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.
Christmas At The Barn
Hosted at Lorina’s Edible Garden, 17397 Enterprise Road in Escalon, come out this weekend to enjoy Christmas At The Barn. Scheduled for Friday, Dec. 8 from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. for evening shopping, there will also be events on Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 9 and 10 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; with options for Hot Chocolate Box Lunches (by reservation) and both morning and afternoon hours for shopping. Free admission to the event itself, refreshments and snacks available for purchase, along with plenty of holiday shopping opportunities with the variety of vendors taking part. For more information, call 209-402-7567.
Santa Meet, Greet
Free pictures with Santa will be offered on Saturday, Dec. 9 at Living Hope Christian Fellowship Church, at the corner of Highway 120 and River Road, Oakdale. There will be Christmas crafts, a bounce house, treats from Mrs. Claus and the chance to meet Santa. Hours are noon to 4 p.m.; all are welcome and encouraged to attend this fun event.
Lantern Festival
Stockton Ballpark is being 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 Christmas Day. Visit the website: www.tops.org for more information and to see a list of other meeting locations.
Garden Club
The next General Meeting for the Escalon Farmington Community Garden Club is scheduled for Thursday, Dec. 7 and is open to all interested area residents. Gathering at the Escalon United Methodist Church, 2000 Jackson Ave., Escalon, the meeting time is at 1 p.m. and will also include a potluck. Those planning to attend are asked to bring their favorite dish to share and, if possible, include the recipe. There will be a gift exchange as well, with the theme of Make it, Bake it, Grow it or Buy it, with a limit of $20 or less.
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.
Distinguished Program
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.
Star Gazing
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.”
