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COMMUNITY CALENDAR
Help keep our readers informed. We encourage submissions about Peace, Justice and Environmental Events!

MODESTO PEACE LIFE CENTER ACTIVITIES

Modesto Peace Life Center VIGILS: held THE FIRST TUESDAYS of the month at McHenry Ave. and J St. (Five Points): 4:30-5:30 pm (TIME MAY CHANGE). Call the Center for info: 209-529-5750.

Listen to Peace/Life Center Community Radio, KCBP 95.5 FM streaming at http://www.KCBPradio.org.

PEACE/LIFE CENTER BOARD MEETING, First Thursdays, 829 13th St., Modesto, 6:00 pm, 529-5750. BY ZOOM. Email Jim Costello,
jcostello@igc.org

WATCH THE LATEST PEACE CENTER VIDEOS filmed by John Lucas and Richard Anderson at http://vimeo.com/user9154856/videos

PEACE/LIFE CENTER MODESTO, 829 13th St., Modesto--Call 529-5750, we'll get back to you with current info on activities.

ABOUT OUR RADIO STATION: Our community station, KCBP 95.5 FM is on the air. We need your support! Send your check to the Modesto Peace/Life Center,  PO Box 134, Modesto CA 95353-0134. Put "Radio" in the memo. See article in this issue of Connections for details. Donate at  

https://kcbpradio.org




APRIL 2024

Modesto Science Colloquium Spring Semester 2024. Wednesdays, 3:15-4:15 pm, MJC West Campus, SCC 115.Free and Open to the Public. Check our website for updates, live, and recorded talks: https://www.mjc.edu/instruction/sme/colloquium.php. April 17: Treating Patients with Substance Use Disorder in Our Community: A Panel Discussion. Andrea Silva, M.D., Addiction Medical Specialist, Stanislaus County Health Services. Join us for a dynamic panel discussion as expert clinicians and harm reductionists will share insights, evidence-based strategies, and community-focused approaches to address the challenges of substance use disorder within our local community.

MAPS - Modesto Area Partners in Science: Free MJC science programs on Fridays in MJC West Campus, Sierra Hall 132 at 7:30 pm. unless noted otherwise.* Fri., April 5: David Hagerman. Extreme Science with the Science Wizard. *MJC West Campus Student Center. In this highly acclaimed extreme science show for people of all ages, Hagerman leads your students on a wild journey through different fields of science. This show will tickle your funny bone and educate at the same time. https://www.schoolscienceassemblies.com/. Fri., April 26: Chelsey Juarez, Fresno State Anthropology Forensic Scientist. Analyzing remains to estimate things like age, sex, stature, and ancestry and to investigate the type and timing of traumatic injuries https://campusnews.fresnostate.edu/june-20-2023/forensic-anthropology-lab-helps-authorities-identify-skeletal-remains.

The Prospect Theatre: 23/24 season has continuing offerings: Visit https://prospecttheaterproject.org/

2 TUES: VIGIL: PEACE-ISRAEL-GAZA at McHenry Ave. and J. St. (Five Points), 4:00-5:00 pm. Call the Center for info: 209-529-5750 or email jcostello@igc.org NOTE DAY & CHANGE.

4 THURS: Peace/Life Center ZOOM Monthly Board Meeting, 6:30 pm. Email jcostello@igc.org for login.

7 SUN: Cesar Chavez and Delores Huerta Community Celebration at the Red Center, 1 to 6 pm. Email Maggie Mejia, maggiemejia1948@gmail.com

13 SAT: Pollinator Festival - LaLoma Native Garden, 2000 Encina Ave. 10 am-2 pm. Pollinator Parade at 10:15. Dress up your little pollinators. Exhibits from MJC, the City of Modesto, Great Valley Center, Native Garden Association, local crafters. Learn how bee hives work and other great ideas to help our flowers and trees grow and bloom.– Modesto

17 WED: School Pesticides Exposure Safety Meeting in Salida. Location TBD. Info: contact Laura Plascencia, laura@vip209.org

20 SAT: Earth Day in The Park at Graceada Park in Modesto 10 am - 3 pm. A community event held by the City of Modesto to celebrate sustainability and environmentalism. VIP will be holding a free market at its booth. Vist the Modesto Peace/Life Center booth.

21 SUN: The State Theatre and Modesto Film Society presents The Sound of Music at 2 pm. Join the State Theatre. Have fun, get perks, and support Modesto’s historic non-profit theatre. Visit https://thestate.org/films/the-sound-of-music-042024/

26 FRI: VIP's Annual Dia Del Nino and Health Resource Fair. In Grayson 3 pm -7 pm. Collaborating with many organizations to provide health and protective resources such as health screenings, worker rights, pesticide safety, mental health, tobacco prevention along with many youth activities.

27 SAT: Love Modesto. VIP will be hosting the following activity: An annual event of community-wide volunteer day, where people engage in a variety of projects; join our Scavenger Hunt to get familiarized with the non-profits downtown and their services or check out other engagement opportunities.

LOOKING AHEAD

May 4: Cinco de Mayo Climate Resource Fair from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. El Rematito in Ceres. See article this issue.

May 18: SAT: Golden State Road Warriors Wheelchair Basketball Team, National Champions. Benefit for KCBP 95.5 FM Community Radio, 1 pm, Modesto Junior College Gym.

June 21-23: Annual Modesto Peace/Life Center Peace Camp. Registration open. See article this issue.

USEFUL LINKS at http://stanislausconnections.org/links.htm

               

Area Calendars/Events listings

SERRV SHOP: Gifts from developing countries. Call Marye for appt., information: 209-523-0449. Modesto Church of the Brethren, 2301 Woodland, Rm #4, Modesto. https://www.modcob.org/index.php?s=serrv

State Theater

West Side Theater Events

ArtExpressions of San Joaquin

City of Modesto Parks, Recreation and Neighborhoods Activity Guide
Stanislaus County Free Library page with links to events

MJC with link to Events page
Great Valley Museum Calendar of Events
Events at CSU Stanislaus

Yokuts Sierra Club

San Joaquin Connections Community Calendar

Freight and Salvage concerts (Berkeley)
 Neighborhood Energy--Music in the Diablo Valley
California Bluegrass Association

The Modesto Bee Entertainment Page
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

Common Ground Magazine-San Francisco

California Nature Events from the Audubon Society.

Ongoing

FARMERS' MARKETS:

CHILDREN'S STORY HOURS:

MUSEUMS:

GALLERIES:

THEATER/PERFORMANCE:

MUSIC VENUES

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, 3124 McHenry Ave.,?Modesto. Funds benefit homes built by Habitat in Stanislaus County. Visit http://www.stanislaushabitat.org/home/restore

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 in Stanislaus County.

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.

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

CENTRAL VALLEY DEMOCRATIC CLUB. Monthly meetings: Modesto. For more information, visit https://www.centralvalleydemocraticclub.com/

REGULAR MEETINGS

SUNDAYS

Unity of Modesto meets in person every Sunday at 10:00 a.m. at 2467 Veneman, Modesto. Information: 209-578-5433.

Modesto Vineyard Christian Fellowship, 10:00 am at the MODSPOT, 1220 J St. Call or text 209-232-1932, email modestovineyard@gmail.com; All Welcome.

IMCV weekly Insight Meditation and dharma talk, 8:45 am - 10:15 am, 2172 Kiernan Ave., Modesto (rear bldg. at the end of the UUFSC east parking lot). Offered freely; donations welcome. All are welcome. For more information, please email charlie@imcv.org. Our mailing address is IMCV, P.O. Box 579564, Modesto, CA 95357.

Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Stanislaus County meets in person and on Zoom every Sunday at 10:30 am at 2172 Kiernan Ave., Modesto. Info: 209-788-3720; www.stanuu.org

Food Addicts Anonymous in Recovery. Sundays 6:30 pm, 2467 Veneman Ave. Modesto. Info: Emily M., 209 480-8247.

MONDAYS

The Compassionate Friends, Modesto/Riverbank Area Chapter meets on the second Mondays at 7:00 pm at 2201 Morill Rd., Riverbank. Bereaved parents, grandparents, and adult siblings are invited to participate in this support group for families whose children have died at any age, from any cause. Call 209-622-6786 or email for details: tcfmodestoriverbank@gmail.com; https://www.modestoriverbanktcf.org/

Suicide Loss Support Group: Friends for Survival meets every third Monday at 7 pm. Details: Norm Andrews 209-345-0601, nandrews6863@charter.net.

Walk with Me, a women's primary infertility support group and Bible study. 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm the first and third Mondays of each month. Big Valley Grace Community Church. Interested? Email WalkWithMeGroup@gmail.com or call 209.577.1604.

TUESDAYS

Starting July 10: Music is Medicine Song Crafting, 13 yrs. and up, 5- 6:30 pm. Rainbow Resource Center, 1202 H St., Modesto. Info: Call 209-408-8848.

First Tuesday - LGBTQ+ Ages 12-14, 5-7 pm activities and support. Second Tuesday- LGBTQ+ Ages 15-17, 5-7 pm activities and support. Third Tuesday-Friends and Family, 5-7 pm Discussion and emotional support. All at Rainbow Resource Center, 1202 H St., Modesto.

MOVES TO WEDNESDAY MARCH 20: Women’s Support Group for Women in all stages of life. Join us in a safe and judgment-free environment where you can give and receive support for the many issues that we struggle with as Women. Every Tuesday from 1 pm-2 pm at the Rainbow Resource Center, 1202 H St., Suite C, Modesto CA (Ages +18). Contact Sandra Vidor- 209.652.3961 or Kellie Johnson 209.918.0271.

Climate Action Justice Network-Stanislaus meets the first Tuesday of the month, 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm. Link- https://tinyurl.com/CJAN-FirstTuesday

Teen Tuesdays every week from June-August, 2-5 pm., Central Valley Pride Center, 400 12th St. Peer Support, Games & movies. Safe space for teens to socialize, work together on projects, and learn about LGBTQ history. Each week will be a little different as we want YOU (youths) to guide the direction this group will go!" Info: Maggie Strong, Political Activist Director/ GSA Liaison, mstrong@mopride.org, 209-284-0999.

Attention Veterans: Join us for Free Coffee & Donuts Meet & Greet at the Stanislaus Veterans Center, 3500 Coffee Rd., Modesto, Suite 15, 7 am – 11 am

NAACP Meeting. King-Kennedy Center, 601 S. Martin Luther King Dr., Modesto, 3rd Tuesday @ 6:30 pm. 209-896-9196; For ZOOM link, visit https://www.naacpmodestostanislaus.org/   email: naacpmodestostanislaus@gmail.com 

Exploring Whiteness & Showing Up for Racial Justice Meetings, Fourth Tuesday, monthly 7:00 p.m., Central Grace Hmong Alliance Church, 918 Sierra Dr., Modesto. Info: https://www.facebook.com/events/247655549018387/

Pagan Family Social, third Tuesdays, Golden Corral, 3737 McHenry Ave, Modesto, 6:00 pm. Info: 569-0816. All newcomers, pagan-curious and pagan-friendly welcome.

Tuesday Evening Funstrummers Ukulele Jam. Songbooks provided. 6pm to 8pm, 1600 Carver Rd., Donation. 209-505-3216, www.Funstrummers.com.

IMCV weekly Insight Meditation and dharma talk, 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm, 2172 Kiernan Ave., Modesto (rear bldg. at the end of the UUFSC east parking lot). Offered freely, donations welcome. Info: Contact Lori, 209-343-2748 or see https://imcv.org/ Email: info@imcv.org

ADULT CHILDREN OF ALCOHOLICS, Every Tuesday, 7 pm at 1320 L St., (Christ Unity Baptist Church). Info: Jeff, 527-2469.

WEDNESDAYS

Begins March 20: Women's Support Group for Women in all stages of life. Join us in a safe and judgment-free environment where you can give and receive support for the many issues that we struggle with as Womxn. Every Wednesday from 12 pm-1 pm at the Rainbow Resource Center, 1202 H St., Suite C, Modesto CA (Ages +18). If younger than 18, encourage bringing a chaperone. (209) 408-8848. Contact Sandra Vidor- 209.652.3961 or Kellie Johnson 209.918.0271.

Retired Public Employees Association. All seniors welcome! Meetings every third Wednesday. Denny’s Restaurant, 1525 McHenry Ave. 11:30 am to 1:00 pm. Call (209) 324-2060. Members pay $8.00. Others pay full price. Order from the menu.

Bagels for Brains Focus Group, light breakfast, 10:30 to Noon. Rainbow Resource Center, 1202 H St., Modesto.

The Almond Blossom Sangha meets on Wednesdays, 7:30 pm to 9:00 pm, Zoom, and sometimes hybrid, for meditation and Dharma discussions. Call Anne at 209-404-4835 for more information.

The GAP. A place of support for Christian parents of LGBTQ+ or questioning kids every Wednesday 6:30pm at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church 1528 Oakdale Rd. Instagram: Thegapmodesto

Ongoing meditation class based on Qi Gong Principals. Practice a 3 Step Guided Meditation Process I have been doing for over a decade. Fun and Easy. JOIN ME! Donations accepted but optional. Call 209.495.6608 or email Orlando Arreygue, CMT RYT, orlando@arreygue.com

Merced LGBT Community Center offers a variety of monthly meetings and written materials. Volunteers, on-site Wed-Fri, offer support. Ph: 209-626-5551. Email: mercedboard@gaycentralvalley.org – 1744 G St. Suite H, Merced, CA. www.mercedlgbtcenter.org

Merced Full Spectrum meets the second Wednesday of every month, 6 p.m. 1744 G St., Suite H, Merced http://www.lgbtmerced.org/ Merced Full Spectrum is a division of Gay Central Valley, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. http://www.gaycentralvalley.org/

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.

TRANSGENDER SUPPORT GROUP, 2nd & 4th Wed., 7:30 to 9 pm. Info: (209) 338-0855. Email info@stanpride.org, or tgsupport@stanpride.org

THURSDAYS

Laughter Yoga, Every other Thursday at The Bird’s Nest, 422 15th St., Modesto. The dates are February & March 7th & 21st, April 4th & 18th, May 2nd & 16th. 5:30pm-6:30pm. $15.00 per class. To register, call or text Nicole, 209-765-8006 or visit www.nicoleottman.com

Attention Veterans: Join us for Free Coffee & Donuts Meet & Greet at the Stanislaus Veterans Center, 3500 Coffee Rd., Modesto, Suite 15, 7 am – 11 am

IMCV Grupo de Meditación en Español, cada semana 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm, 2172 Kiernan Ave., Modesto (edificio trasero al final del estacionamiento este de UUFSC). Ofrecido libremente, las donaciones son bienvenidas. Info: Contacto Vanessa, 209-408-6172.

Green Team educational meetings the 3rd Thursday of each month,10 to 11 am, Kirk Lindsey Center, 1020 10th St. Plaza, Suite 102, Modesto. www.StanislausGreenTeam.com

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, http://www.modestoartwalk.com

ART GALLERY WALK, downtown Modesto, third Thurs., 6:30 to 8 pm. Info: http://www.modestoartwalk.com

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

Pagan Community Meeting, 1st Thursday, Cafe Amore, 3025 McHenry Ave, Suite S., Modesto, 8 pm. Info: 569-0816. All newcomers, pagan-curious and pagan-friendly welcome.

FRIDAYS

Trans Support Group, 1 pm, Rainbow Resource Center, 1202 H St., Suite C, Modesto. Call 209-408-8848.

Friday 7:30-9:30 pm (Sept thru May) International Folk Dancing with Village Dancers, Carnegie Art Center, 250 N. Broadway, Turlock $7. No experience or partner needed. 209-480-0387 for info.

Overcoming Depression: small group for men & women. Every Friday, 7:15 pm. Cornerstone Community Church, 17900 Comconex Rd, Manteca, CA 95366, (209) 825-1220.

UKULELE ON FUNSTRUMMER FRIDAYS. Every Friday morning from 9 am to 10:30 am Play Along Easy Songs from the Funstrummers Songbooks of over 500 songs. Funstrummers Performing Band Practice from 10 to noon and afternoon gig. Unitarian Church, 2172 Kiernan Ave., Modesto, 209-505-3216 for details. Donations accepted. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mej3gD0ZD40&list=LLB8Yl9zZg660qHCXGoC6ojQ&index=1

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

SIERRA CLUB: Yokuts group. Regular meetings, third Friday, College Ave. Congregational Church, 7 pm. Info: 300-4253. Visit http://www.sierraclub.org/mother-lode/yokuts for info on hikes and events.

MUJERES LATINAS, last Friday, lunch meetings, Info: Cristina Villego, 549-1831.

HISPANIC LEADERSHIP COUNCIL, 3rd Fridays at noon, 1314 H St., Modesto 95354. Questions? Yamilet Valladolid, yamiletv@hotmail.com

SATURDAY

12-Step/Buddhist Meeting starts with a 30-minute meditation and then open discussion. Held monthly every second Saturday, 4:30 to 6:00 pm, 2172 Kiernan Ave., Modesto at the UUFC in Sarana (small building, rear of the east parking lot). Freely-offered donations welcome. Information: 209 606 7214.

Free Community Drum Circle every third Saturday,11 am to 12:00 pm, Gallo Center for the Arts, 10th & I St., Modesto. No experience or drums necessary to participate. All levels welcome. https://drum-love.com/

Refuge Recovery: A Buddhist Approach to Recovery from Addiction. @Friends Coming of Age., 1203 Tully Rd., Ste. B., Modesto. Saturdays 8-9 am. FREE (donations accepted). Info:RefugeRecoveryModesto@gmail.com

DEADLINE TO SUBMIT CALENDAR ITEMS TO CONNECTIONS.

Fifteenth of each month (No issue in August). Submit peace, justice and environmentally friendly event notices by email to Jim Costello, jcostello@igc.org. Free listings subject to space, availability and editing.