March is what one might call the potpourri month at our local community colleges. Want examples of just how eclectic the offerings and events are at the College of Alameda, Berkeley City College, Laney College and Merritt College? Look no further than these March events.
It’s Women’s History Month in March, and our colleges have a number of events in honor of women everywhere. Merritt College is holding a photography exhibit that showcases recent women’s rallies. The exhibit runs through Wednesday and is open from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the “S” Building, Room 352. There will also be a closing ceremony from 1 to 3 p.m. March 25.
The beautiful collection of 73 photographs captures the diversity of people who marched for women’s rights on Jan. 21, with pictures taken by professionals and amateurs from London to New York, Philadelphia, Austin, Texas, Des Moines, Iowa, San Francisco and Oakland. For more information, email Hilary Altman, in Merritt’s communication department at Hilaryaltmanphd@gmail.com.
Laney College is also celebrating Women’s History Month. You won’t want to miss a night with Azucar con Ache, an all-women Latin band. A unique evening, which includes a performance and lecture on women in salsa and jazz, will take place from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday in the Laney College Forum. Everyone is welcome, and refreshments will be served. To learn more, contact Marla Leech in the Laney media department at mleech@peralta.edu.
Also this month, the Laney College Theatre Arts Department presents “In the Wound: The Salt Plays, Part 1.” Inspired by “The Iliad,” the play, written by Jon Tracy, directed by Michael Anthony Torres — who is chair of the department — and set-designed by Nina Ball, is being performed March 29-30 and April 1 and April 7-8. All shows begin at 7 p.m. in Laney’s Odell Johnson Performing Arts Center, except the one on March 29, which begins at 4 p.m. There is a suggested donation of $10. Laney College is at 900 Fallon St. in Oakland.
The Veterans Resource Center at Berkeley City College hosted therapy dogs at its “First Thursday” event March 2. Faculty member Stephanie Sanders-Badt brought Ellie, her emotional therapy dog, and discussed the use of animals for all kinds of therapy.
BCC’s veterans learned about the different types of service dogs and organizations in the Bay Area that can match dogs with individuals who have various disabilities, including PTSD and other physical, neurological or mobility needs. BCC’s library also hosts events with therapy dogs, thanks to support from the Associated Students of Berkeley City College.
And once again, it’s time for the spring “SHIFT” car show at College of Alameda. Come over to the campus and support CoA’s Auto Club. The club’s mission is to provide car lovers of all ages with a place to show off their projects and hard work. It’s no coincidence that CoA is also home to one of the best automotive technology programs in the state.
The show will take place March 25, rain or shine, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the college’s parking lot A. There will be a live band, a DJ, food and raffles throughout the day. The entrance fee is free for Peralta Colleges students and just $20 per car for the general public. This is really a must-see event. College of Alameda is at 555 Ralph Appezzato Memorial Parkway.
Contact Jeffrey Heyman at jheyman@peralta.edu and follow him on Twitter at @JeffHeyman.
