Datebook lists upcoming events and items of interest for residents of Escalon, Farmington, Collegeville and the surrounding area.
Happy and Healthy, a special program offered in cooperation with the Human Services Agency, is geared toward local senior citizens as a way to help them improve their health, one bite at a time. If you need simple ideas to eat healthier and tips to save time in the kitchen, join this free class, which runs on Thursdays at noon at the Escalon Community Center. The program will run weekly through June 8. Also featured will be tips on how to save money at the grocery store. For additional information, call the SNAP-Ed Program, 209-468-1755.
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Modesto Junior College Department of Art presents “A Mother’s Tears” art show featuring the paintings of Susan Levy and dedicated to the memory of her daughter Chandra Levy. The show runs through Thursday, June 1 in the MJC Art Gallery on the East Campus, 435 College Ave., Modesto. The gallery is open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Thursday and admission is free. A public reception for the artist will be held on Thursday, May 18, 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. in the MJC Art Gallery and Levy will speak at 6 p.m. The reception is also free of charge.
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An Armed Forces Day Concert is scheduled for Saturday, May 20, 7 p.m. at Ripon Christian High School Performing Arts Center, 435 Maple Ave., Ripon. Voices for the King, a male chorus, will perform inspirational and patriotic music in recognition of national armed service members, local law enforcement and fire department members along with a color guard presentation. This concert is free.
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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, May 24. For more information, call (209) 869-8200.
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Informational meetings for Miss Escalon 2017 are on the schedule. Local junior and senior girls in high school are being encouraged to seek the title of Miss Escalon 2017. Contestants must reside in the Escalon Unified School District or attend Escalon High School. Informational meetings are scheduled on Wednesday, May 24 and Wednesday, May 31, both meetings at 6 p.m., hosted at Pizza Plus in Escalon. If you love Escalon and want to represent your community as part of the 2017 Miss Escalon Court, come to one of the informational meetings and learn all about the pageant, which is hosted during Park Fete Week in July. For more information, call or text Lexi Bavaro at 209-480-0728 or Shannon Montgomery at 209-938-7711.
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The Escalon Library presents this year’s Summer Reading Program, “Build a Better World” from June 1 through July 31. The Summer Reading Program is to encourage everyone to read during the summer months. The library will host a variety of themed activities for children, teens, and adults that encourage and support a love of reading. Participants also can win prizes for reaching their reading goals. All programs are free. The Escalon Branch Library is a part of the Stockton-San Joaquin County Public Library and is at 1540 Second St in Escalon. For more information, call (209) 937-8221 or (866) 805-7323. The first special summer program is scheduled for Wednesday, June 7 with shows at 1:30 p.m. and 3 p.m., featuring Python Ron and his Reptile Kingdom.
