KFCF Community Calendar: Updated 8/10/18
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, August 10th
Arte Americas’ “Nights in Plaza Paz” presents RAW (a tribute to the music of WAR). Tickets are $12 general admission or $10 for members; $5 for children 3-9, and $60 for six tickets. Bring your own chairs! There will be live music, cold drinks, food trucks and the art galleries. Doors open at 7 p.m. and the show is from 8-10 p.m. Arte Americas is located at 1630 Van Ness in downtown Fresno. For more information, go to www.arteamericas.org.
Saturday, August 11th
The Fresno State Horticulture Nursery (3150 E. Barstow Ave.) will host the Fresno Iris Society annual rhizome plant fundraiser from 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, August 11th. The event will feature hundreds of varieties of plants, including reblooming iris and other unique varieties. Rhizomes 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 dividing, planting and growing workshops and answer plant and gardening questions. The nonprofit society’s largest annual event benefits efforts to promote area interest in irises. Attendees can also join the club that meets monthly for an annual cost of $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 that has a growing collection of drought-tolerant perennials and hybrid plants. The garden honors the memory of Weiler, a Fresno State botany and plant science professor from 1962 to 1989 and founder of the Fresno Iris Society in 1967. He later became president of the Reblooming Iris Society. He began hybridizing reblooming irises in 1970 and developed more than 90 varieties of new colors and vigors before he died in 2011. For more information contact Calliope Correia at 559-278-2952 or ccorreia@csufresno.edu, or www.fresnoirissociety.org.
Saturday, August 11th
The Master Gardeners of Merced will host a public workshop, Creating a Container Garden, to demonstrate how to create a living landscape that is fun & easy. The workshop is Saturday, August 11th from 10:00-12:00 at the UCCE office, 2145 Wardrobe Ave, Merced. For more information and to register please call 385-7403.
Saturday, August 11th
The Gallery 25 group exhibit called “Hot Show II” is the themed exhibit for the month of August. Gallery 25 members participating in this exhibit were invited to express their particular take on the word “Hot”. Vibrant and diverse responses indicate that the term strikes a responsive chord and speaks to them through various symbolic interpretations of the word “Hot”. Gallery 25 members consist of a contemporary group of artists
working in various mediums including paintings, drawings, photography, digital imagery and mixed media. There will be a Second Saturday Arthop from noon to 4 p.m. Gallery 25 is located at the M Street Arts Complex, 1419 “M” Street in downtown Fresno. For more information call 559-264-4092 or go to gallery25.org.
Friday, August 17th
There will be a free concert at the Auberry Library on Saturday, August 17th. Motel Drive, a local band that has been entertaining audiences for 10 years with songs ranging from Rock & Roll to Americana and old school Country will be performing, and there will be a 50/50 cash raffle and tacos and tamales from Mi Ranchito Tacos. It takes place outdoors on the Auberry Library lawn starting with a social half hour from 7-7:30 (no pets or alcohol please).
Friday, August 17th
Arte Americas’ “Nights in Plaza Paz” presents Cruizin’ Kingz: Old School Night (a set of music from the 50’s and 60’s). Tickets are $12 general admission or $10 for members; $5 for children 3-9, and $60 for six tickets. Bring your own chairs! There will be live music, cold drinks, food trucks and the art galleries. Doors open at 7 p.m. and the show is from 8-10 p.m. Arte Americas is located at 1630 Van Ness in downtown Fresno. For more information, go to www.arteamericas.org.
Saturday, August 18th
To celebrate the anniversary of the Iranian constitution, the Iranian Culture and Art Club-Fresno presents a concert by Zibza Shirazi at 7 p.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Church, 2672 E. Alluvial. The concert is free and open to the public. For more information, call (559) 709-3851 or go to www.iraniancultureandartclub.com.
Saturday, August 18th
Sister-Brother Day, also known as 'RAKSHA BANDHAN,' will be observed at St. Paul Catholic Newman Center Chapel, 1572 E. Barstow, Fresno from 7:00 to 9:00 pm. Sister Chandru, West Coast Regional Director, Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual Organization, will be the guest speaker and she will engage each one in a Link of Love ceremony. The event is co-sponsored by Roman Catholic Diocese of Fresno and Interfaith Alliance of Central California. Raksha Bandhan or ‘Rakhi,’ is a very unique spiritual tradition observed in India for many centuries, to strengthen the relationship of pure love between a brother and a sister. It calls for the sister to tie a bracelet around the right wrist of her brother as a symbol of their unique relationship of love, support, and understanding. This practice has a historical significance as people from all faiths in India have embraced it with enthusiasm. This has helped to promote the spirit of brotherhood and sisterhood amongst all, beyond their cultural and religious differences.
Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual Organization recognizes the importance of this practice in the context of the present time, to enhance the spirit of love and compassion among us. You are most welcome to participate in this event. There is no charge. For more information call: (559) 435-2212. An RSVP is requested. In addition to the celebration on August18th, there will be a special link of love ceremony at the Islamic Cultural Center of Fresno on Friday August 17th after Friday prayer.
Sunday, August 19th
There will be a benefit for the Mike Rhodes’ Social Justice Scholarship Fund at 6 p.m. at Fulton 55, 875 Divisadero St. in downtown Fresno. This scholarship fund in his name at San Joaquin College of Law will support students who help promote social and economic justice issues. They will use their training to promote progressive causes. By attending this benefit concert, you can support this idea and help insure a law student who directs his/her efforts towards social justice issues, freedom of speech or disenfranchised groups can make it through law school. There will be performances by the Hi-Desert Ramblers/Gram Parsons Tribute Band, the Rickie Blue Band, Roger Perry, Glen Delpit and Steve Ono. Suggested donation is $10. For more information go to www.fulton55.com.
Sunday, August 19th
The Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual Organization will host their 3rd Sunday, World Meditation Day from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. Please join us to send our collective energy of peace and love to our world. This event takes place at 7319 N. 4th St., Fresno.
Friday, August 24th
Arte Americas’ “Nights in Plaza Paz” presents The Box (two hours of dance classics and good times). Tickets are $12 general admission or $10 for members; $5 for children 3-9, and $60 for six tickets. Bring your own chairs! There will be live music, cold drinks, food trucks and the art galleries. Doors open at 7 p.m. and the show is from 8-10 p.m. Arte Americas is located at 1630 Van Ness in downtown Fresno. For more information, go to www.arteamericas.org.
Sunday, August 26th
The Sierra Foothill Musicians will perform chamber music at 3:00 pm at the Memorial United Methodist Church, 1726 Pollasky Avenue, in Clovis. There is no admission charge; donations will be accepted to cover costs. The Sierra Foothill Composers’ Co-Operative and Vision Academy of the Arts are jointly sponsoring this program, which features the music of Scarlatti, Dvorak, Fauré, Schubert, Pierné, Kuri-Aldana, Elgar, and Barbara Ulman. Musicians are Clyde Lansing, clarinet; Sandy Schaefer, flute; Barbara Ulman and Phil Youngholm, piano; Kelvin Diaz Inoa, cello; and Tiffanie Trujillo, soprano.
A reception following the concert will give the audience an opportunity to speak with the performers who include Kelvin Diaz Inoa, Clyde Lansing, Sandy Schaefer, Tiffanie Trujillo, Barbara Ulman and Philip Youngholm.
Friday, August 31st
Arte Americas’ “Nights in Plaza Paz” presents 40 Watt Hype. Tickets are $12 general admission or $10 for members; $5 for children 3-9, and $60 for six tickets. Bring your own chairs! There will be live music, cold drinks, food trucks and the art galleries. Doors open at 7 p.m. and the show is from 8-10 p.m. Arte Americas is located at 1630 Van Ness in downtown Fresno. For more information, go to www.arteamericas.org.
Friday, August 31st
The Fresno house where famed writer William Saroyan spent the last two decades of his life will open as a museum on August 31st, the 110th anniversary of his birth, with a private reception. Beginning in September, the William Saroyan House-Museum will be open for tours by appointment online. A grand opening celebration for the William Saroyan House-Museum will be held at Fresno State’s Satellite Student Union at 7 p.m. on August 31st. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. with an exhibition devoted to Saroyan’s life. A formal program will begin at 7 p.m. with a movie about the Saroyan House-Museum project, speakers and musical performances, followed by a reception. Entrance is free, but preregistration is required. The museum will be full of interactive and innovative exhibits, making it unique in the region. Technology will allow a hologram of Saroyan to greet visitors. The museum will feature a large digital archive, including exclusive photos and examples of his graphic and literary work. In addition, according to Saroyan’s will, a research area will be created within the house for students, scholars and other interested individuals to benefit from the vast heritage that Saroyan left behind.
Friday, September 7th
The Reedley Peace Center presents a talk by James Juhnke, coauthor of “The Missing Peace.” 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. For more information, call Don Friesen at (559) 638-3091 or e-mail dfriesen0@gmail.com.
Friday, September 7th
Come celebrate the spirit of the Grateful dead with local fresno tribute act "Touch of Gravy," performing two sets at Fulton 55 on Friday, September 7th. The band will be accompanied by a psychedelic light show and there will be on sight vending. Tickets are $8.00 in advance and $10.00 at the door. Doors open at 8:00, show at 9:00.
Thursday, September 6th
The Fresno County Preterm Birth Initiative is recruiting community members to participate in its next academy, scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. on September 6th at Legacy Commons (2255 S. Walnut Ave.). In Fresno County, African American women experience the highest preterm birth rates in Fresno County at 16.5 percent — almost twice the rate of white women in the county at 9.4 percent. This disproportionately high rate of preterm birth is the leading cause of African American infant mortality in Fresno County. The Fresno County Preterm Birth Initiative is working to find solutions through early education and advocacy with the African American Youth Leadership Academy for Women. Recommended by the Preterm Birth Initiative’s West Fresno African American Advisory Committee, the academy was designed to give mothers and women a strong voice and a chance to empower themselves while gaining leadership development opportunities. Through the extensive 16-week program, participants learn about social justice issues, systemic racism, reproductive and mental health and civic engagement.
For more information, contact Olga Nunez at 559-228-2161 or nunezo@csufresno.edu.
Friday, September 7th
Arte Americas’ “Nights in Plaza Paz” presents Califas (Tex-Mex and conjunto party). Tickets are $12 general admission or $10 for members; $5 for children 3-9, and $60 for six tickets. Bring your own chairs! There will be live music, cold drinks, food trucks and the art galleries. Doors open at 7 p.m. and the show is from 8-10 p.m. Arte Americas is located at 1630 Van Ness in downtown Fresno. For more information, go to www.arteamericas.org.
Friday, September 14th
Fresno Filmworks presents “Support the Girls”, a comedy written and directed by Andrew Bujalski. When the motherly and protective Lisa (Regina Hall) becomes the manager of a highway-side “sports bar with curves” she’ll do anything to protect her young female employees. Despite imposing a strong zero-tolerance policy against disrespectful customers and growing to love the restaurant, her optimism and faith in herself become tested when she encounters her toughest day on the job yet. Screenings are at 5:30 and 8:30 p.m. Assistive listening services are not available for this film. Advance tickets cost $10 general and $8 for students and seniors, and they can be purchased by check or cash at the Tower Theatre box office, 815 E. Olive Ave. Visit FresnoFilmworks.org for tickets and details.
Friday, September 14th
Arte Americas’ “Nights in Plaza Paz” presents the John Clifton Blues Band. Tickets are $12 general admission or $10 for members; $5 for children 3-9, and $60 for six tickets. Bring your own chairs! There will be live music, cold drinks, food trucks and the art galleries. Doors open at 7 p.m. and the show is from 8-10 p.m. Arte Americas is located at 1630 Van Ness in downtown Fresno. For more information, go to www.arteamericas.org.
Saturday, September 15th
Pete Escovedo will perform in the Fresno State Music Hall New Concert Building at 2355 E. Keats Ave. in Fresno. Hor D’eurves will be served from 6-7 p.m. and the concert is from 7-9 p.m. Tickets are $60 general admission or $100 for VIP/Orchestra seats. To purchase tickets go to https://goo.gl/fcyDQH. You can also go to their Facebook page: www.facebook.com/uncffresno.
Friday, September 21st
Arte Americas’ “Nights in Plaza Paz” presents August (the Spouth Valley’s dance party band). Tickets are $12 general admission or $10 for members; $5 for children 3-9, and $60 for six tickets. Bring your own chairs! There will be live music, cold drinks, food trucks and the art galleries. Doors open at 7 p.m. and the show is from 8-10 p.m. Arte Americas is located at 1630 Van Ness in downtown Fresno. For more information, go to www.arteamericas.org.
Tuesday, September 25th
The Central California Women’s Conference announced that the iconic Maria Shriver will keynote this year’s event. Tickets will go on sale Tuesday, June 5, for this day of inspiration, growth and knowledge planned for women across the Valley at the 31st Annual Central California Women’s Conference. CCWC is the largest women’s event in the region and will be from 7:15 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 25, 2018 at the Fresno Convention & Entertainment Center, 700 M Street in downtown Fresno. Tickets are $125 per person ($135 after August 17), or $75 per student with valid ID. Sponsorships and exhibit booths are still available. For sponsorship information contact Jan Edwards jan@ccwc-fresno.org; for exhibit booth information contact Mary Stabelfeld at mary@ccwc-fresno.org. More information about the conference and speakers is available at www.CCWC-Fresno.org. UPDATE: The 2018 Central California Women’s Conference is sold out. Celebrating its 31st year, CCWC will be held on Tuesday, Sept. 25, 2018, in downtown Fresno and feature Maria Shriver as the luncheon keynote speaker. This is the fastest sellout in conference history. A waiting list is being created at ccwc-fresno.org in case additional tickets become available.
Friday, September 28th
Arte Americas’ “Nights in Plaza Paz” presents Como La Flor (A tribute to the music of Selena Quintanilla). Tickets are $12 general admission or $10 for members; $5 for children 3-9, and $60 for six tickets. Bring your own chairs! There will be live music, cold drinks, food trucks and the art galleries. Doors open at 7 p.m. and the show is from 8-10 p.m. Arte Americas is located at 1630 Van Ness in downtown Fresno. For more information, go to www.arteamericas.org.
Friday, October 5th
Save the date for the Annual KFCF Banquet, celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the Fresno Free College Foundation! Our special guest speaker this year is James Loewen, author of “Lies My Teacher Told Me.” The Banquet takes place at the Holy Trinity Armenian Apostolic Church at 2226 Ventura Ave. from 6-9:30 p.m. More information is on the way!
Sunday, October 14th
The 19th Annual “Men Who Cook” event takes place at the Fresno Art Museum from 1-5 p.m. You can savor tastes of over 75 dishes, sip wines and craft beers, and visit with other guests and chefs. At the same time guests can explore the Museum’s current art exhibitions, interact with local visual artists and enjoy musical entertainment provided by TNT DJ Fresno. Advance tickets (through 9/30/18) are $30, and from 10/1/18 until they sell out, they’re $40. For tickets go to mwc10-14-2018.eventrbrite.com, or go to fresnoartmuseum.org/mwc.
Saturday, October 20th
La Feria de Educación, one of three California State University education fairs held throughout the state and conducted mostly in Spanish, will be hosted by Fresno State for the fourth year on Saturday, October 20, at the Maple Mall on campus. Co-sponsored by the CSU Chancellors Office, Univision Fresno and the Mexican Consulate Office in Fresno, the past two Fresno State Feria annual events each drew more than 10,000 participants – Spanish-speaking families and their children – from Central Valley schools with the help of county migrant education offices. School district officials are encouraged to help promote the event in their respective areas. For more information, contact Martina Granados at 559-278-5374 or martinag@csufresno.edu.
Friday, October 26th
Join the Pan Valley Institute in celebrating its 20th anniversary of accompanying immigrants and refugees through their journeys for justice. The event includes community dialogues (“placticas”), opportunities to meet old friends and make new ones, the Tamejavi Cultural Kitchen, an evening of celebration with music, poetry, storytelling and food, a multimedia exhibit telling the story of their work, and a silent auction to help raise funds for their programs. It takes place at the Falls Event Center, 4105 W. Figarden Drive in Fresno. This will be an all-day event starting at noon with a Cultural Kitchen happening from 12:00 to 2:00 p.m. Community dialogues are from 3:00 to 5:00 and a blessing ceremony from 5:00 to 5:30 p.m. with the Grand Finale from 6:00 to 9:30 p.m. Tickets are $30 and all proceeds benefit American Friends Service Committee’s Pan Valley Institute. More information to come.
Friday, October 26th and Saturday, October 27th
The Yosemite Peace Symposium, a “Gathering of Peacemakers,” takes place at the Tenaya Lodge at Yosemite in Fish Camp. This symposium is for Environmentalists, Educators, Corporate Sustainability Staff, Community Organizers, Activists and Peacemakers young and old! They are offering three tracks to choose from – Peace and the Environment, Peace and Our Youth and Peace and Human Dignity – with very focused breakout sessions in each track. Speakers will share ideas for you take away. The final track will be a facilitated goal-setting session, so that you will leave with specific tools to implement a plan for building peace in your community. The organizers hope that what is implemented will create a movement that will eventually be a “tipping point” where we will see the spread of peaceful practices on a larger scale. And it won’t end there. They are building a community of peacemakers who will share ideas and support each other through regular, online communication. Net proceeds from the Yosemite Peace Symposium will go to the Boys & Girls Club of Oakhurst whose mission is to enable all young people, especially those who need help most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens, and Mountain Area Jubilee, a program that provides tools and training to local people in their efforts to rise out of poverty. Registration before 7/31/18 is $225 and includes breakfast, lunch and breaks both days. Travel and lodging is not included. Special student pricing is available as well. Email info@yosemitepeace.com for more information. Registration between 8/1/18 and 9/14/18 is $260, and after that it’s $295. For more information and a full line-up of speakers, go to http://www.yosemitepeace.com.
MULTIPLE DAY EVENTS:
Flu Season 2017-2018
The Fresno County Department of Public Health has scheduled influenza vaccination clinics for the 2016-17 flu season at multiple locations throughout the county. The Fresno County Immunization Program will not be offering “nasal spray” flu vaccine during the 2016-17 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 2017-18 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.
Thursday, May 24th through Sunday, September 9th
Sequoia Shuttle season is almost here! The shuttle’s summer season launches on Thursday, May 24, helping Central Valley residents and adventurers from around the
world visit Sequoia National Park and experience the wonder of the great outdoors.
Round-trip tickets are $15. Tickets include entry into the park, as well as free, unlimited shuttle service inside the park to a number of famous attractions. Because the shuttle has limited seating, reservations are required. Riders can reserve their seats online at SequoiaShuttle.com. The Sequoia Shuttle website features many of the popular attractions that can be accessed via the Shuttle, including the historic General Sherman Tree (the largest known single-stem tree in the world, by volume), Moro Rock (a granite stairway to sweeping views of Sequoia National Park), Tokopah Falls (a 1,200-foot waterfall), and Congress Trail. Reservations are now open for Sequoia Shuttle’s 2018 season, and can be made at www.SequoiaShuttle.com/reservations. Pick-up locations are throughout Visalia, Exeter, Three Rivers and Lemon Cove. Explore Sequoia National Park all summer long, using the convenient, eco-friendly and affordable Sequoia Shuttle service! For more information, please visit SequoiaShuttle.
Every Friday in June, August and September
Arte Americas presents its “Nights in Plaza Paz” sunset concert series, featuring live music, cold drinks, food trucks, and art galleries, all in the Plaza at Arte Americas (1630 Van Ness in downtown Fresno). Doors open at 7 p.m. and the show is from 8-10 p.m. Go to www.arteamericas.org for a full lineup of music. Tickets are $12 general admission ($10 for Arte Americas members); $5 for children aged 3-9, $60 for six tickets, and $150 for a season pass.
Tuesday, June 12th through Tuesday, August 21st
The Taco Tuesday Summer 5K Series is a series of six 5K races over the summer, every other Tuesday evening! Join with friends and family for this fun-licious events at the Mountain View Shelter area at Woodward Park in Fresno! Get the 5k Summer Pass and participate in all races for only $35! Or you can choose your favorite themed race, between Super Heroes!, 80’s Night, Career Night, Disney Fun, Pop Singers...or the Pajama Run! Participate in as many as you want for only $10 per race...but wait!!! Don’t forget the tacos!! Because there’s no better way to reward yourself and stay motivated, other than tacos! You can get two tacos and a soft drink for an additional $5 pre-paid at an individual event, or $20 for tacos at all 6 events. Each race starts at 7:00pm at the Mountain View Shelter in Woodward Park. For more information about the dates of each event, taco combos and much more, visit: fresnotacotuesday.com. All donations will benefit Activitynut, to encourage an active lifestyle and friendships within a community.
Thursday, June 21st through Sunday, August 12th
“PROOF,” a gripping portrayal of genius bordering on madness, opens June 21st at Good Company Players’ 2nd Space Theatre. Catherine has inherited her late father’s mathematical brilliance, but she is haunted by the fear that she might also share his debilitating mental illness. She has spent years caring for her now-deceased father, and upon his death, she feels left alone to pick up the pieces of her life without him. Caught between a new-found connection with Hal, one of her father’s former students, and the reappearance of her sister, Catherine finds both her world and her mind growing increasingly unstable. Hal discovers a groundbreaking proof among the 103 notebooks Catherine’s father left behind, and Catherine is forced to face her own inner demons. Winner of the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, David Auburn’s Proof is a passionate, intelligent story about fathers and daughters, the nature of genius, and the power of love. 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.
Wednesday, June 22nd through Thursday, August 16th
Fresno Parks and Recreation is offering free “movies in the park,” Wednesdays at Frank H. Ball Park, Thursdays at Inspiration Park, and Fridays at Eaton Plaza. Catch a free movie every Wednesday at Frank H. Ball, Thursday at Inspiration Park, and Friday at Eaton Plaza! Bring a blanket or lawn chairs and grab a spot while you wait for the sun to go down! All movies will start at dusk (Approx. 7:30 – 8:30 p.m.). For a list of movies, go to https://www.fresno.gov/parks/activities-recreational-programs/#tab-9.
Monday, July 2nd through Monday, October 1st
A variety of Fresno State farm products will be available at a new campus farm stand at The Square at Campus Pointe this summer from 5 to 9 p.m. on Mondays from July 2 to Oct. 1. The farm stand will offer popular Gibson Farm Market items such as sweet corn, fresh fruit and vegetables, olive oil and jarred salsas, sauces and jams. Other new seasonal summer products such as a sweet corn salsa, sausages and mustard may also be featured and are produced on the 1,000-acre University Agricultural Laboratory that is operated by Fresno State staff and students. Campus farm market products are also available daily at the Gibson Farm Market (5368 N. Chestnut Ave.). Summer hours are 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Mondays through Fridays, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturdays and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sundays. For more information, contact Steven Baronian at sbaronian@lance-kashian.com or 559-437-4835, or the Gibson Farm Market at 559-278-4511.
Friday, July 13th through Sunday, July 22nd
From the Tony Award-winning songwriting team of Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty (Seussical, Ragtime), comes the Olivier Award-winning “Once on This Island” performed by Children's Musical Theaterworks, at 2425 Fresno St, # 101, Fresno. This highly original and theatrical Caribbean adaptation of the popular fairy tale, The Little Mermaid, garnered eight Tony nominations for its Broadway run, including Best Musical, Book and Score. Ti Moune, a peasant girl, rescues a wealthy boy from the other side of the island, Daniel, with whom she falls in love. Unbeknownst to Ti Moune, the pompous gods who preside over the island make a bet with one another over which is stronger, love or death, the stakes being Ti Moune's life. When she pursues Daniel, who has returned to his people, Ti Moune is shunned because of her lowly status. Her determination and capacity to love, though, is not enough to win Daniel's heart, and Ti Moune pays the ultimate price; but the gods turn Ti Moune into a tree that grows so strong and so tall, it breaks the wall that separates the societies and ultimately unites them. Evening performances are on Friday and Saturday at 7:30, and afternoon performances are Saturday and Sunday at 2:00. For tickets or more information, go to https://tickets.cmtworks.com/eventperformances.asp?evt=76.
Thursday, July 19th through Sunday, September 16th
Good Company Players journey “Into the Woods” at Roger Rocka’s Dinner Theater beginning July 19th! This brilliant mash-up of famous fairytales weaves a spell all its own with a magical score by Stephen Sondheim and mesmerizing book by James Lapine. As favorite storybook characters collide in “the woods”, Cinderella, Rapunzel, the Baker and his Wife, Little Red Riding Hood, Jack (of Beastalk fame), and a host of others are rudely awakened to post-happily-ever-after-reality. They fend off wolves, witches, and giants only to confront the evil within themselves. Witty and heartfelt, Into the Woods won Tony Awards for Best Music and Best Story and is an enchanting favorite for young people and adults alike. You’ll definitely want to lose yourself in these woods! Performances 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 $57.00 per person; Show Only - $32.00. The cost for Friday & Saturday Served Meal & Show is $60.00; 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.
Wednesday, August 1st through Wednesday, October 3rd
The Fresno State farm stand at the The Square at Campus Pointe will move to Wednesdays from 5 to 9 p.m. starting August 1st through October 3rd. The farm stand offers popular items such as sweet corn, fresh fruit and vegetables, olive oil, jarred salsas, sauces and jams, frozen cuts of meat and sausage, plants, flowers and local honey that were made on campus and raised by Fresno State staff and students. A new corn salsa and relish will be available starting Aug. 8th, featuring campus sweet corn. The first-year summer farm stand started in July on Monday evenings but was switched to coincide with special Wednesday senior citizen discounts at the adjacent Maya Cinema. Campus farm market products are also available daily at the Gibson Farm Market (5368 N. Chestnut Ave.). Summer hours are 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesdays, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturdays and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sundays. For more information, contact Steven Baronian at sbaronian@lance-kashian.com or 559-437-4835, or the Gibson Farm Market at 559-278-4511.
Friday, August 3rd through Sunday, August 12th
Children’s Musical Theaterworks presents “Beauty & the Beast Jr. 2018,” performed at the Veterans Memorial Auditorium, 2425 Fresno St. in downtown Fresno. Based on the original Broadway production that ran for over thirteen years and was nominated for nine Tony Awards, and the Academy Award-winning motion picture, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast JR. is a fantastic adaptation of the story of transformation and tolerance. Disney’s Beauty and the Beast JR. features some of the most popular songs ever written by Alan Menken and the late Howard Ashman, along with new songs by Mr. Menken and Tim Rice. Friday night performances (August 3rd and 10th) are at 7:30. Saturday performances (August 4th and 11th) are at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., and Sunday performances (August 5th and 12th) are at 2 p.m. Tickets are between $14 and $22. Go to https://tickets.cmtworks.com/eventperformances.asp?evt=77 for tickets or more information.
Monday, August 13th through Monday, August 20th
Get ready for Camp Fareta 2018, August 13-20! Camp Fareta is a residential workshop hosted by Youssouf Koumbassa, a master dancer, choreographer, and teacher from Guinea, West Africa, and featuring other master dancers and drummers from Guinea, Mali, Senegal, the Congo, and other countries. It is an immersion in West African drum and dance that started in 2006 and is held at a beautiful setting in the southern Sierras of California each summer. It takes place at Camp Hye Sierra in central California. The website, for more information, is https://www.dancingvillage.com/camp_fareta.php. If you're interested in attending, there is a special commuter rate of $70 for Fresno folks! And they need more people to do work-exchange! Write to Muriel, their work-exchange coordinator, at faretaworkcrew@gmail.com if you'd like to get more information.
Thursday, August 30th through Saturday, September 8th
Shakespeare's Romeo & Juliet is being performed by Tollberry Theater in the lovely foothills north east of Clovis off of highway 168. You’re invited to join them for a 7:00 evening performance Thursday, Friday and Saturday, August 30, 31 and September 1, 6, 7, and 8. There will also be a matinee on Saturday, September 8 at 1 pm. It takes place at the Sierra High School Lynda Qualls Presentation Center 33326 Lodge Road, Tollhouse. Admission is $8 Adults, or $5 Seniors/Students. For more information, go to
http://tollberrytheater.weebly.com.
Starting Thursday, September 6th
The Fresno State Downtown Center will offer four new classes this fall starting with “So, You Think You Can’t Paint” beginning Thursday, Sept. 6. This course will allow students to develop or increase their understanding of methods, processes, and techniques of painting through lecture, demonstrations, and hands-on learning. A supply list will be provided upon registration. There is a $100 fee for this course. “Package Design and Implementation for Small Business” begins the following week on Monday, Sept. 10. This is a creative and strategic course that will teach packaging needs, resource and resolve production processes, budgets, design, and implementation for business packages. There is a $150 fee for this course. The third course, “Perspectives on the Architectural History of Fresno’s Public Buildings and Historic Homes” begins Thursday, Sept. 11. Explore the origins of a selection of Fresno’s award-winning government buildings and historic homes, along with discussions on the history and significance of Fresno’s architecture. There is a $100 fee for this course. The last course includes the next class in the “Brew U” series, “Craft Beer 301: Sensory and Styles” beginning Thursday, Sept. 13. This course is designed for beer enthusiasts and those with a desire to learn more about the brewing process, importance of sanitation and skills needed to identify flavors in beer through sensory training. Students must be 21 or older to enroll and will need to pay a $250 class fee. These four courses will be offered between 6 to 8 p.m. at the Downtown Center located in the Bitwise South Stadium. For more information on these events call Division of Continuing and Global Education at 559-278-0333 or go to http://fresnostate.edu/cge/professional/downtown/index.html.
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.