YOUR HOMETOWN WEEKLY NEWSPAPER ward Winning News al A pa
Vol. 11, No. 32
Including Surrounding Communities
www.thepress.net
Concert band a family affair by Samie Hartley Staff Writer
The Brentwood Concert Band resumed rehearsals this week after a brief summer hiatus, and as always, it’s looking for recruits. Don’t expect any from the Galbraith family, though; they’re already doing their part. Sharaya Galbraith, who plays percussion, her grandfather Clay (bass clarinet) and her uncle Mark (French horn) all play in the band. Sharaya joined the band in 2005 when she was in the eighth grade, and now that she’s graduated from high school, she plans to pursue a music degree in college. “It’s a great opportunity to get in some more practice so that you can get better at your craft,” said Galbraith, who plays percussion. “The Brentwood Concert Band provides a welcoming atmosphere for musicians to grow and improve their skills. It’s really fun, and there’s such a relaxing environment because we’re all here for our love of music.” Director Sue Stuart said it’s exciting for three generations from one family to play in the band, and looks forward to welcoming more people into the concert band family this year.
August 7, 2009
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Sharaya Galbraith, her grandfather Clay Galbraith and uncle Mark Galbraith represent three generations of their family, all playing in the Brentwood Concert Band. The band is looking for more instrumentalists to join in. “We could really use more percussion players right now,” Stuart said. “We’re always thankful for anyone who has the time to come join us. Not everyone can make it to rehearsals every week since people are busy, but that’s understandable. It’s fine if you can’t make it to each practice. It’s just nice
to have something that people can be a part of. Sharing music with the community is a beautiful thing.” The ensemble of approximately 45 community members is currently preparing for see Band page 22A
East County getting Red Cross ready by Ruth Roberts Staff Writer We’ve heard the predictions. According to the U. S. Geological Survey, a 6.7-magnitude earthquake – or greater – will strike the Bay Area in the next 30 years. If we don’t already have an emergency plan in place, we’d better get one. “How many times do people hear that there is a 90-percent probability that the Big One is coming?” said Carole Crawford, disaster manager for the Red Cross Bay Area. “But unless they feel a rumbling or see a fire, most of us don’t pay attention. That’s the reality.” In East County, where the population is a mixed bag of rural and urban dwellers, the reality of disaster planning is different than in the rest of Contra Costa. “East
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St. Anne Church in Byron has entered into a statement of understanding with the Red Cross Bay Area to serve as a designated shelter in the event of an emergency. Tony Hicks, St. Anne’s business facilities manager, above, has been working with the Red Cross to train local volunteers. County’s biggest concern is water,” said Crawford. “In the event of a catastrophe, old levees and flooding are a worry … I’ve seen
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what happens when people aren’t prepared.” The good news is that East County is fairly well situated.
Crawford said that the Red Cross has a statement of understanding with nearly every school district in East County to use their facilities as emergency shelters in the event of a disaster. In Byron, St. Anne Catholic Church was built two years ago with emergency shelter features such as showers and a service kitchen. “What has transpired is that the facility (St. Anne) is what they call a stand-alone,” said Tony Hicks, business facilities manager for St. Anne. “Meaning that we have our own water, showers and kitchen. As a result, we were contacted by the county and the Red Cross and entered into a statement of understanding. They (Red Cross) have come out and provided training to our people for emergency preparedness in case of a disaster, and at this point see Red Cross page 22A
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‘Food Lady’ laid to rest Lenora Roehm will be remembered for her tireless work on behalf of local charities.
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Professional perspective
The NFL’s loss is an East County high school’s gain, as a Niners’ stalwart trades in the pads for the coach’s whistle.
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INSIDE Business ...........................12A Calendar ..........................23B Classifieds ........................14B Cop Logs ..........................16A Entertainment ................11B Food .................................12B Health & Beauty ............... 8B Milestones ......................... 7B Opinion ...........................15A Sports ................................. 1B Talk About Town ..............5A WebExtras! ....................... 1B
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