Datebook lists upcoming events and items of interest for residents of Escalon, Farmington, Collegeville and the surrounding area.
Regional Transit District has announced the new free Artie D.’s Shopper Shuttle – the easy, convenient way to move from mall to mall. You can catch the Shopper Shuttle in the east parking lot between JC Penney and Sears at Weberstown Mall; by The Patio and Dick’s Sporting Goods at Sherwood Mall; and between HomeTown Buffet and Five Guys at Stone Creek Village Shopping Center. The shuttle will run about every 20 minutes, so you don’t have to wait around for too long. The Shopper Shuttle will operate from 11 a.m. until 7 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.
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Sierra Foothills Community Church, 1040 W. F St., Oakdale is hosting a car show on Saturday, Oct. 7 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. This car show benefits the Open Door Alternative program and the local 4-H, with both youth programs important in the community. The open door builds self-esteem, breaks down barriers to success and provides healthy behaviors for challenged youth. The 4-H will be selling water, soda and ice cream, keeping the profits for their club. Drawings are planned; need not be present to win. Music from the ‘50s and ‘60s will fill the air and there should be plenty of classic cars and trucks on display to come and view. Open to all.
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In cooperation with the American Red Cross, the Escalon Christian Reformed Church will be the site for a blood drive on Tuesday, Oct. 10, 1 p.m. to 7 p.m., at the church, 2203 California St. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. Call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to make an appointment or for more information.
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Good Time Accordion Club will host its next music and social event on Wednesday, Oct. 11 at 7 p.m. at the Escalon Community Center, 1055 Escalon Ave., Escalon. Accordion fans and performers of all skill levels are welcome. Admission is $5 at the door. For more info, call Karl Wucherer, 209-556-3105.
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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 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.
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The 22nd Annual Holiday Bazaar at the Escalon United Methodist Church is set for Saturday, Oct. 28. Featured will be handmade crafts, gifts and holiday items, needlework, a drawing for a quilt, wood crafts, homemade jams/jellies and frozen ready-to-bake homemade pies. You can also take time to enjoy a soup/pie lunch as part of the bazaar, with tickets priced at $7 per person. Hours for the event are 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.; the church is at 2000 Jackson Ave., Escalon. For more information, call the church at (209) 838-2792.
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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, Oct. 11. For more information, call (209) 869-8200.
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A science series continues on Wednesday, Oct. 11 with a presentation on “Keeping Local Water Safe” by Ryan Sellman, P.E., Sr. engineer, Carollo Engineers, Inc. The program is being offered as part of Modesto Junior College’s weekly Science Colloquium series in the Science Community Center, Room 115, on West Campus, 2201 Blue Gum Ave., Modesto. The Colloquium series begins at 3:15 p.m. and offer one hour discussions on timely science-related topics, and is free and open to the public. There is a $2 charge for on campus parking without a permit.
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First Congregational United Church of Christ in Murphys is hosting an Estate Sale consisting of furniture including TVs, lamps, kitchenware and other household and boutique items. Refreshments can be purchased to enjoy while treasure hunting. Sale dates are Friday, Oct. 27 and Saturday, Oct. 28 from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. at the Church Fellowship Hall, 509 Algiers St., Murphys. All proceeds will benefit church ministries in the community and abroad.
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ASSE International Student Exchange Programs is seeking individuals to serve as Area Representatives in the local community. ASSE provides academic year and semester exchange programs in the United States for high school students from around the world. Students are 15 to 18 years of age, have passed a series of academic and character requirements and are awaiting an opportunity to embark on their ‘American Adventure.’ Area Representatives recruit and screen prospective host families, interview students to study abroad and supervise the exchange students in their community. For more information about ASSE or becoming an Area Representative, call the Western Regional Office at 1-800-733-2773 or email the office at asseusawest@asse.com.
