Datebook lists upcoming events and items of interest for residents of Escalon, Farmington, Collegeville and the surrounding area.
For those that purchased tickets for the benefit tri-tip dinner for Learning Tree Preschool, don’t forget to stop by the House of Beef in Oakdale on Thursday, Aug. 3 to get your dinner. Pick-up hours are 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m., with the pick-up site at 201 N. Third Ave., Oakdale.
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It may be hot these summer days, but not too hot to enjoy classic cars. The Escalon Lions Club hosts Friday night ‘pre-cruise’ events at Hula’s restaurant on Jackson Avenue throughout the summer, leading up to the annual Autumn Cruise. The downtown cruise in the city’s Main Street Park is set for 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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Camp Jack Hazard will host Family Camp from Friday through Sunday, Aug. 11 through 13. Sign up now for this family focused weekend event, which will include adventures, arts and crafts, high and low challenge courses, nature and pool time. Daily meals, a non-denominational morning chapel and evening campfires are also included. Camp Jack Hazard provides staffing to ensure the family has a memorable experience. Cost is $200 for adults; children 6 and older $100 and children five and under are free. For additional information or to book a reservation visit www.campjackhazard.org.
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Columbia State Historic Park will host History’s Mysteries this weekend. Costumed volunteers and park staff present a live reenactment and solve a historical case during this interactive event. The next session will be offered on Saturday, Aug. 5 starting at 10 a.m. Reservations are highly recommended. Cost is $5/adults and $1/children. 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 or contact the park office at 209-588-9128. Additional sessions are planned Aug. 19 and Sept. 2, scheduled each Saturday at 10 a.m.
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Healthy Aging Association is hosting a Young at Heart S.T.E.P.S. Program beginning Monday, Aug. 7 through Oct. 29. Participants of 60 years or better are encouraged to track their daily miles for a period of 12 weeks. Walks are hosted at Vintage Faire Mall as early as 6 a.m. or on your own. A kick-off registration meeting will be hosted on Aug. 7 from 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. The program is free. For additional information call (209) 525-4670 or visit www.healthyagingassociation.org
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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, Aug. 9. For more information, call (209) 869-8200.
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Local senior citizens are encouraged to sign up now for the Age Well, Drive Smart senior driving course offered through the California Highway Patrol. Date for the class is Tuesday, Aug. 15 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the Oakdale Senior Center, 450 E. A St., Oakdale. Instructor will be CHP Officer Tom Olsen. This two-hour course is designed primarily for drivers ages 55 and older. It includes classroom instruction on driving safety, basic road courtesy, information on the impact visual or hearing impairment have on driving ability, tips on avoiding or offsetting hazardous road conditions, and improving driving performance. You will also receive an update on changes the legislature has made to rules of the road and vehicle equipment. For more information or to RSVP, call 209-848-8001. Seating is limited; reserve by Aug. 9.
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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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The San Joaquin County Agricultural Hall of Fame is requesting nominations for outstanding agricultural leaders and mentors in the community. The Agricultural Hall of Fame honors those individuals who have contributed to agriculture and to their community in significant ways. Nomination forms are available from the Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce website, and need to be submitted by 3 p.m., Friday, Aug. 11 in order to be considered. For more information, call Timm Quinn at 292-8423 or visit the Stockton Chamber of Commerce, www.stocktonchamber.org website and click on the Ag Hall of Fame link in the events drop down menu.
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Delicato Vineyards is hosting a two-hour winemaking workshop for home winemakers who are interested in learning the process and for those who want to improve their current winemaking skills. The workshop will include a presentation on the basics of fermentation with tank samples on hand to demonstrate the distinct stages leading from juice to wine. The winemaking workshop is scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 19 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Delicato Vineyards Tuscan Room, 12001 S. Highway 99 in Manteca. Cost is $10 for non-wine club members; $7 for Caterina Club members; and $5 for Gaspare Club members. Class size is limited to 40 participants. Call or email early to reserve a spot. For more information or to sign up, call 209-824-3678.
