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.
Holiday Potluck
Join in with the Escalon Farmington Community Garden Club, as they gather for their next meeting on Thursday, Dec. 4 at the Escalon United Methodist Church, 2000 Jackson Ave., Escalon. Hours for the event will be 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., and the meeting will feature a holiday potluck. All those interested in gardening are welcome to attend any gathering of the Escalon Farmington Community Garden Club. Those planning to attend the Dec. 4 event are asked to bring their favorite dish to share, a Secret Santa gift and enjoy the chance to meet the members of the local garden club.
Open House
ASTRO Foundation will celebrate the grand reopening of its new adoption center at 20 S. Stearns Road in Oakdale with an open house on Sunday, Dec. 7. Securing this facility earlier this year was a major milestone for the foundation and the animals it serves, providing a safe, welcoming space where at-risk cats and dogs can receive compassionate care and find loving homes. While the year has brought challenges, including a devastating car crash through the adoption center’s community cat room, the dedication of ASTRO’s team has been unwavering. The reopening event will run from noon to 5 p.m. on Dec. 7 and will feature tours of the facility, opportunities to meet adoptable pets, photos with Santa, raffle prizes, ways to support the foundation and more.
Golden Agers
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.
Concert Performance
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.
Weight Loss
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.
Walking Group
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.
Senior 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.
Widowed Persons
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.
Jam Sessions
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.
