Around Town: Author to discuss book

Author Joel Pickford will be at the Merced County Library at 5 p.m. Oct. 9 to discuss his book "Soul Calling," a photographic journey of the Hmong. The program is free. Call (209) 385-7643 for more information.

Info on ed measures

A gathering will provide information on state education issues and both ballot measures at 6 p.m. Oct. 11 at 658 W. Main St. Call (209) 383-4242 for details.

Atwater FFA plant sale

ATWATER -- The annual Atwater FFA fall plant sale will be from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct. 12-13 at the Atwater High School Ag Department. Call (209) 357-6025 or go to http://AtwaterFFA.org for more information.

Atwater Class of 1977

Atwater High School Class of 1977 will hold its reunion starting at the football game Oct. 12. After the game, the festivities will move to Tary Boscolio's Pizzeria. A dinner-dance will be held from 6 to 10 p.m. Oct. 13 at the Vista Ranch and Cellars on Highway 140. The dinner-dance is open to members of other Atwater High graduating classes. For more information go to www.biotacalifornia.com/AHSReunion or call (213) 996-4200.

Help shelter animals

New Beginnings Merced, a local nonprofit group dedicated to saving shelter animals and finding them homes, needs volunteers. People are needed to foster kittens for a few days, care for dogs and their puppies for a short time, assist in taking photos of shelter animals or help transport animals to rescue organizations. No personal vehicles are needed. Call (209) 769-2122 for more information.

SPCA to meet Monday

The Merced Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals meets at 7 p.m. on the first Monday of each month at First Baptist Church, 500 Buena Vista Drive, except when the first Monday is a holiday. Call (209) 723-8953 or (209) 384-7722 for details.

Senior Social Club

The Merced Senior Social Club meets at 9 a.m. every Friday at the Senior Center, 755 W. 15th St. There are many activities, games and more. All seniors and guests are welcome. Contact the club by calling (209)383-6057.

If you would like to have your event announced in the Around Town column, send your information to Connie Hodges at least 10 days prior to the event, at chodges@mercedsunstar.com. Items run according to space available.