KFCF Community Calendar: Updated 7/19/19
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, July 19th
The Nuclear Free Future Tour is coming to Fresno! Join them on Friday, July 19, at 7 p.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Fresno for this important, free presentation. Ellen Thomas, Nuri Gonaghy, and Alan Shorb are representing WILPF US Disarm/End Wars Committee in an amazing tour of Hiroshima, Nagasaki and nuclear-free Kobe, Japan this coming August. Before they depart for Japan the three will be visiting 8 California cities, including Fresno, giving presentations promoting the international ban of nuclear weapons and collecting messages, petitions, photos and videos to take with them to Hiroshima. There, they have arranged to deliver over 7,000 petition signatures to Hidankyo, the organization representing Japanese atomic bomb survivors. WILPF US members have collected these signatures on the U.S. petition to the Senate supporting the UN Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW) - some of the nine-plus million signatures collected worldwide so far on Hidankyo's Hibakusha Appeal. Nuri and Alan will share their concerns about the risk of nuclear war from US belligerence toward Iran. The group will share updates about recent important legislation regarding nuclear weapons:
HR-2419 - Nuclear Weapons Abolition & Economic & Energy Conversion Act of 2019
HRes 302 - a resolution "Embracing the goals & provisions of the Treaty on the
Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons."
The text of the Nuclear Weapons Ban Treaty is linked to the WILPF US online petition. The treaty was launched in July 2017, at the United Nations, thanks to Reaching Critical Will and Nobel Peace Prize winner ICAN, with which WILPF is an international partner. Co-sponsors include Women's International League for Peace & Freedom, Unitarian Universalist Church of Fresno, Fresno Center for Nonviolence, Peace Fresno, Human Rights Coalition of Fresno, Dr. Sudarshan Kapoor, Islamic Cultural Center of Fresno, and Veterans for Peace.
Friday, July 19th
Visiting artists and more than 300 students will fill Fresno State’s campus with dance, music, writing and other creative works as CSU Summer Arts returns for another inspiring season. Diavolo Dance Company will perform at 7 p.m. Friday, July 19, at the Fresno State Concert Hall. Based out of Los Angeles, the Diavolo Dance Company rose to fame after appearing on “America’s Got Talent.” Its work incorporates the elements of dance, the strength of gymnastics and the technology of large-scale architectural pieces. Tickets for the CSU Summer Arts festival, and a full schedule of events, are now on sale at www.csusummerarts.org. Tickets can also be purchased at the Fresno State box office starting on June 17.
Friday, July 19th
Join Fresno Art Museum for the opening of their new exhibitions at an opening reception that begins at 4 p.m. for Artist Talks and from 6-8 p.m. for the reception. Members get in free; tickets for non-members are $15. For more information go to www.FresnoArtMuseum.org.
Friday, July 19th
Fresno County Clerk/Registrar of Voters Brandi Orth invites all interested parties to attend a Public Consultation Meeting to discuss and comment upon the Fresno County Election Administration Plan (EAP). The Clerk/Registrar will host multiple meetings to facilitate the participation of community members, especially representatives, advocates, and stakeholders of language communities and representatives of the disability community and community organizations and individuals that advocate for, or provide services to, individuals with disabilities. All members of the public are welcome and we encourage you to forward this meeting notice to interested persons.
Comments on the Draft EAP may be submitted using the on-line comment form on the Clerk/Registrar’s website (www.fresnovote.com), by email at Clerk-Elections@fresnocountyca.gov, and/or in writing provided at the public meetings or addressed to: Fresno County Clerk/Registrar of Voters
2221 Kern Street
Fresno, CA 93721
The July 19th meeting is at 1:00pm at The Fresno Center, 4879 E Kings Canyon Rd.
Saturday, July 20th
Visiting artists and more than 300 students will fill Fresno State’s campus with dance, music, writing and other creative works as CSU Summer Arts returns for another inspiring season. New York Times bestselling authors Terese Marie Mailhot and Lidia Yuknavitch will present a reading at 7p.m. Saturday, July 20, at the John Wright Theatre. Yuknavitch is the author of bestselling novels “The Book of Joan,” “The Small Backs of Children” and “The Chronology of Water.” Mailhot is the author of “Heart Berries: A Memoir,” which was nominated for the Hilary Weston Writer’s Trust Award for nonfiction. Tickets for the CSU Summer Arts festival, and a full schedule of events, are now on sale at www.csusummerarts.org. Tickets can also be purchased at the Fresno State box office starting on June 17.
Saturday, July 20th
Join famed authors Terese Marie Mailhot and Lidia Yuknavitch at 7 p.m. at the John Wright Theatre for an evening of readings from their acclaimed memoirs. Mailhot is the author of the best-selling book, “Heart Berries: A Memoir,” which was featured on the New York Times “Editor’s Choice" and the Barnes and Noble “Discover Great New Writers Selection.” National best-selling author Yuknavitch is the author of novels “The Book of Joan,” “The Small Backs of Children,” “Dora: A Headcase,” and the critically acclaimed memoir, “The Chronology of Water.” Tickets for this event may be purchased at www.csusummerarts.org or at the John Wright Theatre box office. For more information contact Mariah Walton at mwalton@calstate.edu.
Sunday, July 21st
The #1 Elton John musical tribute, The Rocket Man Show, rocks Visalia’s Fox Theatre on at 7:00 PM. Tickets are on sale now and are available online at foxvisalia.org, turnaroundartists.org, or by calling 559-625-1369. The Rocket Man Show is the #1 Elton John musical tribute. Hand Picked by Elton John, The Show matches Elton’s insane energy night after night. Recreating an early concert with gorgeous, colorful and flamboyant costumes, including boots, glasses, and jumpsuits, some of which were worn by Elton himself! With all the classic young Elton antics, audiences are in for a night of nostalgia, singing, laughing and participation. Not only is this clearly the most authentic Elton John tribute show in the world, but this was Elton‘s choice as his own body double to re-enact some of the most memorable moments of his career. These moments are being used in the promo for Elton’s ‘Farewell Yellow Brick Road’ world tour. Rus Anderson, who plays Elton in the show, has put his extensive live and theatrical experience to work nightly, performing as a young Elton John in the tribute show 'Rocket Man'. This has earned him an endorsement from the official Elton John Fan club & praise from many prestigious clients, including The Elton John AIDS Foundation. In the past year alone, The Rocket Man Show has appeared in all four corners of the USA. Rus is keeping the 70's Elton alive by re-enacting his charisma, vocals, piano playing, and costumes – the ones we all know & love! The show is 100% live in both vocals & instrumentation. Absolutely no tracks or lip-syncing. The performance itself is an extremely sincere, intense and visual spectacle of a journey.
Monday, July 22nd
Fresno County Clerk/Registrar of Voters Brandi Orth invites all interested parties to attend a Public Consultation Meeting to discuss and comment upon the Fresno County Election Administration Plan (EAP). The Clerk/Registrar will host multiple meetings to facilitate the participation of community members, especially representatives, advocates, and stakeholders of language communities and representatives of the disability community and community organizations and individuals that advocate for, or provide services to, individuals with disabilities. All members of the public are welcome and we encourage you to forward this meeting notice to interested persons.
Comments on the Draft EAP may be submitted using the on-line comment form on the Clerk/Registrar’s website (www.fresnovote.com), by email at Clerk-Elections@fresnocountyca.gov, and/or in writing provided at the public meetings or addressed to: Fresno County Clerk/Registrar of Voters
2221 Kern Street
Fresno, CA 93721
The July 22nd meeting is at 1:30pm at the West Fresno Regional Center, Rm 207, 142 E California Ave. in Fresno.
Tuesday, July 23rd
Join California FreshWorks for a day long summit focused on increasing access to healthy food by building an equitable and sustainable food system. Connect with others working to improve California’s food system, and attend learning sessions related to equity and inclusion efforts in FreshWorks’ investments. Session topics include:
Business development and credit underwriting with an equity lens
Strategies for improving food access in rural communities
Beyond grocery retail: alternative approaches to increasing health food access.
This free summit takes place from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. with a networking reception from 4-5:30 pm, at Double Tree by Hilton, 2233 Ventura Street in downtown Fresno. For more information and to register, go to CAFreshWorks.com/2019summit.
Tuesday, July 23rd
The Fresno County Preterm Birth Initiative will host a free community forum from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Bitwise Industries (700 Van Ness Ave.) Attendees will hear updates about the initiative, including its work group strategies, research highlights, successes and future work to come. Complimentary food and music will be provided. The forum is part of the initiative’s efforts to provide progress updates to the community. Contact Fresno County Preterm Birth Initiative at 559-228-2126 or visit www.ptbifresno.org for more information.
Wednesday, July 24th
Visiting artists and more than 300 students will fill Fresno State’s campus with dance, music, writing and other creative works as CSU Summer Arts returns for another inspiring season. An evening of foot-tapping and hip-shaking will ensue at the Afro-Caribbean Jazz Concert, featuring Grammy winner Doug Beavers and seven-time Grammy nominee John Santos, a two-time Indie Award winner. The concert will begin at 7 p.m. Wednesday, July 24, at the Fresno State Concert Hall. Tickets for the CSU Summer Arts festival, and a full schedule of events, are now on sale at www.csusummerarts.org. Tickets can also be purchased at the Fresno State box office starting on June 17.
Thursday, July 25th
Fresno Art Museum presents the Great Gatsby Murder Mystery Dinner Theater at a Mystery Fresno location, starting at 7 p.m. There is limited seating, and tickets are $125, with all proceeds benefitting Fresno Art Museum exhibitions and programs. For tickets, call 441-4221.
Thursday, July 25th
ValleyPBS is proud to announce that two Valley towns, Fresno and Bakersfield, will be part of a 30-city national tour with Ken Burns, Dayton Duncan Julie Dunfey for their upcoming documentary for PBS: Country Music. These events mark Ken Burns’s first public appearance in the Valley. The film is a 16-hour, eight part documentary that chronicles the history of county music – from the Carter Family, Jimmy Rodgers, and Bob Wills to Hank Williams, Johnny Cash, Merle Haggard, Loretta Lynn, Charley Pride, Willie Nelson, Dolly Parton, Emmylou Harris, Garth Brooks and many more. The 30-city national roadshow tour will precede the broadcast with the intent to spark conversation about this uniquely America art form and the people who created it. The Ken Burns Country Music Roadshow will be held on July 25th, at the Saroyan Theatre in Fresno and on July 26th at the Fox Theater in Bakersfield. Both events will present a preview screening of the film Country Music followed by a Q & A with director Ken Burns, writer/producer Dayton Duncan and producer Julie Dunfey. Event Tickets and VIP Meet and Greet tickets are on sale now. Tickets are available online at https://valleypbs.org/countrymusic/. Watch the trailers for the film here: https://www.pbs.org/show/country-music/.
Saturday, July 27th
CaPA (California Physicians Alliance) is again presenting a health care party at the Big Red Church. The Medicare Legislation was signed 7/30/1965. Medicare turns 54 this summer. CaPA invites everyone to a Medicare 54th Birthday party on Saturday, 7/27/19 from 2-5 pm at the Big Red Church 2131 N. Van Ness Blvd. Fresno. In lieu of birthday gifts to Medicare, CaPA's suggesting donations in increments of $54 to assist CaPA in the movement toward single payer improved MediCare for all. Last month CaPA unveiled a Roadmap to Golden State Care. The Roadmap is Strategic, Approachable, and Realistic. We need to get the word out. Additionally, CaPA will soon be presenting a calculator people can use to see how much they will save with single payer improved MediCare for all. A series of newly released short videos is also available on the CaPA website www.caphysiciansalliance.org and its facebook page www.facebook.com/CaliforniaPhysiciansAlliance. If you have any questions, please email CaPA or call Jim Kratzer at Kratzer Pediatrics at 559-438-4100.
Saturday, July 27th and Sunday, July 28th
In 2019, the communities along the route of the Joaquin Murrieta Ride and beyond are confronting basic issues such as the quality of the water and air, the lack of investment in jobs, housing and economic development. Those communities which share the same social and environmental justice issues include Madera, Firebaugh, Mendota, Kerman, San Joaquin, Huron and others along the West Side of Fresno County. In response to these needs, community groups will hold the March for Justice – Marcha por la Justicia, including El Despertar del Sueño Americano (The Awakening of the American Dream), the Central Valley Committee for Immigrants Rights and the Jovenes del Valle Central (Youth of the Central Valley). On Saturday, July 27th at 7:00 a.m., the March for Justice will join the Joaquin Murrieta Ride at the Firebaugh High School, 1976 Morris Kyle Drive in Firebaugh. The March will travel eight miles to Lozano Park in Mendota where they will gather for a program. Then on Sunday, July 28th at 9:00 a.m., marchers and riders will gather for a mass and blessing at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church and travel down Hiway 33 from Three Rocks to 17913 S Derrick Avenue. They will then return to the starting point where they will hold a jaripeo and celebration. For information regarding the March for Justice call 559 908-6701, or e-mail Alianzadefresno@gmail.com. For information regarding the 2019 Joaquin Murrieta Ride call Gustavo Fernandez at 559 630-0304, Juanita Gonzalez at 559 930-8615, or Jesse Sandoval at 559 250-8214, or e-mail JMTradicion@gmail.com.
Wednesday, July 31st
Come support the Junior Company Foundation with this fun Hollywood themed fund raiser! General ticket sales have begun as of June 1st. Early bird special tickets are $70 per person and $75 per person after July 16th. Please call Roger Rocka's Dinner Theater at (559) 266-9494 to purchase tickets. Dinner will be chicken parmigiana with a side pasta, salad, rolls and fresh made Italian sausage as an appetizer. Coffee and tea are included. VIP tables are also available. Doors open at 5:30 pm event is concluded at 9:30 pm, at Roger Rocka’s Dinner Theater, 1226 N. Wishon Ave Fresno. The Junior Company Foundation (JCF) is dedicated to promoting and advancing the Good Company Players’ Junior Company, a troupe of budding actors in the 8-16 age range who are trained by GCP staff to learn acting, dancing, and singing skills with the explicit purpose of performing in mini-revues before all GCP mainstage productions. For more information, go to http://www.juniorcompanyfoundation.org.
Thursday, August 1st
Want to learn more about the California Conservation Corps and how
you can jumpstart your career in the energy-efficiency industry? Visit the CCC Fresno Energy Center for its Open House from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 2536 N. Grove Industrial Drive in Fresno. Working with the California Conservation Corps is a great opportunity to get paid while you train. At the Open House you can:
■ Meet CCC Energy staff
■ Learn about energy audit and retrofit work
■ Find out about scholarships
■ See how the CCC can transform your life
(You must be ages 18-25, or military veterans up to 29). For more information, call 559-458-0932 or go to ccc.ca.gov.
Friday, August 2nd
The Reedley Peace Center presents speaker Mitchel Cohen, author of “The Fight Against Monsanto’s Roundup-The Politics of Pesticides.” Eve Ensler writes that “this may be one of the most important books you read this year. We are being poisoned and this book is sounding a well-informed alarm.” He will be reading from and signing copies of his book, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the Fellowship Hall of First Mennonite Church, located on L Street between 12th and 13th Streets in Reedley. (Map available at www.reedleypeacecenter.org.) For more information, contact Don Friesen at dfriesen0@gmail.com.
Saturday, August 3rd
Meet & greet Mitchel Cohen, author of “The Fight Against Monsanto’s Roundup-The Politics of Pesticides.” Eve Ensler writes that “this may be one of the most important books you read this year. We are being poisoned and this book is sounding a well-informed alarm.” The event takes place from 2-5 p.m. at 2136 E Olympic Ave. in Fresno (at Copper & Maple). This is a fundraiser for KFCF 88.1. Suggested donation, $20. Mitchel will read from the book, and copies will be available for purchase and signing. There will be wine, cheese and hors d’oeurves.
Thursday, August 8th
You’re invited to join Fresno Country Economic Development Corporation for a look into the “Energy of the Future” during the 2019 Energy Summit. This year’s event will bring together leading industry experts to discuss the latest advancements and energy innovation happening in multiple energy sectors, such as hydrogen, throughout Fresno County, California and the world. Dr. Jack Brouwer of the National Fuel Research Center, and Rob Campbell, Chief Commercial Officer for Ballard Power Systems, will lead the event with key industry insights, international best practices, and ways local government and the private sector can embrace clean energy and fuel cell solutions for a wide range of industries. Fresno County is uniquely situated at the center of California, the world’s fifth largest economy, and among the fastest growing regions in the United States. The purpose of the Energy Summit is to bring forth a robust discussion and increased understanding of the strategic importance that Fresno County, and the Central Valley, plays as the strategic center for renewable energy advancement in California. The Summit is from 7:30-11:30 a.m. at Fresno State University Satellite Student Union, 2485 E San Ramon Avenue. The cost is $25 for members and $35 for non-members and includes a continental breakfast. To register & for more information, go to https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2019-energy-summit-tickets-63820890000.
Saturday, August 10th
The Central Valley Progressive PAC will hold an endorsement meeting for the City of Fresno mayoral race and Fresno City Council District 4. This will be an early endorsement as the filing period is Nov. 12–Dec. 6. The CVPPAC usually endorses candidates after the filing period, but in this case there are compelling reasons for supporting a candidate now. The Executive Board of the CVPPAC does not believe another viable candidate will emerge before the filing deadline, and most members feel strongly about developing a strategy for getting their preferred candidates elected in the March 3, 2020, primary election.
Saturday, August 10th
Trans-E-Motion is hosting a Summer Lovin’ Back to School Carnival from 4-7 p.m. at Our Saviors Lutheran Church, 2101 N. Fruit Ave. in Fresno. It will feature “Dunk a Drag Queen,” live music, water games and activities, support resource booths, vendor booths, food and drinks. All ages and gender identities are welcome to attend this public event brought to you an benefiting Trans- E- Motion, a non profit organization. Pride season is here all summer long! Get one last Family Style Summer In! An evening full of games, face paint, music, dancing, activities, family involvement, cake walk, wine walk, dunk tank, games, carnival style food, haircut booth and more! RSVP on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/events/1044196869304226.
Saturday, August 10th
The Fresno Iris Society will host its biggest annual sale at the Fresno State Horticulture Nursery (3150 E. Barstow Ave.) from 8 a.m. to noon. The nonprofit fundraiser will feature hundreds of varieties of plants, including reblooming irises and other unique varieties. Rhizome plants will be available for a donation of $3 each and in grab bags with a collection of colors and sizes. Fresno Iris Society members will host workshops on dividing, planting and growing and will answer plant and gardening questions. Attendees can also join the club that convenes monthly. Annual dues are $15 for individuals, $20 for families and $5 for youth (19 and under). Fresno State horticulture staff and students will also sell an array of house and landscape plants. Also on display will be the John Weiler Memorial Garden, which has a growing collection of drought-tolerant perennials and hybrid plants. For more information contact Calliope Correia at 559-278-2952 or ccorreia@csufresno.edu, or www.fresnoirissociety.org.
Friday, August 16th
Foodlink of Tulare County, the only Foodbank in Tulare county which supplies many of the Food Pantries of this county, is holding a fundraiser to support their work for food justice and food equity through providing people with healthy, nutritious, and culturally appropriate foods. They are holding a fundraiser at their Exeter Headquarters. The event is a Paint Nite in which food and alcohol will be served, and people will enjoy learning how to paint. Proceeds go to their mission. Tickets are $45, and include Barbeque, sliders, and soft drinks, and painting supplies. Wine is $5 for a 9 oz. pour.
The event is from 5:30pm to 9:30pm. The event is at 611 N 2nd St. Exeter. For tickets or information, go to https://www.yaymaker.com/buy/10163148. (Tickets must be purchased 2 weeks in advance). For information on their programs and services go to
new.foodlinktc.org/our-programs/.
Saturday, August 24th
There will be a Campus Life 5k & Kids Fun Run starting at 7:00 am in Woodward Park. The cost is $10 for Kids Fun Run, $30 for the5k Run/Walk. (The price goes up after August 19th). This chip-timed FROYO race is family friendly and raises funds to support the local ministry of Youth For Christ reaching thousands of youth in Christ sharing relationships each year. The event is kid & pet friendly! All racers get a goodie bag, event t-shirt, and FROYO after the race! There will be finisher prizes for the top 3 males and top 3 females. Tickets & more info can be found by going to: http://yfcnow.org/cl5k?fbclid=IwAR26o9jcsGqc2JIPT0bPl8qD5UU2Ci6j0TXwlE5XdDncg7emE1tGLiJciDc.
Saturday, September 7th
Save the date for the Central Valley Progressive Political Action Committee Fall Fund-Raiser! An important source of funding for the CVPPAC comes from the Fall Fund-Raiser, which will take place this year at Pat Wolk’s beautiful backyard. As always, there will be music, food, drink, a presentation about CVPPAC’s winning strategy for upcoming elections and plenty of time to enjoy interacting with fellow progressives.
More information about the event will follow soon, but for now save the date (September 7th) and time (6 p.m.–8 p.m.).
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.
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.
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.
Monday, June 17th through Wednesday, July 10th
Mistaken identities in Shakespeare-and what that says about knowing yourself and others-will be investigated in the 2019 YES! Project hosted by Woodward Shakespeare Festival (WSF) and Fresno Pacific University. YES stands for Youth Engage Shakespeare, now in its seventh year of introducing The Bard to local high-school-aged students with an interest in theater. The workshop will run June 17-July 10 and revolve around WSF's summer season of Shakespearean plays. Participants will play games, practice Shakespearean style, learn scenes and explore their creative voices by devising and original scenes. The workshop culminates with a public performance at 7:30 p.m., July 10, on the WSF stage in Fresno's Woodward Park.
The schedule is:
Weeks one-three: Monday-Thursday, 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. at FPU main campus, 1717 S. Chestnut Ave., Fresno. (lunch provided)
Week four: Monday-Wednesday, 6:00-9:00 p.m. at Woodward Shakespeare Festival Stage, Woodward Park for dress rehearsals and performance. (Fort Washington entrance)
The workshop is for students in high school, going into high school or who have just graduated. No prior theater or Shakespeare experience necessary. The project director and facilitator is Julia Reimer, who has a Ph.D. in performance studies and an M.A. in applied theatre. She is a freelance director, the collaboration coordinator for Near/Far Theatre in Fresno and teaches in FPU's theater program. The cost is $75, and scholarships are available. Register at fresno.edu/event/24866/yes-project-youth-engage-shakespearehttps://www.fresno.edu/event/24866/yes-project-youth-engage-shakespeare.
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.
Friday, June 21st through Saturday, August 11th
Good Company Players “The Savannah Sipping Society.” Drawn together by an impromptu happy hour, four Southern women share adventure, laughter, and loss as their accidental meeting blossoms into friendship. 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.
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.
Friday, June 21st through Friday, August 16th
Fresno State winery staff and students will showcase several recent award-winning wines at several new “Friday Night Flights” events from 3 to 6 p.m. June 21, July 5, July 19, Aug. 2 and Aug. 16 at the campus winery barrel room (2360 E. Barstow Ave.) The casual, public wine-tasting events cost $5 and is a great way to kick off the weekend. The rotating list of white, rosé and red wines made by Viticulture and Enology Department students will include four wines that won medals at prestigious events this spring. The grenache rosé won a gold medal at the California state fair; the sauvignon blanc won a silver medal at the San Francisco international competition; the pinot noir won a silver medal at the Orange County wine competition; and the syrah rosé won silver medals at the San Joaquin and California Rose Experience wine competitions. Some wine might also be available for purchase at a discount, and wine club membership is free and offers a 20 percent discount on its three annual, four-bottle shipments. The campus winery is the nation’s first and largest bonded commercial winery on a university campus. Fresno State wines have won over 300 awards since the winery was officially started in 1997. For more information, contact Kevin Smith at 559-278-4867 or kesmith@mail.fresnostate.edu.
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.
Monday, July 8th through Monday, July 29th
The Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual Organization is offering a four week Foundation Course for Beginners on Raja Yoga Meditation. The class will meet weekly for four Mondays from 6:30-8 p.m. at 7319 N. Fourth Street in Fresno. The course provides a basic understanding of Raja Yoga and the method of meditation. You will learn techniques to reduce stress, to increase clarity in thinking, and to help acquire stability and peace of mind. The course is based on universal, spiritual values and is open to people of all faiths. A folder or notebook is recommended, as handouts will be given. There is no charge for this class. Please register by July 6th. E-mail registration to: BKWSOfresno@gmail.com or call (559) 435-2212 (Please leave a message).
Friday, July 12th through Sunday, July 21st
The new musical, Freaky Friday, based on the beloved 1972 novel by Mary Rodgers and the hit Disney films, runs July 12-21 at the Fresno Memorial Auditorium, performed by Children's Musical Theaterworks! When an overworked mother and her teenage daughter magically swap bodies, they have just one day to put things right again. By spending a day in each other's shoes, Katherine and Ellie come to appreciate one another's struggles, learn self-acceptance, and realize the immeasurable love and mutual respect that bond a mother and daughter. Showtimes are Fridays at 7:30 p.m., Saturdays at 2 or 7:30 p.m., or Sundays at 2 p.m. Tickets are between $14 and $22 and can be purchased at cmtworks.org or by calling 866-973-9610.
Thursday, July 18th through Sunday, September 15th
Country music legend Louise Mandrell stars as Calamity Jane, making this light hearted, rip-roaring fairy tale a real bulls-eye! 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.
Monday, July 22nd through Friday, July 26th
Fresno State’s Community Based Learning, in partnership with Clovis Unified School District, is hosting its annual “Dive Into STEM” camp for high schoolers at Buchanan High School from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday, July 22, through Friday, July 26. This camp, inspired by NASA astronaut training, combines scuba, underwater robotics and leadership skills to provide an unforgettable STEM experience for kids. Hands-on team activities level the playing field for all as participants gain confidence through personal achievement. For more information, contact Kasey Vang at kavang@csufresno.edu or 559-278-0293.
Thursday, July 25th through Saturday, August 3rd
"Our Town" is being performed by Tollberry Theater in the lovely foothills north east of Clovis off of highway 168. Please join them for a 7:00 evening performance on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, July 25, 26, & 27, and Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, August 1, 2 & 3, at the Sierra High School Lynda Qualls Presentation Center, 33326 Lodge Road, Tollhouse, 93667. Admission is $12 general, $7 for seniors/students and $5 for kids under 13. Their website is: tollberrytheater.weebly.com. For more information, contact Hannah Beatty at 559-325-8911 or at hrbeatty123@gmail.com.
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.