Datebook lists upcoming events and items of interest for residents of Escalon, Farmington, Collegeville and the surrounding area.
A bus trip to Black Oak Casino, sponsored by the Escalon Historical Society, is scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 18. Cost is $28 per person; get $10 free slot play, $5 match play and 10 percent off dining. Call the museum for tickets or more information, 209-838-8070 or Vickie, 209-601-4775. Deadline for reservations is Wednesday, Aug. 8. The bus will leave from the Park and Ride parking lot adjacent to Bank of the West at 9 a.m. and return at 4 p.m. Bus entertainment for the trip will include Bingo, prizes and refreshments.
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Members of the Escalon Scottish Cultural Association, ESCA, will gather for their regular monthly meeting on Thursday, Aug. 9 at 6 p.m. at the Escalon Public Library, 1540 Second St.; all are welcome to attend. The organization is planning to put on a Scottish Games event in Escalon next year and leaders are encouraging all those interested in learning more about the group or the upcoming games to attend the monthly meeting.
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The Red Cross is facing an emergency blood shortage and is offering opportunities to give blood in the local area over the next week. In Escalon, a blood drive is set for Tuesday, Aug. 14, 1 p.m. to 7 p.m., at the Christian Reformed Church, 2203 California St., Escalon. Donors who come in to donate during a special promotional time frame, running through Thursday, Aug. 30 are eligible to receive a $5 Amazon gift card.
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Delicato Family Vineyards, 12001 S. Highway 99, four miles north of Manteca, will host its Summer Artisan Market on Saturdays, Aug. 11 and Sept. 8, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Stay cool inside, sip wine and shop, with local food products, jewelry, wearables, handcrafted items and more being offered. The public is encouraged to sip the newest wine releases chosen from the current tasting menu while shopping the displays. The wine tasting fee is $5 (waived for Delicato Wine Club Members) and there is no entry fee to browse the Artisan Market. Also available for purchase will be personal pizzas baked onsite by the Rock Pizza Oven.
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Join in the fight against breast cancer; attend the 2018 Making Strides Kick-off on Wednesday, Aug. 15 at the Doubletree in Modesto, 1150 9th St., with registration at 5:30 p.m. and the event at 6 p.m. RSVP by Friday, Aug. 10 by calling 209-524-7241 or email donna.stephens@cancer.org. The walk itself, Making Strides Against Breast Cancer of Modesto-Stockton, is scheduled on Oct. 21 at Gallo Center for the Arts, 1000 I St., Modesto.
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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 34th 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. Friday, Aug. 10 in order to be considered.
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It’s not too early to get your tickets for ‘Christmas Bunco’ at Saron Lutheran Church. The event is scheduled for Friday, Sept. 7 at the church, 1742 North St., Escalon, starting at 6 p.m. The proceeds from the Bunco go towards food vouchers to help those in Escalon that are in need during the holidays. The food voucher program is hosted by the Escalon Ministerial Association. Tickets are available now in the church office. Contact Ann at 838-7695 or they are available after the church worship service on Sunday or at the door. The annual event features a Potato Bar, Bunco and a Raffle that you will not want to miss.
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Join in for some special summer events, part of the Micke Grove After Dark series. The sessions include games, crafts, evening snacks, storytelling and a night tour of the zoo. Open to ages five and older, the cost is $20 per person, $15 for zoo members. Registration is required; call 209-331-2138 to register. Program dates are Friday, Aug. 24 from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.; and Saturdays, Sept. 7 and 21 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. For more information, visit zooed@sjgov.org or www.mgzoo.com.
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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, Aug. 15. 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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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.
