#community-outreach

#community-outreach

PITMAN, New Jersey -- Randy Van Osten knew he had a calling to serve in the church since he was a teenager. That path led him to become the pastor at First Baptist Church of Pitman. There, he wears many hats in addition to his tie-dye shirts and patchwork pants. He and a team of volunteers contribute to the Pitman Food Pantry, a project that brings several church communities together to feed the neighborhood.

He has served as acting public defender since December 2024. "Damon has served the county Office of the Public Defender for nearly three decades, and his longstanding commitment to public service clearly demonstrates that he is exceptionally well-suited for this role," said Board President Otto Lee. "We are proud to see a leader with such deep institutional knowledge and community partnership rise to lead the Public Defender's Office."

Whether it's an ornament at the bottom of the box, or a nutcracker collecting dust in the attic, hand-me-down decorations can find a new home thanks to one local high school student and his mom. Grant Benedum and his mom, Christine, created a mission called, 'Giving Garland,' earlier this year. They have partnered with Norwood-Fontbonne Academy and Our Mother of Consolation Catholic Church in Chestnut Hill to collect decorations from students, parishioners, and their families.

During the holiday campaign, Stitch has already stopped by so many cities with his festive mischief. He brought the Disney Holiday Magic Tour to Lurie Children's Hospital in Chicago. With his ice skates, Stitch rolled into the Disney On Ice pre-show in Minneapolis, MN and he also spread cheer in Detroit, MI by giving children some gifts. He even surprised guests at the iconic El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood for an exclusive screening of the Walt Disney Animation Studios movie "Zootopia 2."

Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... Hundreds of law enforcement officers from 23 different agencies coming as far south as Salinas and north to Los Altos descended on a Target store in San Jose on Wednesday, armed with big smiles and goodwill to join nearly 200 elementary school students on a holiday shopping spree. This was Shop With a Cop Foundation of Silicon Valley's 18th annual event, which many officers some wearing Santa hats and reindeer antlers call their favorite day of the year.

The Thanksgiving food distribution began last week and continues this week, but the event at St. Patrick's is a traditional ceremony designed to draw attention to the effort and inspire others to join in helping meet the need. We filled a food truck with food to feed those without, Cardinal Dolan said near a truck with the words Feeding our Neighbors as well as Catholic Charities, Archdiocese of New York and 100 years providing help, creating hope. People are in a generous, charitable mood. Catholic Charities does this all year, every day, all the time.

"This is to show that our Detectives care about the communities they work in and they want to give back to these people,"

It is a privilege to provide 1,500 meals to L.A. families, supported by our amazing volunteers. Jacoby & Meyers is always here for our community when you need us, and this event is a highlight of our year. We are honored to help our neighbors enjoy a safe and happy holiday meal with their loved ones.

Denver Broncos linebacker and tackling savant Alex Singleton has long set a positive example for young football players in Southern California. He holds annual free camps and clinics at his alma mater, Thousand Oaks High. He partners with the Special Olympics to raise awareness and support for his sister and others with disabilities. He brought the Thousand Oaks High team coached by his good friend Evan Yabu to SoFi Stadium to watch the Broncos play the Chargers.

Foothill Theatre Arts is tackling the topic of AI with the West Coast premiere of Rossum's Universal Robots, running through Nov. 23 at the Lohman Theatre at Foothill College. Originally written in 1920 by Czech playwright Karel Capek, the comedic play introduced the term robot, taken from the Czech word robata, meaning servitude. This adaptation by Bo List addresses one of today's most pressing questions: What can happen if AI goes rogue?

"First off, it's pretty tough to get a Ranger asking me the first question," Schaefer said with a grin. "I'd rather the Long Island native ask me first, but I'll let this one slide." The remark drew laughs from the studio panel, which included Paul Bissonnette, Anson Carter, and Liam McHugh, and instantly earned Schaefer some extra points with Islanders fans.

I just lost my best friend and my guiding light in this world,

Abel Barrera was homeless growing up in Redding. Gaspar, who was a classmate of Mike Barrera, was homeless and living in a car with his mother before being taken in by the Barrera family. Given this history, the Barreras in 2013 conceived of the Bernal Scream, a free show in the backyard of the family home on Bernal Road in San Jose for low-income families who couldn't afford other haunted attractions.

In addition to rotating exhibits and permanent displays inside its museum, the Concord Historical Society hosts film screenings, author readings, speakeasy pop-ups and open house tours. The nonprofit also makes home visits, Van Tassell said, where they've been invited to give neighbors and retirees private history lessons tailored to where they live. The 70-year-old's mission echoes the work of Ruth Galindo, one of the Concord Historical Society's founders and a fourth-generation resident of the city that's now preserved inside her childhood home.

"The whole thing happened so fast," Wise said. "I felt like I was just getting started."

I made a promise to them that I'll make sure we have good relationships,

At the premiere of the new short film, Following Enchantment's Line, Jock Soto, the Diné and Puerto Rican ballet dancer, could be seen gliding underneath vast blue New Mexico skies - the only time the audience saw him dance. Afterward, as the lights went up in Santa Fe's Lensic Performing Arts Center, lightning cracked the summer monsoon clouds. Hard rain echoed inside the theater, as Soto led a live rehearsal with dancers from Ballet Taos accompanied by classical music from his friend Laura Ortman.

On October 3, the library shared a video on its Instagram page in which two staff members prepare to perform a trust fall. Rather than catching her colleague, however, one of the librarians swiftly sidesteps away to deliver a message to the camera. Behind her, a thud rings into the air, presumably from her colleague crashing into the ground, while another colleague rushes out from behind the circulation desk in shock.

Danny Wolf has worn plenty of jerseys in his basketball journey, but none carried the weight of Wednesday afternoon. At Manhattan's HSS Lerner Children's Pavilion, the former Michigan big man wasn't battling on the hardwood. He stood beside hospital beds with his fellow rookie teammates, sharing smiles and handing out autographs while wearing the Nets ' logo across his chest for the first time.

I explained it to them like I was a superhero. The first slide on my little PowerPoint for the kids said Malcolm 'The Machine' Wellmaker, and I told them my superhero name was 'The Machine,'

The ride was more than just miles traveled; it was an opportunity to strengthen bonds with fellow Dykes on Bikes, share stories over shared meals, and discuss essential topics as San Francisco DOB approaches our 50th Anniversary in 2025. With perfect riding weather, the Montana adventure reminded us how beautiful the Dykes on Bikes community is and why two wheels are often the best way to experience the world.

The new Ventura restaurant will offer hot chicken enthusiasts a taste of what has made the brand so popular nationwide. The restaurant has also invested in the community, hosting school fundraisers and outreach programs around its new location. "Ventura is such a vibrant community, and we couldn't be more excited to bring Angry Chickz here," said David Mkhitaryan, CEO and founder of Angry Chickz, in a press release.

"about homecoming, mentorship and generational impact."

Over the past several years, I've had the privilege of leading Suburban Propane's sports marketing initiatives, including our ongoing multiyear partnership with NASCAR and Speedway Motorsports. These collaborations have allowed us to connect with millions of fans through meaningful brand experiences, on-site activations and integrated community outreach. From powering campgrounds at race weekends to creating fan engagement zones, I've seen how the right sports partnership can amplify brand visibility, foster loyalty and strengthen relationships with local communities.

Leni Alston is a healthcare marketing professional based in Las Vegas with a reputation for integrity, clarity, and care. She works closely with families to help them understand and navigate the complex world of healthcare services, especially when it comes to patient placement. Her calm, honest approach has earned her the trust of both clients and peers. Leni was raised with strong Filipino values of service and compassion. These principles still guide her work today.

Patriots linebacker Anf ernee Jennings had the music pumping at Almont Park in Mattapan as kids tossed footballs around, got haircuts, and grabbed new backpacks with school supplies and an autographed photo inside. Jennings brought some of his teammates along with him to enjoy the fun and spend time in the community. Fellow outside linebackers Keion White and K'Lavon Chaisson were among those who stopped by.

Essie Mae Horne locked eyes with a killer. Standing just inside the frame of her front door in the middle of the night, he opened fire. She dove into her bedroom for cover. When Horne soon emerged, the young gunman was gone, and her husband who she had just kissed moments earlier was dying on the kitchen floor of their Lincoln Park apartment.

The Customer Ambassador Program will run until Friday, Sept. 1 and over the course of four weeks, it will cover 58 locations, with ambassadors stationed at major transit stations, including Queens Plaza, Jackson Heights/74 St-Broadway.

In response to Sunday's Brooklyn mass shooting that left three dead and nine injured, Mayor Eric Adams and Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch announced they are assembling an outreach team to prevent retaliation.

Amid identity problems, two candidates are vying to chair the San Diego County Democratic Party: Will Rodriguez-Kennedy and Sara Ochoa. Each presents a vision focused on community engagement.