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Datebook 11-20-19
calendar datebook

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

 

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.

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Hospice of San Joaquin will host a 40th anniversary celebration Tree of Lights at Main Street Park in Escalon. The tree lighting – Light up a Light, Light up a Life – is scheduled for 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 3 and all in the community are welcome to attend.

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Enjoy tea, sandwiches and decadent desserts at a Victorian Tea held in the McHenry Mansion, exquisitely decorated for the holidays. There will be two seatings at this special Tuesday, Dec. 3 event – 11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m.; reservations are required. Call 209-522-1739 for information or to make reservations. Cost is $30 per person and McHenry Mansion is at 906 15th St., Modesto.

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A free Community Thanksgiving Dinner will be served at the Escalon Community Center, corner of Escalon-Bellota and Arthur roads on Thursday, Nov. 28. Serving will be from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and all in the community are welcome to attend. New coordinator for volunteers this year is Molly Craig, who said she is looking for workers to help put on the event; contact her at 415-310-1814. For those unable to attend the dinner at the Community Center, home delivery of meals is offered. Coordinating the home delivery of meals once again is DeeAnna Jackson. She can be reached at 209-838-6808. Callers are asked to leave their name, address, phone number and how many meals are needed.

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The Escalon Ministerial Association (EMA) has kicked off its annual fundraising effort for its Christmas Fund Drive. Money donated to the consortium of local churches is used to provide holiday food vouchers for those in need in the community. The funds stay local, distributed to families here and used in local grocery stores. Donations are currently being accepted – checks in any amount can be made out to Escalon Ministerial Association/CARE and mailed to P.O. Box 1, Escalon, CA 95320. Donations are requested by Dec. 2.

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Get ready to enjoy some Stampin’ Up! Card Classes in neighboring 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.

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Make plans to attend 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.

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Offered the first through third Saturdays and Sundays of the month, enjoy the Sandhill Crane Wetland Tours at Woodbridge Ecological Reserve, 7730 W. Woodbridge Road, Lodi. Online registration is available for those wishing to participate in guided tours, which run through February. A one-day Lands Pass must be purchased to attend and instructions are available on the same website. Tours fill fast and registration may be done as much as six weeks in advance. To register or for more information, visit www.wildlife.ca.gov/regions/3/crane-tour.

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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, Nov. 27. 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 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.