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November 2013 Horses Healing Hearts: Rescue, Rehabilitation, Education By Jody Morgan
Serving Alamo and Diablo Save the Date for Alamo Tree Lighting Festival Sunday, December 1st, 4:30pm – 6:30pm
Rescuing half-ton animals from abuse or neglect requires more than a willing heart. Undaunted by the task of assembling the network of caring professionals and dedicated volunteers essential to the success of a horse rescue operation, Danville native Melissa Austin founded Horses Healing Hearts (3H) in 2011. 3H has already placed 40 equines in suitable homes and initiated a diversified education program Melissa Austin understands the equine perspective allowing community members of all on enjoying the moment. Photo by Jody Morgan. ages to engage with horses. Melissa Austin found herself stuck in a personal spin cycle. Traditional therapy was keeping her focused on what she perceived as her inadequacies. A friend suggested she work with Dyane Golding, Life Coach and Equine Guided Educator. By interpreting the way horses interact with a particular person in an enclosed arena, the Equine Guided Educator is able to help that person confront problems he or she has previously been unable or unwilling to truthfully verbalize. Aided by the intuitive wisdom of horses, Golding helped Austin reengage with her personal strengths. Grateful to the horses responsible for revitalizing her life, Austin researched equine rescue programs extensively before founding 3H. Recently Melissa saved two sound horses whose owner decided to terminate his responsibility for their care by putting them down. The owner paid 3H the amount an unwilling veterinarian would have charged for euthanasia. Although adopters pay a modest fee, equine rescue is a money-losing proposition. Able-bodied horses have stress issues from neglect or abuse. Like injured equines, they often need months of rehabilitation involving veterinary care, food, shelter, and affection. After 18 years of service, retired barrel racer Norman was given away. The woman who took Norman and two other free horses from Craigslist left them tied to a tree for weeks before 3H rescued them. Norman has “choke” and needs a special diet of nutritious gruel. Cindy McLoughlin fostered Norman, getting him back to a healthy weight. When Austin arrived to take Norman for placement evaluation he slunk to the end of the pasture and turned his back on everyone. An expert rider judged Norman unsuitable Equine Affection Specialist Carissa Manzo connects as a saddle horse. His only speed with 3H Ambassador Spirit. Photo by Jody Morgan. seemed to be high gear. Cindy followed her instinct insisting, “Norman is a gentle soul and misunderstood.” Adopted by the McLoughlins, Norman moves sedately with twelve-year old Liam riding and basks in the affection of Liam’s younger siblings.
See 3H continued on page 26 Local Postal Customer
PRSRT STD U.S. Postage PAID Permit 263 Alamo CA
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The 2013 Alamo Tree Lighting Festival will be held in the Alamo Oak Tree Plaza next to Andrew H. Young Park at the corner of Danville Boulevard and Jackson Way on Sunday, December 1st. The festival signals the beginning of the holiday season for families with an evening of caroling, entertainment, beverages, and crafts. “Guests are urged to come early and stay late,” said the organizers. Santa will arrive early and be ready at 4:45PM for pictures so all kids will have a chance to share their Christmas wishes. Also participating is a local community organization called Shelter, Inc. This amazing group is dedicated to helping in the prevention of homelessness and promoting self-sufficiency among Contra Costa residents. It is an independent, charitable, nonprofit organization founded in 1986. They will be collecting money to buy food and toys for families in our
See Tree continued on page 21
Libraries Over the Years in the San Ramon Valley By Beverly Lane
The County library system is celebrating its Centennial in 2013 with an exhibit and special events at the Danville Library this November. In the valley’s early years, the only libraries were in private homes, such as the Hemme, Hall, Baldwin, Stone, and Wood Lillian Close families. For many, books at homes were a rarity. From 1903-1911, California’s State Library had a Traveling Book Service which loaned 50 books to different communities for three months. The Danville Grange applied for this service in 1906. In 1909, Sister Mary McPherson Podva was appointed a committee of one to obtain
See Libraries continued on page 22
Alamo and Danville Chambers of Commerce to Merge
In early October, the Boards of Directors of the Alamo Chamber of Commerce (ACC) and the Danville Area Chamber of Commerce (DACC) voted to consolidate the two organizations, thereby creating one Chamber of Commerce with over 700 local businesses. The merger becomes effective December 1, 2013, and the consolidated organization will be known as the Danville Area Chamber of Commerce. “The Executive Committees of both organizations have worked diligently to do what is best for the Alamo business community,” said Sharon Schuyler, Chairman of the ACC. We have always worked closely with the DACC and feel that this Volume XIII - Number 11 move will broaden our members’ 3000F Danville Blvd. #117, ability to prosper.” Benefits of the Alamo, CA 94507 consolidation to Alamo merchants Telephone (925) 405-NEWS, 405-6397 include enhanced resources and Fax (925) 406-0547 networking opportunities as well as Alisa Corstorphine ~ Publisher a stronger collective business voice Editor@yourmonthlypaper.com in the region. Sharon Burke ~ Writer sburke@yourmonthlypaper.com In a set of frequently asked quesopinions expressed herein belong to the writers, and do tions provided by the Chambers, it The not necessarily reflect that of Alamo Today. Alamo Today was noted the reason for the merger is not responsible for the content of any of the advertising
See Chamber cont. on page 31
herein, nor does publication imply endorsement.