Unplug and Reconnect: Nature Story Time Awaits at Forest Home Farms!
Are you looking for an engaging, educational, and fun activity for your little ones this winter? Look no further than Nature Story Time at Forest Home Farms! This delightful program offers an enriching experience for families to bond while exploring the wonders of nature through stories, crafts, and interactive activities. Here's everything you need to know to make the most of this fantastic opportunity. What to Expect Nature Story Time is designed with young children in mind, particularly ages 0-5, but all ages are welcome to join in the fun. Each session features: A captivating nature-themed story to spark curiosity and imagination. Hands-on crafts to encourage creativity and develop fine motor skills. Interactive games or songs to keep little ones engaged and active. Sessions are held in the cozy Walnut Barn at Forest Home Farms, located at 19953 San Ramon Valley Boulevard. For those chilly winter days, heaters are provided, and in case of rain, there is a fully enclosed space to ensure everyone stays comfortable. Extend the Fun After the story time, take a stroll around the beautiful farm property. Families can: Visit the sheep and chickens to learn more about these friendly animals. Enjoy a snack at the picnic tables scattered across the grounds. Bring along your favorite treats, and soak up the serene atmosphere as you spend quality time together outdoors. Winter Themes Each week focuses on a different nature-inspired theme, adding variety and excitement to every session: 1/10: Chickens 1/17: All About Bees 1/24: Sheep 1/31: Ducks 2/7: Groundhogs With topics that range from farmyard favorites to fascinating insects, there's something to capture every child's interest. Affordable and Flexible Pricing Families can enjoy this enriching experience at an affordable rate. Individual Sessions: $8 per session Bundle Discount: Register for all five sessions for just $25 (that’s only $5 per session!). To save even more, skip the credit card convenience fee by paying with cash or check at any of the San Ramon Community Centers. Registration and Details Date Range: Fridays from January 10 to February 7 Time: 10:15 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Location: Walnut Barn, Forest Home Farms Maximum Participants: 30 per session Registration Period: November 18 – March 31 Activity Code: 28713 Be sure to register early to secure your spot, as spaces are limited and fill up quickly! Why Join? Nature Story Time at Forest Home Farms isn’t just an activity—it’s an opportunity to connect as a family, nurture your child’s love for nature, and create cherished memories. Whether you’re singing songs about bees or crafting adorable sheep, each moment spent together is a step toward fostering curiosity and learning in the great outdoors. So, gather your family, bundle up, and come explore the wonders of nature at Forest Home Farms this winter. It’s the perfect way to spend a Friday morning together while embracing the joy of learning and play. Don’t miss out on this incredible experience—register today and make Nature Story Time a cherished family tradition!
Celebrate the Lunar New Year at City Center Bishop Ranch!
Date: February 2, 2025Time: 2:00 PM – 4:00 PMLocation: City Center Bishop Ranch Mark your calendars and welcome the Year of the Snake in grand style! City Center Bishop Ranch invites you and your family to an unforgettable afternoon filled with captivating performances, traditional artistry, and festive joy. A Celebration of Culture and Tradition The Lunar New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, is one of the most significant holidays in many East Asian cultures, particularly in China, Vietnam, and Korea. It marks the beginning of the lunar calendar, with each year represented by one of the 12 animals in the Chinese zodiac. This year, we celebrate the Snake, a symbol of wisdom, intuition, and transformation. Dating back over 4,000 years, the Lunar New Year has its origins in ancient agricultural rituals, where people would honor their ancestors and pray for a prosperous harvest. Today, it is a time to gather with loved ones, enjoy delicious feasts, and usher in good fortune and happiness for the year ahead. What to Expect at the Event Step into a world of rich cultural heritage and artistic wonder! The festivities will feature: Traditional Chinese Dancers: Watch as elegant performers bring ancient stories to life with grace and precision. Live Music: Feel the rhythm of traditional and modern tunes that celebrate the spirit of the New Year. Mesmerizing Contortionist: Marvel at the astonishing flexibility and artistry of this breathtaking act. Bian Lian “Face Changer”: Witness the magic of this rare and enchanting art form, where performers switch between vividly painted masks in the blink of an eye. Dragon Dance: Experience the high-energy spectacle of the iconic dragon dance, a symbol of power, strength, and good luck. Why You Should Join This Lunar New Year celebration is more than just a performance—it's an opportunity to connect with the community, learn about traditions, and create lasting memories. Whether you're immersing yourself in the vibrant performances or simply soaking in the festive atmosphere, this event promises something special for everyone. Event Details Admission: Free Location: City Center Bishop Ranch (Click for directions) Parking: Ample parking is available. Bring your family and friends, and let’s ring in the Year of the Snake together! Don't miss out on this vibrant celebration of culture, tradition, and new beginnings. See you on February 2, 2025, at City Center Bishop Ranch!
A Cinematic Passport: San Ramon’s Friday Foreign Film Series Returns in 2025
If you’ve ever dreamed of traveling the globe through the lens of culture and storytelling, the San Ramon Friday Foreign Film Series is your perfect ticket. Recognized as the "Best way to culturally globe-trot on Friday nights" by Diablo Magazine, this much-loved series makes its highly anticipated return in February 2025. Presented by the San Ramon Arts Foundation, this year’s lineup celebrates the creative visions of women directors from around the world, featuring films from China, India, Japan, and the Republic of Kosovo. Each screening will include a thought-provoking group discussion led by a skilled moderator. Location: The Front Row Theatre at the Dougherty Station Community Arts Center (17011 Bollinger Canyon Rd, San Ramon, CA)Time: 7:00 PM Here’s a closer look at this year’s captivating lineup: February 7, 2025 - Sweet Bean Directed by: Naomi KawaseLanguage: Japanese (with English subtitles)Rating: PGRun Time: 113 minutes Synopsis:Sweet Bean tells the poignant story of Sentaro, a struggling dorayaki (red bean pancake) shop owner, and Tokue, an elderly woman with a secret recipe for sweet bean paste. Tokue’s exceptional cooking revitalizes the shop’s business, but her past surfaces, revealing deep societal prejudices. With heartfelt performances and lush visuals, the film is a meditative exploration of human connection and redemption. Why Watch:Naomi Kawase’s tender storytelling invites audiences to savor the small moments in life. This film is a beautiful introduction to Japanese culture and culinary traditions, paired with themes of resilience and empathy. February 21, 2025 - Monsoon Wedding Directed by: Mira NairLanguage: Hindi (with English subtitles)Rating: RRun Time: 114 minutes Synopsis:Dive into the vibrant chaos of a Punjabi wedding in Monsoon Wedding. This critically acclaimed dramedy weaves together the lives of an extended Indian family, their secrets, and the rollercoaster of emotions that lead up to the big day. With colorful celebrations juxtaposed against serious family issues, the film paints an authentic and dynamic portrait of modern India. Why Watch:Mira Nair brings humor, heart, and drama to a cross-cultural tale that explores love, tradition, and family bonds. It’s a perfect choice for those who enjoy stories steeped in cultural richness and complex characters. February 28, 2025 - Hive Directed by: Blerta BasholliLanguage: Albanian (with English subtitles)Rating: RRun Time: 84 minutes Synopsis:Set in a post-war Kosovo village, Hive follows Fahrije, a widow struggling to support her family after her husband’s disappearance during the war. Despite societal constraints, Fahrije starts a small business selling ajvar (red pepper relish), facing fierce backlash from her patriarchal community. The film is a powerful tale of female resilience and defiance. Why Watch:Blerta Basholli’s gripping drama offers a raw, inspiring look at the courage it takes to break barriers. It’s a must-see for anyone interested in stories of empowerment and perseverance. March 7, 2025 - The Farewell Directed by: Lulu WangLanguage: Mandarin (with English subtitles)Rating: PGRun Time: 100 minutes Synopsis:The Farewell is a deeply moving and humorous story about Billi, a Chinese-American woman who returns to China with her family under the guise of a fake wedding to say goodbye to their beloved matriarch, Nai Nai, who is unaware of her terminal diagnosis. Based on an actual lie, this film beautifully captures the complexities of family dynamics and cultural identity. Why Watch:Lulu Wang’s heartfelt narrative strikes a perfect balance between humor and poignancy, making it relatable to anyone who has navigated the intricacies of family love and cultural expectations. Each of these films is a journey in itself, offering a lens into unique worlds and perspectives while celebrating the voices of women in cinema. Join us for this unforgettable cinematic experience at the Front Row Theatre and become part of a community that values cultural exchange and meaningful conversations. Tickets and More Information Tickets for the San Ramon Friday Foreign Film Series can be purchased online or at the door. Don’t miss this chance to travel the world through film – no passport required!
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