Datebook lists upcoming events and items of interest for residents of Escalon, Farmington, Collegeville and the surrounding area.
Sign up now for a bus trip to Santana Row in Silicon Valley, scheduled for Thursday, Nov. 29 as a fundraiser for the Escalon Historical Society. 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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Local service organization Soroptimist International of Oakdale will host its annual Holiday Luncheon and Silent Auction on Wednesday, Nov. 28 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., at the Gene Bianchi Community Center, 110 S. Second Ave., Oakdale. The event includes lunch, silent auction featuring a variety of themed baskets, handcrafted items, baked goods, and opportunities for other prizes. Soroptimist is inviting residents from Oakdale, Riverbank, Escalon and beyond to come enjoy the luncheon and holiday festivities. New for the event this year is a fashion show featuring Kristine’s Designer Clothing and a holiday cocktail. Tickets are $20. Contact Suzanne Oden, (209) 918-5654, or Pam Craig, (209) 602-1190, for further information and tickets. Tables may be reserved for parties of eight.
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While Black Friday and Cyber Monday are some of the more widely known retail holidays, Giving Tuesday is becoming pretty popular in its own right. Celebrated on the Tuesday following American Thanksgiving, Giving Tuesday helps raise awareness that charity is an important component of the holiday season. Giving Tuesday is positioned right in the midst of the most popular time for charitable giving. This year, Giving Tuesday will be observed on Tuesday, Nov. 27. The global Giving Tuesday movement helped raise more than $300 million online across more than 150 countries in 2017 alone. This year, the Giving Tuesday organization is poised to top their numbers and continue to improve upon the more than 46,000 participating organizations involved in their charitable efforts. Learn more at www.givingtuesday.org.
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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. 28. For more information, call (209) 869-8200.
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Escalon is getting ready for its annual Christmas on Main, sponsored by the Escalon Chamber of Commerce. Date for the event is Saturday, Dec. 1 and the festivities start at 3 p.m. with the opening of booths and decorating of the “giving trees” in the city’s Main Street Park. All the activities are centered in and around the park and also include musical performances, a Parade of Lights, children’s crafts and activities, holiday shopping at the variety of vendor booths, and the traditional fire pits for the making of s’mores. For those interested in hosting a booth, helping to sponsor the event or participating in the parade, contact Robert Swift at 209-595-5013; Deverie Voral at 209-988-8030; or Debbie Murken at 209-402-0505.
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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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Christmas at Grandpa’s Barn is set for consecutive weekends, Nov. 30 through Dec. 2 and Dec. 7 through 9. Friday and Saturday hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sunday hours noon to 4 p.m.; the barn is at 17693 Enterprise Road, Escalon. Vendors will set up both inside and outside the barn, with clothing, jewelry, locally produced honey, succulents, metal artwork, spices, soaps, lotions and more.
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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.
