Datebook lists upcoming events and items of interest for residents of Escalon, Farmington, Collegeville and the surrounding area.
The first of the Sunday in the Park event for the year is scheduled on Cinco de Mayo – Sunday, May 5 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Festivities will be hosted by the Escalon Chamber of Commerce in the Main Street Park downtown and will include a variety of activities. Kids can make potted plants and picture frames for Mother’s Day, Escalon Library representatives will be on hand to present Story Time, there will be face painting and chalk drawing and the historic caboose will be open for tours. Also as part of the day, the Chamber will host a Ribbon Cutting ceremony at noon in honor of Cow And Rooster Design with web designer Elizabeth Hahn.
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Escalon Farmington Community Garden Club will gather for its next meeting on Thursday, May 2 at 1 p.m. at the Escalon Library, 1540 Second St., with the session open to all interested. Guest Speaker will be Ted Hawkins with the topic – “Everything you have ever wanted to know about Iris!” There will also be a potted plant sale featuring vegetables and flowers, there will be snacks and all are invited for a fun and educational gathering.
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The Great Valley Museum Foundation at Modesto Junior College invites the community to “Walk for the Animals” on Saturday, May 4 from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. at the MJC West Campus, 2201 Blue Gum Ave., Modesto. The fundraising walk supports the care of the live animals in the Great Valley Museum. The 2.25-mile walk is open to all ages and is held on the closed loop road on MJC’s West Campus. Check in begins at 7:30 a.m. at the Science Community Center, with the walk beginning promptly at 8 a.m. The average time for completion is 30 to 45 minutes. The museum’s live animals will be stationed throughout the walk to cheer on the walkers.
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The Sonora Writers Group and Here’s the Scoop Books and Gifts in Jamestown are hosting a Tea Party on Saturday, May 4 at 11 a.m. until 3 p.m., at Here’s the Scoop Books & Gifts, 18178 Main St., Jamestown. The Friends and Family Tea Party is free and open to the public. Along with tea for the guests a variety of authentic English tea treats will be served. The featured guest will be Sue Erickson, author of “Tea with the King.” Erickson will be discussing how to make the perfect pot of tea, answering questions and reading from her book.
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Mark the calendar for Saturday, May 18 and plan to enjoy the second annual Escalon Historical Society Fundraiser Dinner, being staged at the Santini Barn in Escalon. No host cocktail hour at 6 p.m., dinner at 7 p.m. and entertainment, featuring Joni Morris singing songs of legendry country western women, runs from 8 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tickets are $50 per person; purchase them at the Escalon Museum during business hours or by contacting Evelyn Swass at 209-838-2298.
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McHenry Mansion Foundation Tea will feature a Celebration of Mothers on Saturday, May 11 at McHenry Mansion, 906 15th St., Modesto. The event is scheduled for 11:30 a.m. and the cost is $30 per person. Reservations are required; contact Janie at 209-522-1739 no later than May 7 to make your reservation for this special Mother’s Day program.
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An Armed Forces Day Concert is set for Saturday, May 18 at 7 p.m. at Ripon Christian High School Performing Arts Center, 435 Maple Ave., Ripon. Voices for the King, a male chorus, will perform inspirational and patriotic music in recognition of both national armed service members, local law enforcement and fire department members along with a color guard presentation. This concert is free.
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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 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, May 8. 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 and are now hosted at St. Frances of Rome Church, 2827 Topeka 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.
