COMMUNITY CALENDAR

Help keep our readers informed. We urge people participating in an event to write about it and send their story to Connections soon after the event.

ACTIONS FOR PEACE sponsored by Peace Life Center, Public invited MODESTO PEACE LIFE CENTER VIGILS: Monthly peace vigils are held THE FIRST FRIDAY of the month at McHenry Ave. and J St., (Five points), 5:00-6:00 pm  call the Center for info: 529-5750.    PEACE LIFE CENTER is open on Wednesdays, noon to 2 pm. 720 13th St. Call us 529-5750, we'll get back to you with info on vigils and other activities.

Other peace actions in the Valley/Mother Lode: TUOLUMNE COUNTY CITIZENS FOR PEACE: Courthouse Park, downtown Sonora. VIGIL, every Thursday, 6 p.m. Bring candle, sign. Regular meetings 1st and 3rd Thursdays, 7 pm. Call (209) 532-3516 for location. Thursdays: Stockton Peace Vigil, 5:30-6:15 pm, Yokuts & Pacific Ave., Stockton.  Info: 467-4455 First Fridays: Calaveras Citizens for Peace vigil, 4-6 pm, Angels Camp. Info: 296-7354, or email Second Fridays: Amador Citizens for Peace vigil, 4-6 pm, Sutter Creek, Info: 296-7354, or email Merced Candelight Peace Vigil, every Friday, 4:30 to 5:30 pm, at M and 21st streets, Merced. Contact: Hetland, (209) 388-1608, or email

April

29 TUES: Amy Goodman and her brother David talk about their new book, Standing Up to the Madness: Ordinary Heroes in Extraordinary Times, Unitarian Universalist Church, Chestnut and Alluvial Avenues, Clovis. 7 pm. Info: Steve Sacks, johnsonsacks@comcast.net

May

2 FRI: Tribu, indigenous music group, Westside Theatre, Newman, CA, 8:00 p.m

3 SAT: Tribu, indigenous music group, Gallo Center for the Arts, Foster Family Theater, 7:30 p.m.

4 SUN: Café Shalom, ethnic Jewish foods, entertainment, baked goods and Judaica cultural items, 9 am. to 2 pm, Congregation Beth Shalom, 1705 Sherwood Ave., Modesto. Info: 571-6060.

11 SUN: Stand in the Park for Peace, Graceada Park, Modesto and Courthouse Park, Sonora. 1:00 - 3:00 pm.

16 FRI: Poetry Reading, Earth Words, poems by Elizabeth Knoll, read by her grandmother Nancy. Sierra Club, Police Dept. Community room. Info: Brad Barker, barker.b@monet.k12.ca.us 

16 FRI: Family Promise Benefit Concert by Jeshua Franklin & Friends. Modesto Reformed Church, 2026 College Ave., Modesto, 7 pm.

17 SAT: Tuolumne River Trust’s 2^nd Annual Big Bend Bash – A celebration in support of the Lower Tuolumne River Parkway. Enjoy an evening by the river at our newly restored Big Bend project site off Broyle Rd in Modesto with live music, canoe rides, site tours, games and silent auction. 4 – 8pm. Dinner catered by Tresetti’s World Caffe. Tickets, info. call Karyn, (415) 292-3531 or Meg at (209) 236-0330, or www.tuolumne.org.

17 SAT: 31st Annual Basque BBQ at Touch the Earth Ranch, Paloma, CA (political fundraiser). Live music by Peter Yarrow of Peter Paul & Mary with special guest Bethany Yarrow (Peter's daughter), country music, BBQ, pony rides, petting farm. 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm. General admission, $75; Senior tickets $50; Student tickets, $25. Children eight years old and under free. Purchase tickets at www.garamendi.org. Contact info@garamendi.org for directions, information. Allie Herson, (916) 863-6881.

18 SUN:  Classic Film at the State:  The Graduate

19 MON: Day Hike, Del Valle Regional Park. For retirees, slackers, and others. We will hike 10-12 miles around another fake lake in Livermore’s rolling hills . We will follow Ridgeline and East Shore Trails, to take advantage of the ridge top viewpoints and lake side habitat. We may catch the tail end of the spring wildflowers, and miss the summer heat of this sparsely shaded area. We will keep an eye out for Derek's catamount. Bring lunch, beverage, appropriate clothing, $$ (for carpooling and parking fee), and other essentials. Modestans meet at North Modesto Park'n'Ride on Sisk Rd., (near Vintage Faire Mall) at 8:00 am. Others call or email for alternative meeting place. Sign up with Yokuts leader Elaine Gorman, 209.524.7630 or goford@sbcglobal.net

20 TUE:  ACLU/NAACP Forum.  Cosponsored by the Cal State Stanislaus Criminal Justice Club, the free, public gathering will feature attorney Mark Schlosberg, ACLU/NC police practices policy director, discussing "Police Harassment or Civilian Review?" at 7 p.m. in Room C102 of Bizzini Hall.  For more details see  http://StanACLU.org

Looking Ahead:

June 8: 33rd Annual Pancake Breakfast for Peace Life Center, 8 am – Noon, Modesto Church of the Brethren.

June 27-29: Peace Camp in the Sierras at Camp Peaceful Pines. Registration form here

Saturday, September 13: 2nd Annual Stanislaus Pagan Pride Day, Tuolumne River Regional Park,
http://www.stanislauspaganprideday.com

October 4: Stanislaus Pagan Unity Festival, Graceada Park.

Sunday October 28: Kathy Kelly and David Smith-Ferri speak about Iraq and Iraqi refugees. Place and time TBA

Area Calendars/Events listings

State Theater calendar of events
West Side Theater Events
Merced Arts Calendar

E-Arts News-performing, literary and visual arts in the Central San Joaquin Valley and the Mother Lode Area.

City of Modesto Parks, Recreation and Neighborhoods Activity Guide
Stanislaus County Free Library Events

Events at MJC
Great Valley Museum Calendar of Events
Events at CSU Stanislaus

Sierra Club events calendar

San Joaquin Connections Community Calendar

Search for nearby Concerts using Musi-Cal, the music search engine
Freight and Salvage concerts (Berkeley)
Neighborhood Energy--Music in the Diablo Valley
California Bluegrass Association

The Modesto Bee Entertainment Calendar can be reached from this page
The Modesto Bee listing of Community Events is here

Modestoview Community Calendar

For holidays and celebrations around the world, here's a link to the Earth Calendar.
For every kind of calendar reference information you could want, try the Calendar Zone

Bay Area peace and social justice events: Bay Area Events from Global Exchange. Email bayareaevents@globalexchange.org with "subscribe" in the body of the message, or view Bay Area Events at www.globalexchange.org/getinvolved/events.html

Bay Area Progressive Calendar from AFSC: Email ProgressiveCalendar@afsc.org or view online at www.emf.net/~cheetham/index.html

Bay Area Events Calendar At Common Ground

California Nature Events & Festivals from the Audubon Society

Ongoing

PEACE/LIFE CENTER. Education and information on peace, justice and sustainable environment issues. The Center, at 720 13th St. in Modesto, open each Wednesday from noon to 2:00 p.m. Please call us 529-5750 and we'll get back to you for any other access to the office.  Board meetings first Tuesday of each month, 7:00 p.m. at the Center.

CONNECTIONS EDITORIAL STAFF MEETINGS: Twice a month.   Call to confirm time and place. 522-4967.  New workers welcomed.

FARMERS' MARKETS:

• MODESTO CERTIFIED FARMERS MARKET: Downtown, 16th/between H & I Streets, Thursdays and Saturdays, 7am-1 pm, . Flowers, vegetables, bread, chef’s demonstrations. Community gathering among the valley’s produce.  Open for Season May 3
• Oakdale: Hershey's Visitor Center,120 S Sierra Ave, Oakdale.  Thursday evenings, 6 pm-8 pm, Open May 31--September
• Riverbank:  Third Street & Santa Fe Street, Riverbank, Wednesday evenings, 5:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m., Open May 30-September
• Sonora: Theall St. in downtown Sonora , Saturday mornings . 8 a.m. to noon; Info 532-7725

CHILDREN'S STORY HOURS:

• Stanislaus County Library. DOWNTOWN MODESTO LIBRARY IS OPEN AGAIN. CHILDREN’S STORY HOURS for toddlers and preschoolers at Salida library (Sisk Rd near Kiernan) . Other library services will be available at the branches while the main library is closed., click here for schedule
• Storytime at Modesto Certified Farmers' Market, Thursdays, 10 am, next to the library, 16th and I St., Modesto. (Farmers Market open May-November)
• Story Time at Barnes and Noble: Tuesdays, 11am. Thursdays, 4:30pm. McHenry Avenue north of Standiford Ave., Modesto. 521-1118.
• Story Hour at the Storyteller Bookstore:  Saturdays, 10 - 11 am, 528 E. Main, Turlock, 664-9197

MUSEUMS:

• GREAT VALLEY MUSEUM of Natural History, College & Stoddard Ave., Modesto.  Open Wed. to Fri. , 12 - 4:30 pm., Sat. 10-5.  Schedule available: 575-6196.  Field trips, live animal programs, native plant garden.
• McHenry Museum, 1402 I St. Modesto. Information: 577-5366.
• Haggin Museum, 1201 N. Pershing Ave., Stockton.  209-940-6315 or email

GALLERIES:

• CENTRAL CALIFORNIA ART LEAGUE Mistlin Gallery, exhibits by local artists. 1015 J Street in Tenth Street Place Open Mon-Sat 10-5.  Free admission, Rental of artworks available. 
• ANDERSON GALLERY, 1323 J St., Modesto.  Open M - F, 10 - 6, Sat., 10 - 5. 579-9913. open for the Third Thursday Gallery Walk
• THE CHARTREUSE MUSE STUDIO GALLERY, 1217 H Street, downtown Modesto. open Thu-Fri 11am-4 pm, Sat 10 am-2pm.  Info: 209-522-0935.  Showing "Gilded Offerings" by Art Clique thru Dec. 21.  December's featured artists:  Judith Cochran & Cloe Fonda
• Picasso's Gourmet Deli and Gallery, 963 10th St., Modesto.  209-491-4840.
• MJC ART GALLERY, Open noon to 8 pm Mon-Thurs, and 1 to 5 pm Friday. Free.. Call 575-6819 for gallery hours & current shows.  MJC East Campus, College Ave., Modesto.
• CARNEGIE ARTS CENTER, Classes for adults and children are scheduled in watercolor, basic drawing, poetry, and murals. Pre-registration required. 209-668-5698. Exhibits at City Hall Gallery, 156 S. Broadway, Turlock, 8 am- 5 pm.  
• CSU Stanislaus Art Gallery, CSU campus..  The Art Gallery is located in the lobby of the Drama building. All events are free and open to the public. Gallery hours are Monday through Thursday, noon to 4 pm. information,  (209)667-3186
• ART EXHIBITS AT HAGGIN MUSEUM Open 1:30 to 5 pm daily except Mondays. 20l N. Pershing, Stockton in Victory Park. Info: (209) 940-6300.  Free days:  1st Tuesday and 1st Saturday each month.
• Harbinger Gallery, 1224 Oak Circle (just off Highway 4), Arnold, CA (209/795-5957) and 66 Scott Street, Murphys, CA (209/728-3216).

THEATER/PERFORMANCE:

• STATE THEATER, ongoing program of film, concerts, and theater.  For the current calendar, click here.
• TOWNSEND OPERA PLAYERS, season summary.
• PROSPECT THEATER PROJECT.  For current season click here
• WEST SIDE THEATRE, Newman, ongoing concert series

A.R.T.S. EDUCATIONAL RESOURCE CENTER: free arts materials for teachers, scout leaders, child care, artists. All recycled things.  Volunteers and Materials needed! Open Mon-Fri, 8 am - 4:30 pm. 1100 Kansas Ave. Info: 567-4516.  Also in Turlock, 250 N. Broadway, Info 668-5698.

RE-STORE: gently used and new quality materials, donations from local sources, a part of Habitat for Humanity, Kearney Ave across from the Post Office, Modesto. Funds benefit homes built by Habitat in Stanislaus County for local income families.

CITY OF MODESTO RECREATION & NEIGHBORHOODS. (formerly called Parks and Recreation), Dept. has a wealth of activities for adults and children, including activities for disabled youth. Catalogues and info: 577-5344, 1010 10th St., Modesto. Click here for Activity Guide

YMCA after school and off track Child Care. Also many activities for adults and children, youth sports, etc. Some are free. Active Aging Program, featuring a voluntary physical fitness evaluation and develop an individual activity program. Call Fitness Coordinator, 578-9622. Monthly health screenings for seniors, by appointment only, are also offered. For cost & info 578-YMCA.

CHILD HEALTH MOBILE SERVICES Maddux Youth Center, 3rd & Sierra Dr., Modesto. Fourth Fridays, noon to 4:30 pm. Call for appointment, 525-6282.

TAI CHI.  Mondays thru Saturdays. Led by Naser and Mary. Info: 572-4518. 3600 Sisk Rd., Suite 4B

ALANON/ALATEEN. families/teenage children of alcoholics, 524-3907.

ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS. 572-2970.

CAIR, Changing Attitudes in Recovery, (also other support group listings) 577-1667.

GLSEN - San Joaquin Chapter.  Contact Ryan Moore, ryanm@softcom.net for more information about any GLSEN San Joaquin events.

NETWORK OF SPIRITUAL PROGRESSIVES, Church of the Brethren, 2301 Woodland Ave., Modesto. Steering committee meetings (open to all), quarterly membership/program meetings, interest group meetings: dates to be arranged. Info: 577-0883 or robsch@fire2wire.com

SCAP (STANISLAUS COMMUNITY ASSISTANCE PROJECT). Needs volunteers for Hand to Hand program, training people to provide practical & emotional support to people living with terminal illness. Info: Perry Shaw, 572-2437.

EL CONCILIO Community Center, 1314 H St., Modesto. For info, Raul Garcia, 523-2860 rgar@elconcilio.org

STANISLAUS PRIDE CENTER, 201 Needham (Elm side of Great Valley Center), Modesto. Open 3:00 to 7:00 pm Wed. through Sat. Library, snacks, sodas, FREE DSL computer access. FREE HIV Testing and FREE counseling for those who cannot obtain full-cost services elsewhere. Info: Desiree Holden, Center Coordinator, 221-5252 or coordinator@stanpride.org

 

Sundays

• PFLAG Mother Lode, First Sundays, 3 pm. At Tuolumne County Library Community Room, 480 Greenley Rd. Sonora, Info: 533-1665. email

• THE BIRDCAGE, third Sundays, 5:00 to 9:00 pm., Tresetti's, Modesto, gathering for gay and lesbian folks & friends.  Call Barry 529-6243 or email for information

• FOOD NOT BOMBS Turlock, 4 pm. Broadway Park.

• Central Valley Radical Mental Health Discussion Circles every 2nd Sun., 4 pm – discussion, 4:30 pm (opens with confidentiality & introduction) at Queen Bean, 1126 14th St.,  Modesto.

Mondays

• PFLAG, Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays support group. 7 pm, 527-0776, email. First Monday, Third Tuesday each month.
• GLSEN, (Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education network), 7 pm. Info: 527-0776, email. Meets jointly with PFLAG on first Monday.
• AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL GROUP:  letter writing campaign. Info: Dorothy, 549-9155.
• MJC STUDENT ACTIVIST CLUB, MJC, Founders Hall, room 121, 3 - 4 pm.
• YOGA WITH NEVA AND JOCELYN, Mondays, 7 pm, Oakwood Office Park, 1317 Oakdale Rd. , Rm. 430, Modesto, 523-0155 or 524-3246.
• LA LECHE Turlock, 7:00 pm, 3rd Monday. Info: 537-1243 or 634-9175. .
• EPILEPSY SUPPORT GROUP, Memorial Hospital Ivy Conference Room, 7 pm, every 4th Monday. Info: Mary Harris, 521-9737.
• PROSTATE CANCER SUPPORT GROUP: fourth Monday, 7 - 9 pm, at Memorial Medical Plaza, Rm 61, 1800 Coffee Rd., Modesto. Info: Chuck Rowland, 522-3286, or Thom Olson, 869-2141.
• COMPULSIVE EATERS ANONYMOUS H.O.W. CONCEPT: Mondays, Memorial Medical Center, 1800 Coffee Rd, Education Building. Info: Pat, 342-0150, or Karen, 523-2055.
• National Alliance for the Mentally Ill, Stanislaus Peer Recovery Group, open to mental health clients seeking Recovery, every Monday at 5:15 pm at Telecare East Modesto Regional Services, 1801 H Street, Modesto.

• OWL EMPIRE, Bingo, first Monday of the month, Acapulco restaurant, 1312 McHenry, 7 pm.

• CENTRAL VALLEY DEMOCRATIC CLUB, 7 pm, third Mondays, Modesto--Denny's on McHenry.  Info:  Kelly, 544-9078 or email

Tuesdays

• PEACE/LIFE CENTER Board meeting,1st Tuesday of each month, 7:15 p.m. At the Center, 720 13th St., Modesto.  Info: 529-5750
• ACLU Local chapter, third Tues. of the month, 7 pm. at the Peace Center, 720 13th St., Modesto New members welcome. Info: http://stanaclu.org/ or stanaclu@earthlink.net
• PFLAG, Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays support group. 7 pm, Emanuel Lutheran Church, 324 College Ave., 527-0776. First Monday and Third Tuesday each month. 
• PFLAG Merced, First Tuesday, Merced United Methodist Church, 899 Yosemite Park Way, Merced. 7 pm. Info: 341-2122.
• PFLAG Mother Lode, third Tuesdays, 6:30 to 8 pm, Tuolumne County Library Community Room, 480 Greenley Rd., Sonora, Info: 533-1665. email
• BUDDHIST MEDITATION, Lotus Blossom Sangha,  every Tuesday, 7 – 9 pm.  Info: 524-9333.
• ADULT CHILDREN OF ALCOHOLICS (Alanon) Every Tuesday, 7 pm. at 1320 L St., (Christ Unity Baptist Church). Info: Jeff, 527-2469, or Rose, 537-6521.
• WHEEL CHAIR BASKETBALL: Tuesday evenings, 6 - 9 pm, at La Loma Jr. High School Multi-Purpose Room. Free. Drop-in. Sponsored by Modesto City and Guardian Rehab Hospital. Info: 577-5340.
• PRISONERS OF CONSCIENCE, letter writing campaign, for people listed by Amnesty International. First & third Tuesdays, 5 pm, Borders Book Store, Modesto. Info: 549-7770. (note change of day).
• National Alliance for the Mentally Ill, group for families, 3rd Tuesday of the month at 6:30 pm at the Oakdale Senior Center. For information call 209-529-6880

• OWL EMPIRE, First Tuesday of each month, Denny's, 1525 McHenry. Board meets second Tuesday same time and place, 7 pm.

Wednesdays

• Manteca Compassionate Friends Group, Second Wednesday of each month, 252 Magnolia Ave., Manteca.  Support for bereaved parents. Phone 522-7149 or Email for information.
• National Alliance for the Mentally Ill, 2nd & 4th Wednesdays each month, 6 pm, Family Resource Center, 800 Scenic, Modesto.  En Español 1st Wednesday.  NAMI Stanislaus also offers Family to Family education classes in mental health arranged throughout the year--next classes begin Sept. 25.. For class info call Kathleen Wood, 525-6150. Information on mental illness is offered in Spanish and English at the NAMI office, 209-529-6880. Or contact NAMI Stanislaus, P.O. Box 4120, Modesto, CA 95352, or by email.
• Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance of Stanislaus County, meets the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month at Doctor's Hospital Conference Center at 6:30 pm For information call 863-8468.
• CO-DEPENDENTS ANONYMOUS every Wed. 7 pm, Health Conf. Center, McHenry Village, Modesto. Info: Connie 575-0050, Laurie, 918-1883.
• RAINBOW GENERATION, for gays, lesbians, and friends, MJC Founders Hall, Rm. 176, 4 pm. Info: 575-6106.
• COALITION OF PARENT SUPPORT (COPS). Non-custodial parents support group. 2nd Wednesday each month. 7 pm. Info: 632-5291.
• BUDDHIST MEDITATION:  Modesto Almond Blossom Sangha, 7-9 pm. Info: Kathy, 480-5094, or Anne, 521-6977.
• GLSEN (Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education network), 7 pm. 3rd Wednesday each month. Beyer High School, Rm C 9, Sylvan Ave., Modesto. Info: 576-2935.
• Ryan White CARE Consortium. A quasi governmental HIV/AIDS funding organization that meets the second Wednesday of each month at 5:30 p.m. at the DMC Foundation office. The group is composed of private citizens, people living with HIV/AIDS or their advocates, service providers (contractors who provide services to people with HIV/AIDS in Stanislaus County. The activities include: community needs assessment, prioritizing needs, requesting proposals from local not for profit, government and for profit organization.
• THERAPEUTIC INTERVENTIONS. Gay men's HIV support group. Wednesdays, 1pm and Thursdays, 11am. Free. 529-5279.
• MODESTO FOLK DANCERS, European and Middle Eastern dancing every Wednesday and Friday, 7:30 pm., beginners; 8:45, Intermediate and advanced.  Modesto Court Room, 2012 McHenry. Info: 578-5551. Beginners welcome, no partners needed, great exercise with friendly people.  Learn about other cultures through dance
• Democratic Party:  25th Assembly Dist. Committee, 4th Wednesdays, Info: 576-7442 or 522-0839
• OPEN MIC POETRY READING, Turlock Borders, 3rd Wed, Host Sheila Landre

• LATINO BAR ASSOC., First Wed., Info: Ruben Villalobos, 529-1112.

• Transgender Support Group: Meetings on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of every month, 7:30pm to 9:00 pm .  Email  Info@stanpride.org or tgsupport@stanpride.org

Thursdays

• MEDIA COMMITTEE of Peace Life Center, last Thursday of the month, 6 pm, Info: 765-3813.

• Modesto Farmers Market
• Third Thursday Gallery Walk, Downtown Modesto, downtown art galleries open--take a walk and check out the local art scene.  5-8 pm every third Thursday of the month.  Info: 579-9913

• LIBERAL VOICES, fourth Thursday, 7 pm., Unitarian-Universalist church, Kiernan Ave, Modesto. See p. 2 this issue.

• STANISLAUS COUNTY HOUSING COLLABORATIVE, 3rd Thursdays, 2 pm, at Housing Authority, Robertson Rd., Modesto  Addresses issues of homelessness, low income housing policies, shelters and transitional housing services.
• Democratic Party:  MJC Democrats, every Thursday 2 pm, Founders Hall 121, MJC East Campus, Info: 575-6672
• LA LECHE/Modesto, 10 am, Support for nursing mothers. 538-3862 or 545-8444. 2nd Thursdays, 10:30 am.
• Modesto Compassionate Friends Group, Fourth Thursday of each month at 7pm, Unity Church, 2467 Veneman Avenue, Modesto. Support for bereaved parents. Phone 522-7149 or Email for information.
• NAACP. King Kennedy Center, 601 M.L. King Dr., Modesto, 7 pm, every 3rd Thursday. 549-1991.
• SCAP: Support for Gay & Bisexual men, 2nd & 4th Thursdays, 7 pm, 605-A 15th St., 527-2437.
• HIV/HEP-C PATIENTS, CAREGIVERS, AND FAMILIES SUPPORT GROUP, 2nd Thursday each month, 7 pm, at 948 11th St (City Mall building), second floor, Room 23. Free. Some other times available. Info: Lizabeth Poulsen, 579-1151.
• DOMESTIC VIOLENCE COORDINATING COUNCIL, County Administrative Bldg, lower level training room, Tenth Street Place, 1010 Tenth Street, Modesto, 4 pm. 525-6348.
• THERAPEUTIC INTERVENTIONS. Gay men's HIV support group. Wednesdays, 1pm and Thursdays, 11am. Free. 529-5279.
• VALLEY HEARTLAND ZEN GROUP: every Thurs 6:30 to 8:30 pm, Modesto Church of the Brethren, 2310 Woodland Ave. Meditation. Newcomers welcome. Info: 573-8313 or http://emptynestzendo.org
• MECA (Marriage Equality Cal., 7 pm, third Thurs., Modesto. Info: Jeff Gianelli, 480-3622.

• ART GALLERY WALK, downtown Modesto, third Thurs., 6:30 to 8 pm. Info: Anderson Galleries, 579-9913.

• Association of United Pagans: First Thursday of every month, 7 pm , business meeting, 208 Rowland Ave., Modesto. Second, fourth (& fifth, if there is one) Thursday, 7 pm, Coffee Social, Queen Bean, 14th & K Streets, Modesto. Third Thursday, 7 pm, Pagan Pizza Night, Round Table Pizza, Century Plaza, Oakdale Road. Info: 209 324-6671.

Fridays

• SONG CIRCLE, a Peace/Life Center Activity, on 2nd Friday each month. All ages and voices welcome. Potluck supper at 6:30 pm, sing at 7:30 pm. Call 529-5750 for info on location. Free.  No Song Circle in July
• ALTERNATIVES TO WAR: Meets with the MJC Activist Club every Friday, 12:00 - 1:00, at MJC, Founders Hall 123. All invited.
• MODESTO FOLK DANCERS, European and Middle Eastern dancing every Wednesday and Friday, 7:30 pm., beginners; 8:45, Intermediate and advanced.  Modesto Court Room, 2012 McHenry. Info: 847-4439. Beginners welcome, no partners needed, great exercise with friendly people.  Learn about other cultures through dance
• FANTASTIC FAMILY Fridays, 3-6pm, King-Kennedy Memorial Center/Mellis Park.  Free for children 15 and under.  Info: 577-5355
• OVEREATERS ANONYMOUS: Info on times and places, Karen: 523-2055.
• NICOTINE ANONYMOUS: Mondays thru Fridays. Info: 577-2628.
• AUDUBON CLUB, For info on outings and meetings: 521-0108.
• BROWN BAG GROCERY PROGRAM, 1st & 3rd Fridays, 8-11:30am. Free. 577-5355.
• CHILD HEALTH MOBILE SERVICES, At Maddux Youth Center, Third and Sierra Drive, Modesto,  fourth Fridays, noon to 4:30 pm. Call for appointment, 525-6282.
• SIERRA CLUB: Third Fridays, Yokuts Sierra Club. Call for info on meeting times and hikes and outings: 549-9155.  No regular meetings in summer.
• MJC Observatory open every 1st Friday 7:30-9:00 pm, behind annex to the Great Valley Museum. Info:  Bill Leubke, 575-6284.  Children welcome when accompanied by an adult.
• DIVERSITY PLUS SUPPORT GROUP for gay-lesbian and other youth questioning their sexuality, 3:30 - 5 pm every Friday, at McHenry Village. sponsored by Center for Human Services, Info: 526-1440.
• Stanislaus Chapter, California Network of Mental Health Clients, 10 am - noon, Sunshine Place, 8th/I Streets, Modesto, Fridays.
• HISPANIC LEADERSHIP COUNCIL, 7 am every Friday, Terrace Cafe at Double Tree, Modesto. Info: Balvino Irizarry, 575-1303.

Saturdays

• Modesto Farmers Market
• Democratic Party, 10 am fourth Saturdays, Info: 576-7442 or 522-0839
• "WALK IN THE PARK": Every Saturday, 9:15 am. Tuolumne River Regional Park. Info: Peter Marker, 548-9112.
• SERRV:  International gifts from developing countries. Saturdays 10-2 and after church Sundays. For appointments at any time call Mary at 523-5178 or Lenore at 522-6497.  Church of the Brethren, 2301 Woodland, Rm # 4, Modesto.  See article in Nov. '98  issue
• Murphys Art Walk, downtown Murphys, 2nd Saturdays, 5:00-8:00 p.m.  Info call 209-728-8640

DEADLINE TO SUBMIT CALENDAR ITEMS TO CONNECTIONS.

Tenth of each month (No issue in August). Submit peace, justice and environmentally friendly event notices to P.O. Box 134, Modesto, CA, 95353, or call 522-4967 or 575-4299, or email to Jim Costello. Free listings subject to space, availability and editing.