WELCOME! Our mission in Community Services is building resilient communities by cultivating healthy bodies and curious minds. We fulfill that mission by providing services that give you and your family opportunities for learning, health, and happiness. Thanks to the Strong Communities Initiative (Measure M), on July 2, 2018, we restored hours at our libraries and community centers, more than 500 combined hours per week! This includes re-opening community centers on Mondays and extending evening and Saturday hours at all Department facilities. We hope that you will check out some of our new offerings at these more convenient times. We started off this past summer season with the Activate Your Summer event at Weber Point in partnership with several non-profits and the Lodi and Stockton School Districts. This annual event showcases free and low-cost summer programs throughout the County and provides a free meal to families. Look for Activate Your Summer in early June 2019 to help plan your next summer’s activities. In August 2018, we introduced Mobile City Hall, a vehicle equipped with technology to make it easier for residents to pay bills with credit or debit cards, apply for jobs, library cards, sign up for recreation programs and much more. Check out the Mobile City Hall schedule at www.stocktonca.gov/mobile. As we head into Fall, there is much to look forward to as well. Here are just a few highlights: •
Due to the popularity of Ultra Friday Nights, we will continue the program one night per month for the rest of the year. The last Friday of every month will be designated Ultra Friday Night at City community centers.
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Pickleball drop-in program begins in October. Pickleball is a paddle sport that combines elements of badminton, tennis, and table tennis.
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On October 20, in celebration of Arts Week, the Library will be hosting a conversation with San Francisco Chronicle film critic Mick Lasalle. Learn about his work as a film critic, his opinions on the best and worst films of all-time and join the Q&A. Film lovers, this is a rare treat to meet a renowned critic right here at home!
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What happens when two art forms collide? This festival explores that question with an eclectic mashup of music, dance, fashion, live art and much more. The second annual Collide Arts Festival at Weber Point will be held October 21. Visit the beer garden and grab a bite of fusion food from our food truck offerings and support local arts and artists.
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After School Express, our free afterschool program for kids ages 5-12 reopened at all community centers and many of our libraries offering in-person homework support. Visit ssjcpl.org and contact your local community center today to see what they offer. For your greatest convenience, we also offer free, live tutors online through our tutor.com service in both English and Spanish. All you need is a library card (and remember, it’s free).
This activity guide, and our City and County is filled with opportunities for learning, staying active, and most importantly ways to create community. We hope you find information in these pages that spurs you to take a chance, try something new, and broaden your outlook. We look forward to seeing you!
John Alita Community Services Director
FALL 2018 3
