Around Town (05/17/16)
Parkinson’s group
The special Parkinson’s Support Group hosted by Amie Marchini Senior Care is opinion to the public at 10 a.m. Thursday at Mission Gardens, 1450 E. 27th St. It will present George L. Johnston, a Parkinson’s patient and author, who will to share his book and his experience with Parkinson’s disease. For more, call 209-384-3000.
Vanessa Smith Fundraiser
Family and friends of Vanessa Smith, a Winton teen who disappeared in 1997, will hold a fundraiser breakfast on Saturday at Applebee’s in Atwater, 820 Commerce Ave. Tickets can be purchased for $10 at the door and must be presented to receive the meal of pancakes, eggs, bacon and a beverage. Proceeds will be used to purchase billboard space to raise awareness about the continuing search for Vanessa. For more information, or to volunteer to help, call 209-664-9042.
Kids opera
The Merced County Office of Education, Arts UC Merced Presents and the Betty Scalice Foundation will present WOOSH (Web of Opera Super Heroes), a children’s miniopera, at 10 a.m. Saturday in Lakireddy Auditorium at UC Merced. Cost for for the public performance is $5 for adults and $3 for children. Tickets will be available at the door beginning at 9:30 a.m.
Memorial service
The Merced American Legion Post 83 plans its annual Memorial Day services at 10 a.m. May 30 at Merced District Cemetery, 1300 B St. The service includes the posting of the colors then lowering it to half-staff. The guest speaker is retired Air Force Lt. Col. Michael Prusak, who is also of the Civil Air Patrol, acting commander for the California Wing. Terri Pickard, a Gold Star mom, and Danielle Lightner, a Blue Star mom, will place a memorial wreath and folded flag at the base of the flag pole. A rifle salute and taps are also planned.
Animal fundraiser
New Beginnings for Merced County Animals plans a fundraiser 8-9:30 a.m. June 4 at the Merced Applebee’s, 1734 W. Olive Ave. Take-out is also available. Tickets are $7.50 and may be purchased at Valley Animal Hospital, 58 W. 16th St., Christina’s Fine Clothing, 2852 G St., or Santa Fe Pet Hospital at 3113 N. Beachwood Drive. All proceeds go to New Beginnings’ animal transports. For more, call 209-769-8953.
Rahilly Park
Merced’s Parks and Recreation Department offers a summer playground program Monday-Friday from June 6 to July 29 at Rahilly Park, 3400 Parsons Ave. It is $15 a week, And an additional $10 for extra family members. For more information, call the office at 209-385-6235, visit www.cityofmerced.org, find the office on Facebook or stop by the office at 678 W. 18th St.
Cooking matters
Merced’s Parks and Recreation Department offers a summer “Cooking Matters” class for sixth- to ninth-graders at the Senior Community Center Kitchen, 755 W. 15th St. in Merced. The first session is June 21, 23, 28 and 30; and the second is July 5, 7, 12 and 14. It is free, but registration is required. For more information, call the office at 209-385-6235, visit www.cityofmerced.org, find the office on Facebook or stop by the office at 678 W. 18th St.
Lutheran school
St. Paul Lutheran School is now enrolling children preschool through sixth grade for the 2016-17 school year. The school offers financial aid for families who cannot afford the cost of tuition. A substantial amount of financial aid for new students has just been made available, according to school staff. For more on the school at 2916 N. McKee Road in Merced, call 209-383-3302.
Relay for Life
Atwater’s Relay For Life is looking for volunteers. Those interested in helping to plan the event for the American Cancer Society, Atwater Relay For Life, can contact Ted Torres at relayforlifeted@gmail.com. No experience necessary, just enthusiasm, commitment and desire to make a great event on Sept. 17 and 18.
Coupons for seniors
The 2016 Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program coupon booklets, can be redeemed at specific certified farmers markets only, are available to low-income seniors 60 and older. For more on where to get the booklets and where they can be redeemed, contact the Merced Area Agency on Aging at 209-385-7550 or 800-510-2020.
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 May 16, 2016 at 2:14 PM with the headline "Around Town (05/17/16)."