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Classes/Workshops

Aikido class: 6-7 p.m. Thursdays beginning Feb. 14-March 21. A traditional, nonviolent Japanese martial art encouraging discipline, cooperation and self-confidence. $35 residents; $45 nonresidents. Registration: 925-625-7044 or coelho@ci.oakley.ca.us.

Baby Signs class: A six-week course 9:30-10:15 a.m. Tuesdays beginning Feb. 19. An interactive play group designed to help parents teach useful signs, songs and games to allow infants and toddlers to communicate. Stimulates growth in motor, cognitive, language and literacy skills. Registration: 925-625-7044 or coelho@ci.oakley.ca.us.

Spanish Pesticide Safety for Handlers class: 8-11 a.m. Feb. 21 and March 21, Diablo Valley Farm Center, Delta Road and Second Street, Knightsen. For anyone who applies, mixes, loads, flags or otherwise handles pesticides. Participants will receive a Pesticide Training Record. Free. Registration: 925-646-6540.

Free ELS classes: Learn the English language at free classes offered 10 a.m.-noon Saturdays ongoing, Golden Hills Community Church, Antioch Campus, 1800 Woodland Drive. No registration required.

Free Internet Access: Opportunity Junction offers free Internet access for job searches, finding community resources and language learning 6-9 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 3102 Delta Fair Blvd., Antioch. 925-776-1133,

href='http://www.opportunityjunction.org'>www.opportunityjunction.org.

English as a Second Language (ESL) class: 6-7:30 p.m. Thursdays ongoing. Bay Point Career Center, Ambrose Recreation Center, 3105 Willow Pass Road, Suite 3, Bay Point. Free. 925-252-2331.

English as a Second Language (ESL) class: 6-9 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays ongoing. Opportunity Junction, 3102 Delta Fair Blvd., Antioch. Free. 925-776-1133, www.opportunityjunction.org.

Liberty Adult School classes: Offers morning and evening General Educational Development (GED) preparation and English as Second Language (ELS) classes. Ongoing open enrollment. 929 Second St., Brentwood. www.libertyadulted.org, 925-634-6525 for more information.

Events

Veterans Park Universal Abilities Playground Grand Opening: 4 p.m. Feb. 1, Veterans Park, 3841 Balfour Road, Brentwood. The city of Brentwood, along with the Special Kids Foundation, will host a ribbon- cutting ceremony and grand opening celebration of the pirate-themed playground rain or shine. Light refreshments and pirate-themed favors will be provided. Come out and celebrate East County's newest play destination for children of all abilities. 925-516-5444.

Bird-Watching Boat Rides: 9-11 a.m. Feb. 1 and 22. Meet at the Los Vaqueros Marina, 9990 Los Vaqueros Road, Byron. Join Naturalist John Mottashed for a two-hour pontoon boat ride on the Los Vaqueros Reservoir. While you're on the water, you'll doing some bird watching and identifying. Dress for chilly weather. Space is limited, reservations are required. Reservations: Call 925-688-8010, or email your name, phone number and number of people in your group to goltman@ccwater.com. Be sure to provide a phone number where you can receive a reminder call the day before the trip. $5 per person.

Antioch Neighborhood Clean up: 9-11 a.m. Feb. 2. Meet at the Fairview Park, 1301 Crestview Drive. Volunteers will receive instructions and the equipment necessary to help rid the neighborhood of trash and refuse. Help make a difference. Anyone with suggestions on future cleanup areas, call 925-779-6878.

Antioch Riverview Garden Club: Meets 7 p.m. Feb. 5, Antioch Library, 501 W. 18th St. Master gardener Lisa Bramblat discusses "Starting Seeds for the Garden." Guests and new members welcome. Bob Kelly, 925-439-4483.

Nikki and Tony Snow: Join them as they entertain all the young and young at heart with wonderful storytelling. 10 a.m. Feb. 7, Barnes and Noble, Slatten Ranch Shopping Center, 5709 Lone Tree Way, Antioch. 925-978-1031.

Brentwood Senior Citizens Club Big Band Dinner Dance: 6-9 p.m. Feb. 9, Brentwood Senior Center, 193 Griffith Lane, Brentwood. Take to the dance floor or just sit, listen and tap your toes as the Big Band era comes alive with the What's Up Big Band. Music of legends such as Glenn Miller, Harry James, Count Basie, Perez Prado, Benny Goodman, Helen Forrest and more. Enjoy a pasta dinner and desert. Members $18, nonmembers $20. RSVP by Feb. 4. Tickets: 925-516-5444 or pick them up at the Senior Center or Brentwood Park and Recreation Department, 35 Oak St.

Searching for Little Apples: 10 a.m. Feb. 9, Black Diamond Mines Regional Park, 5175 Somersville Road, Antioch. Visitors travel to the lower Chaparral Trail in search of one of the early bloomers, the manzanita. Their winter blossoms grow into springtime fruit relished by both wildlife and humans. Rain cancels. Meet at the upper parking lot. 510-544-2750, or email bdvisit@ebparks.org. Registration: information-www.ebparksonline.org or, 1-888-327-2757, option 2. Parking fees apply.

Getting to Know Your NOOK: 7 p.m. Feb. 12, Barnes and Noble, Slatten Ranch Shopping Center, 5709 Lone Tree Way, Antioch. An instructional class to learn how to navigate your new NOOK. Free. For more information, email crm2173@bn.com, or call 925-978-1031.

East Contra Costa Republican Women Federated: Meet 11:30 a.m. Feb. 14, Discovery Bay Country Club, 1475 Clubhouse Drive, Discovery Bay. Guest speaker: Bill Baker. Guests welcome. Reservations: 925-286-7674.

The Woman's Club of Antioch Founder's Day Luncheon: 11:30 a.m. Feb. 21, Lone Tree Golf and Event Center, 4800 Golf Course Road, Antioch. Honoring past presidents. $20. Liese McCause, 925-777-1831, Kay Porter, 925-565-9120.

Third annual Ballin' in the Bay Three-on-Three Basketball Tournament: Feb. 23, Excelsior Middle School, 14301 Byron Highway, Byron. Open to youths third grade through high school and adults. Teams play a minimum of two games. Refreshments available for purchase. $20 per player. Applications available at www.warriorelitebasketball.com, or sign up in person 6-7:30 p.m. Feb. 8 and 12 at Aladino's Pizza in Discovery Bay. $20 per player. David Bohannon, 925-766-6864, www.warriorelitebasketball.com.

Antioch Dunes National Refuge tours: A docent-lead one-hour tour 10 a.m. second Saturdays ongoing. The refuge provides protection for three endangered species: Lange's Metalmark butterfly, Antioch Dunes evening primrose and Contra Costa wallflower. Free. 707-769-4200, http://www.fws.gov/sfbayrefuges/Antioch.

Fundraisers

A Playground of Stories: 2 p.m. Feb. 2, Church on the Rock, 50 Walton Lane, Antioch. A story concert featuring fractured fairy tales, Antioch legends, music and more. A fun event for the whole family. Proceeds will help rebuild the play structures at Antioch City Park. Donations appreciated. 925-437-1360.

Deer Valley High School Marching Band Fundraiser: 7 p.m. Feb. 2, Contra Costa County Fairgrounds, 1201 W. 10th St., Antioch. Dinner, no-host bar, dancing, auctions, prize drawings, more. Music featuring the Deer Valley jazz ensemble. The grand prize is Monterey getaway, which includes aquarium tickets, wine tasting and a $100 restaurant voucher. $45; $10 for the grand-prize drawing. No tickets sold a the door. Make checks payable and mail to: DV Band Boosters, 2465 Inez Way, Antioch, CA 94531. Information: 925-755-2724.

Annual Super Bowl BBQ King Cook-off: 1-3 p.m. Feb. 3, Harvest Park Bowl, 5000 Balfour Road, Brentwood. Enter the cook-off for bragging rights as the 2013 Brentwood BBQ King champion or stop by for food and fun. Tickets: Adults $20, $30 at the door; kids $10, $15 a the door. Bowling, games, raffles, $2 draft beer, more. All proceeds benefit Brentwood Police Activities League (PAL) and the East Contra Costa Historical Society. 925-516-1221, www.harvestparkbowl.com.

"Business Women Giving Back to the Community" Spring Boutique: 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Feb. 9, Antioch Woman's Club, 509 G St. Vendors including Avon, Cookie Lee Jewelry, Mary Kay, handmade and collectible items, Valentine Day gifts and more. Enjoy music and refreshments while you shop. Vendor space $30, plus an appetizer and a donation for the opportunity drawing. Proceeds benefit community charities. For information, call Liese McCause, 925-777-1831, or Sandy Henry, 502-905-5245.

Krey Elementary School Crab Feed: 6-10 p.m. Feb. 22, Shadowlakes Event Center, 401 W. Country Club Drive, Brentwood. Proceeds benefit school programs. $40. RSVP by Feb. 17. For reservations, call 925-323-9040 or email shans123@aol.com.

Annual Heart to Heart Ball-Sea of Wishes: 5:30-11 p.m. Feb. 23, Lone Tree Golf and Event Center, 4800 Golf Course Road, Antioch. Proceeds benefit An Elderly Wish Foundation. Dinner, dancing, silent and live auction. Cocktail and black tire attire optional. $60. Seeking $1,00, $500, $300 and $150 sponsors. No tickets sold at the door. 925-978-1883, info@elderlywish.org, www.elderlywish.org.

California Striped Bass Association Crab and Pasta Feed: 6-11 p.m. Feb. 23, Veterans Memorial Building, 757 First St, Brentwood. Proceeds benefit the 2013 Kids Free Fishing Derby. Beer, wine, entertainment, raffle, auction. $40. Roger, 925-754-3938.

St. Anthony Columbiettes Casino Bus Trip: 6:45 a.m.-9 p.m. Feb. 23. Join others for a bus trip to Feather Falls and Thunder Valley casinos. Proceeds benefit Columbiette programs. Meet and return at the church, 971 O'Hara Ave., Oakley. Receive $10 cash, free paly and a food coupon. $30 per person. Tickets: Tina, 925-628-3368.

Health

Red Cross Blood Drive: 12:30-6:30 p.m. Jan. 28, Church of Christ, fellowship hall, 1020 E. Tregallas Road, Antioch. To schedule an appointment, call 800-733-2767, or go to redcrossblood.org. Use sponsor code: ANTIOCH.

Red Cross Blood Drive: 1-7 p.m. Feb. 1, Resurrection Ministries, 1275 Fairview Ave., Brentwood.

To schedule an appointment, call 800-733-2767, or go to redcrossblood.org. Use sponsor code: BRENTWOOD.

Red Cross Blood Drive: 8:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Feb. 2, Delta Community Presbyterian Church, 1900 Willow Lake Road, Discovery Bay. To schedule an appointment, call 800-733-2767, or go to redcrossblood.org. Use sponsor code: DISCOBAY.

Red Cross Blood Drive: 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Feb. 16, Comfort Suites, Delta Meeting Room, 5549 Bridgehead Road, Oakley. To schedule an appointment, call 800-733-2767, or go to redcrossblood.org. Use sponsor code: COMFORTSUITES.

John Muir-Health Caring Hands Cargivers Program: Is seeking volunteers to help the elderly and persons with disabilities to get to a doctor's appointment, go to the grocery store, get hair cuts and other daily needs. Training is provided. For information, call Linda Groobin, 925-952-2999 or www.johnmuirhealth.com/caringhands.

Sutter Delta-Breast Cancer support group: A breast cancer support group sponsored by the American Cancer Society meets 2-3:30 p.m. second Wednesday, Sutter Delta Medical Center, Edna Fallman Education Center, 3901 Lone Tree Way, Antioch. 925-779-3570. No registration required.

Sutter Delta-Stop Smoking-No more excuses: Sutter Delta Medical Center offers free smoking cessation classes 6-8 p.m. Mondays, 3901 Lone Tree Way, Antioch. For information and registration, call Michelle Keller or email kellerm1@sutterhealth.org.

Miscellaneous

Delta Youth Soccer League Competition Tryouts: U9-U11 boys 8:30-10 a.m., U12-U14 boys 10-11:30 a.m., U9-U11 girls 12:30-2 p.m., U12-U14 girls 2-3:30 p.m. Feb. 9-10 and 16-17, Antioch Youth Sports Complex, Wibur Avenue. Arrive 15 minutes early for registration and warm-up. Bring cleats, shin guards and water. Players should attend at least three of the tryouts. For additional details and directions, go to http://www.deltasoccer.org.

Free Tax Filing Assistance: Free tax filing offered by Tax-Aide, an AARP sponsored program, available from Feb. 1-April 15. The service targets taxpayers with low to moderate income, of any age, with special attention to seniors 60 and older. For an appointment, call Antioch Senior Center, 925-778-1158; Pittsburg-Pittsburg Senior Center, 925-252-4890. Brentwood appointments can be made on site at the Brentwood Senior Center, 193 Griffith Lane, Wednesdays only beginning Feb. 6. For general information, call Sally, 925-684-3505.

Meals on Wheels: Seeking volunteer drivers for meal delivery routes in Pittsburg and Antioch. Commit two hours once a week between 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Help make a tremendous difference in the lives of our seniors in need. Sharon Fitzgerald, 925-937-8607.

Modified Motorcycle Association meets: 7:30 p.m. third Thursdays ongoing, Red Caboose, 210 Fulton Shipyard Road, Antioch. Learn what the MMA is about, keep informed of current motorcycle laws and legislation, more. Michael Bruno, 925-383-6900, or 916-470-2938.

Forty's Plus Singles meet -- 7 p.m. Wednesdays ongoing. Plan and participate in house parties, day trips, camp outings, cruises and more. Riverview Lodge Restaurant, foot of I Street, Antioch. Dennis, 925-432-0804, or Mary, 925-783-9692.

The News has changed how it collects and accepts calendar information. Readers must now submit all items through our website -- go to www.contracostatimes.com, scroll down the right hand side of the home page to "Things to Do," click on "submit event" and fill out the form. If you need a detailed "How to" tutorial, email bnews@bayareanewsgroup.com and one will be sent to you. Submitting your events in this way will ensure that they are part of our online searchable database.

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