Local events are a bit light this weekend, but that means you can take in a couple of them and still have time left over for the biggest (though non-local) happening this week – the Winter Olympics.
Closer to home, on Saturday, the John C. Fremont Library, 6121 Melrose Ave., will offer free math and science homework help, with tutor Brian, for students from Kindergarten through community college age. The session runs from 12:30-2:30 p.m., in the Children’s room; first come, first served. Also, starting at 1 p.m., at the library, Samba Magassa will lead the free twice-a-month French conversation class — a perfect opportunity to revive your high school/college French, and/or get you ready for your next trip to France.
This weekend also marks the start of Mardi Gras season at the Original Farmers Market, with special themed events happening today through Tuesday. At noon today (Saturday), there’s a “Mutti Gras” pet parade on the Market Plaza. There will also be New Orleans and Zydeco music, strolling parade bands, a strolling jester, activities for kids, crown decorating, bead-throwing, and much more.
At 4 p.m. on Saturday, Fancifull Foods, purveyors of yummy foods, wine and other goodies at 5617 W. Melrose, will hold a fundraiser to benefit fire-ravaged areas near Santa Barbara, where many of their suppliers are located. Guests will sip Santa Barbara wines and nibble on cheese, chocolate, nuts, and other edible treasures. You can also grab some Valentine’s treats and create a custom gift for that special person in your life (they’ll have basket makers standing by). Also, in keeping with the theme, there will be a speaker on Community Emergency Response Training (CERT). A $20 donation is suggested; all donations at the door will go to United Way/Thomas Fire relief, and 10% of all sales at the event will go to First-In Fire, an organization that provides aids to fire fighters and first responders.
Call 323.466.7654 or go to sales.fancifull.com to purchase tickets.
Moving into Sunday, Knowles Karate Academy will hold a women’s self-defense workshop at 10:30 a.m. The $25 class will provide a an introduction to and serve as the first class in a longer 5-week series on the same topic. Participants can just take the one session this weekend, or sign up for the full 5-week class. See the link above for more information, or call 747-238-8335.
To scratch your weekend creative itch, drop into the Craft and Folk Art Museum any time between 1:30 and 3:30 on Sunday afternoon, for Hammering Plants & Printmaking: A CraftLab Family Workshop. Participants will learn how to stamp imprints of the natural pigments in plants onto paper to make colorful prints and handmade Valentines. See http://cafam.org/programs/ for more information. Cost is $7 for adults and $5 for children. Free for CAFAM members.
Later on Sunday, you can continue in Valentine mode, with Big Sunday’s 6th Annual Valentine-Making, Bingo-Playing Community Dinner. From 4-7 p.m., you can in making cards and goodie treat boxes for thousands of shut-ins and people who are ailing or facing a tough time…and then enjoy a terrific community dinner and a raucous game of bingo. All ages are welcome. For more info and to sign up, see http://bigsunday.org/get-involved/valentinesday/
Finally, please note that once again, Wilshire Blvd. will be fully closed from Western to Manhattan Pl. this weekend, as preparation for subway construction continues in the area. The street will open again at 6 a.m. on Monday. Please see
https://www.metro.net/projects/notices/notice_purpleline1_102517/ for full closure and detour details.
Have a great weekend!
