Last seen in Antioch

Organizers of the Alexis Gabe search effort and the KlaasKids Foundation are asking farmers, ranchers, real estate agents and other citizens with access to unoccupied out buildings, unoccupied residences, structures, or fields to check those locations for signs of missing Alexis Gabe this coming weekend, March 26-27. (See related articles here and here)

The search for a missing loved one is a long, arduous task that requires the help and assistance of countless people. Law Enforcement and our volunteers have done an incredible job at searching public locations and lands, but we need your help to cover accessible privately owned property. For this reason, we are asking individuals with access to out buildings, unoccupied residences, and other structures to please search for any signs of missing Alexis Gabe. This effort will go far toward eliminating possible locations where she may be kept against her will, or other evidence of her current whereabouts.

If any suspicious items are located or if you have any information related to the disappearance of Alexis Gabe, please contact the Oakley Police Department at (925) 625-8855

We want to take this opportunity to thank the Oakley Police Department, Contra Costa Sheriff’s Search & Rescue and the selfless volunteers who have searched for Alexis, or otherwise supported the search effort. Another volunteer search will be scheduled and conducted on Saturday, April 2, 2022

Part of 50th anniversary celebration of the Older Americans Act Nutrition Program

This is the last week of March for Meals, a month-long celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Older Americans Act Nutrition Program. It is also the fourth week of our March Safety Bag Madness to collect items to fill a bag for our seniors to have on hand in case of power outages, fires, or an earthquake.

Even though the challenge for the brackets is coming to an end, as is March for Meals, we still need more items to fill 1,000 bags! So please consider donating these essential safety items throughout the month of April, too:

• Non-slip socks
• Whistles
• Small flashlights with batteries
• Extra batteries
• Small garbage bags
• Hand and toe warmers
• Band-aids, gauze, and alcohol wipes
• Glow sticks
• Hand sanitizer

Items can be purchased through Amazon or other retailers and shipped directly to us or can be dropped off at our office at 1300 Civic Drive, Walnut Creek. To arrange a drop-off time, please call us at 925-937-8607.

For those who are participating in our March Madness Brackets, below are the target numbers for this week’s donation goals:

Week 4: Donate 20+ items

• Donation example: 3 packs of batteries + 3 flashlights + 4 hand sanitizers + 24 packs of non-slip socks = 34 items

The seniors in our community are the most vulnerable among us and depend on MOW Diablo Region for meals to keep them from going hungry, and our supportive services keep them healthy and less isolated.

Providing them with safety bags ensures that we can keep our seniors safe in case of a natural disaster, but we can only do it with your help!

Staff Sgt. Daniel Scheile and Sgt. John Aragon and the memorial at Antioch High School in their honor. Photos: CC Blue Star Moms. Memorial photo: Allen D. Payton

Died while fighting global war on terrorism in Iraq

By Allen D. Payton

The Contra Costa Blue Star Moms held a ceremony and dedication on Saturday, March 12, of their memorial at Antioch High School to honor Staff Sergeant Daniel R. Scheile and Sergeant John D. Aragon. Both men served in the military and lost their lives fighting during Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Schiele, an AHS Class of 1986 graduate, who served in the U.S. Army National Guard, was 37 when he died on Sept. 23, 2005. Aragon, an AHS Class of 2004 graduate, who served in the U.S. Army, was 22 when he died on June 12, 2008.

Staff Sgt Scheile’s daughters Kelli Jillson and Marissa Waffle, and Sgt. Aragon’s father, John Aragon, Sr. unveiled the memorial at Antioch High School on Saturday, March 12, 2022. Photo by Allen D. Payton

“This dedication is long overdue because COVID shut us down two years ago, but COVID will never shut down the Blue Star Moms and we will never forget our Fallen Warriors,” said Loretta Masnada, President of Contra Costa Blue Star Moms and a proud Marine Corps Mom. “The Contra Costa Blue Star Moms wish to thank all who helped make this memorial a reality so those who see it will remember our fallen warriors.”

During the ceremony, held at Antioch High’s Beede Auditorium, prior to the dedication of the memorial, AHS student Sarah Morgan sang the National Anthem and those in attendance heard remarks from Antioch Mayor Lamar Thorpe, Antioch High Principal Louie Rocha, and Antioch School Board President Gary Hack.

In addition, Sergeant First Class (Ret.) Christopher Chebahta of the California Army National Guard shared of his experience while serving as the Platoon Leader for Scheile. Finally, Sgt. First Class Lowell A. Barber, also with the California Army National Guard shared a poignant testimonial of his experience serving with Scheile.

“We were unable to locate anyone who served with SGT Aragon, as he was stationed at Fort Campbell, Kentucky,” Masnada later shared.

Following the unveiling of the memorial by Scheile’s daughters Kelli Jillson and Marissa Waffle, and Aragon’s father, John Aragon, Sr. Taps was performed by AHS student and trumpeter Marissa Conners.

The memorial is located near the entrance to the school’s administration building on the E. 18th Street side.

About Contra Costa Blue Star Moms

Contra Costa Blue Star Moms, California Chapter 20, is a non-partisan, non-political, non-discriminatory organization. We do not support any political candidate,
nor do we endorse any religious organization. The military represents all aspects of America, as does our organization.

It is our mission to provide support for members of the United States Armed Forces and its veterans. We strive to honor our troops, our veterans and our fallen heroes in our words and in our deeds.

Contra Costa Blue Star Moms is a 501(c)(3) non-profit group. All donations are tax deductible. Donations may be made by check payable to “CCBSM” and mailed to P.O. Box 6379, Concord, CA 94524.

EL CAMPANIL THEATRE PRESENTS:

ANTIOCH SESQUICENTENNIAL CONCERT

SATURDAY, APRIL 16th at 2:00 PM

ADMISSION: FREE (Tickets still required for entry)

The City of Antioch is 150 years young and deserving of a celebration! Join us for this free concert featuring some of the finest talent in East County! Featuring Antioch native Toree McGee, blues legends Frankie G and Tia Carroll, the Antioch High Jazz Band, Black Diamond Ballet, El Campanil Theatre Academy, and more!

Help us celebrate this landmark anniversary with an afternoon of entertainment you won’t soon forget!

El Campanil Theatre is located at 602 W. 2nd Street in historic, downtown Rivertown. For tickets visit www.elcampaniltheatre.com.

To learn more about Antioch’s Sesquicentennial of Cityhood which occurred on Incorporation Day, February 6, 1872 and see all of this year’s events and activities click here and here.

Join us Saturday April 2nd, 11am – 3pm for Antioch Historical Society’s Sesquicentennial Kick-Off BBQ! This will be a fun day of food, music and great family fun! Tour our beautiful museum free of charge, live music from Vocal Ease and our local high school and view Antioch’s Middle Schools Art Contest Winners! This event is free to the public. However, food and beverages are an additional charge. Your ticket purchase is for a delicious barbeque meal.

Don’t miss this historical event and help us celebrate Antioch’s 150th Anniversary of Cityhood! A Sesquicentennial Almanac and Commemorative Coin will be available for sale at this event. All proceeds raised at this event go to support the Antioch Historical Society and Museum!

The BBQ will take place on the front lawn of the Museum located at 1500 W. 4th Street, at the end and curve of Auto Center Drive.

For tickets visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/antioch-historical-societys-sesquicentennial-kick-off-bbq-tickets-234060640677

To learn more about Antioch’s Sesquicentennial of Cityhood on February 6, 1872 and see all of this year’s events and activities click here and here.

St. Patrick’s Day 2022 flier