Datebook lists upcoming events and items of interest for residents of Escalon, Farmington, Collegeville and the surrounding area.
It’s not too early to get your tickets for ‘Christmas Bunco’ at Saron Lutheran Church. The event is scheduled for Friday, Sept. 7 at the church, 1742 North St., Escalon, starting at 6 p.m. The proceeds from the Bunco go towards food vouchers to help those in Escalon that are in need during the holidays. The food voucher program is hosted by the Escalon Ministerial Association. Tickets are available now in the church office. Contact Ann at 838-7695 or they are available after the church worship service on Sunday or at the door. The annual event features a Potato Bar, Bunco and a Raffle that you will not want to miss.
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Join in for some special summer events, part of the Micke Grove After Dark series. The sessions include games, crafts, evening snacks, storytelling and a night tour of the zoo. Open to ages five and older, the cost is $20 per person, $15 for zoo members. Registration is required; call 209-331-2138 to register. Program dates are Friday, Aug. 24 from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.; and Saturdays, Sept. 7 and 21 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. For more information, visit zooed@sjgov.org or www.mgzoo.com.
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The San Joaquin County Agricultural Hall of Fame is requesting nominations for outstanding agricultural leaders and mentors in the community. Now in its 34th year, the Agricultural Hall of Fame honors those individuals who have contributed to agriculture and to their community in significant ways. Each year, awards are given to at least three living recipients, as well as posthumous ones. Nomination forms are available from the Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce website, and need to be submitted by 3 p.m. Friday, Aug. 10 in order to be considered.
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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, Aug. 8. For more information, call (209) 869-8200.
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The Great Valley Museum on the West Campus of Modesto Junior College is offering training for new docents to share information about the habitats, animals, and plants of the Central Valley with museum visitors. Docents are trained to lead guided tours for school and adult groups. A background in science is not required, just enthusiasm for working with people. For more information or to register, call (209) 575-6196 or go to GVM’s “Volunteering” page found at www.mjc.edu/gvm.
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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.
