Around the Region (11/1/12)

Modesto

• TELESCOPE VIEWING NIGHTS

When: Friday, 8 to 10 p.m.

Where: Modesto Junior College East Campus, science lawn, 435 College Ave.

Info: The Modesto Junior College Astronomy Club hosts telescope viewing nights the first Friday of each month. Bring blankets or chairs to make your space adventure more comfortable. The event is free and all ages are welcome. Refreshments will be available for purchase. Parking will be relaxed so feel free to park in staff or student parking spaces.

• CUSTOMER APPRECIATION EVENT

When: Saturday, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m..

Where: Modesto Certified Farmers Market, 16th Street between H and I streets

Info: The Modesto Certified Farmers Market will celebrate customer appreciation day at the market, a full day of drawings for prizes and gift certificates from all the vendors. Sign up in the center aisle of the market. Drawings begin at 8:30 a.m.

• DOG ADOPTION

When: Saturday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Where: PetSmart, 2100 McHenry Ave.

Info: The Westside Animals for Adoption event will feature all sizes and breeds — family dogs, lap dogs, athletic dogs. This weekend is PetSmart Charities National Adoption Weekend. For more, call (209) 892-3114 or see the WAA dogs at www.westsideanimalsforadoption.webs.com.

• MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS SUPPORT

When: Tuesday, 6:30 to 8 p.m.

Where: National Multiple Sclerosis Society office, 422 McHenry Ave.

Info: A diagnosis of multiple sclerosis can create many unexpected emotions that leave you with a strong need to understand the changes you may be facing. On a quarterly basis, this informative program, conducted by trained National Multiple Sclerosis Society staff and a local neurologist specializing in MS, will address the most common concerns. This orientation provides an opportunity to have any questions you may wish to ask answered and learn more about the resources available to persons with multiple sclerosis. To register, call (209) 214-6022.

Ripon

• VOLUNTEERS IN POLICE SERVICE

Where: Ripon Police Department, 259 N. Wilma Ave.

Info: The Ripon Volunteers in Police Service is seeking citizens over the age of 18 to donate their time to assist the Police Department in a variety of areas. All applicants must submit a completed application, pass an oral review board and complete a background check. Applications may be obtained at the department and are accepted on a continuous basis. For more, call VIPS President Rich Searcy at (209) 599-0266.

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.