Photo by Mehak Khullar Photography
November
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Thurs., Nov. 14
Sip and Shop
@Boundary Oak Golf Course
SIP Goods and Planet Renu will be co-hosting our annual Phoenix Boutique sponsored by Boundary Oak Golf Course! Come join us for a holiday sip and shop, support a great selection of local artist and artisanal vendors, participate in a winwin raffle, listen to seasonal music, enjoy tasty bites, free massage, live art demos - all to raise much needed funds for the Child Life Program (Art Therapy) at Benioff Children’s Hospital Oakland. This year we have added a separate raffle for a one week stay in a luxury 4 bed home in La Paz Mexico. Free appetizers and cash bar.
Cost: Free
Time: 4-8pm
Sat., Nov. 16
Public Art Walking Tour
@ Start at Lesher Center
Bedford Gallery docents will lead walking tours of Walnut Creek’s wonderful downtown public art collection. Docents are trained by public art specialists and can offer information and insight appropriate for all ages. Each month will feature a different walk. Registration not required. More information: https://www.bedfordgallery. org/public-art/public-art-tours
Cost: $5 cash, includes admission to Bedford Gallery
Time: 10:00-11:00 am
Sun., Nov. 17
Head West Marketplace
@N. Main St. between Bonanza St. and Mt. Diablo Blvd. Join us for Marketplace Magic every 3rd
Sunday of the month through the end of 2024 — October 20th, November 17th and December 15th. Shop small with Local Makers, Merchants, Crafters, Designers and Artists - and make a day of it by starting at the Walnut Creek Farmer’s Market, happening just around the corner.
EAT + DRINK from several blocks packed full of tasty restaurants, cafes, diners and bars in this foodie hotspot
Enjoy LIVE MUSIC from local Bay Area musicians
EXPLORE beautiful Walnut Creek!
Cost: Free
Time: 11am-5pm
Nov. 22 - Jan. 12
Walnut Creek on Ice
@Civic Park
In its 19th year, this popular downtown activity will add new features this year including a tubing slide & more fire pits for an expanded rinkside experience. Private party rental available. www.walnutcreekonice.com
Cost: $20 skate sessions
Time: M-Th 3-10:30pm, F 1-1-:30pm, Sa 11am-10:30pm, Su 11am-8:30pm
Sat., Nov. 23
Craft Fest
@Bedford Gallery, Lesher Center for the Arts Bedford Gallery’s 15th annual Craft Fest brings local, independent makers and designers together for a unique-popup experience in the gallery! Join this FREE event to get your holiday shopping done early with one-of-a-kind, locallymade artisan goods. It’s a Bedford Gallery tradition you don’t want to miss!
Cost: Complimentary
Time: 10am-5pm
Throughout November
Drawn to Abstraction
@Bedford Gallery, Lesher Center for the Arts
Drawn to Abstraction: Prints from the 1960s and 70s captures the vibrancy of the emerging abstract movements during this time, including Abstract Expressionism, Minimalism, Op Art, and Pop Art.
Experience an extraordinary collection of works on paper by artists now widely recognized as giants of 20th century art: Josef Albers, Max Ernst, Helen Frankenthaler, Ellsworth Kelly, Roy Lichtenstein, Joan Miró, Robert Motherwell, Claes Oldenburg, Robert Rauschenberg, Ed Ruscha, Frank Philip Stella, and others. https://www.bedfordgallery.org/exhibitions. Recurring all Fridays through December 15, Rock ‘n’ Roll Fridays will fill Bedford Gallery’s art space from 12:00–5:00 pm with the pulsating sounds of the greatest rock ‘n’ roll music from the 60s and 70s. From Jefferson Airplane and The Doors to The Beatles and beyond, you’re invited to take in this extraordinary collection while reveling in the soundtrack of the psychedelic generation. Then, take inspiration from your groovy viewing experience and make an abstract work of your very own!
Cost: recommended $10, but open to all regardless of ability to pay
Time: Gallery open from Wed.. – Sun., 12-5pm, excluding holidays
Every Monday
Free Yoga Class
@1399 Ygnacio Valley Rd., Suite 26
Behavioral Fitness Presents- Another Living Better through Community offering - Yoga is for all of us. A beautiful way to start the weekcome join our peaceful, mindful yoga on Monday mornings. This generous gift is sponsored by our local non-profit: Providing Easier Access to Care Everywhere: PEACE (501 (c)3). Much more than physical fitness it includes social, emotional, and environmental wellness too. Meet your neighbors and invite a friend. All levels will find their place in this gentle and inspiring time in our new space. Space is limited so please text or call to rsvp (925) 818-8062.
Cost: FREE
Time: 9-10am
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
Publication Team
Publisher: Jo Peek
Content Coordinator: Kara Navolio, Resident since 1991
Designer: Meagan Patry
Contributing Photographer: Mehak Khullar
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, inclusive of materials generated or composed through artificial intelligence (AI). All content submitted is done so at the sole discretion of the submitting party. © 2024 Best Version Media. All rights reserved.
Dear Neighbors,
It’s the season of giving thanks, and I truly hope that each and every one of you, my neighbors, has found reasons to be grateful this year. I continue to be grateful for this magazine that focuses on good news and helps us all get to know our neighbors better. I am also thankful for those that opened their homes and shared their families with me and our community this year and for those neighbors that read our magazine each month and support our local businesses. And to our businesses, thank you for allowing us to create this magazine.
Our feature residents this month, the Hemedes-Fagan-Mott family, have built a beautifully blended family with a unique story. I’m happy to share it with you. Enjoy this month’s issue and Happy Thanksgiving to all!
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.
Warmly,
Kara Navolio
Northgate Living CA Content Coordinator
Resident Since 1991
If you have a story, event or news to share please email me at knavolio@bestversionmedia.com. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook: NorthgateLivingCA.
Rita Dhillon Team #1
Jo Peek
Advertising - Print & Digital
Northgate Living CA
Jo Peek 925-272-8246
NorthgateLivingCA@gmail.com www.NorthgateLivingCA.com
Auto Service
Diablo Auto Specialists
Bill Adams & Melissa Brunson 925-478-5721
1439 Autocenter Drive Walnut Creek, CA 94597 www.diabloautospecialists.com
Concierge Care Coordination
Camalin “Cam” Jones
La Casa Via Transitional Care Center 925-984-1149 camalinj@aspenhealth.com www.casaviahealth.com
Dentist
Tobian Kiefer Dentistry
Michael S Tobian, DDS & Maurissa Kiefer DDS 925-407-1155 mydentist@drtobian.com www.drtobian.com
Design, Build & Remodeling
Gordon Reese
Gordon Reese Design Build 925-477-4953
Marketing@GordonReese.com GordonReese.com
Over the last 9 years, Jo Peek has been helping local businesses, nonprofits, charities and schools connect with our community on a deeper level. She works with each client individually to customize a marketing campaign to suit their needs, timeline and budget.
Bill Adams and Melissa Brunson welcome you to your car’s service and repair shop. Diablo Auto Specialists is one of the most respected shops in the East Bay since its inception over 25 years ago by Tim Stussy. Bill and Melissa bring years of experience in the independent service and repair business and own additional stores in Castro Valley and Albany.
For over 20 years, Cam Jones has been serving the local community as a dedicated healthcare professional. She is a top patient advocate going into her tenth year in the skilled nursing and rehabilitation industry. Facilitating over 3000 patient admissions and having conducted over 900 home evaluations in the non-medical home care industry has equipped her with vast knowledge and a wide network. Cam is an expert with navigating individuals from hospital to home with a specialty dealing with healthcare insurances relative to inpatient rehabilitation facility coverage.
Dr. Michael Tobian graduated from the UCLA School of Dentistry. With over 30 years of experience, he has practiced dentistry for patients of all ages. He thoroughly enjoys the art and science of Dentistry. Dr. Maurissa Kiefer got her DDS degree from University of the Pacific Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry, in San Francisco, CA. Dr. Kiefer strives to provide her patients with comfortable, high quality care.
With 40 years of dedicated service, Gordon Reese Design Build stands as a trusted leader in the remodeling industry. Specializing in kitchen and bath remodels, whole-house renovations, additions, and ADUs, our award-winning firm helps homeowners realize their vision from design through construction. Our skilled team brings creativity, expertise, and attention to detail to every project, ensuring exceptional results. From concept to completion, we prioritize great ideas, clear communication, and meticulous execution. When you’re ready to transform your home, trust Gordon Reese Design Build to exceed your expectations.
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
Storage Expert
Shadelands Self Storage 925-935-6200
info@shadelandsstorage.com https://shadelandsstorage.com/
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.
At Shadelands Self-storage we provide peace of mind to our clients by offering a state of the art facility with video recorded surveillance and a real-time closed-circuit TV security monitoring station. In addition to our secured facilities, we have climate-controlled units, non-combustible construction and many additional features to fit your storing needs.
Hemedes-Fagan-Mott Family: Meet the
A beautifully blended family with a unique
journey
By Kara Navolio, Resident since 1991 | Photos provided by Hemedes-Fagan-Mott Family
The journey that brought Leslie Hemedes and Carter Fagan together is a special one. It’s a story of love, blending a family, and commitment.
Leslie grew up in Sacramento and attended UC San Diego for BS in psychology. She then moved to the east coast and earned a master’s degree at Long Island University and her doctorate in psychology at George Washington University. Leslie moved to Concord when her son was 2 ½, she was pregnant with her daughter, and recently separated from her ex-husband.
Carter grew up in Arizona, attended Arizona State University for a degree in business administration, and a Master’s in logistics and supply chain management. But before stepping into the work world, he enlisted in the Air Force. He was C5 Aircraft Maintenance Crew Chief and left active duty in 2022. “My time in the military has been an incredible experience,” says Carter, “allowing me to travel the world. I’ve had multiple jobs that expanded my professional experience…however, if the Air Force teaches you anything, it’s that you always have to find a way to complete a job regardless of where you’re at or what…tools you may be lacking.”
This single guy, living in Fairfield and working at Travis Air Force Base, met Leslie on a dating app. Leslie says, “It was his first experience dating a single mom and getting to know a toddler and a baby. Navigating this new dynamic together was a learning curve for both of us. Our journey was unique.” Carter adds, “Right away I was drawn to her confidence and sense of humor.” A few months later he met the kids. Carter was nervous, but soon learned how to be a father figure to Leslie’s little ones. In 2020 they moved in together, to a rental home in the Northgate neighborhood. Two weeks later the stay-at-home orders of the pandemic hit. This put Carter into full “dad mode” and they all bonded further as a family. On the weekends they would take family hikes. “I felt this was our true happy place,” adds Carter, “which is why I eventually proposed while on a hike with the kids.” They were married in 2023 and in 2024 were able to buy that same home they were renting.
Julian and Jordyn share their last name Mott with their birth father, making up the 3rd last name in this blended family. Julian is now 9 and is a sport enthusiast, playing basketball, soccer, flag football, and baseball. He loves math and science and spent his 9th birthday at Dave & Buster’s with good friends. Jordyn is 7 and is passionate about gymnastics and dance. She adores the monkey bars, Taylor Swift, and being creative. For her 7th birthday, she enjoyed her grandma’s spaghetti and had manicures and pedicures with her friends. For their birthdays, the family has a cherished tradition of filling the kids’ rooms with balloons, banners, and sparkling streamers, so they wake up to a truly special display marking the day they were born.
Leslie chose her career as a psychologist because, “from a young age I was always fascinated by how people operate, why they behave the way they do…This curiosity often led me to think deeply about thoughts, feeling, and differences…What also drew me to this field was my brother’s struggles with depressive symptoms, self-esteem, and finding his identity. As a kid, I desperately wanted to help him, but I didn’t know how.
“This work allows me to make a meaningful impact on people’s lives…I find joy in guiding individuals through their struggles.” Leslie believes that mental health is the foundation of overall well-being. “I am
motivated by the opportunity to provide a safe, non-judgmental space where people can explore their vulnerabilities and work toward healthier more fulfilling lives.” She has a private practice in downtown Walnut Creek. Carter is working as an aircraft mechanic for ESP Inc., and is a Reservist with the US Air Force.
This family’s passions are rooted in spending quality time together, staying active and nurturing their creativity. They have found the perfect community to do that in. Leslie adds, “We I attended the informational webinar and it was so helpful for us. So much information on the types of questions we should be asking, the various considerations and risks and how to address them. - Walnut Creek Resident
absolutely love our neighborhood… Everyone is so welcoming. It’s wonderful to connect with the different generations who have been here since the subdivision was developed, as well as with other families with kids of all ages. There’s something special about coming together with other families, creating a sense of connection that makes life feel more fulfilling. Building relationships with families who connect with our kids has given us a true sense of safety, belonging, and community. We’re grateful for the openness and genuine nature that fills our neighborhood—it’s a place where we feel truly welcomed and seen.”
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.
“
Joybound Looking for Love
By Chelsea Blackburn, Joybound
Adopt a new best friend at Joybound People & Pets (formerly the Animal Rescue Foundation) in Walnut Creek! View available dogs and cats online or visit Joybound in-person: MondaySunday, 12-6 pm. Our team is excited to guide you in choosing a pet, share information about their history and behavior, and provide helpful resources.
Joybound adoption fees:
• $150 for an adult dog
• $375 for a puppy (<6 months)
• $75 for a special-needs dog
• $200 for a special-needs puppy (<6 months)
• $75 for a senior dog (7+ years)
• Adoption fees waived for US military Veterans
• $100 for an adult cat
• $175 for a kitten (<6 months)
• $50 for a special-needs cat
• $100 for a special-needs kitten (<6 months)
• $50 for a senior cat (7+ years)
• Adoption fees waived for US military Veteran
Opal
Lincoln
Sophie Siren
Minotaur
Minnie
Real Estate Listings in Northgate
Active Listings
Pending Listings
Sold Listings
Northgate’s Cross Country Team having great success
Submitted by Ben Ballard, Northgate Athletic Director
The Cross Country Team attended the Artichoke Invitational on October 5 and had some nice successes:
• The Girls’ Varsity team won for the first time in history, building off six years of 2nd place finishes and out running a strong Castro Valley Team.
• Natasha Cohen ran a time worthy of our top ten in the team’s 16 year history at the meet despite a scorching 85 degrees for the race, which is traditionally cold and foggy.
• The Boys’ JV took 3rd place and the Boys’ Varsity placed 7th out of 17 teams with our top runner Francis Chmielewski medaling in his race and running the fastest time of the day for the team.
Northgate Football Team stuns No. 12 Las Lomas; hands crosstown rival first loss of season
Submitted by Ben Ballard, Northgate HS Athletic Director
OnOctober 4 Las Lomas High School came to Northgate for the annual “Battle of the Creek,” a great game in front of a sold out crowd. Northgate won 35-21, going into the league with a 3-3 record. Northgate wide receiver Blayne Ballard said after the game, “Tonight was just unbelievable. This was just something special for everybody.” It was a great win since Las Lomas is ranked No. 12 and had not lost yet this season.
The Broncos won their first game of the season vs Dougherty Valley, then lost 3 on the road vs Campolindo 31-23. Bishop Diego from Santa Barbara 35-16, and to Clayton Valley 34-17. Northgate High School also celebrated a 50th year anniversary game against Lincoln High School from San Francisco. This event brought back 50 years of players and coaches. Roger Lenard attended with his son; Roger was the first head coach for Northgate football in 1974.
Northgate entrepreneur begins Artisan Spice Co.
By Kara Navolio, Resident since 1991
Angelica Nathan and two friends, Ileana Sorlio and Elba Sorlio, have teamed up to spice up our lives with their new company Artisan Spice Co.
Angelica has drawn from cuisines like Mexican, Indian, Asian, and Mediterranean to produce high quality, hand-crafted spices and sauces like Jalapeno Pepper Powder, Smoky Chipotle Sauce, Fiesta Spice Blend and more. She sells her products at pop-up shops and artisan fairs because she loves connecting with her customers one on one.
Angelica met Ileana Sorlio through their kids, and the two women developed the idea to create these small batch, artisan style spices. Elba is Ileana’s sister who lives in Mexico where all the ingredients are grown on Elba’s property.
Angleica comes from a tech sales background and really enjoys interacting with customers. She loves food and cooking and inspiring others to cook delicious food that is healthy. Everything from growing the herbs to putting the labels on the jars is done by hand. There are no plastics, sugar, or preservatives ever used. “This is my second stage of life career,” says Angelica. “I’m having fun.” She attends events all over the Bay Area, sharing her passion for good food and recipes like Roasted Poblano Scalloped Potatoes,
Enchilada Sauce, and Guacamole using her jalapeno powder. You can follow her on Instagram @artisanspiceco and message her to find out about buying these versatile, delicious products.
You can find Angelica at some local events this holiday season:
Orinda Theater Square - November 1st from 5:30-8:30 Orinda, CA
Sherman Ranch - November 9th from 10am-4pm 7500 Camino Tassajara, Pleasanton CA
The Makers- November 16th from 9am-1pm Downtown Brentwood (between Oak/2nd street)
30th Annual Holiday Market - December 14th from 10am-3pm Benicia, CA - First Street between B and D Streets
Beat Power Outages and Rising Costs: Go All-Electric and Save Thousands!
By Gordon Reese, Gordon Reese Design Build, Resident since 2008
With rising utility costs and growing concerns about environmental impact, many homeowners are considering converting their homes to all-electric power. The shift away from traditional gas-powered systems to a fully electric setup offers financial benefits, increased energy independence, and the potential to future-proof your home. As power costs continue to rise, investments in solar energy, battery storage, and electric appliances are making more sense all the time.
In this article, I’ll share our personal experience of transitioning our own home to electric power and discuss the pros and cons of making this change. As always, Gordon Reese Design Build is here to help guide you through your own transition to a more energy-efficient home.
Our Personal Experience: A Real-Life Example
In our home, we’ve already made substantial progress toward converting to all-electric power. We installed an 11 kW solar power system paired with 26 kW of battery storage, giving us the ability to generate and store the energy we use. Our home now includes an electric dryer, electric water heater, electric fireplace, and car chargers for our two electric vehicles. The only gas use in our home is for our furnace and cooktop.
Before making these upgrades, our monthly power bill ranged from $600 to $1,000. Now, with our solar and battery system in place, our monthly loan payment for the system is around $350. Not only are we saving money each month, but the savings increase with each utility price hike. And with the ability to store energy in our batteries, we are largely insulated from the rising costs of electricity.
One of the standout benefits of our system is that, during power outages, we don’t even know the grid is down. Our system automatically switches to battery power, ensuring that our home stays fully operational, regardless of external issues with the power supply. This peace of mind alone makes the investment worthwhile, particularly in areas where outages are common.
The Benefits of Converting to Electric
1. Lower Utility Costs Over Time: With power costs on the rise, solar panels and battery storage offer a buffer against unpredictable utility bills. While the initial cost of installation might seem high, the long-term savings can be substantial, especially as energy prices continue to climb. Over time, your investment in solar and electric systems will pay for itself, and in many cases, will cost less than your current gas and electric bills.
2. Energy Independence: Relying on renewable energy sources such as solar allows you to produce your own power. This means that fluctuations in utility rates have less impact on your monthly budget, and in the event of a grid failure, you have a backup power source in the form of your battery storage.
3. Eco-Friendly: Reducing or eliminating your reliance on natural gas helps reduce your carbon footprint. By powering your home with renewable energy, you are contributing to a cleaner, greener future while simultaneously increasing the value of your home.
4. Increased Resilience: As mentioned, having a solar and battery system installed ensures that you’re less reliant on the grid. In our personal case, when the power goes out, our system seamlessly
switches to stored battery power, keeping our home fully powered without interruption. This benefit can be particularly useful in areas prone to extreme weather events or frequent outages.
The Downsides to Consider
While there are many benefits to converting your home to electric power, there are a few downsides to consider:
1. Upfront Costs: The initial installation of solar panels, battery storage, and electric appliances can be costly. However, financing options, tax incentives, and rebates can help reduce the upfront burden. In our case, the monthly loan payment for our system is significantly lower than what we were paying in utility bills, making the investment worthwhile from day one.
2. Space Requirements: Solar panels and battery storage systems can take up significant space. You’ll need sufficient roof space for solar panels, and a designated area for batteries, which may not be feasible for smaller homes or those with limited yard space.
3. Transition Period: Converting an entire home from gas to electric can be a gradual process. In our case, we still have a gas furnace and cooktop, though we plan to eventually transition these systems to electric as well. For many homeowners, the shift will occur over several years as appliances are replaced or new systems are installed.
Conclusion: Is It Worth It?
For us, the answer has been a resounding yes. By converting our home to mostly electric power, we’ve not only reduced our monthly expenses but also gained peace of mind during power outages and shielded ourselves from rising utility costs. While the upfront investment can be substantial, the long-term benefits—both financial and environmental—make it a smart choice for many homeowners.
If you’re considering making the switch to an all-electric home or want to learn more about how solar power, battery storage, and electric appliances can benefit your household, Gordon Reese Design Build is here to help. We specialize in remodeling homes with a focus on energy efficiency, including additions, kitchens, bathrooms, ADUs, and whole-home upgrades. Contact us today to explore how we can help you through the transition and create a more energy-independent future for your home.
It's that time of year! Get ready for holiday cookies!
By Lisa Crossett, Resident since 2001
It’s that magical time of year again—crisp air, crackling fires, and holiday decorations in full swing. For me, the holidays are synonymous with baking cookies and savoring the warm, comforting aroma of freshly baked treats filling the house. I have my go-to favorites, the ones that are always a hit, but I also love experimenting with new recipes each year to expand my repertoire. Baking holiday cookies has become a cherished part of my holiday tradition.
One of my long-standing holiday rituals is dedicating two full days to baking cookies to share with my neighbors. Each year, I head to TJ Maxx or HomeGoods in mid-October to pick up festive boxes to package the cookies. One neighbor in particular is obsessed with my Russian Tea Cakes—he even hides a few for himself! I also bring my cookies to our family Christmas celebration, where they’ve become a staple.
For the past 13 years, I’ve been part of a special tradition with a group of friends who also happen to be food bloggers. Every year, we gather for a gourmet potluck and cookie exchange. We’re spread across the
Bay Area, from Walnut Creek and Novato to San Mateo, Fremont, Concord, Danville, and Portola Valley, making it an exciting rotation of hosts each year. Each of us prepares a festive package of half a dozen cookies to exchange, along with a share platter for everyone to enjoy during dessert. It’s a fun, heartwarming event I look forward to every year.
Another great holiday idea is hosting a cookiebaking party with friends. Each guest brings a batch of dough to bake and decorate together. While the cookies are being made, you can enjoy festive cocktails and appetizers. A simple yet elegant cocktail idea is a glass of prosecco with a splash of pomegranate juice, garnished with fresh cranberries on a decorative toothpick or a sprig of rosemary. Don’t forget to have everyone bring containers to take home a delightful assortment of cookies!
Russian Tea Cake Cookies
• 1 cup butter
• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 2 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup dry roasted chopped pecans
In a stand mixer, cream the room temperature butter and sugar together until fluffy. Add the salt and vanilla and combine. Slowly incorporate the flour until combined. Add the pecans and mix. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.
Form one inch round balls (about 1 tablespoon) and place onto a cookie sheet. Bake for 7 to 9 minutes until the bottoms are lightly browned. Fill a bowl with powdered sugar and roll each cookie in the sugar until coated. Place on a large platter to cool. I typically repeat rolling each cookie in the sugar 2 to 3 times, to ensure full coverage.
Lisa has been a Northgate resident since 2001. Professionally she is the President of Crossett Search & Advisory Group. (www. crossettsearchgroup.com) and a board member of 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 dinner parties, explore wine country, collect wine, and create great food. (Instagram: @authenticsuburbangourmet)
DOUBLE
This Giving Tuesday, your gift to Joybound automatically doubles during our limited-time holiday match. Donate today!
Love art and kids? Become a Volunteer Docent at the Bedford Gallery!
By Cathy LaRocca, Docent Membership Chair
Ifjoybound.org/donate
you enjoy children and are interested in learning more about art, we want YOU!! Remember the days of helping in your kids’ classroom and the joy of helping them make art? The Docents at the Bedford Gallery, housed in the Lesher Center for the Arts, are accepting new members! Please consider joining us. Our training sessions start in January. No experience necessary!!
The BG Docents provide art education in engaging ways to Contra Costa schools both in the gallery and in their classrooms. We have a great time talking with students about the themes and principles in the art around them. You will be amazed at how students express their ideas about what they are seeing and experiencing. We top off the morning in the art room, where they make art based on what they just saw in the gallery.
Our 6-session training program will give you all the tools you need to engage with the students. A mentor will assist you. We work in small groups (1 docent/5 students). Docent membership also provides unique opportunities to meet our exhibition artists, attend artsy field trips in the Bay Area, social activities and … make new friendships!
Our upcoming Docent Training Class will meet for three weeks, twice per
week, starting at the end of January. We provide touring tips for each show and share ideas with each other. Once trained, you will take groups on tours on Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday mornings.
To find out more information, call or email Kim Crane at kcrane@bedfordgallery.org or 925-295-1416.
