Pocket Life
By Corky Mau
March 2026
Mission Accomplished
Local parish rebuilds flooded Nigerian school
Joann Ahaneku is the force behind St. Anthony Parish’s efforts to resurrect the Nigerian village of Nkalu. Much of the village was destroyed in 2016 floods. Pocket resident Ahaneku grew up in this area of southeastern Nigeria.
She traveled home after learning about the floods. “I was dumbfounded at the amount of devastation,” she says. “I had a lot of sleepless nights trying to figure out what I could do to help.”
Her eight siblings live in Nigeria and the U.S. With their support, Ahaneku established the Eze Cyprian Ahaneku Foundation. The nonprofit is named for her late father, His Royal Highness of the Ifakala Autonomous Community in Imo State.
The foundation’s priority was to rebuild Sacred Heart, the village school. Fundraising began in 2017. Pocket organizations and private and corporate donors helped.
The school reopened in 2022. The foundation furnished desks, chairs and educational materials. Students were outfitted with uniforms and book bags. A delegation from St. Anthony visited Nkalu last October.
“Every mission trip is filled with adventure,” St. Anthony pastor the Rev. Mitch Maleszyk says. “It was the rainy season and Mother Nature didn’t disappoint. We left the capitol of Owerri for the 20-kilometer journey to Nkalu. We traveled over rough terrain and very muddy roads. We were excited to finally see our adopted school.”
Led by Joann’s brother, Chief Steve Ahaneku, the village greeted the delegation with songs and dancing. Villagers gave church members handicrafts and clothing. The delegation visited a Red Cross children’s orphanage.
“This trip was once in a lifetime for me,” parishioner Kim-Son Ziegler says. “Learning about the culture and interacting with everyone we met was priceless. I was moved to see the students and teachers enjoying their new school.”
For information on Eze Cyprian Ahaneku Foundation projects, visit ecafglobal.org or call St. Anthony Parish at (916) 428-5678.
CRAB FEED
Enjoy an Asian-style hot ginger crab feed Saturday, March 28, when ACC holds its annual event at Sacramento Asian Sports Foundation in Elk Grove from 6–9 p.m. Tickets are $100 per person ($50 tax deductible), available at the ACC Campus office or via email at development@accsv.org.
IRISH TEA PARTY
Elks Lodge No. 6 hosts an afternoon of live Irish music and a tea experience Sunday, March 1, from 1–4 p.m. Tickets are $20 kids, $35 adults. Contact Shannon at (916) 206-6124.
SCHOLARSHIPS
The Pocket-Greenhaven Community Association offers $3,000 scholarships to local high school seniors. Graduating students at high schools in Pocket and Greenhaven may apply. Applications are due by March 10. Visit pocketgreenhaven.org.
BAKING CAMP
A spring break baking camp for youngsters ages 9–15 takes place at Through the Looking Glass Cakes. The half-day camp runs March 30 to April 2 from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Lunch is included. Kids bake treats to bring home. Register at lookingglassbakingstudio.com.
MOTOWN MUSIC
A benefit for P.U.R.E. Youth Group is set for Saturday, March 28, at Elks Lodge No. 6. Stockton Soul band and other groups will entertain. The “Tribute to Motown Legends” concert starts at 7 p.m. For tickets, call Lynn Matsuda at (916) 704-1082.
Corky Mau can be reached at corky.sue50@gmail.com. Submissions are due six weeks prior to the publication month. Follow us on Facebook, X and Instagram: @insidesacramento.
