Source: YouTube video screenshot.

Nuhad Levasseur from her LinkedIn profile.

By Justin Llamas

Our amazing voice teacher, Nuhad Levasseur, is fighting cancer. And we believe she’ll win. This video is dedicated to Nuhad, a woman who has changed us all for the better. Merry Christmas!

In the Light Voice Studio students, in singing order:

Christina Jardine

Lauren Mariscal

David Morgan

Stevie Rae Stephens

Mikayla Thompson

Christian Abrojena

Jessica Montez

Hailey Schneider

Stephen Morgan

Justin Llamas (me)

Marcus Delgado

Ashley Morgan

Ali Travis

Brian Joksch (no solo, seen in second chorus)

Levasseur has owned In The Light Voice Studio since 1992, first in Antioch and now, in Marietta, Georgia where her family moved last year. She previously sang in the choir and performed solos at Golden Hills Community Church in Brentwood.

Children and family members from Antioch’s Sycamore neighborhood look through the toys to choose two each as their Christmas gift as volunteers from Bonafide Sisterhood assist on Monday, Dec. 19, 2022. Photos by Allen D. Payton

Families are greeted by Santa Claus as they await their turn for the children to choose their favorite toys for Christmas.

By Allen D. Payton

Antioch-based Bonafide Sisterhood gave some early assistance to Santa Claus by holding their annual Christmas toy giveaway for residents in the Sycamore Drive neighborhood on Monday night Dec. 19, 2022.

“Each child gets two items in the first go around to make sure everyone gets something,” said Executive Director Tonyia ‘Nina’ Carter. “Then if there are more toys remaining families can return and get more.”

They also raffled off several bikes.

This was the organization’s third year holding the event. About six volunteers helped including one dressed as Santa Claus.

“I just want to say thank you to the community for supporting the effort,” Carter said. “I give a special shout out to Sandra White, Tammy Scott, East Bay Forward EDA and Moms Demand Action who donated toys and to our volunteers.”

A variety of new toys were available for the children to choose from.

The Bonafide Sisterhood is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that provides much-needed resources to challenging communities. Focusing on redirecting, rebuilding, and preventing gang and gun violence by supporting families through life’s challenges by connecting them to Community-Based Life Coaches that will help them connect the dots along their healing journey and advocate for their well-being.

To learn more about the organization and to support their efforts visit www.bonafidesisterhood.org.

Plus, Children’s Christmas Program, Breakfast and Gift Giveaway!

Golden Hills Community Church is located at 2401 Shady Willow Lane in Brentwood.

Santa and The Grinch make appearances!

By Allen D. Payton

Antioch residents Dennis and Lanette Clarke opened their home to the Herald, recently to share their extensive Christmas decorations and nutcracker collection. The nutcrackers are everywhere in the entryway, living and dining rooms and hanging all over their Christmas tree. Then in their family room they have on display a fun and fabulous collection of miniature, operating carnival rides. Enjoy a look at their collections and see a video of the carnival ride display on the Antioch Herald Facebook page.

Or drop off your donated toy at the Dillon’s Dream booth during the Holiday Delites celebration in Rivertown, Saturday, Dec. 3.

The toys will be donated for children in the oncology clinics at John Muir Walnut Creek, Kaiser Oakland and Sutter Health Sacramento.

For more information about Dillon’s Dream visit dillonsdreams.org.