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

Teens have a chance to learn a lot about the community as well as develop leadership skills for no cost as part of the Manteca Chamber of Commerce Junior Leadership Program.
The program involves once-a-month programs that give them an up close look 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, 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.

The Manteca Rainbow Girls Spaghetti Dinner takes place Saturday, Sept. 26, from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Masonic Hall on Powers Avenue near North Street.

The cost is $5 per person.

The annual MRPS membership dinner is on Thursday, Sept. 17, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the MRPS Hall, 133 N. Grant St.

You are able to pay your dues at this time. New members are welcome. If you are not able to attend, mail your dues to P.O. Box 25, Manteca, CA 95336. Dues are $15 for each adult (18 years and older.) Dinner is free to all members.

Only paid members are eligible for scholarships. Please contact Evelyn (Brum) Viss at 599-6650 for any information.

On Friday, Sept. 11, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the grassy area behind the Manteca Civic Center, 1001 W. Center Street, a prayer vigil is being held.

Anyone wishing to pray for our nation, our military, our leaders, and continued vigilance, is welcome to attend according to organizer Sandra Van Deventer. She can be contacted at 239-5495 for additional information.

Manteca DeMolay is participating in an American Cancer Society Benefit Car Wash Challenge this Saturday, Sept. 12, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Golden West School, 1031 N. Main Street in Manteca.

A donation of $5 per car or $10 per SUV/Truck is suggested, but donations of any amount will be accepted. Benefits Car Washes are being prompted by the Northern California DeMolay Association, with DeMolay chapters throughout northern California participating. All proceeds from the car washes will benefit the American Cancer Society.