Datebook

Ongoing

Housing Workshop for Seniors
When: Wednesdays from 1-2 p.m.
Where: Contra Costa County Aging and Adult Services, 500 Ellinwood Way, Pleasant Hill, CA 94523.
Details: This Information and Assistance Program may be able to help with your housing search. Register and attend if you are a resident of Contra Costa County, a senior citizen that is homeless, if you’re in the process of eviction and could be homeless soon, your rent has or will be increased to an amount you cannot afford, or if you are unable to use the Internet to locate or apply for housing.
Info: (925) 229-8434 or 800-510-2020 to register.

Martinez Book Club
When: 6 p.m. the fourth Tuesday of the month.
Where: Martinez Library, 740 Court St., Martinez.
Details: Come join us for Book Club! We meet the fourth Tuesday of the month at 6 p.m. The group will select a different book for every meeting, alternating between genres. No registration or fees – just show up!
Cost: Free

Mother Goose Time
When: 10:30 a.m. Tuesdays from March 21 to May 9
Where: Martinez Library, 740 Court St., Martinez.
Details: A lighthearted early literacy story time for the youngest crowd! Reading is accompanied with singing and play. Stories are followed by a simple craft for older children and Stay & Play for the younger set. Best for ages 6 months to 3 years old.
Cost: Free
Info: http://ccclib.org

Drop in Wednesdays
When: 3-4 p.m. Wednesdays in April
Where: Martinez Library, 740 Court St., Martinez.
Details: Drop in at the Martinez Library on Wednesdays for activities and events for teens and tweens. This month: April 5: no Drop-in – Spring Break! April 12: pin backed buttons; April 19: Wii and board games; April 26: art series with local artist, Julia Linsteadt. Snacks provided. Check it out!
Cost: Free
Info: http://ccclib.org

Friday, April 7

Our 10th Anniversary Show
When: 6-8:30 p.m. Friday, April 7
Where: Martinez Gallery, 610 Court St., Suite 101, Martinez (corner of Escobar).
Details: Stop in and meet the artists, see the new work and enjoy light refreshments. Variety of artworks from painting, photography, art glass, jewelry, fabric art and more. Fine art and affordable gift items offered.
Info: (925) 370-6270 or http://maagallerymartinez.weebly.com.

Saturday, April 8

Needle Arts with Marilyn
When: 1-3 p.m. Saturdays April 8 & 22
Where: Martinez Library, 740 Court St., Martinez.
Details: Get hands on instruction from Marilyn, dedicated and talented volunteer, who works with adults and teens of all skill levels. Work on current projects or be inspired to learn a new hobby. All instruction is free and no registration is required. Please bring your own materials.
Cost: Free
Info: http://ccclib.org

Sunday, April 9

2017 Cat Spay/Neuter Dates
When: Sundays Jan. 29, April 9, July 9, Oct. 8
Where: Contra Costa County Animal Services, 4800 Imhoff Place, Martinez.
Details: Low cost spay and neuter clinic for feral and free roaming community cats. Cats must be in humane traps (sorry, no carriers permitted). Spay/Neuter Impact Program (SNIP) has some traps available. Reservations are required – no walk-ins accepted. Cost includes FVRCP and Rabies vaccinations, flea treatment when available, ear-tip for permanent spayed/neutered identification.
Cost: $15
Info: (925) 473-5027 or www.snipcat.org

Pink Moon Alhambra Cemetery Tours
When: 6:30-7:45 p.m. Sunday, April 9
Where: Alhambra Cemetery, Carquinez Scenic Drive, Martinez.
Details: A tour guide will introduce you to families with names you know and some you don’t. You will learn more about local war heroes personalities, politicians and a most creative caretaker. This tour is to enlighten, not frighten! Go to the City of Martinez website at www.cityofmartinez.org or call (925) 372-3510 to reserve your spot; space is limited. No children, please. Pre-registration is required. Donations will go to the Alhambra Cemetery for improvements.
Cost: Donation
Info: (925) 372-3510

Monday, April 10

Hop Into Spring
When: 6:30 p.m. Monday, April 10
Where: Martinez Library, 740 Court St., Martinez.
Details: We’ll hop into the season with special springtime stories and crafts to welcome. Spring. In partnership with Martinez Recreation.
Cost: Free
Info: http://ccclib.org

Tuesday, April 11

Origami
When: 3:30-4:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 11
Where: Martinez Library, 740 Court St., Martinez.
Details: Join our origami master, Charles Esseltine, and learn the art of paper folding. All materials provided. Recommended for grades 2 and up.
Cost: Free
Info: http://ccclib.org

National Poetry Month with Maureen Mancuso
When: 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 11
Where: Martinez Library, 740 Court St., Martinez.
Details: Maureen Mancuso is a Roman Catholic Woman Priest, high school English teacher, ecological poet and pastor of St. Hildegard Catholic Community in Berkeley.
Cost: Free
Info: http://ccclib.org

Saturday, April 15

Citizen of the Year Awards
When: 6-9 p.m. Saturday, April 15
Where: Masonic Hall, 700 Masonic St., Martinez.
Details: The Citizen of the Year Awards is a special event that recognizes people or organizations for their outstanding volunteerism and commitment to the community. Reservations required. The deadline for all nominations is Feb. 24, 2017 at 5 p.m.
Cost: $55 per person or $500 for a table.
Info: Chamber of Commerce, (925) 228-2345 or julie@martinezchamber.com

Sunday, April 16

Easter Celebration Service and Egg Hunt
When: 10 a.m. Sunday, April 16
Where: Glenbrook Middle School, 2351 Olivera Road, Concord.
Details: Join Victory Outreach Church of Concord in an Easter Celebration Service, followed by an Easter egg hunt for the entire family. Immediately following the service, 2,000 Easter eggs will be hunted, with BBQ food available.
Cost: Free
Info: (925) 222-5905 or www.voconcord.com

Tuesday, April 18

Lunch and Learn
When: 12:30-1:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 18
Where: The Hall Closet, 202 Glacier Drive, Martinez.
Details: Event to share with interested community members, Juvenile Hall Auxiliary partners and prospective volunteers what it is they do at JHA and how individuals and organizations can get involved. Light lunch provided.
Info: RSVP by Monday, April 17, to harold@reachingouryouth.org

Tuesday, April 4

Learn to Knit and Crochet
When: 6 p.m. Tuesday April 18
Where: Martinez Library, 740 Court St., Martinez.
Details: Come and learn more about the art and craft of knitting or crochet at this workshop run by experts. This program is sponsored by the Needle Arts Mentoring Program (a project of the Helping Hands Foundation, Inc.) of the National Needle Arts Association, and is geared toward young people 18 and under. Adults who wish to learn are welcome, but supplied materials may be limited.
Cost: Free
Info: http://ccclib.org

Wednesday, April 19

Lioness Club Fashion Show
When: Noon, Wednesday, April 19
Where: IBEW Hall, 1875 Arnold Dr., Martinez.
Details: Annual fashion show luncheon fundraiser. This year’s theme is “Spring is in the Air,” and will feature fashions from White Rabbit Boutique in Martinez. Catered by Cynthia’s Catering. Seating is limited, so get your tickets soon! Proceeds to benefit Martinez Lioness Scholarship Program, the Martinez Lioness Medical Lending Equipment Program, and the Martinez Lioness Preschool Visual Screening Program.
Cost: Donation of $30 per person
Info: Tickets available from Janet Sparacino, (925) 229-9033

Thursday, April 20

Adult Education Spring Concert
When: 7 p.m. Thursday, April 20
Where: Martinez Junior High Auditorium, 1600 Court St., Martinez.
Details: Combined community concert featuring the Contra Costa Jazz Band, Community Chorus and the Diablo Regional Concert Band.
Cost: Free but donation are always appreciated!
Info: cemmom@yahoo.com

Saturday, April 22

Lights, Camera, Auction!
When: 6 p.m. Saturday, April 22, 2017
Where: Pleasant Hill Senior Center, 233 Gregory Lane, Pleasant Hill.
Details: Come walk the red carpet at St. Catherine of Siena School’s 22nd annual auction. Food, drinks, live and silent auction, live table gaming, photo booth, dancing.
Cost: $65

John Muir Birthday/Earth Day
When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, April 22
Where: John Muir National Historic Site, 4202 Alhambra Ave., Martinez.
Details: Join the National Park Service in celebrating John Muir’s 179th Birthday and Earth Day during this annual event. The celebration, held rain or shine, features family-oriented outdoor activities, exhibits by the national parks and conservation organizations, and live music, including a bagpipe band. Parking and admission are free. Visitors can enjoy self-guided tours of Muir’s historic Italianate Victorian home. Bring your kids, family, and friends for a refreshing outdoor experience celebrating our Earth. Last year, over 2,700 guests attended this event.
Cost: Free
Info: www.johnmuirassociation.org or www.nps.gov/jomu.

Bay Area Craft Beer Festival
When: Noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, April 22
Where: Waterfront Park, Martinez.
Details: Over 50 local breweries participating.
Cost: $35 for tasting and $5 for designated drivers.
Info: www.bayareacraftbeerfestival.com

Monday, April 24

It’s in the Can!
When: 6:30 p.m. Monday, April 24
Where: Martinez Library, 740 Court St., Martinez.
Details: Recycling, reusing, reducing and rotting! Celebrate Earth Day as Jamie Coventry cleverly and humorously explores these and other topics while he entertains with music, storytelling, juggling and more.
Cost: Free
Info: http://ccclib.org

Tuesday, April 25

Martinez Book Club
When: 6-7 p.m. Tuesday, April 25
Where: Martinez Library, 740 Court St., Martinez.
Details: This month’s selection: “The Maltese Falcon” by Dashiell Hammett. Come join us for Book Club! We meet the fourth Tuesday of the month at 6 p.m. The group will select a different book for every meeting, alternating between genres. No registration or fees – just show up!
Cost: Free
Info: http://ccclib.org

Saturday, April 29

Fashion Show & Luncheon
When: 11:30 a.m. Saturday, April 29
Where: Grace Episcopal Church, 130 Muir Station Road, Martinez.
Details: Food and fashions pair up in the spring like daffodils. A salad luncheon and ensembles from the Dress Barn will be presented. Doors open at 11:30 a.m. for browsing; lunch served at noon; fashion show starts at 12:45 p.m. Theme baskets will be raffled, vintage linens will be displayed for sale. St. Christopher’s Guild is hosting and tickets my be reserved by calling Mary Canale, (925) 682-0660.

Saturday, May 6

Swedish Pancake Breakfast
When: 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday, May 6
Where: Odd Fellows Hall, 4349 Cowell Road, Concord.
Details: Come for the famous thin Swedish pancakes served with lingonberry preserves, ham, fruit, juice, coffee and tea.
Cost: Adults and youth 11 years and older $10, children 4-10 years $5, children 3 years and under Free.

The Man Who Lit Lady Liberty
When: 1-3:30 p.m. Saturday, May 6
Where: Shell Clubhouse, 1635 Pacheco Boulevard, Martinez.
Details: Be the first to hear author and historian Richard Schwartz talk about his new book, “The Man Who Lit Lady Liberty: The Extraordinary Rise and Fall of Actor M.B. Curtis.” A wine and cheese reception and book signing with the author will follow at 2:30 p.m. Hosted by the Martinez and the Contra Costa County Historical Societies. RSVP is requested – email mkting@cocohistory.org or call (925) 229-1042.
Cost: Free Admission and free parking. $10 donation suggested at door. All proceeds benefit preservation work of Martinez and CoCo County archives.
Info: www.cocohistory.com

Saturday, May 13

Spring Cemetery Cleanup
When: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, May 13
Where: Alhambra Cemetery, Carquinez Scenic Drive, Martinez.
Details: It’s spring again and time for the semi-annual Cemetery Cleanup Day. Everyone is welcome to participate. Bring your garden tools.
Info: Martinez Recreation, (925) 372-3510.

Big Bag of Books Sale
When: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, May 13
Where: Martinez Public Library, Lower Level, 740 Court St., Martinez.
Details: Choose from thousands of gently-used books and fill a grocery sack for $5. Sponsored by Friends of the Martinez Library (members admitted at 10 a.m., with memberships available at the door). Proceeds fund library programs for children, teens, and adults.
Info: (925) 229-1959

June 17-18

King of the County BBQ Challenge & Music Festival
When: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. June 17; 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. June 18
Where: Waterfront Park, Martinez
Details: Wine and beer, kids zone, arts and crafts, entertainment, and of course, barbecue!
Info: To be a sponsor or for more info about the BBQ competition, call (925) 228-2345.

To submit an event to the Datebook calendar, fill out the online form. Listings are free for non-profits, and are included in both the print and online editions whenever space is available. Questions? Call (925) 313-9487.