Around Town (07/26/16)

Lane closed

The northbound lane of N Street between 18th and 19th streets in Merced will be closed for about 18 months for the construction of the UC Merced Downtown Center, according to city officials. The center is across the street from the Merced City Hall. The building is set to open in fall 2017. For more, call 209-385-6834.

Turf show

The artificial turf fields at McNamara Park will be the focus of an open house/public play from 3:30-5:30 p.m. Tuesday, and Thursday at the park, 1040 Canal St. If there is enough interest, the open house will continue on Aug. 2, 4, 9 and 11. On Tuesdays while the fields are open, the city’s mobile recreation truck will also be at the park. Only athletic shoes and soccer cleats, except for those that are metal, can be worn on the field. No high heels. No drinks are allowed on the field, except water. No food, chewing gum or sunflower seeds are allowed on the field. For more, call 209-385-6978.

Public health

The Merced County Department of Public Health has set several community health planning meetings in July and August. The next three are 6-8 p.m. Tuesday at Livingston City Hall, 1416 C St.; 6-8 p.m. Wednesday at Franklin Elementary School, 2736 Franklin Road; and 6-8 p.m. Thursday at Merced City Hall, 678 W. 18th St. For more, email Sureyma Gonzalez at sgonzalez@resourcedevelopment.net.

Youth Center

The McNamara Youth Center in the park is open for drop-in activities from 3-6 p.m. Monday through Friday at the park, 1040 Canal St. For more, call 209-385-6235.

Livingston Night Out

Livingston’s National Night Out will be 5:30-6:30 p.m. Aug. 2 at the Livingston Police Department, 1446 C St., Livingston. At the free event, the Police Department will showcase equipment used during critical incidents, police horses, police dogs and vehicles. McGruff the Crime Dog will be on hand, as will animal control. The Livingston Gang Unit will be providing information to parents about gangs and gang-related clothes. For more, call the station at 209-394-7916.

Merced Night Out

Merced’s main National Night Out event will be 6-8 p.m. Aug. 2 at Applegate Park, 1040 W. 25th St. The event is free to the public. The National Night Out celebration will include more 40 vendors featuring free food, free Kiddieland rides, music, raffle prizes, free zoo entry, and public safety displays and information. For more, call Eugene Drummond, Merced Police Department community liaison, at 209-385-6297.

Mono powwow

The Sierra Mono Museum invites the public to the 45th annual Indian Fair Days and Pow Wow from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Aug. 6-7 at Minarets High School, 45077 North Fork Road, O’Neals. The event will be full of music, dance, culture and more. For more, call the museum at 559-877-2115 or email staffmonomuseum@gmail.com.

Class of 1966

Merced High School Class of 1966 will hold a 50-year class reunion Sept. 24 at Five Ten Bistro, 510 W. Main St. All former MHS students are welcome. Planners recommend reservations and payment ASAP. For more, call Mike at 209-756-0812 or email classof66mhs@gmail.com.

This story was originally published July 25, 2016 at 2:30 PM with the headline "Around Town (07/26/16)."