Dr. Lance Miller wins tickets to Pro Football Hall of Fame Luncheon

By Tom Lamothe

The Antioch Sports Legends Museum hosted a, “Meet and Greet the Panthers” fundraiser for the 2015 BVAL Antioch High School Panther championship football team at the Antioch Historical Society Museum’s Riverview room, January 11, 2016. The Panthers and the Antioch Sports Legends teamed up in an effort to sell $50.00 raffle tickets for high-in-demand Panther gear and for a chance to win a pair of tickets to the Super Bowl 50 NFL Hall of Fame luncheon.

The event was well was received by the standing room only crowd of an estimated 130 to meet BVAL Coach of the Year John Lucido, his coaching staff and the 11-1 championship team and to show financial support for both programs. The evening’s entertainment featured video highlights of the Antioch Panther’s 44-42 gutty come from behind win in the 97th Big Little Game over Pittsburg, the 55-37 win over the Liberty Lions and a spectacular “Coaches Highlight Mix.” All were enthusiastically enjoyed by Panther fans both young and grey.

As master of ceremonies for the evening, I took the opportunity to hit hard on the mission statement of the Antioch Sports Legends Museum: “Connecting Generations, Honoring Excellence and Preserving History,” noting we had accomplished all, that very night. I want to express gratitude for volunteer support led by team captains Sherill Hecock, Vicky Galloway, Geri Corzine, Alana Schmidt, Katie Cook, Michelle Youngman, Krieg Galloway and Kip Stephens. And a special thanks to the moms and dads from the varsity football team for their help, as well.

Raffle Winner Announced         

On January 13, Antioch Sports Legends volunteer Sam Johnson drew the winner of the Super Bowl 50 NFL Hall of Fame luncheon ticket, congratulations to Dr. Lance “Doc” Miller. A chiropractor in Antioch, Miller is an AHS Class of ’84 Alumnus, and is well known for his support of East County football. You’ll see Doc working on the football sidelines for the Liberty Lions, Freedom Falcons, as well as Antioch High’s national star running back Najee Harris, in his office.

The  NFL luncheon, honoring Raider Super Bowl Xl winning Coach, John Madden will also feature NFL Hall of Fame Alumni Joe Montana, Joe Namath, as well as over an estimated 50 “Yellow Jackets” in attendance. This once in a lifetime event will take place at the Hilton Hotel on Union Square in San Francisco Friday, February 5^th, during the week of Super Bowl 50.

Miller said he would be taking his uncle, Dr. Michael Painter, whose wife Pam, is dying of Alzheimer’s.

“It’s great to win something like this, after being a 49er season ticket holder for 20 years,” Miller said.

“Especially after being promised four seats for Super Bowl 50, when we paid so much for Levi’s Stadium,” he continued with a laugh.

“We are very excited to be part of the experience,” Miller added.

Congratulations, once again Dr. Miller, you’re the envy of millions!

A special thank you to Antioch High Class of ’71 grad and San Francisco Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Robert Linscheid who donated the luncheon tickets.

According to Jada Jackson, Chief of Staff for the S.F. Chamber, tickets to the luncheon are still available for $1,000 each. Contact them at (415) 392-4520. For more information about the luncheon click here.

Lamothe is Executive Director of the Antioch Sports Legends Museum inside the Antioch Historical Society Museum located at 1500 West 4th Street in Antioch. It is open Wednesdays and Saturdays from 1:00-4:00 p.m. For more information about the Antioch Sports Legends “Like” them on their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/AntiochSportsLegends.

Allen Payton contributed to this story.

 

By Allen Payton

Monday afternoon, January 18, 2016, Antioch residents joined community and faith leaders in celebrating and remembering the life and legacy of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. during the 8^th Annual Celebration held at the Deer Valley High Theater. This year’s theme was “Moving Beyond the Dream A Salute to Greatness” and featured former 49er and three-time Super Bowl winner William “Bubba” Paris as the keynote speaker.

The event was led by Master & Mistress of Ceremonies Caleb Harper and Claryssa Wilson, who are both high school students in Antioch.

Before Paris spoke the audience heard the National Anthem by Deer Valley High’s Divine Voices and the song, known as the Black National Anthem, “Lift Every Voice and Sing” by Emery Williams of The Church at Antioch.

Antioch Mayor Wade Harper introduced the elected officials, in attendance including Congressman Jerry McNerney, Assemblyman Jim Frazier and County Supervisor Federal Glover.

Glover honored the late Reggie Moore, who as the first African-American member of the Antioch City Council, proposed the first celebration in Antioch.

“Everyone got behind the dream and today we are living the dream,” Glover said. “But we have a long way to go to get there. I’m a product of the work Dr. King done, years ago.”

“I ask when we leave here today we work to make a difference,” he added.

He was followed by a number by the Antioch High School Jazz Ensemble and the Antioch High School Dancers, as well as the Dancers from The Church at Antioch.

Local comedian and Deer Valley High grad, Lenard “The KYD” Jackson entertained those in attendance with some jokes and impressions of Chris Rock, Eddie Murphy and President Obama.

“Stay in your lane,” he said. “That’s what 2016 is all about.”

Jackson spoke in broken Spanish saying “that’s Spanish 3 Deer Valley High,” then played his guitar and sang a funny version of La Bamba.

Then for his “Caucasian audience” he played and sang Sweet Home Alabama. Then for his Asian brothers and sisters he played something else that the audience wasn’t quite sure of.

“Some music brings us all together,” Jackson stated. “For my African brothers and sisters, there’s this.” He played Sunshine on a Cloudy Day and the audience sang along.

Gospel music artist Lawrence Matthews, who recently moved to Antioch, and his singers then sang “Jesus How I Love You” also getting the audience to sing along.

Nashone Holmes offered a beautiful praise dance, spinning white and flame-colored flags.

Then Paris was introduced and spoke, inspiring those in attendance to make a difference with the talents they have for the purpose they’ve been given.

He spoke of Dr. King and how “he was willing to sacrifice his own existence to move society forward. I wish he was alive today to see what has occurred.”

“I want to leave this with you, today,” Paris stated. “‘Whatever you do, do it so well that no one living no one dead and no one yet to be born can do it better,’” quoting Dr. Benjamin Mays, President of Morehouse College, who Paris said “planted that with Martin Luther King.”

“I can’t imagine someone beating me,” he exclaimed “I can’t imagine someone doing a better job than me. There’s nowhere in my spirit to come in second.”

“Everyone was born with a purpose,” Paris continued. “Everything in life exists because someone carried the mantle and trusted what they had in them.”

“Some of the parts of his dream have come true,” Paris said, speaking of Dr. King. “But we live in a crazy world. Edmund Burke once said all that is necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.”

Paris, who is also an ordained minister, shared the parable of the 99 and the 1 sheep from the Bible.

“He left the 99 and sought the 1,” he said. “Every once in awhile we have to take time and look into the world and find the one person who needs who we are…the goodness in us.”

“Maybe in some cases you can make a difference,” Paris stated. “One lady who was tired sat down on a bus and changed things,” speaking of civil rights leader Rosa Parks.

“At one point in my life I thought God hated me because he made me so different,” because he was so much bigger than the other kids, he shared “I would have given up my size. But I would have given up the thing that made me different.

“I didn’t understand that God don’t make no mistakes,” Paris added.

“We have to leave the 99 and go look for the one,” he continued. “This group of people are going to move the dream forward. Look for people you can make a difference with. Sometimes it pays you back. You have to have a paradigm shift, an epiphany.”

He spoke of a 39-year-old 49er fan, who was dying of pancreatic cancer who he met with him for about an hour and a half.

“I prayed for that man as if that was me who had cancer,” Paris shared. “It changed the way I help people.”

“How do we move The Dream forward?” he asked. “First we must all recognize we have a purpose in our life.”

“Can you imagine anyone else than MLK leading the Civil Rights Movement?” Paris asked. “He did it better than anyone else living, dead or yet to be alive.”

“You must go search out people to help,” he continued. “We have a different landscape today. There are people doing terrible things. This year, let us go out and find them and help them as if it is us who we are helping.”

Following Paris’ speech, Diane Gibson Gray, Antioch School Board President and Harper announced the winners of the annual awards.

The 2016 theme was If I Was President of the United States” and there were over 150 entries including written and video submissions, and six winners selected by a committee.

Elected Officials and Reggie Moore’s widow, Dishon Moore, were invited on stage to congratulate the winners.

Mary Slatten – 3rd Place, 6th Grade at Black Diamond Middle School won $100

Maykala Casuga – 2nd Place, 7^th Grade at Black Diamond Middle School won $150.

Anastasia Martinez – 1st Place, 7^th Grade at Black Diamond Middle School won $200.

Tyler Hamner – 3rd Place, 12th Grade Deer Valley High won $150.

Michele De Los Reyes – 2^nd Place, 12th Grade Dozier Libbey Medical High won $200.

Melanie Gill – 1^st Place, 12th grade Deer Valley High won $400.

Harper invited Dishon Moore to speak about the Reginald Moore Memorial Scholarship for community service.

“I just want to thank everyone for being here,” she said. “Reggie Moore wanted to start something special. I lost my husband February 4, 2014.”

She thanked Harper and Gibson-Gray.

“I thank you so much from the bottom of my heart and my family thanks you,” Moore continued. “I’m honored with the continuation of this program.”

The Moore award and scholarship, which included a $300 prize, was presented to Savannah Vanderzwan, a junior at Antioch High. She started the Buddy Program at her high school due to the “discrimination that the special needs students are experiencing,” she stated. “It partners two special needs students with one general ed student.”

“She’s in our leadership class,” Harper shared.

Antioch High Principal Louie Rocha shared his thoughts about Savannah.

“First of all what a wonderful event, celebrating our diversity,” he said. “Earlier this year she approached me and asked to start a club.”

Savannah told Rocha about “special needs students who sit alone at lunch.”

“Looking out for that 1 out of the 99. I think savanna embodies that,” he added.

Humanitarian and Student Humanitarian of the Year to be honored in ceremony

How do you follow Monday’s Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Day of Service?  In Contra Costa County, it will be with a day of celebration.  You’re invited to join the Board of Supervisors in commemorating the life and legacy of Dr. King with a special celebration on Tuesday, January 19, from 11:00 a.m. until noon at 651 Pine Street in Martinez.

Community activist Phil Arnold will be the keynote speaker, with entertainment provided by the Joe Warner Trio featuring vocalist Faye Carol.  Among the highlights will be the presentation of the 2016 Humanitarian of the Year award to Terri Porter, whose work with the Visions of Success program through the Mt. Diablo Unified School District has impacted the lives of countless teens.  Cal High School senior Davis Bullock will be recognized as the Student Humanitarian of the Year, with an incredible story of the past 12 months of his young life that you won’t want to miss.  Both are well known in their communities and beyond for their dedication to serving others.

The ceremony is free to the public, followed by a complimentary buffet lunch in the lobby outside the Board of Supervisors Chamber in Martinez.

If you have questions about the ceremony, you can call 925-313-1183.

By Allen Payton

On Thursday, January 14, 2016, Amy Dopart of Strategic Threat Management presented $3,130 in checks and cash to Antioch Police Chief Allan Cantando for the Police Activities League (PAL).

“Every dollar that is donated to Antioch PAL stays in our community,” Cantando shared. “It will enable us to provide no-cost programs to children in our community to help enrich their lives.”

“On behalf of PAL, I want to thank STM for their generous donation,” he added.

The donation came from the proceeds of the silent auction at STM’s annual holiday party, held at the Hannah Nicole Vineyards, last month.

“We had over 35 prizes that were raffled off including 25 gift baskets,” Dopart said. “The items in the baskets were donated from local businesses.”

Dopart, the company’s Office Administrator, made all the baskets.

This is the first time that Antioch-based STM has donated to PAL. Last year they donated the proceeds from their party to the Delta Veterans Group.

STM provides security services to both the City of Antioch and Antioch Unified School District, as well as local businesses.

For more information about Antioch PAL, visit hwww.ci.antioch.ca.us/citygov/police/pal.htm. For more information about STM, visit www.strategicthreat.com.

The Antioch Historical Society Museum’s Sports Legends Hall will be hosting an opportunity to meet and greet the 2015 Antioch High School Panther championship football team at the Antioch Historical Riverview room, January 11, 2016 at 6:00 PM.

The Antioch Sports Legends Museum and the Panthers are partnering up to sell raffle tickets to win a chance for a pair of tickets to the Super Bowl 50th NFL Hall of Fame luncheon. The luncheon, honoring Raider Super Bowl winning coach John Madden, will also feature Joe Montana, Joe Namath, as well as an estimated 150 “Yellow Jackets” who will be in attendance.

This once in a lifetime event will take place at the Hilton Hotel on Union Square in San Francisco on February 5th, 2016, during the week of Super Bowl 50.

The HOF raffle proceeds will be split with the Antioch Historical Society Museum’s Sports Legends Hall and the Antioch Panther football team programs. Each raffle ticket cost $50.00 for a chance to win a pair (2) of tickets to the HOF luncheon,you need not be present to win. The raffle ticket drawing for the HOF luncheon will be held at the The Antioch Sports Legends HOF at Legends Hall, January 13, 2016 at 1:30.

The night will also feature video highlights of the Antioch Panther’s 44-42 come from behind win in the 97th Big Little Game over Pittsburg, with appetizers and soft drinks being served. Panther gear and other items will be auctioned and raffled off with all proceeds going to the BVAL Championship Panthers. Admission is free, open to the public and all donations are greatly appreciated. If you are unable to attend and would like to buy a HOF raffle ticket for a chance to the NFL 50th Super Bowl luncheon, call Antioch Sports Legends coordinator Tom Lamothe at 925-639-2536.

A special thanks to Bob Linscheid AHS ’71 – CEO of the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce for his generous donation.

The City of Antioch and Antioch Unified School District along with community partners and sponsors, will present its 8th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Celebration in the Deer Valley High School Theater, located at 4700 Lone Tree Way, on January 18, 2016, from 1:00-3:00 PM.

This citywide celebration was created in 2009 by the late Antioch City Council Member Reggie Moore who passed away February 2014 from cancer. He desired to celebrate Dr. King’s historical contributions by bringing the entire community of Antioch together in addition to creating a scholarship program for high school and middle school students. Prior to Reggie Moore’s passing he handed the task of keeping this event going to Wade Harper who at the time was a Council Member. Antioch’s Mayor Harper and Antioch Unified School District Board President Diane Gibson-Gray continue the celebration with the support of businesses and community leaders.

This year’s theme is Moving Beyond the Dream, a Salute to Greatness. The celebration will include presentation of the scholarships to the top three winners in High School and Middle School who competed in the Essay and Art Contest, various student performances, Praise Dance, Youth Comedian Leonard “The KYD” Jackson, Bay Area Gospel artist Lawrence Mathews and Keynote Speaker, three-time Super Bowl Champion and former SF 49er William “Bubba” Paris.

This event is sponsored by the City of Antioch, Antioch Unified School District, Antioch Community Foundation, County Supervisor Federal Glover, Pacific Gas & Electric, Mayor Wade Harper, Arts & Cultural Foundation of Antioch and more.

For more information please visit http://art4antioch.org/MLKEvent.asp or contact Diane Gibson-Gray at (925) 325-9897 or email Diane@Art4Antioch.org.

By keeping a unwavering focus on creating a caring, nurturing and safe environment for its residents, Quail Lodge Retirement Community in Antioch, Calif., has won the 2016 Best of Senior Living Award from SeniorAdvisor.com, placing the community in the top 1 percent of senior living communities in the United States. Of the nearly 100,000 providers currently listed on SeniorAdvisor.com, just over 1,000 were recognized with this award.

Nestled in lovely Antioch, Calif., the affordable retirement living community offers 121 spacious apartments in three floor plans, all with kitchenettes and beautiful views, plus a host of amenities geared toward healthy senior lifestyle, featuring a chef-driven dining program and free local transportation.

The annual SeniorAdvisor.com Best of Awards celebrate the best of the best in senior living and home care across the United States and Canada. Winners of the SeniorAdvisor.com Best of 2016 Awards represent the top tier of in-home care, assisted living, and other senior living providers, based on the online reviews written by seniors and their families. This exclusive designation places the winners in the top one percent of senior care providers according to those who matter most – the consumers.

To qualify for inclusion in the Best of 2016 Awards, senior living communities must have maintained an average overall rating of at least 4.5 stars while receiving three or more new reviews in 2015.

“This award is quite meaningful for all of us who have the rare opportunity to work at Quail Lodge and spend our days with such amazing residents,” said Manager Timothy Thomas, Quail Lodge Retirement Community.

About Quail Lodge

Family-owned and operated by Sunshine Retirement Living, Quail Lodge offers 121 affordable and spacious, studio, one- and two-bedroom apartments with kitchenettes and beautiful views. The vibrant, independent living retirement community provides three, chef-prepared meals daily, free local transportation, weekly housekeeping, beauty salon and library, and daily activities and events geared toward a healthy senior lifestyle. For more information, visit www.QuailLodgeRet.com.

About SeniorAdvisor.com

SeniorAdvisor.com is the largest consumer ratings and reviews site for senior living communities and home care providers across the United States and Canada. The innovative website provides easy access to the information families need when making a senior care decision, and features trusted reviews and advice from local residents and their loved ones. For more information, please visit www.SeniorAdvisor.com or call (866) 592-8119.