Datebook lists upcoming events and items of interest for residents of Escalon, Farmington, Collegeville and the surrounding area.
Oak Valley Art Society is getting ready for its annual Members Spring Art Show, to be held at the Escalon Library on Second Street on Saturday, April 21 and Sunday, April 22. Show hours are Saturday, noon to 5 p.m.; and Sunday, noon to 2 p.m., followed by a reception where awards will be given. The artists will also be on hand for the reception, scheduled from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.
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The San Joaquin Valley Swiss Echoes, a singing and yodeling club in Ripon since 1947, is having its annual spring concert and dance on Saturday, April 21 at 7:30 p.m. at the Swiss Hall in Ripon, on the corner of Manley and East Main streets. Attendees will hear a variety of folk songs and yodels from the 35-member group, with special guest, Art Brogli, entertaining with his one-of-a-kind voice and beloved accordion. There will also be a raffle with fun prizes, followed by dancing to the tunes of the Richard Denier Ernie Gudel Orchestra. Admission to the concert and dance is $10 in advance and $12 at the door. Children under 16 are admitted free. For information or tickets call Heidi Betschart at 209-531-2577 or Barbara Masterson at 209-667-1087.
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The 12th annual Escalon Wrestling Club Rib and Oyster Dinner and Dance is on the schedule for Saturday, April 28 at the Escalon Community Center. Happy Hour runs from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m., dinner from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. with an auction from 8 p.m. to 9 p.m. Dancing starts at 9 p.m. and runs through 11 p.m. The menu features baby back ribs, BBQ oysters, bread, salad, baked potato and a full bar is available. Cost is $40 per person. There’s also still time to donate items for the silent auction; contact Derek Scott at 209-499-3941 or Brianne Cerasi at 209-404-6217 for information about how to donate or to obtain tickets.
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There will be a forum for candidates running for Representative to Congress, District 10, later this month. All candidates, Republican, Independent and Democrat have been invited. The forum will be Wednesday, April 25, from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., at Bianchi Community Center, 110 South Second Ave., Oakdale. The evening will be open to the public and will be run by the League of Women Voters and the local American Association of University Women - Oakdale, Riverbank, Escalon Branch (AAUW-ORE). Preserving democracy is not a spectator sport, AAUW officials said, urging all citizens to attend the forum and learn about the candidates. Call 209-480-0387 for more information about the upcoming candidate forum or the local AAUW ORE branch.
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Coming up at the end of this month, it’s the 11th Annual “Build Your Own Omelet” Dinner at the Escalon United Methodist Church. The dinner is scheduled for Saturday, April 28 from 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the church, 2000 Jackson Ave., corner of Highway 120 and Brayton in Escalon. Dinner includes an omelet, cottage fries, biscuits, fruit and beverage. Tickets are $8 for adults and $4 for children under 10. Kids under five eat for free. For more information, call (209) 838-2792.
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YES (Youth Entertainment Stage) Company is seeking area students in grades 7-12 to be actors, singers, dancers and crew for Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast.” An Open Audition is scheduled for Thursday, April 19 at 5 p.m. at Oakdale High School on West G Street. No experience or preparation necessary. All audition materials provided. Production commitment is extracurricular and includes weekends, June 6, 2018 through July 31, 2018. For additional information about these auditions and performance times, visit www.yescompany.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, April 25. For more information, call (209) 869-8200.
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All are invited to the weekly meetings of TOPS, Take Off Pounds Sensibly, 1034 that gathers each Monday from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. at the United Methodist Church, 1480 Poplar Ave., Oakdale. The group features help with weight loss in a supportive setting. Residents of Oakdale, Riverbank, Escalon and beyond are welcome to attend. Call Audrey Oliver at 209-765-7838 for information. You can also visit www.tops.org.
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Bring your pooch to the Twain Harte Dog Parade on Saturday, April 28. It’s a dog’s day out. Registration starts at 10 a.m. with the parade downtown at 11 a.m. There is a $5 entry fee which goes to benefit local dog causes. It is a lot of fun for the dogs – many owners dress them up especially for this event – and their owners and families. The parade is a continuing tradition for Twain Harte, and just their way of showing that they love their dogs and welcome all to this dog-friendly town.
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The Great Valley Museum Foundation at Modesto Junior College invites the community to “Walk for the Animals” on Saturday, May 5 from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. at the MJC West Campus, 2201 Blue Gum Ave., Modesto. The fundraising walk supports the care of the live animals in the Great Valley Museum. The 2.25 mile walk is open to all ages and will be held on the closed loop road on MJC’s West Campus. Check in begins at 7:30 a.m. at the Science Community Center, with the walk beginning promptly at 8 a.m. The average time for completion is 30 to 45 minutes. The museum’s live animals will be stationed throughout the walk to cheer on the walkers. Registration is available at the museum or online at: www.mjc.edu/gvm.
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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.
