Around the Region (8/23/12)

Modesto

• DOG ADOPTION

When: Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Where: PetSmart, 2100 McHenry Ave.

Info: This event is sponsored by Westside Animals for Adoption. The group is a partner of Best Friends Pet Resort in Patterson. For more, call (209) 892-3114 or go to www.westsideanimalsforadoption.webs.com.

• FAMILY CENTER OPEN MIC

When: Saturday, 5 p.m.

Where: Connections Family Center, 2630 W. Rumble Road

Info: Connections Family Center will host an open mic night to raise funds for the UCP of Stanislaus Music Program. Entrance to the event, food and non-alcoholic beverages will be available for donation. There will also be a silent auction. For more, call (209) 593-5837 or go to facebook.com/connectionsfc.

Hughson

• CITIZEN APPRECIATION EVENT

When: Friday 6 p.m.

Where: William C. Hughes Hall, 7280 Fox Road

Info: The 12th annual Appreciation Night honoring longtime Hughson citizens. This year's honorees are the John Serpa and Fred D. Noeller families. For tickets, which are $30 a person, contact Jean at (209) 883-2483 or Tess at (209) 883-4882.

Stevinson

• RACE AND RIDE FOR AUTISM

When: Saturday, 4 p.m.

Where: Stevenson Bullring, 2936 N. Lander Ave.

Info: The Carlos Vieira Foundation will host the fourth annual Race and Ride for Autism. The event will feature a Portuguese bloodless bullfight along with an exhibition of Andalusia horses. Tickets are $10 per person; children 10 years and under are free. There will be food, drinks and a beer garden. There also will be a 51 FIFTY Motorcycle Poker Run earlier in the day. Proceeds benefit families with autism and the Children's Hospital Central California in Madera, helping children with cancer. For more, call (209) 394-3973 or go to www.raceforautism.net.

Turlock

• ELDER SAFE SEMINAR

When: Friday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Where: Larsa Banquet Hall, 2107 E. Monte Vista Ave.

Info: The Stanislaus Elder Abuse Prevention Alliance is accepting reservations for the Turlock SAFE (Seniors Against Financial Exploitation) Seminar. The seminar will include several presentations that teach or acquaint guests with specific strategies that can be used to prevent elder and dependent adult abuse. Suzanne Shultz of the San Joaquin County district attorney's office will be the keynote speaker. Joining her will be Turlock Police Chief Rob Jackson. About 20 agencies will be on hand with information.

Send Region items to Region, The Modesto Bee, P.O. Box 5256, Modesto 95352; call (209) 578-2330; fax (209) 578-2207; or e-mail region@modbee.com.