The Happening That’s Happening From the IE to the OC in May 2017!

If you are like most of us here at Kessler Alair Insurance you work hard to play hard. For many of us filling our weekends with fun family activities is first priority when we clock out on Friday evening. Mother's Day is here and school is almost out! With the sun setting later in the day, families are looking for fun things to do. Having our offices located in Newport Beach, Rancho Cucamonga and Upland California gives us a wide variety of events to choose from. Of course one of the best things about Southern California is the fact that you can go snowboarding in the morning and sit on the beach to watch the sunset all in the same day.

Whether you are in the Inland Empire or in Orange County and you are looking for a great thing to do this month here are a few ideas:

What to do in the Upland and Rancho Cucamonga area?

May 5 & 6 – Disney's Aladdin Jr. - Steelworker's Auditorium, 8437 Sierra Ave. in Fontana. Call 909.429.7469 for performance times and tickets. Tickets are also available online at: centerstatefontana.org. https://nextdoor.com/agency-post/ca/fontana/city-of-fontana-1/disneys-aladdin-jr-is-coming-to-steelworkers-auditorium-in-fontana-friday-may-5th-saturday-may-6th-48872108/

Through May 13 – Stiles and Drewe's Goldilocks and the Three Bears – at Lewis Family Playhouse. When the worlds of bears and people collide, everyone learns that girls and bears aren't as ferocious as they may seem! Featuring an unforgettable score and some fun twists to a classic story every child knows and loves, this humorous adaptation is "just right" for the whole family. For ages 4+. Call 909.477.2752 for more information. https://www.lewisfamilyplayhouse.com/events/view.php?eventid=0000001626

May 20^th- Paws 4 Pets Walk to support Inland Valley Humane Society. Join Kessler Alair Insurance’s team “Kessler Kares” and walk with us. Events begin at 8am and conclude by 12pm. The walk is 1.5 miles and includes a pancake breakfast, vendors and more fun for the family. Bring your pet if you want. http://ivhs.convio.net/site/TR?fr_id=1101&pg=entry

Ongoing Monthly Events in the Upland and Rancho Cucamonga area:

Upland Afterschool Adventures – 3:30 – 4:30 pm at the Upland Public Library, 450 N Euclid Ave. In Upland. For ages 5-9. Cost is FREE. After-schoolers will be able to hear great stories, enjoy crafts and have refreshments each week. This program lasts approximately 1 hour. Registration is not required. https://upland.macaronikid.com/events/58944e30e1e6797be7ba8a3b/upland-library-afterschool-adverture-free

First Thursday of every Month – Mom's Club of Upland South Park Playdate – From 10:00 am – 12:00 pm – For the whole family at Sierra Vista Park, 430 E 15^th St. in Upland. Mom's Club of Upland South is hosting a monthly park play date the first Thursday of every month. For more info, email Moms Club of Upland South, momsclubofus [at] gmail [dot] com. https://upland.macaronikid.com/events/58e29d7607ccdd463c49bf8b/moms-club-of-upland-south-park-playdate-upland

Harvey Mudd College's Homework Hotline – Students in grade 4 – 12 are offered FREE math and science tutoring service. The program reinforces concepts and helps students develop better problem – solving skills. We are committed to guiding student callers through their math and science homework questions, Sunday through Thursday, from 6-9 pm. There are certain days of the academic year when we will be closed. These include national holidays and Harvey Mudd College Semester breaks and finals week. Hotline number is: 877.827.5462. https://www.hmc.edu/community-engagement/homework-hotline/

Every Saturday – La Verne Fresh - Old Town Certified Farmer's Market. La Verne Fresh is the source of the highest quality, seasonal and locally grown fresh fruits and vegetables, and delicious gourmet specialty foods, plants and flowers. The Market has something for everyone who eats......and is a fun and interesting gathering place, with weekly entertainment. Check it out and make it part of your Saturday morning routine! Rain or shine....Where: Old Towne La Verne - at 3rd & D Streets. When: 8:00 am - 1:00 pm. Who: Entire Family! How: Just show up! Cost: Free Admission. More Info: Call 909.596.8706. http://www.ci.la-verne.ca.us/index.php/residents/event-calendar/icalrepeat.detail/2016/01/16/32511/-/la-verne-fresh-old-town-la-verne-certified-farmers-market

Claremont Farmer's and Artisan's Market - Every Sunday from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm. A "must see" during weekly strolls on Sunday mornings. Sponsored by The Claremont Forum. Located on Second Street between Indian Hill Blvd. and Yale Ave. Free Admission. Phone - 909.626.3066. http://www.claremontforum.org/claremont-farmers-market/

Every Wednesday and Thursday – Discovery Club at Archibald and Biane Libraries – 4:00 pm – This program is specially designed for school-aged children 6 – 12. If your child is curious, adventurous, creative or looking for fun, come join us as we experience stories hands on through exploration, discovery and creativity. Walk-ins welcome. All walk in storytimes require tickets for each family member attending storytime and will be available at the Children's Information Desk 30 minutes before the program. For more information call 909.477.2720, ext. 3925. https://www.cityofrc.us/cals/default.asp

Sam Maloof Residence, Workshop & Gardens – Located at 5131 Carnelian St., Alta Lorna. Sam Maloof was America's most widely admired contemporary furniture craftsman. You'll enjoy visiting his historic residence, workshop and gardens located at the foothills of Rancho Cucamonga. Public tours of the Maloof residence are available twice weekly, and special group tours are available by appointment. The residence, workshop and gardens are operated by the Sam and Alfreda Maloof Foundation for Arts and Crafts. Sam Maloof was entirely self-taught. Maloof's work has even been exhibited in the Smithsonian. http://www.malooffoundation.org/

Mary Vagle Nature Center. 11501 Cypress Ave., Fontana, CA. It's so fun to have a family day out in nature! There is so much to explore for active families. You can enjoy a lovely walk along the nature trail which winds around the pond. Kids can have a great time spotting the local wildlife, or seeing if they can find the native plants currently in bloom. Or, for that extra learning experience, you can venture into the center itself and discover all the exhibits of the local animals, plants, geology and history. There is nothing better than learning about what you can see right in front of you! There are also programs with hands on approach to learning. For more info, call 909.349.6994. http://www.familydaysout.com/attractions-usa/the-mary-vagle-nature-center/

5 on 5 Basketball League - Men & Women - Sunday and Monday evening leagues are available for both recreational and competitive players of all ability levels. All games are played at the RC Family Sports Center. Registration is taken as a team. Call 909.477.2785. www.cityofrc.us/cityhall/cs/sports/adults/default.asp

Free Computer Classes - Archibald and Biane Libraries offering free classes covering a variety of computer-related topics such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, E-Bay, Google and basic computer skills. Classes at Archibald are on Tuesdays at 6 pm and at Biane Library on Wednesdays at 6 pm and 1st Saturday of the month at 10 am. www.cityofrc.us/cityhall/lib/tech.asp

Victoria Garden’s Farmers Market- Every Friday 10am to 2pm- Held on South Main Street there will be vendors with specialty food and craft items. http://www.victoriagardensie.com/ifeature/2129987128/

What to do in the Newport Beach area?

May 3 – Clay Animal Fun – From 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm at the Corona del Mar Branch Library at 420 Marigold Ave. In Corona del Mar. Create your favorite animal or a creature from your imagination using Crayola Model Magic. For children 3-8 years. http://www.newportbeachlibrary.org/Home/Components/Calendar/Event/36542/11906

May 6- OC Great Park Garden Workshops – Colorful Containers – 10:00 am – 11:00 am. This workshop will be held at Orange County Great Park, 6990 Marine Way in Irvine. Workshops are free, and held rain or shine. http://mgorange.ucanr.edu/?calitem=350578&g=16069

May 13 – Bunnies and Books for Kids Festival – from 10:00 am – 1:00 pm at Central Library, 1000 Avocado Ave. In Newport Beach. Join us for a bunny-themed storytime, followed by face painting, arts and crafts, games and other activities outdoor on the Civic Green. This is our biggest children's event of the year so come prepared to read, create and move through the library and the beautiful civic Green area. Save-Some-Bunny Rabbit Rescue is planning to attend again and they will be bringing some rabbit friends! Admissions is FREE, reservations not required. Call 949.548.2411 for more info or visit http://www.newportbeachlibrary.org/Home/Components/Calendar/Event/36502/11906

May 20 – OC Great Park Garden Workshops: Perennials – Time: 10:00 am – 11:00 am. This workshop will be held at Orange County Great Park, 6990 Marine Way in Irvine. Workshops are free and held rain or shine. http://mgorange.ucanr.edu/?calitem=350579&g=16069

May 20 – Dance on the Civic Green – 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm at 100 Civic Center Drive in Newport Beach. Backhaus dance will present an engaging, athletic and entertaining outdoor performance for the community to enjoy. In addition to two repertory works, this critically-acclaimed Orange County contemporary dance company will introduce a new dance specifically created for the Civic Center venue by Artistic Director Jennifer Backhaus. It's a family afternoon of dance suitable for audiences of all ages. Free admission and parking. http://www.newportbeachca.gov/Home/Components/Calendar/Event/36544/72

May 21 – Sunday Musicale: Black Canary Strings – from 3:00 – 4:00 pm at Central Library Friends Room, 1000 Avocado Ave. Blending sophisticated classical selections with the creativity and passion of jazz, Black Canary puts a different twist on the world's greatest music. Black Canary is a contemporary improvising string ensemble that combines their varied and timeless repertoire of classical jazz, pop, folk, world music in an acoustic or electric setting. http://www.newportbeachca.gov/Home/Components/Calendar/Event/28694/72

Ongoing Events in the Newport Beach/Orange County Area

April – May 26 – Earth Month Art Exhibit by Ron Yeo – at Newport Beach Central Library. Newport Beach City Arts Commission presents an exhibition by architect Ron Yeo in the Central Library lobby gallery through May 26. The exhibit, titled "Assemblages", aptly coincides with Earth Month, and features a series of art projects created out of recycled bottle caps, plastic tops, action figures and other assorted objects that artist Ron Yeo gathered on his morning beach walks. Ron Yeo and his wife have lived in Corona del Mar for the past 53 years. His architectural practice, known for environmentally friendly custom home and nature and interpretive centers, designed such buildings as the earth-sheltered Back Bay Muth Center, the Back Bay Science Center and the Newport Theater Arts Center. http://www.visitnewportbeach.com/events/earth-month-art-exhibit-ron-yeo/

From April 23 to August 13 – Sunday Family Pasta Night – Starting at 4 pm every Sunday at the Back Bay Bistro. Kids eat FREE on Sundays. Located at 1131 Back Bay Drive in Newport Beach. Call 949.729.1144 for more information. http://www.newportdunes.com/event/back-bay-bistro-sunday-family-pasta-night/

March 1 – June 7 – Genealogy Series – Most Wednesday evenings from 7:00 – 8:30 pm at Newport Beach Library. Classes are free but due to limited space, registration is recommended. The schedule is:

March 1 – Genealogy Orientation

March 15 – Genealogy Research Skills 101

March 29 – Genealogy Research Skills 102

April 12 – Genealogy Resources 101: Census Record

April 26 – Genealogy Resources 102: Vital Records

May 10 – Genealogy Resources 103: Immigration Records

May 24 – 104: Probate Records

June 7 – 105: Land Records

Call 949.717.3800 or visit: http://www.newportbeachlibrary.org/Home/Components/News/News/29238/11919

Shark Lagoon Nights – The public is invited to get up close with the ocean's ultimate predators at the Aquarium of the Pacific for FREE during the Shark Lagoon nights. Guests will have the opportunity to touch bamboo sharks and see large sharks such as sandtigers as well as rays in the Aquarium's Shark Lagoon. Almost every Friday – but some Fridays are excluded. Please check dates for availability. Shark Lagoon Nights are weather – dependent. These are FREE events. Please call 562.590.3100, ext. 0 for more information. http://www.aquariumofpacific.org/events/info/shark_lagoon_nights/

April 3 – May 22 - It's Your Estate – Estate Planning Basics – From 10:00 am – 11:30 am at Central Library Friends Room, 1000 Avocado Ave. in Newport Beach. This annual 8 week series of workshops provides attendees with education and practical solutions to financial and estate planning issues so that they can be in charge of their estates during their lifetimes and beyond. These free workshops are presented as a community service – for education only. Nothing will be sold. For more information, call 949.548.2411. Email: events [at] nbplfoundation [dot] org. http://www.newportbeachca.gov/Home/Components/Calendar/Event/32095/613?curm=4&cury=2017

Kayak Tours @ Newport Aquatic Center. 10:00 am – 12:00 pm. Reservations required. One of the best ways to appreciate Upper Newport Bay is to get out on the water, experience the tranquility and see pelicans, terns and egrets flying by you. And if your eyes are quick, catch a glimpse of mullet jumping out of the water. Kayaking or canoeing in the Newport Bay is fun and easy. Newport Bay Conservancy offers a 2 hour guided tour. Most participants think that the winter kayak tours are actually the best! Located at 1 Whitecliffs Drive in Newport Beach. Admission: $25. Parking is free. Call 949.923.2269 for more information. https://www.planadayout.com/Activity/Newport-Aquatic-Center/Kayak-rental-102

Orange County Museum of Art – The Orange County Museum of Art enriches lives through modern and contemporary art. This museum is the premier visual arts organization in Orange County, serving a population of nearly three million residents in one of the fastest-growing metropolitan areas in the country. More than 40,000 visitors come annually. Some 15,000 children and adults participate in award winning educational programs. Open Wednesday through Sunday. Closed on Some holidays. Located at: 850 San Clemente Drive in Newport Beach. Free on Fridays. Call 949.759.1122. https://www.planadayout.com/Activity/Orange-County-Museum-of-Art-314 and http://www.ocma.net/

Environmental Nature Center - 1601 E. 16th St., Newport Beach. Founded in 1972, the Nature Center is known to thousands of visiting students through the years as the "ENC". It is a fascinating combination of 15 California native plant communities, wildlife habitats, walking trails, Free museum and children's play/learning center. It's a sanctuary from life's pressures and a place of learning. It is visited by thousands annually. For more info, call: 949.645.8489. http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g32780-d3653262-Reviews-Environmental_Nature_Center-Newport_Beach_California.html

Family Storytime - Every Saturday starting September 5 from 10:30 am - 11 am at the Central Library , 1000 Avocado Ave. in Newport Beach. Enjoy family time with stories, songs and a craft especially for children from 3-7, along with their favorite grownups! www.newportbeachlibrary.org

Every Saturday and Sunday morning beginning September 5 and continues year round. One of the best ways to appreciate Upper Newport Bay is to get out on the water, experience the tranquility and see pelicans, terns and egrets flying by you. Kayaking is fun and easy. The Newport Bay Conservancy offers a 2-hour guided kayak tour of the Back Bay in the heart of Newport Beach. This is great for novice and the experienced. They will make several stops on the way. Rain cancels the event. Where: Meet at the Newport Aquatic Center. When: 10:00 am - 12:00 pm every Saturday and Sunday. Who: Ages 8 and older. How: RSVP to 949.923.2269. Cost: $25 per person. www.newportbay.org

If you know of some family fun that should be added to this list for the IE to the OC, then please let us know with a note! Send us a picture of you at these events to share with us to share on FB. Have a great time making memories with your Family!