Datebook lists upcoming events and items of interest for residents of Escalon, Farmington, Collegeville and the surrounding area.
A Biblical and historical study tour to Israel and Jordan is scheduled to depart from San Francisco on Nov. 25, 2017. The 14-day Biblical journey will be led by Dr. Dale Pederson, area pastor, experienced Bible lands tour leader and pastor of Escalon First Baptist Church. The cost of the 14-day deluxe tour is $3950. This includes round trip flights from SFO via United Airlines, fuel surcharges, superior international hotels, full buffet breakfast and dinner daily, border crossing taxes, personal tips throughout the tour, and all touring costs. The registration deadline is Aug. 23. Optional preparation classes will begin in September. Further details are available at http://www.friendlyplanet.com/vacation-packages/pederson-prince-israel-2017.htmlor or by contacting Dr. Pederson at pastordaleandtara@gmail.com, or 209-718-6130.
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Volunteers are being sought to help prepare for the annual Escalon United Methodist Church yard sale. Set up for the sale will begin on Saturday, Aug. 26 from 9 a.m. to noon and again Monday through Thursday, Aug. 28 through 31 from 9 a.m. to noon daily at the church, 2000 Jackson Ave., Escalon. The annual two-day Yard Sale to benefit the church is scheduled for Friday and Saturday, Sept. 1 and 2 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. each day.
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Spruce up your landscape by joining the Arbor Day Foundation this month. Everyone who joins the nonprofit Arbor Day Foundation with a $10 donation will receive 10 free Colorado blue spruce trees or 10 white flowering dogwood trees through the Foundation’s Trees for America campaign. The trees will be shipped postpaid between Oct. 15 and Dec. 10, depending on the right time for planting in each member’s area. New members of the Arbor Day Foundation will also receive The Tree Book, which includes information about tree planting and care, and a subscription to Arbor Day, the Foundation’s bimonthly publication. To receive the free Colorado blue spruce trees, send a $10 membership contribution to: Ten Free Blue Spruces OR Ten Free Dogwood, Arbor Day Foundation, 100 Arbor Ave., Nebraska City, NE 68410, by Aug. 31, 2017, or join online at arborday.org/august.
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Sign up now to take a veteran sailing on Saturday, Sept. 23 with the Sail to Recovery program of the local American Veterans First organization. The event is planned from noon to 5 p.m. at the Stockton Sailing Club, 4980 Buckley Cove Way in Stockton. Registration is being accepted now and volunteers with boats are also being sought; you can volunteer your boat and register as a skipper. The mission of American Veterans First is to provide effective sailing therapy for traumatized and wounded veterans. For more information about the program, call Duke Cooper at 209-652-7627.
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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. 30. For more information, call (209) 869-8200.
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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 final summer session of History’s Mysteries at Columbia State Historic Park is scheduled for 10 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 2. To purchase tickets, visit the park museum or www.friendsofcolumbiashp.com to buy online or contact the park office at 209-588-9128. Costumed volunteers and park staff present a live reenactment and solve a historical case during this interactive event. Reservations are highly recommended. Cost is $5/adults and $1/children. Each child under 12 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
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Members of the El Portal Parents Club are planning for their third annual Casino Night on Friday, Sept. 29. This will be the club’s one and only fundraiser of the year and proceeds fund enrichment opportunities and educational needs for the middle school. Tickets are now sale, online, at www.eventbrite.com – type in El Portal Casino Night (Escalon) to purchase. Donations are also being sought for the silent auction during the event. For more information, contact Tracey Miller at 209-595-6735.
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The annual Boutique and Luncheon hosted by the Farmington United Methodist Women is scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 4 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the church, 25626 E. Elm St., Farmington. There will be handcrafted and homemade items, baked goods, a drawing for a handmade quilt and the homemade soup and pie luncheon will be served from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Crafter space is still available for those who want to display and sell their handcrafted items. Cost is $25 per space; call Susie at 209-603-3668 to reserve a space or for more information; deadline to register is Monday, Oct. 23.
