Datebook lists upcoming events and items of interest for residents of Escalon, Farmington, Collegeville and the surrounding area.
The Escalon United Methodist Church, 2000 Jackson Ave., will host the Charge Conference for Escalon, Riverbank, Oakdale and Farmington, with the session set for Saturday, Dec. 3 at 10 a.m. This is the business meeting that confirms the budgets and the personnel who will lead the church. Also, the Escalon Ministerial Association is planning to host a Community Communion Service, open to all, on Sunday, Dec. 4 at 6 p.m. at the Presbyterian Church fellowship hall on First Street.
*****
The Holistic Life Institute, School of Massage and Natural Health, 730 E. F St., Suite G, Oakdale, will be hosting a Holiday Festival and Open House on Saturday, Dec. 3 from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. Guests will receive free mini neck and shoulder massages, shiatsu therapy sessions, herbal teas, refreshments, and more. Also available will be skin care samples and discounted gift certificates for holiday gift-giving. There will be handcrafted jewelry and holiday gift booths for unique holiday shopping. Stop by and receive free de-stressing pampering while browsing for your holiday gift-giving. For more information, visit www.holisticlifeinstitute.com or call 209-848-8382.
*****
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, Dec. 7. For more information, call (209) 614-8462.
*****
The Stanislaus Senior Foundation will host its Annual Holiday Fundraiser on Friday, Dec. 9 from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. The event will be held at the historic McHenry Museum, 1402 I St., Modesto. Hors d’oeuvres, wine and a silent auction will be offered for those in attendance. Tickets are $40 each and can be purchased on line at www.stanislausseniorfoundation.org or by calling 848-2635.
*****
Award winning singer and speaker, LouAnn Lee will be featured in an appearance on Friday, Dec. 9 at 6 p.m. at Celebration Center Oakdale, located at 522 E. F St. Lee is an international recording artist. Passion for the local church fuels the writing of her songs. Her songs have charted consistently on CRW. She has won awards with GMA, and also been featured in Worship Leader Magazine numerous times.
*****
Coming up in December, Pray for Revival, an ecumenical gathering of Escalon area students, is set for Tuesday, Dec. 13 from 6:45 a.m. to 7:15 a.m. at the Escalon Youth Center, corner of Yosemite and Escalon avenues. The gathering will give students the chance to pray for revival in schools, communities, families and churches.
*****
All are welcome to join in for the 18th Annual Christmas Singalong at Hutton’s Hamlet on Monday, Dec. 19 at 6 p.m. Sing your favorite carols and Christmas songs with Annette Hutton accompanying on piano. Free admission, refreshments served. The event will be hosted at Hutton’s Hamlet Performing Arts Center, 132 W. G St., Oakdale, in the chapel at the northeast corner of West G Street and Church Avenue. Call to RSVP or for more information, 209-848-1216.
*****
The California Highway Patrol (CHP) Stockton Area is once again participating in the annual CHiP’s for Kids toy drive and distribution. Every year the CHP Stockton Area partners with local groups and organizations to collect and distribute toys to children in need. The CHP Stockton Area is asking anyone who is willing to donate to bring a new, unwrapped toy to the CHP Stockton Area office at 2720 N. Wilcox Road, Stockton between now and Dec. 17. The goal of this program is to reach out to as many families as possible within our communities and help bring joy and happiness to those less fortunate. Last year more than 3000 toys, stuffed animals and games were collected and distributed. This year the local CHP will try to collect and distribute even m
