Datebook lists upcoming events and items of interest for residents of Escalon, Farmington, Collegeville and the surrounding area.
Join in with the Escalon Police Department’s Reserve Unit for a special ‘Sweet December Dinner and Dessert Auction’ on Friday, Dec. 9 at the Escalon Community Center. Cocktails are from 6:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., dinner at 7 p.m., with the auction to follow. Tickets may be purchased at Escalon City Hall or the Escalon Police Department. Ticket prices are $25 per person purchased at the door. Contact Sara Cardoso or Officer Mikale Bell for more information at 838-7093 during regular business hours. You can also email scardoso@cityofescalon.org or mbell@cityofescalon.org.
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Sign up for the Escalon Fire Christmas Toy Drive will be this coming Saturday, Dec. 10 from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. The sign-ups, which will be done at the firehouse on Coley Avenue, is for those who reside within the boundaries of the Escalon fire district. The toy distribution itself will be on Friday, Dec. 23 at 10 a.m. at the fire station at 1749 Coley. The toy boxes for collecting the new, unwrapped toys are available at a number of locations around the community. Toys, books, puzzles, stationery items and more are sought for all ages, from infants to mid-teens. The collection boxes will be out until Thursday, Dec. 22.
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Frosty’s Magic Hat is scheduled at the Escalon library on Monday, Dec. 12 at 3:30 p.m. Puppeteer and magician Tony Borders presents a festive show featuring magical characters such as Frosty, a princess, a genie and a spirited bear. The whole family is welcome to attend. Several ongoing programs are offered at the library and include an adult knitting group on Tuesdays at 1 p.m.; learn to knit or just get help with a project. Toddler and Preschool Storytime is scheduled each Thursday at 10:30 a.m., encouraging literacy and sharing the joy of books and reading with stories, songs, finger plays and movement. Children 10 and older can attend Makerspace on Thursdays at 4 p.m.
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Coming up next week, 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.
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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, Dec. 14. For more information, call (209) 614-8462.
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The next scheduled accordion music and social gathering of the Good Time Accordion Club is scheduled for Wednesday, Dec. 14 at 7 p.m. at the Escalon Community Center, 1055 Escalon Ave. Admission is $5 at the door and accordion fans and performers of all skill levels are welcome. The Good Time Accordion Club meets the second Wednesday of each month and they do take donations of accordions, new or used. For more information, contact Karl Wucherer at 209-556-3105.
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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.
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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.
