Around Town , (2/9/15)

Ash Wednesday service

Le Grand United Methodist Church will host a community Ash Wednesday service at 6 p.m. Feb. 18 in the church sanctuary, 3801 Washington St., at the southwest corner of Washington and Adams streets in Le Grand. The community is welcome to attend the service to begin the season of Lent.

Art exhibit reception

A reception for the Arbor Gallery exhibit “Potpourri” is 5:30 to 7 p.m. Thursday. The exhibition features an eclectic assortment of paintings and fabric art created by Arbor Gallery members. Arbor Gallery is a co-operative art gallery that displays works by 25 of the area’s best-known artists. In addition to paintings, the gallery offers jewelry, fabric art, metal sculptures and an extensive selection of greeting cards. Arbor Gallery is located inside Merced Multicultural Arts Center at 645 W. Main St. For more information, call (209) 384-8338.

Alcohol, drug advisory board meeting

The Merced County Advisory Board on Alcohol and Other Drug Problems will meet at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Mental Health Administration, 1137 B St., Merced. The meeting is open to the public.

Church shoe drive

Bethesda Apostolic Faith Church’s shoe drive ends Feb. 25. The shoes will be shipped overseas to individuals who need need them. Shoes can be dropped off at 1822 Canal St., Merced. Call (209) 489-4128 to arrange pickup or drop-off of your donation.

Valentine’s Day play

Playhouse Merced will present the renowned play “Love Letters” at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 14, 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.

Shakespearefest: ‘Winter’s Tale’

Merced Shakespearefest will present “The Winter’s Tale” on Feb. 20-22, 27-28 and March 1 at Merced Multicultural Arts Center, 645 W. Main St., Merced. Performances are at 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays. Tickets are $12 general, $8 students. They can be purchased at the door or at the arts center during business hours, or be reserved by calling (209) 723-3265. For more information, visit mercedshakespearefest.org.

Human Rights Watch Film Festival

UC Merced is holding a Human Rights Watch Film Festival, with a different film shown every Friday. The films will be shown from 7 to 9 p.m. in Classroom Office Building 120 at the campus. For questions or more information, email professor Nigel Hatton at nhatton@ucmerced.edu.

Photography classes

Jay Sousa is offering a three-day wedding photography workshop Feb. 20-22. He’s also offering a class that will combine beginning backpacking and a nighttime full-moon photography workshop in the 20 Lakes Basin on Aug. 28-30. For more information, call Sousa at (209) 617-1384.

This story was originally published February 7, 2015 at 10:50 PM with the headline "Around Town , (2/9/15)."