Around the Region (11/29/12)

Stanislaus County

• VOLUNTEERS COUNSELORS NEEDED

Where: Various locations

Info: The Stanislaus County Area Agency on Aging is looking for caring seniors 55 or older to train as senior peer counselors to regularly visit and counsel older adults who are having trouble overcoming difficulties or facing significant change in their lives. Volunteers must attend an initial 30-hour training session and complete a background check. Mileage reimbursement is available. New training begins Jan. 7. For more information, call (209) 525-4613.

Modesto

• 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 a variety of sizes and breeds — family dogs, lap dogs, athletic dogs. For more, call (209) 892-3114 or see the WAA dogs at www.westsideanimalsforadoption.webs.com.

• YES WE CAN FOOD DRIVE

When: Through Dec. 24

Where: Queen Been Coffee House, drop-off location, 1126 14th St.

Info: The Democratic Women's Club of Stanislaus County is sponsoring the fifth annual Yes We Can Food Drive in Stanislaus County. It is gathering nonperishables for distribution to local food banks and community food drives. For more information, call Patty at (209) 303-4042.

Oakdale

• MIND, BODY AND SPIRIT CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL

When: Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Where: The Holistic Life Institute, School of Massage and Natural Health, 730 E. F St.

Info: Free neck and shoulder mini-massages may help ease the stress of holiday shopping. Also offered will be gift certificates for holiday giving and booths offering hand-crafted holiday gift ideas. Refreshments will be provided as well. Bring a friend and get pampered for a day. For more information, call (209) 848-8382.

Ceres

• SENIOR AWARENESS DAY

When: Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Where: Ceres Community Center, 2701 Fourth St.

Info: All residents are welcome to attend the 2012 Senior Awareness Day to learn about the variety of programs available to seniors in Stanislaus County. Those eligible for Medicare are welcome. For more, call (209) 530-7514.

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.