Datebook lists upcoming events and items of interest for residents of Escalon, Farmington, Collegeville and the surrounding area.
Women’s Center-Youth & Family Services (WCYFS) will host its seventh annual Christmas in July donation drive. The drive outlines specific programmatic needs for clients, especially youth and young adults starting school. Needs include summer wear, school supplies, hygiene products, and more. The complete list can be found at www.WomensCenterYFS.org, and donations will be accepted July 1 through 31, Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 620 N. San Joaquin St., Stockton. For questions or additional information, call (209) 941-2611.
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Tickets for the Miss Escalon Pageant – which is scheduled for Wednesday, July 10, 6 p.m. at the Escalon Community Center, will be on sale at the Main Street Stage on June 28, July 1, July 2 and July 8 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.; contact Lexi with questions at 209-480-0728. Tickets include dinner prior to the pageant and desserts during the event.
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Next up at Hutton’s Hamlet is the musical comedy, The Wild, Wild, Wildest West, set for Friday, July 5 at 7 p.m. and Saturday, July 6 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Tickets are now on sale in the music store at 149 Church Ave., Oakdale and the show is staged in the chapel at the northeast corner of West G Street and South Church Avenue. For more information, call 209-848-1216.
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Mid-Cal Blue Star Moms is hosting a paint night fundraiser on Friday, June 28 at the Rembrandt and Rose studio in Turlock at 6:30 p.m. There are limited seats available and tickets are $45. Reserve your spot quickly to show your creativity painting a beautiful patriotic star for a good cause. All paint and supplies will be provided as well as refreshments. For those that are unable to participate on that night, gift certificates may be purchased for use on another night and the Blue Star Moms will receive the credit. To purchase tickets visit www.rembrandtandrose.com or for more information call 209-336-3221 or visit www.midcalbluestarmoms.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, July 3. For more information, call (209) 869-8200.
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A series of special summer camps is available for youngsters, ages 5 to 11, at Micke Grove Zoo, running 9 a.m. to noon Monday through Friday. Register at mgzoo.com and keep in mind that camps fill up fast. Cost is $110 per week for Zoo members, $125 per week for non-members. In addition to special themes, there will be games, crafts, activities and animal encounters featured for participants. Dinosaurs are the focus beginning July 8 and Wild Water Play Days wrap up the summer starting on July 15. For more information, call 209-331-2138.
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The San Joaquin County Agricultural Hall of Fame is requesting nominations for outstanding agricultural leaders and mentors in the community. Now in its 35th year, the Agricultural Hall of Fame honors those individuals who have contributed to agriculture and to their community in significant ways. Each year, awards are given to at least three living recipients, as well as posthumous ones. Nomination forms are available from the Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce website, and need to be submitted by 3 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 9 in order to be considered. For more information, call Timm Quinn at 209-292-8423 or visit the Stockton Chamber of Commerce, www.stocktonchamber.org website and click on the Ag Hall of Fame link in the events drop down menu.
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The Central California Art Association at Mistlin Gallery in downtown Modesto is planning the Fourth Annual Autumn Art Festival. This is the CCAA’s members-only juried art show and fundraiser at the Mistlin Gallery from Aug. 13 through Oct. 4. It is a great time for artists to join the organization, meet their peers and compete for cash prizes. Look online or visit the gallery for membership information. Artist prospectus/entries are due at the gallery by Saturday, July 27. For more information go to www.ccaagallery.org or call Mistlin Gallery at 209-529-3369.
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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.
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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.
