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.
Dance Group Meets
Enjoy local dancing and get some exercise each week. Members of the Golden Agers dance group meet 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.
Band Concert
Scheduled on Thursday, Oct. 23, the Oakdale Community Dance Band will perform for your listening and/or dancing pleasure. The performance starts at 6:30 p.m. at the Gladys Lemmons Senior Community Center at 450 E. A St., Oakdale, and is free. All ages are invited and welcome to attend this performance by a talented group of local musicians.
Stargazing Session
Astronomy in the Park is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 25 and begins at 6:15 p.m., featuring Jupiter, Star Cluster in Hercules, and Saturn. Stargazing is hosted at Shumway Oak Grove Regional Park, I-5 at Eight Mile Road in Stockton. Come early to enjoy astronomy activities in the Nature Center, then view planets through the giant telescopes after sunset. There is a $6 cash parking fee at the park, though the program is open to all ages, free of charge. For more information, call 209-953-8800.
Annual Kringle Market
Preparations are underway now for the Saron Lutheran Church annual Kris Kringle Market, which will be offered from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 1 at the church, 1742 North St, Escalon. This has traditionally been a stop for those looking to do some holiday shopping, with homemade items, baked goods, candy, jams and jellies, puzzles, ornaments and more all part of the offerings. There will also be a quilt raffle with tickets available on site; a chili and cornbread luncheon served at a cost of $6 and Santa will stop by for photos and visits. For more information, call the church office at 209-838-7695. All donations will support the ministries of Saron Lutheran.
Local Art Show
Coming up in November, it’s the Second Annual Fall Classic Art Show, sponsored by Students of Carol Earle and Community United Methodist Church. The Community United Methodist Church at 1480 Poplar St., Oakdale, will be the site for the Fall Classic Art Show and Sale. Hours are Saturday, Nov. 8 from noon to 5 p.m., and Sunday, Nov. 9 from noon to 3 p.m., with the awards ceremony on Sunday at 2 p.m.
Join Walking Bunch
The Escalon Senior Fun Bunch walkers, known as the Senior Steppers, invite everyone in the area to join them for their weekly walks. The group meets every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at a park in Escalon. They meet at the corner of Justin Drive and Mission Street at 9 a.m. This is a lighthearted group whose members love to get together and walk with others, enjoy some conversation and exercise. All are welcome to join the walking group during any or all of their scheduled walks during the week.
Jammers Meet
The ‘Jammers’ are a loosely knit group of local musicians who gather regularly to play and share music. Members of The Jammers set up and play at Medlen’s House of Beef in Oakdale, on the patio, the second and fourth Saturdays of each month. The fun begins around 3 p.m. and typically continues until about 6 p.m., a full afternoon of music. Acoustic musicians are welcome to come and play. Featured instruments usually include guitar, fiddle, banjo, ukulele, etc. The public is welcome to stop by, listen to the music and even sing along. No cost to attend.
Weight Loss
Members of the local TOPS (Taking Off Pounds Sensibly) weight loss support group meet in Oakdale every Monday morning from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m.; the meeting is at 7450 River Road, Suite 4, Oakdale. This group is open to the public and anyone interested in improving their life by losing weight. Visit the website: www.tops.org for more information and to see a list of other meeting locations.
Adult Gentle Yoga
A new offering on Friday mornings at the Escalon Community Center, adults ages 55 and up are invited to try out Hawaiian Gentle Yoga. The class is hosted by instructor Kaleka, who leads the class in stretches and gentle movements as they are introduced to yoga. Scheduled on Friday mornings at 9:30 a.m., the cost is just $5 per class. For more information, email kalekayoga@yahoo.com or just stop by on a Friday morning to check out the class.
Brennan’s Parlor
The ‘lads and lasses’ of Brennan’s Parlor host a monthly Irish music jam (aka “Ceilidh”) in the back room of the H Bar B Saloon, 401 E. F St., Oakdale. Gatherings are on the third Monday of the month, and run from 6 p.m. to 8:15 p.m. They welcome anyone – players, singers, or listeners – with an appreciation for Celtic music to join the fun.
Support Sessions
Open to those throughout the area, the 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.
