2023 NOVEMBER ~ Alamo Today & Danville Today News

editor @ yourmonthlypaper.com

November 2023 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • PAGE 1

& NOVEMBER 2023

“WINTER NIGHTS” SHELTERS FAMILIES TO NURTURE SUCCESS

By Jody Morgan

Winter Nights Family Shelter, Inc. (WN), now in its 20th season, is dedicated to keeping unhoused families together. The Shelter Program offers a wide range of support services to help clients emerge self-sufficient.

Launched under the auspices of the Social Justice Alliance of the Interfaith Council of Contra Costa County, WN became an independent non-profit in 2020. The Safe A joyful reunion at the first Alumni Dinner in 2019 Parking Program, initiated in 2018, - Alumni mom (L) w/ volunteer Ogie Strogatz (R). now operates year-round, seven days a week, at two locations with a WN supervisor on duty throughout the night. The Continued Success Program, officially named in 2020, assists alumni as needed when a small financial set back threatens to turn into a major problem and reunites alumni to celebrate their achievements.

Executive Director Carmella Kowall explains, “If you use the program properly, you can thrive.” She adds, “The look on people’s faces when I tell them I was homeless is one of disbelief. But every member of the WN staff knows from personal experience that being homeless can happen to anyone.” All 12 WN staff members have experienced homelessness at some point. Five, including Carmella, have been WN clients. They understand the obstacles confronting clients.

One rainy winter, Gwen Watson, WN’s first Executive Director, and some friends realized there were women with children lacking shelter.

They raised money to put them in a motel for two or three nights, but that was hardly enough. Without a structured organization, they learned, they could not get sufficient funding to open a shelter.

“I like to tell people Winter Nights Shelter is a beautiful combination of government and the public working together,” Watson says. “Writing a Tents in use since season 7 give each WN family business plan was an important first personal space. step because officials wouldn’t take us seriously without it. I was a secondary school teacher. I didn’t have any experience writing a business plan.” Mark DeSaulnier, a Contra Costa County Supervisor at the time, recommended Larry Fisher, the husband of his chief of staff.

Gwen relates, “After Larry finished the business plan, he and I were talking about giving the shelter a name. He said, ‘Let’s not give it a stodgy name like

See Nights continued on page 8

*******ECRWSSEDDM*******

POSTAL CUSTOMER

PRSRT STD U.S. Postage PAID Permit 263 Alamo, CA

ADULT & CHILDREN BIKES WANTED!

Since 2002, Adopt a Family Bikes (AAFB) has refurbished and donated over 4,000 bikes to adults and youth in need. This year’s drive starts earlier than ever before in hopes of fulfilling many new requests from counselors in the San Ramon Valley Unified School District, in addition to clients of numerous Bay Area non-profit agencies serving our communities.

AAFB has a weekend drop-off space in the Alamo Plaza shopping center next door to Rite Aid. The address is 140 Alamo Plaza, Alamo. Donations of bikes are welcome Saturdays and Sundays from 10 AM-5 PM through the new year with closures on Thanksgiving and Christmas weekends. Volunteers of any age are also needed; just show up! Adults, unaccompanied minors 16 and older, and younger children with parents are all invited. The biggest task requires no experience! It involves just cleaning down and shining up the bikes.

All sizes of adult and youth bikes are needed. The group will make minor repairs and tune-up the bikes, and just ask that the bikes be free of rust and without bent frames.

Cash and donations are gratefully accepted and can be dropped off or mailed to St. Timothy’s Episcopal Church, (memo field “Adopt-A-Family Bikes”), 1550 Diablo Road, Danville, CA 94526. The money goes towards purchasing helmets, U-locks, and parts.

For updated information visit the “Adopt-A-Family Bikes” Facebook page, or www.adoptafamilybikes.org.

VETERANS PANCAKE BREAKFAST

Veterans, active duty members, and family are invited to join the Danville Town Council (Robert Storer, Karen Stepper, Newell Arnerich, Renee Morgan, and Dave Fong), along with American Legion Post 246 at the 8th annual complimentary pancake breakfast.

The breakfast will be held Saturday, November 11th from 7:30AM-10:30AM at the Veterans Memorial Building, 2nd floor, located at 400 Hartz Ave. in downtown Danville. Stop on by!

Thank you, Veterans.

The Editors Serving the communities of Alamo, Diablo, and Danville

Volume XXIII Number 11

Volume XIV Number 11

3000F Danville Blvd. #117 Alamo, CA 94507 Telephone (925) 405-6397 Alisa Corstorphine ~ Publisher Editor@yourmonthlypaper.com The opinions expressed herein belong to the writers, and do not necessarily reflect that of The Editors.

The Editors is not responsible for the content of any of the advertising herein, nor does publication imply endorsement.

PAGE 2 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • November 2023

BOULEVARD VIEW By Alisa Corstorphine, Editor and Publisher

www.yourmonthlypaper.com

Have you ever had a time when a stranger stepped up to help you and just “had your back?” In 2016, my daughter and I took a trip to Alaska. Near Denali, in the one-stop-light-town of Healy, we had the pleasure to stay at the Denali Dome Home Bed and Breakfast. Host Terry Miller spent a little time with us and inquired about our itinerary. We mentioned that we were heading to Fairbanks and gave him the name of the next place we would be staying. He got a look on his face that made us wonder if we made a bad choice in our next lodging arrangement. When we parted ways, he chimed: “Let me know if you ever need anything.” We waved good bye and thought that was our last interaction with him.

Lo and behold we got to our next destination, and “sketchy” was the best word to describe it. We quickly made up a story, left our deposit, and canceled our reservation. I’ve always learned it is wise to listen to your “little voice,” and mine was saying the place was not a good one for us. “No problem,” we thought; there were many accommodations in town. We started calling around various hotels and accommodations. What we didn’t know was Fairbanks was chock-a-block full with the huge Arctic Science Summit Week conference in town, coupled with hosting the World Ice Art Competition. We called, and called, and called places, and everywhere was booked. We started to think about Plan B. We saw an REI store and figured we could buy sleeping bags and sleep in the car (but at -17OF that wasn’t overly appealing), or we could walk the aisles of Walmart all night (that wasn’t really appealing either), or we could call Terry...

Terry saved us. He had connections with several lodging places in Fairbanks and after a few phone calls was able to find us a place to stay. I am still grateful!

In September, my sister and I were trying to pick up a rental car she had booked in Las Vegas. My sister had accidentally left the physical credit card she booked with back at home, and the company required it for rental. When we said we could use my credit card, the agent oddly replied the car was no longer available.

Fortunately, Las Vegas has many cars for rent. Unfortunately, the next rental company we tried had a rental price triple what we had planned on paying.

We tried a third place, car rental company SixT. The gal at the counter was delightful. She listened to our plight, and went out of her way to help. She was empathetic, and empowered to work with our budget, get us a car, and have us quickly on the road. She made us happy customers who felt listened to and well treated. I am grateful to her too.

This is the season of gratefulness and giving thanks... People never get tired of hearing that they are appreciated. Let your friends and family, businesses and employees, volunteers and charities, know how you feel. For businesses, an online review can go a long way in spreading the word about what they offer and your experience. Thank you notes, or small tokens of appreciation, are never out of style. A small effort of your time to express gratitude can really brighten someone’s day.

I’ll gladly shout it from the rooftops, I appreciate you the reader, as well as the many advertisers and contributors who have helped this paper thrive for the last 19 years. Without you, this communication platform wouldn’t exist. I give thanks.

WOMEN’S CLUB JEWELRY FUNDRAISER FAIRE

SHOPPING FOR SCHOLARSHIPS

Stock up for the holidays! The Alamo Women’s Club (AWC) is holding its Jewelry Fundraiser Faire on Wednesday, November15 th and Thursday, November 16th at its clubhouse located at 1401 Danville Boulevard in Alamo. The event hours are Wednesday from 10AM until 5PM and Thursday from 10AM to 4PM. Shop a selection of $5 and $10 jewelry, along with designer jewelry, all while supporting the AWC scholarship program which provides needs-based scholarships to single parents and emancipated foster youth. Help us to help them.

For more information, visit www.alamowomensclub.org.

CELEBRATION OF CHRISTMAS CONCERT

MARK YOUR CALENDARS

The 23rd annual Celebration of Christmas concert is returning to the San Ramon Valley on Sunday, December 10th at 7PM! Come kick off your holiday season with this popular Danville tradition. All four public high school choirs in the San Ramon Valley Unified School District will be performing, along with the Danville Girls Chorus, and a few other special musical guests!

The concert will be held at The Church of Jesus Christ Latter-day Saints, located at 655 Old Orchard Dr, Danville.

Established in 1995 by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Danville, the intention of the Celebration of Christmas is to unite the community through holiday music.

Adults and children of all ages are welcome to attend this free event.

editor @ yourmonthlypaper.com

November 2023 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • PAGE 3

FOOD DRIVE

The Kiwanis Club of San Ramon Valley is teaming up with NBC Bay Area and Safeway grocery stores to support their 23rd annual Food Drive.

On November 18th, over 30 volunteers will be outside Safeway stores, reminding shoppers about the food drive event. The volunteers will include Kiwanis Club members, Key Club high schoolers, members of the National Charity League, and Boys Team Charities.

Shoppers will be encouraged to make a donation to the Food Bank at checkout and will be at the four Safeway stores in the San Ramon Valley - Alamo, Blackhawk, San Ramon, and Dougherty Valley. Every donation will go directly to help provide food to our neighbors most in need this holiday season. Kiwanis will also be making a donation of $3,500 directly to the Food Bank.

“People are still hungry and need extra help, especially with the holidays coming up,” says Nancy Bray, Chair of the Kiwanis 2023 Food Drive.

The Kiwanis Club of San Ramon Valley, in conjunction with the Town of Danville, organizes the annual 4th of July Parade. The parade is a substantial fundraiser for annual grant awards, where over $35,000 goes to 30 local non-profit organizations.

Additionally, the Club, through its youth outreach via its Key Clubs, the Girl Scouts of Northern California, Boy Scouts of America, National Charity League, Boys Team Charities, and other youth organizations, assists in local projects to directly benefit our community.

For more information, visit www.srvkiwanis.org or call Nick Vrankovich at 925389-6092. Donations can also be earmarked for the Food Bank through the end of December. To make a donation, visit www.srvkiwanis.org/give.

POP-UP SPACE AND ROBOTICS MUSEUM

POP-UP AND ROBOTICS MUSEUM A FREESPACE EVENT FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY POP-UP SPACE & ROBOTICS MUSEUM A FREE EVENT FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY

Every year our Veterans put together a pop-up museum in the main hall Every MUSEUM year our Veterans put together a pop-up museum in the main hall POP-UP SPACE AND ROBOTICS Every year our local Veterans put together a pop-up museum in of the Veterans Memorial Building. The theme of this year’s pop-up

A FREE EVENT FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY

of the Veterans Memorial Building. The theme of this year’s pop-up

the hallEVENT of the Veterans Memorial located at 400museum Hartz Ave. inSpace downtown will be and Robotics. The museum will be open 9:00 am A main FREE FOR THE Building WHOLE FAMILY museum will be andNov. Robotics.

The museum will be open 9:00 am through 5:00 Nov. 10thSpace and Saturday 11th and 10:00 Danville. The theme of this year’s pop-up museum willon beFriday Space and th AM through a PM Every year our Veterans put together pop-up museum in the main hall 3:005 on Sunday Nov. 12 Friday . Look forNov. the Huey out in th and Saturday on5:00 Friday, Robotics. The museum will be open 9 through through on 10Helicopter Nov. 11th and 10:00 th th of the AM PM Bldg., 400 Hartz Avenue, Danville. front Veterans Memorial November 10 and Saturday, November 11 and 10 through 3 of the Veterans Memorial Building. The theme of on thisSunday year’s Nov. pop-up through 3:00 12th. Look for the Huey Helicopter out in speaker on Saturday on Sunday, November 12th. LookOur for keynote the Huey Helicopter out inNovember front! 11, (Veterans Day) at museum will be Space and Robotics.

The museum will open 9:00 am 400 Hartz Avenue, Danville.

11:00 amNovember will be James vanthof Hoften, retired U.S be Naval Officer and front thea Veterans Memorial Bldg., The keynote speaker on Saturday, 11 (Veterans th and th and Aviator, Vietnam Veteran and formerNov. NASA Astronaut.

Van10:00 Hoften has AM through Nov. 10 Saturday 11aviator, Day) at 115:00 willon be Friday James van Hoften, a retired U.S. Naval Officer, Vietnam Veteran, and former NASA aslogged 338 hours in space, and 22 hours EVA (outside the spacecraft).

Our keynote speaker onhours Saturday November 11, (Veterans at th tronaut.

Van Hoften has logged 338 hours in space, and 22 EVA (outside the spacecraft).

He willDay) be speaking through 3:00 on Sunday He Nov. 12speaking . Look for the Hueyphotos Helicopter out in will be and showing his fantastic of both his time am Hoften, a retired Navalastronaut.

Officer and and showing his fantastic photos of Navy both hiswill timebe inJames thetime Navy Gun) and his time U.S as a NASA in11:00 the (Top Gun) and his asvan a (Top NASA Astronaut. front of the Veterans Memorial Bldg., 400 Hartz Avenue, Danville.

The main hall will be filled with interesting and educational displays and demonstrations.

There will interactive Aviator, Vietnam Veteran andinteresting former NASA Astronaut.

VanbeHoften has The maindroids, hall will be filled with and educational displaysPolice drone demonR2D2 robotic arm demonstrations, Danville Our keynote speaker on Saturday November 11, (Veterans Day) atbe interactive logged 338 hours in space, and 22 hours EVA (outside and demonstrations.

There will R2D2 droids, robotic the spacecraft). strations, local high school robotics clubs and their robots, and a host of arm demonstrations, Danville Police drone demonstrations, local high 11:00 am will be James van Hoften, aHe retired U.S Naval Officer and will be speaking and showing fantastic photos of both his time others.

Also included willrobots, be a his collection America’s school robotics clubs and their and a host ofofothers.

Also rocket models, a local astrophotographer showing his telescopes and photos, space related artifacts Aviator, Vietnam Veteran and former in NASA Astronaut.

Van Hoften has Rocket included will be a collection of America’s local the Navy (Top Gun) and his time as a models, NASAaAstronaut. including a large meteorite, photos the International Space Station, a Astrophotographer showing his telescopes andof photos, space related logged 338 hours in space, and 22 hours EVA (outside the spacecraft). artifacts a large meteorite, photos of the items International Space NASA including space suit, and more fascinating and displays.

The hall will befascinating filled with interesting and educational displays a NASA Space more items and displays.

He will be speaking and showing his fantastic Station, photos ofmain bothSuit, hisand time and demonstrations.

There will be interactive R2D2 droids, robotic GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY in theHOLD NavyYOUR (Top NEXT Gun) MEETING and his time asSRV a NASA Astronaut.

The San Ramon Valley Genealogical Society (SRVGS) organized in 1985 to local high arm demonstrations, Danville Policewas drone demonstrations, IN DANVILLE provide its members with resources, assistance, and educational opportunities that help school robotics clubs The and theirpublishes robots, and a hostnewsletter of others. Also The main hall will be filled interesting and educational displays themwith successfully research their ancestry. group a monthly AND and offers meetings of small groupsrobotic with of common interests to discuss theira local included will be droids, a collection America’s Rocket models, and demonstrations. There will monthly be interactive R2D2 specific areas of research.

SRVGS also provides resources ranging from a large selection of reference MAKE IT A Astrophotographer showing his telescopes and photos, space related arm demonstrations, Danville Police drone demonstrations, local high books to information on local genealogical libraries.

AM International Space including a large meteorite, photos arerobots, invitedartifacts toand join athe nextof meeting on Tuesday, November 21stof , 10the - noon via ZOOM, with school robotics clubs andYou their host others.

Also RETREAT a presentation genealogStation, a NASA Space Suit, and more fascinating items andby displays. included will be a collection of America’s Rocket models, a local ical and military research * On 57 acres in beautiful Danville Astrophotographer showing his telescopes and photos, space related expert, Jennifer Holik. Her Christmas Light Hanging * 75 rooms with private bath, WiFi talk is titled “Exploring the artifacts including a large meteorite, photos of the International Space * Conference rooms with AV Dump Runs | Gutter Cleaning Greatest Generation, Adding * WonderfulStation, walks andagardens NASA Space Suit, and more fascinating items and displays.

C ontext to the Veteran’s WWW.SANDAMIANO.ORG 710 Highland Dr, Danville

925 837 9141

Starting at $180/night incl. Meals

Pressure Washing

Call Kenny

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Story, Part 2.”

To join in the Zoom talk, learn more, or become a member of SRVGS, visit srvgensoc.org. For questions, email president@srvgensoc.org.

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PAGE 4 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • November 2023

UPCOMING BOOK SALE

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 28 ~ 10 TH

AM

TO 2

PM

The Friends of the Danville Library (FODL) will host a pop-up used book sale to raise money for our local library.

• Saturday, November 28th from 10am to 2pm • Mt. Diablo Room of the Danville Library 400 Front Street, Danville • Most books will be $1-5; less for children’s chapter books • Cash, local checks, and credit cards accepted • Book donations will be accepted during the sale. Limit of four bags

OTHER WAYS TO HELP

• Become a Member of the FODL and support library programs • Volunteer to work in the bookstore • Donations of foreign bills or coins accepted • Donations of BART paper tickets accepted For more information, talk with any of the Pop-Up Sales Associates wearing green aprons. Or, visit the bookstore MondaySaturday 10am-5pm to speak with a volunteer.

EXHIBITS AT THE MUSEUM OF THE SAN RAMON VALLEY

The Museum of the San Ramon Valley (MSRV) will feature two exhibits in November.

“The First Peoples” exhibit runs until November 7th. It features the captivating world of Native American history, where you can explore a curated collection of intricate tapestry and artforms. Then, beginning November 24th the museum will feature the “Holidays in the Valley: Holidays Come in All Sizes,” exhibit to celebrate the 2023 holiday season.

“The First Peoples” exhibit showcases the history, culture, and traditions of California Indians. You will see intricately crafted Native American home models that showcase the architectural diversity of various tribes as well as an array of artifacts, from maps to hunting nets, arrowheads, and cave paintings, to a meticulously recreated acorn-processing setup. A highlight is the Phelps Collection, a stunning assortment of handwoven baskets that bear witness to the artistic skill and cultural significance of basketry within indigenous societies.

As the holiday season approaches, “Holidays in the Valley: Holidays Come in All Sizes” will be on display. This festive exhibit opens the day after Thanksgiving and remains open until New Year’s Eve. Seeing the exhibit is a perfect way to get into the holiday spirit!

The exhibit features an N-Scale operating layout of the historic San Ramon Branch Line. Watch trains run from scale models of the Bay Point rail yard through the cities of Concord, Oakley, Walnut Creek, Alamo, Danville, Osage, and ending in San Ramon – all in N-Scale. In the museum's baggage room, you’ll find a children’s playhouse and a special spot to write and leave your letters for Santa.

Additionally, the museum will exhibit a small scaled holiday town, Ferris wheel, and carousel, Father Christmas, a collection of Christmas and holiday books, and a treasure hunt that adds an extra layer of excitement to your visit.

Make sure to mark MSRV as a must-visit during the holidays. See the exhibits, enjoy the interactive activities, and don’t forget to shop at the museum store for unique gifts – it’s the perfect way to get into the holiday mood!

The Museum of the San Ramon Valley is located at 205 Railroad Ave. in Danville. Hours are Tuesday-Friday 1PM-4PM, Saturday 10AM-1PM, and Sunday noon-3PM. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or a holiday lover, the Museum of the San Ramon Valley is the place to be this November. For more information, visit museumsrv.org or call 925-837-3750.

ONE WARM COAT DROP-OFF EVENT

Clean your closets and help others in need! Gather your (clean) winter-wear including coats, sweaters, blankets, hats, scarves, and mittens to help keep others warm this winter.

A l a m o Wo m e n’s Club, in partnership e All golf clubs and cities with the Rotary Club of San Ramon Valley, will e Shirts, hoodies, blankets, mugs and more! be collecting items. Make your drive-by, drop-off, donation at the One Warm Coat e Perfect gifts for the holidays! holiday drive to be held November 29th from 2-5PM at Alamo Women’s Club located e Find them all at CAFlags.com at 1401 Danville Blvd. in Alamo.

Items can also be dropped off November CAFlags.com 1-30 in boxes around town including: Alamo - Round Hill Country Club - 3169 Roundhill Rd. and front porch of private residence - 172 Via Serena. Danville - Monte Vista High School - 3131 Stone Valley Rd., Peet’s Coffee & Tea - 435 Railroad Ave., Compass Real Estate - 760 Camino Ramon, Suite 200, Heritage Bank - 387 Diablo Rd., and Studio X 125 Railroad Ave, Suite E. San Ramon - Club Sport - 350 Bollinger Canyon Lane and AAA - 2435 San Ramon Valley Blvd., Suite 5. Pleasant Hill - Home driveway - 2097 Ahneita Dr. Distribution of items will be made to local shelters and Christmas for Everyone in Martinez. Donations are tax deductible and receipts are available at the Alamo Women’s Club drop off event.

For questions or more information, contact Michelle at 925-997-3380 or email OneWarmCoatRotary@gmail.com.

ROTARY CLUB MEETING

The Danville San Ramon Rotary Club meets Tuesdays at the LAB meeting room at Roundhouse located 2600 Camino Ramon, San Ramon. Meetings are held at 7AM on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays, noon on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays, and no meetings th in months with a 5 Tuesday. For more information call 925-997-6664.

DANVILLE COMMUNITY BAND PRESENTS A JOYFUL NOISE

The Danville Community Band performs this year’s holiday concert, “A Joyful Noise” beginning at 3PM on Sunday, December 17th in the Performing Arts Center at Acalanes High School, 1200 Pleasant Hill Rd. in Lafayette.

Mark your calendars, and save the date.

This year’s program will feature a broad selection of festive tunes including March of the Toys, Midnight Sleighride, Shirim, Resplendent Glory, and much more!

Wrap it all up with the ever-popular Sleigh Ride and it’ll be a party for your ears.

Admission is free, and donations are gratefully accepted.

For more about the band and upcoming performances, visit www.danvilleband.org,

editor @ yourmonthlypaper.com

November 2023 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • PAGE 5

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PAGE 6 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • November 2023

CHROMATICA PRESENTS “WE REMEMBER”

A CONCERT FOR VETERANS DAY WEEKEND

Subtitled “Choral Reflections on Love, Peace, and the Hope to Come,” Chromatica Chorale’s always-popular fall concerts will take place at 7pm on November 11th at Peace Lutheran Church, 3201 Camino Tassajara, Danville, and on Sunday, November 12th at 3pm at Holy Shepherd Lutheran Church, 433 Moraga Way in Orinda. The Danville concert will feature its popular (and free!) wine reception after the performance.

The concerts will include some stunning pieces. David Conte’s Elegy for Mathew was written in memory of Mathew Shepard who was tortured and murdered outside Laramie, Wyoming in 1998. His death received wide coverage and produced The Laramie Project. Chromatica will also perform Conte’s O Sun, from his September Sun written in memory of 9/11.

The concerts include three pieces by composer Elaine Hagenberg. They include Alleluia, The Music of Stillness, and There Was a Time. Rene Clausen and Jake Runestad, two more award-winning composers are also featured with respectively Kyrie from Memorial and Let My Love Be Heard. Chromatica will also reprise In Flander’s Fields to honor Veterans Day. Written to honor those who served (and died) in World War I, it is a somber but moving tribute.

Tickets are $25 for adults, $10 for students, and children 10 and under are admitted free. For concert tickets and to find out more about Chromatica, visit www.chromaticachorale.org. Tickets for all concerts are also available at the door. For a more personal look you can find Chromatica on Facebook.

MORAGA ADOBE

The Museum of the San Ramon Valley will host a virtual program on the Moraga Adobe via Zoom on November 16th at 11:30AM. Featured speaker will be Kent Long.

Long is president of the Friends of the Joaquin Moraga Adobe and will provide an in-depth look at one of Northern California’s oldest surviving adobe structures.

Built between 1841-1848, the Moraga Adobe was the home of Joaquin Moraga, whose grandfather founded both the San Francisco Presidio and the city of San Jose. His father was also an important military leader and explorer. This connection to influential families in early California history sheds light on the politics and rancho society of the era.

Long will discuss the one-story adobe’s long history, from the Mexican rancho period through the American ranching period, and into the 20th century. In addition, he will cover the adobe’s unique architecture, its initial restoration in the 1940s, and the current work to further restore it and open it as a museum.

The virtual program offers the opportunity to learn about this important reminder of early Anglo-Hispanic California life, without leaving home.

Adobe experts and history buffs alike will appreciate this program.

The program is free but registration is required To attend this free online presentation, visit museumsrv.org and go to the “Events” section, or call 925-837-3750.

The Museum of the San Ramon Valley is located at 205 Railroad Ave. in Danville.

Hours are Tuesday-Friday 1PM-4PM, Saturday 10AM-1PM, and Sunday noon-3PM.

Here for a limited time!

TAX-AIDE PROGRAM LOOKING FOR NEW VOLUNTEERS

AARP Tax-Aide is looking for volunteers to become members of a team providing free tax preparation service in Contra Costa County.

Tax-Aide needs individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences. While prior tax preparation experience is beneficial, it is not a requirement. The program provides comprehensive training and ongoing support to ensure all volunteers feel confident and capable in their roles.

Volunteer positions include Tax Counselors, who are trained by Tax-Aide and certified by the IRS and Client Facilitators, who schedule appointments and assist clients at tax sites.

• To learn more and apply on-line by mid-November 2023, visit www.aarpfoundation.org/taxaidevolunteer or call 925-726-3199 for additional information.

• Orientation sessions will be held in December 2023 and certification classes start in January 2024.

• Tax preparation service is from February through April 15, 2024.

The Tax-Aide program is administered by the AARP Foundation in cooperation with the Internal Revenue Service, the California Franchise Tax Board and Contra Costa County. Volunteers do not need to be AARP members.

PTH HONORS COMPASSIONATE CHANGEMAKERS By Jody Morgan

Pledge to Humanity (PTH) honored compassionate changemakers of all ages at the non-profit’s recent 15th Anniversary Gala. Special recognition was given to PTH Youth Volunteer of the Year Grace Carpenter and PTH Adult Volunteer of the Year Jennifer Clausen. Grace is an excellent PTH ambassador who inspires her peers to get involved in philanthropy.

Jennifer is an ideal leader whose work helps support PTH volunteers and the Pledge to Humanity mission. Jessica Aguirre received the PTH Changemaker of the Year Award for her outstanding service in television journalism including her coverage of laws and events that impact children.

Jessica Aguirre and Gaby Ghorbani Gaby Ghorbani, Founder of PTH, can’t say enough times how proud she is of everything PTH kids have accomplished. “I am so proud when I hear young PTH ambassadors talk about how much working on PTH projects has enriched their lives. I get texts from PTH alumni who graduated from high school two years ago saying how grateful they are for having had the opportunity to do hands-on projects that have made a positive impact on the lives

See PTH continued on page 14

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November 2023 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • PAGE 7

THE GATTI REPORT: YOUR GREATER DANVILLE AREA REAL ESTATE UPDATE

By Joe Gatti

Happy Halloween! The first holiday on our fall/winter calendar is here. I hope everyone got their fill of scary movies, candy, and pumpkins.

We will be seeing turkeys everywhere soon! October news was filled with sad and frightening geopolitical concerns. On Saturday October 7th, Hamas attacked Israel and Israel promptly declared war and began preparations for a ground assault of Northern Gaza. With two theaters of war, first with Russia and Ukraine and now a second in the Middle East, geopolitical uncertainty adds confusion to global economic conditions and makes the Federal Reserve’s rate decision on November 1st and after more complicated. With these new global realities, what we know is that when the world becomes violent, people invest in America and particularly assets like real estate in communities like ours.

When I studied for my Political Science degree at UC Davis in the early 2000’s and did an internship at the Woodrow Wilson Center in Washington DC, a theory that was used for describing a country’s long term economic success was “Geography is Destiny.” With Hamas attacking Israel and a war in Ukraine, the communities in these countries are being devastated and those around them economically cut off. The geographical separation the United States possesses is one of the greatest historical blessings our country possesses. It provides economic safety, and our local market’s position of being on the opposite side of the world from these conflict zones epitomizes why our local real estate is so sought after: it provides stability and security. The next months going into winter will be a wait-and-see for how the Federal Reserve interprets new economic inflation data and whether these geopolitical warzones stabilize or escalate.

On October 12th, the September consumer price index (CPI) was released and US inflation came in at the same level as the month prior: 3.7%. The Federal Reserve will meet on November 1st and the current market anticipation is that their rate levels are high enough and the new global realities unpredictable enough to result in a Federal Reserve pause, but that’s not a guarantee. Higher, mid-7% to 8%, mortgage interest rates have limited the buyer pool across the US, but with housing inventory so low, prices have remained higher in our local market because there are more than enough ready and willing buyers to place multiple offers for well-tended homes that are priced accurately.

Our takeaway is much the same from recent articles but with the new caveat of geopolitical uncertainty. Inventory will remain extremely low in the months ahead and into 2024. Buyer demand remains at a robust level for what is available in our local market, regardless of mortgage interest rate levels. Ready and willing buyers will have more time to choose and sellers who can sell are in a beneficial position because this buyer pool has done their homework and are hungry for homes. The new war between Hamas and Israel, and the two year war between Russia and Ukraine, illustrate why America’s geographical separation is an undervalued component to our country’s success. When wars break out, global companies, investors, and citizens the world over return to the fundamentals, investing in assets in economically stable and safe communities. Our local market within the greater Bay Area is one of the best locations in the world in respect to these current global conditions.

If you would like a proactive price valuation for your home during this period, please reach out to the Gatti Team for a private consultation. Our services and full time local experience are here to help you maximize your selling and buying goals in the greater Danville area. We wish you a Happy Halloween!

I hope you found this article helpful. I’ve been serving our real estate community for 11 years. Ron Gatti, my business partner and father, has been a full-time real estate professional for over 40 years, all in the greater Danville area. We both are Associate Brokers with Compass out of the 760 Camino Ramon, Suite 200 office in Danville. If you have any real estate questions during this extraordinary time or have questions about this article, please email GattiRealEstate@gmail.com or call Joe Gatti at 925-588-3590. Our services are here for you!

JOE & RON GAT TI AS DANVILLE NATIVES, WE KNOW DANVILLE AND THE SAN RAMON VALLEY O

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Compass is a real estate broker licensed by the State of California and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. License Number 01527235. All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only and is compiled from sources deemed reliable but has not been verified. Changes in price, condition, sale or withdrawal may be made without notice. No statement is made as to accuracy of any description. All measurements and square footage are approximate.

PAGE 8 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • November 2023

SAN RAMON VALLEY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY By Jamie Westgate, Principal

This year, our students have been on a quest to “find treasure.” Every child loves the idea of hunting for gold, rubies, and diamonds, but at SRVCA we’ve been reminding them that God has an even greater treasure set aside for us if we seek it. Our theme verse for the year reminds us “He will be the sure foundation of your times, a rich store of salvation, wisdom, and knowledge.

The fear of the Lord is the key to this treasure” (Isaiah 33:6). Students are learning that the more time they spend in pursuit of God’s plan, the more they unlock the key to these important things.

Some of our kids are hearing about a war oversees, and have unlocked the key to a compassionate and empathetic heart for those suffering. As a result, students are praying for peace and protection for children on the other side of the globe. Others are learning that school is academically challenging, and they’re unlocking the treasure of perseverance. Grit is formed, and they’re realizing they are equipped to do hard things! Friendships are being established at school, and some are learning about God’s faithfulness to establish a treasured community.

Since announcing this theme for the year, we’ve been noticing that God is present in the highs and the lows, and we’ve been grateful for His response.

Last week, one of our sixth grade students told his parent, “I can tell God is working at SRVCA.” He went on to share comments made to him by a local worker in downtown Danville who noticed a difference in the manners and friendliness of some of his peers. It’s always a joy to hear a compliment about our students, but my favorite part of the story was knowing the student attributed the difference to seeing God’s Spirit at work in them. To me, that was a treasure!

As we move into the holiday season, we will be seeking treasure in giving thanks for God Himself, and in knowing Jesus came to earth because He loves us so much. Our preschool and elementary students are working hard on their Christmas musical performances to share this good news, and we look forward to reporting about these special events next month. We wish those in our local community a restful and meaningful Thanksgiving holiday. May you all be aware of the visible and invisible treasures God has provided which are all around us.

Nights continued from front page

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MONTE VISTA HIGH SCHOOL

By Dr. Kevin Ahern, Principal

Monte Vista (MV) has finished up an incredible October and we are all looking forward to Thanksgiving Break and the lead up to the final weeks of our fall semester.

October kicked off with MV Choir’s annual Bach to School concert and the performance was nothing short of exemplary. Congratulations to MV’s Choir Director, Rosalind Neisinger, and our amazing choir students who performed two nights of incredible music in front of packed houses.

Recently, American Legion Post 246 honored several MV students at their annual Boys and Girls State Luncheon. MV’s Abigail Choi, Sanika Saleem, Ethan Chen, and Ethan Gulcu were all recognized for their participation in the program. It is great to see these student leaders representing our community.

MV Homecoming Week provided five days of awesome festivities and celebrations involving our students and our community. Months of planning culminated in a week of fantastic events that included a pre-game community tailgate party and MV’s Homecoming Game which included excellent halftime performances by our marching band and cheer /pom squads. While our football team came up short against a tough Cal High team, we shook off the loss the next evening with an equally spectacular Homecoming Dance where 1,500 MV students enjoyed and celebrated. I want to extend a huge thank you to students as well as MV Activities Director, Tommy Greenless and his leadership classes; Mr. Chris Connor and his Freshman Leadership students; MV Athletic Director, Andy Popper; Monte Vista’s Athletic Boosters; and all of our parent volunteers and organizations who contributed their time and energy to make this a truly outstanding community event.

At the end of October, members of MV’s Sophomore and Junior classes, as well as numerous teachers took part in our annual “Breaking Down the Walls” program. In this program, students spend one day out of the week connecting and/or re-connecting with one another, listening to their peers’ personal stories, and building a positive school culture. Over the years, this program has had a huge impact on our students.

We are thankful to our community for their donations in support of this program.

Also at the end of October, MV’s Drama Program gave us their annual dose of frights as they opened their Haunted House. It is always a lot of fun and we look forward to this event every year. November 2-4 , MV Drama is once again in focus as our students perform their fall play Little Women. Please visit mvhs.srvusd.net for tickets and more information.

MV Athletics have continued to roll through EBAL competition and into the NCS Playoffs. MV Women’s Golf claimed their third consecutive championship and are preparing for post season tournaments. MV Women’s Volleyball, MV Football, Men’s and Women’s Water Polo, Women’s Tennis, and Men’s and Women’s Cross Country are all also prepping for their regular season finales as they vie for their own EBAL crowns and plan to make deep NCS playoff runs. I am looking forward to sharing their successes with you in the future.

We invite everyone from the MV community to come out and support the Mustangs this fall.

Interfaith Council Shelter. Let’s be creative, say something like Winter Nights.’”

With the full support of the Orinda City Council, Police, and Fire Departments, volunteers were already preparing the vacant old Orinda library to receive the first women and children when an agitated group of misinformed protesters put a halt to their work. Unable to see beyond their stereotypical view of homeless people, they envisioned what the Eleven O’clock News portrayed in a split-screen image with the iconic Orinda Theater on one side of the screen, and homeless men sprawled out in San Francisco on the other. They thought desperate drug addicts and dangerous alcoholics were coming to Orinda instead of families trying to put their lives back together.

Eartha Newsong recalls the final meeting in the sanctuary of the Orinda Community Church that permanently vetoed use of the library location.

“Even some of the protesters’ own teenage children spoke in favor of the shelter. But the angry words of their ill-informed parents prevailed. When I walked out of the meeting, I found a large gathering of well-dressed men and women wearing buttons proclaiming: ‘We Wish We Had Said Yes.’” Belief in their mission turned a bleak moment into a miracle. Enough area congregations agreed to each host for a week, which allowed WN to open for 24 weeks in 2004. Clients had sleeping pads and sleeping bags. They dressed for school or work each morning, taking turns in whatever bathroom facility was available. But the success of the venture was immediately apparent.

Winter Nights Office Manager Teri Lundvall describes her experience. “A small act of kindness is one of my fondest memories of entering the Winter Nights Shelter at Temple Isaiah on December 27th, 2004. My hands were rough from doing lots of cleaning and laundry. One of the staff members placed a container of hand lotion beside me and said a volunteer had donated it. It meant so much to me that she cared enough to notice my hands and offer a simple gesture of comfort.”

Bob Russell made getting parents to work and kids to school possible by volunteering his time and his truck. He also moved the families’ belongings each Monday on moving day. Ann Lawrence, now serving in many roles including Board Treasurer, recalls, “I first volunteered with WN in 2008 at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church mopping the shelter area after the clients had gone on to their daytime activities. There were no tents yet, so when I entered the quiet hall, what I saw were sleeping pads carefully lined up with children’s books and stuffed animals. The sight made me burst into tears.”

Judy Stillman, WN Executive Director from 2014-2021, organized the Traveling Tutors in 2008. She writes: “My church, Lafayette United Methodist, asked folks to volunteer at St. Anselm’s Episcopal Church, Traveling tutor volunteer Louise Severy holds a client's also in Lafayette. I was there on a Monday and the parents were setting up their sleeping places which were baby. (5 babies were born to mothers at the shelter during the 2018-2019 season.)

See Nights continued on page 10

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November 2023 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • PAGE 9

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Dr. Hyland understands the desire to provide the very best care for the entire family. As a resident of Alamo, she strives to meet community needs by providing unparalleled services for those seeking the finest complete dental care in one location. In her spare time, Dr. Hyland enjoys spending time with her husband Terry, two sets of twin boys, and their three rescue dogs adopted from ARF.

SAN RAMON VALLEY HIGH

By Hailey Gunderson, San Ramon Valley High School, Junior

Wow. Time flies! We are more than halfway through the first semester. October was a packed, exciting month at San Ramon Valley High School (SRV). SRV recognized October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Students showed their support by wearing pink to many sporting events. Students, families, and the community came out in full pink spirit to the Football game against De La Salle. The Wolves played an incredible game, with an amazing comeback in the last five minutes, taking us into overtime. After an intense, hard-fought game by both teams, De La Salle unfortunately won 27-33. Regardless of the outcome, the effort, pride, integrity, and character these young men displayed is inspiring for all.

Heading into November, fall sports will be wrapping up and heading into the EBAL (East Bay Athletic League) and NCS (North Coast Section) playoffs. Women’s volleyball is heading into the EBAL championships against Foothill, and Cross Country will race in EBAL and NCS. Flag Football had an amazing inaugural season. Women’s Golf competed in EBAL, with a very good showing and individuals will be moving onto NCS. Look for an update on Waterpolo and Women’s Tennis next month, following the conclusion of their season. Follow @srvhs.athletics on Instagram for immediate updates.

On Friday, November 3rd, the SRV Football team will play cross-town rival Monte Vista at home for their senior night. Dress up in your best green and gold, come out and pack the stands! Winter sports (Soccer, Basketball and Wrestling) are in the process of tryouts and will start in the coming weeks.

Recapping other events in October, SRV participated in Red Ribbon Week.

Assemblies brought awareness to the harmful effects of drugs and addiction, as well as the positive impact that simply being kind can have. On Tuesday, October 24th, students wore red to show their commitment to be kind to themselves, others and their community. Following that, on Thursday October 26th, students wore orange in honor of National Stop Bullying Day.

See SRV continued on page 11

CRIME PREVENTION TIPS

The Town of Danville Police Department is committed to ensuring a safe and joyful holiday season for all residents. With Thanksgiving and Christmas just around the corner, here are some essential crime prevention tips to help you safeguard your belongings and property during this festive period.

PERSONAL POSSESSIONS PROTECTION

1. When out shopping or dining, keep your personal items secure. Consider using cross-body purses to keep them close and concealed under your clothing.

2. Avoid leaving your belongings unattended, especially in crowded areas.

PACKAGE THEFT PREVENTION

1. If you’re expecting packages, schedule deliveries when you’re home or use secure delivery lockers.

2. Ask trusted neighbors to keep an eye on your porch and collect packages for you.

VEHICLE SECURITY

1. Don’t leave valuable items in plain sight. Lock them in the glove box or trunk.

2. Always lock your vehicle and roll up the windows when parked.

3. Be cautious in parking lots and choose well-lit areas.

MOBILE DEVICE AWARENESS

1. Minimize distractions when walking by limiting phone use. Stay aware of your surroundings.

2. Use a hands-free option when driving to avoid being distracted by your phone.

HOME SECURITY

1. When traveling during the holiday season, make your home appear occupied.

Use timers for lights, and ask a neighbor to collect mail and check on your property.

2. Consider the Town of Danville Police Department's vacation house check service for added peace of mind.

STAY INFORMED

1. Follow the “Town of Danville Police Department” on Facebook and Instagram for valuable crime prevention and traffic safety tips, along with important community announcements.

Have a safe and enjoyable holiday season. Your security is the police department’s priority. By taking these simple precautions, you can reduce the risk of falling victim to opportunistic crimes.

PAGE 10 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • November 2023

HOMELESSNESS IN CONTRA COSTA COUNTY

By County Supervisor Candace Andersen

November is Homelessness Awareness Month.

Contra Costa County faces many challenges related to homelessness, but has many programs and partners working to assist those in need. If you ever see someone who appears to be homeless, or you know of someone who is at risk, please call 211 or text “HOPE” to 20121.

Homeless services can also be accessed in person by walking into a Coordinated Assessment Resource and Engagement (CARE) Center. Currently there is one located in Richmond and one in Walnut Creek in the Trinity Center, 1888 Trinity Avenue.

Several factors contribute to homelessness in Contra Costa, including high housing costs, limited affordable housing options, unemployment, mental health issues, and substance abuse. Homelessness is a complex issue also influenced by the availability of social services.

During the 2023 Point-In-Time (PIT) count, 2,372 people were identified as experiencing homelessness in Contra Costa County. The PIT recorded 1,911 households experiencing unstable housing. This represents a 4% increase from 2020 to 2023. Of the 2,372 people experiencing homelessness, 70% (1,653) were unsheltered and 30% were sheltered. The majority of the unsheltered are male and 67% of people counted were chronically homeless. Veterans accounted for 4%.

While our annual PIT counts are important, they only reflect who we were able to find on January 25 of this year. We know that there are many more homeless individuals in Contra Costa County. A more accurate count is reflected by the services provided by the Contra Costa Homeless Continuum of Care (CoC).

In 2022, the CoC served 7,725 households which included 10,600 individuals.

The CoC coordinates applications and submits a single grant application to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development annually to access federal resources to provide homeless services, housing, and supportive housing.

These efforts bring in approximately $15 million annually to support homeless housing and services. However, far more funds are expended.

The cost of housing is the biggest factor in the community’s rate of homelessness. In Contra Costa County, workers need to earn $43.73 per hour to afford a two-bedroom apartment. The County provides various services and resources to address homelessness, including shelters, outreach programs, and support for individuals struggling with homelessness. The services are often offered in collaboration with non-profit organizations.

www.yourmonthlypaper.com The Council on Homelessness is the governing body for the Contra Costa CoC and advisory body to the Contra Costa Board of Supervisors. The Council follows federal and state regulations and is the planning body that coordinates the community’s policies, strategies, and activities toward preventing and ending homelessness in Contra Costa County. It has diverse representation of various nonprofits, city and county government departments, consumers, faith leaders, law enforcement, and other interested parties.

Through the County’s Health Department, the Health, Housing, and Homeless Services (H3) is committed to making homelessness short-lived and non-recurring. H3 has a variety of roles: Housing Developer, Funder, Service Provider, Service System Infrastructure, Policy and Advocacy, and Research and Evaluation. In 2022, over 7,700 households were served by H3. Of that number, 1,169 households accessed homelessness prevention services, 1,166 were served in permanent housing programs, and 96% of households-maintained housing in Permanent Supportive Housing. The County also provides Healthcare for the Homeless through the Health Department.

H3 has been working to provide improved capacity for the homeless and provide vouchers, permanent supportive housing, rapid rehousing, and Crisis Response Services. Additionally, the County has 20 Coordinated Outreach Referral, Engagement (C.O.R.E.) teams. C.O.R.E. teams serve as an entry point into Contra Costa’s system for unsheltered persons. They work to locate, engage, stabilize, and house chronically homeless individuals and families. The outreach teams identify individuals living on the streets, assess their housing and service needs, and facilitate connection to shelter and services.

The County also provides mobile clinics and street outreach. The mobile teams provide a variety of services including chronic disease management, addiction treatment, Narcan dispensing, wound care, ultrasounds, and testing for HIV, Hep C, syphilis, and other STI screening and treatment. There are also traditional shelter-based care options located at Delta Landing (Antioch); Brookside Shelter (San Pablo), and Concord and Respite Shelter (Concord).

How can you help? You can go to cchealth.org/h3 where there is a link to “Volunteer,” and another link to a list of 17 of the Continuum of Care agencies working to help permanently house those who are homeless. If you don’t have time available to assist these groups, a monetary donation would always be greatly appreciated.

My office is here to serve the residents of Contra Costa County District 2, which includes San Ramon, Danville, Alamo, Diablo, Blackhawk, Walnut Creek, Saranap, Parkmead, Lafayette, Moraga, Canyon, and Orinda. Please contact us if we can provide you with additional information on this topic or on other County issues. I can be reached at SupervisorAndersen@bos.cccounty.us or 925-655-2300.

Nights continued from page 8

sheets hanging over PVC pipes (tents came later) and the kids were a bit wild having no supervision. My teacher instincts took over and I corralled them as best I could.” Jo Kerner, who played tennis with Judy that week, agreed to volunteer with her helping the kids with homework and reading.

Kerner notes: “Gwen insisted on a place away from the chaos of pre-dinner activity for tutoring. We’d arrive about the same time the families did at the sheltering congregation, find out where the tutoring room was.” Jo continues, “The reading program was fine-tuned to include a chart with each child’s progress and awards for completing hours of reading each week.”

Peggy Woehleke currently coordinates Traveling Tutors. Many churches now provide experienced tutors, so the Traveling Tutor’s role is introducing the children each night and explaining their specific needs. Peggy relates one of their many success stories. Last season a church tutor realized an 8th grader who always did her homework at school was probably embarrassed to read with volunteers because she had difficulty reading. Tutors introduced her to graphic novels and enlisted her mother’s aid in working with the school. At the end of the season, the student was able to graduate with her class.

Jim Pfohl joined WN as a Traveling Tutor and added helping clients polish their resumes and identify job opportunities to his contributions. During the shelter’s 7th season, Pfohl suggested tents would give families more privacy. Now each family enjoys its own tented space within the shelter.

More than 60 faith communities participate. Other charitable groups also take turns making dinners and entertaining the children. Maria Schopp coordinates volunteers from BSA Troop 200 Lafayette. Scouts have had fun playing balloon volleyball with the kids. She remarks that helping at the shelter gives the boys a sense that everyone could use a hand now and then.

Judy Stillman and Bill Shaw together at a Erica Bradley-Pacheco brings the Acalanes Girls Soccer team to volunteer again in December. Her 16-year-old 2019 Staff appreciation breakfast. (Judy was daughter Stella Pacheco writes: “In my past visits, I enjoyed cooking meals. But what I enjoyed more was sitting Executive Director and Bill was Program and talking to the people who I was cooking for. I got to learn about stories and people beyond just their situ- Director). ation that brought them to the organization. Winter Nights has helped me establish my love for volunteering and introduce me to the fun and heartfelt moments with the people of the program.”

WN still encounters the erroneous belief that all homeless people are a blight on society. “A neighbor living near Walnut Creek Friends Church was

See Nights continued on page 11

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DON’T DELAY YOUR TRAVEL!

By Mike Mullery, Alamo World Travel & Tours “The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page.” ~ Saint Augustine. Our goal is to read the whole book.

In 42 years of professional travel consultation, no one at Alamo World Travel ever had a client say, “I started traveling too soon.” In the past five years my wife, Ilene, and I have been to six of the seven continents: Antarctica, Africa, South America, Europe, Australia, and of course North America. Our visit to Asia was over five years ago.

Our most recent adventure was to Africa where we took a safari and saw the “Big 5” - lions, leopards, elephants, rhinoceros, and Cape buffalo along with giraffes, zebras, hippos, cheetahs, crocodiles and many others. It was a fantastic trip to Kenya, and we plan to go back, perhaps to South Africa next.

An earlier journey was a frosty expedition to Antarctica, the southernmost continent on Earth. The vast, untouched landscapes and breathtaking ice formations make it a unique destination for the adventurous traveler, especially on a true icebreaker like our Lindblad/National Geographic ship.

There was great scenery, lectures, and awesome photography opportunities. Imagine cruising through icy waters, boarding a Zodiac boat, spotting penguins, seals, whales, and 10-foot Albatross, and feeling the chill of the world’s coldest place.

Our ship was the first of the year to cross the Antarctic Circle. Antarctica and Africa have been our two most memorable trips.

Another great trip was to South America on a Regent Cruise with famed restaurateur and radio personality, Narsai David. South America is a continent filled with captivating contrasts. There is the Amazon rain-forest, Inca ruins of Machu Picchu, Iguazu Falls, beaches, deserts, lakes, the awesome and diverse Galapagos, and the beauty of Rio. South America is a treasure trove of natural wonders and ancient history. Relaxation or adventure, it has it all.

Europe, a continent steeped in history, scenery, and culture is our most visited continent. There is so much to see that we have taken multiple ocean cruises with Regent, Oceania, and others around the area. We also really enjoyed river cruising the continent on AmaWaterways and Uniworld, along with taking Insight escorted tours, and staying in Signature Hotels. One can explore the romantic streets of Paris, the ancient wonders of Rome, the Norwegian fjords, the fairy-tale landscapes of the Scottish Highlands, and crossing the Arctic Circle as we did on a Windstar Circle Iceland cruise.

Europe offers a rich tapestry of experiences for every traveler. Pick the area you are most interested in, then go back for additional experiences.

Pre-covid, we cruised the “Land Down Under,” Australia. With its iconic Sydney Opera House, the mystical Uluru (Ayers Rock), and the Great Barrier Reef, Australia offers a diverse range of experiences, from urban adventures to natural wonders. The wildlife is truly unique with kangaroos, dingos, wallabies, wombats, koala, and platypus. We also visited New Zealand, another wondrous and beautiful country. It was a great time, and well worth the long flight.

Our next experiences include an AmaWaterways Nile River Cruise and a Regent British Isles Cruise in September, once again with Narsai David.

You can join us.

Our travel book is getting filled, let us help you fill yours.

Alamo World Travel & Tours has specialized in luxury travel for 42 years. We are located at 3201 Danville Blvd, Suite 255, in Alamo. We can be reached at 925-837-8742 or via email at info@alamoworld.com. Advertorial

November 2023 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • PAGE 11

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Nights continued from page 10

vehemently opposed to having the church shelter homeless people even for two weeks,” explains Rich Wallace, WN volunteer coordinator for the church.

“I asked him to come to visit us while we were hosting the shelter. Once he met the families, his stereotypical image of homeless people was completely altered.

Now he’s an ardent supporter of our mission, providing money for meals.”

Lundvall loves connecting with clients. “Every year there is a family that gets under your skin and melts your heart. One shy little girl stood behind her mother when she arrived. By the time she left she was filled with warmth and hugged all of us.”

The Safe Parking Program (SPP) invites clients living in their cars to join shelter residents at the Oasis Day Center which provides showers, restrooms, computers to research employment opportunities, and case management services. Blankets and sleeping bags top the SPP wish list because vehicle heaters don’t run at night.

Bill Shaw, third WN Executive Director, instrumental in starting SPP, launched Continuing Success with Teri Lundvall following the first Alumni Reunion Dinner in October 2019. Between gatherings, Continued Success offers financial assistance to prevent unexpected expenditures from derailing alumni on track to stay stably housed and self-sufficient. This December, a second Holiday Alumni Party is planned. As at the first held in 2021, children will pick out gifts as their names are drawn. The table of new socks was exceptionally popular.

In the September 2023 “Good News Letter,” Ann Lawrence writes: “Records are a bit murky from the earliest years of Winter Nights, and numbers don’t always tell the full story of lives changed, but here is a sense of Winter Nights Family Shelter ... by the numbers.” During the first 19 seasons 422 families with about 830 children were sheltered. At least 56% of families were stably housed.

More information is found on the WN website including most-needed supplies, favorite gifts for the holidays, how to volunteer or make a financial donation, and requirements to become a WN client. Visit cccwinternights.org.

SRV continued from page 9

SRV also hosted their first ever cultural fair. Many different groups of students had booths highlighting their culture and heritage. Students enjoyed visiting booths, learning about different cultures, and trying new food.

Choir students had their first choir concert of the school year showcasing their beautiful voices and all the hard work they have been putting in.

Looking into November, students are focusing on their academics before being released for Thanksgiving break the week of November 20th. The annual Fall Dance show will be held mid-November, and we are excited to see all our talented dancers perform. The Special Olympics will be hosted at SRV in early November. Our students, staff and community are looking forward to cheering on our comrades.

SRV students and staff are looking forward to the next month on campus and in the community, with Thanksgiving and the winter holidays right around the corner.

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PAGE 12 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • November 2023

CLIP NOTES By Jody Morgan

Each year as Thanksgiving nears, I wonder what vegetables the Pilgrims would have eaten. Although the seeds they brought on the Mayflower yielded disappointing harvests, the corn their Native American friend Squanto taught them to grow thrived, giving the settlers ample reason to celebrate.

Fifty-one years after the Pilgrims rejoiced at their first Thanksgiving feast, John Josselyn’s New England’s Rarities Discovered was printed in London in 1672. Josselyn’s book describes the fauna and flora and minerals he observed during the time he resided in Massachusetts along with essential information on growing OldWorld crops. In 1638, Josselyn stayed in New England for 15 months, returning in 1663 to settle for eight years. I was startled to find “purslain” listed in his chapter titled “Of Such Garden Herbs (amongst us) as do thrive there, and of such as do not.” Was the succulent plant Americans consider a common weed today really valued enough to be noted in the company of radishes, turnips, oats, and wheat?

In Josselyn’s day, any spelling that phonetically represented the item in question was acceptable. What we know as purslane (Portulaca oleracea) appears in 17th century texts as “pursland,” “purslan,” and “purslain.” His contemporary John Evelyn uses more than one spelling in Acetaria: A Discourse on Sallets. Evelyn began compiling his notes for the book in 1679 but didn’t publish it until 1699. He includes recipes for enjoying purslane both fresh and pickled and urges that all salad ingredients be picked in strict proportions at the appropriate season.

The identity of the people who first brought purslane to North America is shrouded in mystery, but dispersal of the nutritious non-native salad green was probably accomplished by Canada geese. Remarkably deep in relation to its surface area, Ontario’s Crawford Lake is considered by scientists to be one of the best sources of evidence of the earth’s history. Purslane was discovered there in sediment pre-dating the arrival of the Pilgrims by more than a century.

In her introduction to the 1981 edition of Martha’s Booke of Cookery and

www.yourmonthlypaper.com Booke of Sweetmeats, culinary historian Karen Hess writes: “For those who think that simply dressed mixed green salads are a relatively modern development, I give this delightful recipe from The Forme of Cury, 1390, for Salat: ‘Take parsley, sage, garlic, chives, onions, leeks, borage, mint, maiden’s leek, cress, fennel, rue, rosemary, purslane; wash them clean, pluck them small with thine hand and mix them well with raw [olive] oil. Lay on vinegar and salt, serve it forth.’”

(Transcribed by Hess into modern English.)

Hess cautions concerning the collection of recipes gifted to George Washington’s wife by her mother-in-law when Martha married her first husband Daniel Custis: “By the time the manuscript came into the hands of Martha Custis in 1749, I think that it had long since become a family heirloom and had not served as a working kitchen manual since the beginning of the century, perhaps earlier.”

The recipe titled “To Pickle Pursland” in the pages Martha Washington passed along to her granddaughter in 1799 reads: “Gather ye pursland when it [is] stalkie & will snap whn you break it. boyle it in a kettle of fayre water without any salt, & when it is tender, make a pickle of salt & water, as you do for other pickles. & when it is cold, make it pritty sharp with vinegar & cover it as you did ye other prementioned pickles.”

“To Make a Sirrup of Purslane” is found among the recipes for sweetmeats.

Ingredients listed are half a pound of purslane seeds, 2 pounds of juice of endive, 2 pounds of sugar, and 9 ounces of vinegar.

By the mid 19th century when Henry David Thoreau wrote Walden, purslane seems to have been put out to pasture where Thoreau harvested it. In the section on “Economy” he notes: “I have made a satisfactory dinner, satisfactory on several accounts, simply off a dish of purslane (Portulaca oleracea) which I gathered in the cornfield, boiled and salted.”

Purslane is a super source of omega 3 fatty acids and contains vitamins A, B, C and E. Nonetheless, despite its amazing nutritional value, foraging purslane where it pops up between cracks in sidewalks and driveways is not advisable.

Best to buy seeds and dedicate a garden bed to this old-fashioned salad green.

Two selections available today are Goldberg Golden Purslane with large goldgreen leaves said to be crisp and mild and Red Gruner Purslane with flavor akin to spinach.

VALLEY VIGNETTES By Beverly Lane

JAMES SMITH RECALLS BAPTISMS IN SAN RAMON CREEK

James Dale Smith was a boy of five when his family moved to Danville in 1850. A bright button, Smith attended most of the early schools in the valley, becoming a teacher and then Headmaster of Livermore College for many years. He lived in the Tri-Valley area his whole life. In his late seventies, he badly broke his back and leg, and while recovering wrote an extraordinary series of newspaper columns about his memories called “Looking Back to the Days When the Gringo First Came.” Many of these essays are now memorialized in a small book titled, Recollections, Early Life in the San Ramon Valley.

In one column, Smith recalls his Scottish parents arriving when there was only one American house built in the valley, that of Leo Norris in San Ramon. The Smiths settled south of what became the village of Danville where they cultivated grain, bought an American cow for $100, and began a dairy herd. His mother Elizabeth sent back to Scotland for a cheese press and cheese chests. He wrote: “My mother made cheese that we sent by the wagon load each fall to the mines to sell in stores and in mining camps at a good profit.”

He knew a lot about San Ramon Creek from a boy’s eye point of view.

“In the early days, when I was quite a lad, in the San Ramon Valley in the San Ramon creek, there were three fine swimming holes, one near where the town of Danville is now located at the bend of the creek...It was about 50 yards long, 40 feet wide, and from eight to 10 feet deep, a running stream.”

The second, much patronized by schoolboys not far from an early school, was located midway between Danville and Alamo, just west of the Alamo cemetery. He wrote that it was, “the best, fully 100 yards long with varying depths from two to ten or more feet.”

“The third swimming hole was north of Alamo about two miles. It was wider and longer, but not so deep, and the water did not flow so rapidly and the depth was more gradual.”

In the 1850s, Mary Ann Jones of Alamo and others decided to create some religious camp meetings and begin a church. These meetings were held west of the cemetery and drew up to 500 people from long distances. Bret Harte tutored four boys in Tassajara Valley in 1856 and probably brought his charges to the meetings. Later he wrote a short story, An Apostle of the Tules, which described a camp meeting as “a religious revival of denominational sects.”

Smith wrote that converts were brought to be baptized in the creek. “I saw many young women baptized in my old swimming hole but never saw a man or boy baptized -- to be washed clean of their sins, they were usually sent to jail to repent.”

“The local church members employed Mack, a negro cook, who lived near Alamo to prepare barbecued meats for all, also coffee. The local people would bring bread, cakes, and pies, and a table was prepared for any not otherwise prepared for, so none might go hungry.”

“I heard some wonderful exhorters at different times--they painted the fiery pit with the living coals ready to consume the sinner, in fervid and glowing terms. In later years I attended a negro camp meeting in Oakland and heard some wonderful preaching and singing….but the religious fervor did not compare with those I had attended by San Ramon Creek.”

A Cumberland Presbyterian church was indeed constructed just north of today’s El Portal which anchored an important gathering place in the rural

See Smith continued on page 14

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November 2023 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • PAGE 13

TECHNOLOGY MATTERS

What Amazing Getaway Can I Plan For You?

WHERE DO THE “BAD GUYS” LURK?

By Evan Corstorphine, Portable CIO, Inc.

Throughout the internet period of about 1995-2023, there has been a revolution of technological innovation.

Although the computing and internet landscape has matured in amazing ways, our fundamental security concerns have not. The “bad guys” still want access so they can steal your money. It has always been about money. And, the bad guys have been busy.

There are countless exploits being waged against us, and our observation is that the top three are phishing emails, phishing phone calls and texts, and ransomware. It is worth noting that two out of those three exploits are based almost solely on tricking people into doing something they shouldn’t. Remember, the goal is to find a way to get to your money.

As protection software has matured, the bad guys have realized that people are the weak link and a lot easier to manipulate than hardened computer systems. As such, they have dramatically increased the number of phishing exploits they conduct through email and the telephone. And, they keep doing it because it works.

Phishing is the act of sending fake communications such as emails to people to trick them into clicking a fake link and doing something they think is legitimate, but is not. Mostly these charades attempt to fool the end user with a fake password change request, fake voicemail link, or a fake login screen for Office 365 or some other major provider. This trick captures the email address and password that the user types in. This captured information is then used to hijack the user’s account in order to send out more phishing SPAM messages in hopes of gaining even more usable usernames and passwords.

Another way they use the harvested email addresses and passwords is to target companies they think have deep pockets. Using their access to someone’s email account in a company, they monitor what is going on and who the person is, then insert themselves into the account as if they are the account owner, into the middle of the conversations between the company and its vendors or customers. It can work a lot of ways, however, the basic concept is that the bad guys send clients emails indicating the company bank information has changed and to please send payment to the new location instead of the old one. Remember, it’s all about creating the illusion of “business as usual” so that people willingly send their money to the wrong place. This has been a very successful exploit.

You’ve probably heard of where someone calls your telephone and attempts to create a false sense of urgency about something on your computer. There really is no problem, and they pose as employees of Apple, Microsoft, Dell, HP, Google, etc. They have the most success with people who exhibit the least amount of computer savviness, and they are expert con artists. They know just what to say to stampede you into doing the wrong thing. This exploit is commonly used against seniors who open their bank accounts and credit cards to the “nice young man on the phone,” who then steals everything. It’s so sad, and the only way to fight this is with education and monitoring what is happening.

If you commonly require sending information like spreadsheets, or passwords, or sensitive financial information over email, you should think twice.

If your email can be compromised, that means the bad guys have access to all of the information sitting in your mailbox, your contacts, your calendar, and your notes. If you need to send sensitive information, I recommend using a file sharing service that enables you to password protect your files and limits the amount of time it is available online. And, instead of sending files to people, you send them a link to the file instead, which they’ll click to download your file from a website instead of the email. This enables you to control the security of the file you’re sending. Both OneDrive and Dropbox do this, Dropbox is probably better at it.

The better we get at tightening our security, the harder we’ll make it for the bad guys. Give our friendly staff a call to find out where we can help you improve your defenses, at 925-552-7953, or email info@pcioit.com. Advertorial

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FORA QUICK TRIPS By Linda Summers Pirkle

YERBA BUENA CENTER FOR THE ARTS

Who can resist the timeless tale of The Velveteen Rabbit by Margery Williams about a little stuffed bunny and his desire to become real through the love of his owner, the Boy. Over 100 years ago, long before Toy Story, when our parents or grandparents were children, the story of The Velveteen Rabbit created a sensation. Reminiscent of Toy Story, toys are able to communicate with each other. The toy cupboard in the Boy’s nursery included “mechanical toys...who were very superior, and looked down upon everyone else, full of modern ideas, and pretended they were real.”

The little Velveteen Rabbit, who eventually becomes the Boy’s treasured lovey asks, “What is REAL?” The wisest of the toys in the Boy’s nursery, Skin Horse says, “Real isn’t how you are made…It’s a thing that happens to you. When a child loves you for a long, long time, not just to play with, but REALLY loves you, then you become Real.”

When The Velveteen Rabbit was first published in 1923, Anne Carroll Moore, who was the most influential children’s librarian in America said, “The Velveteen Rabbit is the best Christmas story in years,” and pre- Photo by Robbie Sweeny dicted that it was “destined to live in the remembrance of every child and grown-up.”

For the past 37 years, the ODC/Dance company has been performing The Velveteen Rabbit for audiences of all ages. “The wisdom of the Velveteen Rabbit is just as potent today as when it was written just over 100 years ago,” says KT Nelson, who originated the idea of doing The Velveteen Rabbit in 1986. “Margery Williams conveys insight about what’s important in life with wit and tenderness. Through the Rabbit, she shows that enduring love depends on what’s invisible to the eye.”

Although the audience is mostly families with children, many adults with no kids also love the show. “The story incorporates messages which resonate with people of all ages, and the dancing, music, costumes, and stagecraft are entrancing,” says John Hill with Press Relations.

The production of The Velveteen Rabbit returns to San Francisco in December at the Blue Shield of California Theater at Yerba Buena Center for the Arts (YBCA), one of the only interdisciplinary arts centers in the Bay Area.

A noteworthy exhibit at YBCA is “Bay Area NOW 9,” a triennial disciplinary exhibition featuring exceptional artists from across the Bay Area’s nine counties. Thirty Photo by Linda Summers Pirkle artists from a broad range of creative practices are included.

YBCA is located at 700 Mission Street, San Francisco, and is open Wednesday through Sunday from 11AM-5PM. “Bay Area Now 9” runs through May 5, 2024.

Tickets for The Velveteen Rabbit at Yerba Buena Center for the Arts are available at Odc.dance/velveteenrabbit or call the office at 415-863-9834. Performance lasts 85 minutes including one intermission. Suitable for children ages 3 and up. Prices range $30-$125. The show runs December 2-10, 2023.

Linda Summers Pirkle is a travel writer and long-term Danville resident. To share your “Quick Trips” ideas, email Coverthemap@gmail.com.

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PAGE 14 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • November 2023

COMMON TRUSTEE MISTAKES

By Robert J. Silverman, Esq.

The trustee – the person responsible for managing trust assets on behalf of the trust beneficiaries – often has fundamental misunderstandings about the role. Even with the best of intentions, they can make significant mistakes. Unfortunately, many such mistakes can cause the beneficiaries damage and result in liability on the part of the trustee. This article features some of the more common trustee errors and omissions.

This article focuses not on situations in which the settlor is his or her own trustee but rather, when the trustee is a third party (e.g. relative or friend of the settlor) who was nominated or appointed by the settlor. Such a third party trustee may be serving because the settlor resigned, became incapacitated, or died.

The first point, which can be easily deduced by the rest of this article, is that settlors should be very careful about who they nominate in their trust as successor trustees. Many potential problems can be avoided by a settlor who makes good choices. But, regardless of the choice a settlor makes about who shall succeed her in managing her trust, it will ultimately be up to that successor trustee to execute properly when called upon to administer the trust.

My experience suggests that the following is a list of common mistakes made by successor trustees: 1) Taking the role too casually. Managing a trust is serious business.

Applicable law rightfully imposes many duties on a trustee, including, in general, the duty to: follow and carry out the trust provisions; keep the beneficiaries reasonably informed; prepare and deliver an accounting to the beneficiaries; invest the trust assets prudently; act reasonably and impartially; and avoid self-dealing. Despite these many serious legal obligations, trustees too frequently treat the administration as if they can simply do as they wish.

2) Failing to hire experienced professionals. A trustee should administer a trust only with advice and assistance from an experienced trust administration attorney and accountant, sometimes among other financial

Smith continued from page 12

community between Danville and Alamo. The minister’s parsonage was across the street, the cemetery to the east and, in the 1860s, the first high school in Contra Costa County, the Union Academy, was built west of the county road and El Portal.

and real estate professionals. With good reason, almost all trusts expressly authorize the trustee to hire and pay such professionals from the trust assets.

3) Favoring himself/herself and/or favoring one or more beneficiaries.

It is permissible and often the case in which the trustee is also one of the beneficiaries. It is “black letter law” that a trustee must not favor himself or any one or more beneficiaries over others. The trustee must act strictly in the best interest of all of the beneficiaries, collectively.

4) Failing to communicate with the beneficiaries. Communicating clearly and regularly with beneficiaries is a central part of the job of the trustee. Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for a trustee to hold themself on a pedestal, administering the trust as if they are immune to the requests and demands of the beneficiaries. It’s lawfully quite the opposite – the trustee serves at the behest of the beneficiaries.

5) Distributing some or all of the assets prematurely. A trustee places themself in terrible jeopardy by making partial, let alone full, distributions without first ensuring that proper notice has been given to beneficiaries, government agencies, and creditors; taxes and bona fide creditors have been paid; accountings have been approved by beneficiaries; and tax returns have been filed, etc.

6) Failing to timely complete the administration. For a variety of reasons, the trustee often allows the trust administration to drag on for much too long.

Most trusts reasonably take six months to a year to complete, some (particularly those with very substantial assets or complexity) take much longer. But, a trustee must proceed diligently or risk liability, if not also removal by a court. |Estate Planning | Trust Administration & Probate | Real Estate | Business| Please contact me to request a complimentary: i) “Estate Planning Primer”; ii) Real Estate titling brochure; iii) introductory meeting. I am an attorney with R. Silverman Law Group, 1910 Olympic Blvd., Suite 330, Walnut Creek, CA 94596; (925) 705-4474; rsilverman@rsilvermanlaw.com.

This article is intended to provide information of a general nature, and should not be relied upon as legal, tax and/ or business advice. Readers should obtain specific advice from their own, qualified professional advisors.

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PTH continued from page 6

Camp meeting drawing, Courtesy of the Library of Congress

Fortunately for us, Smith was also a student at the Union Academy which he described in detail. His many recorded recollections bring to life the valley’s pioneer period.

Sources: Drummond, G. B., editor, Recollections, Early Life in the San Ramon Valley as related by James Dale Smith Headmaster, Livermore College, 1995; Bret Harte, An Apostle of the Tules; Nelda Rego’s “Days Gone By” column on March 28, 1993, Contra Costa Times; James D. Smith “Looking Back to the Days When the Gringo First Came” in the Martinez Daily Gazette, 1925-1926; MuseumSRV archives. Camp meeting drawing (Courtesy, Library of Congress) from Sandra L. Myres, Westering Women and the Frontier Experience 1800-1915, 1982.

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of others and that they want to stay involved.”

From June 2022 through August 2023, PTH kids and adults spent over 450,000 hours in more than 70 projects to improve the lives of children, families, and seniors in need. Priceless to those both giving and receiving, that shared time is nevertheless accorded a monetary value by Independent Sector, a membership organization of charitable enterprises dedicated to ensuring all people in the United States thrive.

Released on April 19, 2023, Independent Sector’s latest Value of Volunteer Time report, prepared with the University of Maryland’s Do Good Institute, estimates the value of each volunteer hour in the US to be $31.80. Using that metric, Pledge to Humanity volunteers contributed more than $14,310,000 in volunteer time in just 14 months!

That number will increase dramatically with the new volunteer-hour tracking software PTH has acquired thanks in large part to a grant from a generous donor.

Now all PTH high school club members will be logged into this software to easily manage their volunteer time. Gaby is enthusiastic about what the new program will be able to record. “We can’t wait to see the impact on our community the kids will make this year!” she says.

Plans for offering trips abroad for PTH kids to connect with children in other countries, put on hold during the COVID crisis, are back in place. Gaby reports, “We are excited to continue our impact with our international/global initiatives, particularly in Jalisco, Mexico, and plan volunteer opportunities for kids to help and experience our afterschool program center there.”

To learn more about how PTH empowers our youngest generations to become compassionate changemakers and get involved in supporting their mission, visit pledgetohumanity.org.

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MAXIMIZING YOUR CHARITABLE IMPACT WITH DONOR-ADVISED FUNDS

November 2023 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • PAGE 15

AGGRESSIVE & SKILLED LEGAL ADVOCACY Protect your rights after serious injury or wrongful death.

By Peter T. Waldron, Managing Partner of Waldron Partners

“Charity is injurious unless it helps the recipient to become independent of it.” ~ John D. Rockefeller Donor-advised funds (DAFs) are a popular way for individuals to make charitable contributions because they offer a range of benefits that can help maximize one’s philanthropic impact. This article explores some of the advantages to donors and the charities themselves if they choose to use this type of charitable giving vehicle.

Generally administered by a public charity, a DAF is essentially a charitable investment account. Donors can make an irrevocable contribution to the fund, these assets may be invested, and then the assets can be granted to various charities according to the donor’s wishes. One of the key advantages of gifting stock to donor-advised funds is that it allows for a more tax-efficient way to donate appreciated assets. When an individual donates appreciated stock to a DAF, they can typically avoid paying capital gains tax on the appreciation and receive an income tax deduction for the full market value of the donation.

In addition to tax benefits, donor-advised funds also offer flexibility and convenience for donors. Once a donor contributes to a DAF, they can recommend grants to charities at a later time. This allows the donor to make a charitable contribution and receive a tax benefit in the current year while having the flexibility to make grant recommendations in future years. DAFs can also be a useful tool for donors who want to make larger gifts, as they can make a one-time contribution of appreciated stock and then make grant recommendations over time.

Charitable giving can be an important part of an individual’s legacy. By donating stock to a donor-advised fund, individuals can integrate giving into their long-term financial planning and create a lasting impact. For example, a donor can contribute appreciated stock to a DAF and then recommend grants to a variety of charitable causes over time. This allows the donor to make meaningful contributions to causes they care about and create a legacy of giving.

In addition to all the ways donors can benefit from using DAFs, there are also advantages for the charities that receive grants. Because DAFs are managed by public charities, they are subject to certain requirements that ensure they are operating in the public interest. This can provide additional confidence for charities that receive grants from donor-advised funds because they have assurance that the funds are being managed by a reputable organization.

While donor-advised funds can offer many benefits, it is important for donors to carefully consider their giving strategy and work with a trusted advisor to determine the approach that best suits their specific set of circumstances. For example, some donors may prefer to make direct contributions to charities rather than using a donor-advised fund. Additionally, donors should be aware that DAFs are subject to certain restrictions and regulations, including rules around how grants can be made and restrictions on the types of assets that can be donated.

Overall, donating appreciated stock to donor-advised funds can be a powerful tool for individuals who want to make a meaningful impact with their giving. By taking advantage of the tax benefits, flexibility, and convenience of DAFs, donors can create a legacy of giving that will last for generations to come.

“If you haven’t got any charity in your heart, you have the worst kind of heart trouble.” ~ Bob Hope We can help you with your financial situation. You do not want to go through life wondering what could have been - contact Peter today at 925708-7397 or peter.waldron@lfg.com.

Disclosure: Lincoln Financial Advisors Corp. and its representatives do not provide tax advice. You may want to consult a tax advisor regarding any tax information as it relates to your personal circumstances.

Peter T. Waldron, California Insurance License #0E47827, is a registered representative of Lincoln Financial Advisors, a broker/dealer, member SIPC, and offers investment advisory services through Sagemark Consulting, a division of Lincoln Financial Advisors Corp., a registered investment advisor, Waldron Partners, 3201 Danville Blvd., Suite 190 PO Box 528, Alamo, CA 94507. Waldron Partners is not an affiliate of Lincoln Financial Advisors. Insurance is offered through Lincoln Marketing and Insurance Agency, LLC and Lincoln Associates Insurance Agency, Inc., and other fine companies. This material is for use with the general public and is designed for informational or educational purposes only. It is not intended as legal, tax, or direct investment advice. Lincoln Financial Advisors does not offer legal or tax advice. CRN-5634741-041923 Advertorial

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THE EYE OPENER

CORNEAL ABRASIONS

By Gregory Kraskowsky, O.D., Alamo Optometry

Since we have recently had a few corneal abrasions seen at the office, I decided it should be the topic of the month. Corneal abrasions are very painful and can lead to vision loss if not treated quickly and appropriately.

To fully understand corneal abrasions, we must first discuss and understand the cornea. The cornea is the clear front part of the eye, and it does about 2/3 of the focusing of light in the eye (the lens does the other 1/3). It is made of clear collagen, and it is derived from the same tissue that makes up the white part of the eye (sclera). The cornea contains no blood vessels, and it receives all its oxygen requirements from the air and tears. The cornea is made up of five layers, and it regenerates itself in about one week.

If you wear contact lenses, you place your contacts on top of the cornea. The cornea is also the tissue that is operated on in LASIK and PRK procedures.

Now, the good and bad about the cornea; like I mentioned above it does regenerate itself in about a week, and it heals itself quickly after an infection or abrasion.

The other side is that it is one of the most highly innervated tissues with nerves in the body. This means that it is extremely sensitive to any insult. For those of you that have battled a corneal infection or abrasion, you can attest to the pain that is involved in these cases. So, the bad thing is that you will be in severe discomfort for a few days, but with the correct treatment the healing time will not be that long.

It is easy to diagnose a corneal abrasion. When these patients come into the office, their eyes are extremely red, tearing excessively, they have on dark sunglasses because of the light sensitivity, and are in pain. The vision is usually decreased, but not excessively, considering the condition of the eye. I put a yellow dye in the eye which allows me to fully see the extent of the abrasion and to measure it. I also look for foreign bodies in the eye (mostly under the top lid) and remove them. These foreign bodies get trapped under the lid and then with every blink they continue to scratch and injure the eye. I also give a drop of anesthetic in the eye which immediately makes the patient feel better as it numbs the cornea. After this drop, most patients ask if they can just take that bottle home with them. As much as I would like to, the anesthetic slows down the healing process of the cornea. So, you would feel comfortable, but your cornea would not heal as the regeneration process would be reduced.

After the diagnosis is made, I usually apply a bandage contact lens to the eye.

The contact lens acts as a band-aid on the eye. With the lens, every time you blink, instead of further irritating the abrasion, you now blink on the contact lens.

For those who normally do not wear contacts, the slight irritation from the lens is far less than the pain from the abrasion. This also allows the cornea to heal quicker. I also give the patient an antibiotic to help protect against an infection.

Now that there is an opening in the cornea, it is quite easy for an infection to start.

The only good thing about these abrasions is that the patient is usually in so much pain that they do not wait exceedingly long before getting help. If the trauma that caused the abrasion did not fully penetrate the eye (rare), the cornea usually heals within a few days, and you are back to normal in under a week. Hopefully, this never happens to you, but we look forward to helping you if it does.

Dr. K. at Alamo Optometry is your hometown eye doctor for outstanding service, vision care, and designer eyewear. He can be reached at (925) 820-6622, or visit his office at 3201 Danville Blvd., Suite 165, in Alamo. For more information, visit www.alamooptometry.com, or follow on Facebook and Instagram @Alamo Optometry. Advertorial

PAGE 16 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • November 2023

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THE EMPOWERING TRANSFORMATION OF SURGICAL LIP LIFTS

By Dr. Barbara Persons, MD, FACS

ALAMO IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATION (AIA)

By Roger Smith, President ALAMO FARMER’S MARKET

Please join us and your neighbors in experiencing the live music at the Alamo Farmers Market, pick up some beautiful produce, ready-made food, and other goods, and take a moment to pause and reflect upon the bountiful relationship agriculture provides for us. Our vendors welcome the opportunity to discuss their work and produce with you The Market is sponsored by AIA and is open rain or shine on Sundays from AM 9 – 2PM in Alamo Plaza, off of Danville Blvd., near Bank of America.

ENJOY EUROPEAN MODEL TRAINS COMING TO ALAMO PLAZA FOR THE HOLIDAYS!

European Train Enthusiasts (ETE), in association with AIA, will be operating model trains on a beautiful European themed layout. Stop by 170A Alamo Plaza (near Orange Theory) on Wednesdays through Sundays 10 AM-5 PM from November 24 - December 31. The display will also be open Tuesday, December 26 from 10AM-5PM. The display is a delight for all ages.

Admission $5, under 6 free. Proceeds benefit the American Cancer Society.

WHAT ARE ROUNDABOUTS AND WHAT ARE THEIR BENEFITS?

A roundabout is an intersection where traffic travels around a central island in a counterclockwise direction. Vehicles entering or exiting the roundabout must yield to vehicles, bicyclists, and pedestrians.

The new roundabout in downtown Alamo, near Wells Fargo Bank, is nearing completion. Roundabouts can have many advantages over traffic signals including: • They provide traffic calming, resulting in reduced speeds.

• They require less maintenance, have lower yearly operational costs, and have a longer service life.

• They reduce greenhouse gas emissions by reducing vehicle idling time.

• The median islands provide refuge for pedestrians, allowing them to cross one direction of traffic at a time.

In general, motorists who travel through these types of traffic circles do so at slower speeds. The circular shape of the road makes people naturally slow down. Driving at slower speeds automatically means there will be fewer or at least less serious accidents.

A study by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IHS) found that fatal crashes decreased by almost 90% at intersections with traffic controls after being replaced by roundabouts.

Learn more about roundabouts at dot.ca.gov/caltrans-near-me/district-3/ d3-popular-links/d3-roundabouts and zutobi.com/us/driver-guides/traffic-rules-roundabouts.

AIA CELEBRATING 68 YEARS

AIA, a non-profit 501 (c)(3) organization, has 68 years of serving our community and helping shape it into “the place where we love to live!” Visit www.AlamoCA.org for information on AIA, articles of interest to local residents, membership forms, and more. Don’t be left out, now is the time to renew or become a new member of AIA!

In the ever-evolving landscape of cosmetic surgery, procedures for facial enhancement continue to captivate individuals seeking to rejuvenate their appearance. One such procedure, the surgical lip lift, has gained prominence for its ability to enhance the beauty and youthfulness of the lips. As a female plastic surgeon, I have witnessed firsthand the transformative effects of this surgery. Today, we will explore the different types of lip lifts, the recovery process, and the remarkable outcomes achieved through this procedure.

THE SURGICAL LIP LIFT: AN OVERVIEW

A surgical lip lift is a procedure designed to enhance the appearance of the lips by shortening the distance between the base of the nose and the upper lip. This surgery is ideal for individuals looking to achieve a more youthful and balanced facial aesthetic, as it can address concerns such as a long upper lip, a lack of lip volume, and a less defined lip border.

There are two primary types of surgical lip lifts: #1 Subnasal Lip Lift (Bullhorn Lip Lift) - This popular technique involves creating a small incision just beneath the nose, following the natural curve of the nostrils. Excess skin is removed, and the upper lip is lifted, resulting in a more pronounced and aesthetically pleasing cupid’s bow. The Bullhorn Lip Lift is ideal for patients who desire a subtle but impactful improvement in the appearance of their upper lip. #2 Corner Lip Lift (Lateral Lip Lift) - The Corner Lip Lift is designed to elevate the corners of the mouth, creating a naturally youthful and cheerful expression. Small incisions are made at the corners of the mouth, allowing the surgeon to remove a minimal amount of skin and elevate the lip’s edges.

This technique is perfect for individuals with down-turned or sagging mouth corners, restoring a more optimistic and rejuvenated appearance.

THE RECOVERY PROCESS: WHAT TO EXPECT

Following a surgical lip lift, patients can anticipate a relatively straightforward recovery process. Here’s what you can expect: Swelling and Bruising: Some degree of swelling and bruising is normal, particularly during the first week after surgery. Cold compresses and prescribed medications can help manage these symptoms.

Sutures: Sutures are typically removed within a week, and patients can expect a gradual improvement in their lip’s appearance as the healing process progresses.

Activity Restrictions: Patients are advised to avoid strenuous activities for a few weeks after the procedure. This allows the surgical site to heal properly.

Results: The final results of a lip lift become more apparent as swelling subsides, usually within a few weeks. Patients will enjoy a rejuvenated and harmonious lip appearance.

REMARKABLE OUTCOMES: A BOOST IN CONFIDENCE AND BEAUTY

The surgical lip lift has the power to enhance not only the lips but also an individual’s overall facial harmony. By restoring balance between the upper lip and the nose or elevating the corners of the mouth, this procedure can rejuvenate the entire face.

My patients are often delighted at the restored youthful appearance of their lips as well as the increase in volume following this procedure. Whether it’s a subtle adjustment or a more dramatic enhancement, this procedure can be tailored to meet each patient’s unique goals and desires.

In conclusion, the surgical lip lift, offered in both the Subnasal (Bullhorn) and Corner (Lateral) variations, is a versatile and effective option for individuals seeking to enhance their lip and facial aesthetics. With a relatively straightforward recovery process and remarkable outcomes, this procedure continues to empower individuals to look and feel their best, leaving a lasting impact on their confidence and overall well-being. To explore whether a surgical lip lift is right for you, consult with a skilled and experienced plastic surgeon who can provide expert guidance tailored to your individual needs and aspirations.

Barbara L Persons, MD, FACS is a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and owns Persons Plastic Surgery, Inc., located at 911 Moraga Rd, Suite 205 in Lafayette. She can be reached at 925-283-4012 or drpersons@ personsplasticsurgery.com.

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November 2023 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • PAGE 17

UNLOCKING THE HEALING POTENTIAL

STEM CELL THERAPY FOR OSTEOARTHRITIS

By Dr. Niele Maimone, DC

Osteoarthritis is a painful and often debilitating joint condition that affects millions of people worldwide.

It occurs when the tissues and protective cartilage that cushions the ends of bones gradually wear down, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced joint function.

While traditional treatments like chiropractic, physical therapy, and pain relievers can offer some relief, a revolutionary approach is gaining momentum in the field of regenerative medicine: stem cell therapy.

In this article, we’ll explore the promising benefits of stem cell therapy for osteoarthritis, backed by three current scientific studies.

UNDERSTANDING OSTEOARTHRITIS

Osteoarthritis is a chronic condition primarily affecting weight-bearing joints like the knees, hips, and spine, although it can occur in any overused joint. The condition is characterized by the progressive degradation of cartilage, leading to pain and restricted mobility. Traditional treatments often focus on managing symptoms, but they may not address the underlying cause of cartilage degeneration.

THE POTENTIAL OF STEM CELL THERAPY

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Stem cell therapy is an emerging field of regenerative medicine that harwww.poplarspecs.com nesses the remarkable potential of stem cells to repair and regenerate damaged tissues. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), one type of stem cell, are of particular interest in osteoarthritis treatment. Here are some key ways in which stem cell therapy can benefit osteoarthritis patients: 1. Reducing Inflammation - Inflammation plays a significant role in osteoarthritis. MSCs possess anti-inflammatory properties and can help to reduce inflammation in the affected joint, alleviating pain and discomfort.

2. Stimulating Natural Healing - MSCs not only promote tissue repair but also release growth factors and cytokines that support the body’s natural healing mechanisms. This can lead to long-lasting relief and improved joint function.

3. Minimally Invasive - Stem cell therapy for osteoarthritis is typically administered through injections, which are minimally invasive. This means less downtime, reduced risk of complications, and quicker recovery compared to traditional surgical interventions.

SCIENTIFIC STUDIES

To highlight the benefits of stem cell therapy for osteoarthritis, let’s examine three recent scientific studies: 1. “Allogeneic Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Patients with Osteoarthritis” (2020) - The Journal of Clinical Orthopaedics and Trauma - This study investigated the safety and effectiveness of allogeneic adipose-derived MSCs in patients with knee osteoarthritis. The results showed significant improvements in pain, function, and quality of life, supporting the use of MSCs for osteoarthritis management.

2. “Intra-Articular Injection of Allogeneic Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells in the Treatment of Knee Osteoarthritis” (2019) - The American Journal of Sports Medicine - In this study, patients with knee osteoarthritis received intra-articular injections of allogeneic adipose-derived MSCs. The findings indicated that the treatment was safe and led to significant reductions in pain and improvements in function.

3. “Clinical Trial for Intra-Articular Injections of Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Patients with Osteoarthritis of the Knee” (2021) - The Journal of Clinical Orthopaedics and Trauma - This study explored the outcomes of intra-articular injections of MSCs in patients with knee osteoarthritis. The results showed significant improvements in pain and joint function, reinforcing the potential of MSC therapy for osteoarthritis management.

THE BENEFITS

Stem cell therapy for osteoarthritis holds significant promise in providing relief and improving the quality of life for those suffering from this debilitating condition. While ongoing research and clinical trials continue to refine our understanding of its effectiveness, these recent studies demonstrate the tangible benefits of stem cell therapy in reducing pain, enhancing joint function, and promoting long-term healing. Stem cell therapy may represent a beacon of hope for individuals grappling with the challenges of osteoarthritis, offering the potential for a more active, pain-free life.

At Align Healing Center our highly skilled and compassionate medical team is renowned for their expertise in providing regenerative cell therapy services.

We offer many options to assist with your health goals it all starts with a consultation to find the service that fits your needs. To book a consultation or for more information, find us online at AlignHealingCenter.com or give us a call at 925-362-8283 to schedule your visit today.

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

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HANDLING THE HOLIDAYS

A FREE SUPPORTIVE WORKSHOP FOR INDIVIDUALS EXPERIENCING GRIEF

For people who are processing the loss of a loved one, the winter holiday season can be painful.

Experiencing grief at Handling the Holidays A FREE SUPPORTIVE WORKSHOP this time may intensify feelings of loneliness or anxiety about being asked how you are coping.FOR You may feel disinclined to INDIVIDUALS EXPERIENCING GRIEF participate in holiday gatherings to avoid such questions, or because you feel lost without your loved one by your side.

Non-profit, Hope Hospice offers a one-hour workshop as a safe space to discuss the unique considerations of grieving during the winter holiday season. There will also be talk about how to prepare for gatherings that you choose to attend, as well as spending time alone to Hope Hospice Offers Free Grief Workshop as an honor the memory of your loved one privately.

Interactive Online Experience Although this workshop is offered over Zoom, space is limited due to the interactive nature of the presentation. There is no charge to or people who are AM PMprocessing the loss of a loved one, the winter th holiday PM , orExperiencing Thursday, , 2–3 . The attend. Choose from one of following dates - Thursday, November 16th from11:30 season–12:30 can be painful. griefDecember at this time may14 intensify feelings of loneliness or anxiety being asked are coping. You may feel program is the same. To register, call the Grief Support Department at 925-829-8770 or submit anabout inquiry formhow at you HopeHospice.com/grief.

F

disinclined to participate in holiday gatherings to avoid such questions, or because you feel lost without your loved one by your side.

Hope Hospice offers this one-hour workshop as a safe space to discuss the

PAGE 18 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • November 2023

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YOUR PERSONAL NUTRITIONISTS By Linda Michaelis RD, MS and Jackie Peterson RD CDCES

IS EVENING EATING DESTROYING YOUR WEIGHT LOSS EFFORTS?

Do you eat what you believe is a balanced breakfast, mid-morning snack, and healthy lunch, and then come home in the evening and go on a feeding frenzy, say “yes” to dessert (and seconds), and finish off a bag of chips before bed?

From a metabolic standpoint, there is no reason not to eat food in the evening. A calorie is a calorie, regardless of when it is consumed. A morning calorie is metabolized in basically the same way as an evening calorie. However, eating in the evening is a problem for many, not because of the way food is metabolized, but because of the quantity of food that is consumed.

Skipping meals is a major culprit of overeating at night. Recent studies reveal that when people ate three meals a day only 13% binged at night. When people skipped breakfast 24% binged, and when people skipped breakfast and lunch, 60% binged. In general, people who spread their meals evenly throughout the day seem to be better able to control their eating. They are less likely to feel hungry, and less likely to overeat. By eating breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and planning snacks in between, you can help yourself lose weight as well as maintain better control of your eating throughout the day and night.

For many people, the evening is “down-time,” used to relax, watch television, and unwind from the stresses of the day. Others view this as a time to multi-task and catch up on household chores, bills, homework, and other responsibilities. Whether you’re winding down or working on your to-do list, unconscious eating can accompany your routine and result in a massive calorie intake. Devouring a bag of chips, a sleeve of cookies, or a pint of ice cream can easily occur when your mind is somewhere else.

Research strongly suggests a connection between obesity and lack of adequate sleep. Statistics show that overweight individuals sleep about 1.8 hours less a week than people of average weight. Since the 1960’s, sleep duration for American adults has dropped by as much as two hours a night, while obesity has drastically increased. Late night binging and sleep deprivation feed on each other – late night binging often creates indigestion and lack of sleep which, in turn, leads to overeating in subsequent days.

The chemical link between lack of sleep and obesity lies in the fact that sleep is a regulator of two hormones that effect appetite -- leptin and ghrelin. Leptin helps suppress food intake and stimulates energy expenditure, while ghrelin stimulates appetite, fat production, and body growth. When one is sleep deprived, the level of leptin drops and ghrelin increases. The result is a drastic increase in hunger. One study reported a 24% increase in hunger, with cravings for such items as cookies, candy, and cake when there is inadequate sleep time.

In my practice, I have found many helpful ways of reducing late night overeating.

1. After examining clients eating patterns, I compute what percentage of their calories are consumed after 6PM. If the answer is one third or more, there is a problem.

2. We often discuss the need to normalize sleeping patterns. If they are home in the afternoon, have a craving, and know they aren’t hungry, I suggest taking a nap. A nap is “low calorie” and cravings usually go away in minutes.

3. I establish a balanced meal plan that includes their favorite foods. I show them how protein and fiber at every meal prevents cravings. I teach them how to read food labels for the important nutrition facts. I give them a list of portable snacks for the office or car. After dinner, I include 100 calorie snacks that are low in fat and yummy. These include, low fat ice cream sandwiches, a bowl of cereal, and dark chocolate.

4. We also explore what activities at night tend to trigger their overeating, and develop strategies for changing them. I suggest micromanaging time with non-food related activities such as going on-line, taking a bath, working on a hobby, or even cleaning out the closets. Watching TV all evening sets you up to want to snack, especially with the many food commercials.

5. I inform them of the critical importance of exercise, and if practiced, they will be more relaxed at night and not get caught up in mindless eating.

Nutritional counseling is usually covered by health insurance including ABMG, Aetna, Blue Cross, Blue Shield, Cigna, Contra Costa Health Plan, Hill, Sutter, United Health Care, UMR, and others. We are happy to call on your behalf and see what your plan offers. Please visit www.LindaRD.com to learn more about our services. Email lifeweight1@yahoo.com, or call us at 925-855-0150 to discuss your nutritional concerns and see how we can help you. Advertorial

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November 2023 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • PAGE 19

WANT TO LOOK GREAT THIS HOLIDAY SEASON?

By Jerome Potozkin, MD

As the holiday season approaches, many of us find ourselves eager to look and feel our best. With the social gatherings, parties, and family get-togethers that accompany the festive season, November becomes the perfect time to consider minimally invasive cosmetic procedures to boost your confidence. These procedures can help you achieve a rejuvenated appearance without the need for extensive surgery, ensuring you look and feel your best as you celebrate with loved ones. In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of neuromodulators like Botox, Dysport, Xeomin, and Daxxify, the versatility of injectable fillers, the importance of an experienced injector, and the finishing touch offered by Hydrafacial treatments.

Creating Healthy, Confident Smiles for a Lifetime Through Compassionate and Modern Periodontal Care Dr. Jabbar resides in Danville and is serving the Tri-Valley at her new practice in Pleasanton, California.

NEUROMODULATORS: A YOUTHFUL GLOW AND CONFIDENCE BOOST

Neuromodulators, such as Botox, Dysport, Xeomin, and Daxxify, are popular choices for individuals seeking to refresh their appearance without resorting to invasive surgery. These treatments work by temporarily relaxing the muscles responsible for wrinkles, fine lines, and expression lines. November is an ideal time for these procedures as they provide quick results that gradually develop over a few days, ensuring you look refreshed, but not overly obvious.

The benefits of neuromodulators include: 1. Reduced Fine Lines and Wrinkles: Neuromodulators are effective in minimizing crow’s feet, forehead lines, and frown lines, making your skin appear smoother and more youthful.

2. Natural-Looking Results: With the right injector, you can achieve a natural appearance while maintaining your ability to express emotions.

3. Quick and Minimal Downtime: These treatments usually require minimal downtime, allowing you to return to your daily activities promptly.

INJECTABLE FILLERS: A VERSATILE SOLUTION FOR A YOUTHFUL APPEARANCE

The practice provides comprehensive periodontal care including but not limited to dental implants, soft tissue grafting, extractions, scalings and root planing, and I.V. sedation dentistry.

Dr. Bao Jabbar, D.M.D, M.S.D., M.P.H Board Certified by the American Board of Periodontology

www.pleasantonperiodontics.com

925-463-1450

5700 Stoneridge Mall Road, #290, Pleasanton

Injectable fillers have come a long way from merely filling in tiny wrinkles.

Nowadays, they offer a versatile solution for creating a more youthful and rested appearance. From enhancing the jawline to addressing saggy cheeks and plumping the lips, injectable fillers are a valuable tool for achieving a comprehensive facial rejuvenation.

The key benefits of injectable fillers include: 1. Enhanced Jawline and Cheek Contour: Fillers can provide a subtle lift to saggy cheeks and create a more defined jawline, resulting in a more youthful appearance. I like to think of it as a subtle yet significant improvement.

2. Plumped Lips: Achieve the perfect pout with lip fillers, adding volume and definition for a confident, refreshed look without creating an over filled “duck lip.”

3. Customizable Results: An experienced injector can tailor the treatment to your specific needs, ensuring a harmonious, natural result.

4. Juvederm Skinvive is a new filler that is injected in tiny droplets throughout the cheeks to create a glowing smooth appearance.

EXPERIENCED INJECTORS: THE FOUNDATION OF SAFE AND NATURAL RESULTS

Choosing the right injector is crucial to ensure safe and natural-looking results from minimally invasive cosmetic procedures. In November, as you prepare for the holidays, it’s essential to seek a skilled and experienced medical professional. An experienced injector will assess your unique facial structure and aesthetic goals to create a personalized treatment plan that delivers results that enhance your natural beauty. This is what we do in our practice every day.

HYDRAFACIAL: THE “ICING ON THE CAKE”

To add the finishing touch to your pre-holiday beauty regimen, consider a Hydrafacial treatment. This non-invasive procedure exfoliates, cleanses, extracts, and hydrates the skin, leaving you with a radiant, glowing complexion. Hydrafacial is the perfect “icing on the cake” to ensure your skin looks its absolute best during the holiday season. It can be combined with other minimally invasive treatments to maximize your confidence and radiance.

November is the ideal time to consider minimally invasive cosmetic procedures, such as neuromodulators and injectable fillers, to boost your confidence and achieve a rejuvenated appearance before the holiday season. These treatments offer numerous benefits, including reduced fine lines, natural-looking results, and minimal downtime. Coupled with the expertise of an experienced injector, you can ensure safe and beautiful results. To complete your pre-holiday beauty regimen, consider a Hydrafacial treatment for a radiant, glowing complexion. With the right combination of treatments and care, you’ll enter the holiday season with a newfound sense of confidence and self-assured beauty. Happy Holidays!

Dr. Jerome Potozkin is a Board Certified Dermatologist and Board Certified Micrographic Dermatologic Surgeon specializing in minimally and noninvasive cosmetic procedures. He is the author of “Botox and Beyond: Your Guide to Safe Non-Surgical Cosmetic Procedures.” The practice is accepting Advertorial new patients and can be reached at (925) 838-4900 and www.MyBeautyMd.com.

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TO SENIORS AND VETERANS

Mobility Matters is a nonprofit agenc y that gives rides to seniors and veterans in Contra Costa County. Volunteer drivers are needed to escort seniors to medical appointments and grocer y shopping. Volunteers must be 25 to 75 years old.

Please call Mobility Matters at (925) 284-2215 for more details. You can learn more about Mobility Matters at www.mobilitymatterscc.com.

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PAGE 20 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • November 2023

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