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.
Ribs And Oysters
Coming up on Saturday, March 8, it’s the 18th annual Escalon Wrestling program fundraising Rib and Oyster Dinner and Dance, being staged at the Escalon Community Center. Tickets are $65. The menu includes baby back ribs, BBQ oysters, bread, salad, baked potatoes, and a full bar. There will be silent auction items up for bid as well. Happy Hour runs from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m.; dinner is served from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.; with an auction from 8 p.m. to 9 p.m., followed by dancing from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m. For tickets or more information, contact Derek Scott at 209-499-3941; email descott@escalonusd.org; or call Brianne Cerasi at 209-404-6217. You can also get tickets online by visiting Escalon Wrestling Club Dinner Dance at eventbrite.com
Astronomy Nights
Enjoy upcoming Astronomy in the Park programs, being offered at Shumway Oak Grove Regional Park, at I-5 and Eight Mile Road, Stockton. Though admission to the events is free, there is a $6 cash parking fee. All programs are hosted, weather permitting. Those planning to attend are encouraged to get there early and enjoy astronomy activities in the Nature Center, then view planets through giant telescopes after sunset. Next up, on Saturday, March 8 at 6 p.m., view The Pleiades, Orion Nebula, Mars, Mercury and Venus. On Saturday, April 5, the program is set for 6:45 p.m., featuring Jupiter, Mars and the Orion Nebula. Two events are scheduled in May, on Saturday, May 3 at 8:20 p.m., view the Hercules Globular Cluster, Mars and Jupiter; on Saturday, May 31 at 8:20 p.m., view Mars and the Hercules Globular Cluster. Astronomy in the Park is presented by The Stockton Astronomical Society, Oak Grove Docent Council and San Joaquin County Parks.
Golden Agers
Enjoy local dancing and get some exercise each week. 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.
Dance Band
Scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 27, enjoy the music of the Oakdale Community Dance Band, providing a lively program of swing band dance music. The performance is free, and all are invited to dance or listen to this talented group of musicians. The performance will begin at 6:30 p.m. at the Gladys Lemmons Senior Community Center at 450 E. A St., Oakdale. Make attending the regular performances by members of the Oakdale Community Bands with family and friends a tradition.
Crab Feed
The Escalon American Legion Post 263 is planning a Crab Feed, set for Saturday, March 15. Cost to attend the crab feed is $70 per person, with limited seating. Doors open at 5 p.m., and dinner will be served starting at 6 p.m. The menu includes crab, shrimp, pasta, dinner roll and salad. Contact Fallon Nunes for tickets, 209-484-3641. Regular meetings of the Escalon American Legion are held the second Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m.; potential new members are encouraged to attend.
Join The Jammers
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 continues 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.
Birdwalk Program
Enjoy a special family program on Sunday, March 16, as all ages are welcome to join in ‘Birding for Boomers’ and everyone else, offered at Shumway Oak Grove Regional Park, 4520 W. Eight Mile Road, Stockton. The Nature Center at the park is the gathering place for the event, which gets underway at 1 p.m. Come experience the birds and other wildlife that are out and about on birdwalk day. Learn tips for birdwatching; bring binoculars if you have them. This is a free event and no reservations are required. There is a $6 cash parking fee. Call 209-953-8814 for more information.
Fun Bunch
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 a park in Escalon. They meet at the corner of Justin Drive and Mission Street at 10 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.
Weight Loss 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.
Irish Music
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.
Widowed Persons Meet
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.
