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November 2015 White Pony Express: Closing the Gap Between Waste and Want By Jody Morgan
White Pony Express (WPE) was founded in 2013 to close the gap between food wasted on a daily basis and the growing number of Contra Costa residents struggling to survive on insufficient rations. The all-volunteer organization has rescued over two million pounds of comestibles including meat, dairy, fresh produce, and prepared products and distributed them to individuals for whom most of these items were previously unattainable. Recognizing additional needs of the population they serve, WPE added a Free General Store in 2014 using Mobile Boutiques to make new and gently used clothing, toys, and children’s books accessible to clients unable to reach conventional donation centers. By providing retailers happy to give with a cost-free, dependable method for delivery to those in need, WPE has earned the gratitude of both donors and Ken and Toni Hastings check products going to their first morning delivery. recipients. Officially established on September 22, 2013, WPE began with founder Carol Weyland Conner’s realization that providing transportation free of charge was the key to connecting local retailers whose excess food often went to waste with Contra Costa County organizations serving those in need. When first approached, organizations were cautiously enthused. They wondered how an all-volunteer start-up with no paid employees could make this vision work. Executive Director Gary Conner smiles as he recalls overhearing conversations expressing amazement as WPE exceeded expectations, collecting food seven days a week and getting it to end users within two hours of pick-up, as promised. How was this possible? Conner explains, “When we opened our hands in generosity, generosity poured in to us. A faith group provided space and paid the utility bills. Volunteers donated a computer and printer. Loaves and Fishes donated a commercial refrigerator and freezer. A volunteer gave us money to buy a refrigerated van.” In two years time, non-profit WPE has grown exponentially. The 400 regular volunteers supported by 100+ donors deliver almost 5,000 pounds of nutritious food per day to 50+ organizations throughout Contra Costa County serving shelters, people with disabilities, recovery centers, food pantries, and cooking classes for low-income students. As of October 1, 2015, the Free General Store had held 30 Mobile Boutiques, distributing 80,000 items of clothing and 40,000 toys, books and games all free of charge. The latest boutique held at Monument Impact Health Fair on October 3rd gave out 5,400 articles of apparel and 3,500 toys and books. Daily distributions of clothing as well as food keep statistics a moving target.
Serving Alamo and Diablo Alamo Tree Lighting Festival Sunday, November 22nd ~ 4:30pm-6:30pm
The Community Foundation of Alamo will present the 2015 Alamo Tree Lighting Festival beginning at 4:30pm on Sunday, November 22. The festival signals the beginning of the Christmas holiday season for all to share an evening of caroling, entertainment, beverages, and crafts. “Guests are urged to come early and stay late,” said the organizers. Students from local schools, elementary through high school, will be performing. Of course, Santa will make his annual appearance and hear what the dreams and wishes are for this Christmas! There will also be light treats and beverages provided by local restaurants as well as local civic groups. The Tri-Valley Choral Group will open the signing portion of the event and then be roaming with the crowd, singing for everyone throughout the evening. A small group will also sing while
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San Ramon Chronicles: Stories of Bygone Days Beverly Lane’s Latest Valley History Book By Jody Morgan
Beverly Lane, currently Curator of the Museum of the San Ramon Valley, adds a new book to her work on Valley history with the release this fall by The History Press of San Ramon Chronicles: Stories of Bygone Days. The text begins by touching briefly on life in the shadow of Mount Diablo before California was ceded to the United States in 1848 at the conclusion of the war with Mexico, just as the Gold Rush began. Continuing to detail the development of San Ramon from a sparsely populated village to a city of some 75,000 inhabitants, Lane’s latest book is a must-read for anyone who has ever wondered who the early Backed by the Museum of the San settlers were whose names are commemorated Ramon Valley's display, Beverly Lane on contemporary street signs, what happened introduces San Ramon Chronicles. to the original village center, or how plans to give now sprawling San Ramon a cohesive identity have fared in recent years. Volume XV - Number 11 Even with numerous carefully docu3000F Danville Blvd. #117, mented historical articles to her credit Alamo, CA 94507 See White Pony continued on page 20 as well as two books and a booklet, Telephone (925) 405-NEWS, 405-6397 Lane realized she had many more stoFax (925) 406-0547 PRSRT STD ries to tell. “After 30 years of looking U.S. Postage Alisa Corstorphine ~ Publisher at and researching the history of the whole PAID Editor@yourmonthlypaper.com Local Valley,” she explains, “I want to share Permit 263 Sharon Burke ~ Writer Postal Customer more information which now sits quietly The opinions expressed herein belong to the writers, and do Alamo CA necessarily reflect that of Alamo Today. Alamo Today in file folders.” When she approached The not is not responsible for the content of any of the advertising ECRWSS
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