Saturday, Feb. 23, 2008

News & Notes

Out & About

Four things to do this weekend, plus Free Fun:

1 Take part in the annual African-American Education Conference and Teen Summit. The event, open to students ages 13 to 21, will explore the theme "My Space: The Next Generation of Leaders" through speakers, workshops and more. Today, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Modesto Junior College West Campus, Mary Stuart Rogers Student Learning Center, 2201 Blue Gum Ave. Free. 575-7990.

2 See a "Miracle Worker" as the story of blind, deaf and mute Helen Keller and her teacher Annie Sullivan comes to the stage. Today, 2 and 8 p.m. and Sunday,

2 p.m. Fallon House Theatre, Columbia State Historic Park, off Parrotts Ferry Road, Columbia. $15 to $28. 532-3120.

3 Go "Crazy" for Joni Morris and the After Midnight Band as they present "A Portrait of Patsy Cline." Today, 8 p.m. West Side Theatre, 1331 Main St., Newman.

$25 general, $28 reserved. 862-4490.

4 Experience George Gershwin's acclaimed "Porgy & Bess," the landmark opera set in an African-American community in Depression-era South Carolina. Sunday, 2 p.m. Foster Theater, Gallo Center for the Arts, 1000 I St., Modesto. $30 to $35. 338-2100.

FREE FUN: Enjoy the first signs of impending spring at the annual Ripon Almond Blossom Festival. Things kick off with a parade at 11 a.m. today. Also enjoy the carnival, live entertainment, arts and crafts and much more at this popular family festival. Today, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Downtown Ripon. Free. 599-7519.

-- Marijke Rowland

Do you cut costs?

Have you found creative

ways to cut costs for your household? Share your suggestions with other Bee readers looking for ways to save a few bucks in this economic downturn. We are not looking for obvious tips, such as coupon cutting. We want the scoop on deals people find locally if they get creative. Where can people find free entertainment, cheap drinks, discounted clothes, budget-friendly weekend trips and more?

Tell reporter Eve Hightower at ehightower@modbee.com or 578-2382. Auto theft suspects Seven people were arrested on suspicion of auto theft in Stanislaus County from Feb. 14 to Wednesday. Information on the suspects, plus their photos, can be found at www.modbee.com/ local/autothefts.

Yesteryears

75 YEARS AGO: Members of the Modesto City Council were invited to attend groundbreaking ceremonies for the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco. The invitations were extended by the citizens committee and were signed by Mayor Angelo J. Rossi of San Francisco. The affair was to be held at Crissy Field.

-- Karen Aiello