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, call 209-847-3021 or e-mail the information to mjackson@oakdaleleader.com.
Museum Reminiscing
Observed the first Wednesday of the month at the Escalon Historical Society Museum, all are encouraged and welcome to attend Reminisce Day. The museum is at 1630 Main St., Escalon, and is open for Reminisce Day from noon to 4 p.m. each first Wednesday of the month. On April 1, the museum will be honoring one of its members, Mary Foster, who passed away recently. The gathering also features coffee and refreshments; those attending can share a story or be a good listener. The regular museum hours are Wednesdays and Saturdays, noon to 4 .m.
Golden Agers
The Riverbank-based Golden Agers dance group is looking to expand for the new year. 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. 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.
Garden Club
Members of the Escalon Farmington Community Garden Club will host Bambi Porter from the Gypsy Cowgirl Kitchen and the guest speaker will focus on the topic ‘Creating your salts’ on Thursday, April 2. The meeting will run from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the Farmington United Methodist Church, 25626 Elm St., Farmington. The guest speaker opens up the program, along with snacks, and then the business meeting will follow. There will also be door prizes at this fun gathering. All are encouraged to join in and meet your fellow garden enthusiasts.
Brennan’s Parlor
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.
Easter Fun
Make plans to attend the Saturday, April 4 Easter at the Barn event being hosted at Lorina’s Edible Garden, 17397 Enterprise Road, Escalon. Festivities will run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.; the barn shop will be open featuring spring plants and gifts, vegetables, herbs and succulents while there will also be a number of special vendors on site as well. The free egg hunt for kids gets underway at 1 p.m., with registration starting at 10 a.m., and pony rides will be available from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
TOPS Meeting
The area’s TOPS (Taking Off Pounds Sensibly) weight loss support group members 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.
Senior Steppers
Conversation and exercise – 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.
Join The Jam
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.
Widowed Persons
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.
