Community Briefs provides a listing of events and activities going on in and around the Oakdale, Riverbank and Escalon areas. To have an event featured, e-mail the information to mjackson@oakdaleleader.com.
Rescue Mission Program
Scheduled on Thursday, Dec. 14, Pamela Kelly will talk to members, guests and prospective members of the American Association of University Women (AAUW), Oakdale-Riverbank-Escalon Branch about the Oakdale Rescue Mission, its work, goals and needs and how individuals and groups can assist it or get involved. Attendees are encouraged to bring a donation of socks, winter gloves, beanies, heavy duty backpacks, or gift cards to assist the Oakdale Rescue Mission help support their clients. Members, guests and prospective members in the Oakdale, Riverbank, or Escalon area are invited to attend this 7 p.m. meeting on Dec. 14. Call Judy at (209) 480-0387 for location or other information.
Starry Night
The final star gazing event for 2023, hosted cooperatively by the Stockton Astronomical Society, Oak Grove Docent Council and San Joaquin County Parks is set for Saturday, Dec. 16. View planets through giant telescopes after sunset at this event, hosted at Oak Grove Regional Park, I-5 at Eight Mile Road, Stockton. There is a $6 cash parking fee but no cost to attend the viewing events; all are held, weather permitting. The program on Dec. 16 begins at 4:45 p.m., with a scheduled viewing of Saturn, M33 (Triangulum Galaxy). For more information, call 209-953-8800.
Celtic Music Nights
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, located at 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. As the song says, “Come into the parlor, there’s a welcome there for you.”
Holiday Light Fest
Stockton Ballpark has been transformed into a magic forest with whimsical creatures and plants that are larger-than-life and glow at night. It’s all part of the first of its kind Stockton Lantern Festival, which runs through Jan. 14, 2024. All the larger-than-life art installations are handcrafted by lantern artisans employing the technique of traditional Chinese lantern making which enjoys a history of over 2000 years. Tens of thousands of LED lights, metal and fabric in vibrant colors are used to create unforgettable winter night lights experience. The magic begins when the sun sets, and the forest starts to glow at night. Stockton Ballpark is at 404 W. Fremont St., Stockton, and doors open nightly at 5 p.m.; for tickets and more information, visit StocktonLanternFestival.com
Weight Loss Support
All interested are welcome to join TOPS (Taking Off Pounds Sensibly) a weight loss support group that meets in Oakdale every Monday morning from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m.; meeting at 7450 River Road, Suite 4, Oakdale. This group is open to the public and anyone interested in improving their life by losing weight. There will be no meeting on Monday, Christmas Day. Visit the website: www.tops.org for more information and to see a list of other meeting locations.
Golden Agers
Check out the Golden Agers dance group at the Riverbank Community Center on Wednesdays, 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., with dancing, socializing, live music and fun for all. All adults 55-plus are welcome. 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.
Sign-Ups Sought
Soroptimist International of Oakdale is seeking junior class girls to participate in the Distinguished Young Women, DYW, of Oakdale Class of 2025 program. College scholarships and the Distinguished Young Woman of Oakdale title will be awarded during the program on Feb. 24, 2024. Participants must live within the 95361 zip code or attend an Oakdale high school. Apply online at www.DistingiushedYW.org. The application deadline is Jan. 1, 2024. To learn more about the program, e-mail Oakdale@DistinguishedYW.org or call Nancy Lilly, (209) 607-7605.
Widowed Persons Meet
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 209-322-2184.
Join The Jammers
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. Things get rolling around 3 p.m. and typically continue 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, ukelele, etc. The public is welcome to stop by, listen to the music and even sing along. No cost to attend.
