Around the Region (12/06/16)
MODESTO
What: Junior High Spelling Championship
When: Tuesday, 5:30 p.m.
Where: Petersen Event Center, 720 12th St.
Info: Top spellers from area schools will compete in the Stanislaus County Junior High Spelling Championship for students in seventh and eighth grades. The spelling championship is sponsored by the Stanislaus County Office of Education; the event is open to the public. The top two spellers in the Junior High Spelling Championship will represent Stanislaus County at the state competition in San Rafael on May 6, 2017. The third-place speller will serve as an alternate. For more information, contact Cheryl Goulart at 209-238-1710 or cgoulart@stancoe.org, or visit www.scoestudentevents.org.
What: Play “August: Osage County”
When: Through Dec. 11
Where: Modesto Junior College East Campus, Performing Arts Center, 435 College Ave.
Info: The Modesto Junior College theater department presents the dark comedy-drama “August: Osage County.” The Pulitzer Prize-winning play by Tracy Letts follows an estranged family and what happens when it is brought back together under the worst of circumstances. Tickets are $9 for students and seniors; $11 general admission. Due to adult language and themes, no children under 14 will be permitted into the theater. Tickets are available at the MJC box office, or call 209-676-6776 or visit www.mjc.tix.com. Those interested in attending may purchase tickets at the door 90 minutes prior to showtime.
What: Rabobank-Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots
When: Through Dec. 14
Where: Modesto branches
Info: Rabobank is teaming with the 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 members and volunteers. For more information, email Gregory Jones at gregory.jones@rabobank.com.
What: Society for disAbilities toy drive
When: Through Dec. 13, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Where: Society for disAbilities, 1128 Eighth St.
Info: The Society For disAbilities will hold a toy drive for boys and girls ages 5-18. Gift suggestions include dolls, board games, superhero toys and many other toy ideas. For toy selection suggestions or more information, contact Anthony at 209-524-3536.
SONORA
What: Sierra Repertory Theatre: “A Christmas Story”
When: Through Dec. 18
Where: East Sonora Theatre, 13891 Mono Way
Info: Sierra Repertory Theatre presents “A Christmas Story,” the tale of young Ralphie Parker’s fervent campaign for a Red Ryder BB gun despite the worry, “You’ll shoot your eye out!” Days and times vary; call the box office or check the website for exact days and showtimes. Tickets are $32-$37, with child, group, senior and student discounts available. For more information, call 209-532-3120 or visit www.sierrarep.org.
TURLOCK
What: Opus Four Holiday Concert
When: Wednesday, 1 p.m.
Where: Covenant Village of Turlock, 2125 North Olive Ave.
Info: The Opus Four will perform a free afternoon holiday concert at Covenant Village of Turlock. Enjoy the versatile quartet of musicians whose operatic voices bring to life popular and traditional holiday classics. Space is limited for this performance and registration is required. For more information or register, call 877-834-1238 or visit www.covenantvillageofturlock.org.
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.
25 YEARS AGO: It was announced that a ruling by the U.S. Department of Education had serious implications for a scholarship program at California State University, Stanislaus. The fund in question was the Hispanic Scholarship Fund. Secretary of Education Lamar Alexander issued a policy statement that barred federally funded colleges and universities from issuing scholarships based only on race. The fund was aimed at creating a $250,000 endowment over five years to provide scholarships for future Hispanic students. Robert Rivas, university director of annual giving, said the ruling could force the fund committee to open the scholarship to everyone.
This story was originally published December 5, 2016 at 3:16 PM with the headline "Around the Region (12/06/16)."