AROUND THE REGION

Modesto

What: FOSTER OR ADOPTIVE PARENT ORIENTATION

When: Thursday, 6:30 to 9 p.m.

Where: Sierra Vista Child and Family Services, 101 Park Ave.

Info: Sierra Vista Child & Family Services is holding an orientation class for those interested in learning more about becoming foster or adoptive parents. The class is free. For more information, call Vance Kelley at (209) 491-0872.

What: SONS IN RETIREMENT MEEETING

When: Thursday, 10:15 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Where: The Seasons, 945 McHenry Ave.

Info: The Sons in Retirement Branch 144 monthly luncheon meeting will feature guest speaker Jeff Jardine, columnist for The Modesto Bee. This nonprofit club for retired men meets monthly to give members and guests an opportunity to renew friendships; discuss issues of local and national interest; and plan participation in scheduled activities such as golf, bowling, pickleball, dining and travel. For more information on membership, call (209) 552-0960.

What: SURVIVING THE HOLIDAYS SEMINAR

When: Saturday, 10 a.m to noon

Where: Modesto Covenant Church, 913 Floyd Ave, D-105

Info: The seminar will feature video interviews with counselors, grief experts and other people who have experienced the holidays after a loved one’s death and who offer practical suggestions and reassurance. Attendees will discover what emotions to expect during the coming days, how to prepare for the holidays, how to manage relationships and holiday social events, and how the holidays can help heal. Attendees will receive a helpful book with more than 30 daily readings. For more information or to register to attend, call Nancy or Van at (209) 529-2666.

What: CAMELLIA SOCIETY MEETING

When: Sunday, 1:30 p.m.

Where: One Church (Bethel Campus), 2361 Scenic Drive

Info: The Camellia Society of Modesto is holding its first meeting of the season. All interested in camellias and seeking to learn about camellia culture are invited to attend. Refreshments will be served. Some meeting topics this season will include: bugs, square gardening, herbs and water gardens. The society will meet the second Sunday of each month through May. The meeting is free; annual society dues are $10. For more information, call (209) 522-0147 or (209) 576-0831.

Ceres

What: COMMUNITY FLU CLINIC

When: Sunday, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Where: Ceres Flea Market, 1651 E. Whitmore Ave.

Info: The Stanislaus County Health Services Agency’s Public Health Services is holding a community flu vaccination clinic for anyone 6 months or older. Suggested cost is $27 adults, $10 children, but no one will be turned away for inability to pay. Additional clinics will be held through November. For more information on clinics or vaccinations, call the Stanislaus County Health Services Agency at (209) 558-8320.

Salida

What: INTRODUCTION TO THE INTERNET FOR VETERANS

When: Thursday, 10:30 a.m.

Where: Salida branch of the Stanislaus County Library, 4835 Sisk Road

Info: The goal of the class is to introduce participants to websites that may be of interest, focusing on how to find information about benefits. The class will explore links on the Stanislaus County Department of Aging and Veterans website. Participants must have a DS login, and they can apply for this online if they are in DEERS (Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System). If they don’t have a DS login, participants should bring their Common Access Card or DoD ID card and email, or DFAS myPay Account PIN, Social Security number and email information. For more information, call the Salida library at (209) 543-7353.

YESTERYEARS

25 YEARS AGO: The Merced High School football team defeated Modesto High 41-0 to remain perfect in the Central California Conference. The Bears (9-0 overall, and 6-0 CCC) had one game left against Vintage of Napa before they opened the playoffs at Merced College’s Stadium 76 against the third-place team from the Monticello Empire League.

This story was originally published November 3, 2014 at 2:04 PM with the headline "AROUND THE REGION."