Around Town (11-18-14)

Slideshow of 2015 tours

A slideshow presentation of upcoming 2015 tours by Merced College Community Services is at 3:30 p.m. Tuesday at 630 W. 19th St. The presentation is free and open to the public. Attendees will have a chance to learn more about the tours being offered in 2015-16 and ask questions. Refreshments will be served. RSVP at (209) 384-6224 or email at communitysvc@mccd.edu.

‘Devil’s Glove’ book signing

A book signing with Louis Agnello Jr., otherwise known as “Cousin Vinny,” is set for 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday at Second Time Around Books, 524 W. Main St., Merced. Agnello wrote “The Devil’s Glove,” which is about baseball, choices and lessons learned the hard way. He believes there is a spiritual message that young people can benefit from.

Gospel concert

Julie-N-Friends, an evening of gospel music, is set for 6 p.m. Nov. 30 at the Christian Life Center, 650 E. Olive Ave., Merced. The lineup includes the Chordsmen Quartet of Fresno, Doug Wiley of Boise, Idaho, Sheri Stambaugh of Modesto and local artists Rachel Rivero, Bridge Of Grace and Sweet Harmony. Admission is free. For information, call (559) 304-1102.

Gray, Cannella staff offer constituents help

State Sen. Anthony Cannella’s staff, along with Assemblyman Adam Gray, will hold mobile office hours in Los Banos and Dos Palos on Thursday. Hours will be 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 520 J St. in Los Banos and 2:30 to 4 p.m. at 2174 Blossom St. in Dos Palos. Staff can help constituents with DMV, Employment Development Department or matters involving other state agencies or state legislation. Call the Cannella’s Merced office at (209) 726-5495 or Gray’s office at (209) 726-5465 to make an appointment.

Candy Cane Christmas

The United Methodist Women will have its 84th annual bazaar from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Dec. 6 at 899 Yosemite Ave., Merced. There will be an 11:30 a.m. bazaar luncheon. Tickets are $10. Call Joyce at (209) 617-8119 for tickets or information. Featured at the bazaar will be attic treasures, a silent auction, candy room, bake shop, boutique and handmade items room, jam/jelly room, Christmas room, egg rolls and Hmong stitchery.

Book launch at Merced College

The Merced College Library is the site of a book launch for “Shadowed: Unheard Voices,” an anthology of poems and photographs detailing lives of unknown women. The book launch and reading, which is free and open to the public, will be held at 6 p.m. Wednesday in the Wendell Olson Forum, located on the second floor of the library, 3600 M St.

Turkey Trot Fun Run

The Merced Running Club’s Turkey Trot Fun Run is scheduled for 8:15 a.m. Saturday in Merced’s Applegate Park. For information or to register, contact Terry Richardson at (209) 769-2855 or TLRRUN@hotmail.com.

Shakespearefest auditions

Merced Shakespearefest will hold auditions for its 2015 winter play, “The Winter’s Tale” at 10 a.m. Saturday at Playhouse Merced, 452 W. Main St. Actors, singers, musicians of all ages are needed and all roles are open. Performances will be in February. For more information, contact katiebrokaw@gmail.com

Mature driver class

Merced College Office of Continuing Education is offering a Mature Driver Improvement class from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dec. 5 at the college’s Education Center, Building 5. Many insurance companies offer discounts to drivers 50 years and older who complete this course. The seven-hour course will include classroom instruction on driver safety, how the effect of aging can impair driving ability, how to prevent or offset hazardous conditions and road courtesy. Discussions on how to improve driving performance and updates about rules, laws and equipment are included. No registration fee. Call the Merced College Office of Continuing Education at (209) 381-6540 to preregister, as seating is limited.

Thanksgiving dinner at Livingston church

The Livingston United Methodist Church will have its annual Thanksgiving Dinner at noon Sunday inside Pioneer Hall, 11695 Olive Ave., Livingston. Turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy will be supplied. All are welcome. Come and bring your favorite Thanksgiving side dish to share. The gathering is free, but donations accepted to help offset the cost. For details, call (209) 394-2264.

This story was originally published November 17, 2014 at 5:46 PM with the headline "Around Town (11-18-14)."