Around Town (4/27/15)
Church Women United
Church Women United in the Merced Area is hosting its annual May Friendship Day on Friday at Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church, 1455 E. Yosemite Ave., with a potluck luncheon from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The theme is “Journey of the Caregiver.” Ami Marchini, owner of Park Merced and Mission Gardens Assisted Living, will be the guest speaker. Special guests will be recipients of the group’s annual Community Outreach Grants.
Arbor Gallery show
The Arbor Gallery, inside the Merced Multicultural Arts Center at 645 W. Main St., is putting on an exhibition featuring an assortment of paintings, digital art and fabric art created by gallery members beginning May 7 at 5:30 p.m. Arbor Gallery is a co-operative art gallery that displays works by 25 of the area’s best-known artists. In addition to paintings, the gallery offers jewelry, fabric art, wood-turnings, metal sculptures and an extensive selection of greeting cards. For more information, call (209) 384-8338.
Train exhibit
The San Joaquin Valley Toy Train Operators will join with Amtrak to celebrate Amtrak Train Days with a model train exhibit at the Merced Amtrak train station, 324 W. 24th St., from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. May 9. Scale model train layouts will be operated throughout the day for the entertainment of passengers and the public at the station. The event is free.
Book signing
Sandy Lee of Sonora, author of a “No Unturned Stone – A Mother’s Quest,” will be at Barnes & Noble, 1720 W. Olive Ave., May 9 at 6:30 p.m. for a book signing. Her book explores the search for her 36-year-old son, Darvis Lee Jr., who mysteriously disappeared from Sonora. His remains and some of his clothing were found months later. She will lead a discussion on the book and answer questions. The event is free.
Adult coed softball
The Livingston Recreation Department is accepting rosters for the Adult Coed Spring Softball League. Roster deadline is May 29 at 5 p.m. Roster packets are available at City Hall, 1416 C St. There is a six-team limit per division. The cost is $452.50 per team plus an $18 Amateur Softball Association registration fee. The individual fee is $34 based on a 14-member team. For more information, contact the Recreation Department at (209) 394-8830 or go to www.livingstoncity.com.
Teacher training
The UC Merced Writing Project’s Teacher Leadership Institute, an intensive learning experience on effective teaching practices, will run from June 15 to July 9. Those in the class meet on the UC campus from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Monday through Thursday. The summer fellowship includes a $500 stipend. All teachers are invited to apply but space is limited. To get an application or for more information, email Xer Thao at xthao2@ucmerced.edu.
If you would like to have an event announced in Around Town, send information to aroundtown@mercedsunstar.com at least 10 days before the event. Items run according to space available.
This story was originally published April 26, 2015 at 4:22 PM with the headline "Around Town (4/27/15)."