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.
Time To Dance
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.
AAUW Meeting
The American Association of University Women, Oakdale, Riverbank, Escalon Branch (AAUW-ORE) will gather for the December meeting on Thursday evening, Dec. 11. Festivities will start with a social time at 6 p.m. in the Escalon Library Community Room. Local accordionist Gene Bartolomei of Escalon will perform, followed by AAUW-ORE member and longtime folk dancer and teacher, Judy Kropp, teaching attendees three easy to learn, no partner dances from Sweden, Turkey and Serbia. This meeting and holiday celebration is open to members, guests and those interested in possibly joining the organization. The Escalon Library is at 1540 Second St., Escalon. Individuals interested in attending or who want more information about the meeting or AAUW’s mission are asked to RSVP by emailing membership director, Gail Marganelli at gmarganelli@att.net.
Songs Of The Season
Come enjoy some holiday music on Saturday, Dec. 13 at 3 p.m., hosted at Community United Methodist Church, 1480 Poplar St., Oakdale. There will be a hand bell choir, cellist, guitar, mandolin, and organist doing Christmas music, both to listen to and sing along. There will be cocoa and cookies and there is a soup supper following the concert. This is free for the community to come out to connect and celebrate the songs of the season that are only heard for a short time once a year. These musicians have come together from several local churches.
In Concert
The Gottschalk Concert Band will be presenting a special performance on Sunday, Dec. 14 at 4 p.m., at the Harvest Presbyterian Church, 1813 Moffett Road, Ceres. The band will be conducted by Matt Cover and Ulices Chavez. Free admission, though donations for the musicians are gratefully accepted.
Candle Lighting
The Compassionate Friends Worldwide Candle Lighting on the second Sunday in December unites family and friends around the globe in lighting candles for one hour to honor the memories of the sons, daughters, brothers, sisters, and grandchildren who left too soon. As candles are lit on Dec. 14, hundreds of thousands of people commemorate and honor the memory of all children gone too soon. The Modesto Area Chapter of the Compassionate Friends is presenting the local version, putting on its annual Candle Lighting program at 7 p.m. on Sunday. Dec. 14 at Community Hospice, 4368 Spyres Way, Modesto. For more information or if you have questions, reach out to: tcfmodestoriverbank@gmail.com or call 209-622-6786.
Senior Steppers
All seniors in the area are welcome to join the Escalon Senior Fun Bunch walkers, known as the Senior Steppers, as they gather for their regular walks. The group meets every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at a park in Escalon, 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.
Celtic Music
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.
TOPS Group
The area’s TOPS (Taking Off Pounds Sensibly) weight loss support group members 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.
Gentle Yoga Sessions
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.
Join The Jammers
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.
