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November 4, 2023

Quote of the week

“Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn’t pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same.”
– Ronald Reagan

“As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.”
– John F. Kennedy

 

“Coats for Kids” winter coat donation drive

Children in coats

From Nov. 6 –17, the City of Menlo Park will accept donations of new and gently used coats to give to families in need during the cold weather season. At the end of the donation drive, the coats will be delivered to local non-profit agencies for distribution to families. The “Coats for Kids” program is sponsored by Recology San Mateo County with support from local cities and nonprofit organizations. Consider donating a new or gently used coat by placing it in the collection container labeled “Coats for Kids” at Arrillaga Family Recreation Center, 700 Alma St., any time during open hours from Nov. 6–17. 

 

City offices closed Nov. 10 in observance of Veterans Day

United States flag

City offices will be closed Friday Nov. 10 in observance of the Veterans Day holiday. 

 

Friends of the Library book sale

Books

Get a great deal on used books! Friends of Menlo Park Library is an all-volunteer charitable nonprofit organization whose sole mission is to support library programs for the Menlo Park community. Their popular book sale offers thousands of gently used items at great prices: books for adults and children, CDs, DVDs, collectibles, and more. Most items are priced at $1 or $2. One hundred percent of the sale proceeds support library programs and resources. Join us Friday, Nov. 3 from 2-5 p.m. and Saturday, Nov. 4 from 10 a.m.–2 p.m. at Menlo Park Library, 800 Alma St.

 

Tip of the week – Walking and biking when Daylight Saving Time ends

Biking at night

Sunday, Nov. 5 marks the end of Daylight Saving Time, when we set our clocks back one hour and gain an extra hour of sleep. This also marks the start of shorter days and longer nights, which can pose a safety challenge for pedestrians and cyclists. With reduced daylight hours, it’s important to remain aware of your safety while navigating local streets and sidewalks. Check out this list of tips to help you stay safe as you walk and bike after the end of Daylight Saving Time.

 

Willow Oaks Park improvements – playground, dog park temporary closure

Willow Oaks park playground

The City of Menlo Park has begun construction work on major improvements to Willow Oaks Park. Park visitors will notice temporary construction fencing and construction work in various areas of the park as the work progresses. Work on the dog park and playground has begun, and these areas are closed during construction. The Willow Oaks Park Improvement project is designed to preserve and upgrade park infrastructure, enhance the park experience for park visitors, and respond to the needs of neighborhood residents. Thank you for your patience and understanding. For more information, visit the Willow Oaks Park improvements webpage.

 

“The Magic of Ahs” magic show

Magic show

Get ready for a magical time for the whole family, as Blake Maxam astounds and amazes children of all ages with “The Magic of Ahs,” a show full of laughter and surprises, and oohs and ahs! This free community event received funding support from Friends of Menlo Park Library. Join us Sunday, Nov. 5 at 11 a.m. at Belle Haven Branch Library, 413 Ivy Dr.

 

Teen Ukelele Crash Course

Playing ukulele

Students in grades six–12 are invited to join pro musician Ukulenny to learn the basics of playing ukulele and get jamming in no time. Lenny is bringing the ukes and the chord sheets, and he says that teens will be able to play several popular songs by the end of the session. This free community event received funding support from Friends of Menlo Park Library. Join us Sunday, Nov. 5 at 1 p.m. at Menlo Park Library, 800 Alma St.

 

Virtual author talk: Christine Day

Christine Day author of We Still Belong

Join us for a virtual talk with Christine Day, author of We Still Belong. In the book, main character Wesley is proud of the poem she wrote for Indigenous Peoples’ Day—but the reaction from a teacher makes her wonder if expressing herself is important enough. And due to the specific tribal laws of her family’s Nation, Wesley is unable to enroll in the Upper Skagit tribe and is left feeling “not Native enough.” Through the course of the novel, with the help of her family and friends, she comes to embrace her own place within the Native community. The book is written at middle school and higher reading levels. This free virtual event is presented in partnership with libraries across San Mateo County in conjunction with United Against Hate week. Join via Zoom Monday, Nov. 6 at 9 a.m. and again at 1 p.m. Sessions are timed so that classrooms may also tune in for these free events. 

 

Sing, Move & Groove with Mai

Guitar

Get up and dance! Kiddos and their grownups are invited to explore music and connect with others in a creative and fun environment. Children of all ages and abilities are welcome to join in on the fun. This free community event received funding support from Friends of Menlo Park Library. Join us Monday, Nov. 6 at 6:30 p.m. at Menlo Park Library, 800 Alma St.

 

NaNoWriMo Write-In

Celebrate National Novel Writing Month

November is National Novel Writing Month! Can you write a 50-thousand-word novel in a month’s time? You can try! Join fellow NaNoWriMo participants for an evening of writing sprints, prompts, discussion and community. All levels welcomed. This free community event received funding support from Friends of Menlo Park Library. Join us Tuesday, Nov. 7 at 6 p.m. at Menlo Park Library, 800 Alma St.

 

Tina Henson: Native American Stories and Legends

Woman speaking into microphone

November is Native American Heritage Month, and the 8th Annual Menlo Park Storytelling Festival continues with a performance from Tina Henson (Spirit Lake Dakota & Lakota from Rosebud) sharing enchanting stories from various Native traditions. Best for ages six–adults. This free community event received funding support from Friends of Menlo Park Library. Join us Wednesday, Nov. 8 at 6:30 p.m. at Menlo Park Library, 800 Alma St.

 

Community events for all – calendar listings

Calendar

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.
 

 

 

 
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