Americans spend more than $50 billion a year on dieting, yet we are a country riddled with obesity-related diseases.

Lend a Hand: Places to volunteer around Modesto area

Religion Digest: Events around the Modesto area

Every year, Congregation Beth Shalom puts on a food festival and cultural event that features everything Jewish. Part community outreach and part fund-raiser for the congregation's youth, the 43rd annual Cafe Shalom will be held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on May 5.

In the California State University, Stanislaus, production of "Macbeth," which runs in the the Turlock university's amphitheater Tuesday through May 5, you might be hard-pressed to determine which of the cast and crew is learning more.

Congrats! After what seems like an eternity of studying, writing, reading, SATs, ACTs, projects, finals, essays, applications and stress, your hard work has come to fruition and you've been accepted into college.

It's been all hustle and bustle at Hughson High School, as the leadership class prepares for Relay for Life the first weekend in May. Many fund-raisers, activities and preparations have been put toward the May 3-4 event since its announcement three months ago.

Aanisah Watkins, a senior at Hughson High School, is a musician who wants to use her talent to help others. Through participation in music and theater-oriented programs such as YES Company, Modesto Symphony Choir, YES Ambassadors, and Expressions, Aanisah has gained skills for stage performance.

Gather the friends for a putting-up party. That's among the ideas in "Southern Living Little Jars Big Flavors" (Oxmoor House, $21.95).

After a lifetime spent with animals, "Jungle" Jack Hanna knows seeing is believing — and caring. An ambassador for zoos and wild animals everywhere, Hanna has begun to bring his show on the road. One of this stops will be April 27 in Modesto.

Sandi Patty was on top of her career in 1993 when she shocked the Christian world by announcing she was getting a divorce from her husband, John Helvering. She spoke to The Modesto Bee last week about her childhood, her music, her struggles and the lessons she has learned.

Call the Volunteer Center of United Way at (209) 524-1307 or email volunteer@uwaystan.org">b>volunteer@uwaystan.org.