Calendar of Events - February 2012

Now until February 25: Broadway Bound
Autobiographical comedy “Broadway Bound” opens January 20 at Masquers Playhouse in Point Richmond. The coming-of-age comedy is set in 1949 in Brighton Beach, New York. “Broadway Bound” is the story of two brothers, Eugene and Stanley Jerome, who are determined to break into show business as professional comedy writers. When the brothers use the trials and tribulations of their dysfunctional family as inspiration for a radio comedy skit, the Jerome clan may never be the same. Tickets are $20 and all seats are general admission. www.masquers.org or by calling (510) 232-4031.

Through February 11: I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change
Everything you have ever secretly through about dating, romance, marriage, lovers, husbands, wives and in-laws, but were afraid to admit. Starring: Amy Lucido, Stephen Brennan, Sherae Honeycutt and Anthony Lucido.Director: Matthew Teague Miller, Musical 8pm and 2pm performances.Community Playhouse, 601 Tennent Ave., Pinole. $23 General, $20 for seniors (62+) and students. www.pinoleplayers.org. 510-724-9844.

Through March 8: A Fresh Start Art Show
Pinole Artisans will present “A FRESH START”, an all new Art Show at the Pinole Art Center, 2221 Pear Street, Pinole. We will have Paintings, Photographs, Jewelry, Fabric Art, and many surprises. Come in for a visit and leave with something special. Our hours of operation are: Tuesday through Saturday 11 to 4pm.

February 1: FRIENDS OF RICHMOND LIBRARY -- (IN-LIBRARY) GRAB-A-BAG ANNIVERSARY SALE!
10am-7pm, Wednesday, February 1. Great selection of books, videos, etc. offered by the Friends of Richmond Library. Any 10 items are yours for just $2. Inventory restocked frequently for our anniversary sale. Thank you for your support. Main Branch/Richmond Public Library, 325 Civic Center Plaza. 510-235-9056.

February 1: Dan Chan the Magic Man
The Pinole Library welcomes back Magician Dan Chan. He’s more than just magic! His unique combination of talents has made him the only choice for the U.S. Marine Corps in Japan four times and for film legend George Lucas at Skywalker Ranch. 7pm, Pinole Library, 2935 Pinole Valley Rd. (510)758-2741.

February 1, 8, 15, 22, 29: Morning Play Pals Parents at the Hercules Library
10:00am.You don’t have to wait for story time to come to the library with your little ones! Bring your babies, toddlers, and preschoolers in for free play time with puppets, toys, puzzles, music, and friends. Chat with other parents, meet new play dates, and of course, find new books to read to your child. Mom’s groups welcome. 109 Civic Drive, Hercules. 510-245-2420.

February 1, 8, 15, 22, 29: Homework Help
3:00pm. Wednesday afternoons Hercules High School KIWINS are available to help children with homework, all subjects. First come first serve, free. There is no homework help during library closings or school breaks/holidays. 109 Civic Drive, Hercules. 510-245-2420.

February 1, 8, 15, 22,29: Teen Activities
Wii, and board games and more for the teen and tween crowd. After school at 2:30pm. Pinole Library, 2935 Pinole Valley Rd. (510)758-2741.

February 2,9,16,23: FOOD ADDICTS ANONYMOUS
12 Step fellowship for recovery from the disease of food addiction. 7PM, Thursdays at Christ the Lord Episcopal Church, 592 Tennent Ave, Pinole. Contact: Linda 925-917-0781.

February 3rd: Go Red Walk, Shop and Stroll
Join the Mocha Moms of West Contra Costa County at the Go Red Walk, Shop and Stroll! Get your sneakers on, pull out that stroller and lets get moving in support of Heart Health! This is a Free Event! We will end with having lunch at the Cheesecake Factory. wccmochas@yahoo.com or
\510-691-3078. www.wccmm.org.

February 4: Stories with acclaimed Bay Area storyteller Clara Yen
11 a.m. Join us as Clara Yen shares childhood stories, and traditional Chinese folk and fairy tales. All ages; free. ccclib.org, El Cerrito Library, 6510 Stockton Ave. 510-526-7512.

February 4 & 5: Groundhog Day Weekend
Long winter or early spring, the weather’s always perfect at Playland, the East Bay’s favorite indoor playspace. Scurry throughout our climate-controlled museum looking for signs of the season to come. Find the fuzzy shadows for fun prizes! PLAYLAND-NOT-AT-THE-BEACH, 10979 San Pablo Ave., El Cerrito.510-592-3002. www.playland-not-at-the-beach.org.

February 6: Meet Lois Kazakoff
7:00 PM. Meet Lois Kazakoff of the San Francisco Chronicle, the opinion journalist of the year, according to the National Conference of Editorial Writers. Join our discussion on the role of opinion pages to help communities frame problems, deliberate over solutions and take action for the community good. Hercules Library, 109 Civic Drive, Hercules. 510-245-2420.

February 6: “Castoffs” - Knitting Group
6:30 p.m. Enjoy an evening of knitting, show and tell and yarn exchange. All levels are welcome and some help will be provided. This group normally meets on the first Monday of every month in the library at 6:30PM.Kensington Library, 61 Arlington Avenue, Kensington. Free event.
510-524-3043 or lodea@ccclib.org.

February 6, 13, 27: Laptop Lab
Having trouble with your laptop? Come to the Hercules Library for one-on-one help with our expert computer docent. Help is on a drop-in basis and is subject to cancellation. Please call ahead to confirm. 109 Civic Drive, Hercules. 510-245-2420.

February 7: FRIENDS OF THE RODEO LIBRARY
7:30 p.m. Discuss book sales, fundraising, organization and library improvements. 220 Pacific Avenue. Rodeo.ccclib.org. 510-799-2606.

February 7: LEGO Club
4:00 PM. The first Tuesday of the month we’ll be having 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.) Hercules Library, 109 Civic Drive, Hercules.
510-245-2420.

FEBRUARY 7, 14, 21 & 28 : 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. We meet every Tuesday 6 – 7:30 p.m. at the Hercules Senior Center, 111 Civic Dr. Hercules. Troop76hercules@gmail.com or Jim McMillan 510-724-0566.

Feb 7, 14, 28: Hercules Math Club Weekly Lesson
3 wk class, 7:00-8:30 pm, Pinole Youth Center. This class is designed for 5th-7th graders who love math. We will be working on fun math problems, including Math Olympiad questions. Cost $45 for the 3 classes. For information or to be placed on our wait list, www.HerculesMath.com, or call Lucy at (510)333-1370.

February 9: Chinese Brush Painting
3 p.m. Watch as local artist Susan Ji demonstrates the ancient art of brush painting, then try your hand at this technique! Ages 5 and up; free. Space is limited: Register at the events calendar at ccclib.org, or call the El Cerrito Library, 6510 Stockton Ave. 510-526-7512.

February 9: EL CERRITO GARDEN CLUB
9:30 to Noon at the Community Center, 7007 Moeser Lane. The presenter will be Joan Morris of West County Times, speaking on Community Gardening. Visitors are invited to attend, with a guest fee of $3, payable at the door. If you have questions, please call the Publicity Chairman, Jackie Davids, at 510-233-9365.

February 10 through March 4: Barefoot in the park
Romance is in the air with one of the theatre’s sweetest odes to young love and commitment. It’s 1964, and newlyweds Paul and Corie are just starting their life together in a tiny, fifth floor Manhattan walkup. Don’t miss this sparkling, romantic comedy from the master of the form. General admission $20, $11 age 16 & under. Contra Costa Civic Theatre, 951 Pomona Avenue, El Cerrito.

February 11: RODEO LIBRARY FAMILY CRAFT DAY
Saturday, February 11th from 12 noon to 5 p.m. Create a Valentine card for someone special! Free materials provided. 220 Pacific Avenue, Rodeo. ccclib.org. 510-799-2606.

February 11: Du Three Bears-5k run and Duathlon 2.0 mile run 18 mi. bike 2 mile run
9:00am in El Sobrante. San Pablo Dam reservoir, run is on Old San Pablo Dam road, pavement and trail pictures of run and bike course on web site. 5 k $ 30.00 /5 year age groups.7301 San Pablo Dam Road, El Sobrante. Pictures and more details on www.wolfpackevents.com or www.Active.com. 510-459-0854.

February 11 & 12: Valentine’s Day Weekend
A little love mixes with the usual magic in the Playland air. Relive the romantic days of carnivals and carousels, penny arcades and pinball classics. Bring your funny Valentine and receive a special prize. PLAYLAND-NOT-AT-THE-BEACH, 10979 San Pablo Ave., El Cerrito. 510-592-3002. www.playland-not-at-the-beach.org.

February 12th: Mocha Moms Valentine’s Day
We are celebrating love and friendship! The Mocha Moms of West Contra Costa County invite you to join us for our Chapter Celebration of Valentine’s Day! Bring the family to enjoy kids crafts, games and refreshments! Please RSVP by contacting us at wccmochas@yahoo.com or 510-691-3078.

February 13: Mixed Media Art
7:30pm. Mira M. White will demonstrate one of her special mixed media techniques at El Cerrito Art Association meeting. Demonstrating with soft pastels, she will be working wet and dry using watercolor, collage and acrylics. Garden Room, El Cerrito Community Center, 7007 Moeser Lane, El Cerrito. Free. 510-526-6241.

February 14: RODEO LIBRARY BEADED JEWELRY WORKSHOP
7:30 p.m. Kelly will teach us how to make a Valentine charm bracelet! Free materials supplied. 220 Pacific Avenue, Rodeo. ccclib.org. 510-799-2606.

February 14: PINOLE GARDEN CLUB
1:00 pm. Public Safety Facility, Alex Clark Room, 880 Tennent Avenue, Pinole. Guests are welcome at no charge. Please join us for an exciting and informative program, “Wild Birds in the Garden”, presented by Jenny Papka from the Native Bird Connection. (She will be accompanied by some feathered friends!) For further information please call 510-758-8302.

February 17th: Coffee and Chat
It’s Mommy Support Group Time and yes our children are always welcome!! Join us for Coffee & Chat at The MonTaraBay Community Center from 10:00am-11:30am. Coffee and Pastries will be provided. Please RSVP by contacting us at wccmochas@yahoo.com or 510-691-3078. www.wccmm.org.

February 18: Rodeo Chamber’s Annual Crab Feed
Enjoy Crab, Tri-Tip, Vegetables, Pasta, Salad, Rolls, and Dessert. No Host Bar from 6-7pm Dinner served at 7pm.There will be a Raffle, a Door Prize and a “Table Decorating Contest” with a $100.00 Prize. St. Patrick’s Church Hall at the Corner of 7th and Vaqueros Street’s in Rodeo.Ticket’s sold at Rodeo True Value Hardware. $40.00 per person.

February 18-20: Mardi Gras Weekend
(Open for President’s Day). We invite all Kings and Queens of the Carnival for a Mardi Gras celebration the Playland way. Wear your green, purple, and gold. Open 10-5pm President’s Day, Monday, February 20th for an EXTRA DAY TO PLAY! PLAYLAND-NOT-AT-THE-BEACH, 10979 San Pablo Ave., El Cerrito. 510-592-3002. www.playland-not-at-the-beach.org.

FEBRUARY 21: SONS IN RETIREMENT, BRANCH 2
Retired men, be our guest for lunch, with a speaker at noon, after a no-host social hour at 11am, the third Wednesday of the month at the Galileo Club, 371 S. 23rd St., Richmond. Contact Dean Flint, 510-233-1642.

February 21: RODEO LIBRARY CLASSIC BOOK CLUB
7:30 p.m. We will discuss “Washington Square” by Henry James. Books & CD available at least 1 month in advance at the Rodeo Library. 220 Pacific Avenue, Rodeo. ccclib.org. 510-799-2606.

February 21 & February 28: 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, ElCerrito). Registration required. For details and registration, call
510-559-7000.

February 23: 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. Anyone for Pictionary in the Midway Party Room? How about Clue in the Carousel Carnival? 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.

February 25: Every Woman Has a Story
Soroptimist International of El Cerrito will present the second in a series of Speakers for their third Annual Series, “Every Woman Has a Story” on February 25th. Angela Mason, noted Humanitarian with World Vision, will be speaking at 7PM at Northbrae Community Church, 941 The Alameda, Berkeley, in the Parlor Room. Cost $20. Please call Lu Tipping at
510-812-5411 for information and reservations.

February 25: It’s Mommy Time!
At least once a month the Mocha Moms of West Contra Costa County get together for a Mom’s Only Activity! This month we are headed to Napa! Being swooped away by a limo and taken to visit 4 wineries, lunch and a stop at the Napa Outlets! We are talking some serious Mommy FUN and relaxation! The cost for this excursion is only $42(does not include tastings or Drivers Tip). For more details email wccmochas@yahoo.com or 510-691-3078. Space is VERY limited! www.wccmm.org.

February 25: Twisted Quilters
Put a modern twist on this classical American art form. Sewers are welcome too! 2:00pm, Pinole Library, 2935 Pinole Valley Rd. (510)758-2741.

February 25 & 26: Leap Day Weekend
What happens every four years and is more fun when you spend it at Playland? No, not the Olympics or the Election, but the extra day given to February-Leap Day. Be there to celebrate Playland-Not-at-the-Beach’s very first Leap Day (we opened our doors just after the last one). Four years of fun packed into one weekend! PLAYLAND-NOT-AT-THE-BEACH, 10979 San Pablo Ave., El Cerrito. 510-592-3002. www.playland-not-at-the-beach.org.

February 27: Learn About Your New eReader
7:00 PM.Did you receive an eReader over the holidays? The Hercules Library is offering instruction on how use eReaders of all kinds: Kindles, Nooks, Sony, iPads. This class will cover the benefits and challenges of each device and how to download free eBooks and eAudiobooks 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 Drive, Hercules. 510-245-2420.

February 28: RODEO LIBRARY CLASSIC FILM CLUB
7:30 p.m. We will discuss “The Heiress” starring Olivia De Havilland & “Washington Square” starring Jennifer Jason Leigh. DVDs available at least 1 week in advance at the Rodeo Library. 220 Pacific Avenue. Rodeo.ccclib.org. 510-799-2606.