Going green, helping schools and chaplaincy program expands

At this time of year, the city of Turlock goes green.

Go Green Week is a program started in 2008 by the city, in collaboration with Turlock Unified School District, that emphasizes environmental awareness and sustainable practices. As part of this year’s activities, 120 sixth-graders from Julien Elementary School took part in tree planting, according to teacher Wendy Payne.

“The city of Turlock sent four representatives to teach the students the benefits of trees and how to care for trees,” Payne said in an email. “Students helped dig the holes, bury the roots and install poles to stabilize the trees.”

And that’s not all. Payne said Julien students also are taking part in “organizing recycling center stations, offering raffle tickets for recyclables, a ladybug release, student-broadcast conservation tips of the day, a student-created public service announcement video, and a visit from the Go Green mascot.”

More information, including a list of tips, is available at www.ci.turlock.ca.us/citydepartments/municipalservices/gogreen.

The Festival on the Green is happening from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday at Pitman High School, 2525 W. Christoffersen Parkway.

The Turlock Education Foundation will be serving breakfast and lunch to raise money for musical instrument repair and replacement.

Some 2,000 music students will be performing in the Pitman gym throughout the day for the companion Turlock Unified School District Music Festival. First up at 10 a.m. is choir; orchestras will play at 12:30 and 2 p.m.; and the bands will strike up at 4 and 5:30 p.m.

Turlock Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram will bring some of its vehicles to Gustine High School, which is hosting a Band Booster Open House.

From noon to 4 p.m., folks are invited to stop by the high school, 501 North Ave., and test-drive the 2015 Dodge Dart, Durango, Grand Caravan or Journey. For each test drive taken, Dodge will donate $20 to Gustine High, up to $5,000, according to a news release.

Nationwide, the Dodge brand has helped raise more then $6 million for schools since 1993.

In addition to making money for the school, participants also will be entered into a national giveaway for a chance to win $45,000 toward any eligible Dodge, Jeep, Chrysler, Ram, Fiat or Alfa Romeo vehicle.

The volunteer program, which started offering support to the city’s public safety agencies, last year expanded into three Turlock Unified School District elementary schools.

Next year, the program is looking to expand into an additional five schools.

An informational meeting is set for March 24. Anyone interested in taking part can contact coordinator Tom Sperry at tsperry@aol.com.

This story was originally published March 18, 2015 at 2:42 PM with the headline "Going green, helping schools and chaplaincy program expands."