Deadline is near for scholarship
The Pleasant Hill Community Foundation is accepting applications for its Tikkun Olam scholarships through May 15.
The scholarships recognize College Park High School graduates who demonstrate the true spirit of Tikkun Olam (Hebrew for “repairing the world”) and have also been accepted into a four-year college.
Scholarship applications are available online at www.phcommunityfoundation.org/grants+scholarships.html.
For information, call Betty Geishirt Cantrell, president, at 925-381-3566 or email info@phcommunityfoundation.org.
Blood drive plans at Alhambra High
Alhambra High School, the American Red Cross Northern California Blood Services Region and Music Saves Lives will team up to hold a blood drive with a cross-promotional concert.
The blood drive is open to the public from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. May 24, in the gymnasium at Alhambra High, 150 E St., Martinez.
All presenting blood donors will receive a VIP concert voucher which can be redeemed at the Music Saves Lives booth at one of two upcoming music festivals at Shoreline Amphitheatre in Mountain View.
At the Vans Warped Tour show July 2, the voucher can be exchanged for access to a meet-and-greet area. At the Rockstar Mayhem Festival on July 10, the voucher can be used to access the special Music Saves Lives riser stage.
The voucher is not a concert ticket and users must purchase their own entry ticket. Vouchers are nontransferable and not redeemable for cash.
To schedule an appointment for the blood drive, call 800-733-2767 or go to www.redcrossblood.org. Enter the sponsor code: WarpedVIP.
Individuals who are at least 17 years old (16 with parental permission), are at least 110 pounds, and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood.
Spring showcase at YV Christian
The public is invited to Ygnacio Valley Christian School’s spring showcase, Thursday, May 12, at 4977 Concord Blvd., Concord.
The evening begins with a spaghetti dinner from 5 to 6:30 p.m. followed by the program at 7 p.m.
Those attending can visit classrooms, meet the staff and find out more information about the school. There will also be a performance by the school choirs and the band will present a mini-concert.
For information, call the school at 925-798-3131.
Pet Walk-A-Thon at Heather Farm
A fundraiser one-mile walk around Heather Farm Park in Walnut Creek is scheduled from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. May 22, to benefit the East Bay Animal Rescue & Refuge which helps homeless animals.
Registration is from 8:30 to 10 a.m., with the walk starting at 10:30 a.m. Vendor booths and a silent auction open at 11 a.m. Participants are sponsored in their walk, and can get a donation/pledge form at www.ebarr.org. Organizers ask for a $5 donation to participate in the walk.
There will also be a fashion show at 2 p.m. near the information booth adjacent to the start/finish line. Prizes will be awarded for first through fifth places. Judges will determine the top five entries and audience applause the final placement. Cost is $5.
The event is organized by Clayton Valley High School students Claire Pember and Lindsey Young for their senior project.
Northgate jazz plays at Yoshi’s
Northgate High School’s jazz band, and its jazz combo, Jibba Jabba, will perform at 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. May 16, at Yoshi’s in Jack London Square in Oakland.
The event will also feature percussionist Edgardo Cambón, leader of the Bay Area salsa band Candela, sitting in with the Northgate musicians.
The band of 22 musicians, seven in the combo, plays styles ranging from Ellington to Mingus to straight-ahead and Latin jazz.
The groups are under the direction of Greg Brown.
The Yoshi’s performance raises funds for the Northgate Instrumental Music Boosters, which supports the instrumental music program at the school.
Tickets are $15 tickets for the 8 p.m. performance and the $12 for the 10 p.m. show, and are available at www.yoshis.com or 510-238-9200, at the door, or by contacting Lori Rogala at 925-934-2406 or Lori.Rogala@gmail.com.
Retirement fete for principal set
The public is invited to celebrate the retirement of Karen Mangini, principal of St. Agnes School, for her more than 21 years of service.
A Mass in her honor will take place at 1 p.m. Sunday, June 12, at St. Agnes Church, 3966 Chestnut Ave., Concord. A dinner reception will follow at 6 p.m. at the Concord Hilton, 1970 Diamond Blvd. Reservations should be made by June 6. The cost for adults is $35 for person and $25 per person for young adults.
An invitation and response card will be available soon on the school’s website, www.stagnesconcord.com. Response cards should be mailed to: St. Agnes School Office/Retirement Celebration, 3990 Chestnut Ave., Concord, CA 94521.
Celebration for teacher planned
A celebration to honor Sue Mirkovich, who is retiring, is planned for Saturday, June 4, at Alhambra High School. Mirkovich has been a teacher and administrator for the Martinez Unified School District for 31 years.
Students, former students, families, co-workers and former co-workers are invited to an open house and no-host barbecue provided by Kinders Meats, from 4 to 8 p.m. at the school, 150 E Street, Martinez.
To leave a message for Mirkovich, visit www.facebook.com and type “Sue Mirkovich Retirement Celebration.” For information about the event, contact Karin Sloper at ksloper@martinez.k12.ca.us or Marianne Griffin at mgriffin@martinez.k12.ca.us.
Hope Academy open house, demo
Residents can tour Hope Academy for Dyslexics, 5353 Concord Blvd. from 9-9:45 a.m. May 19. There will be a demonstration of the Slingerland multisensory teaching method for students in grades 1-8, especially those with dyslexia and reading difficulties.
Reservations are required for the tour. Contact Judy Davies at 925-687-7555. For information, visit www.hopeacademyconcord.org.
Shots required prior to school
Beginning with the 2011-2012 school year, all students entering grades 7-12 are required to show proof of pertussis (Tdap) booster.
Students who have not received this vaccination prior to the first day of school will not be permitted attendance. This is a requirement pursuant to Assembly Bill 354.
The requirement begins July 1 and applies to all public and private schools. It does not effect students enrolled in summer school.
Exemptions are permitted for verified medical conditions or personal beliefs. Children that are not immunized may be excluded from school or child care until a potential outbreak is over.
Be a host family for DVC students
The International Education Center at Diablo Valley College seeks host families for international students on a temporary basis while they improve their English skills.
Long- or short-term placements are available.
Host families receive a monthly stipend of $750 per student, and are required to provide two meals per day (three meals on weekends) and a private bedroom for the student, and be involved in the student’s life and treat them as a family member.
All types of families are welcome, including single adults with or without children, and couples with or without children. Families can host multiple students, as long as they can provide the appropriate accommodations.
For more information, contact Fia Parker at 925-876-0080, or by e-mail at: fparker@dvc.edu.
Host families for exchange students
Peace4kids (P4K) is looking for community supervisors and host families for incoming exchange students, 15-18 years old for the upcoming semester, school year, and calendar year.
For information, visit www.peace4kids.net.
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