Around Town (11/6/15)

Buddy Poppy Drive

The Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4327 of Merced will hold its Buddy Poppy Drive on Friday and Saturday. The VFW Buddy Poppy program provides compensation to the veterans who assemble the poppies, which have become the official memorial flower for the VFW. Donations, cans and tables will be set up from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily at multiple locations throughout Merced, including Save Mart, Walgreens, Bar-B-Q Pit and Paul’s Place. Donations will help support veteran programs, including the VFW National Home for Children.

Barnes & Noble Storytime

Barnes & Noble will host a Storytime for Kids at 11 a.m. Saturday at 1720 W. Olive Ave. Children will hear “Rosie Revere, Engineer” and “Iggy Peck, Architect,” by Andrea Beaty. The event is free. For more information, call 209-386-0571.

Food Bank fundraiser

The second annual Share the Harvest with Grateful Hearts party to benefit the Merced County Food Bank will take place Saturday. Last year the benefit raised 3,000 pounds of food and $7,000 through community sponsorship. This year the goal is to raise $30,000 for the food bank’s senior brown bag program. The fundraiser will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. at Vista Ranch and Cellars. Admission is free with a bag of nonperishable groceries.

Marine Corps birthday

The American Legion will celebrate the Marines Corps’ 240th birthday at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday at 1939 W. Main St. The celebration includes a flag ceremony and cake-cutting at 6:30 p.m. For more information, call Gayle Callahan at 209-722-7366.

Gustine centennial

The city of Gustine will host several events in celebration of its 100th anniversary. On Nov. 12, a dairy sign dedication will be hosted at 2 p.m. at the Gustine Museum. On Nov. 14, a community social with cocktails and guest speakers will take place at 6 p.m. at the Al Goman Center. A time capsule burial ceremony will happen Nov. 21 at 11 a.m. at Henry Miller Park. Later that night, the celebration will conclude with a family party and movie night at the Al Goman Center at 6 p.m.

Crane Day at Wildlife Refuge

The Merced National Wildlife Refuge is inviting the public to participate in Crane Day birdwatching tours Nov. 14. The guided tours will be on buses traveling around the refuge to view the thousands of sandhill cranes and other wildlife that make the refuge their winter home. The refuge is at 7430 W. Sandy Mush Road. Meet at the front entrance kiosk. Tours will occur from 8 and 10 a.m. Space is limited, so call 209-826-3508 to reserve a spot. This event is free and open to all ages.

Republican Women’s Meeting

The next Merced County Republican Women’s meeting is set for 11:30 a.m. Nov. 16 at the Branding Iron, 640 W. 16th St. The speaker will be AARP insurance agent Chuck Meyers, who is expected to answer questions about the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act and changes to Medicare. To reserve a seat for lunch, call 209-812-4398 or 209-761-0550.

Retired Women Luncheon

The November luncheon of the Merced College Retired Women will be held at 11:30 a.m. Nov. 19 at La Hacienda Restaurant, 3355 G St. No reservation is required. Enjoy visiting with retired women in a relaxing atmosphere. For more information, call 209-358-5376.

Latinos of the Year nominations

The Merced County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce is seeking nominations for Latino man and Latina woman of the year. The award will be presented at the 2015 installation and awards dinner Dec. 11 at Gateway Gardens, 800 W. 18th St. To request a nomination form, go to www.mercedhcc.com or contact the MCHCC office at info@mercedhcc.com or 209-384-9537.

This story was originally published November 5, 2015 at 2:51 PM with the headline "Around Town (11/6/15)."