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.
March Meet Up
This coming Saturday, March 2, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. will be another Meet Up at Community United Methodist Church at 1480 Poplar, Oakdale, with a Market Place of vendors selling a variety of items. Vendors are coming with vintage sewing machines, fabric “stashes” for sale or swapping, dream catchers, Garay handmade soy candles, original art, decor and crafted items. There will be a couple of craft project demonstrations. Chef Lee will be serving a St Patrick’s Day meal: corned beef, cabbage, potatoes and carrots along with other menu options for lunch and breakfast.
Valley Art Show
The local Valley Art Association is gearing up for its annual show and fundraiser. The public exhibit of artwork is scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, March 9 and 10. This family friendly event is admission free. Saturday show hours are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Sunday hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with a reception from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. The annual Oakdale Spring Art Show and Scholarship Fundraiser Silent Auction is sponsored by the City of Oakdale and will be staged at the Gene Bianchi Community Center, 110 S. Second Ave., in Oakdale. Bidding in the silent auction begins Saturday, March 9 at 10 a.m. and ends Sunday, March 10 at 3:30 p.m.; cash, checks and credit cards accepted. There will be goods and services, original works of art, gift baskets and more featured in the auction. Artists interested in participating are asked to email the organization to obtain a Prospectus for the show. All art must be original works appropriate for the general public and all ages viewing. Artists entering the show must be over 18 years old. Send a request to ValleyArtAssociation@gmail.com.
Corned Beef Dinner
The Escalon Lions Club is getting ready for a March tradition; hosting its annual Corned Beef and Cabbage Dinner. This will be the 58th annual event and it is a fundraiser for the club, with proceeds from its events going back to the community in various ways, including service projects, charitable donations and student scholarships. The dinner is set for Thursday night, March 14 at the Escalon Community Center. Social hour begins at 6 p.m., dinner is served at 7 p.m. Tickets are $30 apiece and are available at Escalon Body and Frame, 2228 Main; D’Boni’s Pizza, 2249 Jackson Ave.; or from any Lions Club member. You can also call Steve Scott at 209-404-2289. This is a traditional St. Patrick’s Day corned beef and cabbage dinner; diners can eat in or take their dinner to go. There will also be silent auction items as well as drawings for prizes.
Enjoy Dancing
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.
Weight Loss Support
All interested are welcome to join TOPS (Taking Off Pounds Sensibly) a weight loss support group that meets in Oakdale every Monday morning from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m.; meeting 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.
Monthly Gatherings
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.
Saturday 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 continue 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.
Screening Program
Residents living in and around the Oakdale area can learn about their risk for cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, diabetes, and other chronic, serious conditions with affordable screenings by Life Line Screening. The Oakdale Event Center will host this community event on Friday, March 8. The screening site is at 335 N. Eighth Ave., Oakdale. Consultants will work with you to create an affordable package that is right for you based on your age and risk factors. Call 1-877-237-1287 or visit the website at www.lifelinescreening.com. Pre-registration is required.
Irish 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, located at 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. As the song says, “Come into the parlor, there’s a welcome there for you.”
Astronomy Nights
The next Astronomy in the Park event is scheduled for Saturday, March 16 at Oak Grove Regional Park, I-5 and Eight-Mile Road, Stockton. The Pleiades, Mercury and Perseus Double Cluster will be viewed at 7:15 p.m. during the March event. The Stockton Astronomical Society, Oak Grove Docent Council and San Joaquin County Parks host the events, which are free and staged weather permitting. There is a $6 cash parking fee at Oak Grove. Shows are scheduled throughout the year on Saturday evenings The viewing is done through giant telescopes after sunset. On April 13, the 7:40 p.m. start time will feature Jupiter, M81 and M82 (Bodes Galaxies). For additional information, call 209-953-8814 or 209-953-8800. Viewing is cancelled in the case of inclement weather.
