Datebook lists upcoming events and items of interest for residents of Escalon, Farmington, Collegeville and the surrounding area.
Help with income tax preparation for low to moderate income residents is available each week at the Escalon Community Center. Karen Corey, who helps oversee the senior meal program there, also runs the tax assistance program at the senior site each Wednesday afternoon from 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.; by appointment only. Call to make an appointment, 209-783-VITA (8482).
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As part of Youth Arts Month, the public is invited to visit the Student Art Showcase March 1 through March 30, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays, at the Stanislaus County Office of Education (SCOE - 1100 H Street, 2nd floor). The Student Art Showcase features student work from preschool to advanced high school students across Region 6. The Stanislaus County Office of Education, SCOE, is at 1100 H St., on the second floor in Modesto. Region 6 includes Amador, Calaveras, San Joaquin, Stanislaus, and Tuolumne counties.
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There’s still time to get your tickets for the Escalon High School Sports Boosters Dinner, Dance and Auction. The goal is to raise money for all sports teams at EHS and the event is set for Saturday, March 11 at the Escalon Community Center with cocktails at 5:30 p.m., dinner at 6:30 p.m. and dancing after dinner until midnight. Cost is $50 per individual ticket; $400 for a reserved table for eight. Tickets are now available; contact Melanie McPherrin at 209-603-0172 to purchase yours today. The annual Sports Boosters fundraiser includes a hosted bar, dinner, raffle, live and silent auction and dancing.
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Join the Escalon Lions Club for their annual Corned Beef and Cabbage Feed to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, set for Thursday, March 16 at the Escalon Community Center. Tickets are $20 per person for the traditional meal and doors open at 6 p.m. for a social hour. Dinner begins at 7 p.m. and a drive-thru dinner will be offered starting at 7 p.m. as well. Inside, enjoy complimentary wine on the tables, raffle drawings, and live music. Get your tickets from Lions Club members or at the door. Proceeds benefit the club’s high school scholarship program.
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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, March 8. For more information, call (209) 869-8200.
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Coming up in late April, it is the eighth annual Ride The Rails For Relay, on the Niles Canyon Railway, with three different departure times available. The train leaves from Sunol Depot, 6 Kilkare Road, Sunol at 10:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m., with live entertainment on the train with free wine tasting and snacks and beverages available for purchase. You can also bring a picnic to eat on the train or in the park. Trains are handicap and wheelchair accessible. Tickets are valid for the trip on Saturday, April 29. Cost for tickets is $25 for adults, children 2 to 12 $15 and under 2 ride for free. Trains run in all weather; train and crew donated by Niles Canyon Railway. Make checks payable to American Cancer Society. Locally, Gerri Andrade has tickets available, contact her at 209-324-6947 or email at gmagerri@sbcglobal.net.
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Soroptimist International of Oakdale will host its annual Motor Madness event on Saturday, March 25 beginning at 6:30 p.m. The event will be hosted at Gene Bianchi Community Center, 110 S. Second Ave., Oakdale. Beer, wine, soft drinks and appetizers will be served for those in attendance. A total of 400 tickets will be offered for $100 each, which includes an opportunity to win a Harley Davidson Motorcycle or a cash prize of $10,000. Motor Madness is the signature fundraising event for the 501c3 service club. For additional information or to purchase tickets, call Debbie Carreira at 847-2980 or Suzette Titus at 602-6562.
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Knights Ferry History Museum and Associates have joined with the Army Corps of Engineers to host the 27th Annual Gold Country Peddlers Faire on Sunday, April 23. The event will be hosted at the Stanislaus River Park, on Covered Bridge Road, Knights Ferry, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. A large selection of antiques, handmade crafts and art, as well as food booths will be on hand. Persons interested in vendor space may obtain information by contacting Vendor Coordinator Gayle Higgins at gaylethiggins@gmail.com or 209-480-3602.
