In the summertime, many blood donors go on well-deserved vacations. But it’s important to make sure hospitals and cancer treatment centers have a steady, uninterrupted supply of all the blood they need. Right now, there is an urgent need for blood donors of all types. Help patients of all ages by making a blood donation appointment now. As a bonus, when you come to give July 2 through 7, you’ll get an exclusive Red Cross T-shirt, while supplies last. The Three Amigos at 301 Mitchell Road, Modesto hosts a drive on Friday, June 29 from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.; and the Gene Bianchi Community Center, 110 S. Second Ave., Oakdale, will host a drive on Thursday, July 5 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
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Next up at Hutton’s Hamlet Performing Arts Center in Oakdale: Rockin’ Robin Hood. Show times are Friday, July 6 at 7 p.m.; and Saturday, July 7 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Nottingham rocks in this exiting musical that takes on the legend of Robin Hood, with a fresh yet traditional approach. The musical score blends medieval ditties into rock ‘n’ roll angst. Hutton’s Hamlet is at 132 W. G St., Oakdale.
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Free summer meals for kids and teenagers 18 years old and younger are available through local schools. Breakfast is served at California Avenue Elementary School through Thursday, June 28 from 7:30 a.m. to 8 a.m. and lunch will be served from 11:10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Riverbank High School will host breakfast from 7:30 a.m. to 8 a.m. and lunch from noon to 1:15 p.m. through Thursday July 12. They will be closed on Wednesday, July 4. The meals will be served Monday through Thursday and are provided by the Riverbank Unified School District.
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All are invited to the weekly meetings of TOPS, Take Off Pounds Sensibly, 1034 that gathers each Monday from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. at the United Methodist Church, 1480 Poplar Ave., Oakdale. The group features help with weight loss in a supportive setting. Residents of Oakdale, Riverbank, Escalon and beyond are welcome to attend. Call Audrey Oliver at 209-765-7838 for information. You can also visit www.tops.org.
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The local REO Speechtrain Toastmasters Club gathers 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, July 11. For more information, call (209) 869-8200.
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Golden Agers weekly dances are open to those 50 and older from throughout the Central Valley at the Riverbank Community Center. Doors open Wednesdays at 9 a.m.; the center is at 3600 Santa Fe St., and first time guests are admitted free. The annual membership fee is $12 and each Wednesday members pay $5 and non-members can enjoy a few hours of music and dancing for $6.
