Big Band Event
Friends of Columbia State Historic Park will celebrate Columbia’s 73rd year as a California State Historic Park by hosting the 23rd annual Big Band Street Dance event on Main Street in Columbia on Saturday, July 20, from 6 to 10 p.m. Admission is free and the 1940’s and 1950’s costumes are encouraged. A 1940’s D.J. will open the evening festivities with music from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. Rod Harris and his band will perform music from the 40’s and 50’s and 60’s beginning at 7:30 p.m. Prizes will be awarded for best dancers and best 40’s costumes. Columbia’s restaurants will be open serving food and spirits. Friends of Columbia will have popcorn, lemonade, and water available.
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.
Join Toastmasters
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, July 17. For more information, call (209) 869-8200.
Summer Sonata
The Modesto Junior College Foundation is celebrating “MJC … Beacon of Hope” at this year’s Summer Sonata which is slated for Thursday, July 18 at Greens on Tenth, located at 947 10th Street in downtown Modesto. The event, held in Green’s banquet facility, begins with a reception and silent auction at 5:30 p.m., followed by dinner at 6:45 p.m. After dinner there is a program and a live auction. The cost to attend the Summer Sonata is $150 per person ($110 is tax deductible) and event proceeds benefit college programs, campus projects and student scholarships. To purchase Sonata tickets call the Foundation Office at (209) 575-6068.
Gallery Show
The Central California Art Association at Mistlin Gallery in downtown Modesto is planning the Fourth Annual Autumn Art Festival. This is the CCAA’s members-only juried art show and fundraiser at the Mistlin Gallery from Aug. 13 through Oct. 4. It is a great time for artists to join the organization, meet their peers and compete for cash prizes. Look online or visit the gallery for membership information. Artist prospectus/entries are due at the gallery by Saturday, July 27. For more information go to www.ccaagallery.org or call Mistlin Gallery at 209-529-3369.
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.
Donations Being Sought
Women’s Center-Youth & Family Services (WCYFS) will host its seventh annual Christmas in July donation drive. The drive outlines specific programmatic needs for clients, especially youth and young adults starting school. Needs include summer wear, school supplies, hygiene products, and more. The complete list can be found at www.WomensCenterYFS.org, and donations will be accepted now through July 31, Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 620 N. San Joaquin St., Stockton. For questions or additional information, call (209) 941-2611.
