Around the Region (12/16/16)

MODESTO

What: Camp Taylor Gift Wrapping Booth

When: Through Dec. 23

Where: Vintage Faire Mall, 3401 Dale Road

Info: The Camp Taylor gift wrapping booth arrives at Vintage Faire Mall just in time for those who are on the run this holiday season. The booth will be located on the lower level, across from Fred Meyer Jewelers and the Macy’s Men’s and Home department store. Proceeds benefit Camp Taylor, a medically supervised camp for children suffering from heart disease. All gift wrapping customers will receive a free 5x7 photo coupon to Santa HQ. The booth’s hours are 10 a.m.-9 p.m., through Dec. 19 and 9 a.m.-10 p.m., Dec. 20-23. For more information, call Crystal at the Camp Taylor office, 209-545-4715, or email camp@kidsheartcamp.org, or visit www.shopvintagefairemall.com or www.kidsheartcamp.org/giftwrap.

What: Mini Masterpiece Ornament Painting Class

When: Saturday, 1-4 p.m.

Where: Mistlin Gallery, 1015 J St.

Info: Mistlin Gallery art instructors will lead a mini masterpiece ornament painting class. Re-create mini masterpieces on holiday ornaments or paint your own creations for a personalized set, up to 4. Children under age 5 must be accompanied by an adult. Cost is $25 and all materials are included. For more information, refer to the Winter/Spring 2017 Modesto Activity Guide. Guides can be picked up in person at the Parks, Recreation and Neighborhoods Department 1010 Tenth Street, Suite 4400, or accessed online at modestogov.com/483/Activity-Guide. Preregister online at econnect.modestogov.com or call 209-577-5344.

RIVERBANK

What: Santa Paws Holiday Drive

When: Saturday, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.

Where: Petco, 2341 Claribel Road

Info: Brownie’s Wish will hold its third Santa Paws Holiday Drive at Petco. Brownie’s Wish is a nonprofit organization dedicated to assisting and preserving the lives, and quality of life, of homeless animals. Nicole Shiveley started the drive in 2014, collecting pet food, treats, supplies and blankets that will be donated to the Stanislaus Animal Services Agency. For more information, email brownieswish@gmail.com or visit www.facebook.com/brownieswish/ or stores.petco.com.

VALLECITO

What: Caroling in the Cavern

When: Saturday, 6 p.m.

Where: Moaning Cavern Adventure Park, 5350 Moaning Cave Road

Info: The Moaning Cavern Adventure Park invites the public to its “Caroling in the Cavern.” The local Jazz@8 choir from Summerville High School is back to entertain guests with traditional Christmas carols sung a cappella in multipart harmony deep within Moaning Cavern. Also, rappelling Santa will descend 165 feet in full costume and distribute gifts to all guests. Tickets are $22 without food donation, $20 with food donation, with all donations going to the Interfaith Community Social Services of Sonora. Call to reserve your tickets at 209-736-2708 or 866-762-2837 or visit caverntours.com/caroling/.

75 YEARS AGO: In a holiday warning to homeowners, Modesto Fire Chief George Wallace alerted the public to be cautious with their Christmas trees. The chief pointed out that trees brought into a home will dry out within a week and the tree, along with decorations, will become a fire hazard and should be watched carefully. Wallace also said that the buying public should purchase their tree as close as they can to Christmas to ensure freshness, then as soon as the family can, discard it just as quickly to avoid any hazards.

This story was originally published December 15, 2016 at 3:52 PM with the headline "Around the Region (12/16/16)."