Around Town (08/02/2018)

Groundwater sustainability planning workshop

A groundwater sustainability planning workshop is set for 6 to 8:30 p.m. today in the Sam Pipes Room of the Merced Civic Center, 678 W. 18th St., Merced. Agencies want to hear from the public on water resource management for the area and will discuss the management plan and what it means for the future of groundwater in the Merced subbasin. For more information, visit www.mercedsgma.org.

Mermaids and Pirates at Merced zoo

The Applegate Park Zoo will host a “Mermaids and Pirates” water-themed family fun night from 5:30-8:30 p.m. Saturday that the Zoo, 1045 W. 25th St., Merced. Popcorn, popsicles, crafts, treasure hunt, bounce house, and of course mermaids and pirates! Admission to the event is $3 per person and children 2 and under are free. Costumes encouraged. For more information, call 209-385-6235.

School Supply Assistance Event

The Children’s Literacy Foundation of America will host a School Supply Assistance Event to benefit the families and children of Merced County at from noon to 6 p.m. Saturday at Merino Park on the corner of El Redondo Drive and Pacific Drive in Merced. For more information, call 719-989-8591 or email rickylee@clfakids.org.

Free Mental Illness Class

NAMI Merced will host free weekly classes this spring for those suffering with mental health issues beginning at 5:30 p.m. Aug. 30 at 480 E. 13th St., Merced. Classes will end Nov. 15. The course provides information on many mental illnesses as well as coping skills, recovery and rehabilitation. Classes are taught by people who have experienced mental illness and are certified by NAMI California to offer courses to the community. You do not have to have been diagnosed to attend. Space is limited. For more information, call 209-789-6264 or visit www.namimerced.org/classes.

Merced Police Citizens Police Academy

The Merced Police Department is offering a free Citizens Police Academy. Classes for the 11-week program will be held weekly on Wednesday evenings from 6 to 9 p.m. starting Sept. 5 at the central police station, 611 West 22nd St., Merced. The deadline to enroll is 4 p.m. Friday, Aug. 24 or when the class reaches 28 participants. For more information or to enroll, call Eugene Drummond at 209-385-6297 or email drummonde@cityofmerced.org.Applications also are available at the city’s website, cityofmerced.org and can be faxed to 209-388-8943.

Old Time Western BBQ

Merced County Historical Society will host its 28th annual old-time western barbecue and auction in memory of Bill Kirby at Lake Yosemite on Sept. 11. Both live and silent auctions will feature fabulous dinners, vacation getaways, antique items, gourmet food, and artwork. Tickets cost $50 and are now on sale in the Courthouse Museum Gift Shop. Live music will be provided by Evening Edition. For more information, call the museum office at 209-723-2401. Proceeds benefit Courthouse Museum programs and scholarships.