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.
Vet Dental Clinic
For many veterans, finding low-cost health services can be tough and to aid with that, local nonprofit Care 2 U is hosting its Third Annual Free Dental Clinic for Veterans. The event is coming up on Saturday, July 26 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Stanislaus Veterans Center, 3500 Coffee Road in Modesto. This clinic will provide services for veterans only and will include free cleanings, exams, screenings, x-rays, fillings and minor repairs. All are encouraged to share this information with the veterans in your community. For more information, call 209-222-0750 or visit care2uts.com
Walk And Talk
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.
Night Skies
The next Astronomy in the Park night is scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 2 at Shumway Oak Grove Regional Park, I-5 at Eight Mile Road in Stockton. Come early to enjoy astronomy activities in the Nature Center, then view planets through the giant telescopes after sunset. There is a $6 cash parking fee at the park, though the program is open to all ages, free of charge. On Aug. 2, attendees will view the Moon and Star Cluster in Hercules, getting underway at 8:15 p.m.; the Aug. 30 program starts at 7:30 p.m. and features Star Cluster in Hercules and Saturn. The scheduled Sept. 27 program features Saturn, Star Cluster in Hercules, Moon and starts at 7 p.m.; the Oct. 25 event begins at 6:15 p.m., featuring Jupiter, Star Cluster in Hercules, Saturn. For more information, call 209-953-8800.
Dance Group
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.
TOPS Meeting
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.
Haggin Museum
Featured at the Haggin Museum in Stockton, Enigma: Bronze Sculptures by Oceana Rain Stuart, explores the complexities of humanity and the resilience of the human spirit through the medium of bronze sculpture. This special exhibit will be on display through Aug. 17. Haggin Museum is a nonprofit art and history museum at 1201 N. Pershing Ave., Stockton, and is open to the public Saturdays and Sundays from noon to 5 p.m.; Wednesdays through Fridays from 1:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. For more information call 209-940-6300 or visit www.hagginmuseum.org.
Jammers Gather
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.
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.
Native Plants
The third Sunday of the month at 11 a.m. brings the California Native Plants – What Are They Good For? Program this summer at Oak Grove Regional Park, I-5 and Eight-Mile Road in Stockton, with the next programs scheduled for Aug. 17. Meet at the Nature Center to see what’s in bloom in the native plant gardens and learn how to start your own native plant garden, no matter the space available. Severe heat cancels the event, check the Nature Center’s Facebook page for updates. Free event, but there is a $6 cash parking fee. Also, every third Sunday from noon to 4 p.m., a Prospective Volunteers Open House is hosted at the Nature Center at Oak Grove. If you like nature and want to share your enthusiasm with others, pick up a free information packet at the open house; the next Open House is Aug. 17. Stop in anytime during the open house hours. You can help educate, work in the garden or fill any number of volunteer tasks, from assisting with exhibits to doing data input. No experience is necessary; training will be provided. There is a $6 cash parking fee.
