Holiday Guide 11.17.2023 by Brentwood Press & Publishing

THE PRESS

NOVEMBER 17, 2023

Planes, Trains and Automobiles

Wining and Dining

Thank You for Being a Friend

Travel tips for the holiday season

Wine pairings to elevate any Thanksgiving meal

Embracing the tradition of “Friendsgiving”

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Friendsgiving: a different kind of Thanksgiving MELISSA VAN RUITEN

hanksgiving can sometimes feel lonely or stressful for people who can’t make

a trip home or who are emotionally estranged from their families. Friendsgiving offers a chance to create new traditions with friends. It’s a time to relax, have fun, and enjoy each other’s company without the pressure and formality that sometimes come

Photo courtesy of Metro Creative

with family gatherings. “Not everyone has family they can celebrate with during the holiday season,” Brentwood resident Priscilla Hedlin said. Hedlin and her family recently moved from Texas to California, which meant leaving their circle of friends and family behind. “Friendsgiving is a celebration of being grateful for the friends, new and old, who become our families.” Friendsgiving has become an alternative to traditional Thanksgiving celebrations, especially among young adults. This modern take on the holiday is centered around the idea of gathering with friends

to share a meal, catch up, and express gratitude for each other’s company. The term ‘Friendsgiving’ started to gain recognition in the late 2000s, both online and in popular media. But what is Friendsgiving, and why has it gained so much popularity in recent years? “Friendsgiving started for me when I was a young service member and couldn’t go home,” Ginger Conrad, a resident of Oakley, said. “I felt lost and abandoned. I looked around and saw a few other young service members with a similar problem, and a friend who had stopped talking to family for mental health reasons. I cooked

up a feast for the six lonely souls, and my tradition for Friendsgiving was born. I opened my table every year to folks that had no place to go, no questions asked.” Friendsgiving is typically celebrated the weekend prior to Thanksgiving, or the weekend following, according to a 2018 article in The Atlantic. One of the best things about the celebration is the flexibility. There are no rules or expectations for what to cook or how to celebrate. Friends can choose to prepare a traditional Thanksgiving meal with all the fixings, or they can go for something completely different. Some may opt for a potluck-

style feast where everyone brings a dish to share, while others may decide to make a reservation or order take-out from their favorite restaurant. The important thing is to come together and enjoy each other’s company. Another aspect of Friendsgiving is the sense of community it creates. It’s a time to express gratitude for the friendships that have been built over time. It’s an opportunity to reminisce about old times and make new memories. It’s a way to show appreciation for the support and companionship that friends provide, especially during challenging times. “As of this year, I have been hosting Friendsgiving for 28 years!,” Conrad said. Over the years, her gatherings have drawn anywhere from four people to 40. “It makes my year to gather folks and feed them good food in a warm and welcoming space. We alternate between stuffing ourselves silly and playing games. It fills my cup to overflowing to welcome them all…and then I beat them at board games.” As the holiday season approaches, planning a Friendsgiving celebration is a way to strengthen friendships and build community. Whether you choose to host an intimate gathering or a big party, the memories you create with your friends will be cherished for years to come.

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How to get a good holiday travel deal Brentwood travel agent offers advice HEMANANTHANI SIVANANDAM

s the holiday season approaches, the joy of travel also comes with the hustle

and bustle of crowded airports, traffic jams, and unpredictable weather. Navigating this festive frenzy requires a strategic approach, and according to certified travel agent and Dream Vacation travel agency owner Vera Martinez of Brentwood, the key lies in planning. Martinez emphasizes the importance of planning well ahead of time, debunking the misconception that last-minute bookings yield better deals. “That’s a very naïve (way of thinking). If you are going for an international trip, you should make the bookings at least six months ahead, and if it’s a domestic flight, then you should book it at least 30 to 45 days ahead,” Martinez said. Booking early not only ensures a wide array of options in terms of flight timing,

Photos courtesy of Vera Martinez

The stress of traveling during the holiday season can be lessened with some basic planning ahead of time. connectivity, and airports but also often results in more favorable prices, she said. However, making reservations ahead of time is not the only important thing when it comes to traveling, as people should also anticipate situations such as delays, bad weather, and crowds when traveling during the holidays. Martinez said traveling during the holidays can be stressful due to these unforeseen situations,so it is also pertinent to be flexible when traveling. “If you are booking at the last minute,

then you should also be flexible,” she said. “The flight you want might not be available and in that case, can you fly from a different airport or on a different date? And be open to red-eye flights because that might get you where you want to go at a cheaper (price) than daytime flights.” Apart from that, Martinez added that people may find better availability and better pricing if they choose to fly on the actual date of a holiday, as many would want to reach their destinations before the holidays. Martinez said people should also

provide ample time to clear security checkpoints at airports during the holiday season, especially those with children. “If you are traveling with kids, make sure their kids have activities or tools to keep them occupied and check ahead on the types of food and drinks allowed under the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) guidelines to ensure they don’t get thrown out at the security checkpoint. “Wear easily removable footwear to make it easy for you during security checks at the airport,” she added. When booking accommodations, Martinez suggests exploring bundled packages offered by airlines, potentially resulting in cost-effective deals for hotels and rental cars. For those who are driving, careful planning includes checking driving routes and weather conditions before embarking on the journey, Martinez said. Cruises are also a good option for people who are undecided on their travel destination during the holidays, she added. “They make the most sense for families because you have food, entertainment, and accommodation, so it’s the best option,” she said. For help planning your holidays or want some ideas, visit https://vmartinez. dreamvacations.com/travel/HomePage. html or call Martinez at (925) 639-9194.

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Wine pairings to consider for Thanksgiving dinner Editor’s note – Jake worked in the wine industry for seven years before joining The Press. JAKE MENEZ

hanksgiving is a chance to get together with family and friends to enjoy a home-

cooked dinner. It’s also a chance to enjoy a glass of wine that will elevate the meal. Whether you’re a guest bringing a bottle to the festivities or Metro Creative Photo

the host looking to improve the menu, the right wine pairing can tie together the whole meal. Before dinner: You don’t need to wait for the main course to come out of the oven before uncorking the wine. Wine can be an excellent aperitif to stimulate the appetite and get the taste buds excited for the meal ahead. The key to serving wine as an aperitif is to select one that is lightbodied and low in both alcohol and sugar, as anything heavier is likely to suppress your appetite than stimulate it. Two popular choices are Sauvignon Blanc and sparkling wine. Sauvignon Blanc, particularly those from the Marlborough

region of New Zealand, have a grassiness that pairs well with appetizers like salad while also having a crispness and gentle acidity that can cut through the richness of other foods such as deviled eggs or the greasiness of potato chips. Sparkling wine offers the same light crispness while replacing the grassy notes with a gentler taste of apple or honeysuckle. Prosecco, the Italian style of sparkling wine, is a popular choice because of its general affordability and the subtle hint of sweetness that many have. Main courses: Determining the type of wine to pair with the Thanksgiving meal depends on the main course.

For turkey, try pairing it with a Pinot Noir, a light-bodied red wine that complements both the turkey and the cranberry sauce because of the notes of dark fruit found in the wine, such as cassis or black cherry. The mild flavor of Pinot Noir makes it a great crowd-pleasing wine, even among those who do not typically consider themselves fans of red wine. Pinot Noir is still a strong pairing if ham is the main course, but a Zinfandel complements the flavors even better. Zinfandel has a wider range of flavors – ranging from peppery to fruity – than Pinot Noir depending on the specific region it’s from. A fruitier Zinfandel complements the savory taste

of ham and its subtle sweetness. Look for Zinfandel out of Lodi for this flavor. Sweeter hams, like a honey glaze, can be paired with Riesling, a crisp white wine that cuts through the decadence of the dish. Merlot or Malbec are perfect for pot roast or other beef dishes. Beef is a heartier flavor that can stand up to robust wines without being overpowered. Merlot and Malbec are both bolder than a choice like Pinot Noir or Zinfandel without being as heavy as Cabernet Sauvignon. For guests who insist on Cabernet, those from Argentina offer an alternative that provides a more scaled back option to the bold Napa varietal without compromising flavor. Dessert: No Thanksgiving dinner would be complete without a slice of pie for dessert. Whether it’s pumpkin pie or pecan, fortified wine is the perfect pairing. This category of wines includes Port, sherry and Madeira and get their name due to being fortified with the addition of a spirit – typically brandy. All three of these choices have a nutty sweetness that would complement either type of pie, although a tawny Port tends to be a better match than a ruby Port, which is less aged and tends to have a fruitier taste. For those who would rather offset the decadence of dessert than lean into it, the leftover prosecco from before dinner would be an excellent choice or a moscato d’asti for those who would like more sweetness.

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Age-based guidelines for buying toys and gifts

he holiday season involves making holiday gift lists and checking them twice, or even

more frequently to ensure that giftgivers find the best fit for recipients. While age may only be a number in certain instances, when it comes to gifting, age should be a consideration particularly when kids are involved. The Consumer Product Safety Commission reports that an estimated 86,000 children treated for toy-related injuries each year are younger than age 5. Toy-related injuries are preventable, and prevention often comes down to choosing age-appropriate toys for kids. Toys can be choking hazards when small toys or those with small pieces are given to children who are too young to use them safely. Kids are curious and often put items in their mouths. Choking is the fourth-leading cause of unintentional death in children under age five, according to The Emergency Center. Falls, eye injuries, drowning, and motor accidents are leading causes of gift-related injuries. Here’s how to select age-appropriate gifts. ♦ Read the packaging carefully. Most toys and other children’s products will come with an age range recommendation. While some kids may be mature beyond their years, it’s best to choose gifts that fall within the recommended range. This is particularly

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the case for infants, toddlers and any child under the age of 5. ♦ Avoid fad gifts. Children often want the latest and greatest gadgets and toys for gifts even if they are not the smartest choices for their ages. Resist the urge to buy something just to be the “cool parent or grandparent,” especially if it isn’t age-appropriate. Mermaid tails became popular in recent years, and likely will see increased presence thanks to the home-viewing release of a popular live-action mermaid movie. However, they limit movement and can make swimming more difficult, potentially increasing risk of drowning. ♦ Provide safety gear. As children age, they may be more interested in gifts that appeal to hobbies and abilities. Scooters, bicycles, skates, and other items are popular among older children. These gifts should only be purchased for those with proven ability, and even then, accompanied with the appropriate safety gear. This can include helmets, knee pads and eye protection. ♦ Consider waiting before gifting certain electronics. Although children may be able to use devices safely, there are many who advocate for waiting to give young children smartphones and tablets due to the consequences of excessive screen time. The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry says children ages 2 to 5 should limit non-educational screen time to about one hour per weekday and three hours on weekend days. Children should be encouraged to pursue healthy habits that limit use of screens, so gift-givers can look for gifts that help to this end. – Metro Creative

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These tips can help make your turkey terrific

weet potatoes may be stars;

turkey. The turkey is done when it registers a minimum temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit in the thickest part of the thigh.

cornbread dressing a contender. Dinner rolls are divine and

To brine or not to brine?

green bean casserole a go-to. But Thanksgiving dinner isn’t complete without turkey. Even in households that don’t eat meat, plant-based turkey alternatives find their way onto the dinner table in a nod to Thanksgiving tradition. Given the emphasis placed on the main course each Thanksgiving, cooking a turkey can be intimidating. These turkey-cooking tips can calm anyone’s nerves and result in a mouthwatering main course.

Allow ample time for thawing

Some people may not be able to buy a fresh

Photo courtesy of Metro Creative

Some turkey-roasting techniques can ensure a moist and flavorful main course this Thanksgiving. turkey, and millions of individuals purchase frozen turkeys each year. The Food Network says it can take 24 hours per every five pounds to thaw a turkey. Therefore, if you have a 15-pounder, allow for three

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days for thawing. Always thaw a turkey in a refrigerator.

Get the right-size bird

The general rule of thumb is 1 pound (uncooked) to 11/2 pounds of turkey per person if you’re buying a whole turkey. Rather than purchasing the largest turkey you can find for a large crowd, consider two smaller turkeys or one turkey and one breast to make cooking more even. Smaller birds are more tender as well.

Adjust the temperature

The food and cooking resource TheKitchn. com advises preheating an oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit, then dropping the temperature to 350 degrees Fahrenheit after putting the turkey into the oven. On average, cook for 13 minutes per each pound of

Many food fanatics swear by brining turkey to achieve more moist and flavorful meat. However, a wet brine may not lead to the crispiest skin possible. Good Housekeeping suggests trying a dry brine instead. This involves rubbing salt all over the raw turkey, placing the bird into a large plastic bag, and refrigerating overnight or up to two days before cooking; otherwise, purchase a kosher turkey, which already has been salted from the inside out.

Avoid stuffing the bird

Rather than stuffing the turkey and cooking everything en masse, prepare the stuffing mixture separate from the turkey. This reduces the risk of contamination from the turkey’s raw juices and helps to achieve a crispy coating on the stuffing guests will enjoy.

Make an aromatic roasting rack

Turkeys typically are placed on a metal rack for cooking so the juices do not cause the turkey to stick to the pan. However, you also can cut onions and lay them with a bed of whole celery stalks and carrots to elevate the roast. This creates extra flavor in the bird and the vegetables also can be served or mixed into the stuffing. – Metro Creative HAPPY HOLIDAYS! from Ron & Kelly

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Preparing and serving holiday meals to guests can be time-consuming. Many holiday hosts and hostesses lament that hosting duties can compromise the time they get to spend with the ones they love each year. Dining out is one way to save time and free up more moments for interacting without the pressure of food shopping, cooking and cleanup. The following are some tips for families who opt to dine out for the holidays. ♦ Confirm restaurants are open. Many restaurants close on major holidays to enable staff to spend time with their own family members. This may be more so for Thanksgiving and Christmas than with week-long celebrations like Chanukah and Kwanzaa. Verify with restaurants if they have holiday hours, and more importantly, that they will be open on the day you will be dining out. Christmas Day falls on a Monday in 2023, which typically is a day that many restaurants are closed.

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♦ Make a reservation. If you find an establishment open for the holiday, reserve a table early. Also, some restaurants may ask for a deposit on reservations to ensure you show up. ♦ Expect some menu changes. To account for reduced staff or even ease in meal service, some restaurants may opt for a price-fixed holiday menu or a limited menu from their typical offerings. Some may showcase a seasonal menu that caters to holiday favorites they think diners will expect. There also may be fewer substitutions or customizations allowed. ♦ Avoid peak dining times. Restaurants may fill up after church services or around dinner time. Consider reserving your table for a less popular hour to reduce the propensity for long waits or being rushed out. ♦ Be patient. Kitchens can get backed up on a holiday, and it may take longer than expected for food to make it out to tables. Cut kitchen employees and servers a break as they are likely frazzled. They are trying their best to service all patrons. ♦ Plan to tip generously. It’s the season of giving, and you should make sure you take care of your server. You can make the day even brighter with some words of gratitude and a nice gratuity. ♦ Pace alcohol consumption. It’s normal to enjoy some alcoholic drinks during holiday celebrations. It’s easier to indulge a bit more at home and you do not need to get behind the wheel. When dining out, do not overdo things, and have a plan for who will be driving home. – Courtesy of Metro Creative

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Calendar LOCAL EVENTS & SERVICE CLUBS

For print, email your events to calendar@brentwoodpress.com one week prior to publication. For online, post your events for free on The Press Community Calendar www.thepress.net/calendar.

This Week’s Events Friday, November 17 Community Shabbat Dinner

Everyone is invited to a Shabbat Dinner from 7:30–8:30 p.m. at Chabad of the Delta, 400 Guthrie Lane, in Brentwood. A lively Kabbalat Shabbat will be followed by Kiddush to celebrate Shabbat with a four-course dinner that also includes the Kiddush and Challah to the meaningful discussion and inspiring song. Tickets are $36-$180. For details, visit http://jewishdelta. com/ShabbatDinner.

Saturday, November 18 Grown & Sexy Comedy Night at El Campanil

The Grown & Sexy Comedy Night at 7 p.m. features Tommy Davidson and Friends at the El Campanil Theater 602 W. 2nd St. in Antioch. Tommy Davidson is known from his role on the TV series In Living Color and has starred in Strictly Business with Samuel Jackson. The night also includes Nikki Carr from NBC’s Last Comic Standing, Mario Hodge from Kevin Hart’s Hart of the City. Tickets are $35-$40. For details and to order tickets, visit http://elcampaniltheater.com.

Sunday, November 19 Winter wine walk and tasting tour

The Downtown Brentwood Coalition presents a winter wine walk and tasting tour from noon to 4 p.m. Local wines are paired with bites from downtown merchants. Tickets are $40. For details and ticket information, visit https://www.brentwooddowntown.com/winewalk2023.

Tuesday, November 21 Friendsgiving Party

7– 8:30 p.m. at Antioch Brentwood Masonic Hall, at 521 W. 2nd St. in Antioch. Parents, do you have or know girls ages 8-20 who are looking for a safe and fun environment to make friends and thrive? Admission is free. For details and to RSVP, call Tammy at 925-384-2489 or at dv84iorg@gmail.com, or visit http://www. gocarainbow.org

Thursday, November 23 Brentwood Turkey Trot for schools

The 10th annual Brentwood Turkey Trot will be held at the Streets of Brentwood, 2455 Sand Creek Road. The 5K (3.1 miles) run/walk starts at 8 a.m. and beneficiaries are the Brentwood Unified and Liberty Union High School districts. To register or for more information, visit https://runsignup.com/Race/CA/Brentwood/ BrentwoodTurkeyTrot.

On the Horizon

Saturday, November 25 Ho Ho Ho Holiday Parade & Tree Lighting in Brentwood

The 41st annual Holiday Parade & Tree Lighting in downtown Brentwood runs from 5-7 p.m. The parade, presented by the Chamber of Commerce, starts at Birch and 1st streets and ends at Oak street at 4th. The city will be having a Christmas tree lighting in City Park after the parade. Admission is free for both events. For more information, call the Chamber at 925-634-3344 or visit brentwoodchamber.com, or the City of Brentwood at 925-516-5444.

Thursday, November 30 City of Oakley Christmas Tree Lighting

The public is invited to enjoy the City of Oakley Christmas Tree Lighting from 5–7 p.m. at Civic Center Plaza, 3231 Main St. The free event will take place rain or shine. Civic Center Plaza will be adorned with lights and Christmas decorations. There will be free cookies and cocoa, arts and crafts for children, live entertainment and more.

Santa Claus will also be visiting. Entertainment will include performances by local organizations. For more information, call Alicia at (925) 625-7041 or email oleary@ci.oakley.ca.us, or visit https:// www.facebook.com/events/774637457774906.

Friday, December 1 Cocoa with Santa & Tree Lighting

The Discovery Bay Lions Club invites everyone to visit Santa and enjoy the tree lighting and hot cocoa from 6–8 p.m. at the Discovery Bay Community Center, 1601 Discovery Bay Blvd. The event is free. For details, visit https://www. discoverybaylions.com/.

Saturday, December 2 Knightsen Hometown Holiday Parade & Festivities

Help honor Knightsen’s 125th anniversary at its free Hometown Holiday Parade from 2:30-6:30 p.m downtown. Festivities begin at 2:30 with a Holiday Gift market shopping and food trucks. At 4 p.m., the parade starts, then Knightsen 4H hosts tree lighting and caroling, as well as a visit from Santa Clause and hot cocoa in the Garden Club following tree lighting. For details, visit https:// knightsenparade.wixsite.com/my-site.

Cookies, Cocoa and Ice Cream with Santa

Enjoy free cookies, cocoa and ice cream with Santa from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. at Tess’ Community Kitchen at 8091 Balfour Road, Brentwood. For details, visit http://www.discoverybaychamber.org.

Friday, December 8-17 Black Diamond Ballet’s Nutcracker

Beginning Friday, December 8, the Nutcracker will be performed at the El Campanil Theatre, 602 East 2nd St. in Antioch. Showtimes are Dec. 8, 10, 15 and 16 at 7 p.m., and Dec. 10 and 17 at 2 p.m. There will be a special performance Dec. 16 at 2 p.m. that is designed especially for individuals with autism spectrum disorders, sensory sensitivities, or other disabilities. Tickets are $17-$32. For details, visit http://www.BlackDiamondBallet.org.

Saturday, December 9 and, Sunday, December 10 Holiday Boutique in Oakley

Red Men & Pocahontas Hall 1403 Main St. in.Oakley from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. There will be local crafters, designers, independent sellers, home goods, handmade quality items, one-of-a-kind merchandise and more at this free event. Start your holiday shopping. Bring the kids for pancake breakfast with Santa from 10 a.m.-noon. The cost $3. Offering all day free photos with Santa. The event supports the Veterans Hospital in Martinez bringing cards and gifts to the women and men who have a short or long hospital stay. Raffle prize ticket proceeds support the Veterans Hospital. There will also be a food court.

Celebration Ringers present a Handbell concert

The tones and melodies created by the local Handbell Choir will be performed at the Brentwood Community United Methodist Church at 809 2nd St. from 2-3 p.m. The holiday and Christmas Music program is filled with traditional favorites and new adaptations of familiar songs with percussion. Listen to a unique, yet familiar, musical sound to “Ring” in the holiday season. For details, call 925-634-3093.

Sunday, December 10 Chanukah Festival and Grand Menorah Lighting

There will be a Chanukah Festival and Grand Menorah Lighting from 4:30– 7:30 p.m. at the Brentwood Community Center, 35 Oak St. The festival will include: Grand Community Chanukah Festival, the biggest Menorah and Chanukah Festival in East Contra Costa, live Chanukah music, Chanukah doughnuts, latkes, chocolate

NOVEMBER 17, 2023

www.facebook.com/thepress.net Gelt, Chanukah crafts and festival Indoors, lighting outdoors, a chance to win Chanukah gifts, free Fidget Dreidel for the first 50 children. Chanukah this year starts at nightfall on Dec. 7. This is a free event, but donations are appreciated. For details, visit http://jewishdelta.com/ Chanukah.

Course Road in Antioch. For more information, visit http://www.antiochrotaryclub.com/. The Rotary Club of the Delta meets weekly on Wednesday at 7 a.m. at Denny’s, 4823 Lone Tree Way in Antioch. For more information, visit https://www.rotaryclubofthedelta.org/.

Interfaith Festival in Brentwood

Brentwood: The Brentwood Lions Club meets the first Wednesday of the month at 6:30 p.m. at Straw Hat Pizza on Lone Tree Way. For more information, visit: https://e-clubhouse. org/sites/brentwoodca/ Oakley: The Oakley Lions Club meets the fourth Wednesdays of every month at 7 p.m. at the Oakley Senior Center, for more information, visit https://eclubhouse.org/sites/oakleyd// Antioch: The Antioch Lions Club meets every second and fourth Wednesday at 7 p.m. at the Denny’s on Delta Fair Blvd. Discovery Bay: The Discovery Bay Lions Club meets the first Tuesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at the Discovery Bay Yacht Club. For more information, visit:https:// discoverybaylions.com/who-we-are/meetings/ Byron: The Byron Delta Lions Club meets every first Friday of each month at 10 a.m. at St. Anne’s Church for more information https://e-clubhouse.org/sites/byron_delta/

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is hosting an interfaith festival at 2350 Jeffery Way in Brentwood from 6-7:10 p.m. Admission is free. Celebrate the music and joy of the season at our annual Interfaith festival, listen to choirs, hand bell ringing ensembles and musicians of all faiths and backgrounds.

Tuesday, December 12 Annual Holiday Pack for the Troops

The event is at the Brentwood Veterans Memorial Building, 757 1st St. at 6 p.m. Volunteers are sought to fill and wrap packages in this holiday effort organized by Operation Creekside, Napa Brentwood Auto Parts, The Press, and VFW Post 10789. For details on what’s needed, call Linda or Beth at 925-634-3992 or email NAPArick@sbcglobal.net. Here is a partial list: nuts, energy bars, powdered drink mix, fruit snacks, beef jerky, gum, dried fruit, hand-written ‘thank-you’ notes, socks, T-shirts and gloves, plus monetary donations to send the packages to troops overseas.

Thursday, December 14 Chanukah Cocktails

This is an opportunity to have an adult, fun evening and relax with friends old and new to celebrate Chanukah. Cocktails, gourmet hors d’oeuvres will be served while celebrants listen to Israeli music at the Chabad Jewish Center from 7:30–8:30 p.m. at 400 Guthrie Lane in Brentwood. The event is free. For details, visit jewishdelta. com/Chanukah.

Friday, December 15 Brentwood Regional Community Chest Food Packing Bring your family from 4-9 p.m. to help pack food boxes for the Brentwood Regional Community Chest in the Brentwood Elementary cafeteria, 200 Griffith Ln. For more information, visit www. brcchest.org.

Saturday, Dec. 16 Brentwood Regional Community Chest Food Giveaway Food and toys from the Brentwood Regional Community Chest will be distributed to families from 7:30 a.m.-noon at Brentwood Elementary cafeteria, 200 Griffith Ln. For more information, visit www.brcchest.org.

Sunday, December 17 Friends of Oakley Christmas Basket program

Christmas baskets will be distributed to registered families from 12 - 4 p.m. at O’Hara Park Middle School at 1100 O’Hara Ave. in Oakley. If you would like to volunteer please show up at 11 am. For more information, visit www.friendsofoakley. wordpress.com.

Ongoing Events

East County Rotary Club Meetings

Brentwood: The Brentwood Rotary Club meets weekly on Monday at noon at the Wedgewood Banquet Center at 100 Summerset Drive in Brentwood. For more information, visit https://www.brentwoodrotary94513.com. Oakley: The Oakley Rotary Club meets weekly on Thursday at 7:30 a.m. at Black Bear Diner, 3201 Main St. in Oakley. For more information, visit http://rotaryclubofoakley.com. Antioch: The Antioch Rotary Club meets weekly on Thursday at noon at Lone Tree Golf Course & Event Center, 4800 Golf

East County Lions Club Meetings

East County Veteran Meetings

Brentwood: The American Legion Post 202 monthly meeting (on the second Wednesday of the month) is at 6:30 p.m. at the Brentwood Veterans Memorial Building at 757 First St. in Brentwood. The meeting is open to all U.S. Armed Services veterans. The organization encourages all veterans in East County to come and see what is available to them. For more information, visit https://www.aml202. org. Oakley: The Veterans of Oakley monthly meeting (on the first Wednesday of each month) is held at 5:30 p.m. at the Oakley Senior Center on 215 2nd St. For more information, call 925-783-0818 or visit http://bit. ly/3mugBjv.

East County 4-H Club Meetings

Oakley: The Oakley 4-H Club has monthly meetings the second Wednesday of each month at 7 p.m. For more information, email Amanda at oakley@contracosta.org. The DeltaDiablo 4-H Club has monthly meetings the second Thursday at 6:30 p.m at 3840 Brown Road in Oakley. For more information contact Megan and Tiffany at deltadiablo@contracosta4h.org. Brentwood: The Brentwood 4-H Club has monthly meetings the second Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m at the Knightsen Farm Center located on 3020 2nd Street. For more information, contact Angela at brentwood@contracosta4h.org. Knightsen: The Knightsen 4-H Club has monthly meetings on the first Wednesday of every month at 7 p.m at Knightsen Elementary School located at 1923 Delta Road. 4-H members are girls and boys ages 5–19 years old.

Delta Informal Gardeners Monthly Meetings

Delta Informal Gardeners encourages local residents to join them at their local meeting at the Brentwood Community United Methodist Church at 809 Second St. on the fourth Monday of each month at 7:30 p.m.

Widow and Widower Grief Support Group

A widow and widower grief support group from Immaculate Heart of Mary Church meets every Thursday from 5 to 6:15 p.m. at the church library at 500 Fairview Ave. in Brentwood. The group focuses on finding a new normal as attendees walk the grief trail with others experiencing the same loss. For more information, contact Mary Ann Smith at 925-240-1706 or Sandy Heinisch at 925-513-3412.