Datebook lists upcoming events and items of interest for residents of Escalon, Farmington, Collegeville and the surrounding area.
Saron Lutheran Church in Escalon will be honoring Escalon’s First Responders on the 15th anniversary of 9/11, and you are invited on Sunday, September 11, at Escalon Main Street Park from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. to this event. Enjoy a hot dog luncheon as we meet with our fire, police, and ambulance staff. It is an opportunity to express your appreciation to those who protect our property and our community.
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Members of the Singles Skirts ‘n Flirts Square Dance Club, which includes members from Escalon, Oakdale, Riverbank and beyond, are scheduled to be at the downtown Farmers Market in Oakdale this evening, Wednesday, Sept. 7 to provide a demonstration. Also, the next session of ‘learn to square dance’ starts on Wednesday, Sept. 14 and runs from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Oakdale Grange Hall. The first Wednesday is free. The club meets at the Grange Hall, corner of F Street and Lambuth Avenue in Oakdale. Call for more information, Audre at 581-3883 or Jeri at 681-2699.
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Oakdale VFW Post will have its next monthly hamburger night fundraiser tonight, Wednesday, Sept. 7. Hours are from 5:30 p.m. to about 8:30 p.m., at the Oakdale Saddle Club Rodeo Grounds clubhouse. Attendees can stay after eating to socialize. All donations at the dessert table at the monthly dinner go to purchase wreaths for Wreaths Across America. The local VFW and Auxiliary’s goal is to have a wreath on every grave at the Santa Nella Veterans cemetery.
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Toddler/Preschool Storytime at the Escalon Library, 1540 Second St., is scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 8 at 10:30 a.m. On Tuesdays, the drop in knitting group is open to all with an interest in the craft; bring your own materials and enjoy knitting and socialization from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Also don’t forget that the Senior Gentle Exercise Class is open to local seniors every Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m., in the Ekholm Meeting room at the library, focuses on strength and flexibility.
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The Escalon 4-H Club is preparing for new members to join for the 2016-2017 year. 4-H is a great program for young people ages 9-19 that promote citizenship, project skills, and healthy living. Members participate in many projects such as a small or large animal project, public speaking, bowling, guide dogs, and many other activities. The first meeting of the year will be on Thursday, Sept. 8 at 6:30 p.m. at the Van Allen Elementary School Cafeteria at 21051 E. Highway 120 in Escalon. New members will be able to sign up and begin to choose which projects they would like to join. An ice cream social will be held after the meeting for new and existing members to meet and plan out the new year.
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The American Association of University Women (AAUW) Oakdale-Riverbank-Escalon Branch will host its annual Fall Membership Brunch on Saturday, Sept. 10, from 9 a.m. to noon in Oakdale. Prospective members in the Oakdale, Riverbank, or Escalon area who would like to attend the fall membership brunch or who would like more information about the local branch should call Membership Chair, Anne Hendricks at 838-2495. For further information about the national AAUW organization you can log on to www.aauw.org for more information.
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Riverbank welcomes the REO Speechtrain Toastmasters Club for regular meetings every Wednesday morning from 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, Sept. 14. For more information, call (209) 614-8462.
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U.S. Representative Jeff Denham (R-Turlock) recently announced Mobile District Office Hours for the month of September 2016. Mobile District Office Hours are an opportunity for 10th district residents to meet with the congressman and staff to hear more about his work in Washington, D.C. and the Central Valley, have their questions answered or get help with specific casework. His visit to Escalon is set for Tuesday, Sept. 13, 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., at Escalon City Hall, 2060 McHenry Ave., held in conjunction with Senator Cathleen Galgiani and Assemblywoman Kristin Olsen’s offices.
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A Relay For Life fundraiser is set for Saturday, Oct. 1 and will feature brats, beer and bunco. The fundraiser will be hosted at the Escalon Grange Hall, 1840 Main St., and start with the brats and beer at 6 p.m., bunco begins at 7 p.m. Cost is $30 per ticket, which includes one beer to go along with the brats. Additional drink tickets will be available on site. This is a fundraiser for the Nuts for Life relay team and tickets are available by contacting Suzanne Longstreth at 838-2892 or Sandy Bomer at 845-2647. Tickets are also available from any Nuts for Life team member.
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The Stanislaus County Library is looking for local published authors from around the Central Valley to take part in the seventh annual Local Author Fair on Saturday, Sept. 24 from 9 a.m. to noon. The event will take place outside on the 16th Street side of the Modesto Library portico. Local authors will have the opportunity to promote their works, as well as sell and sign copies of their publications. There is no cost to participate, but advance registration is required as space is limited. Interested authors should contact Laura Ferrell at (209) 558-7817 to request an event registration form. Completed forms must be received by Friday, Sept. 9 in order to participate.
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The Good Time Accordion Club meets the second Wednesday of each month for their musical and social gathering at the Escalon Community Center, 1055 Escalon Ave., with the next session on Wednesday, Sept. 14. Admission is $5 at the door; meetings are at 7 p.m. and the rest of the club’s meetings for 2016 are scheduled on Wednesdays, Oct. 12; Nov. l9 and Dec. 14. Accordion players of all ages and levels are welcome, in addition to listening enthusiasts. The club also accepts donated accordions. For more information, contact Gayle Certini at 209-526-3627.
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United Cerebral Palsy of San Joaquin County and Health Plan of San Joaquin as the Signature Sponsors are joining forces for STEPtember, an international fundraising event that takes place Sept. 1 through Sept. 28. STEPtember challenges teams of four people to each walk 10,000 steps a day, improving fitness while raising awareness and funds for your local UCP. The challenge isn’t just limited to walking; participants can run, swim, cycle, or even do yoga to meet their goals. Individuals are also encouraged to raise money from friends and family, with the incentive being a little friendly competition. For further information email events@ucpsj.org, visit the UCP website at www.ucpsj.org or call the UCP of San Joaquin office at 209-956-0290.
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Cultural Homestay International (CHI), a non-profit high school organization is looking for volunteer local host families for international high school boys and girls. These students are 15 to 18 years old and are coming to this area for the school year or semester. Those persons interested in obtaining more information about becoming a host family should call Adrianne Koford, 1-707-637-3775 or e-mail, akofordchi@gmail.com.
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Micke Grove Zoological Society Zoo Zoom is a health-driven, family-friendly event that includes a children’s fun run, 5K race, games, crafts, award ceremony and a pancake breakfast. It is scheduled for Sunday, Sept. 18 with check-in and on-site registration from 6:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. Early Bird Pre-Registration is being taken until Monday, Sept. 12. Register On-Line at: www.active.com (Search “Micke Grove Zoo”).
