Manteca High will be conducting informational meetings on Relay for Life.

The kick-off session is planned for Thursday, Nov. 5, from 6 to 8 p.m., at the MHS cafeteria.

Relay for Life is the American Cancer Society’s signature activity, with the community getting an opportunity to participate in the fight against cancer.

Locally, teams of people have used the track at Sierra High in the past, walking or running and camping out in the span of 24 hours.

For more information, call Mary Jones at Manteca High, (209) 858-7340 ext. 56810.

The City of Lathrop is accepting entry applications for the Dec. 12 Festival of Lights Holiday Parade.

The 2009 theme is “Lighting the Way with Hope.”

The Mayor’s Parade Committee is being chaired by Tony Martin while Ron and Susan Dell’Osso will serve as the grand marshals.

Entry fee is $20. The deadline for all entries is Monday, Nov. 30.

The parade will start at 5 p.m. at J and Fifth streets, traveling south on Fifth to Mingo Lane.

Applications are available at the City of Lathrop website (www.ci.lathrop.ca.us), Lathrop City Hall, Lathrop Community Center and the Lathrop Senior Center.

For more information, call (209) 941-7370.

The Manteca Chapter of DeMolay is holding a Friday Night of Family, Fun and Games on Friday, Oct. 30, from 6:30 to 10 p.m. at the Manteca Masonic Hall, 212 N. Powers Ave.

 The event is being hosted by the advisors of the local DeMolay chapter. Admission is $10 per person. For further details, contact Charlene Schmidt at (209) 823-4234 or send an e-mail to charsbag@comcast.net.

A benefit for Connie McCormick is planned for Friday, Nov. 6, from 5 to 9 p.m. at Chez Shari.

A third-grade teacher at Sequoia School, she was diagnosed last year with cancer and, during the summer, was given a prognosis of one year.

McCormick, who has been receiving chemotherapy treatments on weekly basis, will see her job officially come to an end in January.

Parent Teacher Partnership at Sequoia School along with Prescott Church have stepped up to sponsor the fundraiser consisting of a half rosemary chicken served with rigatoni, salad, dinner roll, fountain drink, and dessert from Burgess Bakery.

Cost is $25 per person.

The event will kick off with a no-host bar at 5 with dinner served at 6 o’clock. Included will be door prizes along with a drawing and silent auction. A money tree will also be available.

All proceeds will be applied towards McCormick’s health benefits.

In addition, takeout meals will be available for $18.

Donations may be made to “Connie McCormick” and delivered to Sequoia School.

Chez Shari is located in the Manteca Park Golf Course, 305 N. Union Road.

For more information, call Sequoia School at (209) 858-7400 or Prescott Church at (209) 529-7200.

The Place of Refuge on Saturday, Nov. 7, is conducting a drive-thru tri-tip dinner to raise money for their School of Leadership Training.
Meals can be picked up on Nov. 7 from 3 to 7 p.m. at the Place of Refuge, 486 Button Ave., in Manteca.

The meal includes cherry wood-smoked tri-tip, garlic mashed potatoes, salad, corn on the cob, and a brownie. Tickets may be purchased at Place of Refuge or by calling (209) 239-1371. The cost is $9 for one meal, or $15 for two meals.