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.
Oak Valley Art
Coming up this weekend, the Oak Valley Art Society is hosting its annual Spring Art Show on Saturday and Sunday, April 20 and 21. The show will be staged in the Escalon Library, 1540 Second St., Escalon. Art Society members from throughout the area will be displaying their work at the event. Show hours are noon to 5 p.m. on Saturday, and noon to 3 p.m. on Sunday. There will be a reception with the artists on Sunday from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.; admission to the show is free.
Weight Loss Group
All interested are welcome to join TOPS (Taking Off Pounds Sensibly) a weight loss support group that meets in Oakdale every Monday morning from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m.; meeting 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.
Gospel Music Night
Residents from throughout the area are invited to enjoy an evening of gospel music that will ‘linger in your heart’ long after the final note fades. On Saturday, April 20, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., Liberty Quartet will grace the stage at First Baptist Church on Catherine Way in Escalon. Admission to the April 20 concert is free, but attendees are invited to contribute to the ministry through a love offering. Whether you’re a devoted follower of Southern Gospel music or simply seeking an evening of uplifting worship, Liberty Quartet promises an experience that transcends musical boundaries. First Baptist Church, Escalon, is at 1511 Catherine Way.
Rose Garden Ceremony
The eighth annual Inspirational Messages of Peace, Celebration of Student Voices will take place on Thursday, April 25 at 11:30 a.m. at the University Park World Peace Rose Garden (UPWPRG) in Stockton. The garden is at 559 E. Magnolia St., Stockton. This year’s theme is “Fearlessness”, and the event is free and open to the public with the goal of connecting youth and community leaders. The public is invited to listen as the top 12 winners deliver their Inspirational Messages of Peace to the community.
Motor Madness Event
Soroptimist International of Oakdale will host its annual Motor Madness fundraiser, “Heels ‘n Wheels”, on Saturday, April 27 beginning at 6 p.m., at the Gene Bianchi Community Center, 110 S. Second Ave., Oakdale. The event includes hearty appetizers, alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, and desserts. Tickets are $75 per person, must be 21 years or older. The ticket also constitutes one entry for the Grand Prize drawing, which this year features a number of options. The winner – who does not need to be present to win – may choose a prize of $10,000 cash or up to $10,000 towards a motorcycle from Mitchell’s Harley-Davidson or a Golf Cart from Copper Mountain Cart Company or a pair of E-bikes from Oakdale Bicycle Shop. For tickets, contact Event Chair Tammy Bengtson, 209-655-8305, or any Oakdale Soroptimist member.
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, located at 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.
Weekly Dances
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.
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.
Jam Sessions
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 continue 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.
