Datebook lists upcoming events and items of interest for residents of Escalon, Farmington, Collegeville and the surrounding area.
The Escalon FFA Ag Boosters will host its Bovine Bingo fundraiser on Saturday, Nov. 9. Festivities will begin at 10 a.m. at the Escalon Auction Yard, corner of Lone Tree and Escalon-Bellota roads. Cost is $20 per square and the first ‘plop’ by Cow A will win the $500 grand prize. Additional Cow B and Cow C prizes will be determined by the ticket sales. There is also a $50 bonus prize if you are present and your square wins. Tickets are available for Bovine Bingo from Escalon FFA members or by contacting April Adams at 209-606-6487. All proceeds benefit the Escalon High School FFA program.
*****
The Edible Expo, being hosted by the Escalon Educational Foundation, is scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 16. Hours for the event will be 6 p.m. to midnight with the event at the Escalon Community Center; cost is $50 per person or reserve a table for eight at $400. Along with the food and beverage samples, there will be music and the chance to socialize, along with live and silent auction items being up for bid. To donate auction items, contact Melanie McPherrin at 209-603-0172. For tickets or more information, contact April Adams at 209-606-6487.
*****
Two more Senior Fun Bunch activities are planned in 2019, with the next one coming up on Wednesday, Nov. 20 from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Escalon Community Center with a ‘thankful’ theme and a salute to veterans. On Wednesday, Dec. 18, the gathering will move to the Escalon Covenant Church for the finale of the year, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., with a hometown Christmas event to include singing, games and fun. The gatherings are open to all seniors from around the area.
*****
Get ready to enjoy some Stampin’ Up! Card Classes in Escalon, with opportunities to learn about the craft and create some special cards at unique classes offered by Debbie Megenney and Gerri Andrade. November classes are Nov. 7 and 12 at 6:30 p.m., Nov. 8 and 13 at 9 a.m.; December classes are set for 6:30 p.m. on Dec. 17 and 19, 9 a.m. on Dec. 18 and 20, just in time for the holidays. Call 209-324-6947 for more information or to sign up for classes.
*****
To commemorate the 244th birthday of the United States Marine Corps, the local Marine Corps League Detachment will host a traditional birthday celebration including the cutting of the cake, flag presentation and the annual birthday message from the commandant. Keynote speaker will be Gold Star Father Michael Anderson Sr., whose son Michael Anderson Jr. was killed in action in Iraq in 2004. The event will be held Sunday, Nov. 10 at the Stanislaus Veterans Center, 3500 Coffee Road, Modesto and includes a dinner of either chicken or beef, live music and dancing and a fundraising raffle. Tickets are $30 per person or $50 a couple and is free to active duty servicemen. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. for socializing and no host bar with dinner being served at 7 p.m. For tickets or more information, contact Mike Pelucca at 209-324-2977 or Bill Johnson at 209-896-5057 or go to www.mcl019.org.
*****
Soroptimist International of Oakdale is accepting applications for its Soroptimist Live Your Dream: Education and Training Awards for Women program. This program provides cash grants to women who are working to better their lives through additional schooling and skills training. Women are eligible to apply if they have the primary financial responsibility for themselves and their dependents including children, spouse, siblings, and/or parents, are attending an undergraduate degree program or a vocational skills training program, and have financial need. Women throughout the Oakdale, Riverbank and Escalon areas are encouraged to apply for an award. Apply online at http://bit.ly/LYDApply or contact Jackie Hair, Chairperson, sioakdale@soroptimist.net, (209) 840-2134. The deadline to apply is Nov. 15.
*****
Sending out a call for vendors and customers, it’s the La Grange Odd Fellows’ Christmas Craft Fair on Saturday, Dec. 7, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission is free to the public in the cozy atmosphere of the historic IOOF Hall, 30018 Yosemite Blvd., La Grange. The fair is hosted by the Odd Fellows of Lafayette Lodge #65. The event will showcase an array of crafts items, including Western art, jewelry, sewn creations, plant arrangements and organic edible goodies. Refreshments and drawings for raffle prizes will be featured as well. Crafters can call now; vendor spaces are currently available, $25 for 6’ by 8’, first come first served. For more information call Patty (209) 604-4444.
*****
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, Nov. 13. For more information, call (209) 869-8200.
*****
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.
*****
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 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
