Dec. 22 to Jan. 6 Winter Holiday Camp, 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Dec. 19 to 23, 27 to 30 and Jan. 3 to 6 at the Cecil Berkley Activity Center, 830 So. Blackstone St., Tulare. Sponsored by city Recreation and Parks Department for students in kindergarten through sixth grades. Cost: $80 for first week; $64 for weeks two and three. Registration: 684- 4310.

Dec. 22 Tulare Kings Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Holiday Party at Ed Dena’s Auto Center, 1500 W. El Monte Way, Dinuba, at 5:30 p.m. Music, food, entertainment. Bring a coat or unwrapped toy to support kids in need this holiday season. Information: 827-4223.

Dec. 23 Abundant Life Center Food Distribution, 8:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. every Friday at 2201 E. Bardsley Ave. Bring photo identification and a utility bill. Information: 623-5907.

Dec. 28 Tulare Union Class of 1954 Luncheon, 1 p.m. on the last Wednesday of each month at Apple Annie's Restaurant, 1165 N. Blackstone St. Information: 688-1220 or 686-2480.

Dec. 29 Meal for the Hungry, 5:30 to 6:15 p.m. at Zumwalt Park, M Street and East Tulare Ave. Sponsored by First Lutheran Church. Information: 686-0619.

Dec. 30 Abundant Life Center Food Distribution, 8:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. every Friday at 2201 E. Bardsley Ave. Bring photo identification and a utility bill. Information: 623-5907.

Dec. 31 Kwanzaa Bazaar, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Dr. Mylene Rucker’s Wellness Center, 2305 Mid Valley Ave., Visalia. Garage sale will include small appliances, clothes, books and more. People also can buy food and listen to music. Proceeds will go toward providing clinic services to Allensworth residents. Sponsored by The Allensworth Initiative and Sister Friends. Information: 635-1746.

Jan. 21 Gardening Festival & Rose Pruning Demo sponsored by UC Master Gardener Program of Tulare & Kings Counties, from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. at the Tulare County Courthouse roses at Mooney Blvd. and W. Main in Visalia. Kids will be included in a special activity. This event is free.

Jan. 21-22 Gemboree Gem and Mineral Show presented by Tule Gem and Mineral Society at Exeter Veterans Memorial Building, 324 N. Kaweah Ave., Exeter. Admission free. Sat. from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. and Sun. from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. For more information visit www.tulegem.org.

CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate), Be a child’s hero! Informational meetings are held every Monday at 5:30 p.m. and every Thursday at noon at their office at 1146 N. Chinowth in Visalia. CASA's waiting list of children in need continues to grow. Make the call for more information, 625-4007.

Congregation Beit Shalom has two ongoing classes that are open to the community: Hebrew Language and Introduction to Judaism. For information call 308-1333 or email congregationbeitshalom@yahoo.com

Visalia Senior High School Class of 1954 will meet every second Thursday of the month for breakfast at Marie Callenders at 9 a.m. Information: 732-8502.

All Nations Fishing Club based in Farmersville, a new club being formed, will be geared towards members 55 years old and over and disabled, but all are welcome. Drivers are needed to transport wheelchair members and members with boats. For more information email roman701@yahoo.com

Compassion Fatigue Support Group for caregivers that focus on others without practicing self-care. This group is for professional caregivers and caregivers by choice dealing with compassion fatigue. This group will meet monthly on the second Wednesday from 6-7 p.m. at Quail Park Retirement Village, 4520 W. Cypress, Visalia. For more information call 624-3500, ext. 13.

Tulare-Kings County Kidney Support Group “An Open Door to a Better Understanding”. This free support group meets every second Wednesday of the month from 7 - 8:30 p.m. at Kaweah Delta Dialysis Center, 5040 W. Tulare Ave., Visalia. Various topics discussed. Open to patients, family and friends and those interested in kidney health. For more information call 688-6804.

Foster Parent Training Classes Help children find their inner hero by becoming a foster parent. Aspiranet offers foster parent training classes every month free of charge for individuals and families in Visalia interested in becoming foster parents. To learn more or register for orientation and classes, please call 877-380-4376 or visit www.aspiranetheroes.org

Project Linus is in need of volunteer blanketeers that would like to make blankets for children in the local area. Blankets are given to children who are seriously ill, traumatized, or otherwise in need. Handmade blankets can be quilted, made of fleece or knitted/crocheted. If you would like more information or would like to get involved, please call 661-589-1854 or email quilts4kidz@sbcglobal.net. Blankets can be delivered to Synchrony of Visalia, 4031 N. Demaree, Visalia.

Visalia Christian Ministries Bible and Breakfast Fellowship every Wednesday from 7 - 8:30 a.m. at Visalia Hometown Buffet. Complete hot breakfast for $4, old-time fellowship with Bible study, hymns, special music, featured guests and much more. All are welcome, but geared for those fifty and over. For information call 733-0926, 734-4178 or 741-1220.

The Grace Homes of Gale Kuns Ministries Inc. participates in the National School Lunch Program and offers free breakfast, lunch and after school snacks to foster care children who are either in day program or residential program. For additional information contact 625-1329 or info@gracehomes.org

Singles Social Mixer on the third Thursday of every month, at The Lounge at the Visalia Marriott from 5:30 - 7 p.m. No Charge.

Central Valley Parkinson’s Support Group meets the first Friday of each month at 10:30 a.m. - 12 noon, at Visalia United Methodist Church, Caldwell and Akers. Further details: 627-0798 or visit website at CVPSG.org.

Toastmasters Club meets each Tuesday from 6:30 - 8 p.m. at the Methodist Church, 5200 W. Caldwell Ave., Visalia. Toastmasters is the best self-help club in existence. Toastmasters International has helped people of all backgrounds become more confident in their speaking and communication skills. For more information contact allan@blainhomes.com

Alzheimer Caregiver Support Group on the fourth Wednesday of the month, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Quail Park Retirement Village, 4520 W. Cypress Ave., Visalia. Free and open to the public. Information call 624-3500 ext. 13.

REACH Tulare County is a program designed to meet the needs of families who are adopting, or have adopted through Tulare County foster care. There are two support groups offered: Parents Retreats are held the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month, 6:30 - 8 p.m. at the Visalia YMCA. The support group for adopted teens is held the 1st and 3rd Friday of each month, 5 - 7 p.m. at 2436 E. Valley Oaks Dr. For information call 741-7358.

Farmers Market First Saturdays at Springville Ranch 8 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. rain or shine, year-round. Springville Ranch is located at 36400 Hwy. 190 in Springville. For information call 539-2893.

The Grange Hall Ballroom Dance Lessons every Wednesday in Visalia, 1/4 mile north of Hwy 198 and Shirk Rd. 6:30 p.m. - Beginners Cha-Cha, 7:30 p.m. - Intermediate Fox-Trot, 8:30 p.m. - Intermediate Quick Step, $40 for five weeks of instruction. Call 264-6742.

Springville Mountain Lions Club Meetings are held at Springville’s Veterans’ Memorial Building on Hwy. 190 the first and third Tuesday of each month, at 7:30 p.m. They regularly cook their own steak dinners. For information email steper@springvillewireless.com

Sister Friends a non-profit group designed to empower women, meets the first Wednesday of every month at Dr. Rucker’s Wellness Center, 2305 Midvalley Ave., Visalia. For more information call 635-1746.

Parenting Classes Synchrony of Visalia, Inc./F.R.E.E. Parent Education Program offers weekly parenting classes, at no cost, at the following sites: Mondays from 6-8 p.m. at Visalia Family Resource Center, Thursdays from 5:30-7 p.m. at Boys & Girls Club, Wednesdays from 12:30-2 p.m. at Tulare Adult School. Classes are open to parents, grandparents and guardians and are court approved. For more details call 622-1853 or visit synchronyofvisalia.com, select parent education option.

Gateway MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) meets the 1st and 3rd Thursday of the month, from 9 - 11 a.m. MOPS strives to meet the needs of every expectant mom and those with children from birth through kindergarten. Childcare is an integral part of MOPS and is provided. Gateway Church, 1100 S. Sowell St., Visalia. More information call 732-4787.

Visalia Rescue Mission Women’s Carwash every Friday between Carl’s Jr. and Long John Silvers on Mooney Blvd., from 11:30 a.m. - 3 p.m. Cost: Free. Donations are welcomed and appreciated.

CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate), “If our American way of life fails a child, it fails us all.” Pearl S. Buck. Informational meetings are held every Monday at 5:30 p.m. and every Thursday at noon at their office at 1146 N. Chinowth in Visalia. CASA's waiting list of children in need continues to grow. Make the call for more information, 625-4007.

Aspergers Support Group provides families and caregivers with advice, education and coping skills as well as to share experiences related to Aspergers Syndrome. Meet first Saturday of every month. Information call, 625-4246.

NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) support group meets the first Monday of the month at St. Paul’s Church, 120 N. Hall St., Visalia. Education meeting at 5:45 p.m., Support group at 7 p.m. Call 627-1306 for information.

The Big Monday Dance Community members age 40 and older are invited to a weekly dance featuring music by Bobby Seals and The Whiskey River Band, 7-10 p.m. every Monday night at Elks Lodge No. 1298, 3100 W. Main St., Visalia. Cost $7. There will be a no-host bar, food and prizes. Information: 229-9808.

Brain Injury Support Group meets the third Thursday of each month at Kaweah Delta Rehab Hospital, 840 S. Akers, Visalia. The meetings are held in the Polar Bear Room from 6 - 8 p.m. For information call 679-3702. The meetings are open to anyone affected by brain injury.

Amvets Service Officer will be at the Visalia Veterans Memorial Building, 609 W. Center St., the first Sunday of each month between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Any Veteran interested in getting information on their Veterans Benefits, filing a claim for Service Connected Disability, or filing a claim for VA Pension is encouraged to attend. No appointment is necessary, however, make sure you bring your DD-214. Information: 733-5994.

Tulare County Certified Farmers Market is held each Saturday in the Sears parking lot, Mooney and Caldwell from 8 - 11:30 a.m. Year round.

Family HealthCare Network offers Classes for Diabetes, Childbirth, Weight Control, Stress Management, Breastfeeding and Smoking Cessation at various locations. Some classes are offered in English and Spanish. All classes are offered at no cost to FHCN patients. For information on times and locations, please call: Visalia Bridge - 741-4320, Visalia Oak - 741-4529, Porterville - 793-3587 or Cutler - 528-2862.

Tulare-Kings County Kidney Support Group “An Open Door to a Better Understanding”. This free support group meets every second Wednesday of the month from 7 - 8:30 p.m. Various topics discussed. Open to patients, family and friends and those interested in kidney health. For more information call 688-6804.

TailWaggers, a Tulare County Club is seeking volunteers who would be interested in preparing a puppy to enter guide dog training. Teaching obedience, socialization, and good manners is a rewarding project. Meeting information call Judy Landers, 733-3556 or email, gdbpups4me@yahoo.com.

Educational Assessment, evaluation, and instruction in reading, comprehension, writing, math and study skills with Jeri Burzin, Med, BCET. For more information, call 967-8635, email: jeriburzin@clearwire.net, or visit www.jblearningtools.com.

Women’s Cancer Connection meets from 6:30 - 8 p.m. the second Thursday of each month at Sequoia Regional Cancer Center Maynard and Pauline Faught Conference Room, 4945 W. Cypress, Visalia. The breast cancer patient may bring a female friend or support person. Info: 734-1392.

Cancer Patient and Family Support Group meets the first Thursday of each month at Sequoia Regional Cancer Center Maynard and Pauline Faught Conference Room, 4945 W. Cypress, Visalia. Cancer is dinner talk. A light dinner for patient and a guest at 5:30 pm; presentation and discussion at 6 pm Designed for cancer patients and family members, including those newly diagnosed or with recurrence. RSVP: 624-3295.

Prostate Cancer Support Group (men only) meets at 3:30 pm the first Thursday each month at Sequoia Regional Cancer Center Maynard and Pauline Faught Conference Room, 4945 W. Cypress, Visalia. Information call: 734-1392.

How To Become A Foster Parent For Tulare County Orientation Meetings are held the first and third Thursdays of each month (except for the third Thursday of Dec.) from 6:30 to 9 p.m. For more information, call 730-2552 ext.207.

Adult Women Sexual Assault Support Group offered free in Visalia, Mondays at 5:15 p.m. The support group is designed to provide an educational and supportive opportunity for adult women to discuss the impact of sexual assault and molestation. The group will identify common reactions and exchange strategies for healing, coping and overcoming damaging behaviors. For information, contact Jamie McLain at 732-7371 or 732-7273 or in Porterville at 784-7273.

Talk About Curing Autism group meets every third Wednesday of the month at the Kaweah Delta Multi-Service Center, from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Families from Tulare, Kings, Fresno and Madera counties are invited.

Optimal Hospice Care is seeking volunteers to give time and compassion to terminally ill patients and their loved ones. This can be one of the most rewarding gifts you will ever give or receive. If you would like to know more about becoming a volunteer call Jan at 741-7200 or you can call 1-877-882-6423.

MOS (Mothers of Servicemen and women), a faith-based support group meets the fourth Tuesday of each month at 6:30 p.m., at Visalia United Methodist Church, 5200 W. Caldwell. The group meets in Multi-Purpose Room E-7. This prayer support group is open to anyone with a family member in active military service and anyone who would like to support the armed forced through prayer. MOS is Army jargon for a soldier's particular job. This group is intended to support family members in their job - prayer. For more information contact Visalia United Methodist Church at 627-1660.

Chronic Kidney Disease Educational Forum at the Dialysis Center at Sierra View District Hospital, 283 N. Pearson Ave., Porterville. Classes will be held on the third Wednesday of each month from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. Free to the public. For more information call 791-3900.

Sequoia Chapter of Embroiderers’ Guild of America Learn a variety of beginning, intermediate, and advanced hand embroidery techniques, 9:30 a.m., second Tuesdays and second Saturdays of the month. Tuesday meetings: St. Paul’s Episcopal Church Guild Room, 120 N. Hall, Visalia; Saturday meetings: United Methodist Church Media Room of Adm Building, 5200 W. Caldwell Ave., Visalia. Please telephone for program information: 732-5293 or 732-4479. Visitors are welcome.

Speaking Circle Group meets every 3rd Thursday of each month from 6 - 8 p.m., sponsored by Aromatic Natural Solutions. For more information or directions please contact Adaniel at 798-4923 or Willow at 901-1980.

Support Groups and Walking Clubs for People with Diabetes sponsored by Kaweah Delta Medical Center’s Community Outreach. The classes will focus on ways to control and live with diabetes. The Visalia group is conducted in both English and Spanish. The Orosi and Woodlake groups will be conducted in Spanish, but everyone is welcome. The Orosi groups will meet the first Monday of the month from 6 - 8 p.m. at the Sand Creek Apartments, 41020 Road 124, The Woodlake group will be held the third Thursday of the month from 5:30 - 7 p.m. at the Valencia House, 248 N. Valencia, and the Visalia group will be held the last Thursday of the month from 5:30 - 7 p.m. at Visalia Health Care Center, 2611 N. Dinuba Blvd.