Out and About is your guide to upcoming events in and around the Riverbank area.
The public is invited to receive free tax preparation assistance from Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) volunteers on Wednesdays from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. VITA volunteers are trained by the IRS. Call the library at (209) 869-7008 to reserve a spot, as space is limited. The last day for tax preparation at the Riverbank Library will be April 6. The library is at 3442 Santa Fe St. in Riverbank. For more information, contact the Branch Supervisor, Victoria Holt, at (209) 869-7008.
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The Modesto Garden Club is now accepting applications for six $1500 scholarships from eligible high school seniors and college students. Completed applications packets are due by April 6. Interested students may email gardenscholarship@gmail.com for application information and forms.
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Make plans to attend the upcoming ninth annual ‘Build Your Own Omelet’ Dinner on Saturday, April 16 in Escalon. The dinner menu includes made-to-order omelet, potatoes, biscuits, fruit and beverage for $8.00 (adults), $4.00 (children under 10), children under five eat free. Hours for the dinner are from 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Escalon United Methodist Church, 2000 Jackson Ave., (corner of Highway 120 and Brayton) in Escalon. Call for more information, 838-2792.
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This spring the Columbia College Foundation will host the 40th Annual Columbia Wine Tasting – a benefit event from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, April 9 to support the Columbia College Hospitality Management Program. This is the first year the Columbia Wine Tasting will be featured on a Saturday. Reservations can be purchased online for $55 per person in advance or $60 per person at the event as available. Attendees receive a complimentary souvenir wine glass and wine tastings from participating wineries and food vendors. For more information or to make a reservation, visit www.columbiawinetasting.com or call (209) 588-5089.
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The 2016 Bluegrass Series continues at West Side Theatre in Newman with its fourth show of the series, Red Dog Ash and Windy Hill, set for Saturday, April 9. Shows are staged at West Side Theatre, 1331 Main St., Newman. Call 209-862-4490, or visit info@westsidetheatre.org or www.westsidetheatre.org for more information. Doors for the April 9 performance open at 6:30 p.m. with showtime at 7:30 p.m. Cost is $12 General Admission, $15 Reserved Section.
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Riverbank welcomes the REO Speechtrain Toastmasters Club for regular meetings every Wednesday morning, 6:30 a.m. to 7:45 a.m., at Perko’s Cafe, Patterson and Oakdale roads, Riverbank. This is a fun way to learn the self-confidence and skills needed for public speaking. All are invited to come and check out the group. The next meeting will be Wednesday, April 13. For more information, call (209) 614-8462.
