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.
Gardeners Gather
The next meeting of the Escalon Farmington Community Garden Club is scheduled for Thursday, May 1. Running from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., the meeting will be hosted at the Escalon United Methodist Church, 2000 Jackson Ave., Escalon. Topic will be the McHenry Mansion Gardens, presented by guest speaker Lori Johnson. The speaker will be on the agenda first along with snacks, and then the business meeting will follow. All gardening enthusiasts throughout the area are encouraged to attend.
Plant Sale
Mark the calendar for Saturday, May 3 and join in as members of the Modesto Garden Club host a plant sale and vendor faire. The event will feature member grown flowers, annuals, perennials, vegetables and succulents available for sale to the public. In addition to plants, plenty of vendors with handcrafted unique gifts and food items will sell their wares on site as well. The event is open to the public and there is no charge for admission. The sale and faire are scheduled for Saturday, May 3 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the Modesto Covenant Church, 913 Floyd Ave., Modesto.
Weekly Walks
The Escalon Senior Fun Bunch Walkers invite everyone in the area to join them for their weekly walks. The group meets every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at a park in Escalon. They meet at the corner of Justin Drive and Mission Street at 9 a.m. Fun Bunch walkers are a lighthearted group whose members love to get together and walk with others, enjoy some conversation and exercise. You do not have to be a Fun Bunch member to attend; all are welcome to join the walking group during any or all of their scheduled walks during the week.
Astronomy Program
The next Astronomy in the Park program is set for this Saturday, May 3. Scheduled at Shumway Oak Grove Regional Park, at I-5 and Eight Mile Road, Stockton, the program begins at 8:20 p.m. and features the Hercules Globular Cluster, Mars and Jupiter. Though admission to the event is free, there is a $6 cash parking fee. All programs are hosted, weather permitting. Those planning to attend are encouraged to get there early and enjoy astronomy activities in the Nature Center, then view planets through giant telescopes after sunset. Later in the month, on Saturday, May 31 at 8:20 p.m., view Mars and the Hercules Globular Cluster. Astronomy in the Park is presented by The Stockton Astronomical Society, Oak Grove Docent Council and San Joaquin County Parks.
Gem Faire
America’s Premier Jewelry & Bead Show, Gem Faire, is set for May 2 through 4, 2025 at Scottish Rite Center, 6151 H St., in Sacramento. Show hours are Friday, noon to 6 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (no admittance after 4 p.m. Sunday). Admission is $7, valid for the entire weekend. Free admission for children under 12 years old. Free parking. Featured will be loose gemstones, raw minerals and millions of bead strands, finished jewelry, fashion accessories, jewelry supplies and tools. Enjoy displays and demonstrations by Sacramento Mineral Society all weekend long. For more information, visit www.gemfaire.com.
Dancing Fun
Enjoy local dancing and get some exercise each week. 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.
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, 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.
Weight Loss
Members of the local TOPS (Taking Off Pounds Sensibly) weight loss support group 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.
Widowed Persons
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.
