Local groups like helping roleLocal groups like helping roleNovember 5, 2004
You've passed by their building at least a hundred times this year and didn't have any idea what it was. You many have even seen the sign for the Sunday brunch and thought it might be interesting to stop in, but you weren't sure whether the breakfast was open to the public. They're located on the west side of town next to the little church on the corner of Live Oak Avenue and Main Street. It's the small tan building that most know as the Redman-Pocahontas Hall.
The hall is run by two separate groups. One the Improved Order of Redmen and the other the Degree of Pocahontas. As one might suspect, the Redmen are the men's group and the Pocahontas are the women. According to Pocahontas member Zeda Wingo, the organizations are the oldest fraternal order in the United States with history dating back to the Boston Tea Party.
The groups, which like many other Oakley organizations seemed to be losing steam a couple of years ago, have become revitalized with new people and some more energy. Largely a support group, the organization works to raise funds for organizations like the Alzheimer's Association.
Since 1991, as a national organization the group has given over a million dollars to Alzheimer's research. Alzheimer's disease knows no social or economic boundaries, but it does affect mostly older people -- some seven to nine percent of Americans over the age of 65 -- yet it strikes those in their 40s and 50s as well.
The clubs also donate to veteran associations in the forms of clothing and Internet services to help veterans keep in touch with their families.
"We are always trying to do things for the benefit of the community," Wingo said.
Wingo said that she is most pleased with the group's work as a support group for its own members. She said that the group has a special fund for members who have experienced a death in their immediate family. "Everyone helps everyone else and that is a very good feeling to be a part of," she said.
In order to help raise money, the Pocahontas hosts several fund-raising events. One of those fund-raisers starts this weekend with their annual craft fair. The fair, which will also take place Dec. 10 and 11, includes local crafters selling anything from holiday decorations to Christmas presents. Wingo said that space is still available for local vendors.
"The craft show is always great fun. The ladies cook lunch and sell goodies throughout both Saturday and Sunday and everyone gets to have a great time," Wingo said. The event takes place from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the hall on 1403 Main Street.
The group is also hosting a dinner Dec. 4 at 5:30 p.m. that will be open to the public, Wingo said.
Looking for a good breakfast on Sunday mornings? For a very low donation, everyone is welcome to stop by for a pancake breakfast on one Sunday per month.
Anyone interested in joining the club is welcome to attend one of the meetings. The ladies meet at the hall on the first and third Thursday of the month at 8 p.m., and the men meet the second and the fourth Tuesday of the month. There are no age requirements to join the group. Wingo said all you need is to be a U.S. citizen.
If you would like to find out more information, but are a little leery about attending one of the meetings first, feel free to call Jane Crockett at 925-625-9986 at the hall and find out about membership.
Roni Gehlke's column on life in Oakley appears each week in the Brentwood News.
Distributed by the Contra Costa Times