Tracy residents can now recycle packaging foam, which will be sold to a company that turns it into crown molding and baseboards.

Tracy Delta Disposal, the city’s garbage company, will collect and sort foam into a machine that “squeezes” the air out before it is shipped to Timbron International in Stockton. Timbron will use it to make baseboards and crown molding, which is then sold to retailers such as Home Depot, said Michael Westerfield of Dart Container Corp., which has a hand in the effort.

A small area of Tracy was tested last spring to see if recycling foam would work in the city. After the successful test, Tracy began recycling foam throughout the entire city, Westerfield said.

Most foam waste comes from packages, of which there is an increase during the holiday season, he added.

At a glance

• WHAT: Packaging foam recycling

• WHERE: Tracy Delta Disposal, 99 W. Sixth St.

• INFO: 835-0601

News Briefs

Joint reunion today

Members of Tracy High’s Class of 1953 and 1954 will join forces today for a reunion expected to attract more than 100 participants.

Activities begin at 10 a.m. with a tour of the new Tracy High School building, followed by a 2 p.m. tour of the reconstructed Grand Theatre Center for the Arts.

The reunion banquet will begin at 5 p.m. at the Holiday Inn Express, 3751 N. Tracy Blvd.

For information: Gilbert Bullard, 931-3672.

Arts and crafts The San Joaquin Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star will have its third annual Arts and Crafts Fair today and Sunday at the Masonic Lodge, 1601 N. Tracy Blvd.

For information: Leslie Routt, 835-4112.

Fall fashion show

The Lolly Hansen Senior Center and the Dress Barn will put on a fashion show for seniors from 1:30 to 3 p.m. Wednesday at the senior center, 375 E. Ninth St.

The event is free.

For information: 831-4230.

Youth chess tournament

The Art Freiler School Chess Club has organized a chess tournament Oct. 30 in the school’s gymnasium, 2421 W. Lowell Ave.

Registration is from 5 to 5:45 p.m., play starts at 6:15 and awards will be handed out at 9:15.

The cost to play is $10, chess sets will be provided, and players will be pitted against others of equal skill. Kids through high school are encouraged to play.

For information: Tom Langland, 830-0368; or Tiger Azama, 831-5170.

Safe teen driving

The Get Real Behind the Wheel committee and the Altamont Motorsports Park will host an on-track safe teen driver’s training event from

11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday at the racetrack, 17001 Midway Road.

Drivers must be able to prove they are between 14 and 18 and be accompanied by an adult. No driving permit is required, and parents and teens will be able to use the pit and track for driver’s training with their own personal car.

For information: Ken Ucci, 601-6523; or Virginia Kacludis, 607-5800. More can be found at getrealbehindthewheeel.com.

Relay For Life kickoff

The American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life of Tracy 2010 will have a kickoff meeting at 7 p.m. Nov. 10 at the Masonic Lodge, 1601 N. Tracy Blvd.

People who attend can join a planning committee or form new teams for the spring walkathon that raises tens of thousands of dollars for cancer research. Teams that register at the kickoff will get half off the registration fee.

For information: Kimberly Rieman, 835-2426, 814-8295 or club85@sbcglobal.net; or Bev Peiretti, 833-3012 or bevpieretti@yahoo.com.

Entries wanted for holiday parade

The city’s Parks and Recreation Department is looking for entries to the annual Holiday of Lights Parade on Dec. 5 in downtown Tracy.

The parade typically includes marching bands and lighted floats, but if an organization or group wants to participate, it must complete an entry form and submit it by Nov. 13. An entry form packet is available from the parks department at 400 East St. or by e-mail.

For information: 831-6200.

Turkeys wanted

Tracy Interfaith Ministries is seeking donations of turkeys, hams and nonperishable food suitable for Thanksgiving baskets that will be given away Nov. 22 through 25.

Donations can be dropped off at 311 W. Grant Line Road from 9:30 a.m. until 2 p.m. Monday through Friday or from 10 a.m. to noon Saturdays.

For information: 836-5424.

Counseling center to open Counseling and More will open Nov. 5 at 672 W. 11th St.

The clinic will provide mental health services and therapy for a fee.

For information: Lettie Ordone, 323-2577.

Make a Difference Day

Tracy residents looking to lend a helping hand can get involved with Make a Difference Day, today.

The day, celebrated throughout the country, encourages people to spend time improving their communities by doing volunteer work. Tracy has taken part in Make a Difference Day for the past eight years, and organizers hope for another strong showing this year.

For information: 831-6200 or ci.tracy.ca.us/parks.

Volunteers needed for Brighter Christmas

Gene Birk, director of toy and food drive Brighter Christmas, needs volunteers for this year’s efforts. This is the 30th year of Brighter Christmas, and Birk said he’s looking for about 300 helpers to make the holidays happier for thousands of children.

There will be volunteer meetings from 3:30 to 5 p.m. and 7 to 8:30 p.m. Nov. 4 at American Legion Hall, 1960 N. Tracy Blvd.

For information: Gene Birk, 833-3309.