START YOUR ENGINES: AMERICAN RACE CARS AT THE REAGAN LIBRARY

NEW EXHIBIT TO RUN MAY 27 – OCTOBER 23, 2011

RACE CARS ON DISPLAY INCLUDE CARS FROM RICHARD PETTY,
JIMMIE JOHNSON, DALE EARNHARDT JR. AND SR., LYN ST. JAMES,
KURT BUSCH AND MORE

(SIMI VALLEY, Calif.) – In 1984, President Ronald Reagan became the first sitting U.S. President to attend a NASCAR race. That July, he started the Firecracker 400 at Daytona International Speedway where he gave the command, “Gentlemen, start your engines!” from aboard Air Force One. Later that day, Air Force One landed at Daytona International Airport behind the Speedway in full view of the fans. It was at that race that Richard Petty captured his historic 200th victory.
In honor of President Reagan’s relationship and fascination with auto racing, The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation presents Start Your Engines: American Race Cars at the Reagan Library, on view from May 27 through October 23, 2011. The exhibit features a wide array of storied vehicles from the history of American auto racing from the 1930s to today, including those from NASCAR and IndyCar. Visitors will view historic cars driven by legends such as Dale Earnhardt, Sr. and Richard Petty, as well as cars by current racers Kurt Busch, Jimmie Johnson, Dale Earnhardt, Jr. and Austin Dillon, who will make his NASCAR Sprint Cup Series debut later this year.
“Ronald Reagan’s connection to American car racing dates back to the 1930s, where, as a young radio announcer, he was calling races,” said John Heubusch, executive director for the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation. “That love stayed with him, and as President of the United States he spent the fourth of July at the Daytona Firecracker 400, where he became the first sitting president to call a race.”
A few exhibit highlights include:
• Richard Petty’s winning Firecracker 400 Pontiac from the race Ronald Reagan officially started in 1984

• Dale Earnhardt, Sr.’s #2 Chevy – the car in which he won the 1980 Winston Cup Championship

• Kurt Busch’s 2011 #22 Auto Club Dodge Charger (show car) which he recently raced in the Auto Club 400 in California, March 2011

• Lyn St. James’ 1989 Ford Thunderbird Super Coupe, which she set 31 national and international speed records on a closed course at Talladega Speedway in

• Jimmie Johnson’s 2007 #48 Championship Chevrolet

• Dale Earnhardt, Jr.’s 2010 #88 Championship Chevrolet Impala

• Austin Dillon’s 2011 #98 Chevrolet Impala, co-sponsored by the Ronald Reagan Centennial, which will be raced later this year

• Dan Wheldon’s 2011 #98 INDY car, which will be raced later this year

In addition to the cars, personal items from drivers like trophies, fire suits, helmets and other artifacts, photos and video will also be on display.
This exhibit is sponsored by the Auto Club of Southern California, which special thanks to Mike Curb and Mike Curb Racing.
The Reagan Library is located at 40 Presidential Drive in Simi Valley, California. Public hours are from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. The Museum admission fees are $12.00 for general admission, $9.00 for seniors 62 and over, $6 for children 11-17 and free for children 10 years of age and under. For more information, call (800) 410.8354 or visit www.reaganlibrary.com.

Jack Oakie Musical Theatre Workshop for Kids in Simi Valley

The new Arts Performance Academy & the Actor's Repertory Theatre of Simi present the Jack Oakie Musical Theatre Workshop of Kids. An intensive Musical Theater Summer Camp for children ages 9 to 15. Your child will learn: Theatrical Dance, Music & Vocal Interpretation, Acting for the Stage, Theater Etiquette and experience the Full Performance Experience..Most of all they will have a fantastically fun time! This amazing program starts July 5th, so hurry and sign your child up now- space is limited!
For more information visit the Actors' Repertory Theatre website

Classic Car Cruise in Simi Valley

Classic Car enthusiasts in and around Simi Valley have a great summer of cruise nights planned. Uncover your classic hidden in the garage and take it out for a spin, or just go out and check out the classic vehicles brought by others. Lots of old faces, lots of new faces and friends everywhere every Saturday and Wednesday through the summer.
Every Saturday, bring your Vintage Classic, Muscle Car, Hot/Rat Rods and Pickup Trucks to The Old Town Buffet at 4:45pm. Bring a car, get All You Can Eat for just $10- (tell 'em you're with the car group). Free ticket for prize drawing too!
The Wednesday Night Cruise also starts at 4:45pm at various locations around Simi. Please see schedule below for specific dates. Enjoy meeting your friends and seeing classic cars at Burger Express, In 'N Out Burger, The Hat, Mission Burrito, Smokin' Steve's BBQ, Yanni's Best Charbroiled and Weinerschnitzel.

6th Annual Simi Valley Blues Festival

It's just about the time again! Michael John's 2011, 6th Annual Simi Valley Blues Festival is right around the corner. Hummingbird Next Ranch sets the mood with its amazing views on Saturday, April 30th starting at 10am. This year will feature great Blues Artists including Charlie Musselwhite, Coco Montoya, Teresa James & The Rhythm Tramps, Michael John & the Bottom Line, Gino Matteo & The Family Phunk, Randy Scott (winner of Guitar Center's King of Blues 2010) and Austin Scott & Triple Treat. Enjoy great food, a dance floor, crafts, kids area, a guitar give-a-way and more!
Tickets to this Charity event benefiting Kiwanis Community Projects & The American Diabetes Association are only $20 for Adults ($25 at gate). Kids under 7 get in FREE with Adult and kids from 8-12 years pay only $5. with Adult.
Click here for more information on the DayInSimiValley.com website. Click here to purchase tickets online

'The Tokens' come to Simi Valley April 17th for Simi Valley Education Foundation Benefit

A concert event for the entire family! A Benefit for Simi Valley Education Foundation.

Tickets are only $30 ($15 for children under 18)- come and listen to The Tokens as they perform hits "The Lion Sleeps Tonight" and "Tonight I Fell in Love" - plus many other 50's hits and Doo-Wop Classics!

For additional information and show times, please see the event listing on DayInSimiValley.com

"Hooray for the USA" Rare Military Propraganda Posters on Display

The Hooray for the U.S.A.! Exhibit will features rare military propaganda posters dating from 1915 through the 1940s, as well as other artistic pieces from other wars and conflicts through present day. About 30 World War I and at least 20 World War II historic posters for military recruitment, urging the purchase of war bonds, offering information for families to grow food at home and more will be displayed from the collection of Simi Valley resident Nigel Boucher.

There is no charge to visit the exhibit, but organizers seek donations to support local veterans in need. We have to help the veterans of Simi Valley, the ones who need food and housing, said Boucher, who serves as Junior Vice Commander of VFW Post 10049 of Simi Valley as well as chairman of the Town Center Exhibit.

Boucher and the Simi Valley Veterans of Foreign Wars Post also will arrange special displays honoring the estimated 40,000 Americans still missing in action since World War II; the estimated 150,000 Americans still either missing in action or prisoners of war; and the history of the VFW dating back to the Spanish-American War.

Also planned are guest presentations on Saturdays on military topics to be announced, as well as a tribute to Gold Star mothers and families with their permission. Were trying to pay tribute to our local community, said Rita Rohkar, president of the Ladies Auxiliary for VFW Post 10049.

For more information, please visit the event listing on DayInSimiValley.com

Comedy Night at Yankee Doodles monthly

The fourth Saturday of each month is Comedy Night at Yankee Doodles. Don't miss out on the fun if you're looking for a great night of comedy, music, cocktails, food, and dancing, it's all going down at the next LAUGH PACK show

. Yankee Doodles Simi Valley is the spot, and Bruce Fine hosts another incredible line-up including DWAYNE PERKINS, PETER BERMAN, NIKKI CAT, and sultry singer VANESSA BRYAN!

For more information, Check out the event listing on SimiValleyNightOut.com

Upcoming Casino Night to benefit Samaritan Center in Simi Valley

Texas Hold'Em Poker Tournament, Casino Night and Silent Auction Fundraiser to benefit The Simi Valley Samaritan Center.

Great hors d'oeurves, Great Prizes, Great Cause, Great People, Great Fun!

Minimum Donation $50 (Additional $50 for Poker Tournament Buy-In)

Registration & Social Hour 5-6pm
Casino Opens at 6pm
Tournament Runs from 6:30-10pm

For more information, visit the event listing on SimiValleyNightOut.com

Hats Off To Woman - Nominations now being accepted

The First Ladies of Simi Valley Hospital Foundation are seeking nominations from organizations for the 2011 Woman of the Year award.
The award will be given at the Hats Off to Woman Luncheon and Fashion Show at the Brandeis-Bardin Campus of the American Jewish University on Friday, April 15th from 10am -3pm. The Campus is located at 1101 Peppertree Lane in Simi Valley.

Simi Valley Blues Festival Kick-Off at Limon Latin Grill

Join Limon Latin Grill for the 2011 Simi Valley Blues Festival Concert Kick-Off & Fundraiser featuring Michael John and The Bottom Line on Sunday, February 27th at 3-7pm at Limon Latin Grill, Simi Valley Town Center.

Buy your 2011 Simi Valley Blues Festival Tickets during the event! Buy 1, Get the Second at HALF PRICE!

Plus Limon Latin Grill will donate 20% of your food bill to the Kiwanis Club of Simi Valley and Blues Festival Projects!

Find more information on DayInSimiValley.com

FREE Stop-Smoking Program at Simi Valley Hospital

Ventura County Public Health Department, Tobacco Education Program presents a Free Stop-Smoking Program.

This program is open to anyone who lives or works in Ventura County. Participants are eligible for free nicotine replacement therapy products (patches, gum or lozenges). Success depends on your commitment to attend and participate fully in the program.

Overview on Wednesday, February 23rd at 5:30- classes are weekly on Wednesdays until April 13th.
To register call Sandra Tovar, Facilitator, 805-652-3376

Program is paid for by the tobacco settlement funds.

Ronald Reagan Museum Renovation Opening Day & Birthday Celebration

Be the first to visit the completely renovated Reagan Museum, which opens at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, February 7th, in honor of President Reagans 100th birthday. Birthday cake will be served all day (while supplies last) and visitors to the Library can sign Tribute Birthday Albums which will be kept at the Reagan Library.

The newly renovated Museum experience integrates hundreds of artifacts, some never before seen, with dozens of immersive displays. These 17 new galleries, which cover 26,400 square feet, pay tribute to Americas 40th president and his accomplishments by capturing his patriotic spirit, his respect for individual liberty, his belief in global democracy and his support of economic opportunity. Explore interactive exhibits that will engage you in multiple experiences. For example, act in a movie with Ronald Reagan, set the table for a state dinner, try your hand at creating a small business or investing in the stock market, and read the presidents handwritten diary by turning the pages.

This new museum experience captures the character of Ronald Reagan and embraces the legacy of our 40th president his policy, his patriotic spirit, and his inspired leadership. For more information, please call 805-522-2977 or visit us on DayInSimiValley.com http://www.dayinsimivalley.com/recreation/125273/the-ronald-reagan-library--museum

The Leadership of President Ronald Reagan: Lessons and Legacy

The Ronald Reagan Library & Museum

As part of the Centennial Celebration, partnership events will be held with four Universities across the country. This series of events focus on different components of the Presidents life, leadership and legacy and are intended to engage scholars, students and noted authorities. These events are free and open to the public. The first of these Academic Symposia is in partnership with the University of Southern California.

You are invited to the Reagan Library during the afternoon of February 2nd to listen to a panel discussion on Biography and the Construction of the Presidential Legacy, moderated by Tom Brokaw. Panelists include Douglas Brinkley, Monica Crowley and Lou Cannon.

Panel Topics:

Ronald Reagan is credited with transforming political institutions and policy agendas, securing and supporting traditional elements of American life, and reawakening trust in government and a general sense of positivity and hopefulness. What role has biography played in shaping the Reagan legacy? How has the role of biography in the construction of presidential legacy changed over time/varied across presidents?

This event is free to attend; however, reservations are recommended.

Click here for more info

DayInSimiValley.com has arrived!

New Online Entertainment Guide Comes to Simi Valley CA

An exciting new community website called DayInSimiValley.com has come to the Simi Valley area.

The insider’s guide to local shopping, community, business, recreation and food throughout Simi Valley, DayInSimiValley.com will work with the SimiValleyNightOut.com website to provide a broader range of information to local residents.

SimiValleyNightOut.com started in March 2010 and gives users a choice of friendly features such as search by restaurant type, band type and activity type. There is a daily calendar that shows events and specials, users may write reviews on restaurants, bands and entertainment in addition to uploading favorite photos of local places and friends. DayInSimiValley.com will give users a choice of features that will include search by shopping type, business type, community events and more. DayInSimiValley.com will also feature a calendar that shows events and specials.

Business owners are encouraged to participate in the guide by having and maintaining an up-to-date profile for more exposure in the community. The profiles include information such as the business logo, hours of operation, business description and much more. This service is provided at no charge and business owners may also post events and specials to the calendar. Business owners are encouraged to check to see if they already have a profile on DayInSimiValley.com before creating a new one.

“There is stuff to do in Simi”, said the owner and operator of both websites, Samantha Evans, “It’s my vision to create a go to website for everything about Simi Valley that would strengthen Simi Valley businesses, therefore the local economy and get residents more involved in the community”.

YANNI'S Best Charbroiled

Yanni's Best Charbroiled, a favorite to residents of Filmore, comes to Simi Valley with their second location. Featuring the Best Charbroiled Hamburgers, Breakfast Burritos & Breakfast Favorites, including Omelettes. Also, Egg Sandwiches, Fresh Salads, Sandwiches, Dinner Plates, Pitas, Gyros, Pastrami and so much more, you won't get bored with this menu anytime soon. They are open 7 days a week from 7am to 9pm and proudly serve Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. They don't serve fast food, they serve fresh food as fast as they can. Here's what the owner Yanni has to say: "Food so good, I eat here too!!!"
For more information on the food they feature, check out their website at www.yannisbest.com

Howie's Grill & Bar Grand-Opening!

Howie's Grill & Bar will be open for business on Monday, January 17th at 11am, when they will be having a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony to celebrate their opening and membership with the Simi Valley Chamber of Commerce.
Boasting an eclectic menu full of items including a melt-in-your-mouth Fried Mac N Cheese, a creamy home-made Mac n cheese tossed in panko and fried crisp with ranch and Louisiana hot sauce sides and the flavorful Pulled Pork Sliders, a slow roasted hand shredded pork sandwich adorned with coleslaw, BBQ sauce, pickles amidst a sweet Hawaiian roll score an outright home run, Howie's Grill and Bar in Simi Valley is sure to be a hit!
The restaurant is open 7 days a week from 11:00am to 10:00pm and on Fridays and Saturdays until 11:00pm.
For more information, please visit their website www.howiesgrillandbar.com

Reserve now to Celebrate Reagan's 100th Birthday

100th Birthday Celebration Lunch and Tour
Wednesday, March 9, 2011

12:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.

$54.95 per person

12:30p.m. – 1:30p.m. – Lunch is Served

1:30p.m. – 3:30p.m. – Docent-led tour of the completely renovated Ronald Reagan Presidential Library

The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation is pleased to offer a very special 100th Birthday Celebration Lunch and Tour. Experience the newly renovated Ronald Reagan Presidential Museum and the Air Force One Pavilion. Enjoy an elegantly served meal prepared by our Presidential Chef, complete with linen and china service, fresh flowers on your table, and a professional wait staff to serve you. The 100th Birthday Celebration Lunch will conclude with birthday cake and ice cream! Following lunch, you will receive a docent-led tour of the spectacular newly renovated Ronald Reagan Presidential Museum and the Air Force One Pavilion. By yourself or with a group of friends, our 100th Birthday Celebration Lunch and Tour is truly an exceptional experience. Each guest will receive our collectible commemorative Centennial Celebration lapel pin. This all inclusive offer is only $54.95 per person. Reservations are required and seating is limited.

RENT at the Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center

Directed by David Ralphe and Fred Helsel, Musical direction by Gary Poirot, and Choreography by Becky Castells.

One of the longest running recent hits on Broadway, RENT finally makes its way to the Cultural Arts Center stage. The rock musical, loosely based on "La Boheme," is about a group of friends struggling to survive in Manhattan's Lower East Side and reach the world through their art. In place of the opera's tuberculosis there are AIDS and drug addiction. It's considered by many the most exuberant and original American musical to come along in a decade, has single-handedly reinvigorated Broadway and is taking the country by storm. RENT captures the heart and spirit of multitude generations. Due to subject matter, the show is recommended for audiences 14 & above.
Adults $20.00
Seniors & Students $16.00

For more information, please visit the Simi Valley Cultural Arts website

Show Times & Dates:
Friday, January 7, 2011 @ 8:00 PM
Saturday, January 8, 2011 @ 8:00 PM
Sunday, January 9, 2011 @ 2:00 PM
Friday, January 14, 2011 @ 8:00 PM
Saturday, January 15, 2011 @ 8:00 PM
Sunday, January 16, 2011 @ 2:00 PM
Friday, January 21, 2011 @ 8:00 PM
Saturday, January 22, 2011 @ 8:00 PM
Sunday, January 23, 2011 @ 2:00 PM
Friday, January 28, 2011 @ 8:00 PM
Saturday, January 29, 2011 @ 8:00 PM
Sunday, January 30, 2011 @ 2:00 PM
Friday, February 4, 2011 @ 8:00 PM
Saturday, February 5, 2011 @ 8:00 PM
Sunday, February 6, 2011 @ 2:00 PM
Friday, February 11, 2011 @ 8:00 PM
Saturday, February 12, 2011 @ 8:00 PM
Sunday, February 13, 2011 @ 2:00 PM

SimiValleyNightOut.com to Go!

Most people are busy and on the go and that means not around their home computers. Smart phones are great resources and users rely on them to deliver fast information on the go. Thanks to the makers of the Night Out websites, you can now take SimiValleyNightOut.com with you on the go with our new App for Droids. The application gives you the information you need when you're on the road or out and about.
We enjoy using it and hope you will too!

Dan the Man's Birthday Bash

For you party animals around, Dan The Man's Birthday Bash is just around the corner on Friday, January 14th! That's right! Dan the Man, legendary Manager at the Arena Sports Bar & Grill in Simi Valley is having another Birthday! He love's to celebrate with all his friends so come on out and party! Great band called Ruben and Dos Guys featuring Julie Jones will be playing and then DJ Duck E and Guest DJ's run the show the rest of the night! As always there will be lots of surprises! Bikini Contest added this year! Jim "Poorman" Trenton from KROQ and the TV show Poorman's Bikini Beach is coming to host the party and will be filming the Bikini Contest for his show! This is a Special Event so the cover charge is $10 per person but if you confirm that you are coming on their facebook event page it is only $5 per person- make sure you tell them SimiValleyNightOut.com sent you!

Oh, and did we mention the Beer Pong Tournament! Get your partners ready because they have added a Beer Pong Tournament to Dan The Man's Birthday Bash & Bikini Contest! Tournament starts at 8pm!

Please remember to designate a driver. If you drink, please don't drive.

FAMILIES IN NEED 'Cut-A-Thon' Returns to Simi Valley

Ridone Inc. in partnership with the Samaritan Center of Simi Valley is hosting it's second Families in Need 'Cut-A-Thon'. FREE Services provided to the Unemployed, People with Disabilities, Homeless and Disadvantaged. Those interested in services should contact the Samaritan Center at 805-579-9166. FREE Services provided to the Unemployed, People with Disabilities, Homeless and Disadvantaged. For those interested in helping community members in need should contact the Samaritan Center at 805-579-9166.

Ridone Incorporated is committed to informing and providing individuals of available cosmetology services to heighten awareness and strengthen their productivity in our society by empowering individuals to rise to their economic potential through information and education.

The mission of the Samaritan Center is assist the homeless and near homeless by providing services, resources, opportunities and hope.

Together both Ridone Inc and the Samaritan Center will do great things for the community on Saturday, January 8th. The same event last summer, held at a different location, was an amazing day of fun and transformation.

For more information visit the event listing on SimiValleyNightOut.com