The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Stanislaus River Parks, is hosting National Public Lands Day on Saturday, Sept. 22, providing free entry to day-use areas for all participating volunteers. Locally, volunteers are being sought for a clean-up project at the Orange Blossom Recreation Area, Stanislaus River Parks, in Oakdale. For more information, contact Kao Saephan or Hilary Coleman at 209-881-3517. This year’s event begins at 8 a.m. and concludes at 12:30 p.m. Volunteers must wear appropriate work attire, including closed-toed shoes or boots, long pants and shirts that help shield from the elements. Tools will be provided; volunteers are encouraged to bring properly fitted work gloves.
*****
Community Hospice is seeking volunteers to help the organization make a difference for patients, families and programs. Join them for an inaugural Volunteer Open House for the opportunity to learn more about Community Hospice and the various ways one may give their time and talent. Opportunities include: Hospice, Palliative Care, Adult/Children Grief Support Services, Human Resources, Marketing/Public Relations, Finance, Retail and more. The Open House is scheduled for Wednesday, Sept. 26 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Community Hospice, 4368 Spyres Way, Modesto. No registration is required.
*****
McHenry Mansion Foundation is hosting its 32nd Annual Fundraising Table Setting Luncheon in October. Two options are offered for this fundraising event. There is a Table Viewing and light refreshments on Monday, Oct. 8 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tickets for viewing may be purchased at the door. Cost is $10. A Luncheon is offered on Tuesday, Oct. 9. Doors open at 10:30 a.m., the luncheon is served at noon. Reservations are required for the luncheon and the cost is $40. Call Penny Binney at 209-576-1059 to make reservations. The fundraiser will be hosted at the Seasons Event Center, 945 McHenry Ave., Modesto.
*****
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, Sept. 26. For more information, call (209) 869-8200.
*****
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.
*****
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.
