Datebook lists upcoming events and items of interest for residents of Escalon, Farmington, Collegeville and the surrounding area.

Representatives of the Escalon Animal Shelter will be at Escalon Feed and Supply, 17047 Escalon-Bellota Road this Saturday, Oct. 28 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. with some animals that are available now for adoption. Stop by to learn more and possibly take a new pet home with you.

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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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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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Many veterans feel confused about benefits and services they’ve earned. That’s why the nonprofit DAV (Disabled American Veterans) offers help. The DAV Mobile Service Office will be at a couple of local events to personally provide the best counseling and claim filing assistance available. Like all DAV services, help from the Mobile Service Office is free to all veterans and members of their families. Local stops are scheduled to include: Tuesday, Oct. 31, 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.; McHenry Bowl, 3700 McHenry Ave., Modesto and Wednesday, Nov. 1, 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.; American Legion Hall, 75 Bothum Road, Turlock. For more information, contact Frank Torres at (510) 834-2921.

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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, Nov. 1. 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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A local non-profit organization is looking for volunteers who want to help with taxes this year. The Central Valley Community Resources in Riverbank is organizing the program locally, with Darlene Barber-Martinez as the contact person. Reach her at CVCR at 896-3055, ext. 700. The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs are looking for volunteers who are interested in sharing their skills, talent and knowledge. Volunteers prepare tax returns with thousands of other Americans giving back to their communities, according to Barber-Martinez. She said they need volunteers to serve as Site Coordinators and Tax Preparers. They also need Greeters/Screeners and Interpreters.

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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.