Pregnancy and infant loss remembrance at funeral home

The Forever in Our Hearts Remembrance and Bubble Release will take place at 4 p.m. on Saturday at the Lodi Funeral Home, located at 725 S. Fairmont Ave., Lodi.

Organized in recognition of National Pregnancy & Infant Loss Remembrance Day, this free event is open to the public. Parents, grandparents, loved ones and friends are all welcome to attend, along with anyone who has ever experienced such a loss in their life. Those who have not experienced this type of loss are encouraged to attend to support others.

The hour-long program includes the opportunity to share and honor babies, a therapeutic activity for parents and grandparents, activities for siblings, a ribbon pinning ceremony, dessert reception and more. Each registered adult will receive a free inspirational book, awareness bracelet and lapel pin.

As part of the remembrance, guests will experience a video message from Sherokee Ilse. An international speaker, author and trainer on bereavement, grief and loss. Ilse has written or co-written over 17 books and booklets on infant loss and bereavement as the result of her miscarriages and the full term stillbirth of her son. Ilse has been a guest on Oprah and Donahue and many local, regional, and national radio and television shows.

“We invite our community to join together in memory of all the precious babies that are no longer with us. The Forever in Our Hearts Remembrance & Bubble Release is designed to create awareness and to support parents, grandparents, family and friends who have experienced this type of loss,” Lodi Funeral Home Manager and Funeral Director Christine Boersma Taylor said.

The event is part of many activities and events conducted throughout the year by Lodi Community Outreach, a program of Lodi Funeral Home.

For information on free community events intended to enhance the overall well-being of the Lodi community contact Community Outreach Coordinator, Esther Jimenez at 209-3693564.

Spanish to English class at Lodi Public Library

The Lodi District Chamber of Commerce will be hosting a Spanish to English Biz Class at the Lodi Public Library beginning next week.

Sponsored by Express Employment Professionals, with translation provided by J. Rivera Associates, this sixweek course will focus on teaching basic English phrases that Spanish-speaking business owners can use on a daily basis. English speakers will be able to learn basic Spanish phrases as well.

The first class will be held from 8 to 10 a.m. today. The remaining classes will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. Oct. 17 to Nov. 14. Reservations are required. For more information or to make a reservation, email Marina Narvarte, the chamber’s membership director, at

Lodi Eagles Auxiliary dinner

The Lodi Eagles Auxiliary will host a dinner at the Fraternal Order of Eagles at 6 p.m. Wednesday, featuring a menu of beef stroganoff, noodles, vegetables, bread, salad and dessert.

Tickets are $8 for members and $9 for nonmembers.

The Fraternal Order of Eagles is located at 217 E. Lockeford St., Lodi. For more information, call 209-339-1615.

Lodi Public Library upcoming events

The Lodi Public Library will offer the following classes and events this week.

• Genealogy Workshop: Learn how to track down your ancestors at 10:30 a.m. Saturday.

• Rock With Me: Get creative at a rock painting workshop at 10 a.m. Oct. 21.

• Nutrition Series: Claudia Montelongo will offer weekly classes on nutrition from 4 to 5 p.m. on Wednesdays through Nov. 8. For more information, call the University of California Cooperative Extension at 209-953-6129 or email

• Paws to Read: Children can read to dogs weekly on Sundays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. or 5 to 7 p.m. Mondays.

The Lodi Public Library is located at 201 W. Locust St., Lodi. For more information, visit

Valley Concert Band to celebrate 20th anniversary

To celebrate its 20th anniversary, the Valley Concert Band will hold a free concert next week.

Featuring guest conductor Eric Hammer of University of the Pacific, the band will perform a world premiere musical selection dedicated to late conductor Chris Anderson, who passed away last year. The composer of this selection, Carol Brittin Chambers, will be in the audience.

Since its formation, the Valley Concert Band has performed marches, showtunes, and big band pieces all over the Central Valley. The band also provides scholarships and music lessons to high school students.

The concert will be held at 7 p.m. Sunday at the First Baptist Church of Lodi, 267 N. Mills Ave., Lodi. For more information, visit

Cell Block 7 at the American Legion

Cell Block 7, the Lodi-based traditional jazz band, will be performing at the American Legion from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Oct. 17. Food will be available for purchase. Enjoy a meal and dancing through the evening.

The band has also released a new album, “Contempt of Court,” which includes a jazzy cover of the CCR standard “Lodi.”

The American Legion Hall is located at 320 N. Washington St., Lodi. For more information, visit

Computer classes at the Lodi Public Library

The Lodi Public Library will hold the following computer classes:

• Windows 10 Essentials: Learn about setup, security and file management. Basic computer skills are recommended. 9 a.m. Oct. 16, 17 and 23; classes last two to three hours per day.

• Microsoft Word: How to create and edit various documents. Basic computer skills are recommended. 9 a.m. Oct. 18, 19, 25 and 26; classes last two to three hours.

All classes are free and require advance registration. They will be held in the library’s Computer Learning Center, 201 W. Locust St., Lodi. For more information or to register, visit the library, call 209-333-5554 or email

Lodi Republican Women’s meeting

The California Federation of Republican Women’s legislative advocate Alison Olson will speak at the Lodi Republican Women’s meeting on Oct. 18 at the Woodbridge Golf and Country Club.

A meet-and-greet will begin at 11 a.m., and the meeting starts at 11:30 a.m.

The Woodbridge Golf and Country Club is located at 800 E. Woodbridge Road, Woodbridge. Please register by Friday. For more information, call Dr. Jane Henderson-Loney at 925-212-5914.

Bass angler to speak in Auburn

The Rooster Tails Fishing Club monthly breakfast will be held at the Elks Lodge at 195 Pine St., Auburn on Oct. 20. The event is open to the public.

Doors to the lodge open at 7 a.m., and fresh-brewed coffee will be available. A wide-selection buffet breakfast is served at 8 a.m., costing $13. Guest speaker Roger George, a professional fishing guide and bass angler, will offer tips, tackle and tactics for catching trophy striped bass at 9 a.m.

For more information, call 530-887-0479 or visit

Fashion show at Elkhorn Golf club

Lodi Women’s Connection is hosting its Fall Fashion Show on Wednesday, Nov. 15, 10 to 11:30 a.m., at Elkhorn Golf Club.

For more information, call 209-484-8604.