Meetings, club events in and around Modesto (02/21/20)

MODESTO

What: Ballet classes for children on the Autism Spectrum

When: Saturdays, 9-10:15 a.m.

Where: Central West Ballet studio, 5039 Pentecost Drive, B2,

Info: Children ages 6-12 will learn to explore dance and movement while making friends in a fun, non-judgmental environment. Classes are taught by a certified instructor; learning group size will be four students to one “buddy” dancer with a limited number of groups. Ages 6-8 meet 9:45-10:15 a.m. and ages 9-12 meet 9-9:45 a.m. Registration is $30 and classes are $30 month; open policy, come and go as you need. Call 209-576-8957 or visit www.centralwestballet.org.

What: MLK Commemoration at MJC

When: Saturday, 7 p.m.

Where: Modesto Junior College East Campus, 435 College Ave.

Info: MJC celebrates its 26th annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemoration with guest speaker Harry Edwards, PhD., in the Performing Arts & Media Center. Edwards will share and discuss his years of activism focused on the interface of sport, race and society. The title of his speech is “Sports in The Struggle for Freedom and Justice 1900-2020.” Contact Jim Costello, Chair of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemoration Committee: jimcostello@mac.com; 209-402-9191, or visit: www.mjc.edu/news/mlkcommemoration2020.

What: US Too Prostate Cancer Support Group

When: Monday, 6:30 p.m.

Where: Sutter Memorial Conference Center, 1700 McHenry Ave., Suite 60B

Info: The support group will feature member Ken Willmarth, an 18-year prostate cancer survivor. Willmarth will tell his story, share his understanding of cancer, how to stay well during the fight and other helpful insight. Newcomers are welcome. Following this program, the group will break into men’s and women’s circles of caring and sharing. Call Darrell Wilson, 707-628-5901.

What: Modesto Junior College Science Colloquium

When: Wednesday, Feb. 26, 3:15 to 4:15 p.m.

Where: MJC West Campus, 2201 Blue Gum Ave.

Info: A lecture, “How healthy is Stanislaus County?,” will be presented by Kimberly Lindsey, epidemiologist, MPH, Stanislaus County Public Health. Visitors will learn how to protect themselves from foodborne illness. There is a $2 charge for on-campus parking without a permit. Call 209-529-5182 or email andersonr@mjc.edu or visit www.mjc.edu or sciencecolloquium.wordpress.com.

What: League of Women Voters of Stanislaus County – Lunch and Learn Program

When: Thursday, Feb. 27, 11:45 a.m.

Where: Mimi’s Bistro and Bakery, 3401 Dale Road

Info: Info: Daren Williams of the Almond Board of California will speak about “All Things Almond,” giving information on agricultural and economic aspects of this Stanislaus County crop. Williams will also takefield questions. The public is invited to this free event. Lunch, chef’s choice, is available at $16. Reservations are not required. Call the league at 209-324-3375.

BALLICO

What: Historical & Classic Aircraft Viewing

When: Fourth Saturday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Where: Turlock Muni Airport, 13604 Newport Road

Info: The Turlock Regional Airport Association invites the community every fourth Saturday of the month, to tour its collection of historical and classic aircraft. The viewing is free of charge. For more information contact the airport at 209-668-5542, local pilot Rodney Voumard at 209-595-7783 or visit www.turlockairport.com.

EMPIRE

What: Empire Municipal Advisory Council

When: Wednesday, Feb. 26, 6 pm.

Where: Stanislaus County Library Empire Branch, 18 South Abbie St.

Info: The Empire MAC meets every fourth Wednesday of the month. The meeting will feature reports from the CHP, Sheriff’s Office, Stanislaus County Supervisor and other community agencies. Special presentations will be made upon request. For more information email theempiremac@gmail.com.

SONORA

What: UCCE Master Gardeners

When: Saturday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Where: Senior Center, 540 Greenley Road

Info: The UCCE Tuolumne County Master Gardeners, in conjunction with Foothill Collaborative for Sustainability, present the 12th annual Seed Share Event. Visitors will be able to purchase open-pollinated, heirloom and locally adapted vegetable and flower seeds, always non-GMO. Cost is 10 for packets of seeds for a $10 donation (additional packets are $1.). There will be scheduled guest speakers starting at 9:30 a.m. Contact the UCCE office at 209-533-5695 or visit ucanr.edu/sites/Tuolumne_County_Master_Gardeners.

What: Bird Spotting Walk

When: Sunday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Where: Indigeny Reserve, 14679 Summers Lane

Info: Central Sierra Audubon Society will be hosting a bird walk at the Indigeny Reserve that boasts many unique spaces for birds. The walk will last 2 to 3 hours and walkers are encouraged to wear comfortable clothing. Children are welcome, but must be accompanied by an adult. Rain or shine. Contact event leader Kit DeGear at 925-822-5215 for questions.

Send Region items to Region, The Modesto Bee, 948 11th Street, Suite 300, Modesto, 95354; call 209-578-2330; fax 209-578-2207; or email region@modbee.com.

75 YEARS AGO: It was reported that Staff Sergeant Vernon G. Tomson of Modesto received the Silver Star for gallantry during combat in Germany. The medal was presented to SSG Tomson by General Lunceford E. Oliver, commander of the 5th Armored Division.

This story was originally published February 20, 2020 at 8:51 AM with the headline "Meetings, club events in and around Modesto (02/21/20)."