Art Competition
U.S. Representative Jeff Denham has announced California’s 2016 10th District Congressional Art Competition. The annual art competition showcases the talent of Central Valley students and gives the winner the opportunity to share their artwork with thousands of visitors to the U.S. Capitol building in Washington, D.C. Submissions for artwork are now being accepted for this year’s competition. All artwork and signed release forms must be delivered to Rep. Denham’s Modesto office at 4701 Sisk Road, Ste. 202 no later than 5 p.m. PST on Tuesday, Feb. 23, 2016. To request release forms or for detailed inquiries, contact Congressman Denham’s project coordinator, Kassi Fortado, at (209) 579-5458.
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, Feb. 24. For more information, call (209) 614-8462.
Join Women’s Club
The next meeting of the Oakdale Women’s Club – with women from around the region invited – is planned for Tuesday, March 1. Everyone is invited and can call Elaine Hogg at 209-322-3338 for a reservation. The cost is $16 for members and the monthly luncheon is a fun way to get together with other women in the area. The presentation for the March luncheon is Jaydeen Vicente with the ASTRO (Animal Shelter To Riverbank and Oakdale) Foundation. The March 1 menu features salad, corned beef and cabbage with bread pudding for dessert. All are welcome and encouraged to attend.
Open House
The Holistic Life Institute, School of Massage and Natural Health, in Oakdale is hosting an Open House on March 6 with an introduction to its spring classes. Free samples of herbal teas, natural skin care, mini neck and shoulder massages, etc., plus refreshments, will be provided for all participants. Class literature and campus tours will be available as well. Scholarships will be offered toward tuition in the amount of $1000 for the spring semester. Call for directions or go to www.holisticlifeinstitute.com for a map. The Open House will be held on Sunday, March 6 from 1 p.m. until 4 p.m., 730 E. F St., Oakdale.
Dinner Mystery Drama
Get tickets now for a special production, “Dead Man in Grandpa’s Barn” – a murder mystery dinner fundraiser written, produced and directed by Taylor Carnes, a 2013 graduate of Escalon High. Diners are invited to solve the mystery as they watch and participate in a hilarious “whodunit?” The event will be held on Saturday, March 5 at Grandpa’s Barn, 17693 Enterprise Road in Escalon. No host cocktail hour 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Dinner and show begin at 6:30 p.m. Dinner menu will include barrel roasted chicken and tri-tip, baked potato with herb butter, seasoned corn, Caesar salad and a dessert bar. To purchase tickets and for additional information about the evening go to: squareup.com/store/taylor-carnes-productions or call (209) 691-0551.
Scholarship Opportunity
The Modesto Garden Club is now accepting applications for six $1500 scholarships from eligible high school seniors and college students. Completed applications packets are due by April 6. Interested students may email gardenscholarship@gmail.com for application information and forms.
Wine Tasting
This spring the Columbia College Foundation will host the 40th Annual Columbia Wine Tasting – a benefit event from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, April 9 to support the Columbia College Hospitality Management Program. This is the first year the Columbia Wine Tasting will be featured on a Saturday. Reservations can be purchased online for $55 per person in advance or $60 per person at the event as available. Attendees receive a complimentary souvenir wine glass and wine tastings from participating wineries and food vendors. For more information or to make a reservation, visit www.columbiawinetasting.com or call (209) 588-5089.
