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.
TOPS Meeting
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.
AAUW Gathers
The Thursday, April 11 meeting of the local American Association of University Women will host two area women, Marsha Waggoner and Rosella Rowlison, who have participated in the political process, one currently and the other a number of years ago. They will speak to members, prospective members and guests of the American Association of University Women (AAUW), Oakdale-Riverbank-Escalon Branch at the meeting; their talk will focus on why we need women elected officials and how important it is for women to vote. The Thursday evening, April 11 meeting will be held at the Escalon Library Community Room beginning at 7 p.m. For more information about the meeting and its location, call Judy at (209) 480-0387.
Astronomy Night
The Stockton Astronomical Society, Oak Grove Docent Council and San Joaquin County Parks will host Astronomy in the Park on Saturday, April 13 at 7:40 p.m.; Jupiter, M81 and M82 (Bodes Galaxies) will be the focus. View the planets through giant telescopes after sunset at Oak Grove Regional Park, I-5 at Eight Mile Road, Stockton. This is a free event, though there is a $6 cash parking fee. Stargazing events are held, weather permitting. Upcoming dates and times are May 18 at 8:15 p.m.; June 15 at 8:30 p.m.
Art Show Slated
The Oak Valley Art Society is hosting its annual Spring Art Show this month. Dates for the upcoming event are Saturday and Sunday, April 20 and 21. The show will be staged in the Escalon Library, 1540 Second St., Escalon. Art Society members from throughout the area will be displaying their work at the event. Show hours are noon to 5 p.m. on Saturday, and noon to 3 p.m. on Sunday. There will be a reception with the artists on Sunday from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.; admission to the show is free.
Heels ‘n Wheels
Soroptimist International of Oakdale will host its annual Motor Madness fundraiser – this year dubbed “Heels ‘n Wheels” – on Saturday, April 27 beginning at 6 p.m., at the Gene Bianchi Community Center, 110 S. Second Ave., Oakdale. The event includes hearty appetizers, alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, and desserts. Tickets are $75 per person, must be 21 years or older. The ticket also constitutes one entry for the Grand Prize drawing, which this year features a number of options. The winner – who does not need to be present to win – may choose a prize of $10,000 cash or up to $10,000 towards a motorcycle from Mitchell’s Harley-Davidson or a Golf Cart from Copper Mountain Cart Company or a pair of E-bikes from Oakdale Bicycle Shop. For tickets, contact Event Chair Tammy Bengtson, 209-655-8305, or any Oakdale Soroptimist member.
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.
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.
Widowed Persons Support
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 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.
