Out and About is your guide to upcoming events in and around the Riverbank area.
Enjoy tea, sandwiches and decadent desserts at a Victorian Tea held in the McHenry Mansion, exquisitely decorated for the holidays. There will be two seatings at this special Tuesday, Dec. 3 event – 11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m.; reservations are required. Call 209-522-1739 for information or to make reservations. Cost is $30 per person and McHenry Mansion is at 906 15th St., Modesto.
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Golden Agers weekly dances are open to those 50 and older from throughout the Central Valley and are hosted at the Riverbank Community Center, 3600 Santa Fe 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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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. 27. For more information, call (209) 869-8200.
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Get ready to enjoy some Stampin’ Up! Card Classes in neighboring Escalon, with opportunities to learn about the craft and create some special cards at unique classes offered by Debbie Megenney and Gerri Andrade. December classes are set for 6:30 p.m. on Dec. 17 and 19, 9 a.m. on Dec. 18 and 20, just in time for the holidays. Call 209-324-6947 for more information or to sign up for classes.
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Make plans to attend the La Grange Odd Fellows’ Christmas Craft Fair on Saturday, Dec. 7, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission is free to the public in the cozy atmosphere of the historic IOOF Hall, 30018 Yosemite Blvd., La Grange. The fair is hosted by the Odd Fellows of Lafayette Lodge #65. The event will showcase an array of crafts items, including Western art, jewelry, sewn creations, plant arrangements and organic edible goodies. Refreshments and drawings for raffle prizes will be featured as well.
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Offered the first through third Saturdays and Sundays of the month, enjoy the Sandhill Crane Wetland Tours at Woodbridge Ecological Reserve, 7730 W. Woodbridge Road, Lodi. Online registration is available for those wishing to participate in guided tours, which run through February. A one-day Lands Pass must be purchased to attend and instructions are available on the same website. Tours fill fast and registration may be done as much as six weeks in advance. To register or for more information, visit www.wildlife.ca.gov/regions/3/crane-tour.
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The Stanislaus Senior Foundation has awarded a grant to, and partnered with, the Stanislaus County Aging and Veteran Services. This partnership allowed Stanislaus County Aging and Veteran Services to obtain a used van, and with Foundation support, have it repaired to transport low income senior citizens from senior living facilities to participate in a senior lunch program. The program offers seniors free or low-cost meals three times a week. The Stanislaus Senior Foundation will continue to support the program by providing ongoing funding for maintenance of the van. Volunteer drivers operate the van. Currently there is a need for a Wednesday driver. No special license is required. The van operates between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. To volunteer, contact Arthur Ramirez at 209-525-4613.
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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.
