March 2010

March 1: Castoffs - Knitting Group
Please join the Kensington Library Knitting Club, the "Castoffs" where we will enjoy an evening of knitting, show and tell and yarn exchange. 7pm. Kensington Library - 61 Arlington Avenue. Free event. Contact Louise O'Dea, 524-3043, lodea@ccclib.org

March 3: Friends of Richmond Library Grab-A-Bag!
In-Library Book Sale - Pick any 10 items and they are yours for $2. Main Branch only, 325 Civic Center Plaza. Library hours on Wednesday: 10am-8pm. Thanks for your support. 510-235-9056.

March 3: Dine at the Pear Street Bistro
In Support of the West County Conservatory of the Arts The Pinole Valley High School Arts Program is spectacular because they get help and enrichment from the West County Conservatory of the Arts. Help Fund the West County Conservatory of the Arts by dining at the Pear Street Bistro, 2395 San Pablo Ave., in Pinole on March 3, 2010 between 3pm and closing. The Bistro is donating a share of the proceeds to the Conservatory. Reservations are recommended. (510) 741-8875. If you can't participate in the fundraising dinners, consider mailing a donation to: West County Conservatory of the Arts P.O Box 64, Pinole, CA 94564

March 1, 8, 15, 22, and 29: Basic Beading and More
Instruction Nights: March 8th, 22nd - 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm. Learn basic beading working with a variety of beads and materials. Learn various stitches. You will learn about various tools and their uses as well as jewelry findings and finishes. $12. Bead Nights: March 1st, 15th, 29th - 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm. Classes will be ongoing; students may join at any time. Beginners and up welcome. Students supply their own materials. $5. Cheryl Johnson 510-672-2643. 2221 Pear St., Pinole. March 5-6: Book Sale at the Book House The little house behind the El Sobrante Library. Friday's sale is from 4 until 6 and is for members of the Friends only. Memberships are inexpensive and are available at the door. Saturday's sale is from 1 until 3 and is open to all. We specialize in gently-used fiction and non-fiction for children and adults, plus videos, CDs, DVDs, puzzles and games. Please note: our children's books sell for 10 CENTS and up. 4191 Appian Way, at the corner of the San Pablo Dam Road. (510) 374-3991.

March 6: Dichroic "Dots" Pendants
In this class you will be using PMC3 and small dichroic glass cabachons. You will learn how to layer metal clay and include the glass in your designs. Class flyers available at the Pinole Art Center or at www.medesigns.biz to see a photograph of the project. Class is four and a half hours 12:30-5pm. $65.00 (4 student minimum). Materials Fee $28 and up (depending on materials used). To enroll, call Lis Mahnken 510-223-6875 or Email to lis@medesigns.biz. Sponsored by the Pinole Artisans. 2221 Pear St., Pinole. 510-724-2008

March 6, 13 and 20: Art with Vickie
3 wk class, 9:30 -11:30 am. This class is designed for children ages 8 -12. We will be using acrylics to paint a landscape. Cost $36. Materials included. For information or to be placed on our wait list, call Vickie Resso, at 758-3558. 2221 Pear St., Pinole. Tel: 510-724-2008

March 6, 19: Melinda's Crop Night
6:00 pm- 12:30 am. Scrapbook cropping. Cost $10, includes food/bring your own drinks. Space is limited. For information or to enroll, call Melinda Wasilchin, 510-724-1728, or email scrapchick55@gmail.com. 2221 Pear St., Pinole. Tel: 510-724-2008

March 6: Silent Auction/Flea Market Fundraiser
Sponsored by Ellerhorst Elementary's 6th grade class from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The 6th grade class is holding its first annual fundraiser for their trip to Yosemite. They are leasing 15 X 15 spaces for $30/space to vendors. There will be a silent auction and will be selling food and drink throughout the day. If you are interested in leasing a space, please call Stephanie Jensen at (510) 231-1426 extension 24602 or email at sjensen2@wccusd.net. Come and help support the students at 3501 Pinole Valley Road, Pinole.

March 6: Hercules Sustainable Community Garden Project
Work Day at the Garden: 9:00 a.m. - Noon Please check the website for pre-registration pricing. http://sites.google.com/site/herculesgardening/

March 6 & 7: Adventure Weekend
Wear your Indiana Jones or Dora the Explorer hat, use your compass, chart your course, find the hidden gems and make your way through the Caverns of Mystery. Fun adventure challenge for all ages! Playland-Not-At-The-Beach 10979 San Pablo Ave., El Cerrito. 510-592-3002. www.playland-not-at-the-beach.org.

March 7, 8 &9: St. Joseph Parish: "Making Holy Choices: Discerning God's Will in Your Life (In Tough Economic Times)"
by Fr. Jim Sullivan and Christine Watkins. 837 Tennent Ave, Pinole, CA 94564. (510) 741-4900 March 7, 8 & 9 at 7:30 pm. Parish Hall.

March 9: Pinole Chamber of Commerce: State of the City Luncheon Guest Speaker Mayor Debbie Long. 11:30-1:30, Sizzler Restaurant 1515 Fitzgerald Dr., Pinole. $20. For reservations, call 510-724-4484 or email pinolechamber@yahoo.com, www.pinolechamber.org

March 9: Meet a Guide Dog in Training
Come meet a young guide dog in training, and then play some blindness awareness games. This free program is presented by the East Bay Guide Dog Raisers, a chapter of Guide Dogs for the Blind. 3:30 p.m. El Sobrante Library 4191 Appian Way El Sobrante.

March 9: Pinole Garden Club
Join us for a timely program, "Low to No Pesticide Gardening", presented by Erline Millier, Master Gardener. Tips on saving our environment while having a nice garden. Membership is open to anyone interested in gardening, and guests are welcome at any regular meeting. Throughout the year, Pinole Garden Club sponsors events, awards and programs that benefit our City and State. 1 pm, Public Safety Facility, Alex Clark Room, 880 Tennent Avenue, Pinole. 510-758-8302.

March 10: El Sobrante Chamber of Commerce Mixer
5:30-7:00pm at Jennifer & Todds Cafe, 3550 San Pablo Dam Rd Space O, El Sobrante. Contact: Michael Frith 510-243-9621

March 11: Richmond Chamber of Commerce Mixer
Members enjoy casual networking and refreshments. No-host bar. $5 members, $10 non members. 5-7 pm. www.rcoc.com

March 11: El Sobrante Valley Planning & Zoning
Advisory Committee Meeting at 6PM, in the Meeting Room of the El Sobrante Library.

March 12: Hercules Chamber of Commerce Networking Business Mixer 5pm - 7pm, The Dental Center of Hercules 844 Willow Ave #A6, Hercules. 510-741-7945, Sylvia Villa-Serrano, sylvia@herculeschamber.com

March 13: Hercules Sustainable Community Garden Project
Movie: "The Power of Community: How Cuba Survived Peak Oil" 2:00 p.m. Hercules Library. Please check the website for pre-registration pricing. http://sites.google.com/site/herculesgardening/

March 13: Rabbit Adoption Day
Meet Pepsi and Doolittle, Momo, HotDog, and Shortcake, learn from the experts about habitat, grooming and health, 1-4pm. RabbitEARS, 377 Colusa Ave, Kensington 510-525-6155, www.rabbitears.org

March 13: Dealing with Aggressive Bunnies
Learn simple techniques for training your aggressive, nervous, frightened, grumpy, thumping, boxing, biting or downright tyrannical rabbit without blood, sweat or tears! 2-3:30pm RabbitEARS, 377 Colusa Ave, Kensington CA 94707, 510-525-6155, fixpets@yahoo.com

March 13: Pinole Library: PokÈmon Party
Can't get enough of PokÈmon? Neither can we! Join us for our PokÈmon party, call 758-2741 for details, Saturday the 13th at 3:00, 2935 Pinole Valley Rd. (510)758-2741.

March 13 & 14: The Little Green Men Arrive!
Just in time for St. Patrick's Day, the flying saucers are landing, and the Little Green Men are popping up everywhere. Crazy fun, as you track them down and try to keep them together before they take over Northern California. PLAYLAND-NOT-AT-THE-BEACH 10979 San Pablo Ave., El Cerrito, CA 94530. 510-592-3002. www.playland-not-at-the beachthe-beach.org.

March 15: Asian Art Museum - Shanghai: a Unique and Dynamic Metropolis Our evening program will feature a talk and slide show on the history, art and culture of the city of Shanghai, presented by a docent from the Asian Art Museum. Laura Beth Nelson, Docent. Free event. 7:00 p.m. Kensington Library, 61 Arlington Avenue, Kensington, CA 94707. Contact Louise O'Dea, lodea@ccclib.org, 510-524-3043

March 15: Richmond Public Library: JazzArts Program
Come and listen to some real live Jazz while you create a piece of improvisational art along the way! This event is free, suitable for everyone, and requires no advance registration. 3:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. at the West Side Branch Library. (510) 620-6567. Wheelchair accessible. Se habla espaÒol. www.richmondlibrary.org

March 16: The El Sobrante Art Guild
Meets the third Tuesday of the month at 7pm. The meetings take place in the Social Hall at the Pinole United Methodist Church, 2000 San Pablo Ave., Pinole (on the hill). New members always welcome! Check out our website for further details www.elsobranteartguild.org.

March 16: Rodeo Library Classic Book Club
We will discuss Agatha Christie's "Ten Little Indians / And Then There Were None" Books currently available at the Rodeo Library. 7 p.m. Rodeo Library 220 Pacific Avenue Rodeo, CA 94572-1118 ctucker@ccclib.org, ccclib.org, 510-799-2606 (phone), 510-799-3349 (fax)

March 17: St. Patrick's Day Rotary Mixer
Hs Lordships, 6-9 pm, Irish Dinner and Live Band featuring Irish Music. $35 per person. Rotary Clubs represented are, Berkeley, Albany, El Cerrito, Richmond, San Pablo, El Sobrante, Pinole, Hercules, Vallejo, Please join us. For info and tickets contact Doug Millar, 510-233-7700, info@dowelaw.com

March 17: The Lawrence Hall of Science presents "Family Engineering."Discover the fun of engineering through hands-on activities for the whole family! Please come to the Children's Room of the Richmond Main Library, 325 Civic Center Plaza, Richmond, 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. This fun activity will be free, and suitable for all families with elementary age children. (510) 620-6557. Wheelchair accessible. Se habla espaÒol. www.richmondlibrary.org

March 17: Pinole Library Mad Science: Crazy Chemistry
Learn about crazy chemistry as our Mad Scientist melts a head and causes a foam explosion! Wednesday the 17th at 7:00, 2935 Pinole Valley Rd. (510)758-2741.

March 17: Pinole Library: Community Library Book Club
Help us pick our next title Wednesday the 17th at 6:30 p.m. 2935 Pinole Valley Rd. (510)758-2741.

March 17: El Cerrito Chamber of Commerce Meeting
March 17th at noon. Mayor Janet Abelson will present a 'State of the City' address.

March 18: Pinole Historical Society
Pinole architect Timothy Banuelos will present a visual tour of East Bay architectural styles focusing on the unique community character created in Pinole through a timeline of selected buildings. This meeting will be held at the Pinole Youth Center on Tennent Avenue. Regularly scheduled meetings are open to members and the general public. 6:30 p.m. www.PinoleHistoricalSociety.org.

March 19: St. Joseph Parish: St. Joseph's Feast Day
Come and celebrate with us at the "St. Joseph's Table" (centuries-old Italian tradition). Pasta dinner and entertainment, starting at 5 pm in the parish hall. Free! All is welcome! Mass at 7:30 pm in the church, 837 Tennent Ave., Pinole, 510-741-4900.

March 20: Hercules Sustainable Community Garden Project
Work Day at the Garden: 9:00 a.m. - Noon Please check the website for pre-registration pricing. http://sites.google.com/site/herculesgardening/

March 20: St. Joseph School: Masquerade Ball & Casino Night!
16th Annual Silent/Live Auction. $50 ticket includes dinner and 250 gaming scrip for casino games. Gaming scrip may be used to purchase raffle tickets for prize drawings later in the evening. Doors open at 5pm, dinner at 7pm. For tickets please contact Tina Campos at 510-799-4977 or the school office at 510-724-0242.

March 20: Jewelry Finishing with Jill
For all skill levels, Teen to Adult. Make your own jewelry findings, look at samples of materials, make a pair of earrings, repair jewelry, make jewelry projects and receive a handy booklet of tips to take home. 1 - 4 pm. $30 for class, $15 for supplies. To enroll, call Jill Niles, 510-964-1978. 2221 Pear St., Pinole.

March 20 & 21: Houdini Magic Weekend!
Magicians from around Northern California are performing and putting on classes. Don't miss one of our most popular events. PLAYLAND-NOT-AT-THE-BEACH, 10979 San Pablo Ave., El Cerrito, CA 94530. 510-592-3002. www.playland-not-at-the-beach.org.

March 20: Small Critters Adoption Day
Meet the guinea pigs, hamsters, rabbits and more at RabbitEARS, 1-4pm. 377 Colusa Ave, Kensington CA 94707, 510-525-6155, www.rabbitears.org.

March 20: Rodeo Library Spring Craft Day
We will be decorating flowers to adorn the library windows. Craft materials supplied free. 11-5p.m. Rodeo Library 220 Pacific Avenue Rodeo ctucker@ccclib.org, ccclib.org, 510-799-2606

March 21: Hercules Sustainable Community Garden Project
Heirloom Tomato Class at the Garden 2:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. Admission fee will be charged to cover cost of materials. Please check the website for pre-registration pricing. http://sites.google.com/site/herculesgardening/

March 23: Rodeo Library Classic Film Club
We will discuss the 1945 film adaptation of Agatha Christie's "And Then There Were None" DVDs will be available at least 1 week prior to the meeting. 7 p.m. Rodeo Library 220 Pacific Avenue Rodeo ctucker@ccclib.org, ccclib.org, 510-799-2606

March 24: Pinole Library: Hooks and Needles
Knit something warm Wednesday the 24th at 6:00. 2935 Pinole Valley Rd. (510)758-2741.

March 24: El Cerrito Chamber of Commerce Mixer
5-7pm D'Jour Floral 7512 Fairmont Ave. El Cerrito, CA. 94530. BBQ meet and greet. Reservations and info 510-705-1202

March 24: "Every Woman Has a Story"
Soroptimist International of El Cerrito Announces the Club's 2010 Speaker's Series 7:30 pm. Northbrae Community Church 941 The Alameda Berkeley, CA 94707. Cost $15 for March 24th ï $35 for May 23rd. March 24th Program Speaker: Natalie Coughlin, Olympic Champion. May 23rd Program Speaker: Jane Juska, Author "A Round Heeled Woman". Light food and drinks Wednesday, Mar. 23rd. Refreshments and other items will be sold as part of the club's fund raising at the Sunday, May 23rd. event. Space is limited to 80 for the first two dates, with room for 200 in May.

March 25: Pinole Chamber of Commerce Mixer
The Bank of the West, 777 Tennent Avenue, Pinole. 5:30-7:00 Free, bring lots of business cards and Network, Network, Network. Info at www.pinolechamber.org or 510-724-4484, pinolechamber@yahoo.com

March 27: Cats and Kittens Adoption Day
Meet rescued cats from local shelters and back alleys 1-4pm. Learn how to take care of feral cats in your neighborhood and how you can help out at your local shelter, RabbitEARS, 377 Colusa Ave, Kensington 510-525-6155, fixpets@yahoo.com

March 27: Hercules Chamber of Commerce: 17th Annual Awards Dinner 6pm, the Hercules Senior Center 111 Civic Dr Hercules. Tickets $35 (advance purchase required). For ticket information, Phone: 510-741-7945, Sylvia Villa-Serrano, sylvia@herculeschamber.com

March 27: The Mocha Moms of West Contra Costa County: A Black Marriage Day Celebration! We invite you to come hear Speakers talk to us about the importance of a Strong Committed Marriage Foundation, enjoy Good Food and Dance to Great Music in the Company of Fabulous Couples! Richmond Country Club! No Host Bar at 6pm. Reception and No Host Bar at 6:30pm. Dinner at 7:30pm. Tickets are $90/couple. www.wccmm.org wccmochas@yahoo.com

March 27 & 28: Circus Weekend!
See the life story of a boy who joined the circus and became a daredevil. Amazing film footage and slideshow of the true, inspiring story of Agostino Maltese, one of the most fearless performers in modern circus history. PLAYLAND-NOT-AT-THE-BEACH, 10979 San Pablo Ave., El Cerrito, CA 94530. 510-592-3002. www.playland-not-at-the-beach.org.

March 28: Beds and Bones Campaign for U.S. Military War Dogs
Support the deployed K-9 working dog troops serving our country in the Middle East, their soldier handlers, and adoptions back home when the dogs retire, RabbitEARS, 1-4pm, 377 Colusa Ave, Kensington CA 94707, 510-525-6155. www.rabbitears.org

March 31: Home Front Award:
the National Park Service through the Rosie the Riveter/World War II Home Front National Historical Park, will sponsor a "Home Front Award" to recognize an individual, project, program or publication that preserves a home front site or structure, or that pro¨motes recognition and understanding of this important historical period in Richmond's history. The nominations are due March 31, 2010. Forms available at www.ci.richmond.ca.us/index.aspx?nid=1447 or call Lina Velasco at (510) 620-6841.

March: Pinole Library Mondays:
Lapsit Story Time Songs, stories and games for the up to three-years-old crowd every Monday at 10:30 am, 2935 Pinole Valley Rd. (510)758-2741.

March: Pinole Library: Teen Activities
Wednesday afternoons at 3:00 play wii, board games and more 2935 Pinole Valley Rd. (510)758-2741.

March 13, 20, 27 and April 3: Richmond Library: Math and Science Fun at the Library! The Richmond Public Library invites families with children from kindergarten through 5th grade to attend a four week series of math and science activities. These entertaining classes will take place in the meeting room of the Richmond Public Library at 325 Civic Center Plaza in Richmond 12:30 to 2:00 p.m. Families are encouraged to attend all four sessions. Offered in both English and Spanish, these classes are free. Please call (510) 620-6557 to let us know if you plan to attend. This program is co-sponsored by UC Berkeley - Lawrence Hall of Science and the National Science Foundation. www.richmondlibrary.org

March: Sea Scouts: Teens-Be Part of the Adventure!
The SEA SCOUT SHIP NORTHLAND is looking for male crew 14-18 years old to be part of our 2009-10 Regatta and Cruising season. We meet Tuesday evenings and Saturdays at our Richmond Seabase and on our ship at 1313 Canal Boulevard, Richmond. Learn free valuable nautical and life skills including: rowing, sailing, navigation, small boat handling and ship operation, knot tying and rescue techniques, engine mechanics and repair, carpentry, painting, fishing, waterskiing and watersports, cruises, and dances (yes, there are female Sea Scout crews, too), or just learning more about boats and gaining valuable skills, we have a place for you. www.northlandnautical.org, 510-685-7243

April 25th: The 17th Annual Culinary Caper
Soroptimist International of Richmond, the world's largest service organization for business and professional women, will host "Culinary Caper - Annual Chef Show & Wine Tasting" from 12 noon to 3 p.m. at Rockefeller Lodge, located at 2650 Market Street in San Pablo. Soroptimist International of Richmond encourages all guests to make their reservations in advance, as space will be limited. (510) 237-2355.

May 1: The Powder Keg Pub Spring Swing Women's Golf Tournament First Annual Spring Swing Women's Golf Tournament raising money to support the fight against breast cancer. Boxed lunch, driving range practice, swing analysis (extra $10), longest drive and closest to the pin prizes, putting contest, raffle prizes and a prime rib dinner back at the Powder Keg! Cost: $90. Space is very limited, so purchase your space now. We are currently soliciting sponsorships from our food and beverage associates, as well as local businesses in our community. If you are interested in supporting this event, contact Gigi at the Powder Keg 510-724-7300.