Around Oakley: Community Awareness Day set for Saturday

By Roni Gehlke
For the Contra Costa Times

If you haven't already heard the news, local Pocahontas members are again hosting a Community Awareness Day. This event, set for Saturday, is a chance for residents to see what kinds of groups, organizations and other things the city of Oakley has to offer.

The idea for the event started a few years back when the Pocahontas Club ladies decided they wanted to get the word out about programs and assistance that is available to seniors, those with ill parents or family members and those who have to deal with all the details after a loved one dies. Since the beginning of the event a lot has changed in what kind of information will be available for people to see at the event.

The Pocahontas will still be offering information on medical care for seniors and the ailing, as well as help in filling out forms and information from public and county agencies, but the group also has invited area nonprofits, museums, the city staff, real estate offices, notaries, veterans and military organizations as well as other organizations.

The Oakley Chamber of Commerce will also be on hand to let people know what kind of businesses are available. There are a lot more businesses out there than just those that you see on Main Street.

Many home businesses that offer everything from plumbing to cabinet making to sales of makeup products also will be represented at the event. It is really important to shop in your own hometown because the tax dollars are then put back into your community.

The East County Senior Coalition also will be on hand to help seniors by offering some health fair information. including screening for high blood pressure, diabetes, osteoporosis and more. The East County Senior Coalition was formed to create one voice to identify senior needs and to advocate their solution.

The group is East County-based, but one of its volunteers is from Oakley. Harriett Zych makes sure that the Oakley seniors are well represented in the group and has worked hard to bring this type of health fair to Oakley over the past several years. It is wonderful that she and her group have been to work together with the Pocahontas and host this health fair at the same time as the Community Awareness Day as it gives a chance for seniors to get to see what else Oakley has to offer.

The East County Senior Coalition Health Fair will only take place until 2 p.m. so get to the event early if you want to see this attraction.

While the seniors in the community are checking out the health fair, the youth in the community might want to check out what kind of youth programs are available in Oakley. The Pocahontas has invited several youth groups, a volunteer organization, sporting organization and service clubs. There will also be a table on hand with information about the city-sponsored activities.

Hours for Saturday's event are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. It will be located in the parking lot at the City Hall offices at 3231 Main St. The group has worked had to make sure there is something for everyone. It is a free and everyone is welcome to attend.

Roni Gehlke is an Oakley resident. Reach her at ourbackyard@comcast.net.