Out and About is your guide to upcoming events in and around the Riverbank area.
The Skirts ‘n Flirts Square Dance Club will be sponsoring a New Dancer Class beginning Wednesday, Jan. 10. Location for the class is the Oakdale Grange Hall, 30 Lambuth Ave., Oakdale. The Hall is at the corner of West F Street and Lambuth Avenue. Class runs from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. and is designed for singles, couples and children 10 or older accompanied by an adult. To register or for more information, contact Pat at 209-556-8524. Come join an activity that is a lot of fun, provides great exercise and the chance to make new friends.
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The Good Time Accordion Club is planning its first 2018 music and social event. The session is set for Wednesday, Jan. 10 at 7 p.m. at the Escalon Community Center, 1055 Escalon Ave., Escalon. Accordion fans and performers of all skill levels are welcome. Admission is $5 at the door. For more information, call Karl Wucherer at 209-556-3105.
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Modesto Institute for Continued Learning (MICL) will host registration on Thursday, Jan. 11 from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. for incoming students at the El Capitan Building of Modesto Junior College West Campus. MICL is a learning-in -retirement organization that offers classes, occasional trips and an exercise program. Those interested in learning more about the organization and its services are encouraged to attend. Classes are set to begin Tuesday, Jan. 16. Cost for the 15-week semester is $40. For additional information, visit www.mjc4life.org.
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A shocking statistic for the Stanislaus area is that 71 percent of third graders do not read at grade level. Furthermore, these students are four times less likely to graduate from high school and will only earn $20,000 per year on average. At its Thursday, Jan. 11 meeting, members and guests along with prospective members of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) Oakdale, Riverbank, Escalon Branch will hear what the Stanislaus Community Foundation is doing to help these students thrive and succeed. The 7 p.m. meeting will be held in a member’s home. Those interested in attending may call (209) 847-0271 for information and directions.
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Teens and tweens can enjoy a super straw jewelry craft on Tuesday, Jan. 16 at 3:30 p.m. at the Riverbank Library, 3442 Santa Fe. Crafters will make retro pieces of jewelry using colorful drinking straws. The Riverbank Library Book Club will meet on Tuesday, Jan. 23 at 4 p.m. to discuss In the Time of the Butterflies by Julia Alvarez. Library book clubs provide an opportunity for community members to expand their knowledge of books through meaningful discussion with others. Children can enjoy a straw rockets craft on Tuesday, Jan. 30 at 3:30 p.m. Crafters will make straw rockets and test them out to see how far the rockets can fly. Craft programs are sponsored by the Friends of the Riverbank Library. For more information, contact the Riverbank Library branch supervisor, Victoria Holt, at (209) 869-7008.
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A Kickoff Meeting for the 2018 Oakdale-Riverbank-Escalon Relay For Life is scheduled for Wednesday, Jan. 17 from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Oak Valley Hospital Conference Rooms, 1425 W. H St., Oakdale. The communities are merging together for this year’s event, to be hosted at Oakdale High School. Those planning to attend are asked to RSVP to Andrea; call or text 707-685-3848 or email relayuntiltheresacure@gmail.com.
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TOPS, Take Off Pounds Sensibly, meets every week on Mondays at 9 a.m. at Community United Methodist Church in Oakdale, 1480 Poplar. Visitors are always welcome and the first meeting is free. For more information, contact Audrey Oliver at 209-765-7838. TOPS is an affordable, nonprofit, weight-loss support and wellness education organization where members learn about nutrition, portion control, food planning, exercise, motivation and more.
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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, Jan. 17. 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.
