Around Town, Feb. 4, 2015

Anti-fracking protest

Mercedians Against Fracking plan to join an Oakland protest meant to call on Gov. Jerry Brown to stop fracking in the state. The group has about 35 seats to fill on its bus, which will leave at 8:30 a.m. Saturday. To register for a seat on the bus from Merced, send an email to marilynnemanfre@gmail.com or go to www.marchforclimateleadership.org.

Valentine’s Day play

Playhouse Merced is presenting the renowned play “Love Letters” on Feb. 14 at 7:30 p.m. featuring David and Holly Zacharias. The $25 charge includes dessert and champagne or cider. Tickets can be purchased at the box office, 452 W. Main St., or by calling (209) 725-8587.

Valentine’s Day Dance

Club Mercedes will hold its “Nothin’ But Love Valentine’s Day Dance” at 6 p.m. Feb. 14 at 569 W. Ninth St. in Merced. There will be live music by “Force ’Em” from 8 to 11 p.m. Price is $10 per person. A no-host beverage and dinner bar will be available at an extra cost. Must be age 21 or older to attend. For tickets or information, call (209) 383-9906 after 4 p.m. Club Mercedes is a nonprofit organization. Proceeds will benefit a scholarships program.

Black History Month program

Liberty Fellowship in Atwater is scheduled to hold a Black History Month program at 5 p.m. Feb. 22. The event will include a community choir under the direction of Gwen Amey, praise dancing by Liberty Fellowship and much more. The church is at 1900 Shaffer Road in Atwater and the event is free to the public.

Rotary crab dinner

North Merced Rotary’s 30th annual crab dinner is scheduled for 6 p.m. Feb. 28 at the Merced County Fairgrounds Pavilion, 900 Martin Luther King Jr. Way in Merced. For tickets call Don Bragonier at (209) 723-0064 or Erik Ekizian at (209) 384-2100.

Christian school black tie gala

Classic Hollywood is the theme for the Providence Christian School black tie gala dinner and auction at 5 p.m. Feb. 21 at the Merced County Fairgrounds Pavilion. Tickets are $50 each or $400 for a table of eight. Tickets can be purchased by calling (209) 383-4727. Donations of auction items can be dropped off at the school office at 2142 Yosemite Ave., Merced.

Stroke Support Group

The local Stroke Support Group is open to anyone who has survived a stroke. Family, friends and caregivers are welcome. Meetings happen from 4 to 5:30 p.m. the second Thursday of every month at the Mercy Medical Pavilion, third floor, classroom A, 315 Mercy Ave. in Merced. There is no cost or registration required. Call (209) 564-4310 for more information.

Mental illness class for parents

“Basics” is a six-week class for parents and caregivers of children who have, or are suspected of having, a mental illness. Basics begins at 5:30 p.m. Feb. 19. For more information, call (209) 381-6844 and a volunteer will call back within 24 hours, or email namimerced@aol.com. All classes are free and are taught by NAMI-trained volunteers who have experience in dealing with mental illnesses in their own families.

This story was originally published February 3, 2015 at 7:25 PM with the headline "Around Town, Feb. 4, 2015."