Datebook lists upcoming events and items of interest for residents of Escalon, Farmington, Collegeville and the surrounding area.
Several upcoming events will benefit the Relay For Life of Escalon, set for May 20 and 21 on the campus of Escalon High School. A fun Paint Night is on the schedule for Wednesday, March 29; call Debbie at 247-9989 for more information. Also, a fundraising night will be hosted at D’Boni’s Pizza in Escalon on Wednesday, April 26 anytime between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. Mention that you’re there for Relay For Life and a portion of the proceeds will be donated to the local event. D’Boni’s Pizza is at 2249 Jackson Ave., Escalon. The eighth annual Ride The Rails For Relay event on the Niles Canyon Railway is set for Saturday, April 29, with three different departure times available. Locally, Gerri Andrade has information and tickets available, contact her at 209-324-6947 or email at gmagerri@sbcglobal.net. Teams are still being sought for the Relay itself; the next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, April 12 at 6:30 p.m. at the Escalon Ambulance Station on Ullrey Avenue.
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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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Soroptimist International of Oakdale will host its annual Motor Madness fundraiser on Saturday, March 25 at 6:30 p.m., at the Gene Bianchi Community Center, 110 S. Second Ave., Oakdale. The event includes hors d’oeuvres, wine, beer, soft drinks, and dessert. Tickets are $100 each and admits two adults (must be 21 years or older) to the event and constitutes one entry for the door prize drawings. The highlight of the evening will be the drawing for the Grand Door Prize of a new motorcycle from Mitchell’s Modesto Harley Davidson (up to $14,000 value) or $10,000 cash as well as opportunities for other great prizes. Only 400 tickets will be sold for this fun event. For tickets, contact Debbie Carreira at 847-2980.
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Make time to stop by and see the artwork featured in the Student Art Showcase, which continues through March 30, open 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays, at the Stanislaus County Office of Education, 1100 H St., second floor, Modesto. The Student Art Showcase features student work from preschool to advanced high school students across Region 6, which includes Amador, Calaveras, San Joaquin, Stanislaus, and Tuolumne counties.
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A special Mother’s Day Tea will be presented at the McHenry Mansion in Modesto on Saturday, May 13. The Tea Luncheons have been a tradition for many local families and, as always, benefit the Mansion Foundation in maintaining this historical location. McHenry Mansion is at 906 15th St., Modesto and two seatings are planned for the May 13 event. The first will be at 11 a.m.; the second at 1:30 p.m. Tickets are $30 per person; call for reservations at (209) 522-1739 by May 5.
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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 29. For more information, call (209) 869-8200.
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Modesto Junior College will host its fourth annual “New Student Day” events to enroll high school seniors and other first time students on Saturdays, April 8 and May 20 at 8 a.m. on East Campus, 435 College Ave., Modesto. Students will meet in the Auditorium of the Performing and Media Arts Center. Attendance and campus parking are free. New Student Day assists students who are just beginning the process of enrolling at MJC through the steps of application, orientation, assessment and advising workshops. Hands-on assistance with the financial aid application or follow-up steps is available, and a parent information seminar is offered as well. There are optional campus tours and a free lunch is available. For more information on the New Student Days or enrolling at MJC call (209) 575-6789.
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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.
