Calendar of Events - APRIL 2012

APRIL ART SHOW: “SPRING”
Pinole Art Center, (2221 Pear Street, Pinole), continues with a seasonal theme of “SPRING” for our Art Center Show. We are open 11AM to 4PM, Tuesday through Saturday. Many choices of art, jewelry, gift items, cards and more. 510-724-2008.

April 1: Dancing Fool
The WWII Red Oak Victory ship in Richmond will be presenting dances on the first Sunday of the month from 4-6pm. The cost is $10. The DJ music will be a mix of ballroom/latin/swing. There is a brand new wood dance floor, tables and chairs, and of course the great view of the bay. 1337 Canal Blvd., Richmond. www.ssredoakvictory.com 510-237-2933.

April 1 & 7: FCA U15 - U19 Tryouts
West Contra Costa Youth Soccer. 9am to 5pm. Hercules High School.

April 1-30: PINOLE HISTORICAL SOCIETY LIBRARY EXHIBITS
The Pinole Historical Society has two exhibits at the Pinole Library. “Pinole . . . Then and Now” features photos from the society’s archives of buildings that existed at the turn of the 20th
century-and recent photos of buildings on those sites today. There are some surprises for visitors to this exhibit of the-more-things-change-the-more-they-remain-the-same variety. This joins the society’s permanent exhibit featuring artifacts, photos, and memorabilia from Pinole’s history. www.PinoleHistoricalSociety.org.

April 2: “Castoffs” - Knitting Group
6:30 p.m. Please join the Kensington Library Knitting Club, called the “Castoffs.” We will enjoy an evening of knitting, show and tell and yarn exchange. All levels are welcome and some help will be provided. The Kensington Library is located at 61 Arlington Avenue, Kensington. (510) 524-3043.

April 2,9,16, 25 30: Pinole Library Tutoring
Mondays 3:30pm, K-12 Students can drop in for our free one-on-one tutoring. No appointment necessary. 2935 Pinole Valley Rd. (510)758-2741.

April 2, 9, 16, 23: Family Story time at the El Sobrante Library
7 pm. Join us for stories, guessing games, and more. Recommended for ages 3 and up, and their families. 4191 Appian Way, El Sobrante. (510) 374-3991.

April 3: Lego Club
Hercules Library 4:00 PM. LEGO club in the large front conference room at the library. Ages: 6-12 (***WARNING***LEGO parts are small and a choking hazard for children 3 and under.) 109 Civic Dr. 510-245-2420.

April 3, 10, 17, 24: Mother Goose Time at the El Sobrante Library
10:15 am. This light-hearted story time is designed for children ages 6 mo.- 3 years. Let your children learn early literacy skills naturally as we play on the felt board and hear simple stories. Join us for a fun time as we bounce, tickle, and sing our way through the morning. Caretaker must remain with child during story time. El Sobrante Library, 4191 Appian Way, El Sobrante. (510) 374-3991.

APRIL 3, 10, 17 & 24: BOY SCOUTS TROOP 76
Have fun & adventure in the outdoors; Learn valuable life skills; Make lifelong friendships; Participate in community service; Learn moral values; Be in a friendly/safe environment. For all boys age 11 or 6th grade through age 17. Every Tuesday, 6 – 7:30 p.m. at the Hercules Senior Center, 111 Civic Dr. Hercules. Events this month include the Herms District Camporee at Lake Berryessa. http://www.troop76hercules.org.

April 3 to April 26: FREE REACT/CERT EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS TRAINING
Learn emergency preparedness skills to use in your home, neighborhood, and workplace. Training gives you tools and knowledge to survive an emergency. Life-saving instruction includes proper use of fire extinguishers, damage assessment, how and when to shut off your utilities, disaster medical/first aid and triage as well as how to form your neighborhood emergency response team. 8 evening class sequences (Tuesdays and Thursdays, 6:30-9:00 pm) will take place at the Shields & Reid Community Center, 1410 Kelsey Street, Richmond. Final Drill: Saturday April 28, from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm (location: RFD Training Center, 3506 Cutting Blvd). 510-620-6822, Patrick_Nikoli@ci.richmond.ca.us.

April 5, 12, 19, 26: Wii Games for Teens and Tweens
4:00pm. Hercules Library. Wii games for teens and tweens. 109 Civic Dr., Hercules. 510-245-2420.

APRIL 6: PINOLE ARTISANS MEETING
The Pinole Artisans meeting program will present Kevin Mengus, a professional puppeteer and creator of marionettes. He has performed on major cruise lines and venues all over the world. Kevin’s presentation will focus on the artistry of designing, sculpting, carving, painting, and costuming puppets. The audience will be invited to try one of the marionettes. The meeting will be held at the Pinole United Methodist Church, 2000 San Pablo Ave, Pinole at 7PM. Free admission, all are welcome, refreshments will be served.

April 6: Interactive Good Friday Service for Young Children
5:15 pm Participate in this service to help your children understand the events of Good Friday in an age appropriate way. Christ the Lord Church 592 Tennent Ave. Pinole www.christthelordpinole.org; 510-724-9141; or vicarsusan@hotmail.com

April 6: Good Friday Service
7:30 pm. Service with our area UMC churches held at Pinole UMC this year, 2000 San Pablo Ave., Pinole. All are welcome.

April 6 , 13, 20 & 27: HULA IS LIFE
Have you ever wanted to learn the art of Hula? Please come and join our Hula Basics class located at the Lefty Gomez Community Center. Our classes are designed to teach students the beauty and gracefulness of this beautiful culture through song and dance as well as a form of Exercise. We offer FUN, Smiles and promote the Ohana experience. Friday evenings 7:00 - 8:00pm, 470 Parker Ave., Rodeo Please call Lefty Gomez Community Center at 510-799-7592 for registration inquires or additional information. or email kawaiea@yahoo.com. All ages welcome!

April 6-15: ANYTHING GOES
Hit Broadway show will be presented by the West County Musicals Company at the Pinole Community Playhouse on April 6, 7, 12, 13, 14 at 8 P.M., and on April 14 at 2 p.m. and April 15 at 7:00p.m. The show includes great show tunes such as Anything Goes, D’Lovely, I Get a Kick Out of You, Blow Gabriel and Friendship and the cast features 26 outstanding local performers in a full scale production. Call 510-724-9844.

April 7, Pinole Library, Grandpa Bunny’s Egg-citing Day
Based on a poem by Mrs. Roy L. Peifer, this puppet tale explains how eggs are colored by rabbits for the spring festivities while taking Grandpa Bunny and his friends on a tour of the seasons. But what happens when Frisky Puppy decides to play? You’ll laugh while Grandpa Bunny and his chick workers try to save the season and their paints from this playful pup. 7pm. 2935 Pinole Valley Rd. (510)758-2741.

April 7: Miss Sparkles, the Clown
7pm. Based on a poem by Mrs. Roy L. Peifer, this puppet tale explains how eggs are colored by rabbits for the spring festivities while taking Grandpa Bunny and his friends on a tour of the seasons. But what happens when Frisky Puppy decides to play? You’ll laugh while Grandpa Bunny and his chick workers try to save the season and their paints from this playful pup. 2935 Pinole Valley Rd. (510)758-2741.

April 7: RODEO LIBRARY FAMILY CRAFT DAY
12pm to 5 pm. Color a paper egg to decorate the library windows! Free materials provided. 220 Pacific Avenue, Rodeo. ccclib.org, 510-799-2606.

April 7: Run & Duathlon
9:00am- 3.1 Golden Bears- 5 k. El Sobrante –S.P.Dam reservoir. 3. I mile run/walk and Duathlon 3.1 mile run /bike 18.7 mi. /run 2 mi. Runs are on the Old San Pablo Dam road and across the Dam, Pictures and registration information on web site
www: wolfpackevents.com. Location is 7301 San Pablo Dam Rd, enter San Pablo reservoir, free parking for runners. 510-459-0854

April 7 & 8: Easter Weekend at Playland-Not-At-The- Beach
An Easter egg hunt in a setting like no other. Seek and ye shall find eggs-cellent surprises at Playland-Not-at-the-Beach! Throughout our Museum of Fun, kids can find eggs-tra-ordinary things among the antiques of our Penny Arcade, all among free play machines of Pinball Alley and around the classic games of the Carousel Carnival. Hunters big and small can search the exhibitions dedicated to bygone American amusements and eggs-change what they find for prizes! The yolks on us at Playland’s Easter Egg Hunt. PLAYLAND-NOT-AT-THE-BEACH, 10979 San Pablo Ave., El Cerrito.510-592-3002. www.playland-not-at-the-beach.org.

April 8: Easter Celebration Service
9:30am. Easter Celebration Service followed by Potluck Brunch and egg hunt for the children. Christ the Lord Church 592 Tennent Ave. Pinole www.christthelordpinole.org;
510-724-9141; or vicarsusan@hotmail.com

April 9: John Finger Demonstrating His Watercolor Techniques
John Finger will give a demonstration of his watercolor techniques at the El Cerrito Art Association. Best known for his beautiful plein air California landscapes, John also paints other subjects and works in a variety of media. El Cerrito Community Center, 7007 Moeser Lane, El Cerrito.7:00pm with social time and a mini art show of members work.

April 9: Patient Advocate Program
7pm. Linda Garvin, a Nurse Health Advocate, will present a program entitled “How to Derive the Most Benefit from Your Doctor’s Appointment.” Linda has expertise in patient advocacy, wellness, chronic care management and pain management. Kensington Library is located at 61 Arlington Avenue, Kensington.

April 10: ADULT CRAFT WORKSHOP
7:30 pm. Kelly will show us how to create a Washi Egg?! Free materials provided. Rodeo Library, 220 Pacific Avenue, Rodeo. ccclib.org, 510-799-2606.

April 10: Junkology
Workshop with Dr. Recycle at the El Sobrante Library/ 1:30 pm. Join us for a special Spring Break treat! Oliver Samonte (aka Dr. Recycle) is bringing his wacky ideas to the El Sobrante Library to inspire kids to be creative in re-using household items. His interactive workshops are filled with entertaining and environmentally friendly projects--and kids will be able to participate! This event is free of charge. El Sobrante Library, 4191 Appian Way, El Sobrante. (510) 374-3991.

April 10: PINOLE GARDEN CLUB
1:00pm. in the Alex Clark Room, Public Safety Facility, 880 Tennent Avenue, Pinole. Are you recently retired? - looking for a way to make new friends? - like to devote some of your newly acquired free time to some worthwhile, interesting projects, if only you could find some? Do you enjoy fun, informative programs, activities and tours of local garden-related attractions? We are also proudly involved in projects to benefit the City of Pinole, with special programs for children and seniors, as well as USDA Reforesting Programs. 510-758-8302.

April 10: Playland After Dark presents Grown-up Game Night (Adults Only)
Playland After Dark presents a different kind of game night-where bored gamers get to be board gamers, card sharks can swim ashore and pinball fans will delight all night. There will be games aplenty on hand, or feel free to bring any of your favorites. We’ll have the Museum of Fun set up for all kinds of game-playing options, the only piece missing is you. PLAYLAND-NOT-AT-THE-BEACH, 10979 San Pablo Ave., El Cerrito. 510-592-3002. www.playland-not-at-the-beach.org.

April 12: Learn about Your New Kindle eReader
2:30pm. Do you have a Kindle eReader? The Hercules Library is offering instruction on Kindles--including the new Kindle Fire. Learn how to download free eBooks using Overdrive. Students do not need to own a device to attend, but space is limited so call the library to reserve a spot. Hercules Library, 109 Civic Dr., 510245-2420.

April 12: EL CERRITO GARDEN CLUB
9:30 to Noon at the Community Center, 7007 Moeser Lane. The presenter will be Melanie Mintz, Environmental and Development Services, City of El Cerrito, speaking on Urban Greening. Visitors are invited to attend, with a guest fee of $3, payable at the door. 510-233-9365.

April 12: The Water is Wide: Songs of the Oceans and Rivers
7pm. Folk singer, Tim Holt performs and discusses our heritage of traditional songs and sea chanteys. Some favorites he will sing are “Shenandoah,? “The Erie Canal,? and Woody Guthrie?s “Talkin’ Columbia” and “Roll On Columbia”.In the good old hootenanny tradition, Holt will encourage everyone to sing along on these classic American folk songs! El Cerrito Library, 6510 Stockton Avenue, El Cerrito, 510-526-7512.

April 13: Bill & Kate Isles – Point Acoustic Series
8pm. With special guest The Henriettas. Minnesota turns out some awfully good songwriters. The Bard of Duluth and his bride bring their unique blend of mid-western charm and keen songwriting and harmony. Come as you are! Refreshments will be served. $15 at the door ($12.50 students & seniors); doors open at 7:30. Point Richmond Acoustic is co-sponsored by Point Richmond, pointrichmondmusic.com. Folk Unlimited and the Point Richmond First United Methodist Church.

April 14: Access to Oddities Magic, Comedy and Pure Fun!
2:00pm and 7:30pm.Access to Oddities is a magic show packed with audience participation and involves you instantly. The show features baffling and comical magic, with items vanishing, objects floating, and reality being twisted. The host of this collection of the bizarre and strange is magician Brian Scott, who has been entertaining audiences from New York to California for the past 20 years. Access to Oddities: Family Access 55-minutes 2pm. $12 All Tickets. Advance Access 90-minute show (with intermission) 7:30pm. $20 Adults $15 Youth (14 and younger). Advance Access is NOT recommended for children under 8 years of age. 1-800-955-9619, www.brianscottproductions.com.

April 15: BOB ROSS OIL PANTING with LORENA
9:45am- 4pm Beginning-Intermediate classes offered by Lorena Fink, Certified Bob Ross Instructor. This month’s project, may be viewed at www.lorenasworld.com Class is 6 hours, $60. Class held in the Pinole Artisans Gallery Class Room, 2221 Pear Street, Pinole. Bring supplies & lunch. Supply list provided when you register. 510-222-2425.

April 17 & April 24: Secrets of Résumés and Cover Letters that Work
7-9pm both sessions. Two-part workshop offers strategies to showcase the experiences, training and abilities employers want and need to know. Discuss ways to improve the reception of your application materials in a fun, informative, and supportive forum. Castro Clubhouse (1420 Norvell, El Cerrito). Registration required. www.el-cerrito.org, 510-559-7000.

April 18: Hooks and Needles
6pm. Come and knit something warm with us now on the third Wednesday of every month. Pinole Library, 2935 Pinole Valley Rd. (510)758-2741.

April 21:Free E-waste Drop off
10:00AM-3:00 pm. Vacant lot across street from Kaiser, 1400 Pinole Valley Rd. Pinole. Proceeds benefit PVHS Scholarship fund.

April 21: Meditation
Hercules Library 3:00pm. Dr. Zaslove, a Board certified psychiatrist and long-time meditator leads this helpful and stimulating workshop for old and new meditators. Demonstrating the most natural and effective techniques of meditation, and giving many useful directions for deepening and stabilizing our meditation practices to gain more inner bliss and peace. 109 Civic Dr., 510-245-2420.

April 21: Poetry Month, Art Exhibit and Reading
2:00 pm. Come enjoy art and poetry at the National Poetry Month, Art Exhibit and Open Poetry Reading at the Crockett Library, 991 Loring Ave., Crockett. Free. Refreshments provided. (510) 787-2345, MWF, 11-5 pm/ Sat. 10-4pm.

April 21 & 22: Earth Day Weekend
Playland-Not-At-the-Beach celebrates everyone’s mother-Mother Earth! REDUCE your stress! REUSE our FREE PLAY classic pinball and arcade games! RECYCLE the fun over and over! Bring inyour reusable water bottle and we’ll decorate it with a free Playlandsticker. PLAYLAND-NOT-AT-THE-BEACH, 10979 San Pablo Ave., El Cerrito.510-592-3002. www.playland-not-at-the-beach.org.

April 24: RODEO LIBRARY CLASSIC FILM CLUB
7:30 pm. We will discuss Shane staring Alan Ladd. DVDs available at least 1 week in advance at the Rodeo Library. 220 Pacific Avenue, Rodeo. ccclib.org, 510-799-2606.

April 24: Titanic
6:00 pm. Come to the library for an evening of Titanic activities to celebrate all things Titanic 100 years after the vessel sank! Hercules Library, 109 Civic Dr. 245-2420

April 25: Movie Day
Hercules Library, 3:30pm. At the end of each month join us for a PG-13 movie! Snacks are provided and the DVD is raffled off at the end of the event. Call the Library for more details. This event is hosted by the Hercules Teen Library Promoters 109 Civic Dr. 510-245-2420.

APRIL 28: GOLDEN ROSE FESTIVAL: 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE RICHMOND / SHIMADA FRIENDSHIP ASSOCIATION
Please join us in celebrating 50 years of the sister-city friendship between Richmond, C a. and Shimada, Japan. Live music, demonstrations of Japanese traditional arts, exhibits, taiko, food, and more! 2:00pm - 6:00 pm. Richmond Memorial Auditorium. 403 Civic Center Plaza, Richmond. Tickets: $10. 510-620-6581.

April 28th: Flippers to Feet 5k Run/Walk/Stride
5K run/walk/stride keeps Pinole swimming afloat. It starts at Fernandez Park in Pinole, proceeds west onto Tennent Ave., north onto Railroad Ave. to the beautiful views of the Bay, into Hercules and back along Pinole Creek to the finish line at Fernandez Park. This event is for speedy runners and casual walkers alike. Families with baby strollers and dogs are welcomed! There will be raffle prizes and a pancake breakfast. $25 which includes an event t-shirt. The run begins at 8:30am with check-in starting at 7:30am. To register, go to www.PinoleSeals.org.

APRIL 28: HERCULES SPRING 2012 CITYWIDE GARAGE SALES
Over 100 participating homes across the city. Maps listing registered addresses will be available for sale for 25 cents each starting at 8:00 am the day of the event in the parking lot of the Hercules Public Library at 109 Civic Dr (off Sycamore Avenue). Most garage sales will remain open until 3:00 pm, rain or shine. For more information or to register your Hercules address by April 10, please visit The Hercules Sister City website @ www.tsushima.home.comcast.net or The City of Hercules website @ www.ci.hercules.ca.us, or call 510-724-7063.

April 28: Twisted Quilters
2pm. Put a modern twist on this classical American art form. Sewers are welcome too! Pinole Library, 2935 Pinole Valley Rd. (510)758-2741.

April 28: SPRING BOOK SALE
10am to 4pm at the front entrance to El Cerrito Library, 6510 Stockton Ave. in El Cerrito. All items in this sale 50¢!Featuring a large selection of children’s books, as well as works of fiction & nonfiction, paperbacks, videos and books on crafts and home repair. Book sales are used to raise funds to purchase new library books and to benefit activities of the library, particularly children’s programs.www.ccclib.org (click on Friends/click on El Cerrito)

April 29: The 19th Annual Culinary Caper
Hosted by Soroptimist International of Richmond, the “Caper” is a premier chef show and wine tasting event featuring some of the finest restaurants, bakeries, wineries and breweries of the Bay Area. Advance reservations are highly recommended for anyone hoping to attend this sell-out event. Proceeds benefit local charities and West Contra Costa County non-profit groups who serve the needs of our community. The fun begins at noon and lasts until 3 pm. Food, drink, live auction, raffle, silent auction, and music mean a great time for all. Call (510) 237-2355 for information and reservations. Rockefeller Lodge, 2650 Market Street, San Pablo.

28 & 29: A “Humor Us” Weekend
Join Playland’s “punch line parade” as we look back with laughter at the grand American comedy tradition. Come clown with us from Circus World to our 3-D, black light pinball room Laff in the Dark. It’ll be more fun than a barrel of monkeys (and we should know-there are 3 in our front entrance display case)! PLAYLAND-NOT-AT-THE-BEACH, 10979 San Pablo Ave., El Cerrito.510-592-3002. www.playland-not-at-the-beach.org.