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.
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.
Christmas At The Barn
Lorina’s Edible Garden, at 17397 Enterprise Road, Escalon will be hosting its traditional “Christmas at the Barn” event from Friday, Dec. 10 through Sunday, Dec. 12. Hours are Friday, Dec. 10 and Saturday, Dec. 11 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Sunday, Dec. 12 from noon to 4 p.m.
All types of gifts will be featured: Poinsettias, wreaths, succulents, ferns and pottery. Also, spices, spa products, Christmas décor and lots more. Baked goods available will include cupcakes, cookies, gingerbread sugar cookie bars and white chocolate apricot scones. Coffee, loose leaf tea and hot chocolate will also be available and a variety of vendors will have an array of items for your holiday gift giving.
McHenry Mansion Program
On Saturday afternoon, Dec. 11, walk-thru tours will take place in the decorated Victorian McHenry Mansion at 906 15th St., Modesto. The walk thru tours guided by docents in period costume will display the splendor of a Victorian holiday and are scheduled from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tours are free and reservations are not required. Tours begin at the McHenry Mansion Visitor Center and Gift Store at 924 15th St., in downtown Modesto. Due to COVID-19 restrictions masks are required and entry is limited while COVID regulations remain in force. For additional information go on-line to McHenryMansion.org or contact the McHenry Mansion Visitors Center at 209-549-0428.
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. Families in need who want to sign up for a bag of age-appropriate toys for their children can do so from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 11 at the Escalon Fire Station at 1749 Coley Ave., Escalon. This is for ages 17 and under; recipients must live within the Escalon Fire District, be in need and must provide identification. Also, on the day of the distribution the person who signed up for the program must attend and present ID at the time of pick up. The distribution will be at the firehouse beginning at 10 a.m. on Dec. 22.
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.
