Datebook lists upcoming events and items of interest for residents of Escalon, Farmington, Collegeville and the surrounding area.
In the summertime, many blood donors go on well-deserved vacations. But it’s important to make sure hospitals and cancer treatment centers have a steady, uninterrupted supply of all the blood they need. Right now, there is an urgent need for blood donors of all types. Help patients of all ages by making a blood donation appointment now. As a bonus, when you come to give July 2 through 7, you’ll get an exclusive Red Cross T-shirt, while supplies last. The Three Amigos at 301 Mitchell Road, Modesto hosts a drive on Friday, June 29 from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.; and the Gene Bianchi Community Center, 110 S. Second Ave., Oakdale, will host a drive on Thursday, July 5 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
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Next up at Hutton’s Hamlet Performing Arts Center in Oakdale: Rockin’ Robin Hood. Show times are Friday, July 6 at 7 p.m.; and Saturday, July 7 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Nottingham rocks in this exiting musical that takes on the legend of Robin Hood, with a fresh yet traditional approach. The musical score blends medieval ditties into rock ‘n’ roll angst. Hutton’s Hamlet is at 132 W. G St., Oakdale.
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The final ‘pre-cruise’ Friday night car show leading up to the annual Escalon Lions Club Autumn Cruise in September will take place later this summer in Escalon’s Main Street Park. The show is scheduled for July 20. There is no entry fee for the pre-cruise gathering; those interested can just bring their classic cars to the Main Street Park for an evening of music, shop talk and looking over the classics; the show will run from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. and all makes and models of vehicles are welcome.
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The Great Valley Museum on the West Campus of Modesto Junior College is offering training for new docents to share information about the habitats, animals, and plants of the Central Valley with museum visitors. Docents are trained to lead guided tours for school and adult groups. A background in science is not required, just enthusiasm for working with people. For more information or to register, call (209) 575-6196 or go to GVM’s “Volunteering” page found at www.mjc.edu/gvm.
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All are invited to the weekly meetings of TOPS, Take Off Pounds Sensibly, 1034 that gathers each Monday from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. at the United Methodist Church, 1480 Poplar Ave., Oakdale. The group features help with weight loss in a supportive setting. Residents of Oakdale, Riverbank, Escalon and beyond are welcome to attend. Call Audrey Oliver at 209-765-7838 for information. You can also visit www.tops.org.
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The local REO Speechtrain Toastmasters Club gathers for regular meetings every Wednesday morning, 6:30 a.m. to 7:45 a.m., at Perko’s Cafe, Patterson and Oakdale roads, Riverbank. This is a fun way to learn the self-confidence and skills needed for public speaking. All are invited to come and check out the group. The next meeting will be Wednesday, July 11. For more information, call (209) 869-8200.
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Golden Agers weekly dances are open to those 50 and older from throughout the Central Valley at the Riverbank Community Center. Doors open Wednesdays at 9 a.m.; the center is at 3600 Santa Fe St., and first time guests are admitted free. The annual membership fee is $12 and each Wednesday members pay $5 and non-members can enjoy a few hours of music and dancing for $6.
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Visionary Home Builders is offering a Homebuyer Education Class at its Homeownership Center on Saturday, July 28. This one-day class reviews all aspects of home purchase, including understanding credit scores and good faith estimates, budget analysis, housing payment affordability, and developing your home buying team. A Class Registration Form is available at Visionary Home Builders’ Homeownership Center in downtown Stockton at 315 N. San Joaquin St., or can be downloaded at www.visionaryhomebuilders.org. Pre-registration is mandatory. Classes are held from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
