Around the Region (11/22/17)

MODESTO

What: Community Hospice Fantasy of Trees

When: Friday, Dec. 1 and Saturday, Dec. 2

Where: Gallo Center for the Arts, 1000 I St.

Info: Community Hospice and Friends of Community Hospice invites the public to its next community holiday event with “Fantasy of Trees”. At the Gallo Center for the Arts, visitors will have the opportunity to mingle among the designer-decorated trees, unique holiday gifts, tasty treats and all with a visit by Santa. Friday, Dec. 1, 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.; and Saturday, Dec. 2, 8 to 11 a.m. Reservations are requested, contact the Community Hospice Foundation at 209-578-6370 or visit give.hospiceheart.org.

What: El Concilio Tamale Lunch Fundraiser

When: Thursday, Dec. 7, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Where: El Concilio, 1314 H St.

Info: El Concilio of Stanislaus County will be holding its Annual La Nochebuena. The event will feature a drive-thru Tamale lunch for $10. All proceeds go to El Concilio’s holiday food basket program for families in need. Lunch includes two tamales, Mexican rice and beans; seating is limited and an RSVP is requested. And for those members of the public unable to sit and eat, you may pick up and go; or free delivery is available on orders of 7 or more in the Downtown Modesto area. For more information call the El Concilio office at 209-523-2860 or visit www.elconcilio.org.

What: Citizen Advisory Groups

When: Open Until Filled

Where: Modesto City Council Office, 1010 Tenth Street, Ste. 6200

Info: The city of Modesto currently has vacancies on the Housing Rehabilitation Loan Committee, the Citizens Housing and Community Development Committee and Landmark Preservation. Visit www.modestogov.com to find the each vacancy and fill an application. If you do not have access to a personal computer visit Modesto City Council Office, located at 1010 Tenth Street, Ste. 6200 or call 209-571-5169. Applications are reviewed as vacancies occur and are maintained for at least one year.

CERES

What: Christmas Festival

When: Saturday, Dec. 2, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Where: Smyrna Park, 2650 Fowler Rd.

Info: Families will be able to pictures with Santa & Mrs. Claus, refreshments, live entertainment, and more. Tickets will be sold for the different booths in Santa’s Village. There will also be a parade through Christmas Tree Lane to help kick off its opening. To avoid traffic congestion, the public is encouraged to walk the neighborhood. For more information contact City of Ceres Recreation Department at 209-538-5629.

TURLOCK

What: Festival of Lights

When: Friday, 2 to 8 p.m.

Where: Downtown Turlock

Info: The City of Turlock and Turlock Chamber of Commerce invites the public to is Festival of Light in Downtown Turlock. The festival of lights will open the holiday season for the City. Festivities begin at 5 p.m., with the Lighting of the Tree at 6 p.m. For more information contact the Turlock Chamber of Commerce at 209-632-2221 or email info@turlockchamber.com or visit www.turlockchamber.com.

What: Center for Urban Performance and Service

When: Saturday, Dec. 2, 2 to 7 p.m.

Where: Turlock Community Theatre, 1574 East Canal Drive

Info: The Center for Urban Performance and Service and Westside Ministries present, Junkyard Christmas 2, an original full length dramatic dance production. The cast of over 130 dancers will move to contemporary Christmas favorites, hip hop, and gospel music. Tickets are a $10 suggested donation and can be purchased at the event one hour prior to show time, or at the ministry in advance. A silent auction will be held before each show to support Community Cultivators 4-H club. For more information call 209-667-9020 or visit www.westsideministriesturlock.com.

40 YEARS AGO: The city of Turlock gave the city of Ceres a surplus 1951 rescue truck that had been used by the Turlock Fire Department. The Turlock City Council had also opted to forgo a payment of $100 because, “The potential assistance this vehicle may render to the community of Ceres for lifesaving and rescues far outweighs the potential loss of Turlock income...”, stated City Manager Robert Mack. Turlock Mayor Enoch Christoffersen cited the City of Ceres returning Turlock’s old fire bell, years prior, for display in the Fire Museum, as the reason for giving the rescue vehicle to Ceres.

This story was originally published November 21, 2017 at 2:43 PM with the headline "Around the Region (11/22/17)."