Around Town: Community garden

The Merced Community Action Agency is accepting applications to establish commuinty garden at the D Street homeless shelter in Merced. Nonprofit organizations and community clubs are welcome to apply by Oct. 5. Applications can be requested by calling (209) 723-4565 or downloaded at mercedcaa.org. An informational workshop will be Sept. 21.

COULTERVILLE

Brothers Barton to host free concert

The Brothers Barton, a Bluegrass Duo, will perform a free concert on Oct. 17 at the Coulterville Park on Hwy 132 and Hwy 49 North. For more information, call (209) 966-3155 or go to arts-mariposa.org.

MERCED

Decision making and problem solving class

The Greater Merced Chamber of Commerce with Merced College Customer Service Academy will host a workshop on Decision Making and Problem Solving on Sept. 17 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., at the Merced College Business Resource Center, 630 W. 19th St.

Cost is $13 and you will earn a half unit of college credit. For more information, call (209) 386-6736.

CHOWCHILLA

How to survive in

a slow economy

Chowchilla District Chamber of Commerce will hold "Economic Change Is Here! Where Are You." This free workshop will show you how to be successful in business during this time of economic change. It will be on Sept. 22 with registration at 8 a.m. and go until 10 a.m. at the Civic Center Plaza, 130 S. Second St. Reservations are required and seating is limited. For more information, call (550) 665-5603, (559) 665-0896 or e-mail chamberofcommerce@ci.chowchilla.ca.us.

MERCED

UnitedHealth Heroes

UnitedHealth Group is offering grants to help students and educators in California to combat childhood obesity. This program gives children in California the opportunity to learn about obesity, design programs to address it and implement the programs in their communities. For more information, call (714) 226-7813 or go to unitedhealthgroup.com. Application deadline is Oct. 22.

MODESTO

Polo rides into Modesto

A Polo Extravaganza (the horse kind) will be held on Sept. 26 near Modesto at 4 p.m. and proceeds will benefit Hinds Hospice. Enjoy an elegant dinner, hosted bar, live and silent auctions. Cost is $125 per person and seating is limited. Those interested must respond no later than Thursday by calling 578-6372 or go to hospiceheart.org.

MERCED

Courthouse student volunteers

The Merced County Courthouse Museum is seeking student volunteers for the "Youth Volunteer Program." You must be 16 and over from Merced County. For more information or to sign up, call (209) 723-2401.

If you would like to have your event announced in the Around Town Column, send your information to Connie Hodges at least one week prior to the event, at chodges@mercedsunstar.com. Items run according to space available.