Datebook lists upcoming events and items of interest for residents of Escalon, Farmington, Collegeville and the surrounding area.
With a theme of ‘Maker Fun Factory; Created by God, Built for a Purpose’ the Escalon Christian Reformed Church is hosting Vacation Bible School next week. Dates for the VBS are Monday through Friday, July 10 through 14, with hours from 9 a.m. to noon each day. Designed for ages entering kindergarten through entering fifth grade, there is no cost to attend and all in the community are welcome. You can register online at www.escaloncrc.org or register beginning at 8:30 a.m. Monday, July 10 at the VBS. Escalon Christian Reformed Church is at 2203 California St.; call for more information, 209-838-7223.
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Golden Agers weekly dances are open to those 50 and older from throughout the Central Valley at the Riverbank Community Center. Doors open Wednesdays at 9 a.m.; the center is at 3600 Santa Fe St., and first time guests are admitted free. The annual membership fee is $12 and each Wednesday members pay $5 and non-members can enjoy a few hours of music and dancing for $6.
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Hutton’s Hamlet in Oakdale will present “Night at the Wax Museum” on Friday and Saturday, July 7 and 8. Six students who have flunked history retake the class in summer school, and set up a new wax museum as a class project. A mysterious incantation from the back of Cleopatra’s bracelet by one of the students brings the wax figures to life and from there it’s a wild and hilarious goose chase. Hutton’s Hamlet Performing Arts Center is at 132 W. G St., Oakdale. Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for 12 and under. Call for show times, 209-848-1216.
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Upcoming special programs at the Escalon library include summertime art class with Sonya featuring Van Gogh Sunflowers on Saturday, July 8 at noon; Magic Dan on Wednesday, July 12 at 1:30 p.m.; Musical Robot on Saturday, July 22 at 1:30 p.m. and Circus of Smiles, a gravity defying juggling show on Tuesday, July 25, with shows at 2:30 p.m. and 4 p.m. Weekly, the fun children’s storytime runs each Thursday, 10:30 a.m. and then older kids can join in for Makerspace on Thursday afternoons from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Also, the Friends of the Escalon Library will be hosting their annual Park Fete Gently Used Book Sale at the library on July 15 from noon until 3 p.m. Books will be $1 a bundle and a bundle is approximately six books. Funds raised from the used book sales go directly to library programs.
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Escalon Lions Club is hosting its weekly Friday night ‘pre-cruise’ events at Hula’s restaurant on Jackson Avenue through the summer, leading up to the annual Autumn Cruise on Saturday, Sept. 9. Each Friday night gathering features music by DJ Gene Adams, prizes and a 50-50 drawing. This year will be the 24th for the Autumn Cruise, with proceeds benefitting Escalon High School scholarships. The pre-cruise Friday nights run from 5 pm. to 7:30 p.m.
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The Holistic Life Institute, 730 E. F St., Oakdale, is hosting a Back to School Open House on Saturday, July 8, from 2 p.m. until 5 p.m. Guests will receive informational packets on fall classes, a discount voucher of 25 percent toward fall classes, a scholarship toward text books and class materials, refreshments, and free mini neck and shoulder massages and/or a therapeutic foot reflexology session. Those interested in attending are asked to call the campus to reserve seating at 209-848-8382.
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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, July 12. For more information, call (209) 869-8200.
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Park staff and costumed volunteers present a live reenactment and solve a historical case during the interactive History’s Mysteries event at Columbia State Historic Park four Saturdays this summer. History’s Mysteries will occur on July 22, Aug. 5, Aug. 19 and Sept. 2, offered each time at 10 a.m. Reservations are highly recommended. Cost is $5/adults and $1/children. Due to the nature of this event, parents may find it is not appropriate for children under age 12. However, child tickets are available for $1 each. Each child under 12 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. To purchase tickets, visit the park museum or www.friendsofcolumbiashp.com to buy online. For more information about this event or other events at Columbia State Historic Park, contact the park office at 209-588-9128.
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Make plans to join in the Senior Stride Fun Walk event put on by the Modesto Rotary Club. The Friday, Sept. 8 event provides seniors, families and friends the opportunity to enjoy fellowship, a fun walk, entertainment and more while learning about services and resources available to them in the community. This year’s festivities will run from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m., staged at East La Loma Park. The park is at 2001 Edgebrook Drive, Modesto. Registration fee to participate is $2 and includes a Senior Stride T-shirt, light breakfast, community vendor fair and more. Pre-registration is encouraged but not required; to register call (209) 578-9999.
