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.
MAPS Program
The final presentation of the fall semester for the MAPS, Modesto Area Partners in Science, program will host Isabelle Haddad on Friday, Dec. 6 at 7:30 p.m.; her program Climate Justice with Examples from the Central Valley, will be hosted in Sierra Hall 132 on the MJC West Campus and is free and open to all. Her project focuses on environmental justice, climate justice, and a just transition related to UC Merced and the surrounding community, including assessing equity/justice considerations to inform campus wide planning and decarbonization efforts. The program is offered through the Modesto Junior College School of Science, Engineering and Mathematics. For more information, call 209-575-6173.
Astronomy Night
One final Astronomy in the Park event is on the schedule for this year, set at Shumway Oak Grove Regional Park, I-5 at Eight-Mile Road, Stockton. View planets through giant telescopes after sunset. The Saturday, Dec. 7 program begins at 4:45 p.m. and features Saturn, Mars, M33 (Triangulum Galaxy) and is free for all ages. There is a $6 cash parking fee and the event is hosted, weather permitting. The astronomy program is sponsored by The Stockton Astronomical Society, Oak Grove Docent Council and San Joaquin County Parks. Call for more information, 209-953-8814.
December Dance
Join in to listen – or dance to – the sounds of the Oakdale Community Dance Band on Thursday, Dec. 19 as they put on their Christmas Dance. All ages are welcome to attend; this talented group of local musicians performs for fun on a regular basis and invite everyone to come enjoy the music. The dance program on Dec. 19 will begin at 6:30 p.m., hosted at the Gladys Lemmons Senior Community Center at 450 E. A St., Oakdale.
Golden Agers
Members of the Golden Agers dance group 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. 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.
Celtic Gathering
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.
Walking Bunch
The Escalon Senior Fun Bunch Walkers invite everyone in the area to join them for their weekly walks. The group meets every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at a park in Escalon. They meet at the corner of Justin Drive and Mission Street at 10 a.m. Fun Bunch walkers are a lighthearted group whose members love to get together and walk with others, enjoy some conversation and exercise. You do not have to be a Fun Bunch member to attend; all are welcome to join the walking group during any or all of their scheduled walks during the week.
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 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, ukulele, etc. The public is welcome to stop by, listen to the music and even sing along. No cost to attend.
Weight Loss Support
Members of the local TOPS (Taking Off Pounds Sensibly) weight loss support group meet in Oakdale every Monday morning from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m.; the meeting is at 7450 River Road, Suite 4, Oakdale. This group is open to the public and anyone interested in improving their life by losing weight. Visit the website: www.tops.org for more information and to see a list of other meeting locations.
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.
