Operation Easter Basket-Deadline 3/24/05

OPERATION EASTER BASKET brings joy and hope to children in desperate situations right here in Long Beach through gift-filled Easter Baskets containing items such as small toys, school supplies, hygiene products, essential clothing items and some candy. This program, organized by Justin Rudd and his 501c3 nonprofit Community Action Team (CAT), provides an opportunity for people of all ages to be involved in a simple, hands-on project while focusing on the true meaning of love -- the greatest gift. In the first year of this program, we hope to deliver more than 250 baskets on Easter weekend to the most underserved children in Long Beach , hand-selected by the public health nurses at the City of Long Beach Health Department.

HOW TO PACK AN EASTER BASKET
1. First, decide whether your gift will be for a boy or girl and choose an age category: (2-4), (5-9), or (10-14). Attach a note to the handle of your Easter basket that says "BOY" or "GIRL" and the age category (i.e. BOY, age 5-9). NOTE: MOST NEEDED IS GIRLS, AGE 5-9.
2. Find a basket that you can use to create your Easter Basket.
3. Then, fill your basket with a variety of gifts:
Toys : small cars, balls, dolls, stuffed animals, plastic kazoos, harmonicas, yo-yos, small Etch A Sketch®, toys that light up or make noise (with extra batteries), Slinky, etc.
School supplies : pens, pencils and sharpener, crayons or markers, stamps and ink pad sets, coloring books, writing pads or paper, solar calculators, etc.
Hygiene items : toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, soap, comb, bubble bath, washcloth, etc.
More ideas : manufacturer's-packaged candy (i.e. no loose jelly beans), age-appropriate hard candy (i.e. not too small for a young child to choke on), lollipops, mints, gum, sunglasses, flashlights with extra batteries, ball caps, socks, T-shirts, slippers, toy jewelry sets, hair clips, watches, small picture books, gift certificates, books, etc.
WHERE DO I DROP OFF MY EASTER BASKET?
1. Holly's Hallmark, 5012 E. 2nd St. (between Granada and Argonne avenues), Belmont Shore , 562.434.5291
2. Bungalow Bay, 6457 E. PCH, (Marketplace Long Beach, between Claim Jumper and Calif. Pizza Kitchen), Long Beach, 562.596.1839

Family Activities at the El Dorado Nature Center

Family Nightlife Walk
Looking for an alternative to homework and TV? Bring the kids to the Nature Center for a naturalist-led walk. We’ll search for signs of nocturnal animals as they awake to search for a meal. Mar 22, Apr 26, May 24, 7-9pm. $3/person, Pre-registration is required.
Evening Campfire
Get the family together for an hour and head outside for some fresh air, relaxation, stories, games and laughs around the campfire. Meet some friends, learn something new, and share your love of the outdoors. May 20 and Jun 3, 7:30-8:30pm. $1.50/person. Pre-registration is required.
Ask an Expert
What causes meteor showers? How do bats see at night? Do opossums really hang from their tails? Find out the answers to questions like these at lectures led by guest experts on a range of natural history and science topics on the first Thursday of each month. Apr 7, May 5, Jun 2, 7-8:30pm. Free.
Be an Early Bird
You and the kids can do some bird watching in the early morning hours. Join a naturalist in a walk to the south lake. Discover how birds look for food and learn fun facts about our feathered friends. Saturday, April 2, 8:30-10am. $2/person.
Simple Saturdays
Begin the celebration of the United Nations Decade of Education for Sustainable Development by visiting the Nature Center on the 2nd Saturday of each month. You’ll have a chance to discover new and simple ways you can live a healthier, happier life for you and your family and a gentler, kinder life for the planet. For each month’s topic, call 570-1745 or just come for a walk and be surprised! Apr 9, May 14, Jun 11.
For more information/directions, call 562.570.1745 or visit http://www.longbeach.gov/park/facilities/parks/
el_dorado_nature_center.asp

Grand Opening of the Long Beach Farmers Market-Thursday, April 7, 2005

This weekly Certified Farmers Market is held on the southwest corner of the Long Beach Health Dept. parking lot, a block south of E. Willow St. and just east of Redondo Ave. along E. Burnett St., featuring fresh fruits, vegetables (including some Asian), nuts, cut flowers, live orchids, cultured eggs (such as "Balut"), baked goods, and some hot prepared foods. Plenty of free convenient parking in the Health Dept. lot (accessed from Grand Ave.) and along the north side of E. Burnett St.
Operating Hours: Thursdays, 4 - 7:30 pm
The "Grand Re-opening" event on April 7 will feature special "Earth-Friendly" music by Jon Sherman, performances by a local Cambodian dance group, Brian the face painter and a balloon sculptor for the kids, and a piece of Anniversary Cake for everyone. (This celebration also marks the 20th Anniversary of the Thursday market, which opened in San Pedro in 1985, moved to Signal Hill in 1999, and now arrives in East Long Beach in 2005!!) We hope that we have a big turnout for the event - it will be fun!!
Free produce drawings are held at 6 pm each week (tickets distributed from 5:30-6).

Aquarium of the Pacific Specials

1. 1/3 Off For Long Beach Residents
The Aquarium of the Pacific offers Long Beach residents 1/3 off admission, valid Monday through Friday, now through May 2005.
Long Beach residents living in the zip codes of 90802, 90803, 90804, 90805, 90806, 90807, 90808, 90810, 90813, 90814, and 90815 are included in this special discount program. Present a valid ID or utility bill with a Long Beach zip code at any Aquarium ticket window to receive the discount. There is a limit of six discounts per visit, per household.

2. Pass to the Pacific Program
Explore an ocean of information at the library, then dive into an adventure at the Aquarium of the Pacific. When visiting local Long Beach libraries, be sure to save your check out receipt. It is good for 50% off admission at the Aquarium for up to four adult, child, or senior admissions. Simply show your check out receipt at the Aquarium ticket window to receive the discounted admission. Please note that receipts are valid for up to 2 weeks from the check out date and may be used only once. Cruise into your local branch soon, the Pass to the Pacific expires on June 17, 2005!

4/23 - 5/1 Children's Day and Children's Week Activities

Join in the Celebration of Children's Day!
Children's Week is 4/23 - 5/1
Mayor O' Neill & The City Council, LBUSD, & The South Coast Interfaith Council encourage "the entire community, individuals, churches, organizations, businesses and schools to support Children's Day."
The Children's Day Celebration & Parade: Sunday May 1, 2005 ~ 10 AM - 5 PM, Recreation Park, Long Beach (7th & Park)
The Children's Day Kick Off at Kaleidoscope: Cal State Long Beach, Sat. April 23, 11 AM - 5 PM (Quad Near 7th St.)
Ways to Participate: You can Table--Have a Space/Booth, Provide Entertainment, Volunteer, and/or be a Co-Sponsor! Call: (562) 989-9346
Kaleidoscope Information: Children's Day Kickoff Application Deadline: Friday, March 18th. (Late Fees are Waived for Children's Day.) We can help take your Kaleidoscope application over the phone! (562) 989-9346.
A few scholarships may be available. For information, call the Kaleidoscope Office at (562) 985-2288; Fax (562) 985-1578.
Children's Day Celebration & Parade for May 1st have much more time to sign up!
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Children's Week: April 23 - May 1 –
There are many Children's Day supporting events & activities.
* You Can Do Something On Your Own For Children's Day. Let Us Know About Your Activity!
* We will try to list your activity on www.ChildrensDay.net!
If you can't be at one of the events Celebrate Children's Day Wherever You Are!
Everyone Help Create The Custom of Children's Day! Thank You So Much!
Call: 562. 989.9346 Email: childrensday4all@yahoo.com
Heart's the Most Important Thing!
The Children's Day Theme is ALWAYS:
"What are you going to do to make our world a wonderful place?"
~ You'll know what your project is because you'll feel it in your heart.
It's For The Child Inside Us All!
The Be Community Friendly Campaign for Children's Day