The Library's First Kids' Book Club, Easter Bunny Appearances, Local Job Search

If someone suggested running again and filling it entirely with Simpsons episodes that could be related to everyday life in Hercules, I’d say they’d be onto something. I’d also say that this week’s content would be particularly important because on Tuesday—23 years ago—the familiar cartoon family series premiered as a set of shorts on the sketch comedy series, The Tracey Ullman show.

The Simpsons' first full-length episode, which was a Christmas special, aired almost two years later.

Read on for 5 Things...

1. Speaking of holidays that incorporate cartoon-like characters, it’s Easter this Sunday, and nearby Hilltop mall will be by the holiday’s signature life-sized bunny in the JC Penney food court throughout the week. Bring the younger kiddies for photo-ops, because the Easter bunny is way less intimidating that Santa Claus.

Also, traditional Easter Sunday services will be held at , and Pinole’s Saint Joseph Church (where I’ve heard a number of Herculeans are members). Last thing about Easter—this Thursday’s photo essay features the Teen Youth Council’s annual egg hunt, which was held last Saturday. Brace yourself, because those photos are about to bring an unprecedented level of cuteness to Hercules Patch.

2. Did I say “holiday week”? I meant double-holiday-week-whammy. Yes folks, Friday is Earth Day, which also happens to be Shining star Jack Nicholson’s (and my dad’s) birthday. I couldn’t find any hyper-local earthy events, but there will be Earth Day celebrations in—you guessed it—Berkeley. The main one is a 41-year tradition of bands, brew, crafts and food Saturday at Civic Center Park.

3. If you’ve had enough of the frills and thrills that a double-whammy holiday week brings, and you just want to get down to business, then you’re in luck. The joint Finance Subcommittee-Citizens Finance Advisory Ad Hoc Committee meets Tuesday at 4 p.m. (see correction below) in the Council Chambers. With going out to two dozen city employees, and city programs, service and being cut, they’ve got lots to talk about. So show up and find out what all the fuss is about.

4. You might not have time for fuss this week. Looking for work, you say? Well, here are a few Hercules job listings from Craigslist (I know you don’t need my help with finding Craigslist postings, but I’m listing them anyway as a gentle reminder):

• Skills trainers for young children diagnosed with autism

• Security officers

• Century 21 real estate agents

•  Franklin Canyon Golf Course greenskeeper

•  Extreme Pizza cashiers and pizza makers

5. Lastly, but not leastly, the has a couple of special events this weekend to check out:

• Wednesday, 4 p.m., The Book Marks Book Club: The Yggyssey by Daniel Pinkwater. This is the Hercules Library's first kids' book club, which is all about reading and enjoying a discussion on selected books. Also, expect a game or craft and a snack with your club meeting. It's for children in grades 3, 4 and 5 and will be held the third Wednesday of every month during the school year.

• Saturday, 2 p.m., The Guitar Orchestra will perform works by Igor Stravinsky, J.S.Bach and Henry Mancini as well as some original student compositions.

Correction: Earlier, this article said the Finance Sub-Committee meeting was on Tuesday at 7 p.m. It is actually on Tuesday at 4 p.m.