Out and About is your guide to upcoming events in and around the Riverbank area.
Computer classes have started back up at the Riverbank Library, with Computer Basics on Feb. 1 and Intermediate Word on Feb. 15, offered at 10:30 a.m. The Teen Book Club is reading ‘They Both Die at the End’ by Adam Silvera, discussion is set for Friday, Jan. 25 at 3:30 p.m. with light refreshments provided by the Friends of the Riverbank Library. There’s a craft for teens making bead headphone cases on Tuesday, Jan. 29 at 3:30 p.m.
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Upcoming blood donation opportunities through the American Red Cross in the local area include Tuesday, Feb. 12, Escalon Christian Reformed Church, 2203 California St., Escalon, 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.; and Wednesday, Feb. 13, Gene Bianchi Community Center, 110 S. Second Ave., Oakdale, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. All eligible donors, especially platelet donors and blood donors with type O blood, are urged to make an appointment to give to help restock the shelves for hospital patients. Eligible donors can find a blood or platelet donation opportunity and schedule an appointment to donate by using the free Blood Donor App, visiting RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
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Sign-ups are being taken now for the upcoming Riverbank’s Got Talent show, set for Saturday, Feb. 16 at the Community Gymnasium on the Cardozo Middle School campus. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. with the show beginning at 7 p.m. The competition will be divided into three groups, with entry fees adjusted accordingly. Adults and children 12 years of age and over can enter for $5. Seniors 65 and up can enter for $3 while children under 12 can enter for free. Those interested in participating are asked to register and arrange an audition at the Parks and Recreation office by Thursday, Feb. 7. Call 209-863-7150 or go by the office, at 6707 Third St., Suite C, for more information.
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Howard Training Center’s (HTC) 25th Annual Crab Fest Fundraiser will be held at1424 Stonum Road in Modesto on Friday, Feb. 1 and Saturday, Feb. 2 with doors opening at 5:30 p.m. and dinner served at 6:30 p.m. each evening. All the money raised supports the HTC programs and adults with disabilities. Dinner will include crab and tri-tip along with sides and a live band to provide entertainment as well as a bar, gift bag raffle, booze barrel raffle, and live auction. All seats are reserved and are available for $50 per person with sponsorships still available. For more information call 209-593-5618 or email HTC.Events@howardtrainingcenter.com or visit the website at www.howardtrainingcenter.com.
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On display now at Modesto Junior College is an exhibit of art works by Mariam Pakbaz, with the show continuing through Thursday, Feb. 7 in the Art Gallery on the East Campus, 435 College Ave., Modesto. This first art gallery show of the spring semester features Pakbaz’s paintings and drawings that reflect the inner workings of her mind. The gallery is open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Thursday and admission is free.
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The annual Spaghetti Dinner hosted by the Escalon United Methodist Church is coming up this weekend. Scheduled from 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 26, tickets are $8 for adults, $4 for children 5 to 12 and under 5 eat for free. Take-out orders are available, as well as eat-in dining at the church, corner of Highway 120 and Brayton. The proceeds help pay for a variety of church expenses. Call for more information, 209-838-2792.
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Local Girl Scouts are currently taking in-person and online cookie orders for their annual sales of the traditional springtime treat. On Friday, Feb. 22, the National Cookie Weekend and the first day of booth sales begin. The last day for sales will be Sunday, March 17. Girl Scouts Heart of Central California covers 18 counties including San Joaquin and Stanislaus. To find a cookie booth, enter your zip code in the Cookie Finder website, www.girlscoutshcc.org/findcookies or by downloading the Girl Scout Cookie Finder app for your IOS or Android mobile device.
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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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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. 30. For more information, call (209) 869-8200.
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“Marriage at the Mansion” will be offered on Valentine’s Day at the historic McHenry Mansion, 906 15 St., Modesto. All ceremonies are individualized. Couples must sign up in advance. Ceremonies will start at 9 a.m. and run through 4 p.m., on Thursday, Feb. 14 – Valentine’s Day. Marriage licenses must be purchased and appointments made in advance at the Stanislaus County Clerk Recorder’s Office at 1021 I St., Modesto. 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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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.
