Time To Give Blood
The Red Cross is facing an emergency blood shortage and is offering opportunities to give blood in the local area over the next week. They include: Thursday, Aug. 9, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Gene Bianchi Community Center, 110 S. Second Ave., Oakdale; Tuesday, Aug. 14, noon to 6 p.m., Fire Station #26, 3318 Topeka St., Riverbank; and Tuesday, Aug. 14, 1 p.m. to 7 p.m., Christian Reformed Church, 2203 California St., Escalon. Donors who come in to donate during a special promotional time frame, running through Thursday, Aug. 30 are eligible to receive a $5 Amazon gift card.
Bunko Nite Set
The Oakdale Grange #435 is sponsoring a Bunko Nite on Friday, Aug. 10 at 7 p.m. The Grange Hall is at 30 Lambuth Ave., Oakdale, on the corner of F Street and Lambuth Avenue. Cost is $10. Come join the fun and win prizes. For more information, call Michelle, 209-838-7421 or Pat, 209-556-8524.
Royal Neighbors Event
The Royal Neighbors in Riverbank will host a Paint Nite Fundraiser on Friday, Aug. 24 from 5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at the Riverbank Community Center and is a fundraiser to put on the annual Veterans’ Luncheon in November. A baked potato bar will be served from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. at a cost of $10, prior to the Paint Nite event. Cost of the Paint Nite is $45 and is open to all ages. Painting will start at 6:30 p.m. For tickets and information, visit www.paintnite.com.
Artisan Market Open
Delicato Family Vineyards, 12001 S. Highway 99, four miles north of Manteca, will host its Summer Artisan Market on Saturdays, Aug. 11 and Sept. 8, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Stay cool inside, sip wine and shop, with local food products, jewelry, wearables, handcrafted items and more being offered. The public is encouraged to sip the newest wine releases chosen from the current tasting menu while shopping the displays. The wine tasting fee is $5 (waived for Delicato Wine Club Members) and there is no entry fee to browse the Artisan Market. Also available for purchase will be personal pizzas baked onsite by the Rock Pizza Oven.
Adult Computer Classes
Computer Classes for Adults will be focused on “Basics” this month at the Oakdale Library, set for Tuesdays, Aug. 14, 21, and 28. These classes begin at 10:30 a.m. Call the Library for information and be sure to reserve your space. Each session is limited to four people. Call 209-847-4204. Also, if you are an adult interested in learning or improving in Microsoft Word, you will want to join in a class on Thursday, Aug. 16, at 6 p.m. Class limited to four people, sign up by calling 209-847-4204.
Museum Docents Needed
The Great Valley Museum on the West Campus of Modesto Junior College is offering training for new docents to share information about the habitats, animals, and plants of the Central Valley with museum visitors. Docents are trained to lead guided tours for school and adult groups. A background in science is not required, just enthusiasm for working with people. For more information or to register, call (209) 575-6196 or go to GVM’s “Volunteering” page found at www.mjc.edu/gvm.
Join TOPS Locally
All are invited to the weekly meetings of TOPS, Take Off Pounds Sensibly, 1034 that gathers each Monday from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. at the United Methodist Church, 1480 Poplar Ave., Oakdale. The group features help with weight loss in a supportive setting. Residents of Oakdale, Riverbank, Escalon and beyond are welcome to attend. Call Audrey Oliver at 209-765-7838 for information. You can also visit www.tops.org.
Toastmasters Gather Weekly
The local REO Speechtrain Toastmasters Club gathers for regular meetings every Wednesday morning, 6:30 a.m. to 7:45 a.m., at Perko’s Cafe, Patterson and Oakdale roads, Riverbank. This is a fun way to learn the self-confidence and skills needed for public speaking. All are invited to come and check out the group. The next meeting will be Wednesday, Aug. 15. For more information, call (209) 869-8200.
Learn To Dance
Golden Agers weekly dances are open to those 50 and older from throughout the Central Valley at the Riverbank Community Center. Doors open Wednesdays at 9 a.m.; the center is at 3600 Santa Fe St., and first time guests are admitted free. The annual membership fee is $12 and each Wednesday members pay $5 and non-members can enjoy a few hours of music and dancing for $6.
