Around the Region (12/15/16)
MODESTO
What: Toys for Tots Drive
When: Thursday
Where: 21st Century Oncology of California, 1316 Nelson Ave.
Info: 21st Century Oncology of California is joining with Toys for Tots to collect gifts for children in need. Donations can be dropped off in the 21st Century Oncology of California lobby from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. It is requested that toy donations be unwrapped, new, unisex and for all ages. For more information on the Toys for Tots drive, call 209-575-5870.
What: Rabobank-Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots
When: Thursday
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.
JAMESTOWN
What: “The Polar Express” train ride
When: Through Sunday, 4:30 to 9 p.m.
Where: Railtown 1897 State Historic Park, 10501 Reservoir Road
Info: California State Parks, Railtown 1897 State Historic Park and the California State Railroad Museum Foundation present “The Polar Express” train ride through Sunday. Three festive train rides will be available each day, starting at 4:30, 6 and 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $50 per person for coach seating, open-air car is $180 per table of four, and $65 per person for first-class seating that includes a commemorative “Polar Express” mug. Children under 2 are admitted free and must be seated on an adult’s lap during the ride. The train ride is a fundraiser for the California State Railroad Museum Foundation, which supports Railtown 1897 State Historic Park. Advance tickets are available only at www.railtown1897.org. For more information, call the hotline at 209-984-3407.
KNIGHTS FERRY
What: Oak Summit Masonic Lodge, Toys for Tots
When: Thursday, 4:30 to 9 p.m.
Where: Railtown 1897 State Historic Park, 10501 Reservoir Road
Info: Oak Summit Masonic Lodge No. 112 is co-sponsoring a toy drive for the Marine Corps Reserve’s Toys for Tots program throughout Stanislaus County. Donations of new, unwrapped toys are being accepted through Dec. 15. The Masons have established 21 drop-off points in Knights Ferry, Oakdale, Riverbank and Waterford. For more information and the locations, call Cpl. Bill Johnson of the Marine Corps Reserve at 209-896-5057.
SONORA
What: Sierra Repertory Theatre: “A Christmas Story”
When: Through Sunday
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 to $37, with child, group, senior and student discounts available. For more information, call 209-532-3120 or go to www.sierrarep.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.
YESTERYEARS
50 YEARS AGO: The Modesto Junior College wrestling team extended its winning streak to 10 straight matches. The Pirates continued their winning way in a dual meet at Yuba College against Yuba, 22-21, and Lassen Junior College, 26-17. The win streaks also extended to the wrestlers themselves with Ted Fitzpatrick, 167 pounds, 9-1 record; John Bulgheroni, 177 pounds, 8-1 and Hans Wagner, heavyweight, 3-0.
This story was originally published December 14, 2016 at 2:40 PM with the headline "Around the Region (12/15/16)."