Toastmasters Meet
Riverbank welcomes the REO Speechtrain Toastmasters Club 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, Jan. 4. For more information, call (209) 869-8200.
Calendar Available
The artwork of 15 talented Central Valley students is featured in the 2017 Healthy Air Living Kids’ Calendar, a bilingual, full-color wall calendar just released by the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District. The annual educational calendar showcases original works of art chosen from hundreds of entries by children in each of the eight counties that make up the Valley Air District. The 2017 calendars can be reserved, while supplies last, by emailing public.education@valleyair.org, and can be picked up in the District office in Modesto, at 4800 Enterprise Way; call 209-557-6400.
Fun On Ice
Modesto on Ice has returned for its second season to Downtown Modesto, running now until Sunday, Jan. 22, 2017. Modesto on Ice will be open every day through the holiday season, with extended holiday hours on New Year’s Eve. This family-friendly ice rink offers public sessions, as well as figure skating and hockey lessons. Modesto on Ice also hosts private events. The ice rink is located at 1131 11th St., in downtown Modesto (corner of 11th and K streets). For operating hours, visit www.modestoonice.com. Every Tuesday, Modesto on Ice skate sessions will be discounted to $8 until 5:30 p.m.
Tax Volunteers
The holidays are here and tax time is near, and there is still time to become a Tax-Aide volunteer. If you enjoy helping others, have basic computer skills and are willing to complete an extensive IRS self-study course, then you can become an IRS-certified AARP Tax-Aide volunteer. After completion of training, you’ll prepare and e-file federal tax returns for low-and-middle-income taxpayers of all ages. If you would like to sign on as a Tax-Aide volunteer, go to http://tinyurl.com/AARPTax-AideApplication. Tax-Aide is sponsored by the IRS and the AARP Foundation. AARP membership is not required to volunteer, or to receive Tax-Aide’s free tax preparation and e-filing service.
Crane Tours
Sandhill Crane Wetland Tours are offered at the Woodbridge Ecological Reserve the first three Saturdays and Sundays of each month now through February. The reserve is located just west of Lodi and offers managed wetland habitat that attracts the sandhill cranes each year. Tours, led by docents and open to the public, begin two hours before sundown. Visitors can register for tours up to eight weeks in advance online at www.wildlife.ca.gov/regions/3/crane-tour. Self-guided tours, highlighted by a set of interpretive panels, also are available at the Woodbridge Ecological Reserve South Unit, 11154 W. Woodbridge Road, Lodi.
