News Digest News Digest (April 16, 2004)

Paint the firehouse Paint the firehouse (April 16, 2004)

The Pleasanton Cultural Arts Council is offering artists of all ages and abilities the chance to be part of the fundraising effort for the Old Firehouse theater and art gallery by painting - or sculpting or otherwise representing - the firehouse on Railroad Avenue.

"They can choose to do it however they would like," said Joanie Fields, president of the Museum On Main Street board. "We're looking for imagination."

Winners will be chosen in categories of adult, high school, middle school and preschool-elementary. The fees to enter are $20 per entry for adults, down to $1 for preschoolers. The grand prize in each category is $200; with a first prize of $100; second, $50; and third, $25.

The entries will be displayed at First Wednesday in June and July. Applications are available at the museum, 603 Main St., and at www.peasantonarts.org. Fields said she will be delivering information and entry forms to the schools Monday. Entries are due at the museum May 26-27.

Commendation for driver Commendation for driver (April 16, 2004)

The City Council awarded John Tiefenthaler recently with a commendation for his quick thinking when he saved the life of a paratransit client he was driving home from a doctor's appointment. When Tiefenthaler noticed the man slumped in his wheelchair at the rear of the bus, he quickly drove to Fire Station No. 2. Emergency medical personnel resuscitated the client for safe transport to the hospital.

Tiefenthaler and a crew of firefighters from Station No. 2 attended the April 6 council meeting to receive the commendation. Tiefenthaler told the council that he and the other paratransit drivers are having a presentation to learn more about how they can be "eyes and ears" for the police and fire departments as they drive around town with their clients.

Pleasanton's Paratransit Service was established in 1972 to provide transportation to residents 60 and older, or to disabled residents of any age, to reduce isolation and encourage independent living.

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