Around the Region (12/17/16)
MODESTO
What: Modesto Rockin’ Holiday
When: Through Dec. 23
Where: Downtown Modesto, Tenth Street Place
Info: The city of Modesto continues its third annual Modesto Rockin’ Holiday on Thursdays through Saturdays from 6 to 9 p.m. Tenth Street Place Plaza will be given a retro-holiday feel. Rockin’ Holiday is free, and photos with Rockin’ Santa and his Rockin’ Elves are free in the Classic Rockin’ Sleigh at the Rockin’ North Pole in Tenth Street Plaza. There also is a 50-foot Rockin’ Holiday Tree that will feature light shows daily from 6 p.m. to 1 a.m., synced to music. For more information, go to www.facebook.com/rockinholiday or www.modestogov.com.
What: VFW Post 3199 breakfast
When: Sunday, 5 p.m.
Where: 2801 West Hatch Road
Info: The members of the VFW Post 3199 invite the public to have breakfast at the post. For more information, call 209-537-3360 or visit www.vfwpost3199.org.
What: Modesto Computer Users Group technology workshop
When: Thursday, 6 p.m.
Where: Round Table Pizza “ClubHouse,” 3848 McHenry Ave., #145
Info: The Modesto Computer Users Group invites the public to a presentation from Mike Kumler on “Cyber Security — the Internet of Things and DDoS (Distributed Denial of Service) Attacks.” Kumler will specifically talk about the Internet of Things and how hackers use devices such as automobiles, refrigerators, motion sensors, light switches, etc. to overload servers and shut down large parts of the internet. Kumler just returned from the APCUG Conference in Las Vegas in which there was an “overwhelming emphasis” on cybersecurity. Admission is free. For more information, call Terence Fix at 209-524-8062 or email at fixterence@gmail.com.
SONORA
What: Central Sierra Audubon Society Bird Count
When: Sunday, 5 p.m.
Where: County Ambulance Building, 18440 Striker Court
Info: The Central Sierra Audubon Society invites the general public and bird lovers to its annual Christmas Bird Count. The bird count is the largest citizen science event in the world. The local counts will be among more than 2,200 worldwide within a three-week period. Novice counters are paired with experienced counters and document birds seen and heard in specific zones. After the Sonora count, the volunteers will meet to compile the day’s bird information and enjoy a potluck dinner. Persons interested in joining the Sonora count can contact Steven Umland at 209-352-6985 or at stevenum71@gmail.com.
What: InFocus Photography Competition and Exhibition
When: Through Jan. 23
Where: Tuolumne County Arts Alliance, 251 Barretta St.
Info: The Tuolumne County Arts Alliance presents the 30th annual InFocus Photography Competition and Exhibition. Entries are now being accepted using the web-based competition management system Smarter Entry. The deadline for final entries is Jan. 23 by 6 p.m. The Call for Entry, instructions and further information can be found at www.Infocus-tcaa.org. This year’s competition will be accepting entries in the categories of: landscapes, nature, people, man-made and elements of design. For more information, call the alliance at 209-532-2787, email contests@tuolumnecountyarts.org or visit www.Infocus-tcaa.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.
100 YEARS AGO: It was announced that Stanislaus County was maintaining the lead in the production of butter in California. Though this was good news, the year-over-year numbers showed slow growth, according to the Dairy Review. The butter making year ended on Sept. 30, 1916, and the lack of growth was attributed to lower prices for dairy products. With California as the leader in the butter industry nationally, and seeing growth of 10 percent annually over the previous 18 years, it saw growth of just 5 percent between 1915 and 1916.
This story was originally published December 16, 2016 at 2:59 PM with the headline "Around the Region (12/17/16)."