Community Briefs provides a listing of events and activities going on around the Oakdale, Riverbank and Escalon areas. We welcome submissions of one-time or ongoing gatherings in the region. To have an event featured, call 209-847-3021 or e-mail the information to mjackson@oakdaleleader.com.
Live Your Dream
Women who serve as the primary wage earners for their families and seek financial assistance to continue their education or receive training can now apply for the Soroptimist Live Your Dream: Education and Training Awards for Women. Information about the application is available at the Soroptimist International of Oakdale website (www.sioakdale.org) or Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/sioakdale), or by contacting Ruth Bright via email at nitis1975@yahoo.com. The application period opened on Aug. 1, 2026 and the deadline to apply is Nov. 15. The Soroptimist International of Oakdale club will provide a $1,000 cash award to its award recipient, who will then advance to the Soroptimist Sierra Pacific Region level, where recipients could receive up to an additional $5,000. The program culminates with three finalist $10,000 awards.
Enjoy Ice Cream
Coming up this month, be sure to stop by the Escalon United Methodist Church on Saturday, Aug. 15, with the annual Ice Cream Social on the calendar. Hosted by the church for years, the social is open to all in the area, with several varieties of homemade ice cream available, in addition to a number of dessert options, from brownies to slices of pie. There is no cost to attend but donations are accepted. The church is at 2000 Jackson Ave., Escalon, and hours for the ice cream social are 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Dancing Fun
The Riverbank-based Golden Agers dance group is always looking to expand its membership. 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. 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.
Visit The Museum
Members of the Escalon Historical Society Museum welcome all area residents to stop by and tour the museum, at 1630 Main St., Escalon, to learn about local history and browse the gift shop items. The regular museum hours are Wednesdays and Saturdays, noon to 4 p.m. Also, a reminder that the first Wednesday of each month is designated as Reminisce Day with attendees encouraged to share stories from the community’s past, with refreshments served.
Senior Barbecue
Come celebrate summer with a barbecue dinner at the Gladys Lemmons Senior Community Center in Oakdale on Thursday, Aug. 13. Open to all seniors, 55 and older, from throughout the area, the event is scheduled at 5:30 p.m. and along with the barbecue dinner, the evening will also include a magic show. Tickets are just $6 per person for dinner; seniors can also bring younger guests but everyone attending must have a ticket. The last day for ticket sales will be Monday, Aug. 10 so organizers know how many to prepare for at the barbecue. The tickets can be purchased at the front desk at the Gladys Lemmons Senior Community Center, 450 E. A St., Oakdale.
Irish Music
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.
Walk For Health
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.
Morning Market
Make plans to attend the Oakdale Morning Market, offered on Saturday mornings and situated along North Third Avenue. The Market, put on through Love Oakdale, presents a wide variety of vendors. Food and beverage booths, fresh fruits and vegetables, unique merchandise, live music, a kids area for projects and activities, a special section featuring the work of young entrepreneurs and more are included. Hours for the weekly Saturday market are 8 a.m. to 11 a.m., which continues through Sept. 26.
Weight Loss
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.
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.
Jammers Gather
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.
