‘The Best Worst Day of My Life,’ the fourth play of the Hutton’s Hamlet summer series, will soon take the stage. Max Griffin, geeky aspiring filmmaker, and Amanda Hughes, the most popular girl in school, are having the worst days of their lives. The school bully has stolen the only copy of Max’s new screenplay, while Amanda has just been dumped and humiliated by her boyfriend in front of the entire student body. So Amanda and Max, who have never before spoken a word to each other, decide to team up and help each other, in hopes of turning the atypical school day into the best worst day of their lives. Tickets are now on sale in the Hutton’s Hamlet music store at 149 Church Ave., Oakdale and performances are on Friday, July 19 at 7 p.m., and Saturday, July 20 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Ticket prices are $10 for adults and $5 for those 12 and under.
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Friends of Columbia State Historic Park will celebrate Columbia’s 73rd year as a California State Historic Park by hosting the 23rd annual Big Band Street Dance event on Main Street in Columbia on Saturday, July 20, from 6 to 10 p.m. Admission is free and the 1940’s and 1950’s costumes are encouraged. Prizes will be awarded for best dancers and best 40’s costumes. Columbia’s restaurants will be open serving food and spirits. Friends of Columbia will have popcorn, lemonade, and water available.
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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 24. 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 and are now hosted at St. Frances of Rome Church, 2827 Topeka St., Riverbank. 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. The Golden Agers meet from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
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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 Central California Art Association at Mistlin Gallery in downtown Modesto is planning the Fourth Annual Autumn Art Festival. This is the CCAA’s members-only juried art show and fundraiser at the Mistlin Gallery from Aug. 13 through Oct. 4. It is a great time for artists to join the organization, meet their peers and compete for cash prizes. Look online or visit the gallery for membership information. Artist prospectus/entries are due at the gallery by Saturday, July 27. For more information go to www.ccaagallery.org or call Mistlin Gallery at 209-529-3369.
