Datebook lists upcoming events and items of interest for residents of Escalon, Farmington, Collegeville and the surrounding area.
Welcome spring by attending a special event hosted by the Jackson Rancheria Band of Miwuk Indians. All in the community are invited to join them for the Fifth Annual Chaw’se Day event on Saturday, May 26 and Sunday, May 27 at the Indian Grinding Rock State Historic Park. Featured will be Native American games, cuisine, dancing, crafts, guided park tours, and much more. The event is open from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days and admission is free. The Indian Grinding Rock State Historic Park is at 14881 Pine Grove Volcano Road, Pine Grove, CA.
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A Grateful Band Benefit Concert is scheduled on Sunday, May 27 at 1 p.m., offered at Columbia Nursery, 22004 Parrots Ferry Road, Sonora. Tickets are $20 per person. The concert will be indoor or outdoor, dependent on weather. Enjoy live music, dancing, with optional food and drink.
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Four separate Memorial Day services will be hosted on Monday, May 28 by members of the Escalon American Legion, Gustafson Thompson Post. The main service will be at Burwood Cemetery, along River Road, beginning at 10 a.m.; followed by events at St. John’s Cemetery at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church at 11 a.m.; Farmington Memorial Park along Escalon-Bellota Road at noon and wrapping up with a 1:30 p.m. service at Valley Home Memorial Park. Services feature a guest speaker, a flag ceremony, the laying of a memorial wreath, the firing squad salute and the playing of Taps.
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San Joaquin County Parks and Recreation and the Delta Fly Fishers will host the 34th annual Catfish Derby on Saturday, June 2 beginning at 6:15 a.m. at Oak Grove Regional Park in Stockton. Kids age 15 years and younger fish for catfish free at Oak Grove’s 10-acre lake during the event. There is no registration fee, however, a $5 fishing permit fee and valid California fishing license are required for those 16 years of age or over. A $6 vehicle-parking fee will also apply. All State Fish and Game laws apply. Participants must supply their own fishing equipment. For more information, call (209) 331-2050 or log onto www.sjparks.com.
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The La Grange Odd Fellows will host a Summer Craft Fair, to benefit Lafayette Lodge #65. Admission is free to the public with the event scheduled from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, June 9 at the IOOF Hall, 30018 Yosemite Boulevard, La Grange. For more information, call Patty at (209) 604-4444.
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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 30. 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 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.
