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November 18, 2023
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Quote of the week
“We must remember that all of Mother Earth is alive and that we as humans are not separate from the land. We must learn to respect the Earth and take care of it as we would take care of our own children.”
– Richard Oakes
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City offices closed for Thanksgiving
City offices are closed Thursday, Nov. 23 and Friday, Nov. 24 in observance of Thanksgiving.
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November is National Native American Heritage Month
At the Nov. 7 City Council meeting, Menlo Park Mayor Jen Wolosin recognized November 2023 as National Native American Heritage Month. This month and every month let us honor the resilience of Native Californians and take strides to support truth, visibility and justice for Native people in our local, state and national communities.
The Ohlone, a band of distinct groups of indigenous people who spoke similar languages, thrived in the land now known as San Mateo County and other parts of the San Francisco Bay Area for thousands of years. Due to devastating policies and practices of European explorers and missionaries, settlers and various levels of government, the Ohlone lost the vast majority of their population and land.
National Native American Heritage Month provides the opportunity to teach students about the Ohlone people, their role in the history of the county and the Bay Area and their efforts to keep their culture alive. The City of Menlo Park is hosting a special exhibition, presentation and crafting workshop with funding support from Friends of Menlo Park Library.
- A special exhibition featuring the photographs of Dugan Aguilar, who captured contemporary Native life in California for four decades. On display during the month of November at Menlo Park Library, 800 Alma St.
- A presentation with Robert Keith Collins, Ph.D on Native American Cultural Impact on the United States. Wednesday, Nov. 29, 6:30 p.m. at Menlo Park Library, 800 Alma St.
- Crafting corn husk dolls, a hands-on crafting event for children, teens, and adults with teaching artist Alicia Retes. Learn about traditional indigenous companion planting techniques, and create your own corn husk dolls to take home. Tuesday, Nov. 21 at 4 p.m. at Menlo Park Library, 800 Alma St.
We encourage our community to find time to acknowledge and express gratitude toward the original residents of the land on which we reside.
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Tip of the week – Visit a park
Parks offer immediate benefits to our mental and physical health, and contribute to our overall sense of wellness. Menlo Park is home to many beautiful parks and open spaces, ranging from nature preserves to playgrounds, sports parks to picnic areas, and everything in between. Parks are distributed across the city, and 82% of Menlo Park residents live within a 10-minute walk of a park. This is well above the national average of 55%, according to ParkServe, an information site created by the Trust for Public Land. Parks and open spaces can help reduce stress, improve health, build community and provide habitat for wildlife. This season, take a walk in the park – you’ll be glad you did. Explore Menlo Park’s system of parks and plan your next park visit.
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Light Up The Season event is Friday, Dec. 1
The City of Menlo Park will host a Light up the Season community event at Fremont Park on Friday, Dec. 1. This “winter wonderland” themed event will feature family-friendly entertainment, performances by Menlo Park youth, wintry photo opportunities, free hot cocoa and the annual lighting of the big evergreen tree. This is a festive community gathering for people of all ages and walks of life! The event will occur rain or shine. Admission is free. Join us Friday, Dec. 1 at 5:30 p.m. at Fremont Park.
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Sign up for Photos with Santa
The City of Menlo Park will host a Photos with Santa community event at Arrillaga Family Recreation Center on Saturday, Dec. 16. Tickets are $5 per person. Bring your camera and join us with friends and family for a morning full of holiday cheer, including a continental breakfast, holiday crafts and a photo with Santa. Advance registration is required – visit the event page to register.
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Village Rhythms
Join us for a fun, interactive session of African drumming, songs, dancing and stories with world-renowned master percussionist Onye Onyemaechi. All ages are invited to come out and dance, and you are even invited to drum along. This free community event received funding support from Friends of Menlo Park Library. The event will take place Sunday, Nov. 19 at 11 a.m. at Belle Haven Branch Library, 413 Ivy Dr.
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English Conversation Club
Practice your conversational English with people from all over the world. Meet other English language learners and work with our literacy staff and volunteer tutors. Drop ins are welcome. Menlo Park's English Conversation Club meets every Tuesday at noon. Join us Tuesday, Nov. 21 at noon, at Menlo Park Library, 800 Alma St.
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