The Week Ahead...

Thursday, September 6:  Alpha-Omega Kids Kick-Off!

Children in grades K-6 are invited to hang out with friends, sing songs and participate in fun crafts, recreation and pinewood derby followed by dinner and small group break-outs from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursdays, Sept. thru May at First Presbyterian Church, 2490 Grove Way in Castro Valley. More info and registration at www.firstpreshayward.com or call Tammie Wallace 510-581-6203 ext. 211.

Thursday, September 6:  Recognizing Eye Disease Risks

Diabetes and visual problems can strike without warning. Ophthalmologist Dr. Amelia Sheh will discuss how to recognize symptoms of eye diseases and available treatments, at the next meeting of the Low Vision Support Group, 1 p.m. Sept. 6 at Baywood Court, 21966 Dolores St., Castro Valley. Call Sam Blank 510-247-0470 for information.

Saturday & Sunday, Sept. 8-9:  40th Annual Fall Festival

Castro Valley’s biggest street party of the year will be held from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. this Saturday and Sunday, next to the Library on Norbridge Ave., including three entertainment stages, scores of arts and crafts booth and the East Bay’s gourment Food Truck Mafia. More than 200 classic cars will be on display in the BART parking lot across Redwood Road on Saturday only. Parking and admission to the Festival are free.

Saturday & Sunday, Sept. 8-9:  Pet Adoptions & Information

Dusty Paws Rescue will be at the Castro Valley Fall Festival both days. Stop by the booth to see a few of the animals looking for “fur-ever” homes and visit with our volunteers, too. Hope to see you there!

Saturday, September 8:  Soroptimist Casino Bus Trip

Join East Bay Soroptimists on a bus trip to Jackson Rancheria leaving at 8 a.m. Sept. 8 from Baker’s Square, 15501 Hesperian Blvd. in San Leandro. The $30 ticket includes bus fare, $15 of free play from the Casino and a $5 food coupon. Bus will return at about 8 p.m. Order tickets from Shirley Ambro 510-581-6411 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Saturday, September 8:  Hearing Loss Meeting

The Hearing Loss Association meets this Saturday at Kaiser Hospital Tower Room 1200C at Broadway and MacArthur in Oakland. David Stewart of Kaiser Permanente will speak on “Current Trends and Future Directions in Hearing Healthcare” with a  Q&A to follow. Parking garage across the street on Howe is free on Saturday. All welcome. For more info, call Bruce Harris 510- 473-7905

Saturday, September 8:  Join the Marines...for Coffee

All men and women veterans of the U.S. Marine Corps are invited to join with other Marines from all different times and duty stations for coffee and donuts at 9 a.m. on Sept. 8 and on the second Saturday of every month at the Veterans Memorial Building, 1105 Bancroft Ave. in San Leandro. For more information, call Bobby Ferreira at 510-460-0093.

Sunday, September 9:  Jewish Culture School

Tri-Valley Cultural Jews host the first day of Jewish Culture School (K thru Bar/Bat Mitzah) from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Sunday at Bothwell Center in Livermore, an informational meeting for interested parents and activities for children. Subsequent classes will be held in Castro Valley. All families welcome. For info, call 925-485-1049.

Monday, September 10:  Diabetes Support Group

Brenda Yamashita of the Alameda County Diabetes Program will speak at the next meeting of the Diabetes Support Group at 5 p.m. Sept. 10, at the San Leandro Surgery Center, 15035 E. 14 Street. The public is invited to this free meeting.

Tuesday, September 11:  Preserving Digital Photos

Instruction on organizing and protecting digital images will be presented from 6 to 8 p.m. on Sept. 11 at the Castro Valley Library, including types of storage, archiving, printing, creating books, and methods of preserving images that don’t require technology. No registration is required for this free program. For more information, call 510-667-7900.

Tuesday, September 11:  Live Band Dances
The Hayward Area Senior Center at 22325 North Third St. in Hayward invites mature adult ages 50 and over to Live Band Dances from 1-3 p.m. on Tuesdays. The Bob Wiseman Band will play Sept. 11 and every second and third Tuesday. The Richard Herman trio plays every Thursday from 10 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. Admission is free. For more info call 510-881-6766.



... and Beyond



Friday, September 14:  Flu & Pneumonia Shots Available
The Aitken Community Center, at 17800 Redwood Road in Castro Valley will be offering flu shots, provided by Sutter VNA & Hospice, from 1 to 3 p.m. on Sept. 14, for $5, payable by cash or check only (or billed to Medicare Part B). Pneumonia shots are $60. Numbers will be passed out at 10 a.m., you must be here when your number is called or you will be given a new number.  Call 510-881-6738 for more info.