‘Herstory’ Lessons

You may not know that March is Women’s History Month, celebrated with programs honoring women who have contributed to society, including an event right here in Ventura County. For six inspiring stories, stop in at Borders in Thousand Oaks today and meet half a dozen accomplished women--a polar explorer, a pilot, a prime minister, an astronaut, an abolitionist and a former first lady.

OK, so they are really impersonators--women profiled in monologues written by local writers who are part of the Women’s History Project 1999, sponsored by the Thousand Oaks branch of the American Assn. of University Women and Borders. Also available will be “Profiles of Women Past & Present, Volumes 1 and 2,” researched and written by branch members. A third volume is in progress.

According to Deborah Davis, co-chairwoman of the project, the idea for the book originated in 1985 when the 7-year-old daughter of branch member Sandy Hindy broke her arm. Assuming only men could be doctors, the child decided to be a nurse when she grew up. In response, Hindy did some research and presented first-person monologues at her daughter’s elementary school highlighting lives of women from history.

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Later a committee was formed and more than 60 AAUW branch members volunteered as researchers, writers, editors and presenters. Members and friends dressed in costumes and portrayed noteworthy women in other elementary schools. The program expanded into intermediate and private schools and just kept growing.

Meanwhile, Stacy Hindy grew up and is in premed at UCLA. An effort has been made to solicit scripts from students for the ongoing book project. In fact, Catie Davis, a senior at Thousand Oaks High School, wrote the script featuring one of the women portrayed today.

If you’re curious about these women, they are polar explorer Ann Bancroft, former Israeli Prime Minister Golda Meir, astronaut Ellen Ochoa, former first lady Eleanor Roosevelt, abolitionist Harriet Tubman, and pilot and humanitarian Jerrie Cobb. Meet them today through the portrayals. It’s free and open to the public at 2 p.m. at Border’s, 125 S. Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks (497-8159).

MORE HAPPENINGS

* Today at noon. Mystery author Charles Knief discusses “Emerald Flash” at Mysteries to Die For, 2940 Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks, 374-0084.

* Sunday at 2:30 p.m. Author Marlene Adler Marks discusses “A Woman’s Voice: Reflections on Love, Death, Faith, Food & Family Life,” a collection that includes personal columns that appeared in the Jewish Journal of Greater Los Angeles and were syndicated nationally. At Calabasas Barnes & Noble, 4735 Commons Way, (818) 222-0542.

* Sunday at 2:30 p.m. “Fast & Festive Meals for the Jewish Holiday” will be demonstrated and discussed by author Marlene Sorosky at Barnes & Noble, 160 S. Westlake Blvd., Thousand Oaks 446-2820.

* Monday at 11 a.m. Kid Stuff, stories and an art project with Liz, at Borders, 125 W. Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks, 497-8159.

* Monday at 7 p.m. The West Ventura County chapter of Small Publishers, Artists and Writers Network will feature speaker Roni Tagliaferri, author of “Sensuous Cinema of My Mind,” at the room above the Ventura Bookstore, 522 E. Main St. Members and guest free; $5 for nonmembers. Call Patricia Frye at 646-3045 for more information.

* Monday at 7:30 p.m. Author Ellen Hoffman, a former Washington Post reporter, will discus her book “Bankroll Your Future: How to Get the Most From the Government for Your Retirement Years,” at the Calabasas Barnes & Noble, 4735 Commons Way, (818) 222-0542.

* Tuesday at 4:30 p.m. Daniel Boone is the subject this month of a biography program for school-age children. Thousand Oaks Barnes & Noble, 160 S. Westlake Blvd., 446-2820.

* Tuesday at 7 p.m. Poetry-writing workshop with Pepperdine University professor Michael Collings at Borders, 125 W. Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks, 497-8159.

* Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. Jesse Hanley, M.D., will discuss and sign “What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Prem-enopause,” co-written with Dr. John Lee, at Borders, 125 W. Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks, 497-8159.

* Wednesday at 9:30 a.m. Teddy Bear Stories at Barnes & Noble, 4360 E. Main St., Ventura, 339-9170.

* Thursday at 7:30 p.m. Poetry reading by Oxnard College teacher Shelly Savren, author of “Gathering My Belongings” and “Photo Album,” at Kelly’s Coffee & Fudge Factory, 533 E. Main St., Ventura, 641-9407.

* Friday at 4 p.m. Story time and music for children with Kelly at Borders, 125 W. Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks, 497-8159.

* Friday at 6 p.m. Wine, cheese and poetry reading by Sandra Cannady Knapp, author of “Woodwinds,” at Mysteries to Die For, 2940 Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks, 374-0084.

* Friday at 7 p.m. Brother & Sister Berenstain Bear stories, after which Brother & Sister Bear will be available to shake hands. Parents are encouraged to bring a camera at Ventura Barnes & Noble, 4360 E. Main St., 339-9170.

* Saturday from 9 a.m to 4 p.m. The 16th annual Writers Workshop at Santa Barbara City College, Campus Center, 721 Cliff Drive, with moderator Cork Millner and keynote speaker Marcia Muller. Preregister if possible. Free, with lunch available for $6. 964-6853 or 687-0812.

* Saturday at noon. Jerrilyn Farmer, author of “Immaculate Reception,” and Leonard Foglia and David Richards, authors of “Face Down in the Park,” will be at Mysteries to Die For, 2940 Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks, 374-0084.

* Saturday at 7 p.m. Pajamamania at Borders, 125 W. Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks, 497-8159.

Catch you next week.

Information about book-signings, writers groups or publishing events can be faxed to Ann Shields at 647-6856 or e-mailed to anns40@aol.com.