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.
Golden Agers Group
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.
Fall Festival
The Farmington Fall Festival is on the calendar for Saturday, Oct. 17 at Jacob Strojan Park in Farmington, at 25626 Elm St., adjacent to the Farmington United Methodist Church. The festival will run from 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Spokesperson Crystal Kalebaugh said they are looking for vendors offering homemade goods, sweets and treats, and crafts. They also anticipate having face painting and food options on site. This will be the third year for the festival, and many of the vendors offer up Halloween and autumn-themed items, as well as some with décor, crafts and gifts, to get a head start on shopping for the holidays. For more information, contact Kalebaugh at clkx1979@yahoo.com or call her at 209-404-3531.
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.
Senior Steppers
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.
Membership Brunch
The American Association of University Women, Oakdale, Riverbank, Escalon Branch’s (AAUW, ORE) Fall Membership Brunch is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 12 from 10 a.m. to noon. The gathering is AAUW-ORE’s ‘welcome back from summer break’ meeting. Featured will be a review of the upcoming year’s meetings and stories of what attending Tech Trek, AAUW’s premier STEM camping experience, this summer meant to several campers from the Class of 2026 as well as two former Trekkers who this summer attended the camp as peer counselors. The meeting, open to members, guests and prospective members will be held in a member’s home on Saturday, Sept. 12. Individuals who are interested in attending or who want more information about the meeting or AAUW’s mission are asked to email membership director, Gail Marganelli at gmarganelli@att.net to reserve a spot. There is no charge to attend.
Jam Session
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.
Bingo Fundraiser
Soroptimist International of Oakdale is planning its Designer Bag Bingo fundraiser, scheduled for Sunday, Oct. 4 at the Gene Bianchi Community Center, 110 S. Second Ave., Oakdale. This year’s event features 10 bingo games awarding premium designer handbags, an expanded raffle, and new interactive game experiences designed to elevate the excitement for all attendees. Tickets are currently for sale on the group’s Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/sioakdale
Holiday Bazaar
Escalon United Methodist Church, 2000 Jackson Ave., will be the site for the 29th annual Holiday Bazaar, scheduled for Halloween; Saturday, Oct. 31 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the church. Save the date and mark the calendar for this popular pre-holiday event. Organizers note the 3 p.m. closing time, so there will be ample opportunity to stop by, shop and eat, before heading home to get the kids ready for trick or treating. Featured will be handmade crafts, gifts and holiday items, needlework, an opportunity quilt, wood crafts, homemade jams and jellies and frozen ready-to-bake homemade pies. Those attending can also enjoy a luncheon featuring soup, pie and beverage for $13 per person.
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.
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 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.
History On Display
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.
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.
Patio Music
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.
