Teens have a chance to learn a lot about the community as well as develop leadership skills at no cost as part of the Manteca Chamber of Commerce Junior Leadership Program.

The program involves once-a-month programs offering up close looks at how the community operates.
The orientation will take place Saturday, Sept. 26.

Team building exercises will take place at Venture Academy. Other monthly programs include military appreciation, city government, health and wellbeing, fire safety, press day, assisted living, South San Joaquin Irrigation District Day, plus a graduation dinner conducted in conjunction with the chamber installation.

For more information go to www.manteca.org or call the chamber at 823-6121.

2nd Saturday is a monthly opportunity for Mantecans to join others in serving the community. Hundreds have participated by setting aside 8 a.m.

to noon on the second Saturday of the month, viewing a list of projects to then choose from, and serve our community together for the morning.

It is very grass-roots, very rewarding, and very effective. This last month we trimmed hedges and landscaping on the bike trail, cleaned areas of trash and debris, visited a rest home, and continued a landscaping makeover of a widow’s home. For a list of past projects, visit www.crossroadsgrace.org/2ndSat.

This is faith-based (sponsored by Crossroads Grace Community Church), and is welcoming, inclusive and simple. We invite anyone to join us in serving our community together monthly. A release form is necessary and found online to download (or to complete that morning), and pre-registration is not necessary. The next 2nd Saturday is September 12, 2009. Visit www.crossroadsgrace.org/2ndSat for more information.

The Boys & Girls Club Break the Bank Texas Hold Em tournament takes place Saturday, Sept. 12, at the Bank of Stockton, 660 N. Main St.

No host cocktails and snacks are from 6 to 7 p.m. followed by Texas Hold Em play from 7 to 11 p.m.

The grand prize is a $500 gift card and tournament bracelet plus pries for the top 10 placers.

The $50 buy-in includes $2,000 in chips, food, and prizes.

For tickets contact the Manteca/Lathrop Boys & Girls Club at 239-KIDS or the Manteca Convention & Visitors Center at 823-7229.