Datebook lists upcoming events and items of interest for residents of Escalon, Farmington, Collegeville and the surrounding area.
Escalon Community Pool will host an introductory scuba diving class, Discover Scuba on Saturday, June 22 for those ages 10 and over; participants should bring a towel, swim suit and sunscreen to the class. Cost is $15 and you can register online at www.cityofescalon.org.
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Celebrate the Roarin’ 20s with Polly Pepper, who really knows how to live in the time of Stutz Bearcat automobiles, Ziegfeld girls, raccoon coats, ukuleles, beauty contests, goldfish swallowers, and gangsters. Flapper!, the second play of Hutton’s Hamlet 2019 summer season, will take the stage on Friday, June 21 at 7 p.m. and Saturday, June 22 for shows at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Come enjoy this musical comedy at the theater; tickets are on sale now at Hutton’s music store at 149 Church Ave., Oakdale.
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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. Witches and Wizards Welcome begins June 24; join in for a week of potions, spells and Quidditch. Dinosaurs are the focus beginning July 8; go on an adventure to the Jurassic period to see how dinosaurs lived and jump back to today to save animals from extinction. Wild Water Play Days wraps up the summer starting on July 15. It’s wet and wild zoo play time. Join in for a week of getting crazy in the sun with fun games like squirt gun tag. 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 California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area will hold its annual clean-up day on Saturday, June 22 in Davis from 7:30 a.m. to noon. Volunteers will meet at 7:30 am at the wildlife area check station. Volunteers will help prepare the area for the upcoming waterfowl hunting season. Activities typically involve cleaning and brushing up hunting blinds, improving signage and field markers. Participants should bring gloves, work boots and sunscreen. Water and insect repellent will be provided. For more information or to RSVP, contact the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area manager at (530) 757-2431.
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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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San Luis Reservoir State Recreation Area will host kayak tours this summer. The three-hour tours will take visitors on a paddling adventure through the waters of Los Banos Reservoir. Led by California State Parks staff, visitors will learn about the flowers and wildlife of the area throughout the tour. After a shoreline safety talk and demo, participants will board a tandem or single kayak and head out on the water. Tours will stay near the shore so visitors can search for animals. Binoculars and identification cards will be provided. Tours begin at 8:30 a.m. and will run on Fridays, June 28; July 5 and Aug. 9; along with Saturdays, June 22 and 29. Reservations are required as space is limited and can be made by calling (209) 826-1197. Tours are $20 for adults and $10 for children 8-to-18. Price includes admission to the park and all equipment needed. Special group discounts are available. No experience is necessary.
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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, June 26. 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.
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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.
