KFCF Community Calendar: Updated 5/24/19
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 24th
The Reedley Peace Center presents speaker Ron Claassen on the topic of “A Retrospective on the Journey: VORP, Restorative Justice, and Discipline That Restores.” The event takes place from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at 1208 L Street, Reedley, in the Fellowship Hall at Reedley’s First Mennonite Church, with a potluck dinner at 6:30 and the program at 7. For more information, call Don Friesen at (559) 638-3091 or e-mail dfriesen0@gmail.com. Come for the food, stay for the program, leave inspired!
Friday, May 24th
The classic film “the Breakfast Club” will screen at the historic Crest Theatre. Five high school students meet in Saturday detention and discover how they have a lot more in common than they thought. Doors open at 7 p.m., the film begins at 8 p.m. Tickets are only $6 and are available in advance at BrownPaperTickets.com. Seating is general admission (first come, first served), and no outside food or drink is allowed (attendee’s bags are subject to search). There will be fresh popcorn, hot dogs, nachos, candy, snacks, soda, hot cocoa, coffee and more available at the (cash only) concession stand, and you can try their specialty drink of the month. What better way to enjoy a modern classic film than in a classic theatre! The Crest Theatre is located at 1170 Broadway St. in Downtown Fresno. For more information, call 559-268-0044 or e-mail info@theCrestTheatre.com.
Friday, May 24th
Philip Lorenz International Keyboard Concerts will present Francesco Piemontesi who will perform works by J.S. Bach, Rachmaninoff and Debussy during the last concert of the 2018-19 season at 8 p.m. at the Fresno State Concert Hall. Born in Locarno, Switzerland, and a protégé of the Alfred Brendel, Piemontesi rose to international prominence after winning prizes at several major competitions including the 2007 Queen Elisabeth in Brussels. Tickets are $25 general, $18 for seniors and $5 for students. Parking is free in lot P1.
Sunday, May 26th
The Youth Music Extravaganza, a Concert from Youth Orchestras of Fresno, takes place at 4 p.m. at the William Saroyan Theatre, 730 M Street, Fresno. All two hundred and fifty young musicians who make up the three ensembles of Youth Orchestras of Fresno, plus another forty players from their Access Violin Program, will be performing in a free Youth Music Extravaganza concert. They will be joined by Indianapolis Violin Competition gold medal winner Richard Lin, who will perform the Khachaturian violin concerto, and by Mexican composer Juan Pablo Contreras, whose work Mariachitlán will enjoy its Fresno premiere. Contreras, whose career is igniting these days, was recently named Sound Investment Composer for 2019-2020 by the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra. A pre-concert talk with host Benjamin Boone and the two guests is also available, starting at 3pm. Visit the Youth Orchestras of Fresno website, www.youthorchestrasfresno.org, for more information. On the program in addition to Contreras and Khachaturian will be George Gershwin’s Cuban Overture and the Danzas from Estancia by Argentinian composer Alberto Ginastera. These Danzas will be performed en masse by all the musicians present—some as young as five! The Youth Music Extravaganza is offered free of charge to the public, though a donation of $15 for adults is suggested. Go to www.youthorchestrasfresno.org for more information or advance ticket reservations. And season details are always available on their YOOF Current Season page!
Friday, May 31st
The classic film “Harry Potter & the Chamber of Secrets” will screen at the historic Crest Theatre. This is a costume & film event and Harry Potter collectibles will be raffled, and specialty Butter Beer will be served. Doors open at 7 p.m., the film begins at 8 p.m. Tickets are only $6 and are available in advance at BrownPaperTickets.com. Seating is general admission (first come, first served), and no outside food or drink is allowed (attendee’s bags are subject to search). There will be fresh popcorn, hot dogs, nachos, candy, snacks, soda, hot cocoa, coffee and more available at the (cash only) concession stand, and you can try their specialty drink of the month. What better way to enjoy a modern classic film than in a classic theatre! The Crest Theatre is located at 1170 Broadway St. in Downtown Fresno. For more information, call 559-268-0044 or e-mail info@theCrestTheatre.com.
Friday, May 31st
People of Progress Freedom Church is having its First Service event from 7:30pm-10:30 pm at 4450 North Brawley Ave, St. 101, Fresno. They are an inclusive and progressive church and have many wonderful programs that they are working on for the future. They will have music; food; free haircuts; performing arts; games and a message from the Pastor at this free opening event. For more information, send an e-mail to popfreedomchurch@gmail.com.
Saturday, June 1st
The 2019 Fresno Rainbow Gay Pride Parade and Festival takes place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Tower District in Fresno. The Parade is FREE to attend at begins at 10 a.m. down Olive Ave, beginning at Palm and ending at Moroa. The Festival is from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Admission is $5 admission and it will be located on N. Fulton Ave. This year's theme is "2GETHER". With a record breaking attendance last year, let's make 2019 Fresno Rainbow Pride Parade and Festival bigger than ever!
Saturday, June 8th
Join KFCF and Fresno Free College Foundation in honoring this year’s Free Speech Award winner, Central Valley Indivisible! The event takes place from 2-5 p.m. at 4887 N. Jackson in Fresno. Enjoy wine, cheese and hors d’oeurves and celebrate the Central Valley’s activist community. For more information, call 559-233-2221.
Saturday, June 8th
Root & Rebound Reentry Advocates present a free Fresno Second Chances
Legal Clinic from 10am - 3pm at 2014 Tulare Street, Suite 424, Fresno. Meet 1-on-1 with a lawyer to learn about your legal rights with an arrest or conviction record! At the clinic, they will be providing free record-cleaning services and legal information about navigating barriers because of your record related to employment, occupational licensing, housing, public benefits, family & children, immigration, parole & probation, and more! RSVP online at bit.ly/FresReg or by calling (510) 279-4662. (Walk-ins will be accommodated if possible). For best results, please bring a government-issued photo ID and a "RAP sheet" (a copy of your criminal record) for full recordcleaning services. For information on how to get your RAP sheet, please visit bit.ly/FRESNORAPSHEET.
Saturday, June 8th
The Fresno Folklore Society presents Nell & Jim Band performing live in the Wolk Garden, 6661 N. Forkner at 7:30 p.m. (with a “meet & greet” at 7 p.m.). Tickets are $15 in advance or for FFS members, or $20 at the door. For advance tickets, go to www.fresnofolklore.org.
Saturday, June 8th
Merced County Human Services Agency All Dads Matter fatherhood program will be hosting the 12th annual Celebration of Fatherhood event! This FREE family event will be held at Applegate Park, in Merced, near the Soroptimist awning between Kiddieland and the Applegate Park Zoo, from 10:00am – 2:00pm. The event will feature free Kiddieland rides and free Zoo admission, face painting, games, snacks and free family photos. The 2019 Celebration of Fatherhood celebrates and promotes the importance of fathers to our children, families and community — so bring all your family and friends and come out on June 8, 2019 to the Celebration of Fatherhood! This event is brought to you in partnership with Merced County HSA All Dads Matter, Greater Merced Kiwanis and the City of Merced Parks and Community Services.
Wednesday, June 12th
The Fresno County Public Library will kick off its summer programs at an event starting at 10:30 am at the West Fresno Branch Library, 188 California Ave, Fresno. At the kickoff, there will be performers, free books, free lunches and Kopi Sotiropulos of KMPH will read to the children. Many organizations and vendors will share information and provide activities. This event is the best way to get your children excited about reading this summer. Parents and care providers are strongly encouraged to attend and learn more about ways to keep your young people engaged and having fun all summer long. Remember you are your child’s first teacher; make learning fun! For more information please visit us at www.fresnolibrary.org/summer or call (559) 600-7323 (READ). More information on the Library’s summer lunch and summer event program is in the “Multiple Day” section below.
Wednesday, July 12th and Thursday, July 13th
Big B.A.N.G. (Building A New Generation) Weekend will be hosted at Fresno State University’s Bulldog Stadium. The FREE Football Clinic gives the opportunity to 400+ underserved youth in our community to experience playing on a college field learning how the highest-level train and prepare to be the best both on the field and off the field.
Unlike any program offered in the Fresno area the “Believe and Achieve” clinic features current college players and over 30 current and former professional football players running the camp. Local businesses and organizations partner with them to raise funds for this incredible weekend. Proceeds not only provide more than 400 children (grades 4th-8th) the opportunity to be mentored by local talent and pro athletes but will also help fund Special Activities, Community Events, Field Trips, Foster Care Training, and Scholarships for KYJO youth and more. The clinic takes place at 1600 E Bulldog Ln, Fresno, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. both days. If your child would like to participate in this FREE football clinic, go to https://kyjo.org/big-bang-weekend/register/ to register. (This event is for 4-8 graders only. If you’re 14 years or older, they still want you to attend as a volunteer by registering at https://www.allforgood.org/projects/78eK6ykp.)
Thursday, June 13th
Clovis Culinary Center will be hosting an evening with Author Caleb Zegas, author of “We Are La Cocina, Recipes in Pursuit of the American Dream.” The event will be held from 5-7 p.m. at Westwood Banquets, 4584 W. Jacquelyn in Fresno and the cost is $40. Books will be available for purchase.
Friday, June 14th
This is the deadline for youth ages 5-17 to apply to dance, sing or play an instrument in front of a live audience to open Ken Burns’s Country Music Roadshow in Fresno on July 25, 2019 and Bakersfield on July 26, 2019. ValleyPBS is searching for talented kid performers for Ken Burns’s first public appearance in the Valley. The event features a preview screening of the film "Country Music" followed by a Q & A with Ken Burns, Dayton Duncan and Julie Dunfey. To qualify, the child must be between 5 – 17 years old at time of application, and must reside in one of the following counties: Fresno, Kern, Madera, Merced, Mariposa, Kings or Tulare County. Talent genre must be considered “Country” (either in song, dance or instrumental), and applicants must submit a video or audio file with application to event@valleypbs.org. All equipment must be approved by ValleyPBS prior to audition. Judges will select up to three (3) opening acts for the Fresno performance and up to three (3) opening acts for Bakersfield. Winners will also receive a $100 gift card to Target and 2 tickets to Ken Burns’s Country Music Roadshow. Before submitting your application, please read all the terms and conditions (can be found at www.valleypbs.org/kidstalent). To apply, visit www.valleypbs.org/kidstalent. The deadline to apply is June 14, 2019.
Saturday, June 15th
A fundraiser for the Community Alliance newspaper will be held on June 15 starting at 5 p.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Church (2672 E. Alluvial Ave.). The Keep Free Speech Alive fund-raiser will feature Boston Woodard as their keynote speaker. Woodard was a jailhouse journalist. He was released from prison in November 2018 and is currently on parole in San Jose. During the 38 years of his incarceration he became a writer, musician, literacy tutor, event organizer and prisoners’ rights activist. His articles have appeared in the Community Alliance for more than a decade. Woodard has been writing about the prison system’s failures and abuses for nearly three decades in both free world and prisoner publications. Woodard’s writing embarrassed and angered prison officials who all too often operate without public oversight. For exercising his First Amendment right to define his surroundings he was put in the hole/solitary confinement (administrative segregation), had his mail tampered with, was subjected to verbal threats, had his personal property stolen or destroyed, and was illegally and adversely transferred from prison to prison. Still, Woodard refused to be intimidated. Woodard has been a contributing writer to the Community Alliance since 2005. He is the author of Inside the Broken California Prison System. The book will be available for purchase at the June 15 fund-raiser and is available at Amazon.com. He is currently working on a second book that will be published later this year. Joining Woodard on stage will be Marvin Mutch, a formerly incarcerated prison reform activist and co-founder of both My Brother’s Keepers and the Men’s Advisory Council, a prisoner advocacy group first established inside San Quentin to represent the collective needs and grievances of California’s prisoners. Mutch served 41 years of an indeterminate seven-year to life sentence for a wrongful conviction suffered in 1975. He was freed in February 2016. Today, Mutch is a criminal justice reform lobbyist, director of advocacy at the Prisoner Reentry Network and associate director of the Humane Prison Hospice Project. After a lifetime of experience in the foster care, juvenile justice and adult correctional systems, Mutch is applying his deep understanding toward advancing the human rights of system-affected children and incarcerated people everywhere. Tickets to the fund-raiser are $40 in advance (or $50 at the door). Advance tickets can be purchased at https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/4229826, by mail at Community Alliance, P.O. Box 5077, Fresno, CA 93755, from Community Alliance board members, staff and volunteers. Or you can buy them at the door for $50. The future of progressive journalism is in your hands.
Saturday, June 15th
There will be a free Jazz & Blues Exhibit and Celebration in honor of national Black Music month and Juneteenth at the African-American Museum, 1857 Fulton Street, Fresno, starting with the exhibit at 6:00 p.m. followed by a 7:30 p.m. music concert with event host Ken McCoy. For more information, go to www.aahcmsjv.com.
Wednesday, June 19th
The annual Pastors for Peace Caravan to Cuba Send-off takes place from 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm at Wesley United Methodist Church, 1343 E. Barstow Ave. in Fresno. There will be a special speaker from Cuba, some live music and a potluck. This event is free, but donations for the Caravan are welcome.
Wednesday, June 19th
The monthly meeting of the Tehipite Chapter of the Sierra Club takes place at 7 p.m. at UC Merced Fresno Center, 550 E. Shaw Ave. Fresno. The topic is Wilderness Medicine, and guest speaker is Dr. Susanne Spano, MD, FACEP, FAWM, Director of the Wilderness Medicine Fellowship program at the UCSF Fresno Medical Education Program, who will hold an interactive seminar on Wilderness Medicine. Come learn about the basic maneuvers to sustain life in wilderness emergencies, how to ultralight-pack the "Ten Essentials" and how to assemble the 'perfect' wilderness first aid kit. Time will be allotted for Q&A. Sue is an active member of the Search and Rescue team that serves Fresno County and the adjacent National Parks. Her hobbies include long distance backpacking. This event is free and open to the general public!
Friday, June 21st
The SEIU Local 1000 Movie Committee, in celebration and honor of June Pride month, will be showing the film, “Love, Simon,” the romantic teen comedy drama, about a closeted gay high school boy who is forced to balance his friends, his family, and the blackmailer who is threatening to out him to the entire school. The film screens at 6:00 p.m. at the Union Hall, 6725 N Willow Ave., Fresno. This event is free and open to the public, children welcome too. Refreshments available.
Saturday, June 22nd
Members of The Draft Resistance and anti-war movement in Fresno during the late 1960’s and early 70’s will be in Fresno on Saturday, June 22 at 2 p.m. for a special 50th anniversary event, held at the Unitarian Universalist Church. 2672 E Alluvial Ave in Fresno. People are coming from around the state, country and as far away as Ireland.
Learn the rich history of local anti-war activism that changed people’s lives and helped end the Vietnam War. Hear from the "boots-on-the-ground" organizers who experienced these times, were part of huge demonstrations against the war and jailed for their commitment to peace and an end to that unjust war. This event is being sponsored by Peace Fresno, the Fresno Center for Nonviolence, the Human Rights Coalition of the Central Valley, the Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom and the Unitarian Universalist church. It is being supported by the Community Alliance newspaper. There will be a panel discussion, live music and more. This event is wheelchair accessible. For more information email Joel Eis at wanderfoot@aol.com, or go to https://www.facebook.com/events/566268470565348/.
Tuesday, June 25th
The Alexander Project, a tribute to the music of “Hamilton,” will ignite the stage with powerful vocals, dance and a live band, in a one of a kind musical experience at the Tower Theatre. You’re invited to be a part of this break dancing, free-styling, roof raising phenomena that is The Alexander Project. This energized hip hop throw-down breaks through with a hand-picked, live band of musicians and vocalists to fully realize Hamilton’s incredible music. The songs are brought to life through a mesmerizing group consisting of professional theater actors fresh off runs with pop musicals 'The Book Of Mormon', 'In The Heights', 'RENT', 'Jesus Christ Superstar' & 'Evita' and more. The songs are comprised of music from the Original Cast Recordings, The Hamilton Mixtape and Lin Manuel Miranda’s “Hamildrops.” Showtime is 7 p.m. and tickets range from $19.50 to $42. The Tower Theatre is located at 809 E. Olive Dr. Fresno. Check out the trailer at or at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pVy6bcBWeUM or at https://www.facebook.com/thealexanderprojectlive/. For Tickets Call: 559-485-9050 or visit https://towertheatrefresno.tix.com/Event.aspx?Eventcode=1133384.
Saturday, June 29th
Save the Date for the Organic Stone Fruit Jubilee! It takes place from 5-8:30 p.m. at the MOA Natural Garden at 5790 North Indianola Avenue, Clovis. Meet local organic stone fruit farmers, taste their fruit, buy bags of your favorite, listen to the music of Good Medicine, and help celebrate the connection between local organic farms and our community. For more information or tickets, go to https://fruitjubilee.com or to https://www.facebook.com/organicstonefruitjubilee.
Tuesday, September 17th
World-renowned television producer, model, and author; Tyra Banks; will keynote this year’s Women’s Conference in downtown Fresno. Tickets go on sale Monday, June 3, for the 32nd Annual Central California Women’s Conference. This day of inspiration, empowerment and growth is the largest women’s event in the region and will be held from 7:15 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 17, 2019 at the Fresno Convention & Entertainment Center.
Friday, October 11th through Sunday, October 13th
The 27th Annual Oakhurst Fall Festival, presented by the Oakhurst Area Chamber of Commerce, is a 3-day festival that runs from Friday, October 11 through Sunday, October 13. Save the date for a full weekend of fun for the entire family! The Oakhurst Community Park will be filled with more rides, food and specialty booths offering everything from collectibles to local wine samplings, hand-crafted beers and more. The Forces will become STRONG at 7 p.m. Friday as Jedi and villains from Star Wars wreak havoc on the festival. Light Sabers will be loaned for training or you can purchase them for your soon-to-be Padawan. Other children's activities include balloon animals, face painting, rides, games, rock painting and a scavenger hunt. There will be more rides this year including the Ferris Wheel, Big Slide, Inflatable Obstacle Course, Jalopy Junction, and Mind Winder! Tickets for rides will be available for sale separately from the admission price into the festival. Live acoustic music will be playing in the food court for your enjoyment during the entire 3-day event. There will be lots of vendors offering everything from homemade goodies to clothing and merchandise for sale. A variety of food trucks will be in attendance all 3 days, along with a beverage booth offering sodas, water, beer and wine for sale. Saturday the Beer & Wine Tasting Pavilion is open from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. Taste hand-crafted brew from Oakhurst’s South Gate Brewing Company as well as other California brews. Sip wine from local wineries along the Madera Wine Trail and a few other California wineries. New this year is Hard Cider tasting from Sierra Cider. Don’t miss the very popular Mana Fire Dancers at 7 p.m. on Saturday. This talented local group is sure to put on one “HOT” show! The 2019 Oakhurst Fall Festival hours are; Friday, October 11 from 3 p.m. – 8 p.m.; Saturday, October 12 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; and Sunday, October 13 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Daily admission is $3 per person and kids 5 and under are free. New this year will be a special 3-Day Pass for only $5 per person, details to follow on the website https://oakhurstchamber.com/fall-festival/. Beer & wine tasting tickets with souvenir tasting glasses will be sold for the Saturday tasting event from noon to 7 p.m. Located close to the entrance of Yosemite National Park, the Oakhurst Community Park is located at 49074 Civic Circle Drive in Oakhurst, adjacent to the Oakhurst Community College near Hwy 41 and Hwy 49. Follow the signs to this fun event for the entire family!
To learn more, contact the Oakhurst Area Chamber of Commerce at 559-683-7766 or visit https://oakhurstchamber.com/fall-festival/.
MULTIPLE DAY EVENTS:
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.
Flu Season 2018-2019
The Fresno County Department of Public Health has scheduled influenza vaccination clinics for the 2018 flu season at multiple locations throughout the county. The Fresno County Immunization Program will not be offering “nasal spray” flu vaccine during the 2018 flu season as recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). The cost of each vaccination will be $6.00. Medi-Cal for children and Medicare Part B will be accepted. The 2018/2019 flu vaccine is designed to protect against the viruses that are most likely to cause disease this season, and while it cannot prevent all cases of flu, it is the best defense against the disease and its potential serious complications that can include pneumonia and death. It takes about two weeks for protection to develop after the vaccination, and protection lasts several months to a year. If children eight years or younger are receiving their first flu shot,
they should receive two shots this season separated by a time frame 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 Department of Public Health flu vaccination clinics for Fresno County residents, please visit www.fcdph.org/flu or call the Immunization Information Line at 1-888-993-3003.
Thursdays, starting September 27th
The National Lawyers Guild Central Valley chapter is starting a social justice/law film series called “Reel Justice” in September. Films will be screened the last Thursday of the month at 6pm starting September 27th, when they will be screening "13th." All their films are being screened at The Revue at 620 E Olive Ave, Fresno, and the details of the events can be found at https://www.facebook.com/centralvalleyNLG/. They will host a total of 8 films over the next 8 months.
Wednesdays, starting January 23rd
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 Archie Rader at 559-273-8309 or Archierader2@aol.com or Craig Erker at craig.erker@gmail.com.
Register through Fresno Adult School at www.fas.edu.
Friday, March 1st through Saturday, April 20th
Good Company Players brings allure and mystery to the 2nd Space stage with A Shot in the Dark! Described by the New York Times as “a bubbling, saucy comedy,” this whodunit is full of surprises. A crime of passion naturally results in numerous suspects and delicious characters in A Shot in the Dark. The play is delightfully funny, with many plot twists and turns. Set in Paris, France in 1962 we stumble upon a new magistrate about to take on his first case: a murder has been committed and the entire matter appears to be cut-and-dried. A maid is found nude, unconscious, and clutching a gun, next to her murdered lover. Everyone concludes she did it, except for one very conscientious magistrate. Show times are Thursdays at 7:30 p.m.; Fridays & Saturdays at 8:00 p.m., & Sunday matinees at 2:00 p.m. The cost is $20 general admission; $17 for students/seniors/military; $12 student rush. For more information, call 559-266-0660/800-371-4747, or buy tickets online at 2ndspacetheatre.com. 2nd Space Theatre is located at 928 E. Olive in the Tower District.
Saturday, March 2nd through Tuesday, June 4th
Getting into a prestigious college-level art school is highly competitive. Exceptional drawing skills must be demonstrated along with unique compositions that show creativity and skill. The Fresno Art Museum will be offering a series of workshops to help students improve their art-making skills through looking at art and thinking critically, exploring techniques, and hands-on art-making to help with portfolio development. Students will learn the traditional techniques that form the basis of any art portfolio, whether a student wants to be a painter, sculptor, conceptual artist, or explore the world of graphic design, animation, or illustration. It is critical that art school applicants show that they understand the basic elements of art and the principles of design and put their best examples of these in their portfolio. There will be two six-week workshop sessions. The first will explore black and white drawing, the second will explore color. It is highly recommended that students take both sessions. Students will work mainly with charcoal during the first session and acrylic paint during the second. The subjects of their work will include plein air, self-portrait, still life, and life and clothed models so that they can experience creating works from direct observation. Students will be encouraged to “see differently” to create unique imagery from both observation and their imagination. They will learn critical thinking and how to analyze and critique both their own and the work of others. They will also explore different styles of writing in order to write a clear and intelligent statement about their art for their own artist statement, an essential part of the portfolio process. The first of two sessions will begin on Tuesday, March 5, 2019 and will run six consecutive Tuesdays through April 9, 2019 from 3:30 to 5:30 pm. A second six-week more advanced session will begin on Tuesday, April 23, 2019 and continue on April 30, May 7, 14, 28, and June 4, from 3:30 to 5:30 pm. The fee for the six-week workshop is $280. Sign up for both six-week sessions for $520. The fee includes model fees and some supplies. A list of art supplies to be purchased by the student for each six-week session will be provided and can be purchased at Allard’s with a student discount. Art supply costs will be under $60 for the first session and between $75 and $125 (depending upon supplies students may already have) for the second session. Workshop size will be limited to 10 students. If you or someone you know would be interested in sponsoring a student who is recommended by their art teacher but cannot afford the workshops, please call Susan at 559-441-4221 x101 to be matched to a deserving student. There are scholarships available to many art schools and colleges and a scholarship to these workshops could open doors for talented students. To register, go to https://www.fresnoartmuseum.org/files/9915/4888/5203/registration_form-portfolio_class.pdf.
Tuesday, March 5th through Tuesday, June 4th
The Fresno Art Museum is offering Portfolio Prep Workshops for high school and college transfer students that want to apply to art schools/colleges. Do you want to go to a prestigious art college? Competition is tough. FAM is offering students an opportunity to help develop their portfolio and artist statement. The class will be taught by Ai Krasner who has an MFA in studio art from Tyler School of Art at Temple University, Philadelphia and Rome. She taught a similar class in Philadelphia and was also on the portfolio review committee for Tyler. Workshops begin Tuesday, March 5
and run through Tuesday, June 4, 2019 (12 sessions). For more information, go to https://www.fresnoartmuseum.org/education/portfolio-prep-class.
Thursday, May 23rd through Sunday, July 14th
Extra! Extra! Good Company Players’ production of NEWSIES opens tonight at Roger Rocka’s Dinner Theater! This rousing family favorite takes us back to the newsboy strike of 1899, when a scruffy band of teenagers joined together to “Seize the Day” and fight oppression. Inspired by the 1992 Disney film and based on a true story, the stage version explodes with high octane dance numbers, impressive vocals, plucky characters, and a spirited story about young people facing down New York’s titans of publishing in a struggle for survival. Performances take place at Roger Rocka’s Dinner Theater, 1226 N. Wishon, at Olive and Wishon in The Tower District. Shows are Thursdays at 7:30 p.m.; Friday & Saturday at 8:00 p.m., & Sunday matinee at 2:00 p.m. On Thursdays, a buffet is served beginning at 5:30 p.m., with a Pre-Show featuring Good Company Players’ Junior Company at 7:00 and the performance at 7:30 p.m. On Fridays & Saturdays, dinner is served beginning at 5:30 p.m., with the Pre-Show at 7:30 p.m. and the performance at 8:00 p.m. For the Sunday matinees, a brunch buffet is served beginning at 11 a.m., with the Pre-Show at 1 p.m. and the performance at 1:30 p.m. And on Sunday evenings, a buffet is served beginning at 5:00 p.m., with the Pre-Show at 7:00 p.m. and the performance at 7:30 p.m. The cost for Thursdays & Sundays Buffet & Show is $59.00 per person; Show Only - $33.00. The cost for Friday & Saturday Served Meal & Show is $62.00 (Show-Only: $33.); Special drink & dessert packages available. Groups of 16 or more are eligible for discounts. For tickets and more information, call 266-9494 or 800-371-4747 or go online to www.rogerrockas.com. Reserve online at http://rogerrockas.com/dinner-shows/ or call 559-266-9494 or 800-371-4747.
Saturday, March 23rd through Saturday, November 16th
The Intermountain Nursery, located at 30443 N. Auberry Rd. Prather, will hold a series of workshops and classes at the Nursery. To see the class/workshop schedule, go to http://www.intermountainnursery.com/classes.htm.
Saturdays from May 4th through June 8th
The African American Museum of the San Joaquin Valley presents “Black Dollar Days,” a swap-meet style Rummage Sale and Farmer’s Market, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Museum (1857 Fulton Street in downtown Fresno). To be a vendor, call (559) 544-1857. More information is available at www.aahcmsjv.org.
Monday, June 17th through Friday, August 2nd
Fresno Art Museum’s 2019 Summer Art Academy Workshops for Kids & Teens will take place with four weeks of week-long workshops from June 17 to 28 and July 22 to August 2, 2019. Students will explore the Elements of Art and how they apply to the Principles of Design through a variety of media in ALL of our workshops. For ages 8 to 17 unless otherwise noted. ArtAcademy Workshops for 8 to 17-year-olds.
Half day AM Sessions are from 9:00 am to 12:30 pm, and PM Sessions are from 1:00 pm to 4:30 pm. Full Day sessions are from 9:00 am to 4:30 pm.
WEEK 1 (June 17 to 21)
(AM session) Be Inspired! Each day come and explore a different master artist from
Picasso to Kahlo and create works of art inspired by them.
(PM session) Mixing It Up! In this workshop students will explore printmaking, batik,
origami, assemblage, and more using a variety of materials and fun techniques. You will only be limited by your imagination!
WEEK 2 (June 24 to 28)
(AM session) Stop-Motion Animation: Work as part of a team or on your own to create a
story and an animated short film using drawing, painting, and 3-D objects and stop-motion animation techniques.
(PM session) Comic Book Design: Learn the secrets of comic book design and story
creation with comic book writer and artist, Nicolas Garza. In addition to working with Torrid and CK Comics, Nick works as a graphic designer. He has long been a lover of the c comic book genre and is excited to share that love and his knowledge with students.
WEEK 3 (July 22 to 26)
(AM session) Collage It! Taking inspiration from the FAM exhibition featuring collage
artist Catie O’Leary, students will delve into creating 2-D art from discards, torn papers, and more.
(PM session) Paint It! Be inspired by four of our newest exhibitions that each reflect a
different genre and different sort of painting technique.
WEEK 4 (July 29 to August 2)
(AM session) Art in 3-D: Exploring Clay, Plaster, Wire, and More: Students will explore
a variety of media in creating sculpture with clay, plaster, wire, and other materials.
(PM session) Art in 3-D: Exploring Soft-Sculpture: Students will create sculptural works
with fiber, paper, paint, and other found and natural elements.
For details and pricing, go to https://fresnoartmuseum.org/files/8515/5200/4096/2019_summer_workshops.pdf.
To download Registration Form, go to https://fresnoartmuseum.org/files/2615/5181/9823/registration_form-summer_2019.pdf.
Summer 2019:
Fresno Pacific University offers a variety of summer camps. Youthful athletes, musicians and actors-whether aspiring or accomplished-are invited to summer camps hosted by Fresno Pacific University, 1717 S. Chestnut Ave., Fresno. Options to stay overnight or attend during the day are available.
Athletic Camps
For boy's and girl's basketball, soccer, tennis, track & field and water polo as well as boy's baseball and girl's volleyball available June-August. Check individual sessions for skill level. For more information, call the Athletics Office at 559-453-2009. Register and find more information, including coach's names and contact information, at https://www.fpuathletics.com/sports/2009/3/29/GEN_0329095432.aspx?tab=summercamps
Music Camp
Fresno Pacific University Summer Music Camp 2019 will open for students grades 6-12 (ages 11-19 as of September 1, 2019). The camp takes place at the FPU main campus, 1717 S. Chestnut Ave., Fresno from Sunday, June 23rd through Friday, June 28th. For more information, contact Walter Saul, D.M.A., professor of music, at Walter.saul@fresno.edu or call 559-453-2012. Register at www.fresno.edu/event/26566/fpu-summer-music-camp-2019.
Theater Camp
June 17-July 10, YES Project (Youth Engage Shakespeare) gives students entering, in or just graduated from high school the chance to learn about the works of William Shakespeare, then add their own spin with original scenes. Takes place at FPU and Woodward as a partnership between the university and Woodward Shakespeare Festival. More information and an application form can be found at https://www.fresno.edu/event/24866/yes-project-youth-engage-shakespeare.
Monday, July 1st through Saturday, July 27th
The CSU Summer Arts festival at Fresno State is now accepting applications for the 2019 season. CSU Summer Arts offers two sessions – each being two weeks long – from July 1 through July 27. Students will have the opportunity to study side-by-side with masters across all genres, earn three to six weeks of transferable credits, build their portfolios and create lasting professional relationships. Guest artists include the acclaimed Diavolo Dance Company, award -winning and local artist Daniel Keys, and the legendary animator Vinton Heuck. Scholarships are available and enrollment deadlines vary. For more information, visit www.csusummerarts.org or call 559-278-5856.
Summer, 2019 (Fresno County Public Library):
The Fresno County Public Library (FCPL) has an answer to the age old dilemma of “I’m bored and there’s nothing to do.” Their “Summer at Your Library” program includes free meals, activities and so much more! Everything is designed to ensure the Library is a fun destination all summer long. In partnership with the Fresno Economic Opportunities Commission and the California Library Association, FCPL offers Lunch at the Library for children up to 18 years old, at eight different sites this year. The locations are at the Betty Rodriguez Library, Central Library, Sunnyside Library, Sanger Library, Selma Library, Orange Cove Library, Mendota Library and West Fresno Library. Children up to 18 years old can go to any of these libraries during lunch time and receive a free meal. There are no forms to complete, no requirements to meet, no questions will be asked. The only stipulation is that the meals must be eaten on site and cannot be taken out of the room. In addition to providing a healthy meal for the growing bodies, the Library will have numerous fun and engaging activities for all. Performers will be on site to provide entertainment and education such as the magic of Tim Mannix, E&M’s Reptile Family and the Great Scott Science Show. The Library will also have hands-on activities such as Fandom Crafts, Superhero Crafts, Introduction to Film-making by CMAC, Comic Illustration and more. The Library will provide reading logs to help children track their reading progress all summer long. FCPL believes that reading is essential to a developing mind, and wants to put as many books in children’s hands as possible. The first challenge to reading is to have a book, and the Library has many books available for children to borrow. FCPL will also be giving away free books for children to keep. With all of this happening for free at your local library, the answer to, “I’m bored and there’s nothing to do,” is “Let’s go to the library!” For more information please visit www.fresnolibrary.org/summer or call (559) 600-7323 (READ).
Summer 2019 (Fresno State):
Numerous academic and athletic camps are scheduled at Fresno State this summer for children of all ages, including the following:
Summer Kids Ag Camp (Ages 6 to 10) from 8 a.m. to noon July 15-19 (Cost: $75):
Hosted by the Horticulture Nursery in the Jordan College of Agricultural Sciences and Technology, campers will have the opportunity to visit the diverse, 1,000-acre Fresno State farm and experience a variety of farm activities. Children will learn about food production and all of the amazing things that go into growing crops from a seed to harvest. The camp includes many hands-on activities and nature-based crafts, and children are guaranteed to have fun, learn a lot and be dirty at the end of the day. Registration opens at 8 a.m. on May 13. Please contact horticulture@mail.fresnostate.edu for information on how to register.
Red Wave livestock judging camps One-day camp: Aug. 4 ($50) (Open to all ages)
Registration includes lunch, judging book, drawstring backpack and T-shirt
Two sessions of the three-day camp, May 31-June 2, Aug. 2-4 ($200) (Ages 8-19)
Registration includes dorm room, drawstring backpack, meals, judging book and T-shirt.
Learn and develop evaluation skills, note taking and reasons presentations for each species. Details: Brad Mendes at 209.765.7143 or bradm@csufresno.edu.
Junior Holstein Association Cow Camp (Ages 9-21) June 18-20
Stay overnight in the campus dorms with other cow-loving kids. Learn about a variety of dairy-related subjects, animal care and industry topics. Registration includes all meals, T-shirt, seminars and an Island Water Park ticket. For more information, contact Kate Teixeira at 805-801-0463.
Summer Academy in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics
(Elementary to high school) June 17-21 (Cost: $235)
The Department of Mathematics at Fresno State, in collaboration with the San Joaquin Valley Mathematics Project and the Mathematics and Science Teacher Initiative, offers a unique opportunity for motivated elementary, middle and high school students to experience a challenging and enjoyable learning opportunity. The students will change the way they think and feel about mathematics and learning through an experience that includes learning to use mathematical software, participating in hands-on learning through fun-filled activities and projects and solving real-life problems using technology, science and engineering. For more information, contact Dawn Moate at lmoate@csufresno.edu or 559-278-2992, or register online.
Sports Science Camp (High school students from Fresno Unified School District)
June 10-14: Hosted by the Department of Kinesiology and the Central California Sports Science Institute at Fresno State, the Sports Science Camp is a week-long immersive program where students will actively learn about careers in kinesiology through hands-on experiences in physical education, exercise sciences, athletic training and sport psychology. For more information, contact Tim Hamel at thamel@csufresno.edu or 559-278-6049.
Summer Sports-Writing Camp (Grades 5-8) 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. June 17-21 (Cost: $175) Play sports and play with words during this one-week camp at Fresno State. Participants will engage in outdoor and indoor activities that support descriptive action writing. Students also will explore sports through poetry and narrative writing.
The Art of Writing Comics (Grades 5-8) 1 to 5 p.m. June 17-21 (Cost: $175)
In this one-week workshop, participants will learn to write a memoir in comic form. Together, the group will engage in genre analysis to understand how comics are constructed before jumping in and creating their own. If students sign up for both programs, the fee is only $325 and includes lunch. Registration link: https://tinyurl.com/SJVWPSummerYouth2019.
Youth Technology Institute (Grades 1-8) Two sessions: 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. July 8-13 and 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Aug. 5-9 (Cost: $150 includes registration & materials)
Using the latest technology, software and equipment, the program aims to familiarize students with the Engineering Design Process as the students participate in STEM academic enrichment with an emphasis in problem-based, hands-on activities, such as coding, robotics, aeronautics and the latest use of technology. The Engineering Design Process aligns with the Next Generation Science Standards and incorporates a series of steps that engineers use to guide them as they solve real-life, everyday problems. The process encourages students to ask questions, imagine a solution, plan a design, create a model, experiment and test the model and then take time to improve the original. Each activity will allow students to work in problem-solving teams as students complete innovative challenges. The Youth Technology Institute is managed through the Office of Community-Based Learning and is sponsored by the Kremen School of Education and Human Development at Fresno State in partnership with NASA MUREP Aerospace Academy. For more information and to register, contact cbl@csufresno.edu or 559-278-0293.
STARTALK Chinese Immersion Camp (Grades 5-8) June 24-July 13 (Cost: $30)
The Fresno State Linguistics Department will host STARTALK, a Chinese immersion camp at Fresno State. The program introduces young students to Chinese language and culture where they will get to experience three destinations in China, all from right here in the Central Valley. The students will be immersed in the culture’s food, family life and art while eating at Chinese restaurants, visiting Chinese families, learning Kung Fu and Chinese songs and dance. On the last day of the three-week program, students will take a field trip to San Francisco to visit the San Francisco Asian Art Museum and Chinatown. STARTALK is funded by the National Security Agency and aims to increase the number of U.S. citizens learning, speaking and teaching critical need foreign languages. Registration is $30 per person. For more information, contact Li Mann at 559-725-1747 (text only) or FresnoSTARTALK@gmail.com. Register online.
Sports camps
Fresno State’s Department of Athletics offers sports camps for baseball, softball, men’s and women’s basketball, football, swimming and diving, volleyball, water polo and wrestling. Visit http://bit.ly/FSsportscamps for details.
Friday, September 6th through Sunday, September 22nd
Join Fresno Art Museum as StageWorks Fresno brings to life a new series of play titles for the 2019 season! For the month of September, they will perform “The Book of Will,” with performances on Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m., Sunday, September 8th and 15th at 2 p.m., and Sunday, September 22nd at 7:30 p.m. It’s 1619-1623 in London and Stratford-upon-Avon, England. Will Shakespeare is dead, and his legacy depends on a circle of devoted writers, actors, and friends. When a fishy Hamlet plays fast and loose nearby, the cohorts scramble to keep the Bard’s true words from fading into obscurity. The solution? A definitive collection of his plays. But to print it, they must overcome a ruthless publisher, an inebriated poet, and their own ticking mortality. Playwright Lauren Gunderson unfurls her trademark humor and smarts in this love letter to theatre’s timeless superstar. Readings are presented in the Bonner Auditorium and are free with admission to the Museum.
Sunday, September 15th through Thursday, September 19th
Yosemite Western Artists and the Episcopal Conference Center Oakhurst (ECCO) are holding a joint event in September – a four-day, five-night artist retreat with Plein Air or Icon Painting tracks. Watercolor painters will be guided by Rita Adams, acrylic painters by Trowzers Akimbo, as students in both mediums paint the phenomenal vistas of Yosemite National Park. Icon painters will be led by iconographer, Joyce Tanner. Bus transportation to Yosemite is included in all packages, and a naturalist will be on the bus to explain some of the Park highlights. Enjoy the splendor of Yosemite National Park while you learn the art of "en plein air" from some of the Yosemite Western Artists' (YWA) best art instructors OR take the traditional and very inspiring ICON Painting classes from master iconographer, Joyce Tanner. Guests will enjoy a four night, five day stay at ECCO (Episcopal Conference Center of Oakhurst), three meals a day, instruction in your choice of artistic endeavor and two days bus transportation into Yosemite National Park. A naturalist will be on board the bus to explain some of the highlights of the trip and there will be experienced photographers along to assist you, if you want to bring your camera. A Sunday wine and cheese social is also included. A reduced package for day students includes lunch, classes and the bus tours into the park. Wednesday's dinner includes a YWA/retreat guest art exhibit (day guests can participate for an additional fee). Learn more about the Interpreting Yosemite Artist Retreat & Creative Event by going to www.yosemitewesternartists.com or to https://www.facebook.com/interpreting.yosemite/ and clicking on the "Interpreting Yosemite Sign-up" link. A $100 per person non-refundable deposit is required to secure your reservation by April 1st, 2019.
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.
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.
Every 2nd and 4th Monday of the month:
A new Toastmasters club in Exeter meets twice a month. More info can be found on our site as well: http://exeter.toastmastersclubs.org, or send an e-mail to
officers-4405971@toastmastersclubs.org.
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.
Every Thursday:
On Thursdays from 6 to 9 p.m. guitarist and singer/songwriter Steve Ono is hosting the Smugglers Open Mic Night. The Smuggler's lounge is like a large living room with a small PA set up in the corner. Listening will be encouraged. Musicians, singers and spoken word are all welcome. The content must be family friendly. Each guest artist will be playing 2 to 3 songs depending on the number of participants. Minors are allowed when accompanied by a responsible adult. Steve will play back up guitar or read sheet music (lead sheets preferred) for the artists on request. Steve Ono has been playing and teaching guitar in the Fresno/Clovis area for more than 35 years with hundreds of former students. The Smuggler's at the Park Inn is a full service restaurant with a full bar. There is a two drink minimum. Dinner is available. The restaurant is located at 3787 North Blackstone Avenue in Fresno. For information, call (559) 230-8450
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.