1. art and entertainment
2. movies and tv
3. movies

KFCF Community Calendar: Updated 2/6/15
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)
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 Fresno Center for Nonviolence continues its screenings of Oliver Stone’s “Untold
History of the United States” at 1 p.m. at the Fresno Center for Nonviolence, 1584 N.
Van Ness (SE corner Van Ness and McKinley), (This is a repeat of Monday’s episode.)
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? The series will continue on subsequent Fridays until April 3rd. These
screenings are free and open to the public and the venue is wheelchair accessible. For
more information call 559-237-3223 Mon-Fri 11-3.
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.
Friday, February 6th
Cineculture presents “The Pursuit of Happyness” with discussant: Dr. Ed EmanEl. In
2006 Will Smith and his son Jaden co-starred in one of the best films of 2006. The
movie tells the true life story of Chris Gardner, an African American, who in 1981 was
homeless in San Francisco, raising his son as a single father, without a job, with no
place to live and harassment from the IRS. Faced with this adversity, Gardner, armed
only with his superb intelligence, his unwavering dedication as a parent, and his
complete faith that hard work and diligence would eventually raise him out of this
avalanche of bad fortune, strives to make a success out of his life. This film ends in a
wonderful epiphany. The screenplay is written by Seven Conrad based on the bestselling memoir written by Chris Gardner and Quincy Troupe. The film is directed by
Gabriele Muccino. The screening will be at 5:30 p.m. at Fresno State’s Peters
Education Center Auditorium (west of Save-Mart Center in the Student Recreation
Center Building). For more information, go to cineculture.csufresno.edu.
Saturday, February 7th
Join Fresno’s environmental community for the March for Real Climate Leadership in
Oakland! They’re looking to mobilize 10,000 Californians to converge on Oakland,
home to Governor Jerry Brown, for a rally, march, and meeting of like-minded
Californians to tell Governor Brown he needs to take action on the environment. Join
Fresnans & Mercedians Against Fracking and other anti-fracking and environmentallyconscience Californians to tell Governor Brown we need real climate leadership—and
we need it now! Buses will leave from Fresno and Merced and other cities across the
state. If you are a student, you may get a Free ticket! For more information and to
sign up, go to: http://marchforclimateleadership.org. Bus tickets are available under
Transportation. Contact Marilynne for more information at (209) 631-3235 or visit our
Facebook Page: Mercedians Against Fracking.
Saturday, February 7th
The San Joaquin Literary Association at Fresno State presents the fifth annual
WordFest, featuring New York Times best-selling authors Sam Lipsyte and Leslie
Jamison, with up-and-coming poet Brynn Saito. Craft talks from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. inside
the Henry Madden Library. Craft talks seating is limited; email [email protected]
to reserve a spot. The reading and book signing is at 7 p.m. in the Alice Peters
Auditorium, inside the University Business Center. Admission to the full event is free.
Call 372-9068 for details.
Saturday, February 7th
The Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual Organization presents “The Power of One,” with
Special Speaker BK Sister Chandru Desai, Director of the Brahma Kumaris Meditation
Center in San Francisco. The event is from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at 7319 N. Fourth St.
Fresno. Now, more than ever before, there is a sense of urgency to connect with the
One Source, and experience freedom. Sister Chandru will enlighten us on how to
connect with the Source, be empowered, and free ourselves from increasing stress in
our lives. Sister Chandru has been practicing and teaching Raja Yoga Meditation over
50 years. She administers the Brahma Kumaris Centers in the Western Region of the
U.S. and is Vice President of Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual Org., USA. She has lived
and served in African countries and Canada, and was instrumental in starting the center
in San Francisco & Anubhuti Retreat Center in Novato, CA. The program will include an
inspiring talk, guided meditation, and light refreshments. There is no charge. Men are
also welcome. For more information, e-mail [email protected] or call (559)
435-2212.
Saturday, February 7th
As part of Black History Month, The New Light for New Life Church of God at 1106
West Woodward Ave. Fresno, will be screening several videos each Saturday in
February. The first, on February 7th, is “Hidden Colors” #1 with a discussion with
Minister Wanda Allen. Each Saturday afternoon video will begin promptly at 1 p.m. For
more information, call Jerline Bishop at (559) 579-5274.
Saturday, February 7th and Sunday, February 8th
Kings River Winery, the Central Valley’s newest winery, will host their grand opening on
February 7th & 8th from 11am - 5pm. Kings River Winery is located in Sanger, CA and is
the newest winery in Fresno County. The winery features state of the art equipment, a
beautiful tasting room and sits at the edge of their family vineyards, and the base of the
Sierra Nevada foothills. The Grand Opening event will feature wine tasting, winery
tours, appetizers from Peeve’s Public House and The Mad Duck, and Local Food
Vendors (P de Q, Deb’s Gourmet-Flavored Jalapenos, L.T. Sue Company Teas,
Sarah’s Harvest Hummus, Bari Olive and Bari Olive Oil). We will feature top local
bands; Espacio on Saturday and Roger Perry & Friends on Sunday. This Grand
Opening celebration is also the weekend of the Fresno County Wine Journey’s Wine
and Chocolate Lovers Weekend, and they will have plenty of chocolate to pair with
theirwines. You will be able to buy wristbands for the event at 50% off, just $5 per
person, and it’s good for the whole weekend at all of the participating Fresno County
wineries. Kings River Winery is located at 4276 S. Greenwood Sanger. For more
information,call (559) 903-7154.
Sunday, February 8th
There will be a talk and book signing by Marjorie Cohn. Her new book “Drones and
Targeted Killing: Legal, Moral, and Geopolitical Issues,” contains essays by 13 authors
and was edited by Cohn. She is a former president of the National Lawyers Guild and
lectures throughout the world on international human rights and U.S. foreign policy. Her
website is: http://www.marjoriecohn.com. This event takes place at Community United
Church of Christ, 5550 N Fresno St, Fresno (between Bullard and Barstow). From 2:30
- 3:45 p.m. she will give a CIA Torture Report, discussing the 2014 U. S. Senate
Intelligence Committee's CIA Torture Report. From 3:45 - 4:30 p.m. there will be a book
signing and Snacks, and from 4:30 - 5:45 p.m. there will be a talk by Cohn on the 2014
book she edited: “Drones and Targeted Killing: Legal, Moral, and Geopolitical Issues.”
This event is sponsored by Peace Fresno, Human Rights Coalition, Fresno Center for
Nonviolence, Women’s International League of Peace and Freedom, Peace and
Conflict Studies Program - CSU Fresno, and KFCF 88.1 fm. For more information,
contact [email protected], or by phone at 559-251-3361/ .
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.
Sunday, February 8th
After providing enticing exhibitions for twenty years, the Clark Center for Japanese Art
and Culture will close its doors with its final exhibition Elegant Pastimes: Masterpieces
of Japanese Art from the Clark Collections at the Minneapolis Institute of Arts. The
exhibition highlights a selection of 1,200 years of Japanese art from the 8th century to
2013. The Opening Lecture for this exhibit takes place on Sunday, Frebruary 8 th at 2
p.m. It will be conducted by Dr. Andreas Marks, Head, Department of Japanese and
Korean Art at the Minneapolis Institute of Arts. Seats are limited. For information or a
reservation, call (559) 582-4915. The exhibit will run from February 10th through June
30th. The Clark Center for Japanese Art & Culture is located at 15770 10th Avenue in
Hanford
Sunday, February 8th
Fresno Pacific University presents a Concert Choir with Fresno Christian High School,
at 6 p.m. at College Community Church/Mennonite Brethren, 2529 Willow, Clovis. This
event is free. For information call 559-453-2267 or e-mail [email protected].
Monday, February 9th
Fresno Center for Nonviolence will continue its series of film screenings showing Oliver
Stone’s “The Untold History of the United States”. 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? The series will continue on
subsequent Mondays until March 30th. This week’s episode addresses The Bomb; the
strategies behind the US atomic bombings of Japan are explored as well as the new
mythology that emerged from the war. The bombing haunted the Soviets, and mistrust
towards the Allies grew quickly. The consequences of beginning a process that could
end life on the planet are examined. These screenings are free and open to the public
and the venue is wheelchair accessible. For more information call 559-237-3223 MonFri 11-3.
Monday, February 9th
Join Black Woman Organized for Political Action for their general membership meeting
on Monday, February 9 at the Downtown Club of Fresno. Networking begins at 5:15pm.
Dinner is available purchase.
Tuesday, February 10th
Women’s Imaging Specialist in Healthcare (WISH) is sponsoring five week fitness
classes tailored to meet the needs of chemotherapy patients, at no cost to the patient.
The next series of classes begin Tuesday, Feb10, 2015 from 6-7 p.m. at Rhonda’s
Fitness, 686 E. Bullard Ste. 102 in Fresno. For more information or to register, please
call Rhonda’s Fitness (559) 431-3600.
Tuesday, February 10th
Join Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Central California cut the ribbon on a new High School
Bigs program for the High School students from Yosemite High who will mentor children
from Oakhurst Elementary School in Oakhurst, CA. This enrichment-based program
focuses not only on one-on-one mentoring, but also on the academic progress of each
elementary school student. This short ceremony will feature a brief presentation about
our program, a ribbon cutting and an opportunity to ask questions to learn more about
this impactful program. The Ribbon Cutting Ceremony takes place from 4 p.m. – 4:30
p.m. at Oakhurst Elementary, 49495 High School Road, Oakhurst, CA Support the
collaboration between Big Brothers Big Sisters and the community of Oakhurst to help
find caring mentors for elementary youth. For more information, call 559 268 2447.
Wednesday, February 11th
The Fresno City College Speakers Forum presents Jamie Tworkowski, founder of To
Write Love on Her Arm (http://twloha.com/home), a non-profit group helping those who
suffer from depression, addiction, self-injury, and suicidal tendencies. Founded in 2006,
TWLOHA began as the simple attempt to tell the story of a friend in need, but quickly
grew into an internet phenomenon. An upcoming movie will be released on DVD in
March and Jamie’s book If You Feel Too Much will be released in May. Supported by
bands such as Switchfoot, Anberlin and Paramore, TWLOHA spread quickly throughout
the music community. Now, with one of the largest online audiences of any non-profit on
Facebook and Twitter, the TWLOHA team has responded to over 170,000 messages
from 100 countries. TWLOHA has also given over one million dollars directly to
treatment and recovery. The organization has been featured on NBC Nightly News,
CBS Sunday Morning, MTV and Rolling Stone Magazine. Most recently, TWLOHA won
the one million dollar grand prize in the American Giving Awards presented by Chase.
This event takes place at 11:00 a.m. in the OAB Auditorium. Admission is free and
there’s a Reception to follow. For more information, call (559) 489-2218.
Thursday, February 12th
The passion of flamenco guitar ignites the next Pacific Artist Series concert sponsored
by Fresno Pacific University. Ricardo Guevara will perform at 7:30 p.m. in the
McDonald Hall Atrium on the main FPU campus, 1717 S. Chestnut Ave., Fresno (at the
intersection with Butler Avenue). Born in Guanajuato, Mexico, Guevara's interest in
guitar began at 15 years old when his mother bought him an instrument following a
surgery. Coming to FPU with little formal training, he was inspired by the music faculty
and graduated with a B.A. in music performance in 2008. He earned a master's from
California State University, Fresno, in 2014. He is now working with former teachers
Corey Whitehead, D.M.A., and Jose Antonio Rodriguez to build the Central Valley's
flamenco culture. Ricardo Guevara, guitar, part of the Fresno Pacific University Pacific
Artist Series, Admission, payable at the door, is $12 for general audiences, $8 for senior
citizens and $5 for students. For more information, call 559-453-2267, e-mail
[email protected], or go to www.fresno.edu/pacificartist.
Thursday, February 12th and Friday, February 13th
Fresno Filmworks presents The Oscar-Nominated Short Films Festival 2015 at the
Tower Theatre. The two evenings will feature three full programs of Academy Awardnominated short movies. Thursday show time: documentary at 7 p.m. Friday show
times: live action at 5:30 p.m., and animation at 8:30 p.m. Advance tickets cost $10
general and $8 for students and seniors, with a special $15 double-feature ticket good
for any two shorts programs. Tickets can be purchased by check or cash at the Tower
Theatre box office, 815 E. Olive Ave. Go online to FresnoFilmworks.org for tickets and
details.
Friday, February 13th
Visalia will be celebrating this years' (third annual) ONE BILLION RISING on Friday,
February 13, 2015 downtown at the Garden Street Plaza from 4:00 - 6:00 PM. Join ACT
for Women and Girls & Family Services of Tulare County in a march from Garden Street
Plaza, down Main to West Street, and back toward Garden Street Plaza for a final
dance party! The event schedule is as follows:
4:00 PM - Gather at Garden Street Plaza
4:30 PM - Begin the march toward West Street (handing out flowers to passersby)
5:00 PM - Return to Garden Street Plaza for a resource fair and dance party!
One Billion Rising is the biggest mass action to end violence against women in human
history. The campaign, launched on Valentine’s Day 2012, began as a call to action
based on the staggering statistic that 1 in 3 women on the planet will be beaten or raped
during her lifetime. With the world population at 7 billion, this adds up to more than ONE
BILLION WOMEN AND GIRLS. People across the world come together to express their
outrage, strike, dance, and RISE in defiance of the injustices women suffer, demanding
an end at last to violence against women. You can find more information for the
worldwide movement ae http://www.onebillionrising.org. For more information about our
local movement you can visit http://www.onebillionrising.org/events/one-billion-risingvisalia, or by calling 559-738-8037.
Friday, February 13th
The Reedley Peace Center presents speakers Steve and Laura Reed who have lived
and worked with Central Americans for 35 years. Steve is a minister and Laura is an
immigration attorney. They lived in the Mission District of San Francisco and now in
Oak Park Sacramento working on immigration and human rights issues. 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, February 13th
Fresno Center for Nonviolence will continue its series of film screenings showing Oliver
Stone’s “The Untold History of the United States”. 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? The series will continue on
subsequent Mondays until March 30th. This week’s episode addresses The Bomb; the
strategies behind the US atomic bombings of Japan are explored as well as the new
mythology that emerged from the war. The bombing haunted the Soviets, and mistrust
towards the Allies grew quickly. The consequences of beginning a process that could
end life on the planet are examined. These screenings are free and open to the public
and the venue is wheelchair accessible. For more information call 559-237-3223 MonFri 11-3.
Saturday, February 14th
The JUSTicia RUN takes place February 14, 2015 and is the first ten-point race in the
Valley Runner of the Year Series. It includes a 5K run, two-mile walk/run, and a quarter
mile kids run. The race benefits Clovis Police Foundation, Sierra Challenge Express
Running Club and the San Joaquin College of Law Student Bar Association. The race
takes place at San Joaquin College of Law, 901 5th St. in Clovis, Race Day Registration
is from 6:45 to 7:45 a.m.; the Kids Run 1/4 Mile (ages 9 & under) is at 8:00 a.m.; the 2
mile Run/Walk is at 8:15 a.m., the 5k Run is at 8:45 a.m., and Breakfast is from 8:15 10:30 a.m. The JUSTicia RUN also includes a costume contest: Run FOR the law,
where Outlaws, Robbers, Scoundrels, Gangsters, Smugglers, Pirates, Villains, etc. run
FROM the law (Constables, Sheriffs, Marshalls, Deputies, Arbitrators, Attorneys,
Counselors, Judges, Bounty Hunters, Skip Tracers, Posses, FBI, DEA, FDA,
Superheroes, and Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.) Wear your most creative costume. Awards
will be given for best costume. The annual Elizabeth O’Neil Memorial Children’s Book
Drive is also part of the race. Those participating in the race are asked to bring a new or
gently used children’s book to help beef-up the libraries at Pinedale and Temperance
Kutner Elementary Schools. Last year, nearly 400 books were split between Lincoln and
Jefferson Elementary Schools. Register (or get information) at http://justiciarun.com.
Early registration is $20 for adults, $10 for kids. After 2/5/15 ut’s $35 for Adults and $15
for kids.
Saturday, February 14th
Arte Américas will present a jazz performance by the Richard Giddens Trio. The
performance will give Central Valley jazz lovers another opportunity to hear world-class
metropolitan jazz amidst a casual gallery setting. The jazz trio is headed by Fresno
native Richard Giddens, a Roosevelt High School graduate who holds an MFA from the
California Institute of Arts and currently tours internationally as professional jazz
musician and performs with the Lost and Found Orchestra -- a symphonic based
physical theatre piece created by the founders of the percussive theatre show STOMP.
Giddens has curated a series of jazz programs in the galleries at Arte Américas
featuring well-know jazz musicians as guest players. Previous artists have included
Ryan Dragon, Jeff Miley, and Larry Koonse. The Valentine's Day program will present
legendary pianist John Beasley, who was in the personal bands of Miles Davis, Freddie
Hubbard, and Roy Hargrove. Additionally, Beasley has worked with Steely Dan, Chaka
Khan, and Christian McBride. The jazz trio is comprised of drummer/local music
educator Brian Hamada and saxophonist Tom Wilson. Doors to the venue will open at
7pm, with appetizers from Tower District restaurant Veni Vidi Vici will be offered to
guests. The band will play until 10:00. Admission is $15 per person and refreshments
will be available for sale. This event is open to all ages, and jazz students are
encouraged to attend. Arte Americas is located at 1630 Van Ness Ave. in downtown
Fresno.
Saturday, February 14th
As part of Black History Month, The New Light for New Life Church of God at 1106
West Woodward Ave. Fresno, will be screening several videos each Saturday in
February. The February 14th video is “Hidden Colors” #2 with a discussion with Dr.
Kehinde Solwazi. Each Saturday afternoon video will begin promptly at 1 p.m. For
more information, call Jerline Bishop at (559) 579-5274.
Monday. February 16th
Fresno Center for Nonviolence will continue its series of film screenings showing Oliver
Stone’s “The Untold History of the United States”. 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? The series will continue on
subsequent Mondays until March 30th. This week’s episode addresses The Cold War:
1945–1950: The equations changes: specific month-by month causes of the Cold War.
Highlights include Churchill's Iron Curtain speech, the civil war in Greece and the Red
Scare that prompts the rise of Joseph McCarthy, the House Un-American Activities
Committee and the FBI. These screenings are free and open to the public and the
venue is wheelchair accessible. For more information call 559-237-3223 Mon-Fri 11-3.
Wednesday, February 18th
"John Muir's Continuing Inspiration" will be the topic of Harold Wood's presentation at
the general meeting of the Tehipite Chapter of the Sierra Club. Mr. Wood is a long-time
John Muir scholar and wilderness activist. Join us for this event, which is free and open
to the general public. The event takes place at 7:00 pm at the UC Center, 550 E. Shaw
Ave., Fresno, across from Fashion Fair between 1st and Fresno.
Wednesday, February 18th
As part of a series of special events Commemorating Martin Luther King, Jr., and Black
History Month, Fresno Pacific University presents "African Americans: Central Valley
Roots and Contributions," with Karla Kirk, M.A., instructor, Fresno City College. This
event is sponsored by Fresno Pacific University and takes place at 5:30 p.m. at the New
Beginnings Church located at 5089 E. McKinley, Fresno. It is free and open to the
public. For more information, call 559-453-2020 or e-mail [email protected].
Thursday, February 19th
Windsong Productions is pleased to present the eleventh installment of The Germ, a
local short film festival that encourages people of all ages and experience levels to
create movies by giving them a “germ” of an idea to use as a starting point. The
inspiration for this Germ is a piece of Parisian street art (viewable at thegerm.org). All
films must also be love stories and have a maximum run time of five minutes.
Submissions are due by 5 p.m. on Monday, February 16. The community is welcome to
attend the free screening on Thursday, February 19th at 7 p.m. at Windsong
Productions, 7676 N Palm Ave., Suite 104 in Fresno. A no-host bar and the Bravo Bites
food truck will be on-site to provide food and refreshments. For more information, visit
the germ.org.
Thursday, February 19th
A concert featuring a cappella choral music interspersed with poetry by composers and
poets from around the world will be presented to the greater Fresno community at the
Holy Trinity Armenian Apostolic Church in Downtown Fresno. The concert will take
place at 7:00pm. Admission is Free. Titled “In Memoriam,” the concert is built around
universal themes of loss, grief, acceptance and hope, the concert will present a one
hour meditation with music and text on the first modern genocide in remembrance of the
100th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. "In Memoriam" is offered by the Bob
Cole Chamber Choir from California State University, Long Beach and its conductor Dr.
Jonathan Talberg. It is hoped that the concert will both memorialize and raise
awareness of the atrocities of the Ottoman Empire towards the Armenian people-atrocities that many scholars believe paved the way for genocides in Europe, in South
East Asia, in Chile, and in Africa. The concert will be presented twice--once for the
greater Fresno community and once for members of the California Music Educators
Conference (CASMEC) attendees. The Concert is co-sponsored by the California State
University, Long Beach, California Music Educators Conference, Holy Trinity Armenian
Apostolic Church and the Armenian Museum of Fresno. Holy Trinity Church is located
at 2226 Ventura Street in downtown Fresno. Limited seating. Seating will be available
as first come first serve basis. For more information, call (559) 224-1000.
Friday, February 20th
Cineculture presents “ Field of Amapolas (Jardin the Amapolas)” with discussant: Maja
Zimmermann (Producer). Emilio and his nine-year-old son are forced to abandon their
parcel of land overnight due to threats that they and the locals have been collaborating
with the enemy in the guerilla war that has been ravaging rural Colombia for years. A
relative helps them relocate and, despite his initial reticence, Emilio ends up working on
a poppy plantation. At the heart of the story is Luisa, with whom Emilio’s son shares the
secret companionship of a neighborhood dog. Filmed in the south of Colombia, near
Melo Guevara’s native Ipiales, this is a film about the plight of innocent civilians
displaced by war. Sitting on the fence is not an option and it is almost impossible for
them not to get mixed up in illegal activities. However, the final flashback of the children
leaves us with an inkling of hope for a better future. This film is In Spanish with English
subtitles. The screening will be at 5:30 p.m. at Fresno State’s Peters Education Center
Auditorium (west of Save-Mart Center in the Student Recreation Center Building). For
more information, go to cineculture.csufresno.edu.
Friday, February 20th
Fresno Center for Nonviolence will continue its series of film screenings showing Oliver
Stone’s “The Untold History of the United States”. 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? The series will continue on
subsequent Mondays until March 30th. This week’s episode addresses The Cold War:
1945–1950: The equations changes: specific month-by month causes of the Cold War.
Highlights include Churchill's Iron Curtain speech, the civil war in Greece and the Red
Scare that prompts the rise of Joseph McCarthy, the House Un-American Activities
Committee and the FBI. These screenings are free and open to the public and the
venue is wheelchair accessible. For more information call 559-237-3223 Mon-Fri 11-3.
Friday, February 20th
This is Interfaith Scholars Weekend with speaker: Dr. Miguel De La Torre on “Our
Immigration Dilemma.” The weekend begins Friday, February 20th at Temple Beth
Israel, 6622 N. Maroa Ave., with a 7:30 pm Opening Lecture during the Shabbat Service
on the topic, “Immigration: What does the Judeo-Christian Tradition Say?” It continues
on Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Temple Beth Israel, followed on Sunday at
three different venues: At Community United Church of Christ, 5550 N. Fresno Street at
9:00 am (Worship Service, with a Sermon By Dr. De La Torre (“Was Jesus a Racist?”),
at Wesley United Methodist Church, 1314 E. Barstow Avenue at 10:30 am (Worship
Service, with a Sermon By Dr. De La Torre on “Was Jesus a Racist?”), and at First
Congregational Church of Fresno, 2131 N. Van Ness Blvd. from 1:00-2:15 pm
(Debriefing of the Weekend with Dr. Miguel A. De La Torre). Registration for the
weekend is $45. Register on-line at http://interfaithscholar.org/isw-2015/.
Saturday, February 21st
Disoriented Comedy, the first all-Asian American, (mostly) female standup comedy
show is coming back to Fresno on Saturday, Feb. 21, 7:00 p.m. at the Tower Theatre
for a benefit organized by a local nonprofit, Central California Asian Pacific Women
(CCAPW). This show will raise funds to support CCAPW’s longstanding college
scholarship program benefiting low-income Asian American women in the Central
Valley. Last year’s benefit show was the comedy showcase’s first visit to Fresno. That
event packed a sold-out crowd of nearly 700 people into the Tower Theatre –
Disoriented Comedy’s largest crowd ever – raising over $5,500 on behalf of the local
Asian American community. This year, CCAPW’s goal is to raise $10,000 to establish a
scholarship endowment fund. This year’s showcase brings together six professional
comics who have performed onstage at comedy clubs throughout the country and
onscreen on networks such as Showtime, HBO, NPR, and PBS. They will share stories
of their multi-faceted lives through their unique brand of storytelling and socially-savvy
humor (adult audience recommended). Disoriented Comedy features the fresh voices of
Asian American women not often seen in mainstream comedy venues. These highly
accomplished comedians are Jenny Yang (Showtime, Buzzfeed, ISAtv), D’Lo (HBO,
Amazon Studios), Atsuko Okatsuka (Littlerock, IFC), Dhaya Lakshminarayanan (NPR,
PBS), Kat Evasco (Mommy Queerest, Youth Speaks), and Liliana Cervantes (CA’s
Funniest Female). CCAPW is co-presenting the Fresno Disoriented Comedy show to
not only showcase talented Asian American females who are breaking stereotypes, but
also to show young women that they have the power to find their voices through the
arts. Ticket prices are $37.50 ($27.50 pre-sale through Feb. 17) and may be purchased
online at www.towertheatrefresno.com or at the Tower Theatre box office. A VIP preshow reception, hosted by the event’s title sponsors Granville Homes and California
Health Sciences University, starts at 6pm at the Tower Lounge adjacent to the Tower
Theatre.
Saturday, February 21st
Join the Islamic Cultural Center of Fresno for their semi-annual fundraiser, starting at 6
p.m. Tickets are $25 for adults or $10 for students and children, and can be purchased
at ICCI, 2111 E. Nees in Fresno. For more information, call 559-0297-9535.
Saturday, February 21st
As part of Black History Month, The New Light for New Life Church of God at 1106
West Woodward Ave. Fresno, will be screening several videos each Saturday in
February. The February 21st video is “Hidden Colors” #3 with a discussion with Rev.
Floyd D. Harris Jr. Each Saturday afternoon video will begin promptly at 1 p.m. For
more information, call Jerline Bishop at (559) 579-5274.
Saturday, February 21st
Dancers from eleven Valley high schools will present a dance performance that spans
ten regions of Mexican folklorico dance traditions. The schools have developed dance
classes as part of their curriculum, with some for over seventeen years. The annual
tradition, called the “High School Show-Offs” takes place at the historic Warnors
Theatre in Fresno’s Cultural Arts District. This year’s groups include: McLane High
School, Fresno High School Folklórico, Sunnyside High School Danzantes, Los
Danzantes de Roosevelt High School, and Central High Danzantes Tláloc — all from
Fresno. They will be joined by Clovis High Ballet Folklórico Nahualli, Los Paisanos del
Selma High School, and three Porterville groups representing Monache, Granite and
Porterville High Schools. The Annual High School Show Offs is a project of the wider
group, Danzantes del Valle, a partnership with 20 valley wide dance groups and Arte
Américas, the Latino based cultural center which helped initiate the program over 17
years ago. Together they are co-sponsors of other folklórico shows throughout the
year, from community groups and including elementary students to adult professional
groups. The goals of the High School Show Offs include the opportunity to present
stage performances in a community wide setting and give the opportunity for the groups
to see the other perform. Although not a competition, each group prepares to do their
best work and “show off.” Many of these young adult dancers go on to join the valley’s
adult folklórico groups. Warnors Theatre has been the selected venue for the past two
years because of its beautiful, historic setting, The venue is located on the corner of
Fulton and Tuolumne streets in Downtown Fresno. General admission tickets are $10
from members of the participating dance groups, or at the Downtown Latino cultural
center Arte Américas (during gallery hours: Wednesday through Sunday.) Tickets will
cost $12 at the door on the day of the performance.
Saturday, February 21st
Exeter’s Man and Woman of the Year, Heritage, Beautification and Business of the
Year will be honored at the Exeter Chamber of Commerce 92nd Annual Banquet,
February 21, 2015. The honorees for the year 2014 are: Woman of the Year, Rosemary
Hellwig and Man of the Year, Pete Renteria. Heritage Award recipients are: Esther
Baum and Felix Ortiz. The event honors those whose commitment, dedication and
teamwork has made a positive impact on the people, quality of life and the business
community of Exeter. The 2014 Business of the Year is Pine Street Pediatrics and the
Beautification Award recipient is Exeter Unified School District. Selection, in the case of
the business, is made on community impact, developing a positive workforce and strong
business principles. The beautification criteria is businesses that constantly work
towards beautification, pride in business and community and by setting examples for
others. The purpose of the awards is to increase public awareness of the vital role
business plays within the community and to bestow recognition on these businesses
that have achieved excellence in their field. Mid Valley Disposal is proud to announce
their 4th Annual Recycler of the Year Award as Exeter Flower Company. This award
recognizes an Organization, Business, Individual, School or Recycling Education
Program that fits the criteria and who contributes to the recycling efforts in the City of
Exeter. The Exeter Annual Banquet, will be February 21, 6:00 p.m. at the Exeter
Veterans Memorial Building. Tickets are $40.00 each and are available at the Exeter
Chamber.
Sunday, February 22nd
The Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual Organization will hold its World Meditation Day
Special Event SAVE THE DATE! This will be a special program with video, meditation,
& a poster exhibit. The theme will be “BEING IN THE HEART OF ONE.” More
information to follow.
Monday, February 23rd
As part of a series of special events Commemorating Martin Luther King, Jr., and Black
History Month, Fresno Pacific University "The Black Church Experience: Struggle for
Freedom," a lecture by Allen Carden, Ph.D., professor, Fresno Pacific University,
worship by Bishop Charles Dickerson, senior pastor, Pearly Grove Baptist Church. This
event is sponsored by Fresno Pacific University and takes place at 5:30 p.m. at the New
Beginnings Church located at 5089 E. McKinley, Fresno. It is free and open to the
public. For more information, call 559-453-2020 or e-mail [email protected].
Monday, February 23rd
Fresno Center for Nonviolence will continue its series of film screenings showing Oliver
Stone’s “The Untold History of the United States”. 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? The series will continue on
subsequent Mondays until March 30th. This week’s episode addresses The '50s:
Eisenhower, The Bomb & The Third World: Eisenhower and John Foster Dulles replace
Truman. Stalin dies but relations with the Soviet Union turn colder. The H-bomb and
the doctrine of nuclear annihilation are explored and as are the Korean War and US
rearment. McCarthyism grows and so does the ruthlessness of US policy towards the
third world. Eisenhower emerges has a game changer. These screenings are free and
open to the public and the venue is wheelchair accessible. For more information call
559-237-3223 Mon-Fri 11-3.
Wednesday, February 25th
Fresno Pacific University presents "Shakespeare's Songs & Sonnets." Fresno Pacific
University Men's Chorus & Women's Chorale join Woodward Shakespeare Festival
members. The event takes place at 6:30 p.m. at the Woodward Park Library, 944 E.
Perrin, Fresno. It is free and open to the public
Friday, February 27th
Cineculture presents “Josh/ Against the Grain,” with discussant Iram Parveen Bilal
(Director). Josh, inspired by true events, is the story of a privileged woman whose life is
shattered in a single moment. It is the story of a woman in search for a dangerous truth.
It is the story of the biggest challenge to Pakistan's still reigning feudalism: the country's
youth. The film explores the internal debates the young are struggling with, and how
solutions can be attainable if and when they stand united. Fatima, a committed
schoolteacher living the cosmopolitan high life in Karachi, is devastated when her
nanny, Nusrat, inexplicably disappears. Though her friends and family beg her not to
disturb the status quo and confront the powerful feudals in Nusrat’s village, Fatima
travels there to investigate. Josh is a story of hope, of trying, of redemption. It is a story
of the youth, of Pakistan, of the pain, the pleasure and the spirit of unity and
independence. Ultimately, it is about "never giving up." The screening will be at 5:30
p.m. at Fresno State’s Peters Education Center Auditorium (west of Save-Mart Center
in the Student Recreation Center Building). For more information, go to
cineculture.csufresno.edu.
Friday, February 27th
Fresno Center for Nonviolence will continue its series of film screenings showing Oliver
Stone’s “The Untold History of the United States”. 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? The series will continue on
subsequent Mondays until March 30th. This week’s episode addresses The '50s:
Eisenhower, The Bomb & The Third World: Eisenhower and John Foster Dulles replace
Truman. Stalin dies but relations with the Soviet Union turn colder. The H-bomb and
the doctrine of nuclear annihilation are explored and as are the Korean War and US
rearment. McCarthyism grows and so does the ruthlessness of US policy towards the
third world. Eisenhower emerges has a game changer. These screenings are free and
open to the public and the venue is wheelchair accessible. For more information call
559-237-3223 Mon-Fri 11-3.
Friday, February 27th and Saturday, February 28th
“And Then Came Tango,” a play written by Emily Freeman and directed by J. Daniel
Herring, will be performed for two days only at The Painted Table in the Tower District
of Fresno. The play tells the true story of Roy and Silo, two male penguins in New
York’s Central Park Zoo. The couple is given a discarded egg, hatch it, and raise the
baby chick, Tango, as their own. The Friday performance is $100 per person and
includes dinner. The Saturday performance is $15 per person with a menu available.
Seating is limited; parking is free. This is a benefit for the Bulldog Pride Club and
Bulldog Pride Scholarship Fund at Fresno State. For reservations and more
information, go to www.bulldogpride.org or call 559-278-4669.
Friday, February 27th and Saturday, February 28th
Fresno Pacific University presents Opera at Pacific, This event takes place at 7:30 p.m.
at Butler Church, 4884 E. Butler Ave., Fresno. Tickets are $7 general admission, or $5
for seniors & students, payable at the door. For more information, call 559-453-2267 or
e-mail [email protected].
Saturday, February 28th
As part of Black History Month, The New Light for New Life Church of God at 1106
West Woodward Ave. Fresno, will be screening several videos each Saturday in
February. The February 28th video is “Black Panther Party” #4 with a discussion with
Mr. James Standfield. Each Saturday afternoon video will begin promptly at 1 p.m. For
more information, call Jerline Bishop at (559) 579-5274.
Monday, March 2nd
The Black Popular Culture Lecture Series and Online Research Archive will welcome
Rev. Jeremiah Wright to Fresno State on March 2nd in North Gym #118! Many of you
would remember Rev. Wright when then-Presidential Candidate Barack Obama was
embroiled in controversy when his church pastor (Rev. Wright) was cited out of context.
Come hear an interview with Rev. Wright and let him define his ministry and activism in
his own words! This event is free and begins at 6 p.m. Parking is $3. For more
information contact Prof. T. Hasan Johnson at (559) 278-8805 or by e-mail to
[email protected].
Tuesday, March 3rd
Fresno/Madera Youth for Christ will celebrate its 70th anniversary and the launch of the
Life*Leadership*Legacy campaign with a major event: the YFC 70th Anniversary
Banquet at the Fresno Hotel and Conference Center (formerly the Radisson). The
keynote speaker will be Ruth Graham, daughter of Billy Graham, who was the first full
time evangelist for YFC USA. Gifts and pledges toward the Life*Leadership*Legacy
Campaign will be invited. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased on the YFC website.
Sponsors and table hosts are needed. (Plated dinner and dessert included with ticket
purchase.) All event details and info available online at yfcnow.org.
Friday, March 6th
The California High-Speed Rail Authority along with community partners is organizing
an event to bring government and corporation procurement specialists together with
Valley small businesses that could meet their needs. The Spring Procurement Fair will
be hosted by the Authority with the support of the California Department of General
Services, Caltrans, the Small Business Administration and community partners to help
promote small business development and growth. It will take place in Fresno at the
University of California Center (550 Shaw Ave, rooms Kern and Inyo) from 9 a.m. to 3
p.m. Every year millions of dollars are spent by government agencies/departments and
large corporations on contracts with small businesses. Too often small businesses are
unaware of these dollars or how to access them. This event is being organized to
provide an atmosphere that lets small businesses generate networking opportunities
and potentially gain access to these contracts. It will also assist state agencies and
companies in meeting their procurement objectives. This event will support the
Authority and its contractors in meeting the aggressive small business goals set forth in
the Community Benefits Agreement of 30% participation for Small Business
Enterprises, 10% for Disadvantaged Business Enterprises and 3% for Disabled Veteran
Business Enterprises. For more information, contact Elizabeth Jonasson, Information
Officer, at [email protected], or by phone to (559) 248-6373 cell.
Friday, March 6th
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.
Friday, March 6th
Cineculture presents “Rio 2096: A Story of Love and Fury (Uma História de Amor e
Fúria),” with discussant: Luiz Bolognesi (Director). Rio 2096 is an animated film with a
graphic novel slant revolving around the love between an immortal hero and Janaína,
the woman he has been in love with for 600 years. Luiz Bolognesi has set the story in
four phases of Brazil’s history: colonization, slavery, military regime and the future, in
2096, in the midst of wars for water. The film stars the voice talents of Selton Mello and
Camila Pitanga as the two main characters. The feature film also counts on the voice of
Rodrigo Santoro as an Indian Chief and warrior. The screening will be at 5:30 p.m. at
Fresno State’s Peters Education Center Auditorium (west of Save-Mart Center in the
Student Recreation Center Building). For more information, go to
cineculture.csufresno.edu.
Friday, March 6th
Guest artists from all over are flocking to the Jon Ginsburg Gallery at The Creative
Center offering their best work featuring birds! This is an invitational show with the
participating artists agreeing to donate 25% of their sales to The Creative Center, so we
encourage you to buy your favorite piece and help support The Creative Center! We
are featuring the work from our Creative Center artists as well and will be asking YOU to
vote for your favorite piece so we may award a People’s Choice award! The Gallery
will be hosting their Opening Flight Reception, Friday March 6th from 6:00 – 8:00 PM at
the Jon Ginsburg Gallery, 410 E. Race Ave, Visalia to coordinate with Visalia First
Fridays Art Walk. Stop by the Visalia Fox Theater to get a complete listing of
participating venues. There will also be Visalia Trolley rides to each venue hosting
artists! “Going to the Birds” will run March 2 – April 17th. The Gallery hours are M-F,
10:00 AM – 3:00 PM. Please check in at our business office at 606 N. Bridge. For more
information please call (559) 733-9329. The Creative Center is a non-profit community
arts center for adults with developmental disabilities with the mission of fostering selfexpression, self-worth and personal growth through the arts, community integration,
providing cultural resources to the community, and recognizing the individual’s value
and contribution.
Saturday, March 7th
The International Women’s Day Planning Team invite you to attend their annual
Women’s Day celebration of women in history, women of achievement today, and the
special needs and concerns of women and girls. The event takes place from 10 a.m. to
2 p.m. at the Parkwood Elementary School. There will be performances, guest
speakers, workshops, food, and displays to inspire us all! YOU can be a part of this
festive day in one or more ways. Can you see yourself doing any of these wonderful
things? 1. Bring a display and materials to promote your services for women and girls,
or your art, or your knowledge of women in history or women of achievement today.
2. Contribute or cater food, bottled water or a special cake to be served at the lunch
break. 3. Create a children’s corner where parents with small children might rest and
play awhile and still observe the main event. 4. Get in on the planning by joining one of
our sub-committees (decorations, set-up, clean-up, women’s history fashion show,
program, publicity, etc) 5. Offer an inspiring short speech or performance (song, skit,
dance, etc). 6. Donate to help our expenses. (checks made out to “Friends of Madera
County Library”) Contact any of us by January 15 if at all possible, so that we can firm
up our program for the big day! We look forward to hearing from you! If you get inspired
after January 15, please contact us! The “door” will be open for you to get involved!
To participate, or for more information, contact Delia Gregorski at 232-1557 or
[email protected], Ellen Mester at [email protected] or
232-2681, or Becky Goodwin at 916-205-8832 or [email protected].
Saturday, March 7th
Chinatown Revitalization Inc. proudly presents the 15th annual Chinese New Year
Parade & Festival. This parade will celebrate the year of the ram and include lion dance
performance teams, unique parade float participates, free activities for kids, community
outreach information, car show, food, and vendors. Festivities will begin at 10:00 am in
the parking lot on F St between Kern and Tulare. The parade will commence at
12:00pm from Mariposa and F St, down F St to Kern, turning right onto Kern, then right
onto E St. For more information, call Jeremy Brownstein at 559-960-2249.
Friday, March 13th
The Reedley Peace Center presents speaker Dolores Weller on the topic of Air quality.
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, March 14th
The Fresno Folklore Society presents Nevenka Balkan Women's Choir at Cal Art
Academy Severance. For more information, call 559-307-3610.
Thursday, March 19th
The Fresno City College Speakers Forum presents Captain Winston Scott, USN-Ret. a
former NASA astronaut. His journey to the stars is a testament to the power of
perseverance and vision. Raised in Miami, Scott's largely segregated education
provided little access to resources, but his own determination combined with the
dedication of his teachers set him on an inspiring path of achievement. Winston E. Scott
was selected by NASA and reported to the Johnson Space Center in August 1992. He
served as a mission specialist on STS-72 in 1996 and STS-87 in 1997, and has logged
a total of 24 days, 14 hours and 34 minutes in space, including 3 spacewalks totaling 19
hours and 26 minutes. Winston Scott retired from NASA and the U.S. Navy at the end of
July 1999. He is currently the Dean of the College of Aeronautics at Florida Institute of
Technology in Melbourne, Florida. (www.winstonescott.com). He will be speaking at
12:00 p.m. at the OAB Auditorium. Admission is free and there will be a reception
following is talk at OAB 251. For more information, call (559) 489-2218.
Friday, March 20th
Cineculture presents “Oil & Water,” with discussant Hugo Lucitante. Oil & Water is the
coming of age story of two boys as they each confront one of the world's worst toxic
disasters, the prolonged contamination of the Ecuadorian Amazon by Texaco and other
oil companies. Hugo comes to America to fight for the survival of his tribe, the Cofán,
while David goes to Ecuador to launch the world's first company to certify oil as "fair
trade." Can Hugo become the leader his tribe so desperately wants him to be? Will
David clean up one of the world's dirtiest industries? This film is an intimate portrait of
two young people finding their voices and trying to beat incredible odds. Their journeys
lead them to explore what could be a more just future, not just for the people of the
Amazon, but for all people around the world born with oil beneath their feet. Eight years
in the making Oil & Water is a shocking and inspiring David and Goliath story. The
screening will be at 5:30 p.m. at Fresno State’s Peters Education Center Auditorium
(west of Save-Mart Center in the Student Recreation Center Building). For more
information, go to cineculture.csufresno.edu.
Friday, March 20th and Saturday, March 21st
The Reedley Peace Center will hold its 12th annual retreat. Featured speaker is Kristin
Stoneking, Executive Director of Fellowship of Reconciliation (FOR), USA. . For more
information, call Don Friesen at (559) 638-3091 or e-mail [email protected].
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.
Friday, March 27th
The Reedley Peace Center presents speaker Cindy Hoopes, speaking about Clean
Food, Energy, and Vitality. 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.
Tuesday, April 14th
The Fresno City College Speakers Forum presents Max Brooks, bestselling author of
"World War Z", "The Zombie Survival Guide" and its graphic companion, "The Zombie
Survival Guide: Recorded Attacks." His new comic book series, "The Extinction Parade"
is available in print from Avatar Comics and can be downloaded from Comixology.com.
His upcoming graphic novel "The Harlem Hellfighters" will debut in April of 2014 from
Broadway Books. (maxbrooks.com)He will be speaking at 11 a.m. at the OAB
Auditorium. Admission is free and there will be a reception following is talk at OAB 251.
For more information, call (559) 489-2218.
Friday, April 17th
Cinculture presents “The Hunting Ground” with discussant Kirby Dick (Director). From
the team behind THE INVISIBLE WAR, comes a startling exposé of rape crimes on U.S.
campuses, institutional cover-ups and the brutal social toll on victims and their families.
Weaving together verité footage and first-person testimonies, the film follows survivors
as they pursue their education while fighting for justice — despite harsh retaliation,
harassment and pushback at every level. 90 minutes. The screening will be at 5:30
p.m. at Fresno State’s Peters Education Center Auditorium (west of Save-Mart Center
in the Student Recreation Center Building). For more information, go to
cineculture.csufresno.edu.
Friday, May 1st
Cineculture presents “The Golden Dream (La jaula de oro)” with discussant: to be
announced. Juan, Sara and Samuel, all 15 years old, flee from Guatemala towards the
USA. On their journey through Mexico they meet Chauk, a Tzotzil Indian who does not
speak Spanish and has no official documents. They all believe they will find a better
world beyond the USA-Mexico border but they run into a harsh reality. The film is in
Spanish and Tzotzil with English subtitles. The screening will be at 5:30 p.m. at Fresno
State’s Peters Education Center Auditorium (west of Save-Mart Center in the Student
Recreation Center Building). For more information, go to cineculture.csufresno.edu.
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.
Thursday, May 14th
n My Life - A Musical Theatre Tribute to The Beatles is the award-winning musical
biography of the Beatles through the eyes of manager Brian Epstein. Featuring live
music from renowned tribute band Abbey Road, the show is widely considered by
industry insiders to be the most unique Beatles show in decades. The multi-media
musical plays Thursday, May 14 at 8 pm at the Tower Theatre. Tickets are $29/$39 and
may be purchased online at www.towertheatrefresno.com, by phone at (559) 485-9050
by email at [email protected] by dropping by the theatre box office. Tower
Theatre for the Performing Arts is located at 815 East Olive Avenue in Fresno. The
show is appropriate for all ages.
MULTIPLE DAY EVENTS:
Throughout 2015
Due to the overwhelming success of their 2013 and 2014 Film Series’, Warnors is proud
to announce the continuation of their Classic Film program for 2015. All of the 2015
Classic Films will be shown on the Warnors Theatre BIG screen on the 3rd Thursday of
every month. Doors open at 6:00pm followed by the film at 7:00pm. The Classic Film
Series is most people only opportunity to take a step back in time, and see classic films
on the BIG screen in an authentic 1928 Movie Palace. These films allow for everyone
to get involved; whether it is by attending the film, dressing up in a costume that goes
with the theme of the film, volunteering, or through sponsorship. If you would like more
information on getting involved or reporting on the story, please contact Michelle Swift
through email at [email protected] or contact the office at (559)264-2848. Thanks
to their sponsors, Warnors is able to provide FREE tickets for their Classic Films to
school districts, and various youth organizations; such as the Boys and Girls Club. This
allows for the youth to be able to attend the film, to learn about the history of film, and
be able to experience the different social norms of the film’s period in history. If you
know a group of students that would benefit from attending Classic Films at Warnors, or
you are interested in being a sponsor, contact Michelle Swift for more information. The
doors to the theatre will open at 6:00pm with a pipe organ concert from Dick
Cencibaugh. To add to the festivities, if participants dress in an outfit that goes with the
theme or characters in the film they can receive free admission to the film. This is a
great way for everyone to get involved and make it a fun experience. Folks may
purchase tickets at the Warnors Box Office or at the door the evening of the film, when
the doors open at 6:00pm. Tickets are $5 for individuals, and children under 12 are
FREE! If you would like further information or to see the movie schedule for 2015 please
visit their website at www.warnors.org or call the office at (559)264-2848.
Mondays and Wednesdays during Flu Season
The Fresno County Department of Public Health offers flu vaccination at 1221 Fulton
Mall in downtown Fresno on Mondays and Wednesdays from 8:00 am – 12:00 pm and
1:00 pm – 4:00 pm. The cost is six dollars. No one will be refused services if unable to
pay. Fresno County residents with flu symptoms should contact their health care
provider regarding possible treatment with anti-viral medication.
To reduce the risk of influenza infection and help prevent spread of the flu virus,
residents should:
For more information on flu, visit www.fcdph.org/flu or call toll-free at 1-888-993-3003.
Friday, January 2nd through Sunday, February 22nd
Good Company Players’ the regional premiere of “Vanya and Sonia and Masha and
Spike” at the 2nd Space Theatre . Middle-aged siblings Vanya and Sonia share a lovely
farmhouse in Pennsylvania where they spend their days bickering and complaining.
When Masha, their movie-star sister, dashes in for a visit with her boy-toy, Spike, old
resentments immediately flare. Throw in a sassy, clairvoyant maid and an aspiring
actress, pretty enough to trouble an aging diva, and you have a recipe for riotous and
dysfunctional fun! “Everyone has a monologue that is nothing short of hilarious…
You’ve only spent a weekend with these people, but you might want to spend a lifetime
with Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike.” - HuffingtonPost.com. Performances are
Thursdays at 7:30 p.m.; Friday & Saturday at 8:00 p.m., & Sunday matinee at 2:00 p.m.
Tickets are $18 general admission and $15 for students & seniors. Groups of 16 or
more are eligible for discounts. For information and reservations, call Dave at (559) 2669493, or go to www.2ndspacetheatre.com or www.gcplayers.com.
Monday, January 12th through Monday, March 30th
The Fresno Center for Nonviolence will be showing the series from Oliver Stone “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 through Sunday, March 15th
Good Company Players’ toe-tingling production of “Crazy For You” is up next at Roger
Rocka’s Dinner Theater, opening January 15th This Gershwin extravaganza, filled with
song, dance, and waves of laughter will tap its way into theatre lovers’ hearts. In this
salute to 1930’s movie musicals, a stage-struck financier named Bobby travels to
Deadrock, Nevada to foreclose on a run-down theater. He winds up falling in love with
Polly, the daughter of the theater owner. When Bobby gets the brilliant idea to put on a
show to save the theater, nobody trusts him so he disguises himself as famous
producer, Bela Zangler. Everything goes swimmingly until the real Bela Zangler shows
up in Deadrock in pursuit of his dance director who has abandoned New York to help
Bobby. Matters are further complicated by a jilted socialite, a jealous saloon owner, and
Eugene and Patricia Fodor, who are writing a review of Deadrock’s tourist appeal.
Mosey back to a simpler time and let the timeless music of Gershwin wash over you
with standards including “I Got Rhythm,” “Someone To Watch Over Me,” “Naughty
Baby,” and “They Can’t Take That Away From Me.” 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. 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 $50 per person
(Show Only - $30.00). The cost for the Friday and Saturday Served Meal & Show is
$55.00; Show Plus (includes the show, 1 dessert, 1 drink, tax and tip) is also available.
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 559-266-9494/800-371-4747 or
reserve online at rogerrockas.com.
Friday, January 16th through Friday, April 3rd
Fresno Center for Nonviolence presents the a screening of the multi part series of Oliver
Stone’s “Untold History of the United States”. The series will every Friday through 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 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? The film will screen at 1 p.m. at the Fresno Center for Nonviolence 1584 N.
Van Ness (SE corner Van Ness and McKinley),
Sunday, January 18th through Sunday, May 31st
The Fresno County Public Library (FCPL) is offering STeP (Skills for Teen Parenting)
Workshops alternate Sundays from January 18th through May 31st, from 1:00–3:00 pm
at the Politi Branch Library, 5771 N First Street (SW corner of First Street and Bullard
Avenue). This series of ten life skills workshops for pregnant and parenting teen
mothers on alternate Sunday afternoons at the Politi Branch Library includes free
childcare provided in the Library, which will open from 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm on Sundays
for these classes. These workshops will help new and future teen mothers acquire the
necessary knowledge, skills and tools to succeed as adults and parents. A variety of
specialists in the community will present information on topics including practicing good
nutrition, managing money, exploring housing options, continuing and/or finishing
school, developing pre-employment skills and creating resumes, finding resources for
quality child care, taking care of their health, developing good parenting skills and
building healthy family relationships. FCPL hopes teens will attend the entire ten
workshop series. Registration is required; call 431-6450 to sign up. Healthy snacks for
both teens and their children will be provided.
Wednesday, January 28th through Wednesday, February 25th
Merced County Supervisor John Pedrozo has set the dates for the 10th annual town hall
meetings throughout District 1 in Merced. Town hall meetings are informal public
meetings where everyone in the community is invited to attend, voice their opinions and
hear responses from county/public representatives regarding subjects of interest or
emerging issues. Town hall meetings in District 1 are scheduled as follows:
Wednesday, January 28th at Le Grand Legion Hall, 12560 Le Grand Road, Le Grand
Wednesday, February 4th at Planada Community Center, 9167 E Stanford Avenue,
Thursay, February 19th at Livingston City Council Chambers, 1416 “C” Street,
Wednesay, February 25th at Tenaya Middle School (Multipurpose Room). 760 West
8th Street, Merced
All meetings begin at 6:30 p.m. Supervisor Pedrozo has coordinated the participation
of several Merced County department heads that will be on hand to answer questions
or respond to concerns raised by the public. Representatives of Congressman Jim
Costa, State Senator Anthony Cannella and Assembly man Adam Gray will be invited to
hear concerns relating to District 1 residents. This is a great way to learn about
important matters in the community and for public representatives to hear from you.
For more information on these town hall meetings, please contact Grethel Croasdale at
(209) 385-7366.
Tuesday, February 10th through Tuesday, June 30th
After providing enticing exhibitions for twenty years, the Clark Center for Japanese Art
and Culture will close its doors with its final exhibition Elegant Pastimes: Masterpieces
of Japanese Art from the Clark Collections at the Minneapolis Institute of Arts. The
exhibition highlights a selection of 1,200 years of Japanese art from the 8th century to
2013. The Clark Center for Japanese Art & Culture is located at 15770 10th Avenue in
Hanford, and it is open to the public Tuesday through Saturday 12:30 to 5 p.m. with a
docent tour every Saturday at 1 p.m. Admission is $5 for adults, $3 for students and
active military (with ID), 12 and under are free. It is closed on National Holidays.
Friday, February 13th through Saturday, February 21st
The Theatre Arts Department at California State University, Fresno presents the
Contemporary Dance Ensemble in an evening of dance titled Passion, Energy and
Imagination. “Passion, Energy and Imagination” is a contemporary dance concert. Join
the talented students of the Contemporary Dance Ensemble as they present six
different repertory dance works from five different choreographers: Kenneth Balint,
Mickey EmanuEl, Gianna McCurry, Anandha Ray and Beth Tritch. Robust and
provocative, the performance offers a unique blend of passionate movement, energized
physicality and imaginative moments. Join the CDE dancers as they journey through the
human experience of dance; an experience that can both invigorate the senses and
enliven the soul. Performances are the 13th, 14th, 17th, 18th, 19th and 21st at 8:00pm
and the 15th at 2 p.m., all at the John Wright Theatre in the Speech Arts Building
Tickets are $17 for adults, $15 for Fresno State Faculty/Staff Alumni, Seniors & Military,
and $10 for All Students. Please note that parking passes are required to be purchased
for all Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evening performances. For tickets or more
information, call 559-278-2216.
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.