As the dates near for the 2024 Escalon Park Fete celebration – July 26 and 27 – reservations are being taken for the annual Senior Mr. and Mrs. Escalon Luncheon, hosted during the week leading up to the two-day fete. The luncheon is set for Tuesday, July 23 at the Escalon Community Center and pre-sale tickets are available; no tickets will be sold at the door. Being honored this year for their contributions to the community are longtime local couple Glenn and Terri Van Ruler.
The luncheon will be at noon and tickets cost $30 per person. Call Gracie at 209-988-5673 to purchase tickets.
The following information about the 2024 Senior Mr. and Mrs. Escalon was provided by their granddaughter Brittany, who interviewed the couple and prepared the biography.
Glenn and Terri Van Ruler have been members of this community for just about 50 years. Glenn was born in Minnesota in 1946, being one of 12 kids, while Terri was born in 1947 and raised here in California with one sister. While they came from different upbringings, they ultimately fell in love and got married March 23, 1967. After moving to Escalon, they started their almond farming adventures in 1974, and they built a successful farming business until 2023, when they decided to finally retire. They have been blessed with two children Denise and Craig, seven grandkids and 11, soon to be 13, great grandkids. They love supporting their community in any way they can. Whether it be helping bring water via water truck to Van Allen Elementary for their end of the year slip and slide party in the past, or helping Escalon Fire Department with hull pile fires or supplying faster access to water during the River Road/McHenry fire last summer. Because of this they were presented with an Honorary Membership by the fire department for their ongoing support and encouragement. They have supported many 4-H students during fair time because as farmers they understand the importance of Ag in the community and they have also been longtime supporters of the Escalon Community Ambulance.
When asked to write up something about themselves and what they enjoy doing, Terri laughed and said “we work and sleep.” As that might be true, they are neglecting to mention that they are continuously lending a helping hand to friends and anyone they see fit, which is just about anyone in need. Though, they do enjoy dinners out with friends and family and just spending time together doing errands for the business. As they settle into what they both call “Semi-Retirement” they both hope to slow down a little and enjoy the life they have spent over 50 years building.
