Datebook lists upcoming events and items of interest for residents of Escalon, Farmington, Collegeville and the surrounding area.

Team Captain meetings are resuming for the 2019 Relay For Life of Oakdale, Riverbank, Escalon and Waterford. There is still plenty of time to sign up for an existing team or create your own; all interested are encouraged to attend the next meeting, Wednesday, Jan. 9 from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Royal Oak Conference Rooms, 1425 W. H St., Oakdale, adjacent to Oak Valley Hospital. Scheduled for Saturday, April 27 on the campus of Oakdale High School, 739 W. G St., Oakdale, the Relay will run from 9 a.m. to midnight.

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Escalon Library, 1540 Second St., will host Preschool Storytime on Thursday, Jan. 10 at 10:30 a.m.; Makerspace at 4 p.m. and the Escalon Scottish Heritage Association club meeting at 6 p.m., also on Jan. 10. On Friday, Jan. 11, kids can come in to read to the animals during the ‘Reading to the Rescue’ program featuring animals from the Harvest Home Animal Sanctuary, with that event at 3:30 p.m.

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Stanislaus County Superior Court Judge Stacey Speiller will talk to the American Association of University Women (AAUW) Oakdale-Riverbank-Escalon Branch members and guests about her “Journey to a Judgeship” on Thursday Jan. 10. Speiller is young, energetic, and believes in the power of mentorship – a belief shared by AAUW, ORE. The 7 p.m. meeting on Jan. 10 will be held in a member’s home. Those interested in attending may call (209) 847-0271 for information and directions.

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The State Theatre, 1307 J St., Modesto, will be offering up a couple of vastly different films this month. One focuses on royalty, the other on comedy. For more information or tickets, call 209-527-4697. “Mary Queen of Scots” begins on Friday, Jan. 11 and runs through Thursday, Jan. 24. The film is rated R and runs two hours, four minutes. “Stan & Ollie” opens at The State on Friday, Jan. 25 and is rated PG, running one hour and 37 minutes. Additional information about upcoming events can be found at Info@thestate.org.

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Make an appointment to donate blood or platelets by downloading the free American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). Donors can also make appointments or walk in to the Modesto Blood Donation Center, 1900 W. Orangeburg Ave., Modesto or the North Stockton Blood Donation Center, 2888 W. March Lane, Stockton.

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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 Wednesday, Jan. 16. 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.

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Golden Agers weekly dances are open to those 50 and older from throughout the Central Valley and are now hosted at St. Frances of Rome church, 2827 Topeka 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 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.