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.
Summer Theater
Hutton’s Hamlet in Oakdale is getting ready for its first play of the summer 2023 schedule. “Help! I’m Trapped in a Musical!” will kick off the series of performances at Hutton’s Hamlet Performing Arts Center, 132 W. G St., Oakdale. Tickets for the first play in the summer series are available at $12 for adults; $8 for those 12 and under. Performances are scheduled for Friday, June 9 at 7 p.m.; and Saturday, June 10 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. For more information, call 209-848-1216.
Join In To Jam
Coming up on Saturday, June 10 “The Jammers” will be hosting an open acoustic jam session on the Medlen’s House of Beef patio in Oakdale. The music will begin at 3 p.m.; there is no formal end time for the gathering. The Jammers, originally put together by the late Fred Stepp (“Fiddlin’ Fred) continues with several members still gathering on occasion to perform and jam. Stepp was a well-known area musician, both in the bluegrass and acoustic community. They invite anyone who plays folk, bluegrass, country, and similar music genres to bring a guitar, banjo, mandolin, fiddle, or other acoustic instrument to come and join the jam session; also welcome are those that just want to listen to the music.
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.
River Rendezvous
Tickets are on sale now for the Escalon Museum’s River Rendezvous event, set for Saturday, June 24. Hosted as a fundraiser for the Escalon Historical Society Museum, tickets are $65 per person and can be purchased at the museum, 1630 Main Street, Escalon, during open hours, noon to 4 p.m. Wednesdays and Saturdays; by calling 209-838-8070; or by contacting Sandy Russell at 209-838-1275. Setting for the dinner is the Del Rio Vista Garden, at 25306 East River Road, Escalon, with dining overlooking the Stanislaus River. This is the organization’s annual fundraising dinner; no tickets will be sold at the door. Happy hour is at 5:30 p.m. with dinner served at 6:30 p.m. Music for the evening will be provided by Randy Mandy and the Frequency Experience.
TOPS Meeting
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.
Astronomy Night
The next scheduled Astronomy in the Park event will take place on Saturday, June 24 at 8:30 p.m., Oak Grove Regional Park, I-5 at Eight Mile Road, Stockton. Presented by The Stockton Astronomical Society, Oak Grove Docent Council and San Joaquin County Parks, the event is free but there is a $6 cash parking fee. View planets through giant telescopes after sunset; the June 24 program will feature viewing a Star Cluster and Whirlpool Galaxy. For more information, call 209-953-8800.
