ALAMEDA
Alameda Municipal Power (AMP) is warning customers of a phone scam. AMP has received reports that scammers are demanding immediate payment from customers and saying that their electricity will be disconnected. The scammers are asking customers to pay their AMP bills at CVS, according to customer reports. In addition, the scammers are spoofing caller ID information to make it appear that their calls are from AMP.
If you get a call demanding immediate payment on your account, be suspicious. AMP will never ask for credit or debit card numbers and only provides automated courtesy calls to accounts that are already delinquent. If you have any doubts, don’t give out any information. If you suspect you have become a victim of a scam, AMP recommends that you immediately call the Alameda Police Department to file a report. Alameda Police can be reached at 510-337-8340.
— AMP
2019 Alameda Firefighters Toy Program’s days extended
The Alameda Firefighters Toy Program ensures that all low-income Alameda families who sign up will receive age-appropriate holiday toys for their children ages 0 to 12 and a $30 Target gift card for youth ages 13 to 17.
Low-income families can still sign up at the Alameda Food Bank (alamedafoodbank.org) by Dec. 14 to receive toys and gift cards. If you do not sign up at the food bank, you can still receive toys and gift cards by coming to Christ Episcopal Church (1700 Santa Clara) on Dec. 20 from noon to 2 p.m. or on Dec. 21 from 9 a.m. to noon.
Families need to bring proof of Alameda residence and a medical card or birth certificate for each child 17 and younger. Toys and gift cards will be distributed while supplies last. This year, we are especially in need of remote-control cars, Legos, scooters, sports balls, crafts, educational toys and multicultural Barbies/dolls. Cash donations are also needed to purchase the $30 Target gift cards. Checks made out to the Alameda Firefighters Toy Program can be mailed to P.O. Box 6523, Alameda, CA 94501. Your donation is tax-deductible.
Please help us by dropping off new, unwrapped toys at one of the Alameda Firefighters Toy Program locations, where their final pickup will be on the morning of Dec. 18. See a complete list of toy dropoff sites at alamedaca.gov.
— city of Alameda
‘Alameda Sings! Songs of the Season’ concert on Dec. 13
Alameda Sings!, aka the Alameda Community Chorus, at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 13 will present “Alameda Sings! Songs of the Season.” The concert will be in the historic Alameda Veterans Memorial Building at 2203 Central Ave. in Alameda. Under the leadership of Artistic Director Kathryn Neale Manalo and the extremely gifted pianist Dale Tsang, the chorus will perform an array of songs from “Frostiana” to “Winter’s Night” and “Somewhere in My Memory to “Christmas Time Is Here.” With music just in time for the season, each song touches every member of the family.
Alameda Sings! welcomes back the talented Bay Area Music Project special guest performers, Alameda Music Project (AMP). This young choral group is part of an after-school music program at Alameda’s Maya Lin Elementary School. Founded by director Lorrie Murray, this El Sistema-inspired program provides an opportunity for Maya Lin students to participate in empowering music education. Alameda Sings! spotlights the AMP choir under the direction of Lucca Troutman. Also performing will be local musicians Anthony Young on the flute and Barbara Acosta on the piccolo.
— Alameda Community Chorus
Congregational Church’s 140th Christmas concert Dec. 14
The Music Ministry of First Congregational Church Alameda will present its annual Christmas Concert, “Star of Wonder,” at 6 p.m. Dec. 14 in the church sanctuary. Join us as we celebrate the awe of the Christmas season across musical genres featuring the Chancel Choir, Resounding Joy Handbell Choir, soloists, duets, rap, carols, steel drums and other instruments.
The concert is free, and a love offering will be shared between the Alameda Midway Shelter and our church’s building operating expenses so that we may continue to provide meeting space for a variety of community organizations. Childcare will be available for infants and toddlers in our nursery. The church is at 1912 Central Ave. (at Chestnut Street) and is wheelchair-accessible.
— FCCA
Christmas Tree Lane open now through Jan. 1
It’s that time of year again. Christmas Tree Lane (on the 3200 Block of Thompson Avenue in Alameda ) has lit up and go until Jan. 1. Hours will be from 5:30 to 11 p.m., and Santa will start Dec. 9 and go until Dec. 22. Santa hours will be 6:30 to 8 p.m., weather permitting.
— Amy Fenstermaker
Adoption fee waived for long-waiting dog needing home
Hi, I’m April, a 4-year-old boxer mix. Surprised to find me in the “In brief” section? The Journal was nice enough to give me this space to tell my story. I spent the first year of my life tied up in a back yard. Finally, Animal Control Officer Alaina Onesko rescued me and took me to Friends of the Alameda Animal Shelter (FAAS). That was three years ago. I’ve grown a lot at FAAS, from a terrified, anti-social puppy into a strong, energetic, playful and loving girl with a sense of humor.
FAAS is all I know now, but I don’t want to live my entire life in an animal shelter, not when I’ve seen what a real home can be like. Can you help me? My adoption fee is waived, and you can meet me at 1590 Fortmann Way in Alameda from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday through Sunday. I can’t wait to start my life’s next chapter, the one when I get a forever home.
— FAAS
Apply till Feb. 8 for $5K Van Sickle college scholarship
Applications are now open for the $5,000 Ken and Shirley Van Sickle Scholarship. This college scholarship is open to graduating seniors from the city’s public high schools who are also residents of Alameda. Selection is based on a combination of academic achievement, leadership ability and financial need.
The scholarship is named in honor of Ken and Shirley Van Sickle, two distinguished educators who together devoted more than 50 years to the education of Alameda’s students. Now in its 33rd year, the scholarship was established by their son Keith, a 1976 alumnus of Alameda High School who later earned degrees at Stanford and Harvard.
Last year the scholarship was awarded to Vicki Vien of ASTI. Vicki is now enrolled as a freshman at CSU Stanislaus. The deadline for applications is Feb. 8, and the award will be made in May. Application forms can be obtained from each Alameda high school’s counseling office.
— Keith Van Sickle
To submit an item for our “In brief” section, please email it, at least a week before publication, to njackson@bayareanewsgroup.com. Each item should be 90 to 180 words, include the name of the group or individual to whom it is to be credited and should also include a brief headline.