Datebook lists upcoming events and items of interest for residents of Escalon, Farmington, Collegeville and the surrounding area.
A Women’s Mini Retreat is scheduled at the Escalon Presbyterian Church on First Street on Saturday, Feb. 4. The event is set from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and will feature speaking and worship duo Crimson Bridge. Join in for a one-day retreat geared for women of all ages that will: “explore the truth about who we are on our journey, and how we fit into God’s story … instead of the other way around.” The cost is $20 and includes a continental breakfast and lunch. To purchase tickets, go to escalonpres.org (under Events) or contact Jayne Fahey at 209-872-0317.
*****
Just a few days left to visit nearby Delicato Vineyards, as the 29th annual Fine Art Show is being staged there through this Saturday, Feb. 4. Delicato Vineyards is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and is on Highway 99, four miles north of Manteca. The public is encouraged to visit the judged art that will be on display throughout the Tasting Room. All art in this show will be available for sale on a first come first sale basis.
*****
Escalon Library offers a variety of programs for patrons, including the Tuesday afternoon knitting club, starting at 1 p.m. and the Adult Coloring Club, Tuesdays at 5:30 p.m.; bring your own coloring material or use those provided by the library. Also, Toddler/Preschool storytime runs each Thursday, 10:30 a.m. and kids 10 and older can enjoy Makerspace activities on Thursdays, 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
*****
Chocolate Lovers’ Hoedown – a buffet dinner plus community hoedown and chocolate auction is set for Saturday, Feb. 4, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., at the Mother Lode Fairgrounds, Manzanita Building, in Sonora. All are encouraged to come ready to eat and dance. The dancing will include line, round, and circle dances, and will be called Rachel Phillips. The buffet dinner will be prepared by Chef Dave Ingram of Chef Dave Cooks! Tickets are $35 and may be purchased at The Mountain Bookshop in the Junction and Schnoog’s. For more information, call 962-0805.
*****
With proceeds benefitting the Escalon Educational Foundation, a special Color Run is set for Saturday, Feb. 11 with both a 5k and a one-mile run/walk offered. Races take off from and finish at El Portal Middle School, 805 First St., Escalon. Cost is $30 for the 5k Run, $25 for the one-mile Fun Run; Escalon Unified School District students pay $20 for either run. Races begin at 8 a.m. Register online at active.com or at any Escalon Unified School District office. For more information, contact Annette Wing at 209-606-7161.
*****
Riverbank welcomes the REO Speechtrain Toastmasters Club 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, Feb. 8. For more information, call (209) 869-8200.
*****
Residents living in and around the Escalon area can learn about their risk for cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, diabetes, and other chronic, serious conditions with affordable screenings by Life Line Screening. Escalon Sportsman’s Club at 25195 E. River Road will host this community event on Wednesday, Feb. 8. Screenings are affordable, convenient and accessible for wheelchairs and those with trouble walking. Free parking is also available. Packages start at $149, but consultants will work with attendees to create a package that is right for them based on age and risk factors. Call 1-877-237-1287 or visit the website at www.lifelinescreening.com. Pre-registration is required.
*****
The Good Time Accordion Club will host its next gathering on Wednesday, Feb. 8 at the Escalon Community Center, 1055 Escalon Ave., starting at 7 p.m. This monthly music and social is offered the second Wednesday of each month. Admission is $5 at the door and accordion fans and performers of all skill levels are welcome. This month’s featured performer is the incomparable Joe Vento of The Three Sons from Las Vegas. CDs will also be available. For more information, contact Karl Wucherer at 209-556-3105.
*****
First Responders Game Night will be the first of several special activities being put on through the Escalon Youth Center. The game night will be Friday, Feb. 10 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the center, 1328 Escalon Ave., across from Escalon High School. This will be a game night with the Escalon Police Department, Fire Department and Community Ambulance. Open to all ages. Free snacks and drinks. There will be a drawing for a gift card for everyone in attendance.
*****
On Saturday, Feb. 18 an Acoustic Guitar Workshop will be hosted from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at The Venue at Big Valley Grace Community Church, 4040 Tully Road, Modesto. Acoustic guitar players of all ages and skill levels will pick up some useful tips and secrets in this workshop. Children under 12 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian. There is no cost to attend; register by Feb. 17 at bigvalleygrace.org/acousticworkshop.
*****
Get your tickets early for the upcoming Film ‘Fun’ Raiser for DKG Epsilon Nu Chapter. The event is scheduled for April 17 at the State Theatre, 1307 J St., downtown Modesto. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m. on film day for wine, appetizers and raffle drawings. The movie ‘Some Like It Hot’ will be shown starting at 7 p.m.
The donation of $25 benefits MJC scholarships, Great Valley Museum, Library Book purchases and the Stanislaus County Office of Education. Tickets will be available at the door. You can also make reservations online at DKGMODESTO@gmail.com or by contacting Gloria at (209) 545-0883.
