The Community Calendar includes listing of events in and around the region that might be of interest to local residents. To have information included in this weekly calendar of events, email mjackson@oakdaleleader.com.
Oakdale Garden Club (OGC) will host its next meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 21 at 10 a.m. at Community United Methodist Church, 1480 Poplar Ave., Oakdale, and all interested are encouraged to attend. The guest speaker for the Oakdale Garden Club’s first meeting of 2020 is herbal expert Manjeet Dosanjh, whose presentation involves growing Cilantro plants from seeds. One of Oakdale’s oldest not-for-profit organizations, the OGC welcomes those interested in attending this free educational seminar. Refreshments will also be served to attendees. For more information, call Bob Taylor at (209) 848-8746.
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Marriage ceremonies are being hosted on Valentine’s Day at the historic McHenry Mansion at 906 15th St., in Modesto. “Marriage at the Mansion” offers each couple a romantic experience that will take them back in time. All ceremonies are individualized. Couples must sign up in advance. Ceremonies will start at 10 a.m. and run through 4 p.m., on Friday, Feb. 14, 2020. Marriage licenses must be purchased, and appointments made in advance at the Stanislaus County Clerk Recorder’s Office at 1021 “I” St., in downtown Modesto. Cost of the license and ceremony is $121 or $126 for confidential marriage licenses. Certified marriage certificates are an additional $15 and must be paid by check. No blood test is required. For more information or to set an appointment contact the Clerk Recorder’s Office at 209-525-5269 or 209-525-5205 and for assistance in Spanish call 209-525-5230.
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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.
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Donors are urged to make an appointment to give blood now using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or enabling the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device. Blood remains in short supply and donors of whole blood and platelets are needed. Locally, donors can schedule visits at Red Cross Donation Centers in Modesto, 1900 W. Orangeburg Ave.; in Stockton, 2888 W. March Lane; and in Sonora, 850 Sanguinetti Lane. Also, later this month in Oakdale, there will be a community drive hosted at Ball Metalpack, 300 W. Greger St., on Tuesday, Jan. 28 from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.
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On Tuesday, Jan. 28 at 11:30 a.m., join in with the ongoing Oakdale Library Book Club for Adults. This is a chance to meet, mingle, and chat with other literature lovers. Read and discover new books, genres, and authors. This month, members will be sharing their personal favorite books. New members are always welcome. Also, The Friends of the Oakdale Library will hold their monthly meeting on Monday, Jan. 27 at 1:30 p.m. Forms to join and info are available at the Oakdale Library, or call 209-847-4204.
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Golden Agers weekly dances are open to those 50 and older from throughout the Central Valley and are hosted at the Riverbank Community Center, 3600 Santa Fe 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 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
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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 Jan. 22. For more information, call (209) 869-8200.
