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.
Astronomy Night
The Stockton Astronomical Society, in cooperation with Oak Grove Docent Council and San Joaquin County Parks, offer the Astronomy in the Park series. Dates are the second Saturday of each month, August, October and November; the first Saturday in September and December. All events are offered at Shumway Oak Grove Regional Park, at I-5 and Eight Mile Road, Stockton. The event itself is free, but there is a $6 cash parking fee at the park. View planets through giant telescopes after sunset; all ages welcome. On Aug. 10, the viewing begins at 8 p.m. and features M8 and M20 (Lagoon Nebula, Trifid Nebula).
American Legion Meets
The regular monthly meetings of the Escalon American Legion Gustafson-Thompson Post 263 are the second Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m.; the post meeting room is at 1531 Second St., Escalon and the next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, Aug. 13.
Parlor 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.
Fun Bunch Walkers
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 Brentwood Park in Escalon. They meet at the corner of Justin Drive and Mission Street at 9 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.
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.
Weight Loss Group
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.
Herbology Event
Families throughout the region can take advantage of a fun and educational program being offered through the San Joaquin County Parks department. Join in on Sunday, Aug. 18 for Professor Sprout’s Muggle World Herbology Walk at Oak Grove Regional Park, 4520 W. Eight Mile Road, Stockton, in the Nature Center. Explore the ‘Dark Forest’ – the Native Plant Garden and Trail – with Professor Sprout, learn about magical properties of native plants and how some are related to the Muggle World. No reservations are required for this free event. The family-friendly program runs 45 minutes. There is a $6 cash parking fee at county parks. No pets, please. For more information, call 209-953-8814.
Widowed Persons
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.
Time To 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 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.
