Natural attraction
News on a future children’s museum, a new bartending service and a fundraiser for the owners of 3rd & U
I hope everyone had a nice Thanksgiving. I’m away, visiting my youngest son, but have a few morsels for you before I return.
→ Wonders ahead: A nonprofit outdoor children’s museum is in the works for Yolo County. The Wonder Grove is in the early stages of development and fundraising for an undetermined location in West Sacramento.
“Spearheaded by a group of passionate local educators, parents and community leaders, The Wonder Grove aims to create an immersive space where children can explore, learn and grow through hands-on activities in the great outdoors,” a news release said. “The all-outdoor concept is poised to bring a unique experience to the Sacramento region.”
I met co-founders Rachelle Ahmad and Gina Marie Muñoz on Nov. 19 at the Yolo Philanthropy Awards. Ahmad is executive director and Muñoz is development manager. They’re working to raise awareness about and funding for the project.
“Children and adults benefit from being in natural spaces,” Ahmad said. “We want to provide access to nature for all families, a place to learn through wonder and discovery.”
The museum’s design will prioritize hands-on learning experiences that promote physical activity, social interaction and environmental awareness. “Such experiences are crucial to child development and can positively impact physical and mental health,” the news release said.
As plans for the outdoor space take shape, The Wonder Grove is hosting free neighborhood playgroups in West Sacramento parks. These informal meetups include unstructured play, nature walks, science and art programming. It’s designed for ages 1-8 but all families are welcome.
West Sacramento resident Kristine Brown said, “Having a child-centered play venue here in town is just what West Sac needs. … We have been attending The Wonder Grove playgroups just a few minutes from our house. Their staff have been so awesome with encouraging exploration and creativity through play. As a mom of three disabled children, I’m looking forward to having a space where they can safely explore the beauty of nature.”
The nonprofit seeks donations, corporate sponsors and board members. For more information, visit its website or contact Rachelle Ahmad by email.
→ Cocktails, anyone? A new bartending service launched last month in Davis. Above & Beyond Hospitality is a luxury mobile bartending service for weddings, corporate events and other gatherings.
Kyle Hawkins and his wife Misty have roots in Davis. “Misty is a UC Davis graduate, and I was raised here, so we’re deeply connected to this community,” he said.
Misty is a labor and delivery nurse and Kyle is an industry veteran who’s a stay-at-home dad to the couple’s two little ones.
“Our fully equipped mobile bar includes everything needed to keep the drinks flowing smoothly: mixers, cups, straws and all the essentials for a seamless service,” the website says. “Our expert bartenders are trained to create a variety of craft cocktails tailored to your event, ensuring your guests are treated to top-tier service. From setup to breakdown, we handle it all, leaving you free to enjoy your event without worry.”
Recent events they’ve served include a 140-guest wedding in Golden Gate Park for a Davis family, a milestone birthday celebration for 50 guests at a private residence in downtown Davis, and a retirement party with 150 guests.
→ Help 3rd & U owners: A fundraiser has been established to raise money for the owners of 3rd & U Cafe, a bar and restaurant that closed on Nov. 15 “due to health concerns of one of the owners.” Owner Ted Dacong is the beneficiary. His wife Mary is ill.
As of midday Friday, $12,480 has been raised toward a $30,000 goal to help with “medical expenses and their transition during this difficult time,” said longtime customer Bill Maze, who was the UC Davis women’s tennis coach for 29 years.
The restaurant, at 223 Third St., was known for its breakfast burritos and its great discounts when you order two beers at a time. Its patio and proximity to the UC Davis campus made it a great student hangout.
In a Nov. 14 Instagram post, the cafe issued the following statement: “(Due) to unforeseen health issues, our last day (will) be Friday 11/15. Thank you for an amazing 17 years. We will always cherish the time we had serving the UC Davis community.”
Donate to the GoFundMe fundraiser here.
→ Give the gift of Comings & Goings: Gift subscriptions to Comings & Goings are now available. It’s a great way to support and share my work. If you know someone who needs to be in the know, click the button below.
→ Keeping track: The redesigned Davis Business Tracker lists the status of hundreds of Davis businesses. The new design is easier to read and sort. It’s a great resource when you want to check on merchants that I’ve written about in recent years.
– Share your thoughts in the comments below. If you know of a business coming or going in the area – or if you see a typo above – email wendy@comingsandgoings.news. If you’re on Facebook and Instagram, please like and follow.
Thanks, Wendy.