Frugal Family: Lollipops, Booster Shots and a Chance to Make Art

National Lollipop Day: Yes, there is one. And, yes, it's today. And while some establishments give out free lollipops every day, others are marking July 20 with other lolly deals. At , for instance, you can get free gourmet lollipops today, plus enter a sweepstakes for a chance to win a VIP Tour of a See's factory in San Francisco for six people. The prize includes round-trip airfare for two, plus four nights at a hotel in downtown SF. If an Alamedan wins, maybe See's will spring for ferry tickets? Enter here; deadline for entering is July 23.

Blockbuster Matinee Special: Between now and Sept. 5, if you rent a $1.99 movie at , you can get the movie and a 20-ounce Coke for just $1.49. Not a Coke drinker? Choose bottled water instead and you'll still save 50 cents on the rental. Also, on Sundays you can rent any movie priced $1.99 or lower for just 49 cents. Take that, .

Art Jam: Did you know that every Wednesday evening you can hang out with artists at and work on a craft or art project of your choice? For free? I did this a few weeks ago and had a blast. I was toiling away on a kind of boring knitting project; other folks were working on bike decorations for the parade, collages, tattoos, and beadwork. 6-9 p.m. Donations accepted.

Build Your Own Bookcover: In yet another cool class for kids offered by , tweens/teens entering grades 5-9 can learn how to create digital covers for their favorite books. No computer experience necessary. Registration required (pick up forms at the Children's Desk or download here). Thurday, 3:30 pm.  

Whooping Cough Shots: Still haven't gotten your 7th-12th grader a ? I bet you're still getting calls from the school district though — because the shots are required by law. You can get free booster shots Thurday, July 21 at 470 - 27th St in Oakland. Sponsored by Alameda County Department of Public Health.