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What Local Teachers Want You to Know in the Time of COVID19

April 3, 2020 by Natali Carrera Leave a Comment

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Natali Carrera is a devoted coffee addict who also loves her teenage son, her husband of 18 years and shopping small & local. She is the founder & CEO of parent support non-profit Success Together, Inc. and has been a freelance content creator for FresYes.com for 7 years. Natali is a lifelong Fresno resident, unrelenting cheerleader and Fresno State grad.

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Last week, I had the privilege of speaking to medical professionals working on the front line of COVID-19 care in Fresno. This week, I want to turn the spotlight on another very important group rising the meet the challenges of this unprecedented time: teachers. As school closures extend through the end of the current school year, educators are faced with a challenge none of us would have expected just a month ago – now, teaching must move to the online space for all public students for the remainder of the 2019-2020 school year.

I reached out to teachers this week to collect their candid thoughts and feelings on being thrust into the distance-learning world, what they really hope their students and their families know during this time, and what their expectations for home learning look like. As I did in last week’s article, I’ve assigned pseudonyms so you can hear the candid thoughts of these experienced and caring educators.

FresYes: What have your feelings been like since the announcement from the Governor that schools would not re-open this school year?

“Amanda”, 7^th grade teacher from Fresno Unified: This year has surely shown us that we truly have no idea what the future holds. I cannot believe that school is out for the entire year. It is devastating, and I am heartbroken.

“Mary”, 1^st grade teacher from Fresno Unified: The last few weeks have been a roller coaster of emotions. I am heartbroken. I know its for the best, but I am extremely sad.

“Gia”, 2^nd grade teacher from Clovis Unified: At first it was completely surreal. On March 13^th, I did a science lesson and afterwards excused my class like I do every Friday. After school a teacher whose husband works for Fresno Unified came and told me that they were closing till spring break and that she was pretty sure we would do the same. I couldn’t believe it! The last 2 and a half weeks have just been a rush to modify classwork and provide support and instruction in this new way!

“Erica”, kindergarten teacher from Central Unified: My heart breaks at the realization that I won’t get to be with my class to end the year, and to get those last hugs and award them with their last certificates of achievement. Ultimately, I know this is for their health and safety and that’s what I want for them above all else.

FresYes: What are some of your biggest concerns in regard to the weeks ahead, until the end of the school year?

“Gia”, 2^nd grade teacher from Clovis Unified: Right now, I’m looking for ways to make online instruction meaningful and engaging for kids. It’s a real learning curve! Ironically about a week before this happened, I remember teaching a math lesson and being profoundly proud of my kids and all they had accomplished. I remember thinking, we are here! They did it! These kids are finally able to do all of the things I have taught them! When the decision to close first happened I remember thinking, “What in the world will we do? These kids will lose so much of what they have learned if they miss three weeks of school!”

My biggest concerns are for the kids who are not completing the daily work and the kids who have special learning needs. I am worried about the kids who are not engaging online with me or actively participating in lessons. I know not all parents can monitor their child’s daily learning. I am fortunate because my families for the most part, have been able to let their child interact with me daily and are completing assignments.

“Mary”, 1^st grade teacher from Fresno Unified: I’m concerned about whether our students are staying safe, healthy, and their families have basic needs to withstand these unprecedented times.

FresYes: Given the circumstances, what do you think the best-case outcomes look like for kids doing learning activities from home? What are your expectations for parents?

“Gia”, 2^nd grade teacher from Clovis Unified: The best-case outcome would be that kids maintain the learning they already achieved without sliding back. For kids who are independent learners, I believe they can be completely on track if their teachers are providing lessons they would be getting at school. I want parents to know it is okay to reach out to their teachers A LOT! That first week so many parents would send me messages that started with, “I am sorry to bug you, but…” I just kept saying that they were not bugging me. I want them to reach out and not struggle with something before they ask for help. I hope that they check their child’s schoolwork when possible. I want them to expect their kids to do quality work, be respectful and attentive during online meetings, and to work independently when possible.

I do not expect parents to spend their entire day “teaching”. I do not expect them to know or understand all of what we do every day. I talk to my students daily and tell them that although it seems unfair, we are so fortunate to be able to see each other and talk every day.

“Mary”, 1^st grade teacher from Fresno Unified: I want parentsto be ok with whatever they can offer. I hope they spend time enjoying each other. What are my expectations for parents? I don’t have any. What is don’t want is for families to stress over not doing enough.

“Erica”, kindergarten teacher from Central Unified: For my kids, I just want them to have access to books and stress-free activities. Stress free as in paperless. Packets are good and all, but also so boring. For my kiddos, I want parents to know it’s okay to let them play in the mud, it’s okay to pull out the watercolors and glitter. It’s okay to let their children help them make dinner. They will learn more by doing at this age than anything else. PLAY PLAY PLAY… and read and have conversations.

FresYes: If you could tell your students anything right now – what do you want them to know? Anything else you’d like people to know?

“Gia”, 2^nd grade teacher from Clovis Unified: I would like people to know that for the most part, teachers are doing the best they can. We are really coming together as educators! I want the very best for my students, and I hope that we all come through this stronger than before and with a greater sense of respect and cohesiveness.

“Amanda”, middle school teacher from Fresno Unified: I want my students to know they are a gift. I’m wishing many blessings to my 8^th graders going on to high school – may they all flourish.

“Mary”, 1^st grade teacher from Fresno Unified: I’m thinking about them always. I miss their hugs, and that together we will get through this and be together (in person) again someday!

“Erica”, kindergarten teacher from Central Unified: At school, one of the hardest things to do well as a teacher is provide the one on one interaction that all kids need. Especially for us TK/Kinder and even 1st grade teachers. Parents are in this great position to provide that right now. Any child would absolutely love to get that attention from their parents or siblings right now. Also, you don’t have to spend 8 hours a day on learning activities. 2-3 hours a day tops is great.

Here are 5 chances to learn something new in the new year

December 27, 2017 by Natali Carrera Leave a Comment

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Natali Carrera

Latest posts by Natali Carrera (see all)

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Mayd Modern Mediterranean opens in Northwest Fresno - January 26, 2021

If a new year dawning makes you want to expand your horizons and learn new things, you’re in luck. Fresno has become home to a burgeoning how-to scene rich with do-it-yourself classes and lessons.

If you want to learn something new in the new year, here are five awesome ways to do that right here in Fresno in the next ten days.

1. Try Modern Calligraphy

Playing with calligraphy brush pens I asked for for Christmas.

Calligraphy has evolved from its classic form to a more playful and bouncy script known as Modern Calligraphy. Useful for home décor, wedding signage and favors, invitations, craft projects and more, learning to create Modern Calligraphy fonts is both fun and enjoyable.

I recently took two Modern Calligraphy classes taught by Shelley Borcherding, owner of Scribble and Script, a company that creates beautiful, custom Modern Calligraphy pieces for purchase. The beginner’s course taught me the basics of building Modern Calligraphy fonts and how to form upper- and lower-case letters, while the intermediate course taught me how to connect letters to each other and add flair to my writing. Both classes provided all the materials I needed to get started and 3 hours of personalized instruction.

My place setting at the Modern Calligraphy class offered via Scribble & Script.

The next beginner’s class is taking place tomorrow, Dec. 28, from 6-9 p.m, and you can purchase tickets here. There is also a beginner class taking place on Friday, Jan. 12, from 6-9 p.m. Tickets for that class are available here.

2. Finally learn how to salsa dance

Have you ever been invited to go salsa dancing and thought, “I wouldn’t have the slightest clue how.” Pete and Carmen’s Salsa Dance Academy can help!

Located in the Tower District, and offering Sunday dance socials as well as weekly lessons, instructors Pete and Carmen are ready to teach you the moves. According to reviewers, Pete and Carmen have an “intuitive style of teaching” that makes learning easy. Plus, if you act quickly, you can even get a month of classes for just $23 via Groupon here.

3. Learn to make Kombucha

Kombucha is a fermented, lightly sparkling tea drink that many enjoy for its purported health benefits. Though it can be purchased ready-made at many stores, or enjoyed on tap at The Revue, some drinkers may be interested in making it from scratch.

If that’s you, Root Access Hackerspace is holding a class on how to do just that coming up on Jan. 6 at 3 p.m. Get all the details and rsvp here.

4. Interact with sloths and other restricted creatures

Whether you think sloths are cute and interesting creatures, or you Kristen-Bell-LOVE sloths, you’ll have a special opportunity to get up close and personal with one, as well as several other amazing animals, this Saturday, Dec. 30.

Lost Realms Pets located at Cedar and Nees in northeast Fresno will be offering 50 guests the opportunity to interact with a hedgehog, alligator, wallaby, lynx, porcupine and of course, a sloth starting at 11 a.m. Get your tickets and all the details here.

5. Blow glass

My friends’ son Elias crating a Christmas ornament at Ballis Glass

Have you ever admired the beauty of blown glass? If so, you can learn how to make it yourself with the help of the pros at Ballis Glass.

Classes are offered frequently, but if you’d like to learn how to make a blown glass ornament, the time to act is now. If you get in on one of the classes taking place over the next few days, you’ll have a beautiful ornament you’ve created yourself to hang on your tree next Christmas. Sign up for a class and view the upcoming class schedule here.

Completed ornaments made at Ballis Glass

Stay tuned for future opportunities to learn new things here on FresYes in the months to come!

Give your kids the gift of innovation and education at InnovEd

December 22, 2017 by JoAnn Hallum Leave a Comment

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JoAnn Hallum

Houseplant killing optimist- freelance writer -kid herder

InnovEd programs

InnovEd has an 8-to-1 student to teacher ratio and uses cutting-edge technology such as 3D printers, CADD (computer aided drafting and design) programs, and open sourced electronic programs like Arduino. Spring courses are taking sign ups now and there’s a wide variety to choose from:

After School Programs
If you’re looking for a fun way to fill kids’ time after school, you can enroll them in after school programs. Depending on the course, the age range is 3rd grade all the way to 12th. Courses offered include Intro to Mobile App Development, Coding, and 3D Design and Printing. You can sign up for Monday classes or Tuesday classes. To find out more about the after school programs that start on Jan. 8 and 9, click here.

Homeschool and Charter School Programs

For kids who are in Inspire, Compass or Summit Academy charter schools, InnovEd is an approved vendor. To find out how to register using charter funds, you can call (559) 321-8434. The S.T.E.M.-based courses vary from Intro to Biomedical Engineering to Coding and Video Game Design. To see a list of all of the homeschool/charter school programs, click here.

Preschool Enrichment
This course only accepts 20 students per semester. This program uses various hands-on activities to nurture a love for the sciences in preschool kids. To register for the upcoming semester (which begins March 6), click here.

High School Courses
If you’re looking to enrich a high school student’s educational experience, you can sign them up for an AP writing workshop or an Intro to Artificial Intelligence course, to name two examples. For a complete list of courses, click here.

Weekend Courses
Starting Jan. 13, InnovEd will offer a weekend course on Intro to Biomedical Engineering. Although it sounds like a college course, it’s actually geared to 3rd-6th graders. The class takes place on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and lasts four weeks. During this class, kids will get to prototype a prosthetic hand! To register or find out more information, click here.

Additional Programs
Although courses are offered all year, in January there will be a Toy Making Camp. This camp is for grades 3-6 and spans from Jan. 2 to 4. Each day kids will work on a new toy utilizing technology such as 3D printing, robotics, electric circuits, LED lights, and more. All in all, kids will make five toys ranging from custom fidget spinners to hydraulic cranes. If you’re interested in registering a kid for the Toy Making Camp, simply fill out the registration form here.

Of course, this isn’t a complete overview of services and classes offered—you can even throw a S.T.E.M.-themed birthday party! Check the InnovEd website here for more info on classes, camps, and weekend programs, email info@innovedinc.org, or call (559) 321-8434.

Holistic Cultural and Education Wellness Center Provides Space for Healing

July 20, 2017 by Valerie Shelton Leave a Comment

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Valerie Shelton

Caffeine addict - karaoke queen - dachshund mommy - writing machine

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When you catch a cold, you know exactly what to do: you take some fever reducing medicine, drink plenty of water, and rest. When you’re feeling down, however, things get tricky. It can be tough to talk about and, in many cases, there is a stigma associated with any mental and/or emotional illness.

That’s why the Holistic Cultural and Education Wellness Center was established by the Fresno Center for New Americans: to give people in the community a place to go for healing.

Mural in the main activity room at the Holistic Cultural and Education Wellness Center.

Activities Focus on Mind, Body and Spirit

The Holistic and Education Wellness Center facilitates a myriad of physical, cultural, and social activities intended to help people from all backgrounds feel comfortable and feel better.

“Primarily, what we do is empower individuals and families just to live a well-balanced life in mind, body, and spirit,” says Devoya Mayo, one of five cultural brokers at the center.

Each broker works with a specific population within the community, informing them about what they can do to feel better. Mayo reaches out primarily to African American communities. There are also brokers for the Sikh, Latino, Hmong, and Khmer communities. In addition to providing education to these different communities, the Holistic Cultural and Education Wellness Center hosts a number of activities, from dance classes that instruct people on how to perform a variety of cultural dances to gardening. These activities are intended to aid in wellness of the mind, body, and soul.

“We host activities that support mobility because we know when we’re active, we feel better,” Mayo says. “We also have things that support mindfulness, healthy eating, and creativity, because all of those different components help. For instance, we’ve done the research and find that gardening helps with your cognitive skills and that the vitamin D from being outside also helps you feel better. We know with our healing crafts that the comradery of being with others also helps. It shows folks that they are enough and that the things they already know can help them.”

A portion of the center’s healing garden, where herbs known for their healing properties are grown.

The center’s current schedule of free activities includes Zumba, sewing, yoga, jewelry making, taekwondo, healthy cooking 101, sabay sabay dance, Khmer healing dance, and gardening. All of the complimentary services provided by the center are funded through the Mental Health Services Act (Prop. 63). Last month, the Fresno County Board of Supervisors allocated funds to the center for three more years, meaning the center is no longer a pilot program as it was during its first five years.

While the center serves as a safe place where people from all over the Fresno area can go to participate in healing activities, it is also a space where Mayo says people should feel free to be themselves and discuss whatever may be troubling them. While the activities are popular, there are a handful of groups that simply meet to have meaningful conversations. One group, she says, recently felt they needed more, so a certified volunteer therapist was brought in to dig deeper with the group. Though the center is not certified itself to provide therapy or additional care for those with diagnosed mental conditions, it does help those in need by connecting them with resources.

“We do try to take these things as seriously as possible and help facilitate that transition because I haven’t met anyone so far that, if I gave them the information, I would be comfortable that they really did go. So making it available here so there is still that comfort and maybe those sessions can help them then go elsewhere,” Mayo says.

Currently, the center is putting together a directory of herbalists, doctors, and religious leaders equipped to help individuals who desire therapy the center can’t provide.

“It’s not complete,” Mayo says. “So far, we have 20 local people that have been vetted. There is an application process and they need to be fingerprinted and the full nine so we feel comfortable saying, ‘Here is a little brochure of the folks in the community that offer even more complimentary healing tools’.”

Another view of the healing garden at the Holistic Cultural and Education Wellness Center

For many participating in the center’s activities, the main thing, Mayo says, is knowing that they are not alone.

“Oftentimes in traditional Western spaces you don’t know that there are other people going through the exact same thing as you and that it is okay to find help, so we find that these group activities do spark other things. I know some churches that offer these types of activities, but outside of that I’m hard pressed to think of any organization where you are going to be in that space where you can say ‘I suffer from anxiety, what are some things I might be able to do to curb that?’ But this space lends itself to that entirely.”

Mayo says having a place to go like the Holistic Cultural and Education Wellness Center can make all the difference in peoples’ lives, and she would like to see more facilities like it in Fresno and beyond.

“The innovative approach, especially in a place like Fresno where we don’t have a lot of facilities anyway, is nice,” she says. “It’s nice to be at the front of the gate because I think it’s going to get deeper. We really don’t embrace these sorts of opportunities enough and I really hope we are the catalyst for this change. I think it would be exciting if we had more [wellness centers] all over.”

All who are interested are welcome to attend activities at the center. The main office is located at 4879 E. Kings Canyon Road in Fresno. Satellite offices are located at 108 N. Poplar Ave. in Fresno and 580 Tulare Street in Parlier. All sites are open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. For a schedule of activities or other information, contact the center at (559) 255-8395 or follow them on Facebook.

Grand Opening of Lost Realms Pets Store & Zoo is Saturday in Fresno

April 6, 2017 by JoAnn Hallum Leave a Comment

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JoAnn Hallum

Houseplant killing optimist- freelance writer -kid herder

Grand Opening Details

When: Saturday, April 8 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: 8059 N. Cedar Avenue, Fresno CA 93720
How much: Zoo admission is $5 for adults and $3 for children until 8 p.m.
More information:
Grand Opening Event Page on Facebook
Lost Realms Pets on Facebook
Lost Realms Pets Website

[all photos courtesy of Nick Crawford, used with permission]

Great Cause & Great Food Combine at Downtown Fresno’s Newest Eatery

January 18, 2017 by Natali Carrera 1 Comment

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Latest posts by Natali Carrera (see all)

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Last week, I was very excited to welcome a great new restaurant with an even greater purpose to Downtown Fresno.

On January 9, Kids Café 2019 officially opened its doors to offer customers a fresh, modern lunch menu at a convenient location for a multitude of downtown workers. My colleague, Sarah, and I braved the potential rain to walk from ValleyPBS to the Café, which is located at 2019 Mariposa Mall, just past the Fresno County Office of Education building and just before Club One casino off Van Ness. It was definitely worth the walk!

Storefront walking up to Kids Cafe 2019

Owned and operated by the Fresno County Office of Education, Kids Café 2019 is unique in its mission, as it has a dual purpose:

1. To serve great, health-conscious food.

2. To provide students from Fresno County special education programs with valuable work experience that will help them transition into future jobs and vocational opportunities.

Kids Cafe 2019 crew working hard on opening day to serve up tasty lunches

A hungry and excited crowd forms on opening day at Kids Cafe 2019

Student artwork adorns the cafe walls

What’s on the Menu

So let’s talk about the food. The menu at Kids Café 2019 consists of:

• Hand-crafted espresso beverages ($3-$4.25) including cappuccinos, lattes, americanos, flat whites, mochas, caramel macchiatos, chai tea lattes, and freezes

• Smoothies ($2-$4 each) including varieties with protein, antioxidants, green tea for energy, and tropical fruit

• Paninis, like the Baja Chicken with pico de gallo, guacamole, and chipotle aioli, and “Jim’s Special” (named after Fresno County Superintendent of Schools, Jim Yovino), which is made with grilled sourdough, chicken, swiss cheese, bacon, avocado, lettuce, tomato, and garlic herb mayo

• Deli sandwiches and wraps like the turkey and ham Italian Hoagie piled high with turkey, ham, and salami, or the Waldorf Chicken Salad Wrap featuring local grapes and greens. If you prefer, you can also order a custom built-to-order sandwich as well with up to two meats and two cheeses of your choice. All sandwiches are $8 for a large or $6 for a small and come with house-made potato chips.

• Five different gourmet salads are also featured on the menu, including the multi-color, vitamin-packed Antioxidant Power Salad and the more traditional Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad. Like the sandwiches, salads run $8 for a large or $6 for a small. Daily soups are also offered and can be combined with a small sandwich or salad in a “Pick a Pair” for $8, and chips are included with that lunch as well.

If you have the opportunity to go to the café before the lunch hour, there are several breakfast options, pastries, and steel cut oats available for you, too. A variety of sides, desserts, and snacks fill out the rest of the menu, and like the meal choices, there are both healthier and indulgent options. Kids Café 2019 offers a number of gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegetarian menu options, and will soon be offering online ordering at kidscafe2019.fcoe.org.

During our visit to the Kids Café, Sarah and I both enjoyed our lunches. I ordered the “Pick a Pair” and had a small Pepperoni and Provolone Panini with a cup of Poblano Chowder and, of course, the chips.

Sarah tried Jim’s Special and had the Roasted Vegetable soup. Both of our paninis were tasty, but the soups were the standouts for both of us. I was expecting a very mild flavor from my chowder, but was pleasantly surprised by the great kick of spice it had. I actually can’t wait to go back and order it again!

My Poblano Chowder Soup and Pepperoni Panini

Sarah’s “Jim’s Special” and vegetable soup

While we were there, we ran into Superintendent Yovino and his wife, Jennifer Yovino, and they advised we come back for a coffee very soon. Superintendent Yovino confessed he was a bit of a coffee snob, so they really took their time in choosing the café’s machines, coffee, and recipes and he assured us that the drinks were truly high quality.

The Yovinos give me a smile on opening day at Kids Café 2019 (I forgot to see if he was eating the Jim’s Special!)

Bottom Line

In summary, the new Kids Café 2019 on Mariposa Mall offers really tasty, affordable, and fresh food, and benefits a really great cause. Whether you work downtown or not, I would strongly encourage you take the time to make your way there soon. You won’t be disappointed, and you’ll be supporting students as they learn skills that can translate to earning a living in the future.

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Hello, Harry Potter Cooking Class Exists

January 4, 2017 by Jason Farris Leave a Comment

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Jason Farris

Head YES man at FresYes.com

I grew up in Fresno. Relaxed in its calm breezes, listened with my dad to the crack of the bat at little league baseball games when I was a kid and now take my son to do the same at minor league games. I broadened my mind at its schools (I went to high school right here at San Joaquin Memorial, and to college at Fresno State!) I love that if I drive for two hours in one direction, I can be in the mountains. For two hours in another, luxuriating on a California beach. I can enjoy the cosmopolitan atmosphere of San Francisco or Los Angeles, but still be able to come home to relaxation, calm, and quiet.

I love where I live, and I also love what I do. I'm lucky to be able to work in a profession in which I get to build relationships; one that has me meeting new people each and every day and helping them to build new lives in my beloved city. I'm lucky enough to work in a profession in which I can marry cutting-edge technologies and marketing techniques to good, old-fashioned, nose-to-the-grindstone work. I am lucky enough to work in a profession that allows me to work as an advocate for my clients; to use every tool at my disposal to get a job done well for them, and with as little stress and expense as possible.

I love my city. I love my job. One inspires my excellence for the other.

Fresno? I say FresYES

The Boy Who Cooked

Okay, yes, you know about cooking classes. But I bet you didn’t know there’s a HARRY POTTER COOKING CLASS.

(photo courtesy of Fresno Adult School)

Actually there are two Harry Potter classes offered through the Fresno Adult School. One is called “Harry Potter Cooking for Pre-Teens to Adults,” and it’s a one-time class where your muggle self will learn to make Leaky Cauldron Soup. Pumpkin juice will be served. Naturally.

The other is “Baking with Harry Potter for Pre-Teens to Adults,” where you’ll learn to make Pumpkin Pasties. In this class, you’ll be drinking Polyjuice Potion, of course.

This is brilliant. Although the classes aren’t available until April, I would be terribly surprised if both didn’t fill up long before then. Because Harry Potter.

Cooking Without the Aid of a Teen Wizard

(photo courtesy of White Apron Chef)

So maybe Harry Potter isn’t your jam. Here’s a one-time cooking class that’s happening Jan. 14 at Whole Foods in Fresno: Instant Pot How-to’s with Brigitte Theriault.

Brigitte, also known as White Apron Chef, will show you what to do with that Instant Pot pressure cooker you got for Christmas, including turning a bone broth into a hearty winter stew and whipping up a quick and easy burrito bowl. I know Brigitte and although I’ve never taken a class from her, I have eaten her food. She knows what’s up. Trust me.

Not Your Mom’s Dancing. Or Maybe It Is?

Immaculate Trait dance studio, near Shaw and Brawley in Fresno, is offering free dance classes Jan. 7 to all ages. We’re not talking ballroom dancing here, either (which actually sounds kinda fun). These classes include Zumba, Urban Hip-Hop, Breaking, and Popping. Even better? They’re free.

When You Hate Cooking But Still Like Hot Stuff

(photo courtesy of Fresno Ideaworks)

Maybe cooking isn’t your thing. Or dancing. Don’t fret—there are other ways to make some magic.

Fresno Ideaworks is offering the chance to learn how to make your own blown-glass tumbler. This workshop will be held Jan. 14 at the Ideaworks space in downtown Fresno. The thought of all that heat scares me, but if you’re a total Gryffindor, you’ll love learning how to shape molten glass into something usable. Probably. I don’t know you.

What I do know is, now is the time to get out there and try new things while you’re filled with all that New Year’s momentum. These classes seem like a great starting place, so go and get your learn on.

FresYes Blood Drive Recap

December 12, 2016 by Jason Farris Leave a Comment

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Jason Farris

Head YES man at FresYes.com