Mobile District Office Hours were recently announced for the month of February by local Congressman Jeff Denham, with the stop in Riverbank set for Thursday, Feb. 18. Mobile District Office Hours are an opportunity for 10th district residents to meet with the congressman and staff to hear more about his work in Washington, D.C. and the Central Valley, have their questions answered or get help with specific casework. The Riverbank office hours will be Thursday, Feb. 18 from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Riverbank City Hall, 6707 Third St., being hosted in conjunction Senator Cathleen Galgiani and Assemblywoman Kristin Olsen’s offices.
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The Riverbank Library Book Club is reading “Little Bee” by Chris Cleave and will gather for a meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 23 at 4 p.m. Story Time will continue on Mondays at 10:30 a.m. until March 28. The Riverbank Library is at 3442 Santa Fe St.; call for more information on any of these programs, (209) 869-7008.
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U.S. Representative Jeff Denham has announced California’s 2016 10th District Congressional Art Competition. The annual art competition showcases the talent of Central Valley students and gives the winner the opportunity to share their artwork with thousands of visitors to the U.S. Capitol building in Washington, D.C. Submissions for artwork are now being accepted for this year’s competition. All artwork and signed release forms must be delivered to Rep. Denham’s Modesto office at 4701 Sisk Road, Ste. 202 no later than 5 p.m. PST on Tuesday, Feb. 23, 2016. To request release forms or for detailed inquiries, contact Congressman Denham’s project coordinator, Kassi Fortado, at (209) 579-5458.
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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, Feb. 24. For more information, call (209) 614-8462.
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The next meeting of the Oakdale Women’s Club – with women from around the region invited – is planned for Tuesday, March 1. Everyone is invited and can call Elaine Hogg at 209-322-3338 for a reservation. The cost is $16 for members and the monthly luncheon is a fun way to get together with other women in the area. The presentation for the March luncheon is Jaydeen Vicente with the ASTRO (Animal Shelter To Riverbank and Oakdale) Foundation. The March 1 menu features salad, corned beef and cabbage with bread pudding for dessert. All are welcome and encouraged to attend.
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The Holistic Life Institute, School of Massage and Natural Health, in Oakdale is hosting an Open House on March 6 with an introduction to its spring classes. Free samples of herbal teas, natural skin care, mini neck and shoulder massages, etc., plus refreshments, will be provided for all participants. Class literature and campus tours will be available as well. Scholarships will be offered toward tuition in the amount of $1000 for the spring semester. Call for directions or go to www.holisticlifeinstitute.com for a map. The Open House will be held on Sunday, March 6 from 1 p.m. until 4 p.m., 730 E. F St., Oakdale.
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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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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.
