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

Coming up on Friday, Nov. 16 at 3:30 p.m., the Escalon Branch Library will host the Young Eagle Spirit Drum and Dance Group, a Native American heritage group who share traditional songs and dances. The library will also offer a new teen program called DIY Studio and on Tuesday, Nov. 27 at 4 p.m., teens are invited to attend and made stress balls for finals week. The library is at 1540 Second St.

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The Modesto Area Partners in Science (MAPS) is offering a presentation on “Heading Towards a Hydrogen-Powered Future” by Brandon Wood, Ph.D., on Friday, Nov. 16 at 7:30 p.m. in Sierra Hall 132 on Modesto Junior College’s West Campus, 2201 Blue Gum Ave., Modesto. Both the program and parking are free.

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Three authors will be celebrating the release of their new novels at The Wild Rose, 18148 Main St., Jamestown, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 17. The novelists, Kristin Fulton, C.R. Hayes and Anita Martin-Harvey are members of the Sonora Writers Group, and will read excerpts from their new releases. They will be available to autograph their books and to answer questions throughout the evening. Their books will be available for purchase at the event.

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A bus trip to Santana Row in Silicon Valley is scheduled for Thursday, Nov. 29 as a fundraiser for the Escalon Historical Society and cost is $55 per person. Deadline for reservations is Wednesday, Nov. 21. Ticket includes goodie bags, mimosas, breakfast muffins, door prizes and a snack for the trip back. Lunch is on your own; Santa Row features over 50 shops, 30 restaurants and a six-screen movie theatre. The bus leaves from the Park and Ride next to Bank of the West at 8:30 a.m. and returns at 5:30 p.m. Call the museum at 209-838-8070 or Vickie at 209-601-4775 for tickets or more information.

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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, Nov. 21. For more information, call (209) 869-8200.

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The McHenry Mansion in Modesto will host the Dickens Faire on Saturday, Dec. 1, featuring a Farmer’s Market and Craft Boutique, running from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Booths will be on 15th Street and McClatchy Square and the Mansion Gift Store will be open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tours of the Mansion will be offered from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., with free admission. On Tuesday, Dec. 4 join in for a Christmas Tea, with spaces available at a 1:30 p.m. seating at the mansion, corner of 15th and I streets. Reservations are required and the cost is $30 per person. Call Janie at 209-522-1739 for information and to make reservations.

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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 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.

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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.