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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 recipients.
Serving the Lafayette Community Lafayette’s Annual Community Thanksgiving Breakfast
The Lafayette Chamber invites you to join city leaders, residents, and the business community for breakfast as we have done for 36 years. The 37th Annual Community Thanksgiving Breakfast will be held on Friday, November 20th, from 7am – 8:30am at Our Saviors Lutheran Church at 1035 Carol Lane in Lafayette. Breakfast will be graciously provided by Dave’s Cuisine. This event is the Chambers way of bringing the community together before we all get too busy with the holidays. Rev. Dr. David G. Sammons is this year’s keynote speaker. The topic: Your Resume vs. Your Eulogy. Music will be provided by Harpist Wendy Tamis. This event is held each year in loving memory of Barbara Bupp, who organized the first breakfast 36 years ago. Begin the holiday season in a significant and meaningful way. Reservations can be made by calling the Chamber of Commerce at 925-284-7404 or by visiting www.lafayettechamber.org. The cost is $20 per person.
Synergy Theater By Fran Miller
Fans of improvisational theatre need not head to Chicago’s Second City for the best in this entertainment form. Lafayette has its own top quality improv team right in town. Synergy Theater performs regularly at The Big Room at Lamorinda Music (81 Lafayette Circle) in downtown Lafayette and features seasoned performers with deep roots in the genre.
Toni and Ken Hastings pack products going to their first morning delivery.
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
See White Pony continued on page 13
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Synergy Theater troupe: Top Row, Left to Right: Ben Piper, Gretchen Salter, Ben Weddell, Justin Carns, Shane Walker Bottom Row, Left to Right: Lynn Shields, Chris Dewey, and Kenn Adams. Photo by Bryce Walker.
Founded in 2008 by Kenn Adams, Synergy Theater hosts a variety of programs for the public. On the third Thursday of each month, they host an open-to-everyone improv jam where audience members are encouraged to jump on stage and become part of the show. On the third Friday of each month, they host Spontaneous Combustion:
See Synergy continued on page 16
Volume IX - Number 11 3000F Danville Blvd #117 Alamo, CA 94507 Telephone (925) 405-6397 Fax (925) 406-0547 editor@yourmonthlypaper.com Alisa Corstorphine ~ Publisher
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