AEWF Board Chairwoman Sharon Pappas and Executive Director Mary Chapman with Board Member Julie St. Andrews, the mother of the $1,000 prize winner, Amanda Stockford, in the organization’s “Fund A Wish” fundraiser.

By Allen Payton

A special fundraiser, in which prize drawing tickets were sold at $100 for two, to benefit Antioch’s An Elderly Wish Foundation (AEWF), resulted in raising $7,000 for the charity and giving away $2,000 to three lucky participants.

Sharon Pappas and Mary Chapman with $250 prize winner, Jack Monroe.

The “Fund A Wish Drawing” winners were chosen during a reception at Cypress Meadows Assisted Living in Antioch, last Thursday, October 1^st . The AEWF Board Members, who sold the tickets this last month, joined about 75 guests at the reception, hoping to win the big prize. Those in attendance were treated to appetizers catered by Rita Caruso and her sister Charleen Early, and wine from Oakridge Winery, thanks to Denise Stanley.

The $1,000 was won by Amanda Stockford, the daughter of Board Member Julie St. Andre. The $750 was won by Executive Director Mary Chapman’s sister and brother-in-law, Susan and Mike Taylor, of Fair Oaks. The $250 prize was won by Jack Monroe, a former Board Member.

“Many more senior wishes will be granted with the money raised from this event,” Chapman stated. “Thank you to everyone who supported our fundraiser.”

For more information, visit the AEWF website at www.elderlywish.org.

The Antioch Police Department is excited to announce the 64th Neighborhood Cleanup Program. This is a collaborative community effort which involves active participation from The Antioch Police Department Crime Prevention Commission; Neighborhood Watch Program; Volunteers in Police Service; community volunteers and the Public Works Department.

Collectively, “We”, everyone who works and lives in the City Antioch, can make a difference and improve the quality of life. It’s our community and it’s our chance to make a difference.

The City of Antioch Neighborhood Cleanup program is not just for residential neighborhoods. It is a program that will change venues on a monthly basis and it will include business and commercial areas as well. Neighborhoods that are free of trash and refuse are inviting, and a clean community instills a sense of community pride.

The 64th Neighborhood Cleanup event will occur on Saturday, October 3rd from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Village East Park on Gentrytown Drive. Please park in the circle of Pear and Cherry Streets.

Volunteers will receive instructions and the equipment necessary to accomplish the goal. The targeted area is within walking distance. Excluding inclement weather, future Neighborhood Cleanup events are scheduled for the first Saturday of every month and the locations will be announced in advance.

Remember, cleaning up your neighborhood can make life better for your family, your neighbors and your community.

Members of the Antioch Rotary Club present a new, 60-inch TV to representatives of the Antioch Senior Center on Friday, Sept. 25.

On Friday, September 25th, the Antioch Rotary Club’s President Stacey Duckett, along with several other Rotarians, were pleased to present members of the Antioch Senior Center with a 60-inch, smart, big screen television that will assist them in many activities at the center including: computer classes, seminars, workshops, AARP safe driver’s courses, Wii Activities, Line Dancing and Movie Day.

The new, advance television can also act as a projector for lectures and instruction.This television replaces an extremely small 32-inch television which was way too small for any sort of theatre use.

Contra Costa County’s coordinated approach to addressing the devastating impacts of domestic violence, family violence, elder abuse, and human trafficking has been given a financial boost and vote of confidence with the announcement today of two significant federal grants.

United States Attorney General, Loretta Lynch announced $44 million in grant funding for programs across the country that combat human trafficking and support survivors.

Contra Costa County, considered to be among the leaders nationwide in its efforts to end domestic violence and human trafficking, was awarded a $727,364 three year grant so it can build upon its efforts of identifying victims and providing services for children and adults trapped in labor and sex trafficking. Zero Tolerance Chair, Devorah Levine says, “This grant is an endorsement of our accomplishments. It’s our responsibility to understand how modern day slavery exists in our community and how to best help victims.”

Also announced today, another $26 million dollars for programs nationwide dealing with domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking.  Contra Costa County received a $900,000, three year grant for its programs working with victims and perpetrators. Says Levine, “We are making progress, and an opportunity like this grant, helps catapult our efforts to reach more people.” The money will be used to advocate for victims, offer assistance with restraining orders and law enforcement training. Hiring a full time probation officer to monitor 35-40 high risk domestic violence probationers is among the strategies planned to deescalate violence.

For more information about Contra Costa County Zero Tolerance Initiative, contact Devorah Levine, Chair Domestic Violence and Human Trafficking Initiative dlevine@ehsd.cccounty.us925-313-1524.

“Zero Tolerance for Domestic Violence”, an initiativeof the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors, is apublic/private partnership designed to reduce domestic violence, family violence, elder abuse and human trafficking in Contra Costa County. Authorized by the California Legislature as the first Zero Tolerance for Domestic Violence County in the State, the initiative is aligning policies, practices and protocols, coordinating services, and creating a climate where violence and abuse are not tolerated.

Zero Tolerance functions on the principle that no one entity can do it alone; placing emphasis on public systems and private providers working, advocating and taking concerted action together.

Twitter: @ContraCostaEHSD Facebook: Contra Costa Employment and Human-Services.

We are pleased to announce, the 22nd Annual Charity Roundup at Roddy Ranch is set for Saturday, October 3, 2015 benefitting Delta Advocacy Foundation’s efforts to support East Contra Costa County charities.

This year’s Charity Roundup will feature a delicious first-class barbecue dinner, can’t miss Silent Auction and new this year, the widely popular band Diversion will provide dinner and dancing music.

Since Delta Advocacy Foundation’s inception in 1989, we have given over $350,800 to those in need in East Contra Costa County. We work with faith-based organizations, community leaders, and school districts to identify needs within East Contra Costa County that might otherwise be overlooked. Scholarships, assistance to the elderly, disabled and Veterans, and support of local food banks are but a few of the areas of need that Delta Advocacy Foundation has funded. Delta Advocacy Foundation is a group of volunteers who are dedicated in making sure ALL funds raised go right back into our community!

Please consider supporting this event either by making a direct contribution to Delta Advocacy Foundation or by attending our Charity Round up at Roddy Ranch. The event will be held Saturday, October 3, 2015 @ 5:30pm. Tickets are $60.00 per person; tables for 10 may be reserved for $550.00.

R.S.V.P. via delta_advocacy@comcast.net. Seating is limited!

The 32nd Annual California Coastal Cleanup Day, the state’s largest volunteer event, will take place on Saturday, September 19th 2015 from 9:00 AM to Noon. The event is expected to draw more than 70,000 volunteers who will combat marine debris at over 800 locations throughout the state by removing the trash that has accumulated on California’s beaches and inland shorelines over the past year. Get out there, join the effort in Antioch. There are three locations to choose from: Antioch Marina, Prewett Park & Fulton Shipyard. Register and choose your location by visiting http://www.ci.antioch.ca.us/Environment/Coastal-Cleanup-Day/.

Members of the Antioch Police Department are once again partnering with the Special Olympics of Northern California and the Applebee’s Bar & Grill located at 2737 Hillcrest Ave. for a Tip-a-Cop event on Wednesday, September 16th, from 5-9pm.

Print and bring the attached ticket http://ci.antioch.ca.us/Community/announcements/91615-tipacop.pdf, and 15% of your bill will be donated to support the Special Olympics. Hope to see you there!