Datebook lists upcoming events and items of interest for residents of Escalon, Farmington, Collegeville and the surrounding area.
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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A fundraiser to benefit the Escalon Historical Society is scheduled for Saturday, May 19. The event will be hosted at the Santini Barn in Escalon and is scheduled from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Being billed as ‘The Farmers Table,’ the fundraising event will include a no host cocktail hour from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., dinner from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. and entertainment featuring Sourdough Slim from 8 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tickets are available at the Escalon Museum during business hours or by contacting Evelyn Swass at 209-838-2298. Tickets are $45 per person.
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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, May 9. 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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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.
