Out and About is your guide to upcoming events in and around the Riverbank area.
Oak Valley Art Society is getting ready for its annual Members Spring Art Show, to be held at the Escalon Library on Second Street on Saturday, April 21 and Sunday, April 22. Show hours are Saturday, noon to 5 p.m.; and Sunday, noon to 2 p.m., followed by a reception where awards will be given. The artists will also be on hand for the reception, scheduled from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.
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The San Joaquin Valley Swiss Echoes, a singing and yodeling club in Ripon since 1947, is having its annual spring concert and dance on Saturday, April 21 at 7:30 p.m. at the Swiss Hall in Ripon, on the corner of Manley and East Main streets. Attendees will hear a variety of folk songs and yodels from the 35-member group, with special guest, Art Brogli, entertaining with his one-of-a-kind voice and beloved accordion. There will also be a raffle with fun prizes, followed by dancing to the tunes of the Richard Denier Ernie Gudel Orchestra. Admission to the concert and dance is $10 in advance and $12 at the door. Children under 16 are admitted free. For information or tickets call Heidi Betschart at 209-531-2577 or Barbara Masterson at 209-667-1087.
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There will be a forum for candidates running for Representative to Congress, District 10, later this month. All candidates, Republican, Independent and Democrat have been invited. The forum will be Wednesday, April 25, from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., at Bianchi Community Center, 110 South Second Ave., Oakdale. The evening will be open to the public and will be run by the League of Women Voters and the local American Association of University Women - Oakdale, Riverbank, Escalon Branch (AAUW-ORE). Preserving democracy is not a spectator sport, AAUW officials said, urging all citizens to attend the forum and learn about the candidates. Call 209-480-0387 for more information about the upcoming candidate forum or the local AAUW ORE branch.
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The Riverbank Library Book Club will meet on Tuesday, April 24 at 4 p.m. to discuss House of Sand and Fog by Andre Dubus. Library book clubs provide an opportunity for community members to expand their knowledge of books through meaningful discussion with others. On Saturday, April 28 the library will celebrate Día de los niños/Día de los libros, or Day of the Child/Day of the Book, at 1 p.m. Children can enjoy a special bilingual Story Time, crafts, and activities. This year’s theme is “Wild About Books.” Each child will receive a free book while supplies last, courtesy of the Friends of the Library. The Riverbank Library is at 3442 Santa Fe St. For more information, contact the library supervisor, Victoria Holt, at 209-869-7008.
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Coming up at the end of this month, it’s the 11th Annual “Build Your Own Omelet” Dinner at the Escalon United Methodist Church. The dinner is scheduled for Saturday, April 28 from 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the church, 2000 Jackson Ave., corner of Highway 120 and Brayton in Escalon. Dinner includes an omelet, cottage fries, biscuits, fruit and beverage. Tickets are $8 for adults and $4 for children under 10. Kids under five eat for free. For more information, call (209) 838-2792.
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YES (Youth Entertainment Stage) Company is seeking area students in grades 7-12 to be actors, singers, dancers and crew for Disney’s “Beauty and the Beast.” An Open Audition is scheduled for Thursday, April 19 at 5 p.m. at Oakdale High School on West G Street. No experience or preparation necessary. All audition materials provided. Production commitment is extracurricular and includes weekends, June 6, 2018 through July 31, 2018. For additional information about these auditions and performance times, visit www.yescompany.org.
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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, April 25. For more information, call (209) 869-8200.
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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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Bring your pooch to the Twain Harte Dog Parade on Saturday, April 28. It’s a dog’s day out. Registration starts at 10 a.m. with the parade downtown at 11 a.m. There is a $5 entry fee which goes to benefit local dog causes. It is a lot of fun for the dogs – many owners dress them up especially for this event – and their owners and families. The parade is a continuing tradition for Twain Harte, and just their way of showing that they love their dogs and welcome all to this dog-friendly town.
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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.
