Datebook lists upcoming events and items of interest for residents of Escalon, Farmington, Collegeville and the surrounding area.

GriefShare: Surviving the Holidays is a helpful, encouraging seminar for people facing the holidays after a loved one’s death. The seminar will be held Saturday, Nov. 16 at Escalon First Baptist Church from 10 a.m. to noon. The seminar features practical suggestions and reassurance through video interviews with counselors, grief experts, and other people who have experienced the holidays after their loved one’s death. Topics to be discussed include dealing with hard-hitting emotions, what to do about traditions, how to survive social events, and where to find comfort and strength. The only cost for the seminar is $5 to cover the cost of the Survival Guide book. Escalon First Baptist Church is located just off McHenry Avenue at 1511 Catherine Way, Escalon.

*****

The Edible Expo, being hosted by the Escalon Educational Foundation, is scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 16. Hours for the event will be 6 p.m. to midnight with the event at the Escalon Community Center; cost is $50 per person or reserve a table for eight at $400. Along with the food and beverage samples, there will be music and the chance to socialize, along with live and silent auction items being up for bid. To donate auction items, contact Melanie McPherrin at 209-603-0172. For tickets or more information, contact April Adams at 209-606-6487.

*****

Two more Senior Fun Bunch activities are planned in 2019, with the next one coming up on Wednesday, Nov. 20 from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Escalon Community Center with a ‘thankful’ theme and a salute to veterans. It will also include Bingo and refreshments. On Wednesday, Dec. 18, the gathering will move to the Escalon Covenant Church for the finale of the year, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., with a hometown Christmas event to include special music by Victor Berg-Haglund, singing, holiday crafts, games, refreshments and fun. The gatherings are open to all seniors from around the area.

*****

Sign up now for some Stampin’ Up! Card Classes in Escalon, with opportunities to learn about the craft and create some special cards at unique classes offered by Debbie Megenney and Gerri Andrade. December classes are set for 6:30 p.m. on Dec. 17 and 19, 9 a.m. on Dec. 18 and 20, just in time for the holidays. Call 209-324-6947 for more information or to sign up for classes.

*****

Soroptimist International of Oakdale is accepting applications for its Soroptimist Live Your Dream: Education and Training Awards for Women program. This program provides cash grants to women who are working to better their lives through additional schooling and skills training. Women are eligible to apply if they have the primary financial responsibility for themselves and their dependents including children, spouse, siblings, and/or parents, are attending an undergraduate degree program or a vocational skills training program, and have financial need. Women throughout the Oakdale, Riverbank and Escalon areas are encouraged to apply for an award. Apply online at http://bit.ly/LYDApply or contact Jackie Hair, Chairperson, sioakdale@soroptimist.net, (209) 840-2134. The deadline to apply is Nov. 15.

*****

Sending out a call for vendors and customers, it’s the La Grange Odd Fellows’ Christmas Craft Fair on Saturday, Dec. 7, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission is free to the public in the cozy atmosphere of the historic IOOF Hall, 30018 Yosemite Blvd., La Grange. The fair is hosted by the Odd Fellows of Lafayette Lodge #65. The event will showcase an array of crafts items, including Western art, jewelry, sewn creations, plant arrangements and organic edible goodies. Refreshments and drawings for raffle prizes will be featured as well. Crafters can call now; vendor spaces are currently available, $25 for 6’ by 8’, first come first served. For more information call Patty (209) 604-4444.

*****

Residents living in and around the Oakdale area, including those in Escalon, can learn about their risk for cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, diabetes, and other chronic, serious conditions with affordable screenings by Life Line Screening. Community United Methodist Church will host this community event on Wednesday, Nov. 20. The site is located at 1480 Poplar Street in Oakdale. Packages start at $149, but consultants will work to create a package that is right for you based on your age and risk factors. Also ask about the Wellness Gold Membership Program which allows customers to get all the screenings they need now, but pay $19.95 a month. Call 1-877-237-1287 or visit the website at www.lifelinescreening.com. Pre-registration is required.

*****

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, Nov. 20. For more information, call (209) 869-8200.

*****

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.

*****

Golden Agers weekly dances are open to those 50 and older from throughout the Central Valley and are hosted at the Riverbank Community Center, 3600 Santa Fe 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.