KFCF Community Calendar: Updated 12/19/14
To post an event on our calendar e-mail the information to
[email protected], at least 2 weeks before the event.
DAILY CALENDAR
(Multiple Day and Ongoing Events are at end of posting)
public, and accessible to the handicapped.
Saturday, December 20th
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central California will host its annual Holiday Party for the
Bigs, Littles and their families in Fresno. This special occasion always brings so much
holiday cheer to the children in our program. We invite you to come and help us show
the Christmas spirit to the children in our program with presents from Toys for Tots, food
from Panda Express, fun and games, and a special appearance from a jolly fellow from
the North Pole. This event takes place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at BlackBeard’s Family
Entertainment Center (4055 North Chestnut Diagonal, Fresno). For more information,
call 559 268 2447.
Monday, December 22nd
The Fresno Art Museum is offering several printmaking workshops this winter. On
Monday, December 22nd there will be a special Grandpa/Gradma & Me workshop on
making greeting cards and gift paper stamps (linocuts) from 9 a.m. to noon. This is for
one child, 8and older, accompanied by one adult. The cost is $60 for museum
members or $75 for non-members (this cost covers one child and one adult for one
session). Preregistration is required as space is limited. To register, contact
[email protected] or call 559-441-4221, ext. 101.
Wednesday, December 31st
Visalia Holiday Inn is THE place to be this New Year's Eve. Again, this year, they will
offer two music events for your listening and dancing enjoyment on New Year's Eve,
August, the Valley's favorite local eleven piece band featuring Old Skool to Latin, Funk
to Country will be performing center stage in our Grand Ballroom. Simply put, great live
music and great fun. Our second event will feature two Dj's spinning Old Skool, top 40
hits, Salsa, Classic Rock and all of your favorite dance music in our Grand Redwood
Ballroom. Each event includes everything for a care free fun filled night of celebration.
Let's welcome the New Year and look forward to an even better 2015. $45 Ticket price
for AUGUST includes Festive Party Hats and Party Favors, abundant buffet style Hors
D'Oeurves and finger foods available from 9:00PM-11:00PM including a carving station
of Baron of Beef, batter fried shrimp, oven baked Swedish style meatballs and
vegetable egg rolls all served with accompanying sauces, chips and freshly made salsa
available throughout the evening. $25 Ticket price for DJ'd event includes Festive Party
Hats and Party Favors, buffet style finger foods also available from 9:00PM-11:00PM
including boneless chicken wings, Swedish style meatballs and taquitos all served with
accompanying sauces, chips and freshly made Salsa available throughout the evening.
Each event will have a Countdown and Champagne Toast at Midnight, No Host Cash
Bars, and lots of Free Parking. Music will be continuous from when the doors open at
8pm to 1:30am. Tickets are available for purchase now at the Visalia Holiday Inn every
Monday-Friday from 8:30am to 5pm in our Sales office or with credit card over the
phone. "Take the Elevator Home" with discounted room rates of $79 exclusive for
ticket event holders.
Friday, January 2nd
"Disruption" will be screened at 7 p.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Fresno,
2672 E. Alluvial Avenue, between Chestnut and Willow, Fresno. When it comes to
climate change, why do we do so little when we know so much? A relentless
investigation to find the answers. "Disruption" takes an unflinching look at the
devastating consequences of our inaction. This event is open to the public and
admission is free. The venue is wheelchair accessible. There will also be a discussion
post-film and light refreshments will be available. For information, go to uufresno.org or
contact Glenda at 559-291-1590 or at [email protected].
Friday, January 2nd
The Reedley Peace Center presents speaker Celia Concannon, long time resident and
public school teacher in Nogales, AZ, on the topic “Living and Teaching In a Border
Town.” The event takes place from 6:30 to 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 [email protected]. The event is free, open to
the public, and accessible to the handicapped.
Wednesday, January 7th
There will be a talk and book signing by Reese Erlich, "A Reporter's First Hand Report:
Assad, ISIS, Obama and US Middle East Policy" Foreign correspondent and
investigative reporter, Erlich discusses his new book Inside Syria: the Backstory of Their
Civil War and What the World Can Expect - published in October. As a full-time
freelance reporter, he appears on KPFA, NPR, CBC (Canada), ABC (Australia), and
Radio Deutsche Welle. His television documentaries have aired on PBS stations
nationwide. Erlich recently returned from northern Iraq where he interviewed displaced
Yazidis, Peshmerga fighters, and US diplomats. He will discuss the growing influence of
extremist rebel groups and why the US bombing campaign will hurt both Americans and
people of the region. Erlich has covered the Middle East for almost 30 years, reported
from Syria five times and visited all its neighboring countries.
The event, hosted by Peace Fresno, is free and open to the public. Inside Syria, with
foreword by Noam Chomsky, will be available for $27 (checks and cash only). The
event begins at 6:30 p.m. at the Community UCC Church, 5550 N Fresno St, Fresno
93710 (between Bullard and Barstow). Contact Bev Fitzpatrick at 559-355-9717, or by
email to [email protected].
Wednesday, January 7th
UC Cooperative Extension in Fresno and Madera Counties are once again hosting the
San Joaquin Valley Grape Symposium in Easton, CA. The San Joaquin Valley Grape
Symposium takes place at C.P.D.E.S. Hall, 172 W. Jefferson Avenue – Easton.
Registration begins at 7 a.m. with the presentations starting at 8 a.m. Topics include a
Laws and Regulations Update with William Griffin, Supervising Ag Standards Specialist,
Pesticide Division, Pierce’s Disease and Glassy Winged Sharpshooter, Mealybug
Identification and their Ability to Vector Viruses, Proper Identification of Grapevine Virus
Diseases and Vineyard Weed Management/ The cost is $15 per person advance
tickets (including lunch), or $20 at the door, and Continuing education PCA and CCA
hours have been requested. To register online go to
http://ucanr.edu/2015sjvgrapesymposium.
Friday, January 9th
"Pleasure Unwoven" will be screened at 7 p.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Church of
Fresno, 2672 E. Alluvial Avenue, between Chestnut and Willow, Fresno. This film gives
us an in-depth look at the debate over whether or not addiction can really be considered
a disease. It is a personal journey about addiction. This event is open to the public
and admission is free. The venue is wheelchair accessible. There will also be a
discussion post-film and light refreshments will be available. For information, go to
uufresno.org or contact Glenda at 559-291-1590 or at [email protected].
Friday, January 9th
The Reedley Peace Center presents speaker Simon Carroll will talk about his recent
Christian Peacemaker Team interaction with the Grassy Narrows First Nation in
Ontario, Canada. The event takes place from 6:30 to 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 [email protected]. The
event is free, open to the public, and accessible to the handicapped.
Friday, January 9th
Does the topic of vaccination make your head spin? Meet with Dr. Setareh Tais, a
naturopathic doctor and founder of Fresno Holistic Medicine, to learn about childhood
vaccinations in a non-judgmental atmosphere. Dr. Tais will discuss the implications of
vaccinating and not vaccinating. Topics Include How the immune system works,
Overview of the major childhood illnesses, Overview of the different types of vaccines
and their potential concerns, Discussion about vaccine schedule and ways to alter it for
your child, How to make vaccinations as easy on your child as possible, and Tips for
keeping your non-vaccinated child healthy. Dr. Setareh will speak at the Norton
Chiropractic Wellness Center, 5670 No. Fresno St., Suite 102 in Fresno, from 10:30 to
11:30 a.m. For more information, call 559-490-9550.
Saturday, January 10th
As part of its winter film series, the Unitarian Universalist Church of Fresno presents
“Mobilize,” at 7 p.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Fresno, 2672 E. Alluvial
Avenue, between Chestnut and Willow. "MOBILIZE" is an in-depth look at the potential
dangers of cell phone technology. The film explores the possible long-term health
effects from cell phone radiation, the most recent scientific research, legislative efforts,
and the consequent corporate resistance to acknowledge the dangers. The film features
interviews with numerous doctors, prominent politicians, technology experts, and major
telecommunication associates: Apple, Inc, The World Health Organization, the
International Agency for Research on Cancer, the National Cancer Institute, Yale
University , Harvard University , USC, UCSF, UC Berkeley, and Virgin Mobile.
Admission is free and the venue is wheelchair accessible. Light refreshments will be
available. For information, go to uufresno.org; or Glenda 559-291-1590;
[email protected], This is a repeat of the film screened on 10/17/14.
Saturday, January 10th
The Fresno Center for Nonviolence will hold its annual Retreat at Angela Price’s house.
If you would like to attend, please call 559-237-3223 for directions. If you are interested
in attending (it is open to everyone), email Angela at [email protected].
Monday, January 12th
The Fresno Center for Nonviolence will be showing the first episode of “The Untold
History of the United States ” with subsequent episodes to be shown each Monday
following until March 30th. Oliver Stone and Peter Kuznick have done what many would
consider impossible. They have written a political history of the United States in the 20th
Century that tells us exactly how the United States became an empire through
conscious decisions, and how the struggle to maintain that empire will go on despite
which political party holds office. It is a brilliant survey of the untold story. This event will
take place at 7 p.m. at 1584 N. Van Ness (SE corner of McKinley and Van Ness). The
notion of American exceptionalism still warps Americans’ understanding of their nation’s
role in the world. Most are loathe admitting that the United States has any imperial
pretensions. But history tells a different story as filmmaker Oliver Stone and historian
Peter Kuznick reveal in this riveting account of the rise and decline of the American
empire. Aided by the latest archival findings and recently declassified documents and
building on the research of the world’s best scholars, Stone and Kuznick construct an
often shocking but meticulously documented “people’s history” of the American empire
that offers startling context to the Bush-Cheney policies that put us at war in two Muslim
countries and show us why the Obama administration has had such a difficult time
cleaving a new path. Their conclusions will astonish even experts, but there is one
question only listeners can answer: Is it too late for America to change?
Thursday, January 15th
Have you been on the Yo-Yo Diet Roller coaster? Well Get Off! Join Norton Chiropractic
Wellness Center for an informative workshop. Leave with lose weight tips and feel good
about your body. Dispel some dangerous dieting myths. The event will delve into ways
to eat well without dieting or feeling constantly hungry, and how to recognize and follow
the signals of the body to stay trim. Guest speakers include Michelle Leath, Certified
Eating Psychology Coach, Chef Varouj Kachichian, Certified Gluten Practitioner,
Thornton, Trainer/ Nutritional Specialist, and Dr. Matthew K. Norton, DC. The event
takes place at 6 p.m. and the Center is located at 5670 N. Fresno. St., Suite 102,
Fresno. For directions or questions call (559) 490-9550. To register or for more
information visit http://nortonchiropracticwellnesscenter.com/NoYoYo0115.
Friday, January 16th
The Reedley Peace Center presents speaker Stan Santos on the topic of The TransPacific Partnership (TPP). The event takes place from 6:30 to 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 [email protected]. The
event is free, open to the public, and accessible to the handicapped.
Friday, January 16th
The Fresno Folklore Society presents John McCutcheon in concert at the Unitarian
Universalist Church of Fresno. John McCutcheon has an eclectic catalog of ballads,
historical songs, children’s songs, love songs, topical satire, fiddle and hammer
dulcimer instrumentals, and even symphonic works. His thirty-six albums have earned 6
Grammy nominations. His song Christmas in the Trenches was recently named one of
the 100 Essential Folk Songs. Doors open at 7 p.m. and the show begins at 7:30.
Tickets are $20 in advance or for Fresno Folklore Society members, or $25 at the gate.
Advance tickets can be purchased at National Hardware, Patrick's Music and
fresnofolkconcerts.com. The church is located at 2672 E. Alluvial Ave. (between Willow
and Chestnut) in Fresno. This is an all ages event, and kids under 12 are free. For
more information, call 559-307-3610 or go to folkmusic.com.
Friday, January 16th
Fresno Center for Nonviolence presents the start of a series showing Oliver Stone’s
“Untold History of the United States”. The series will continue on subsequent Fridays
until April 3rd. The notion of American exceptionalism still warps Americans’
understanding of their nation’s role in the world. Most are loathe admitting that the
United States has any imperial pretensions. But history tells a different story as
filmmaker Oliver Stone and historian Peter Kuznick reveal in this riveting account of the
rise and decline of the American empire. Aided by the latest archival findings and
recently declassified documents and building on the research of the world’s best
scholars, Stone and Kuznick construct an often shocking but meticulously documented
“people’s history” of the American empire that offers startling context to the BushCheney policies that put us at war in two Muslim countries and show us why the Obama
administration has had such a difficult time cleaving a new path. Their conclusions will
astonish even experts, but there is one question only listeners can answer: Is it too late
for America to change? The film will screen at 1 p.m. at the Fresno Center for
Nonviolence 1584 N. Van Ness (SE corner Van Ness and McKinley),
Friday, January 16th
The first of a series of events celebrating the life of Martin Luther King Jr. “Living the
Dream for Humanity: Yourself, Your Country, Your World,” presented by the Rev. Dr.
Martin Luther King, Jr. Unity Committee of Fresno, is the annual Garlanding Ceremony
from 11:30 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. at the Fresno County Courthouse Park (at MLK Bust on
west side of park), 1100 Van Ness Ave. The Opening Ceremony will feature Guest
Speaker Tony Sanders, Actor. Please bring flowers. For more information, contact:
Dr. Sudarshan Kapoor or Gail Gaston at (559) 681-3140.
Friday, January 16th
As part of this year’s Martin Luther King Celebration, there will be an Award Reception
from 6:00-7:30 p.m. at Rutherford “Bud” Gaston Middle School, 1120 East Church, to
honor awardees for outstanding service to the community For more information
contact Anne Gaston at 862-3931 or Summer Gaston-Gehris at 301-5466.
Saturday, January 17th
As part of this year’s Martin Luther King Celebration, there will be a Community
Breakfast (Breakfast served at 9:0 a.m. with the Program beginning at 9:45 a.m.), at the
Clovis Veterans Memorial Building, 453 Hughes Ave, Clovis (Hughes & Fifth Street).
Guest Speaker will be Dr. Joseph Castro, President, Fresno State University and there
will also be other entertainment. Tickets are $5.00 each in advance and canned food
donation. Tables of 8 available at $40.00 with advanced reservation For more
information or to make a reservation, contact Erin Ford-Horio at (559) 324-2476 or
[email protected].
Saturday, January 17th
As part of this year’s Martin Luther King Celebration there will be a Candlelight Vigil at 6
p.m. at the Fresno City College, Fountain outside of the Administration Building across
from the library, 1101 East University Avenue. For more information, contact: Dr.
Sudarshan Kapoor or Rev. Bruce McAliste at (559) 227-9819.
Saturday, January 17th
"PAY 2 PLAY" Democracy's High Stakes, will be screened at 7 p.m. at the Unitarian
Universalist Church of Fresno, 2672 E. Alluvial Avenue, between Chestnut and Willow,
"Pay 2 PLAY" follows filmmaker John Ennis' quest to find a way out from under the Pay
2 Play system, where politicians reward their donors with even larger sums from the
treasury - through contracts, tax cuts, and deregulation. If our political system is like a
game of Monopoly, how can outsiders have a voice when only money speaks? Ennis
documents comical corruption, follows political newcomers and uncovers intrigue in this
colorful journey that connects the dots of Big Money in our ever-challenging election
process. Discussion post-film. Admission is free and the venue is wheelchair
accessible. Light refreshments will be available. For information, go to uufresno.org; or
contact Glenda at 559-291-1590 or by e-mail at [email protected].
Monday, January 19th
As part of this year’s Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration, there will be a March and
“Mountain of Food” Collection from 9:15-10:45 a.m. at Fresno City Hall, 2600 Fresno
Street, Fresno Marchers assemble at 9:15 a.m and the March begins at 10:00 a.m., ,
ending at the Veterans Memorial Auditorium for Commemoration Program. The
Commemoration Program is from 10:45-12:00 noon and Veterans Memorial Auditorium,
is located at 2425 Fresno St. This year’s Featured Speaker is Delores Huerta featuring
a commemoration program celebrating community diversity and culture. “Mountain of
Food” will be collected at Fresno City Hall. For more information, contact: James Lett
III at (559) 284-6420 or Audrey Redmond at 213-5925.
Wednesday, January 21st
The Tehipite Chapter of the Sierra Club presents "Restoring Chinook Salmon to the San
Joaquin River - Challenges in Times of Drought." Professor of Biology at Fresno State,
Steve Blumenshine, will speak on this topic at the general meeting of the Tehipite
Chapter of the Sierra Club, starting at 7 p.m.. This event is free and open to the general
public. It takes place at UC Center, 550 E. Shaw Ave., Fresno.. For more information,
go to www.tehipitesierraclub.org.
Wednesday, January 21st
As part of the Valley Town Hall Lecture Series, Valerie Plame, author of “Fair Game: My
Life as a Spy, My Betrayal by the White House,” will be speaking at 10:30 a.m. at the
William Saroyan Theatre. As a covert CIA Officer, Valerie Plame worked to protect
America's national security for more than twenty years and worked to ensure that Iraq
did not acquire nuclear weapons. But in 2003, Plame found herself at the heart of a
political firestorm when senior White House and State Department officials revealed her
CIA status to several national journalists. Plame, who remained silent throughout the
controversy, eventually wrote her New York Times best-selling autobiography Fair
Game: My Life as a Spy, My Betrayal by the White House. In 2010, Fair Game was
made into a motion picture starring Sean Penn. Plame will share her expertise on
international security and deliver a candid analysis of the "security versus privacy"
debate dominating political and media circles today. For more information and this and
other speakers in this year’s series, go to valleytownhall.com.
Friday, January 23rd
"Take Back Your Power" will be screened at 7 p.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Church
of Fresno, 2672 E. Alluvial Avenue, between Chestnut and Willow, Josh del Sol's
award winning documentary investigates so-called "smart" utility meters, which are
emerging as anything but smart. The film uncovers shocking evidence of in-home
privacy invasions, increased utility bills, health and environmental harm, fires and
unprecedented hacking vulnerability...and lights the path toward solutions. This event
is free and open to the public. There will be a discussion post-film, the venue is
wheelchair accessible, and light refreshments will be available. For information, go to
uufresno.org; or contact Glenda at 559-291-1590 or by e-mail at [email protected].
Friday, January 23rd
The Reedley Peace Center presents the documentary “Praying the Devil Back to Hell”
which chronicles social unrest in the West African Republic of Liberia, where civil war
has torn the nation apart and left hundreds of thousands dead or displaced. The film
reconstructs the way this tragedy galvanized a coalition of Christian and Muslim women
to rise up and, through nonviolent tactics, put pressure on their government to pursue
peace talks, then follows their grassroots moment as it leads to democratic elections
and Liberia's first female president. The event takes place from 6:30 to 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 [email protected].
The event is free, open to the public, and accessible to the handicapped.
Saturday, January 31st and Sunday, February 1st
The Sun Maid Kennel Club will hold two AKC all-breed dog shows as well as obedience
and rally trials. These events will be held at the Fresno County Fairgrounds and
admission is free. In addition to over 700 dogs in attendance, there will be vendors with
many products for dogs and their people. The show hours are about 8:30 a.m. – 4:00
p.m. both days. On Friday the Fresno Dog Training Club will hold obedience and rally
trials on the same grounds. For more information check the Sun Maid Kennel Club’s
web site: sunmaidkennelclub.org or contact Barbara at (559) 840-2299.
Friday, February 6th
"Mobilize" will be screened at 7 p.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Fresno,
2672 E. Alluvial Avenue, between Chestnut and Willow, The film provides an in-depth
look at the potential dangers of cell phone technology and the corporate resistance to
acknowledging these dangers. It explores the possible long-term health effects from
cell phone radiation, the most recent scientific research, and legislative efforts. This
event is free and open to the public. There will be a discussion post-film, the venue is
wheelchair accessible, and light refreshments will be available. For information, go to
uufresno.org; or contact Glenda at 559-291-1590 or by e-mail at [email protected].
Friday, February 6th
The Reedley Peace Center presents Investigative journalist Bill Rempel on the topic
Racing To America. The experiences of 'undesirable immigrants' of a century ago:
Russian Mennonites. The event takes place from 6:30 to 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 [email protected]. The
event is free, open to the public, and accessible to the handicapped.
Sunday, February 8th
The Fresno Folklore Society presents Jann Klose in concert at Mia Cuppa Café. Jann
Klose won four categories in the Vox Pop segment of the IMA (Independent Music
Awards) this year. He sings Tim's parts in the movie, GREETINGS FROM TIM
BUCKLEY. His music appears on the Grammy-nominated album, “Healthy Food For
Thought,” MTV Cribs, and in the Paul Sorvino movie, “Dead Broke.” Jann's album
MOSAIC hit the Roots Radio charts at 22 and is on over 90 radio stations. Doors open
at 5:30 p.m. and the show begins at 6 p.m. Tickets are $15 in adfvance or for FFS
members, or $20 at the door. Advance tickets will be available at National Hardware,
Patrick's Music and fresnofolkconcerts.com. Mia Cuppa Café is located at 620 E Olive
Ave., Fresno. For more information, call 559-307-3610.
Saturday, March 14th
The Fresno Folklore Society presents Nevenka Balkan Women's Choir at Cal Art
Academy Severance. For more information, call 559-307-3610.
Saturday, March 21st
The Fresno Folklore Society presents Acoustic Stories with Bill Amatneek at Mia Cuppa
Café, starting at 6 p.m. Years of performing behind artists like Bill Monroe, Peter
Rowan, David Grisman, and Jerry Garcia would probably give anyone a lot of stories to
share. He walks the streets of Paris hunting for a source of tortoise shell flatpicks with
Tony Rice, Darol Anger, David Grisman, and Bill Keith…the Bill Keith Bicentennial
Bluegrass Band. And he collaborates with Kate Wolf. He tells of David Grisman trying
to introduce Jerry Garcia to Stephane Grapelli as the legendary violinist attempts to
mask he has no idea who Jerry or the Grateful Dead are. There’s Bill Monroe, showing
up behind the Peter Rowan Band onstage at the 1995 Wintergrass Festival, he and
Peter engaging in a playful shoving match ending with Big Mon sending Peter flying with
an elbow shot to the ribs. Or stories of the New Riders of The Purple Sage; Peter, Paul
and Mary and Bob Dylan. Tickets are $8 in advance or for FFS members, or $12 at the
door. Advance tickets can be purchased at National Hardware, Patrick's Music and
fresnofolkconcerts.com. Mia Cuppa Café is located at 620 Olive Ave in Fresno's Tower
District. For more information, call 559-307-3610.
Saturday, May 9th
When country a cappella band Home Free was crowned Season 4 Champions of NBC's
The Sing-Off this past December, their victory was by no means the beginnings of a
career for the five country stars from Minnesota… rather it was a satisfying culmination
of nearly a decade of hard work and commitment to a vocal craft growing in popularity.
Home Free will take the stage at the Tower Theatre in Fresno on Saturday, May 9th.
Tickets, including the VIP option, will go on sale Wednesday, December 17th at 10am
and will be available at TowerTheatreFresno.com or by phone at 559-485-9050. VIP
tickets include Best seats in the house, Pre-show Meet and Greet and Q&A with the
band inside the theatre (90 minutes prior to the show), Exclusive Spring 2015 Tour VIP
Laminate, Limited-Edition Show Hatch Print, A photo with the band, and Crowd-free
merchandise shopping. The Tower Theatre is located at 815 East Olive Avenue,
Fresno, and this all ages show begins at 8:00 p.m. Advance tickets are $30 and VIP
tickets are $100. For more information, call 559-485-9050.
MULTIPLE DAY EVENTS:
Throughout 2014:
The Lure and Lore of Yosemite is the most comprehensive exhibition to date of art,
literature and ephemera relating to the history of the Yosemite Valley and the Mariposa
Big Tree Grove. The Exhibit will be on display at the Yosemite Sierra Visitors Bureau in
Oakhurst, CA throughout 2014. Materials on display range from Lafayette Bunnell’s
account of the ‘discovery’ of the Valley, in 1851, to John Muir’s famous Century
Magazine articles (published in 1890) that led to the creation of Yosemite National Park.
Visitors to the exhibit will get a powerful sense of the impact of tourism on Yosemite in
the decades between 1870 and 1900. Examples of rare 19th century ephemera on
display – rail and stage company brochures, guide-service pamphlets, stock certificates
and trade cards for early hotels – all attest to the intense commercial activity of this
period. Yosemite was also a mecca for artists for artists and photographers, many of
whose works appear in this exhibit. Highlights include: lithographs by San Francisco
artist George Holbrook Baker, magnificent mammoth plate photographs by Carleton
Watkins, and an original pencil sketch (from 1855) by Thomas Ayres – who was the first
artist ever to draw Yosemite. For more information, contact Christi Long at the
Yosemite Visitor’s Bureau, (559) 683-4636.
Tuesday, September 23rd through Thursday, January 15th
The Fresno County Department of Public Health has scheduled influenza vaccination
clinics for the 2014-15 flu season at multiple locations throughout the county. The cost
of each vaccination will be $6.00. Medi-Cal for children and Medicare part B will also be
accepted. The 2014-15 flu vaccine is designed to protect against the viruses that are
most likely to cause disease this season. In accordance with federal and state
guidelines, it is recommended that each person six months of age and older should be
vaccinated each year. Flu viruses are always changing. Flu vaccines protect against 3
or 4 viruses and cannot prevent all cases of flu, but it is the best defense against the
disease. Vaccination is the best protection against the flu and its potential
complications. It takes about 2 weeks for protection to develop after the vaccination,
and protection lasts several months to a year. For children 8 years and younger, if this
is their first flu shot they should receive two shots this season separated by 4 weeks.
The flu vaccine also helps prevent spreading the flu virus from person-to-person.
Fresno County residents with insurance coverage should contact their health care
provider regarding flu vaccination availability. Vaccines may also be available at
physician’s 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
toll-free Immunization Information Line at 1-888-993-3003.
Friday, September 26th through Sunday, January 4th
In partnership with StageWorks Fresno, the Fresno Art Museum is proud to present four
sections of the internationally celebrated AIDS Memorial Quilt - the 54-ton, handmade
tapestry that stands as a memorial to the more than 94,000 individuals lost to AIDS - on
view through the end of 2014. Exhibition visitors will be invited to contribute to the
exhibition in two ways: the first of which is to create a supporting message to those
living with or affected by HIV/AIDS; secondly visitors can place a red ribbon with or
without a name on a pedestal within the gallery as part of a cumulative sculpture
created entirely by visitors to the exhibition, as a tribute to anyone they know who has
passed away from AIDS. To coincide with the exhibition, the Fresno Art Museum is
working with a number of community partners, including All About Care, StageWorks
Fresno, The Living Room, a project of WestCare California Inc., and the Fresno County
Department of Public Health to promote a full line-up of programming for World AIDS
Day 2014. Observed worldwide on December 1st since 1988, World AIDS Day is the
time when millions of people come together across the globe to commemorate those
who have lost their lives to HIV, and to encourage progress in HIV/AIDS prevention,
treatment, and care around the world, particularly in high prevalence countries. From
2011-2015, the World Health Organization's World AIDS Campaign is organized around
the theme of, "Getting to Zero: Zero new HIV infections. Zero discrimination. Zero AIDSrelated deaths." The Quilt will be on exhibition at the Fresno Art Museum, 2233 N. First
Street. General Admission is $5 and free for Museum Members. The Exhibition
Opening Reception is Friday, September 26th from 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm,
Saturday, November 1st through Sunday, December 21st
Good Company Players presents “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever,” at Second Space
Theatre. Seen through the eyes of the pragmatic 10-year-old Beth Bradley, this
delightfully heart-warming American classic is an audience favorite! When the regular
pageant director, Mrs. Armstrong, breaks her leg, Beth’s mom, Grace Bradley, is
pressed into service. Unfortunately for her, the worst kids in town find out there are
treats at church and that's all the information they need to decide they want the leading
roles in the annual pageant. Along the way, the horrible Herdmans, learn the story of
Christmas for the first time and the congregation learns a lot about their own hearts.
This holiday treat for the whole family features a cast comprised of new and familiar
faces. 2nd Space Theatre is located at 928 E. Olive. The play will be performed
Thursdays through Saturdays (Thursday at 7:30 p.m.; Friday & Saturday at 8:00 p.m., &
Sunday matinee at 2:00 p.m.) Tickets are $18 general admission; $15 for students &
seniors. For reserve call 559-266-0660/800-371-4747 or buy online at
2ndspacetheatre.com.
Thursday, November 13th through Sunday, January 11th
Good Company Players’ sizzling production of Smokey Joe’s Café opens
November 13th at Roger Rocka’s Dinner Theater. This smokin’ hot review, spanning the
‘50’s, ‘60’s and ‘70’s, features the toe- tapping, hip-swiveling, soul searing music of
Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller. The duo burst into the music industry as teenagers and
launched a body of work that runs the gamut from rhythm and blues to novelty with
romantic ballads, doo-wop, and rock-and-roll liberally sprinkled throughout. The score of
Smokey Joe’s Cafe includes songs like “Stand By Me,” “Yakety Yak,” “Spanish
Harlem,” “Kansas City,” “Trouble,” Jailhouse Rock,” “On Broadway,” “Fools Fall In
Love,” “On Broadway” and a myriad of other hits! Twelve talented, dynamic performers
will take you on an ebullient trip back to the heyday of early rock and roll. Performances
are Thursdays through Sundays, with two shows most Sundays. 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 and 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 matinee, 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 for
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 the Thursday and Sunday Buffet &
Show is $46.00 per person (Show Only - $29.00). The cost for the Friday and Saturday
Served Meal & Show is $50.00; Show Plus (includes the show, 1 dessert, 1 drink, tax
and tip) is $37.00. Roger Rocka’s Dinner Theater,\ is located at 1226 N. Wishon, at
Olive and Wishon in The Tower District. For tickets or more information, call 559-2669494/800-371-4747 or reserve online at rogerrockas.com.
Friday, November 28th through Sunday, December 21st
The Clovis Botanical Garden invites you to its Holiday Open House at 945 N. Clovis
Ave. (at Dry Creek Park) Clovis & Alluvial Avenues, from 9 am to 4 pm daily (except
closed Mondays & Tuesdays). The Gift Shoppe at the Garden invites you to join us for
light refreshments and browse our collection of holiday, garden, and gift items. Bring a
friend and walk our new paths… enjoy the beauty of the garden including 2014
additions: the Cactus and Succulent Garden, and the recently planted Mediterranean
and Chilean/South African gardens. For more information, call 559-351-6642.
Friday, December 5th through Sunday, December 28th
Come celebrate a Victorian Christmas at Fresno’s Historic Kearney Mansion Museum.
Step back in time for a turn-of-the-century holiday experience. Enjoy the sights and
sounds of Kearney Mansion decorated for the holidays, and shop for gifts reminiscent of
Christmas past in the Kearney Mansion Museum store. Public guided tours of the
Mansion are available on December 5, 6, 7, 12, 13, 19, 20, 21, 27 and 28, at 1, 2 or 3
p.m. The cost is $10 for adults, $8 for seniors or $5 for children or students, with
children under 3 free. (There is also a $5 per car entrance fee to the park.) There will
also be an Open House Reception (with a self-guided tour included) on December 14th
from 1-4 p.m. Join them for live holiday music, treats, and their special Kearney punch.
Tickets for the open house are the same price as for the guided tours. For more
information, contact the Fresno Historical Society at 559-441-0862 or go to
www.valleyhistory.org. The Kearney Mansion is located at 7160 W. Kearney Boulevard
in Fresno.
Now through January, 2015
Registration is now open for Sanger Adult School’s Spring Semester Career Training.
Affordable courses are available for Phlebotomy Technician, Pharmacy Technician,
Veterinarian Assistant, Medical Coding & Billing, Clinical Medical Assistant,
Electrocardiogram (EKG) Technician, ICD 10, Veterinarian Assistant, Comp TIA A+,
and National Retail Certification. Financial assistance is available through student loans
or Workforce Connection. Visit us at https://sas.theknowledgebase.org More
information is also available at 800-371-2963 or 760-213-9070.
Friday, March 13th 2015 to Saturday March 21st 2015
Winner of the 2012 Pulitzer Prize. “Somewhere in Philadelphia” will be performed at the
Fresno State Woods Theatre Speech Arts Building, Elliot has returned from Iraq and is
struggling to find his place in the world. Somewhere in a chat room, recovering addicts
keep each other alive, hour by hour, day by day. The boundaries of family and
community are stretched across continents and cyberspace as birth families splinter
and online families collide. WATER BY THE SPOONFUL is a heartfelt meditation on
lives on the brink of redemption. Performances are every day except Monday, and all
performances are at 8 p.m. except the Sunday performance which is at 2 p.m. Tickets
for adults are $17, for Fresno State Faculty/Staff, Seniors, Alumni & Military, $15, and
for all students, $10. For tickets or information, call 559.278.2216 or e-mail
[email protected].
Friday, May 1st through Saturday, May 9th
Fresno State’s University Theatre presents “The Playboy of the Western World,” a
classic Irish comedy from 1907 by John Millington Synge. In the remote west coast of
Ireland, a stranger, Christy Mahon, stumbles into Flaherty’s tavern claiming to be on the
run after killing his brute of a father. Rather than condemn his actions, the locals are
fascinated by his scandalous boldness, and soon, Christy is enjoying celebrity notoriety
in the town—and also enjoying the romantic attention of two local women, Pegeen and
the Widow Quinn, who vie for him. However, when Christy’s father shows up, comic
complications ensue. As a satire on the romanticizing of outlaws, this classic play still
resonates with contemporary culture. The play will be performed every day except
Monday, and all performances are at 8 p.m. except on Sunday when it’s at 2 p.m.
Ticket prices are $17 for adults, $15 for Fresno State Faculty/Staff, Seniors, Alumni &
Military, and $10 for all students. For more information call 559.278.2216 or e-mail
[email protected].
ONGOING
Every Day
Occupy Fresno is at Fresno’s Courthouse Park (on the south end, off Tulare between
Van Ness and M Street). They hold a General Assembly every day at 6 p.m. and there
have been arrests every day, shortly after midnight. For more information, go to
http://occupyfresnoca.com/
Every Tuesday
Starting 8/27/13, the Islamic Cultural Center of Fresno will be holding classes on the
Quran focusing on pronunciation and memorization. The classes are free (donations
appreciated) and start at 7 p.m. If interested please contact Rebecca by e-mail to
[email protected]. No registration is needed.
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 through the 2014 school year
New Horizons Music provides adults a fun 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. Rehearsals are going on each
Wednesday starting at 5:30 p.m. for string instruments and 6:30 p.m. for band
instruments. Groups perform at least two concerts each school year. All meetings are at
the Bullard High School Band Room, 5445 N. Palm, Fresno. For more information,
contact Craig Erker at [email protected] or Archie Rader at 559-273-8309.
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 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 [email protected] 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: [email protected].
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 preregistration 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.
First Wednesday of each month:
A Women in Black Silent Vigil takes place from noon to 1 p.m. at the Fresno County
Courthouse, 1100 Van Ness Ave. Show your support for peace and negotiated
settlements of current U.S. military actions. Stand silently and advocate for peace. For
more information, call 559-278-7140 or 559-225-2850. This vigil takes place the 1st
Wednesday of each month.
The “Goodie Bag Project” is collecting small toiletry items brought home from hotels
and vacations to provide gifts for women incarcerated in Central Valley Women’s
Prisons. This is a collaborative effort of the CCWF Inmate Family Council, the Fresno
Center for Nonviolence, the Unitarian Universalist Church of Fresno Social Justice
Committee, and the United Methodist Church of Merced. They are seeking
sample/travel size bath gels, body soap, lotions, deodorant, shampoo, conditioner,
toothpaste, toothbrushes, small combs and pocket sized packages of tissues (no food,
candy, edibles, drinkables, mouthwash or anything containing alcohol). They are also
collecting all kinds of greeting cards, wooden pencils and clear, colorless pens, as well
as paper scratch pads and picture postcards. Items may be dropped off at the Center
for Nonviolence, 1584 N. Van Ness Ave., south of McKinley, during open hours, M - F,
11 AM - 3 PM. Checks can be made out to "FCNV Prison Ministry - Goodie Bags," and
mailed to the Center at the above address, or dropped off in person. Receipts will be
given. All donations are tax-deductible. For additional information or to see if an item is
allowable under prison rules, call Maria Telesco at 559-255-9492. Please remember all
items must be SMALL.
Volunteers Needed: Collective for Arts, Freedom, and Ecology (CAFE) Fresno, whose
mission is to provide a safe space for all people and provide programs and events that
provide enrichment and information to Fresno and the Central Valley, is looking for
volunteers, especially for Food Not Bombs, an organization that provides a nutritious
meal to anybody that would like and need one. Food Not Bombs is in dire need of
physical and financial help, and will accept anything that might go to waste that is still
useful. This includes but is not limited to: clothing, toys, tools, and furniture. All of these
items will be redistributed to others that need them. Food Not Bombs meets on Sundays
at CAFE Infoshop (935 F. Street in Fresno) at noon sharp, to chop and cook until 3. At 3
p.m., they serve at the courthouse park. For more information call Vanessa at (559)
485-3937 or e-mail [email protected].
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 888266-29 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 877-7268387, 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.