Around the Region (11/15/12)

Modesto

• MODESTO RECOVERY INTERNATIONAL

When: Fridays, 7 p.m.

Where: Geneva Presbyterian Church, Library Room, 1229 E. Fairmont Ave.

Info: Learn a method of emotional and mental health wellness with this self-help group, peer-led and directed. For more, call Dave at (209) 247-2620.

• SIERRA CLUB-YOKUTS GROUP MEETING

When: Friday, 6:45 p.m.

Where: College Avenue Congregational Church, Fellowship Hall, 1341 College Ave.

Info: Refreshments and socializing followed by program featuring Vicki Morales and Dennis Serpa, Backcountry Horsemen members who will present a program on the work their organization is doing for trail preservation, public land management and education. The event is free and nonmembers are welcome. For more, call Alex at (209) 981-8985.

• A HARVEST GATHERING

When: Friday, 7 p.m.

Where: 520 Helen Ave.

Info: The Modesto Peace Life Center is hosting a benefit for the Peace Essay Contest. Desserts, wine, and speciality coffees and teas will be served. Suggested donation, $15 per person. Casual attire.

• 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 and athletic dogs. For more, call (209) 892-3114 or see the WAA dogs at www.westsideanimalsforadoption.webs.com.

Riverbank

• TOY AND FOOD DRIVE

When: Through Dec. 11

Where: Riverbank Black Belt Academy, 3342 Santa Fe St.

Info: To help local families during the holidays, the Riverbank Black Belt Academy-Karate For Kids has started its Kicks for Cares program and is collecting toys, turkeys and nonperishable food items that will be given to Riverbank Cares, a committee that distributes these items to Riverbank Families in need during the holidays. Anyone who donates an item to Riverbank Cares will receive one free karate class for each item, and there is no limit on the number of items that a person donates. Donations being accepted now through Dec. 11. To arrange a drop off or for more, call the school at (209) 869-2854.

Salida

• COMMUNITY CONCERT MEETING

When: Saturday, 2-3 p.m.

Where: Stanislaus County Library, Community Room, Salida Branch, 4835 Sisk Road

Info: A general meeting of the Modesto Community Concert Association is being held to discuss the number of subscribers needed to sustain the organization, how best to meet the needs of the community, the best method to reach young professionals and families to expose them to the cultural benefits of the concerts, and how to balance the cost of the subscription and single tickets with the expenses of producing the concerts. Current subscribers and those interested in keeping artists and audiences connected through the concert experience are invited to attend. All ideas and comments are welcome. For more, call (209) 549-0214 or e-mail marshawag@sbcglobal.net.

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.