PITTSBURG: Los Medanos College (LMC) will hold a Veterans Day Observance on Tuesday, November 10, 2015, at 10:00 a.m., on the LMC Student Services Center Patio. The college is hosting this event to honor its student veterans and all of the men and women of the Armed Forces for their service, bravery, and sacrifice. The event is free and the public is encouraged to attend. Complimentary parking is available in Lots A and B.

The program will feature the Brentwood VFW Marine Color Guard, guest speakers, representatives from LMC’s Veterans Services, and musical selections to mark the occasion. Light refreshments will also be served.

Among the guest speakers will be three honored veterans:

• Mr. Dale Cook, retired Army Corporal; is a decorated World War II veteran, who served in the Army Infantry in the Pacific Theater from 1944 to 1946. He is an Iwo Jima survivor, and was awarded both the Purple Heart and the Combat Action Ribbon. Following his military service, Mr. Cook went on to work for the U.S. Atomic Energy Agency as Director of Public Relations.

• Mr. Justin Kerns, U.S. Army veteran and Antioch resident; served in the U.S. Army for ten years, five years in Infantry and five years in aviation as a Blackhawk helicopter crew chief in the California National Guard. In total, Mr. Kerns served three tours of duty in Iraq and Afghanistan. He is President of the recently reconstituted LMC Veterans Club.

• Mr. Anthony Amador, former Navy serviceman and current LMC student veteran, served as an Electronics Technician on a Navy submarine during Operation Enduring Freedom/Operation Iraqi Freedom (OEF/OIF). He is Vice President of the LMC Veterans Club.

Please join us to salute the men and women of the Armed Forces for their brave service.

For more information about the event or Veterans Services at LMC, please visit www.losmedanos.edu/veterans/ or contact Tamara Green at (925) 473-7498, tgreen@losmedanos.edu.

Congressman Mark DeSaulnier (CA-11) will host a “Veterans’ Meet and Greet” in the City of Concord on Tuesday, November 10th, from 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm. This is an opportunity for local veterans and their families to meet with the Congressman, share their thoughts, and ask questions. Members of the congressman’s Veterans Advisory Board, a group of former service members from across branches of the service, will also be in attendance.

The event will be held at the Concord Veterans Center, 1333 Willow Pass Road, Suite 106, Concord. To RSVP, for more information or to request ADA accommodations please contact: CA11.RSVP@mail.house.gov or call (925) 933-2660.

An inspiring twist on a school fundraiser actually gives back to the community, too

What if you could have your beautiful Christmas tree and make a local needy family’s holiday brighter too? Antioch Charter Academies I & II, along with Contra Costa County Fair’s Heritage Foundation, have turned their Annual Christmas Tree and Wreath Fundraiser into a great idea for a service project too.

If Christmas trees are part of your holiday tradition, you pre-order a freshly cut tree not only for your own home, and you can donate a Christmas Tree to a needy local family whose holiday budget may not be able to include one this year. If you use a fake tree each year, maybe you’ll consider donating one to a local family. All tree donations are tax-deductible.

Christmas tree and wreath orders are being taken now through November 13th, and prices begin at just $42.00. We have gorgeous Douglas Firs, Noble Firs and Nordmann Firs from 4-12 feet tall, as well as 24” & 32” handmade wreaths. All trees and wreaths are freshly cut and immediately transported from Oregon by parent volunteers, directly to our Tree Lot at the Antioch Fairgrounds. Trees will be available for pickup starting on Friday, November 27th at 4 pm. Delivery can be made to some local areas for a small fee.

Please contact Antioch Charter Academy for orders, pricing and more information at either (925) 755-1252 or acai@aol.com.

Would you rather pick out your tree in person? Great. This year we will be hosting a three-weekend Tree Lot starting Friday, November 27th through Sunday, December 13th. The Antioch Charter Academy Tree Lot will be located at the Antioch Fairground’s Flower Building #2 (1201 W. 10th St.). The Tree Lot schedule is:

Thursdays & Fridays, 4-8 pm

Saturdays, 9 am-6 pm

(Sat 12/05 we’re expecting a special holiday visitor and will feature arts, crafts and student music)

Sundays, Noon-7 pm

In keeping with the holiday spirit of giving and sharing, needy local families are selected through local social services agencies to receive fresh trees as well, with your generous donation. Donated trees are personally delivered, (lights and stands included), to these families by Antioch Charter Academy parent and student volunteers. Volunteers are also available to give presentations at local churches, businesses and service organizations regarding this project.

Antioch Charter Academies are progressive, tuition-free public, K-8 charter schools designed specifically to produce lifelong learners by nurturing and guiding them in a natural learning environment. They are operated by The Learner-Centered Schools, Inc.; a non-profit, public benefit corporation. The mission of The Heritage Foundation is to maintain a standard of excellence in the facilities and grounds of the Contra Costa County Fair by providing funds for capital improvement opportunities, educational opportunities and scholarships. All donations, including trees to local families, are tax-exempt.

Dear Editor,

A thank you to all for helping The Delta Advocacy Foundation by supporting our Charity Roundup at the Roddy Ranch held October 3, 2015.

The Sponsors were:

Blackhawk – Nunn Partners, Paradise Skate and Roller Rink, The Libbey Family, Stephanie Anello, The Green Family, Heritage Bank/Becky Manning, Scott Bergerhouse, Roddy Cattle Co., Roddy Ranch Racing, John Jimno, Umpqua Bank, John Ramirez, Painting by Stefan, K2GC Inc./Ken Turnage Construction, Houghton International, Contra Costa Electric, The Agopian Family in Memory of Gary, Twin Rivers Insurance/Twin Rivers Marine Insurance, and Patricia Bristow.

The In-Kind Sponsors were:

The Dinelli and Reeves Families, Antioch Lions Club, Far West Sanitation, Roddy Ranch Golf Club, Republic Services, Tom Hartrick and Crew, Fast Signs, Rev. Roger Kuehn, Umpqua Bank, Markstein Beverages, Boy Scout Troop 450, Brentwood Future Farmers of America, Antioch Herald, Contra Costa Fair Grounds, Walaine Hankins., C + R Memorabilia, Rivertown Impressions, Kids N Cribs, Divine Voices of Deer Valley High School, Frigard Chiropractic, Gexpro, Cummins Pacific LLC, Electrorep Inc., G and S Farms, and Mark Dwelley.

Our very special thanks to Jack and Donna Roddy for their generous support and to you, the people who attended this year’s Charity Roundup and braved the hurricane winds. Because of your generous support, The Delta Advocacy Foundation will continue to support local charitable, educational and cultural causes in Eastern Contra Costa County.

Nancy J. Green

Treasurer

Too Old For The Chorus But Not Too Old To Be A Star

Presented byThe Vagabond Players

Sunday, November 15 – 2:00 pm

Tickets: Adults: $15 Seniors (62 & Over): $13 Youth (Under 18): $10

GENERAL SEATING

A musical revue by Marie Cain Mark Winkler & Shelly Markham about men and women who find themselves suddenly 50! A lively musical revue with lyrics that rival Cole Porter and Noel Coward.

Dorothy in Wonderland

Presented by El Campanil Children’s Theatre

Friday, November 20 – 7:30 pm

Saturday, November 21 – 2:00 pm

Tickets: Adults: $12 Seniors (62 & Over): $10 Youth (Under 18): $8

GENERAL SEATING

The worlds of Oz and Wonderland collide in this fantastically fun romp, cleverly and carefully adapted from the works of L. Frank Baum and Lewis Carroll. Dorothy Gale has made her way to the end of the Yellow Brick Road, and the wonderful Wizard of Oz is just about to help her get back home to Kansas. But before she can hop into the wizard’s balloon, another whirlwind appears over the Emerald City, sweeping Dorothy, Toto, Scarecrow, Tin Man and Lion away to Wonderland.

Tribute To The Music of John Denver

Starring Jim Curry

Sunday, November 22 – 3:00 pm

Adults: $27 Seniors: (62 & Over): $25 Youth: (under 18): Free with Paid Adult

RESERVED SEATING

BOX OFFICE AND CONVENIENCE FEES

NOTICE: ONLY ORCHESTRA SEATS ARE ON THE GROUND LEVEL. ALL OTHERS REQUIRE ACCESS BY STAIRS

Tickets May Be Purchased in Advance: At the Ticket Office 604 W. Second Street (Next Door To The Theatre) Monday through Friday 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. and 1 hour before showtime or by phone: (925) 757-9500 or online.

Convenience Fees:

When You Buy… At The Box Office: No Fees

By Phone: $2.00 Per Order

Online: $1.50 Per Ticket

Email Tickets: No Charge

Will Call: No Charge

Mail Tickets: $ 2.00 Per Order

For more information visit www.elcampaniltheatre.com.

High-scoring thriller is Panthers first victory in the rivalry since 2006

By Luke Johnson

It was the most anticipated Big Little Game of all time, and it exceeded expectations before a standing room crowd estimated at 7,000. Alabama-commit Najee Harris rushed for 268 yards and four touchdowns for Antioch High School to defeat host Pittsburg in a wild comeback, 44-42. The Panthers won their first League Championship in 31 years, and finished the season undefeated, 10-0.

“We knew we were going to be in a dog fight, so we expected all of this,” Harris said. “The feeling is unreal right now. I’m just trying to enjoy the moment.”

Harris’s teammate, Ryan Payne was a difference maker in the game by scoring two touchdowns on defense, a 45-yard interception and 15-yard fumble return.

A second fumble by Antioch within the 5-yard line, this one in the third quarter, was grabbed by Pittsburg. But on the first play following the turnover, Antioch forced a safety, which was the two point difference in the final score.

Two years ago, Antioch finished 1-9, and became an afterthought in the Bay Valley Athletic League (BVAL). But the team featured promising, young talent such as Harris, Payne, Nick Perry and Antioch’s all time leading tackler, Kobie Beltram.

“I worked so hard for this,” Beltram said with tears of happiness running down his face. “All that time dedicated at Malu Fitness has paid off. It was a great experience.”

Besides becoming BVAL Champs, Antioch achieved many milestones in this game. It was the first time the Panthers finished the regular season 10-0 since 1977; it was the first time they won the Big Little Game since 2006; and they also ended Pittsburg’s 18-game winning streak against league opponents.

Pittsburg’s offense was led by running back Montaz Thompson and wide receiver Dushawn Thomas, whom had three touchdowns a piece. Thompson also had 218 yards on the ground.

Late in the fourth quarter, Antioch quarterback Numan Najib connected with wide reeceiver Antione Tanner for 50 yards to set a up a crucial 9-yard touchdown run by Harris. It was only Tanner’s second catch of the year, and it gave Antioch much needed insurance at 44 points.

“I was nervous,” Najib said. “Coaches said, ‘It’s all on you, Numan Either you make this play or we are gonna give them the ball.’”

“Antoine kept telling me all year, ‘Pass me the ball,’” he addd. “I have never thrown it to him once the whole year… I saw him down the middle, I just threw it up to him and he did his thing.”

The fans in the Antioch stands went wild cheering “Yoc Boys, Yoc Boys,” the nickname for this year’s team.

Unfortunately, the Big Little Game trophy was not brought to the stadium for presentation to the Panthers, following the game.

“I’ll have to pick it up on Monday,” said Antioch High Principal Louie Rocha.

North Coast Section Playoff seedings will be released Sunday. Antioch is favored to earn a top three position with a first round bye. Pittsburg, who finished the season 8-2, is expected to earn the fourth or fifth seed.

See more photos and videos from the game on the Antioch Herald Facebook page.

Allen Payton contributed to this report.

More scenes from the game:

 

FULL FREEWAY CLOSURES:

State Route 4:

There will be a full freeway closure in the eastbound direction State Route 4 between the Hillcrest Avenue eastbound on and off ramps on Monday and Tuesday evenings from 11:59 am to 5:00 am.

There will be a full freeway closure in the westbound direction State Route 4 between the Hillcrest Avenue westbound on and off ramps on Monday and Tuesday evenings from 11:00 pm to 3:00 am.

State Route 160:

There are no full freeway closures of State Route 160 planned for this week.

HIGHWAY LANE CLOSURES:

State Route 4:

There will be highway lane closures in the westbound direction of State Route 4 between A Street/Lone Tree way and Railroad Avenue on Monday through Friday from 11:00 am to 7:00 pm.

There will be highway lane closures in the eastbound direction of State Route 4 between Bailey Road and Somersville Road Monday through Friday from 5:00 am to 12:00 pm.

There will be highway lane closures in the westbound direction of State Route 4 between A Street/Lone Tree Way and Somersville Road on Saturday evening from 11:00 pm to 8:00 am.

There will be highway lane closures in eastbound direction of State Route 4 between Railroad Avenue and A Street/Lone Tree Way Monday through Friday evenings from 11:00 pm to 6:00 am.

State Route 160:

There are no highway lane closures of State Route 160 planned for this week.

RAMP CLOSURES:

State Route 4:

There will be a lane closure on the State Route 4 eastbound off ramp at Somersville Road/Auto Center Drive on Monday through Friday evenings from 10:00 pm to 5:00 am.

The State Route 4 westbound on ramp at Contra Loma Boulevard/ L Street will be closed on Saturday evening from 10:00 pm to 7:00 am.

The State Route 4 eastbound off ramp at Contra Loma Boulevard/ L Street will be closed on Monday through Friday evenings from 10:00 pm to 6:00 am.

The State Route 4 westbound on ramp at A Street/Lone Tree Way will be closed on Saturday evening from 11:00 pm to 7:00 am.

State Route 160:

There are no ramp closures of State Route 160 planned for this week.

LOCAL STREET CLOSURES:

There are no local street closures planned for this week.

For questions or comments please send e-mail to info@4eastcounty.org.