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April 2020 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • PAGE 1
& APRIL 2020
ALAMO ELEMENTARY SCHOOL GARDENS
By Jody Morgan
Editors note: This article was written before our current coronavirus crisis and restrictions. It is my hope that the great work of programs like this has prepared our students to recreate gardens in their own homes at this time. Thriving gardens welcome students, parents, and staff to Alamo Elementary School. Thoughtfully constructed spaces invite members of the community to pause to admire the collaborative effort that keeps colorful combinations of flowers and foliage attractive throughout the academic year. A decade ago, the Alamo Principal Stan Hitomi, major supporter of the school's garden school’s existing programs, beside the original school bell. Photo courtesy of Lynn Hoaglin. plantings, much like those of similar facilities across the country, exhibited obvious indications of neglect. Adopted by a team of parents and educators and expanded by numerous Eagle Scout projects as well as class programs, the gardens now give each child the opportunity to watch a plant he or she has personally dug into the dirt grow and flourish. Artfully constructed seating areas provide places to linger, laugh, and make music. Stan Hitomi took on the role of Alamo Elementary Principal at the beginning of the 2010-2011 school year. Shortly thereafter, Sharon Dodson, then School Nurse, and parents Lisa Dempster and Melanie Volk initiated the conversation about campus landscaping. Concept plans for the Teaching Garden, begun in May 2012, evolved into completed design drawings that August. Axel Petersen and his father Tim love Work crews, including some running larger working in the school gardens together. Photo courtesy of Lynn Hoaglin. machinery, finished the job that fall. Hitomi recalls: “With its iconic Cob Shed, terrace structure, two staircases, and meandering walking paths, the mammoth 3,000 square foot garden instantly became a focal point for the school. We had started a Fall Festival where students created things to put into the garden that ranged from birdhouses to painted rocks.” Eleven Eagle Scout projects have directly improved the gardens. Some added entire garden beds or planters, while others produced specialized spaces in which
See Gardens continued on page 6
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HELP SENIORS WITH MEALS ON WHEELS
By Caitlin Sly, Executive Director Meals on Wheels
In these uncertain times, the seniors Meals on Wheels (MOW) Diablo Region serves, rely on all of us now more than ever. Below is an update on how MOW is addressing the COVID-19 outbreak. • Meal deliveries remain uninterrupted. In fact, MOW is serving more seniors now than before. They have increased staff hours to ensure meals are delivered to those in need. In addition, they are providing additional protective supplies to their drivers and instructing them to leave the meal on the senior’s porch, to ring the doorbell, and then to back away and watch the client get the meal. • Clients that previously attended MOW Cafés will be receiving seven frozen meals delivered every week. • The Friendly Visitors program is providing all of their services over the phone. In addition, they are planning to ramp up calling services for seniors who find themselves newly isolated during this time when social isolation is necessary but which can be negative for so many. • The Fall Prevention and Health and Exercise classes are temporarily suspended. Seniors attend the classes for both health and social benefits. MOW is reaching out to them to ensure they are not isolated during this time. • The Care Management department is still providing case management and crisis management services. They are doing this over the phone and are ramping up service to help seniors process this crisis. MOW has received an outpouring of support from the community wanting to volunteer. As of now, existing volunteers have stepped up to help, and MOW organizers will reach out to newly interested volunteers as the need increases. If you are interested in volunteering, please apply online at www.mowdr.org. Lastly, these measures have strained MOW resources, and they could use your help. Please consider giving MOW a gift today at www.mowdr.org/donate. Thank you for all you do to help seniors in the community every day. MOW needs you now more than ever.
L I N D S AY W I L D L I F E R E H A B I L I TAT I O N HOSPITAL’S ‘BABY ANIMAL SEASON’ By Fran Miller
Editors note: This article was put together before our current coronavirus scare and restrictions. While places such as this are currently closed, if you’re in a position to financially help any of our local non-profits, financial assistance can go a long way in protecting these groups. Visit the websites for any non-profits for direct ways to contribute. “Tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember, involve me and I learn.” Benjamin Franklin might have been referring to the philosophy of the Lindsay Wildlife Experience when he turned this phrase more than 200 years ago.
See Lindsay continued on page 18
The Editors Serving the communities of Alamo, Diablo, and Danville
Volume XX Number 4
Volume XI Number 4
3000F Danville Blvd. #117 Alamo, CA 94507 Telephone (925) 405-6397 Alisa Corstorphine ~ Publisher Editor@yourmonthlypaper.com The opinions expressed herein belong to the writers, and do not necessarily reflect that of The Editors. The Editors is not responsible for the content of any of the advertising herein, nor does publication imply endorsement.