Mailed Directly to Northgate Residents and Published Online
NO V E MBER 2 019
Northgate LIVING
MEET
Kathleen Odne: Community Advocate COVER PHOTO:
by Julie Cheshire Photography
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NOVEMBER 2019
We Are Now Online!!
Publication Team Publisher: Jo Peek
Content Coordinator: Kara Navolio, Resident since 1991 Designer: Emily Lund 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, 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. © 2019 Best Version Media. All rights reserved.
Dear Neighbors,
www.NorthgateLivingCA.com
It’s the season of giving thanks and giving back, and we’re thrilled to be getting into the spirit. For starters, we try to always feature Northgate residents practicing kindness and the work many do to help nonprofits in our community. Be sure to read about our feature resident this month, community advocate Kathleen Odne, and also her article about the great work the food bank is doing. Resident and doctor of behavioral health, Allyson Mayo, also shares ideas on making the workplace less stressful. This month there are also lots of events to get into the spirit of the holidays, from the Turkey Trot to holiday shopping events and photo sessions with Santa. Wishing you all a Happy Thanksgiving! We are 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. We are also looking for more families and residents to feature on the front cover. Send me your nominations! Warmly,
Kara Navolio Northgate Living Content Coordinator Resident Since 1991
NORTHGATE LIVING 3
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Expert Contributors Happy Holidays!
To learn more about becoming an expert contributor, contact Jo Peek at jpeek@bestversionmedia.com.
Active Seniors
The Heritage Downtown is “the” Bay Area’s #1 Active Senior Living Apartments, focused on providing the highest Quality of Life for each and every one of its residents. The Heritage Downtown promotes, facilitates and encourages our residents to continue to lead a Full Active Life in Retirement. The Heritage Downtown is beautifully and conveniently located in Downtown Walnut Creek.
Healthy Aging Medicine
Dr. Kim graduated from the University of Pennsylvania and the Temple University School of Medicine. He completed a Family Medicine Residency at the Carle Clinic in Champaign, Illinois. He started in private practice in Clayton, CA. However, frustrated with the reactive form of medicine, Dr. Kim went for additional training and is now board-certified in Anti-Aging Medicine and in Obesity Medicine. Dr. Kim now practices a more proactive approach to medicine known as Valengerontology (Healthy Aging Medicine). Dr. Kim lives in Danville with his wife and 2 children.
Insurance
Vanessa Sisemore, owner of a Farmers Insurance agency since 2016, grew up in Walnut Creek and received her college degree from UNLV in 2006. She is the loving wife to Isaac of 7 years and mother to 3-year-old daughter Mckenzie. After working for Farmers for 8 years, Vanessa is proud to serve people in the community that have given her so much.
Jewelry, Diamonds & Timepieces
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.
Plastic Surgery
Dr. Vivian Ting (Veritas Plastic Surgery) is a board-certified plastic surgeon in Walnut Creek, California in practice since 2003. She specializes in cosmetic rejuvenation of the face, breast augmentation and body contouring as well as reconstruction for breast and skin cancer. Her philosophy is to combine proven surgical techniques with the best in technology to achieve superior results and high patient satisfaction.
Real Estate
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.
Rodent Proofing
Anthony and Mike are the owners of Honest Rodent Proofing Inc. They have over 25 years of combined experience in business ownership, marketing/sales, and in the pest control industry. Mike lives in the Sacramento area with his wife and three girls. Anthony lives in Walnut Creek with his wife and three kids. In our business there are 3 simple rules we live by. One, treat every home as if it was your own. Two, Honesty and transparency is the only way to conduct business. Three, Family is not an important thing, it’s everything! We are a family here at Honest and our customers are part of that family.
Tree Service
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.
Wealth Management & Financial Planning
David and Frank started Nissim & Gavidia Wealth Management & Financial Planning, LLC to give their clients the flexibility and independence that they deserve. They pride themselves in working with families and understanding their long terms goals, from retirement to setting things up for the next generation by removing emotions from investing and taking the time to understand their client’s individual needs.
Jenny Shively The Heritage Downtown www.theheritagedowntown.com (925) 943-7427
Mention this ad to learn more about our
New Year 2018 Move-In Special! Place a holding deposit before January 1st & The Heritage Downtown will donate $1,000 to the Charity of your Choice this Holiday Season! Discover the Almond / Shuey Neighborhood, Home to our Boutique, Condo-Style Senior-Living Community!
Call 925.943.7427
to learn more, and to schedule your visit!
www.TheHeritageDowntown.com 1785 Shuey Avenue
(off of Bonanza & California)
Paul H. Kim, MD Medical Institute of Healthy Aging (925) 979-0979 www.mdiha.com Vanessa Sisemore Vanessa Sisemore Insurance Agency (925) 943-6762 vsisemore@farmersagent.com www.farmersagent.com/vsisemore Steve Padis Steve Padis Jewelry info@padisjewelry.com www.padisjewelry.com
Dr. Vivian Ting Veritas Plastic Surgery (925) 949-8587 www.viviantingmd.com Rita Dhillon Compass Real Estate 925.570.1010 Rita.Dhillon@compass.com www.RitaDhillonTeam.com Mike Scott and Anthony Lozano Honest Rodent Proofing 925-433-3988 customercare@honestrodentproofing.com www.honestrodentproofing.com John Traverso Traverso Tree Service 925-930-7901 traversotree@gmail.com www.traversotree.com
David Nissim & Frank Gavidia Nissim & Gavidia Wealth Management & Financial Planning, LLC David (925) 239-0117 Frank (925) 239-0116 DavidNissim@NissimGavidia.com FrankGavidia@NissimGavidia.com www.NissimGavidia.com
Find us online NorthgateLivingCA www.NorthgateLivingCA.com
NORTHGATE LIVING 5
Resident Feature
MEET
Kathleen Odne: Community Advocate
By Kara Navolio, Resident since 1991
The Odne family
with Junior League of Oakland-East Bay, at our local schools, and at the Scottsdale Swim Club. She served on the board of De La Salle High School, where Chris and Scott attended. Tim attended Northgate High School. Kathleen returned to college in her 40’s to earn a Master’s Degree in Philanthropic Studies from Indiana University. For 23 years she served as the first Executive Director of the Dean & Margaret Lesher Foundation, a philanthropic family foundation making significant grants to many nonprofits throughout Contra Costa County and beyond. “It was a deeply rewarding job and I loved every minute of my tenure there,” says Kathleen. She was named Citizen of the Year in 2016 by the Walnut Creek Chamber of Commerce. She retired in 2017, joining John in retirement, but maintained her roles on the boards of three local nonprofits: Lesher Foundation, John Muir Health and the Walnut Creek Library Foundation.
Visiting the Serengeti in Africa with Walnut Creek friends
K
athleen Odne has spent 40 years in the Northgate neighborhood striving to make our community stronger through her work with local non-profits.
Kathleen met her husband, John, in Chicago in 1973. After a year of teaching high school she went to work for American Hospital Supply. John, a native North Dakotan who had recently returned from the Vietnam War, also worked there. They married in 1975, and after a few years in various parts of the U.S., they landed in the Northgate neighborhood. John became Sales Manager for the Western Region of ElectroBiology, Inc., selling medical devices. The couple raised their three sons Chris, Tim and Scott here while Kathleen volunteered her time
However, in early 2019, when the California Association of Food Banks (CAFB) had an unexpected leadership transition, the Executive Director of the Contra Costa/Solano Food Bank, Larry Sly, recruited her to leave retirement and take the helm temporarily for CAFB. “I feel so passionately about eradicating hunger in our great state that I agreed,” says Kathleen. “I am planning to ‘re-retire’ sometime in 2020, but the work of CAFB is so critically important that I find myself deeply immersed in reducing hunger among Californians, many of whom are children.” The Odnes raised their boys in two different homes in the Northgate area, on Dover Ct. and then on Pawnee Drive. Their third home in the neighborhood, their “empty nester” home, is in the Castle Rock area. Kathleen says, “It feels like it is ‘out in the country.’ Borges Ranch is close by, and there’s lots of open space, and plenty of stables, so the horses are our neighbors too.” They are fortunate to have all three sons living nearby, two in Walnut Creek and one in Pacheco. Chris and his wife, Jill, have given them their first grandchild – their “grand
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grandbabies. “We meet four times throughout the year and always have themes last year was a movie theme so Rocky was Italian food, Crazy Rich Asians was Asian Food, Julie and Julia was classic French cooking. We have as many laughs as we do delicious bites!”
Odnes with their first grandchild
girl” (as they call her) Dylan. A cat named Miss Nibbs completes the family. Kathleen and John have been members at St. Matthew Lutheran Church since they moved here in 1979. They have also been part of a Gourmet Club that started as part of the Newcomers Club in 1981 when they were all young couples with babies. Now most have
Travel has become highlight of the Odne’s empty nest years. In the past five years they have visited many European countries as well as China, Russia, and the Serengeti in Africa.
Kathleen reflects, “We were transferred to Walnut Creek from New Jersey in 1979. Kathleen is also a member We had three days to find of a book club that has a house and I feel so lucky Citizen of the Year been meeting for 39 years. that we settled in the Creek, They have explored many different genres a wonderful community to live and raise and hundreds of books. Kathleen says, a family…we wouldn’t dream of living “Invariably, I enjoy a book more once I’ve anywhere else.” We are lucky as well that discussed it with these wonderful women… they landed here, and the many non-profits We started out as 10 members, now we are Kathleen has worked tirelessly for would down to 6 as some have moved away. A likely agree. real highlight was this past summer when Do you know a neighbor who has Elise Hooper came and talked to our book a story to share? Nominate your club - she had recently written, Learning neighbor to be featured in one of to See, a historical fiction book about our upcoming issues! Contact us at Dorothea Lange, the famous photographer knavolio@bestversionmedia.com. who took the iconic Depression era photo.”
IT’S MORE THAN A HOME. IT’S YOUR LIFE.
GIVE THANKS Jon Gomez @yogomez 925.464.3027 jgomez@climbRE.com DRE 01945685
Visit jongomez.realestate/givethanks to find out about ways to give back to the community. NORTHGATE LIVING 7
Pet Adoption Corner
Amber
Brook 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 Amber is a sweet snuggler with soulful eyes. This affectionate little pupper is looking for a home and family that will help him build her confidence. Amber cannot wait to go out and explore the world and hopefully entice you into a game of fetch or two.
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.
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Six-month-old Brook is a sweet kitty with curious eyes that are mesmerized by all the excitement around her. Once she feels safe and secure, she happily joins her siblings for playtime. She is looking for a quiet home with loving adopters that can help her build confidence and come out of her shell. The adoption fee for kittens <6 months $125 ($200 for 2) and for adult cats is $75 ($100 for 2).
NOVEMBER 2019
Active Listings Address List Price 117 Brodia Way 2060 Shell Ridge Trl 2484 Deer Valley Ln 710 Comanche Ct 616 Harrogate Ct 245 Tamarisk Dr 844 Spring Dr
$2,350,000 $2,125,000 $2,050,000 $1,499,000 $1,375,000 $1,350,000 $1,195,000
Pending Listings Address List Price 3707 Northgate Woods Ct 3127 Ebano Dr 3940 Arbolado Dr 1062 Springfield Dr 761 Hutchinson Rd 2236 Comistas Dr 2640 San Antonio Dr
$2,798,000 $1,665,000 $1,449,000 $1,349,000 $1,299,000 $1,295,000 $1,250,000
Sold Listings Address List Price 3708 Northgate Woods Ct 2873 Brian Ranch Ct 540 Hillrise Pl 650 Castle Rock Rd 2026 Belford Dr
$1,700,000 $1,689,000 $1,469,000 $1,599,900 $1,295,000
BD 5 5 4 5 4 5 4
BD 4 5 5 4 5 5 5
BD 5 4 5 4 5
BT
SQFT
4.5 2.5 3 2.5 2.5 3 2
4,381 3,900 4,457 3,493 2,466 2,720 2,149
BT
SQFT
4.5 4.5 3 2.5 3 3 2
4,623 3,521 2,686 2,564 3,033 2,245 1,998
BT
SQFT
4.5 3.5 3 3 3
4,306 2,830 2,686 3,253 2,621
DOM 42 80 33 15 47 39 57
Real Estate Listings in Northgate 10/10/2019
DOM 105 4 11 6 11 41
DOM 17 12 7 28 11
Sold Price $1,765,000 $1,701,000 $1,505,000 $1,370,000 $1,310,000
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.
NORTHGATE LIVING 9
November CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Sat., Nov. 9
Local Author explores STEM concepts for kids of all ages @Flashlight Books, 1537 N. Main St. Kids of all ages have a chance to learn and laugh during author Ilona Bray’s presentation of her book Mossby’s Magic Carpet Handbook, plus demonstrations about the science behind high-flying adventures--dealing with altitude, gravity, and more. Cost: Free Time: 11am www.flashlightbooks.com
Mon., Nov. 11
Veterans Day Event @Hoffman Theatre, Lesher Center for the Arts The Walnut Creek Concert Band will provide patriotic music to honor our veterans. Hosted by the City of Walnut Creek. Cost: Free Time: 11am-12pm https://lesherartscenter.showare.com/
Sat., Nov. 16
Book Launch – Mount Diablo, A Story of Place and Inspiration
@WC Library, Oak View Room Stunning panoramic photographs of treasured Mount Diablo and inspiring essays by leaders in conservation make this 2nd book by local photographer Stephen Joseph a celebration of our natural lands and how they touch our lives and inspire us to care about our environment and each other. The essays’ authors and the book’s editor, Linda Rimac Colberg, will join Stephen for brief presentations, books signing and refreshments. Registration suggested. Cost: Free Time: 12:30-2:30 www.wclibrary.org
Sat., Nov. 16
Craft Fest @Bedford Gallery Shop a curated selection of fine goods by dozens of Bay Area makers or craft your own in a DIY workshop. Time: 10am-5pm www.bedfordgallery.org/craftfest
Sat., Nov. 16
Public Art Walking Tour @Lesher Center for the Arts on the plaza The 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. Wear comfortable shoes & sun screen. Reservations not required. Cost: $5 – cash only Time: 11am-12pm www.walnut-creek.org
Mon., Nov. 25
Parent Workshop – Emotional Wellness Strategies & Tools for your family @ 1450 Treat Blvd. Is your child exhibiting behaviors that have you concerned about their emotional well-being? Are they experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, emotional difficulties, or stress that feels unmanageable? Comprehensive Wellness, a John Muir Health Community Connect Practice, is hosting a one-of-a-kind workshop. Dr. Mayo will discuss the new thinking around emotional and behavioral health. We are committed to providing families access to the skills and knowledge they need to promote health and wellness in their families and community. Cost: Free Time: 6:30-8:30pm www.eventbrite. com/e/62246480900?aff=efbneb
Every Monday
Picture Book Time @Ygnacio Valley Library Helps build kindergarten readiness using longer books, flannel board stories, songs, crafts and other literacy building activities for ages 3-5. Cost: Free Time: 10:15-11am www.ccclib.org/ygnaciovalley.html
Every Saturday
Farmers’ Market @Shadelands Business Park Farmers bring their best from the nearby farming areas, kid’s craft corner, live music. Time: 9am-1pm www.cafarmersmkts.com/ diablo-valley-farmers-market
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Save the Date… Wed., Dec. 4
Ygnacio Valley Book Group @Ygnacio Valley Library All are welcome to drop in and join the discussion. This month’s book is Educated by Tara Westover. Cost: Free Time: 6:30-7:45pm www.ccclib.org/ygnaciovalley.html
Fri., Dec. 6 – Sun., Dec. 8
Handcrafted Holiday Sale @Shadelands Art Center Join us for a weekend of holiday shopping, live entertainment, raffles and festive craft-making! Our much anticipated annual event features handcrafted art by Center for Community Arts teaching artists and students. Shop ceramics, jewelry, prints, glass, paintings and more! Cost: Free admission Time: 5-8pm http://www.communityarts. org/events-announcements/ handcrafted-holiday-sale
Fri., Dec. 6
Walnut Creek Downtown Holiday Stroll @Participating retailers on Main St. and Locust St. Kick off begins at Water Light Public Plaza at 1500 Locust St. Join us for an evening of merriment featuring merchant open houses, sips and savors, caroling, live music, Ugly Sweater Contest, Santa’s Workshop, tree decorating and carriage rides. Cost: Free Time: 5-9pm
Sat., Dec. 7
Photo Selfie with Santa @Ruth Bancroft Garden Bring your camera and the kids to get your holiday photo with Santa. Cost: Free Time: 10am-12pm www.ruthbancroftgarden.org NOVEMBER 2019
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Walnut Creek’s Painted Pianos By Kathy Hemmenway, Walnut Creek Downtown
Walnut Creek Downtown hopes to bring the painted pianos back in the spring. Stay tuned! Piano locations/website link: http://www.walnutcreekdowntown.com/ walnut-creek-downtown-events/walnut-creek-downtown-programs/ local-art
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alnut Creek’s first ever Painted Piano program, kicked off Tuesday, September 10th and took place every Tuesday through October 15. From 12-1pm at three downtown Walnut Creek locations: 1655 N. Main St., 1501 Locust St., 1328 N. Main St. residents enjoyed live performances by professional and special guests Walnut Creek’s Painted Pianos project included ten pianos donated by Steinway Piano Gallery. They were all hand-painted by local artists throughout downtown Walnut Creek and the Center for Community Arts’ Shadelands campus. The pianos were also available for the public to play September 9-October 18.
Contact: Kathy Hemmenway, Executive Director, Walnut Creek Downtown kathy@walnutcreekdowntown.com or 925-933-6778
The project’s goal was to bring community members together to create musical memories in downtown Walnut Creek! A collaborative effort presented by Walnut Creek Downtown, the City of Walnut Creek, Steinway Piano Gallery, and Encore Piano Movers.
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Nonprofit Spotlight
Hunger in our own backyard By Kathleen Odne, Resident since 1979
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alifornia produces nearly half of the nation’s fruits and vegetables, yet 1 in 7 Californians currently struggle with food insecurity. “Food insecurity” is the occasional or constant lack of access to the food one needs for a healthy, active life. Food insecurity has serious impacts on an individual’s well-being, which may result in poor school attendance and performance, lowered workplace productivity, and physical and mental health problems. Individuals struggling with food insecurity have to make tough decisions that no one should face. No family should have to decide between buying groceries or paying rent, no senior should have to choose between food and medicine, and no parent should have to skip a meal in order for their children to eat. Food banks fulfill an essential role in providing nutritious food to hungry people. Our local food bank partners with over 180 area nonprofits like emergency food pantries, community kitchens and group homes to distribute food to more people in need throughout Contra Costa and Solano counties. Every week thousands of parents rely on the Food Bank and our partner agencies to help feed their families. Here are some facts about the Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano, who are working every day to reduce hunger in our communities. • •
Approximately 178,000 people served each month. 22 million pounds of food distributed; enough for more than 17 million meals. • More than half of the food distributed is fresh produce. • 96 cents of every dollar donated goes directly to food programs. • 1 in 4 people receiving emergency food are children. • 1 in 3 people served have to choose between paying for food and paying their rent or mortgage. • Every dollar donated provides the equivalent of two healthy meals. For more information or to volunteer at the food bank www. foodbankccs.org
NORTHGATE LIVING 13
Building Friendships
through Walnut Creek Sister Cities International By Bennett Krueger, Resident since 2010 Bennett Krueger holding up the leaning tower of Pisa.
T
he Walnut Creek Sister Cities International Youth Ambassador Exchange was the best thing that ever happened to me. When I left for Noceto, Italy on the 26th of September, I had no idea that the next week would be the best of my life. When we arrived, we were greeted by our Italian families. Everyone The Walnut Creek youth ambassadors with all their Italian brothers and sisters introduced themselves, we in Venice, Italy. grabbed our bags, and headed to our respective homes for the next week. My fratello Italiano or Italian brother is Davide Sassi. He is smart, kind and funny. When I first got to his house, we played basketball for a while, and we were instantly friends. This sort of thing happened to everyone, and the bond between each and every one of us formed and strengthened beginning Day 1. For the next seven days we would tour around Italy and learn about some of its most famous places,
most notably Venice and Pisa. We met the local town leaders, toured factories and enjoyed the food and culture. By the end of the week, we had all gained great friends, greater knowledge, and a second family. When we left, we were crying our eyes out because we didn’t want to leave everybody and go back home. But this was such a great thing, because this bond was formed only in a week. Most of these types of friendships take months and years to develop. This is such a great program, and I can’t say enough to the younger kids in Walnut Creek: “Hey, the Walnut Creek Sister Cities International Youth Ambassador Exchange is awesome. It was the best week of my life. You should try to do it, and you’d have such a great time.” This is such an amazing experience, and I gained a deeper knowledge of what friendship is. The best part is Davide and all my new friends come to the States in April! This year’s Walnut Creek 7th graders interested in applying to be an ambassador for the 2020-2021 exchange with either Noceto, Italy or SiÓfolk, Hungary must attend a meeting on Jan. 12, 2020 at the Walnut Creek Library. For more information visit, wcsci.org.
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How can your organization prevent Burnout Syndrome and become behaviorally fit? By Dr. Allyson Mayo, Doctor of Behavioral Health and Chief Wellness Officer at Comprehensive Wellness, Resident since 2013 “I was just a shell of myself, going into work and going through the motions. I had so much going on at home and I often questioned if I could be more useful taking care of my kids who were struggling in other ways. I was so cynical about everything and could get caught up in speaking very unfavorably about the management and staff at work. I was becoming more and more angry at the thought of contributing to work that I believed went against my moral compass of doing the right thing.” -Tara
T
ara is experiencing Burnout Syndrome, and she is not alone. More and more individuals today are facing chronic stress. It is thought to affect 83% of Americans (The Stress in America Survey 2019). The World Health Organization (WHO) now includes Burnout Syndrome in its International Classification of Diseases, or ICD-11, a medical provider’s diagnostic reference. One of the more recent and significant contributors to this uptick in symptoms of burnout is the heavy worry parents have about their child’s emotional well-being and associated consequences, such as high risk behavior. Burnout Syndrome is described as prolonged or chronic stress that is characterized by three main dimensions: exhaustion, cynicism, and feelings of reduced ability. While selfcare, self-compassion, and mindfulness are valuable and beneficial on an individual level, new thinking is aimed at the social responsibility of employers to design a workplace that adequately reduces the risk of burnout and promotes a comprehensive
approach to well-being in the workplace¾one that is Behaviorally Fit.
How Can Organizations Cultivate A Behaviorally Fit Workforce? Practice Generous Thinking Promote a curious attitude. Choose compassion over being right. Put a stop to Group Think. Re-visit your Company’s Ethical guiding principles and consider how you will hold yourself and one another accountable to these ethics and principles.
Expand The Definition of Safety Creating a safe environment that is stimulating and promotes well-being includes emotional safety, physical safety, spiritual safety, and environmental safety. When people are inadequately aware of how their behaviors impact others around them, this has shown to do harm to others. Prepare your workforce to gain a working knowledge of their own biases, how to stop aggressions in their workspace, and gain a zero-tolerance policy for emotional harm.
Educate Employees on How to Have Difficult Conversations A strong working knowledge of how to engage in a difficult conversation without it resulting in an adverse event is important to a healthy workforce. Without it, you may be promoting an unintended increase in side conversations, case building, and gossip. Humans are hard wired for connection. We will go to great lengths to find validation. A frequent response to feeling misunderstood or believing we are undervalued is to implode or stiff our feeling down and move on. Imploding is a maladaptive coping skill that can lead to high risk behaviors such as gossiping, over spending, poor relationship with food and substances, chronic arguing, etc. “Remember that culture will eat strategy for breakfast” (Howe, 2017).
Create Organizational Values that are aligned with Employee’s Personal Values. It’s one thing to state that your organization values non-judgement, inclusivity, and a no-fault decision tree, but another to implement it in the workspace. Consider how to include Neuro-Diversity (the acceptance and inclusion of those who think differently than you) and operationalize the important practice of celebrating how people think differently. Encourage people to recognize the incredible safety that comes from celebrating a deliberate focus on not engaging in Group Think.
Update Your Organization’s Definition of Work/Life Balance Consider how your employees are feeling when they head home after work or when they are returning to work on Monday. Are they dreading the office and heading home feeling that they are under-appreciated or not understood at work? With over 83% of our workforce experiencing symptoms of Burnout Syndrome, it is critical to consider how an employee’s attitude and stress level will impact their co-workers, customers, family, community, children, and more. Becoming a Behaviorally Fit Workforce is a social responsibility. Employees need to believe that they work for an organization that cares about them and their well-being, one that: • •
•
invests in their learning, provides opportunities to do work that makes a difference for something they care about, and provides adequate reasoning to believe they are working for an organization that does the right thing and has a bright future.
Learn more about how you can lead the way to helping your organization develop a workforce that is Behaviorally Fit! Visit www. comprehensivewellness.org. NORTHGATE LIVING 15
Show us your best shot
Santa makes selfies easy at the Ruth Bancroft Garden. This year’s free “Photos with Santa” event takes place on Sat., Dec.7 from 10am-12pm
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NOVEMBER 2019
Our Community Library
Need tutoring or help studying for the SAT? ... The Library has FREE resources. By Michael Beller, Community Library Manager
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chool is back in session and all of you who are parents, or are going through kindergarten through college, should remember that the Contra Costa County Library System provides free, live, online tutoring in all subjects through our subscription to Brainfuse. There is more, though. We also provide free access to EBSCO Learning Express! EBSCO Learning Express is a terrific educational resource that supports learning for all ages at all levels and for a wide and wonderful variety of educational and professional goals. The first learning module that you should know about is their College Admissions and Placement preparation module. In that module, you get practice tests and reviews for the SAT, ACT, AP, and TOEFL exams. A second module gives you practice tests and reviews for GRE and CLEP exams. There are also modules for High School Equivalency, Career Proficiency, K-12 Skills, Citizenship prep, and a module in Spanish. The resource is available 24/7 for free for anyone with a Contra Costa County Library Card. As always, if you have any questions, please contact the library staff. We can be reached at YVL@ccclib.org or by phone at (925) 938-1481.
NORTHGATE LIVING 17
Expert Contributor
The Holidays are Upon Us – and Padis has Arrived in Walnut Creek! By Steve Padis, Padis Jewelry
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ast Bay residents Steve and Judy Padis are even more inspired to celebrate the 45th Anniversary of Padis Jewelry with the grand opening of Forevermark Walnut Creek, the first Padis Jewelry venture in their hometown. It’s the beautiful surroundings and wonderful sense of community that brought the Padis family to the East Bay as residents over 40 years ago. With four children who all attended St. Isidore in Danville and participated in sports and activities throughout the area, this new store truly feels like coming home for the Padises. Padis Jewelry’s newest location, a Forevermark Diamond Boutique, is located in the bustling shopping area of Broadway Plaza, right in between Brighton and Free People. Padis brings the same exceptional selection, value, and customer service to Walnut Creek that they have offered to their jewelry clients in the San Francisco Bay Area and the Napa Valley for many years. Just in time for the holidays, here are the top three gift ideas: Forevermark Diamond Stud Earrings Diamond stud earrings are a wardrobe staple. Stud earrings are the ideal finisher for many seasonal outfits and that makes them a highly appreciated gift choice. They will take you from the gym to a job interview and never look out of place. Forevermark individually selects diamonds to ensure that only the most beautiful diamonds can receive the Forevermark inscription. In addition to exceptional beauty and rarity, all Forevermark diamonds are responsibly sourced, meaning they give back to the communities from which they originate. Padis is proud to have the first Forevermark Boutique in North America, located right here!
The Stackable Band
The Layering Necklace
The Layering Necklace Delicate, diminutive pendants will never fade from fashion’s favor—but those in the know are putting their unique twist on the look by layering multiple styles. Stacking individual pendants offers a more laid-back approach to everyday jewelry. From custom monogram necklaces to single-stone pendants and even lariat styles, collecting pieces for a layered look can become a meaningful (and chic) way to commemorate cherished events, making these options all the more ideal for gifting. After over 45 years and the recent honor of being inducted into the 2019 National Jeweler Hall of Fame, the Forevermark store will serve as the newest chapter in Padis Jewelry’s journey. The Padis team is thrilled to be a part of the East Bay community and looks forward to seeing you soon. From our family to yours, we wish you a very happy holiday season!
The Stackable Band Just as a fashion wardrobe of basics can change from day to day, so can your basic jewelry wardrobe thanks to the art of stacking and layering. For a master class in creating newness in a jewelry wardrobe full of classics, look no further than the stackable band. These petite-yet-impactful rings offer endless styling options for even the most fickle fashion chameleon. Begin with three complementary styles, then add one or two annually to keep the look current and allow creativity to flourish. The Forevermark Tribute Collection has tons of styles of rings to help curate your custom stack!
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