Community Briefs provides a listing of events and activities going on around the Oakdale, Riverbank and Escalon areas. We welcome submissions of one-time or ongoing gatherings in the region. To have an event featured, call 209-847-3021 or e-mail the information to mjackson@oakdaleleader.com.
Live Music
Scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 22, the Oakdale Community Dance band will perform for your listening and/or dancing pleasure, with the performance starting at 6:30 p.m., staged at the Gladys Lemmons Senior Community Center at 450 E. A St., Oakdale. All ages are invited and welcome to attend this free performance by a talented group of local musicians. Make attending the regular performances by members of the Oakdale Community Bands with family and friends a tradition. All are encouraged to spread the word with a plan to attend and enjoy the fun.
Join The Dancers
The Riverbank-based Golden Agers dance group invites those 55 and up to come and join the fun; they are always looking to expand their membership. They meet at the Riverbank Community Center on Wednesdays, 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., with dancing, socializing, live music and fun for all. Just drop in to check it out or become a member. Fees are $5 for members and $6 for non-members. Membership is $15. The Community Center is at 3600 Santa Fe St., Riverbank.
Book Signing
Members of the Escalon Historical Society Museum welcome all area residents to stop by and tour the museum, at 1630 Main St., Escalon, to learn about local history and browse the gift shop items. The regular museum hours are Wednesdays and Saturdays, noon to 4 p.m. and coming up on Saturday, Oct. 24 will be a Book Signing, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., featuring local author Nancy Brayton-John and her book, Dewey The Three-Legged Cat. Illustrations for the book were done by Ace Lombardo. The event will feature light refreshments and copies of the book will be for sale. The first Wednesday of each month is designated as Reminisce Day with attendees encouraged to share stories from the community’s past, with refreshments served; the next Reminisce Day will be Nov. 4.
Live Your Dream
Women who serve as the primary wage earners for their families and seek financial assistance to continue their education or receive training can now apply for the Soroptimist Live Your Dream: Education and Training Awards for Women. Information about the application is available at the Soroptimist International of Oakdale website (www.sioakdale.org) or Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/sioakdale), or by contacting Ruth Bright via email at nitis1975@yahoo.com. The deadline to apply is Nov. 15. The Soroptimist International of Oakdale club will provide a $1,000 cash award to its award recipient, who will then advance to the Soroptimist Sierra Pacific Region level.
October 31 Bazaar
Members of the Escalon United Methodist Church will host their 29th annual holiday bazaar, set for Saturday, Oct. 31, running from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., at 2000 Jackson Ave., Escalon. Along with handmade crafts and gifts, a special feature is the Opportunity Quilt Drawing with a queen size quilt being offered. It is based on the theme of America’s 250th Anniversary and tickets are $1 each, six for $5 or 13 for $10. A soup and pie luncheon will be available, served from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Cost is $13 for adults, a child’s lunch for those ages six to nine is $7. Take out lunch available as well as dine in. The lunch includes soup, Genova French bread and a piece of pie.
Acoustic Music
The ‘Jammers’ are a loosely knit group of local musicians who gather regularly to play and share music. Members of The Jammers set up and play at Medlen’s House of Beef in Oakdale, on the patio, the second and fourth Saturdays of each month. The fun begins around 3 p.m. and typically continues until about 6 p.m., a full afternoon of music. Acoustic musicians are welcome to come and play. Featured instruments usually include guitar, fiddle, banjo, ukulele, etc. The public is welcome to stop by, listen to the music and even sing along. No cost to attend.
Kringle Market
Mark the calendar and plan to visit this year’s Kris Kringle Market, being hosted at Saron Lutheran Church, 1742 North St., Escalon on Saturday, Nov. 7 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Proceeds from the market support the ministries of Saron Lutheran Church, including 10 percent donated to the local C.A.R.E., Community Action Resources of Escalon, Center. Among the items available on Nov. 7 will be baked goods, candy, puzzles, a wide variety of homemade items, jams, jellies and more. Also planned is a Chili and Cornbread Lunch for a $7 donation. There will be a drawing for a quilt and tickets will be available at one for $1, six for $5 or 25 tickets for $20.
Widowed Persons Group
Open to those throughout the area, the Oakdale Widowed Persons Group invites you to join them the first Saturday of each month for breakfast at 9 a.m. and on the third Tuesday of each month for lunch at 1 p.m.; call for locations. All are welcome to join the group no matter how long ago you lost your spouse. For more information, contact Barbara at 209-318-5100.
Jam Sessions
The ‘lads and lasses’ of Brennan’s Parlor host a monthly Irish music jam (aka “Ceilidh”) in the back room of the H Bar B Saloon, 401 E. F St., Oakdale. Gatherings are on the third Monday of the month, and run from 6 p.m. to 8:15 p.m. They welcome anyone – players, singers, or listeners – with an appreciation for Celtic music to join the fun.
Walk And Talk
All area senior citizens are welcome to join the Escalon Senior Fun Bunch walkers, known as the Senior Steppers, as they gather for their regular walks. The group meets every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at the Bob and Dena Lease Park in Escalon, at the corner of Justin Drive and Mission Street at 9 a.m. This is a lighthearted group whose members love to get together and walk with others, enjoy some conversation and exercise. All are welcome to join the walking group during any or all of their scheduled walks during the week.
