Generous groups of Contra Costa volunteers will lace up their walking shoes Saturday, Sept. 29, to help the needy in the fifth annual “SVdP Friends of the Poor Walk.”

Contra Costa walkers will take to the tracks in two Contra Costa locations, one at Salesian High School in Richmond, the other at St. Isidore Church in Danville.  From 8 to 11 am the volunteers will do a 5K (3.1 mile) walk to raise funds that will directly help the needy, with friends sponsoring walkers with donations.

All proceeds raised by the Contra Costa walks will stay in Contra Costa County to support SVdP programs for the poor.

Registration is easy and anyone can participate. Both walkers and those who want to support a walker can register on line at www.svdpfriendsofthepoorwalk.org and identify walk #222 “District Council of Contra Costa County.”

People who do not know a walker and want to help the Contra Costa effort can type in “Find a Walker” and enter the name of a friend who is walking.

Don’t know a walker? Type in Griffin Hunt or Nicole Castelein.

Across the nation more than 18,000 walkers will join in the effort. They have raised nearly $1.8 m for the poor through this event.  

The walk is fun, there are no administrative fees. All proceeds will directly benefit the people in Contra Costa.

 SVdP programs that will be helped include free dining halls, food pantries, homeless shelters, medical clinic, employment services, thrift stores, and home visits to those in need.

For more information, contact Barb Hunt, b.hunt@svdp-cc.org or at (925) 439-5060 (office) or (925) 330-6732 (cell). Information is also available at www.svdp-cc.org.

Sikh Community with Walter Ruehlig of the Interfaith Peace Project, who was presented with the orange sash he’s wearing. Standing (left to right) are committee members Nranjan Singh Kato, and Major Singh Bhatia, Head Priest Harjinder Singh Rasiea, Walter Ruehlig, committee members Jagseer Singh and Surender Bhatia, Bhagat President Sukdev Singh, and Secretary Rasam Singh

On September 9, 2012, members from the Pittsburg Sikh Temple and the Bhagat Gurdittaji International Charity honored the Interfaith Peace Project (IPP) with a plaque of recognition and a ‘sarropa’ (honorary scarf) accepted by IPP Advisory Board Member Walter Ruehlig.  The recognition was for the organization’s continuing solidarity with the Sikh community and dedicated quest for universal tolerance in response to repeated nation-wide hate crimes.

Eight individuals and organizations to be recognized at November 8 event

The Contra Costa Council’s Social Responsibility Task Force announces the eight individuals and organizations that will be honored at the Second Annual Contra Costa Philanthropy Awards breakfast on Thursday, November 8. The awards program recognizes individuals, businesses and service organizations that have made significant contributions of time, leadership and financial support to benefit Contra Costa residents.

Honorees will be recognized at the second annual breakfast celebration on November 8, from 7:30 to 10 a.m., at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, 45 John Glenn Drive, Concord. Nearly 60 nominations were received and considered by the awards panel.

Award recipients are:

·Outstanding Corporate Philanthropist (501 employees and above) — Wells Fargo

·Outstanding Corporate Philanthropist (100 to 500 employees) — Nieman Marcus of Walnut Creek

·Outstanding Corporate Philanthropist (1 to 99 employees) — InVision Communications

·Outstanding Philanthropist — Mary Garaventa

·Outstanding Foundation or Community Grant Maker — East Bay Community Foundation

·Outstanding Collaborative Project — SparkPoint of Contra Costa County (partners include Bay Area Legal Aid, Brighter Beginnings, Center for Human Development, Contra Costa Employment & Human Services, Contra Costa Health Services, Community Housing Development Corporation, First 5, Opportunity Junction, STAND!, Stride Center and United Way of the Bay Area)

·Volunteer of the Year — Kay Aaker

·Lifetime Achievement — Judy Lazarus, founder of the Xenophon Therapeutic Riding Center of Orinda

The event will feature a keynote address by Elaine Taylor of The Taylor Family Foundation (www.ttff.org). Last year’s inspiring event drew more than 450 people.

“Come and help us honor our 2012 award recipients, who are helping make our community a better place in which to live,” said Contra Costa Council President and CEO Linda Best.

“One of the key purposes of the Council’s Social Responsibility Task Force is to strengthen the links between the private, social and public sectors of the county,” said Mark Hughes, founder and co-chair of the task force and chair of the Philanthropy Awards event committee. “The Contra Costa Philanthropy Awards help build awareness and inspire many more organizations to learn how to get more involved in this work, which can transform companies and make a true difference in our communities.”

A prestigious panel representing all sectors of the community and government was formed to make the award selections. Judges included Federal Glover, Contra Costa County supervisor; Jim Becker, vice president of community investments, Richmond Community Foundation; Linus Eukel, executive director, John Muir Heritage Land Trust; Angie Coffee, senior managing director, private business banking, First Republic Bank; and Mark Hughes, manager of public affairs, Phillips 66 Rodeo Refinery.

Program sponsors are Wells Fargo (presenting sponsor); Chevron (premier sponsor); AAA of Northern California, Nevada and Utah, Contra Costa Times, InVision Communications, Kaiser Permanente, Phillips 66, San Francisco Business Times, Shell Martinez Refinery (benefactor sponsors); Mt. Diablo Recycling and PG&E (advocate sponsors). (Other sponsorships are available.)

Registration for the breakfast will open soon at www.contracostacouncil.com. For more information, contact the Council office at 925-246-1880, info@contracostacouncil.com, fax (925) 674-1654.

About Elaine Taylor: Elaine Taylor is president of The Taylor Family Foundation (www.ttff.org), which she founded in 1991 with her husband Barry. The foundation’s mission is to preserve the wellness and enhance the quality of life for children in Northern California living with life-threatening and chronic illnesses and developmental disabilities, and youth at risk, through unique therapeutic experiences and support. (Photo available on request.)

About the Contra Costa Council: The Council is a private sector, public policy organization with a membership that includes business, government, education and labor. The mission of the Council is to provide advocacy on public policy issues affecting the economic vitality and quality of life in Contra Costa County and the region. For more information, see www.contracostacouncil.com. Follow the Council on Facebook at www.facebook.com/contracostacouncil.

The play structure at Antioch City Park at A and 10th Streets was severely damaged by fire, recently.

Mayor Jim Davis Pledges $250 Asks Others to Match to Catch Vandals

“We will not put up with this type of behavior,” Davis said in a post on his personal Facebook page. “They need to be caught and prosecuted. More info where to contribute coming soon!”

Contact the mayor at jd4antioch@aol.com or (925) 890-4503.

Dozier-Libbey Medical High School Interact Club says “I Love Interact!” at their first meeting this school year on September 4, 2012 – photo by Ariel Parra

By Erin McDaid

Be the change you want to see in the world. Though the man who said this may have been old, grey and wrinkled, his words were immortalized the moment they left his lips. Gandhi’s message has been an inspiration to people all over the world, including those here in Antioch.

Dozier Libbey Medical High School (DLMHS) is very proud of their very active Interact Club. Interact stands for international action. It is the high school level of Rotary International, a well known and distinguished service organization of highly generous members.

Starting with just over five members two years ago, the DLMHS Interact Club now holds over 30 active members, and had over 95 sign-ups at this fall’s registration. Our Interact Club has served the city of Antioch by participating in monthly neighborhood cleanups, lending help at local schools, participating in Relay For Life and much more. On an international level our club has sent cards and supplies to our brave soldiers overseas during Christmas, and raised money for Little Flock Orphanage in India. If you are ever in need of a great group of dedicated volunteers feel free to contact us at anytime!

The Antioch Rotary Club has been greatly supportive of the DLMHS Interact Club, especially with the help of President- Elect and Interact Advisor, Lillian Razavi. We are currently working with Superintendent Dr. Gill to revive the Interact Club of Antioch High School and start one at Deer Valley High School. Interact is more than just a community service club. It is a second family, a place where students can come together and experience the joy of bringing service to others. If you are interested in starting an interact club at your school please contact me at erin_mcdaid@comcast.net.

Everyone has something to offer, and no contribution is too small. Dr. Suess once said, “Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better, it’s really not.”

You are somebody, and you can make a difference in the world. Whether that’s performing a random act of kindness, or donating a million dollars towards finding the cure for cancer, you matter, you make a difference, and you, can be the change!

McDaid is President of the Dozier-Libbey Medical High School Interact Club

Chief Allan Cantando speaks at Antioch’s 2012 9-11 memorial ceremony in downtown Antioch.

By Allen Payton, Publisher

About 100 Antioch residents and local officials gathered on Tuesday, September 11, 2012 to remember those who lost their lives during the attacks 11 years ago, and honor both current and former military veterans.

Organized by East County Veterans, led by Josie Monaghan, the event included speeches by Mayor Jim Davis, Police Chief Allan Cantando and Maurice Delmer, District Director for Assemblywoman Susan Bonilla, a combat veteran himself, music by Jessica Caylyn, a 21-gun salute and taps by the Marine Corps League Honor Guard, and a dove release by the local 4H club.

Jessica Caylyn sings National Anthem at Antioch’s 2012 9-11 memorial ceremony.

Boy Scouts place the American flag at Antioch’s 2012 9-11 memorial ceremony.

Mayor Jim Davis speaks at Antioch’s 2012 9-11 memorial ceremony.

Councilmembers, other officials and residents listen to Mayor Davis speak at Antioch’s 2012 9-11 memorial ceremony.

Military veterans in attendance at Antioch’s 2012 9-11 memorial ceremony are honored by event organizer Josie Monaghan 1

Military veterans in attendance at Antioch’s 2012 9-11 memorial ceremony are honored 2

A 21-gun salute was provided by he Honor Guard of the Marine Corps League #1155 of Delta Diablo Brentwood at Antioch’s 2012 9-11 memorial ceremony.

Len Bregman of the Marine Corps Honor Guard plays Taps at Antioch’s 2012 9-11 memorial ceremony.

A dove release provided by 4-H Club members ended Antioch’s 2012 9-11 memorial ceremony.

Jessica Caylyn and her band performed patriotic songs following the ceremony.

By Scott Bergerhouse

We are pleased to hold the Twentieth Charity Roundup at Roddy Ranch, set for Saturday, September 29th and will benefit the Delta Advocacy Foundation and its effort to support East County charities.

This year’s Charity Roundup will again feature a first-class barbecue dinner. The event will include live and silent auctions and the California Cowboys have agreed to return with dancing until midnight.

Since our last event, we invested $27,290 back into our community. The money went to high school scholarships, Antioch Ministerial Food Closet, Brentwood Community Chest, St. Anthony’s, Grannies Anonymous and the Salvation Army. We also contributed to the fund for an Oakley girl who needed a lung transplant. Since our inception in 1989, we have given over $296,456 to the East County community. It is always a great pleasure to be able to help so many, with none of the red tape that characterizes so many other organizations. Delta Advocacy is also unique in that our budget expenses are limited to purchasing postage, office supplies, and organizing our fund-raiser. We like simplicity.

On behalf of Delta Advocacy Foundation, I would like to ask you to consider making a donation of merchandise for our live and silent auctions. We will recognize your contribution during the event and in our published thank you. We also have table sponsorships at $550.00 which will provide a table for 10 people to enjoy this event. Please see our letterhead for 2010’s recognized organizations.

Thank you for your support of Delta Advocacy Foundation. Please feel free to contact us at delta_advocacy@comcast.net if you have any questions regarding this worthwhile event. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Delta Advocacy Foundation is a 501c3 non-profit. Tax ID: 68-0198799

Bergerhouse is President of the Delta Advocacy Foundation

Father Tom Bonacci, founder, and Walter Ruehlig, Advisory Board Member of the Interfaith Peace Project with the Peace Pole in front of Antioch City Hall, September, 2011.

On Friday, September 21st, the official U.N. International Day of Peace, a cedar, six-sided peace pole inscribed in twelve languages with the words, “May Peace Prevail on Earth:, will be dedicated in the courtyard of East County Shared Ministry Community Presbyterian of Pittsburg and First Congregational Church. After the dedication a Peace Concert follows in the historic  Stoneman Chapel with music from multiple congregations including ensembles, bands, anthems and sing-alongs.

At 7 p.m. on September 22nd at the Seventh-Day Adventist Sanctuary at 2200 Country Hills Drive another peace pole will be dedicated followed by a free Youth Interfaith Peace Festival.

Enjoy performances by the Sufism-Reoriented inspired Meher School Children’s Chorus out of Walnut Creek;  Sikh representatives, Jaspreet Rasia and ensemble, playing Indian classical music; the Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter-day Saints youth choir from Antioch, Brentwood, Oakley and Pittsburg; the We Mime from Grace Bible Fellowship of Antioch; the  four East County Idol trophy winners, Idara Akpakpa, Andie Paredes, Raina Viscarra and Nicholas Crossen; the Antioch Seventh-Day Adventist Church/Hilltop Christian School Treble Choir and Hand Bell Ringers; and the Divine Voices from Deer Valley High.

For more information call Walter Ruehlig at (925) 756-7628 or e-mail walter.ruehlig@gmail.com.