13:30

Board Meeting

  • Thursday, July 24, 2025
  • 1:30 PM 3:00 PM 13:30 15:00
  • Google Calendar ICS
View Event →
Jul
28
1:30 PM13:30

Monday Nonfiction Book Club

  • Monday, July 28, 2025
  • 1:30 PM 3:30 PM 13:30 15:30
  • Zoom (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Our Monday Nonfiction Book Club meets online via Zoom. Membership is limited to 20; in case of over-enrollment, prospective participants will be placed on a wait-list. Books will be proposed and selected at the September meeting. Once complete, the selection list for the 2024–25 year will be posted on the VISTAS website.
Each discussion is led by a different group member, who comes in with suggested questions (which we are all free to supplement).
Some books recently read include: The Premonition: A Pandemic Story (Michael Lewis); The Women’s Hour: The Great War to Win the Vote (Elaine Weiss); Last Boat Out of Shanghai: The Epic Story of the Chinese Who Fled Mao’s Revolution (Helen Zia).

View Event →
Sep
7
12:30 PM12:30

Save the date: Annual Fall Picnic

  • Sunday, September 7, 2025
  • 12:30 PM 2:00 PM 12:30 14:00
  • Google Calendar ICS

Save the date for our annual fall picnic. More details to come.

View Event →
Sep
8
1:00 PM13:00

Writing Drama from History: Finding the Stories in Memoirs, Archives, Biographies

  • Monday, September 8, 2025
  • 1:00 PM 3:30 PM 13:00 15:30
  • Google Calendar ICS

Presented by Meg Kruszewska.

More details to come.

View Event →
Sep
9
10:00 AM10:00

Trees of Santa Barbara 1/4

  • Tuesday, September 9, 2025
  • 10:00 AM 12:00 PM 10:00 12:00
  • Google Calendar ICS

Presented by Bob Muller.

More details to come.

Please note that there is no class on Tuesday, Sept. 23 in observance of Rosh Hashanah.

View Event →
Sep
11
9:30 AM09:30

All about AI

  • Thursday, September 11, 2025
  • 9:30 AM 12:00 PM 09:30 12:00
  • Google Calendar ICS

Presented by Norah Dunbar.

More details to come.

View Event →
Sep
11
1:30 PM13:30

Thursday Nonfiction Book Club

  • Thursday, September 11, 2025
  • 1:30 PM 3:30 PM 13:30 15:30
  • Private Residence (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

The Thursday Nonfiction Book Club meets in person at a private residence. It is full and not accepting new members at this time.

View Event →
Sep
12
9:30 AM09:30

Mystery and Espionage Book Club

  • Friday, September 12, 2025
  • 9:30 AM 12:00 PM 09:30 12:00
  • Google Calendar ICS

Second Friday of each month, September through June, 9:30 a.m. – 12 noon
First Fall 2025 meeting: September 12
Bethany Congregational Church 556 N. Hope Avenue, Santa Barbara
VISTAS members only: $25 for the year; enrollment limited to 12

Mysteries! Spies! Detectives! Private Eyes! If you want to add a little intrigue to your reading list, this is the book club for you! VISTAS is pleased to announce the formation of our newest book club, dedicated to the popular genre of mysteries, spy/counterspy novels, and thrillers. Mysteries are the oldest form of literature within this arena, going back to the 19th century with the works of Edgar Allan Poe and Wilkie Collins. Spy novels began growing in popularity starting around the era of World War I, and thrillers as we know them today began to come into their own shortly after the end of World War II with books by Mickey Spillane and others.
At our first meeting, we will become acquainted with fellow group members, review the types of novels we’ll be reading, and discuss our first selection, The Key to Rebecca, by Ken Follett. Group members also will receive a complimentary copy of the book The Brass Ring, by local author Lance Mason. Dr. Mason will attend our second session, on Oct. 11, and will lead the discussion of his book. Time permitting, we’ll also dive into our next novel, The Foreign Correspondent, by Alan Furst. Starting with the third class, two books will be discussed at each session. Enrollment for this book club is limited; in case of over-enrollment, a wait-list will be created.

View Event →
Sep
15
1:00 PM13:00

Ensemble Theater Company

  • Monday, September 15, 2025
  • 1:00 PM 3:30 PM 13:00 15:30
  • Google Calendar ICS

Presented by Scott DeVine.

More details to come.

View Event →
Sep
16
10:00 AM10:00

Trees of Santa Barbara 2/4

  • Tuesday, September 16, 2025
  • 10:00 AM 12:00 PM 10:00 12:00
  • Google Calendar ICS

Presented by Bob Muller.

More details to come.

Please note that there is no class on Tuesday, Sept. 23 in observance of Rosh Hashanah.

View Event →
Sep
17
2:00 PM14:00

Influenza

  • Wednesday, September 17, 2025
  • 2:00 PM 3:30 PM 14:00 15:30
  • Google Calendar ICS

Presented by Bruce Phillips via zoom. This course will be offered free of charge.

More details to come.

View Event →
Sep
18
10:00 AM10:00

Fiction Book Club

  • Thursday, September 18, 2025
  • 10:00 AM 12:00 PM 10:00 12:00
  • Bethany Congregational Church (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

10 a.m. – 12 noon
Third Thursday each month, Sept. 2025 – July 2026
First Fall 2025 meeting: September 18, 2025
Bethany Congregational Church, 556 N. Hope Avenue, Santa Barbara

The VISTAS Fiction Book Group meets monthly for in-depth, highly satisfying discussions of a variety of types of fiction. Titles are selected and presented by individual members of the group. All group members are responsible for contributing questions and observations to the discussion. Books we read this past year include The God of Small Things (Arundhati Roy), The Elegance of the Hedgehog (Muriel Barbery), Circe (Madeline Miller), The Housekeeper Professor (Yoko Ogawa), The White Tiger (Aravind Adiga), Lady Tan’s Circle of Women (Lisa See), and Horse (Geraldine Brooks

View Event →
Sep
22
1:00 PM13:00

Lawyers 1/2

  • Monday, September 22, 2025
  • 1:00 PM 3:30 PM 13:00 15:30
  • Google Calendar ICS

Presented by Stan Roden.

More details to come.

View Event →
Sep
23
to Sep 24

Rosh Hashanah

  • Tue, Sep 23, 2025 12:01 AM 00:01 Wed, Sep 24, 2025 11:00 PM 23:00
  • Google Calendar ICS

No Vistas Classes

View Event →
Sep
25
9:30 AM09:30

Whales and Climate: Guardians of the Blue Planet

  • Thursday, September 25, 2025
  • 9:30 AM 12:00 PM 09:30 12:00
  • Google Calendar ICS

Presented by Holly Lohuis.

More details to come.

View Event →
Sep
29
1:00 PM13:00

Lawyers 2/2

  • Monday, September 29, 2025
  • 1:00 PM 3:30 PM 13:00 15:30
  • Google Calendar ICS

Presented by Stan Roden.

More details to come.

View Event →
Sep
30
10:00 AM10:00

Trees of Santa Barbara 3/4

  • Tuesday, September 30, 2025
  • 10:00 AM 12:00 PM 10:00 12:00
  • Google Calendar ICS

Presented by Bob Muller.

More details to come.

Please note that there is no class on Tuesday, Sept. 23 in observance of Rosh Hashanah.

View Event →
Oct
1
to Oct 2

Yom Kippur

  • Wed, Oct 1, 2025 12:01 AM 00:01 Thu, Oct 2, 2025 11:00 PM 23:00
  • Google Calendar ICS

No Vistas classes

View Event →
Oct
6
9:30 AM09:30

California History through Song 1/3

  • Monday, October 6, 2025
  • 9:30 AM 12:00 PM 09:30 12:00
  • Google Calendar ICS

Presented by Norm Cohen.

More details to come.

View Event →
Oct
7
10:00 AM10:00

Trees of Santa Barbara 4/4

  • Tuesday, October 7, 2025
  • 10:00 AM 12:00 PM 10:00 12:00
  • Google Calendar ICS

Presented by Bob Muller.

More details to come.

Please note that there is no class on Tuesday, Sept. 23 in observance of Rosh Hashanah.

View Event →
Oct
8
9:30 AM09:30

Forensic Linguistics 1/2

  • Wednesday, October 8, 2025
  • 9:30 AM 12:00 PM 09:30 12:00
  • Google Calendar ICS

Presented by Edward Finegan.

More details to come.

View Event →
Oct
9
1:30 PM13:30

Thursday Nonfiction Book Club

  • Thursday, October 9, 2025
  • 1:30 PM 3:30 PM 13:30 15:30
  • Private Residence (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

The Thursday Nonfiction Book Club meets in person at a private residence. It is full and not accepting new members at this time.

View Event →
Oct
10
9:30 AM09:30

Mystery and Espionage Book Club

  • Friday, October 10, 2025
  • 9:30 AM 12:00 PM 09:30 12:00
  • Google Calendar ICS

Second Friday of each month, September through June, 9:30 a.m. – 12 noon
First Fall 2025 meeting: September 12
Bethany Congregational Church 556 N. Hope Avenue, Santa Barbara
VISTAS members only: $25 for the year; enrollment limited to 12

Mysteries! Spies! Detectives! Private Eyes! If you want to add a little intrigue to your reading list, this is the book club for you! VISTAS is pleased to announce the formation of our newest book club, dedicated to the popular genre of mysteries, spy/counterspy novels, and thrillers. Mysteries are the oldest form of literature within this arena, going back to the 19th century with the works of Edgar Allan Poe and Wilkie Collins. Spy novels began growing in popularity starting around the era of World War I, and thrillers as we know them today began to come into their own shortly after the end of World War II with books by Mickey Spillane and others.
At our first meeting, we will become acquainted with fellow group members, review the types of novels we’ll be reading, and discuss our first selection, The Key to Rebecca, by Ken Follett. Group members also will receive a complimentary copy of the book The Brass Ring, by local author Lance Mason. Dr. Mason will attend our second session, on Oct. 11, and will lead the discussion of his book. Time permitting, we’ll also dive into our next novel, The Foreign Correspondent, by Alan Furst. Starting with the third class, two books will be discussed at each session. Enrollment for this book club is limited; in case of over-enrollment, a wait-list will be created.

View Event →
Oct
13
9:30 AM09:30

California History through Song 2/3

  • Monday, October 13, 2025
  • 9:30 AM 12:00 PM 09:30 12:00
  • Google Calendar ICS

Presented by Norm Cohen.

More details to come.

View Event →
Oct
15
9:30 AM09:30

Forensic Linguistics 2/2

  • Wednesday, October 15, 2025
  • 9:30 AM 12:00 PM 09:30 12:00
  • Google Calendar ICS

Presented by Edward Finegan.

More details to come.

View Event →
Oct
16
10:00 AM10:00

Fiction Book Club

  • Thursday, October 16, 2025
  • 10:00 AM 12:00 PM 10:00 12:00
  • Bethany Congregational Church (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

10 a.m. – 12 noon
Third Thursday each month, Sept. 2025 – July 2026
First Fall 2025 meeting: September 18, 2025
Bethany Congregational Church, 556 N. Hope Avenue, Santa Barbara

The VISTAS Fiction Book Group meets monthly for in-depth, highly satisfying discussions of a variety of types of fiction. Titles are selected and presented by individual members of the group. All group members are responsible for contributing questions and observations to the discussion. Books we read this past year include The God of Small Things (Arundhati Roy), The Elegance of the Hedgehog (Muriel Barbery), Circe (Madeline Miller), The Housekeeper Professor (Yoko Ogawa), The White Tiger (Aravind Adiga), Lady Tan’s Circle of Women (Lisa See), and Horse (Geraldine Brooks

View Event →
Oct
17
9:30 AM09:30

Smallpox from Ramses V to the Final Case

  • Friday, October 17, 2025
  • 9:30 AM 12:00 PM 09:30 12:00
  • Google Calendar ICS

Presented by Bee Bloeser.

More details to come.

View Event →
Oct
20
9:30 AM09:30

California History through Song 3/3

  • Monday, October 20, 2025
  • 9:30 AM 12:00 PM 09:30 12:00
  • Google Calendar ICS

Presented by Norm Cohen.

More details to come.

View Event →
Oct
21
9:30 AM09:30

Why Did They Do It That Way?: Opera and the Problems of Staging 1/3

  • Tuesday, October 21, 2025
  • 9:30 AM 12:00 PM 09:30 12:00
  • Google Calendar ICS

Presented by Simon Williams

More details to come.

View Event →
Oct
22
9:30 AM09:30

Murders in Santa Barbara 1/2

  • Wednesday, October 22, 2025
  • 9:30 AM 12:00 PM 09:30 12:00
  • Google Calendar ICS

Presented by Pat McKinley.

More details to come.

View Event →
Oct
24
9:30 AM09:30

Choosing, Cutting, Dreaming: Making Modern Art

  • Friday, October 24, 2025
  • 9:30 AM 12:00 PM 09:30 12:00
  • Google Calendar ICS

Presented by James Glissom

More details to come.

View Event →
Oct
27
1:30 PM13:30

Monday Nonfiction Book Club (Copy) (Copy) (Copy)

  • Monday, October 27, 2025
  • 1:30 PM 3:30 PM 13:30 15:30
  • Zoom (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Our Monday Nonfiction Book Club meets online via Zoom. Membership is limited to 20; in case of over-enrollment, prospective participants will be placed on a wait-list. Books will be proposed and selected at the September meeting. Once complete, the selection list for the 2025–26 year will be posted on the VISTAS website.
Each discussion is led by a different group member, who comes in with suggested questions (which we are all free to supplement).
Some books recently read include: The Premonition: A Pandemic Story (Michael Lewis); The Women’s Hour: The Great War to Win the Vote (Elaine Weiss); Last Boat Out of Shanghai: The Epic Story of the Chinese Who Fled Mao’s Revolution (Helen Zia).

View Event →
Oct
28
9:30 AM09:30

Why Did They Do It That Way?: Opera and the Problems of Staging 2/3

  • Tuesday, October 28, 2025
  • 9:30 AM 12:00 PM 09:30 12:00
  • Google Calendar ICS

Presented by Simon Williams

More details to come.

View Event →
Oct
29
9:30 AM09:30

Murders in Santa Barbara 2/2

  • Wednesday, October 29, 2025
  • 9:30 AM 12:00 PM 09:30 12:00
  • Google Calendar ICS

Presented by Pat McKinley.

More details to come.

View Event →
Oct
30
9:30 AM09:30

Measuring the Earth: The History of Maps

  • Thursday, October 30, 2025
  • 9:30 AM 12:00 PM 09:30 12:00
  • Google Calendar ICS

Presented by Norm Cohen.

More details to come.

View Event →
Nov
3
9:30 AM09:30

The Role of “Favored Minorities” in American Government 1/4

  • Monday, November 3, 2025
  • 9:30 AM 12:00 PM 09:30 12:00
  • Google Calendar ICS

Presented by Ray Kwasnick

More details to come.

*Please note— this course will take place on four non-consecutive Mondays

View Event →
Nov
4
9:30 AM09:30

Why Did They Do It That Way?: Opera and the Problems of Staging 3/3

  • Tuesday, November 4, 2025
  • 9:30 AM 12:00 PM 09:30 12:00
  • Google Calendar ICS

Presented by Simon Williams

More details to come.

View Event →
Nov
7
1:00 PM13:00

The History, Cultural Significance, and Joy of Blues Music, an Indigenous American Art Form

  • Friday, November 7, 2025
  • 1:00 PM 3:30 PM 13:00 15:30
  • Google Calendar ICS

Presented by Steve Daniels.

More details to come.

View Event →
Nov
10
9:30 AM09:30

The Role of “Favored Minorities” in American Government 2/4

  • Monday, November 10, 2025
  • 9:30 AM 12:00 PM 09:30 12:00
  • Google Calendar ICS

Presented by Ray Kwasnick

More details to come.

*Please note— this course will take place on four non-consecutive Mondays

View Event →
Nov
12
9:30 AM09:30

Viruses ... and Life in General

  • Wednesday, November 12, 2025
  • 9:30 AM 12:00 PM 09:30 12:00
  • Google Calendar ICS

Presented by Bruce Phillips.

More details to come.

View Event →
Nov
13
1:30 PM13:30

Thursday Nonfiction Book Club

  • Thursday, November 13, 2025
  • 1:30 PM 3:30 PM 13:30 15:30
  • Private Residence (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

The Thursday Nonfiction Book Club meets in person at a private residence. It is full and not accepting new members at this time.

View Event →
Nov
14
9:30 AM09:30

Mystery and Espionage Book Club

  • Friday, November 14, 2025
  • 9:30 AM 12:00 PM 09:30 12:00
  • Google Calendar ICS

Second Friday of each month, September through June, 9:30 a.m. – 12 noon
First Fall 2025 meeting: September 12
Bethany Congregational Church 556 N. Hope Avenue, Santa Barbara
VISTAS members only: $25 for the year; enrollment limited to 12

Mysteries! Spies! Detectives! Private Eyes! If you want to add a little intrigue to your reading list, this is the book club for you! VISTAS is pleased to announce the formation of our newest book club, dedicated to the popular genre of mysteries, spy/counterspy novels, and thrillers. Mysteries are the oldest form of literature within this arena, going back to the 19th century with the works of Edgar Allan Poe and Wilkie Collins. Spy novels began growing in popularity starting around the era of World War I, and thrillers as we know them today began to come into their own shortly after the end of World War II with books by Mickey Spillane and others.
At our first meeting, we will become acquainted with fellow group members, review the types of novels we’ll be reading, and discuss our first selection, The Key to Rebecca, by Ken Follett. Group members also will receive a complimentary copy of the book The Brass Ring, by local author Lance Mason. Dr. Mason will attend our second session, on Oct. 11, and will lead the discussion of his book. Time permitting, we’ll also dive into our next novel, The Foreign Correspondent, by Alan Furst. Starting with the third class, two books will be discussed at each session. Enrollment for this book club is limited; in case of over-enrollment, a wait-list will be created.

View Event →
Nov
18
9:30 AM09:30

Opera and the Problems of Staging 1/3

  • Tuesday, November 18, 2025
  • 9:30 AM 10:30 AM 09:30 10:30
  • Google Calendar ICS

Presented by Simon Williams.

More details to come.

View Event →
Nov
20
10:00 AM10:00

Fiction Book Club

  • Thursday, November 20, 2025
  • 10:00 AM 12:00 PM 10:00 12:00
  • Bethany Congregational Church (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

10 a.m. – 12 noon
Third Thursday each month, Sept. 2025 – July 2026
First Fall 2025 meeting: September 18, 2025
Bethany Congregational Church, 556 N. Hope Avenue, Santa Barbara

The VISTAS Fiction Book Group meets monthly for in-depth, highly satisfying discussions of a variety of types of fiction. Titles are selected and presented by individual members of the group. All group members are responsible for contributing questions and observations to the discussion. Books we read this past year include The God of Small Things (Arundhati Roy), The Elegance of the Hedgehog (Muriel Barbery), Circe (Madeline Miller), The Housekeeper Professor (Yoko Ogawa), The White Tiger (Aravind Adiga), Lady Tan’s Circle of Women (Lisa See), and Horse (Geraldine Brooks

View Event →
Nov
24
1:30 PM13:30

Monday Nonfiction Book Club

  • Monday, November 24, 2025
  • 1:30 PM 3:30 PM 13:30 15:30
  • Zoom (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Our Monday Nonfiction Book Club meets online via Zoom. Membership is limited to 20; in case of over-enrollment, prospective participants will be placed on a wait-list. Books will be proposed and selected at the September meeting. Once complete, the selection list for the 2025–26 year will be posted on the VISTAS website.
Each discussion is led by a different group member, who comes in with suggested questions (which we are all free to supplement).
Some books recently read include: The Premonition: A Pandemic Story (Michael Lewis); The Women’s Hour: The Great War to Win the Vote (Elaine Weiss); Last Boat Out of Shanghai: The Epic Story of the Chinese Who Fled Mao’s Revolution (Helen Zia).

View Event →
Nov
25
9:30 AM09:30

Opera and the Problems of Staging 2/3

  • Tuesday, November 25, 2025
  • 9:30 AM 10:30 AM 09:30 10:30
  • Google Calendar ICS

Presented by Simon Williams.

More details to come.

View Event →
Dec
1
9:30 AM09:30

The Role of “Favored Minorities” in American Government 3/4

  • Monday, December 1, 2025
  • 9:30 AM 12:00 PM 09:30 12:00
  • Google Calendar ICS

Presented by Ray Kwasnick

More details to come.

*Please note— this course will take place on four non-consecutive Mondays

View Event →
Dec
2
9:30 AM09:30

Opera and the Problems of Staging 3/3

  • Tuesday, December 2, 2025
  • 9:30 AM 10:30 AM 09:30 10:30
  • Google Calendar ICS

Presented by Simon Williams.

More details to come.

View Event →
Dec
8
9:30 AM09:30

The Role of “Favored Minorities” in American Government 4/4

  • Monday, December 8, 2025
  • 9:30 AM 12:00 PM 09:30 12:00
  • Google Calendar ICS

Presented by Ray Kwasnick

More details to come.

*Please note— this course will take place on four non-consecutive Mondays

View Event →
Dec
10
9:30 AM09:30

Fishes of the Pacific Coast

  • Wednesday, December 10, 2025
  • 9:30 AM 12:00 PM 09:30 12:00
  • Google Calendar ICS

Presented by Dr. Milton Love.

More details to come.

View Event →
Dec
11
1:30 PM13:30

Thursday Nonfiction Book Club

  • Thursday, December 11, 2025
  • 1:30 PM 3:30 PM 13:30 15:30
  • Private Residence (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

The Thursday Nonfiction Book Club meets in person at a private residence. It is full and not accepting new members at this time.

View Event →
Dec
12
9:30 AM09:30

Mystery and Espionage Book Club

  • Friday, December 12, 2025
  • 9:30 AM 12:00 PM 09:30 12:00
  • Google Calendar ICS

Second Friday of each month, September through June, 9:30 a.m. – 12 noon
First Fall 2025 meeting: September 12
Bethany Congregational Church 556 N. Hope Avenue, Santa Barbara
VISTAS members only: $25 for the year; enrollment limited to 12

Mysteries! Spies! Detectives! Private Eyes! If you want to add a little intrigue to your reading list, this is the book club for you! VISTAS is pleased to announce the formation of our newest book club, dedicated to the popular genre of mysteries, spy/counterspy novels, and thrillers. Mysteries are the oldest form of literature within this arena, going back to the 19th century with the works of Edgar Allan Poe and Wilkie Collins. Spy novels began growing in popularity starting around the era of World War I, and thrillers as we know them today began to come into their own shortly after the end of World War II with books by Mickey Spillane and others.
At our first meeting, we will become acquainted with fellow group members, review the types of novels we’ll be reading, and discuss our first selection, The Key to Rebecca, by Ken Follett. Group members also will receive a complimentary copy of the book The Brass Ring, by local author Lance Mason. Dr. Mason will attend our second session, on Oct. 11, and will lead the discussion of his book. Time permitting, we’ll also dive into our next novel, The Foreign Correspondent, by Alan Furst. Starting with the third class, two books will be discussed at each session. Enrollment for this book club is limited; in case of over-enrollment, a wait-list will be created.

View Event →
Dec
18
10:00 AM10:00

Fiction Book Club

  • Thursday, December 18, 2025
  • 10:00 AM 12:00 PM 10:00 12:00
  • Bethany Congregational Church (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

10 a.m. – 12 noon
Third Thursday each month, Sept. 2025 – July 2026
First Fall 2025 meeting: September 18, 2025
Bethany Congregational Church, 556 N. Hope Avenue, Santa Barbara

The VISTAS Fiction Book Group meets monthly for in-depth, highly satisfying discussions of a variety of types of fiction. Titles are selected and presented by individual members of the group. All group members are responsible for contributing questions and observations to the discussion. Books we read this past year include The God of Small Things (Arundhati Roy), The Elegance of the Hedgehog (Muriel Barbery), Circe (Madeline Miller), The Housekeeper Professor (Yoko Ogawa), The White Tiger (Aravind Adiga), Lady Tan’s Circle of Women (Lisa See), and Horse (Geraldine Brooks

View Event →
Dec
22
1:30 PM13:30

Monday Nonfiction Book Club

  • Monday, December 22, 2025
  • 1:30 PM 3:30 PM 13:30 15:30
  • Zoom (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Our Monday Nonfiction Book Club meets online via Zoom. Membership is limited to 20; in case of over-enrollment, prospective participants will be placed on a wait-list. Books will be proposed and selected at the September meeting. Once complete, the selection list for the 2025–26 year will be posted on the VISTAS website.
Each discussion is led by a different group member, who comes in with suggested questions (which we are all free to supplement).
Some books recently read include: The Premonition: A Pandemic Story (Michael Lewis); The Women’s Hour: The Great War to Win the Vote (Elaine Weiss); Last Boat Out of Shanghai: The Epic Story of the Chinese Who Fled Mao’s Revolution (Helen Zia).

View Event →
Jan
7
2:00 PM14:00

Behind the Scenes at the Botanic Garden

  • Wednesday, January 7, 2026
  • 2:00 PM 4:00 PM 14:00 16:00
  • Google Calendar ICS

Presented by Steve Windhager.

More details to come.

View Event →
Jan
8
1:30 PM13:30

Thursday Nonfiction Book Club

  • Thursday, January 8, 2026
  • 1:30 PM 3:30 PM 13:30 15:30
  • Private Residence (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

The Thursday Nonfiction Book Club meets in person at a private residence. It is full and not accepting new members at this time.

View Event →
Jan
9
9:30 AM09:30

Mystery and Espionage Book Club

  • Friday, January 9, 2026
  • 9:30 AM 12:00 PM 09:30 12:00
  • Google Calendar ICS

Second Friday of each month, September through June, 9:30 a.m. – 12 noon
First Fall 2025 meeting: September 12
Bethany Congregational Church 556 N. Hope Avenue, Santa Barbara
VISTAS members only: $25 for the year; enrollment limited to 12

Mysteries! Spies! Detectives! Private Eyes! If you want to add a little intrigue to your reading list, this is the book club for you! VISTAS is pleased to announce the formation of our newest book club, dedicated to the popular genre of mysteries, spy/counterspy novels, and thrillers. Mysteries are the oldest form of literature within this arena, going back to the 19th century with the works of Edgar Allan Poe and Wilkie Collins. Spy novels began growing in popularity starting around the era of World War I, and thrillers as we know them today began to come into their own shortly after the end of World War II with books by Mickey Spillane and others.
At our first meeting, we will become acquainted with fellow group members, review the types of novels we’ll be reading, and discuss our first selection, The Key to Rebecca, by Ken Follett. Group members also will receive a complimentary copy of the book The Brass Ring, by local author Lance Mason. Dr. Mason will attend our second session, on Oct. 11, and will lead the discussion of his book. Time permitting, we’ll also dive into our next novel, The Foreign Correspondent, by Alan Furst. Starting with the third class, two books will be discussed at each session. Enrollment for this book club is limited; in case of over-enrollment, a wait-list will be created.

View Event →
Jan
15
10:00 AM10:00

Fiction Book Club

  • Thursday, January 15, 2026
  • 10:00 AM 12:00 PM 10:00 12:00
  • Bethany Congregational Church (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

10 a.m. – 12 noon
Third Thursday each month, Sept. 2025 – July 2026
First Fall 2025 meeting: September 18, 2025
Bethany Congregational Church, 556 N. Hope Avenue, Santa Barbara

The VISTAS Fiction Book Group meets monthly for in-depth, highly satisfying discussions of a variety of types of fiction. Titles are selected and presented by individual members of the group. All group members are responsible for contributing questions and observations to the discussion. Books we read this past year include The God of Small Things (Arundhati Roy), The Elegance of the Hedgehog (Muriel Barbery), Circe (Madeline Miller), The Housekeeper Professor (Yoko Ogawa), The White Tiger (Aravind Adiga), Lady Tan’s Circle of Women (Lisa See), and Horse (Geraldine Brooks

View Event →
Jan
26
1:30 PM13:30

Monday Nonfiction Book Club

  • Monday, January 26, 2026
  • 1:30 PM 3:30 PM 13:30 15:30
  • Zoom (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Our Monday Nonfiction Book Club meets online via Zoom. Membership is limited to 20; in case of over-enrollment, prospective participants will be placed on a wait-list. Books will be proposed and selected at the September meeting. Once complete, the selection list for the 2025–26 year will be posted on the VISTAS website.
Each discussion is led by a different group member, who comes in with suggested questions (which we are all free to supplement).
Some books recently read include: The Premonition: A Pandemic Story (Michael Lewis); The Women’s Hour: The Great War to Win the Vote (Elaine Weiss); Last Boat Out of Shanghai: The Epic Story of the Chinese Who Fled Mao’s Revolution (Helen Zia).

View Event →
Feb
12
1:30 PM13:30

Thursday Nonfiction Book Club

  • Thursday, February 12, 2026
  • 1:30 PM 3:30 PM 13:30 15:30
  • Private Residence (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

The Thursday Nonfiction Book Club meets in person at a private residence. It is full and not accepting new members at this time.

View Event →
Feb
13
9:30 AM09:30

Mystery and Espionage Book Club

  • Friday, February 13, 2026
  • 9:30 AM 12:00 PM 09:30 12:00
  • Google Calendar ICS

Second Friday of each month, September through June, 9:30 a.m. – 12 noon
First Fall 2025 meeting: September 12
Bethany Congregational Church 556 N. Hope Avenue, Santa Barbara
VISTAS members only: $25 for the year; enrollment limited to 12

Mysteries! Spies! Detectives! Private Eyes! If you want to add a little intrigue to your reading list, this is the book club for you! VISTAS is pleased to announce the formation of our newest book club, dedicated to the popular genre of mysteries, spy/counterspy novels, and thrillers. Mysteries are the oldest form of literature within this arena, going back to the 19th century with the works of Edgar Allan Poe and Wilkie Collins. Spy novels began growing in popularity starting around the era of World War I, and thrillers as we know them today began to come into their own shortly after the end of World War II with books by Mickey Spillane and others.
At our first meeting, we will become acquainted with fellow group members, review the types of novels we’ll be reading, and discuss our first selection, The Key to Rebecca, by Ken Follett. Group members also will receive a complimentary copy of the book The Brass Ring, by local author Lance Mason. Dr. Mason will attend our second session, on Oct. 11, and will lead the discussion of his book. Time permitting, we’ll also dive into our next novel, The Foreign Correspondent, by Alan Furst. Starting with the third class, two books will be discussed at each session. Enrollment for this book club is limited; in case of over-enrollment, a wait-list will be created.

View Event →
Feb
16
9:30 AM09:30

U.S. Congress 1/4

  • Monday, February 16, 2026
  • 9:30 AM 12:00 PM 09:30 12:00
  • Google Calendar ICS

Presented by Ted Anagnoson.

More details to come.

View Event →
Feb
19
10:00 AM10:00

Fiction Book Club

  • Thursday, February 19, 2026
  • 10:00 AM 12:00 PM 10:00 12:00
  • Bethany Congregational Church (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

10 a.m. – 12 noon
Third Thursday each month, Sept. 2025 – July 2026
First Fall 2025 meeting: September 18, 2025
Bethany Congregational Church, 556 N. Hope Avenue, Santa Barbara

The VISTAS Fiction Book Group meets monthly for in-depth, highly satisfying discussions of a variety of types of fiction. Titles are selected and presented by individual members of the group. All group members are responsible for contributing questions and observations to the discussion. Books we read this past year include The God of Small Things (Arundhati Roy), The Elegance of the Hedgehog (Muriel Barbery), Circe (Madeline Miller), The Housekeeper Professor (Yoko Ogawa), The White Tiger (Aravind Adiga), Lady Tan’s Circle of Women (Lisa See), and Horse (Geraldine Brooks

View Event →
Feb
23
9:30 AM09:30

U.S. Congress 2/4

  • Monday, February 23, 2026
  • 9:30 AM 12:00 PM 09:30 12:00
  • Google Calendar ICS

Presented by Ted Anagnoson.

More details to come.

View Event →
Feb
23
1:30 PM13:30

Monday Nonfiction Book Club

  • Monday, February 23, 2026
  • 1:30 PM 3:30 PM 13:30 15:30
  • Zoom (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Our Monday Nonfiction Book Club meets online via Zoom. Membership is limited to 20; in case of over-enrollment, prospective participants will be placed on a wait-list. Books will be proposed and selected at the September meeting. Once complete, the selection list for the 2025–26 year will be posted on the VISTAS website.
Each discussion is led by a different group member, who comes in with suggested questions (which we are all free to supplement).
Some books recently read include: The Premonition: A Pandemic Story (Michael Lewis); The Women’s Hour: The Great War to Win the Vote (Elaine Weiss); Last Boat Out of Shanghai: The Epic Story of the Chinese Who Fled Mao’s Revolution (Helen Zia).

View Event →
Mar
2
9:30 AM09:30

U.S. Congress 3/4

  • Monday, March 2, 2026
  • 9:30 AM 12:00 PM 09:30 12:00
  • Google Calendar ICS

Presented by Ted Anagnoson.

More details to come.

View Event →
Mar
9
9:30 AM09:30

U.S. Congress 4/4

  • Monday, March 9, 2026
  • 9:30 AM 12:00 PM 09:30 12:00
  • Google Calendar ICS

Presented by Ted Anagnoson.

More details to come.

View Event →
Mar
12
1:30 PM13:30

Thursday Nonfiction Book Club

  • Thursday, March 12, 2026
  • 1:30 PM 3:30 PM 13:30 15:30
  • Private Residence (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

The Thursday Nonfiction Book Club meets in person at a private residence. It is full and not accepting new members at this time.

View Event →
Mar
13
9:30 AM09:30

Mystery and Espionage Book Club

  • Friday, March 13, 2026
  • 9:30 AM 12:00 PM 09:30 12:00
  • Google Calendar ICS

Second Friday of each month, September through June, 9:30 a.m. – 12 noon
First Fall 2025 meeting: September 12
Bethany Congregational Church 556 N. Hope Avenue, Santa Barbara
VISTAS members only: $25 for the year; enrollment limited to 12

Mysteries! Spies! Detectives! Private Eyes! If you want to add a little intrigue to your reading list, this is the book club for you! VISTAS is pleased to announce the formation of our newest book club, dedicated to the popular genre of mysteries, spy/counterspy novels, and thrillers. Mysteries are the oldest form of literature within this arena, going back to the 19th century with the works of Edgar Allan Poe and Wilkie Collins. Spy novels began growing in popularity starting around the era of World War I, and thrillers as we know them today began to come into their own shortly after the end of World War II with books by Mickey Spillane and others.
At our first meeting, we will become acquainted with fellow group members, review the types of novels we’ll be reading, and discuss our first selection, The Key to Rebecca, by Ken Follett. Group members also will receive a complimentary copy of the book The Brass Ring, by local author Lance Mason. Dr. Mason will attend our second session, on Oct. 11, and will lead the discussion of his book. Time permitting, we’ll also dive into our next novel, The Foreign Correspondent, by Alan Furst. Starting with the third class, two books will be discussed at each session. Enrollment for this book club is limited; in case of over-enrollment, a wait-list will be created.

View Event →
Mar
19
10:00 AM10:00

Fiction Book Club

  • Thursday, March 19, 2026
  • 10:00 AM 12:00 PM 10:00 12:00
  • Bethany Congregational Church (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

10 a.m. – 12 noon
Third Thursday each month, Sept. 2025 – July 2026
First Fall 2025 meeting: September 18, 2025
Bethany Congregational Church, 556 N. Hope Avenue, Santa Barbara

The VISTAS Fiction Book Group meets monthly for in-depth, highly satisfying discussions of a variety of types of fiction. Titles are selected and presented by individual members of the group. All group members are responsible for contributing questions and observations to the discussion. Books we read this past year include The God of Small Things (Arundhati Roy), The Elegance of the Hedgehog (Muriel Barbery), Circe (Madeline Miller), The Housekeeper Professor (Yoko Ogawa), The White Tiger (Aravind Adiga), Lady Tan’s Circle of Women (Lisa See), and Horse (Geraldine Brooks

View Event →
Mar
23
1:30 PM13:30

Monday Nonfiction Book Club

  • Monday, March 23, 2026
  • 1:30 PM 3:30 PM 13:30 15:30
  • Zoom (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Our Monday Nonfiction Book Club meets online via Zoom. Membership is limited to 20; in case of over-enrollment, prospective participants will be placed on a wait-list. Books will be proposed and selected at the September meeting. Once complete, the selection list for the 2025–26 year will be posted on the VISTAS website.
Each discussion is led by a different group member, who comes in with suggested questions (which we are all free to supplement).
Some books recently read include: The Premonition: A Pandemic Story (Michael Lewis); The Women’s Hour: The Great War to Win the Vote (Elaine Weiss); Last Boat Out of Shanghai: The Epic Story of the Chinese Who Fled Mao’s Revolution (Helen Zia).

View Event →
Apr
9
1:30 PM13:30

Thursday Nonfiction Book Club

  • Thursday, April 9, 2026
  • 1:30 PM 3:30 PM 13:30 15:30
  • Private Residence (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

The Thursday Nonfiction Book Club meets in person at a private residence. It is full and not accepting new members at this time.

View Event →
Apr
10
9:30 AM09:30

Mystery and Espionage Book Club

  • Friday, April 10, 2026
  • 9:30 AM 12:00 PM 09:30 12:00
  • Google Calendar ICS

Second Friday of each month, September through June, 9:30 a.m. – 12 noon
First Fall 2025 meeting: September 12
Bethany Congregational Church 556 N. Hope Avenue, Santa Barbara
VISTAS members only: $25 for the year; enrollment limited to 12

Mysteries! Spies! Detectives! Private Eyes! If you want to add a little intrigue to your reading list, this is the book club for you! VISTAS is pleased to announce the formation of our newest book club, dedicated to the popular genre of mysteries, spy/counterspy novels, and thrillers. Mysteries are the oldest form of literature within this arena, going back to the 19th century with the works of Edgar Allan Poe and Wilkie Collins. Spy novels began growing in popularity starting around the era of World War I, and thrillers as we know them today began to come into their own shortly after the end of World War II with books by Mickey Spillane and others.
At our first meeting, we will become acquainted with fellow group members, review the types of novels we’ll be reading, and discuss our first selection, The Key to Rebecca, by Ken Follett. Group members also will receive a complimentary copy of the book The Brass Ring, by local author Lance Mason. Dr. Mason will attend our second session, on Oct. 11, and will lead the discussion of his book. Time permitting, we’ll also dive into our next novel, The Foreign Correspondent, by Alan Furst. Starting with the third class, two books will be discussed at each session. Enrollment for this book club is limited; in case of over-enrollment, a wait-list will be created.

View Event →
Apr
16
10:00 AM10:00

Fiction Book Club

  • Thursday, April 16, 2026
  • 10:00 AM 12:00 PM 10:00 12:00
  • Bethany Congregational Church (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

10 a.m. – 12 noon
Third Thursday each month, Sept. 2025 – July 2026
First Fall 2025 meeting: September 18, 2025
Bethany Congregational Church, 556 N. Hope Avenue, Santa Barbara

The VISTAS Fiction Book Group meets monthly for in-depth, highly satisfying discussions of a variety of types of fiction. Titles are selected and presented by individual members of the group. All group members are responsible for contributing questions and observations to the discussion. Books we read this past year include The God of Small Things (Arundhati Roy), The Elegance of the Hedgehog (Muriel Barbery), Circe (Madeline Miller), The Housekeeper Professor (Yoko Ogawa), The White Tiger (Aravind Adiga), Lady Tan’s Circle of Women (Lisa See), and Horse (Geraldine Brooks

View Event →
Apr
27
1:30 PM13:30

Monday Nonfiction Book Club

  • Monday, April 27, 2026
  • 1:30 PM 3:30 PM 13:30 15:30
  • Zoom (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Our Monday Nonfiction Book Club meets online via Zoom. Membership is limited to 20; in case of over-enrollment, prospective participants will be placed on a wait-list. Books will be proposed and selected at the September meeting. Once complete, the selection list for the 2025–26 year will be posted on the VISTAS website.
Each discussion is led by a different group member, who comes in with suggested questions (which we are all free to supplement).
Some books recently read include: The Premonition: A Pandemic Story (Michael Lewis); The Women’s Hour: The Great War to Win the Vote (Elaine Weiss); Last Boat Out of Shanghai: The Epic Story of the Chinese Who Fled Mao’s Revolution (Helen Zia).

View Event →
May
8
9:30 AM09:30

Mystery and Espionage Book Club

  • Friday, May 8, 2026
  • 9:30 AM 12:00 PM 09:30 12:00
  • Google Calendar ICS

Second Friday of each month, September through June, 9:30 a.m. – 12 noon
First Fall 2025 meeting: September 12
Bethany Congregational Church 556 N. Hope Avenue, Santa Barbara
VISTAS members only: $25 for the year; enrollment limited to 12

Mysteries! Spies! Detectives! Private Eyes! If you want to add a little intrigue to your reading list, this is the book club for you! VISTAS is pleased to announce the formation of our newest book club, dedicated to the popular genre of mysteries, spy/counterspy novels, and thrillers. Mysteries are the oldest form of literature within this arena, going back to the 19th century with the works of Edgar Allan Poe and Wilkie Collins. Spy novels began growing in popularity starting around the era of World War I, and thrillers as we know them today began to come into their own shortly after the end of World War II with books by Mickey Spillane and others.
At our first meeting, we will become acquainted with fellow group members, review the types of novels we’ll be reading, and discuss our first selection, The Key to Rebecca, by Ken Follett. Group members also will receive a complimentary copy of the book The Brass Ring, by local author Lance Mason. Dr. Mason will attend our second session, on Oct. 11, and will lead the discussion of his book. Time permitting, we’ll also dive into our next novel, The Foreign Correspondent, by Alan Furst. Starting with the third class, two books will be discussed at each session. Enrollment for this book club is limited; in case of over-enrollment, a wait-list will be created.

View Event →
May
14
1:30 PM13:30

Thursday Nonfiction Book Club

  • Thursday, May 14, 2026
  • 1:30 PM 3:30 PM 13:30 15:30
  • Private Residence (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

The Thursday Nonfiction Book Club meets in person at a private residence. It is full and not accepting new members at this time.

View Event →
May
21
10:00 AM10:00

Fiction Book Club

  • Thursday, May 21, 2026
  • 10:00 AM 12:00 PM 10:00 12:00
  • Bethany Congregational Church (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

10 a.m. – 12 noon
Third Thursday each month, Sept. 2025 – July 2026
First Fall 2025 meeting: September 18, 2025
Bethany Congregational Church, 556 N. Hope Avenue, Santa Barbara

The VISTAS Fiction Book Group meets monthly for in-depth, highly satisfying discussions of a variety of types of fiction. Titles are selected and presented by individual members of the group. All group members are responsible for contributing questions and observations to the discussion. Books we read this past year include The God of Small Things (Arundhati Roy), The Elegance of the Hedgehog (Muriel Barbery), Circe (Madeline Miller), The Housekeeper Professor (Yoko Ogawa), The White Tiger (Aravind Adiga), Lady Tan’s Circle of Women (Lisa See), and Horse (Geraldine Brooks

View Event →
May
25
1:30 PM13:30

Monday Nonfiction Book Club

  • Monday, May 25, 2026
  • 1:30 PM 3:30 PM 13:30 15:30
  • Zoom (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Our Monday Nonfiction Book Club meets online via Zoom. Membership is limited to 20; in case of over-enrollment, prospective participants will be placed on a wait-list. Books will be proposed and selected at the September meeting. Once complete, the selection list for the 2025–26 year will be posted on the VISTAS website.
Each discussion is led by a different group member, who comes in with suggested questions (which we are all free to supplement).
Some books recently read include: The Premonition: A Pandemic Story (Michael Lewis); The Women’s Hour: The Great War to Win the Vote (Elaine Weiss); Last Boat Out of Shanghai: The Epic Story of the Chinese Who Fled Mao’s Revolution (Helen Zia).

View Event →
Jun
11
1:30 PM13:30

Thursday Nonfiction Book Club

  • Thursday, June 11, 2026
  • 1:30 PM 3:30 PM 13:30 15:30
  • Private Residence (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

The Thursday Nonfiction Book Club meets in person at a private residence. It is full and not accepting new members at this time.

View Event →
Jun
12
9:30 AM09:30

Mystery and Espionage Book Club

  • Friday, June 12, 2026
  • 9:30 AM 12:00 PM 09:30 12:00
  • Google Calendar ICS

Second Friday of each month, September through June, 9:30 a.m. – 12 noon
First Fall 2025 meeting: September 12
Bethany Congregational Church 556 N. Hope Avenue, Santa Barbara
VISTAS members only: $25 for the year; enrollment limited to 12

Mysteries! Spies! Detectives! Private Eyes! If you want to add a little intrigue to your reading list, this is the book club for you! VISTAS is pleased to announce the formation of our newest book club, dedicated to the popular genre of mysteries, spy/counterspy novels, and thrillers. Mysteries are the oldest form of literature within this arena, going back to the 19th century with the works of Edgar Allan Poe and Wilkie Collins. Spy novels began growing in popularity starting around the era of World War I, and thrillers as we know them today began to come into their own shortly after the end of World War II with books by Mickey Spillane and others.
At our first meeting, we will become acquainted with fellow group members, review the types of novels we’ll be reading, and discuss our first selection, The Key to Rebecca, by Ken Follett. Group members also will receive a complimentary copy of the book The Brass Ring, by local author Lance Mason. Dr. Mason will attend our second session, on Oct. 11, and will lead the discussion of his book. Time permitting, we’ll also dive into our next novel, The Foreign Correspondent, by Alan Furst. Starting with the third class, two books will be discussed at each session. Enrollment for this book club is limited; in case of over-enrollment, a wait-list will be created.

View Event →
Jun
18
10:00 AM10:00

Fiction Book Club

  • Thursday, June 18, 2026
  • 10:00 AM 12:00 PM 10:00 12:00
  • Bethany Congregational Church (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

10 a.m. – 12 noon
Third Thursday each month, Sept. 2025 – July 2026
First Fall 2025 meeting: September 18, 2025
Bethany Congregational Church, 556 N. Hope Avenue, Santa Barbara

The VISTAS Fiction Book Group meets monthly for in-depth, highly satisfying discussions of a variety of types of fiction. Titles are selected and presented by individual members of the group. All group members are responsible for contributing questions and observations to the discussion. Books we read this past year include The God of Small Things (Arundhati Roy), The Elegance of the Hedgehog (Muriel Barbery), Circe (Madeline Miller), The Housekeeper Professor (Yoko Ogawa), The White Tiger (Aravind Adiga), Lady Tan’s Circle of Women (Lisa See), and Horse (Geraldine Brooks

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Jun
22
1:30 PM13:30

Monday Nonfiction Book Club

  • Monday, June 22, 2026
  • 1:30 PM 3:30 PM 13:30 15:30
  • Zoom (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Our Monday Nonfiction Book Club meets online via Zoom. Membership is limited to 20; in case of over-enrollment, prospective participants will be placed on a wait-list. Books will be proposed and selected at the September meeting. Once complete, the selection list for the 2025–26 year will be posted on the VISTAS website.
Each discussion is led by a different group member, who comes in with suggested questions (which we are all free to supplement).
Some books recently read include: The Premonition: A Pandemic Story (Michael Lewis); The Women’s Hour: The Great War to Win the Vote (Elaine Weiss); Last Boat Out of Shanghai: The Epic Story of the Chinese Who Fled Mao’s Revolution (Helen Zia).

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Jul
9
1:30 PM13:30

Thursday Nonfiction Book Club

  • Thursday, July 9, 2026
  • 1:30 PM 3:30 PM 13:30 15:30
  • Private Residence (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

The Thursday Nonfiction Book Club meets in person at a private residence. It is full and not accepting new members at this time.

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Jul
16
10:00 AM10:00

Fiction Book Club

  • Thursday, July 16, 2026
  • 10:00 AM 12:00 PM 10:00 12:00
  • Bethany Congregational Church (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

10 a.m. – 12 noon
Third Thursday each month, Sept. 2025 – July 2026
First Fall 2025 meeting: September 18, 2025
Bethany Congregational Church, 556 N. Hope Avenue, Santa Barbara

The VISTAS Fiction Book Group meets monthly for in-depth, highly satisfying discussions of a variety of types of fiction. Titles are selected and presented by individual members of the group. All group members are responsible for contributing questions and observations to the discussion. Books we read this past year include The God of Small Things (Arundhati Roy), The Elegance of the Hedgehog (Muriel Barbery), Circe (Madeline Miller), The Housekeeper Professor (Yoko Ogawa), The White Tiger (Aravind Adiga), Lady Tan’s Circle of Women (Lisa See), and Horse (Geraldine Brooks

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Jul
27
1:30 PM13:30

Monday Nonfiction Book Club

  • Monday, July 27, 2026
  • 1:30 PM 3:30 PM 13:30 15:30
  • Zoom (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Our Monday Nonfiction Book Club meets online via Zoom. Membership is limited to 20; in case of over-enrollment, prospective participants will be placed on a wait-list. Books will be proposed and selected at the September meeting. Once complete, the selection list for the 2025–26 year will be posted on the VISTAS website.
Each discussion is led by a different group member, who comes in with suggested questions (which we are all free to supplement).
Some books recently read include: The Premonition: A Pandemic Story (Michael Lewis); The Women’s Hour: The Great War to Win the Vote (Elaine Weiss); Last Boat Out of Shanghai: The Epic Story of the Chinese Who Fled Mao’s Revolution (Helen Zia).

View Event →

May
15
10:00 AM10:00

Fiction Book Club

  • Thursday, May 15, 2025
  • 10:00 AM 12:00 PM 10:00 12:00
  • Bethany Congregational Church (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS
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May
14
9:30 AM09:30

Gilbert and Sullivan 2/3

  • Wednesday, May 14, 2025
  • 9:30 AM 12:00 PM 09:30 12:00
  • Google Calendar ICS

Gilbert and Sullivan

Wednesdays: May 7, 14, and 21, 9:30 a.m. – 12 noon
Weinman Hall, Music Academy of the West 1070 Fairway Road, Santa Barbara
VISTAS member price: $40; non-member price: $60

Presented by Bob Weinman
In this three-meeting presentation, my object all sublime will be to polish up the handle of the big front door. You will find out that things are seldom what they seem and you will learn the scientific names of beings animalculous and how the punishment will fit the crime, since I, of course, have got a little list. Here’s a first-rate opportunity to learn the why and wherefore as we give three cheers and one cheer more for William Schwenk Gilbert and Arthur Seymour Sullivan. Will any of your favorite songs be left out? Never! Well, hardly ever!

Gilbert and Sullivan
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May
9
9:30 AM09:30

Mystery and Espionage Book Club

  • Friday, May 9, 2025
  • 9:30 AM 12:00 PM 09:30 12:00
  • Google Calendar ICS

Second Friday of each month, September through June, 9:30 a.m. – 12 noon
First Fall 2025 meeting: September 12
Bethany Congregational Church 556 N. Hope Avenue, Santa Barbara
VISTAS members only: $25 for the year; enrollment limited to 12

Mysteries! Spies! Detectives! Private Eyes! If you want to add a little intrigue to your reading list, this is the book club for you! VISTAS is pleased to announce the formation of our newest book club, dedicated to the popular genre of mysteries, spy/counterspy novels, and thrillers. Mysteries are the oldest form of literature within this arena, going back to the 19th century with the works of Edgar Allan Poe and Wilkie Collins. Spy novels began growing in popularity starting around the era of World War I, and thrillers as we know them today began to come into their own shortly after the end of World War II with books by Mickey Spillane and others.
At our first meeting, we will become acquainted with fellow group members, review the types of novels we’ll be reading, and discuss our first selection, The Key to Rebecca, by Ken Follett. Group members also will receive a complimentary copy of the book The Brass Ring, by local author Lance Mason. Dr. Mason will attend our second session, on Oct. 11, and will lead the discussion of his book. Time permitting, we’ll also dive into our next novel, The Foreign Correspondent, by Alan Furst. Starting with the third class, two books will be discussed at each session. Enrollment for this book club is limited; in case of over-enrollment, a wait-list will be created.

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May
8
1:30 PM13:30

Thursday Nonfiction Book Club

  • Thursday, May 8, 2025
  • 1:30 PM 3:30 PM 13:30 15:30
  • Private Residence (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

The Thursday Nonfiction Book Club meets in person at a private residence. It is full and not accepting new members at this time.

View Event →
May
7
9:30 AM09:30

Gilbert and Sullivan 1/3

  • Wednesday, May 7, 2025
  • 9:30 AM 12:00 PM 09:30 12:00
  • Google Calendar ICS

Gilbert and Sullivan

Wednesdays: May 7, 14, and 21, 9:30 a.m. – 12 noon
Weinman Hall, Music Academy of the West 1070 Fairway Road, Santa Barbara
VISTAS member price: $40; non-member price: $60

Presented by Bob Weinman
In this three-meeting presentation, my object all sublime will be to polish up the handle of the big front door. You will find out that things are seldom what they seem and you will learn the scientific names of beings animalculous and how the punishment will fit the crime, since I, of course, have got a little list. Here’s a first-rate opportunity to learn the why and wherefore as we give three cheers and one cheer more for William Schwenk Gilbert and Arthur Seymour Sullivan. Will any of your favorite songs be left out? Never! Well, hardly ever!

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Gilbert and Sullivan
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Apr
30
9:30 AM09:30

Genesis: History, Tradition, and Myth 4/4

  • Wednesday, April 30, 2025
  • 9:30 AM 12:00 PM 09:30 12:00
  • Google Calendar ICS

The Book of Genesis—History, Tradition, and Myth

DATES CHANGED: Wednesdays: April 9, 16, 23, and 30, 1:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Valle Verde Theater 900 Calle De Los Amigos, Santa Barbara
VISTAS member price: $50; non-member price: $75

Presented by Norm Cohen
The stories told in the book of Genesis have had a lasting impact on three of the world’s great religions. The characters presented—Adam and Eve; Cain and Abel; Abraham and Sarah; Isaac and Rebecca; Jacob and his two wives, 12 sons, and one daughter—are among the best-known in Western literature and have influenced story-tellers, poets, theologians, and philosophers for over two millennia. The events described—the Creation of the World, and so-called Fall from Grace, the Tower of Babel, the Great Flood of Noah—are a fundamental part of our cultural inheritance. Where did these stories originate? Who put them in the form that we now have? What did they mean to their original audiences more than 25 centuries ago? This series of presentations will examine—and, hopefully, answer—these questions and more.

The Book of Genesis
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Apr
28
1:30 PM13:30

Monday Nonfiction Book Club

  • Monday, April 28, 2025
  • 1:30 PM 3:30 PM 13:30 15:30
  • Zoom (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Our Monday Nonfiction Book Club meets online via Zoom. Membership is limited to 20; in case of over-enrollment, prospective participants will be placed on a wait-list. Books will be proposed and selected at the September meeting. Once complete, the selection list for the 2024–25 year will be posted on the VISTAS website.
Each discussion is led by a different group member, who comes in with suggested questions (which we are all free to supplement).
Some books recently read include: The Premonition: A Pandemic Story (Michael Lewis); The Women’s Hour: The Great War to Win the Vote (Elaine Weiss); Last Boat Out of Shanghai: The Epic Story of the Chinese Who Fled Mao’s Revolution (Helen Zia).

View Event →
Apr
24
9:30 AM09:30

Driving the Mafia Out of Las Vegas: The True Story Behind the Movie Casino, told by the FBI Agent Who Lived It

  • Thursday, April 24, 2025
  • 9:30 AM 12:00 PM 09:30 12:00
  • Google Calendar ICS

Driving the Mafia Out of Vegas: The True Story Behind the Movie Casino (Part Three of the Series “The FBI—Past, Present, and Future”)

Thursday, April 24, 9:30 a.m. – 12 noon
Bethany Congregational Church 556 N. Hope Avenue, Santa Barbara
VISTAS member price: $20; non-member price $30

Presented by Tom Parker
Since the days of Al Capone, the Italian Mafia had a foothold in Las Vegas through casino construction financed with mob money. In the 1940s, Jewish organized crime figures such as Bugsy Siegel and Meyer Lansky arrived in “glitter gulch” to obtain, through deadly force, a share of the “skim” from those gambling operations. By the 1970s, the mafia was so entrenched in the Vegas casinos that the Feds could no longer ignore their presence. In the late 1970s, the FBI and the IRS increased their investigative staffing levels to counter the mob’s heretofore unreachable spoils. The story of these investigations, the evidence the FBI collected, and the Federal court convictions they obtained were accurately portrayed in the movie “Casino.” To date, no investigation of the Mafia has been more successful in the history of the FBI and American law enforcement than this one.

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Driving the Mafia Out of Vegas
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Apr
23
9:30 AM09:30

Genesis: History, Tradition, and Myth 3/4

  • Wednesday, April 23, 2025
  • 9:30 AM 12:00 PM 09:30 12:00
  • Google Calendar ICS

The Book of Genesis—History, Tradition, and Myth

DATES CHANGED: Wednesdays: April 9, 16, 23, and 30, 1:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Valle Verde Theater 900 Calle De Los Amigos, Santa Barbara
VISTAS member price: $50; non-member price: $75

Presented by Norm Cohen
The stories told in the book of Genesis have had a lasting impact on three of the world’s great religions. The characters presented—Adam and Eve; Cain and Abel; Abraham and Sarah; Isaac and Rebecca; Jacob and his two wives, 12 sons, and one daughter—are among the best-known in Western literature and have influenced story-tellers, poets, theologians, and philosophers for over two millennia. The events described—the Creation of the World, and so-called Fall from Grace, the Tower of Babel, the Great Flood of Noah—are a fundamental part of our cultural inheritance. Where did these stories originate? Who put them in the form that we now have? What did they mean to their original audiences more than 25 centuries ago? This series of presentations will examine—and, hopefully, answer—these questions and more.

The Book of Genesis
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Apr
17
10:00 AM10:00

Fiction Book Club

  • Thursday, April 17, 2025
  • 10:00 AM 12:00 PM 10:00 12:00
  • Bethany Congregational Church (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS
View Event →
Apr
16
9:30 AM09:30

Genesis: History, Tradition, and Myth 2/4

  • Wednesday, April 16, 2025
  • 9:30 AM 12:00 PM 09:30 12:00
  • Google Calendar ICS

The Book of Genesis—History, Tradition, and Myth

DATES CHANGED: Wednesdays: April 9, 16, 23, and 30, 1:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Valle Verde Theater 900 Calle De Los Amigos, Santa Barbara
VISTAS member price: $50; non-member price: $75

Presented by Norm Cohen
The stories told in the book of Genesis have had a lasting impact on three of the world’s great religions. The characters presented—Adam and Eve; Cain and Abel; Abraham and Sarah; Isaac and Rebecca; Jacob and his two wives, 12 sons, and one daughter—are among the best-known in Western literature and have influenced story-tellers, poets, theologians, and philosophers for over two millennia. The events described—the Creation of the World, and so-called Fall from Grace, the Tower of Babel, the Great Flood of Noah—are a fundamental part of our cultural inheritance. Where did these stories originate? Who put them in the form that we now have? What did they mean to their original audiences more than 25 centuries ago? This series of presentations will examine—and, hopefully, answer—these questions and more.

The Book of Genesis
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Apr
14
9:30 AM09:30

Smallpox from Ramses V to the Final Case

  • Monday, April 14, 2025
  • 9:30 AM 10:30 AM 09:30 10:30
  • Google Calendar ICS

Smallpox from Ramses V to the Final Case

Mondays: April 7 and 14, 9:30 a.m. – 12 noon
Venue TBD
VISTAS member price: $30; non-member price: $45

Presented by Bee Bloeser
Smallpox has been referred to as humankind's most feared disease, and its eradication was an achievement many experts declared to be impossible. This course will look at the fascinating history of the disease, the dynasties it dethroned, its role in America's War of Independence and beyond, attempts to control it through the ages, and finally the discovery of an effective vaccine. Then, after a look at the political backstory, we'll home in on the USAID-funded CDC vaccination teams sent to West Africa in the first phase of the global campaign. We'll learn about one public health family's experiences in war-torn Nigeria and then in Equatorial Guinea, which was then suffering under the brutal regime of a President-turned-dictator. We will have a look at WHO and the campaign's triumphant conclusion. We'll also acknowledge post-eradication concerns.

Smallpox
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Apr
11
9:30 AM09:30

Mystery and Espionage Book Club

  • Friday, April 11, 2025
  • 9:30 AM 11:30 AM 09:30 11:30
  • Google Calendar ICS

Second Friday of each month, September through June, 9:30 a.m. – 12 noon
First Fall 2025 meeting: September 12
Bethany Congregational Church 556 N. Hope Avenue, Santa Barbara
VISTAS members only: $25 for the year; enrollment limited to 12

Mysteries! Spies! Detectives! Private Eyes! If you want to add a little intrigue to your reading list, this is the book club for you! VISTAS is pleased to announce the formation of our newest book club, dedicated to the popular genre of mysteries, spy/counterspy novels, and thrillers. Mysteries are the oldest form of literature within this arena, going back to the 19th century with the works of Edgar Allan Poe and Wilkie Collins. Spy novels began growing in popularity starting around the era of World War I, and thrillers as we know them today began to come into their own shortly after the end of World War II with books by Mickey Spillane and others.
At our first meeting, we will become acquainted with fellow group members, review the types of novels we’ll be reading, and discuss our first selection, The Key to Rebecca, by Ken Follett. Group members also will receive a complimentary copy of the book The Brass Ring, by local author Lance Mason. Dr. Mason will attend our second session, on Oct. 11, and will lead the discussion of his book. Time permitting, we’ll also dive into our next novel, The Foreign Correspondent, by Alan Furst. Starting with the third class, two books will be discussed at each session. Enrollment for this book club is limited; in case of over-enrollment, a wait-list will be created.

View Event →
Apr
10
1:30 PM13:30

Board Meeting

  • Thursday, April 10, 2025
  • 1:30 PM 2:30 PM 13:30 14:30
  • Google Calendar ICS
View Event →
Apr
10
1:30 PM13:30

Thursday Nonfiction Book Club

  • Thursday, April 10, 2025
  • 1:30 PM 3:30 PM 13:30 15:30
  • Private Residence (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

The Thursday Nonfiction Book Club meets in person at a private residence. It is full and not accepting new members at this time.

View Event →
Apr
9
9:30 AM09:30

Genesis: History, Tradition, and Myth 1/4

  • Wednesday, April 9, 2025
  • 9:30 AM 12:00 PM 09:30 12:00
  • Google Calendar ICS

The Book of Genesis—History, Tradition, and Myth

DATES CHANGED: Wednesdays: April 9, 16, 23, and 30, 1:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Valle Verde Theater 900 Calle De Los Amigos, Santa Barbara
VISTAS member price: $50; non-member price: $75

Presented by Norm Cohen
The stories told in the book of Genesis have had a lasting impact on three of the world’s great religions. The characters presented—Adam and Eve; Cain and Abel; Abraham and Sarah; Isaac and Rebecca; Jacob and his two wives, 12 sons, and one daughter—are among the best-known in Western literature and have influenced story-tellers, poets, theologians, and philosophers for over two millennia. The events described—the Creation of the World, and so-called Fall from Grace, the Tower of Babel, the Great Flood of Noah—are a fundamental part of our cultural inheritance. Where did these stories originate? Who put them in the form that we now have? What did they mean to their original audiences more than 25 centuries ago? This series of presentations will examine—and, hopefully, answer—these questions and more.

View Flyer

The Book of Genesis
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Apr
4
1:00 PM13:00

Laughter is the Best Medicine

  • Friday, April 4, 2025
  • 1:00 PM 3:30 PM 13:00 15:30
  • Google Calendar ICS

Laughter and Humor: The Best Medicine

Friday: April 4, 1:00 – 3:30 p.m.
Bethany Congregational Church 556 N. Hope Avenue, Santa Barbara
VISTAS member price: $20; non-member price $30

Presented by Allou Guthmiller
Join Allou Guthmiller for an engaging, interactive afternoon where we explore the healing power of laughter. Through personal stories, group activities, and practical tools, you’ll discover how humor can reduce everyday stressors, deepen connections, and add joy to your life. Allou will share her experiences using laughter to build relationships, foster positive environments, and navigate life’s challenges gracefully. Together, we’ll learn how humor not only uplifts our spirits but also strengthens resilience as we age. Don’t miss out on this fun, insightful event that promises to leave you energized, empowered, and ready to bring more laughter into your daily routine.

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Laughter and Humor: The Best Medicine
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Apr
2
9:30 AM09:30

Dealing with Dementia

  • Wednesday, April 2, 2025
  • 9:30 AM 12:00 PM 09:30 12:00
  • Google Calendar ICS

Dealing with Dementia

Wednesday: April 2, 9:30 a.m. – 12 noon
Bethany Congregational Church 556 N. Hope Avenue, Santa Barbara
VISTAS member price: $20; non-member price: $30

Presented by Joe Wheatley
Dementia—how is it diagnosed and what are some types of dementia? How do the effects of various forms of memory loss, confusion, lack of judgement, and loss of executive functions impact the family? While the family is trying to accept the diagnosis, what can and should be done to prepare for the future? We will look at the major forms of dementia and discuss some of the mental and behavioral aspects of each. How can you, as a partner or family member, begin the very long journey of providing care for your loved one while managing the new day-to-day life changes that are going to take place? We will discuss tools and resources to help you along the way.

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Dealing with Dementia
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Mar
28
1:00 PM13:00

From Marine Corps Barracks to Nanofabrication Laboratories: A Physical History of the UCSB Campus

  • Friday, March 28, 2025
  • 1:00 PM 3:30 PM 13:00 15:30
  • Google Calendar ICS

From Marine Corps Barracks to Nanofabrication Laboratories:
A Physical History of the UCSB Campus

Friday: March 28, 1:00 – 3:30 p.m.
Bethany Congregational Church 556 N. Hope Avenue, Santa Barbara
VISTAS member price: $20; non-member price: $30

Presented by Dennis Whelan
This presentation will trace the physical development of the current campus of the University of California, Santa Barbara. We’ll start with a brief history of the site, which was occupied by the Chumash peoples for thousands of years, then we’ll quickly review the Spanish/ Mexican/Californio eras, and finally we’ll address the agricultural and military developments of the Mesa and Goleta Valley. These uses left an imprint that led to the development of what was to become UCSB, now internationally acknowledged as one of America’s top universities. It’s also world-renowned for its beautiful oceanfront campus. UCSB’s buildings and landscape will be examined through the history of campus planning in the US as well as the numerous Master Plans that have guided UCSB’s development up to the present.

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From Marine Corps Barracks to Nanofabrication Laboratories
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Mar
26
9:30 AM09:30

Art, Science, and Medicine

  • Wednesday, March 26, 2025
  • 9:30 AM 12:00 PM 09:30 12:00
  • Google Calendar ICS

Art, Science, and Medicine

Wednesday: March 26, 9:30 a.m. – 12 noon
NEW LOCATION: Bethany Congregational Church 556 N. Hope Avenue, Santa Barbara
VISTAS member price: $20; non-member price: $30

Presented by Dr. Fima Lifshitz
Did you ever wonder how art, science, and medicine interact? This presentation is geared to foster appreciation of art as a complement to scientific and medical knowledge. Dr. Lifshitz has utilized his medical expertise to learn about art and the artists he was fortunate to meet while teaching in medical schools throughout the world. The practices of art, science, and medicine all require specialized knowledge as well as substantial creative inspiration, along with passion for the work. Artists, scientists, and physicians draw stimulation from each other and all focus on observation, visualization, perception, and experimentation. Moreover, art magnifies the joy of life experienced by artists, scientists and physicians. Thus, art can play a complementary role in scientific discovery and medical research.

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Art, Science, and Medicine


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Mar
24
1:30 PM13:30

Monday Nonfiction Book Club

  • Monday, March 24, 2025
  • 1:30 PM 3:30 PM 13:30 15:30
  • Zoom (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Our Monday Nonfiction Book Club meets online via Zoom. Membership is limited to 20; in case of over-enrollment, prospective participants will be placed on a wait-list. Books will be proposed and selected at the September meeting. Once complete, the selection list for the 2024–25 year will be posted on the VISTAS website.
Each discussion is led by a different group member, who comes in with suggested questions (which we are all free to supplement).
Some books recently read include: The Premonition: A Pandemic Story (Michael Lewis); The Women’s Hour: The Great War to Win the Vote (Elaine Weiss); Last Boat Out of Shanghai: The Epic Story of the Chinese Who Fled Mao’s Revolution (Helen Zia).

View Event →
Mar
21
1:00 PM13:00

Two Peoples, One Land: The History and Complexity of the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict 3/3

  • Friday, March 21, 2025
  • 1:00 PM 3:30 PM 13:00 15:30
  • Google Calendar ICS

Two Peoples, One Land: The History and Complexity of the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict

Fridays: March 7, 14, and 21, 2025, 1:00 – 3:30 p.m
Fe Bland Forum Auditorium, SBCC West Campus 721 Cliff Drive, Santa Barbara
VISTAS member price: $40; non-member price: $60

Presented by David Bisno
With the Middle East in continuing turmoil, we'll try to understand the problem from all perspectives during three intensive Friday afternoons. David will again, as he did last winter, lead us through the history and conflicts of the Holy Land—now with important revisions, additions, and updates, including the present truce with hostage and prisoner return. Without advocacy but with even-handed care and scholarship, David will help us understand the competing claims and why a solution is so difficult. This talk, with remarkable illustrations, will take us from Abraham to Herzl, from Arafat to Netanyahu ... and up to Donald Trump and Marco Rubio.

We’ll consider many important questions. Whose land is it, anyway? Whose land has it been? What does the Bible have to do with it? Who are the indigenous people? Who has the “Right of Return”? Why Israel? Why Palestine? Why the Jews? Why the Muslims? What do Christians have to do with it? What are the myths under which we’ve been living? Why have there been so many campus protests? Is there a solution? If so, what might it look like?

Take a deep breath. We’re all going to learn a lot.

Two Peoples, One Land
View Event →
Mar
20
10:00 AM10:00

Fiction Book Club

  • Thursday, March 20, 2025
  • 10:00 AM 12:00 PM 10:00 12:00
  • Bethany Congregational Church (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS
View Event →
Mar
17
1:00 PM13:00

Women Who Dared 3/3

  • Monday, March 17, 2025
  • 1:00 PM 3:30 PM 13:00 15:30
  • Google Calendar ICS

Women Who Dared

Mondays: March 3, 10, and 17, 1:00 – 3:30 p.m.
Bethany Congregational Church 556 N. Hope Avenue, Santa Barbara
VISTAS member price: $40; non-member price: $60

Coordinated by Laurie Guitteau
Women Who Dared is a new course intended to highlight women who ignored the traditions of their culture and era and contributed significantly to their world, always against tremendous challenges. In this inaugural series, a team of co-presenters (Barbara Lindemann, Lois Kaplan, George Frakes, Jill Breedon, Laurie Guitteau, and Barbara Greenleaf) will cover six such women.
Born a slave in 1862, Ida B. Wells, a journalist, was dedicated to full civil rights for Black people and the vote for all women. Frances Perkins, who served under FDR as the first woman cabinet secretary, was a driving force behind the New Deal, helping to create the modern middle class. Gertrude Bell, known as the Queen of the Desert, was an archaeologist, explorer, cartographer, and political attaché for the British Empire at the dawn of the twentieth century. Margaret Fuller, a taboo-breaking Transcendentalist, was the author of the first major work of American feminism as well as America’s first female war correspondent. Simone Veil, a Holocaust survivor and politician dedicated to women’s rights, was the first woman to serve as president of the European Parliament. Rachel Carson inspired the environmental movement, which is now more important than ever.

Women Who Dared
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Mar
14
1:00 PM13:00

Two Peoples, One Land: The History and Complexity of the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict 2/3

  • Friday, March 14, 2025
  • 1:00 PM 3:30 PM 13:00 15:30
  • Google Calendar ICS

Two Peoples, One Land: The History and Complexity of the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict

Fridays: March 7, 14, and 21, 2025, 1:00 – 3:30 p.m
Fe Bland Forum Auditorium, SBCC West Campus 721 Cliff Drive, Santa Barbara
VISTAS member price: $40; non-member price: $60

Presented by David Bisno
With the Middle East in continuing turmoil, we'll try to understand the problem from all perspectives during three intensive Friday afternoons. David will again, as he did last winter, lead us through the history and conflicts of the Holy Land—now with important revisions, additions, and updates, including the present truce with hostage and prisoner return. Without advocacy but with even-handed care and scholarship, David will help us understand the competing claims and why a solution is so difficult. This talk, with remarkable illustrations, will take us from Abraham to Herzl, from Arafat to Netanyahu ... and up to Donald Trump and Marco Rubio.

We’ll consider many important questions. Whose land is it, anyway? Whose land has it been? What does the Bible have to do with it? Who are the indigenous people? Who has the “Right of Return”? Why Israel? Why Palestine? Why the Jews? Why the Muslims? What do Christians have to do with it? What are the myths under which we’ve been living? Why have there been so many campus protests? Is there a solution? If so, what might it look like?

Take a deep breath. We’re all going to learn a lot.

Two Peoples, One Land
View Event →
Mar
14
9:30 AM09:30

Mystery and Espionage Book Club

  • Friday, March 14, 2025
  • 9:30 AM 12:00 PM 09:30 12:00
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Second Friday of each month, September through June, 9:30 a.m. – 12 noon
First Fall 2025 meeting: September 12
Bethany Congregational Church 556 N. Hope Avenue, Santa Barbara
VISTAS members only: $25 for the year; enrollment limited to 12

Mysteries! Spies! Detectives! Private Eyes! If you want to add a little intrigue to your reading list, this is the book club for you! VISTAS is pleased to announce the formation of our newest book club, dedicated to the popular genre of mysteries, spy/counterspy novels, and thrillers. Mysteries are the oldest form of literature within this arena, going back to the 19th century with the works of Edgar Allan Poe and Wilkie Collins. Spy novels began growing in popularity starting around the era of World War I, and thrillers as we know them today began to come into their own shortly after the end of World War II with books by Mickey Spillane and others.
At our first meeting, we will become acquainted with fellow group members, review the types of novels we’ll be reading, and discuss our first selection, The Key to Rebecca, by Ken Follett. Group members also will receive a complimentary copy of the book The Brass Ring, by local author Lance Mason. Dr. Mason will attend our second session, on Oct. 11, and will lead the discussion of his book. Time permitting, we’ll also dive into our next novel, The Foreign Correspondent, by Alan Furst. Starting with the third class, two books will be discussed at each session. Enrollment for this book club is limited; in case of over-enrollment, a wait-list will be created.

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Mar
13
1:30 PM13:30

Thursday Nonfiction Book Club

  • Thursday, March 13, 2025
  • 1:30 PM 3:30 PM 13:30 15:30
  • Private Residence (map)
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The Thursday Nonfiction Book Club meets in person at a private residence. It is full and not accepting new members at this time.

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Mar
12
9:30 AM09:30

Our Moon: What Would We Do Without It?

  • Wednesday, March 12, 2025
  • 9:30 AM 12:00 PM 09:30 12:00
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Our Moon—What Would We Do Without It?

Wednesday: March 12, 9:30 a.m. – 12 noon
Bethany Congregational Church 556 N. Hope Avenue, Santa Barbara
VISTAS member price: $20; non-member price: $30

Presented by Peter Beuret
A total eclipse of the moon will begin on March 13. This class is a reprise of the presentation Peter Beuret gave before the Nov. 2022 eclipse. In this class, we’ll discuss the physical influence of our moon on our planet. There are larger moons out there, so why is ours the most influential moon in the solar system? What would happen if the moon disappeared tonight and didn’t come back? What if we’d never had a moon at all? Next, we will look at the influence of the moon on us as human beings—the mystical, spiritual, practical, and inspirational influences of our moon, with a bit of special attention to Jules Verne, who wrote about a journey to the moon just a hundred years before the real thing. Finally, we’ll discuss how we observe our moon—what we see and what other people and cultures see (the Man in the Moon, the Woman in the Moon, the Rabbit in the Moon). Does the moon appear upside down in Australia? How and why do eclipses happen? We’ll also review the timetable for the March 13 eclipse.

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Our Moon
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Mar
11
12:00 AM00:00

Passover

  • Tuesday, March 11, 2025
  • 12:00 AM 11:59 PM 00:00 23:59
  • Google Calendar ICS

No Vistas Classes

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Mar
10
1:00 PM13:00

Women Who Dared 2/3

  • Monday, March 10, 2025
  • 1:00 PM 3:30 PM 13:00 15:30
  • Google Calendar ICS

Women Who Dared

Mondays: March 3, 10, and 17, 1:00 – 3:30 p.m.
Bethany Congregational Church 556 N. Hope Avenue, Santa Barbara
VISTAS member price: $40; non-member price: $60

Coordinated by Laurie Guitteau
Women Who Dared is a new course intended to highlight women who ignored the traditions of their culture and era and contributed significantly to their world, always against tremendous challenges. In this inaugural series, a team of co-presenters (Barbara Lindemann, Lois Kaplan, George Frakes, Jill Breedon, Laurie Guitteau, and Barbara Greenleaf) will cover six such women.
Born a slave in 1862, Ida B. Wells, a journalist, was dedicated to full civil rights for Black people and the vote for all women. Frances Perkins, who served under FDR as the first woman cabinet secretary, was a driving force behind the New Deal, helping to create the modern middle class. Gertrude Bell, known as the Queen of the Desert, was an archaeologist, explorer, cartographer, and political attaché for the British Empire at the dawn of the twentieth century. Margaret Fuller, a taboo-breaking Transcendentalist, was the author of the first major work of American feminism as well as America’s first female war correspondent. Simone Veil, a Holocaust survivor and politician dedicated to women’s rights, was the first woman to serve as president of the European Parliament. Rachel Carson inspired the environmental movement, which is now more important than ever.

Women Who Dared
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