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.
Gardens grow faster, stronger and have higher yields when you attract pollinators to your garden. Everyone is invited to learn more about bees and other pollinators at the Escalon Farmington Community Garden Club’s upcoming meeting on Thursday, Feb. 6 at the Escalon Library, 1540 Second St., Escalon starting at 1 p.m. UC Master Gardener Jeff Ramsey will share with attendees what to plant, how to plant, and what to add to your garden to lure these hard-working insects to a pollinator party on your property.
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Originally scheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 12 at the Gene Bianchi Community Center, a Red Cross blood drive there has been cancelled and a new date and time will be announced when available. In the meantime, 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 also 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.
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The Good Time Accordion Club has had to postpone its gathering scheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 12 at 7 p.m. due to ongoing parking lot work at the Escalon Community Center. The local club typically meets every month for music and a social event, open to accordion fans and players of all skill levels. For information about upcoming sessions, contact Karl Wucherer at 209-556-3105.
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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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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 Feb. 12. For more information, call (209) 869-8200.
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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.
