Makin' Books, Community Events and Open House

When times are get tough around these parts, you can think back to the epic battle between man and outer space and hopefully find some comfort. This week in 1970, the Apollo 13 mission to the moon was launched and cut short after an oxygen tank exploded, forcing the crew use the spacecraft as a life raft for navigating back to earth.

Hercules—We’ve got Five Things…

1) Grab your candy bags, baskets and, oh yeah, the kids because the Hercules Teen/Youth Council is throwing its annual this Saturday. Expect face painting, arts and crafts and, of course, candy at the event, which will be held at the city’s . For more information, call 510-799-8289.

2) If you want to learn more about Hercules’ community events (which face possible closure at this week’s City Council meeting) as well as other Parks and Recreation services, check out the Community and Library Services Commission meeting Monday night at 7 in the Council Chambers.

3) Then find out what the council decides to do about the roughly $147,000 in in light of the city’s financial situation. The council meeting is at 7 p.m. Tuesday, also in the Council Chambers.

4) I just heard the news that it’s National Library Week. The already seemed to know and scheduled a special event. Swing by the library Saturday at 1 p.m. to learn how to make a book. You’ll learn a sample of simple book binding techniques to help you make your own book. And when you’re done, stick around for the Blake Edwards Retrospective: A Shot in the Dark, which is a celebration of director Blake Edwards, who died Dec. 15.

5) If you’ve got youngsters and want to know more about your local school options. will host an open house for parents and students on Thursday. And if you live near the middle-high school, save yourself some traffic time and note that Friday is a minimum day.