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, call 209-847-3021 or e-mail the information to mjackson@oakdaleleader.com.
Walk For Health
Area senior citizens 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 the Bob and Dena Lease 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.
Join The Dance
Members of the Golden Agers dance group are looking to expand for the new year. They 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.
Valentine’s Day
Marriage ceremonies will be performed on Valentine’s Day at the historic McHenry Mansion at 906 15th St., in Modesto. “Marriage at the Mansion” offers each couple a romantic experience that will take them back in time. All ceremonies are individualized. Couples must sign up in advance. Ceremonies will start at 10 a.m. and run through 4 p.m., on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026. Marriage licenses must be purchased and appointments made in advance at the Clerk Recorder’s Office at 1021 I St., in downtown Modesto. The cost of the license and ceremony is $121 or $126 for confidential marriage licenses. Guests are limited to 15 for each wedding. For more information or to set an appointment contact the Clerk Recorder’s Office at 209-525-5269 or 209-525-5205 and for assistance in Spanish call 209-525-5230.
Parlor 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.
Yoga For Seniors
A new offering on Friday mornings at the Escalon Community Center, adults ages 55 and up are invited to 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.
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.
TOPS Meeting
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.
