On Sunday, the Holy Virgin Cathedral will host a Kulich Fair and Workshop, a Russian celebration in anticipation of the approaching Easter holiday.

Kulich is a kind of Easter bread, traditional in the Orthodox Christian faith. Traditionally during the Easter service, the kulich, which has been put into a basket and decorated with colourful flowers, is blessed by the priest. Leftover kulich that isn’t blessed is eaten with Paskha for dessert. Blessed kulich is eaten before breakfast each day [Wikipedia].

The fair will include children’s games, piroshki, easter bread, pascha, easter egg coloring, kulich decorating, decorated pussywillows for Palm Sunday, easter baskets and cards, soups and much more. To guarantee your child a kulich to decorate and take home, call Biba at 379-4837.

All proceeds benefit the church’s youth programs. The fair will be held in the downstairs church hall from 9:45am to 3pm at the Holy Virgin Cathedral at 6210 Geary at 26th Avenue.

Sarah B.

Grab your magic carpet and fly over to Presidio Middle School (450 30th Avenue) next Friday night for their production of “Aladdin”, the story of a little boy and his magic lamp.

The play starts at 7pm and runs for one night only on Friday, March 12. Admission is $5 for adults, $3.50 for seniors and children.

Free parking is available in the schoolyard; enter on 29th Avenue between Clement and Geary.

Sarah B.

This Saturday, Star of the Sea School (360 9th Avenue) will hold their second annual Kids and Adults Clothing, Toys, and Equipment Fundraiser Sale. Stop in to shop for gently used goods that will help fund the school’s new Centennial Science Laboratory.

The sale will take place on Saturday from 12:30pm – 3:30pm in the school’s auditorium. Admission is $1 for adults, free for kids. For more information (or to donate or volunteer), contact Doris at dorismccarthy@yahoo.com.

Sarah B.

A drawing of the Star of the Sea Centennial Science Lab, housed adjacent to the gymnasium

Snapped these pics while cruising by the playground today which is at 33rd Avenue and Clement. It doesn’t look like they’ll hit their March 2010 schedule for re-opening, but it looks like the bulk of the work is done. I imagine the winter rains really slowed them down.

Are you excited for it to open up again?

Sarah B.

Related stories:
12/2/09: Lincoln Park Projects Update
8/7/09: Lincoln Park playground renovation begins

Next Tuesday afternoon, take your little one by the Richmond Library for some musical education in the art of the Blues.

Noted Bay Area musician Henry Oden of The Golden Gate Blues Society will be on hand to teach kids the rudiments of the blues via history, songwriting, and music appreciation. The program will include group participation and live music.

The event is for kids age 3 to 12 years, and takes place from 3-4pm at the Richmond Library, 351 9th Avenue. Check out Henry Oden grooving in the video below.

Sarah B.

Beginning next Sunday, February 14, the Richmond District YMCA will offer a weekly soccer clinic for kids age 6-9 years old.

Classes meet on Sundays from 11am – 12:30pm in Golden Gate Park. The 4-week program runs until March 7.

Registration ends next Monday, February 8. Please call the YMCA at 666-9605 or drop by 360 18th Avenue for more information.

Sarah B.

Local blog San Francisco Now has a nice video feature on a new Outer Richmond District business, Ocean Beach Barra Brothers Jiu-Jitsu.

Started in late 2009, the dojo is run by Jiu-Jitsu black belt and former US open champion Carlos Sapao. The focus is on the Brazilian style of Jiu-Jitsu.

The dojo also offers Brazillian bootcamp class which they describe as “a blend of traditional exercises (jumping jack, push-ups, squats, etc.), Jiu-Jitsu inspired cardio drills, and self defense disciplines”.

If you’re looking for a new workout for 2010, Barra Brothers may be the ticket. All ages are welcome and the first class is free. They’re located at 710 La Playa Street near Balboa and offer classes from morning until evening.

Sarah B.

As a kid, I used to take ski trips with a recreation group. My parents would drop me off at the meeting point, go about their weekend business, and pick me back up when the bus returned, sometimes in the wee hours of the night if the weather was bad.

It was a win-win – they didn’t have to make the eight hour roundtrip schlep, and I made some new friends along the way.

The tradition is alive and well with the Richmond District YMCA, who has been leading safe and affordable trips to Tahoe for over 10 years. They’re organizing ski and snowboard trips for young students in early 2010:

High School trip:
Thursday, January 28 – Sunday, January 31 | Cost: $275

Middle School trip:
Friday, February 19 – Sunday, February 21 | Cost: $250

The cost of the trip includes equipment, transportation, lift tickets, food, lodging, and instruction. What a bargain!

For more information or to sign-up, contact Crissie Ponciano at the Richmond District YMCA at 666-9622.

Sarah B.