Facebook, Flamenco and Foster Care

1.  Learn to Use Facebook and Skype

Social media--it's all the rage these days. But have you used it?  If it sounds good to you but you just have no idea where to begin, now is your chance for some step-by-step instruction into the worlds of Facebook and Skype.  Why should you do it?  Staying in touch with family and friends can be difficult, especially if they live in another part of the country or the world. How about getting to see the faces of your grandchildren who live on the East Coast? Facebook and Skype let you connect and share instantly. So, for those of us who are late to the social media game, is offering a class this week to help you catch up.

There is a class today from 2-3:30 p.m. on Facebook. Next week, you can learn about Skype.  The special guest instructor will be Tom Gordon, the Founder and CEO of eOffice® Network. The cost for each class is $35. is at 800 Middle Ave. For more information or to register, call the Little House Front Desk at (650) 326-2025.

2.  Flamenco Dance and Song for You and Your Children

Here's something a little different from the usual dance classes we often see — flamenco dancing, with all the sounds and rhythms of Spain! This class will teach your child basic rhythm and dance skills with some singing and palmas, or hand clapping, and simple choreography. Parents are welcome to join in as well. The class will be conducted in Spanish and English, enabling the children to learn simple Spanish words and dance language commands. The song is in Spanish and the children will learn verses to the guitar accompaniment. The class is meant for children ages five to 11.

The class meets Wednesdays from 5-6 p.m., starting today, through March 23 at the , 700 Alma St. The cost for the class is $95 for residents or $130 for non-residents, or you can pay a drop-in fee of $20. For more information, contact Noreen Bickel at nsbickel@menlopark.org or 650-330-2509.

3.  A Night for Abigail 

A Night for Abigail is a community conversation about foster youth, and what we in the community can do to help them achieve their dreams. Foster youth have high aspirations, and 70 percent want to go on to college and more, but the statistics tell a different story--only three percent complete college and 46 percent don't finish high school. Tonight's event is about trying to make a difference.   

Featured speakers will include emancipated foster youths and representatives from CASA of San Mateo County (formerly Advocates for Children) and Help One Child. A Night for Abigail is sponsored by the California 17th District PTA and the Sequoia Union High School District. The event is free and takes place tonight from 6-9 p.m. at Menlo-Atherton Center for the Performing Arts Theater, 555 Middlefield Road.  For more information, call Charlene Margot at 650-868-0590 or e-mail cmargot@csmconsulting.net. .

4.  Chamber of Commerce Mixer

The Chamber of Commerce will host a mixer tonight, hosted by Negar Parravi, DDS. Come see old friends, and meet and greet new members--and if you're not a member, you will have the opportunity to learn all of what the chamber has to offer local businesses and businesspeople. As always, there will be a drawing for prizes donated by Chamber members, so be sure to bring a business card to enter! The mixer is at the offices of Negar Parravi, DDS at 1300 University Dr., Suite 3.  Tonight's mixer is from 5:30-7:00 p.m. There is no charge to attend, but non-members can only come to two mixers before being asked to join the Chamber. For more information, call (650) 325-2818 or e-mail info@menloparkchamber.com.

5.  Reality TV is the Backdrop for A New Book to be Discussed Tonight

Andrew Foster Altschul will discuss and sign copies of his new novel, Deus Ex Machina, about an island-set reality show tonight. Join in the conversation about the frightening new trend sweeping the world, in which people will seemingly do anything to get on television. What is the true nature of “reality,” and what is its cost?   Tonight's event is free and begins at 7 p.m. at Keplers, 1010 El Camino Real. For more information, call Pam Grange at 650-324-4321 or e-mail pam@keplers.com.