Around the Region (9/16/12)

Modesto

• SCIENCE COLLOQUIUM SEMINAR

When: Today, 4-5 p.m.

Where: Modesto Junior College, Science 208, 435 College Ave.

Info: The MJC Science, Mathematics and Engineering Division is offering a series of miniseminars for the fall semester. The courses are offered on a variety of timely topics under the theme of "Science That Matters." September's seminar features Bill Anelli, MJC philosopher, on the topic "When Experts Disagree: Whom Should I Trust More?" All sessions are open to the public; admission is free. Campus parking passes are $1 and can be obtained at ticket dispensers in the student parking lots. For more, call the division office at (209) 575-6173.

• RIVER CLEANUP

When: Saturday, 9 a.m. to noon

Where: Legion Park, 1600 Legion Park Drive, and west Modesto, 601 Neece Drive

Info: The Tuolumne River Trust presents Team Up for the Tuolumne. The river and park cleanup event features two sites. All volunteers are invited to Legion Park after the cleanup for a volunteer appreciation lunch including music by Funstrummers Ukulele Band and raffle prizes. Sign up at www.tuolumne.org or call (209) 236-0330.

Oakdale

• DRUG AND CRIME DISCUSSION

When: Saturday, 2-4 p.m.

Where: Oakdale library, 151 S. First Ave.

Info: Award-winning journalist Scott Thomas Anderson will discuss the relationship between methamphetamine addiction and crime in Northern California as well as Stanislaus County's link to the meth pipeline in Mexico. Anderson will be available to sign copies of his new nonfiction book, "Shadow People: How Meth-Driven Crime is Eating at the Heart of Rural America." Matthew Learned, a former methamphetamine producer, also will speak and take part in a question-and-answer session. For more, call the Oakdale library at (209) 847-4204.

Merced

• SCHOOL AWARDS NIGHT

When: Today, 6 p.m.

Where: Golden Valley High School Theater, 2121 E. Childs Ave.

Info: The public is invited to attend the Merced Union High School District Superintendent's Award Night. Three students from Atwater, Buhach Colony, Golden Valley, Livingston, Merced High School and East Campus Educational Center sites will be honored in the areas of academics, the arts, athletics, community service and character. One certificated and one classified employee from each site will be recognized. For more, call (209) 385-6420.

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.