Around the Region (2/27/13)

Modesto

• ICE CREAM SOCIAL

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

Where: Centenary United Methodist Church, 1911 Toyon Ave.

Info: The Modesto Parent Participation preschool is holding an ice cream social with music and silent auction. This is a nonprofit preschool that relies on fund-raisers for its yearly budget. The ice cream and music are free.

• UKULELE BAND PERFORMANCE

When: Saturday, 1 p.m.

Where: Modesto library, 1500 I St.

Info: The Funstrummers Ukulele Band of Modesto will be performing songs that celebrate the beginning of spring. Children ages 8 to 10 also will have the opportunity to learn a few notes on the ukulele after the performance. This free musical event is sure to be fun for the whole family. For more information, call the Modesto library reference department at (209) 558-7814.

• CIVIL WAR GROUP MEETING

When: Monday, 6 p.m.

Where: Coach's Corner, 950 Oakdale Road

Info: The Stanislaus Civil War Association holds its regular monthly meeting with optional dinner at 6 p.m. and program at 7. The program, by Rob Orr, will be a video-based presentation on the USS Monitor, the ship that changed naval history.

• POETRY CONTEST

Info: The Parks, Recreation and Neighborhoods Department and the city of Modesto's Poets' Corner Committee present the 32nd annual Poets' Corner Contest. The submission period for this contest is now open to all Stanislaus County residents and offers two categories for entries:

• General: Poetry on any subject, in any style, including rhymed, unrhymed, free verse, sonnet, haiku (group of three accepted), ballad, etc.

• 2013 Special: Poetry in celebration of pets, which can include but is not limited to a favorite pet, a family pet, an unusual pet or "the pet I wished I had."

Entries are limited to two poems per person, unpublished work, and may not exceed 32 lines. All entries must be postmarked by March 13. See www.modestogov.com/prnd/poet_corner.asp to download entry forms or to view list of locations to get forms.

Stanislaus County

• READING PROMOTION

When: Saturday through April 13

Info: Children ages 4 to 12 can participate in In-N-Out Burger's reading promotion program. Children can participate by signing up at any Stanislaus County Library branch and keeping a log of books read. Once children have read five books at their reading level, they will receive a certificate for a free hamburger or cheeseburger. Participants will be limited to three certificates, while supplies last. For more information, call the Modesto library children's department at (209) 558-7810.

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.