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Datebook 12-04-19
calendar datebook

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

 

All are welcome to join with the Escalon Farmington Community Garden Club for one of their most entertaining meetings of the year. Snacks, games and prizes galore will kick off the holiday season. Come to Farmington on Thursday, Dec. 5, at 1 p.m., to taste and enjoy holiday jams and jellies, made by an expert. Cheree Hill will bring her “Jars of Delicious” to sample, as well as teach about the ins and outs of holiday canning. Hill’s tasty presentation will include jams, jellies, fruit butters and pie fillings to savor as well as colorful holiday jam jars and gift baskets to purchase. The meeting will be held at the Farmington Methodist Church meeting hall, located at 25626 Elm St, Farmington.

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The first of the Christmas at Grandpa’s Barn events is scheduled for Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 6 through 8 at 17693 Enterprise Road, Escalon. Hosted by Lorina’s Edible Garden, hours are Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sunday, noon to 4 p.m. Enjoy workshops, vendors, food and drinks. The second weekend event runs Dec. 13 through 15.

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The Odd Fellows monthly breakfast in La Grange is always on the second Sunday at the IOOF Hall. Join in on Dec. 8 from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. for a menu of biscuits and gravy, sausage, ham and cheese omelets and all you can eat pancakes. Complimentary coffee and orange juice round out the meal. The breakfast price is now $8 for ages 13 and up. Child rates have remained unchanged, 6 to 12 are $3, those 5 and under eat for free. Add 50 cents for each takeout order. There’s also a special offer of free breakfast to active military personnel with an ID.

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It’s almost time for the first big celebration of the holiday season, as the annual Christmas on Main is fast approaching. Those that want to enter into the parade are reminded that their entries must be accompanied by some type of holiday lighting, with the parade set for a 5:30 p.m. start on Saturday, Dec. 14. The Christmas on Main event runs from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m.; there will be vendor booths, food, crafts and activities for kids, the chance to purchase ornaments for the holiday giving trees, entertainment on the Main Street Stage and more. Those interested in taking part may contact Robert Swift, 595-5013; Deverie Voral, 988-8030; or Debbie Murken, 402-0505 to get involved in hosting a booth, sponsoring the event or entering the parade.

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The final Senior Fun Bunch gathering of the year in Escalon is scheduled for Wednesday, Dec. 18 at the Escalon Covenant Church from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., with a hometown Christmas event to include special music by Victor Berg-Haglund, singing, holiday crafts, games, refreshments and fun. The gatherings are open to all seniors from around the area.

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Stampin’ Up! Card Classes are on the schedule in Escalon, with opportunities to learn about the craft and create some special cards at unique classes offered by Debbie Megenney and Gerri Andrade. December classes are set for 6:30 p.m. on Dec. 17 and 19, 9 a.m. on Dec. 18 and 20, just in time for the holidays. Call 209-324-6947 for more information or to sign up for classes.

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Due to lack of interest and scheduling conflicts the La Grange Odd Fellows’ Christmas Craft Fair originally scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 7 has been cancelled. For information on future IOOF Craft Events, call Patty at (209) 604-4444.

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Portraits from 34 photographers from across the nation are currently being featured at the L.H. Horton Jr. Gallery’s latest show, “Contemporary Portrait Photography Exhibition and Awards Competition.” The exhibition runs through Dec. 13. Admission to the Horton Gallery is free and open to the public. Photographer Aline Smithson was engaged as the exhibition juror to select works from a call for entries. She is a photographer and Founder and Editor in Chief of “Lenscratch,” a daily journal on photography. Smithson also teaches at the Los Angeles Center of Photography. Smithson selected 34 photographers for the exhibition, each with one image.

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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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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, Dec. 11. 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 Stockton Civic Theatre is now staging “Matilda the Musical”. The play runs through Dec. 15 with performances on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m., Sunday matinees are at 2:30 p.m. The musical is based on the children’s novel Matilda by Roald Dahl and was initially staged by the Royal Shakespeare Company before becoming a Broadway hit that won five Tony Awards. Rated PG, ticket prices are adults $29, seniors (60 and above) $24, children and students (any age) $17. The box office for the Stockton Civic Theatre-Clyde Nielsen Auditorium, 2312 Rosemarie Lane, Stockton, is open Tuesday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. as well as two hours before performances. The box office phone is (209) 473-2424. You can also purchase tickets online at sctlivetheatre.com.