Around Town (9/21/2015)

California Retired Teachers Association garden party

The California Retired Teachers Association will host a garden party brunch and meeting at 10 a.m. Monday at 2649 Reggio Court in Merced. Learn about the upcoming events sponsored by CRTA and the many benefits of belonging to this organization. The event is free to all members and guests. No reservations are necessary.

‘An Evening with Van Gogh’ at Merced College

Merced College Community Services will be offering “An Evening with Van Gogh” on Wednesdays from 6 to 7:30 p.m. beginning Wednesday through Oct. 7. During this class, students will explore the life and work of van Gogh and will re-create one of his master works using pastels. The cost is $45 per participant plus $15 materials fee. For more information, call 209-384-6224 or email communitysvc@mccd.edu.

Storytime at Barnes & Noble Merced

Barnes & Noble will host a Storytime for Kids event at 11 a.m. Saturday at its Merced location, 1720 W. Olive Ave. Children can hear the story “Max the Brave,” by Ed Vere. The event is free and open to the public. For more information, call 209-386-0571.

Merced Gardens & Nursery class

Merced Gardens & Nursery will host a Holiday Herb Bowl “Make & Take” class on Saturday. Supplies and instruction provided. Materials cost $12. Seating is limited. For reservations, call 209-384-0513. For more information, visit the website at www.mercedgardens.com.

Women’s Day Program in Chowchilla

Dr. R.L. Walker and the Galilee Missionary Baptist Church are celebrating their annual Women’s Day Program from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sept. 27 at 22491 Fairmead Blvd. in Chowchilla. Pastor Velda Dobson-Davis will be the morning speaker. Pastor Charles Bostic will be the afternoon speaker. Lunch will be served from 1:30 to 2:45 p.m.

Excellence in Education Awards

Merced County Office of Education and Educational Employees Credit Union will host the annual Excellence in Education awards ceremony at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 29 at the Merced Theatre, 301 Main St. The program, formerly “Teacher of the Year,” now has two categories, one for teachers and one for other school employees. The awards ceremony is free and open to the public. To RSVP or for more information, call Stacie Arancibia at 209-381-5910 or email events@mcoe.org.

Bus driver training, recertification

Merced College Noncredit program is offering a 36-hour course in Bus Driver Training/Recertification. This class is designed to improve the bus driver’s public relations ability and to provide basic and refresher course information on vehicle checkout procedures, first aid and emergency procedures. The class is held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays at the Agriculture Building, room AG-10, on the Merced College campus from Oct. 3 to Nov 7. There are no registration fees for the class. To register, call 209-381-6540.

Merced Peripheral Neuropathy Support Group

The Merced Peripheral Neuropathy Support Group’s next meeting is from 1 to 2 p.m. Oct. 8 at the Hoffmeister Center, 1920 Canal St. in Merced. If your toes/fingers and or feet/hands tingle or feel numb, you might have peripheral neuropathy. You are not alone. Roundtable discussion and informative handouts will be available. For more information, call Bill Cavner at 209-723-9405 or Larry Frice at 209-358-2045.

Merced High Class of 1955 luncheon

The Merced High School Class of 1955 will hold a luncheon for its 60th reunion at 11 a.m. Oct. 20 at the Merced Golf & Country Club, 6333 Golf Road in Merced. Lunch will be served at 1 p.m. For more information, call Nancy Pyle Vitato at 209-233-1731 or Myrna Wood Akins at 815-385-4472 or 815-403-6011.

This story was originally published September 20, 2015 at 2:30 PM with the headline "Around Town (9/21/2015)."