Ponderosa...At Home

Music, Magic and More

August 8, 2014

This weekend is sure to be a hit in the Bay Area! Check out the great events happening near you on Saturday and Sunday.

Check out a magic show like no other this weekend in Livermore! NewMagic with Alex Ramon adds a new style and flair to incredible marvels and feats this Sunday at the Bankhead Theater at 3PM. Purchase tickets, here. 

Run for a great cause – and get blasted with some color – this weekend in Pleasanton! The Color in Motion 5K is happening this Saturday at the Alameda County Fairgrounds and benefits the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation. To register, click here.

Come listen to an original repertoire of tunes this weekend in Livermore! Americana Quintet, Houston Jones is performing songs ranging from bluegrass to gospel at the Livermore Public Library this Sunday at 2PM. Get more info, here.

Learn bike maintenance tips this weekend in Dublin! REI is hosting a workshop to help you get to know the basics this Saturday from 9AM to 10:30AM. Click here to register.

Jazz is calling your name this weekend in San Jose! The San Jose Jazz Summer Fest is taking place this Saturday in the downtown area of the city. Listen to the sweet sounds of local and regional artists starting at 10AM. Find out more, here. 

To make sure you’re always in the loop and up to date with everything happening in your community, be sure to LIKE the Ponderosa Facebook page. 

Summer Rolls On

August 1, 2014

Summer continues to bring plenty of fun to the Bay Area! Check out what’s happening near you this weekend.

Stroll the streets of Livermore this Saturday from 12PM to 5PM! Taste of Downtown features delicious eats from talented local chefs, along with the chance to sip award-winning wines from Livermore Valley vineyards, enjoy live entertainment and shopping specials. Get more info here.

Travel back in time this weekend at the 4th annual San Jose Renaissance Faire. This cultural eventbrings magic and merriment, entertainment, music, dancing and action-packed shows to you this Saturday at 10AM. Purchase tickets here

It’s books galore this weekend in Livermore! Get ready for a monthly book sale presented by the Friends of the Livermore Library on Sunday, August 3 from 12PM to 4PM. These books are priced well below their retail value. There will even be a table of free books, so don’t miss out! Get the details here

Get ready for the beauty of family and traditions at the San Jose Tamale Festival this weekend! This multicultural event showcases the best in family tamale recipes, music and live performances this Sunday at 10AM at Emma Prusch Park. Buy your tickets here

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It’s going to be a weekend to sing about in the Bay Area! Check out some of the many things to do this Saturday and Sunday.

Have an ogre of a time this weekend in Livermore! Shrek the Musical is hitting the stage at the Bankhead Theater, where laughter and songs await you on Saturday at 8PM. Reserve your seats here. 

It’s all about winemaking this weekend in Livermore! From Vine to Glass: Through the Eyes of the Winemaker is happening this Sunday at McGrail Vineyards and Winery. Sip on award-winning wine and learn how fine wines are created from 11AM to 1PM. Order your tickets here.

Come experience the classics of composer Stephen Sondheim this weekend in Pleasanton! Sing along to tunes from West Side Story, Sweeney Todd and Into the Woods this Sunday at 2PM at Firehouse Arts Center. Purchase tickets here.

Everyone loves a good picnic, so head over to San Jose this weekend and have one with your family! Presented by New Leaf Community Markets, Picnic-in-the-Lot: BBQ Chicken and Beer Tasting is happening this Saturday at 1PM. Get more info here.

 To make sure you’re always in the loop and up to date with everything happening in your community, be sure to LIKE the Ponderosa Facebook page. 

Get out and about for a great time this weekend in the Bay Area! Don’t miss out on these fun events happening near you.

Enjoy an evening of award-winning wine and culture this weekend in Livermore! Head over to Concannon Vineyard on Saturday at 7:30PM as the Livermore Shakes present Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice. Get more info here. 

Get ready to tap your feet and groove to the music this weekend in Livermore! “Times 4” is playing their unique blend of urban jazz at the Livermore Public Library on Sunday at 2PM. Learn more here

Summer is the perfect time for backpacking in Northern California! Come learn the backpacking basics including preparation of gear and how to select proper clothing at REI in Dublin on Saturday at 9AM. Register here. 

Pack a picnic and watch a Shakespearean masterpiece under the stars this weekend in Pleasanton! Shakespeare in the Park presents The Taming of the Shrew on Saturday at 7:30PM. Get the details here.

A well-beloved Broadway comedy is hitting the stage this weekend in San Jose! A Thousand Clowns by Herb Gardner is coming to the Montgomery Theater on Saturday at 8PM. Purchase your tickets here. 

To make sure you’re always in the loop and up to date with everything happening in your community, be sure to LIKE the Ponderosa Facebook page. 

Summer fun is calling your name this weekend in the Bay Area. Check it out!

Venture into a mysterious world in Livermore this weekend! The Magic Lamp, a story of three adventurous sisters, a magical genie and Aladdin is coming to the Bankhead Theater on Saturday at 7PM. Get tickets here.

Learn to keep your bike riding smoothly this weekend in Dublin! Bike Maintenance Basics teaches you routine tips on how to keep your bicycle in tip-top shape on Saturday from 9AM to 10:30AM at REI Dublin. Get more info here. 

Spend your morning shopping for the season’s freshest fruits and vegetables at the Evergreen Farmers’ Market in San Jose this Sunday! Get everything your family needs to whip up healthy and nutritious meals from 9AM to 1PM. Learn more here. 

Get fit and have a great time with bubbles in San Jose! Bubble Run is a fun-filled 5K journey that the whole family will love. Join in the fun this Saturday at 9AM. Register here.

Make two-legged and four-legged friends this Saturday in Livermore! The Canine Capers Dog Walk, a nature walk and exploration, is happening at Redwood Regional Park at 9AM. To register, click here. 

To make sure you’re always in the loop and up to date with everything happening in your community, be sure to LIKE the Ponderosa Facebook page. 

Spring is almost over, so it’s time to pull out your maintenance checklist and prepare your home to transition summer.  Here are 6 tips to get you started to keep your home in tip-top shape this season.

1. Did you know that the U.S. Fire Administration reports over 15,000 dryer fires each year? Remember to give your dryer vent a thorough cleaning this summer using a vent-cleaning brush kit. It’s more effective than using your household vacuum cleaner.

2. It’s time to clean the exterior glass of your home! Wash your windows this summer so you can enjoy crystal clear views all year long.

3. You’re going to want to spend plenty of time in your backyard – so help promote healthy lawn and garden growth by planning a watering schedule.

4. Grab a ladder because it’s time to clean your gutters! Prevent water damage to your home by washing out the built-up debris that can collect during the cooler months.

5. Just like resetting your clocks for daylight saving time, you’ll want to reverse the direction of your ceiling fan blades for the summer to circulate cooler air and save money this season.

6. You’ll have plenty of outdoor gatherings to prepare for – so don’t forget to give your grill a deep cleaning.

Happy summer!

To make sure you’re always in the loop and up to date with everything happening in your community, be sure to LIKE the Ponderosa Facebook page. 

The Bay Area has plenty of family-friendly activities for everyone to enjoy this weekend! Take a look at what’s happening on Saturday and Sunday near you.

Learn all about the natural splendor of the High Sierra tomorrow in Dublin! Naturalist Stew Winchester will educate hiking enthusiasts on exploring the trails and help plan your trip to this gorgeous area of the Golden State at 9AM. Click here for more info

If you love Western tunes and the rodeo, then you’ll love this event happening in Livermore on Sunday! Come hear the Western swing flavor of The Stardust Cowboys at the Livermore Public Library at 2PM. Learn more here.

Get ready to celebrate Broadway composers this weekend in Pleasanton! Mads Tolling and Wesla Whitfield present Mads About Broadway, featuring the music of George Gershwin, Duke Ellington and others on Sunday at 2PM at the Firehouse Arts Center. Get tickets here.

Travel down the yellow brick road tomorrow in Livermore! The Wizard of Oz Sing-A-Long is happening at the Vine Cinema and Ale House at 11AM. Don’t forget to come dressed up as your favorite character from the classic film to enter to win the costume contest. For tickets, click here

Your little ones’ favorite characters from the famous street in New York are coming to San Jose this weekend! Sesame Street Live: Make A New Friend is hitting the stage at the City National Civic at 5:30PM. Purchase tickets here.

To make sure you’re always in the loop and up to date with everything happening in your community, be sure to LIKE the Ponderosa Facebook page. 

Summer is almost here and what better way to celebrate than with some great events happening near you in the Bay Area!

Kick start the season with your family this weekend in Pleasanton! The Goodguys 21st Summer Get-Together is happening on Saturday and Sunday at the Alameda County Fairgrounds and features a showcase of American-made cars, trucks and specialty exhibits at 8AM. Get more info here. 

Take part in an activity your whole family will enjoy this weekend! Explore ancient Egypt and join in on a museum scavenger hunt at the Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum and Planetarium on Saturday at 12:30PM. Get the details here. 

Get ready to tantalize your taste buds this weekend at the Fifth Chili Shooters Stampede in downtown Livermore! Sample chili with an ethnic and culinary spin starting on Sunday at 10AM. Find out more here.

Enjoy an evening of fun by the campfire this weekend! Pull up a chair and listen to stories from around the world under the night sky at Del Valle Regional Park in Livermore on Saturday at 8PM. Learn more here. 

Wine, cheese and chocolate! Oh, my! Come relax at a fun-filled pairing event happening this weekend in San Jose. The J. Lohr Wine, Cheese & Chocolate Tasting with The Chocolate Garage starts on Saturday at 7PM. Get your tickets here. 

To make sure you’re always in the loop and up to date with everything happening in your community, be sure to LIKE the Ponderosa Facebook page. 

 

Create the perfect Memorial Day lunch with this mouthwatering recipe. Enjoy!

Deluxe Lobster and Potato Chip Rolls 

Ingredients

  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 celery rib, finely diced
  • 2 garlic cloves, finely grated
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 ½ teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 ½ teaspoons Tabasco
  • 2 tablespoons snipped chives, plus more for garnish
  • Kosher salt
  • Three 1 ¼-pound live lobsters or 1 ¼ pounds cooked lobster meat
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 6 brioche hot dog buns
  • One 4-ounce bag potato chips

Directions

1. In a bowl, whisk the mayonnaise, celery, garlic, lemon juice, Worcestershire, Tabasco and the 2 tablespoons of chives; season with salt. Refrigerate until chilled.

2. Bring a very large pot of water to a boil and fill a large bowl with ice water. Add the lobsters to the boiling water, head first. Cover and cook until they’re bright red, about 8 minutes. Transfer the lobsters to the ice water to stop the cooking. Drain the lobsters.

3. Twist off the lobster claws, knuckles and tails. Crack the claws and knuckles and remove the meat. Using kitchen scissors, cut along the underside of the tail shells and remove the meat. Discard the dark vein running lengthwise down each tail. Chop the lobster meat into ½-inch pieces and fold them into the dressing. Refrigerate until chilled, about 1 hour.

4. Meanwhile, melt the butter on a large griddle or in a large skillet. Add the closed buns and toast the outsides over high heat, turning frequently, until lightly browned, about 3 minutes. Transfer the buns to a platter, split the tops and fill with the lobster salad. Tuck the potato chips into the rolls, garnish with chives and serve.

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Fun in the Sun

May 16, 2014

It’s going to be an exciting weekend in the Bay Area! Check out these family-friendly events happening near you on Saturday and Sunday.

Beautiful tunes will fill the air this weekend in Livermore! The Livermore Amador Symphony is performing “Five Dedicated Decades” at the Bankhead Theater on Saturday at 8PM. Get tickets here.

Help keep your local creeks and lakes clean, healthy and beautiful this weekend in San Jose. National River Cleanup Day is happening on Saturday from 9AM to 12PM. For more info, click here. 

Bring your family and friends out for a day of fun, music and community building in Livermore! The May African Drumming and Dance Workshop is taking place at the Bothwell Arts Center on Sunday at 3PM. Get the details here. 

 Head over to Santana Row this weekend for a free yoga series! Lululemon Athletica presents a complimentary stretching and relaxation experience on Saturday at 8:30AM in San Jose. Click here for more info.

 Take part in a fun family event this weekend in San Jose! This Saturday at 10AM, get a hands-on feel for the city’s recreation programs and summertime activities your kids can participate in at the first annual Rec Day San Jose. Get more info here. 

To make sure you’re always in the loop and up to date with everything happening in your community, be sure to LIKE the Ponderosa Facebook page.