Toy Donations Sought
Local Realtor Kevin Benziger is trying to fill his Super Kev Trailer with toys for the young fire victims in Butte County. Now through Dec. 21, the effort is aimed at collecting new, unwrapped toys to be delivered to the kids of Paradise. Those wishing to help can bring any new, unwrapped toy to Academy Mortgage at 102 Grove Ave., Oakdale or call Benziger for more information, 209-848-3673.
Coats And Cookies
Oak Valley Hospital’s Family Support Network will be hosting its sixth annual Coats and Cookies gently used coat giveaway in early December. The organization is now accepting clean gently used coats and jackets of all sizes during regular business hours, Monday through Wednesday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Thursday and Friday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Last year, with the help from the community, Family Support Network was able to give out over 900 gently used coats to individuals in need of warmth. The 2018 Coats and Cookies event is scheduled for Wednesday, Dec. 5 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, call Family Support Network at 209-847-5121.
Cowboy Capital Fun
From now through Dec. 12 patrons will visit participating businesses as part of an Oakdale Chamber of Commerce initiative, where they will take a selfie and post it on social media using the hashtag #ShopCowboyCapital. When they post using that hashtag it enters them into drawing for a prize. This shop local program will bring people into the stores, as well as promote Fan Pages of participating businesses. Chamber officials said this is a great opportunity to market local businesses and bring potential clients into local stores. Members of the Chamber are invited to participate at no additional cost. Non-members are welcome to participate, with a cost of $100 each. The Chamber will provide each participating business with five photo props but you are welcome to use additional props if you chose; participating businesses will also provide prizes. Contact the Chamber of Commerce at 847-2244 for more information or to sign up.
Holiday Food Sharing
Save Mart and FoodMaxx stores are hosting the annual Holiday Give. Share. CARE! Drive, making it easier for shoppers to donate. At checkout, customers can tear off a coupon and hand it to the cashier. A coupon for $2 feeds one person breakfast; $3 feeds one person lunch; and $5 feeds one person dinner. The coupon shoppers choose will be added to their grocery bill, and the tax deductible contribution will be noted on their receipt. One hundred percent of all donations go to the local food bank assigned to each store. Locally, Save Mart stores in Oakdale and Riverbank are participating in the campaign. Donations at checkout are underway now and will end Friday, Dec. 28.
Dickens Faire
On Saturday, Dec. 1 enjoy the Dickens Faire, featuring a Farmer’s Market and Craft Boutique, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., part of special activities benefitting McHenry Mansion. Booths will be on 15th Street and McClatchy Square and the Mansion Gift Store will be open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tours of the Mansion will be offered from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., with free admission. On Tuesday, Dec. 4 join in for a Christmas Tea, with spaces available at a 1:30 p.m. seating at the mansion, corner of 15th and I streets. Reservations are required and the cost is $30 per person. Call Janie at 209-522-1739 for information and to make reservations.
Speechtrain Session
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, Dec. 5. For more information, call (209) 869-8200.
Weekly Dances
Golden Agers weekly dances are open to those 50 and older from throughout the Central Valley and are now hosted at St. Frances of Rome church, 2827 Topeka St., Riverbank. 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. The Golden Agers meet from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Weight Loss Support
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.
