KFCF​​ Community Calendar: Updated 7/3/20

 ​​ ​​ ​​ ​​ ​​ ​​ ​​ ​​ ​​​​ 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)

Please Note: ​​ In light of the seriousness of the COVID-19 pandemic and the cancellation of so many public events, we recommend contacting the venue to confirm that any listed event is still scheduled. ​​ We will note below any cancellations we are aware of.  ​​​​ 

For those with children who are out of school during the Covid-19 pandemic, you can go to this site to find out where your children can get free school lunches:

https://www.healthyeating.org/Schools/School-Wellness/School-Feeding-Locations.​​ 

Wednesday, July 1st​​ through Saturday, July 4th

Buying fireworks? Have friends/family who do? Pick up some for the neighborhood kids?! And, support the LGBT+ Community at the same time. ​​​​ The booth is open from 10 am - 10 pm​​ between McDonald's and El Pollo Loco​​ at​​ 634​​ Shaw Ave. in Clovis. ​​ There will be special offers, daily deals and promotions available at​​ their​​ website,​​ https://lgbtcn.org. ​​​​ Volunteers are also needed.​​ ​​ Text "LGBT Volunteer" to 797979 to schedule a volunteer shift. ​​​​ For more information, contact​​ Jason Scott​​ at​​ jason@lgbtcn.org.​​ 

Wednesday, July 8th

Attention potential Public Official Candidates: ​​ Registration is now open for, “Everything you need to know about Running for Office.” ​​​​ Interested in learning about running for office in Fresno County? ​​ Mark your calendar now for Wednesday, July 8, 2020 from 5:30 - 7:30​​ p.m.​​ and plan to learn valuable information related to the November 2020 election. ​​​​ This free online informational class is designed to provide critical information for potential candidates, consultants and others who will be involved in the election process. ​​​​ Topics to be covered include:

 ​​ ​​ ​​​​ Important Dates to Remember

 ​​ ​​ ​​​​ Candidate Filing Process

 ​​ ​​ ​​​​ Ballot Designation Rules

 ​​ ​​ ​​​​ Candidate Statements

 ​​ ​​ ​​​​ Campaign Finance Reporting (FPPC)

 ​​ ​​ ​​​​ Ethical Considerations

 ​​ ​​ ​​​​ Requesting Voter Data

This class will be held online through Web Conference Via Microsoft Teams. ​​​​ To participate, an RSVP is required. RSVP to Chrystal Babcock at​​ cbabcock@fresnocountyca.gov​​ or (559) 600-3044 or Rachel Lopez at​​ ralopez@fresnocountyca.gov​​ or (559) 600-3023. ​​​​ 

Friday, July 24th

Are you looking for something exciting to do with your friends this summer? Mission Not Impossible is a city wide contest for youth groups in the Fresno/Clovis area.​​ ​​ Student teams that come up with the best game plan to address the issue of poverty in their area will have their ideas put in front of decision makers who can help make a difference.​​  ​​​​ The winners of this competition will also receive scholarships, prizes, and cash to go towards pursuing their dreams. Join​​ their​​ Zoom kickoff event on July 24th​​ from​​ 7pm - 8:15pm to get more details for your team.​​ ​​ Don’t miss out on your chance to become an agent of change. Spots are limited so be sure to pre-register today by logging onto​​ www.mniproject.com.​​ 

Saturday, August 22nd

Join the American Cancer Society for “A Night At The Chef’s Table, at the Kings River Winery, 4276 S. Greenwood Ave. Sanger, from 6:00 – 10:00pm. ​​ A Night At The Chef’s Table is a gourmet dining experience featuring Le Cordon Bleu trained Chef Aaron Nielsen of Southern Hospitality Company benefiting the American Cancer Society. Join us for an evening of delicious food, entertainment, live and silent auctions. The event will be indoor/outdoor held at Kings River Winery, with dinner served in their beautiful indoor, air-conditioned facility and evening entertainment outdoors in their string lit terrace. It is open to adults 21 and over. ​​ Tickets are $100 per person and can be purchased at​​ https://acsfresno.ejoinme.org/chefstableca. ​​ For more information, contact Leticia Ramirez at​​ leticia.ramirez@cancer.org​​ or 559-500-6801.

Friday, August 28th

Join the American Cancer Society for the Clovis Rotary Beer Fest at Clovis Botanical Garden, 945 N Clovis Ave., Clovis, from 5:30pm – 8:30pm. ​​ Craft beer enthusiasts and newbies won’t want to miss the inaugural Clovis Rotary Beer Fest benefiting the American Cancer Society. Sample craft beers, enjoy food and live entertainment. Ticket include tastings, souvenir glasses and live entertainment. This event is open to adults 21 and over. ​​ For more information, contact Contact Leticia Ramirez at 559-500-6801 or​​ leticia.ramirez@cancer.org. ​​ Tickets are $40 and can be purchased on line at​​ www.eventbrite.com/e/clovis-rotary-beer-fest-tickets-90711080283.​​ 

ON LINE EVENTS AND RESOURCES

COVID 19 Testing Available in Madera:

Madera County has launched a new testing site in the City of Madera at the Madera Fairgrounds as of Wednesday, May 27, 2020. ​​ This new site is one of the many testing sites across the state offered through a partnership with OptumServe, the federal government health services business of Optum, a leading health services innovation company. ​​ Appointments are now available for symptomatic and asymptomatic adults over the age of 18 and can be made by visiting​​ https://lhi.care/covidtesting. ​​ The Fairgrounds site is open Monday-Wednesday and Friday-Saturday from 7am – 7pm. To watch a video about the free COVID-19 testing now available at Madera Fairgrounds to those with or without symptoms, you can go to​​ https://www.facebook.com/MaderaCountyPublicHealth/videos/2386035735022659/.  ​​​​ For more information on testing options in Madera County visit the Madera County Dept. of Public Health testing webpage at​​ https://maderacounty.com/covid19testing.​​ 

Spring, 2020:

The​​ Census​​ has begun! ​​ The 2020 Census is open for self-response online at 2020Census.gov, over the phone by calling the number provided in your invitation, and by paper through the mail. ​​ To fill out the 2020 Census:​​ https://www.2020census.gov/.​​ 

Why the 2020 Census Is Important: ​​ Census data determines federal funding for the next ten years. ​​ Rural California counties are among the poorest in the United States. ​​ Every person living in rural California should complete the Census so their communities do not lose funding for health services, schools, emergency services, and other programs.  ​​​​ What could happen if people don’t complete the Census in your community?​​ 

• A business looking for a location to open their next store or warehouse might skip your community because the incomplete census results make it look like there aren’t enough people to work or shop there.

• A school district might not open a new school because the incomplete census results make it look like there are not many families with children in your community.

• A city might cut back on fire fighters or other emergency service staff in your neighborhood because the incomplete census results make it look like fewer people live there.

• Your nonprofit or other community program might get less federal funding because the incomplete census results make it look like there are not as many low-income people living in your community.

• The 2020 Census will also decide how many Congressional members and Electoral College votes California will have.

• If everyone completes the census, it could mean more people in power who represent and advocate for our communities.

• Please take a few minutes to talk to your friends, family, coworkers, or other community members to make sure they’re counted, too.

You do not need to be a citizen to complete the census. ​​  Your census responses are confidential and cannot be shared with other governmental agencies or used against you in any way. ​​  There are three ways to respond: by phone, online, or by mail. ​​ The census can be completed by phone or online in 12 languages besides English as well as Telecommunication Device for the Deaf. ​​ You can call 800-923-8282​​ to speak with a local Census Bureau representative if you suspect fraud or a scam. ​​ For more information, visit www.californiacensus.org or​​ www.2020census.gov.  ​​ ​​​​ People can still take the census online up to Oct. 31st: ​​ https://californiacensus.org/.​​ 

Education Justice Webinar:

On behalf of Central Valley Movement Building, thanks to those who joined their first

Education Justice webinar of 2020. ​​ You can view the webinar video here: https://cvmb.org/covid19webinar/  ​​​​ They had an inspiring and necessary discussion about the movement of Black and Brown parents throughout the Central Valley and the state of California toward Education Justice—including the removal of police from schools. ​​ Now more than ever, solidarity matters. The movement matters. ​​ Black lives matter. ​​ Follow them on Facebook / Instagram / Twitter: @centralvalleymb and​​ subscribe to our newsletter at cvmb.org for timely updates and invites. ​​ They also encourage you to review the DSC California Parent Demands for Racial Justice which can be found at cutt.ly/stoppushout. ​​ Questions can be directed to our Regional Connector Carrie Lorraine Ayala at​​ cvmbconnector@gmail.com.​​ 

Fresno Philharmonic and Fresno Art Museum Collaborate to Present World Premiere Performance that was cancelled due to COVID 19. YouTube Live Broadcast of Robert Morris' Landscape Greeting​​ (Video Features Images from FAM Exhibition): ​​ The Fresno Philharmonic, in collaboration with the Fresno Art Museum, presents a YouTube Live performance of the world premiere of Robert Morris' Landscape Greeting. Fresno Philharmonic musicians Pamela Ellzey (flute), Laura Porter (harp), Caitlin McSherry (violin), Heather Gardner (viola), Alicja Blanquart (cello), Elisha Wells and Richard Hembree (horns) will perform this atmospheric work, which was scheduled to be performed live at the Fresno Art Museum on March 12 as part of the Philharmonic's Proxima: Music for the Next Century concert. The free concert had been fully rehearsed, but was cancelled due to the COVID 19 pandemic. For the YouTube Live broadcast, the musicians have each recorded their individual part on video while under shelter in place orders. Fresno Philharmonic Music Director Rei Hotoda, instead of conducting Landscape Greeting as she had planned to do in the live concert, worked with her husband, conductor Brian Dollinger, to edit the musicians' videos into a performance of the entire piece. The video also includes images from the Fresno Art Museum exhibit GIFTED: Collecting the Art of California at Gardena High School, 1919-1956, which was on display in March and served as inspiration for the composer. The performance is made possible in part by a gift from Orpheus Fresno.

This special performance is available for viewing on the Fresno Philharmonic's YouTube channel by clicking​​ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCg7YZOJciK3XSdaYzD88bXg. ​​ 

17th Annual Fresno County Fruit Trail

Fruit Trail Stands and Farmers Markets remain open as essential businesses

The 2020 Fresno County Fruit Trail is now underway. While COVID-19 has required some adjustments, Fresno County Agriculture is essential and Fruit Trail Stands and Stores are open and employing healthy market practices allowing customers to buy fresh picked produce direct from the farm. Currently visitors can enjoy strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, cherries, apricots, peaches, nectarines and much more. ​​ While the Fruit Trail members and communities are unable to join together in person to celebrate the start of this Fruit Trail season, they have created a short video to provide a virtual sample of the Trail offerings, which is available to enjoy online at​​ www.gofruittrail.com. ​​ Appropriate COVID-19 health and safety measures are in place, so visitors are invited to come out and safely experience the trail in person. ​​ The Fresno County Fruit Trail map identifies locations in eastern Fresno County where visitors can purchase the very best local produce fresh from the farm. Updates for Fruit Trail restaurants, wineries and other ag-related businesses impacted by COVID 19 are available on the Fruit Trail website. Visitors can also get updates by following the Fruit Trail on twitter (@gofruittrail). Fruit Trail maps are available online, by request, at member locations and at chambers of commerce in eastern Fresno County. ​​ 

Every weekday from noon to 1 p.m.:

KFCF will be airing Governor Gavin Newsome’s Press briefings.

Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 4 p.m.:

KFCF will be airing the County of Fresno’s Corona Virus updates.

The May Community Alliance newspaper is online now. ​​ 

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

“Planet of the Humans,”​​ a new documentary from Michael Moore, is now available on U-Tube for free viewing during this time of “sheltering at home.” ​​ Happy Earth Day! ​​ Here’s the link: ​​ https://planetofthehumans.com/.​​ 

Arte Americas: ​​ The show at Arte Americas “!Adelante, Artistas y Danzantes!” continues even with the COVID-19 temporary closure and is viewable through their 3D Virtual Tour of the galleries link here:​​ https://my.matterport.com/show/?m=7YbMYJCe9in. ​​ Enjoy the tour!

Fresno Art Museum: ​​ FAM would like to share more from the exhibition GIFTED: Collecting the Art of California at Gardena High School, 1919 to 1956. ​​ To see the exhibit on-line, go to​​ www.fresnoartmuseum.org/exhibitions/current-exhibition/museumsfromhome/.  ​​​​ For a video tour of their exhibits, go to:​​ https://munroreview.com/2020/03/21/take-a-tour-of-fresno-art-museums-gifted-in-extended-interview-with-curator-sarah-vargas/.​​ 

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.​​ 

Free On Line Courses for First Responders and Essential Workers

In support of those who continue to work and provide service to the public during the COVID-19 situation, Fresno State’s Division of Continuing and Global Education will offer three online, professional development courses free of charge for local first responders and essential workers. ​​ The online courses are available for essential workers such as teachers, grocery store employees, food service providers or janitorial​​ staff, certified or licensed health care professionals or first responders such as EMTs, paramedics, police, fire, correctional or probation officers. Other essential workers may be considered as well. ​​ The three online courses available are:

 ​​ ​​​​ · Teaching Online: From Surviving to Thriving

 ​​ ​​​​ · ​​ Functional Spanish for Emergency Medical Responders

 ​​ ​​​​ · ​​ Project Management for the Workplace

For information or to register for the free courses, visit fresnostate.edu/essentialworkers.​​ 

On-Line Learning for Children: ​​ David Hunter, a transitional kindergarten (TK) teacher at Ericson Elementary School near Chestnut and Clinton avenues, wanted to increase the connectivity between teachers and students. He knew some parents were overwhelmed with the stay-at-home order and school closures, and he wanted to create a resource his 5-year-old students could navigate themselves. ​​ With the help of his fellow TK teachers, he collected a variety of educational videos created by the teachers that aligned with the learning curricula for his students. Students can see their own teachers guiding them in a learning activity. ​​ Hunter wanted to create a website where his students could access these videos and navigate their way through the site. As a father himself, he recruited his 13-year-old daughter, Amelie, to build the site. Together, they created the Fresno TK website:

https://sites.google.com/view/fresnotk/home.​​ 

Housing for At-Risk Individuals in Madera County:

In response to Governor Newsom’s Project Roomkey, Madera County has formed a partnership to identify at-risk members of our community who need shelter during the pandemic. That partnership consists of Madera County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO), Community Action Partnership of Madera County (CAPMC), Madera County Department of Public Health (MCDPH), Madera County Department of Social Services (MCDSS), Madera County Department of Corrections, Madera County Road Department, and Love Madera, a non-profit volunteer group.

At-Risk clients access this program through referrals from local shelters, healthcare providers, and law enforcement. The information is forwarded to uniformed MCSO, who respond with MCDPH and CAPMC personnel to the potential client’s currently known location.

Once in contact with the client, this team determines if the client is exhibiting symptoms, has had contact with a known COVID-19 patient, has proper medical care access and appropriate shelter for possible quarantine and/or isolation. The team also assesses what support services this client may need such as food, housing, childcare, medication, or animal care. Depending upon the client’s ability to meet their own needs and health risk factors, they are placed in local hotels for shelter and other needs are addressed.

Once placed within a hotel, Love Madera Volunteers deliver food, provided for by Madera County Department of Corrections. Madera County Social Services facilitates childcare, and medication. Animal care needs are met by Central California Animal Disaster Team. Madera County Department of Public Health facilitates any testing needed. The Madera County Road Department is providing Madera County Connections busses for transport.

Hotels participating in this project are doing so under a county contract for services. As contact information for these hotels becomes available, we will provide that. The funds for this program are provided through FEMA Disaster Assistance Funding with the county and state general funds providing the remaining 25%. ​​ For more information, call (559) 675-7700.

Starting Now:

Effective today, all County of Fresno parks and campgrounds are open to the public. To protect the health and safety of the entire community and promote social distancing, parks and campgrounds will operate at approximately 50% capacity. ​​ The public is asked to limit group gatherings to 10 people or less and wear face masks whenever social distancing cannot be maintained. Play structures and group picnic shelters within the parks and campgrounds will remain closed until further notice. ​​ Social distancing guidance signage will be placed throughout the facilities. Parks hours are 7am-10pm.

For additional information please email parks@fresnocountyca.gov or call (559) 600-3004.

Starting Monday, May 18th

The Fresno County Public Library (FCPL) will reopen and provide limited services at most of its branches beginning Monday, May 18, 2020. Services will include the ability to place holds by phone, checkout material and obtain printouts via mobile printing options. ​​ The exact details for the delivery of these services will vary from branch to branch depending on factors such as the design of the building and the availability of staff. ​​ FCPL will be serving the public, but in a limited capacity out of an abundance of caution for all members of the community. At this time, only library staff may enter the buildings. Patrons may still reserve books and other library materials and staff will have it ready to pick up at a designated time and place outside of the branches. ​​ If printed copies are needed, the same arrangement can be made via mobile printing options.​​ 

A schedule of all open branches and the new hours of operation will be posted on FCPL’s website, fresnolibrary.org. ​​ Please check the library’s website for exact hours of operation and please call your local branches during these hours for assistance and details regarding materials checkout and printing capabilities. As always, the 24/7 online services of FCPL remain unchanged and available during this time of crisis.

Starting Monday, May 25th

The first ears of Fresno State’s popular sweet corn will go on sale at 8 a.m. Monday, May 25 at the Rue and Gwen Gibson Farm Market (5368 N. Chestnut Ave.). Due to COVID-19 and the need to maintain social distancing, a number of new measures will be in place to keep consumers and Gibson Farm Market staff safe. ​​ Following government health guidance related to the COVID-19 pandemic, a limited number of customers will be allowed inside the store at a time. Sweet corn will initially be sold both inside and outside to encourage social distancing practices. Pre-bagged corn in quantities of 10 ears will be available outside for $7 while supplies last to accommodate anticipated crowds. To facilitate social distancing during this year’s corn sales, a number of measures will be different from previous years:

●  ​​ ​​ ​​​​ A new temporary outside mobile purchase station will accommodate shoppers who only want to purchase corn, on the north side of the market for the first few days after corn goes on sale. Only one customer at a time will be allowed to shop per bin, and corn will cost 50 cents per ear.

●  ​​ ​​ ​​​​ Customers are asked to wear face masks while shopping, indoors or outside, per government guidelines.

●  ​​ ​​ ​​​​ Shoppers who want to shop the market’s wide variety of Fresno State student-made products will be allowed inside in smaller increments in relation to government ordinances, and corn will be sold inside, too.

●  ​​ ​​ ​​​​ Customers are required to use sanitizer stations before they can pick corn out of bins at either location, and are asked not to shuck or peel back the corn, or put corn back in bins.

●  ​​ ​​ ​​​​ Organized waiting lines for shopping will be staged outside the store in wrap-around fashion as in the past, but with more predetermined spacing to facilitate social distancing and customer safety.

●  ​​ ​​ ​​​​ The store requests that only one member per family shop at a time to help shorten wait times.

●  ​​ ​​ ​​​​ The market has implemented other measures since the state and county-issued COVID-19-related business health orders in March. Student workers continue to frequently sanitize the store daily and wear face masks. Plexiglas sneeze guards have also been installed at each cash register.

●  ​​ ​​ ​​​​ We encourage customers to stagger their shopping. The market will begin to operate on a seven-day schedule for the summer starting Monday, May 25, and will be open each day from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. through the Fourth of July holiday.

●  ​​ ​​ ​​​​ Yellow corn will be available opening day, and white corn will be available in early June.

●  ​​ ​​ ​​​​ A similar supply of corn is expected throughout the summer compared to past years. Approximately 70 acres of the 1,000-acre University Agricultural Laboratory are devoted to its most popular product, grown by student workers and staff.

MULTIPLE DAY EVENTS:

Now through July 21st

The Portuguese Beyond Borders Institute has partnered with the newspaper “Tribuna Portuguesa” for a project that seeks to preserve the memories of the Portuguese-American community’s grandparents. The “Celebrating my avós-Sharing my Roots” project asks the Portuguese-American community to share photographs, a memory, a trip, an event, a story, or a moment in time of their grandparent — or a recipe, writings, musical interpretation or lyrics by their grandparent. Once the submissions are collected, they will be edited, archived and published through the legacy page of the Tribuna Portuguesa newspaper. Submissions can be emailed to​​ dborges@mail.fresnostate.edu​​ by July 21.

Now through 2020

The U.S. Census Bureau is now hiring workers for 90 temporary jobs in Fresno County Calif., in advance of the 2020 Census for the following positions:

Supervisors  ​​ ​​ ​​ ​​ ​​ ​​ ​​ ​​ ​​ ​​ ​​ ​​ ​​ ​​​​ $18.00 per hour

Non-supervisors  ​​ ​​ ​​ ​​ ​​ ​​​​ $16.50 per hour

Applicants can apply online at 2020census.gov/jobs. ​​ Applicants can also learn about available jobs at the Census Bureau’s Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn pages. They may also contact the Federal Relay Service at 1-800-877-8339 for TTY/ASCII.

During Flu Season 2019-2020

The Fresno County Department of Public Health (FCDPH) is offering its vaccination clinic schedule for the 2019-2020 flu season. ​​ The first flu vaccination clinic will be held on Saturday, September 14, 2019 at the American Legion Hall located at 3509 N. First Street Fresno. The no cost flu vaccination clinics will be held throughout the season at multiple locations across the county. ​​ The 2019-2020 flu vaccine is designed to protect against the viruses that are most likely to cause disease this season. While it cannot prevent all cases of the flu, the vaccine is the best defense against the disease and the potential serious complications from it that can include pneumonia and or death. ​​ After receiving the vaccine, it takes about two weeks for protection to develop and protection lasts several months to a year. If a child nine years or younger is receiving their first flu vaccine, they should receive two vaccines this season separated by a timeframe of four weeks. ​​ Health officials are encouraging everyone over the age of 6 months to get vaccinated regardless of age or health status. Fresno County residents with insurance coverage should contact their health care provider regarding flu vaccination availability. Vaccines may also be available at physician offices, clinics, pharmacies and at special flu vaccination events promoted in retail stores. ​​ Information regarding flu vaccination opportunities can be found at​​ www.flu.gov. ​​ For dates, times and locations of the FCDPH flu vaccination clinics for Fresno County residents, please visit​​ www.fcdph.org/flu​​ or call the toll-free immunization information line at 1-888-993-3003.

For additional information regarding the flu season, please contact the FCDPH Immunization Program at (559) 600-3550. ​​ 

Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays in 2020

Cancelled at least through April 2020

The Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual Organization is offering free drop-in classes three days/week, where you can learn relaxation techniques, regain control over

the mind, increase self esteem, and experience inner peace and harmony in your life.

The classes are:

Wednesdays from 7- 8 pm at St. Paul’s Catholic Newman Center in the Library –​​ 

 west end of hallway, 1572 E. Barstow Ave. Fresno​​ 

Thursdays from 7- 8 pm at 7319 N. Fourth St. Fresno

Sundays from 10 - 11 am at 7819 N. Fourth St. in Fresno

For more information, call (559) 435-2212.

Third Sunday of each month

Still scheduled: ​​ with the following conditions:

a.  ​​​​ No sign of cold, cough or flu symptoms in you, and those you connect with daily.

b.  ​​​​ Please use the sanitizer kept outside the door, before you come in.

c.  ​​​​ Seating by maintaining distance.

The Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual Organization celebrates World Meditation Day every third Sunday of the month from 4:00 - 5:30 pm. at 7319 N. Fourth St. Fresno. ​​ For more information, call (559) 435-2212.

Wednesdays, starting August 28th ​​​​ 

New Horizons Music provides adults a great entry or reentry into music making! Whether you were in school band or orchestra, would like to learn a new instrument or have only dreamed of playing, New Horizons offers a welcoming environment that offers you the chance to participate and progress at your own rate. Some 70 people already participate-and we have a mariachi band! ​​ Rehearsals are weekly on Wednesdays beginning August 29 at 5:30 p.m. for string ensembles and 6:30 p.m. for band. Groups perform at least two concerts each school year. All meetings are at the Bullard High School Band Room, 5445 N. Palm, Fresno. For more information, contact Craig Erker at​​ craig.erker@gmail.com. ​​ Register through Fresno Adult School at​​ www.fas.edu.​​ 

Election Season 2020

Fresno County Clerk/Registrar of Voters, Brandi Orth, is seeking Fresno County residents interested in actively participating in County elections as Election Workers and Election Outreach Coordinators. These part-time paid positions will help to support elections activities throughout the County during peak election season. ​​ The Elections Office is currently recruiting for the following two positions:

Elections Outreach Coordinator (Extra Help)

An Elections Outreach Coordinator plans, organizes and coordinates a specific election activity during an election period. These individuals will troubleshoot vote center equipment; assist with the preparation of supplies for set-up and storage at a vote center; operate modern office equipment used in voter registration and election activities; and perform related work as required.​​ 

Elections Worker (Extra Help)

Elections Workers provide support to elections activities during peak election periods. These individuals will assist the public with inquiries related to voter ballots and the voting process; perform data entry of voting information; process and/or resolve electronic record issues; operate extraction machines to open and extract ballots for processing; and perform other duties as required.​​ 

The Elections Office recently produced a recruitment video to encourage participation. The video may be found at​​ https://videopress.com/v/BsJi4AQB. ​​ More information may be found by calling (559) 600-1620 , by emailing​​ Clerk-Elections@fresnocountyca.gov​​ or online at http://votefresnocounty.com.​​ 

Saturday, January 25th​​ through Saturday, November 7th

The Merced County Department of Public Works, in coordination with each Municipal Advisory Council, announces the annual Community Clean-up Event schedule. Community ​​ Clean-ups ​​ allow ​​ local ​​ residents ​​ to ​​ dispose ​​ of ​​ tires, ​​ appliances, ​​ and ​​ other ​​ common ​​ throwaway items for a greatly reduced fee (see rates and details on the next page). All ​​ Community ​​ Clean-ups ​​ will ​​ start ​​ at ​​ 8:30 ​​ a.m. and conclude at 2:00 ​​ p.m.  ​​ ​​​​ The ​​ Community Clean-up schedule is as follows:

El Nido: January 25, 2020  ​​​​ County Library Parking Lot​​ 

Stevinson: February 1, 2020  ​​​​ Hwy. 165, ¼ Mi. s/o Hwy. 140

Delhi:  February 15, 2020  ​​ ​​ ​​ ​​ ​​​​ Fourth Street & Gordon Street

Santa Nella: March 7, 2020  ​​ ​​ ​​​​ West Comet Road and Venus Crl.

Snelling: March 14, 2020  ​​​​ Henderson Park

Winton: March 21, 2020  ​​​​ Santa Fe Drive and Winton Way​​ 

Hilmar; March 28, 2020  ​​​​ Community Center/Faulke StreetS.​​ 

Dos Palos: April 4, 2020  ​​​​ Reynolds Ave & Shain Ave

Le Grand: April 11, 2020  ​​​​ Santa Fe Ave & Jefferson Street Franklin/Beachwood: April 25, 2020  ​​​​ Santa Fe Business Parkway

DP-Y:  October 3, 2020  ​​​​ DP-Y Auction Yard

McSwain: October 17, 2020  ​​​​ Quinley Avenue s/o Moran Ave. ​​ 

Planada: November 7, 2020  ​​ ​​ ​​ ​​​​ Broadway between Mills/ Fremont.

The following will NOT be accepted: ​​ 

•Household Chemicals Or Liquids Of Any Kind​​ 

•Oil Waste Or Automotive Fluids

•Heavy Equipment And Tractor Tires

•Treated Wood -- Railroad Ties, Pressure Treated Lumber, Etc.

•Commercial Loads

Cleanup hours are from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. sharp, NO EXCEPTIONS. ​​ In order to offset the cost of the annual clean-up events, there will be a small charge for most items. ​​ The Merced County Solid Waste Division has obtained a grant from the State of California for the disposal of passenger tires. ​​ This allows them to offer FREE disposal of up to four (4) passenger tires per load. ​​ Additional passenger tires beyond the limit will cost the participant $1.00 each. ​​ The ​​ grant ​​ does ​​ not ​​ cover ​​ commercial ​​ loads ​​ or ​​ tractor ​​ tires and they will ​​ not ​​ accept ​​ these at the Community Clean-up Events. ​​ However, they will accept truck tires, from 16.5 to 20 inches in size, at a cost of $2.00 each. ​​ Carloads of discards will be charged $1.00 while pick-ups, vans, and station wagons will be $2.00. ​​ Smaller single axle trailers less than 8 feet will be $3.00, while trailers 8 feet and 1-ton trucks will be $4.00.  ​​​​ Trucks over 1-ton or trailers over 8 feet will not be accepted, no exceptions. ​​ For more information, call (209) 826‐1163 or go to​​ www.mcrwma.org.​​ 

Monday, June 29th​​ through Monday, August 17th

CANCELLED: ​​ In an effort to help keep students, staff and the community safe and healthy, the CSU Summer Arts program has made the difficult decision to suspend the 2020 season at Fresno State due to the evolving nature of the COVID-19 situation.​​ For more information, visit​​ www.csusummerarts.org.​​ 

ONGOING

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 Monday

The Poor People's Campaign/Moral Mondays launched nationally on May 14 with many people visiting their state capitols to do protest/vigil work. ​​ WILPF US is a partner in this campaign and the Fresno WILPF branch is inviting all peace and justice groups to join them in Fresno Mondays from 3-4 P.M. in front of the Coyle Federal Court House, 2500 Tulare (at P St.).  ​​​​ This Campaign is more than a 40 day or one-year effort. Rather, it is a multi-year undertaking to unite tens of thousands to challenge the evils of systemic racism, poverty, the war economy and ecological devastation, and the nation’s distorted morality. It is a commitment to build a broadly diverse movement based on acknowledging the validity of the many issues and “silos” we are each committed to personally and organizationally, yet acting together to create a people-centered and mutually supportive fusion movement. ​​ Please join them as they begin our Moral Mondays. ​​ All are welcome. You may want to bring a sign that reflects the evils of systemic racism, poverty, the war economy and ecological devastation. ​​ Raging Grannies will sing! You can join in! ​​ For more information, call Teresa at 559-360-8054.

Every Tuesday​​ 

There is a Vigil, at Devin Nunes' Clovis Office, 3rd and Clovis Ave. from 11:45am to 12:45pm. ​​ Dave and Bev Derby hold a weekly, hour-long quiet vigil of peaceful prayer and reflection in the pursuit of "justice, tolerance, fairness, inclusion, actions and laws that protect all people." ​​ Although signs are welcome, they are not coming here to yell at motorists, scream, and demonstrate wildly on the sidewalks and streets. ​​ For more information, e-mail​​ dderby@cvlaweb.com.​​ 

Every Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday:

The Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual Organization is offering free drop in classes three days per week, featuring Meditation for Stress Reduction and Personal Growth. ​​ You can learn relaxation techniques, regain control over the mind, increase self esteem, and experience inner peace and harmony in your life. ​​ The classes will be offered Wednesdays from 7 - 8 pm at St. Paul’s Catholic Newman Center In the Library - west end of hallway - 1572 E. Barstow Ave. Fresno. ​​ Also on Thursdays from 7- 8 pm, and Sundays from 10- 11 am, both meeting at 7319 N. Fourth St. Fresno.

First and Third Thursday of each month:

ArtHop occurs the 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month. It’s one of the most active and successful programs organized by the Fresno Arts Council. Art lovers and enthusiasts from all walks of life flock downtown Fresno and the Tower District on the first Thursday of each month, and the rest of ArtHop venues in the Fresno metro areas on third Thursdays, to meet and greet with the artists and enjoy the reception and music. Museums, studios, galleries and other venues open their exhibitions to the public at 5:00 p.m. and run the free event until 8:00 p.m.  ArtHop has received a remarkable response from the Fresno community. Over 50 participating artist studios, galleries, museums, and other venues exhibit art and artists reception during ArtHop, and it has become both a cultural and special event for the community with a great deal of media coverage. For the complete list of venues go to fresnoartscouncil.org. 

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 Wednesday and Friday

Patricia Wells Solorzano and Agustin Lira, founders of El Teatro Campesino), have formed a theatrical group with Fresno youth that will raise awareness of the problems negatively affecting the health of boys and young men of color, such as drugs, gangs, obesity, teen pregnancy, high numbers of youth incarcerated or expelled from schools, unemployment and poverty.  The Theater for Boys and young Men of Color will be composed of youth ages 16-28 who will be trained in acting to the extent that they will be capable of performing before general audiences. The participants will be engaged in the creation of skits, one-act plays and in the development of a one and a half hour theatrical production with music to be performed toward the end of this year long project. Along with theater, musical presentations will also take place performed by the participants who will also receive musical training.  This project will be taking place at The Cecil C. Hinton Community Center, 2385 South Fairview Ave., 93706, on Wednesdays and Fridays at 5:30-8:30 p.m.  For more information, contact Gwen Morris at (559) 412-7118.

Every Friday

Join Fresno Ideaworks, Fresno's community workshop for prototyping, building, designing, and building our community of makers, for 'Fabrication Fantasy Friday'. This is about letting your inner maker-nerd out. From sub culture to pop culture cosplay has boomed in the past decade and is continuing to grow. Fresno Ideaworks is proud to recognize prop makers and cosplayers as part of the maker movement. We have experts to help you put your kit together for whatever your passion is. ​​ The event is free for members, a suggested $5 donation for non-members. ​​ Fresno Ideaworks is located at 1742 H St (temp during remodel), Fresno. ​​ For more information, call (559) 840-8749. ​​ 

Every Friday

California Employment Development Dept. invites you to attend the Resume Preparation Assistance program with one on one assistance provided to all job seekers with CalJOBs registration, creating a strong and effective resume, obtaining job leads and referrals, information on training and education opportunities and other helpful resources.  The workshops are every Friday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Fresno EDD office at 2555 S. Elm.  No appointments are necessary.  Bring a valid ID and social security card.  For more information, call (559) 445-6747.

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. 

Saturdays

Harmony & Balance School of T’ai Chi Ch’uan is offering $5 weekly classes in the Yang style 37 posture short form. Join Francisco Alvarez, certified instructor, every Saturday morning from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. at Central Valley Center for Spiritual Living, 723 W. Clinton Ave. Fresno. ​​ For more information, call 559-549-3989.

1st Saturday of each month:

The South Valley Peace Center holds a demonstration for peace at Mooney and Walnut in Visalia, from 1-2 p.m. For more information visit southvalleypeacecenter.org. 

2nd Saturday of each month: 

Divorce Options Workshops are offered on the second Saturday of every month by Central Valley Collaborative Law Affiliates. This program provides information about the divorce process and the options available to anyone considering divorce. Each workshop is presented by an interdisciplinary team of legal, financial and mental health professionals on the second Saturday of each month at the Fresno Ramada Inn, 324 East Shaw Avenue, Fresno, California from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. It is offered at NO CHARGE to attendees as a public service of Central Valley Collaborative Law Affiliates. Pre-registration is recommended due to limited seating. Further information and pre-registration may be obtained at divorcefresno.eventbrite.com, or contact John McDaniel at (559) 226-4420. 

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.  

Every Sunday

It’s Sawdust Sunday at Fresno Ideaworks. ​​ If you have an interest in woodworking, woodturning on a lathe, carving, or any other means of sawdust production, join us. This is a good way to get some pointers on an existing project or gather information on how to get started in the exploration of the infinite possibilities of carpentry. This event is open to the public and requires no fees. Some experience is necessary for equipment use. No experience is necessary to explore the possibilities. ​​ Fresno Ideaworks is located at 1742 H St, Fresno. ​​ For more information on this event and what Fresno Ideaworks has to offer, go to​​ http://www.fresnoideaworks.com.​​ 

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.