Out and About is your guide to upcoming events in and around the Riverbank area.
A free breakfast and program is scheduled at Perkos Café, 2120 Patterson Road, Riverbank on Friday, Oct. 27 at 8 a.m. Lakewood Memorial Park and Funeral Home invites the public to learn how to save time and money and reduce stress by pre-arranging your final wishes. Register for breakfast and the program by calling (209) 883-1925, ext. 261.
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Join with friends and neighbors on Friday, Nov. 3 at the Riverbank Community Center for an evening of painting fun. The event begins at 7 p.m.; attendees are asked to arrive a little early to set up. The City of Riverbank and the Chamber of Commerce are joining together to host this fun filled evening. Beer and wine tickets may be purchased at the door as you learn to paint a beautiful masterpiece. To register go to the website of Pinot’s Palette and click on the Riverbank event. The cost is $45 for this three-hour event. For more information, call 863-7150. Must be 21 to attend. Space is limited; register early. Proceeds from this event will help with trips for the youth of Riverbank.
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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.
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The 22nd Annual Holiday Bazaar at the Escalon United Methodist Church is set for Saturday, Oct. 28. Hours for the event are 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.; the church is at 2000 Jackson Ave., Escalon. Featured will be handmade crafts, gifts and holiday items, needlework, a drawing for a quilt, wood crafts, homemade jams/jellies and frozen ready-to-bake homemade pies. You can also take time to enjoy a soup/pie lunch as part of the bazaar event, with tickets priced at $7 per person. For more information, call the church at (209) 838-2792.
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A local non-profit organization is looking for volunteers who want to help with taxes this year. The Central Valley Community Resources in Riverbank is organizing the program locally, with Darlene Barber-Martinez as the contact person. Reach her at CVCR at 896-3055, ext. 700. The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs are looking for volunteers who are interested in sharing their skills, talent and knowledge. Volunteers prepare tax returns with thousands of other Americans giving back to their communities, according to Barber-Martinez. She said they need volunteers to serve as Site Coordinators and Tax Preparers. They also need Greeters/Screeners and Interpreters.
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First Congregational United Church of Christ in Murphys is hosting an Estate Sale consisting of furniture including TVs, lamps, kitchenware and other household and boutique items. Refreshments can be purchased to enjoy while treasure hunting. Sale dates are Friday, Oct. 27 and Saturday, Oct. 28 from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. at the Church Fellowship Hall, 509 Algiers St., Murphys. All proceeds will benefit church ministries in the community and abroad.
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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, Nov. 1. For more information, call (209) 869-8200.
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ASSE International Student Exchange Programs is seeking individuals to serve as Area Representatives in the local community. ASSE provides academic year and semester exchange programs in the United States for high school students from around the world. Students are 15 to 18 years of age, have passed a series of academic and character requirements and are awaiting an opportunity to embark on their ‘American Adventure. For more information about ASSE or becoming an Area Representative, call the Western Regional Office at 1-800-733-2773 or email the office at asseusawest@asse.com.
