Datebook lists upcoming events and items of interest for residents of Escalon, Farmington, Collegeville and the surrounding area.
Escalon Unified School District is hosting its annual Town Hall meeting as a means to seek community input. This meeting will focus on the implementation of the current LCAP, Local Control Accountability Plan, and other district programs and needs. This year’s meeting will be held in the Escalon High School cafeteria on Wednesday, March 7 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. The district welcomes all community members to attend this meeting to provide input on the district’s current and future direction. If you are unable to attend you can still provide your feedback by completing the LCAP parent survey. The link to the survey is located on the district’s webpage – www.escalonusd.org.
*****
Join in the fun at Tea and Trumpets, a special garden tea party, hosted by the Escalon Chamber of Commerce. This special event, open to all, is scheduled for Saturday, March 10 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Escalon High School cafeteria. There will be unlimited tea, finger snacks, desserts, a best hat contest, prize drawings and music. Cost is just $10 per person. You can also reserve a special Garden Booth for your group for an additional $60, which includes a personal server for the event. Also, for an extra $5 donation, pick your own tea cup to take home after the tea party. For tickets, call or text Sonya Huff at 209-484-4465 or Debbie Murken at 209-402-0505. This is a fundraiser to help Escalon Chamber of Commerce provide scholarships for Fine Arts and Music students at Escalon High School.
*****
Mark the calendar for Saturday, March 10, as American Veterans First is hosting its second annual fundraising chili cook-off for another year. For those that want to taste, tickets will be available for $5 for unlimited tasting. The cook-off and tasting will be done at New Life Community Church, 6443 Estelle Ave., Riverbank. The cook-off is scheduled from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Awards will be presented to first, second and third places as well as for the ‘best overall’ chili. All proceeds support American Veterans First programs and activities for veterans.
*****
Coming up at the Escalon Community Center, the annual Escalon High School Sports Boosters Dinner, Dance and Auction is on the schedule for Saturday, March 10. The festivities will begin with cocktails at 5:30 p.m., dinner served at 6:30 p.m., followed by dancing until midnight. This annual event includes a hosted bar, dinner, raffle drawings, live and silent auction items up for bid and the music for dancing. Tickets are $50 per person. Proceeds from the event support all sports teams at Escalon High School.
*****
TOPS, Take Off Pounds Sensibly, meets every week on Mondays at 9 a.m. at Community United Methodist Church in Oakdale, 1480 Poplar. Visitors are always welcome and the first meeting is free. TOPS is an affordable, nonprofit, weight-loss support and wellness education organization where members learn about nutrition, portion control, food planning, exercise, motivation and more.
*****
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, March 14. For more information, call (209) 869-8200.
*****
Make plans to attend a special afternoon of music, featuring the original music of international songwriters, Alex Kash and Bethany Dalton-Kash. The concert is scheduled for Thursday, March 15 at 1 p.m. at Columbia Nursery, 22004 Parrots Ferry Road in Sonora. Tickets, available at the door, are $20. The concert will be outdoors or indoors, depending on weather.
*****
Annual Irish Days Pancake Breakfast is scheduled on St Patrick’s Day, Saturday, March 17 from 8 a.m. until 10 a.m. at First Congregational, United Church of Christ on the corner of Algiers and Church streets in Murphys. The menu includes pancakes, ham, scrambled eggs, juice, tea and coffee. Tickets may be ordered by calling the church office at 209-728-3141. They will be sold at the door; $8 for adults and $5 for children 10 and under. Proceeds will go to various local and global charities supported by the Church.
*****
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.
*****
Women in the military, female veterans, female first responders and military/first responder wives have a special opportunity coming up through American Veterans First. The Sail to Recovery program, Women in the Wind, will be offered at the Stockton Sailing Club on Saturday, April 14 from noon to 4 p.m. This women only workshop is designed to introduce women to sailing through support from peers with a common interest in sailing and a shared experience of serving our country and community. Participants will learn in the classroom and on the water. Registration is required for the April 14 program with a deadline of Friday, March 30. For more information on the program or regarding the scholarships, contact sailtorecovery@gmail.com.
*****
Registration is now open for the Welcome Home Veterans Bike and Car Show, scheduled for April 14. All makes, models and years are welcome. The show will be held at the Tuolumne County Sheriff Posse Grounds, Rawhide Road, Jamestown. Entry is $30 in advance, $35 after April 6, includes commemorative pin (first 300) and People’s Choice judging. Advance registration is encouraged, at www.vietnamveterans391.org or contact Patrick at 209-740-5304 or Rodger at 209-480-8423.
