August 22, 2021

Quote of the week

“For last year's words belong to last year's language and next year's words await another voice.”
–T.S. Eliot, Four Quartets

Fall class registration starts soon

The City of Menlo Park is excited to offer in person classes starting Monday, September 20. We are offering a wide range of new and returning classes for the fall. Check out some of our newest youth classes at the Arrillaga Family Recreation Center like kid’s yoga ! If you are looking for something more hands on, we are excited to be offering Robotics and Engineering for Youth. For adults, we have some exciting new dance classes! Hawaiian Hula dance returns and joins our exhilarating DanceVibes class. Check out all the classes now being offered at the Belle Haven Library Branch, like Traditional Aztec Dance.

Be sure to check out all the virtual and in person classes offered in our online Fall Activity Guide. Registration starts Monday, August 23. Find something for you and the family!

Youth Advisory Committee – make your voice heard

The City of Menlo Park is seeking local teens to serve on the Youth Advisory Committee (YAC). Apply online through September 17. Students enrolling in grades 9–12, and who live within Menlo Park city limits, are eligible to apply for the 2020-2021 term/ YAC members serve from September to May, and meet one to two times per month on Thursdays 6–7:30 p.m. during the school year. Meetings are currently being held virtually. 

Book-ish Trivia returns

Celebrate the Adult Summer Reading Adventure with an evening of fun book-related trivia. Join us for interesting and entertaining questions about books, movies, music and more. Assemble your team in advance or sign up as an individual and we will build your team for you. Participation is free and the last day to register is Wednesday, August 25. 

Senior programs at Arrillaga Family Recreation Center and Main Library

We invite older adults to gather, break bread together and enjoy free enrichment classes in a beautiful setting. Take a stroll by the duck pond, check out a library book, meet old and new friends in a safe and welcoming environment. Senior services include nutritionally balanced meals, cultural and educational programs and opportunities for socializing and fun. Programs are offered weekday mornings and during lunch at the Arrillaga Family Recreation Center (700 Alma St.) and the Menlo Park Library (800 Alma St.). Door-to-door local transportation services are available to Menlo Park resident seniors. For more information and to register, contact Avideh Yaghmai-Samardar.

The former Menlo Park Senior Center at 110 Terminal Ave. is closed. This is part of the development of the new Menlo Park Community Campus, a multigenerational facility to incorporate the former Onetta Harris Community Center, Menlo Park Senior Center, Belle Haven Youth Center (child care), Belle Haven Pool and branch library. The new facility is scheduled to open in 2023.

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.

Free virtual community events

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

Menlo Park Equity Series with Mary Montle Bacon, Ph.D.
The City of Menlo Park hosts a series of discussions about equity with Mary Montle Bacon, Ph.D. What is the difference between equality and equity? How does the notion of privilege affect our daily lives? What are the barriers to academic achievement for students of color, those with fewer economic advantages or those with differing learning, communication or behavioral styles? How can we achieve better lifetime outcomes for all people in a pluralistic society? This five-part series takes place biweekly Tuesdays at 6 p.m.  
 
Sci-Fi/Fantasy Book Group: The Empress of Salt and Fortune
Monday, August 23
7:15–8:30 p.m.
Join us to discuss Nghi Vo’s high fantasy novella, which combines myth and fable with political intrigue in a land inspired by imperial China.

Preschool/Toddler Tuesday: Nany Nikki Music
Tuesday, August 24
10–10:30 a.m.
Join us for music and fun for young children and their grownups! Nanny Nikki loves to sing, and to bring life to classic children's songs as she shares them with you.

Storytime
Wednesday, August 25
10–10:30 a.m.
Join us online with your little ones for a live session of stories, songs and fun. Storytime promotes the joy of reading and helps to develop early literacy skills.

Toxic Positivity
Wednesday, August 25
6:30–7:30 p.m.
What happens when our need to feel good goes bad? In this presentation, Stephanie D. Preston, Ph.D., will clarify what is and is not toxic positivity, and how to respond more adaptively in the future--to the benefit of us all.

The Chinese Kitchen Garden: Growing Techniques and Family Recipes
Thursday, August 26
6:30–7:30 p.m.
In this special event for gardeners and cooks, learn how to grow and enjoy a wide variety of Asian vegetables with gardener, home cook and author Wendy Kiang-Spray.

Storytime for Adults
Friday, August 27
Noon–12:30 p.m.
Join us for Story Time for Adults, featuring essays and short stories read aloud to you by your Menlo Park librarians.
 
Teen Creative Writing Club
Friday, August 27
3:30–4:30 p.m.
Is writing one of your hobbies? Join other teens in grades 6-12.

Book-ish Trivia Night
Friday, August 27
7–8:30 p.m.
Assemble your team in advance, or sign up as an individual, and we will build your team for you! Have fun answering questions about books, movies, music and more.

Teen Book Club
Saturday, August 28
2–3 p.m.
We will discuss Scythe by Neal Shusterman. Join other Teens/Tweens in a fun discussion and invite your friends too! Open to grades 4–12.

For complete event listings, visit our online events calendar.