Datebook lists upcoming events and items of interest for residents of Escalon, Farmington, Collegeville and the surrounding area.
Members of the Escalon Farmington Community Garden Club (EFCGC) will gather for their first meeting of the season on Thursday, Sept. 5 at 1 p.m., at the Farmington Methodist Church meeting hall, 25626 Elm St. The meeting is open to people from around the region who are interested in gardening and small-scale farming. For more information, email escalonfarmingtongc@gmail.com or call 209-844-6213.
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There’s still time to get signed up and enjoy bowling for a good cause, as the El Portal Bowling League gears up for a new season. All are welcome to attend an informational meeting on Thursday, Sept. 5 at McHenry Bowl in Modesto, starting at 9:30 a.m. in the conference room, for those interested in learning about the opportunity. League action starts at 10 a.m. each Thursday. Bowlers raise money for sixth grade science camp. More information is also available by contacting Janice Alcantor at 209-838-2942.
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Escalon High Class of 1974 will gather for its 45th reunion on Saturday, Sept. 21 beginning at 5 p.m. The festivities will be at the Escalon Community Center Park and will feature a no host taco truck for dining. For more information, contact EscalonHigh1974@gmail.com
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Escalon FFA and the Escalon Agriculture Department are currently looking to gather data from past students and participants in the FFA program regarding their successes after graduating from the program. Those participating can remain anonymous; the goal is to gather information to help determine the validity of the program by learning how the FFA can impact students even after high school graduate. The survey can be found at the following website: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/85DH9YM.
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Local service organization 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 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.
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This year, Women’s Center-Youth and Family Services (WCYFS) Promising Pathways program will host its second annual youth event TAY End Game (formerly known as “A Path to Success”) on Thursday, Sept. 5 at the Teen Impact Center from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. This event is free and open to the public. Youth are encouraged to attend. Come enjoy a day of fun, food, activities and more. WCYFS has been providing services and programs for homeless, runaway and at-risk youth in San Joaquin County for more than 40 years. For questions or additional information, call (209) 941-2611.
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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 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
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Journey Transport has announced complimentary local transportation to and from doctor appointments within San Joaquin County for World War II veterans. Caregivers are also encouraged and welcome to ride along to the appointments at no charge. Journey Transport Social/Specialty is a multi-faceted, Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business (SDVOSB). For more information, contact Journey Transport at 209-981-0433.
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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 Wednesday, Sept. 11. 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.
