Blackhawk Living Magazine December 2018

Exclusively Serving the Blackhawk Community.

DECE MBER 2 018

Blackhawk

LIVING

Meet the Newlyweds:

Mr. & Mrs. Frank and Marlo Nejat COVER PHOTO:

by Kim Lind Photography

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DECEMBER 2018

We Are Now Online!!

Blackhawk

www.BlackhawkLivingCA.com

LIVING

Publication Team Publisher:

Jo Peek, Blackhawk Resident since 2014 Content Coordinator: Megan Scott Blackhawk Resident since 2010 Designer: Emily Lund Jo Peek

Contributing Photographer: Kim Lind Photography

Advertising Contact: Jo Peek Email: JPeek@bestversionmedia.com

Feedback/Ideas/Submissions: Have feedback, ideas, or submissions? We are always happy to hear from you! Deadlines for submissions are the 10th of each month. Go to www. bestversionmedia.com and click “Submit Content.”

You may also email your thoughts, ideas, and photos to: mscott@bestversionmedia.com.

Any content, resident submissions, guest columns, advertisements and advertorials are not necessarily endorsed by or represent the views of Best Version Media (BVM) or any municipality, homeowners associations, businesses or organizations that this publication serves. BVM is not responsible for the reliability, suitability or timeliness of any content submitted. All content submitted is done so at the sole discretion of the submitting party. © 2018 Best Version Media. All rights reserved.

Dear Neighbors, The holidays are a time for honoring traditions: tree lighting ceremonies, giving to those less fortunate, and pretending to love your aunt’s famous fruit cake. But it’s also a time for forging new traditions. Signing up for a charity run? Traveling to a new destination? Don’t be afraid to shake things up—the end of the year is when legends are made.

This month’s community calendar is filled with fun ideas on how to make this year’s holiday celebrations memorable. Our travel, food, wine and golf columnist, Mike L. McColgan, reviews his trip Beach Blanket Babylon holiday experience. And this month’s featured Blackhawk family, the Nejats, are Blackhawk’s newest newlyweds.

On behalf of all of us on the Blackhawk Living Magazine team, we want to wish you and yours a very happy holiday season!

Warmly,

Megan Scott

Resident since 2010

Blackhawk Living Magazine is devoted to sharing stories, events and news among our neighbors in this wonderful community. If you have a story, event or news to share please email me at mscott@bestversionmedia.com

BLACKHAWK LIVING 3

Expert Contributors Auto Sales & Service Kerri Anderson Pleasanton Automall Kerri.Anderson@hendrickauto.com 925- 737-5062

The Pleasanton Automall is a luxury automotive dealership housing the Acura and Lexus dealerships located in Pleasanton, CA. In addition to our flagships, we also carry a wide selection of quality pre-owned vehicles. We pride ourselves in offering a World Class experience to all of our guests. Visit us today or contact us online to experience the Pleasanton difference.

Chiropractic and​Functional Medicine Blackhawk Chiropractic Lori Hamilton, DC, CCSP 925-736-2663 www.drlorihamilton@gmail.com drlorihamilton.com

Dr. Hamilton is a passionate and committed healthcare practitioner providing a comprehensive and individualized approach to her patients’ well being. Backed with over 27 years of training and experience, she is uniquely equipped at putting the pieces of the clinical puzzle together. By identifying the root cause of pain and dysfunction, followed by individualized effective treatment methods, patients are given the platform necessary to achieve long-term positive outcomes.

Dentist Dr. Larry Porteous DDS Larry Porteous Family Dentistry 925-736-9000

Porteous Family Dentistry- Larry Porteous DDS and Linda Porteous RDH have been serving the dental needs in the communities of Rodeo,Vallejo and Blackhawk/Danville for over 30 years.They are a full service practice, eliminating, in most cases, the need for referrals. Offering extended hours for your convenience. “Our practices are dedicated to treating and preventing dental diseases in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere. We strive to give each person the same respect, concern and care we would expect as patients.

Financial Advice JWM Wealth Management, LLC Joe Morgan, CFP®, CFA 925-389-3889 joe@jwmwealth.com www.jwmwealth.com

Joe Morgan is a fee-only financial advisor who acts as an educator, guide, and protector of wealth to individuals and families.

He created his own firm after a successful investment career because he wanted to help people find clarity in their aspirations, resources, and risks. When he’s not showing how financial advice doesn’t have to be dictated by stuffy suited men from Wall Street, he enjoys tennis at Blackhawk Country Club and hiking the Tri-Valley area.

Education The Dorris-Eaton School 925-930-9000 www.dorriseaton.org

The Dorris-Eaton School serves preschool through eighth grade students and is recognized locally and nationally for its academic excellence. Strong writing, grammar, and reading classes are paired with interactive science, math and history courses. Foreign language, technology, art, music, and physical education are integral components of the program. Our experienced faculty provides the solid foundation that enables our graduates to succeed in the finest high schools and universities in the country.

Elder Law Julie Fiedler Horizon Elder Law & Estate Planning, Inc. 925-244-1185 www.HorizonLawCA.com General Contractor S&J Properties Jim Long Office: 925-820-2924 Cell: 925-575-0183 jim@propertiesbysj.com propertiesbysj.com Insurance Roger Fernando State Farm Roger Fernando Agency 925-244-1700 roger@rogerfernando.com Interior Design & Decorating Raashi Design Sheeja Nair 925-236-0402 enquiries@RaashiDesign.com www.RaashiDesign.com

Julie began her career as an RN, working in critical care for over 20 years before becoming an attorney in 2002. As an RN, Julie brings a unique, compassionate perspective to the practice of law. As an attorney, Julie advises in estate planning, with a specialty in elder law, working with seniors and their families in handling the challenges of aging and health related issues.

S&J Properties is a Design/Build company that specializes in residential remodeling construction projects. By performing both the design and construction, we provide the most beautiful, long-lasting and highest value remodeling projects in the industry. Our planning process is extremely thorough, which results in “no surprises” and a rapid and real timeline. Communication with clients, our partners and other regulatory organizations are optimized. We specialize in providing inspiring and custom solutions.

Roger Fernando has been a State Farm Agent for 30 years, starting his insurance agency in 1988.

Roger and his team are fully licensed. We take pride in giving personal, exceptional service, in talking and listening to our clients about their insurance needs. Our mission has always been to consult with customers as their insurance needs change, protect their insurance for the risks of everyday life and help recover from the unexpected loss.

Sheeja Nair is the founder/principal designer of award-winning Raashi Design. She specializes in creating interiors and custom homes that are thoughtfully conceived with an emphasis on elegance, comfort, functionality, and the homeowner’s personal style. Her international design work influences her approach to using color, texture and lighting in exciting, yet tasteful ways. An out-of-the-box thinker, Sheeja’s background in engineering and physics uniquely qualify her to solve challenging design issues.

We Are Now Online!! www.BlackhawkLivingCA.com

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DECEMBER 2018

Expert Contributors To learn more about becoming an expert contributor, contact Jo Peek at jpeek@bestversionmedia.com.

Jewelry, Diamonds & Timepieces Steve Padis Steve Padis Jewelry info@padisjewelry.com www.padisjewelry.com

Steve and Judy Padis own and operate Padis Jewelry, which has four locations in the San Francisco Bay Area. They founded the company in 1974 and are proud to have earned a reputation as one of the finest jewelers in San Francisco, serving generations of clients for their most precious moments in life, from engagement to anniversary to milestone gifts. Padis Jewelry maintains top-tier relationships with the most sought-after designers including Tacori, Forevermark, Verragio, Breitling, Tag Heuer, and Roberto Coin.

As members of the American Gem Society, Padis is among the top 5% of jewelers across the country.

Mortgages Steve Cline Preferred Financial 925-820-5557 SCline@PreferredFinancial.com www.PreferredFinancial.com

Preferred Financial Group, Inc. is a local family owned business, funding over 11 Billion Dollars since 1979. We are the pioneer of the zero cost mortgage with access to over 15 national lenders and banks to obtain the lowest possible interest rate for your residential purchase or refinance. We listen, we educate, then perform like no one else in the industry.

Music & Fine Art Victoria Strochkova San Ramon Music & Fine Art School -925-336-0181 sanramonmusic@gmail.com www.sanramonmusic.com

Victoria Strochkova is a founder and Director of San Ramon Music and Fine Art School.

Mrs. Strochkova has more than 25 years of teaching experience; in 2008 she decided to collaborate her expertise and experience with other great teachers, which led her to idea to establish music school in San Ramon. Our school is happy to offer the highest quality music instructions and performance opportunities for students of all ages.

Mrs. Strochkova is a member of MTAC since 1998. She graduated from Kiev State Music College in 1988 and Kiev State Conservatory in 1993.

Orthodontics Dr. Richard Anthony Blackhawk Orthodontics 925-736-3311 richard.anthony@blackhawkortho.com www.blackhawkortho.com

Richard Anthony, DDS MS Originally from Minneapolis, MN, Dr. Anthony moved to Danville in 1970 with his family and attended the old Charlotte Wood Middle School and San Ramon Valley High School. Dr. Anthony attended the University of California at Berkeley and subsequently completed his dental education at the University of Southern California in 1990. Later that same year, he opened the current office location at the Blackhawk Medical Center where he practiced for over 27 years. Dr. Anthony, his wife Michele, and son Ryan live in Danville.

The family can always be found up at Lake Tahoe either hiking, biking, skiing, boating, or relaxing at the beach.

Pool Service Jon Lubrano Atlantis Pools 925-736-0447 info@atlantispoolsdanville.com atlantispoolsdanville.com Real Estate​ Linda H Kralik, CRB, CRS Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Drysdale Properties ​925-998-​9446 lkralik@pacbell.net

Linda’s love of the land began​while growing up in Danville riding her horse through the open​fields and trails that once crisscrossed the San Ramon Valley. Her most prized moments were​​early morning rides to the top of Mt. Diablo to watch the sun rise. Upon her return to the land of​her childhood, Linda began her real estate career over 30 years ago and has achieved many​awards and top honors in her professional field.

Security Solutions Katelyn Radtke 510-278-2583 foothill_locksmiths_inc@yahoo.com www.foothilllocksmithsinc.com

Katelyn Lucas Radtke is a Bay Area native with a passion for security, community, and education. She is the fourth generation and Operations Manager of Foothill Locksmiths Inc. Foothill Locksmiths Inc. is a Diamond Certified company, servicing the Greater Bay Area since 1956.

Tree Service Trex Donovan Buena Vista Tree Service 415-531-1247 ntdonovan@yahoo.com www.buenavistatree.com Veterinary Dr. Nick Bricaud DVM Blackhawk Veterinary Hospital 925-736-7440 drnick@blackhawkvet.com www.blackhawkvet.com Unique ​& Custom Travel Experiences Lori McDonald Cruise Planners 925-380-6208 lmcdonald@cruiseplanners.com www.McDonaldTravel.com

Atlantis Pools Inc. is a family owned business that has been serving Contra Costa County for over 25 years. From pool repair, maintenance needs, remodels and updates, no job is too big or small for us. We take pride in the high quality service we give to each customer.

Buena Vista Tree Service is committed to preserving our urban forests and environment. They recycle 100% of our green waste into a reusable landscaping product. Trex safely and efficiently handles all types of tree emergencies 24 hours a day to eliminate tree risks to people and property and significantly reduce your liability exposure.

Blackhawk Veterinary Hospital is a full service hospital serving Danville and the surrounding East Bay. Our clients and patients are considered an extension of the Blackhawk Veterinary Hospital family and we strive to provide excellent and compassionate care combined with outstanding customer service. From vaccines to surgery we have all of your veterinary needs covered.

Lori McDonald, Travel Advisor, with Cruise Planners, wows her clients while considerately guiding their travel plans. Being passionate about helping her clients design the ultimate vacation, corporate travel, or assisting with a dream destination wedding, Lori’s expertise knows no bounds. Lori is professional, creative and detail-oriented. Each aspect of her clients’ land, sea, or river travel blueprint must be perfect.

BLACKHAWK LIVING 5

Resident Feature

Meet the Newlyweds:

Mr. & Mrs. Frank and Marlo Nejat

By Megan Scott, Resident since 2010

F

rank and Marlo Nejat said “I do” in a beautiful San Francisco ceremony surrounded by friends and family on October 27th of this year. The Blackhawk Newlyweds were introduced by mutual friends and quickly realized they had a lot in common. After a first date at Blackhawk Grille three years ago, the couple became inseparable. Both deeply rooted in the Bay Area, it was only fitting that their wedding take place at the iconic San Francisco Grace Cathedral, and the reception was held at The Fairmont San Francisco.

The marriage proposal came as a big surprise to Marlo. “It was Frank’s birthday in May of last year and I had planned a surprise romantic dinner for two at a chic restaurant in San Francisco we had never been to before. Little did I know, he had a big surprise planned for me that night. Over dinner he pulled out a small, beautiful box and as I opened it and saw the diamond ring, he asked me to marry him.

I was so surprised and happy. It’s a special night I will never forget,” says Marlo.

A Blackhawk resident for 25 years, Frank was born in Tehran, Iran and moved to San Francisco as an infant. Five years later, the family moved to Manhattan in New York City where Frank attended Kindergarten through 5th grade, then returned to the Bay Area to finish out school living in Millbrae and Santa Clara. After high school, he went on to receive his Bachelor’s of Science degree in Business Administration from San Jose State University. “Upon graduation I worked as a logistics analyst, in sales and then went into banking. Wells Fargo Bank hired me as a Business Banking Officer and after working there for two years, I decided to go into the mortgage business,” says Frank.

In 1992 he opened Franklin Financial Group and in 1997, the company had grown to include seven Bay Area offices and over 100 loan officers. “I decided to close all of my offices right before the 2008 mortgage crisis, and I was very fortunate to be able to walk away without any damages. After 17 years in the mortgage business, I moved on to a condo conversion in Berkeley and simultaneously was approached to invest in industrial hemp in the state of Colorado.

I have since sold my interest in the hemp company, and I decided to go back to my roots. I currently do private lending with my own company and manage our rentals. As a young boy, I witnessed many real estate transactions with my parents and that’s where my passion and motivation for real estate comes from. I purchased my first home at the age of 23, and I was addicted to purchasing more properties over the years.” Of all his career success Frank says what he is most proud

Image courtesy of A Tale Ahead Photography

of is being able to help people purchase their dream homes, “Helping over 10,000 families make their dreams come true by assisting them with financing their homes during my 17-year career in the mortgage business, is what is most gratifying to me.”

One of his other passions is bodybuilding, “I have a love for bodybuilding. I started when I was 16 years old and I’m still going strong. I was able to compete in my younger years, now I religiously go to the gym and keep up with a strict diet,” says Frank. He also volunteered as a youth baseball and basketball coach for the city of Danville for several years.

A love of all things beauty led Marlo to a career in aesthetics, and she has been a licensed esthetician since 1999. Born and raised in California, she currently works at Blackhawk Plastic Surgery where she has been helping her patients to achieve their most radiant skin for the past four years. “I love what I do. It is very important to me to educate my clientele about all their skin care needs so that they can have their best, most beautiful skin. As a teenager, I had very problematic skin. Then I started getting facials and managing the

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DECEMBER 2018

enjoy exploring and doing adventurous things. We love going to Napa and wine tasting, we enjoy dining out in San Francisco, and enjoy traveling to Hawaii and other tropical destinations. Being married to my best friend is one of the best things that has ever happened to me.

I am truly grateful and blessed,” says Marlo.

“Marlo and I enjoy using the new fitness center, and we frequently dine at the country club with friends and family. We love to travel, go to concerts, sporting events and enjoy having parties at our home with our dear friends. We recently went to the Caribbean and to a private Jon Bon Jovi concert in Las Vegas. Our next trip is scheduled for Spain in 2019,” says Frank.

Image courtesy of A Tale Ahead Photography

health of my skin using the right products and monthly skincare treatments; my problematic skin was no longer a problem. My passion for skin care makes Blackhawk Plastic Surgery a perfect place for me to work since we have all the newest technology in machines, skin care products, and procedures,” says Marlo.

The newlyweds love spending time in Blackhawk, exploring Northern California and traveling. “We have so many things in common and

Thirty years ago Frank drove through Blackhawk for the first time to visit a friend, and he says he immediately fell in love with the community. “My jaw dropped when I entered the gate and I became determined to call Blackhawk home. Five years later I bought my first home in Blackhawk and have since lived in three different houses in the community. Now I am thrilled to be a Blackhawk newlywed and to have been able to introduce Marlo to this wonderful place.”

Do you know a neighbor who has a story to share? Nominate your neighbor to be featured in one of our upcoming issues! Contact us at mscott@bestversionmedia.com.

There’s a Reason People Talk to Tucker!

Your Community Broker - Serving the Bay Area for 25 Years

Nicole Tucker 925-360-2125 TuckerRealEstateGroup.com CalBRE01145208

BLACKHAWK LIVING 7

Pet Adoption Corner

Rain

Mya

Meet your forever friend at Tony La Russa’s Animal Rescue Foundation, 2890 Mitchell Drive, Walnut Creek, during adoption hours: Noon to 6 pm Wednesday & Thursday, Noon to 7 pm Friday, and Noon to 6 pm Saturday & Sunday.

Eight-year-old Rain is a scruffy muffin with the cutest ears. This sweetheart is looking for gentle, patient guardians who will appreciate his sensitive nature. A daily walk around the block, some mental enrichment like foodpuzzle toys and evening cuddles would make Rain’s day perfect.

Would you like to be part of the heroic team that saves the lives of rescued dogs and cats? Can you share your talents to connect people and animals? ARF volunteers are making a difference! For more information see our website, www. arflife.org, or call (925) 256-1ARF.

The adoption fee for puppies <6 months is $300, for adult dogs is $250, and includes a discount on the first six-week session of a manners class.

One-year-old Mya is a sweet girl with the most beautiful gold speckled markings.

She may be shy at first, but when she feels loved, she comes out of her shell to reveal a fun and playful young cat. If a wand toy passes by her, she lights up and can’t wait to bat at it with her little paws.

Mya is sensitive but flourishes when given time and patience. She would do best going to a home where she knows that she is safe and has an abundance of toys sprinkled throughout her space to keep her entertained.

The adoption fee for kittens <6 months $125 and for adult cats is $75.

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DECEMBER 2018

Real Estate Listings in Blackhawk

Active Real Estate Listings in Blackhawk

Street

List Price

Street

Kingswood Cir S Eagle Nest Ln Tennis Club Dr Oakridge Ln Live Oak Ct Quail Run Ln Cottonwood Dr Birchbark Pl Quail Run Ln Silver Pine Ln Saddleback Dr Golden Oak Ct Silver Pine Ln Sugar Maple Dr Blackhawk Dr Deer Meadow Dr Quail Run Pl Deer Hollow Dr Deer Ridge Dr

$839,000 $919,000 $1,295,000 $1,298,000 $1,299,000 $1,468,800 $1,575,000 $1,684,900 $1,688,000 $1,749,800 $1,788,000 $1,795,000 $1,798,800 $1,799,000 $1,839,000 $1,899,800 $1,995,000 $1,998,000 $2,149,000

Sq.Ft. BR FBA PBA 1752 2274 2019 2500 2666 2677 3531 3475 3678 3477 3248 4298 2848 3805 3395 4299 5162 4246 4438

2 3 3 4 3 3 4 4 5 5 5 5 4 5 4 4 4 4 4

2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 3 2 3 3 2 3 3 4 4 3 3

1 1 0 0 1 1 1 1 0 1 0 0 1 1 1 1 1 1 1

List Price

Blackhawk Dr Red Pine Ct Bent Oak Ct Blackkhawk Dr Red Alder Ct Deer Creek Ln Blackhawk Dr Blackhawk Dr Pheasant Run Ter Rosewood Ln Eagle Nest Ct Eagle Ridge Dr Red Pine Ct Saddleback Pl Kingswood Ln Blackhawk Meadow Ln Blackhawk Meadow Ln Blackhawk Meadow Dr

$2,299,000 $2,375,000 $2,388,800 $2,495,000 $2,688,900 $2,695,000 $2,748,000 $2,995,000 $3,249,000 $3,280,000 $4,888,888 $4,900,000 $5,900,000 $6,500,000 $7,500,000 $7,999,800 $8,450,000 $15,500,000

Sq.Ft. BR FBA PBA 4430 4740 4541 5113 5341 5200 5200 6656 5667 6200 7410 7010 5774 9716 10116 8826 9955 6370

6 4 4 4 5 5 4 5 5 5 5 4 4 6 7 7 6 5

3 4 3 4 6 4 4 5 4 5 6 4 5 5 8 8 7 5

1 1 1 1 0 1 0 1 1 2 2 2 0 2 0 2 3 1

Source: Rockcliff 2.0 11/10/2018 Best Version Media does not guarantee the accuracy of the statistical data on this page. Any real estate agent’s ad appearing in this magazine is separate from any statistical data provided which is in no way a part of their advertisement.

The Nagle Team

is Sending Warm Holiday wishes to all of our clients, neighbors and friends...

50+ Years of Real Estate Experience and Over 1/2 Billion dollars in combined Blackhawk Sales

Michelle Nagle & Barbara Nagle

Michelle Cell 925 872-1478 Barbara Cell 925 872-1500

DRE # 01261283 DRE # 00828225

Real Estate is our Passion!

www.NagleNagle.com The Nagle Team J. Rockcliff Realtors President’s Club mnagle@rockcliff.com

3680 Deer Trail Drive Spectacular Blackhawk View Location!

Stunning view property with gorgeous granite slab kitchen with gas cook-top. Lovely .16 acre. apx. lot 2,946 sq.ft. apx., 4 bdr. 3 ba. and 3 Car Garage.

Gorgeous upgrades and appointments throughout!

Call for more details!

The Nagle Team provides Excellence, Service and Results We work, volunteer and live as friends among friends in your community Experienced Negotiation Skills to serve our client’s best interests Extensive use of Technology based resources and Marketing Your Real Estate Transaction will be handled with the utmost care

If you are thinking about buying or selling a home call The Nagle Team today!

BLACKHAWK LIVING 9

Calendar of Events

December Thurs., Dec. 6

Sat., Dec. 8

Sat. Dec. 15

The Jazz Room Presents George Cole and Eurocana

Holiday on the Farm

San Ramon Community Chorus: Holiday Magic

@Village Theatre & Art Gallery Enjoy Gypsy Jazz, Uptown Swing and French Chanson Time: 8pm Cost: Pre-sale $25 Door $30 Tickets: www. villagetheatreshows.com Follow on Facebook @ TheJazzRoomDanville

Fri., Dec. 7

Walnut Creek Holiday Stroll @Main St. and Locust, Downtown Walnut Creek Shop, sip and stroll with live music, carolers, open houses, extended hours and other surprises at the Holiday Stroll.

Time: 5pm-9pm

Sat., Dec. 8

Children’s Elf Workshop @ Danville Community Center, 420 Front Street Get your little elves into the holiday spirit at Danville’s Elf Workshop. Refreshments will be served while children create hands-on holiday crafts, get their faces painted, socialize, and take a photo with Santa. It’s the perfect chance for them to get creative this season. Due to the popularity of this event, there are two sessions available and ONLINE preregistration is required. Please choose one time to attend.

To learn more or to register, visit www. danvillerecguide.com.

@Forest Home Farms Enjoy an old-fashioned holiday gathering at Forest Home Farm Historic Park. Have a traditional holiday family experience including visits with our Victorian Santa and his reindeer, old-fashioned ornament making, a puppet show, holiday entertainment and refreshments.

Time 11:00am - 3:00pm Cost: Free

Sun. Dec. 9

Blackhawk Chorus The Season in Song @Blackhawk Country Club ​Join the chorus for an evening of seasonal songs and carols, both classic and re-imagined, to put you and your loved ones firmly in the holiday spirit.

We will close out the evening with a community singalong, with younger members of the audience invited on stage to join in the fun.

Time: 5:45pm

Tues. Dec. 11

Fratello Marionettes: The North Pole Review @ Danville Library Join us for a holiday tradition as the Fratello Marionettes present the puppet extravaganza, The North Pole Review, featuring highkicking dancers, a graceful ice skater, dazzling acrobatic penguins, and much more!

Fun for the whole family!

Sponsored by the Friends of the Danville Library.

Time: 4pm Cost: Free

@San Ramon Community Center Bring the entire family to this delightful holiday concert featuring a wide variety of holiday music and dance.

This charming program is certain to entertain one and all. The afternoon will culminate with a special visit from Santa Claus himself.

Time: 2pm Cost: Free

Sun., Dec. 23

San Ramon Symphonic Band Concerts: Holiday Concert - A Wintry Holiday Festival @Dougherty Valley High School Performing Arts Center Enjoy amazing Holiday Music with the entire family. A community-favorite event.

Get your tickets early!

Visit: www.

SanRamonPerformingArts. com or call the box office at 925 973 3343 for more details!

Time: 7:00pm Cost: $8 per person

Every Monday

Tips for Change Community Fundraising Events @Gianni’s Italian Bistro Gianni’s Italian Bistro opens up their restaurant to support our local non-profit community.

Tips for Change is a fun and unique way for local charity organizations to raise much needed funds. Volunteers and supporters of local non-profits suit up and become your servers for the evening with

10

all tips and 10% of sales going to support their organization.

This event occurs most Monday evenings between 5 and 8pm and is open to the public. Reservations required.

More information at www. giannissanramon.com

Every Saturday

Farmers’ Market @Railroad Ave. Municipal Parking Lot - Downtown Get the freshest seasonal fare at the Danville Certified Farmers’ Market. You’ll find fruits and vegetables direct from local farmers, along with fresh-cut flowers, bedding plants, fresh breads, and delicious specialty food items you can eat in the market or take with you to enjoy at home. It’s the perfect place to stock up for the week, or shop al fresco while socializing with friends. This event is located at Railroad & Prospect Avenues and offers free parking in the adjacent lot.

Time: 9am-1pm More information at www.pcfma.com

Save the Date: Thurs., Feb. 21

Blackhawk Living Magazine 4th Anniversary Celebration @Auburn Lounge 5:00pm

DECEMBER 2018

Left to Right: Tamara Harper Fulton, Pam Perry, Karin Wallace, Dee Dee Crockett, Laurel Leftwich, Caroline Sanchez Cruz, Anna Emmett, Linda

Visit us online: WWW.ORTC.COM

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Livery Shopping Center 419 Sycamore Valley Blvd, West Danville, CA

925.855.8700

Your Dream Yard “From Concept to Form”

20% OFF AND FREE DEMO ON ANY PAVER OR CONCRETE PROJECT Certain minimums apply. Call for details.

Expires 12/31/18

Blackhawk Residents since 1995.

BLACKHAWK LIVING 11

Expert Contributor

The Big Investing Lie

By Joe Morgan, CFP®, CFA, Principal: JWM Wealth Management, LLC, Resident since 2004

W

e’ve all been brainwashed into diversifying, but exactly why is this the best way to invest?

By owning several items that behave differently, our return is the average of these items. In short periods, we know investments can move in a wide range, which is how we typically define “risk.”

Though I could argue this point, we’ll save that for another time.

However, if we own several items and earn their average, we will never suffer a loss equal to the worst performing thing we own.

Of course, the flip side is that we we will never enjoy a gain equal to the best performing item we own.

Instead, we get the average, meaning something will always be better and something will always be worse.

However, the magic is that over a long period of time, the difference between best- and worst-performing items narrows greatly, meaning they both get closer to the average.

So, by diversifying we avoid the chance our portfolio will be the worst in the short run, while preserving our average return in the long run – which will be very near to the best performing item as well!

JWM Wealth Management, LLC is a Registered Investment Advisor with the State of California and Joe Morgan is a fiduciary to his clients at all times. If you’d like to take control of your finances, schedule a call with Joe at www.calendly.com/ jwmwealth. You can also learn more at jwmwealth.com.

IS YOUR OUTDOOR SPACE WORKING FOR YOU?

Don and his crew did a great job. I highly recommend them to all my Blackhawk neighbors!” Brian Banmiller CALL TO SCHEDULE A CONSULTATION

Projects completed on time, on budget Follow-up with warranty service calls Lic. #492439

925.933.3848

VISIT OUR PORTFOLIO alderland.com

12

DECEMBER 2018

Blackhawk Women Holiday Happenings

By Mary Plissey, Resident since 2017

Join Blackhawk Women Blackhawk Women was established in 1985 by five women with the goal of uniting women in friendship through the sharing of fun, food, and common interests for all women residents of Blackhawk and Blackhawk Country Club. 33 years later, we maintain over 300 members.

Each month, we offer the members of Blackhawk Women more than 30 activities to participate in. The benefits of becoming a member of Blackhawk Women are not limited to instant friendships, great ideas, and memories to last a lifetime.

Annual Membership dues are only $60.

Please visit our website to JOIN US! http://www.blackhawkwomen.com/about

You can also E-Mail marlene.m.williamson@gmail.com

Upcoming events include Santacon: Sunday, December 2, 2018 We will be going by bus to visit 3 restaurants in Danville. Wine and hearty appetizers served at each one and a Choir singing Christmas Carols. Wear your Santa, Mrs. Claus, Elf costume, ugly Christmas sweater, or just a Santa Hat. Be creative and have fun!!

Holiday Cookie & Gift Tuesday, December 18, 2018

Exchange:

Pets For Vets Luncheon: Wednesday, January 16, 2019 Speaker Merritt Rollins, Veterans

Program Manager for Tony La Russaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Animal Rescue Foundation in Walnut Creek, will share information regarding a life saving program where rescue dogs are tested for their ability to become service animals. Their mission is to match veterans with emotional support animals.

Beautiful Inside and Out: Luncheon: Wednesday, February 20, 2019 Jessica Morton, owner and lead artist of Miabel Artistry, is a experienced professional in the makeup and fashion industry. With nearly 17 years of experience helping others feel and look their best, Jessica will share valuable information and her passion for seeing people take hold of their beauty and health.

W e lig Of ht fer si C ns hr ta ist lla m tio as ns

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300 Watt Transformer, Photocell & Simple timer Installation Included, Free Consultation 10 Year Warranty Normal Price $6000 Special Limited Time Offer:

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BLACKHAWK LIVING 13

Wine, Food, Golf & Fun

The Must-Do Dirty Habit In The Great City By The Bay

By Mike L. McColgan, Resident since 1990

I

n an effort to dine at all 3000 San Francisco restaurants (and having been to over 700) and visit all 600 Napa wineries (and having been to over 300), my wife Linda and I recently traveled to the “City By The Bay” for food, wine and fun. We began by attending the famous Beach Blanket Babylon Christmas show in North Beach. A musical review that has been sold out since 1974, this show is always fun and updated yearly to include the latest local and world news. With the election next year, the show included all the Presidential hopefuls.The singing is first class, and the Christmas headpieces and singing trees are special to see. The show also involves the audience in songs that everyone enjoys. This show is great anytime of the year but extra special at Christmas.

There are two shows every night and we went to the 5 o’clock show and then went to Dirty Habit on 4th and Market. Formerly The 5th Floor, this restaurant has rooftop views, great food and specialty cocktails. Chef/Owner David Bazirgan’s menu is full of great items, and the craft cocktails are unique.

We began with an “In Hindsight” cocktail made with Hine Cognac, Luxardo bitter and Moscato that was fantastic. The cognac was barrel aged in Rye casks that previously held Tequila and Ancho Chili for 3 months.

For food we started with a wagyu beef tartare seasoned with red curry and fried shallots that went well with a warm baguette and smoked honey butter.

David, the chef and owner, recommended his chicken wings with sweet soy and chili vinaigrette that were cooked to perfection.

Quite possibly the best wings we have ever had! For dessert we enjoyed Churros, flan, spiced chocolate and passion fruit that was a fabulous ending.

The place is very contemporary and bubbles with excitement fueled by the interesting drinks and very attentive, knowledgeable and friendly service staff. It is a great place to go for small plates.

After dinner, we took a cab to nearby Union Square to enjoy the Christmas tree, ice skaters and Christmas music. It is like being in a live movie with the backdrop of Macy’s and their classical lit up Christmas wreaths in all of their windows flanked by the famous St. Francis Hotel.

For a night cap, we went to the famous John’s Grille that has been in operation for over 100 years and served many celebrities, politicians and world renowned figures. Many pictures decorate the walls of this iconic place. Oh if only the walls could speak.

It is also where a scene from the famous movie Maltese Falcon was filmed.

John’s Grille is an excellent old school dinner house with great drinks, generous dinner plates and reasonable prices.

For more information and to make reservations at these great places go to: Beach Blanket Babylon - Outrageous musical revue in San Francisco | Beach Blanket Babylon San Fran Craft Cocktail Bar, Restaurant & Lounge | Dirty Habit John’s Grill seafood steak salad pasta restaurant in San Francisco

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BLACKHAWK LIVING 15

Expert Contributor

My Christmas Wish

By Linda Kralik, Resident since 1984 Berkshire Hathaway, Drysdale Properties

I

t is that time of year again. How does it come around so quickly?

First there is Halloween, the change to standard time and we all feel so much better because we got an extra hour of sleep. Then we begin planning for the Great Turkey binge on Thanksgiving Day with scores of leftover meals, the last being Turkey Vegetable Soup. Ah, those pilgrims have nothing on us when it comes to a bountiful table on Thanksgiving Day! And then comes The Big ONEâ&#x20AC;Ś..Christmas! It is good that there are almost always 30 days between Thanksgiving and Christmas, you will need every one of those days to prepare for the Big One. There are gifts to buy, Christmas letters to mail out (before Dec. 10th, if you want your friends and family to see your card before the 25th!); purchase party dresses and attend all of the numerous festive parties; preparing the list for the preparation of Christmas Dinner, and so on and so forth. We are besieged with invitations or pressed into service to help out at school or to work with your favorite charity. It is a time when you feel guilty if you say no. And how could you? You do not want to be associated with Scrooge or The Grinch! The sourpuss of sourpusses! No, of course not!!! So you move forward, racing to accomplish all of the numerous tasks and

maybe, just maybe, you forget the real reason for the holiday. It is Not about the parties. It is Not about the gifts or presents. It is Not about the dinner on Christmas day. It is Not about any of these. It is about Faith and Hope and Love.

Faith of all kinds, Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Buddhism and any other faith or belief I have not mentioned.

Hope that within our Faith we can find a way to embrace others in the Hope of peace and prosperity. To be humble in our Faith so as to allow others to their beliefs.

Love, and be loved. Love others unconditionally. Accept them as you wish to be accepted. Give love to those that need it the most and you will find peace in yourself.

So this is my Christmas Wish to you, my fellow Blackhawk Community; May Faith, Hope and Love follow you in the New Year.

Merry Christmas Linda Kralik

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DECEMBER 2018

Expert Contributor

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Tis the Seasonâ&#x20AC;Ś

By Dr. Nick Bricaud, DVM, Blackhawk Veterinary Hospital

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;T

is the season to be jolly and while your pets love holiday cheer, there are a few things to be cautious of. Cats love holiday ribbons and shimmering tinsels, but if eaten, these can cause some major problems for your furry friend. Never leave your pet unsupervised near your tree and be sure itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s properly secured.

Unstable trees can fall and injure your pet and ingestion of pine needles or tree water can cause major health issues. Other holiday plants to be cautious of include holly, mistletoe, poinsettias, and lilies as these are toxic to your pet. For the perfect holiday treat give your pet a new pet treat rather than leftovers and as always, keep all sweets, such as chocolates, and any unattended alcoholic beverages away from your pet. Healthy pets ensure a happy holiday but if you think your pet may have ingested something, seek medical attention immediately.

BLACKHAWK LIVING 17

Expert Contributor

Current Trends in Kitchen Design

By Jim Long, S&J Properties, General Contractor, Resident since 1991

D

ecades ago, the kitchen was hidden in the back of the house.

It was a place where meals were prepared, and dirty dishes were washed. Fast forward to 2018 and the kitchen has a much different role. Today the kitchen is the focal point of the home, the place that brings everyone together, the kitchen is paraded in all its beauty and warmth at the very center of the house.

Technology advances and changing social dynamics have contributed greatly to the rise of the modern kitchen. There is a far bigger focus on open concept homes that revolve around the kitchen, so everyone can be together. As with any modern design trend, clean and simple styles have become favorites for homeowners with natural light becoming an essential aspect of the overall look and function of the kitchen space.

Technology has entered the kitchen in full force and not just in the form of fancy gadgets and appliances. Today, you can have a kitchen with technology integrated into every function and appliance from the faucets to the fridge to the lighting. This is what we call a smart kitchen. Smart kitchens are an evolving

aspect of design. In fact, a lot of kitchens today are built smart from the ground up. For older kitchens, sensors, smart gadgets and other devices can be added to for convenience to the homeowner.

Easy add-ons are motion sense equipped kitchen faucets that can sense the presence of hands underneath and will come on automatically or try a one-touch feature. Refrigerators that can alert you when your grocery items are running low or a coffee maker programmed to have your coffee ready when you wake up. There is also a gadget that monitors your eggs, telling you which ones are almost going bad. Do not forget to update your lighting system allowing you to control all the lights from your smartphone or tablet.

White is still a big favorite for kitchen cabinets; homeowners love it for its clean look, which is especially beneficial in a space that tends to get cluttered. White cabinets are simply beautiful and timeless and can be used in almost any kind of kitchen style. We expect white to remain a popular cabinet color probably for years to come. To break up the all-white kitchen expect to see islands in

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DECEMBER 2018

White and grey seem to be the two big cabinet colors. Their modern clean look will keep them as favorites for years. But there is another color palette slowly making its way into the kitchen, dark jewel tones: black, navy, emerald green and even plum. It will surprise you at how well dark kitchen cabinets can work in and/or enhance a kitchen space with its dramatic and luxurious feel.

For high-end kitchen counter tops, quartz still reigns supreme. The material is extremely hardy, can last virtually forever, is a breeze to maintain and is anti-microbial. Granite, the main competitor in the high-end bracket, requires slightly more maintenance.

a variety of different paint colors or wood stain colors. The mixing of finishes creates a needed accent piece and additional pops-ofcolor for the brave of heart.

As popular as white cabinets are, grey is the second choice for many. Grey cabinets are like a chameleon of sorts. Versatile for any look or project. Grey cabinets work great when paired with natural elements, glamour accents, or none.

When quartz counter tops first came into the market, the main worry was lack of variety in terms of colors and finishes. But with time, thanks to technology, manufacturers have provided a wide range of colors to choose from as well as realistic stone patterns.

You can even get quartz finished with elaborate swirls and large veining to imitate other materials like natural stone. These unique styles have become immensely popular, although there is a notable trend toward softer and more neutral colors. More and more homeowners are opting for colors like grey, taupe, creamy or white finishes. The pattern preferences have changed to veining from particulates that weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve seen in past years. This follows the trend towards cleaner styles seen in most home spaces.

If you are thinking of new remodeling ideas, getting the help from a qualified professional builder is worth the investment and long run value.

BLACKHAWK LIVING 19

Expert Contributor

Now Is the Time to Prepare Your Pool for the Summer Months

By Jon Lubrano, President, Atlantis Pools Inc

W

inter can be the best time of year to prepare your pool for use over the summer. Contrary to popular belief, springtime isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t the best time when it comes to remodeling, building your pool or addressing any issues your pool may have. Pool owners may have the best pool construction or remodel experience this time of year. By the time spring arrives, there is usually a long line of pool owners wanting to make enhancements or repairs to their pools, so why not get the process going now to ensure it can be completed in a smooth and timely manner and you get the best customer service possible?

The leaves are falling off the trees, our pools are chilly and swimming may be the last thing on your mind, but now is the time to start thinking about your summer pool desires. As one can imagine, the pool construction and maintenance industry isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t nearly as busy during the colder months than during the spring and summer. By arranging to have your pool built or remodeled in the winter, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re allowing yourself access to the best pool builders and craftsmen who will be able to have it completed faster than during the spring due to their availability.

For optimal pool performance by the time the warm weather arrives, allow plenty of time for your pool service to prepare for any events you have planned. I recommend at least a weeks notice before a party to thoroughly go over your pool system, check lights, drains and safety issues. At Atlantis, this service is always complementary for our customers.

Atlantis Pools offers a free consultation on all your pool needs, including remodel projects. Please call us at (925) 736-0447, email info@atlantispoolsdanville.com or visit us online at www.atlantispoolsdanville.com to schedule an inspection.

20

DECEMBER 2018

Community Safety

Blackhawk Residents Don’t Give Up...

By Blackhawk Police Chief Ian Hebert and Aaron Wally Barger, Resident since 2012

N

either does the Blackhawk Police Department! It has been “all hands on deck” this year.

The HOA paid for an additional police officer late last year, cleared bushy areas to increase visibility at strategic locations surrounding the golf courses, installed additional lighting at strategic locations, and established a network of cameras for twenty-four-hour coverage of the community. Further, Blackhawk police officers are involved in the continuing, ongoing investigation of every aspect of the seventeen burglaries that accord in 2017. To date, no arrest has been made, but the officers are committed to following every lead concerning each of the burglaries locally, statewide, and nationally.

By definition police investigations of the magnitude and complexity of the seventeen burglaries in Blackhawk during 2017 requires a team approach that includes patience, determination, and perseverance. From my conversations with the police officers, HOA staff and Board members of our community, there is a total commitment to finding those who were involved in committing the burglaries and anyone else who assisted in these egregious acts of invasion and theft of personal property.

The most aggrieved in this whole affair are the victims. The monetary losses are not nearly as traumatic as the psychological and emotional effects upon the victims. The long-term repercussions for anyone suffering such an invasion are difficult to imagine, but a number of our neighbors did have to cope with such an ordeal. And, that is why our police force, the HOA, and others in Blackhawk are still working to get to the bottom of these seventeen crimes.

At the same time, the police officers, in cooperation with the HOA, are working with security experts to further ensure the safety and protection of our property. You, too, have a role in this effort. Talk with your neighbors, make sure you coordinate and stay vigilant during extended visits away from each other’s home, and establish a phone-tree to network with your immediate neighbors in case of an emergency or unusual activity near your homes.

Chief Hebert of the Blackhawk Police Department wants residents to call 925-646-2441 if they see a suspicious individual peeking into vehicles or scoping out a location in or near the Blackhawk community. Do not approach or confront suspicious individuals just call the local police.

If you or a neighbor are interested in forming a Neighborhood Watch program, contact me by email at

aaron.barger@ yahoo.com. You can also contact the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office, Crime Prevention Unit, ask for Christina Lind-Winters at 925-313-2682 for additional information or to schedule an orientation meeting.

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BLACKHAWK LIVING 21

Expert Contributor impression. With uniforms, students and teachers are more prone to make a judgement on someone’s demeanor rather than their ability to afford trendy clothing. For parents, less social pressure on their children can translate into happier kids. Content children and financial savings are win-win for parents.

Yes to School Uniforms

By Peggy Arman, The Dorris-Eaton School

“D

oes this look good on me?” is a question parents often hear in the morning when they side-step the pile of discarded clothing strewn on the floor while urging their children to hurry. Getting to school on time can often be problematic.

Avoiding chaos in the morning is just one reason parents like school uniforms. However, there are many other benefits to choosing a uniform school.

Uniforms promote a sense of belonging and school pride. There’s a camaraderie that develops when students feel they are part of a larger group. Elementary school students often beam with pride because they “match” older students; they feel important being part of the same school community. Middle and high school students, who may not be thrilled with the idea of looking like everyone else, frequently bond when grumbling about the dress code. Many don’t realize that having just a few clothing choices can simplify their lives. For example, when the only option is either a white or blue oxford shirt, the pressure to impress others with the latest brand name is eliminated. Minimizing students’ focus on appearance enables teachers and administrators to emphasize good grooming. Perhaps more significant is that all-important first

Students who wear uniforms typically have fewer distractions during the school day. By design, uniform schools adopt clothing that is tailored to look good but is not provocative. An oxford or polo shirt is a staple of many schools with uniform dress. Pants or skirts that are dress code appropriate are not skin tight or excessively short. Students don’t spend time worrying about what they look like or evaluating what others are wearing. Another benefit is reduced teasing; it’s difficult to make fun of or laugh at someone wearing the same thing you’re wearing. Students focus on schoolwork is often sharpened, allowing them to concentrate on learning.

Some argue that uniforms don’t allow students the freedom to express themselves. This perception limits expression to outward appearance. During the course of the school day, students have the opportunity to share their ideas, create art and music, and interact with their peers—all forms of expressing themselves. Some students find that having a weekday uniform makes dressing in “street clothes” on the weekend something to look forward to. So, even if a dress shirt, tie, and blazer may not be the first choice for students, being a part of a school community, less peer pressure, and a focus on learning are long-term benefits you can’t beat.

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22

Steve has been a Blackhawk golf member since 2003.

DECEMBER 2018

Blackhawk Ladies Tennis

Blackhawk Ladies Tennis Team plays at Nationals in Orlando, FL

By Lisa Rasband, Resident since 2015

A

s told to you in the September 2018 issue of Blackhawk Living, the Blackhawk Ladies 2.5 tennis team went to Orlando, Florida to compete in the USTA National League Championships October 12th-14th.

Not even Hurricane Michael could thwart them from their goal to compete. They all went early to acclimate to the weather which was hot and humid. Practicing hard in the heat prepared them to meet their opponents and meet their opponents they did. The selection for who their opponents were going to be was determined by a random drawing which resulted in some tough competitive teams according to their coach Bryn Powell (Tennis Pro from Blackhawk CC).

This team, aptly named Love Love, left everything they had on those courts. The competition was tough with teams from Minnesota, Texas, Connecticut and Puerto Rico. They competed in 2 matches on Friday and 2 matches on Saturday with the hope of going to finals on Sunday. Friday morning brought their 1st win against the team from Minnesota winning 2 of the 3 lines.

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Friday afternoon was much more difficult facing one of the pre-tournament favorites Texas, which ended in their first loss winning only 1 doubles line. Lucky for Texas this was their first match and they barely won the tiebreaker in the second doubles match. As disappointing as the first day’s results were, Saturday brought them 2 wins, one against Connecticut and one against Puerto Rico!! At the end of the day, they were in a 5-way tie for third. After going through the tiebreakers, comparing number of sets and games, the ladies of Blackhawk came up just short ending up in 6th place out of 20 teams. Ultimately, Puerto Rico won it all, however, our Blackhawk Ladies were the only team to beat them! Those are definitely some bragging rights!!

As their captain, Rebecca Hayton, and coach, Bryn Powell, stated, “they wouldn’t have changed one line up.”

The friendships formed on this team run deep with these 8 amazing ladies which include: Captain Rebecca Hayton, Co-Captain Joan Leone, Debbie Fuggetta, Wendy Greer, Aliza Grosh, Janine Lappin, Vicky McKeown and Lisa Rasband.

Lisa Rasband, teammate, said, “I am so proud to be a part of this team. I have no doubt these ladies will be in my life forever. Not only did we play our hearts out, we encouraged each other, fought hard for each other, and there is no greater team than us.”

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The team wanted to thank everyone who live-streamed their matches, even the ones at 4:30 AM!! There were text messages of encouragement and even the e-mails saying to move the scoreboard closer towards the camera. The support ran so deep for this group and their cup definitely runneth over. There is no way to express their gratitude except to say a heartfelt THANK YOU!! USTA, look out! We’re coming back next year!

BLACKHAWK LIVING 23

Non-Profit Spotlight

Fun Golf Outing for a Great Cause

By Brian Blake, Head Golf Professional

A big heartfelt thank you to all those that participated in our very own Turkey Shoot. With your help we raised just north of $2,000 for the Contra Costa Foodbank. This translates to 60 turkeys being donated to some very lucky families! Pretty amazing!!!

Congratulations to all of our winners!

Cranberry Flight

Stuffing Flight

1st Mike Rubio, Tony Beatty, Daniel Jung and John Jarvis 2nd Mike McColgan, Doug Tapper, Greg Coplans and Gordon Chong 3rd Kent Hagan, Gary Cribb, Steve Barlow and Dan Smoot 4th David Patterson, Chris Kenny, Mike Olson, John McGowan

1st Ken and Cindy Taylor and Greg and Michelle Roberts 2nd Hi Giroux, Dennis Hightow, Michael Frame’ and Bob Davis Tied for 3rd Lucia DeBene, Jo Peek, Diane Manske and Peggy Punch Peter and Jayne Tizzano and Ted and Mary Maag

925-336-0181

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• We offer private lessons in music and art, (group classes are available for art only) • Music Lessons: Violin/Viola/Piano/Guitar/ Voice and Flute • We prepare for Recitals, Auditions for Orchestras (included outside of school such as Oakland Youth Orchestra, San Francisco Youth Orchestra, Palo Alto Youth Orchestra, Berkeley Youth Orchestra and more).

• We prepare students for tests and competitions.

• In art class students will learn main principles of realistic drawing and painting including the study of composition, value, color, and pictorial space.

• Advanced students who want to pursue an artist career will develop portfolio for College submission.

Testimonials

Victoria’s love for music, appreciation for violin, and enthusiasm to with work with students of all ages and diverse backgrounds, makes her prefect as a teacher.

Iren Gullapalli, Ph.D. | San Ramon, CA--

Victoria is knowledgeable, enthusiastic and very easy to communicate with. She is always positive, encouraging and very respectful. My son is usually not very comfortable performing in front of an audience but Victoria provides plenty of activities that prepare her students to feel comfortable for the recitals. So far, my son has performed four times in the students’ recitals and has not complained yet.

Helen Lin | Livermore, CA

We are proud to support our local schools and enrich our community with high standards of teaching music and art.

We are taking a high degree of responsibility to teach and mentor the younger generation of musicians, and an artists who wants to achieve an expert level or pursue other interests having gained a skill that will bring them satisfaction throughout their entire life.

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DECEMBER 2018

Expert Contributor

Considerations Regarding Athletic Mouth Guards

By Richard Anthony, DDS MS

T

he exact origin of the athletic mouth guard protector is unclear. Most evidence indicates that the concept of a mouth guard was initiated in the sport of boxing by Dr. Woolf Krause, a British dentist, around the time of 1892. In the 1940’s and 1950’s, dental injuries were responsible for 24-50% of all football injuries. At that time, the American Dental Association (ADA) began conducting research on mouth guards and soon promoted their benefits to the public.

Mouth guards should be used by anyone—children and adults— who play contact sports such as football, boxing, soccer, ice hockey, basketball, lacrosse, and field hockey. However, even those participating in non-contact sports (for example, gymnastics, baseball) and any recreational activity (for example, skateboarding, mountain biking) that might pose a risk of injury to the mouth would benefit from wearing a protective mouth guard. As a practicing orthodontist, I most often see traumatic dental injuries to the teeth as a result of a blow to the mouth from a baseball or as a result of a fall.

There are three basic types of mouth guards. 1) Stock mouth protectors are performed and come ready to wear. They are inexpensive and can be bought at most sporting good stores.

However, little can be done to adjust their fit, they are bulky, make breathing and talking difficult, and provide the least effective protection. 2) Boil and bite mouth protectors also can be bought at many sporting good stores and may offer a better fit than stock mouth protectors.The “boil and bite” mouth guard is made from thermoplastic material. It is placed in hot water to soften, then placed in the mouth and shaped around the teeth using finger and tongue pressure. 3) Custom-fitted mouth protectors are individually fabricated in a dental office or professional laboratory based on your dentist’s instructions. First, your dentist will make an impression of your teeth and the mouth guard is molded from the model using the special material. Due to use of special material and extra work involved, this custom-made mouth guard is more expensive than the other types. It provides the most comfort and protection.

Your dentist or orthodontist can suggest the best type of mouth guard for you. An effective mouth guard should be comfortable, resist tears, be durable and easy to clean, and not restrict your breathing or speech. If you had a piece of sports equipment, endorsed by the American Dental Association, which could reduce the risk of sports-related dental injury by 60 times—would you use it?

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BLACKHAWK LIVING 25

Nonprofit Spotlight

Rotarians Pay Tribute to Richard D. King, Past Rotary International President 2001-02 with 50 Years of Service!

By Marguerite (Maggie) Padovani, Rotarian and Jo Peek, Resident since 2014

W

hat a night it was on Friday, November 2nd at Blackhawk Museum where over 500 Rotarians from all over the world came to pay tribute to Past Rotary International President (200102) Richard D. King to celebrate his 50 years of service.

In addition to the evening festivities, we celebrated Rick’s birthday and we wish him and his wife, Cherie, many more years of inspiring others in the “Business of Mankind”.

The evening also made note of the donations towards the Richard D. King Endowed Fun for Peace Centers, which raised $300,000 and still counting!

Joining the celebration our guest speakers included: Barry Rassin - Rotary International President 2018-19 Gary C.K. Huang - Rotary International President 2014-2015 K R Ravindran - Rotary International President 2015-2016

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M.A.T. Caparas - Rotary International President 1986-1987 Cliff Dochterman - Rotary International President 1992-1993 Frank Devlyn - Rotary International President 2000-2001 Major donors to the Richard D. King Fund included: Rotary Past District Governor of District 5230 Joe and Linda Grebmeier - $100,000 Rotarians of the Rotary Club of Niles/Fremont - $110,000 Rotary District 5170, Tim Lundell DG - $25,000 Kenneth and Patricia Behring (Wheelchair Foundation and Blackhawk Museum) - $25,000 The evening was a memorable gathering of Rotarians, fellowship, and celebration!

If you are interested in learning more about Rotary and/or wish to contribute to the Richard D. King Endowed Fund for Peace Centers, please contact: Marguerite (Maggie) Padovani Rotary District 5170 mpadpr@gmail.com, (408) 799-0455, www.rotarydistrict5170.org

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26

DECEMBER 2018

Life through a Lens

Happiest Holidays at Disneyland!

By Sonia Lamba, Resident since 2015

I

t’s a beautiful time of the year! The Holiday season at Disneyland Resort, including the Festival of Holidays in Disney California Adventure, celebrates this season with special entertainment, music and food. No matter what the season, I love feeling like a kid again! I am often made fun of for standing in lines cheering and getting enlivened to meet and get photos with various Disney characters including the superheroes at Hollywood Land. The thrill of making new discoveries, riding the most exciting imaginative and colorful rides never fades away. Few of my favorite stops in both the parks from my recent annual visit are: • • • • •

Celebration of various cultures

Carsland-which is aglow with Christmas and neon lights, World of Color at Paradise Pier-Season of Light nighttime spectacular, Sleeping Beauty’s Winter Castle, Christmas Fantasy Parade with Mickey, Minnie and various Disney characters alongside Santa Claus, Plus many more.

It being an energetic and fun-filled day, myself and the kids often take breaks and eat at the multiple food stands that feature everything from global bites to comfort foods to traditional holiday goodies. Holidays also bring seasonally themed souvenirs to the stores making shopping merrier for us. We love hanging out at the World of Disney store in Downtown Disney. Too many goodies for a big kid like me!

I definitely found my holiday magic at Disneyland. My happy place indeed! But now back home in Blackhawk, my Christmas tree is adorned and twinkling in the magic of both old and new Disney ornaments, reminding me of the happy times with Mickie, Minnie and the whole gang. For the kid in me, it’s so hard to wait till the next time!

Carsland and its residents all decked up for the Holidays

Disney movies themed World of Color spectacular

Icicle-adorned Sleeping Beauty’s Winter Castle

Lets be a kid again!

Sonia Lamba As an amateur photographer, I have always loved taking beautiful photos of my friends and family, nature and travels. After having a fulfilling career in finance in New York, I moved to California in 2014 where my love for photography turned into an invigorating passion. The mountains, valleys, flowers, water and parks never looked so captivating before. I look for vibrant colors and different shades of life. I love capturing anything that intrigues and inspires me. Moving to gorgeous Blackhawk has further enriched and blossomed my love for the camera. I take my camera everywhere, regardless of how short the distance is.

Knowing me, there is always a photo opportunity!

BLACKHAWK LIVING 27

Expert Contributor

Mortgage Interest Rates Hit 8-Year High

By Steve Cline, Preferred Financial

A

ccording to the latest Freddie Mac report, the 30-year fixed rate average is at its highest point in almost 8 years, 4.94% with a half point charged (a point is a fee paid to a lender equal to 1% of the loan amount). In addition to that half-point, and using a $453,100 loan amount, the title, escrow, appraisal and all other finance-related fees will add another $3200+/- to the cost of a purchase or refinance transaction. Using those average numbers and loan amount, the consumer will pay about $5465 in fees to obtain a monthly payment of $2416. As a comparison, at Preferred Financial, the same loan amount of $453,100 has an interest rate of 4.875% with zero points and zero fees and a monthly payment of $2398*.

At its November meeting, the Federal Reserve left its key policy rate unchanged but signaled that it plans to keep responding to the strong U.S. economy with more interest rate increases. The next increase is expected in December 2018. *Preferred’s quote is based on rates as of November 9, 2018, a minimum credit score of 760 and a maximum 60% loan-to-value ratio.

Linda Kralik Blackhawk Resident for 33 Years

• Born and raised in the Danville area • A Member of the DD Riders • Five years on the San Ramon Valley AAU Swim Team • Moved back to Blackhawk in 1984 • Blackhawk Country Club Member since 1984 • Served as President for Women’s Tennis Asscociation • Served as President for the Blackhawk Swim Team • Served on numerous Blackhawk Country Club Committees • Blackhawk HomeOwner’s Association Board member for over 17 years

Linda Kralik Broker Associate and Luxury Specialist 4185 Blackhawk Plaza Circle, Suite #101 Danville, CA 94506

925-998-9446

www.TheBlackhawkTeam.com 28

CalBRE #00991436 DECEMBER 2018

Community Safety

HO, HO . . . O-NO !?!

By Aaron “Wally” Barger, Resident since 2012

T

he Holidays are truly a wonderful time of the year. This is especially true if you are able to get away to visit friends, family, or to go skiing.

One security concern we all face during this time of the year involves your home while you are away. Whether you are planning to take a long or short trip away from home, there are prudent security steps that you should consider prior to your departure. Typically, a homeowner will tell a neighbor that they will be gone for a period of time. This type of notice usually includes confirmation of your destination, phone numbers, and, possibly, a message regarding the housekeeper or gardener.

For some of us, this may be sufficient; however, in addition to the standard security services offered by our police department and HOA, other surveillance services are available. The most practical is the Vacation Home Check, which can be found on the Blackhawk website. This is a personal surveillance program provided by the Blackhawk Police Department in cooperation with the Blackhawk HOA’s security personnel. All Blackhawk residents are eligible to use the service.

Accessing the website is very simple and secure. To begin, open the website at www.blackhawk-hoa.com. Once on the home page click-on the Blackhawk Police logo (it is on the right side of the page), look for and click on the Vacation House Check form. Complete the information on the form. Make sure to answer all of the questions as completely, as possible. If additional information is required, an officer will contact you.

The questionnaire is not very long, but it helps the officer if your answers are as complete as possible. Here are a few suggestions to assist you: 1. Include Emergency Contact(s) by listing their name, home phone, cell phone, and email address.

2. Make sure to include specific information, such as, phone numbers, email addresses, and any other related information regarding service people who will have access to your home or lot. This list may include friends and family members, if appropriate, on your Vacation Home Check form.

3. Indicate dates and times that each individual is scheduled to be at your home.

If you have any questions, call the Blackhawk Police Department at 925-646-2441.

If you or any of your neighbors are interested in forming a Neighborhood Watch Program, you can contact me by email at aaron.barger@yahoo. com. You can, also, contact the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Department, Crime Prevention Unit, and ask for Christina Lind-Winters at 925-313-2682 for additional information or to schedule an orientation meeting to form a Neighborhood Watch program in your area.

Blackhawk Bloomers Garden Club

By Kim Chandler, Resident since 2012

Come join the Blackhawk Bloomers at our

Holiday Luncheon & Gift Exchange on Wednesday, December 12th at 11:15am in the Blackhawk Country Club Ballroom for

Social Time with Music Bring a $20 Garden Related Holiday Unwrapped Gift for the Gift Exchange Game!

In the Spirit of Giving (Optional donation) You can make a difference by donating to Shepherd’s Gate located in Livermore with any of the following items: Gift card to any grocery store Gift card to Wal-Mart, Target, Costco, CVS, etc.

BART Tickets New women’s pajamas and/or robes (size:s-xxl) New women’s slippers or socks If you don’t have time to shop, we are always happy to accept monetary donations-checks payable to Shepherd’s Gate. Shepherd’s Gate is a 501 © (3).

They receive no government or state funding, which means they rely completely on the faithful partnership of individuals, corporations, foundations, churches and civic organizations to reach out to women and children in desperate need.

Each donated item gets you one ticket towards a drawing to win a holiday gift.

Don’t Miss Out – Join now!

It’s easy to join Blackhawk Bloomers Garden Club.

If you belong to the Blackhawk Country Club or are a resident in the Blackhawk Community then we’d love to have you join. Blackhawk Bloomers Garden Club Membership is $50 annually.

You can pay either charging the $50 annual membership dues to your Blackhawk Member number or mail a $50 check payable to “Blackhawk Bloomers”, to the VP Membership: Pat Jenkins, 72 Blackhills Place, Danville, CA 94506. If you have any questions, please contact Pat Jenkins at 736-7654..

SAVE THE DATE: Wednesday, January 23 at Lakeside Ballroom for Bloomers Luncheon presented by Joan Morris, East Bay Times Columnist “Living with Wildlife” SAVE THE DATE: Wednesday, February 27 for the Bloomers Luncheon presented by Elaine Friedman from Covid Connection “Birds in the Garden” BLACKHAWK LIVING 29

Health and Wellness

‘Tis the Season for Falling

By Dr. Asha Bajaj, Resident Since 1986

T

he Scope of the Problem: Falls are the leading cause of injury among adults aged 65 years and older in the United States, and can result in severe injuries such as hip fractures and head traumas. Many older adults, even if they have not suffered a fall, become afraid of falling and restrict their activity, which drastically decreases their quality of life. As the U.S. population ages, both the number of falls and the costs to treat fall injuries are likely to increase. In 2000, falls among older adults cost the U.S. health care system over $19 billion, or $23.6 billion in 2005 dollars.

Risk Factors: Medical Risk Factors • Impaired musculoskeletal function, gait abnormality and osteoporosis • Cardiac arrhythmias (irregular heartbeat), blood pressure fluctuation • Depression, Alzheimer’s disease and senility • Arthritis, hip weakness and imbalance • Neurologic conditions, stroke, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis • Urinary and bladder dysfunction • Vision or hearing loss • Cancer that affects the bones • Side effects of medications Personal Risk Factors • Age. The risk for a fall increases with age. Normal aging affects our eyesight, balance, strength, and ability to quickly react to our environments.

• Activity. Lack of exercise leads to decreased balance, coordination, and bone and muscle strength.

• Habits. Excessive alcohol intake and smoking decrease bone strength. Alcohol use can also cause unsteadiness and slow reaction times.

• Diet. A poor diet and not getting enough water will deplete strength and energy, and can make it hard to move and do everyday activities.

Risk Factors in the Home • Many falls are the result of hazards like slippery or wet surfaces, poor lighting, inadequate footwear, and cluttered pathways in the home.

• Most fractures are the result of a fall in the home, usually related to everyday activities such as walking on stairs, going to the bathroom, or working in the kitchen.

Maintaining your health and staying physically active can help to reduce your risk for falling.

Understand Your Health and Medications • Get an annual eye examination, and a physical that includes an evaluation for cardiac and blood pressure problems.

• Maintain a diet with adequate dietary calcium and Vitamin D. • Do not smoke.

• Avoid excessive alcohol intake.

• Keep an up-to-date list of all medications and frequently provide it to all doctors with whom you consult.

• Check with your doctor(s) about any side effects of your medications and over-the-counter drugs, as fatigue or confusion increases your risk of falling.

• Make sure all medications are clearly labeled and stored in a well-lit area.

• Take medications on schedule with a full glass of water, unless otherwise instructed.

Never walk in your stocking feet. Replace slippers that have stretched out of shape and are too loose.

Home Modifications to Prevent Falls Bedroom • Place a lamp, telephone, or flashlight near your bed.

• Sleep on a bed that is easy to get into and out of.

• Replace satiny sheets and comforters with products made of nonslippery material such as wool or cotton.

• Arrange clothes in your closet so that they are easy to reach.

• Install a nightlight along the route between your bedroom and the bathroom.

• Keep clutter off the bedroom floor.

Living Areas • Arrange furniture so you have a clear pathway between rooms.

• Keep low-rise coffee tables, magazine racks, footrests, and plants out of the path of traffic.

• Install easy-access light switches at room entrances so you will not have to walk into a dark room in order to turn on the light. Glow-in-the-dark switches also may be helpful.

• Walk only in well-lighted rooms, stairs, and halls.

• Do not store boxes near doorways or in hallways.

• Remove newspapers and all clutter from pathways.

• Keep electric, appliance and telephone cords out of walkways, but do not put cords under a rug.

• Do not run extension cords across pathways; rearrange furniture.

• Secure loose area rugs with double-faced tape, tacks, or slipresistant backing.

• Do not sit in a chair or on a sofa that is so low that it is difficult to stand up.

30

DECEMBER 2018

• •

Repair loose wooden floorboards right away.

Remove door sills higher than a half inch.

Kitchen • Remove throw rugs.

• Clean up immediately any liquids, grease, or food spilled on the floor.

• Store food, dishes, and cooking equipment within easy reach.

• Do not stand on chairs or boxes to reach upper cabinets.

• Use nonskid floor wax.

Stairs • Keep stairs clear of packages, boxes, or clutter • Light switches should be at the top and bottom of the stairs.

Or, consider installing motion-detector lights which turn on automatically when someone walks by.

• Provide enough light to clearly see each stair and the top and bottom landings.

• Keep flashlights nearby in case of a power outage.

• Remove loose area rugs from the bottom or top of the stairs.

• Replace patterned, dark, or deep-pile carpeting with a solid color, which will show the edges of steps more clearly.

• Put non-slip treads on each bare-wood step.

• Install handrails on both sides of the stairway. Each should be 30 inches above the stairs and extend the full length of the stairs.

• Repair loose stairway carpeting or wooden boards immediately.

PORTEOUS FAMILY DENTISTRY

Larry Porteous D.D.S. + Linda Porteous R.D.H.

What to Do If You Fall • Do not panic. Assess the situation and determine if you are hurt.

• Slide or crawl along the floor to the nearest couch or chair and try to get up.

• If you cannot get up, call for help.

• If you are alone, slowly crawl to the telephone and call 911 or relatives Dr. Asha Bajaj, PT/DPT has 30+years experience in a variety of settings including the management and operation of an outpatient private practice in Walnut Creek. Asha has served in Bhutan, India, Vietnam and Malawi, Africa with Health Volunteers Overseas to train and develop their Physical therapy program. Asha has a special interest in Women’s health and did her doctoral project in the area of Bone health and Osteoporosis.

Her goal is to promote health and lifelong wellness.

Show us your best shot

Mornings on the Lakeside Course

By MJ McColgan, Resident since 1990 A beautiful fall morning on the 18th hole of the Lakeside Golf Course

“Let Our Family Be Your Family Dentist” We are celebrating 29 years in practice in the Bay Area.

Our practice is dedicated to treating and preventing dental diseases in a friendly, relaxed atmosphere. It is our philosophy to give each person the same respect, care and concern that we would want to receive as a patient.

50% OFF

Teeth Whitening

for new patients (reg $450)

(925) 736-9000 3840 Blackhawk Road Suite 110 Danville Across Blackhawk Rd. from Draeger’s Market

Independently Rated Highest in Quality

NINTH CONSECUTIVE YEAR

If you have an aching tooth, want to maintain your good dental health, are interested in improving your smile or just have questions or concerns, please call our office. We look forward to meeting you.

Providing Full Service Dentistry For The Entire Family

WWW.PORTEOUSFAMILYDENTISTRY.COM

BLACKHAWK LIVING 31

Recipe

Zucchini-Watercress Salad

By Parisa Z. Ambwani, Resident since 1983

Serves 4-5 • ½ cup extra virgin olive oil • Juice of ½ lemon, seeds removed • 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped • 1 teaspoon honeycomb • ¼ teaspoon sea salt OR to taste • 1 pinch black pepper, freshly ground • 2 young zucchinis (summer squash) • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil • 2 cups baby watercress, washed, pat-dried • 1 cup baby arugula, washed, pat-dried • 2 tablespoons slivered almonds, toasted lightly Garnish: With radish roses To blender add olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, honey, salt and pepper. Blend for a minute to make salad dressing and set aside.

Trim the ends of zucchinis and discard. Shave zucchini thinly lengthwise; use manual vegetable peeler/mandolin. In a frying pan/wok, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil and gently stir zucchinis for 30 seconds. In serving salad bowl pour in salad dressing, and loosely add watercress, and arrange zucchini in a circle around perimeter of watercress, and place arugula on top of watercress.

Sprinkle almonds and crumbled goat cheese on top of zucchini.

When you are ready, gently toss salad dressing and green salad together to make a hearty salad. Garnish with radish roses in the middle. © 2017 Parisa Ambwani ----- All rights reserved www.enlightenedrecipes.com

WE ARE ONLINE!

www.BlackhawkLivingCA.com Share our magazine with your friends and family today! www.BlackhawkLivingCA.com Pest Control Weed Control Tree Service

About Parisa Z. Ambwani: Parisa, a native of Persia who moved to Blackhawk in 1983, has a BA in Fine Arts. Deeply influenced by her mother’s cooking, she has spent three decades writing cookbooks and pairing food with her poetry, philosophy, herbs and spices, and herbal teas. Parisa’s unique cookbooks are known for their merging of useful culinary information with a clear understanding of the relationship with other human beings and with the universe. She has followed this recipe to write and photograph six books that weave her beliefs into caring words on how to live life to the fullest. Learn more by visiting her website, enlightenedrecipes.com 32

DECEMBER 2018

Health and Wellness

Wishing you Joyful Moments this Holiday Season

By Judi Magee, Resident since 2014

I

t’s the busy holiday season with so many things to do that we often miss the opportunity to enjoy the time. Our brains operate under a negativity bias that holds onto anything unpleasant that happens, to protect us from what might happen in the future.

Crowded stores, over-committing, family dynamics, too much to do, and unrealistic expectations all bring a wealth of experiences to dwell on (and on) about in a negative way. Is there a way or override our thinking and re-train our brains to focus more on the joyful moments?

Neuroplasticity is the brain’s capacity to learn and change itself.

Repeated and prolonged positive experiences can change the way the brain works. Dr. Rick Hanson, Ph.D. and neuropsychologist is a leader in this field and states, “There’s an expression in neuroscience: Neurons that fire together wire together.” So all those cycles you spend in replaying everything that went wrong or might go wrong, become well-worn paths in your brain, but by bringing your awareness to present joyful moments, and savoring those moments, for at least ten seconds, new patterns or pathways are created.

Dr. Hanson suggests that, “The remedy is not to suppress negative experiences; when they happen, they happen.

Rather, it is to foster positive experiences—and in particular, to take them in so they become a permanent part of you.”

So this holiday season stay present and look for the joyful moments that capture your mind and heart, then pause, breathe and savor the moment.

Happy Holidays!

Resource Hanson, Rick (2009) Buddha’s Brain: The Practical Neuroscience of Happiness, Love, and Wisdom

Judi Magee

National Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach with a Masters in Health and Wellness Coaching from Maryland University of Integrative Health.

Blackhawk

LIVING

Magazine wants to Sponsor Your Next Event As Here’s a few of the events we have sponsored over the past year: Aloha Kiss Fundraising Golf Tournament

Friends of Camp Concord Golf Tournament

Animal Rescue Foundation

Gianni’s Italian Bistro Tips for Change Fundraisers

Concours d’Elegance Danville Hot Summer Sunday Car Show Devil Mountain Run

(925) 449-1203

Discover Counseling Center’s 19th Annual Golf Tournament

Horses Healing Hearts Invest in Hope Golf Fundraiser Northgate High School Football Golf Fundraiser Swim with Mike Fundraiser

Discovery Counseling Center Have an event you want us to sponsor? Email jpeek@ bestversionmedia.com for more information.

BLACKHAWK LIVING 33

Expert Contributor

Gift Brilliantly A Holiday Tribute To The Incredible Women in Our Lives

By Steve Padis, Steve Padis Jewelry, Resident Since 1989

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;T

is the season to sparkleâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;and spread joy, and as the holidays approach, we take a moment to appreciate the people in our lives who make it all happen. There is something extra-special about the women in our lives who make home, â&#x20AC;&#x153;home.â&#x20AC;? My wife Judy is my rock; an amazing partner, spouse, friend, and mother to our four kids. I am so grateful to her for all she does for our family. In addition to working exceptionally hard during the holiday season alongside our team in the jewelry stores, she also does nearly all of our Christmas shopping and cooks a feast for our Christmas celebration at our home in Blackhawk for the entire family of nearly 50 people. She is remarkable in so many ways, and I feel so blessed to call her my wife.

Naturally, I am especially proud of our partnership with Forevermark on the Tributeâ&#x201E;˘ Collection, a collection that celebrates the uniqueness and importance of the women and moments that make our lives special. A Forevermark diamond is distinctive for many reasons, not least of which is its unalterable inscription, located inside the heart of diamond itself â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a true mark of integrity. These diamonds come with a promise: every single diamond is responsibly sourced, as well as beautiful and rare.

padisjewelry.com. We treasure the generations of families who allow us to become a part of their most precious moments. From our family to yours, we wish you a very happy holiday season!

Anytime.

Anywhere.

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The Forevermark Tributeâ&#x201E;˘ Collection celebrates the unique and brilliant woman who wears it. The pieces can be worn stacked or layered to reflect individual style and character. When combined, the look features multiple diamonds, paying tribute to the many qualities that together make her the incredible woman she is. The Forevermark Tribute Collection is perfect for symbolizing your own distinct traits, or for celebrating the many qualities of the woman you adore.

Less than 1% of the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s diamonds have the qualities to become a Forevermark diamond. The rarity and beauty of the Forevermark diamond is the perfect center to a piece of jewelry to celebrate lifeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most precious moments. A Forevermark diamond to commemorate those memories is the perfect marriage of strength and beauty, inspired by the women who hold our world together.

Roger Fernando Ins Agcy Inc Roger Fernando, Agent Insurance Lic#: 0F17071 2200 Camino Ramon San Ramon, CA 94583

Padis Jewelry has an extensive selection of Forevermark diamonds --- in fact the largest in the country. When you visit, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll also find a beautiful array of fine jewelry and timepieces from many other luxury brands such as Tacori, Roberto Coin, Verragio, TAG Heuer, Michael M and Breitling to name a few.

Our team at Padis is here and ready to help with all of your holiday shopping needs both in our stores and on our website at

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Consumer Protection Since 1934

Best Fine Jewelry

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The San Francisco Jewelry Center 101 Utah Street, Suite 201 San Francisco, CA 415-626-8288

The Padis Designer Galleria at the Gift Center 888 Brannan Street, Suite 128 San Francisco, CA 415-861-5388

The Gift Center 888 Brannan Street, Suite 165 San Francisco, CA 415-861-2325

ASK ABOUT OUR BLACKHAWK JEWELRY CONCIERGE SERVICE | 415-626-8288

Padis Romance St. Helena 1269 Main Street Saint Helena, CA 707-963-2288

VISIT OUR WEBSITE | WWW.PADISGEMS.COM

BLACKHAWK LIVING 35

Blackhawk 0482

LIVING

The market may change, but our focus remains the same: you You’re at the center of everything we do. Together, we’ll take a fresh look at the opportunities that a changing world can provide.

Call The Morasky Group to learn more today.

Lydia Morasky, CIMA® Financial Advisor

Mark Morasky, CRPC®, AAMS® Senior Financial Advisor

925.946.3087

925.945.4879

Merrill Lynch 1331 North California Boulevard Suite 400 Walnut Creek, CA 94596 925.945.4800 • fa.ml.com/the_morasky_group Merrill Lynch Wealth Management makes available products and services offered by Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, a registered broker-dealer and Member SIPC, and other subsidiaries of Bank of America Corporation.

Investment products: Are Not FDIC Insured Are Not Bank Guaranteed May Lose Value The Bull Symbol and Merrill Lynch are trademarks of Bank of America Corporation.

AAMS and CRPC are registered service marks of College for Financial Planning. Investments & Wealth Institute™ (The Institute) is the owner of the certification marks CIMA® and Certified Investment Management Analyst®. Use of CIMA®, and/or Certified Investment Management Analyst® signifies that the user has successfully completed the Institute’s initial and ongoing credentialing requirements for investment management professionals. © 2017 Bank of America Corporation. All rights reserved.

ARKKD9HB | AD-10-17-0516 | 470965PM-0117 | 10/2017