Datebook lists upcoming events and items of interest for residents of Escalon, Farmington, Collegeville and the surrounding area.
The 10th annual Stanislaus River Salmon Festival is scheduled at the Knights Ferry Recreation Area on Saturday, Nov. 10 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event is focused on providing interactive, hands-on activities for children via exhibitors from local agriculture, state and federal fisheries agencies, and both for-profit and non-profit groups. This is a great opportunity to learn more about salmon and steelhead, river restoration, agriculture, and water. The festival will also host several fun activities for adults and children including: live music, face painting, fish print T-shirt designs, fly fishing demos, and native animals. For those who enjoy great food, two local 4-H chapters along with the Oakdale Lions Club, will again be serving deliciously prepared barbeque lunches.
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There’s still time to get your tickets for the Fall Bunco Bash, being hosted by the Escalon High School Sober Grad committee. The bash is scheduled for Thursday, Nov. 15 at the EHS Performing Arts Center, 1528 Yosemite Ave. The evening begins with hors d’oeuvres at 6:30 p.m. and Bunco play begins at 7 p.m. Cost is $25 per person and proceeds benefit the Sober Grad party hosted for graduating seniors with the Class of 2019. For tickets, contact April Adams at 209-606-6487 or go online: https://squareup.com/store/ehs-sober-grad.
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St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Oakdale will host its 13th annual Craft Fair at the Parish Center, 55 N. Oak Avenue on Nov. 10 and 11 with Saturday hours 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Get an early start on Christmas shopping. There will be 55+ booths with handmade items, jewelry, books, toys quilts, yard art, commercial vendors, baked goods, food booth. Photos with Santa $5 each. The event is sponsored by St. Mary’s Young Ladies Institute - proceeds will be used for High School scholarships and their Grand President’s program of the year.
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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. 14. For more information, call (209) 869-8200.
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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.
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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.
