Northgate Living CA January 2023

Publication Team

Publisher: Jo Peek

Content Coordinator: Kara Navolio, Resident since 1991

Designer: Emily Lund

Contributing Photographer: Julie Cheshire

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Feedback/Ideas/Submissions:

Dear Neighbors,

Happy New Year!! Did you make any resolutions? Have you learned anything during 2022 that you are bringing into 2023? After almost three years of hearing about Covid, I’m focusing on joy and gratefulness, each day finding that peace that comes from nature or connecting with a loved one. Here’s to a year of growth, healing, and happiness for all of us!

In this issue you will meet the Kaminskys. Janet Kaminsky has taught piano to many neighborhood children and adults for many year. Learn how music has impacted the lives of Janet and her family in this month’s feature story.

You will also find informational articles from our experts and some fun resident articles from your own neighbors. Each month we are dedicated to bringing you the stories and events that you want to read about. If you have something to share, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re also always looking for our next great cover - so if you know of a person or family that you think would be great, please nominate them! You can reach me at knavolio@bestversionmedia.com.

Follow us on Facebook and Instagram @NorthgateLivingCA. Send us your photos and events!

Warm regards,

Kara Navolio

Northgate Living CA Content Coordinator

Resident Since 1991

Northgate 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 knavolio@bestversionmedia.com. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook: NorthgateLivingCA.

Jo Peek

Dentist

Life Dental & Orthodontics

Brian J. Hockel, DDS 925-934-3434 admin@lifedentalortho.com www.lifedentalortho.com

Design, Build & Remodeling

Gordon Reese Gordon Reese Design Build (925) 885-3770 Marketing@GordonReese.com GordonReese.com

Financial Advice

Element Wealth Management

Chris J. Held, CFP®, CRPS® CA Insurance #0E56816 (925) 433-9533 chris.held@elementwm.com www.elementwm.com

Hardscape Restoration

Concrete Paver Restorations

Drew Bogetti 408-828-6903 www.cprpaver.com drew@cprpaver.com

HVAC & IAQ

Evergreen IAQ

JC Garcia 925-444-5069 jc@evergreenIAQ.com https://evergreeniaq.com

Insurance Services

Crusberg-Decker Insurance Services, Inc.

Scott Decker and Patrick Decker (925) 239-0004 Scott@cdinsurance.com Patrick@cdinsurance.com http://www.cdinsurance-walnutcreek.com/

Landscaping

Vic Cvijanovic Pacific Landscaping 925-938-1777 vic@pacificscapes.com www.pacificscapes.com

Real Estate

Rita Dhillon

Compass Real Estate (925) 570-1010 Rita.Dhillon@compass.com www.RitaDhillonTeam.com

Religious Education

Contra Costa Christian Schools 925-934-4964 afullmore@cccs.org www.contracostachristianschools.org

Sports Medicine

Precision Sports Medicine & Chiropractic Dr. Christopher Matock, DC CCSP (925) 322-8074 info@precisionsportsmedicine.com www.precisionsportsmedicine.com

Dr. Brian Hockel graduated from UCSF School of Dentistry in 1989 and has practiced dentistry for over 30 years next door to the Ygnacio Valley Library on Oak Grove Road. The recipient of numerous awards, Dr. Hockel is active in several professional organizations. He combines his cosmetic, orthodontic, airway treatment and gnathology skills to bring about great changes in people’s smiles and health.

Since 1984, our family owned business has been guiding busy and successful homeowners in and around Walnut Creek through the design and construction of their dream spaces, providing them with price certainty, a stress-free experience, the highest level of professionalism, and environmentally sustainable methods and products. Contact us to turn your dream into reality with our 3D design and remodeling process.

For over 17 years, Chris has been working with families in Walnut Creek and the surrounding area. As a Certified Financial Planner™, he engages people with all aspects of money management. Originally from Plymouth, Minnesota, he is a huge fan of the outdoors, vintage cars and Minnesota Vikings. Chris has given back to the community by coaching and mentoring youth, organizing food drives, and lending professional services for those in need. He lives in the Diablo Shadows neighborhood with his wife and son.

We specialize in hardscape restoration, repairing, cleaning, sealing and staining to enhance your outdoor surfaces. We have developed state-of-the-art equipment with steam cleaning capability of 280-degree, disinfecting and melting away years of dirt, debris, algae and moss. Our technicians are ICPI certified in paver repair, root damage, settling cracks and correcting trip hazards. “We Bring Your Hardscapes Back to Life!”

We are a family owned, residential AC and heating company specializing in indoor air quality and high efficiency system maintenance. I truly believe that every household should be able to control their comfort level while keeping their energy costs to a minimum AND ensure clean, fresh air to breathe inside their own homes. It IS your castle after all.I am committed to reinventing the industry and showing the world a new way to do business and get things done... The Evergreen Way.

Crusberg-Decker is your local independent insurance agency with experience in both personal and commercial insurance. As independent agents, representing only “A” rated insurance companies, Patrick and Scott work with their clients to provide proper coverage, competitive premiums, and outstanding service. They take pride in establishing relationships and offering personalized service to each and every client.

Pacific Landscaping has been a premier provider of landscaping services in Contra Costa since 1986. We provide 1st class quality at competitive rates. For three decades, we’ve upheld a reputation of integrity and professionalism by strict dedication to our motto: “When Promised, As Promised.”

Rita has been a Northgate resident and selling neighborhood properties for over 25 years. She’s received numerous awards including being nominated as Realtor of the Year by the East Bay Business Times, previously ranked the #64 Realtor in America by the Wall Street Journal/REAL Trends, previously ranked the #1 Realtor in Contra Costa County, and ranked the #1 Realtor in Northgate for total sales volume over many years.

For over 40 years, Contra Costa Christian Schools has maintained its original mission to Prepare the Next Generation with Christian values and a quality academic foundation. While the instructional strategies and curriculum have evolved, the core mission of serving families in the East Bay has remained the same. CCCS provides a high quality 21st century education within a Christian context that equips students for success, whatever they choose to pursue.

Dr. Matock received his Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology with an emphasis in Exercise Science from CSU, Fresno. He attended Palmer College of Chiropractic West, where he received his Doctorate, graduating magna cum laude. Dr. Matock earned his Certified Chiropractic Sports Physician certification (C.C.S.P.) in 2010. He opened Precision Sports Medicine & Chiropractic in Walnut Creek in 2012.

Meet the Kaminskys:

A life filled with music

By Kara Navolio, Resident since 1991

Photos By Cantrell Portrait Design and Michael Van Auken Photography

Playing the piano has always been a part of Janet Kaminsky’s life. Her mom was a musician, and she taught Janet to play at age 4. As a child she played for churches and performed, and eventually her love of music grew into a lifelong career.

The piano is also what led Janet and Bill to meet. In 1982 while Bill worked at Bell Laboratories, he decided to take piano lessons through the College of DuPage in Glen Ellyn, IL. Janet was the teacher. Janet remembers, “The student who was supposed to come after Bill didn’t show up one day. It was a hot night and Bill suggested we go out for ice cream.” Their first date followed shortly. “He was the only student I ever dated.” They went to Ravinia, a venue in Chicago, to hear Beethoven’s 3rd piano concerto. Janet made fried chicken and Bill thought she must be a great cook, but Janet adds, “but I wasn’t. That was a once in a lifetime fried chicken!” They married anyway, two years later in Naperville, IL.

Both Midwesterners (Janet from Milwaukee, Wisconsin and Bill from Hammond, Indiana), it was Bill’s job with Air Touch that brought them to California in 1993. By this time, they had three children: Jonathan, Laura, and Dianne, who are all adults now and all play the piano as well. Jonathan lives in Davis, CA with his wife, Kelly. Jonathan is an Environmental Engineer, and Kelly is a veterinary pathologist. They have three fur babies. The Kaminsky’s middle child, Laura, is an elementary school teacher in the Chicago area; her husband, Tom, works in finance, and they have a cat Lulu.

Dianne is an Environmental and Ecological Engineer and also lives in the Chicago area. Her husband, Jonathan, works for the city of Carol Stream, Illinois, and, like her siblings, also has pets. Growing up in Northgate, the Kaminsky kids took advantage of youth sports and activities. Jonathan was involved in sports and scouts. Both girls danced at Contra Costa Ballet School and sang in the Contra Costa Children’s Choir. Dianne also coached soccer at Walnut Creek intermediate school and worked for the Walnut Creek Park District Youth Summer Program for three Summers.

Janet’s father, known as PopPop, moved from Illinois with the family and was like a 3rd parent to the kids. In addition to his babysitting duties, he provided much enrichment to the lives the of children with his love and many stories of growing up in Wisconsin during the depression and others.

Janet is a performing pianist and a Nationally Certified Teacher of Music. She holds Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Piano Performance. She has taught many Northgate kids and adults over the past 30 years. They have converted their living room into a music studio. Janet says, “It’s such a privilege to see kids grow from age 4 to young adults. They become like an extended family.” She is proudest of the fact that many of her students

take their love of music all the way through high school and beyond. “I just want them to love music,” she adds. “I don’t make them play only classical music whatever their interest is . . . Jazz, Disney tunes, popular music; it’s just about music becoming part of their lives.”

Janet is the pianist for the adult choir at Christ the King Church in Pleasant Hill. Bill sings in the choir and is retired now from his career as an engineering manager and security architect for the cellular telephone industry. He also served on the school board for Christ the King

Church and is a Eucharistic Minister there. He is an avid golfer, woodworker and photographer. When the kids were young, he coached soccer and baseball and helped with Boy Scouts. Janet was also involved with scouts and coaching soccer. She hosts Zoom meetings for a music-oriented book club.

Bill adds, “During the pandemic when piano classed moved to Zoom, parents started to hear not just how well Janet teaches, but also how she becomes an advisor and mentor to them.” The pandemic also helped Janet realize she could teach via Zoom, and she now has students from all over the country.

Janet and Bill have traveled much overseas and domestically, but their favorite place to go is to their townhouse in Illinois that they bought to have a place close to family and friends. But, they add, “we can’t imagine living anywhere other than Northgate. Our neighbors are caring and helpful. We love the wide sidewalks and enjoy walking through the neighborhood and visiting with neighbors.”

A life filled with music has brought Janet and Bill together and bonded them to this community for 30 years, with many more to come.

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 knavolio@bestversionmedia.com.

ARF Adoption Stars

By Christa Noriega, ARF Adoption Manager

Adopt a new best friend at ARF in Walnut Creek! View available dogs and cats online or visit ARF in-person: Wednesday-Sunday, 12-6pm, with early-bird sign-in available on weekdays beginning at 9 am. Our team is excited to guide you in choosing a pet, share information about their history and behavior, and provide helpful resources. This process can take time—please allow 60-90 minutes for in-person appointments. Here are a few of our adorable animals looking for love:

Turnip Aiden

Two-year-old Aiden is a charming and exuberant lad who has a zest for play. His soft coat and Hollywood smile are sure to catch your eye. He would make a great companion for an active guardian that likes to adventure. He loves to learn and is eager to work for praise and treats. Aiden has a positive history with other dogs and currently weighs 63 pounds .ARF adoption fees: $250 for an adult dog, $375 for a puppy (<6 months), $150 for a special-needs dog,$200 for a special-needs puppy (<6 months), and $150 for a senior dog (7+ years). Adoption fees are waived for US military Veterans.

Six-month-old Turnip is ready to find a loving home! He’s a confident, playful, chatty cat who will be your new best friend right away. He wouldn’t mind going home with his brother, Wigs. ARF Adoption fees: $125 for an adult cat, $175 for a kitten (<6 months), $200 for two adult cats,$300 for two kittens, $75 for a special-needs cat, $100for a special-needs kitten (<6 months),and $75for a senior cat (7+ years). Adoption fees are waived for US military Veterans.

Real Estate Real Estate is proudly sponsored by The Rita Dhillon Team

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3,542 2,749 2,112 Rita Dhillon 925.570.1010 rita.dhillon@compass.com DRE 01109990 Tim Dhillon 925.570.0418 tim.dhillon@compass.com DRE 01521381 Khush Kermanizadeh 925.577.3422 khush@compass.com DRE 01480990

6,609 6,098 2,589 2,330 2,245 2,802 2,074 2,216 1,663 1,628 1,940 3.5 3 3 Rita Dhillon Team #1 Northgate & Walnut Creek Realtor *TOTAL SALES VOLUME FROM 2001-2021 Compass is a licensed real estate broker in California and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only. Information is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions, changes in price, condition, sale, or withdrawal without notice. No statement is made as to accuracy of any description. All measurements and square footages are approximate. This is not intended to solicit property already listed. Nothing herein shall be construed as legal, accounting or other professional advice outside the realm of real estate brokerage.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS January

Through Jan. 16

Walnut Creek on Ice @Civic Park

Enjoy ice skating in downtown Walnut Creek. Tickets will be available at walnutcreekdowntown.com; private cabana rentals; birthday parties.

Thurs., Jan. 19

Remodeling Seminar

@online or in person (3021 Citrus Circle #170, Walnut Creek)

Do you dream of transforming your space? We can help turn your dream into a reality. Join our home remodeling seminar and allow our expert team to guide you through the basic steps of a home remodel, answer all of your questions, and more. Let us help you dream a little. After all, dreaming is the first step to creating something new. The event shall be available virtually or with limited in-person attendance with social distancing and following health and safety protocols.

RSVP: https://gordonreese.com/ home-remodeling-seminar/ or by phone (925) 885-3770

Cost: Complimentary Time:6pm

Sat., Jan. 21

Northgate Boosters Crab Feed @Centre Concord

This will be an event to remember! Enjoy a fabulous crab and pasta dinner, fine wine, fabulous auction items, live music, dancing and great adult company! Supports Northgate athletic teams and the Sports Medicine program. Tickets at https:// www.northgatebroncos.org/boosters Time: 6-11pm

Jan. 14 - Apr. 2

Erin Fong | The Sensation of Color exhibit

@Bedford Gallery, Lesher Center for the Arts

Our world is saturated with colors that inform our day-to-day experience in subtle, unconscious ways. Through dedicated experimentation, Bay Area artist and letterpress printer Erin Fong explores this concept and how color affects our emotional responses. Erin Fong | The Sensation of Color will transform the gallery into a vibrant lab with the artist’s prints, paintings, and installations. The exhibition invites visitors to tap into their experience, both individually and collectively, as they are immersed in hues across the spectrum. How do colors make us feel, and how do they foster human connection?

Cost: $5

Time: Gallery open from Wed. –Sun., 12-5pm, excluding holidays

Any day

Public Art Self-Guided Audio Tour

Enjoy a self-guided audio tour of Public Art in Walnut Creek, featuring 33 stops about the artwork in the downtown area. Look for the pink and orange Public Art signs around town, located by artworks. Dial the number on the signs to hear about that artwork. More information: https:// www.bedfordgallery.org/ public-art/public-art-tours Cost: free

Every Saturday

Farmers’ Market

@Shadelands Business Park

Farmers bring their best from the nearby farming areas, kid’s craft corner, live music. www.cafarmersmkts.com/ diablo-valley-farmers-market Time: 9am-1pm

Save the Date:

Tues., March 7, 2023

Bay Area Women’s Conference @Lesher Center for the Arts

The 18th annual EBWC is celebrating 18 years of excellence. Reserve your seat now with early registration pricing through Dec. 30. Keynote and guest speakers, exhibitor booths, bookstore and author signings, networking. Walnut-creek. com or EBWC for updates and tickets

JOIN NORTHGATE LIVING Teen Journalism Team

Submitted by Kara Navolio and Diana Daymond

Sharing the teen perspective with the neighborhood

• Do you have a teen writer in your family?

• A budding journalist?

• A student looking to contribute to the community through volunteer work and build their college application portfolio?

• Adult writers: Please join us as a teen mentor!

Encourage your teen to join the Northgate Living Teen Journalism Team!

• Writers in grades 8-12

• Research, investigate, interview, report and write about life in our Northgate neighborhood: athletic teams, neighborhood events, interesting classmates and neighbors, volunteer projects, parks and open spaces, history…. your ideas!

• Have your work published and enjoyed by your neighbors.

• Support your community.

• Work with other teen journalists.

• Create material for your college application portfolio.

• Volunteer Work

• Be willing to commit to attending the monthly meeting and devote about 6-8 hours a month to create an article.

• Monthly meetings First Tuesday of the month.

• Next meeting is January 3rd, 6:30pm via Zoom. Email Diana for link.

• Mentored by Diana Daymond and Kara Navolio

• We are also welcoming adult mentors who love to write and will help guide our Teen Team

• Questions? Email: dianadaymond@gmail. com

Calling all sports fans, Northgate Bronco families and alumni

Submitted by Jill Walson, Northgate Athletic Boosters

Come enjoy a night out by supporting the Northgate High School Athletic Boosters Program at the Crab and Pasta Feed. There will be delicious crab, pasta, fine wine, auction items, and dancing.

The Northgate Bronco Boosters are made up of proud parents, faculty, and sponsors of Northgate High School’s athletic programs, spirit programs, and our Certified Athletic Trainer and Sports Medicine program. The Boosters’ efforts and financial support influence and benefit over 800 students each year. We provide approximately $90,000 per year to help fund the costs of our athletic and Sports Medicine programs financed by Athlete Membership fees, Sports teams, the annual Crab Feed & more! (ALL Donations are tax deductible).

Our Crab Feed is our largest fundraising event, and this year our targeted support is for scoreboards. With over 26 athletic programs at Northgate, it takes a team effort to keep our facilities up to date. Our annual Crab Feed highlights our athlete’s success

Where residents find and recommend the best local, trusted businesses

and gives families a chance to come together to support our Broncos. All are welcome to attend!

Saturday, January 21 from 6-11pm at the Centre Concord. Tickets available at https://northgatehighschool.maestroweb. com/

Charity Spotlight

Northgate Football has an exciting season and one of the best finishes in many years

By Kara Navolio, Resident since 1991

The 2022 Northgate Football season was a success, not just because they had a winning record, played through adversity, and made it to the NCS semifinal playoff game, but, most importantly, according to many players, fans, and alumni, because they beat Las Lomas High School for the first time in seven years!

The cross-town rivalry with Las Lomas has always been known as The Battle of the Creek. The current team had never won against Las Lomas in the annual regular season meeting; the same was true of this year. But after a hardfought season at 7-5 when many of the team’s starters battled though injuries, Northgate earned a position in the post season. Their first opponent would be Las Lomas. It would be the first time Northgate and Las Lomas played each other in the post season.

The team was led by three senior captains: John Pelletier, Emilio Pucci and James Bondad. By the second quarter

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the score was 7-21 Las Lomas, but Northgate was not giving up. Right before the end of the half Pelletier threw a 65-yard touchdown pass to his long-time friend Pucci to bring the game within reach at 14-21. Then in the 3rd quarter Northgate scored again, tying the game at 21.

more local sports articles just like this on BVMSports.com

Northgate team after the Las Lomas win. Image by Zack Torrey

In the 4th quarter

Pucci returned a punt for 40 yards, setting up an eventual field goal by Lucas LeSieur with about three minutes left. Northgate recovered an onside kick, but eventually Las Lomas came within striking distance for a field goal, which missed by inches. With only six seconds left on the clock. Las Lomas once again had a chance to score. Emmanuel Karnley, a Div. I recruit who plays for Las Lomas, ran down the field. Pelletier tackled him, forcing him out of bounds and the game ended with a Northgate win 24-21. “It was probably the highlight of my high school career,” said Pelletier.

Northgate advanced to the semifinals to play El Cerrito. It was Northgate’s first time in the semifinals in seven years.

Pucci suffered a high ankle sprain only four minutes into the game. Pelletier was injured right before halftime. Unfortunately, El Cerrito just had more weapons. Pelletier added, “All we [he and Pucci] could do was cheer on our teammates. We lived out our last minutes from the side lines.” The two young men have been playing football together since 3rd grade, and even though that last game was disappointing, they have great memories of their final season together, and luckily both have recovered from their injuries.

Coach Ben Ballard added, “The season is a long grind. The players put in a lot of hard work starting in the summer. They really grew together as a team. It was cool to see these guys succeed.”

Pucci, who won All-League 1st team honors, has offers from several West Coast Division 3 colleges and some interest from Division 1 schools. Next season he plans to play football and study business or kinesiology. Pelletier, who was named All-League 2nd team, is still debating his plans for next year, either attending Junior College to continue playing football or attending a university to begin his studies in mechanical engineering.

Northgate also had two other players who received All-League honors: Emanuel Webster, a senior running back, All-League 1st team, and Liam Walsh, a junior defensive end, AllLeague 2nd team. Congratulations to the all the players and coaches for a great season!

Raul Shah: From Johns Hopkins to the World Baseball Classic

By Mike Roberts, BVM Sports Journalist

Baseball has taken Raul Shah through a journey only few are able to fully understand. Coming from a Division III program, the road to the highest level once looked much steeper starting at the very bottom. Now, the game is continuing to provide new opportunities that fuel his passion to continue on. Shah – who has gone through stints in both independent and MLB partnered leagues – will partake in what is certainly the most prestigious event of his ongoing professional career this March... Continue reading on the BVM Sports website.

Featured Article

Image Courtesy: Paul Stodart

Pelletier and Pucci after the Las Lomas win. Image by Michael Pucci.

Pelletier and Pucci after their last game. Image by Michael Pucci.

Everything you need to learn about life in a season of cross country

By Ruth Seabrook, Head Coach, Northgate Cross Country

Northgate High School’s Boys and Girls Cross Country team experienced a season packed with excitement, disappointment, learning, and growth.

Last year both teams succeeded beyond their goals, and for the first time in 17 years competed at the State Meet in Fresno. With no seniors graduating, the girls went on to even greater heights this season, 1st at the famous Mt SAC invitational in Los Angeles, an individual win for Team Captain Megan Malloy, 2nd in League, 3rd at NCS, and finally 12th at State. In contrast our boys graduated five seniors and were looking to rebuild this year around fast juniors, Robert Benard and Nick Knisley. In a rebuilding year, the boys then suffered a succession of blows brought on by illness and injury, but battled through to come in 7th at NCS and had their team represented at State by one qualifier, Robert Benard.

They learned to build their own community through an unwavering daily commitment to something challenging and difficult. Showing

up since summer training in June for tough long efforts in the hills around Shell Ridge, Lime Ridge and Castle Rock, or after a long day in the classroom. They learned to support each other during these moments, and found a deep emotional connection through that shared suffering building friendships and bonds that will stand the test of time.

The girls felt that connection and used it to transform themselves into warrior selves before each race. That tense hour before racing they could be seen forming a bubble braid train, standing, kneeling or crouching in a row, with rainbow bands in hands sculpting their hair into a unified look. When the job was done they would sprinkle glitter for the finishing touch, dabbing it Alexi Pappas style like fairy dust. Their new identity endowing special powers, and protecting them from the pain of running fast and long in searing heat. As the season unfolded, even the boys were asking for glitter, seeing the changes the transformation could bring.

These athletes learned to love what you do even on the days your body can’t hold the pace and you are spun off the pack halfway and have to hold on as best as you can; when that cold or cough you thought you had finished with decides to return with a vengeance mid race and your breathing and lungs are ragged and coarse.

They learned to try, and then actually become happy, for teammates when everyone medals or scores a PR except you - knowing it is about the running not the shiny bauble.

They learned the emotional flexibility that comes when at 4.45 pm the evening before NCS, in a blink of an eye you run through all four of your alternates, as illness and injury strike and your teammates are ending their season a day early, facing bitter disappointment and loss instead of anticipation.

You learn that you can run the race of your dreams at the highest stress meet of the year and still miss a spot at State by one runner, one second or one breath. But you still keep going

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forwards because you love the run, love to improve, and the people you get to do it with each day.

You learn that sometimes you feel better than you ever imagined and that the weather is perfect, your legs are limitless, and the only pain is in your lungs and its the searing exhilarating kind of pain that you brought on yourself because you needed to feel it and you knew that it had to hurt for you to feel your own edges.

You learn that even if you are having an incredible season the repetitive blunt trauma of striking the ground with your feet hundreds and thousands of times a season might yield tendonitis, stress fractures or season ending injuries. It keeps you humble and part of a community that does everything it can to avoid injury but at the same time accepts it - because this contact sport with the earth is worth it.

You see a universe of data and competitors’ race times online, glamorously fast workouts on social media and Strava and remember that none of it matters as you are only comparing yourself to the person you were at the start of the day.

You know that everything you learned this season will inform you for the rest of your life and that you learned it all with the people you will care for the most.

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Off to a fresh start for the new year!

By Lisa Assoni, Shortcut Cook, Resident since 2012

Start your New Year off with market fresh produce. Yes, I do love my assorted frozen veggies, but fresh vegetables are the best. So put your best food forward with fresh produce.

Feast your eyes on this. Just look at the assortment of veggies I purchased from our local market. Vegetables are loaded with essential nutriments and pack a lot of nutrition with minimum calories. They’re full of vitamins, minerals, and help sustain hunger while helping build a substance called phytonutrients. Their plant compounds provide good health benefits.

AND-The number one resolution for the New Year---is losing weight. This recipe will help you do just that!

• 2 Tbs. butter

• 1 red peppers, diced -remove seeds

• ½ cup diced cabbage

• 1 glove minced garlic

• ½ cup fresh sweet onion

• 1 tomato, sliced thin

• 1 medium size zucchini, sliced thin

• 1 tsp. salt

• ½ cup vegetable low sodium broth

In a large non-stick fry pan, on medium heat, soften butter and toss in all veggies. Stir well, and sauté’ for about 5 minutes. Check for doneness. Careful, these little veggies are hot. Add 2 eggs, scramble till mixed well.

A real meal-pleaser. Eat for a breakfast, lunch, or dinner!

Side note: Be creative. Add your favorite vegetables to the mix.

Looking for Sports Stories

Have a star athlete in your home or on your team? Know of a coach that’s been around forever? Is there an undefeated team out there or a team doing great things?

We have an opportunity to share our amazing local sports on a national level with the new BVMSports website. There are so many fantastic teams across all levels (youth through professional!) represented right here in our town, how great would it be to get them nationally recognized?!

If you know of an athlete, coach, or team that you would love to shine a light on? Send me an email at knavolio@bestversionmedia.com.

Read about our local athletes at www.bvmsports.com.

Boundary Oak WANTS YOUR INPUT

By Colin Holland, Resident since 1997

Boundary Oak Golf Course wants your input.

The City of Walnut Creek and the management team at Boundary Oak have initiated a new survey to get input on conditions and service at the golf course. It’s open to all residents of Walnut Creek and regular players at the course. It is our opportunity provide constructive input on what is going well and what is not.

Please take the time to fill out the survey, which you can find by typing into Google “Boundary Oak Customer Survey.”

Got Beer? Cozy Winter Recipes

By Lisa Crossett, Resident since 2001

Whycook with beer? Beer adds a rich, deep earthy flavor to soups and other dishes that makes them taste like they’ve been simmering for hours. Beers with a sweet or nutty taste can add depth to bread. Don’t worry about getting tipsy– virtually all the alcohol evaporates during the cooking process.

While some recipes call specifically for beer, many recipes that call for wine you can substitute with your favorite brew – they’ll come out with a more malty, toasty flavor. Just like wine, you should reconsider cooking with a beer that you wouldn’t drink. If you don’t like the flavor in a tall frosty glass, chances are it won’t appeal to you on a plate. A beer can qualify as either a lager or an ale, depending on the fermenting process. Whether you enjoy a pale ale, stout, or porter, you can use your favorite beer in a variety of recipes.

Winter is a beautiful time of year. The days are shorter with longer nights that are often chilly and sometimes blustery in the bay area. Typically, hubby and I enjoy a Saturday evening at home with a roaring fire, our Havanese by our sides while watching a Hallmark movie, which we affectionally call - “love movies.” Recently, I dusted off my trusty chili recipe and kicked it up a few notches by adding a bottle of beer and freshly brewed coffee. Both add depth of flavor along with the spices and heat from the chilis. Growing up, my mom would make beer bread which was a treat.

I love making beer bread and enjoying the scent of freshly baked bread lofting throughout the house. To accompany the piping hot bowl of chili, a slice of warm beer bread topped with a tad of butter is a perfect pairing. Feel free to enjoy your chili with a tall pint of beer or your favorite cabernet sauvignon. Cheers!

Lisa has been a Northgate resident since 2001. Professionally she is the Head of Talent Acquisition for Mechanics Bank with headquarters in Walnut Creek. She is the President of California Recruiters and on the board for Community Arts Foundation based in Walnut Creek. Lisa’s passion is Food, Wine and Entertaining. She publishes a food blog called Authentic Suburban Gourmet and loves to throw elegant dinner parties, explore wine country, collect wine and cook great food.

authenticsuburbangourmet.blogspot.com authenticsuburbangourmet@gmail.com Instagram: @authenticsuburbangourmet

Beer Chili

By Lisa Crossett, Resident since 2001

Beer Chili

• 1 lb. ground beef

• 1 lb. ground sausage

• 1 large onion, diced

• 2 jalapenos, seeded and diced

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1 teaspoon pepper

• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika

• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes

• 2 tablespoon chili powder

• 2 tablespoon ground cumin

• 1 (12 oz) bottle favorite beer

• 2 (29 oz) can tomato sauce

• 1 cup chicken stock

• ½ cup strong coffee

• 2 (15 oz) pinto beans, rinsed

• 2 pinches cayenne pepper

In a large stock pot, cook ground beef and sausage. Drain fat. Add olive oil, onions, garlic and jalapenos. Cook for 3 minutes over medium heat. Add salt, pepper, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, chili powder, ground cumin and cook for 3 minutes. Add tomato sauce and swirl chicken stock in tomato sauce cans to pick up any extra sauce that stuck to the can and add to pot. Stir well. Add beer and coffee and combine. Lastly add the beans and cayenne.

Bring to a quick boil, then reduce to low heat and cook for one hour. Taste and adjust seasonings to add more heat or intensity of flavors. When serving, add cilantro, green onions, tortilla strips, sliced avocado, sour cream, and any other favorite toppings.

Beer Bread

By Lisa Crossett, Resident since 2001

Beer Bread

• 3 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 tablespoon baking powder

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 3 tablespoon dark

brown sugar

• 1 (12 oz) beer

• 4 tablespoon melted butter

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. In a large bowl, add the flour, salt, baking powder and sugar and combine. Add the beer and mix well until combined. Prepare a 9x5x3 loaf pan with non-stick cooking spray and pour the batter to the loaf pan. Pour the melted butter over the top.

Bake for 50 to 60 minutes. Check the beer bread for doneness by inserting a knife. Once the knife comes out clean, the bread is done. Let cool for about 10 minutes and serve with butter. If you don’t finish it, it makes great toast the next morning. Enjoy!!

Successful remodels in 2023

By Gordon Reese, Gordon Reese Design Build, Resident since 2008

Last month’s topic was about the “Dreaming” part of a home remodeling project. This month I have 2 topics to share:

1) Tips for a successful 2023 remodel

2) Why I Love the Design Build business

Planning to remodel in 2023? There are several challenges homeowners face completing their remodeling projects these days:

• Project design

• Permitting times

• Supply chain challenges

Designing a Project:

Design teams do not purposely design over budget, but budgeting to a design ends up being the most common approach. This approach can certainly create a project you love BUT the cost of construction may end up being too expensive to build causing additional time, money, and frustration. Remodeling is extremely complex and takes a highly skilled team with years of experience to complete a design that can be built within an approved investment range.

Permitting:

The permitting process has become more complicated and time consuming causing up to 6 months and more for some projects. Start your project’s design early!

Supply chain management:

We are in a time of relative uncertainty. Order your projects materials and appliances as early as possible to avoid delays.

Let Gordon Reese Design Buildstart your project design now to make sure a 2023 project completion is possible. It is never too early to start!

I love the Design Build business because there is no greater reward than visiting with homeowners two, five or ten years after their remodeling is complete and seeing that their home still looks and functions great.

I love hearing stories about how an addition, new kitchen, or remodeled outdoor living area has enhanced a family’s life. Whether that is on a daily basis or during those special events and holiday celebrations. Creating these one-of-a-kind, personalized remodeling solutions for peoples’ homes is exactly why I started Gordon Reese Design Build and what fuels my passion for the remodeling industry.

In the over 39 years of remodeling projects, I have seen our team solve almost every imaginable type of remodeling challenge.

Finding solutions for homeowners and helping them improve their homes, sense of comfort and wellbeing at home is a passion of everyone on our team. We don’t just create beautiful spaces - we provide meaningful, customized solutions that give long-lasting results.

Feel free to share your remodeling goals with us so we can help you understand how to create a positive and rewarding remodeling experience.

If you are considering ways to love your home a little more, why not attend our next monthly remodeling seminar where you will learn valuable tips to help navigate your next home improvement project. Visit our website to register: www.GordonReese.com

Let us know if you would like more information on any of the topics we have shared. We look forward to answering your home remodeling and improvement questions. Email your questions to: Questions@GordonReese.com.

Happy Remodeling!