New Year, New Faces, Fresh Perspectives
The start of 2026 brings fresh stories, new residents, and a calendar filled with engaging events, entertainment, and heartfelt conversation.
Introducing Our New Resident Council President
Brenda Knight
Please join us in welcoming Brenda Knight as our new Resident Council President and in thanking Barbara Niles for her dedicated two years of service.
Brenda moved to the Townehouse in 2023 after a groundbreaking career as the first female principal of a public junior high school in Ojai, where she led over 70 staff and served more than 700 students. Her leadership earned the school the California Distinguished School designation.
Brenda is committed to transparency and dialogue. You can visit her in the front lobby every Wednesday from 3–4 p.m. for an informal chat over coffee.
Welcome to New Residents
Lee Gotwals
Lee, a longtime Ventura resident, was born in Burbank and spent over 40 years living by the beach. With his wife of 53 years and three sons, he lived in Japan and Alaska before returning to California, where he designed and built his dream home.
A Lockheed technician, Lee worked on aircraft and spent many winters on the North Slope. After retiring, he and his wife explored the country in their motorhome and enjoyed years of travel until her passing in 2021.
Lee can be spotted walking his dog Patches, usually wearing his tequila all-star hat. He’s a Dodgers fan, western movie buff, and chocolate chip cookie enthusiast.
Patricia Handfinger
Patti is an artist, educator, and former attorney who has spent her life along the California coast. Her landscape paintings are currently on view at the Santa Paula Art Museum and the Train Depot gallery.
Her career began in law, but her passion shifted to education, where she taught students from first grade to high school. After retirement, she became a Master Gardener and studied landscape architecture at UCLA.
She’s excited to connect with fellow artists, join fitness classes, and attend lifelong learning courses through the OLLI program at CSU Channel Islands. Look for Patti walking her dogs Maggie and Mindy or enjoying creative time in art class.
Employee of the Month
Nora Monreal
Nora says her favorite part of working at the Townehouse is the kindness of the residents who brighten her day. She lives in Oxnard with her three daughters and enjoys Latin pop, mariachi, and family time. Congratulations, Nora!
Special Program Returns: Elder Buddy Project
We’re excited to bring back the Age Exchange intergenerational learning series! Teacher Beth Borer will host an info session on Thursday, January 8 at 3:30 p.m. in the Dining Room Lounge.
Program Highlights Include:
- Sharing memories from the Depression and WWII
- Discussing values and life lessons
- Showcasing talents and hobbies
- Forming meaningful intergenerational friendships
January Outings
- Jan 7: Santa Barbara Art Museum – Depart 10:00 a.m.
- Jan 21: Train & shopping trip to Goleta – Time TBA
- Jan 28: Lunch outing to Olive Garden, Oxnard – Depart 11:00 a.m.
January Movie Screenings
Monday Night Movies
- Jan 5: Waitress the Musical
- Jan 12: Sinners
- Jan 19: One Battle After Another
- Jan 26: Nuremberg
Saturday Classic Movies
- Jan 3: The Grapes of Wrath
- Jan 10: CODA
- Jan 17: Pillow Talk
- Jan 24: To Catch a Thief
Happy Hour Fridays – 3:00 p.m.
- Jan 2: Bob Bishop
- Jan 9: Mary West
- Jan 16: Orchard Blue Grass Band
- Jan 23: Birthday Celebration with Bob Raymon
- Jan 30: Steve Ormond
Here’s to new beginnings, rich conversations, and joyful moments. Wishing everyone a happy and healthy 2026!
Read the full issue of our January 2026 Newsletter here: January 2026 Newsletter PDF