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.

January

Continuous: Seeds of Peace Community Garden. 30 plots, each 19x19 feet with own water spigot for rent to grow fruits, veggies, flowers. Occasional gardener events. Free seeds at sign up, scholarships available! Info: Leah, (209) 523-1438 or visit www.modcob.org

Central California Art Association: Mistlin Holiday Show continues to Jan. 11. Artists will display jewelry, sculpture, cards, fabric art and fine art.  Gallery hours: Tues. – Fri. 11:30 am to 5:00 pm and Saturday 12:00 to 4:00 pm.,1015 J St., Modesto, 529-3369.

5 THU Valley Futures Forum--Transit-Oriented Development: Abigail Thorne-Lyman, the Director of the Center for Transit-Oriented Development, presents ADDING VALUE TO THE CITY: Transit-Oriented Development, Economic Revitalization, and Value Creation. MJC East Campus, 5:00, Forum Building 101.

13 FRI: Song Circle, home of Lorrie Freitas, 6:30 p.m.

15 SUN: Film, Notorious, State Theatre 3 p.m. http://www.thestate.org/

19 THU:  "Live - From the Starving Ear" i- Roy Zimmerman's wicked satirical songs about, among other things, the Occupy Movement, Tea Party, same sex marriage, socialism, creationism, guns, tax, abstinence and President Obama. Benefit concert at 7 p.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Stanislaus County, 2172 Kiernan Ave., north of Modesto. An $18 donation - half going to the UUSFC - will be asked at the door, but no one will be turned away for inability to pay. Tickets will be on sale at the door, first come, first served.  His website: www.royzimmerman.com

21 SAT: 18^th Annual MLK Commemoration. Keynote speaker Dick Gregory. See article this issue.

24 TUES: John McCutcheon’s 11^th Annual Modesto Peace/Life Center Benefit Concert at Modesto Church of the Brethren, 7 pm. TICKETS: $20 in advance, $23 at the door. Youth 18 and under, $5. Groups of 10 or more, $15 per person. Purchase tickets by check or cash at the Modesto Church of the Brethren, 2301 Woodland Ave., Modesto, CA 95358; ph. 523-1438, or at Anderson Custom Framing, 1323 J St., Modesto, 579-9913. Out-of-towners: call the church to arrange to purchase tickets by mail. Consider giving tickets as a holiday gift.

25 WED: Modesto HS Day of Respect, volunteers needed.  Please call Sharon Froba at 521-7265 to sign up or to receive more information.

ONGOING

MJC Science Colloquium for Spring, 2012: All lectures held at Science 208, MJC East Campus, 3:30-4:30 p.m. Jan 24: John Buckley, Central Sierra Environmental Resources Center, “The Dynamic Central Sierra Nevada: A Region At Risk, and Our Need to Conserve It.” Jan 31: Horacio Ferriz, “A Marriage of Geology, Physics, and Wine …” Feb. 7: Julia Sankey, Ph.D., CSU Stanislaus Geology Dept.: “Dinosaur Discoveries and Extinctions.”

Looking Ahead

February 4: Stone Soup Dinner, 5:00 - 7:30 pm, Modesto Church of the Brethren, 2301 Woodland Ave., Modesto 95358. Tickets: $7 adults; $5 children (12 and under). See article, this issue.

February 18-19: Occupy Solidarity Social Forum, Olympia Washington. Register at http://occupyolympia.org/ossf-2012/ . See article this issue.

February 25: Modesto Peace/Life Center Annual Meeting, 8:30 am, at the Center, 720 13^th St., Modesto.

Peace Essay Contest Awards Ceremony: TBA

May 5: Friends of the Modesto Library Book Sale, 8 am -3 pm. Wide range of books. $1 hardbound, 50 cents paperback. Donations of used books, excluding textbooks, are being sought. Contact Clare Noonan to donate books, volunteer to sort books, or work day of the sale: 522-5054 or clarenoo@gmail.com

June 3: Annual Modesto Peace/Life Center Pancake Breakfast, Modesto Church of the Brethren.

June 22-24: Peace Camp, Camp Peaceful Pines, Clark’s Fork in the High Sierras

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

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 APRIL 2!!
  New added location:  Thursday afternoons 3-7 pm at King-Kennedy Center/Mellis Park, 601 N. Martin Luther King Drive
• 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
• Ceres:  Whitmore Park, North and Third Streets, Noon-7 pm Wednesdays April-fall
• Sonora: Theall St. in downtown Sonora , Saturday mornings . 8 a.m. to noon; Info 532-7725

CHILDREN'S STORY HOURS:

• Stanislaus County Library. Stanislaus County Library: Modesto, WiggleWorms! Program for children age 2 and younger and their caregivers; combines age appropriate stories and movement activities that promote essential pre-reading skills. Mondays: 10:15 am & 11:15 am, Tuesdays, 11:15 am. Preschool StoryTime(children ages 3 - 6 years) Tuesdays: 6:15 pm; Wednesdays: 10:15 am. Cuentos en espanol-jueves, 6:15. Bilingual StoryTime/Cuentos bilingües – Saturdays 10:15 am. All Library branches have story hours. All branches closed Fridays. Info: visit http://www.stanislauslibrary.org/tk_kids_storytime.shtml#mod
• 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, 908 Tenth 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

Coffee Party Modesto, local chapter of Coffee Party USA, meets bi-weekly. Alternative to the tea party. The federal government is not the enemy of the people, but the expression of our collective will. We must participate in the democratic process in order to address the challenges that we face as Americans. Info: (209) 596-4574, irajwest@yahoo.com, or www.coffeepartyevents.com

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.

Habitat for Humanity’s RE-STORE: used and new quality materials, Kearney Ave across from Post Office, Modesto. Funds benefit homes built by Habitat in Stanislaus County.

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. Info: Desiree Holden, Center Coordinator, 221-5252 or coordinator@stanpride.org

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.

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

CENTRAL VALLEY DEMOCRATIC CLUB. Monthly meetings: Modesto, Patterson, and Oakdale. For more information, visit http://www.cvdemocrats.org or call Neil Hudson at 847-0540

Monthly McCruelty demonstrations at Modesto area McDonalds to protest slaughter method that results in breaking birds' legs then scalding them alive. Signs provided. Email standup4animals@att.net to find out location. Visit www.McCruelty.com.

Sundays

• LifeRing Secular Recovery. Sunday, 10am, Kaiser CDRP, 1789 W Yosemite Ave, Manteca. 209-526-4854, www.ModestoLifeRing.Org

• Insight Meditation Modesto, meditation instruction and dharma talk, 12:30-2:30 pm on Mondays (no meeting on Jan. 2nd) at the UU Fellowship on 2172 Kiernan Ave., Modesto, (in the children’s classroom building near the colorful water tower). For the sake of those who have allergies or sensitivities, please do not wear perfume or scented products. Sponsor: Insight Meditation Modesto. FREE, but donations welcome. Info: Lori Wong, insightmeditationmodesto@gmail.com

• 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

• 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

• 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.

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 and Third Tuesday each month. 
• PFLAG Merced, Second Tuesday, Merced United Methodist Church, 899 Yosemite Park Way, Merced. 7 pm. Info: 341-2122.
• PFLAG Sonora/Mother Lode, third Tuesdays of January, April, July, and October, 6:30 to 8 pm, Tuolumne County Library Community Rm, 480 Greenley Rd., Sonora, Info: 533-1665. Info@pflagsonora.org, www.pflagsonora.org
• 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.

• Insight Meditation Modesto: Every Tuesday 6:30-8:30 pm, Unity Church, 2467 Veneman Ave., Modesto. Insight/Vipassana meditation with dharma talk/discussion. Info: Lori Wong, 209-343-2748 or http://insightmeditationmodesto.wordpress.com.

• Ukulele class/play-a-long led by Lorrie Freitas 6 p.m. Monday nights, Trinity Presbyterian Church,1600 Carver, Modesto. Suggested monthly donation $20. Info: 505-3216..

• LifeRing Secular Recovery. Tuesday, 6:30pm, Jana Lynn Room, 500 N 9th St., Modesto. 209-526-4854, www.ModestoLifeRing.Org

Wednesdays

• Modesto Folk Dancers All levels welcome. Raube Hall, Ceres (call for address), 578-5551.
• GLBT Questioning Teen Support Group (14-19 years old). 2nd & 4th Wednesdays, College Ave. Congregational Church, 1341 College Ave., Modesto. 7 – 9 pm. Safe, friendly, confidential. This is a secular, non-religious group. Info: call 524-0983.
• SLAM on RYE: poetry readings, 2nd Wed. each month except July. Poet sign-up 6:30 pm, readings 7:30 pm. $5 admission. Prospect Theater, 520 Scenic Dr., Modesto. Info: Sam Pierstorff  pierstorffs@mjc.edu): www.slamonrye.com 
• PFLAG Oakdale, third Wednesdays, Golden Oaks Conf. Room, Oak Valley Medical Bldg., 1425 West H St., Oakdale, 7:00 pm. Info: pflagoakdale@dishmail.net 
• Zen Practice: Wednesdays 5:45-7:00 pm, Unity Church, 2467 Veneman Ave., Modesto. Class description: Assist in Zen and Mindfulness or awareness, practice in four postures: sitting, standing, walking, and laying down. Class discussion and book reading assignment. Info: Doug, 505-8555, dadd4221@yahoo.com or Merry Ann, 404-1085. Also see (www.dieunhan.net and www.thienviendaidang.net/07zenbuddhism/zenbuddhism.php)
• 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.
• MINDFUL MEDITATION:  Modesto Almond Blossom Sangha, 7-9 pm. Info: Stan, 549-7770, or Anne, 521-6977, email stanhopecunningham@yahoo.com
• 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.
• 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

• 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

• LifeRing Secular Recovery for Women. Wednesday, 6:30pm, private home, 1905 Kienitz Ave, Modesto. 209-526-4854, www.ModestoLifeRing.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.
• The Compassionate Friends, Modesto/Riverbank Area Chapter. 2nd Thursday of the month. Contact: Joanna Rose-Murray, 209-484-8276,  jrmcompassionate@gmail.com,  http://www.tcfmodesto-riverbankarea.org
• 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.
• 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: 535-6750 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.

• Pagan Coffee Night, first Thursdays, Queen Bean, 14th & K Sts., Modesto, 7 pm.. Info: 569-0816.

• Pagan Pizza Night, third Thursdays, Round Table Pizza, Century Plaza, Oakdale Rd., Modesto, 7 pm. Info: 569-0816.

Fridays

• VILLAGE DANCERS: Dances from Balkans, Europe, USA and more. Carnegie Arts Center, 250 N. Broadway, Turlock. 7-9:30 pm, $5 (students free). Info: call Judy, 209-480-0387.
• 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.

• Latino Emergency Council (LEC) 3rd Fridays, 8:15 am, El Concilio, 1314 H St. Modesto. Info: Dale Butler, 522-8537.

• ALTERNATIVES TO WAR: Meets with the MJC Activist Club every Friday, 12:00 - 1:00, at MJC, Founders Hall 123. All invited.
• 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.
• SIERRA CLUB:  Yokuts group. Regular meetings, third Friday, College Ave. Congregational Church, 7 pm. Info: 549-9155. Visit http://motherlode.sierraclub.org/yokuts for info on hikes and events. NOTE: meetings resume in September.
• 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.
• MUJERES LATINAS, last Friday, lunch meetings, Info: Cristina Villego, 549-1831.
• HISPANIC LEADERSHIP COUNCIL, 1st & 3rd Fridays at 7:00 am, El Concilio, 1314 H St. Other meetings at Terrace Café, Double Tree Hotel. Info: Yamilet Valladolid, 523-2860.
• LifeRing Secular Recovery. Friday, 6:30pm, Jana Lynn Room, 500 N 9th St., Modesto. 209-526-4854, www.ModestoLifeRing.Org

Saturdays

• So Easy ~ So Good: Vegetarian/Vegan/Wannabee potluck/meeting every third Saturday of the month, 11:30 AM- 1:30 PM. Info: Kathy or Chris, 209-529-5360; email kathyhaynes103@gmail.com
• 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.

• Oak Apple Nature Walk, every first Saturday of the month, October through May, 10 am. Meet at Kewin Park, Second Footbridge, 401 Buena Vista at La Loma Ave., Modesto.,

• SERRV: Saturdays, 10 - Noon and after church Sundays or by appointment. Call Mary, 522-6497 or 523-5178. Gifts from developing countries. Church of the Brethren, 2301 Woodland, Rm #4, Modesto..
• 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 by email to Jim Costello. Free listings subject to space, availability and editing.