“Ring it loud! Ring it proud! Be part of Antioch’s history!”

During Society’s 50th and Museum’s 25th Anniversaries

By Allen D. Payton

The Antioch Historical Society is at it again with another project for the grounds of the Museum. This time they’re raising funds to restore and locate a display of the historic First Congregational Church bell, one of the oldest artifacts in the city.

The effort is being led by Past Board President Dwayne Eubanks and Tom Menasco, a co-founder of the Sports Legends wing and leader of the successful fundraising effort for the Red Caboose display.

Menasco is serving as the marketing and fundraising manager, Director Stan Davis and Ron Bass are serving as construction managers, Eubanks shared.

According to the Historical Society, the bell “was heard more than 150 years ago by early church members, including Antioch’s founders Rev. W.W. Smith and Captain George W. Kimball. It was heard by the church sexton, Thomas Gaines, the first known Black settler in Antioch.”

When reached for comment, Eubanks said, “The church bell is very significant to Antioch as it goes back to the time when the city was incorporated and was heard by people including the first Constable and Mayor, Roswell Hard, William Wiggins Smith, Thomas Gaines, and Adelia Kimball, the community’s first teacher.”

“We’re building a custom bell housing. We paid a company that specializes in designing bell towers back in 2022. But we had to put the plans on the shelf for a few years due to COVID.”

Antioch resident Joseph Zamora, a member of the First Congregation Church, donated the bell.

“It was in his backyard under a tarp. It’s 700 lbs.,” Eubanks stated.

“We’re hoping the bell will help unite old Antioch and new Antioch. To me, personally, it’s a symbol of unity,” he added.

They’ll build the tower, display the bell, “and it’s going to ring,” Eubanks exclaimed.

Asked how much the Society is raising for the project, he said, “The construction estimate was around $96,000 and we’ve raised $48,000. Part of that came out of our budget. That includes profit and labor. But we’re taking that out as we may get in-kind services and materials that will cut that balance down.”

“The City gave us a civic enhancement grant and waived the construction permit fee,” he shared.

“We’re hoping to put this bell and tower in this year as it’s the 50th Anniversary of the Historical Society and 25th Anniversary of the museum in the former Antioch High School and fire department building,” Eubanks mentioned.

“Ring it loud! Ring it proud! Be part of Antioch’s history!Leave a legacy for your children and grandchildren to see, ring, and enjoy. Let’s hear it ring again! Become a sponsor today and your name will be permanently inscribed on the exhibit,” the Society shared on their Facebook page.

To donate online, visit their website at: https://antiochhistoricalmuseum.org/donations/ or see the flyer below. The Museum is located at 1500 W. 4th Street and is open Wednesdays and Saturdays from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. For more information call (925) 757-1326.

The Antioch Rotary Club will hold its 9th Annual BunnyHop 5K fundraiser on Saturday, April 19, 2025, at the Corteva (formerly Dow) Wetlands in Antioch. Proceeds will go directly toward scholarships and sports programs at AUSD high schools. The race will happen rain or shine! 

All Finishers will receive a BunnyHop 5K Medal. First Place Overall in Men’s and Women’s divisions will receive a plaque, and a Gift Card. Age Group Medals will go to the Top 3 in each of these Age Groups: 9 and under, 10-14, 15-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, & 70 and up.

Registration is $40 plus, fees. The fee for our Annual Kids’ Kwik Dash is still $0. To register visit 9th Antioch Rotary Club Bunny Hop 5K and click the Sign Up button.

Instructions

Race start time is 9:00 a.m. Please park in the Antioch Marina lot at 5 Marina Plaza at the foot of L Street. The Bunny Hop Start Line is about 3/4-mile from the parking lot – please plan on a 20–30-minute nature walk. Plan on arriving at the Antioch Marina by 8:00 a.m. – there will be plenty of parking and porta potties.

For participatnts from the Antioch Unified School District – please arrive at the Antioch Marina by 7:30 a.m. to pick up your Race Bibs and GoodyBags – There will be a special line for AUSD-sponsored runners.

For more information visit www.facebook.com/AntiochBunnyHop5K or www.antiochrotary.net.

We are so grateful for our Sponsors for our Antioch BunnyHop 5K!

Mina Aljanaby, RCF Connects receive awards

Teresa Glenn is the 2025 Chamber Board Chair

By Antioch Chamber of Commerce

During the annual Gala on Friday, March 28, 2025, the Antioch Chamber of Commerce honored 2024 Youth of the Year Mina Aljanaby, a Dozier-Libbey Medical High School student, and Non-Profit of the Year RCF Connects. In addition, Teresa Glenn of TreVista Senior Living Antioch was installed as the Chambers new Board Chair for 2025. The event was held at the Lone Tree Golf & Event Center.

Youth of the Year Award – Mina Aljanaby
Mina exemplifies excellence in academics, leadership, and service, making a profound impact on both peers and the community.

As a lead teacher CPR instructor for middle school students, Mina has demonstrated outstanding mentorship and a commitment to educating younger students in life-saving skills. She has also played a key role in organizing medical field days, ensuring that students gain exposure to the healthcare field.

Additionally, Mina helped organize and host bone marrow donation programs, showcasing an incredible dedication to health advocacy and service. Beyond academics, she has excelled in leadership, serving as the Vice President for two years, fostering a positive school environment.

Mina’s hard work has been recognized through the Barbara James Service Award and the Red Cross Merit County Award. Her dedication, initiative, and compassion make her a truly deserving recipient of this award.

During the ceremony, Mina was presented with a scholarship funded by the Antioch and Delta-Antioch Rotary Clubs.

Non-Profit of the Year – RCF Connects
RCF Connects has been an exceptional champion for positive change in the Antioch community, exemplifying its commitment to creating opportunities and addressing pressing community issues. Since 2018, RCF has partnered with local government, community leaders and organizations like the Robin Hood Foundation to raise $1.5 million in support of the Sycamore Drive neighborhood, helping to transform it through projects such as renewed community parks, college and career pathways, and pilot programs like guaranteed income.

The foundation has also made impact in homeownership accessibility by bringing a down payment assistance program to Antioch, raising $1.8 million to help low- to moderate -income first time homebuyers.

The Equity for Black Women and Girls initiative has empowered 24 local women entrepreneurs with a comprehensive business development program, helping to launch 21 new businesses in Antioch in just two years

As RCF continues to address critical needs like transportation gaps and the development of community economic strategies, their impact on Antioch residents’ lives is undeniable. Their efforts to connect people with resources and opportunities truly make them deserving of the Non-Profit of the Year Award.

New Chamber Board Chair
Teresa Glenn of TreVista Senior Living Antioch was installed as the 2025 Board Chair for the Antioch Chamber of Commerce. She moves up from the position of Ambassador Committee Chair and takes over from Michael Gabrielson of Willow Park Mercantile.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

Fundraiser for annual Antioch School Supply Giveaway

Benefiting 4 Ever Me Foundation.

Program will empower a Northern California nonprofit with up to $39,000 in grant funding

By Michelle Sabolich, AVP, Corporate Communications, Travis Credit Union

Travis Credit Union Foundation announces the application deadline has been extended for its 2025 Financial Coaching Grants program until March 31. This initiative is an opportunity for one Northern California nonprofit organization to access $30,000 in unrestricted funding and up to $9,000 to train its staff to become financial coaches. Those interested in applying can start here.

“Our hope is that through this grant, we can create a ripple effect of positive financial behaviors that will benefit not only the individuals directly involved but the broader community,” said Damian Alarcon, president of Travis Credit Union Foundation. “Financial stability is a cornerstone of a thriving community, and we are committed to making a lasting impact.”

Eligibility requirements are:
• Organizations benefiting people in Napa, Solano, Yolo, Contra Costa and Merced counties.
• Organizations classified as public charities.
• Organizations with the ability to reach diverse communities, including those that are unbanked/underserved.
• Organizations that do not discriminate by race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin, disability, marital status, sexual orientation or military status.
• Organizations with the capacity to allocate time and resources for two staff members to become financial coaches (self-study) and provide 10 or more one-hour financial coaching sessions to beneficiaries each month.
• Organizations that are willing to promote their participation in the Financial Coaching Grant Program and acknowledge funding received from Travis Credit Union Foundation in traditional and social media.

Those who apply and are selected as coaches will undergo comprehensive, three- to five-month long, self-study training through the Credit Union National Association (CUNA) and/or Financial Counseling for Empowerment Program (FICEP). Upon completing the course, coaches will be equipped to address a wide range of financial topics, from summarizing saving principles to educating community members about credit reports, credit scores and the wise use of tax refunds.

The TCU Foundation is committed to supporting nonprofits throughout the grant’s lifetime, ensuring that financial wellness outcomes are achieved. The foundation will monitor financial coaching goals, metrics and outcomes related to reduced debt, increased savings and established and/or improved credit scores. Renewal preferences are given to nonprofits with a demonstrated record of coaching more beneficiaries.

The grant application will close on March 31 at 11:59 p.m. PDT.

About Travis Credit Union Foundation
The Travis Credit Union Foundation supports financial education and wellness initiatives and is the philanthropic arm of Travis Credit Union. The Foundation is committed to making a positive impact in the communities it serves through financial education, charitable giving, and community support. Travis Credit Union generously funds the administrative costs of the Travis Credit Union Foundation, allowing for 100% of funds raised to go back to the community. To learn more about the Travis Credit Union Foundation’s mission and how to participate in all it’s doing to build financial wellness in the communities it serves, visit tcufund.org.

The Foundation is organized and operated exclusively for charitable and educational purposes under Internal Revenue Code section 501(c)(3). Tax ID #82-4159040

Donors, sponsors requested

In honor of our Past Distinguished Member, Romano Marchetti, the Kiwanis Club of the Delta-Antioch is proud to host our Annual Tri-Tip / Chicken Dinner on March 29th, 2025. This event will take place at the Veterans of Foreign Wars located at 815 Fulton Shipyard Road in Antioch, CA. Come on down for 5PM Social with dinner starting promptly at 6PM.

Enjoy Garlic Butter Tri-Tip, Roasted Herb Chicken, Bam Beans made with no meat, fresh Bam Slaw, a fresh roll with butter, and a decadent ice cream cup catered by Archie’s S and Q Smoked Meats. All this for $40 per adult and only $20 for children. Plus, you will have the chance to win many great prizes in our opportunity drawing, live auction and Silent Auction.

All profits of this dinner, Opportunity Drawing, and Auction contribute to the support of the local Kiwanis Community, Youth Charities, and local Scholarships.

You can buy tickets from Kay Power, Allison Norris, or purchase them online at www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/romano-marchetti-memorial-tri-tip-chicken-dinner–2025.

Donors and sponsors will be announced that night. Please see donation and sponsorship letter from 2024-25 Club President Tom McNell.

For more information visit Kiwanis Club of The Delta-Antioch.

By City of Antioch Recreation Department

Embark on a once-in-a-lifetime cultural adventure! Join the Chichibu Sister City Program and experience the beauty, traditions, and warm hospitality of Chichibu, Japan. From breathtaking landscapes to rich history, this is your chance to build lifelong connections and unforgettable memories. Last year, delegates from Japan joined us here in Antioch, and this summer, it’s our turn to visit Japan! Apply today and be part of this amazing exchange!

Learn more information about the Antioch Chichibu Sister City Program when you visit their Facebook page Antioch-Chichibu Sister City Organization or email AntiochChichibuSCO@gmail.com.