Marin Children Need Loving Homes

Learn about becoming a foster or adoptive parent at an Information Meeting offered by the Marin County Department of Health and Human Services on Thursday, July 27 or August 24 from 7-9 pm at 10 North San Pedro Rd., Room 1018 (at the north end of the building), San Rafael. Additional meetings will be held the fourth Thursday of each month.

Individuals and families of all backgrounds are needed. In addition, we are seeking people who have room in their hearts and homes for sibling groups, and professionals in the fields of social work, psychology, psychiatry, pediatric nursing and medicine, and special education teaching.

Call 499-7118 for more information.

Chicken Ranch Beach An invitation to apply to serve on the Advisory Committee

This committee makes recommendations on the management of Chicken Ranch Beach, a park on Tomales Bay, on environmental management, possible construction of a wheelchair access bridge and other issues, and should include broad representation from the local community.

There are seven seats on this committee. Terms of service are from September 1, 2000 to January 1, 2002. Meetings will be held as necessary. There is no financial compensation. Applications are available at the Inverness Library or can be sent on request-call 499-6387-and should be received by 5 pm on August 18. Mail to: Marin County Dept. of Parks, Room 415, Civic Center, San Rafael 94903, Attn: F. Brigmann.

Handling Batteries

Prolonged exposure to lead and acid can cause serious health problems-cancer and birth defects-as well as complaints such as headaches, fatigue, muscle and joint pain, depression and sleep disturbances. In children, brain and neurological development can be hindered. Most of the lead in batteries is contained inside the heavy plastic case, but because the solid lead posts and terminals are exposed, ingestion of lead can be avoided by wearing gloves and washing hands. California law requires recycling of batteries; don't leave an old one laying around.

Jerry Garcia Memorial

A concert and dance will be held August 5 at 8 pm at the San Geronimo Valley Cultural Center, 6350 Sir Francis Drake Blvd. 5 miles west of Fairfax to celebrate Jerry's life. This is a fund-raiser for the Cultural Center, 488-9385. D.J. John Yanotti will spin the tunes. $6-8 sliding scale at the door.