Datebook lists upcoming events and items of interest for residents of Escalon, Farmington, Collegeville and the surrounding area.
The San Joaquin Valley Swiss Echoes, a singing and yodeling club in Ripon since 1947, is having its annual spring concert and dance on Saturday, April 22 at 7:30 p.m. at the Swiss Hall in Ripon. The hall is on the corner of Manley and East Main streets. Featured will be a variety of folk songs and yodels. There will also be a raffle with fun prizes, followed by dancing to the tunes of the Mitchell Gander Ron Scheiber Orchestra. Admission to the concert and dance is $10 in advance and $12 at the door.
*****
The local REO Speechtrain Toastmasters Club gathers 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 26. For more information, call (209) 869-8200.
*****
It’s almost time for the annual ‘Build Your Own’ omelet dinner, put on by the Escalon United Methodist Church. Scheduled for Saturday, April 29, the dinner includes omelet, potatoes, biscuits, fruit and beverage with tickets prices $8 for adults, $4 for children under 10, children under five free. Dinner hours are 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Escalon United Methodist Church, 2000 Jackson Ave. (Highway 120 east), Escalon. For more information, call (209) 838-1212.
*****
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.
*****
If you like the Victorian era and local history, want to increase your social circle and would you like to talk with people from around the globe, you can do all this and more by becoming a docent at McHenry Mansion in Modesto. Docents lead tours and assist with McHenry Mansion Foundation fundraising efforts. Combine your existing talents with their free training. Email your request for more information and requirements to wegotfun@att.net or stop by the McHenry Mansion Visitors Center/Gift Store, at 924 15th St., Modesto to obtain and submit an application.
*****
U.S. Representative Jeff Denham (R-Turlock) on Monday announced the opening of California’s 10th District Congressional Art Competition. The annual art competition will feature an official winner, selected by a panel of local judges, and a “Valley Vote” winner, chosen by an online voting competition open to the public. Submissions for artwork are now being accepted for this year’s competition. All artwork and release forms must be delivered to Rep. Denham’s Modesto office at 4701 Sisk Road, Ste. 202 no later than 5 p.m. PST Tuesday, April 25, 2017. Artwork that does not meet all of the requirements will not be eligible for consideration by the panel of judges and will not be included in the online gallery for public voting.
*****
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.
