The Antioch Historical Museum’s new, eight-member Transition Team will lead the 5-Year Strategic Plan effort: (Top L-R) Tom Hartrick, Mike Green, Matthew Hart, Clifton Mbanugo and Strategic Advisor Ray Davi; (Bottom L-R) Donna McGee, Janet Farr, Theresa Court and Carla Baker Marymee. Photo: Antioch Historical Society
Led by 8-member Transition Team; adopts new Mission Statement
By Carla Baker Marymee
ANTIOCH, CA – May 2, 2026 – A new era is taking shape at the Antioch Historical Museum. Located at 1500 W. 4th Street, the museum is embarking on one of the most significant transformations in its history—unveiling an ambitious 5‑year Strategic Plan designed to elevate, protect, and reimagine Antioch’s rich cultural legacy.
At the heart of this effort is the museum’s newly appointed 8‑member Transition Team, a diverse group of community leaders who will guide the plan’s first phase. Members include: Theresa Court, Antioch Historical Society Board President; Janet Farr, Board Member; Mike Green, Vice Principal, Deer Valley High School; Matthew Hart, attorney; Tom Hartrick, business owner; Carla Baker Marymee, Board President‑Elect and business owner; Clifton Mbanugo, business owner; and Donna McGee, Kaiser Permanente Antioch Medical Center Site Director. The team is led by Raymond Davi, Museum Strategic Advisor.
This milestone follows an extensive 18‑month assessment led by Davi, who conducted in‑depth research and interviews with board members, museum members, committees, and community stakeholders. His findings made clear that the museum needed a bold new direction to secure its long‑term future.
To bring that vision to life, consultant Sanjay P. Hukku, PhD was engaged to work with internal and external audiences to shape a comprehensive five‑year plan and a modernized organizational structure. This work was generously funded through an estate gift from longtime museum member Nancy Kelly, whose legacy now helps propel the museum into its next chapter.
The Antioch Historical Museum is located at 1500 W. 4th Street in Antioch. Photo: Antioch Historical Society
The resulting plan establishes a revitalized structure—featuring a Governing Board, Advisory Team, Executive Director (ED), and Friends of the Museum group—and sets a clear roadmap for growth, sustainability, and community impact.
“This plan realigns the museum’s mission, reimagines its role in the community, and positions it as an innovative, engaging, and trusted cultural asset,” said Theresa Court, AHS Board President. “By embracing this new direction, the Antioch Historical Museum is preparing to thrive—preserving the region’s heritage while inspiring future generations.”
During the first year, the Transition Team will focus on foundational work: assessing the historic 1910 Riverview High School building, establishing the new organizational structure, and launching the search for the museum’s first Executive Director.
“The Antioch Historical Museum is at a defining moment,” said Raymond Davi. “At the heart of this transformation is a bold new mission that redefines what the museum stands for and how it connects with the community.”
The museum’s new Mission Statement reflects that vision:
“We welcome curious visitors to explore the extraordinary history in every corner of our community and region. We focus on hidden heroes, untold stories, and surprising moments—bringing them to life through exhibits, outreach, and publications that help young people, families, and visitors of all ages discover that Antioch’s history is impossible to ignore.”
The Antioch Historical Museum is housed in the historic 1910 Riverview High School, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and is also home to the Antioch Sports Legends Hall of Fame.
The museum is open Wednesdays and Saturdays from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
BISSELL Pet Foundation’s Empty the Shelters® 10th Anniversary Event
Adoption fees waived in Antioch May 1-17
By Becca Bryant
Today marks the start of National Pet Month, and the timing couldn’t be better.
BISSELL Pet Foundation’s Empty the Shelters® – the nation’s largest funded adoption event – returns May 1-17, 2026, marking the 10th anniversary of the Foundation’s signature program. This milestone event celebrates a decade of lifesaving second chances for shelter pets. Hosted in partnership with 335 animal shelters across 39 states, the initiative helps make adoption more affordable by sponsoring reduced adoption fees of $70 or less. All pets are spayed or neutered, vaccinated, and microchipped—ready to go from kennel to couch.
As shelters face increased intake during the spring months and adoptions struggle to keep pace, this event provides critical relief by helping thousands of pets find loving homes. Since launching in 2016, Empty the Shelters has helped nearly 400,000 pets find homes through partnerships with 909 organizations across 49 states and Canada.
Source: Antioch Animal Services
BISSELL Pet Foundation, a leading national nonprofit founded in 2011 by Cathy Bissell, partners with animal welfare organizations by reimbursing adoption fees so that adopters pay $70 or less. Every pet is spay/neutered, vaccinated, and microchipped – ready to go from kennel to couch.
“Ten years ago, Empty the Shelters® began with a simple goal—to bring awareness to the incredible pets in shelters,” said Bissell. “Today, it has grown into a national effort that has helped nearly 400,000 pets find families. Those adoptions have opened space for other pets to enter shelters, provided relief for shelter teams, and created the heartwarming joy that only adoption can bring. This impact has been made possible thanks to the commitment of shelters, adopters, donors and supporters across the country. As we celebrate 10 years, we encourage everyone to consider adoption and help more pets find the homes they deserve. It’s never too late to make a difference.”
Source: Antioch Animal Services
Antioch Animal Services Participates Again
Antioch Animal Services is participating in the Empty the Shelters® 10th Anniversary Event. Stop by Tuesday through Saturday, 10:00 am – 5:00 pm at 300 L Street in Antioch’s historic, downtown Rivertown.
Antioch’s staff says, “Come check out our amazing pets and perhaps find your new best friend!”
Events take place quarterly, with emergency activations during shelter crises.
Each shelter has its own process – contact them directly for applications, adoptable pets, and event hours.
BISSELL Pet Foundation does not operate a shelter or offer individual pet grants.
Follow @bissellpets on social media for updates and announcements.
Adoption saves two lives – the pet going home and the one who takes their place
Source: Antioch Animal Services
About BISSELL Pet Foundation:
BISSELL Pet Foundation is a charitable 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with a mission to help reduce the number of animals in shelters through pet adoption, spay/neuter, vaccinations, microchipping and emergency support. Founded in 2011 by Cathy Bissell, BPF is an extension of her long-standing love for animals and commitment to their welfare. BPF has since partnered with more than 6,025 shelters and rescues across the U.S. and Canada to help pets find loving homes. The foundation is supported by generous donors and BISSELL Inc. where every purchase saves pets. To learn more, visit www.bissellpetfoundation.org.
The Friends of the Antioch Library (FOAL) hosted a heartfelt Volunteer Luncheon on Friday, April 24, honoring the dedicated individuals who give countless hours in support of the Antioch Library and its vibrant community.
The event recognized several long-time volunteers who recently retired from active service with FOAL. Merle Whitburn, Richard Angeloni, and Marian Ferrante were each presented with certificates of appreciation for their extraordinary contributions spanning three decades. Whitman served in numerous leadership roles, including President and Membership Director. Angeloni was the longtime editor of BookMark, the Friends’ official newsletter. Ferrante, a devoted board member and secretary, also brought joy to the luncheon with an entertaining storytelling and sing-along that delighted attendees.
FOAL Board President Walter Ruehlig introduced the current board members who continue to lead the organization’s fundraising efforts for the library. The board includes Secretary Rosanne Carey; Financial Secretary and long-time board member Patty Chan; Members-at-Large Linda Lawson and Joanna Delligatti; and Treasurer and Interim Membership Coordinator Tammy Smith.
Following the luncheon, Smith, alongside Member-at-Large Linda Lawson and Cashier Coordinator Leigh Smith, hosted FOAL’s first official cashier training. Volunteers were equipped with the tools and confidence needed to support book sale operations—ensuring a smooth and welcoming experience for the community, one book at a time.
Looking ahead, FOAL will host its second book sale of the year from Thursday, April 30 through Saturday, May 2 at the Antioch Library, located at 501 W 18th Street. As book sale revenues have declined in recent months, the demand for library services has surged, with full program rooms and increased community reliance on library resources. The need for support is greater than ever.
Friends of the Antioch Library are (left to right): current board members Joanna Delligatti, Patty Chan, Tammy Smith, Linda Lawson, Rosanne Carey, and Walter Ruehlig; and former board members and newsletter editor Marian Ferrante, Merle Whitburn and Richard Angeloni. Photo: FOAL
Community members are invited to shop the sale and discover incredible deals while supporting a vital cause:
Thursday, April 30 – 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. (Members Only)
Thursday, April 30 – 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. (Open to the public)
Friday, May 1 – 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Saturday, May 2 – 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
$7 Brown Bag Sale – Saturday from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Shoppers will find fantastic bargains, with children’s books starting at just 25¢ and adult books beginning at only 50¢. All proceeds directly benefit Antioch Library programs, materials, and special projects that serve the entire community.
The Friends of the Antioch Library encourage everyone to get involved—whether by becoming a member, making a donation, volunteering, or simply shopping the book sale. Every contribution helps ensure the library continues to thrive for generations to come.
About FOAL
The Friends of the Antioch Library is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving library services in Antioch. Through membership donations and Book Sale earnings, the Friends provide the library with books, magazines, DVDs and CDs. We also provide children’s and cultural programs for the community.
Executive Director Ricka Davis-Sheard is presented with a plaque by Antioch Chamber of Commerce Chair Jim Becker honoring S.H.A.R.E. Community as the 2025 Antioch Non-Profit of the Year during the annual Gala on March 27, 2026. Photo by Allen D. Payton
By Antioch Chamber of Commerce
During the Antioch Chamber of Commerce’s annual Gala, held Friday night, March 27, 2026, S.H.A.R.E. Community was honored as the 2025 Antioch Non-Profit of the Year. S.H.A.R.E. stands for Sharing Hope, Abundance, Resources and Encouragement.
S.H.A.R.E. Community is a remarkable nonprofit organization dedicated to serving unhoused neighbors in our community. Their programs provide mobile showers, hygiene kits, and laundry vouchers, offering individuals an opportunity to feel confident again and helping to restore a sense of dignity that is often lost during times of homelessness.
“We’re super excited to be chosen Non-Profit of the Year for 2025 by the Antioch Chamber of Commerce,” said, Executive Director Ricka Davis-Sheard who was presented with a commemorative plaque by Chamber Chair Jim Becker.
Founded in 2019 with a mission centered on sharing hope, resources, abundance, and encouragement, S.H.A.R.E. Community has become a lifeline for many. They work in partnership with a wide range of local agencies, including hair salons, pet food providers, veteran support services, and mental health organizations, ensuring that the needs of their clients are met in a holistic and compassionate way.
SHARE Community has provided over 9,000 showers and distributed 18,000 hygiene kits to individuals experiencing homelessness. Many participants in the program have gone on to secure stable housing and have returned as volunteers, creating a full-circle transformation that exemplifies the organization’s profound impact.
Despite operating with a small budget and limited resources, SHARE Community continues to expand its services and outreach, fueled by the dedication of its volunteers and the support of the local community. Their tireless efforts not only address immediate needs but also inspire hope, foster resilience, and empower individuals to reclaim their confidence and independence.
S.H.A.R.E. Community is more than a nonprofit—they are a beacon of compassion, demonstrating that with care, creativity, and community support, meaningful change is possible for some of the most vulnerable members of society.
2025 Antioch Youth of the Year Amanda Brown is presented with a plaque by Chamber Chair Jim Becker (left) and with a scholarship check by Tom Jenkins of the Antioch Rotary Club and Tom Hartrick of the Rotary Club of the Delta-Antioch, who were joined by Mayor Ron Bernal during the Gala ceremony Friday, March 27, 2026. Photo by Allen D. Payton
Deer Valley High Senior Class President also presented with $1,500 scholarship by local Rotary Clubs
By Antioch Chamber of Commerce
During the Antioch Chamber of Commerce’s annual Gala, Friday night, March 27, 2026, Amanda Brown was honored as Antioch’s 2025 Youth of the Year.
She is an exceptional student whose dedication, leadership, and passion for service truly set her apart. As senior class president at Deer Valley High School, she plays a pivotal role in planning and executing student activities, earning a reputation as a dependable leader and trusted mentor among her peers.
Amanda has become the school’s premier Master of Ceremonies for large events. Last year during the Deer Valley High School Special Olympics, she emceed the event with remarkable compassion, high energy, making every participant feel valued and celebrated. Her skill, poise and heart for service have made her the go-to emcee, admired for bringing joy and professionalism to every occasion.
Beyond her leadership at school, Amanda actively contributes to the community. She teaches cooking classes and leads youth enrichment activities at the Antioch Recreation Center, inspiring younger students and fostering a positive, supportive environment. Her dedication to helping others, combined with her excellent attendance, academic achievement and strong work ethic, demonstrates a rare combination of character, talent and service-mindedness.
Amanda Brown is more than a student leader—she is a remarkable young person whose compassion, initiative, and integrity continue to impact everyone around her. She exemplifies the very best of youth leadership, and her contributions promise a bright future of meaningful service and community engagement.
During the Gala ceremony, Amanda was presented with a scholarship for $1,500 from $750 contributed by each the Antioch Rotary Club and Rotary Club of the Delta (Antioch).
The location for the Antioch Rotary Bunny Hop 5K Run/Walk race has changed! The event will now be held at the Worth Shaw Community Park, 801 James Donlon Blvd., Antioch.
Please update your plans accordingly.
Registration will be open until Race Day. Special Thanks to the Rotary Club of the Delta for preparing a free Pancake Breakfast for everyone on Race Day! If you like to be part of community video, please email your picture to rdeloso@yahoo.com. Like us and see up to date notices on Facebook @AntiochBunnyHop5K.
