Around Town (08/17/2018)
Barbecue Luncheon in Merced
An AARP annual barbecue luncheon is set for 10 a.m. Aug. 22 at the Merced Senior Center, 755 W. 15th St., Merced. The cost is $5 for members and $8 for non-members. For reservations, call 209-357-8206.
Merced Shakespearefest
Merced Shakespearefest will host its first gala to benefit local Shakespeare programs featuring Eric Stephen Bocks’ music and scenes from the Bard at 7 p.m. Aug. 26 at the Vista Ranch on 7326 Hwy 140. Tickets are $30 and can be purchased at vistacellars.com. For more info call 209 722-8200 or 209 723-3265 or go on www.mercedshakespearefest.org.
Free Mental Illness Class
NAMI Merced will host free weekly classes this spring for those who have friends and family 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.
CASA Seeking Volunteers
Court Appointed Special Advocates of Merced County needs Volunteers. A CASA Volunteer is a trained to advocate for the best interests of foster youth within the court system. Next training is set for Sept. 20. Informational meetings will take place: 9 a.m. Aug. 24; 10 a.m. Aug. 29; 11 a.m. Sept. 6; 3 p.m. Sept. 10; 5:30 p.m. Sept. 12; 5:30 p.m. Sept. 17. The information meetings and the training classes will be held at the CASA office: 2824 Park Ave, Suite A, Merced. For more information, visit mercedcasa.org or call 209-722-2272.
Back To School Supply Drive in Los Banos
Pizza Factory Los Banos is hosting a Back-to-School Supply Drive to benefit Los Banos Elementary, San Luis High School and Crossroads Alternative Education Center from Wednesday, Aug. 15 through Saturday, Sept. 15 at 2160 E Pacheco Blvd., Space K, Los Banos. For more information, call 209-829-1100. Customers who donate $5-10 worth of school supplies will get a voucher for a free breadstick and will be entered into a raffle for a grand prize.
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.