Out and About is your guide to upcoming events in and around the Riverbank area.
Sierra Repertory Theatre’s ‘Another Night Before Christmas’ is playing at the East Sonora Theatre through Saturday, Dec. 23. Shows are on Wednesday and Thursday at 2 p.m.; Friday at 7 p.m. and Saturday at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Admission ranges from $20 for children 17 and under to $37 for general admission, with adult and senior prices varying depending on day and time of performance. For more information, call SRT’s Box Office at (209) 532-3120, or visit www.sierrarep.org.
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All are welcome to join in for the 19th Annual Christmas Singalong at Hutton’s Hamlet on Thursday, Dec. 21 at 6 p.m. Sing your favorite carols and Christmas songs with Annette Hutton accompanying on piano. Free admission, refreshments served. Hutton’s Hamlet Performing Arts Center is at 132 W. G St., (the chapel at the northeast corner of West G Street and Church Avenue), Oakdale. To RSVP and for more information, call 209-848-1216.
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TOPS, Take Off Pounds Sensibly, meets every week on Mondays at 9 a.m. at Community United Methodist Church in Oakdale, 1480 Poplar. Visitors are always welcome and the first meeting is free. For more information, contact Audrey Oliver at 209-765-7838. TOPS is an affordable, nonprofit, weight-loss support and wellness education organization where members learn about nutrition, portion control, food planning, exercise, motivation and more.
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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, Dec. 27. 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 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.
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A local non-profit organization is looking for volunteers who want to help with taxes this year. The Central Valley Community Resources in Riverbank is organizing the program locally, with Darlene Barber-Martinez as the contact person. Reach her at CVCR at 896-3055, ext. 700. The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs are looking for volunteers who are interested in sharing their skills, talent and knowledge. Volunteers prepare tax returns with thousands of other Americans giving back to their communities, according to Barber-Martinez. She said they need volunteers to serve as Site Coordinators and Tax Preparers. They also need Greeters/Screeners and Interpreters.
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Oak Park Ice Arena’s Try Skating For Free program is the perfect place to start for young aspiring skaters or hockey players at the beginner’s level. The free program is for kids 10 and under and teaches the most basic of skills – from getting up after a fall to skating in different directions. Rink staff will get skaters started with lessons to improve their skills. The next program runs on Jan. 27, Feb. 3, 10 and 17. Reserve your spot today. Oak Park Ice Arena is at 3545 Alvarado Ave., Stockton.
