Assistance League delivers food supplies
Volunteers of Assistance League of Diablo Valley, which is dedicated to improving lives in Contra Costa County through hands-on projects, have launched their 10th philanthropic project. Joan Siltanen, vice president Philanthropic Projects, announced that this week the Community Services Outreach committee members provided emergency food boxes to Service Integration Program clients on CalWorks after hearing they often run out of food before the end of the month.With an appropriated $1,000, Community Services Outreach committee members listed and purchased basic food supplies, loading the boxes in Alamo resident Wendy Schmitz’s garage. On Friday they delivered to each family a variety of pastas, pasta sauce, rice, peanut butter, jam, cereal, powdered milk, topped off with a giant jar of cookies.
Working on the project were Danville and Alamo residents Sally Moeller, Lois Fugate, Joni Broderson, Chairwoman Wendy Schmitz, Barbara Elliott, Debbie Finstrom, Sandy Heller, Susan Loustalet and Veena Jain.
Recognized for art
Alamo resident Actress Barbara Grant is one of six individuals who will be honored by the Arts and Culture Commission of Contra Costa County for achievement in the arts. She is an award-winning actress who performs at the Willows Theatre Company of Concord and also works as its development director. Since 1987, she has raised $2.25 million for the company. She has also been on the board of the Eugene O’Neill Foundation.Other honorees are Mark Ballock, who leads the San Ramon Art Foundation; Edward Balasco, director of the Belasco Theatre Company, a non-profit youth musical theater group; Caroline Lugo, artistic director of Brisas de Espana Flamenco Dance Company; journalist Jack Tucker; and muralist John Wehrle. The awards will be presented Oct. 22 at the historic El Campanil Theatre in Antioch.
New, improved market
The Blackhawk Safeway had its grand reopening last weekend to invite customers to enjoy the daily fresh bread offerings baked in its new hearth oven, the first in Northern California. Customers can watch eight types of artisan bread baking daily, including caramelized onion, Tuscan green olive, renaissance grain and foccacia.Other newly remodeled specialty departments include full-service seafood, meat and bakery; Starbucks and China Express; full-service deli with a carving station; and expanded wine, floral and pharmacy sections.
“The remodeled ‘Lifestyle’ store features an inviting décor with warm ambiance,” said Safeway Public Affairs manager Espe E. Greenwood.
