Community Briefing

THE DANGERS OF SMOKING: Eleven teams of Merced County sixth-graders will show off their knowledge about the dangers of tobacco use today at the eighth annual Anti-Tobacco Challenge Bowl. Sponsored by the Merced County Department of Public Health, the American Cancer Society and the Merced County Office of Education, the event gives sixth-grade students valuable information about the dangers of tobacco before they enter middle school and face the temptation to smoke. The competition will focus on the health dangers associated with tobacco use, the chemical composition of tobacco and tobacco smoke, the effects of secondhand smoke and how tobacco is marketed. Mall Bucks, donated by the Merced County Office of Education and the Merced County Department of Public Health, will be awarded to the winners. The event is free and open to friends and family. For more information, contact Paula Smith at 381-6644.