Next Meeting--Monday, April 11, 2011

The April Volunteers for Change-Fresno meeting will bring not one, but TWO changes.

First, we'll be meeting in a new location--the UC Center on E. Shaw, across from Fashion Fair Shopping Center. The address is 550 E Shaw Ave., Suite 100, Fresno, 93710--nearly midway between N. Fresno and N. 1st Sts, on the north side of E. Shaw. On site, follow the arrows to the meeting room.

Second, for this meeting only, we're changing the date to a Monday evening. So the meeting date will be Monday, April 11, 2011. Please mark your calendars now!

We're very fortunate to have Dr. Jeffrey Cummins, Fresno State political science professor, as our guest speaker. Using an outstanding power-point presentation, he'll explain the California budget process to us and engage us in lively discussion on how we can positively affect what's included in the next CA budget.

We hope to see you at this important meeting in our new location. New location, different night of the week--after all, aren't we all about change?!

Volunteer for Earth Day--Sat., April 9th

SATURDAY APRIL 9, 2011 8:00AM - 1:00PM

Don’t miss this opportunity to participate in a day of serving our community and our environment. HandsOn Central California is sponsoring this Earth Day Celebration at the San Joaquin River Parkway and is looking for 185 volunteers. Projects will include: river cleanup, habitat enhancement, trail improvement & restoration. The event will kick off with a Pancake Breakfast at the River Parkway.

Here’s how to get involved:

1 Sign up with HandsOn through the link in the attached flyer. (They need to track numbers.)

2 Sign up with Wendy Negri, the V4CF coordinator, by emailing her at wnegri@att.net to let her know you are going to participate or if you have questions. We may arrange carpools.

3 Show up April 9^th at 8:00 at 11605 Old Friant Rd, Fresno 93730 for sign in, breakfast & job assignment.

4 Wear long pants, sturdy shoes & your V4CF t-shirt, can bring own gardening gloves if want but some will be provided. Tools will be provided.

5 Enjoy camaraderie & breakfast with your fellow earth stewards.

Next Meeting Tues., March 8

Join us on Tues., March 8, to learn more about the California budget, threats to women's rights, and possible June ballot initiatives. We're also working on a forum that will bring Fresno County progressives together so our collective voices will be heard. Attend the meeting and help us plan for the future! Please see meeting details in box above.

MLK MARCH ON MONDAY JANUARY 17

This coming Monday Volunteers for Change-Fresno members will once
again carry the V4CF banner in the march honoring Martin Luther
King, Jr. Members are encouraged to participate!

• Date: Mon., Jan. 17, 2011
• Place: Gather for the parade at St. John’s Cathedral,
  2814 Mariposa St. (at R St.)
• Time: 9:15 am

Parade starts at 10 am, pauses at City Hall, and ends at
Veteran’s Memorial Auditorium.

Depending on the weather, consider wearing V4CF t-shirts and
members are also encouraged to bring musical instruments (kazoos,
recorders, tambourines, drums, bells) to accompany marchers singing
"We Shall Overcome." Donations for the Community Food Bank
(non-perishable food or checks) are also encouraged.

JAN. 2011 GENERAL MEETING

The first V4CF general meeting of the year will be held on Tues., Jan. 11 from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. at the Fig Garden Library, located at 3071 W. Bullard, SW corner of W. Bullard and N. Marks.
Join us as we make plans for the new year!

V4CF Holiday Party

Join us for a festive holiday get-together at the unique home of Fred Savala in the historic Tower District. Enjoy a wide array of finger foods, holiday beverages, and special music by Fred, while re-connecting with friends. In keeping with the season's spirit of giving, please bring unwrapped toys and gifts for foster children ages 0 to 17 who participate in the Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) program. Please also consider bringing a friend to share this holiday gathering.

Date: Tues., Dec. 21
Time: 6:30 to 8:30 pm
Place: Home of Fred Savala, 1234 N. Vagedes
From 41 south, exit McKinley, go right/west, after Arthur take left/south on Vagedes
Bring: Unwrapped toy/gift and a friend

RSVP: Wendy at wnegri@att.net or call 559-299-5052 by Dec. 20th

HANDS ON CENTRAL CALIFORNIA VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

Hand On of Central California has several volunteer opportunities this holiday season. Please see the details regarding 2 upcoming events. You can register for these and future events at
http://www.handsoncentralcal.org/

Serving Fresno - Saturday, Nov. 20

Take a day to serve the community we live in. Volunteer opportunities include planting trees, sorting food, and serving the homeless.

TIME & LOCATION:
8am - 2pm at the Riverpark Shopping Center

8am - Volunteer registration & project selection

9am - Arrive at the project site

Hope for the Holidays - Sunday, Dec. 19

300 volunteers are needed to help distribute toys to homeless children and to celebrate the holidays.

TIME & LOCATION:
10am - 3pm - Fresno Convention Center, Valdez Hall

To donate toys to this events, please call Hands On Central California at 559-237-3101