Contra Costa Herald

News Of By and For The People of Contra Costa County, California

Pittsburg resident, long-time community leader joins board of Meals on Wheels Diablo Region

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Lindy Maynes-Kolthoff. Photo: MOWDR

By Skylar Schaefer, Communications Specialist, Meals on Wheels Diablo Region

WALNUT CREEK, CA – Meals on Wheels Diablo Region (MOW Diablo Region) is pleased to announce that Lindy Maynes-Kolthoff has been elected to the organization’s Board of Directors. Maynes-Kolthoff has a close relationship with MOW Diablo Region as a volunteer for the Breakfast Bag Program.

Maynes-Kolthoff spent over 35 years serving students in higher education at both the university and community college levels. As the Executive Director of the Los Medanos College Foundation, she was active in her East Contra Costa County area as a member of the Pittsburg Chamber of Commerce, member of the Industrial Association of Contra Costa County, was presented with a Proclamation honoring her volunteer work in the City of Pittsburg and served 21 years on the Board of Directors for the Rotary Club of Antioch. Maynes-Kolthoff currently serves on the Board of Directors of Delta Advocacy Foundation as the Grants Chair.

In addition to her volunteering for MOW Diablo Region, Maynes-Kolthoff has personal experience with the organization. Her father volunteered forty years ago and said that it was the best job he ever had. Ten years ago, when her father-in-law needed services, she says that the meal deliveries literally saved his life.

When reached for comment about her new position Maynes-Kolthoff said, “I’ve been volunteering for about two years, now and I deliver breakfast bags to clients in Antioch. Then I substitute, here in Pittsburg when they need a driver.”

“Board Chairman Tim Argenti (formerly of Republic Services) is the one who asked if I’d be willing to serve on the board and I said, ‘sure’,” she stated. “I enjoy volunteering because I think it’s important to support our seniors in our communities. I’m more than happy to, now serve on the board.”

“I’m very humbled to be a part of this amazing organization,” Maynes-Kolthoff added.

Meals on Wheels Diablo Region’s mission is to keep seniors nourished, safe, less isolated, and independent for as long as possible. MOW Diablo Region is the only Meals on Wheels that delivers both meals and supportive services to the entire county. In addition to home delivered meals, the organization provides breakfast bags, grocery bags, cultural cuisine, cafés, fall prevention, friendly visitors, callers, and helpers, case management, and exercise classes. All services are free of charge.  To learn more about services, volunteering, or donating, visit mowdiabloregion.org.

About Meals on Wheels Diablo Region:

For more than 50 years, Meals on Wheels Diablo Region has improved the lives of vulnerable seniors in Contra Costa County by delivering nutritious meals and supportive services that allow seniors to remain in their homes safely and with dignity. Programs include home-delivered meals, Breakfast Bags, Grocery Bags, Fall Prevention, Cafés, Care Management, Friendly Visitors, Health and Wellness, and more.

About Meals on Wheels America

Meals on Wheels America is the leadership organization supporting the more than 5,000 community-based programs across the country that are dedicated to addressing senior hunger and isolation. Powered by a trusted volunteer workforce, this network delivers a comprehensive solution that begins with a meal and is proven to enable independence and well-being through the additional benefits of tailored nutrition, social connection, safety and much more. By providing funding, programming, education, research and advocacy, Meals on Wheels America empowers its local member programs to strengthen their communities, one senior at a time.

 

Oakley to hold 25th Cityhood Anniversary Parade and more Saturday, June 28

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See parade route

What are you doing on Saturday? Our 25th Anniversary Parade starts promptly at 9 am at 4th and Main Streets and will conclude at Civic Center Plaza. Grab your spot along the route to cheer on your faves. While out, why not grab a bite to eat before heading on over to Oakley Summer Fest?

Summer Fest will be held in Civic Center Plaza and on Main Street from Norcross Lane to Vintage Parkway starting at 11 am. We’ll have a kids area equipped with inflatable jumpers, a giant slide, trampoline bounce, and more! Be sure to bring $5 cash to purchase a wristband at this event at the Oakley Recreation tent next to City Hall.

#OakleyRecreation    #Oakleyturns25

 

Tomorrow! 6th Annual Contra Costa Summer Block Party in Richmond June 27

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One stop for your county service needs

Presented by Contra Costa Health Services in collaboration with the City of Richmond

Join us for Contra Costa County’s 6th Annual Summer Block Party where residents can make one stop for their county service needs from 4 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, June 27, at 440 Civic Center Plaza, 27th and Nevin Streets in Richmond.

Public parking is available on Nevin Street at 27th Street. In collaboration with the City of Richmond, the County is hosting this family-friendly event where community members can conveniently connect with County and City staff and get support handling their important tasks.

“We are excited to bring this community event back to Richmond to serve our West County residents where they live,” said District I Supervisor John Gioia. “Residents will have a unique opportunity to access multiple services in one location, making it easier to take care of their county needs as well as enjoy an afternoon at this family-friendly community event.”

Contra Costa residents can connect with services outside of regular business hours. These include registering to vote, getting copies of vital records, applying for Veterans Benefits, CalFresh, Medi-Cal, or other programs. The Contra Costa County Library will present a live story time and have its Rolling Reader on site. The City of Richmond Fire Department will also roll in its fire truck. Plus, there will be Zumba by Rosa and several other community organizations sharing information and services.

Community members can enjoy a festive gathering, plus receive on-the-spot services and information from departments and programs such as Contra Costa Health, CONFIRE, Community Warning System, Public Works, Probation, District Attorney’s Office, and many more.

Contra Costa County has hosted this increasingly popular event since 2017. This is the sixth Block Party, which rotates to a different County location each year to provide opportunities for County staff to engage with community members across the County and make services more accessible to all.

2024 Summer Block Party

Thursday, June 27, 4 to 7 p.m.

Civic Center Plaza, 27th and Nevin St., Richmond 

Contra Costa County, in partnership with the City of Richmond, brings its annual Block Party to West County. Avoid having to make multiple stops to government offices or wait in long lines to take care of important tasks. Instead, bring the family and just stop by the County Services Summer Block Party!

Contra Costa County, the Clerk-Recorder-Elections Department, the Employment & Human Services Department, the County Library and County Public Works along with the City of Richmond are collaborating to provide a fun, festive event that offers a wide variety of on-the-spot government services at one single location. This will be the sixth year of the increasingly popular event, providing opportunities throughout the County to learn what’s available to you as a Contra Costa County resident.

Available services at the Summer Block Party include:

Sign-ups for CalFresh, Medi-Cal, and CalWorks, information about childcare and preschool options, Records within Reach from Clerk-Recorder’s Office, Library Card Signups, Voter Registration, Clean Slate Program information, Contra Costa Television (CCTV) — and many more County programs.

County Departments Providing Services and Information

Clerk-Recorder-Elections
Contra Costa County Library
Employment & Human Services
Health Services
Probation
Public Works
Office of Communications and Media & Contra Costa Television
Join us for raffles, prizes, story time and MORE!

 

Byron Railtown Antique Fair June 22

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“Countdown to 150” kickoff event includes Regenerations Classic Car & Motorcycle Show

Get ready to step back in time for this ‘Countdown to 150’ kickoff event, the first in a 2024-2028 series celebrating Byron’s Sesquicentennial! (150th birthday).

Explore and ride old trains, trolleys, and horse drawn carriages, vintage autos and bikes, too, stroll along a treasure trove of antique and vintage finds on Main Street, Byron.

  • Trains, Trolleys & Carriages!
  • Taste of Byron – Food, Wine, Spirits & Agriculture showcase
  • Live Music & Entertainment on two stages (at each end of the event),
  • Antique & Vintage Dealers & Vendors…from far and wide
  • Byron Classics Car Show – A Hot August Nights Grand Champion Qualifying Event!)
  • BEAR Leighton BBQ Cookoff!
  • Mechanical Bull Riding!
  • BEST OF BYRON PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARDS 4PM @ ROADHOUSE GRILL.

There is something for everyone at the Byron Railtown Festival!

Join us for a day filled with nostalgia, unique pieces, and maybe even a few hidden gems. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to add a touch of history to your collection and your appreciation of this fine community.

This event is FREE to attend and 100% of funds derived go directly to the Byron Community. Please refer to the Byron Library Foundation to advocate for a project you’d like to see funded!

For more information click, here.

Register now to be a host for Kensington’s 2024 National Night Out

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Deadline: July 1

By Kensington Police Department

National Night Out is Tuesday, August 6th, 2024. If you’re interested in hosting a National Night Out Block Party on Tuesday, August 6th, please complete the host registration form. The host Registration Deadline is 5:00 pm July 1st. Please visit Kensington National Night Out 2024 to register: www.kensingtonfire.org/nationalnightout

Lamorinda Safety Fair June 22

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The Lamorinda Safety Fair will be held Saturday, June 22, 2024, from 9:00am-4:00pm at the Lafayette Reservoir off Mt. Diablo Blvd. presented by Lafayette Police, East Bay Municipal Utilities District, Amateur Radio Communications and Lafayette CERT Foundation.

Meet your local first responders and see their equipment. Get up close to a police helicopter. Learn how to perform CPR. Learn how to use a fire extinguisher. Learn how to prepare for the next emergency / disaster. Meet your local HAM radio club (LARIG) and talk to HAM operators from around the globe using radio!

Shuttle service and additional parking will be available at the Lafayette Veteran’s Memorial Building at 3780 Mt. Diablo Blvd. For more information call (925) 299-3282.

Elder Abuse Signs and Legal Remedies virtual workshop June 14

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June is Elder Abuse Awareness Month; June 15th is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day

Deadline to register: June 13 at 8:30 AM

By Susan Kim, Executive Director, Family Justice Center

Did you know…One in ten Americans aged 60 or older experiences some form of elder abuse? Elders who have been abused are 300% more likely to die than their peers.

Emily Milstein , Staff Attorney for Contra Costa Senior Legal Services, will provide training on Elder Abuse Signs and Legal Remedies during a virtual workshop training on Friday, June 14, 2024, from 10:00-11:30 AM.

The Contra Costa Elder Abuse Prevention Project (EAPP) prevents and combats elder abuse through an active community network that raises awareness and coordinates services.

Visit cocoelderjustice.org for more information about EAPP.

To register for the training click, here.

Lesher Foundation launches $300,000 CARE Fund for nonprofits

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TV personality Ana Navarro with representatives from Los Cenzontles Cultural Arts Academy of Richmond, CA, a recipient of Lesher Foundation grants. Source: Lesher Foundation

Special 30th anniversary fund to build resiliency, well-being for Contra Costa County organizations

WALNUT CREEK, CA…With gratitude to nonprofit organizations for their continued commitment to elevating the community, the Dean & Margaret Lesher Foundation is pleased to announce the CARE Fund. This one-time $300,000 fund marks the Lesher Foundation’s 30-year history of grantmaking and honors its community partners.

“Organizations rooted in the community are essential to addressing social problems and taking on tough issues. It’s inspiring to see the network of support Contra Costa children and families can rely on for safety, hope, joy, strength, and opportunities,” said Steve Lesher, Lesher Foundation Board President. “Our family is proud to carry forward my grandparents’ vision of enhancing the quality of life in our community, and we will continue to support our community partners for many years to come.”

The Lesher Foundation will award a limited number of one-time grants ranging from $1,000 to $15,000 to support organizational resilience and nonprofit staff well-being, providing funding for retreats, practices of care, conferences, training and coaching. Nonprofit organizations that are in Contra Costa County or directly benefit its residents and support children and families, education, and arts and culture are invited to apply. Online applications are due by July 19, 2024, and applicants will be notified by August 30, 2024.

“We know many of our nonprofits carry their mission and vision on their shoulders, and that can be a heavy weight day after day and year after year,” said Devorah Levine, Executive Director of the Lesher Foundation. “The CARE Fund supports the strength and wisdom of the nonprofit sector and recognizes the essential need to focus on the care and well-being of staff and organizational resilience.”

The Dean & Margaret Lesher Foundation has a clear and simple mission—to enhance the quality of life for all residents of Contra Costa County. Founded in 1989 by the late Dean Lesher and his wife Margaret, the Lesher Foundation continues to uphold this value, giving more than $100 million in grants to programs benefitting children and families, particularly those in underserved and low-income areas.

For more information, visit lesherfoundation.org/care-fund or call (925) 935-9988.

 

 

Free food distribution at Golden Hills Community Church in Brentwood Saturday, June 8

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The food distribution is a joint effort of the Golden Hills Community Church Serving & Engaging Neighbors Together, (SENT) ministry and Team Jesus Outreach Ministries.

Free hot meals are also served at the Community Outreach Center at 525 E. 18th Street in Antioch Monday through Friday. Doors open at 5:00 pm. Our desire is that no one in our community suffer from hunger or malnutrition. Each night we serve a wholesome, home-cooked hot meal to satisfy our appetite. However, we also realize there is a spiritual hunger that God wants to fulfill in each one of us and we have a brief worship service designed to help us connect with the Lord each evening. Everyone is welcome to join regardless of their faith background. For more information visit Community Outreach Center.

Golden Hills Community Church is located at 2401 Shady Willow Lane in Brentwood. For more information about the church and its ministries visit www.goldenhills.org.

Love Life’s annual LifeRide fundraiser in Antioch June 15

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Sponsors needed

By Sophia Martin, Regional Director, Love Life NorCal Antioch

Please support us in our annual fundraiser, LifeRide. We will be riding bikes across the nation to raise awareness and funds to unite and mobilize the Church to end abortion and the orphan crisis.

What is LifeRide?

In 2023, Pastor Jay Stewart at the age of 60, rode his bicycle over 3,100 miles across America to bring awareness to the ministry of Love Life and to raise over a million dollars. Pastor Jay has been a partnering pastor with Love Life from the beginning and his church is also a House of Refuge church. (See video1 and video2)

Locally, our goal is to raise $10,000. If you would like to give $25, $50 or $100 to help us meet our goal and learn more, please visit: https://join.liferideusa.org/team/580862.

“Rescue those who are being taken away to death; hold back those who are stumbling to the slaughter.” – Proverbs 24:11

For more information about Love Life visit https://lovelife.org and to sign up for a 1-Hour Journey visit: https://lovelife.org/1-hour-journey. Get your Love Life apparel and coffee here: https://shop.welovelife.org/?ref=antioch.