KFCF Community Calendar

 

KFCF Community Calendar: Updated 5/3/24

 ​​ ​​ ​​ ​​ ​​ ​​ ​​ ​​ ​​​​ To post an event on our calendar e-mail the information to

calendar@kfcf.org, at least 2 weeks before the event.

 

DAILY CALENDAR

(Multiple Day and Ongoing Events are at end of posting)

 

Friday, May 3rd

The Pan Valley Institute invites you to “Nu'u Yavi Celebrating Culinary Heritages.” ​​ Coordinated by cultural organizer Rosa Hernandez, Nu'u Yavi, a Mixtec word that means plaza, will be a space where immigrant women residents of Madera, CA, will congregate and share traditional dishes from the Mixtec and Triqui region of the state of Oaxaca, Mexico. Through an informal market, these women delight their neighbors with flavors of home. Now, for the first time, they invite the general public to gather at Nu'u Yavi, learn about and enjoy dishes with indigenous roots consumed in their hometowns. ​​​​ The event takes place from​​ 12 to 7 p.m.​​ at​​ Madera Court Park, 210 W Yosemite Ave. in​​ Madera. ​​ This event is sponsored by the Pan Valley Institute/American Friends Service Committee.

 

Friday, May 3rd

Cineculture invites you to a screening of the film “Nowhere Special” with discussant Dr. Ed EmanuEl. ​​ John, a 35-year-old window cleaner, has dedicated his life to bringing up his 4-year-old son, Michael, after the child's mother left them soon after giving birth. When John is given only a few months left to live, he attempts to find a new, perfect family for Michael, determined to shield him from the terrible reality of the situation. Although initially certain of what he is looking for in the perfect family, John gradually abandons his early convictions, over- whelmed by doubts on the decision. How can he judge a family from a brief encounter? And does he know his own child well enough to make this choice for him? As John struggles to find the right answer to his impossible task, he comes to accept the help of a young social worker, opening himself to solutions he would never have considered. And he finally comes to accept his anger at the injustice of his destiny, the need to share the truth with his son, and to follow the child's instincts on the biggest decision of their lives. To view the trailer, go to​​ ​​ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NOv_J9JzSqs. ​​ The screening is in the Peters Education Center Auditorium (West of Save Mart Center in the Student Recreation Center Building). ​​ All screenings are free of charge and open to the public. Parking is not enforced after 4 p.m., on Fridays. ​​ For more information, go to​​ https://cineculture.csufresno.edu/films/.​​ 

 

Friday, May 3rd

The City of Chowchilla invites you to its Cinco de Mayo celebration from 4-8 p.m. at 1104 Ventura Ave. in Chowchilla. ​​ There will be food, vendors, raffles dancing horses, folklorico dancing and much more for the whole family. ​​ For more information, text Susana at 559-223-4989.

 

Saturday, May 4th

Earth Day Fresno has been cancelled for 2024 due to weather. ​​ See you next year!

 

Saturday, May 4th

Fresno Discovery Center invites you to 2024 Wanderstars, an adults only event. ​​ It takes place from 7-10 p.m. and the cost is $5 for non-members or free for members and veterans/active duty military. ​​ This is Discovery Center’s ONLY 21+ event! Meet the Central Valley Astronomers on Saturday, May 4, 2024, and peer through high-power telescopes to get a glimpse of what lies beyond our world. Featuring local artists, community figures, and food trucks galore, Wanderstars offers a unique opportunity to explore Fresno Discovery Center in an adults-only setting. ​​ 

 

Saturday, May 4th

The Fresno Art Museum is offering a Printmaking Workshop from​​ 9 am to 12:30 pm. ​​ Join printmaker Linda Zupcic to create your own block print. ​​ Be inspired by​​ the Museum’s​​ current exhibition,​​ Fleeting Pleasures: Japanese Woodblock Prints​​ from the Georgia Museum of Art. ​​ No experience necessary to participate in this workshop. Rather than wood, which is more difficult and takes longer to carve, students will be working with rubber blocks to get an effect similar to a Japanese woodblock print. Several optional designs will be suggested or you can bring your own ideas for a 4” x 6” block. All materials will be provided by FAM. ​​​​ Also included is an informational tour of the Fleeting Pleasures​​ exhibition and a description of the Japanese woodcut process.​​ This​​ Workshop​​ is​​ suitable for ages 15 to adult. ​​ The cost is $65 for FAM members and $75 for non-members. ​​ Pre-registration is required. Class size is limited. No refunds, although​​ you may give your seat to another student if you can’t attend. ​​​​ If cancelled by FAM, a refund will be issued. ​​ To register and for more information, go to​​ https://fammuseumstore.shopsettings.com/Printmaking-Workshop-Saturday-May-4-2024-9-am-to-12-30-pm-c165767549.​​ 

 

Sunday, May 5th

The Fresno Community Chorus invites you to “Finding Home,” a concert conducted by Dr. Anna Hamre, with accompaniest Joungmin Sur. ​​ The concert is at 2:30 p.m. at the Willow Ave. Mennonite Church, 2529 Willow Ave. in Clovis.

 

Sunday, May 5th

The​​ Iranian culture and Art Club-Fresno​​ invites you to a concert by Afra Ensemble as part of its 2024 US Tour. ​​ The concert takes place at 6 p.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Fresno,​​ 2672 E. Alluvial. ​​ Tickets are $25. ​​ For tickets and more information, go to​​ https://kanoon.bpt.me.​​ 

 

Sunday, May 5th

Join BAPS Charities for its annual Walk//Run to benefit the Poverello House. ​​ The event begins at 9 a.m. starting at the​​ Woodward Regional Park (Parkview Shelter),​​ 7775 N. Friant,​​ Fresno. ​​ To register and for more information, go to​​ https://www.bapscharities.org/usa/fresno/walkrun2024fresnoca/.​​ 

 

Wednesday, May 8th

CMAC (Community Media Access Collaborative) invites you to a workshop on “Planning Your Media Project,” at 6 p.m. at the​​ CMAC​​ building at​​ 1555 Van Ness Avenue #201, Fresno. ​​ This Pre-production Essentials workshop will teach you how to get a project

started at CMAC and how to develop a dynamite film treatment to guide you through the rest of your pre-production planning.​​ The workshop is free for CMAC members and $10 for non-members. For more information e-mail​​ info@cmac.tv​​ or go to​​ http://cmac.tv.​​ 

 

Thursday, May 9th

CMAC (Community Media Access Collaborative) invites you to a workshop on “AI for Creators,” at 6 p.m. at the​​ CMAC​​ building at​​ 1555 Van Ness Avenue #201, Fresno. ​​ Unlock the creative potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to use in your media projects! In this workshop, we'll explore basic terminology and dive into the fundamentals of several AI tools for media creation and their potential benefits and limitations. Discover best practices and ethical considerations, explore real-world case studies, and engage in thought-provoking discussions with instructor Johnny Pecina. We'll also take a glimpse into what the future may hold for AI in the field of media and artistic expression. Don't miss this free workshop opportunity! ​​​​ For more information e-mail​​ info@cmac.tv​​ or go to​​ http://cmac.tv.​​ 

 

Thursday, May 9th

Fig Garden Village invites you to Craft Brew Fest 2024, from 5-8 p.m. ​​ Sip, Savor and Support! ​​ Proceeds benefit the Poverello House. ​​ For more information, go to​​ https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2024-fig-garden-village-craft-brew-fest-tickets-840544088997.​​ 

 

Friday, May 10th​​ 

Cineculture invites you to a screening of the film “While We Watched​​ (2022)​​ with discussant Vinay Shukla (Director). ​​ The Prime Time Indian TV journalist, Ravish Kumar, is in trouble. Famous for his unflinching takedowns of the ruling establishment during his long-running primetime news hour, his nerves have begun to fray from carrying the torch of ‘good journalism’ for too long. In the public eye, Ravish has become a regular fixture, beaming from TV sets and widely shared phone videos. His primetime news bulletin has long been characterized by solid research, verified evidence, vignette-style notes from the field, and a sharp commentary with a touch of rustic sass. In the Indian media landscape, Kumar’s show is a far cry from the new industry standard of high-decibel, polarizing, blustering TV news debates. As press freedom further disintegrates and self-censorship becomes the new normal, Kumar struggles to stay afloat in the rising tide of his own network’s financial hardships, sinking TRP ratings, and the strain of continuous downsizing. The dangerously deteriorating standard of public discourse finds Ravish at the receiving end of harassment, intimidation, morphed images, threats to his life and even violence against his family. With a growing target on his back, and the looming threat of his network’s imminent closure, Ravish transforms from a spunky troublemaker into a deeply troubled man, worried for himself, his family, and the soul of his nation.​​ The film is in Hindi and English with English subtitles.​​ Go to​​ ​​ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yFoG42xk85U​​ to view the trailer.  ​​​​ The screening is in the Peters Education Center Auditorium (West of Save​​ Mart Center in the Student Recreation Center Building). ​​ All screenings are free of charge and open to the public. Parking is not enforced after 4 p.m., on Fridays. ​​ For more information, go to​​ https://cineculture.csufresno.edu/films/.​​ 

 

Saturday, May 11th

Pan Valley Institute and the American Friends Service Committee invite you to “The Colors of Migration Platica,” a roundtable discussion from​​ noon to 2 p.m.​​ at the​​ Unitarian Universalist Church, 2672 E. Alluvial Ave., Fresno. ​​ This platica presents diverse migration experiences centering on those left out, excluded, or made to feel invisible. ​​​​ In present times, the migration narrative is dominated by the idea of people fleeing their countries due to poverty and violence and coming to the U.S. in search of protection and a better life. While this idea encompasses a reality, migration is a more complex phenomenon. We tend to ignore the economic factors that have attracted workers to perform jobs essential to the U.S. economy. It is not only that migrants need to migrate, but it is also true that there are sectors of the capitalist economy that rely on the low-wage labor of migrants. Another critical aspect hidden in the migration narrative is the global and internal displacement of people due to wars and racist and imperialist policies. ​​​​ The ArteVism 2024 cohort will share their stories of migration and displacement and how these experiences have shaped their identities as American citizens. They will highlight the impact of the secret war and the displacement of Native Americans, the effects of the African American experience, and the shaping of our country through the lens of the Great Migration. The Great Migration exposed elements of racial divisions and disparities, including housing discrimination. These components will allow for a discussion on how migration from one form of racial disparity can lead to other forms.

 

Saturday, May 11th

The Fresno Center for Nonviolence invites you to its 32nd​​ Anniversary Celebration, from 4-7 p.m. at the Wesley United Methodist Church, 1343 E. Barstow in Fresno.  ​​​​ Keynote speaker will be Zeiad Abbas Sharouch, Executive Director of the Middle East Children’s Alliance, and the meal will be catered by Chef Rudy Garza, featuring tri tip, chicken, rice pilaf, green beans and potato salad. ​​ There will also be​​ music by Patricia Wells Solórzano & Familia Vasquez Generaciones Music Project. ​​ They will also be giving out their Annual Way of Peace Awards. ​​ Tickets are $50 in advance or $60 at the door. ​​ You can mail checks to FCNV, 1584 N. Van Ness, Fresno, CA ​​ 93728. ​​ Put “Anniversary Tickets” in the memo line, or pay with Paypal at their website,​​ https://centerfornonviolence.org.​​ Tickets and information​​ are also​​ available at centerfornonviolence.org, or by calling the Center at 559-237-3223 (23-Peace).

 

Saturday, May 11th

The Fresno Art Museum invites you to its 4th​​ Annual Spring “Blooms & Bubbly,” from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., featuring bottomless mimosas and brunch in the Sculpture Garden, catered by Food for Thought. ​​ Create your own flower bouquet to take home! ​​ Tickets are $65 each or $480 for a table of 8. ​​ The Museum is located at 2233 N. First Street. ​​ For tickets and more information, go to​​ https://fresnoartmuseum.org/bb24.​​ Seating is​​ limited! Tickets will NOT be available at the door. ​​​​ The last day to purchase tickets is Tuesday, May 7th.

 

Saturday, May 11th

Chowchilla’s Armed Forces Day Parade begins at 10 a.m. at Robertson Blvd. and 13th​​ Street. ​​ It will include marching bands, majorettes, unique automobiles, floats, dance teams, equestrian performances and live music. ​​ They are seeking entries of all kinds. ​​ There’s no entry fee and participants receive a Chowchilla Fair entry ticket and a discount at the deep pit barbeque. ​​ For more information, contact Kevin Pettit at (559) 479-2753 or​​ krpettit@gmail.com.​​ 

 

Saturday, May 11th

The Fresno Historical Society invites you to its Mother’s Day Tea Party. ​​ This extravagant Tea Party offers your choice of seating in the Mansion dining room or on the veranda overlooking Kearney Park. ​​​​ Two seating times are available at 11​​ a.m.​​ and 3​​ p.m.​​ and include a traditional tea service and a tour of the Kearney Mansion Museum and Gallery along with a 10% discount on store merchandise.​​  ​​​​ Guests sip hot tea and enjoy scones and tea sandwiches along with assorted sweet and savory treats while enjoying the opulent Kearney Mansion and beautiful views of Kearney Park from the veranda of the 1903 historic home. ​​​​ Seating is limited - secure your tickets today. ​​​​ Tickets are $75 and can be purchased at​​ https://www.valleyhistory.org/mothers-day-tea-party.​​ 

 

Wednesday, May 15th

CMAC (Community Media Access Collaborative) invites you to a workshop on “Visual Storytelling,” from 6 -8 p.m. at the​​ CMAC​​ building at​​ 1555 Van Ness Avenue #201, Fresno. ​​ Turn your phone into a powerful storytelling tool! Learn composition basics, explore frame rate options, and discover simple editing techniques. Walk away feeling confident that you can create impactful stories, right from your pocket. ​​​​ This event is free for CMAC members or $10 for non-members. ​​ For more information e-mail​​ info@cmac.tv​​ or go to​​ http://cmac.tv. ​​ You can also register at​​ https://VisualStorytelling.eventbrite.com/?aff=CC.​​ 

 

Wednesday, May 15th

There is going to be a bike ride with Mayor Dyer (and other elected officials) at 3:00 pm from Fresno City Hall to celebrate Bike Month. This is a great opportunity to show support and talk to the Mayor about how biking is transportation not just recreation and the importance of investing in infrastructure that makes biking and walking easy and safe. He needs to see and hear how active transportation supports local businesses, improves air quality, and reduces traffic congestion. (Biking and walking are the most equitable modes of transportation). ​​ For more information and registration for the ride with Mayor Dyer, please visit​​ https://fresnobike.org/event-5706693.​​ 

 

Thursday, May 16th

The Tehipite Chapter of the Sierra Club invites you to a presentation by​​ Nayamin Martinez, Executive Director of the Central California Environmental Justice Network​​ (CCEJN) on "Environmental Justice in the San Joaquin. What has happened and what you can do."​​ The talk is at 7 p.m. by Zoom. ​​ Please join​​ them​​ by registering in advance at​​ http://www.sierraclub.org/tehipite.​​ ​​ The Zoom link will be sent on the afternoon of the event to everyone who has pre-registered. This presentation is free and open to the general public.​​ 

 

Friday, May 17th

Fresno Tee Off for Mental Health​​ takes place at the​​ Eagle Springs Golf & Country Club,​​ 

21722 Fairway Oaks Ln. Friant. ​​ This event​​ will raise much needed funds that would benefit so many in the Central Valley who are battling with Mental Illness. ​​​​ For more information, call​​ Fresno Tee Off​​ at​​ 559-777-9594​​ or go to​​ https://fresnoteeoff.com/.​​ 

 

Saturday, May 18th

The Dakota EcoGarden's annual Open House and Potluck on​​ takes place from 12 noon to 3 p.m.​​ with​​ live music by Fresno musician Roger Perry. ​​ Keynote speaker​​ will be​​ acclaimed Fresno architect Arthur Dyson, designer of the shelters at Dakota EcoGarden. ​​ The event will include a tour of the site and Dyson's shelters, including a new shelter currently under construction. ​​ This event is free and open to the public. ​​ For information, go to www.ecovillagefresno.org, to Dakota EcoGarden on Facebook, or call 559-225-2767.

 

Saturday, May 18th​​ 

St.Paul Armenian Church invites you to attend their 12th Annual Armenian Festival, taking place at the Church, located at​​ 3767 N. First St.​​ from 4-10 p.m. ​​ It is free admission and open to the public! There will be a silent auction, vendors, farmer's market, country store and church tours. Dine-in and take out food is available with indoor seating. Drive-thru and grab food for the whole family from 4pm to 6:30pm. ​​​​ Music by the Andrew Hagopian Ensemble (4pm to 8pm) and DJ Mher (8pm to 10pm). Kids activities will include bounce houses, balloon twisting, and face painting. ​​​​ Make a difference! Bring canned food items to be donated to the Fresno State Student​​ Cupboard (4pm to 7pm). ​​​​ Come experience the rich Armenian culture, cuisine, music, and be a part of the best festival in the central valley. See you there! For questions call the church office at 559-226-6343.

 

Saturday, May 18th

CMAC (Community Media Access Collaborative) invites you to a workshop on “Introduction to Adobe Premier Pro” from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the​​ CMAC​​ building at​​ 1555 Van Ness Avenue #201, Fresno. ​​ Learn the basics of video editing using Adobe’s leading video editing software, Premiere Pro CC. We will teach you how to start your project, use various tools, and export your final videos. You may learn with your own footage or provided practice footage. ​​​​ This event is free for CMAC members or $10 for non-members. ​​ For more information e-mail​​ info@cmac.tv​​ or go to​​ http://cmac.tv. ​​ Register at​​ https://AdobePremiereProMay24.eventbrite.com/?aff=calendar.​​ 

 

Sunday, May 19th

The Fresno Art Museum invites you to another “Family Day” with special guests Alyssa Witrado from the 22nd​​ season of The Voice, and Parker T. Bear from the Grizzlies. ​​ The event is from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. with free admission to the Museum. ​​ There will be art projects for the whole family and a Treasure Hunt in the Galleries. ​​ Learn the ancient Japanese game of Go, and enjoy Storytime by the Fresno Public Library. ​​ More information at​​ https://fresnoartmuseum.org.​​ 

 

Wednesday, May 22nd

CMAC (Community Media Access Collaborative) invites you to a workshop on “Camera Basics” from 6-8 p.m. at the​​ CMAC​​ building at​​ 1555 Van Ness Avenue #201, Fresno. ​​ Are you ready to start mastering your shots? Learn how to record video using cameras available through CMAC checkout. Leave with a better understanding of exposure settings, white balance, and frame rate options.​​ ​​ This event is free for CMAC members or $10 for non-members. ​​ For more information e-mail​​ info@cmac.tv​​ or go to​​ http://cmac.tv. ​​ Register at​​ https://Camera-BasicsMay24.eventbrite.com/?aff=CC.​​ 

 

Wednesday, May 29th

CMAC (Community Media Access Collaborative) invites you to a workshop on “Audio & Lighting Techniques” from 6-8 p.m. at the​​ CMAC​​ building at​​ 1555 Van Ness Avenue #201, Fresno. ​​ Elevate your productions with sound and light! This workshop delves into the basics of audio and lighting techniques. Master the three-point lighting setup, explore different microphone types, and discover best practices for mic placement.​​ ​​ This event is free for CMAC members or $10 for non-members. ​​ For more information e-mail​​ info@cmac.tv​​ or go to​​ http://cmac.tv. ​​ You can also register at​​ https://AudioLightingMay24.eventbrite.com/?aff=CC.​​ 

 

Friday, May 31st

The San Joaquin River & Parkway Trust invites you to one of its “Parties On the Parkway,” to​​ connect YOU to the protected Parkway properties while supporting the River Parkway Trust. ​​​​ The May 31st​​ event is the Blueberry Party,​​ starting at 6 p.m. and​​ taking place at Sumner Peck Ranch, starting at 6 p.m. ​​ Dress in your best shade of blue and join​​ them​​ for a walking progressive event to celebrate the start of blueberry season. With three different blueberry-inspired stations, you will WALK from the blueberry patch to the manufactured home. The evening will start with cocktails and charcuterie, then move to small bites from several caterers. The evening will end with a BERRY delicious dessert. ​​ Tickets are $80 per person and ticket sales open on March 15th.​​ ​​ For tickets and more information, go to​​ https://riverparkway.org/activities/parties-on-the-parkway/.​​ 

 

Saturday, June 1st

“Run for Meals” takes place at Woodward Park, starting at 8 a.. ​​ The funds raised from this event will directly support Poverello House and its efforts to offer more than just meals. ​​ Bring your family and friends to participate in the 10th​​ Annual Run for Meals 5k run or 2 mile walk. ​​ To register or for more information, go to​​ https://runsignup.com/Race/CA/Fresno/PoverelloHouseRunforMeals.​​ 

 

Saturday, June 8th ​​​​ 

The Fresno Art Museum is holding a Pirate Ball and Casino Night Fundraiser, starting at 6 p.m. at the Museum (2233 North First Street, Fresno). ​​ Tickets are $100 per person, and include:

  • Once aboard, passengers will receive their funny money to trade for chips

  • Captain Drake’s no-host bar will pour your drinks.

  • Their ship's photographer will capture a picture of you in all your pirate finery.

  • Hors d ‘oeuvres from the pirate's galley will be served.

  • Peter Netzley will give lessons on how to dance the minuet.

  • In the Game Room, dealers at the blackjack, poker, craps and roulette tables will be ready to take your bets.

  • Trade your funny money for chips to play and win.​​ 

  • Visit Davey Jones' locker to trade your chips for prize tickets, and peruse the Treasure Trove of Prizes where you’ll place your prize tickets in the raffle box of the prize that you seek. (Good luck, mates! Winners must be present to win.)

  • And in between your pirating, enjoy a moment of solitude in our charming Museum Store, beautiful art auction, and captivating art exhibitions.

Truly a Night to Remember!  ​​​​ For tickets and information, go to​​ https://fammuseumstore.shopsettings.com/FAM-Pirate-Ball-&-Casino-Night-Saturday-February-17-2024-c161751756.​​ ​​ Ticket sales end May 28th.​​ 

 

Saturday, June 22nd​​ 

Save the Date for the annual Organic Stone Fruit Jubilee at the Kingsburg Historical Park. ​​ For more information, go to​​ https://fruitjubilee.com.​​ 

 

Saturday, October 19th

The Discovery Center invites you to 2024 Tricks & Treats, from 10 am-2 pm. ​​ Looking for a not-so-scary party to take the kids to? Discovery Center has got you covered! Tricks & Treats boasts trick-or-treating, live entertainment, and great food. As you stroll through the grounds, you’ll see decorated booths and fun crafts to take home. The cost is $1 for nonmembers, FREE for members, veterans/active duty, & ages 2yrs & under. ​​ At just $1 admission, Fresno Discovery Center is the place to be on Saturday, October 19, 2024.

 

MULTIPLE DAY EVENTS:

 

Every Saturday (until the killing in Palestine ends)

There will be a protest at Riverpark (Blackstone & Nees)​​ from 5-7​​ p.m.​​ hosted by the Palestine Liberation Group. ​​ Signs and banners​​ will be​​ available: ​​ Bring yours, hold theirs or help hold one of the large banners. ​​ Your presence is what counts most! ​​​​ Come for as long as you can​​ and bring a chair if that's more comfortable.

 

Every Sunday (until the killing in Palestine ends)

Jovita in her ongoing​​ Demonstration/Vigil in support of Palestine, every Sunday, ​​ 9​​ a.m. to​​ 1​​ p.m. at​​ Cedar Avenue and Barstow Avenue, across from Fresno State football​​ stadium. ​​ Each person can choose their time. ​​ Whatever time you can be there will be enough.

 

Second Tuesday of the month:

Central California Legal Services and The Vet Center are hosting a series of Veteran’s Clinics from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. at the American Legion Fresno Federal Post 509, 3509 N. First Street, Fresno. ​​ Veterans, Active Duty Military, and spouses are invited to CCLS's Know Your Rights Veterans Clinic to receive legal information from attorneys and advocates in:

  • January/June: Estate Planning and Advanced Directives

  • February/July: Tenant Rights

  • March/August: Criminal Record Expungement

  • April/September: Workers Rights, Discharge Upgrades for LGBTQ, Name/Gender Correction

  • May/October: Survivors of Domestic Violence(including elder abuse)

  • November/December: No Clinics

For appointments please contact the CCLS Pro Bono Program at (559)802-1132 or at​​ probono@centralcallegal.org. ​​ Walk-ins will be accepted on a first come, first serve basis.

 

Friday, February 2nd​​ through Friday, May 17th​​ 

The San Joaquin River Parkway & Conservation Trust invites you to register your kindergarten or pre-K child for the Young Explorers Enrichment Program, an extension of their pre-K and K summer camp program, designed to supplement your child’s regular pre-school or classroom learning through nature-based experiences.​​ 

Their focus is on learning through play, exploration, and hands-on experiences using nature as the classroom; children are outside for the duration of each program day, and the environment is our teacher. ​​ The journey of each individual is unique, and activities and curriculum are based on the interests and curiosities of participants. The program is inspired by the Reggio Emilia Approach and aligned with California's preschool curriculum framework.  ​​​​ Most program dates will take place at the River Center (11605 Old Friant Rd, Fresno). The River Center features a restored ranch house with educational exhibits, a ¾-mile habitat-themed nature trail, an event barn, a small vineyard and orchard, and plenty of open/green space to explore and play in. ​​ Some field trip days to other Parkway properties nearby may be included in the session; participants will receive full information on the session schedule prior to the start date.​​ 

Children must be 3.5 years old through currently enrolled in Kindergarten as of the session start date (must be toilet trained). ​​ The time is from 9:00 am - 12:00 pm, and the dates are Fridays: 2/2, 2/9, 2/16, 2/23, 3/1, 3/8, 3/15, 3/22, 3/29, 4/5, 4/12, 4/19, 4/26, 5/3, 5/10, 5/17. ​​ The Cost is $812.50 for the 15-week session ($100 non-refundable deposit, $712.50 session fees)For more information or to register, go to​​ https://riverparkway.org/activities/preschool-programs/.​​ 

 

Saturday, February 24th​​ through Saturday, October 12th

The Fresno County Historical Society invites you to participate in its Fields of Fresno Ag Tours, held on Saturdays (including February 24th, April 27th, June 15th, September 14th​​ and October 12th). ​​ Fields of Fresno Ag Tour series kicks off February 24th, 2024, with a guided trek of the world-renown Blossom Trail as orchards explode with white, pink and rosy petals. ​​ Five, half-day excursions in Fresno County are planned for this season’s tours. Tickets are $95 per-person and $85 for FCHS members. Every adventure highlights a different part of Fresno County’s rich agricultural industry. ​​ Each tour starts and ends at the historic Kearney Mansion Museum & Gallery. Here, guests learn about M. Theo Kearney and his Fruit Vale Estate; the foundation of which left a legacy that ripples through the business of agriculture even today. ​​ Following a light continental breakfast and coffee, guests board a spacious motor coach, and as they travel to three agriculture sites for curated tours, they enjoy lively rounds of Ag Trivia complete with prizes. Lunch and tasting at a local winery or brewery concludes the day before returning to Kearney Mansion.  ​​ ​​ ​​​​ For more information or to secure tickets, the public may call 559-441-0862 or visit​​ https://valleyhistory.org/ag-tour. ​​ 

 

Thursday, March 14th​​ through Sunday, May 12th​​ 

Good Company Players invites you to a performance of “Fiddler on the Roof.” ​​ The nine-time Tony-winning story of Tevye the Dairyman and his family's struggles is highly regarded as one of the best musicals of all time. Fiddler on the Roof is the perfect mix of humor, heart, and stunning music.​​ Performances are at Roger Rocka’s Dinner Theater, 1226 N. Wishon, at Olive and Wishon in The Tower District. ​​ On Thursdays, a sumptuous dinner service begins at 5:30 p.m., with a Pre-Show featuring Good Company Players’ Junior Company at 7:30 and the performance at 8:00 p.m. ​​ On Friday & Saturday, a mouth-watering served meal begins service at 5:30 p.m., with the Pre-Show at 7:30 p.m. and the performance at 8:00 p.m. ​​ And on Sunday matinees, a hearty full service brunch begins service at 11 a.m., with the Pre-Show at 1 p.m. and the performance at 1:30 p.m. ​​ Tickets for dinner and show performances are $65 (or $60 for seniors, students and members of the military with valid ID; $50 for young adults 16-21). ​​ Show only tickets are $35. ​​ For tickets, go​​ to​​ https://rogerrockas.com/shows/categories/roger-rockas/fiddler-on-the-roof/.​​ 

 

Friday, April 26th​​ through Sunday, June 9th ​​ ​​ ​​​​ 

The Good Company Players presents “On Golden Pond.” ​​ The turbulent relationship between father and daughter, the generation gap between young and old, and a couple navigating the twilight years of a long marriage, all combine in a play that effortlessly illustrates the hilarious, heartbreaking, human moments of which life is made.​​ The show will be performed at Good Company Players’ Second Space Theatre, located at 928 E. Olive in the Tower District. ​​ Show times are Thursday, Friday & Saturday at 8:00 p.m., & Sunday matinee at 2:00 p.m. ​​ Prices are $25 general admission; $20 for students, seniors and active duty military. ​​ Groups of 16 or more are eligible for discounts. For information and group reservations, call Dave at (559) 266-9493. ​​ For general tickets, call 559-266-0660 to reserve or online at​​ https://tickets.gcplayers.com/purchase/events/categories/2nd-space-theatre/on-golden-pond/.​​ 

 

Thursday, June 6th​​ through Sunday, June 30th

Spectrum Art Gallery hosts “This is My World: Juried Student Exhibition 2024,” at their Gallery at​​ 608 E. Olive Ave. in the Tower District. ​​ Spectrum Art Gallery​​ has invited​​ Central Valley high school and college students to submit images of their self-expressive photography. ​​​​ The application period will run from December 15, 2023 through May 1, 2024. All submissions will be posted to​​ their​​ website for public viewing. Then three highly qualified judges will select 40 finalists for the gallery exhibition. Finalists’ printed and ready to install works must be delivered to Spectrum Art Gallery by May 26, 2024. The gallery exhibition is scheduled to begin June 6, 2024 for the Art Hop reception– a monthly celebration of art exhibits and venues throughout Fresno’s Tower District. The awards selection will take place June 4 & 5 prior to the opening reception. ​​​​ More information at​​ https://spectrumphotogallery.org/home/.​​ 

 

Monday, June 10th​​ through Friday, August 9th

Registration for the Fresno Art Museum’s​​ Summer 2024 Art Academy​​ is now open. ​​ Students will explore the Elements of Art and how they apply to the Principles of Design through a variety of media in ALL of​​ their​​ workshops.

WEEK 1 (June 10 to 14)

  • Stop­Motion Animation (AM)

Learn all about animation. Work as part of a team or on your own to create stories and animated short films using drawing, painting, and 3­D objects, and stop­motion animation techniques. ​​ 

  • ​​ Comic Book Design (PM)

Learn to bring your story ideas to life by improving your drawing and storytelling skills. ​​ Learn the secrets of comic book design and story creation with our FAM art instructors.  ​​​​ 

WEEK 2 (June 17 to 21)

  • Drawing & Painting What You See! (AM)

Students will study basic drawing & painting techniques and apply them to drawing in the galleries and painting in the classroom, honing their observational drawing skills, using pencil, ink, charcoal, pastels, and oil pastels. ​​ 

  • ​​ Print It! (PM)

Inspired by two of our exhibitions, students will learn the art of design and use a variety of printmaking techniques, from simple stamping, block printing, silk screen, monoprints, collagraph printing (from collage), to printing on a press. ​​ 

WEEK 3 (June 24 to 28)

  • ​​ Super Mud!​​ 

In cooperation with ClayMix, students will learn how to successfully create and manipulate handbuilt clay vessels and sculptures and the art of glazing their ceramic pieces.

  • ​​ Make Your Own Artist Trading Cards

Be inspired by the Bowman Bubble Gum Trading Cards! Paint, collage, draw, and incorporate images from photos. Be creative and take your time. Design your own, andmake them so good that people will want to trade with you. ​​ Or make them so good that you won’t want to trade!

WEEK 4 (July 29 to August 2)

  • ​​ Let’s Face It! (AM)

Learn the secret to creating realistic and abstract portraits. ​​ Discover how to map a face by understanding the basic shapes and proportions, and then learn how to abstract them, too!

  • ​​ Fun with Mixed Media (AM)

Delve into a variety of media in two and three dimensions from assemblage to collage with a combination of fiber, paper, paint, discarded elements, and found and natural materials. Students will draw inspiration from a variety of famous artists.  ​​ ​​ ​​ ​​ ​​ ​​ ​​ ​​ ​​ ​​ ​​ ​​ ​​ ​​ ​​ ​​ ​​ ​​​​ 

WEEK 5 (August 5 to 9)

  • ​​ Black & White (AM)

Students will study a variety of drawing techniques and learn composition, shading, perspective, and more using pencil, ink, and charcoal.

  • ​​ Painting & Drawing with Color (PM)

Students will get to experience color mixing and blending using acrylic paint, watercolor, and oil pastels to create still life, figurative work, and landscapes, focusing on observation skills.

The​​ workshops are taught by working professional artists who bring their special talents and knowledge to every session they teach. All of​​ the​​ teaching artists have had training and experience in working with children, and all strive to transfer their own love of the arts to each of their students in a lively, engaging, and exciting way.

​​ ​​ Children must be between the ages of 8 and 17 to participate in these workshops.

​​ ​​ All classes are taught in English only.

​​ ​​ FAM visual art classes are taught by FAM’s staff of teaching artists.

​​ ​​ AM WORKSHOPS, 9 AM TO 12:30 PM | PM WORKSHOPS, 1 PM TO 4:30 PM

 ​​ ​​ ​​ ​​​​ FULL DAY STUDENTS, 9 AM to 4:30 PM | Must bring lunch

 ​​ ​​ ​​ ​​​​ Snacks provided mid-morning and mid-afternoon

​​ ​​ Sorry,​​ they​​ do not offer extended care.

The cost for the​​ One WEEK FULL DAY​​ program is​​ $415​​ for​​ Museum members​​ or​​ $445​​ for​​ Non-Museum members. ​​ The cost for​​ One WEEK /HALF DAY​​ is​​ $240​​ for​​ Museum members​​ or​​ $265​​ for​​ Non-Museum members. ​​ Most art materials are included in tuition. Students may be asked to bring some found items from home for some projects. ​​​​ For more information or to register, go to​​ https://portal.campnetwork.com/Register/Register.php?camp_id=398162.​​ 

 

Ongoing

Starting Now:

"Covid 19, a Play," was written by Patricia Wells during the height of the pandemic in 2020 which swept through cities and states infecting communities and hitting farmworkers and workers in food processing industries especially hard; causing significant fatalities in the Central Valley and throughout the country. As the pandemic raged it was the labor of farmworkers and low-wage workers that kept the country alive, yet they were given no protections. This play was written so that their sacrifices will not be forgotten.  ​​​​ The play is about a small farmworker family living in the outskirts of town, in which a member comes down with Covid catching the family completely off guard. Knowing nothing about the virus which invades and threatens their lives and facing an uncertain future, the family must depend on the leadership, vigilance and guidance of the mother and her son, as they scramble for information and help as to how to protect​​ themselves from the deadly grip of the virus. To view the play, go to​​ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7wFTQq_nu9k.​​ 

 

Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays:

The Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual Organization invites you to participate in any of th following classes:

Ongoing Weekly classes on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays:

Mondays: 7pm - 8:15pm- Learn to meditate, starting July 10th

Tuesdays: 5:30pm - 6:30pm- Inner Peace & Happiness

Thursdays: 7pm - 8pm- Enhancing Your Experience of Peace, Love & Happiness

Monthly Classes:

Second Sat. of the month: 4pm - 5:30 pm- Meditation, then discussion

World Meditation: third Sunday of every month: 5:30pm - 6:30pm

Monthly classes: date & time varies: Exploring the Relationship of Body, Mind, & Soul

For registration or inquiries: Call 559- 435-2212, or ​​ e-mail bkFresnoclasses@gmail.com or​​ rajayoga108@gmail.com. ​​ Some classes are in person & some on Zoom. ​​ All classes are free.

 

Every Tuesday

The Fresno Center for Nonviolence invites you to free meditation classes every Tuesday from 5-6 p.m. at the Center, 1584 N. Van Ness Ave. in Fresno. ​​ Learn techniques to experiencer peace within you and harmony in your relationships. ​​ This is guided meditation, with discussion led by Veena Kapoor and Kim Forbes, practicing Raja Yoga meditation. ​​ For more information, call (559) 435-2212.

 

Second Tuesday of each month:

Peace Fresno’s study group meets on the second Tuesday of each month at 7:00 pm at FCNV, 1584 N. Van Ness Ave.

 

Every Wednesday

There’s a free poetry group, meeting every Wednesday, 2-4 pm, at the Gillis Branch Library, 629 West Dakota Avenue, Fresno. The group is led by Bill Simmons, a recent transplant from Iowa. Bill has been writing poetry for years, and has had several pieces published. Whether you have been writing for years, or just getting started, this group is for you!

 

Fourth Thursday of each month:

Peace Fresno has moved their business meetings to the fourth Thursday of each month at 6:30 pm at the Fresno Center for Nonviolence (FCNV), 1584 N. Van Ness Ave.

 

Second Wednesday of every month:

Sisters for Pelvic Health invites you to their monthly meeting on the 2nd Wednesday of every month  ​​​​ The meetings take place at Creative Therapeutics, 2763 E Shaw Ave #102, Fresno. ​​ They are Sisters Encouraging One Another in Life For Pelvic Health. You can also join them from wherever you are, virtually on Zoom. ​​ So, please RSVP to attend in person or virtually. ​​ Then they can send you the Zoom link. Remember that all​​ women are welcome, so please spread the word and invite others to join. They are on social media on facebook and instagram. So please share those posts as well. Space is limited - so please RSVP sisters4pelvichealth@gmail.com .  ​​​​ Follow them on; instagram.com/sistersforpelvichealth/ or facebook.com/sistersforpelvichealth.​​ 

 

Second & Fourth Wednesdays starting June 23rd

The Fresno County Department of Behavioral Health in collaboration with The Source LGBT+ Center and the Fresno EOC LGBTQ Center will provide no-cost Pop-Up groups in Fresno County starting June 23, 2021. ​​ The Pop-Up groups are a way to provide affirming, supportive and safe space for local LGBTQ+ persons. ​​ Pop-Up groups seek to focus on protective factors so to reduce risk factors for suicide, substance use and

mental illness. ​​ The project plans to conduct population specific engagement, support, affirmation, and education for LGBTQ+ youth and young adults as well as for family members and care takers. These efforts have been utilized in ways to reduce the risk factors for suicide in the LGBTQ community. While funded through the County’s Mental Health Services Act-Suicide Prevention efforts, the program is not focused on suicide

prevention specifically, but on protective factors so to lessen the risks for suicidal ideation and suicides. ​​ Belonging is a protective factor, and in instances where youth may not feel that they belong, in their home, in their classrooms, etc., having support groups can fill that void and provide some belonging and start to reduce some of the risk factors. The Pop Ups will provide some critical protective factors by providing:

Connections to other adults who are not parents. Safe space, closeness to caring friends, awareness, and access to local health services, as well as support to parents so to strengthen connectedness with their child and learn how to better support their youth.  ​​​​ To learn about the Pop-Up groups and/or participate interested persons can contact The Source LGBT+ Center’s Spencer Salazar at spencer@thesourcelgbt.org . The initial groups will be on-line from 4pm-6pm starting on June 23, 2021. Groups will meet on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays. The groups will be virtual initially with plans for in-person locations being developed.

 

Last Wednesday of each month:

Root & Rebound in conjunction with Central California Legal Services is offering a virtual Criminal Record Expungement Clinic every last Wednesday of the month from 3-5 p.m. (no clinics in November and December). ​​ If you have a criminal conviction in Fresno, Tulare, Kings, Madera, Merced, Mariposa, or Tuolumne County, you may receive free legal information from volunteer advocates on how to request expungement of your criminal record. ​​ Participants must complete the prescreen using the link below and an advocate will confirm your eligibility prior to the clinic. ​​ Knowledgeable and skilled advocates will:

  • Review convictions and expungement eligibility

  • Prepare court forms

  • Provide legal information with no attorney-client relationship

  • Meet with you privately in a Zoom breakout room

  • Clinic partners will assist you in filing all court forms

To complete the prescreening go to​​ https://form.jotform.com/220457644834157. ​​ For more information contact the Pro Bono Program at 559-570-1274 or by e-mail to​​ ProBono@CentralCalLegal.org.​​ 

 

Fourth Wednesday of each month:

Sisters for Pelvic Health meet the 4th​​ Wednesday of each month from 6:00 pm-7:00pm at Creative Therapeutics - Socially Distant, 2763 E Shaw Ave #102, Fresno. ​​ You can also join virtually via Zoom. ​​ To join remotely, RSVP to​​ sisters4pelvichealth@gmail.com​​ and they can send you the Zoom link. They plan a fun evening getting to know you and supporting each other on our journeys' through pelvic pain. Remember that all women are welcome, so please spread the word and invite others to join us. They are on social media on facebook and instagram. So please share those posts as well: instagram.com/sistersforpelvichealth, facebook.com/sistersforpelvichealth, and​​ www.facebook.com/sistersforpelvichealth.​​ 

 

Thursdays from 7-8 p.m. and Sundays from 10:30-11:30 a.m.

The Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual Organization invites you to join them for guided meditation, wisdom insights and discussion on Peace of Mind and Harmony in Relationships. ​​ Know yourself on your journey of personal development and help yourself to grow and discover your values. Password and ID for all the meditation classes is now: ​​ ID 277 751 8092, Passcode ​​ 807401. ​​ For more information call (559) 435-2212 or e-mail​​ rajayoga108@gmail.com.​​ 

 

EndGame 2050

Humanity has backed itself into an ecological endgame as we approach the year 2050.​​ 

Featuring musician Moby along with leading scientists, and created by physician turned environmentalist Sofia Pineda Ochoa, ENDGAME 2050 lays out the existential crises bearing down on the planet and underscores the harsh reality that, unless we take responsibility and act urgently now, we are hastening our own destruction and that of virtually all other life on the planet. ​​ You can view the film on YouTube by going to​​ https://www.endgame2050.com. ​

 

The​​ Central Sierra Resiliency Fund​​ is supporting long-term Creek Fire recovery efforts in communities within the vicinity of Fresno County’s Central Sierra region including, but not limited to, Huntington Lake, Lakeshore, Big Creek, Shaver Lake, Pine Ridge, Meadow Lakes, Alder Springs, and Auberry. ​​ A component of recovery is acknowledging the grief brought on by a disaster, and remembering that which came before. The Resiliency Fund is committed to honoring the historical legacy of the Central Sierra region by collecting community stories of the Creek Fire--and the unique histories that precede the Creek Fire--and preserving those stories through the Central Sierra Historical Society. ​​ The Resiliency Fund has begun collecting community stories with an online story and photo submission process. These stories will be used as a way to document and preserve the many experiences and impacts of the Creek Fire. This repository could later be used to construct a comprehensive Creek Fire exhibit at the museum, community kiosks and/or a book. ​​ Please help us spread the word about this project to anyone with a Creek Fire story to share. We will collect the stories, preserve​​ them, and weave them into the history displayed at the Central Sierra Historical Society Museum and beyond. We will also be sharing stories on our website and social media.

These can be stories of places, artifacts, or of your experience during the Fire itself. ​​ For more information, go to​​ https://sierrahistorical.org/resiliencyfund/storytelling-program/.​​ 

 

Every Day

Fresno County’s Public Library and Department of Public Works have teamed to offer a first-of-its-kind recycling program. ​​ Starting September 5, 2017, county residents can drop off used compact fluorescent lights (CFLs), fluorescent tubes, alkaline and rechargeable batteries at eleven different Library branches.  ​​​​ These items contain hazardous substances and must be deposited at approved facilities, sometimes for a fee. This new service is being provided free of charge to County residents to encourage and ensure proper disposal of universal waste. ​​ Public Works will provide approved hazardous material collection containers at eleven Library branches: ​​ the Central Library, Betty Rodriguez Regional Library, Clovis Regional Library, Fig Garden Regional​​ Library, Sunnyside Regional Library, Woodward Park Regional Library, Mendota Branch Library, Orange Cove Branch Library, Reedley Branch Library, Sanger Branch Library and Selma Branch Library. ​​ This program might be expanded to other branches in the future. ​​ For more information about Library programs, services, and specific branch hours, please go to www.fresnolibrary.org, or call the Library at (559) 600 – READ (7323). ​​ 

 

Every Tuesday through Thursday

The Fresno County Department of Public Health offers free confidential rapid HIV testing at the Fresno County Department of Public Health building at 1221 Fulton Mall, Specialty Clinic Area, First Floor, from 8:30 am – 11:00 am and 1:00 pm – 3:30 pm

For more information, contact Jena Adams, Supervising Communicable Disease Specialist, at (559) 600-3434.  

 

Every Thursday and Sunday

The Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual Organization is offering Weekly meditations- Thursdays 7 to 8 p.m. and Sundays 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.  ​​​​ Zoom  ​​​​ ID 277 751 8092,  ​​​​ Passcode: 807401. ​​ For more information, contact them at (559) 435-2212 or  ​​​​ rajayoga108@gmail.com.​​ 

 

Every Saturday  

There is a medical clinic for the homeless, actively injecting drug users and prostitutes every Saturday from 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. or until the last patient is served. You can find them near Hughes and Olive Ave. The clinic is staffed by Dr. Marc Lasher and volunteers. Financial donations are accepted. For more information, call 266-0444. 

 

Every Saturday 

Food Not Bombs feeds the hungry from 1 - 2 p.m. near the Olive Ave entrance to Roeding Park. If you would like to help them prepare the meal, they meet every Saturday at Wesley United Methodist Church (1343 E. Barstow) at 10am. For more​​ information email fresnofnb@hotmail.com or visit the official FNB website, foodnotbombs.net. 

 

Most Saturdays 

Most Saturdays there is a Fresno Free Bicycle Repair Clinic from 1- 3 p.m. near the Olive Ave entrance to Roeding Park, beside Food Not Bombs. Donations of bicycle parts, inner tubes, and blinky lights are welcome. Volunteers are needed to help with minor repairs. For more info and to arrange donations, e-mail: garza.reyes@live.com. 

 

Every Sunday

You are invited and encouraged to join Jovita​​ in her ongoing​​ Demonstration/Vigil in support of Palestine​​ Every Sunday, ​​ 9 – 1pm​​ at Cedar Avenue and Barstow Avenue​​ 

Across from Fresno State football stadium. ​​ Each person can choose their time. ​​ Whatever time you can be there will be enough.

 

Every Sunday 

Food Not Bombs serves free food at Courthouse Park to anyone who is hungry. They start cooking at 1 PM and serve the food at 3 PM (meet at the Tulare side of the park). For more information go to http://cafefresno.org.  

 

First Wednesday of each month:

A Women in Black Silent Vigil takes place from noon to 1 p.m. at the Fresno County Courthouse, 1100 Van Ness Ave. Show your support for peace and negotiated settlements of current U.S. military actions. Stand silently and advocate for peace. For more information, call 559-278-7140 or 559-225-2850.  This vigil takes place the 1st Wednesday of each month.

 

The “Goodie Bag Project” is collecting small toiletry items brought home from hotels and vacations to provide gifts for women incarcerated in Central Valley Women’s Prisons. This is a collaborative effort of the CCWF Inmate Family Council, the Fresno Center for Nonviolence, the Unitarian Universalist Church of Fresno Social Justice Committee, and the United Methodist Church of Merced. They are seeking sample/travel size bath gels, body soap, lotions, deodorant, shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, toothbrushes, small combs and pocket sized packages of tissues (no food, candy, edibles, drinkables, mouthwash or anything containing alcohol). They are also collecting all kinds of greeting cards, wooden pencils and clear, colorless pens, as well as paper scratch pads and picture postcards. Items may be dropped off at the Center for Nonviolence, 1584 N. Van Ness Ave., south of McKinley, during open hours, M - F, 11 AM - 3 PM. Checks can be made out to "FCNV Prison Ministry - Goodie Bags," and mailed to the Center at the above address, or dropped off in person. Receipts will be given. All donations are tax-deductible. For additional information or to see if an item is allowable under prison rules, call Maria Telesco at 559-255-9492. Please remember all items must be SMALL. 

 

Volunteers Needed: Collective for Arts, Freedom, and Ecology (CAFE) Fresno,​​ whose mission is to provide a safe space for all people and provide programs and​​ events that provide enrichment and information to Fresno and the Central Valley, is looking for volunteers, especially for Food Not Bombs, an organization that provides a nutritious meal to anybody that would like and need one. Food Not Bombs is in dire need of physical and financial help, and will accept anything that might go to waste that is still useful. This includes but is not limited to: clothing, toys, tools, and furniture. All of these items will be redistributed to others that need them. Food Not Bombs meets on Sundays at CAFE Infoshop (935 F. Street in Fresno) at noon sharp, to chop and cook until 3. At 3 p.m., they serve at the courthouse park. For more information call Vanessa at (559) 485-3937 or e-mail vanpadilla@gmail.com. 

 

Host an International High School Exchange Student 

High school students from around the world come to the US to spend a year or a semester in American schools. Your family can learn about Germany, China, Finland, Italy, or another country by hosting a student. International Experience is a non-profit that helps you connect with an exchange student hoping to study abroad and invites​​ you to share your home with a student who will become a part of your family. Students in the International Experience program must meet strict guidelines and complete multiple screenings in their home countries. During their stay they are covered by their own health insurance and provide their own spending money. These students want to come to the US to practice English and learn about our culture. As a host family, you simply provide a bed, family meals and invite your student to participate in your family’s traditions and introduce them to our American culture. To learn more about the opening your heart and home to an exchange student contact International Experience at 888-266-29 21. or visit ie-usa.com. 

 

Ongoing:

The AMVETS Call of Duty Endowment Career Centers provide FREE career training and employment assistance to veterans, active duty service members, National Guard, and Reserve members and spouses.   For additional information please call 877-726-8387, once again that is 877-726-8387.

 

Fresno County Public Library is recruiting skilled volunteers​​ to assist teens and parents fill out applications for college and financial aid. When schools are closed, rural students throughout the county often find it difficult to access materials and computers that can help with this milestone in a student’s life. The Fresno County Public Library not only provides a safe and welcoming environment for these students and families, but also has the needed technology and print materials to help them navigate the college and career path. Those with Spanish language skills are encouraged to apply.  By becoming a College Prep Coach, volunteers will dedicate a few hours each week to help families unfamiliar with the task of completing important applications. "All students must have direct access to materials and technology to succeed in life,” says County Librarian Laurel Prysiazny. “By staffing several rural branches with trained volunteers, the Library’s College Prep Program will assist students and families with laying the groundwork for making college a reality.”  If you would like to help a teen go to college visit http://www.fresnolibrary.org and click on the volunteer banner, or call Elizabeth Finkle at (559) 600-9230.

 

The Artists' Loft group at The Studio Community Center in North Fork presents an ongoing Arts & Crafts program of classes for young and old. The classes are affordable and help support The Studio. To view the calendar go to nfstudio.org.  You can click on Artists' Loft @ The Studio from the Home page to learn more about the group.

  

ON LINE EVENTS AND RESOURCES

In these difficult times, there may be services available that can help families get through. Many families are experiencing challenges that they never thought they would face. The Fresno County Department of Social Services (DSS) may be able to help. There are a variety of ways for Fresno County residents to apply for and access assistance and services. ​​ DSS administers a wide variety of programs that can help residents in need. These include help with food, health insurance, job training, homeless assistance, and emergency cash assistance. There are several ways the community can access DSS services:

For more information, please visit www.fresnocountyca.gov/DSSassist

 

Below are links for a series of webinars offered by the Reedley Peace Center on the issue of Immigration:

  •   - Immigration in times of Covid 19

  •   - Border Realities

  •   - Asylum

  •  - Church efforts to address immigration

  •  - MCC’s work in Mexico, Honduras and Guatemala/El Salvador

  •  - Church-based immigration legal services

  •  - Immigration advocacy

 

The Fresno Commission for Police Reform, which was formed following a demonstration of local outrage response to the killing of George Floyd at the hands of the Minneapolis police, is presenting the public with a rare opportunity observe and interact with its important work. ​​​​ The commission's website,​​ https://www.fresno-cpr.com,​​​is an excellent resources for all who want to learn more, respond to a survey created by Fresno State's Sociology Department and participate in some of the Commission's discussions. ​​​​ It is also an opportunity to observe local leaders grappling with the important and challenging task of police reform.

 

The​​ Film “Economics of Happiness”​​ can be viewed on line for free at​​ https://www.filmsforaction.org/watch/the-economics-of-happiness/?link_id=8&can_id=32c6c32bbda29a00eef53b1184d86952&source=email-where-do-we-go-from-here-22&email_referrer=email_888883&email_subject=where-do-we-go-from-here.​​ 

 

In commemoration of the dropping of the bomb on Hiroshima,​​ watch the animated movie​​ “Barefoot Gen”​​ about a Japanese family in Hiroshima in the days before and after the bombing. Warning: THIS IS NOT FOR CHILDREN. It is very graphic but dispells any illusions about the effects of nuclear war. If you don't subscribe or can't find the movie with dubbed English voices on Netflix or other movie sites, you can buy it on Amazon for $20 or watch it for free with English subtitles on YouTube.​​ Click on:​​ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DqDQd1wkDj0&utm_source=BenchmarkEmail&utm_campaign=200724_Some_good_news&utm_medium=email.​​ 

​​ 

Fresno Historical Society’s Time Travelers​​ 

Join the Fresno Historical Society anytime online for a trip to Fresno County from 1856 to 1910 at their Virtual Time Travelers event. The experience offers 12 immersive and unique lessons will take students on a journey to the America of the late 1800s and will share the story of Fresno County in the 19th century through activities, video presentations and historic images. You will meet Fresno County's first doctor, first teacher and early pioneers. Tour a general store, learn about turn-of-the-century medicine, visit Fresno's colorful Chinatown and see what daily life was like during this historic time. Each lesson includes a discussion guide along with a video or photo gallery and narratives. ​​ To participate, go to​​ https://www.valleyhistory.org/time-travelers.​​ 

 

Youth Orchestras of Fresno (YOOF)

The Youth Orchestras of Fresno (YOOF) have moved their curriculum online, with some unexpected benefits, central of them the ability to engage teaching artists from around the world to work with local youth and expand their musical horizons. They were asked to create a video performance for the Fresno Arts Council’s live-streamed Horizon event. The result was an eight-minute survey of the Youth Orchestras’ history, plus some featured soloists who submitted video recordings specifically for this purpose. ​​ 

The video is now available on YouTube. To watch this special video on You-Tube, go to​​ https://www.youtube.com/watch?reload=9&v=dTVGZJjh4WA&feature=youtu.be.​​ 

 

Central California Legal Services is offering a virtual workshop on services available during the pandemic. ​​ This workshop is in Spanish, and can be accessed by going to​​ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ADb6D7IIUDo. ​​ Clínica Virtual: ​​​​ Programas de asistencia y​​ política de servicios públicos​​ durante la pandemia​​ (Utility & Telecom in Spanish). ​​ ¿Preguntas? ​​​​ Comuníquese con Jennifer Ramirez,​​ Secretaria Legal,​​ Programa Pro Bono al​​ (559) 570-1245 o​​ jramirez@centralcallegal.org.​​ 

 

Medically Trained Personnel Needed During COVID-19 Pandemic in Fresno​​ 

To help support ongoing COVID-19 response efforts, Fresno County is seeking registered nurses, licensed vocational nurses (LVNs), certified nurse assistants, and other medically trained personnel to help meet potential staffing needs at local hospitals, skilled nursing care facilities, and/or alternate care sites. ​​ As COVID-19 cases continue to rise in Fresno County and across the country, the demands for resources and support continue to increase in healthcare settings and local health departments. In order to be as prepared as possible, the County is building a pool of medically trained​​ personnel to be activated when needed at hospitals, skilled nursing care facilities, or at an alternate care site. ​​​​ In addition to individuals with healthcare experience, there may be additional opportunities for those with experience in the following areas:

 ​​ ​​ ​​​​ nutrition,

 ​​ ​​ ​​​​ administration,

 ​​ ​​ ​​​​ customer service § social work, ​​ ​​​​ 

 ​​ ​​ ​​​​ case management,

 ​​ ​​ ​​​​ office assistance,

 ​​ ​​ ​​​​ information technology, and many more.

Fresno County understands the value of persons coming together in public service in order to help fight the spread of COVID-19 in our community. ​​​​ To help in this pandemic, sign up for volunteer and paid positions by visiting​​ www.fcdph.org/covid19​​ and fill out the information under the Volunteer tab.

  

The Community Alliance newspaper is online now.​​ ​​ 

You can see all of their articles here: ​​ https://fresnoalliance.com.

 

CreateCA​​ has created this great website to help you and your children get through these challenging times. ​​ Go to​​ https://createca.org/createathome/.  ​​​​ You can also find some additional lesson plans that can be done at home on the Fresno Art Museum website, along with tips on how to teach a visual art lesson. ​​ Just go to ​​ https://www.fresnoartmuseum.org/agc.​​ 

 

The Central Valley Justice Coalition​​ is offering new online class, “Understanding Human Trafficking.” ​​ This new online class is a self-paced class. Unlike a webinar, there is no live instruction, which means you can watch this at your own pace and your own timing. ​​ To participate, go to​​ https://ce.fresno.edu/educator-workshops/ceu-certificates/central-valley-justice-coalition/hbm-050?utm_source=Central+Valley+Justice+Coalition+News&utm_campaign=c8b95fbf0a-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2020_04_02_07_08&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_4276ed74b3-c8b95fbf0a-129645965&mc_cid=c8b95fbf0a&mc_eid=190c576061.​​