Datebook lists upcoming events and items of interest for residents of Escalon, Farmington, Collegeville and the surrounding area.
A Harvest Party is being planned for Saturday, Oct. 27 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Escalon Christian Reformed Church, 2203 California. Come enjoy free carnival games, a petting zoo, pizza and more. All ages welcome, come and have fun at this free event.
*****
Concert on the Hill, an evening of dining and music, is scheduled for Friday, Oct. 5, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Living Hope Christian Fellowship, northwest corner of River Road and Highway 120, Oakdale. Open to all, suggested donation is $15 for a meal of barbecue chicken, ribs, sides, drinks and dessert, with music including local singer songwriter Ava Grace as well as The Grubtoe Splunge Band. The evening is a fundraiser for wells and water projects in Third World countries, support for a girls home and feeding program in the Dominican Republic and economic development funding for women in West Africa to promote the elimination of sex trafficking in the region. Call for tickets or info, 209-845-1056.
*****
An American Heroes benefit dinner, sponsored by the Mid-Cal Blue Star Moms, is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 6 at the Stanislaus Veterans Center, 3500 Coffee Road, Modesto. Featuring a tri-tip and chicken dinner, the cost is $25 per person and the evening will also include drawings for raffle prizes, a silent auction and a gun raffle. There will be a meet and greet to start the event at 5:30 p.m. with a no host bar and dinner will be served at 6:30 p.m. For tickets and more information, contact Stacy Fournet at 209-404-3170 or Roberta Elliott, 209-406-8034.
*****
The Oak Valley Art Society will be holding its Annual Fall Art Show on Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 20 and 21 at the Escalon Library, 1540 Second St., Escalon. Show hours are Saturday noon to 5 p.m.; Sunday show hours are from noon to 2 p.m., followed by a reception with the artists from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.
*****
McHenry Mansion Foundation is hosting its 32nd Annual Fundraising Table Setting Luncheon in October. Two options are offered for this fundraising event. There is a Table Viewing and light refreshments on Monday, Oct. 8 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tickets for viewing may be purchased at the door. Cost is $10. A Luncheon is offered on Tuesday, Oct. 9. Doors open at 10:30 a.m., the luncheon is served at noon. Reservations are required for the luncheon and the cost is $40. Call Penny Binney at 209-576-1059 to make reservations. The fundraiser will be hosted at the Seasons Event Center, 945 McHenry Ave., Modesto.
*****
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. 10. For more information, call (209) 869-8200.
*****
Golden Agers weekly dances are open to those 50 and older from throughout the Central Valley at the Riverbank Community Center. Doors open Wednesdays at 9 a.m.; the center is at 3600 Santa Fe St., and 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.
*****
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.
*****
The San Joaquin County Office of Education is seeking retirees, high school math whizzes, college students, and other community members to volunteer and share their love of mathematics. Volunteers are needed for the office of education’s Math Easy Tutoring program, which provides free tutoring to any sixth- through 12th grade student who drops in during sessions held at the Margaret K. Troke Library in Stockton. Tutors share their love of mathematics while offering individual attention and encouragement to students struggling in math. Volunteer positions are open to high school students, college students, teachers, engineers, retirees, and other members of the community willing to put in the time to make a difference. For more information about becoming a tutor, call (209) 468-9177 or send an email to dortega@sjcoe.net.
*****
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) is conducting an art contest to select the design for the state’s 2018-2019 upland game bird stamp. The California Upland Game Bird Stamp Art Contest is open to all U.S. residents ages 18 and over. Entries will be accepted from Nov. 20 through Dec.7. For contest information and entry forms, visit www.wildlife.ca.gov/upland-game-bird-stamp.
