ALAMEDA
The city of Alameda has released a new request for proposals for cultural arts and arts programming grants. This includes grants for the performing arts; literary arts; film and video; screenings and installations; arts education; art lectures and presentations; special events; and artist-in-residence programs. A total of $60,000 is available to be distributed across four grants by the city’s Public Art Commission.
The proposals request is available for download online at bit.ly/alaculturalartsrfp. Proposals are due by 5 p.m. March 19 and must be submitted online at cityofalameda.submittable.com. All cultural arts programming must be free, open to the public and located in the city of Alameda.
Previous cultural arts awardees include “Rhythmix in the Parks: Unity Fest” (happening this June), Circus Bella at Radium Runway (July 26, 2025), Alameda Native History Project’s ACORNS! (July 2025 through May 2026), Plein Air Paintout 2025 (July 28 through Aug. 2, 2025) and The Foodbank Players (September 2025 through June 2026), to name just a few.
For more information, visit the aformentioned webpage bit.ly/alaculturalartsrfp or contact Development Manager Jackie Keliiaa at jkeliiaa@alamedaca.gov or 510-747-6857.
— city of Alameda
Bay Farm Island native celebrates his 100th birthday
Marking a century of life in Alameda since his birth on Jan. 18, 1926, Bud Soares recently celebrated his 100th birthday. Born and raised in Alameda, Bud comes from one of original farming families on Alameda’s Bay Farm Island, where hard work was a way of life from the very beginning.
A loving father to two daughters and a devoted grandfather to four grandchildren, Soares is known for his steady wisdom, warm heart and good humor. One of the most remarkable parts of his story is that he continues to live in — and maintain — the same Alameda home he has called his own for more than 70 years.
When asked the secret to reaching 100, Soares doesn’t hesitate to tell it: hard work and a nightly Manhattan cocktail. After 100 years, Soares has earned this milestone birthday — and the cocktail.
— Ruben Ramirez
Crediting hard work and a nightly Manhattan cocktail, Alameda’s Bud Soares recently celebrated his 100th birthday. (photo courtesy of Ruben Ramirez)
Kiwanis Foundation’s annual winter fundraiser proves a success
For its 24th annual fundraiser benefiting Alameda nonprofit groups, the Alameda Kiwanis Foundation took their Alameda tradition in a new direction that proved a rollicking good time for all who attended and raised $20,000.
The widely acclaimed barbecue by Back Forty, the famous silent auction of donated merchandise and the raucous live auction and raffle of high-value items were still on the evening’s agenda. However, the fundraising committee and the Alameda Kiwanis directors and officers added two new contests to the mix: a music trivia competition for bragging rights among tables, and bingo games for merchant gift cards.
The foundation’s Winter Barbecue Fundraiser was held from 5 to 9 p.m. Jan. 31 at the Albert DeWitt Officers Club (“the O’ Club”) on Alameda Point. Corporate sponsor Faction Brewing provided adult beverages, and other business sponsors included the Park Street Tavern, Seelenbacher Jewelers, Corica Park Golf Course, Raley’s Nob Hill Foods, Kelly Lux State Farm Insurance, Leading Edge Financial Design, Poppy Bank and Lucky Strike Bowling.
Western decor decked the halls, with many attendees in Western attire. Local artist Rob Ahlers provided music for the music trivia contest consisting of 10 songs picked from the 1940s through the 1990s. Two tables tied for winning honors: 17 out of 20 correct answers for song title and artist. The first prize was a can of Trader Joe’s turkey chili with beans, a nod to the fundraiser’s longstanding chili tasting.
Alameda nonprofit groups can apply for Alameda Kiwanis Foundation grants in April, which will then be awarded in early June. For more information online, visit k01025.site.kiwanis.org.
— Alameda Kiwanis Foundation
The Alameda Kiwanis Foundation took their annual winter fundraiser in a new direction this year with a music trivia competition and bingo games for merchant gift cards. (photo courtesy of Patricia Bowen)
To submit an item for the Alameda Journal’s “In brief” section, which is now usually published in print on each month’s third Friday, please email it, at least three days before print publication, to njackson@bayareanewsgroup.com. Each item should be 90 to 180 words and include a short headline along with the name of the group or individual to credit for it.