News Digest News Digest (February 18, 2005)

Make-A-Difference

The Pleasanton Public Library and the Make-A-Difference Coalition are sponsoring a public forum from 7-8:30 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 24, on ways individuals can get involved in helping others in the community.

Six nonprofit organizations will make presentations on their programs at the meeting, to include donating small handmade blankets or quilts for infants in the neo-natal wards of ValleyCare Medical Center; providing support for a children's shelter in Vietnam; volunteering for Green Dog Rangers to help clean up after Friday night Concerts in the Park; volunteering as greeters at the Museum On Main Street; serving as volunteers at Tri-Valley Haven, a Livermore shelter and food pantry; and helping serve the needy through the Tri-Valley Interfaith Poverty Forum.

The Make A Difference for Pleasanton Coalition is a group of nonprofit organizations that are involved in community service. Award for Pickering

The San Francisco Bay Area Council of the Boy Scouts of America presented Alameda County Agricultural Fair Association CEO Rick K. Pickering with the Silver Beaver Award. Established in 1931, it is presented for distinguished service to young people.

Pickering, an Eagle Scout, serves on the Board of Directors of the San Francisco Bay Area Council, which serves more than 57,000 young men and women through some 4,700 adult volunteers from San Francisco to Oakland and from Fremont to Livermore. Pickering also serves as an assistant Scoutmaster for Troop 941.

"While I'm truly honored to receive this award, I'm simply glad to be able to have a positive impact on the lives of young people," said Pickering. PTA holds Founder's Day lunch

The Pleasanton PTA Council will hold a Founder's Day Luncheon from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 24, at Alisal Elementary School, 1454 Santa Rita Road, to recognize the contributions of the PTA founders and to celebrate the PTA's 108-year legacy.

The lunch is open to everyone, especially past board members as well as anyone interested in the PTA. Catered by macaroni Grill, the lunch cost is $15 and tickets are available by calling 846-3257.

Among those honored during the celebration will be local organization volunteers. The Harvest Park Middle School Jazz Band will perform during the event.

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