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 Wednesday at the Escalon Community Center. Just a couple of Wednesdays remain in the program. 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 ahead to make an appointment, 209-783-VITA (8482).
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YES (Youth Entertainment Stage) Company is seeking students in grades 7-12, to be actors, singers, dancers, and crew members for the production of “Footloose,” to be performed at the Gallo Center for the Arts, July 21 through 30. No experience or preparation is necessary and all audition materials will be provided. A local audition is scheduled for Thursday, March 30 at 6 p.m., at the Oakdale High School Theatre, Oakdale.
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Saturday, April 1 is the date for the Escalon Fair Boosters annual dinner, dance and auction. Festivities are planned at the Escalon Community Center. The festivities begin at 5:30 p.m., with dinner at 7 p.m., followed by dancing until midnight featuring the music of the local band Remedy. Ticket prices are $40 pre-sale or $45 at the door per person. For tickets, contact Ted Langum at 209-838-2011 or Karie Hearn at 1-408-489-9705. The Boosters event benefits Escalon 4-H and FFA students participating in agricultural projects.
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Scheduled for Saturday, April 8, the Love Escalon community service work day will kick off with an 8 a.m. rally at the city’s Main Street Park. Volunteers are still being sought for several projects and a number of local churches are cooperating in the effort. For more information about how to get involved, visit the Love Escalon website at loveescalon.com. Projects are scheduled to start about 9 a.m. and work should be completed no later than noon.
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A fundraising night to benefit the Relay For Life of Escalon will be hosted at D’Boni’s Pizza in Escalon on Wednesday, April 26 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. Also, 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. Contact Gerri Andrade for information and tickets, 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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San Joaquin County Senior Awareness Day has been scheduled for Wednesday, May 24 this year. Events will be hosted at the San Joaquin County Fairgrounds and run from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Theme for the day will be the Fabulous 50’s and there will be food, entertainment, a classic car show, wellness walk, senior art show, Bingo, a variety of exhibitors and more, in addition to multiple fun giveaways. Escalon city officials are asking those planning to attend to call Escalon City Hall at 209-691-7410; leave your name, how many in your party and a contact phone number.
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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 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, April 5. For more information, call (209) 869-8200.
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The Sonora Writers Group will host a series of Writers Workshops beginning April 15 at the Tuolumne County Library in Sonora. The first of the two part series, “Successful Self Marketing” will be led by local author Sandy Lee. The workshop is from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, April 15. The public is invited, there is no fee and refreshments will be served. It is recommended to call for reservations, Sonora Writers Group 209-743-8097.
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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.
