How amazing are those notebooks, right? Even more amazing once you know what they are: circa-1930s birth logs from Dameron Hospital.
Inside, pages are lined with nurses's notes on every birth to take place at the hospital (Dameron is celebrating its 100th anniversary, so you can imagine how many babies they've welcomed). The entries are no more than a half-page long, simply documenting in beautiful cursive the names of the infant's parents, how much the baby weighed at birth, the date and time of delivery and whether it was complicated. (Kind of hard to imagine, when I think back to the reams and reams of paperwork that came home with Alice).
What treasures. I can't wait to see what the hospital decides to do with them.
Speaking of babies (and treasures), the Breastfeeding Coalition of San Joaquin County is hosting its annual Baby, Birth and Bonding Fair. The celebration for expectant and new parents takes place from 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday at University Plaza Waterfront Hotel in downtown Stockton. Admission is free, and oh, my goodness, this is such a special event. Goodie bags will be distributed to the first 400 moms and moms-to-be, and all visitors will get to learn about valuable resources and services available to parents in our area. Health Plan of San Joaquin is sponsoring mini-workshops on topics such as breastfeeding and working, and a father's role in healthy family life. There will also be a fashion show featuring maternity and nursing wear, as well as slings and other baby-wearing gear. Truly, seeing this event grow makes me so proud of all the people in our community who work so hard to see children and families thrive.
Alice is such an animal fan and has had so much fun at the Micke Grove Zoo, that I've been meaning for a long time to become a member. This could be a good opportunity to finally make the contribution. Scheduled from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, the zoo's 55th-anniversary celebration includes animal presentations, keeper talks, arts and crafts, children's activities and a behind-the-scenes tour.
The African American Arts & Culture Community Center hosts its fourth-annual Soul Food Festival, featuring favorites such as okra, sweet potato pie and ribs. The family event also features live music, health screenings, children's activities and a domino tournament. From 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday at Weber Point Event Center.
Is your costume ready? This celebration of comic-book arts and culture is set for 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday at University of the Pacific's Spanos Center. Artists and other exhibitors will be on hand, as well as guests including Morrie Turner, the esteemed artist behind the Wee Pals comic strip. Admission is $6 for adults and kids ages 11 and older. Donate a piece of gently used clothing and receive $2 off.
