May 14, 2022

Quote of the week

I, I will be king
And you, you will be queen
Though nothing 
Will drive them away
We can be heroes
Just for one day
We can be us
Just for one day.

I, I can remember 
Standing by the wall 
And the guns 
Shot above our heads 
And we kissed 
As though nothing could fall.

And the shame 
Was on the other side
Oh, we can beat them!
For ever and ever
Then we could be heroes
Just for one day.

―David Bowie

Park spotlight: Karl E. Clark Park

Menlo Park is home to many beautiful parks and open spaces, including neighborhood gem Karl E. Clark Park. Situated on 1 acre at the corner of Market Place and Hamilton Avenue in Menlo Park’s Belle Haven neighborhood, the park is named after Karl Edward Clark, a Navy hero and devoted local leader in the Belle Haven neighborhood for six decades starting in 1954. The centerpiece of the park is a storyboard commemorating Mr. Clark’s extraordinary life and his legacy of leadership and service to his community and to his country. His story is a must-read for all who seek to know the fullness of our rich and complex history as told through the life story of a remarkable local and national hero. Karl E. Clark Park also features a playground, grass areas, walking paths and shade trees, and is the site of joyous celebrations. 

Summer 2022 community classes – register now

The City of Menlo Park hosts a wide range of educational and recreational community classes for all at reasonable rates, including some classes available to Menlo Park residents at no charge (space is limited and advance registration is required). Registration is now open, enroll online today!

Class highlights:

• All ages: Summer Reading Game
• Children: Summer Camps
• Youth: Dance, Financial Education, Bike Workshops, Tech, Arts and Crafts
• Adults: Sports, Fitness and Health, and Dance
• Older adults: Fitness and Health, Dance, Arts and Crafts

For a complete list of all community classes and to enroll online, check out our online Activity Guide and registration portal.

Join us for the Summer Reading Game starting June 1

The City of Menlo Park Summer Reading Game will challenge you to track your reading, discover great books, experience community activities and earn awesome prizes. Multiple studies have shown reading for fun during the summer months helps children retain and improve their reading proficiency when they are away from the classroom and not participating in formal literacy programs. The Summer Reading Game is open to all ages and everyone can play along. The Summer Reading Game officially starts on June 1. Check out our Summer Reading webpage to learn more and download the mobile app.

Music for Mental Health with Frances Ancheta

Singer/songwriter and musician Frances Ancheta will share a performance combining her acoustic music with storytelling of her life experiences as a survivor of both postpartum depression and breast cancer. Frances will sing a combination of original and cover songs live via Zoom. Thursday, May 19, at 7 p.m. 

A Taste of Malaysia

Cook along during a live Zoom demonstration and replicate some of Malaysia’s flavors in your own home kitchen with Chef Jai Kandayah. Learn the steps for making Kam Heong (Golden Fragrance) Shrimp (vegetarian options will be covered), and Kerabu Taugeh (bean sprout salad), while also learning about Chef Jai’s home country. Jai Kandayah and his wife Vicky own and operate Curry Leaves Bistro in Pleasanton, recently named by the San Francisco Chronicle as one of the Top Tri-Valley Restaurants. Download the recipes to get a head start. Thursday, May 17, at 1:30 p.m.

Suggestion box: How are we doing?

We strive to deliver excellent service to the Menlo Park community. Your feedback helps us learn and improve. Do you have a question, complaint or suggestion? We want to hear from you. Please share your thoughts in our online suggestion box.

Upcoming events

The City of Menlo Park hosts cultural, literary and educational events that reflect our diverse community and are accessible to all. View a complete calendar of upcoming city events.

Storytime – Menlo Park Library
Saturday, May 14, 2022
11:15–11:45 a.m.
Join us at the library for some interactive fun and learning! Storytime promotes the joy of reading and helps to develop early literacy skills.

Storytime – Belle Haven Branch Library
Saturday, May 14, 2022
11:15–11:45 a.m.
Join us at the library for some interactive fun and learning! Storytime promotes the joy of reading and helps to develop early literacy skills.

Library Commission Meeting
Monday, May 16, 2022
6:30 p.m.
Library Commission meetings are generally held on the 3rd Monday of the month starting at 6:30 p.m. Meeting dates and times are subject to change.

Preschool/Toddler Tuesday: Nanny Nikki Music
Tuesday, May 17, 2022
10–10:30 a.m.
Nanny Nikki invites you and your little one to sing and soar along with her on a virtual musical playdate! Her fun, interactive musical show will delight you both, with classic children’s songs, original compositions and silly surprises!

Cooking Demonstration: Malaysian Food
Tuesday, May 17, 2022
1:30–2:30 p.m.
Get a taste of Malaysia, and some great tips for replicating some of the flavors in your home kitchen, from our guest chef Jai Kandaya.

Tales Online: Storytime with Omaha Zoo
Wednesday, May 18, 2022
10–10:30 a.m.    
Storytime takes a virtual trip to Omaha, Nebraska, where educators at Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium will read fun stories and introduce an animal docent.

Mystery Readers Group: Interwar Mysteries (1918-1939)
Wednesday, May 18, 2022
3–4:30 p.m.
At a time when the country was rocked by “The Great War” (and the rumblings of WWII), the fall of Wall Street, and a flu pandemic, readers were finding some respite in f traditional mystery fiction of the time, as well as newer forms including the hard-boiled subgenre, true crime and noir.

Storytime – Menlo Park Library
Thursday, May 19, 2022
10:15–10:45 a.m.
Join us at the library for  interactive fun and learning. Storytime promotes the joy of reading and helps to develop early literacy skills.

Frances Ancheta Performs Music for Mental Health
Thursday, May 19, 2022
7–8 p.m.
Singer/songwriter and musician Frances Ancheta will share a performance combining her acoustic music (vocals, acoustic guitar) with storytelling of her life experiences as a survivor of both postpartum depression and breast cancer survivor.

Storytime – Menlo Park Library
Friday, May 20, 2022
10:15–10:45 a.m.
Join us at the library for interactive fun and learning. Storytime promotes the joy of reading and helps to develop early literacy skills.

Storytime – Menlo Park Library
Saturday, May 21, 2022
11:15–11:45 a.m.
Join us at the library for interactive fun and learning. Storytime promotes the joy of reading and helps to develop early literacy skills.

Storytime – Belle Haven Branch Library
Saturday, May 21, 2022
11:15–11:45 a.m.
Join us at the library for interactive fun and learning. Storytime promotes the joy of reading and helps to develop early literacy skills.

For complete event listings, visit our online events calendar.