Community Briefs provides a listing of events and activities going on in and around the Oakdale, Riverbank and Escalon areas. To have an event featured, e-mail the information to mjackson@oakdaleleader.com.
Heartland Art
The Tuolumne County Arts Alliance’s Heartland Creative Corps Show, is open through Aug. 8 at Columbia College, and residents from throughout the area are encouraged to take the short drive to Sonora to view the show. The show presents an overview of the projects created in Tuolumne County from 2023 to 2024. One of the goals was to employ artists so that they could rekindle their careers that had been harmed by the pandemic. All of these projects were led by artists who employed other artists and cultural workers to participate in the production of the pieces or performances. More than 100 artists and cultural workers were employed. The artwork is on display in the Columbia College Rotunda, Manzanita Building, 11600 Columbia College Drive, Sonora.
TOPS Group
Members of the local TOPS (Taking Off Pounds Sensibly) weight loss support group meet in Oakdale every Monday morning from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m.; the meeting is at 7450 River Road, Suite 4, Oakdale. This group is open to the public and anyone interested in improving their life by losing weight. Visit the website: www.tops.org for more information and to see a list of other meeting locations.
Monthly Music
The ‘Jammers’ are a loosely knit group of local musicians who gather regularly to play and share music. Members of The Jammers set up and play at Medlen’s House of Beef in Oakdale, on the patio, the second and fourth Saturdays of each month. The fun begins around 3 p.m. and typically continue until about 6 p.m., a full afternoon of music. Acoustic musicians are welcome to come and play. Featured instruments usually include guitar, fiddle, banjo, ukulele, etc. The public is welcome to stop by, listen to the music and even sing along. No cost to attend.
Legion Meeting
The regular monthly meetings of the Escalon American Legion Gustafson-Thompson Post 263 are the second Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m.; the post meeting room is at 1531 Second St., Escalon and the next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, July 9.
Widowed Persons
Oakdale Widowed Persons Group invites you to join them the first Saturday of each month for breakfast at 9 a.m. and on the third Tuesday of each month for lunch at 1 p.m.; call for locations. All are welcome to join the group no matter how long ago you lost your spouse. For more information, contact Barbara at 209-322-2184.
Walk For Fun
The Escalon Senior Fun Bunch Walkers invite everyone in the area to join them for their weekly walks. The group meets every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at Brentwood Park in Escalon. They meet at the corner of Justin Drive and Mission Street at 9 a.m. Fun Bunch walkers are a lighthearted group whose members love to get together and walk with others, enjoy some conversation and exercise. You do not have to be a Fun Bunch member to attend; all are welcome to join the walking group during any or all of their scheduled walks during the week.
Fair Drone Show
With a grant from the Valley Air District, officials with the Stanislaus County Fair have announced they will be offering an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional fireworks displays, by utilizing drones instead of fireworks. The Patriotic Sky Spectacular will take place July 5, 6 and 7 at the fairgrounds in Turlock, and will include the drone show with a choreographed performance of lights and music, featuring stunning aerial formations and dynamic visual displays. The 2024 Stanislaus County Fair is scheduled from July 5 through 14.
Parks Events Set
Area families can take advantage of some fun and educational opportunities, with programs being offered through the San Joaquin County Parks department. Special family friendly activities this summer are available at Oak Grove Regional Park, 4520 W. Eight Mile Road, Stockton. The first Sunday of each month, at 10 a.m., join in ‘The Everything Bagel Nature Walk’ at the Yokuts Trail, Oak Grove Regional Park. If you want to learn “a little of this, a little of that” about the Valley Oak Woodlands, this Oak Grove Nature Center program is the perfect way to do so. One-hour Ranger-led nature walks are scheduled for Sundays, July 7 and Aug. 4. This is a free event and no reservations are required. The third Sunday of the month features Professor Sprout’s Muggle World Herbology Walk. The program takes place at Oak Grove Regional Park Nature Center, and walks are scheduled for Sundays, July 21 and Aug. 18. Explore the ‘Dark Forest’ – the Native Plant Garden and Trail – with Professor Sprout, learn about magical properties of native plants and how some are related to the Muggle World. No reservations are required for this free event. The family-friendly program runs 45 minutes. There is a $6 cash parking fee at county parks. No pets, please. For more information, call 209-953-8814.
Golden Agers
Members of the Golden Agers dance group meet at the Riverbank Community Center on Wednesdays, 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., with dancing, socializing, live music and fun for all. All adults 55-plus are welcome. Just drop in to check it out or become a member. Fees are $5 for members and $6 for non-members. Membership is $15. The Community Center is at 3600 Santa Fe St., Riverbank.
Jam Session
The ‘lads and lasses’ of Brennan’s Parlor host a monthly Irish music jam (aka “Ceilidh”) in the back room of the H Bar B Saloon, 401 E. F St., Oakdale. Gatherings are on the third Monday of the month, and run from 6 p.m. to 8:15 p.m. They welcome anyone – players, singers, or listeners – with an appreciation for Celtic music to join the fun.
