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'Governor's Own' Band Performs Free Concert
The 59th Army National Guard Band, long known as "The Governor's Own," performs a free concert at 2 p.m. on Sunday, March 16, at the Jesuit High School gymnasium, 1200 Jacob Lane, Carmichael.

The California Army National Guard announced that the concert will be the final one performed at Jesuit High School, and, because of military downsizing, may be the final concert given in Sacramento.

The band performs often at the state Capitol, and has played at every California governor's inauguration since 1928. The 59th Army Band, which performed for Queen Elizabeth II during her 1984 visit to California, is the only National Guard band to be featured on a nationally distributed music cassette of Army bands.

For more information, call (916) 262-2105 or (916) 262-2179.

Parkinson's Association Holds Silent Auction
The Parkinson's Association of the Sacramento Valley will hold a silent auction fundraiser from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, April 5, at the KVIE television studios, 2595 Capitol Oaks Drive, Sacramento.

Auction items include a guitar autographed by B.B. King, two signed lithographs from Carlos Santana, tickets to San Francisco Giants, Oakland Athletics and Sacramento River Cats baseball games, a handbag signed by Maureen Reagan, autographed memorabilia from the Sacramento Kings, and a one-week stay at a resort in Palm Springs.

Actor Michael J. Fox, who has Parkinson's disease, donated a collectable package which includes a T-shirt, hat, pin and an autographed copy of his book, "Lucky Man."

Tickets are $25 in advance, $35 at the door. Entertainment is provided by Dr. Bach and the Jazz Practitioners. Proceeds go to Parkinson's disease research.

For information, call the Parkinson's Association at (916) 489-0226.

California Writers Club Sponsors Contest
The California Writers Club's local chapter is seeking entries to its 19th annual Short Story Contest, which is open to club members and non-members, published or unpublished. Entrants will compete for a total of $300 in prizes.

Manuscripts must be original and unpublished up to 1,200 words. Entries must be postmarked no later than March 31.

A copy of the contest rules is available by fax at (916) 486-3810, by written request with a self-addressed, stamped envelope mailed to CWC, 2325 Tyrolean Way, Sacramento, CA 95821, or by visiting the CWC Web site at www.calwriters.com, under "events."

Craft and Gift Faire Open to Vendors
The Mission Oaks Recreation and Park District is accepting applications from craft vendors for its annual Spring Craft and Gift Faire, scheduled for April 12 at the Mission Oaks Community Center, 4701 Gibbons Drive, Carmichael. Four-foot vendor tables rent for $20 each. Proceeds from the event benefit Mission Oaks' senior citizen programs.

For more information, call (916) 972-0336.

Jewish Film Festival Opens Next Week
The sixth annual Sacramento Jewish Film Festival opens March 15 at the Crest Theatre, 1013 K St., with the area premiere of "God is Great and I'm Not."

The movie, which stars French film star Audrey Tatou, starts at 8 p.m., and is preceded by an opening night reception at 6:30 p.m.

On March 16, four films are shown, beginning at 1 p.m. with "Home on the Range," followed by a short feature, "Song of the Jewish Cowboy." "Home on the Range" follows the history of three generations of chicken farmers in Petaluma, Calif., and the challenges they face. "Song of the Jewish Cowboy" features Scott Gerber, who will make a guest appearance at the Crest.

At 4 p.m., the festival presents "Strange Fruit," a documentary about the history of the title song, made famous by Billie Holiday and written by Jewish schoolteacher Abel Meerapol. "The House I Live In" is a short film about another song by Meerapol that was recorded by Frank Sinatra and later made into an Academy Award-winning film short.

Sunday's program continues at 5:30 p.m. with repeat showing of "God is Great and I'm Not," followed by "Strange Fruit."

Tickets for the opening night reception and film are $25. General admission single tickets are $7 for seniors, $8.50 for others. Festival passes, including all films and the reception, are $35 for seniors, $40 general, with group rates available.

All movies require separate admission. Tickets are available at the Crest Theatre and www.tickets.com. For further information, call the Crest Theatre at (916) 442-7378 or visit www.thecrest.com.

Hospice Consortium Seeks Volunteers
The Sacramento Hospice Consortium is looking for volunteers to provide respite and support for area families faced with terminal illness. Classes are offered in March at locations throughout the Sacramento area with both day and night options available.

The training includes 24 hours of classes in the history and philosophy of hospice care, concepts of death and dying, psychosocial issues, care and comfort measures, diseases and conditions, spiritual and cultural issues in death, grief and bereavement, communication skills, and the volunteer's role in hospice.

Upon completion, volunteers interview with the hospice of their choice and, with mutual agreement, join a program on the basis of personal preference and geographical service area. Time commitments are flexible and vary according to the program requirements and volunteer's needs.

Program support volunteers may also assist with office or clerical tasks, fundraising, and special programs and projects.

For more information, call (916) 454-6532.

Multiple Sclerosis Walk Scheduled for April 6
The National Multiple Sclerosis Society hosts its 15th annual MS Walk on Sunday, April 6, starting at the north steps of the state Capitol.

Check in is at 8 a.m. The walk starts at 9 a.m. and concludes at approximately 11 a.m. The walk features route choices of 16 kilometers or the 8k challenge route to accommodate wheelchairs, seniors and parents with small children.

The event also includes a face-painting booth, child identification services and free food, entertainment and raffle prizes.

To register individually or as a team, visit www.msconnection.org or call 1-800-344-4867.