Community Briefs provides a listing of events and activities going on in and around the Escalon area. To have an event featured, e-mail the information to mjackson@escalontimes.com.
Toy Collection Continues
Don’t forget to donate a new, unwrapped toy for the local Escalon Fire Department-Escalon American Legion holiday toy drive. The gifts will be provided to families in need throughout the Escalon Fire District and gifts are needed for ages from birth up to 17 years old. Boxes for the collection have been distributed to multiple locations around the community. Pick up of the boxes is scheduled for Friday, Dec. 17 and a distribution will be hosted on Wednesday, Dec. 22, beginning at 10 a.m., for those who previously signed up for the program.
Christmas In Farmington
Farmington Fire Department is hosting its traditional Community Christmas on Friday evening, Dec. 17 at the firehouse, corner of Highway 4 and Escalon-Bellota Road. The evening will feature Christmas carols, lots of homemade cookies and other sweet treats, hot cider, coffee, punch and a visit from Santa Claus. Doors at the firehouse will open at 6:30 p.m., with Santa due to arrive at 7 p.m. to meet with children, pose for phots and hear holiday wishes.
Letters To Santa
Local youngsters are invited to write a letter to Santa and drop them off in the special ‘Santa’s Mailbox’ provided at the Escalon Post Office, 1854 Coley Ave., Escalon. Letters are being accepted through Monday, Dec. 20 and then will be delivered to the North Pole.
Wreaths Program
The Wreaths Across America program will be hosted in Oakdale on Saturday, Dec. 18 beginning at 9 a.m. at the Oakdale Citizens Cemetery. Some parking, especially for the handicapped, is available on the cemetery grounds. Those attending are asked to enter the cemetery where Sixth Avenue crosses J Street into the back of the cemetery. This program will include the laying of wreaths by an Oakdale Scout Troop and other volunteers, expected to include Congressman Josh Harder, placing them on the graves of military veterans. It is open to all interested in attending.
Weekly Dances
Check out the Golden Agers 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. Drop in, or become a member. Fees are $5 for members and $6 for non-members. Membership is $15; contact Ellie DeJesus at 209-277-5584 or Lupe Padron at 209-573-5014. The Community Center is at 3600 Santa Fe St., Riverbank.
Weight Loss Group
All interested are welcome to join TOPS (Taking Off Pounds Sensibly) a weight support group that meets in Oakdale every Monday morning from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. at the Community United Methodist Church on Poplar. 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.
