So This Happened…Week of June 10 through June 16, 2024
CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CA (June 16, 2024) — Since 1995, Diablo Ballet has helped children express emotions and deal with challenges through its PEEK Outreach Program.
“We usually start with the second and third graders talking about something in a circle, and then we ask them to show a movement that represents what they were just talking about,” said Diablo Ballet co-founder Lauren Jonas said. “Then we’ll have them mirror each other and memorize the movements before we put it to music.” Read the complete story.
Going in the right direction: Steve Kinsella founded Brentwood Teen Theater 20 years ago after making a wrong turn. “At BTT, we foster a supportive atmosphere from day one,” he explained. “Special exercises help bond the group, ensuring everyone feels included and allowing newcomers to shine – often securing major roles in our productions.” Read the complete story.
Pets in need: Due to capacity concerns, Contra Costa Animal Services is offering free adoptions during June. “With more than 220 dogs and cats in the shelter and an average daily intake of nearly 20 animals each day, we’re asking for the community’s help in getting as many pets out of the shelter as we possibly can through adoption and foster,” said director Ben Winkleblack. Read the complete story.
Helping stop hunger: In conjunction with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, local agencies are providing free summer meals to children 18 and under at several locations. “As food prices continue to rise, I hope families can take advantage of the Summer Food Service Program to help feed their families and stretch their grocery dollars,” said Lynn Mackey, the county’s superintendent of schools. Read the complete story.
More stories
Here are some other stories the Pioneer covered recently:
Father’s Day: A Father’s Day memory — The pineapple from afar
Construction update: Slope repair work starts June 17 on Clayton’s Morgan Territory Road.
Guest editorial: It’s essential to analyze anti-Israel protests on campuses
In entertainment: Mark your calendar for Concord’s Juneteenth Celebration on June 23; Martinez celebrates 15th beaver festival on June 29; Oakland-based Van Goat brings a whimsical musical journey to Pleasant Hill’s Sunset by the Lake; and 4DX a great addition to apes’ latest “Kingdom.”
Obituary: David George Hackett.
From Concord PD: The latest arrest report.
Read past installments of “So This Happened…”: Click here.
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Bev Britton
Bev Britton graduated with a degree in journalism from the University of North Dakota and moved to the Bay Area with her soon-to-be husband Jim in 1986. She was features editor at the Contra Costa Times in Walnut Creek before becoming managing editor of the Contra Costa Sun in Lafayette in 1995. She retired from newsrooms in 2001, but an ad for the Clayton Pioneer drew her back in. The family moved to Lake Wildwood in the Gold Country a few years ago - but working at the Pioneer keeps her in touch with her old neighborhoods in Concord and Clayton.