ASD Mornings
Sunday, Jan. 10
The second Sunday of every month the San Diego Natural History Museum (1788 El Prado, Balboa Park) opens early for adults and children on the autism spectrum (ASD) and their families, friends and caregivers. The program is designed to give members of the ASD community the chance to explore the museum in a quiet, less-crowded environment. “Ocean Oasis” will be shown in the theater at a lower volume and with higher light levels. There will also be a “quiet room” from 9 a.m. – noon if visitors need a space to decompress or desensitize and attendees will receive a special gift from the museum. Visit bit.ly/1TjvYkQ for more information, an online RSVP form and tickets.
CASA volunteer information sessions
Tuesday, Jan. 12, Wednesday, Jan. 20 and Saturday, Jan. 23, 2016:
These sessions provide information on becoming a volunteer Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) for Voices for Children. CASAs advocate for a child’s best interests in court and in other aspects of their lives, such as education, health, and living arrangements. CASAs gather information from files and reports and communicate with social workers, family members, school officials, and other professionals to identify and address a child’s needs. They also visit the child (or a set of siblings) at least once a month to provide a reliable adult presence that is both supportive and consistent. Must be 21+. No experience is necessary. Training and support provided! To learn more or RSVP to an information session, call 858-598-2230, email [email protected] or visit speakupnow.org. The location of the sessions will be given upon registration. Volunteer opportunities are available throughout the county.
‘Starting summer veggies from seed’ class
Saturday, Jan. 16
For this free gardening class, Armstrong Garden Centers will give tips for starting a summer veggie garden from seed. The Mission Valley/Grantville store is located at 10320 Friars Road; there are several other San Diego Armstrong locations. This session starts at 9 a.m. Visit ArmstrongGarden.com for more information.
Seventh annual ‘Blessing of the Animals’
Sunday, Jan. 17
Old Town San Diego State Historic Park (4001 Wallace St., Old Town) will host this free event from 1 – 3 p.m. in the central plaza. There will various rescue groups on hand with animal adoption opportunities. There will also be information available on rescuing, rehabilitating and supporting local animals. Father Richard Perozich of the Immaculate Conception Church will lead a pet blessing between 1 – 1:30 p.m. A pet costume contest will be held at 2:30 p.m. with prizes in various categories including “best dressed” and “best pet-owner look-alike.” For more information, call 619-297-3100.
36th annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. parade
Sunday, Jan. 17
Floats, high school bands, drill teams and various organizations (colleges, fraternities, churches, youth groups) will all turn out for this large parade. The parade is coordinated by the Zeta Sigma Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., the oldest African American fraternity in America, founded in 1906 at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York. Dr. King was a member of Alpha Phi Alpha. The parade will be held from 2 – 5 p.m. along Harbor Drive near the Embarcadero. Visit alpha-zsl.org/mlkdayparade.html for more information.
Bully’s East 45th anniversary party
Friday, Feb. 5
Bully’s East Restaurant (2401 Camino Del Rio South, Mission Valley) will celebrate 45 years with beer, wine and cocktail specials. There will be tray-passed appetizers from 5 – 8 p.m. New appetizers and entrees will be unveiled. Their “u-call it” cash bar will include a draft beer special, red and white wines and an assortment of liquors. The first 250 people to arrive after 4 p.m. will receive complimentary 45th anniversary shot glasses. Men and women’s anniversary t-shirts and hats will be available also. Visit bullyseastsd.com for more information.
