Out and About is your guide to upcoming events in and around the Riverbank area.
Marriage ceremonies will be offered on Valentine’s Day at the historic McHenry Mansion at 906 15th St., Modesto. “Marriage at the Mansion” offers each couple a romantic experience that will take them back in time. All ceremonies are individualized. Couples must sign up in advance. Ceremonies will start at 9 a.m. and run through 4 p.m., on Wednesday, Feb. 14. For more information or to set an appointment contact the Clerk Recorder’s Office at 209-525-5250 or 209-525-5205 and for assistance in Spanish call 209-525-5230.
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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, Feb. 14. 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.
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Modesto Junior College’s weekly Science Colloquium continues on Wednesdays at 3:15 p.m. in the Science Community Center, Room 115 on the MJC West Campus, 2201 Blue Gum Avenue, Modesto. The Colloquium series offers one hour discussions on timely science-related topics, and is free and open to the public. On Feb. 14 learn about “Sap-sucking Insects and Their Bacterial Endosymbionts: A Coevolution Story”; on Feb. 21 the topic is “Microwaves” and the Feb. 28 program is “From MJC to Pharmaceutical Research: My Career Path” by Krista Thongphanh, molecular biologist at BioMarin Pharmaceutical.
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U.S. Representative Jeff Denham has announced Mobile District Office (MDO) hours for the month of February, where 10th district residents can get help with specific casework or ask questions. A Riverbank MDO has been scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 15 from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Riverbank City Hall, 6707 Third St. The MDOs are hosted by staff and, when possible, by Rep. Denham. Staff members are available to assist 10th district residents with casework on matters including Medicare, Veteran’s Affairs, Social Security, the Internal Revenue Service and other federal agencies.
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Registration is now open for the Welcome Home Veterans Bike and Car Show, scheduled for April 14. All makes, models and years are welcome. The show will be held at the Tuolumne County Sheriff Posse Grounds, Rawhide Road, Jamestown. Entry is $30 in advance, $35 after April 6, includes commemorative pin (first 300) and People’s Choice judging. Custom trophies will be awarded for Best of Show Bike and Car. Open to the public, $5 parking. There will be food, music and prize drawings as part of the event. Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Advance registration is encouraged, at www.vietnamveterans391.org or contact Patrick at 209-740-5304 or Rodger at 209-480-8423.
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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.
