Park district has upcoming events for those 50-plus

The Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District is offering new events and classes for people 50 and over.

Those who enjoy the card game hearts can participate in a Valentine's Hearts Tournament at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 13. The entry fee is $5, and prizes will be awarded.

The district is also offering an "Art of Humor and Poetry" class from 2 to 3:30 p.m on Feb. 13. The interactive class, which costs $5, will be led by Marty Albert.

A six-week Hawaiian dance course begins this Saturday, Jan. 26, from 10 to 11 a.m. and costs $24. From 11 until noon on the same days, a class on Tahitian dancing will be given and will also cost $24.

All events are held at the Simi Valley Senior Center at 3900 Avenida Simi.

For more information, call (805) 583-6059.

- Eliav Appelbaum

Tryouts for youth baseball this weekend

The Simi Valley Baseball League will host 12/under baseball tryouts for the Cal Ripken League on Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 26 and 27 at the league complex on 3700 Royal Ave., Simi Valley.

Tryouts are for Farm, Minor and Major divisions only and are scheduled by age groups: 9 a.m., ages 7 and 8; 10:30 a.m., age 9; noon, age 10; 1 p.m., age 11, and 2 p.m., age 12.

Registration is open to all players age 4 to 18 as of April 30 and living in Ventura County or the greater San Fernando Valley.

Opening day is set for March 8. A full program of baseball for all 12 and under divisions is offered on upgraded fields.

The Major Division will play on 70-foot bases and a 50-foot mound with lead offs.

Games for all divisions are primarily scheduled for Saturdays and one weekday.

The 16 to 18yearold Pro Division will start in May. There are manager/coach openings in some divisions.

Registration fees are inclusive as there is no mandatory fundraising during the season.

For more information, call (805) 581-3378 or register online at www.svbl.org.

B&G Club presents 'Parent Project' in February

The Boys & Girls Club of Simi Valley will offer a 10-week Parent Project from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. beginning Thursday, Feb. 21 at the club, 2850 Lemon Drive.

The program teaches parents strategies for dealing with children and teens who have behavior problems or failing grades, use drugs or alcohol, or are involved in gangs.

There is a $20 workbook fee.

The club is also offering the Teen Project for middle and high school students, designed to help teens deal with their parents and peers without resorting to violence or negative behaviors.

There will be a $10 membership fee and a $10 workbook fee. The Teen Project will be held at the club at the same time as the Parent Project.

Registration is open for both classes.

For more information, call (805) 527-4437.

Kiwanis set date for celebrity golf tournament

The Kiwanis Club of Simi Valley has scheduled the Celebrity Golf Classic '08 on May 1 at the Moorpark Country Club.

Celebrity host is actor Richard Karn, who played Al in the eight seasons of "Home Improvement." A advocate in the fight for a cure for cancer, Karn also has been the host of the Richard Karn Celebrity Golf Classic in his native Seattle.

The event will feature approximately 36 celebrity golfers from sports and entertainment.

The evening activities will include a banquet dinner, recognition of sponsors, live auction, raffle and tournament awards.

Sponsors are being sought.

Proceeds from the tournament will go to the Simi Valley Community Foundation, which supports many local charities.

For details and to register, visit www.simivalleykiwanis.com.