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.
Luncheon Meeting
Members and friends of the Escalon-Farmington Community Garden Club will gather for a special meeting on Thursday, June 1. The end of the club year event will begin at 1 p.m., hosted at the United Methodist Church, 25626 Elm Street, Farmington. Those planning to attend are asked to bring a dish to share; drinks and tableware will be provided. With a theme of “Celebrating a Fruitful Club Year”, the meeting will include a potluck, awards for members and the installation of a new Slate of Officers for the next club year.
Market Place Saturday
All are invited to come to eat, shop and/or sell your wares at Market Place on Poplar, with the next event coming up June 3. On the first Saturday of each month, Community United Methodist Church at 1480 Poplar in Oakdale, hosts this event from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Market Place offers an opportunity to shop for unique finds or enjoy a selection from Chef Lee’s popular lunch menu. Eat in, or take away. Interested vendors can contact craftfairinfo@yahoo.com for more information on reserving a $20 booth space. Additional dates through the end of 2023 are July 1, Aug. 5, Sept. 2, Oct. 7, Nov. 4 and Dec. 2.
Good Time Accordion Club
The Good Time Accordion Club members meet on a regular basis, the first Sunday of the month at 2:30 p.m., hosted at the Escalon United Methodist Church, 2000 Jackson Ave., Escalon. Admission is $5; there are free refreshments provided. The club presents musicians of all levels and many musical styles. Anyone can bring an accordion and play or just come to enjoy listening to the musical performances. The remaining 2023 gatherings are scheduled for June 4, July 2, Aug. 6, Sept. 3, Oct. 1, Nov. 5 and Dec. 3.
Jam Session
Coming up on Saturday, June 10 “The Jammers” will be hosting an open acoustic jam session on the Medlen’s House of Beef patio in Oakdale. The music will begin between 3 pm. and 4 p.m.; there is no formal end time for the gathering. The Jammers, originally put together by the late Fred Stepp (“Fiddlin’ Fred) continues with several members still gathering on occasion to perform and jam. Stepp was a well-known area musician, both in the bluegrass and acoustic community. They invite anyone who plays folk, bluegrass, country, and similar music genres to bring a guitar, banjo, mandolin, fiddle, or other acoustic instrument to come and join the jam session; also welcome are those that just want to listen to the music.
Golden Agers
Check out the Golden Agers dance group 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.
TOPS Meeting
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.
June Astronomy Night
The next scheduled Astronomy in the Park event will take place on Saturday, June 24 at 8:30 p.m., Oak Grove Regional Park, I-5 at Eight Mile Road, Stockton. Presented by The Stockton Astronomical Society, Oak Grove Docent Council and San Joaquin County Parks, the event is free but there is a $6 cash parking fee. View planets through giant telescopes after sunset; the June 24 program will feature viewing a Star Cluster and Whirlpool Galaxy. For more information, call 209-953-8800.
