Trot like a turkey on Thanksgiving
It’s getting close to Thanksgiving, which means it’s time for the 22nd Annual Walnut Creek Turkey Trot.
Held every Thanksgiving morning, this is a chance for runners to get in some physical exercise before filling your belly.
Sponsored by Forma Gym, more than 7,000 runners and walkers from across the county, and country, are expected at Walnut Creek’s largest running/walking event to raise funds for both the Contra Costa County Food Banks and for local public schools. A family-friendly challenge, runners and walkers can enter the 5k, 10k or Kids’ Fun Run (12 and under). Costumed runners are welcome and can participate in the post 5k/10k races.
It all takes place Thanksgiving Day, 6:30 to 11 a.m., Thursday, Nov. 27, from 6:30 to 11 a.m. Registration before Oct. 31 ranges from $12-$28, depending on type of competition and age, and includes a Turkey Trot race T-shirt. The 5k/10k starts on Broadway Avenue adjacent to Civic Park, finishing in the Civic Park parking lot next to ice skating rink.
For more information go to www.formaturkeytrot.com.
Open House at Trinity Center Nov. 13
Trinity Center in Walnut Creek, a non-residential program serving homeless adults in Walnut Creek and Central Contra Costa County, is hosting an open house from noon to 3 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 13
at 1924 Trinity Ave. in Walnut Creek.
Trinity Center provides a safe space to escape the daily stress of life on the streets, providing access to services and resources. Breakfast and hot lunch are served daily; on-site showers, bathrooms, laundry services, telephone and mail access are available, as well as activities, food and clothing, and dental services are available for use by our members.
Lunch will be served from 1 to 2 p.m. Some members’ art will be available for sale, with all proceeds going directly to the artist. There will also be an opportunity to meet some of the artists.
Donations of non-perishable goods, toiletries, bottled water, or clothing are encouraged. If you or your business is interested in sponsoring Trinity Center, or otherwise fundraising, donating or volunteering, contact Nicolette Colombo at 925-949-8712, or visit us online at www.trinitycenterwc.org.
World War II documentary gets an encore showing
The documentary, “Echoes of World War II: A Bay Area Perspective.” produced by Walnut Creek’s Patricia Weaver, will be shown from 1 to 3 p.m. Nov. 11 (Veterans Day) at the Peacock Theater at Rossmoor.
After the film is over, and after a short break, a one-woman show by writer, actress, storyteller,and motivational speaker “Houston,” titled “Victory for the Recycled Virgin,” will be performed. She recently sold out three separate venues performing this comedy show, which she wrote herself.
Doors will open at 12:45 p.m.; bring friends to enjoy with you.
For more information, contact Patricia Weaver at 925-938-4388 or at [email protected]
Special parks meeting to focus on the future
The Parks, Recreation and Open Space Commission will hold a special meeting 3:30 p.m., Nov. 13 at the Corp Yard Training Room, 511 Lawrence Way in Walnut Creek.
The focus of the workshop will is creating a long-range vision for the future of the city’s park system. This workshop is the second in a series that will serve as an opportunity for staff and the PROS commissioners to review park master plans, amenities, community development, expansion opportunities and future potential projects.
Walnut Creek Wednesdays go to the holidays
Celebrate the Holidays with Walnut Creek Wednesdays. Look for two months of Wednesday night family fun with delicious food, carriage and trolley rides, live music, street performers and more. Every Wednesday from 6 to 8 p.m. on Nov. 12, 19, 26 and Dec. 3, 10 and 17 there will be many holiday festivities. Nov. 12 children can meet special guest frosty at the outdoor ice rink and Dec. 17 there will be a horse and carriage rides for $5 per ride.
More details will come out in the next few weeks; keep checking for updates, or visit www.walnutcreekdowntown.com
Blue Angel pilot at Veterans Day ceremony
Former Blue Angels pilot Lt. Col. Matt Shortal, a graduate of the Navy Fighter Weapons School (TOPGUN), will be keynote speaker at Walnut Creek’s Veterans Day Ceremony on Tuesday, Nov. 11 at 11 a.m. at the Lesher Center for the Arts downtown. There is no charge for admission.
Shortal has been a fighter pilot for more than 20 years, having flown 37 combat missions and served a tour of duty with the U.S. Navy Blue Angels as the Marine Corps representative.
In 2004, he was named the Marine Corps Aviator of the Year. Shortal continues to serve in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves as a Commanding Officer. In addition, he is the aviation and military expert for the History Channel series “Pawn Stars.”
The Veterans Day ceremony will include a welcome from Walnut Creek Mayor Kristina Lawson and a musical concert of patriotic songs including a salute to all the branches of the Armed Forces by the Walnut Creek Concert Band under the direction of Harvey Benstein. For further information, contact Walnut Creek City Clerk Suzie Martinez, 925-943-5819 or [email protected].
Arts Commission to focus on Orchards project
The Walnut Creek Arts Commission will be holding a special meeting at 4:30 p.m. Nov. 13 in the Council Chamber, 1666 N. Main Street. The special meeting will focus on considering a design from Cork Marcheschi and provide input on a concept from Wowhaus for The Orchards public art projects. The Orchards is the major redevelopment mixed-use project in the Shadelands owned by Safeway, which will include a new grocery store, restaurants, retail and senior housing.
Walnut Creek Village informational meeting
Do you, or someone you know, occasionally want help with transportation to a social event, changing ceiling light bulbs, housekeeping, yard work or grocery shopping? A group is working to create Walnut Creek Village, a one-call connection to a network of social/educational programs and services designed to assist local residents over 50, who want to remain in their own homes.
Meet Linda Fodrini-Johnson, founder and executive director of ElderCare Services, who will speak on “Volunteerism: Simple Ways to Extend and Enhance Your Life” Monday Nov. 10 from 2 to 3:30 p.m. at Congregation B’nai Shalom, 74 Eckley Lane in Walnut Creek.
For more information e-mail WalnutCree[email protected], or call 415-596-5860.
Civic Park ice rink opens Nov. 7 for 10th year
That familiar white tent is going up in Civic Park, that can only me one thing: Lace up those ice skates. The Holiday Outdoor Ice Rink in Civic Park opens Nov. 7 and will be open until Jan. 11. To kick off the Walnut Creek Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau and Walnut Creek Downtown will hold a Children’s Winter Festival Saturday, Nov. 8 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., where families are invited to skate and be entertained by live skating performances, food, live music and giveaways.
For more information go www.IceSkateWalnutCreek.com or call 925-935-SNOW (7669).
— Compiled by Elisabeth Nardi
