By Bob Driskell

There comes a time when you know inside that you need to stop. Staying clean and sober is easier when you can talk with others and share ideas. Antioch will soon have two ‘LifeRing’-face to face meetings.

One has been ongoing, Mondays at noon for a few years. Now located at Kaiser-Delta Fair Women’s Health Center Meeting Room in the Delta Square Shopping Center, 3624 Delta Fair Boulevard in Antioch. You need not be a Kaiser member to attend. All are welcome.

A new meeting on Thursdays at 7 p.m., will be an ongoing ‘‘LifeRing’’ face to face meeting beginning on Thursday September 8th at Sutter Delta Medical Center Conference Room 1, 3901 Lone Tree Way in Antioch.

LifeRing is an international organization of support groups for people who want to live free of alcohol or other addictive drugs. LifeRing’s approach to sobriety focuses on empowering individuals through the strength of sober conversation.

Each member takes a strong and active role in his or her own recovery. Our meetings provide a safe and supportive environment where members help each other discover the recovery solutions that best fit each individual’s personality, culture, gender, and lifestyle.

Secular means that our approach to recovery isn’t faith-based. LifeRing respects everyone’s religious and spiritual beliefs, but maintains that those are personal and private matters, not subjects for discussion in meetings.

We soon will have two face to face LifeRing meetings in Antioch. If you would like to help, please be in touch. You can also get support 24/7/365 at LifeRing.org, including live chat and online meetings, forums and a toolbox. For more information about ‘LifeRing’ Antioch contact 925-301-3277 or bobdriskell@yahoo.com

In ‘‘LifeRing’’ there are no steps other than the ones you take to our doors, and you aren’t asked to have faith or to believe in any strength other than your own.

SOBER We believe that our lives depend on complete freedom from alcohol and any drugs that aren’t prescribed by a physician. If you want to stay sober, then you qualify for LifeRing.

SECULAR In LifeRing meetings and online, any religious beliefs remain private. You aren’t asked to have faith, or to believe in any strength other than your own.

SELF-HELP In LifeRing, we work together to build a personal recovery plan that is designed just for you. In sober conversations we share ideas to help ourselves.

In ‘LifeRing’ you can design your own future. Join us!

Sharon Uffindell and Marilynn Gray-Raine deliver meals to the home-bound.

Meals on Wheels is a non-profit organization serving homebound seniors to maintain their health and allow them to live independently in the comfort and security of their own home since 1968.

They do this by delivering nutritious portion-controlled meals to the senior citizens of the community. The service is available for persons 60 years of age and older who are homebound and unable to cook or shop for themselves.

Meals on Wheels is funded through a variety of sources, including government and community grants, fundraising and individual donations. Clients are asked to contribute what they can afford toward the cost of their meals.

Volunteers are the backbone of this organization, and Meals on Wheels is currently looking for volunteer delivery drivers for the Antioch/Pittsburg area as well as Central Contra Costa.

This is a great community service opportunity for individuals, families, groups or organizations. Volunteers usually drive one day a week and deliver up to 16 meals a day. Meal delivery takes place between 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 pm Monday through Friday and usually takes about two hours.

If you are looking to receive or know someone who qualifies for Meals on Wheels call 925-778-4379. An in-home assessment will be required the first week of receiving your meals. For Volunteer opportunities contact Nancy Raniere at 925-937-8607 extension 124.

A fundraiser in support of the Antioch Police Department’s Canine Unit will be held on August 27 and 28 from 10 am to 6 pm Pet Food Express, 5829 Lone Tree Way.

All proceeds from the pet wash or purchase of pet wash tokens will go directly to the APD K-9’s and Canine Unit. Members of the APD Canine Unit will be on hand throughout the day. So come and meet the K-9s and their partner officers. APD Canine Unit T-Shirts will also be available for purchase.

The Antioch Schools Education Foundation will be hosting their Annual Teacher of the Year Dinner on Tuesday, September 27 from 5:00pm- 7:30pm at the Lone Tree Gold Course Event Center.

We’re looking for Corporate Sponsors: $1,000.00 (Seating for 6) Friend of Education: $750. (Seating for 4) Patron: $500 (seating for 2) Individual Seating: $45.

Flyers for the event are available on the Antioch Unified School District home page or the Antioch Chamber of Commerce, 101 H St., Suite 4.

The 4th Annual Mary Allan Fellows Award winners will also be honored at the dinner, along with this year’s Antioch Teacher of the Year, Tom Gravert, and runner up Bonnie Berquist.

The following teachers were nominated by peers, parents and students in their schools: Winners: Thomas Gravert, Dozier-Libbey Medical High; Steve Kish, Deer Valley High School;
Chris Mathews, Antioch High School; Margaret Ricklie, Belshaw Elementary School; Finalists: Julie Cullimore, Bidwell High School; Stacey Wickware, Dozier-Libbey Medical High
School; Nominees: Kristofor Freeman, Deer Valley High School; Heather Keeton, Deer Valley High School; David Porcel, Diablo Vista Elementary School; Deidra Sheehan, Belshaw Elementary School.

It’s been a tough year for those in education and it doesn’t look it’s going to get any better in the very near future. Having the support of the community makes a hard job easier when teachers know they’re not alone.

We look forward to seeing you at this very special event on September 17, 2011.

If you have any questions please contact: Barbara Herendeen at (925) 754-3014 or Martha Goralka (925) 706-1419.

Golf Under The Stars on Friday, August 27 at 6:30 P.M. at the Lone Tree Golf Course in Antioch. Lighted tee markers, flags, greens, & golf balls. Casual Buffet Dining. Live Auction. Contest – closest to the pin. Golfers bring just 9 iron, putter, & a flashlight . Just $150 PER COUPLE; $75 FOR SINGLES. Benefitting – The First Tee of Contra Costa – Antioch
Chapter.

For additional information please contact Martha Goralka (925)  706-1419, Rotary Club of the Delta.

BART Explains Cellphone Shutoff

Passenger Alert: Protests may disrupt BART service Mon., Aug. 22. Please be advised that protesters may attempt to disrupt BART service during the afternoon commute in downtown San Francisco BART stations.

As always, BART’s primary mission is to ensure your safety and keep trains on-time. BART may need to close some stations temporarily or make other service adjustments on short notice.

Know your alternative transportation plans. Take some time now to plan your transportation options. Visit www.511.org for more information about alternative commute options.

BART will use its website, mobile website, text alerts, email alerts and Customer Services phone line to update you on any changes we may make to BART service. You should also consider www.511.org and the web, mobile, email and sms services provided there.

Regional travel information: www.511.org or dial 511. BART website news/advisories: www.bart.gov. BART mobile website news/advisories: m.bart.gov. BART email and SMS advisories: www.bart.gov/alerts. BART SMS on demand: Text ‘BART service’ to 878787 or see www.bart.gov/sms for more info. BART Phone Center: 510-465-BART (2278). BART Twitter: @SFBART

For urgent matters on BART dial 911, call (510) 464-7000, use the train intercom or contact a Station Agent. Here are additional useful numbers: BART Police (non-emergency): 510-464-7000; San Francisco Police (emergency) 911 or 415-553-8090.

A letter from BART to our customers

By Bob Franklin, BART Board of Directors President
Sherwood Wakeman, Interim General Manager

BART’s top priority is to ensure the safety of its passengers. Prior to a planned protest on August 11, 2011, BART obtained credible information that led us to conclude that the safety of the BART system would be compromised. Out of an overriding concern for our passengers’ safety, BART made the decision to temporarily interrupt cell phone service on portions of its system.

We are aware that the interruption had the effect of temporarily preventing cellular communications for many BART passengers and their families; and we regret any inconvenience caused by the interruption. We want to take this opportunity to share some of the information that led to this decision.

Imminent Threat of Unlawful and Dangerous Activities on BART Platforms

On July 11, a group gathered at the BART Civic Center Station in San Francisco to protest the fact that, on July 3, a BART Police Officer shot and killed Charles Hill at that station.

During that protest, one person climbed on top of a train and many other individuals blocked train doorways and held train doors open. During the course of the event, which occurred during the peak of rush hour, individuals used BART trains to move between stations, and caused the shutdown or partial shutdown of other stations.

These actions violated the law by creating a serious threat to the safe operation of the BART system, disrupting the service of 96 BART trains (approximately two-thirds of the trains operating during the rush hour), causing the closing of stations, and putting at risk the safety of thousands of passengers and BART employees.
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By Josie Monaghan
Founder – Director East County Military Families & Friends

Our community has an opportunity to come together for a wonderful cause. Airmen: SSGT. Daniel Fye was wounded on his 4th tour; he has undergone 7 surgeries and has a long road ahead of him. We are planning an event to raise funds for the family. We are organizing a BBQ – Dinner Dance August 20th from 4:00 to 10:00 PM Here is a list of items needed for the charity event.
 Water
 Soda
 Paper products such as: plates, napkins, plastic wear, cups
 Hamburger patties, hot dogs, chicken, lettuce, tomatoes, condiments, desserts
 Buns,
 Ice
Please consider donating towards this event that will benefit an American Hero and his family from a grateful community. For more information visit www.eastcountyveterans.org or call 925.642.7537 or email ecmilitary@yahoo.com.

Join us in celebrating the 10th Anniversary of 9/11 First Responders! Join the East County Community in honoring the sacrifice of those who gave their lives
at the Twin Towers, the Pentagon and in Shanksville, Pennsylvania.

The Presider and Homilist will be Father Robert Rien, Chaplain for Antioch & Martinez Police Departments with Father Helmut Richter, Chaplain for Pittsburg Police Department. Music for the “Blue Mass” will be under the direction of Donald Pearson, Director of Music, Organist and Artist in Residence with the Parish Choir of St. Ignatius of Antioch Church.

When: September 17 from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

Where: St. Ignatius of Antioch Church, 3351 Contra Loma Blvd., Antioch

A First Responder’s Awards Luncheon will be held directly after the “Blue Mass”. This event will honor each Police Officer of the Year from Antioch,
Pittsburg, Oakley, and the California Highway Patrol, as well as, the Contra Costa County Fire Protection District Firefighter of the Year.

When: 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Where: Lone Tree Golf & Event Center, 4800 Golf Course Rd., Antioch

Cost: $35.00 per person

For tickets call Gary Clausen (925) 200-8770 or email Walter Ruehlig: walter.ruehlig@gmail.com Sponsored by St. Ignatius of Antioch Knights of Columbus, Council 12587.