Sharing her love for Northgate through her work and philanthropy
Publication Team
Publisher: Jo Peek
Content Coordinator: Kara Navolio, Resident since 1991
Designer: Kristen Baker
Contributing Photographer: Julie Cheshire
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: Knavolio@bestversionmedia.com. Any content, resident submissions,
Dear Neighbors,
Happy Mother’s Day to all the moms, and I hope everyone is enjoying the beautiful spring weather.
In this issue you will meet Kathy Vendel, someone with a deep love and commitment to the Northgate community. There are lots of fun events to check out in our calendar and stories on nonprofits doing amazing things in our community. Hopefully you’ll find new ways to feel inspired to help others.
I’m eager to hear from you and share your stories whether you have gardening or book tips, an adorable pet, an interesting adventure to share, a hobby, a recipe, a charity you’re involved with, or any other topic you think the Northgate neighbors would like to hear more about. I’m also looking for families to feature each month on the front cover. I believe that interesting stories don’t just come from celebrities, but from our own communities. Everyone has a story to tell, and I’d love it if you’d let me tell yours. Send your articles and photos to knavolio@bestversionmedia.com.
Connect with us on Facebook or Instagram and visit us online at www.northgatelivingCA.com.
Kara Navolio
Northgate Living CA Content Coordinator Resident Since 1991
Jo Peek
Brian J. Hockel, DDS Michaela Ching, DDS
Expert Contributors
Dentist
Life Dental & Orthodontics
Brian J. Hockel, DDS 925-357-3630
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
Functional Medicine & Nutrition
Body Love Cafe
Dr. Brandy Zachary, DC, IFMCP (925) 788-6300 Team@BodyLoveCafe.com www.BodyLoveCafe.com
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
Tree Service
John Traverso
Traverso Tree Service (925) 930-7901 traversotree@gmail.com www.traversotree.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.
Dr. Brandy Zachary, DC, IFMCP discovered the power of Functional Medicine first hand when a “mystery illness” left her declared permanently disabled. Unwilling to accept that diagnosis, she fought back and launched Body Love Cafe, an award-winning holistic health clinic. BLC is all about natural medicine that meets cutting-edge science to provide answers as to why you don’t feel well. We hear you. We see you. We believe you. It’s not in your head and we’ve got the technique and labs to show why. Patients have said “Dr. Zachary figures out why you feel like crap but your MD says you’re fine.”
We specialize in hardscape restoration, repairing, cleaning, sealing & staining enhancing your outdoor surfaces. We have developed state of the art equipment with steam cleaning capability of 280° disinfecting and melting away years of dirt debris, algae, and moss. Our technicians are ICPI certified in paver repairs, root damage, settling cracks and 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.
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.
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.
From the diagnostic of tree problems, to pruning, cabling and bracing, tree removal, stump grinding and planting of new trees, Traverso Tree Service, Inc is here for all of your tree care needs. We’re a local business proud to have been serving the community for over 30 years.
Meet Kathy Vendel: Sharing her love for Northgate through her work and philanthropy
By Kara Navolio, Resident since 1991
Kathy Vendel has lived in Northgate for 20 years with her husband, Jim, and two, now grown, children. She has become an expert on the neighborhood through her work as a real estate agent representing Better Homes & Gardens.
Her first job, however, was in tech support for United Airlines headquarters in Mt. Prospect, IL. As Kathy says, “This was back in the day of free ‘write-your-own’ airline tickets, and my co-workers and I frequently met up at O’Hare Airport on Friday after work to travel someplace fun for the weekend!” She then went to work for a software
company where she met Jim. Jim was from the south side of Chicago, and Kathy grew up on the north side. It would seem that a White Sox fan and a Cubs fan might not hit it off, but their work brought them together in 1993. Jim received an offer to move to the company’s Alameda development office in February 1994, just when Chicago was having some record low temperatures, getting down to 80 degrees below zero! It made a move to California seem like a no-brainer. He promptly accepted the offer after arranging for Kathy to join him. They got engaged the following year and not too long after that they planned a trip to Kauai to paddle along the Napali coast. “Neither of us had kayaked before,” remembers Kathy. “So we took lessons at the Berkeley Marina. We trained in one-person kayaks, learning to successfully navigate and roll the kayaks. We were confident! However, when we arrived for the Napali trip, they place us in a two-person kayak. Surprise! Trying to cooperate to paddle 11 miles that day in an unusual head wind…taught us everything we needed to know about how to succeed in marriage. We did not kill each other that day, and we have been happily married for 25 years.”
Kathy and Jim have two kids in college and are enjoying the empty nest phase of life. Jim is semi-retired now and enjoys brewing his own beer and playing guitar. Kathy loves her work representing Northgate homeowners and uses her work as an opportunity to give back to our community. With each home sale, she gives a portion of her commission to a local charity including the education funds of her kids’ former schools: Walnut Acres, Foothill and Northgate, as well as Northgate’s athletic and music booster organizations, Curtain Up Youth Theater and Scottsdale Swim Club. Kathy is also a founding business sponsor of the Community Arts Foundation (formerly Civic Arts Education Foundation). “This is one of my favorite aspects of my work,” says Kathy. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to help Northgate neighbors with their moves and the opportunity to give back!”
The Vendels also have a cat, Viva, and a dog, Mr. Butter who are both rescues from ARF.
Photo by Julie Cheshire
The Vendels moved to Northgate in 2002 for the family-friendly community and highly-rated schools. “Finding our home was love at first sight,” remembers Kathy. “Every day we are grateful to be part of such an incredible community. We loved raising our kids here, loved walking them to Walnut Acres and participating in all that the community has to offer.”
Although Kathy is a homebody, when she can be convinced to leave the backyard, you can usually find her and Jim hiking Shell Ridge or Briones, driving through wine country, or making an occasional visit to Kauai.
She looks forward to seeing everyone out in the neighborhood!
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.
Photo by Julie Cheshire
JAZZ JERSEY
Jazz is a sweet, gorgeous girl who is on the shy side, but she doesn’t let that stop her from exploring and having a good time. She would do well in a home with a back yard where she can run around and exercise both her body and her nose and play to her heart’s content. This loving girl is sure to bring a lot of fun wherever she goes and will definitely jazz up your life once she comes out of her shell! Jazz has a positive history with other dogs. She is currently six months old and weighs 36 pounds.
Jersey is a gentle sweetheart who will steal your heart with her giant ears that she could practically fly away with, not to mention her incredibly loving personality. This darling girl just
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 us in-person during open hours – no appointment necessary! We’re open for adoptions Wednesday through Sunday, 12 to 6 pm. Here is a litter of German Shepherd siblings currently looking for love:
ARF adoption fees: $250 for an adult dog, $350 for a puppy (<6 months), $125 for a special-needs dog, $175 for a special-needs puppy (<6 months), and $125 for a senior dog (7+ years). Adoption fees are waived for US military Veterans.
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.
wants to crawl in her person’s lap and be loved on all day! She can be a little fearful and would do great in a home that can help build her confidence as the only pet in the household. She is currently six months old and weighs 36 pounds.
Jordan is a sweet, cuddly, and handsome young lad who wants nothing more than to be glued to his person’s side. He needs a loving adopter who will help him feel adored and secure, build his confidence and work on his manners, as well as provide him with lots of play and exercise for all that puppy energy! This beautiful boy is sure to grow into an amazing companion who will provide an abundance of love and cuddles for years to come. He is currently six months old and weighs 30 pounds.
JORDAN
Real Estate Listings in Northgate
Rita Dhillon Team
CALENDAR OF EVENTSMay
Sat., May 21
Public Art Walking Tour
@Meet in front of Lesher Center for the Arts Bedford Gallery offers one hour docent-led walking tours of Walnut Creek’s wonderful downtown public art collection every third Saturday, April through November. Our Docents are trained by public art specialists and can offer information and insight appropriate for all ages. More information: https://www.bedfordgallery.org/public-art/ public-art-tours.
Cost: Adult $5.00. 18 years or younger are free. Please pay in person (cash only). Includes admission to Bedford Gallery.
Time: 10-11am
Sun., May 22
Animals on Broadway
@Broadway Plaza, Walnut Creek
ARF’s Annual Pet Walk/Parade and Wellness Fair in downtown Walnut Creek. Join ARF in celebrating the special bond between pets and people at this community festival at Broadway Plaza.
Bring the whole family - including your petand walk to save lives at the Pet Walk! Sign up as an individual or with friends as a team to help raise $100,000 for animals in need at this one-mile walk. Then, the fun continues with raffles, demonstrations, and Pet Wellness Fair offering an array of health services for your best friend. ARF and other rescue groups will have furry friends of all sizes available for adoption.
Time: 9:30 am
Thurs., May 26
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-remodelingseminar/ or by phone (925) 885-3770.
Cost: Complimentary
Time: 6pm
Through June 19
Forced to Flee Art Exhibit
@Bedford Gallery, Lesher Center for the Arts
Throughout history, people have been forced to flee from their homes for their own
safety and survival due to war, oppression, natural disasters, and atrocious human rights violations. The refugee crisis has imposed severe impacts on the social, economic, and political structures of host countries, especially poor and developing nations. This powerful and timely exhibition illustrates the global challenges arising from the current refugee crisis affecting communities across the world. Forced to Flee was organized by Studio Art Quilt Associates, Inc.
Cost: $5
Time: Gallery open from Thurs. – Sun., 12-5pm, excluding holidays
Mon., May 30
Memorial Day Celebration – Walnut Creek Concert Band
@Civic Park
Walnut Creek Concert Band will perform old favorites in honor of Memorial Day.
Time: 10-11am
www.walnutcreekconcertband.org
Save the date:
Anytime
June 3 – June 5
Family Fun Scavenger Hunt
@Walden Park
The Arts + Rec team will hide 15 “summer themed” clues at Walden Park during the weekend of 6/3-6/5. Sign up to hunt for some summer themed favorites in your local park while enjoying the outdoors. The Thursday before the big hunt, you will receive an emailed Scavenger Hunt Map. Follow the clues any time during the window of 6/36/5. Once you reach your final step, take a selfie and email it by 6/8 to ArtsRecEvents@ walnut-creek.org to be entered into a raffle. Dressing in summer fun outfits encouraged! Scavenger hunt should take approximately 30 minutes and is geared to families with children aged 8 & younger.
Cost: $10 per family. No refunds.
June 4-5
Art and Wine Festival
@Heather Farm Park
After a two-year absence due to COVID, the Walnut Creek Art & Wine Festival returns. The beautiful Heather Farm Park, Walnut Creek location, has attracted a broad and loyal audience for 38 years and is an ideal opportunity for you to reach many specific target audiences. Fun for the entire family, the festival offers two days of exposure to 60,000 + attendees from all over the Bay Area as they fill the park to enjoy art and commercial vendor booths, a wide range of wines, a craft beer
garden, continuous music, food, children’s activities, and special attractions. www. walnut-creek.com/art-wine-festival-2002/
June 19 - 26
Walnut Creek Restaurant Week
@downtown Walnut Creek
Celebrate a week of food and drink at the world class restaurants and bars in downtown Walnut Creek. Entice your appetite and delight your palate with (3-course) prix-fixe menus offered. Experience why Walnut Creek is known as the East Bay’s Most Popular Dining Destination. Visit: walnutcreekdowntown. com for more information about participating restaurants.
June 22
Walnut Creek Uncorked
@downtown Walnut Creek
This annual event is back and offers attendees a variety of wine tastings and food bites as they stroll through the many unique boutiques and restaurants that make downtown Walnut Creek such a popular and evolving destination. Walnut Creek Uncorked will also feature live music played by local musicians on the city sidewalks and plazas. Visit: walnutcreekdowntown.com for more information and tickets.
Northgate Girls Lacrosse Team
Enjoys a Successful Season
By Kara Navolio, Resident since 1991 | Photos by Todd Scheid
The girls lacrosse team at Northgate High School is having one of their most successful seasons ever. With one week left to play in the regular season the team was 9-3, qualified for DAL league playoffs for the first time in team history (2007 was the beginning of girls lacrosse at Northgate), and will likely earn a spot in the NCS tournament. As of mid-April they were ranked number 10 in NCS, which is their highest ranking ever. This year they also beat Miramonte for the first time in nine years and won the Battle of the Creek 11-3.
2022 Northgate Girls Varsity Lacrosse Team
Coach Phillip Mannoni, who has been with the team for four seasons now, credits the team’s success to how the girls have committed to each other by working on skills in the off-season, increasing their lacrosse knowledge and bonding. Many of the girls also play for the Walnut Creek Lacrosse Club during the off-season, so they come into the beginning of the season with skills and knowledge. This year he also instituted an off day on Wednesdays so the girls would have more time for homework and family time. Practices were also shortened from 2 hours to 1 1/2 hours but are much more efficient, getting the same amount of work in.
The team is dedicated to showing leadership in their sport. This year they held their first ever JV Jamboree to get the area JV teams ready to compete. They also ran a raffle to raise money for the NorCal Lacrosse Foundation, which helps high schools get lacrosse programs going by supplying equipment and needed funding. In addition, some of the girls coach younger girls through the WC Lacrosse Club.
Mannoni started coaching youth sports 30 years ago, but started with lacrosse 11 years ago when his oldest daughter started playing for the Walnut Creek Lacrosse Club. She went on to play at Carondelet where he coached the JV team. Since he has been with Northgate, six girls have gone on to play at the college level, and some of this year’s stand-out players are likely to be pursued by colleges. Tade Scheid, a junior, has 38 goals and 22 assists in 8 games. She reached 100 career points (Goals and assists combined) in Mid-March. She is on the Adrenaline All-American watch list. Kelsey Shaffer, a sophomore, has 44 goals and 20 assists in 11 games. She is leading the DAL league in goals and total points. As of 4/13 she is at a career of 97 points. Goalie Abby Cady (Soph) has 72 saves this year with a career of 159 saves, which is an outstanding save percentage of 54%.
To find out more about how the season finished visit www.northgatebroncos.org.
Please send your local sports stories to knavolio@bestversionmedia.com. All levels welcome. Stories can be written by you or by Kara, just get in touch with the details.
Find ShareAND
Kelsey Shaffer (#33)
Meals on Wheels Gala: Dining to Deliver
By Zoe Broussard, Meals on Wheels
Meals on Wheels will host its Dining to Deliver Gala on June 18 at Round Hill Country Club in Alamo. Funds raised will be used to deliver meals and supportive services to vulnerable seniors.
Every day, 10,000 people turn 70 in this country, and in Contra Costa County, the elderly are the largest growing segment of the population. Seniors living on a fixed income face the cost of rising food prices, a fragile support system, isolation, and health and mobility issues that contribute to food insecurity. Since 2020, Meals on Wheels Diablo Region has been delivering to 40% more seniors, and this past year, we delivered over 500,000 meals, made over 15,000 Friendly Visits and Calls to help prevent isolation, made 228 home modifications that prevented falls, and helped seniors with social issues including depression, evictions, and elder abuse. The need for our services will only increase, making the Dining to Deliver Gala so important.
“Northgate is a very nice neighborhood, so people are always surprised at how many seniors we serve in their community,” says Caitlin Sly, Executive Director of Meals on Wheels Diablo Region. “There are seniors who don’t drive any longer, find cooking difficult, and have a fragile support system. They are the hidden hungry, and without MOW Diablo Region they wouldn’t be able to maintain an independent life in their home.”
“In addition to the older adults we serve, MOW Diablo Region has many volunteers and donors who live in Northgate,” says Sly. “We hope everyone in the neighborhood will join us for this fun and impactful event.”
For information on tickets, to be a corporate sponsor or to donate an item to the auction, go to mowdiabloregion.org/upcoming-events.
This 1920’s themed event will include a live and silent auction, dinner and dancing to a live band, and an opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of seniors in need. There will be a live and silent auction, dinner, and dancing to a big band. Paul Heggen, award-winning Chief Meteorologist at KPIX-TV, will serve as the Master of Ceremonies!
Agape Villages Foster Family Agency
By Jennifer Oxe, Community Engagement Director, Tri-Valley
What does Agape Villages Foster Family Agency do? Agape Villages is a local foster family agency, and we service 14 counties throughout California, with corporate offices in San Ramon. We have a large presence in the Tri-Valley, Central Valley, and Sacramento. We recruit, train, and certify people who come to us and want to take in kids who have been removed from their biological homes. Unfortunately, there are over 60,000 kids in foster care in California alone. At Agape, we aim to heal the whole child with the programs we provide, and eventually reunite them with their biological parents, which is always the goal.
What are some of the reasons a child may need to be temporarily placed in foster care? Most of the time it is due to abuse, neglect, and/ or drug/alcohol problems in the home. A large majority of the cases are identified at school and are then called into the Department of Children and Family Health who then go out to the home for a welfare check. DCF then determines if the child should be removed from the home and placed in foster care for their own safety and well-being.
Is Agape Villages recruiting foster parents and how long does it take to get certified? Yes! We are constantly recruiting foster parents. Last year we turned down over 500 kids due to a lack of foster homes. It’s not just Agape, most all agencies cannot find enough foster parents. It only takes about 6 weeks to be fully certified to take in a child. The process includes a background check, TB test, home safety evaluation, and CPR certification as well as some classes.
What are some of the programs that Agape offers to its parents and foster kids? A master’s level social worker is assigned to each foster child. They visit each child once per week, develop a plan for that child based on their specific needs. A typical “needs and services” plan could include the following:
• Counseling: Many kids come to us with severe emotional and psychological issues
• Enrichment: This program lets our kids participate in
• Independent Living Skills (for teens): Teaches the kids how to live successful lives outside the foster care system. It provides nutrition/finance/legal classes, Resume writing/job placement, SAT classes, Junior college tours, and much more.
• Girls Group: We have a teen girl’s group that meets once a month. This group really gives the kids a chance to bond with each other, share stories, struggles, and it also lets them know they are not alone and that there are other kids out there in foster care who share their same feelings. The girls venture out and do fun things like movies, mini golf, amusement parks, museums, and much more. The girls share a great bond and have improved self-esteem because of this group.
What do you wish people knew about the experience of being a foster child? What can society do to make things better for these children? I think the kids always say that they just want to be accepted and treated like the other kids, especially at school. They certainly don’t want to be known as “the foster kid” in classes and in their neighborhoods. I think we can teach our kids to be more kind and accepting of everyone, no matter their background or childhood experiences.
How does Agape raise funds for the critical foster care programs? We have 3 major events every year. May is foster care awareness month and we have a big campaign rolling out to raise 100k! One thing we are doing is asking local realtors to contribute $500 from each home sold in the month of May. We think this is a great opportunity for realtors to make a huge difference in the lives of local foster kids. We also have a fall fundraiser and a combo event with another non-profit in December. We honestly can never raise enough! For more information, contact me. Jennifer Oxe, Community Engagement Director, Tri-Valley (jenoxe@agapevillages.org OR 408-930-9951) Thank you!
extracurricular activities such as playing a sport, taking a music/ dance class, etc.
A Brighter Day Charity’s 6th Annual Golf Tournament
By Elliot Kallen Presented by Prosperity Financial
Shedding light on teen mental health awareness
Friday, June 24th 11:30 am (shotgun start)
Callippe Preserve Golf Course in Pleasanton, CA
A Brighter Day has raised awareness over the last six years and has become a powerful force in preventing teen suicide. All proceeds will be used to provide programming and resources to drive positive change in the lives of teens and their parents and spread the word that there is always a brighter day.
How can you help? Register to play, become a sponsor or volunteer. For more details visit: https://abrighterday.info/golf-tournament/
By Lisa Assoni, Short Cut Cook, Resident since 2012
It’s almost the end of orange season, so grab a few extra, and enjoy this Shortcut Cook recipe.
Using your pantry ready vinegar, add 3 Tbs. to a small mixing bowl and mix with 1Tbs. sugar. Stir well. It’s the sweetness of the vinegar that makes these oranges extra ---YUMMY FOR THE TUMMY.
• 3 or 4 large naval oranges, remove skin. Slice thin
• 2 tablespoons of sweet vinegar
• 1 small red onion, sliced thin
• Garnish with fresh parsley (optional)
Lay oranges on a medium size platter, cover with dressing. Add onion.
Helping Our Community’s Foster Youth
By Lisa Henderson, President & CEO
May
is Foster Care Awareness Month!
Set To Thrive launched in 2021 and came from the idea that children entering the foster care system deserve access to new, brand-name essential items to provide them a sense of comfort and confidence during a difficult time in their lives.
There are approximately 1,000 children in foster care in Contra Costa County and approximately 1,200 in Alameda County. The moment when a child enters the foster care system is a moment of extreme vulnerability and stress, and it can often be traumatic. Many of these children only have the clothes on their backs, and maybe little more. Set To Thrive is a California nonprofit charity that seeks
to ease that transition by providing these children with a custom bag – a Thrive Bag.
We fill each custom Thrive Bag with a new backpack or duffel, two days of clothing, underwear, socks, tennis shoes, hygiene items, as well as other items to help ease the transition. We customize each bag for each child, including fit, ethnic hair care products, LGBTQ ordering options, etc. Our goal is to help each child thrive in their new home and community.
Food Bank Announces Biggest Match in 47-year History
By Joel Sjostrom, Food Bank president and CEO
We work directly with many organizations – County agencies and private nonprofit groups – that support foster children. When a new child enters the system, those organizations request a Thrive Bag through the Set To Thrive website fillable order form. Once ordered, we provide that child’s custom-ordered Thrive Bag to that organization within two days.
Set To Thrive currently serves our community’s children from ages 0-18 years old that are entering into or transitioning within the foster care system. We have been very successful during our inaugural year. Our growth plans include both expanding to surrounding counties and also partnering with other foster
corporate partners. For more information on how you can help, please visit our website at www.settothrive.org.
5 Tips to Create the Best Kitchen Layout for Entertaining
By Gordon Reese, Gordon Reese Design Build, Resident since 2008
If you are considering a new kitchen layout but are not sure where to start, read these five tips for creating the best kitchen layout for entertaining.
Tip 1: Create a layout that encourages conversation
A great way to encourage conversation is to set up the party table in a separate but proximal space from the cooking area. This can be accomplished by separating a kitchen and dining space if you have an open layout. Or, you can think about moving a wall.
Tip 2: Efficient appliance layout
The stove and refrigerator should be located in such a way to ensure that you are not running back and forth across your kitchen.
Tip 3:
Include an island if you have room
An island includes more counter space and storage, and it can be used as a food and/or drink buffet. It can also be an extra place for some guests to sit and chat if you need the room.
Tip 4:
Consider setting up a full bar area or a buffet
A bar will allow people to be near the food and drink without being in the way, and it can enable you to put everything in one, accessible place.
Tip 5: Maximize storage to avoid clutter
The best kitchen layout for entertaining should also include plenty of storage for your everyday appliances and utensils as well as your partyware. Another option is to move some appliances if you want more counter space.
Gordon Reese Can Help
Gordon Reese design is here to answer any questions you might have about designing the perfect kitchen for entertaining. Please book a consultation with a team member here, or reach out to us now at (925) 885-3770.
Element Wealth Management WOULD LIKE TO WELCOME YOU INTO THEIR FAMILY
By Kara Navolio, Resident since 1991
For Chris Held and Cortland Golightly of Element Wealth Management going to work each day feels more like hanging out with the family and having fun. “No one in our office looks at what we do as a job,” says Chris. “It is a lifestyle in which we hope we can help anyone/everyone.”
The two advisors opened their own business in 2019 after each had spent about 18 years in the field. Chris, originally from Minnesota, has been helping people obtain financial freedom since 2004, first at Wells Fargo Advisors and then at Morgan Stanley. Cortland, who grew up here in Walnut Creek and attended St. Mary’s College, started his career in 2005 with The Hartford, and then later Morgan Stanley, where he met Chris. The two worked together for several years and then decided to open Element Wealth Management with the goal of being a trusted resource for the community, blending their combined years of knowledge and cutting-edge software to ensure long-term success for their family of clients.
Both Chris and Cortland live in Walnut Creek, and each has a son. They are passionate about bringing financial literacy to the youth of our community, looking to partner with local schools on classes on financial literacy. Chris is on the board of Drumline Cadets, an organization supporting youth through excellence in music where youth are given a second chance to change their future, and he also coaches youth baseball.
The philosophy at Element is simple: to bring the pieces of your financial life together by creating a plan that’s all about you. They want to understand their clients as investors and also as human beings. “Each day we’re excited to come in to work,” adds Chris. “To hopefully make a difference in people’s lives. We want people to understand that they have a competent, trusted resource in their back pocket that cares about them and their family.”
Both men feel honored and humbled to hear clients feel like they are part of their family as much as they feel like part of theirs. “We go out of our way to make sure clients feel like family,” added Chris. And
you don’t have to be a client to get advice. They are happy to answer any questions. Feel free to reach out: chris.held@elementwm.com.
Find the Perfect Gift for Mom or Your Dream Engagement Ring at the Bay Area’s Largest Tacori Event!
By Steve Padis, Padis Jewelry and The Forevermark Boutique at Broadway Plaza
Mark your calendar for the weekend of May 20th-22nd for the Padis Spring Tacori Event. The Tacori brand, first popularized by the engagement ring designs featured on The Bachelor television series, specializes in engagement rings and fine jewelry for the modern bride. With the San Francisco Bay Area’s largest collections of Tacori, Padis Jewelry is ready to help make every proposal extra special with handcrafted rings from one of today’s hottest designers.
to be treasured for generations. This extra attention to detail, personal craftsmanship, and stunning beauty, which transforms each Tacori design into a unique work of art, is known as the Tacori Touch.
As a fellow family-owned business based in California, Padis Jewelry takes special pride in being a Blue Diamond Partner with Tacori; one of just a handful of Tacori’s such partners in the world. Handcrafted in California, Tacori’s remarkably detailed rings and fine jewelry pieces become timeless symbols of connection that join individuals and generations, especially so when paired with Padis Jewelry’s responsibly sourced natural and lab created diamonds as centerpieces.
Every facet of these dramatically beautiful pieces reflects the passion the Tacorian family has for creating beautiful heirlooms, meant
The Tacori legacy began with Haig Tacorian, who left Europe in 1969 to start a new life in the United States. In California, Haig and his wife, Gilda, devoted themselves to creating fine jewelry with a unique and distinctive European flair. Today, Haig is still the patriarch of the company, and is aided by his son, Paul, and daughter, Nadine, as well as several other Tacorian family members- all proudly carrying on the family tradition of passion, quality, attention to detail and personal client care.
Each of the Padis Jewelry locations features an exclusive Tacori boutique, where you can browse the largest collection of Tacori designs in California, including all of the designer’s freshest styles, in both bridal and fashion jewelry.
Be sure to join us for our Tacori Spring Event May 20th-22nd at our Napa and San Francisco locations to peruse the largest selection of Tacori and diamonds while enjoying champagne and hors d’oeuvres; the perfect way to select your next heirloom.
Shoppers can examine and try on any Tacori piece in person before making a decision on their one-of-a-kind treasure. For those looking for reasonably priced bridal sets, make sure to ask about special pricing, flexible payment plans as well as interestfree financing.
In addition to seeing Tacori’s esteemed collection, Padis will also offer exclusive pricing for those who attend the May event. Customers can anticipate special Tacori gifts with their purchase, as well as engagement ring and diamond package deals that will last through the weekend.
To participate in all of the savings taking place that weekend, call the Padis Jewelry team at (415) 626-8288 or concierge@ padisjewelry.com to set up an appointment.
