Community Briefs provides a listing of events and activities going on in and around the Oakdale, Riverbank and Escalon areas. To have an event featured, e-mail the information to mjackson@oakdaleleader.com.
Saturday Market
Market Place on Poplar returns on Saturday, March 4 at the Community United Methodist Church, 1480 Poplar. Scheduled the first Saturday of the month from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., the market place serves up a variety of booths, featuring everything from plants to artwork, key chains and magnets, vintage toys to rummage sale items. There is also food for purchase on site, including newly added hot breakfast items, and vendor space is available for a $20 fee. Along with the Saturday, March 4 event, upcoming markets are also set for April 1 and May 6. To email a request for a booth reservation, email CraftFairInfo@yahoo.com.
Enjoy Accordion Music
The Good Time Accordion Club members meet on a regular basis, the first Sunday of the month at 2:30 p.m., hosted at the Escalon United Methodist Church, 2000 Jackson Ave., Escalon. Admission is $5; there are free refreshments provided. The club presents musicians of all levels and many musical styles. Anyone can bring an accordion and play or just come to enjoy listening to the musical performances. The upcoming 2023 gatherings are scheduled for March 5, April 2, May 7, June 4, July 2, Aug. 6, Sept. 3, Oct. 1, Nov. 5 and Dec. 3.
Golden Agers Dance
Check out the Golden Agers dance group at the Riverbank Community Center on Wednesdays, 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., with dancing, socializing, live music and fun for all. All adults 55-plus are welcome. Just drop in to check it out or become a member. Fees are $5 for members and $6 for non-members. Membership is $15. The Community Center is at 3600 Santa Fe St., Riverbank.
Corned Beef And Cabbage
Escalon Lions Club is planning its 57th annual St. Patrick’s Day Corned Beef and Cabbage Dinner fundraiser, set for Thursday, March 16. The dinner will be hosted at the Escalon Community Center and tickets are $30 each. The evening begins with libations at 6 p.m.; dinner at 7 p.m.; you can eat in or takeout. Tickets are available at Escalon Body & Frame, 2228 Main St.; D’Boni’s Pizza, 2249 Jackson Ave.; or from any Escalon Lions Club member. You can also call Steve Scott at 209-404-2289 for tickets or more information. Back by popular demand, Paul Espinoza from the Celtic band Golden Bough will provide musical entertainment during the evening.
Spring Craft Fair
A Spring Craft and Vendor Market, hosted in conjunction with the Relay For Life of Greater Stanislaus County, is set for Saturday, March 25 at the North Modesto Church of God, 1918 Sherwood Ave., Modesto and runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Those interested can also attend the official kickoff meeting for the 2023 Relay, set at the church on Thursday, March 23 at 6:30 p.m. Dates for this year’s event are Saturday, Sept. 30 and Sunday, Oct. 1 and Relay will be at John Thurman Field in Modesto.
Weight Loss Support
All interested are welcome to join TOPS (Taking Off Pounds Sensibly) a weight loss support group that meets in Oakdale every Monday morning from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m.; they have a new location for 2023, meeting at 7450 River Road, Suite 4, Oakdale. This group is open to the public and anyone interested in improving their life by losing weight can contact Audrey for more information, call 209-765-7838.
Widowed Persons Group
Oakdale Widowed Persons Group invites you to join them the first Saturday of each month for breakfast at 9 a.m. and on the third Tuesday of each month for lunch at 1 p.m.; call for locations. All are welcome to join the group no matter how long ago you lost your spouse. For more information, contact Barbara at 209-322-2184.
