Out and About is your guide to upcoming events in and around the Riverbank area.
A special Summer Food Program is in effect this summer at California Avenue Elementary, Cardozo Middle School, and Riverbank High School. Breakfast and lunch is available for all children up to 18 years old. California Avenue offers meals Monday through Thursday with breakfast from 7:30 a.m. to 8 a.m. and lunch from 11:10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Meals at Cardozo Middle School are every Monday through Thursday with breakfast served 7:30 a.m. to 8 a.m. and lunch 12 p.m. to 12:30 p.m. Riverbank High School will host breakfast only, running from 10 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. through July 11, Monday through Thursday, closed on the Fourth of July.
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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, June 19. 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 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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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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The Gene Bianchi Community Center, 110 S. Second Ave., Oakdale, will be the host site for a blood drive from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Wednesday, June 19. The need for blood increases during the summer; all prospective donors are asked to make time to give the gift of life.
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The Central California Art Association at Mistlin Gallery in downtown Modesto is planning the Fourth Annual Autumn Art Festival. This is the CCAA’s members-only juried art show and fundraiser at the Mistlin Gallery from Aug. 13 through Oct. 4. It is a great time for artists to join the organization, meet their peers and compete for cash prizes. Look online or visit the gallery for membership information. Artist prospectus/entries are due at the gallery by Saturday, July 27. For more information go to www.ccaagallery.org or call Mistlin Gallery at 209-529-3369.
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San Luis Reservoir State Recreation Area will host kayak tours this summer. The three-hour tours will take visitors on a paddling adventure through the waters of Los Banos Reservoir. Tours will stay near the shore so visitors can search for animals. Binoculars and identification cards will be provided. Tours begin at 8:30 a.m. and will run on Fridays, June 28; July 5 and Aug. 9; along with Saturdays, June 22 and 29. Reservations are required as space is limited and can be made by calling (209) 826-1197. Tours are $20 for adults and $10 for children 8-to-18. Price includes admission to the park and all equipment needed. Special group discounts are available. No experience is necessary.
