OAKLAND
Abigail Gonzalez, an Alameda student at Bishop O’Dowd High School, recently traveled to Washington, D.C. to participate in the 2019 Ignatian Family Teach-In for Justice, an annual gathering to promote social justice and solidarity by encouraging people to participate in caring for others less fortunate. The weekend’s main topics were climate justice and immigration.
Gonzales was chosen to be one of the speakers and discussed the inequities of available care for children from different socioeconomic backgrounds regarding treatment for asthma and other medical issues prevalent to those of low income. She also spoke about the need for climate action. Following her speech, she and 2,000 colleagues marched to the U.S. Capitol to speak to their local members of Congress. Gonzales and her group visited the offices of California’s U.S. Sens. Dianne Feinstein and and Kamala Harris and U.S. Rep. Barbara Lee.
Having overcome asthma herself two years ago Gonzales started an organization called Attacking Asthma, for which she has written articles and raised money for charities that support low-income families in Oakland and help them get the medical care they needed. For more information on her group, visit AttackingAsthma.org.
— Abigail Gonzales
Montclair Holiday Stroll to kick off cheerful season Dec. 5
The Montclair Village Association (MVA) is hosting the 17th annual Montclair Village Holiday Stroll in Montclair Village from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Dec. 5, starting at 2000 Mountain Blvd.
The stroll will feature holiday festivities; 14 performance from local artists and school groups; children’s holiday activities with the Oakland Public Library on Antioch Court; a toy drive; fun giveaways; and, new this year, a special musical performance from Elsa the Winter Princess. Ride the Chase Bank Holiday Trolley, take a picture with Santa at Golden State Fitness, drink hot cocoa, or stop by the Whiskey Chaser Lounge. Santa comes to town at 5:30! Visit MontclairVillage.com for full event details.
— Montclair Village Association
Scouts to collect Toys for Tots items, donations Dec. 8, 15
Cub Scout Pack 202 requests help for the Toys for Tots program during this holiday season by donating new, unwrapped toys or making a cash donation. Local troops from the Boys Scouts of America will be at the Montclair Lucky store (1963 Mountain Blvd) and Montclair Farmers’ Market (LaSalle Avenue between Moraga Avenue and Mountain Boulevard) from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dec. 8 and 15 to assist in the toy drive. Toys for Tots is a nationwide effort sponsored by the U.S. Marine Corps and helps send a message of hope to less fortunate youth in our community.
— Cub Scout Pack 202
PIEDMONT
Scouts Christmas Tree Lot opens Nov. 30 for its 50th year
One of Piedmont’s most enduring family traditions continues with the Piedmont Scouts Christmas Tree Lot, celebrating 50 years and opening Nov. 30 at 9 a.m.
The spectacular Tap Dancing Christmas Trees, a local dance troupe, will entertain young and old alike with their high-kicking, tap dancing renditions of Christmas carols at 11 a.m. on opening day. Come early to find an impressive display of fresh noble and Douglas firs and hard-to-find silvertip trees in addition to a variety of elegant wreaths, garlands and tree stands. Tree deliveries are available on Tuesdays, Thursdays and weekends for an additional fee. Adult volunteers and Scouts can help shoppers select trees and load them onto their cars.
Started as a small Christmas tree lot in 1969, the yearly fundraiser has grown into a family tradition with Scouts and volunteers organizing and managing the tree lot. Proceeds from the tree lot generate a significant portion of the operating budget of the Piedmont.
The tree lot will be at 890 Moraga Avenue (Coaches Playfield) in Piedmont and will be open seven days a week from Nov. 30th through Dec. 22 or until all trees are sold. Hours of operation will Monday through Friday from 4 to 7:30 p.m. and weekends from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Trees can be delivered on Tuesdays, Thursdays and on weekends. For more details, call Jim Riley, the tree lot manager, at 510-541-1036.
— Laural Fawcett
Havens school Dads Club charity poker night on Jan. 10
The Havens Elementary School Dads Club is hosting a charity poker night from 6 to 11 p.m. Jan. 10 at Piedmont Veterans Hall, 401 Highland Ave. in Piedmont. The cost is $80 per person for an early bird combo or $80 at the door. Beginning players are welcome, and there will be a poker tutorial available.
The event includes catered food by Top Dog, a commemorative pint glass, a cigar bar (no cigarettes) and adult spirits. For details email havensdadsclub@gmail.com. Proceeds will support Havens Elementary.
— Linda Davis, correspondent
To submit an item for our “In brief” section, please email it, at least a week before publication, to njackson@bayareanewsgroup.com. Each item should be 90 to 180 words, include the name of the group or individual to whom it is to be credited and should also include a brief headline.
