24th Annual Crab Dinner--

A Huge Success!

More than 400 people gathered at Centre Concord for the 24th Annual Crab Dinner to benefit Meals on Wheels and Senior Outreach Services. "We raised more than $62,000, which will be used for direct client services," says Elaine Clark, Executive Director.

 "The Kensington, Tampico Terrace, and Umpqua Bank were top level sponsors. Brightstar, Dynamic Office & Accounting Solutions, Grace Healthcare of Pleasant Hill, Home Life Senior Care, and Dave & Sharon McCosker also sponsored the event.  We can't thank them enough for their generous support!" says Clark.

Carol Gilliland, Executive Chef of A Loveable Feast, and her crew donated their time and all of the amazing food. "Carol's generosity was so appreciated. The delicious food, prepared and managed by a professional catering company, made a huge difference," says Carol Louisell, Director of Community Engagement.   

The Crew from A Loveable Feast:  Carol Gilliland, Owner (on knee, left).  In alphabetical order:  Karolyn Collini, Jan Crow, Tommy Crow, Allson Gash, Christine Oldfather, Jenn O'Neal, and Montana Turchet.

 "We had a great time. The event was so well organized, and the food was exceptional," says Ken Carlson, Mayor of Pleasant Hill. "It was a great event and I was pleased to attend."

Also present at the event were Assemblymember Jim Frazier, Assemblymember Susan Bonilla's Office, and the Mayor of Concord, Tim Grayson, who gave a heartfelt invocation and welcomed the crowd!

Thanks to the nearly 90 volunteers from Wells Fargo Bank, Rotary of Antioch, Saint Matthew Lutheran Church, and many individuals.  As always, volunteers play a critical role in our success.  

View a short video clip from the Crab Dinner here!

The Seemingly Impossible Becomes Possible 

Jean is 64 years old and lives in Oakley.  She enjoys being as independent as possible, but with congestive heart failure, recurrent pneumonia, diabetes, and asthma, it's not easy.

Jean was immediately placed with Meals on Wheels, but after she suffered a fall in her kitchen, she was referred to the Fall Prevention Service.  "We discovered that she was at high risk for falls, scoring only 14 on our Fall Risk

Jean (left) and Alayne Balke.

questionnaire," says Alayne Balke, Fall Prevention Service's Manager.  "Our occupational therapist visited her and made several recommendations for safety in her home including two grab bars and a toilet seat riser.  We also provided her with a fire extinguisher and CO2 alarm to increase her safety." 

"Additionally, our In-Home Exercise Program has greatly benefitted Jean," says Balke.  "Our physical therapist met with her to conduct the balance testing and assign the exercise routine.  At the beginning of the program she was only able to do six of the thirteen exercises.  By the end of the ten weeks, she was able to do all thirteen and told the nursing student that her gait was much improved."

Jean is now safe to drive and able to get in and out of a car more easily.  She can also use her walker down her wheelchair ramps without assistance.

For more information, please contact Alayne Balke at abalke@mowsos.org or 925-937-8311.

Recycling Program at Walnut Creek C.C. Café

With help from Republic Services, the Walnut Creek C.C. Café is now "green."      

Rather than go to the landfill, food waste is sent to the East Bay Management Utilities District's (EBMUD's) waste water facility in Oakland where a process known "anaerobic digestion" turns the food into methane gas. The gas is then burned to generate "green" electricity which powers the facility. 

Francisco Delgado, C.C. Café Service's Manager, was happy to begin the program, and hopes to duplicate the process at other C.C. Cafés in Contra Costa County.  "It has been very successful so far," says Delgado.  "Our diners are happy to take a few extra steps when they complete their meal, especially knowing that it benefits the earth!"

Four Simple Ways to Boost Your Energy

Do you sometimes feel like the Energizer Bunny when his battery runs low? You might start the day strong, but by midafternoon, you can't quite keep going and going.

Fatigue afflicts everyone at one time or another. Assuming your doctor has ruled out serious medical causes, there are a few basic steps you can take to "recharge your batteries."

• Pace yourself
• Take a nap or a walk
• Skip most supplements
• Fuel up wisely

For full Harvard Medical School HEALTHbeat, click here.