Tuesdays-Thursdays, 1:30-6:30pm, Village Community Resource Center, 633 Village Drive, Brentwood or Byron Community Library Club, 3926 Main St., Byron. Literacy and homework support for K-5th Grade. Info 925-626-7892 or jose@vcrcbrentwoodca.org.
AL-ANON MEETING
Friday, 8pm, Brentwood United Methodist Church, 809 2nd Street, Brentwood. Support Group for families and friends of Alcoholics. No need to register, info call Trisha 510 910-1389
AL-ANON MEETING
Monday, 12:15pm, Delta Community Presbyterian Church, 1900 Willow Lake Rd., Discovery Bay. Support Group for families and friends of Alcoholics. No need to register, info call Charlie (925) 858-5382.
AMERICAN LEGION AUXILIARY
1st Tuesday, 5pm, Legion Hall, Basement, 757 First St., Brentwood. Info Dolly 925-890-7357.
AMERICAN LEGION POST 202 MEETING
2nd Wednesday, 6:30pm, Veterans Hall, 757 First St., Brentwood. Info AML202.org or 925-516-2141.
ANCIENT SCRIPTURES AND LANGUAGES OF THE BIBLE Wednesdays, 7-9pm, Brentwood. Info 209-642-0278.
ANIMAL RESCUE RECON DOG ADOPTIONS
Saturdays, 10am-1pm, Pet Food Express, 5829 Lone Tree Way, Antioch. Info 925-392-7654 or animalrescuerecon.com.
BRENTWOOD ALZHEIMER’S CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUP
2nd Thursday, 7-8:30pm, Brentwood. Please call 800.272.3900 to register for the meeting.
BRENTWOOD LIONS CLUB
1st Wednesday, 6:30pm, BW Community Center., 35 Oak St., Brentwood. Call for more info 925-587-3783. www.lcobw.com
MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS SELF HELP GROUP
2nd Wednesday, 1pm. Sponsored by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Info Julie 925-437-5681.
BYRON DELTA LIONS CLUB
1st Friday, 10am, St. Anne’s Catholic Church, 2800 Camino Diablo Rd., Byron. Info Kathy 925-980-6696.
CANCER SUPPORT COMMUNITY
Tuesdays, 1-3pm, 3505 Lone Tree Way., Suite 3, Antioch.
DASH ADOPTIONS
Fridays, 5-8pm at Petsmart, 5879 Lone Tree Way, Antioch. 1st & 3rd Sunday, 12-3pm, Petco, 5481 Lone Tree Way, Brentwood. Info 925-219-0151 or deltaanimalssafehaven.org.
DELTA SHADOW BOXERS PARKINSON’S SUPPORT GROUP
1st Wednesday, 2-5pm. Merrill Gardens., 2600 Balfour Rd., Brentwood. Info Sue 925-550-2756
DISCOVERY BAY CORVETTE CLUB
1st Thursday, 7:30pm. Discovery Bay Yacht Club, Bilge Room Info Tim Denham 408-210-3814.
DISCOVERY BAY LIONS CLUB
1st Tuesday, 6:30pm, Discovery Bay Yacht Club. Info Rita Caruso 925-640-5746, www.discoverybaylions.com.
DISCOVERY BAY PICKLEBALL CLUB FREE TRAINING
First Saturday of the month, 11am, (weather permitting) Discovery Bay Community Center 1601 Discovery Bay Blvd, Discovery Bay.
DELTA GROUP SIERRA CLUB
2nd Friday, 5pm, Oakley Tavern, 3685 Main St., Oakley. Covers Antioch, Pittsburgh, Bay Point, Oakley, Brentwood, Bethel Island, Discovery Bay, and unincorporated areas of ECCC. Info Joeandlu@comcast.net.
DELTA QUILTERS GUILD
For information about meetings/events, go to deltaquilters.org.
DELTA WOMEN’S SOCIAL CLUB
2nd Thursday, 11:30am. Info Gloria 925-513-8731.
DIG - DELTA INFORMAL GARDNERS
4th Monday, 7:30pm, Brentwood Methodist Church, 809 Second St., Brentwood. Info Bob 925-642-0080 or deltainformalgardners.org.
DOFBWOW (Daughter’s of Faith Becoming Women of Wisdom)
2nd & 4th Thursday, 6:45pm, via Zoom. Contact True Free Love Ministry via email truefreeloveministries@gmail.com.
GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP
Thursday, 5pm, Immaculate Heart of Mary Library, 500 Fairview Avenue, Brentwood. Info Mary Ann Smith 925-240-1706 or Linda Quilici 925-308-7799.
HELPING ONE WOMAN
3rd Tuesday’s, 6-8pm, Brentwood Community Center 35 Oak St., Brentwood. Email: howdiscoverybay@gmail.com
HALO ADOPTIONS
Saturdays & Sundays, 12-3pm (cats), Petsmart , 5879 Lone Tree Way, Antioch. Saturdays and 4th Sunday (dogs), 12-3pm, Petco, 5481 Lone Tree Way, Brentwood. Saturdays and Sundays (cats), 2nd Sunday (dogs) 12-3pm, Pet Food Express, 5829 Lone Tree Way, Antioch.
HOSPICE OF THE EAST BAY
Informational Session and Training. Info 925-887-5678 or volunteers@hospiceeastbay.org.
HOW OVER-EATERS ANONYMOUS MEETING
Thursdays, 10-11am, Brentwood Professional Plaza, Fellowship Hall, 8385 Brentwood Blvd., Suite B, Brentwood. AA Big Book Discussion. Info Peggy 925-200-2281
MINISTRY OF CARING
Thursdays, 5-6:15pm, IHM Church Library, 500 Fairview Ave., Brentwood. Monthly potluck and happy hour (emphasis on fellowship). Info Mary Ann Smith 925-240-1706 or Linda Quilici 925-428-2364 or Connie Conover 925-392-8037
Ongoing Events - Cont’
MOMS IN PRAYER
Moms in Prayer is an international organization that equips women to pray for kids and schools at weekly prayer meetings. Find a local group: Crystal - momsinprayer58@gmail.com or momsinprayer.org.
MOBILE HOME OWNERS ADVOCACY GROUP
1st Saturday, 1-2:30pm, Oakley. Teach mobile home owners their legal rights and how to defend themselves. Mobile home owners in Oakley, Bethel Island, Knightsen, Byron, Brentwood, Antioch and Pittsburg welcome. Info/register 925-625-6251.
OAKLEY SENIORS INDOOR FAIR & FLEA MARKET
1st Saturday, 9-3pm, Oakley Senior Center, 215 2nd Street, Oakley. Arts & Crafts, New & used items, collectibles and antiques. Vendors Contact OSC President Allan Perry 925-626-7223.
PET LOSS SUPPORT GROUP
2nd Tuesday, 5:30-7pm, Tony LaRussa’s Pet Foundation, 2890 Mitchell Drive, Walnut Creek. Info 925-887-5678 or hospiceeastbay.org.
P.E.O. CHAPTER XQ OF BRENTWOOD
3rd Thursday, 6:45pm, Women’s philanthropy group supporting women’s education. More info contact President Cassidy Nelson at cassidynelson713@gmail.com.
POLKA DOT POWERHOUSE
2nd Tuesday, 6:45pm, Changing The World By Connecting The Dots. More info contact Gloria Guzman 415-760-8202.
SEAMS TO HELP
1st Sat & Tues, Volunteers use sewing and other skills to create needed items for our community and beyond. Volunteering information www.seamstohelp.org.
SUTTER DELTA FREE DIABETES CLASS Wednesdays, 2-4pm & 4-6pm. Info 925-779-3605.
TYPE 1 DIABETIC PUMP GROUP
2nd Thursday, 4-5:30pm, Kaiser Sand Creek Hospital, Rooms 1A & 1B, Antioch. Info Cheryl 925-516-7725.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
After School Academy to work with students on their reading/ literacy and homework. Our students are K-5th grade. Two locations in Brentwood and in Byron. Info Village Community Resource Center 925-626-7892 or vcrcbrentwoodca.org.
VFW AUXILLARY POST 10789
2nd Tuesday, 8:00pm. 757 1st Street, Brentwood. For more info contact Bill Weber Commander 925 584-1452.
WI CHA KA COUNCIL
1st and 3rd Thursday, 7:30pm, Red Men Pocahontas Hall, 1403 Main St., Oakley. Info 925-759-2998.
Business Meetings
AKTION CLUB OF EAST CONTRA COSTA
2nd Tuesday, 5:30-7pm, Mountain Mike’s Pizza, 1185 2nd Street, Station M, Brentwood. Adults with Special Needs sponsored by Kiwanis Int’l. Info 925-890-2563.
BETHEL ISLAND LIONS CLUB
1st and 3rd Wednesday, 7pm, Scout Hall, 3090 Ranch Ln., Bethel Island. Info Dave 925-595-1451.
BRENTWOOD CHAMBER MIXER
3rd Thursday, 5:30-7:30pm. Info 925-634-3344.
BRENTWOOD ROTARY CLUB
Mondays, 12-1:30pm, Wedgewood Banquet Center, 100 Summerset Dr., Brentwood. Info 888-556-0083.
BNI REFERRAL FACTORY
Thursdays, 11:30am-1pm, Brentwood Community Center, 35 Oak St., Brentwood. Info Liz 925-206-9314 or liz.litaea@lhfs.com.
BNI - GIVING TO GAIN
Tuesdays, 7am, Via Zoom. Info Maria 925-323-6313.
BUSINESS ON THE BAY
2nd Thursday, 3:00pm. Discovery Bay. Info Elizabeth 925-351-4444.
CREATIVE COMMUNICATORS TOASTMASTERS MEETING
Tuesdays, 7:10-8:15pm, Kaiser Hospital, 4501 Sand Creek Rd., Conference Room IC, Antioch. Info Joe Amaro 510 812-2282 or ccclub.toastmastersclub.org.
DELTA NETWORKING PARTNERS
Tuesdays, 8:30-9:45am, Brentwood Craft Beer and Cider, 234 Oak Street, Brentwood, Gabriela Manciulea, 408 750 7436 or email dnp.brentwood@gmail.com.
DELTA TOASTMASTERS MEETING
Tuesdays, 7:10-8:10am, MiMi’s Café, 5705 Lone Tree Way, Antioch. Info Greg Hullen, President 707-373-6890.
DISCOVERY BAY CHAMBER MIXER 4th Tuesday, 5:30pm. Info Cindy 925-513-4175.
DISCOVERY BAY LIONS CLUB
1st Tuesday, 6:30pm. Discovery Bay Yacht Club, 5781 Marina Blvd., Discovery Bay. Info 925-240-3486.
POLKA DOT POWERHOUSE
2nd Tuesday, 11:30am, Zephyr Bar & Grill, 613 1st St., Brentwood. Info Gloria Guzman guzmang2020@gmail.com.
SONS IN RETIREMENT-DISCOVERY BAY BRANCH
2nd Tuesday, 11:30am, Discovery Bay Country Club, Discovery Bay. Info Luis Figueroa 949-400-4715.
SOROPTIMIST INTERNATIONAL OF THE DELTA
1st Tuesday, 6pm, Brentwood Community Center, 35 Oak Street, Conf Room B Brentwood. Info Sue Pretzer 760-583-3058.
SOROPTIMIST INTERNATIONAL OF ANTIOCH
1st & 3rd Wednesday, 6pm, Lone Tree Golf & Event Center,, 4800 Golf Course Rd. Antioch. Info Mary Ann Redden 925-586-3161
What to Do When Putting Your Home on the Market
Although there is a great deal of turmoil in the politics and the economy it is still a string real estate market and not quite a Sellers’ market, although increasing inventory is still very low and Buyers are out there looking, however they are looking for that just right home. As you ready your home for sale, you should realize that you can maximize your return with a few simple upgrades, like light fixtures and faucets in the kitchen and bathrooms will make a big impression and are affordable to implement. You don’t need to over-improve. Projects like adding solar and increasing insulation are better for the long term and not usually the best investment for a sale. Make any needed repairs to your home, but don’t go above and beyond—you may not recoup the money doing so.
A Realtor calls to let you know they will be bringing buyers by this afternoon. Great!
You rally your whole family, Bailey the dog included, to be waiting at the door with fresh baked cookies and big smiles. Right? Wrong. Buyers want to imagine themselves in your space, not be confronted by you in your space. Get out of the house, take the kids with you, and if you can’t leave for whatever reason, it is better not to go sit in the backyard, especially if that is a selling feature, try standing on the front porch or walk around the block.
Over-decorating is just as bad as overimproving. You may love the look of lace and lavender, but your potential buyer may enter your home and cringe. Home staging is meant to create a neutral canvas that will appeal to the majority of buyers. Staging is all about de-personalizing the space, and creating more of a look that will appeal to most everyone. If painting, you should choose nice neutral and warm beige tones. People are quick to stage living rooms and kitchens and but don’t forget to spruce up the bedrooms, flex space and closets as well. Remember less is more.
People love natural light, so don’t block any light with heavy curtains or furniture. Accentuate any attractive views. Anything dated in a home is a turn-off to a potential buyer and window treatments are one of them. Don’t be afraid to take down the curtains and just use the blind or just leave
the valance.
Simplify the furniture to be in balance with the scale of the room. Remember that the purpose of furniture when selling a home is to define the purpose of the room and to show what will fit where. Check that all lights are burning with fresh bulbs, and that all fixtures are working.
People care about the outside space just as much as the inside, so add flowers, add bark or rocks, make sure the lawn is mowed, the yard is tidy and maybe add a few backyard accessories.
Above all don’t take things personal, buying and selling homes is very, very emotional. However, when selling your homes, try your very best not to take things personally. When a buyer lowballs you or says they will need to replace something you love. You may love your home, but that doesn’t mean that everyone coming through the door will feel the same way. Everyone has their own particular tastes and style. When selling a home the goal is to allow the buyer to see themselves in the homes and help give them a vision of what they can do to make it their Home.
Patrick McCarran is a local Realtor and Broker. Call/text 925-899-5536 • pmccarran@yahoo.com • CallPatrick.com Independently owned and operated. Equal Housing Opportunity. In association with Realty One Group Elite DRE#0193160.
To be truly independent, your personal emergency device needs to work on the go.
MobileHelp® allows you to summon emergency help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by simply pressing your personal help button. Unlike traditional systems that only work inside your home, a MobileHelp medical alert system extends help beyond the home. Now you can participate in all your favorite activities such as gardening, taking walks, shopping and traveling all with the peace of mind of having a personal alert system with you. MobileHelp, the “on-the-go” help button, is powered by one of the nation’s largest cellular networks, so there’s virtually no limit to your help button’s range. No landline? No problem! While traditional alert systems require a landline, with the MobileHelp system, a landline is not necessary. Whether you are home or away from home, a simple press of your help button activates your system, providing the central station with your information and location. Our trained emergency operators will know who you are and where you are located. If you’re one of the millions of people that have waited for an alert service because it didn’t t your lifestyle, or settled for a traditional system even though it only worked in the home, then we welcome you to try MobileHelp. Experience peace of mind in the home or on the go.
