Datebook lists upcoming events and items of interest for residents of Escalon, Farmington, Collegeville and the surrounding area.
Escalon Christian Reformed Church is getting ready for its annual Harvest Party, being offered at the church on California Avenue. Date for this year’s event is Saturday, Oct. 26 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.; children are encouraged to come in costume but nothing too spooky; there will be food, games, a petting zoo and fun for all.
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The Farmington United Methodist Women are hosting their annual Bazaar and Luncheon, set for Saturday, Oct. 19 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The church is at 25626 E. Elm St., Farmington. There will be handcrafted and homemade items for sale, along with baked goods. Attendees will also be able to take a chance on a drawing for a handmade quilt. The day will also include a homemade soup and pie luncheon, served from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
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The San Joaquin Valley Swiss Echoes, a singing and yodeling club in Ripon since 1947, is having its annual fall concert and dance on Saturday, Oct. 19 at 7 p.m. at the Swiss Hall in Ripon, on the corner of Manley and East Main streets. There will be a variety of folk songs, yodels and entertainment from the 30-member group, with a special appearance by Kapelle Kariott, as they celebrate with a “Cabaret Night” for some silliness and fun. At the end of the evening you can enjoy dancing to the tunes of the Ron Scheiber Mike Inderbitzen Orchestra. Admission to the concert and dance is $10 in advance and $12 at the door. Children under 16 are admitted free. For more information call Barbara Masterson at 209-667-1087.
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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, Oct. 23. 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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The McHenry Mansion Foundation is offering a one of a kind tour of Victorian Funeral Customs just in time for Halloween. Open to the public, the event is scheduled at the McHenry Mansion at 906 15th St., Modesto on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, Oct. 28 through 30. Tickets are $7 online, at the Visitors Center or at the door. Self-guided walk-through tours of the beautiful historic Victorian McHenry Mansion will start at 5:30 p.m. with last entrance at 7:30 p.m. The Mansion will be draped in black crepe ribbon rosettes and display historic curiosities from the Victorian period and their fascination with death. Ticketed members of the public are welcome to visit the house and experience 19th Century embalming practices, death masks, séances, spiritualism and phrenology. For tickets or additional information contact the McHenry Mansion Visitors Center at 209-549-0428 or go online to McHenryMansion.org.
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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 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
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Soroptimist International of Oakdale is accepting applications for its Soroptimist Live Your Dream: Education and Training Awards for Women program. This program provides cash grants to women who are working to better their lives through additional schooling and skills training. Women are eligible to apply if they have the primary financial responsibility for themselves and their dependents including children, spouse, siblings, and/or parents, are attending an undergraduate degree program or a vocational skills training program, and have financial need. Women throughout the Oakdale, Riverbank and Escalon areas are encouraged to apply for an award. Apply online at http://bit.ly/LYDApply or contact Jackie Hair, Chairperson, sioakdale@soroptimist.net, (209) 840-2134. The deadline to apply is Nov. 15.
