Around the Region (11/19/16)
MODESTO
What: Rabobank-U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots
When: Through Dec. 14
Where: Modesto branches
Info: Rabobank is teaming with the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots program. Modesto Rabobank branches at 1407 I St. and 3801 Pelandale Ave., Suite E7, will participate. Customers and community members can donate new, unwrapped toys at drop boxes in the banks. All donated toys will be distributed locally by Toys for Tots staff and volunteers. For more information, email Gregory Jones at gregory.jones@rabobank.com.
What: “Messiah” singalong
When: Sunday, 4 p.m.
Where: Trinity United Presbyterian Church, 1600 Carver Road
Info: Trinity United Presbyterian Church presents the ninth annual “Messiah” singalong. Vocalists of all ages and abilities are welcome to participate. The performance will feature G.F. Handel’s “Messiah.” The free community-wide event is open to the public. For more information, call 209-765-6388.
What: Book signing: “That Happiness Thing”
When: Saturday, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Where: McHenry Mansion Gift Store and Visitors Center, 924 15th St.
Info: Author Ken White will be signing his new children’s book, “That Happiness Thing,” immediately after the Saturday morning American Girl Doll Party. The book will be available for purchase. For more information, call 209-549-0428 or email mchenrymansionstore@earthlink.net.
What: Peripheral neuropathy support group meeting
When: Monday, 10:30 a.m.
Where: Trinity United Presbyterain Church, 1600 Carver Road
Info: The peripheral neuropathy support group meets the third Monday of each month for those suffering from the disease and their caregivers. The support group will be hosting presenter Danica Acedillo, librarian with the Maino Community Health Library, located behind McHenry Village. Acedillo will discuss the library’s resources and how it emphasizes understanding and treatment of disease as well as prevention, health and wellness. The library is open to the public and free. For more information, contact Ray 209-634-4373 or email info@pnhelp.org.
What: MJC Jazz Band Fall Concert
When: Monday, 7 p.m.
Where: Modesto Junior College East Campus, Performing Arts Center, 435 College Ave.
Info: The Modesto Junior College Department of Music presents a Jazz Band Fall Concert. The MJC Jazz Band, conducted by Director of Bands Erik Maki, will present an evening of big band-style jazz featuring music by Tom Kubis, Lennie Niehaus, Les Hooper, Charles Mingus and more. The free event is open to the public, with donations gratefully accepted. Campus parking is available for $2 in student parking lots. For more information, contact Maki at makie@mjc.edu or 209-575-6184.
EMPIRE
What: Friends of the Empire Library meeting
When: Tuesday, 5 to 6 p.m.
Where: Empire branch of the Stanislaus County Library, meeting room, 18 South Abbie St.
Info: Friends of the Empire Library will be holding its November meeting. The meeting will begin at 5 p.m. and the topic of conversation will be the success of the Fall Festival. The public is invited to join and help support the Empire library. For more information, contact Roz Starn at 209-551-0102.
RIPON
What: Ripon Oratorio Society
When: Sunday, 3 p.m.
Where: Immanuel Christian Reformed Church, 517 Orange Ave.
Info: The Ripon Oratorio Society will hold rehearsals for Handel’s “Messiah” on Sundays – Nov. 20 and 27 – at 3 p.m. at Immanuel Christian Reformed Church. Singers are needed for the 71st presentation of the program, set for Dec. 4. Singers are asked to contribute $10. For more information, call 209-599-6163 or go to www.immanuelcrc.org.
TURLOCK
What: Pumpkin Pie Contest
When: Monday, 2 to 6 p.m.
Where: Dubyak Family Chiropractic, 3008 Geer Road
Info: Dubyak Family Chiropractic’s 22nd annual Pumpkin Pie Contest is coming up. All pies are donated to the United Samaritans Foundation’s Daily Bread Program and will be served as dessert on Thanksgiving Day. First place, $100; second place, $50. However, if you are unable to bake a pie, you may drop off a store-bought pie or cut green beans, dinner rolls, mashed potatoes or cranberry sauce and Dubyak Family Chiropractic will make sure they are served as well. For more information, call 209-668-1944.
Send Region items to Region, The Modesto Bee, P.O. Box 5256, Modesto 95352; call 209-578-2330; fax 209-578-2207; or email region@modbee.com.
100 YEARS AGO: It was announced that Fred Emerson Brooks, a poet and humorist, would open the Lyceum Course at the Star Theater on Dec. 12, 1916. Brooks, known for his poem “California,” was making Modesto his first stop before going on his trans-continental tour. Tickets to his show were available at Modesto Drug Co., Howard Pharmacy, Chocolate Shop or the Morris Book Store. Tickets for the sixth show of the season for the Star Theater were $1.50 for adults and 75 cents for students until Dec. 1. After that, tickets would rise to $2 for adults and $1 for students.
This story was originally published November 18, 2016 at 3:25 PM with the headline "Around the Region (11/19/16)."