The Community Calendar includes listing of events in and around the region that might be of interest to local residents. To have information included in this weekly calendar of events, email mjackson@oakdaleleader.com.
Residents in the Escalon Unified School District are encouraged to attend a community meeting to learn more about a recently completed School Facilities Implementation Plan and possible placement of a School Facilities Bond on the November, 2020 ballot. Meeting dates and times include: Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., Van Allen Elementary multipurpose room; Thursday, Jan. 23, 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., Dent Elementary primary cafeteria.
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The Escalon United Methodist Church will host its annual spaghetti dinner on Saturday, Jan. 25, with serving from 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the church, 2000 Jackson Ave., Escalon. This ‘all-you-can-eat’ Spaghetti Dinner includes spaghetti with meat sauce, salad with Italian dressing, Genova garlic French bread, ice cream cup dessert and punch or coffee to drink. Ticket prices this year are $9 for adults, $5 for children from five to 12-years-old and children under 5 eat for free. Eat-in and take out will both be available.
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Escalon High School’s annual Sober Grad Drive-Thru Tri-Tip Dinner is on the schedule for Saturday, Jan. 25 from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Hosted at El Portal Middle School, the popular “Curbside to Go” dinner includes a whole BBQ tri-tip, four baked potatoes, a bag of salad, French bread and a two-liter bottle of soda. Ticket holders just drive up to the curb at the middle school on First Street and the dinner is delivered to their vehicle. Cost is $50 for the full dinner for four. For more information or to get tickets, contact Renee Snow at 209-602-3241 or Lisa McCune at 209-679-3197. Online ticket sales available at: https://ehs-sober-grad.square.site.
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Community members are invited to a free dinner, concert and dessert event on Sunday, Jan. 26 at the Escalon Presbyterian Church. The evening will feature Jon Byron in concert. The night begins with a free dinner served at 6 p.m., the concert at 6:30 p.m., followed by dessert. A free-will offering will be received and Jon Byron CDs will be available for purchase.
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Mark the calendar for Tuesday, Feb. 11 and plan to give blood locally, with a Red Cross blood drive scheduled at the Escalon Christian Reformed Church, 2203 California St., from 1:15 p.m. to 7 p.m. Donors are urged to make an appointment to give blood now using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enabling the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device. Blood remains in short supply and donors of whole blood and platelets are needed. Locally, donors can also schedule visits at Red Cross Donation Centers in Modesto, 1900 W. Orangeburg Ave.; in Stockton, 2888 W. March Lane; and in Sonora, 850 Sanguinetti Lane.
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Marriage ceremonies are being hosted on Valentine’s Day at the historic McHenry Mansion at 906 15th St., in Modesto. “Marriage at the Mansion” offers each couple a romantic experience that will take them back in time. All ceremonies are individualized. Couples must sign up in advance. Ceremonies will start at 10 a.m. and run through 4 p.m., on Friday, Feb. 14, 2020. Marriage licenses must be purchased, and appointments made in advance at the Stanislaus County Clerk Recorder’s Office at 1021 “I” St., in downtown Modesto. For more information or to set an appointment contact the Clerk Recorder’s Office at 209-525-5269 or 209-525-5205 and for assistance in Spanish call 209-525-5230.
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Golden Agers weekly dances are open to those 50 and older from throughout the Central Valley and are hosted at the Riverbank Community Center, 3600 Santa Fe St., Riverbank. First time guests are admitted free. The annual membership fee is $12 and each Wednesday members pay $5 and non-members can enjoy a few hours of music and dancing for $6. The Golden Agers meet from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
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The local REO Speechtrain Toastmasters Club gathers for regular meetings every Wednesday morning, 6:30 a.m. to 7:45 a.m., at Perko’s Cafe, Patterson and Oakdale roads, Riverbank. This is a fun way to learn the self-confidence and skills needed for public speaking. All are invited to come and check out the group. The next meeting will be Jan. 29. For more information, call (209) 869-8200.
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All are invited to the weekly meetings of TOPS, Take Off Pounds Sensibly, 1034 that gathers each Monday from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. at the United Methodist Church, 1480 Poplar Ave., Oakdale. The group features help with weight loss in a supportive setting. Residents of Oakdale, Riverbank, Escalon and beyond are welcome to attend. Call Audrey Oliver at 209-765-7838 for information. You can also visit www.tops.org.
