Around Town (04/06/16)
Garden tours
The Merced Garden Club will hold its 20th Spring Garden Tour, “A Beautiful Garden is a Work of Art,” 10 a.m.-3 p.m. May 11 at six local gardens. Tickets are $15. For more, call 209-722-1656 or 530-304-9617.
Ribs for Relay
The fourth annual Ribs for Relay barbecue dinner is 5-8 p.m. April 21 at Merced Fruit Barn, 526 E. Highway 140. Half of the proceeds go to the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life. The dinner includes all-you-can-eat beef and pork ribs, Portuguese beans, salad, roll and drink for $25. Takeout is available. For tickets, call 209-722-2921.
Denim Day buttons
The Valley Crisis Center is observing Sexual Assault Awareness Month in April by asking for a $5 donation before Denim Day on April 27. Everyone who donates gets a $5 “Denim Day” button. F&M Bank in Merced has pledged to match the donation taking at its G Street location. For more, call the center at 209-725-7900 or go to www.valleycrisiscenter.org.
Animal carriers
New Beginnings of Merced said it is in need of medium- and large-sized carriers for animals they transport to no-kill rescues each month. Used carriers in usable condition, which would be appropriate for animals of 40 to 70 pounds, are acceptable as well as new carriers or monetary donations. Receipts can be provided for tax purposes. To donate a carrier, call 209-769-8953.
Sunday dance
A dance will be held from 2-5 p.m. April 24 at Merced Senior Community Center, 755 W. 15th St. A Latin dance class from Manuel Ramirez precedes that at 1 p.m. Cost is $8. For more, call 209-723-0839 or 209-628-8734.
Food bank boxes
Merced County Food Bank’s Drought Food Assistance Program is a free temporary program designed to provide assistance to people in Merced County. Those receiving a food box will be asked to self-certify that they live in a household where drought conditions have caused their underemployment, unemployment or reduced their income. People can receive the roughly 30-pound boxes of food up to two times a week. The Merced County Food Bank at 2000 W. Olive Ave. is open 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday to Friday. For more, call 209-726-3663.
High-speed rail in Madera
The California High-Speed Rail Authority plans a public meeting 5-6:30 p.m. April 30 at Madera County Library, 121 N. G St. The planners will cover the 32-mile project between Avenue 17 and Avenue 19. For more, call Maurice Young at 559-385-7025 or Toni Tinoco at 559-274-8975.
Habitat for Humanity
Merced’s Habitat for Humanity plans a volunteer orientation 7-8 p.m. April 13 at St. Paul Lutheran Church library, 2916 N. McKee Road. For more or to reserve a spot, call 209-726-0850.
Mature driver class
Merced College’s noncredit program offers a Mature Driver Improvement class 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Wednesday at Atwater Community Center, 760 Bellevue Road. Many insurance companies offer discounts to drivers 55 and older who complete a course.
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.
This story was originally published April 5, 2016 at 5:49 PM with the headline "Around Town (04/06/16)."