The next Senior Fun Bunch program at the Escalon Community Center will be Wednesday, Oct. 23. Hours for the event are 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. The idea behind it is to get seniors citizens out and socializing with others, coming together for some fun activities, refreshments and more. There will be cookie decorating, a mask or hat contest, Bingo, refreshments, prizes and music, with Mayor Robert Swift serving as the Bingo caller. All are welcome to attend.
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The McHenry Mansion Foundation is offering a one of a kind tour of Victorian Funeral Customs just in time for Halloween. Open to the public, the event is scheduled at the McHenry Mansion at 906 15th St., Modesto on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, Oct. 28 through 30. Tickets are $7 online, at the Visitors Center or at the door. Self-guided walk-through tours of the beautiful historic Victorian McHenry Mansion will start at 5:30 p.m. with last entrance at 7:30 p.m. The Mansion will be draped in black crepe ribbon rosettes and display historic curiosities from the Victorian period and their fascination with death. Ticketed members of the public are welcome to visit the house and experience 19th Century embalming practices, death masks, séances, spiritualism and phrenology. For tickets or additional information contact the McHenry Mansion Visitors Center at 209-549-0428 or go online to McHenryMansion.org.
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To commemorate the 244th birthday of the United States Marine Corps, the local Marine Corps League Detachment will host a traditional birthday celebration including the cutting of the cake, flag presentation and the annual birthday message from the commandant. Keynote speaker will be Gold Star Father Michael Anderson Sr., whose son Michael Anderson Jr. was killed in action in Iraq in 2004.
The event will be held Sunday, Nov. 10 at the Stanislaus Veterans Center, 3500 Coffee Road, Modesto and includes a dinner of either chicken or beef, live music and dancing and a fundraising raffle. Tickets are $30 per person or $50 a couple but there is a $5 discount for tickets purchased before Oct. 31 and is free to active duty servicemen. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. for socializing and no host bar with dinner being served at 7 p.m. For tickets or more information, contact Mike Pelucca at 209-324-2977 or Bill Johnson at 209-896-5057 or go to www.mcl019.org.
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The Stanislaus County League of Women Voters will host its next Lunch and Learn Program on Thursday, Oct. 31 at noon. All are welcome to join the group at Ridgway’s Restaurant and Lounge, Century Center, 2401 E. Orangeburg, Modesto for this informative session. Heath Flora, California State Assembly member representing the 12th District, will speak about pending legislation and other matters of concern to area residents. He will also answer questions from the audience. The public is invited to this event. Lunch, chef’s choice, is available at $16. Reservations are not required. For more information, call the League at 209-324-3375.
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Soroptimist International of Oakdale is accepting applications for its Soroptimist Live Your Dream: Education and Training Awards for Women program. This program provides cash grants to women who are working to better their lives through additional schooling and skills training. Women are eligible to apply if they have the primary financial responsibility for themselves and their dependents including children, spouse, siblings, and/or parents, are attending an undergraduate degree program or a vocational skills training program, and have financial need. Women throughout the Oakdale, Riverbank and Escalon areas are encouraged to apply for an award. Apply online at http://bit.ly/LYDApply or contact Jackie Hair, Chairperson, sioakdale@soroptimist.net, (209) 840-2134. The deadline to apply is Nov. 15.
