Next up for members of the Escalon Senior Fun Bunch, they will gather at the Escalon Community Center for their ‘Love is in the Air’ February event on Wednesday, Feb. 21 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.

There will be entertainment, refreshments and prizes; the ‘bunch’ gathers on a monthly basis and is still going strong more than four years after it began. The Fun Bunch group is designed to give local senior citizens a chance to get involved in the community while socializing with each other and making new friends.

The Escalon Senior Fun Bunch meets every third Wednesday of the month from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Escalon Community Center, 1055 Escalon Ave.

“Our events provide a carefree fun afternoon of entertainment, socializing, snacks and laughter,” organizers said.

The ‘bunch’ now has well over 100 members, growing so much from its start in the small meeting room at the Community Center some four-and-a-half years ago to now filling the large central room at the center. The largest number attending a recent event was 74. Every member also receives an entertaining and informative newsletter each month.

There is no charge for members to attend and take part in events. Donations are accepted but not expected.

Helping out with the effort, the Saron Lutheran Church supports the Fun Bunch by covering the cost of the newsletter each month and the group has also gotten support from local groups including the Lions, Kiwanis, Rotary and American Legion.

Along with the regular monthly events, there is also a walking group. The Senior Steppers meet Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 10 a.m. at Brentwood Park on the corner of Mission and Justin streets in Escalon.

A game day is offered on the second Tuesday of each month at noon in the Community Center meeting room. The Fun Bunch Singers perform often at the group’s monthly gatherings and also at events in the community.

They welcome all senior citizens in the community to join; members and newcomers alike are encouraged to attend the Feb. 21 event.

For more information, contact Ann Shaddix at 209-505-7854.