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.
AAUW Meeting
For any community to grow and thrive, it needs individuals and groups who see a need and become the sparkplugs who create the energy needed to get those needs realized. Every community has such sparkplugs, and at its meeting on Thursday, Nov. 12, members and guests of AAUW, ORE (American Association of University Women, Oakdale, Riverbank, Escalon Branch) will hear how several women in Escalon and Oakdale have grown community in their respective towns by cultivating love and fun. The Nov. 12 evening meeting will start with a social time at 6 p.m., at the Escalon Public Library, 1540 Second St., Escalon and is open to members, guests and those interested in possibly joining the organization. Individuals interested in attending or who want more information about the meeting or AAUW’s mission are asked to RSVP by emailing membership director, Gail Marganelli at gmarganelli@att.net.
Annual Salmon Festival
The Stanislaus River Salmon Festival is free and open to the public, running from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Knights Ferry on Saturday, Nov. 14. This popular annual festival will feature organizations, vendors and opportunities to learn about the river and salmon restoration. Visitors to the festival will also have a chance to experience the river from the water and see salmon making their way toward the spawning gravels through free guided raft trips offered by conservation organizations Restoring the Stanislaus River and Friends of the River. The approximately 20- to 30-minute float is open to all ages, and children are especially welcome. Volunteer guides will provide boats, life jackets and their time, while interpreters from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will help participants learn about salmon, river habitat and restoration.
Weekend Craft Fair
Make plans to stop by the upcoming craft fair, being put on at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, 19399 East Highway 120, Ripon; at the corner of Highway 120 and Carrolton Road, at the Escalon-Ripon line. Dates and times for the craft fair are Saturday, Nov. 14 from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.; and Sunday, Nov. 15 from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The event, which will also include a bake sale, will be hosted in the Parish Hall at the church and all proceeds are for Saint Vincent de Paul to help those in need throughout the area.
Golden Agers
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.
Irish Music
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.
Senior Steppers
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.
Soroptimist Scholarship
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.
History On Display
The Escalon Historical Society Museum is open two days a week for 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. Also, a reminder that 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.
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 ‘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.
