Out and About is your guide to upcoming events in and around the Riverbank area.
Get tickets now for a special production, “Dead Man in Grandpa’s Barn” – a murder mystery dinner fundraiser written, produced and directed by Taylor Carnes, a 2013 graduate of Escalon High. Diners are invited to solve the mystery as they watch and participate in a hilarious “whodunit?” The event will be held on Saturday, March 5 at Grandpa’s Barn, 17693 Enterprise Road in Escalon. No host cocktail hour 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Dinner and show begin at 6:30 p.m. Dinner menu will include barrel roasted chicken and tri-tip, baked potato with herb butter, seasoned corn, Caesar salad and a dessert bar. To purchase tickets ($40 per person, dinner and show included) and for additional information about the evening go to: squareup.com/store/taylor-carnes-productions or call (209) 691-0551.
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The AARP Driver Safety Foundation is offering a two-day Senior Driving Course at Oak Valley Community Hospital meeting rooms, 1425 W. H St., Oakdale on Wednesday, March 9 and Thursday, March 10 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. each day, for a total of eight hours of class. Completing this course will help you be a better and safer driver. There is no driving test. A study guide and videos are used. A three-year certificate of completion will be issued to enable attendees to get possible auto insurance discounts. Cost is $15 for AARP members and $20 for non-members. Checks are preferred. Pre-register at 209-847-5121, ext. 10. Class size is limited to 20 participants and a valid driver’s license is required.
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The Holistic Life Institute, School of Massage and Natural Health, in Oakdale is hosting an Open House on Sunday, 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.
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The Riverbank Library hosts Story Time each Monday morning at 10:30 a.m., continuing until March 28. Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) volunteers, meanwhile, will be on hand at the library every Wednesday from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. to assist the public with free tax preparation. 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 assistance at the Riverbank Library will be April 6. The Riverbank Library is located at 3442 Santa Fe St. in Riverbank.
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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, March 9. For more information, call (209) 614-8462.
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YES (Youth Entertainment Stage) Company is seeking students in grades seven through 12 to be actors, singers, dancers, and crew members for the production of “Les Misérables” (School Edition) to be performed at the Gallo Center for the Arts, July 22 through 31, 2016. No experience or preparation is necessary and all audition materials will be provided. Students should plan to attend one of the following open auditions: Saturday, March 5 – 1 p.m., CSU Stanislaus Main Stage; Wednesday, March 9 – 6 p.m., Oakdale High School Theatre; Saturday, March 12 – 11 a.m., Johansen High School Theatre; Wednesday, March 16 – 6 p.m., West Side Theatre, 1331 Main St., Newman; Thursday, March 17 – 4:30 p.m., Beyer High School, Little Theatre and Tuesday, March 22 – 4:30 p.m., YES Company, Mildred Perkins, 3920 Bluebird Drive. Modesto. For additional information about these auditions and performance, and the Company, visit www.yescompany.org.
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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.
