Ronnie’s Awesome List – April 1-15

I am so thankful I live in the Bay Area. The natural beauty, especially at this time of the year, overwhelms me. Even in a world-class city like San Francisco, the plant and animal worlds flourish. Now is a chance to observe other incredible species of parents hard at work. One of my favorites is the Great Blue Heron’s that nest in the middle of Stow Lake in Golden Gate Park. Docents with spotting scopes are out to teach the public and view these majestic birds building the nests and feeding chicks round-the-clock. This is a wonderful opportunity to introduce your children to these amazing birds ... and let your kids convince you to take the paddle boats around the lake while you are there.

I also must mention the many milestones the Bay Area is celebrating this year. This year marks the:

• 40th anniversary of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area
• 40th anniversary of Marin County Parks
• 50th anniversary of the Point Reyes National Seashore
• 75th anniversary to the most beautiful bridge in the world, the Golden Gate Bridge.
• 100th anniversary of  the Marin Municipal Watershed

We owe a huge debt of gratitude to the men in women who had the foresight to halt urban development of this land. They have given us the gift of beautiful natural surroundings, open space we cherish, saved countless numbers of flora and fauna species, left us miles of unspoiled terrain for public enjoyment and reliable water supply from local sources. To these bold and dedicated citizens, who started a grassroots movement to make a difference that effects us all, I thank you every day for your tireless work to preserve these lands for us all to enjoy!

Thank You!
Ronnie

April 2012

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April 1, April Fool’s, Palm Sunday

Classic Family Film @ The Lark, Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, 3pm, Lark Theatre, Larkspur..

Storytime, After a short talk, the children leave the zendo to participate in their own special programs. Activities include crafts, seasonal projects on the farm and garden, yoga, and ritual. Green Gulch.

Preparing for Passover, Kol Shofar, Learn about the Jewish holidays and traditions through music, art, cooking and parent education. Come nosh and schmooze with new friends! 215 Blackfield Dr., Tiburon.

Spring Family Bird Count, 10am-2pm, After a short “binocular bootcamp and birding basics,” kids and families will join experienced birders on an easy two-hour walk counting observed bird life. Return to El Polin Spring to tally the numbers during lunch and to enjoy presentations by kids. Binoculars provided. RSVP to acahlan@presidiotrust.gov or 561-2730.

The World’s Funniest Bubble Show is an enchanting brew of breathtaking bubbles and bubbly music which will appeal to everyone, no matter what their age. The Marsh, Berkeley.

Easter Pail Make-It Take-It, 1pm – 3pm Personalize a festive basket for Easter. Make-It Take-It with purchase of pail While Supplies Last / Ages 3 and up. Michael’s, San Rafael.

Easter Cookie Decorating, 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM, Each child will receive a complimentary Easter cookie to decorate for the holiday. Seats will fill up quickly so RSVP for one of the three time slots (2pm, 3pm & 4pm), call 472-3212. Panera Bread, Northgate Mall.

Zappo the Magician, 11 am – Noon, Award-Winning Bay Area favorite Zappo the Magician brings his disappearing dots and reappearing rabbits to The Buddy Club! Zappo is one of the most popular Bay Area magicians and has won numerous awards around the country! The Randall Museum, San Francisco.

Historic Season Begins, Ardenwood Historic Farm, Fremont.

BubbleMania! 11:00 am & 2:00 pm, Who can resist bubbles? Perfect for the entire family, loaded with visual comedy, quick wit, big band swing music and the unleashed, often unbelievable properties of beautiful spherical liquids. JCCSF.

Preschool Gallery Hour, 10–11:30 AM (doors open at 9:45 AM), hands-on art-making fun, and musical guest Elana Jagoda. Adults must be accompanied by a preschooler for entry. families@thecjm.org or 655.7852, Contemporary Jewish Museum.

Family Gallery Tour: Trees, 12:30-1:15 PM, Experience the world of trees during an interactive gallery tour of Do Not Destroy: Trees, Art, and Jewish Thought, specially designed for families with children ages 6 to 9. With hands-on experiential activities woven throughout, the important role of trees will spring to life! families@thecjm.org or 655.7852, Contemporary Jewish Museum.

Drop-In Art-Making: Recycled Cork Place Setting, 1-3pm, use recycled bottle corks to create reusable table setting cards for your festive celebrations. Contemporary Jewish Museum.

April 3

Rip the Page with Karen Benke, Celebrate National Poetry Month with local poet and author Karen Benke. She’ll guide young poets through fun writing exercises that will fuel creativity and encourage experimentation. 3:30 – 5:00 pm, grade 3 and up, Creekside Room, Mill Valley Library.

Geology Rocks! (10am, 12pm or 3pm) Rocks have humble beginnings in the belly of bellowing fiery mountains. Understand why geology “rocks” through an explosive adventure of volcanoes, rocks and their connection. Chabot Space & Science Museum.

Spring Break Explorer Days, April 3 – 6, 10am – 3pm, Explore the science of the world around you in an interactive drop-in program. Design and build a paper airplane, explore light and rainbows, and build a tower out of straws and pipe cleaners.  CuriOdyssey, 1651 Coyote Point Dr., San Mateo, (650) 342-7755.

Ben & Jerry’s Free Cone Day, Bon Air Center, Greenbrae, NOON – 8pm, donations will support SingersMarin.

April 6, Good Friday

Flashlight Egg Hunt, San Anselmo Library.

Plant Ecology on King Mountain, 5:30 – 8pm, Come out for an early evening stroll under the light of a full moon. A ranger will lead this nature walk to discover the diverse vegetation that blankets this Larkspur preserve, from redwood forest to oak woodland and chaparral. Moonrise is at 8pm, moderate to strenuous walk. Bring water and a flash light; wear layered clothing and sturdy shoes. For more information, call 473-2816.

April 7, Passover

Golden Gate Jubilee, 1-4pm, music bridges cultures as Carnaval presents a tribute using dance as a way to bridge the bay, Concourse at Golden Gate Park.

Children’s Egg Hunt and Summer Camp Fair, San Anselmo.

Spring Easter Egg Hunt, 10am-12pm, parade will begin at the corner of Johnson and Caledonia Street. We will then march to Dunphy Park for an Easter Egg hunt followed by an Easter Bonnet Contest. So put on your bright smiles and your craziest, creative and beautiful Easter bonnets, and we’ll see you rain or shine. Sausalito.

Easter Bunny Brunch, Belvedere Community Center, 10 am-noon for $15 per person (3 and under free). To purchase tickets, call the recreation office at 435-4355.

Fairfax Egg Hunt, 10:00 a.m., Bolinas Park. There will be activities running until noon, such as music, face painting, bubbles, etc. 456-56542.

, 10:00 am, Grab your basket and come for the fun at our annual Egg Hunt and Juggling Show! We ask you to come on down a little early to ensure that you’ll have time to find parking. Children will be sent to age-specific areas to hunt for eggs. You’ll have photo opportunities with our big bunny, and after the hunt, we’ll all meet in the Hall Middle School Gym for a free juggling show! Piper Park, 240 Doherty Dr, Larkspur.

Breakfast with Bunny, The Cheesecake Factory, 9:00-10:00am. Guests are asked to donate $5 per person to benefit Special Olympics Marin. Due to limited seating, all guests are asked to RSVP by calling The Village Concierge at (415) 924-8921.

Breakfast with Bunny & Egg Hunt, 10am, Marinwood Park & Community Center.

Spring Faire and Candy Hunt, Come hop into spring with SRD’s annual Spring Faire. Get your photo taken with the bunny, play carnival games, make a basket, bounce in the jump house and gear up for the candy hunt. Fee: $8per child (adults are free) Strawberry Rec Center.

Easter Celebration @ The Farmers Market
9:00am – 2:00am Welcome Spring in all its glory by meeting the Easter bunny while doing a fun naturally dyed egg activity. Adults and children will dye eggs in such exotic colors as Turmeric Yellow, Cabbage Blue, and Beet pink. Take home your organic treat to snack on or save it for your own Easter Hunt. Scott the storyteller commands the stage from 9:30-10:30 am, with Cajun music from 11:00-2:00, complete with dance instruction to help you learn the two-step and waltz for this lively Louisiana music. Marin County Mart, Larkspur.

Spring Celebration, City Hall, Sherman Avenue, Novato. There will be a Easter Egg Hunt and all kinds of fun for the family beginning at 11 AM!

Naturally Dyed Easter Eggs, 1-2:30 p.m., This hands-on workshop will introduce children to the joy of natural dyes while they make their own patterns on eggs with brilliant plant-based colors. $20, $15 members. Price includes one adult and one child and 6 eggs per child, $10 each additional child or adult per family. Contact 510-643-2755 UC Botanical Garden at Berkeley, 200 Centennial Drive, Berkeley.

Mini Egg Free Make-It Take-It, 1pm – 3pm Celebrate the hoppiest of holidays with this fun, customizable egg. While Supplies Last / Ages 3 and Up, Michael’s, San Rafael.

Build a Bonnet, 2pm, Macy’s, San Francisco, Level 5, Bring the little ones along to arts & crafts, where they can create their very own bonnets perfect for an Easter parade!

Joanie Leeds, 11 a.m., You’ll be “Happy as a Clam” listening to Joanie Leeds belt out songs from her new CD, “What a Zoo!”Joanie’s rich soprano voice, backed by electric guitar, will get kids and adults up and dancing to original and traditional songs about hummingbirds, lions and even mosquitoes. Bay Area Discovery Museum.

Build a Window Bird Feeder, 9-12pm, Kids can build a window bird feeder to observe wildlife. Kids will learn to build their very own bird feeder while learning tool safety, Have fun, make friends and gain a sense of achievement and work ethic. Home Depot.

Afternoon Art, “In the spring, at the end of the day, you should smell like dirt.” Margaret Atwood. Paint a pot then get your hands full of dirt as you then planting a seedling in it. 1pm and 4pm, Randall Museum.

Drop-In Science, It’s not a solid. It’s not a liquid. It’s a polymer! Understand how cool polymers can be by creating a chemical reaction and taking home your own colorful goo! 10:30, Randall Museum.

Kids Get in FREE all day, Celebrate spring with FREE admission for kids all day and enjoy hands-on crafts and activities. Schultz Museum.

Sanctuary Night Hike, 7:30pm-9:30pm , Interested in the night life in Richardson Bay? Check out our sanctuary after the sun goes down! We’ll take a Naturalist lead hike through our Sanctuary and if the clouds allow, explore the winter constellations. Children 10 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Cost $7. Advanced registration required: 388-2524.

Learn to Ride a Skateboard, 9 – 11am, We’re hosting a skateboarding clinic. Rangers will offer tips and techniques for beginners and demo how to attack features in a way that builds confidence and skill. This event is geared towards the novice and those looking to cross over from other board sports, but aren’t quite sure how to start. Bring a board, helmet, and pads. For more information, contact Adam Craig at acraig@marincounty.org. Rain will cancel. McInnis Park, San Rafael.

Restore Little King Meadow, 9am – 1pm, This site is on relatively flat terrain and is suitable for volunteers 6 years of age and older. Bring water; wear sturdy shoes and weather-appropriate clothing. Lunch will be served at noon. 473-3778, King Mountain Preserve.

Children’s Fairyland, Come see The Tap Dancing Easter Bunnies dance their way into your holiday weekend celebrations, 11:30am. Jacquelyn Lynaugh as Mother Goose will entertain both adults and children with her music and bunny tales. 1:30pm & 2:30pm, Oakland.

Children’s Storytime and Family Walk, 10:30 AM, San Francisco Botanical Garden in Golden Gate Park. Join a docent-led Family Walk following Children’s Storytime in the Library. Kids and their families can dig into great garden stories, then venture out on a special tour of the Botanical Garden. Featured Book: “Koa’s Seed,” a Hawaiian version of an age-old tale. Storytime begins at 10:30am and the Family Walk follows at 11am. 415-661-1316.

April 8, Easter, Buddha’s Birthday, National Library Week (4/8-4/14)

Sunday Special! Joanie Leeds – Rock out with New York singer/songwriter, Joanie Leeds in the library’s Main Reading Room. 11:00 am – 12:00 pm, all ages, no sign-up required, Main Reading Room), Mill Valley Library.

Spring Celebration & Easter Parade, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Parade begins at 2:00 PM, Enjoy a variety of children’s and family activities are the focus of the event and include; large inflatable bounces, kids’ rides and games, a climbing wall, a hands-on children’s activities area, costumed characters, a petting zoo, a pony ride and entertainment from some of the Bay Area’s best musicians. Union Street ~ Gough to Fillmore, San Francisco.

Big Bunny’s Spring Fling, Hop on over to the Zoo during Big Bunny’s Spring Fling and enjoy a fun-filled, spring event. You’ll see puppet shows, hear stories and songs from the Bunny Princess and even get face-to-face with some fuzzy bunnies too. San Francisco Zoo.

Sing with Pierina Dell’Avo, 3:30pm, Small and tall are invited to come and sing delightful and original songs by local music and movement educator Pierina Dell’Avo. Feeling shy about singing? You can join in with the fun movements! Ideal for children 3-7 years old. San Rafael Public Library.

Wildflowers and Waterfalls, 10am – 12pm, Ranger/photographer Craig Solin leads this short spring hike through Cascade Canyon Preserve in the hopes of capturing one of Marin’s most gorgeous waterfalls. We’ll explore all the possibilities along the way, from insects to wildflowers and more. And because we there, we’ll stop briefly to take in the San Anselmo Creek and learn why it’s important steelhead and salmon habitat. Bring water, a camera, and a tripod if you can, csolin@marincounty.org or 473-2816. Cascade Canyon Preserve.

Drop-In Art-Making: Recycled Cork Place Setting, 1-3pm, Inspired by both the traditional Passover meal and the Museum exhibition Do Not Destroy: Trees, Art, and Jewish Thought, use recycled bottle corks to create reusable table setting cards for your festive celebrations. Contemporary Jewish Museum.

April 9

Spring Break Film Festival, showing family friendly films, 2:30 pm, Free popcorn and pillows, The Muppets (2011). Mill Valley Library.

Nature for Kids at Deer Island, 10am – 1pm, The forests, grasslands and marshes of this Novato preserve are home to a great variety of reptiles, insects, birds and other animals. Bring your favorite junior naturalists and prepare to be amazed at what their sharp eyes can find. David, 893-9508 or dherlocker@marincounty.org.

Disc Golf for Beginners, 1 – 3pm, Local pros will show youngsters (and their parents) how to play this fun and exciting sport at the beautiful and nationally recognized disc golf course at Stafford Lake Park in Novato. Mike Maraccini at mmaraccini@marincounty.org. Parking fee will be waived for participants, 3549 Novato Boulevard, Novato.

April 10

Spring Break Film Festival, showing family friendly films, 2:30 pm, Free popcorn and pillows, The Adventures of Tintin. Mill Valley Library.

Learn about Nature at Roy’s Redwoods, 10am – 12pm, A ranger will teach kids about local plants and trees the creative way! First we will discuss and use various plant samples found in the area to create a plant identification book. Then we will head out on a short nature walk to field test the books. This event is recommended for ages 5 through 12. Charlie Schonwasser at cschonwasser@marincounty.org or 473-2816. Roy’s Redwoods Preserve

Apr 11

Spring Break Game Day!, Bring your family and friends to play board games, cards or puzzles. We’ll have lots of your favorites, and maybe some games you’ve never played. Mill Valley Library.

Nature for Kids at Bahia, 10am – 1pm, This open oak woodland at the edge of the San Pablo Bay wetlands is a fabulous spring destination. Wildflowers dot the lush grassland, the fresh leaves of the trees are alive with birds, and there are always butterflies patrolling the road that runs along the ridge. We’ll head to a nice clearing at the top where the kids can explore, while we let the birds and butterflies come to us. David at 893-9508 or dherlocker@marincounty.org. Rush Creek Preserve.

April 12

Spring Break Film Festival, showing family friendly films, 2:30 pm, Free popcorn and pillows, We Bought a Zoo. Mill Valley Library.

Learn about Nature at Roy’s Redwoods, 10am – 12pm, A ranger will teach kids about local plants and trees the creative way! First we will discuss and use various plant samples found in the area to create a plant identification book. Then we will head out on a short nature walk to field test the books. This event is recommended for ages 5 through 12. Charlie Schonwasser at cschonwasser@marincounty.org or 473-2816. Roy’s Redwoods Preserve.

April 13

Spring Break Film Festival, showing family friendly films, 2:30 pm, Free popcorn and pillows, Puss in Boots. Mill Valley Library.

Nature for Kids at Stafford Lake, 10am – 2pm, We’ll begin the day by looking at insects, amphibians, and other animals that live in the small pond near the lake. After that we’ll head up the Terwilliger Nature Trail to see what we can find among the flowers and the trees. David Herlocker will lead. 893-9508 or dherlocker@marincounty.org. Stafford Lake Park
3549 Novato Blvd, Novato.

Freshwater Fishing, 4 – 6pm, Rangers will teach the basics of freshwater fishing at McInnis Park Pond in San Rafael. A limited amount of fishing poles, bait, and tackle boxes will be provided first come, first- served to novice anglers, courtesy of the California Department of Fish and Game’s “Fishing in the City” program. There is a short hike to the fishing pond. Fishing license required for participants 16 and over. Josh Gilmore at jgilmore@marincounty.org. McInnis Park, 310 Smith Ranch Road, San Rafael.

April 14

Musical Bridges to 1937, 2-4pm, Concerts featuring the top 40 hits of the period from 1930 to 1937, Corte Madera Recreation Center, Free and open to the public.

Pinnipeds at Point Bonita, 1-4 p.m. $12 per person, It’s pinniped pupping season in the headlands! Grab the family and your binoculars and join us on a four-mile round trip hike in search of Harbor Seals at Point Bonita. We’ll conclude our day with a visit to The Marine Mammal Center where pinniped patients are nursed back to health and released into the ocean. This is a four-mile round trip hike on uneven trails. Not recommended for children under 6 years. Pre-registration required. NatureBridge, Sausalito.

The True Story of the Three Little Pigs, 2pm, This time the wolf gets to tell his side of the tale—but do you believe him? Bring your reporter’s notebook and have fun solving this wacky whodunit. Freight & Salvage, Berkeley.

Afternoon Art, Create and embellish a tube-shaped box with a strap. Discover a cool technique for attaching a lid that slides on and off. 1pm and 4pm, Randall Museum.

Amiguitos de La Peña, Bonnie Lockhart, 10:30am, Bonnie Lockhart.

The Reeds, 11:00AM, The reeds have contributed to stylistic development perhaps more than any other instrument in jazz. The great saxophonists — playing alto, tenor or baritone — have brought about revolutionary ways of playing that inspired future generations, and the role of the clarinet continues to be redefined. From Sidney Bechet to Charlie Parker and beyond. Herbst Theatre.

Meet Peggy Fleming, 1–3pm, Meet and talk to Olympic gold-medal winner and three-time World Champion figure skater Peggy Fleming. Fleming will talk about her past and present work, answer questions, and sign autographs for visitors. Schultz Museum.

A Wild Flight of the Imagination Family Afternoon, 2-4pm, enjoy the story of the Golden Gate Bridge to life, in honor of its 75th anniversary! Museum of Craft and Folk Art, California Historical Society, 678 Mission Street.

Tartan Day Scottish Fair, Ardenwood Historic Farm, 10am-5pm, Bagpipe bands, Highland and Scottish Country dancing, authentic Scottish food, folk singers, craft and jewelry vendors, clan booths, Scottish fiddlers, harpists, historical re-enactment groups, birds of prey demonstrations, and lots more entertainment.

Wildflower Festival, Sunol Regional Wilderness, , 11 am – 4 pm. Celebrate spring and join us for hikes, crafts, live music, slideshows and nature exhibits. Learn to identify wildflowers and where to see different varieties. Hikes range from kid-friendly, to ethnobotany topics, to a longer flower hike to Little Yosemite waterfall. There are no food concessions in the park, so please bring your lunch and enjoy a fresh air picnic. The event is free to the public. Parking is $5.

Drop-In Science, Hear stories of the night sky and learn about the stars in our inflatable planetarium! 10:30, Randall Museum.

Earth Day at Chabot Space & Science Center, 11am-5pm, Discover clever new ways to reuse old materials to create crafts, household objects and even clothing. Bring your gum wrappers, toilet paper rolls and wine corks for extra credit.

Weekend Workshop: Tool Time, 10:30am – 12pm, Do you have old appliances lying around the house?  Bring them to the Tool Time workshop and learn how to use common tools such as a hand saw, screw driver, and drill to deconstruct, repurpose, and reconstruct a creation of your own using the internal components of your old appliance.  Dig up that old VCR and discover with your child the inner workings of this “ancient” technology. This workshop is recommended for children ages 6-11 years old and is for both the parent/caregiver and child. Pre-registration is required. CuriOdyssey, 1651 Coyote Point Dr., San Mateo, (650) 342-7755

Berkeley Bay Festival, 11am–4pm, Free, Shorebird Park, 160 University Ave. A wonderful environmental education festival at the Berkeley Marina! Spend a day by the Bay listening to music, taking free sailboat and Dragon boat rides, eating tasty food, and exploring the Berkeley Marina. Visit booths sponsored by fun and educational organizations from throughout the Bay Area to learn about exciting things you and your family can do locally. Pick up a Passport to the Bay and get it stamped as you move from activity to activity in each booth. The day starts with a shoreline clean-up and continues with education, entertainment, and fun for all ages.

The Story of the Golden Gate Bridge, in honor of its 75th anniversary! Bring the family and come to the California Historical Society for a special curator-led tour of the exhibition, where you’ll learn about the Golden Gate before the Bridge, how a bridge is built, and what materials are used. You’ll be invited to handle iron worker tools and even Bridge artifacts. MOCFA educators will help your family work on a Golden Gate inspired craft project together, using all the nifty tipes you just learned about building bridges. RSVP to rsvp@calhist.org, or 415.537.1848 ext. 229.

Children’s Fairyland, Jean Paul Valjean will delight audiences with his acrobatics and juggling with the “Short Attention Span Circus”. 1:30pm & 2:30pm, Oakland.

April 14 & 15, 21 & 22 Northern California Cherry Blossom Festival a dazzling display showcasing the color and grace of the Japanese culture and the diversity of the Japanese American Community. Grand Parade is Sunday, April 22. Japantown (@ Post & Buchanan Streets), San Francisco.

April 15

Earth Day Wildflower Walk, 11:30-1:00pm and 2pm – 3:30pm FREE. Bring your family for an exploration of spring in its most spectacular! We will be looking for what is blooming, but we will also discuss other plants, birds, insects and whatever else may catch our eyes. We’ll play nature games, make art, and enjoy a beautiful spring day together in the Marin Headlands.

Dana Smith, Acrobat and Juggler and his performing dog Lacy have thrilled audiences all over the world for over 28 years! While Lacey has retired, Dana continues a hilarious combination of juggling, balancing, and impressive tricks that have children and their parents howling with laughter! Don’t miss this special act! Randall Museum, San Francisco.

Sunday Streets, Great Highway/Golden Gate park- new route through the park; a safe, fun, car-free place for people to get out and get active in San Francisco neighborhoods.

The True Story of the Three Little Pigs, 2pm, This time the wolf gets to tell his side of the tale—but do you believe him? Bring your reporter’s notebook and have fun solving this wacky whodunit. Freight & Salvage, Berkeley.

Drop-In Art-Making: Words to Remember: Tissue Paper Paintings, 1-3pm, In honor of Yom HaShoah (Holocaust Remembrance Day), create tissue-paper paintings inspired by the poems written by children living at Terezin Concentration Camp during the war. Contemporary Jewish Museum.

Family Art Studio: DYI Bird Houses, 2-4pm, For this Family Art Studio, in conjunction with the exhibition Do Not Destroy: Trees, Art, and Jewish Thought, create a birdhouse for your own backyard! Working with a guest artist and local SF birder, build an artful house for our fair-feathered friends.Contemporary Jewish Museum.

Children’s Fairyland, Jean Paul Valjean will delight audiences with his acrobatics and juggling with the “Short Attention Span Circus”. 1:30pm & 2:30pm, Oakland.

Be sure to visit us at Marinhood as we continually update our information on the best event options for you and your family.