Pocket Life December 2019
By Corky Mau
December 2019
Plant A Seed
Library Program will grow on you
The small packets sit in the lobby of the Robbie Waters Pocket-Greenhaven Library. They contain plant seeds—herbs, edibles and ornamentals. None are genetically modified. All are heirloom. And they are free. They can be checked out and even donated back, just like the books and movies borrowed by so many residents.
“Including a seed library is innovative and something we hope our patrons will utilize,” says John Esquivel, Pocket library supervisor. “We want people to see the library as a resource for things beyond books. And thanks to our local Friends of the Library, we’re now better equipped to grow and nourish our community.”
Users of seed libraries can help make the project more sustainable. As Esquivel explains, “Gardeners can drop off seeds from their homegrown crops to the library. Staff will repackage and make them available for other patrons to check out.”
Pocket-Greenhaven isn’t alone in the seed program. Colonial Heights and Southgate libraries also offer seeds, along with Galt, Rio Linda and Orangevale.
Can you share some holiday magic with a local senior? Meals on Wheels is collecting warm winter items to distribute to homebound seniors who might not receive a holiday gift.
You can drop off new or handmade lap blankets, scarves, gloves, socks, hats, pet toys and treats, and music CDs at the Park City Drive office by Thursday, Dec. 12, from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Cash is also welcome so staff can purchase gifts for seniors. For more information, contact Michelle Bustamante at (916) 444-9533.
Celebrate the warmth and wonder of Camellia Waldorf School’s 31st Annual Winter Faire on Saturday, Dec. 14, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission is free, but there is a fee for some activities.
Children can enjoy making gingerbread houses and holiday crafts. The event features puppet shows, artisan vendors and a children’s store filled with treasures.
For information, contact Cindy Stinson at (916) 284-8094 or Kari Rose Parsell at (916) 427-5022, or check the school website at camelliawaldorf.org.
Walking the Pocket Canal Parkway is a daily activity for me. But last year, I really enjoyed walking in the evening among the sparkling holiday lights.
This year, the lights will be lit at Sunday, Dec. 8, at 5 p.m. Organizers need community volunteers to help put up the lights on Saturday, Dec. 7, at 9 a.m. If you can volunteer or donate to purchase more lights, email pocketlightvolounteers@gmail.com.
Gather friends, family and kids, and head to Elks Lodge No. 6 for the annual “Breakfast with Santa” on Sunday, Dec. 15. A pancake and eggs buffet will be served from 8:30 to 11 a.m.
Admission is $5 for children under the age of 6. It’s $10 for everyone else. For $15, you can take home a photo of your children with Santa. To reserve a table for 10 or more, call the lodge at (916) 422-6666.
The annual Portuguese Hall New Year’s Eve dinner and dance takes place Tuesday, Dec. 31, with a social hour at 6 p.m. Dinner follows at 7 p.m. Afterward, enjoy dancing and champagne at midnight!
Prices for the dinner-dance package are $50 for adults, $25 for children 6–12, and free for children 5 and younger. Cost is $30 per person for only the dance. For information or to purchase tickets, call Judy Allen at (916) 947-6695.
Another popular venue for the final day of 2019 will be Elks Lodge No. 6. Festivities begin at 6 p.m. on Dec. 31.
For $57 per person, attendees will enjoy a prime rib dinner, party favors, and all-night dancing with the Latin Touch Band and DJ Bobby Lopez. For tickets, call the lodge at (916) 422-6666.
CANINE TIME
Did you know registered therapy dogs visit the Pocket-Greenhaven Library and your child can spend some quality time with them?
I volunteer in the Friends of the Library Bookstore on Saturday mornings, and it’s always a joy to see these dogs walk through the library’s front doors. Kids are invited to read a book to a new furry pal on Saturdays, Dec. 7 and 21, 11 a.m. to noon, and Dec.14, 1 to 2 p.m.
Corky Mau can be reached at corky.sue50@gmail.com. Submissions are due six weeks prior to the publication date. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram: @insidesacramento.
