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February 2015
Serving Alamo and Diablo
Shopping for SHELTER – Circle of Friends Delivers the Goods By Jody Morgan
Each year an estimated 15,000 Contra Costa County residents experience an episode of homelessness. They come from every county town. Studies indicate that for every six months a child is homeless, he or she falls a year behind in school. Founded in 1986, SHELTER, Inc. serves 5,000-6,000 low-income Contra Costa clients annually, helping to keep families at risk in their homes and to provide transitional housing and counseling for homeless families focused on attaining self-sufficiency. Circle of Friends, a social group sharing monthly
Circle of Friends has 19 members. Seen left to right : Saharon Maybe, Clare Daum, Donna Mikolaj, Judy Holmes, Janice Fassiotto, Maureen Schreiber, Pat Madsen, Toni Brien and Pat Wilhelm.
activities, realized they could help. Twice a year, armed with a wish list from SHELTER, Inc., these local ladies put their bargain-hunting skills to work to deliver a carload of new clothing, sheets and towels, or kitchen essentials. Since first coming together in May 2005, a group of San Ramon Valley women recently renamed “Circle of Friends” has enjoyed exploring the Bay Area together. Each member takes a turn at organizing the monthly outing. A few years ago, Danville resident Janice Fassiotto asked the group whether they would consider accepting the task of shopping for SHELTER. “I read about SHELTER, Inc. in a newspaper and went out to their offices with Maureen Schreiber, a friend from our group, to learn more,” Fassiotto relates. “The Executive Director, Timothy O’Keefe, took us on a tour that included some of their sites and introduced us to some of the counselors. He gave us detailed information about SHELTER and the way they work with the homeless.” Each member of the Circle supports many charitable enterprises individually. Would they adopt another cause collectively? “We are a group of ladies Hikers of all ages take to Mount Diablo trails each who care about each other. When I October raising funds and awareness in the Hike shared my experience at SHELTER, for SHELTER. Photo courtesy of SHELTER, Inc. Inc., I suggested that we support them See Circle continued on page 27
Local Postal Customer
PRSRT STD U.S. Postage PAID Permit 263 Alamo CA
ECRWSS
Valley Pioneers’ Golden Wedding Anniversaries By Beverly Lane
They were indeed a sturdy stock, our San Ramon Valley pioneers. In an era when life expectancy was shorter, five of the valley’s first couples celebrated their golden wedding anniversaries. And what celebrations they were! Some had parties which lasted for days. Cynthia Rice and Charles Wood were married in Marysville in 1857. They came to the valley and established the Wood Ranch in 1862, moving into the two-story Mendenhall/ Wood House and raising four children there. They were active in the Grange, educated their Albert J. and Mary Shuey Young and family. children, and survived memorable fires and earthquakes. Their anniversary party lasted a full three days from April 26-28, 1907, during which family
See Wedding continued on page 22
A.A., A Supportive Community By Fran Miller
The number of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meetings available within the greater Contra Costa area is illustrative of alcoholism’s pervasiveness. That these meetings are held privately and quietly, drawing perhaps your neighbor or your co-worker, is illustrative of AA’s success in maintaining anonymity for its members. Every day of the week, nearly every hour of the day, individuals in need can find a local AA meeting where members convene to share their experiences, their strength, and their hope in order that they may solve their common problem of alcoholism and help each other to recover. The only requirement for AA membership is a desire to stop drinking. AA members include those from every segment of society. Grandmothers, bosses, public servants, husbands and wives - alcoholism knows no boundaries and has a dramatic impact not only on the drinker, but on family and friends as well. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, nearly 8.5 percent of American adults meet Volume XV - Number 2 3000F Danville Blvd. #117, the diagnostic criteria for alcoholism. Alamo, CA 94507 More than one half of American adults Telephone (925) 405-NEWS, 405-6397 have a close family member who is an Fax (925) 406-0547 alcoholic, and children of alcoholics Alisa Corstorphine ~ Publisher are significantly more likely to develop Editor@yourmonthlypaper.com alcohol use disorders. Sharon Burke ~ Writer What are the diagnostic criteria for The opinions expressed herein belong to the writers, and do
See AA continued on page 28
not necessarily reflect that of Alamo Today. Alamo Today is not responsible for the content of any of the advertising herein, nor does publication imply endorsement.
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Boulevard View
There’s nothing like visiting those who are much less fortunate to put the minor discomforts of our lives into the proper perspective. Happily, our exhortations and coaching seem to have worked. What do you LOVE about where you live, who you are, your family, your friends, and your travels? Some of the things I LOVE about this area are - Beautiful views/ Mount Diablo/ Horseback riding/ Sunrises/ Close freeway access (but not too close!)/ Good restaurants/ Interesting people/ The Iron Horse Trail/ Farmers Markets/ Geocaching... There are things in this life that transcend all boundaries; these universal experiences that evoke positive reactions and create good memories. These thoughts, from my mother’s list, bring people together - Autumn, when the leaves fall and the nights are sultry/ The roar of the sea/ Big bridges at night/ The warmth and glow of a fireplace on a cold crisp night/ Spring, when everything in nature is reborn/ Playing old records that bring back fond memories... On my list of things I LOVE is - Trying new restaurants/ Seeing shows with my husband/ Playing Words With Friends with my kids/ Spontaneous photographs that perfectly capture the moment. My mom loved - Shopping for groceries/ The alter of a church/ A wild jay who will feed from your hand/ Talking to older people about their childhood/ Church bells... I read these words and I remember that everything around us is a treat we get to experience for just a moment. Everything, including our short lives, is temporary. Whether it’s something happy or sad, don’t worry, because it’s temporary. Yin and yang, positive and negative, the sine wave of life flows through us and around us. The feelings of happiness and LOVE are based on our attitudes, and the moment to moment choices about what we are going to appreciate today. They’re as much about what we are choosing to remember as they are about what we will choose to “let go” because it’s not something good or something that we can change. Mom’s lists help me remember what is important - Travelling/ An ocean illuminated by blue fluorescence/ Summer, when the nights are beautiful and the days are lazy/ The smell of frying bacon in the outdoors/ The moon over the rim of a mountain/ Animals with big, friendly yet timid eyes/ The smell of a pine tree/ A hot bath and hearty dinner after a day at the beach/ Children who make things to sell... I think I will continue my mother’s list. She was definitely on to something. Happy Valentines Day.
By Alisa Corstorphine, Editor
In March of 1965, the movie The Sound of Music was released, and people started singing: Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens Bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens Brown paper packages tied up with strings These are a few of my favorite things About 10 years before the movie came out, my mother was a junior high school student, and she had come up with a list of her own favorite things that she typed out on her typewriter. These were things she loved. The list wasn’t for an assignment or other purpose; it was simply a list of memories for her to reflect on and enjoy. It’s a list she shared with my sisters and me growing up so we could know her better and reflect on those things that made her happy - The outside layer of a roasted marshmallow/ Views from high places/ Watching raindrops in water/ Talking to older people about their childhood/ Children’s magic and puppet shows/ Maps/ Good hot soup/ Intriguing mystery stories in Arabia, India, Tibet, or China/ A firm handshake... These days our lists, thoughts, and feelings are often shared publicly on websites such as Facebook. It has become commonplace on the site to see “feeling __________” filled in with words like “accomplished,” or “hopeful.” Sadly, more often people focus on the negative - “pissed off,” “defeated,” or other unhappy emotions. What a waste of a good opportunity to practice recognition and gratitude. Years ago, when our children and their friends would describe something to us adults, we often worked with them to re-frame their point of view to something positive. Usually, they would be complaining about a friend, a class at school, a place, or an event. It would begin like this: “I hate it when XYZ happens…” Tiring of the complaining, we would turn the conversation around by simply saying, “Enough of that! Tell me something you LOVE!” Saying this to them was as much a verbal cue that the complaining session was officially ending as it was a cue to stop the ‘stinkin thinkin’ and concentrate on the good that surround us. We’ve tried, from a very early stage in their lives, to help our children focus on LOVE, as much for each other as for their amazing lives. We want them to be grateful for the opportunities and comforts we often take for granted. Certainly, some international travel has not hurt development of this awareness.
lÉâËÜx \Çä|àxw Luxury Specialists
Alamo World Travel presents our 2nd Annual
Vacation Showcase 2015 Meet our Expert Luxury Travel Partners for an exclusive look at trends and experiences: AmaWaterways, Tauck, Crystal Cruises, Insight Vacations, Holland America/Seabourn, Pleasant Holidays, G Adventures
Wine & Hors d’Oeuvres Reception, Special Offers, Door Prizes
* Grand Prize Drawing -- Two Round Trip Air Tickets to Hawaii! *
cÄxtáx ]É|Ç há4 Wednesday, February 25 from 5:30 to 7:30pm at Round Hill Country Club in Alamo ***RSVP Required***
Please RSVP to info@alamoworld.com or call 925-837-8742
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Alamo ~ Stunning remodel! Desirable Whitegate location, 5 bedrooms 3 full baths 2743 square feet on a private .35 acre lot. Gourmet kitchen, formal living room and dining room, large family room. $1,395,000 Tim Palumbo Russ Darby
925.943.3332 925.943.3333
Blackhawk ~ A lovely home of fine architecture featuring 4bdrms, 4baths of Country Club elegance. Upgraded Master Suite, Formal Living & Formal Dining, Complete w/ pool, spa & outdoor kitchen. $1,895,000 Michael Hatfield ~ 925-984-1339 www.tourfactory.com/idxr1220998
Alamo Today ~ February 2015 - Page 3
Alamo ~ Stunning Home w/Canyon Views! Approx. 5962 sqft, 5/5.5 on 1.7 acres. Grand Entry w/Hrdwd Flrs, Open Gourmet Kitchen w/New Appliances & Wine Cellar, Master Bdrm w/Retreat & Fireplace, Wrap Around Decks, Pool & Spa. Quite Cul De Sac! $2,300,000 Bob Baptiste
~
925.277.0700
Alamo ~ Views forever from this wonderful custom built 2 story hm. 5bdrms, 6baths + office w/4400 sq ft. Family rm open to chef’s kitchen w/lg center island, pantry & separate wet bar & spectacular views. Beautiful hrdwd flrs. 3 car gar w/level entry. $1,735,000 Gretchen Bryce ~ 925.683.2477 gretchenbryce@msn.com
Copperopolis ~ Fabulous opportunity to live at Saddle Creek a gated community at the foothills of the Sierra’s below the snowline & only 2hrs from Danville. This semi custom single story home with views has 2 bdrms, 3 full bths, plus office/den & large sun room to enjoy year round. This 2700 sf. home was built in 2007. Enjoy the amenities of this gated community. $539,000 Gretchen Bryce ~ 925.683.2477 gretchenbryce@msn.com
Page 4 - February 2015 ~ Alamo Today
NOW OPEN!
Sons In Retirement
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Sons In Retirement (SIR) Las Trampas Branch 116 welcomes guests to socialize with us at 11am on Monday, February 16th at our monthly luncheon at the Walnut Creek Elks Lodge, 1475 Creekside Dr. Please call 925-322-1160 for lunch reservations. The cost for lunch is $15. Before each luncheon we have a Book Exchange where members bring a book they think is of interest to others and take home a book from those left by others. This sharing of books provides an enhanced opportunity for literary enlightenment. In addition, our Book Discussion Group meets, generally on the fourth Monday of the month, at 10:15am at Orinda Books which is located at 276 Village Square in Orinda to discuss a book recommended by one of the members. The February book will be Artificial Intelligence and the End of the Human Era by James Barrat. If you enjoy reading and like stimulating discussions, you will find enjoyment with the friendly group of retirees in the SIRs organization. To learn more about our membership activities for retired men, please visit www.Branch116.org.
Free Tax Preparation
Walnut Creek Veterinary Hospital Jill Christofferson, DVM 130 La Casa Via, Suite 103A Walnut Creek, CA 94598 925-448-2908 www.wcvethosp.com SRVRWF Presents Jessica Braverman, Esq. Talking on the Legal Landmines of Social Media
The San Ramon Valley Republican Women Federated (SRVRWF) presents Jessica Braverman, Esq. and her presentation on Legal Landmines of Social Media. Your information may be tracked, stored, and used against you whenever you post, ‘Like,’ tweet, text, or blog. From this interactive presentation, you’ll gain an overview of how legal and privacy aspects of social media impacts you as an individual, business owner, employer, or an employee. You will learn the many aspects to consider before you post, ‘Like,’ tweet, text, email, or blog again! Because public relations departments, media, and press track social media outlets to gather information, we will discuss best practices for people and entities to consider before using social media. Don’t miss this opportunity to take part in a very lively and relevant discussion! Jessica A. Braverman, Esq. is the owner of the California Employment Law Training Center, a division of Braverman Mediation & Consulting in Pleasant Hill. Her focus is on preventative employment law advice and intervention. She is the President of the Employment Law Section of the Contra Costa County Bar Association, President-Elect of the San Ramon Valley Rotary Club, and a frequent guest speaker on a variety of employment law topics. The talk will take place at the San Ramon Community Center, located at 12501 Alcosta Boulevard, San Ramon, on Tuesday, March 3rd from 7pm – 9pm. Seating is limited. The cost is $25 per person. Please reserve your spot and pay by February 24. Pay online at www.srvrwf.org or by check mailed to P.O. Box 1, Danville, CA 94526. For questions, email srvrwf.lunch@gmail.com.
Free tax preparation for the 2015 tax season is available starting February 2015 from AARP’s Tax-Aide and United Way’s Earn It, Keep It, Save It (EKS) programs. All tax preparers are trained and certified by the IRS. While both programs serve taxpayers of any age, Tax-Aide does not have an income limit in whom they can serve but EKS can only serve individuals whose incomes do not exceed $50,000. For information or to make an appointment for the Tax-Aide sites serving San Ramon and Danville areas, please call (925) 973-3250 San Ramon - San Ramon Senior Center site or (925) 480-7202 Danville - St. Isidore Ministry Center site. For general information and other site locations, call (925) 726-3199. For information on EKS sites, call 2-1-1 or visit www.earnitkeepitsaveit.org. To complete your tax return, Tax-Aide will need you to bring to the appointment your: • Social Security Card or ITIN letter for all individuals to be listed on the return • Copies of all W-2s • 1098s and 1099s • Other income and deductions • Your 2013 Tax Return
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Mark Your Calendar
Mark your calendar for April 4th when the Rotary Club of Alamo will hold the annual Easter Egg Hunt. This year we will be expanding the event and it will become known as the Easter Egg Hunt and Family Day at the Park. In addition to the egg hunt and a visit by the Easter Bunny, there will be music, games, face painting, food, and other fun activities. The event will start promptly at 10am and run to 2pm. Look for more details next month.
Blackhawk “First Sunday” Cars & Coffee
Blackhawk Automotive Museum hosts a monthly Cars & Coffee event year round for all car enthusiasts. Held on the “First Sunday” of each month, starting at 8AM and going to 10AM, the Museum welcomes all classic, collector, and special interest car owners and enthusiasts. On Cars & Coffee Sundays the Museum opens an hour earlier, at 9AM, and participating car owners will receive complimentary Museum admission tickets. The Museum is located at 3700 Blackhawk Plaza Circle in Danville. For more information, visit www.blackhawkmuseum.org/carsncoffee.html, call (925) 736-2280, or email museum@blackhawkmuseum.org.
Host Families Sought for Visiting French Students
For the tenth consecutive year, students from a large high school in the South of France are coming to Danville. Every visit by the students has been better than the last. The students will arrive on April 11th and depart April 25th. The teens stay with local families and have a full itinerary of activities during the days and only require your attention in the evenings and weekends. The visit is an ideal opportunity to experience another culture and hopefully consider visiting France in return. Anyone interested in hosting a student (or students!) is welcome to participate. For more information or to find out about past year’s programs, please contact Martine Causse (teacher in charge of the group), at caussefly@wanadoo. fr or dachary.martine@orange.fr. There are many happy local host families ready to discuss any questions with you (including the editor of this paper!). The local contact is Danville parent Kevin Dimler, who can be reached at kevindimler@gmail.com or 925718-5052.
Alamo-Danville Newcomers Club
Are you new to the area or a long time resident, newly retired or emptynester interested in making new friends and participating in various social activities? We are a women’s organization whose purpose is to enrich the lives of all its members and their families in a social manner. Check out all we have to offer by visiting www.alamodanvillenewcomers. com. Our next new member coffee is February 24th at 10am. RSVP to alamodanvillenewcomers@gmail.com.
Veterans of Foreign Wars
Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States (VFW), Post 75, San Ramon Valley, meets every third Wednesday of the month at the Veterans Memorial Building, located at 400 Hartz Avenue in Danville, on the corner at East Prospect Avenue and Hartz Avenue. Doors open at 7PM, and the meeting begins at 7:30PM. For more information, contact Post Commander Ernie Petagara at (925) 3629806. Send mail to VFW Post 75 San Ramon Valley, P.O. Box 1092, Danville, CA 94526. Find out more about the VFW and our Post at www.vfwpost75.org.
Treats for the Troops
Delta Nu Psi has now sent 1,257 boxes to American troops in Afghanistan and the group continues to collect “gourmet junk food” and cards for additional shipments! The group will continue sending as long as American military members are in the War Zone. On February 6th Delta Nu Psi will be accepting items at CVS in Alamo, and on February 13th they will be at Lunardi’s in Danville. Collections will be held from 11am to 2pm both days and are cancelled if it is raining. Money for postage is also always appreciated as shipping costs have risen 34%! To learn more and see emails and photos from the thankful service people, visit www.deltanupsi.org.
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Movie Night for Charity
A night of fun, film and philanthropy! February 19th, 7pm
Alamo Today ~ February 2015 - Page 7
11 Critical Home Inspection Traps to be Aware of Weeks Before Listing Your Home for Sale
On February 18th “mompreneurs” and founders of PartyIn-Kindness and Generation Pure are joining forces to raise Alamo - According to industry experts, away altogether. In most cases, you can awareness while giving back to our community. there are over 33 physical problems that make a reasonable pre-inspection yourself The documentary Unacceptable Levels will be shown at will come under scrutiny during a home if you know what you're looking for, and the Danville Village Theatre located at 233 Front Street in inspection when your home is for sale. knowing what you're looking for can help Danville. The movie examines the results of the chemical A new report has been prepared which you prevent little problems from growing revolution of the 1940s through the eyes of affable filmidentifies the 11 most common of these into costly and unmanageable ones. maker Ed Brown, a father seeking to understand the world problems, and what you should know about To help home sellers deal with this issue in which he and his wife are raising their children. them before you list your home for sale. before their homes are listed, a free report Tickets are $40. Each ticket purchase will go to providWhether you own an old home or a brand entitled "11Things You Need to Know to new one, there are a number of things Pass Your Home Inspection" has been ing non-toxic, organic pajamas for a child in need. that can fall short of requirements during a compiled which explains the issues involved. Pajamas will be donated to Love-A-Child Missions & home inspection. If not identified and dealt To hear a brief recorded message about SHELTER, Inc. of Contra Costa. Love-A-Child Missions with, any of these 11 items could cost you how to order your FREE copy of this report, provides women and children services that help end their dearly in terms of repair. That's why it's call toll-free 1-866-265-1682 and enter crisis of homelessness and substance abuse. SHELTER, critical that you read this report before 2001. You can call any time, 24 hours a day, Inc. provides families life-long tools (to prevent and end you list your home. If you wait until the 7 days a week. homelessness) that allow them to transform their lives and building inspector flags these issues for Get your free special report NOW to learn the future of their children. you, you will almost certainly experience how to ensure a home inspection doesn't Refreshments and light appetizers will be served between costly delays in the close of your home cost you the sale of your home. 7-8pm, and the movie begins at 8pm. All guests will be entered sale or, worse, turn prospective buyers into a raffle for amazing prizes donated by local businesses This report is courtesy of J. Rockcliff Realtors #01763819. Not intended to solicit buyers or sellers currently under contract. Copyright © 2013 that believe in living a healthy, chemical free lifestyle. Tickets are available at www.partyin-kindness.org/events.html. Don’t Just Bring It – Sing It! Start practicing your harmonies and your mermaid dancing, and join us for Monte Vista High School Presents Flowers for an “aca-awesome,” sing-and-quote-along screening of the film Pitch Perfect Algernon at the Village Theatre and Art Gallery on February 21. Monte Vista High School students, under the guidance of Chris Connor, In Pitch Perfect, Beca, a freshman at Barden University played by Anna will be producing and directing Flowers for Algernon, based on Daniel Keyes’ Kendrick, is cajoled into joining The Bellas, her school’s all-girl singing 1966 book that was the basis for Charly, an Academy Award-winning film. group. Injecting some much needed energy into their repertoire, The Bellas Charlie, a man with a low IQ of 68, is the subject of an experimental take on their male rivals in a campus competition. surgery which triples his IQ. The technique has been successfully tested on The film will be shown at 4PM and 8PM at the Village Theatre and Art Gallery, Algernon, a laboratory mouse. As Charlie deals with the challenges of being 233 Front Street. Running time is 112 minutes. The 8PM show includes behind-thea genius, Algernon’s intelligence begins to decline, and Charlie is faced with scenes stories and Q&A with Pitch Perfect 1 & 2 Music Director Deke Sharon. the reality that he too will not be able to read and write in the near future. Tickets are $5 for the 4PM show and $10 for the 8PM show (general adFlowers for Algernon is a compelling story that is taught regularly in schools mission) and can be purchased by calling (925) 314-3400 or visiting www. worldwide. villagetheatreshows.com. PM The presentation will take place on February 19, 20, and 21 at 7:00 at For more information, contact Program Coordinator Leah Madonich at Monte Vista High School, 3131 Stone Valley Road in Danville. (925) 314-3481 or lmadonich@danville.ca.gov.
Here Comes the Bride!
The Museum of the San Ramon Valley presents “Wedding Gowns through the Ages: Bridal Memories – Gowns~Guests~Gifts,” running through March 14. The Freight Room will feature selected bridal gowns from the 1890s to today, the Baggage Room will become a photo gallery of brides in their gowns, and the Waiting Room will showcase wedding accessories worn by the bride and her guests. Also included in the exhibit will be wedding mementos, favorite gifts, and interactive displays for adults and children. The Museum collects and displays articles depicting the history of Alamo, Danville, Diablo, and San Ramon. Built in 1891, the building was lovingly restored by volunteers and opened to the public in 1996. The permanent exhibit depicts life in the Valley from prehistoric eras up to today. Rotating exhibits are displayed throughout the year, enhancing the permanent collection. The museum is open Tuesdays through Fridays from 1 to 4PM, Saturdays from 10AM to 1PM, and Sundays from noon to 3PM. The Museum is located in the restored Southern Pacific Railroad depot at 205 Railroad Avenue in downtown Danville. For more information, call 925-837-3750 or visit www.museumsrv.org.
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Page 8 - February 2015 ~ Alamo Today
Rancho Romero Elementary School By Skye Larsh-Faraghan, Principal
I’m not a smart man, but I know what love is. ~Forrest Gump When I think back on my K-12 education, I have had some amazing teachers. Interestingly, I can’t recall many, if any, directed lessons, service projects, discussions, or celebrations being directly about human kindness. In fact, most of what was valued were the merits of academics – getting good grades and succeeding in sports and specific talents. Fast forward to our children in schools today...incidents of bullying, anger, intolerance, and bias are certainly not absent from our schools, and in many cases across our nation these behaviors are rampant. One theory is that being kind still doesn’t have priority in our curriculum and lifestyle that it needs. So many other things still seem to have greater value such as being in control, being famous, being smart, having wealth, and seeking fame. Yet, when we ask parents and our community what is the most important value they hold and hope for children, it is almost always that they are happy and able to thrive in a society that is kind and caring. During the first week in February, Rancho Romero, along with the rest of the district, will participate in a project called Words Matter. Our school has extended the title to include ‘kindness.’This project seeks to focus attention on the problem of name-calling in schools and to provide students and educators with the inspiration to launch ongoing dialogue about the impact of words and acts of kindness. At our school, we recognize the importance of building empathy, teaching respect, and increasing understanding about the impact that words have on students’ well-being. From February 2-6 our students will have the opportunity to participate in activities that will help them understand the impact of verbal bullying and teach them strategies for ending name calling, treating others with kindness and respect, and celebrating the uniqueness that each brings to our educational experience. The Inclusion and Diversity Committee, led by Carolyn Diers-Kaneda and school staff, is working together to provide engaging and meaningful learning activities throughout the week. Our goal is to make kindness a top priority. We want to impact the school, community, and ultimately the world in which we live. Just as violence often breeds more violence, kindness often leads to more kindness. Individuals such as Mother Teresa and Gandhi have had a huge impact on the world with their kindness. Each one of us has the opportunity to impact many people with our kindness toward ourselves and others. ~Margaret Paul, Ph.D, Huffington Post
Upcoming Community Meetings and Events
AIA - Alamo Improvement Association - Please visit www.alamoca.org for upcoming meetings - Creekside Community Church -1350 Danville Blvd. Alamo MAC (Municipal Advisory Committee) - First Tuesday of each month 6pm - Alamo Women’s Club P2B - Police Services Advisory Committee - First Monday of each month, 5pm - Meets at Alamo Chamber of Commerce Office located at 120 -B, Alamo Plaza P5 - Round Hill Police Services Advisory Committee - Second Wednesday of each month, 7pm - Meets at Round Hill Country Club - Lower Level Meeting Room CERT classes - Community Emergency Response Team - Visit www. firedepartment.org/community_outreach/cert/upcoming_classes.asp
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Alamo Elementary School By Stan Hitomi, Principal
Every month I have the pleasure of writing for Alamo Today to inform our local community about what is going on at Alamo School. This month I have decided to turn that honor over to a very dedicated and inspiring group of fifth graders, the Save the Earth Club at Alamo Elementary. It has been gratifying to watch this group of young leaders persevere and persist in their efforts to develop a recycling program at our school and engage their fellow students. I hope you enjoy what they have to say.
Save the Earth Club, Alamo School
Save the Earth Club is a club at Alamo Elementary School that saves the Earth one step at a time, working together! We have nine fifth grade students that have created this club to work on programs that help the environment. Our Save the Earth Club is bringing a program to our school called “Waste Busters.” We are bringing labeled bins into our lunchroom to divide our lunchtime trash into three bins: landfill, recycle, and compost. After students eat their lunch they put their trash into the appropriate bins. The landfill bin is brought to a landfill in Pittsburg. The recycle bin is brought to a recycling center to be used for new products and items. The compost bin is brought to a water treatment plant where it is turned into green energy. This coming March, everyone in our area will be starting this program, so we are the pioneers of this new program! The Save the Earth Club also helps to keep our school environment clean and beautiful. During our lunch recess we pick up trash around the school, water plants in our School Garden, and sometimes even pick weeds! We have also been concerned about global issues. We each wrote a letter to President Obama, the EPA, and the CEO of Shell Oil Company. As a group, we are concerned with the drilling of oil in the Arctic. The drilling can hurt the polar bears, seals, and whales that live there. It can possibly be toxic to the wildlife and pollute their habitats. We are hoping our letters will be read, and we are waiting for a response. We’d like to thank our sponsors: Mr. Hitomi (Principal), Mrs. Garrett (Teacher – Club Sponsor), and Ruth Abbe (Waste Busters). We couldn’t have done it without them! The Save the Earth Club plans to bring their passion and leadership to all the other schools they will attend. The Save the Earth Club is devoted to helping save our surroundings and educating other students and the community about how to take care of our precious environment, one step at a time! Sincerely, Talia Garson, Keara Hedican, Ashlee Liao, Simmar Pannu, Chloe Paris, Claire Phillips, Berit Powell, Chloe Rountree, and Emma Salsa
Lost Dog!
$50 REWARD
If you find her and your name is drawn!
Alamo Zoe is Missing
Alamo Zoe has become lost in this paper... Search through Alamo Today and see if you can find her! She is very small, so you will have to look hard if you want to find her.
To be eligible send a letter telling us where you found her, along with your name and address, to: Lost Dog! ~ Alamo Today 3000F Danville Blvd #117 • Alamo, CA 94507
Emily Freel is our winner
Alamo School Save The Earth Club - Front row (l to r) Ashlee Liao, Emma Salas, Berit Powell, Keara Hedican. Backrow (l to r) Simmar Panu, Chloe Rountree, Talia Garson, Claire Phillips, Chloe Paris
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Stone Valley Middle School
By Shaun K. McElroy, Principal SF Giants Relief Pitcher Jeremy Affeldt Coming to Stone Valley
Most people know Jeremy Affeldt by his successes on the baseball field. Jeremy has thrown 22 consecutive scoreless innings in post-season play, which is the second all time best in baseball history. Jeremy’s passion for baseball is equaled only by his passion for feeding the hungry. Jeremy’s foundation, Generation Alive, will team up with the Stone Valley student body on Tuesday, February 10th to kick off a fundraiser to end hunger. Jeremy will educate students about the issues that cause hunger and food insecurity both locally and globally, equip students with a tangible way to meet material hunger needs in their own communities, and empower students to see that they can do something to help those around them who are suffering from food insecurity. Students will begin collecting funds for meals the next day. After funds are collected, Generation Alive will return to Stone Valley with all of the ingredients for a nutritious meal. Student will work in assembly line packing stations to ready the meals for shipping. Visit Jeremy’s website at www.generationalive.org for more information.
Stone Valley Leadership Class Takes a Field Trip to Glide Memorial
Leadership teacher Linda Draper and our philanthropic partner, Pledge to Humanity, arranged for 20 of our students to visit Glide Memorial and assist with serving meals to some of the 3,000 homeless patrons who visit the Glide campus everyday. This is our second trip to Glide in the past two years, and for most of our students the trip to Glide serves as a life-changing event. Students frequently report that serving the homeless at Glide is one of the best things they have ever done. To learn more, visit www.glide.org.
How Does Stone Valley Rank With 187 Bay Area Middle Schools?
Niche.com ranked Stone Valley Middle School 9th in the San Francisco
Alamo Today ~ February 2015 - Page 9
Area for Best Public Middle Schools! Niche ranked Stone Valley Middle School 6th in the San Francisco Area for Best Academics! Niche ranked Stone Valley Middle School 4th in the San Francisco Area for Best Middle School Teachers! See their results at https://k12.niche.com. Although these ranking are flattering, we always strive to do better.
21st Century Learning is Growing a Strong Foundation at Stone Valley
Thanks to donations from three major donors our classrooms will receive 190 new Chromebooks for student use. This nearly doubles our current technology inventory. Our goal is to provide a 1:1 environment in every classroom. Our donors include the Stone Valley Ed Fund, Donors Choose (www. donorschoose.org), and Common Core allocations from the state of California. Each grade level language arts department will receive a class set to be shared with colleagues. All special education classrooms and all 6th grade science classes will have one for each student.
New School Design Approved by SRVUSD School Board
To follow the progress on the new building plan or to ask questions please refer to the following. Facilities Information Updated information on construction projects throughout the district can be found on SRVUSD website at www.srvusd.net/cms/page_view?d= x&piid=&vpid=1346747333230. Contacts for the Stone Valley construction project are: • Gary Black, Assistant Superintendent, Facilities & Operations (925) 552-2960 • Richard Lowell Director, Facilities (925) 552-2970 • Tina Perault Sr. Planning & Development Manager (925) 552-2969 In addition, the Miranda sidewalk project, will commence this summer! For information on this project contact Jenna Caldwell, PE, Associate Civil Engineer, Contra Costa County Public Works Department (925) 313-2020.
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Page 10 - February 2015 ~ Alamo Today
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Monte Vista High School
By Janet Terranova, Principal Welcome to the second semester!
Most students at Monte Vista take year-long courses and their schedules typically remain the same; but the start of a new semester is truly a new start for students. Most students see this as a new beginning and many may want to make changes in their study habits. But just like all of us, new resolutions are sometimes hard to keep. If you have a student who may struggle with time management or study skills, this is a perfect opportunity to help them begin anew. It is easy for us, as adults, to believe we have all the answers for our struggling student and even easier for us to “lecture” them on what they need to do to improve. Unfortunately, experience tells us that this is rarely, if ever, successful. A conversation addressing your concerns and willingness to help your student develop some positive strategies may be more successful. Sometimes, referring to an area that you need to improve upon will open those lines of communication and express the feeling that we are all struggling to improve. I encourage you to talk with your student and together develop a plan of action. Your first step should be to encourage your student to talk with the teacher. Your student’s teacher may have some very specific advice for their particular class. Having the student begin with a conversation with the teacher demonstrates to the teacher that the student is serious and wants to improve. Work with your student to develop a specific goal. Studying more is really not a specific goal. Improving my grade in World History is more specific, and reviewing notes regularly for World History is even more specific. Once you have a goal, discuss how you will accomplish the goal. Maybe your student will highlight their notes every night or summarize their notes by writing or telling you about their learning. Of course helping your student be accountable for the goal is the next step. Before you finalize the goal, ask your student how you will know that he/she is accomplishing the goal. Be honest with your student, tell them you don’t want to nag them; but you want to help them be successful. Working together is great way to help your student and open up the lines of communication. As usual, Monte Vista is a whirlwind of activity with sports, music, drama, and club activities. If you want to know more about Monte Vista and our activities, please visit our website at www.mvhs.schoolloop.com.
2395 Monument Blvd., Suite J Concord (925) 680-4433 (Across from Costco Gas Station, next to Harvest House)
San Ramon Valley High School By Ruth Steele, Principal
Last month, I mentioned that we were beginning the “Challenge Success” program which is run by Stanford University at SRVHS. On January 29th we had all of our staff (teachers, counselors, and every member of our support staff) go through the first workshop to make sure that every single adult on campus working with our students is familiar with the range of pressures that our students face. We also ran a workshop for parents to share how the “Challenge Success” program is helping communities to identify the sources of stress for students and so we can work together to support students. As we move forward with this program, we will be doing a student survey in the spring to analyze the specific challenges being faced by SRVHS students. Stanford staff will be analyzing the data to help define where our pressure points are and how we can most effectively support students. In the fall we will be taking a team of staff and students to Stanford to look more closely at programs and initiatives that we can provide at SRVHS as we continue this work. In March, we have our annual “Building Bridges night to welcome our incoming Freshmen students to SRVHS. On March 10th and 11th we invite all the current 8th graders from Stone Valley, Charlotte Wood, and other local middle schools to take part in this evening which gives both students and parents an idea of what life at SRVHS will be like. Finally, we rolled out a BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) pilot program in January, and this is going to lay the foundation for some transformative work around infusing technology into all of our classrooms. For second semester we have four teachers who are embracing a BYOD model where all students will have a laptop or Chromebook in class every day. Students will either be bringing their own device to school or borrowing one for the semester. The goal is that over the next four years we will roll this model out for each grade level so that by 2018, every teacher and every student will have access to 1:1 technology in every classroom. Starting in August 2015, BYOD will be rolled out to all freshman classes, and this will provide students with access to an enormous range of online learning resources and a focus on 21st Century learning skills in the classroom. We are also piloting “Haiku Learning” as a new teacher:student communication system and looking at ways to move toward digital textbooks. More on this exciting initiative next month!
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Some Advice for Gen Z By Cyrus J. Boga, Novamaya
Teens and young adults today face unique opportunities as well as challenges that earlier generations have not had to grapple with. Below are six nuggets of advice to help navigate these formative years.
1. You are not alone – find your tribe, build your network
It is a sad fact that in our hyperconnected world we can still feel lonely and isolated. One of the key misconceptions young people have is that their interests or problems or issues are distinct and unshared. They’re not. While individual circumstances may differ greatly, the underlying hopes, anxieties, frustrations, worries, insecurities, and fears are universal. As you move through life, you will realize pretty quickly that what matters is the relationships you have: family, friends, colleagues, acquaintances, neighbors. It’s never too early to start building social capital. Seek out people and groups with whom you share values and vision, and engage with them.
Alamo Today ~ February 2015 - Page 11
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Tax Talk with Bob
By Bob Shalon, IRS Enrolled Agent, H&R Block
2. Explore!
Don’t stress about finding your purpose or passion. Young people today feel pressured to have it all figured out by the time they reach college. And given the high cost of exploring during college, this is not unsurprising. So explore! The more you are exposed to new ideas, people and places, the more likely it is for you to find something that speaks to you. An excellent way to explore is by joining the fast-growing number of young people who are opting to take a gap semester or year between high school and college, or even once they’re in college. This not only allows you to assess your interests and explore new ones, but it enables you to return energized, more focused, and with a clearer sense of direction. And that helps make college a more worthwhile investment of time, money, and energy. The costs of exploration are greatly reduced when you’re young. So step outside your comfort zone, open your mind and heart, and trust in yourself. Take risks. Do stuff, just because.
3. Get to know yourself
A huge benefit of exploration is not only learning about the external world but, perhaps more important, about yourself. By working through challenging or unfamiliar situations in a controlled environment, you get a better sense of your own capabilities and capacities. You’ll learn what motivates and inspires you, what elevates you, and what brings you down. This knowledge can be empowering, boosting your confidence, motivation and focus, all of which are key determinants of success.
4. Know that everything is just a story
We’ve been telling ourselves stories since the dawn of civilization. It’s how we make sense of the world around us and of our place in that world. We create stories to explain the unknown, because if we can explain it, we can control the narrative and hopefully wield some measure of control over the inherent randomness of life. Some stories turn into myths, beliefs and religions, some into science. Every story was created by someone, somewhere, and has been edited and interpreted many times before reaching you. Do not get too caught up with any one story. Keep an open mind. Hear different stories. They’ll help you understand people (and yourself) better.
5. Develop key competencies & skills
This is not your parents’ world any more. Unfortunately, too often you are being prepared for a world that doesn’t exist any more. You will need a new and different set of skills and knowledge. Financial literacy, critical thinking, digital and media savvy, communication and collaboration, the ability to learn, unlearn and relearn, entrepreneurial thinking, good habits of mind and body and these are some of the key competencies and life skills you will require in the 21st century.
6. Write your own story
Do not conform to someone else’s norm. You are not your parent, teacher, sibling, friend, or cult hero. There is something unique and individual and special about the combination of traits, dreams, and ideas that makes you, you. You have your own story to write and a lifetime in which to write it. Don’t try to replicate anyone else’s, and do not allow anyone to author yours. Cyrus J Boga is the program director at Novamaya, which offers summer, semester, and other programs for high school and college students. Applications are now open for Novamaya’s Summer 2015 programs at Amherst College, and for the discovery semester programs in South America and India for the 201516 academic year. Novamaya is the only learning institution recommended by Jake Ducey, the Voice of the Millennials and best-selling author. Find more information at novamaya.org, or by calling 925-272-7015. Advertorial
I hope you all had a wonderful summer and are ready for your favorite time of year – Tax Season! I would like to discuss the Affordable Care Act and how it relates to your 2014 tax return, as well as let you know about a telephone scam that has become widespread.
Affordable Care Act...Simplified!
As you have heard, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) says that everyone must have a minimum level of health care coverage or be fined. This actually may or may not be true. Here is what is asked at your tax interview. • Do you have health insurance - Yes or No? • If Yes, was it for the full year? • If Yes, where did you obtain the coverage? • If No, do you qualify for an exception to the penalty? If you obtained health insurance through the Covered California website, you will receive a tax form (1095A) that you need to complete your tax return. Coverage obtained through your job, a broker, or on your own has no tax form nor do you need to bring any documentation to your tax appointment. If you do not have any health coverage, there is a list of circumstances that can eliminate a penalty. This year the tax law is flexible regarding health coverage, but I believe that it will get less generous next year. Please call me with questions.
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The Internal Revenue Service DOES NOT MAKE OUTGOING PHONE CALLS, EVER. If you receive a phone call from a person who says they represent the IRS, hang up. This is a scam that is originating outside the United States. The IRS is aware of these calls and is trying to shut it down. However, it has become very prevalent. Again, it is a Bob Shalon, EA scam, and you do not Master Tax Advisor • Enrolled Agent owe money and do not give those callers any 925.820.9570 personal information. 718 San Ramon Valley Blvd, Danville Please call me at Sycamore Square (next to Lucky’s) any time at 925-820bob.shalon@tax.hrblock.com 9570, email bob.shalon@tax.hrblock.com, or stop by my office located at 718 San Ramon Valley Advertorial Blvd., Danville with any questions.
Recreation Expo Returns for 6th Year
Residents are encouraged to save the date to attend the Town of Danville’s 6th Annual Recreation Program Expo to be held Febraury 14 from 10AM to 1PM at the Danville Community Center, located at 420 Front Street. A variety of specialty class instructors and Town staff will be on hand to showcase upcoming classes and answer questions in person. Registrations submitted at the Expo are eligible to receive a 10% fee discount for programs listed in the Spring Activity Guide and Summer Camps Brochure. For more information, contact Program Supervisor Christine Mabry at (925) 314-3475 or cmabry@danville.ca.gov.
Page 12 - February 2015 ~ Alamo Today
Alamo Women’s Club
The Alamo Women’s Club (AWC) is open to any woman who would like to join “A place where women come together to work toward a better community for all.” We have nearly 100 years of community involvement and a growing vibrant membership. Our members reside in many East Bay cities and we offer: Philanthropy, Community, and Celebration. The Club’s Speaker Luncheon on February 25th at 11:30AM will feature the ever entertaining The Swingin’ Blue Stars of the USS Hornet. The group is composed of four talented singers from the East Bay who perform close harmony, swing style music made popular by 1940’s female vocal groups such as The Andrews Sisters. Put on your patriotic WWII hat for a music filled afternoon. This event is open to the public, and the $35 cost includes the entertainment plus lunch. RSVP by February 20th to njhowsmon@sbcglobal.net. Besides doing work for our philanthropies and the speaker luncheon series, our members also include an excursion group and three ongoing book clubs. The month of February will find an excursion to a Pleasanton tea house. Our previous excursion was to the very interesting Rosie the Riveter WWII Home Front National Historic Park in Richmond. We all enjoyed the oral histories and appreciated the explanations of the war transformation of that time. For the monthly book club meeting, two of the book clubs will read and review The Orchardist by Amanda Coplin, and the third group, which has met for the last five years, will review The Suspect by Robert Crais. This group will meet at the home of Alamo resident Norma Scruggs who was an Alamo Women’s Club President from 1993 to 1995. As every reader and our book club members know, appreciating an author’s experiences and background helps the reader to understand and comprehend the nuances of a novel. With three book groups in house we are, therefore, pleased to be hosting an Authors’ Faire on March 4th, from 9AM to noon, at Round Hill Country Club, 3169 Round Hill Road in Alamo. Local author, humorist, and columnist Penny Warner will moderate six authors. The authors are Simon Wood – Did Not Finish, Catriona McPherson – As She Left It, Terry Shames – Dead Broke in Jarret Creek, Susan Shea – The King’s Jar, Laila Ibrahim –
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Yellow Crocus, and Teresa O’Kane – Safari Jema. This special event is open to all readers, local authors, bibliophiles, and book club members at a cost of $40 which includes a buffet breakfast and valet parking. Reservations can be made by contacting (925) 939-4814 or clarkphyllis@comcast.net. Many thanks to those who attended this year’s Rhinestone Round-Up crab feed fundraiser held on January 24th at our clubhouse. Even more thanks to those who planned and worked the event, and particular special kudos to Danville resident, Kris Deaton, who is the Ways & Means Chair. The fun evening had proceeds benefitting our club and our many charities. In April we will award our donations to our philanthropies and also award scholarships to our recipients. On that day our artist scholars will demonstrate their talents to the audience, and the single women scholarship recipients returning to school at Diablo Valley College will recount their goals and how a scholarship can help them and their families. It is a special day for our Club and is a worthy event to attend. Mark the date now of April 22nd, and look for future more specific information on our website at www.alamowomensclub.org.
Scholarships Offered Through AAUW
The Danville-Alamo-Walnut Creek Branch of American Association of University Women (AAUW) seeks candidates for its 2015 Local Scholarship Program. Applicants must have attended high school in Walnut Creek or live(d) in Walnut Creek or Walnut Creek's unincorporated area boundaries or attended high school in the San Ramon Valley School District or reside in this area now. Scholarships are based on merit and start at $1,000. Undergraduate applicants must be entering into their junior standing or higher at an accredited 4-year college or university by the fall term of 2015. Applicants pursuing an advanced degree – masters, doctorate, or post-doctorate – must be accepted at an accredited college or university graduate program for their course of study also by the fall term of 2015. The deadline for applications is April 1, 2015. Awards will be announced by mid-May and presented on June 11. Learn more about the scholarships at http://daw-ca.aauw.net/2015scholarship, and download the scholarship application packet there. E-mail Marcia Steinhardt at marcia.steinhardt@yahoo.com if you have questions.
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Alamo Today ~ February 2015 - Page 13
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In my role as County Supervisor, I get to sit on many interesting boards and commissions. LAFCO (Local Agency Formation Commission) is one of those boards. Although LAFCO is likely an unfamiliar entity to the general public, it does play a significant role in local government. At a recent conference I heard it described as “the most powerful local agency you have never heard of.” LAFCO is a state mandated agency in each county that oversees boundary changes to cities and special districts, the formation of new agencies including the incorporation of new cities, and the consolidation of existing agencies. After World War II, California's population and economy grew, generating demands for housing, employment, and municipal services. In response, the state approved the formation of many new local government agencies. Over time, the lack of coordinated growth management led to hastily formed cities and special districts, inefficient public service delivery, and diminishing amounts of agricultural and open-space lands. As a response, LAFCOs in each of the state’s 58 counties were created to serve as the state legislature's watchdog over city and special district boundaries. Each LAFCO is made up of two members and an alternate from cities, special districts and the county, and one member and an alternate from the public. Commissioners serve a four year term. The first group are elected officials from cities and the county that include, aside from myself serving as an alternate, Mayor Tom Butt of Richmond (alternate), Councilmember Don Tatzin of Lafayette, Mayor Rob Schroder of Martinez, County Supervisor Federal Glover, and County Supervisor Mary Piepho. There are also three members representing special districts in the county: Mike McGill of Central Contra Costa Sanitary District, Igor Skaredoff of Contra Costa Resource Conservation District, and George Schmidt of West County Wastewater District (alternate). The third category is members of the public (selected by the other six LAFCO
Commissioners) and includes Don Blubaugh and Sharon Burke (alternate). LAFCO is not a County department or county agency, and although meetings are held in a County building and elected County Supervisors are appointed to sit on LAFCO, the County has no authority over LAFCO, and LAFCO’s decisions cannot be appealed to the board of supervisors. Cities, counties, and special districts share the cost of LAFCO’s annual operation in equal thirds. LAFCO has three main purposes: encourage orderly governmental boundaries, preserve open-space and prime agricultural lands, and discourage urban sprawl. To achieve these goals, LAFCOs have planning and regulatory powers that include acting on local agency boundary changes, reviewing annexations, adopting spheres of influence for local agencies, approving city incorporations and special district formations, and conducting Municipal Service Reviews. A Municipal Service Review (MSR) is a comprehensive study to determine the adequacy of governmental services being provided by the local agencies under LAFCO jurisdiction. These studies may be used by LAFCO, other governmental agencies, and the public to better understand and improve provision of services and to identify opportunities for greater cooperation between service providers. The service review is a prerequisite to a sphere of influence update and may lead LAFCO to recommend actions to other agencies or to take actions under its own authority. Each year LAFCO focuses on reviewing a variety of agencies. In recent years Contra Costa LAFCO has reviewed Water/Wastewater Districts, Library Services, Law Enforcement, Fire and Emergency Medical Service Districts, Recreation & Parks and Cemetery Services, and Public Health Service Districts. Copies of these MSR’s are found on the contracostalafco.org website. Contra Costa LAFCO typically meets on the second Wednesday of each month. Meetings take place at 1:30pm in the Board of Supervisors Chambers at 651 Pine Street, 1st Floor. The meetings are open to the public and agendas and meeting materials posted online ahead of time. For more information about LAFCO Contra Costa, visit their website at www.contracostalafco.org. My office is here to serve the residents of Contra Costa County District 2, which includes San Ramon, Danville, Alamo, Walnut Creek, Saranap, Parkmead, Lafayette, Moraga, Canyon and Orinda. Please don’t hesitate to contact us if we can provide you with additional information on this topic or on other County issues. I can be reached at SupervisorAndersen@bos.cccounty.us or 925-957-8860.
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Page 14 - February 2015 ~ Alamo Today
Ai Weiwei on Alcatraz By Linda Summers Pirkle
No matter where I go, either in the U.S. or abroad, when I mention I was born in San Francisco, the most common comment I hear is, “What a beautiful city!” The second thing people usually add is their favorite spot in the city, and Alcatraz ranks high on the list. Alcatraz is one of America’s most visited national parks. Over 1.5 million people come to the island each year. It was a military fortress, federal penitentiary, significant site of Native American history, and now a national park with historic gardens, bird colonies, and wonderful views. From now until April 26th Alcatraz hosts @Large: Ai Weiwei, an exhibition by the Chinese artist Ai Weiwei who explores human rights and freedom of expression. The For-Site Foundation in partnership with the National Park Service and the Golden Gate National Park Conservatory were responsible for bringing this important exhibit to the island; and what a location for such an extraordinary exhibition! The Ai Weiwei on Alcatraz exhibit allows rare access to parts of the island that are traditionally not open to the public. My favorite sculpture of the show is With Wind, a gorgeous multi-part Chinese “dragon kite” suspended from the ceiling of the New Industries building. Faded and cracked bare walls and broken glass windows are an interesting contrast to light, colorful, and cheerful art. Even the rusty sinks along the perimeter of the cavernous show room provide the perfect backdrop for kites, some with stylized birds and flowers, all of them handmade by Chinese artisans who worked with Weiwei’s studio in Beijing and shipped the items to Alcatraz for the show. Refraction, another Weiwei piece, is a massive metal sculpture depicting a bird’s wing. When this structure was being assembled, according to our guide, each piece was carefully carried from a truck parked a distance from the building and quietly assembled without the use of any power tools. Since it was nesting time for cormorants on the island, extraordinary care was used to not disrupt the natural habitat. A long narrow hallway from which to view the sculpture was once the gun gallery where armed guards pointed their
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weapons at “privileged prisoners” who were allowed to work. The exhibit is thought provoking and ranked as one of the 15 Best Art Exhibitions of 2014 by Huffington Post and the Best Museum and Gallery Exhibition of 2014 by Architectural Digest. Exceptionally helpful trained guides are stationed throughout the exhibit. Each guide I spoke to was helpful, knowledgeable, and passionate about the show. In addition to being the temporary home of the Weiwei exhibit, Alcatraz is also the only breeding colony site for two species of cormorants. Our guide Lauren mentioned “If you look outside the windows of the western wall of the New Industries building you can see the remnants of the nests of the birds. They are perfect tiny circles, faint, but you can see them.” Don’t miss the multi-media area near the bookstore. One room focuses on Alcatraz history, another on nature and wildlife on the island, and the third shows documentaries by Ai Weiwei. • @Large Ai Weiwei on Alcatraz is open to all visitors; there is no additional charge to visit the exhibit. The show runs thru April 26th. Alcatraz tours operate seven days a week, and tickets may be purchased online at www.alcatrazcruises.com or by calling 415-981-7625. Free docent led walking tours of the gardens are offered every Friday and Sunday. The tours start from the Alcatraz dock at 9:45AM. Alcatraz Gardens website is www. alcatrazgardens.org. • Special @Large Night tours and @Large Early Bird Access tours (limited availability) can be reserved in advance. Call the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy for more information on special access times and options at 415-561-3021. Linda Summers Pirkle, travel consultant and long term Danville resident, has been arranging and leading tours for the Town of Danville for several years. Inspired by the many wonderful places to visit in the Bay Area, she organizes day trips, either for groups or for friends and family. What a great place to live, so much to see, so much to do. To share your “Quick Trips” ideas email Coverthemap@gmail.com.
ACTIVE LIVES HEALTHY COMMUNITIES ACTIVE LIVES editor@yourmonthlypaper.com
Alamo Today ~ February 2015 - Page 15
SPRING 2015
HEALTHY COMMUNITIES
The Alamo Municipal Advisory Council and the Irvin Deutscher Family YMCA are pleased to announce a partnersh o bring new recreation programs to Alamo. This spring, the Y will be offering recreation for your entire family!
SPRING 2015
Youth The Sports Alamo Municipal Advisory Council and the Irvin Deutscher Family YMCA are pleased to announce a partnership new recreation programs to Alamo. This spring, the Y will be offering recreation for your entire family! oto bring Soccer o Tee BallSports Youth o Pitch SoccerSoftball o Coach o Tee Ball Adult Fitness classes o Coach Pitch Softball o Yoga Adult Fitness classes o Beginner Strength and Balance o Yoga Adult Group Trips o Day Beginner Strength and Balance Adult Group Dayspend Trips an afternoon o A great way to o A great way to spend an afternoon visiting some exciting Bay Area visiting some exciting Bay Area locations locations 4 EASY WAYS TO REGISTER:
4 EASY WAYS TO REGISTER:
•Online at www.idfymca.org
•Online at www.idfymca.org
•Call: 925 687 8900
•Fax: 925 825 1879
•Call: 925 687 8900
•In person: Irvin Deutscher Family YMCA • 350 Civic Drive Pleasant Hill, CA 94523
•Fax: 925 825 1879
•In person: Irvin Deutscher Family YMCA • 350 Civic Drive Pleasant Hill, CA 94523
Machu Picchu—Here Comes the Sun By Bob Dean, Alamo World Travel
After years of thinking about the classic “bucket list” of places to visit, I decided I’d better get around to seeing some of them. The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu in Peru figured quite high on my list since it gets more difficult to visit as you get older! So I took the plunge and signed up. I prepared for my adventure for months by hiking on Mt. Diablo and our East Bay Park trails, plus I spent lots of time at the gym. I hoped my preparation would be enough. I flew into Cusco, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and set off the next day for Puno and Lake Titicaca, a scenic 10-hour bus ride. We pulled into a small village and dipped into a plain-looking little church. It was plain outside but once inside there were amazing statues, ceiling-high paintings, and the oldest working organs in Latin America. Back on the road, seeing the local women in traditional dress huddling in fields as the rain came was a reminder of how comfortable our lives are here. I arrived in Puno, a colonial town, and spent the night. And that was when altitude sickness hit me. If you don’t acclimatize, it can hit you hard. At night I had trouble breathing, so much so that I felt as if I was drowning. Why altitude sickness hits some and not others is a mystery. Fortunately, in the daytime I felt better, so the next day I took a two-hour boat ride with a surprisingly young captain out on Lake Titicaca to the island of Taquile. The charming town of Taquile is nestled in the island hills where provisions for shops and restaurants have to be carried up on people’s backs. I arrived on Easter Sunday. If you want to experience something quite touching, listen to a choir accompanied by guitars in a Peruvian church on Easter Sunday. All that, plus you get to take in the view across Lake Titicaca to Bolivian snow from the top of the island. I returned to Cusco by way of “The Andean Express,” a joint venture be-
tween Peru Rail and “The Orient Express.” Suffice to say that’s the way to travel. Also interesting to note is that one way is 30% cheaper than the other way! I met my son in Cusco, the capital of the Inca Empire for centuries. I had always thought it was just a jumping-off point for Machu Picchu. In fact, Spanish conquerors left some truly wonderful architecture in Latin America. Being Easter, street markets and celebrations sprang up on every corner with people coming in from surrounding areas to enjoy the holiday. Perhaps because it was Easter, there was also a large labor march. Notably the place was swarmed with riot police, but almost all of them appeared to have empty gun holsters. Finally, I was off to the main event – the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. Hiking 26 miles up to 14,000 feet over three days is exhilarating, and only a certain number of permits are allowed each day, so plan way in advance – don’t just turn up and hope to go. As you hike, you pass ancient Inca ruins that you can only see when you travel by foot. The plants and flowers are much more colorful and abundant than I expected, not the barren rocks I had imagined I would see. And if you want to really see stars, camp in the Andes with no lights and no clouds! Along the way, the guides told the history of the different forts we passed and how the Inca hid the paths to these forts from the Spanish. The Inca apparently believed the gods were giants, so each step on these paths was massive! After three days of hiking, we woke up hours before sunrise to walk the last couple of miles up to the Sun Gate, the “entrance” to Machu Picchu. My son and I watched the sun rise slowly up over the mountains surrounding us, then crest the peaks and shine directly onto Machu Picchu below us. Breathtaking Machu Picchu lay beneath us at 9,000 feet, and we knew that in just two more hours we would reach the storied city. We entered the ancient Inca ruins reverently, walking among what were once homes, stores, and warehouses, all brought to life by our local tour guides. Our trek to Machu Picchu was an unforgettable experience and one of those things where you look back and say to yourself, “Yup, I’m glad I did that.” You should go! Having traveled the world extensively for business and pleasure, Bob Dean is a Travel Consultant for Alamo World Travel, Luxury Specialists for 34 years in Alamo Commons. He can be reached at 925-837-8742 ext. 12. Advertorial
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Page 18 - February 2015 ~ Alamo Today
Life in the Alamo Garden
Spruce Up the Tired Garden By John Montgomery, ASLA, Landscape Architect #4059
Let’s talk Tired Gardens! You know what I’m talking about. You look out into your Alamo garden with a huge sigh and see uninspired plantings that you have looked at for years. The gardener continues to prune the plants that are clinging to the edge of survival. Once glorious flowering shrubs and perennials have been reduced to woody stalks that seem to suffice because they are still alive. It may be a single small area or it could be the balance of your front and back yard but something needs to be done!
What do you do when your garden is tired? In some cases it is wise to design a new Master Plan and start fresh. In other cases it makes sense to “spruce up.” Instead of bulldozing the entire garden you can revive what you have! The fundamental criteria for a spruce up are that you are happy with the basic functionality of your hardscape and garden layout. Maturity brings radical changes to landscapes that are often welcomed. It also brings other changes that are not. Trees finally provide shade cover and block out once sun-loving plants. Lack of care and poor maintenance practices have taken their toll. Hedges and shrubs have become overgrown, hiding the house and blocking good views. These changes give cause for a spruce up, although the overall context of a “well-designed” landscape may still prevail. Within the life of your Alamo home, an owner’s uses of the home and yard will change for many reasons: kids grow-up, a family matures, lifestyles evolve. Once busy families that had no time to work in the garden are now retired and have time to play. This brings a whole new reason for the landscape to be spruced up. These changes call for careful consideration and should be well thought out. They should be logical and creatively resolved. Updating landscape projects are challenging yet satisfying when properly executed. In addition to our full spectrum of landscape design services we offer garden consultations that cover a wide range of solutions for sprucing up an existing landscape. Our consultation service is intended to provide clients with simple and doable solutions that satisfy their need for a beautiful and inspiring garden without the need of a
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Kiwanis Club Calls for 2015 Grant Applications Offering $35,000 to Community Non-Profit Organizations
The Kiwanis Club of San Ramon Valley through its affiliate, the San Ramon Valley Kiwanis Foundation, has issued a call for community non-profit organizations throughout the area to apply for $35,000 in grants to be awarded during 2015. Ranging from $500 to $3,000, the Kiwanis grants are designed to support programs and projects that help both specific organizations and the broader community. According to grants chairman, John Lineweaver, the bulk of the grants will be awarded in May. Additional monies will be held in reserve to provide emergency grants, fund Kiwanis community service projects, and support four local Kiwanis High School Key Clubs. The total of this direct youth support will exceed $20,000, making the total dollar amount of community service grants and funding by Kiwanis, more than $56,000 for 2015. Lineweaver noted that Kiwanis generally recognizes grant applications from projects that serve residents of the San Ramon Valley, although non-profit organizations need not be located in the Valley itself. Specific eligibility criteria are listed on the Kiwanis website at www.kiwanis-srv.org. Because Kiwanis makes a single grant to the San Ramon Valley Education Foundation for distribution to district schools, grants are NOT available for individual schools. Grant consideration is given to programs that focus on children, the infirm or the elderly and provide solace, comfort or consolation. Last year, over 40 separate non-profit organizations received grants. Funds for the annual grants program are raised by the San Ramon Valley Kiwanis Foundation through several fundraising projects, including organizing and conducting the annual Kiwanis 4th of July Parade in Danville. Applications and further information, including eligibility criteria, can be obtained from the Kiwanis website at www.kiwanis-srv.org or by contacting John Lineweaver at (925)837-3665. The deadline for grant applications is Monday, March 9, and winners will be announced at a Grants Award Presentation on Thursday, May 21. Anyone interested in learning more about the Kiwanis Club of San Ramon Valley is invited to visit www.kiwanis-srv.org. The club holds weekly luncheon meetings at noon on Thursdays at Round Hill Country Club in Alamo.
master plan. Our basic consultation includes a site visit to assess the condition of your garden. We provide practical recommendations for planting, irrigation, drainage, and soil problems. Whether you are tired of a small planting bed or your whole yard we can provide solutions to revive your tired garden. Especially in today’s economic climate, in many cases it makes sense to spruce up your tired Alamo garden instead of completely gutting it. Consultations for this service may reach beyond just the planting and include adding dramatic landscape lighting or adding colorful pots and décor around the entry which can make all the difference to inspire a tired area. Like the design of a new landscape project, a garden “spruce up” should be well thought out and planned before executing. A hot tip from your local Landscape Architect: Whether you are interested in a “spruce up” or Master Plan, now is a great time to design and execute your project; while winter has set in think ahead to spring and be ready to implement your project so you can enjoy your yard during next year’s summer months. Please read and celebrate with us on being voted “Best of Houzz 2015” for customer service, www.houzz.com/pro/jmla. Gardening Quote of the Month: “Gardening is a matter of your enthusiasm holding up until your back gets used to it.” ~Author Unknown If you would like me to write on any particular subject, email your ideas to jmontgomery@jm-la.com. For design ideas, visit www.jm-la.com. Advertorial
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Topping Trees?
By Blaine Brende & Joe Lamb
At Brende & Lamb we get the occasional request to remove some or all of a tree’s crown, a process called topping. There are many reasons why people ask to have a tree topped: increased light, better view, safer tree, or reduced leaf litter. Though it seems counterintuitive, topping almost always produces the opposite of the desired effect. Topping can decrease available light, mar the view, make a safe tree unsafe, and even increase leaf litter. Take, for example, topping to decrease the shadow cast by a tree. This may work in the very short term, but topping stimulates rapid growth, causing the tree’s crown to thicken, thereby cutting out light after just a few growing seasons. Over time, you get more light for your pruning dollar if instead of topping you give the crown a judicious thinning. When done correctly, thinning doesn’t over stimulate the tree, and it enhances the tree’s aesthetics instead of seriously, sometimes irredeemably, damaging it. Another common misperception is that topping will make the tree safer; it almost always does just the opposite. Most topped trees decay at the point at which they were topped. Topping also stimulates production of long lanky shoots. Given that these shoots grow out of decaying wood, topping often turns a safe tree into a hazard that increases over time. Some of the more dangerous trees we’ve seen were topped years ago with no follow-up pruning. If you have a previously topped tree growing close to your home, it is a good idea to have a competent arborist give it a safety evaluation. Previously topped trees can be made safer by pruning to reduce wind-sail and by reducing weight on leggy branches. People sometimes top trees to reduce leaf litter, but most trees respond to topping by putting out a profusion of leaves to help repair the damage. In short order, the owner of a topped maple will spend more time with rake in hand than before the topping. Topping to increase view is often done without realizing that the new view will include an ugly tree. If the tree in the view is a bay, a eucalyptus, or any number of other fast-growing species, the topping will fail to provide view for long because the topped tree will soon produce sprouts that shoot up into the view. Well-planned pruning can often capture view, and it is often possible to enhance the beauty of the tree in the process. A beautiful view framed by a beautiful tree is far lovelier than a view over the top of an ugly and scarred tree. Another frequent request for topping comes from people about to sell their homes who think that topping their trees will increase the sale price. Real estate professionals know that beautiful trees can raise property values by as much as 20%, whereas a topped tree can be a liability . . . something the bidder on your house might ask you to deduct from the sales price so that they can have the tree removed. For further information about the perils of tree topping, go to the website of the International Society of Arboriculture, and read the article at www. treesaregood.org/treecare/topping.aspx. If you are thinking about topping, please reconsider. It is possible to enhance view, increase light, and make trees safer without topping. Doing so does, however, require competent pruning by tree professionals. If your trees need a little TLC please call 510-486-TREE (8733) or email us at bl@brendelamb.com for a free estimate. Additionally, go to our website www. brendelamb.com to see before and after pictures, client testimonials, and work in your neighborhood. Advertorial
Alamo Today ~ February 2015 - Page 19
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Seniors in your community need your support! Meals on Wheels and Senior Outreach Services has been supporting seniors in YOUR neighborhood since 1968. Two of our programs, Meals on Wheels and Friendly Visitors, rely on the support of volunteers, and we need your help now more than ever. Meals on Wheels volunteer drivers deliver meals to local homebound seniors through regular two hour shifts once per week or as substitute drivers. Friendly Visitors volunteers provide weekly one-hour companionship visits to isolated seniors. To volunteer for either program, please call (925)937-8311.
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Page 20 - February 2015 ~ Alamo Today
Clip Notes
By Jody Morgan
Orchids represent love, beauty, and refinement according to the “Language of the Flowers,” a communication code fashionable Victorian couples employed. Although orchids cost a king’s ransom during the 19th century when sending Valentine cards became popular, modern methods of propagation mass-produce many species at bargain price-points. Still relatively expensive during the 1950’s, orchid corsages reigned awhile as the preferred presentation for prom dates. Yet orchids have never found favor as Valentine offerings. Wild collection was the primary means for acquiring rare orchids until well into the twentieth century. Considered both exotic and erotic by the wealthy gentlemen who dispatched intrepid hunters to fetch every variation the world’s jungles contained, orchids gained a reputation for exciting excessive ardor. “Victorian women were forbidden from owning orchids because the shapes of the flowers were considered too sexually suggestive for their shy constitutions, and anyway the expense and danger and independence of collecting in the tropics were beyond any Victorian woman’s ken,” writes Susan Orlean in The Orchid Thief. Queen Victoria herself, however, was not immune to the charms of the alluring blossoms. In 1886, she appointed Frederick Sander Royal Orchid Grower. Sander fulfilled his office admirably the following year when he built a bouquet of 50,000 orchid flowers for Her Majesty’s Golden Jubilee. The arrangement was seven-feet-high and five-feet-wide. More spectacular still was the display Sander created to celebrate Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee ten years later. As reported by The Sydney Mail: “It is impossible to attempt the description in detail of the many thousands of orchids used in this most superb bouquet ever seen, endless spikes of all that is best and rarest from Her Majesty’s dominions being used together with almost priceless blossoms of the hybridist’s art …” A two-ton specimen of the world’s largest orchid, Grammatophyllum speciosum, drew crowds to London’s Crystal Palace Exhibition in 1851. In 2009, the tiniest orchid (less than a tenth of an inch across) was discovered growing among the roots of a larger plant. The 25,000 species and 100,000 hybrids recognized
Ars Longa, Vita Brevis
By Cynthia Ruzzi, President Sustainable Danville Area
Hippocrates, the ancient Greek doctor, certainly got that right! “Art is long and life is short.” Art influences how we see the world, and it gives us a means to express ourselves when words cannot. The impression a piece of art makes on the viewer can outlive the ability to recall the artists’ name. Finding a simple drawing stored long ago can flood you with treasured memories, especially if the artist was your child. Giving recognition to a child’s artwork can build one’s confidence equal to scoring the winning homerun in a champion Little League game. I’m at least as proud of my trophy from a city-wide art contest in the third grade as I am of my Best Girl Athlete medal from seventh grade. As parents and educators, we know how essential art is to teaching and encouraging our children. Since art is such a vital part of raising healthy children, shouldn’t we consider making sure that their art is created with art supplies that are healthy for them too? Art supplies often contain toxins and pollutants that are both harmful to a child’s health and the environment. Many art supplies contain toxic chemicals (PBTs) that can accumulate in the environment when they are made, used, or discarded. These PBTs can also accumulate in your child and cause illnesses such as headaches, breathing problems, nausea, and possibly worse. A great way to prevent possible negative effects of art supplies is to make sure you and your child’s school purchase only sustainable, non-toxic art supplies. Look for the Art & Creative Materials Institute (ACMI) seal of approval to make sure your art supplies are safe for the environment and your child. A guide to reading and understanding art supply labels can be found at the Children’s Health Environmental Coalition website at www.cehn.org/files/Art%20supplies_2_14_11(6).pdf. With plenty of cold winter nights for indoor family activities, it’s a perfect time to consider some environmentally friendly ways to spruce up your family art projects. • Recycled Materials: Junior’s masterpiece will last just as long and look just as good on 100 percent post-consumer recycled paper as it would on virgin paper. • Natural Ingredients: Who doesn’t love coloring? But traditional crayons are made from a non-renewable petroleum byproduct, paraffin wax. Look for
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today hale from every continent except Antarctica. Old-time orchid collectors zealously guarded their hunting grounds, often burning over a prime area to prevent the competition from discovering it. Orchid Hunter, a NOVA program aired November 26, 2002, summarized one mission. “In 1901, eight orchid hunters went on an expedition to the Philippines. Within a month, one had been eaten by a tiger, another had been drenched with oil and burned alive, five vanished into thin air, and one managed to stay alive and walk out of the woods carrying 47,000 Phalaenopsis orchid plants.” Descriptions of the intricate means of enticement and entrapment devised by orchids to lure desirable insects include salacious details no polite Victorian lady would have reported reading. Despite the pollinator-specific scents and devious snares orchids developed for reproduction, their offspring are not overpopulating the Earth. One 15 year study of 1,000 orchids recorded only 23 pollinated plants. Although one orchid pod may contain millions of tiny seeds, UC Irvine professor Dr. Harold Koopowitz found in an eight-year study of the South African orchid Aerganis verdickii that only one in one million seeds resulted in a mature plant in the wild. Some species resist cloning by tissue culture, but skilled orchid growers can hand-pollinate the flowers and raise thousands of plants from a single seedpod. Regulations controlling the international trade in orchids are controversial. Many growers question whether they intelligently protect and correctly identify endangered species. In Orchid Fever Eric Hansen introduces the issue with a lively portrayal of several orchid experts.“Blind rage, crippling jealousy, and wild exaggeration are commonplace in the quirky and insular world of orchid growers,” he explains. Yet many of the individuals interviewed offer compelling arguments for issuing propagation permits to select professionals to save rare orchids from extinction by allowing them to harvest seedpods or plant divisions. Orchids often arouse immoderate passion in humans. Hansen comments: “Once a person has been properly seduced by the sight or scent of an orchid, he or she has little choice but to collect or buy the plant, take it home, build a special enclosure for it, feed, water, and groom the thing, and then dote over the plant for years.” If you’ve caught orchid fever, but don’t have proper conditions to care for expensive specimens (some rare plants fetch $25,0000), the Bay Area has “orchid kennels” that will accept your green pets for a long-term stay and return them repotted and ready to bloom. crayons made from soy bean oil. Not only are they non-toxic, but they’re biodegradable too. Looking to channel the Italian street artist within? Organic chalk with all natural ingredients is totally safe for small children. They can decorate away without you worrying about them putting their hands or the chalk in their mouth. Eco-friendly colored pencils are my ‘tool of the trade,’ and I use sustainably harvested wood ones like the ones found at Stubby Pencil Studio, www. stubbypencilstudio.com. Manufactured from California cedar wood and certified by the Forest Stewardship Council to have originated from environmentally wellmanaged forests, they draw great cartoon aliens, flowers, trees, and dinosaurs. • Make Your Own Supplies: You’re never too old to enjoy a day of finger painting! It’s simple to mix up a batch on your own. Form a smooth paste with a cup of white flour (not self-rising) and 8 tablespoons of water. Separate small portions into muffin tins, and add organic food coloring to get the color you want. Thin to a pudding consistency with additional water, and you’re ready to create a Picasso. Fancy yourself more of a Monet? Create watercolors by mixing 4 tablespoons of baking soda with 2 tablespoons of vinegar. Allow the mixture to rest until the fizzling stops. Then add 2 tablespoons of cornstarch and ½ tablespoon of corn syrup. Mix until crumbly and divide in a muffin tin. Add about 10 drops organic food coloring to each cup. Paint away, mixing individual colors together to create a wide palette for your masterpiece. Our recipes wouldn’t be complete without offering one for eco-friendly play dough. Mix 1 cup white flour (not self-rising) with ½ cup of table salt in a bowl. Gradually add 1/3 cup water while kneading the mixture until it reaches a dough consistency. It should not be sticky. To tint the dough, add organic food coloring as the dough is mixed to create various shades. Store in the refrigerator in a wellsealed container, but, like all play dough, it will eventually harden. Danville and Alamo K-12 students are invited to participate in the Town of Danville 2015 Earth Day Art Poster Contest with the environmental theme of “Organics & The Art of Composting.” All the students’ artwork will be displayed at the Town of Danville Community Center on Sunday, April 19th from 11-2PM as part of the town’s Earth Day Celebration. A reception honoring our artists will be held on Friday, April 17th at 5:30PM. Prizes will be awarded to finalists in each of the following grade categories: Kindergarten, Grades 1-3, Grades 4-5, Grades 6-8, and Grades 9-12. For complete instructions, please visit Sustainabledanville.com or http://wp.me/PSA1x-12q. All art work must be submitted by entry deadline: 4PM on Wednesday, April 8th.
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Alamo Today ~ February 2015 - Page 21
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helpdesk@theportablecio.com www.theportablecio.com Rejuvenation
By Evan Corstorphine, Portable CIO
Over many years of servicing computers I’ve arrived at a place where I’ve become confident about what works well and what doesn’t. My aim is always to find what makes people happy with computers and to most effectively use their financial resources. My professional advice revolves around maximizing the elements of speed and reliability. Many people have laptops that are a couple years old that aren’t performing as well as they used to, and they’re unsure what to do with them. They think maybe it’s time to buy a new system, but a laptop of the caliber they’d really want is easily over $1,000, and they’re sure there is more life left in the current system. What should they do? Keep reading, because I’m going to give you a recipe for success. Before we start spending your money, your laptop must be strong enough to make these upgrades worthwhile. I would avoid upgrading laptops which are more than three years old. With that said, there are three relatively inexpensive things that can benefit every laptop. They are installing a new battery, adding RAM, and replacing the regular hardisk with a new Solid State Drive (SSD). Let’s start by buying a new battery. Unless a laptop is unique, it comes with a removable battery. Most laptop batteries are ruined when people leave them plugged in all the time. Leaving the laptop constantly plugged into a power outlet ‘cooks’ the battery so it cannot hold a charge, and the laptop ends up with a battery that lasts minutes instead of hours. Go to amazon.com and search for a “9-cell” battery for your laptop model. A “9-cell” battery has 50% more capacity than the battery your computer most likely came with. This improvement will lengthen the laptop’s runtime and is usually only a $40 investment. The next item we’ll address is your RAM. Every computer is different so you need to check if your computer can accommodate more RAM. A rule of thumb is that you want at least 8 gigabytes of RAM in your laptop. Why? The Windows operating system operates best when it has ample RAM to store regularly accessed programs. When you don’t give Windows enough RAM,
it has to constantly access the information it requires from the hardisk, which dramatically slows things down (even if that disk is an SSD). RAM upgrades are inexpensive and highly effective at improving performance. Depending on your computer, RAM upgrades cost around $29-49 per stick. Finally, the hardisk is the heart of your computer. Laptop hardisks come in three speeds: 5400RPM, 7200RPM, and SSD’s of various types and speeds. Most new laptops come with large 5400RPM drives, which is great if you have a lot of data to store, but it is not great if you want a quick machine. I personally advise against using your laptop as a storage depot, and I think filling up a 1TB hardisk on a laptop is not a good idea. I’d much rather keep that quantity of data in DropBox, OneDrive, GoogleDrive, or a local desktop computer, and then back up the data with Crashplan, an online backup service. Laptops, by their very nature of being portable, can get dropped, lost, or stolen. Laptops are far too risky of a place to keep large amounts of data. Instead, I recommend using a smaller but very fast SSD for your laptop. Store your documents and data elsewhere, and everything will work better. Again, speed and reliability are our goals. SSD’s have come down in price, and I use them whenever possible. They are at least 50% faster than a regular hardisk, consume less power, weigh less, and are shock-proof so that a bump to your laptop won’t crash the disk. Of course an SSD costs a little more than a conventional hardisk, but it’s well worth the amazing performance and new life it breathes into your old laptop. The SSD alone will make the biggest difference in laptop performance. Although Windows 7 works fine, Windows 8 is better. The last thing I would do is obtain a copy of Windows 8 to use on your rejuvenated laptop. Windows 8 is very fast, and it works best on laptops and tablets. One quick example: Windows is now able to properly “sleep” a computer and bring it back up in a usable manner without loss of functionality. This has been a pet peeve of mine, and Microsoft finally fixed it. To put it plainly, the “sleep” feature is now as good in Windows as it is on the Macintosh. If you follow this recipe you will have a fantastic, rejuvenated laptop that will perform better than it did when it was new, and it will cost less than a quarter of a new laptop. If this is technically a bit too much for you to bite off, contact your friends at Portable CIO to help, at either 925-552-7953 or by email at helpdesk@theportablecio.com. Advertorial
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Page 22 - February 2015~ Alamo Today
Working With a Financial Advisor Six Steps to Help You Get the Most Out of the Relationship By Peter Waldron
Brought to you by Peter Waldron. In conjunction with Sagemark Consulting, a division of Lincoln Financial Advisors, a registered investment advisor.
Would you trust your medical diagnosis to a casual acquaintance? Do you cut your own hair or dry clean your own clothes? For some services, it makes more sense to pay a professional who has the expertise to deliver the appropriate results. A professional financial advisor can help you build a sound estate plan, designed to help you toward your long-term financial planning goals. These six steps can help you locate and get the most out of this important relationship. 1. Choosing Your Financial Advisor - One of the best ways to find a financial advisor is through a referral of a friend or relative. Your accountant or lawyer may also be able to provide you with a referral. Since they come with a recommendation from someone you trust, referrals can help you feel more confident about your choice of a financial advisor. You can also find a financial advisor by attending an investment seminar or reading the business section of your local newspaper. 2. Set Up a Consultation - Your first meeting is an opportunity to become acquainted with the advisor and find out if you feel comfortable working together. You should make sure a prospective advisor is a good match for your financial outlook and personality. Ask the advisor about the types of clients he or she is currently working with, and try to evaluate if your financial objectives are well matched to their areas of expertise. Follow up with questions about education, experience, and qualifications. Before selecting an advisor, you should feel confident that a prospective advisor can accurately explain the financial arena and the benefits of different financial planning tools. 3. Discuss Your Goals and Obligations - In order to help you clarify your financial goals, your financial advisor will need detailed information about you and your financial situation, philosophy, and risk tolerance. Be candid about your income, debts, future obligations, current assets, and anything else that may impact your financial situation.
Wedding continued from front page
and friends feted the couple. A cousin from Massachusetts sent an artistically designed wedding cake for the occasion. Arriving in Alamo first in 1853, Myron Hall returned to Pennsylvania in 1859 where he married 17-year old Lucy Dornan. They came back to the township and eventually purchased 103 acres around the county road. They raised and educated five children. He pioneered grafting a Persian walnut scion to a native black walnut tree in 1873 and became Myron Hall known as the Father of the County Walnut industry. Lucy and Myron celebrated their 50th anniversary with a reception in the Grange Hall on April 21, attended by nearly 100 people from California and points east. There was a banquet, a program of music, and a number of toasts. The following day they hosted 50 people at their home which was full of flowers sent for the occasion. Then, on May first, the Eastern Star gave a surprise reception and banquet in their honor. After all this, Mr. Hall promised that, when they celebrated their next fiftieth, he would keep open house for a month. R.O. and Mary Cox Baldwin were married on March 25, 1858. He came to the gold mines in 1850 and to Danville in 1852. The Cox family with their six daughters arrived a year later. A writer, Grange founder, Presbyterian Church elder, railroad advocate, and innovative rancher, R.O. was well-respected and sometimes called the “patron” of Danville. They built a beautiful landmark house in 1888 and raised and educated their children. Peder and Anne Rasmussen Thorup of San Ramon celebrated their 50th anniversary in 1934, joined by 225 friends at Danville’s Fraternal Hall. There was a reason for such a crowd. The Thorups had provided a first place to stay for many family members and other Danish immigrants. The guests (as the Gazette reported) “were among those who had accepted the hospitality of the beloved pair in early days and felt the Thorup home was their first California home.” There were Danish dances, music, a midnight supper, and
4. Ask Plenty of Questions - The more you know about financial planning, the more control you have over your financial future. Use your financial advisor as a resource. Financial advisors have access to current information that can help you better understand their recommendations and the performance of your plan. And if you don’t understand something, make sure to ask. 5. Meet or Speak Regularly -Your financial advisor has the expertise and knowledge about financial planning, but won’t be able to fully understand the details of your financial situation unless you share them. In order to keep your estate plan moving in the right direction, your advisor needs up-to-date information on life changes that may have financial implications, including: • Marriage or divorce • The birth or adoption of a child • The purchase of a home • A change in your work status, or that of your spouse • Additional current financial responsibilities, such as college payments or care for aging relatives • An inheritance or other financial windfall 6. Listen - Professional advisors can draw from years of experience and help you maintain a long-term perspective on your investment plan through good markets and bad. You’ll get more out of your relationship if you are open-minded about your advisor’s recommendations. While you may not agree with every idea your advisor presents, being a good listener can help increase your investment knowledge. Following these six steps can help you locate and have a successful relationship with a financial advisor. Please contact Peter Waldron to schedule a complimentary review of your financial situation, (925) 659-0383 or peter.waldron@lfg.com.
Peter T. Waldron is a registered representative of Lincoln Financial Advisors, a broker/dealer, member SIPC, and offer investment advisory service through Sagemark Consulting, a division of Lincoln Financial Advisors Corp., a registered investment advisor, Spectrum Wealth Partners, 3000 Executive Parkway, Ste 400, San Ramon, CA 94583. Insurance offered through Lincoln Marketing and Insurance Agency, LLC and Lincoln Associates Insurance Agency, Inc. and other fine companies. This information should not be construed as legal or tax advice. You may want to consult a tax advisor regarding this information as it relates to your personal circumstance. The content of this material was provided to you by Lincoln Financial Advisors Corp. for its representatives and their clients. California Insurance License #0E47827; CRN201305-2080403. Advertorial
“golden cakes in profusion.” Peder and Anne Rasmussen Thorup were Danish immigrants who married in San Francisco in 1884. They raised six children in their large home and five-acre spread just west of the county road in San Ramon. His Thorup Boot and Shoe Shop was a fixture along the road for 55 years. Albert J. and Mary Shuey Young were married in 1868 and both were teachers who left their marks on the valley. At one point they taught together at Tassajara School. He also taught at the San Ramon and Danville grammar schools, was County school board member for 25 years, and was a 50-year elder of the Danville Presbyterian Church. Their house still survives with a San Ramon Valley Historical Society plaque at 911 San Ramon Valley Blvd. in Danville. They were married for 65 years. The new Wedding Gowns Through the Ages exhibit at the Museum of the San Ramon Valley reminds us of the optimism and celebrations which mark the beginnings of married life. For more information see page 7.
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Estate Planning No-No’s! By Robert J. Silverman, Esq.
Alamo Today ~ February 2015 - Page 23
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It has been a while since I have written about common mistakes people make in the estate planning arena. I think it’s instructive to highlight a number of important “no-no’s” and to comment on positive steps that can be taken to avoid them. 1. Failing to Plan at All! The most critical estate planning error is not to do any! Every adult should establish at least a Durable Power of Attorney, Advance Health Care Directive and Will; and many people would also benefit from a Revocable Living Trust. These are documents that serve very important purposes and will inevitably be needed at some point – we usually don’t know just quite when or how. So, doesn’t it make sense to have them in place, just in case…? 2. Not Obtaining Proper Legal Advice. Time and again, I have consulted with people who are struggling to administer a trust or estate because the decedent (for whose trust or probate estate they are administering) failed to obtain sound legal advice about the estate planning documents her or she signed. “Canned” documents prepared by an inexperienced attorney, prepared by a paralegal at a document preparation service, or purchased online are of very little value without good legal advice about their terms, alternatives, and implications. You know the adage, “You get what you pay for.” In fact, the potential consequences of the lack of expert advice - unlawful, ineffective or impractical documents - can result in inconvenience and administration In Stone Valley Shopping Center fees and costs that are many multiples of what it would have cost to obtain good, professional advice in the first place. 3. Neglecting to Fully Fund Your Living Trust. It is not uncommon for people to establish a living trust, but not adequately “fund” it (formally transfer title of assets into the trust). Having a living trust and not funding it with substantially all of your assets leaves your estate vulnerable to an otherwise avoidable probate and to having Enjoy Our Patio Dining these non-trust assets inherited by people you wouldn’t want to receive them and/or at a time or manner you would not wish. Fortunately, it’s relatively easy to transfer Monday - Saturday: Lunch and Dinner assets into your trust with appropriate instructions and forms. Sunday: Dinner only 4. Not Having Current Beneficiary Designations on File for Life Insurance We Offer a Full Bar and Lounge 3168 Danville Blvd, Alamo Margaritas are a House Specialty and Retirement Plans. People often misunderstand the disposition rules on death that apply to these kinds of assets. Retirement plans (e.g. IRAs, 401Ks) are governed by beneficiary designations – they are distributed to the living beneficiary, if any, who is designated and on file with the financial custodian or insurance company at the time of the participant/owner’s death. And the beneficiary designation trumps whatever your Will or Living Trust might state. Accordingly, it’s imperative that for each such account/policy, you have a current beneficiary designation on file. It’s very wise to also have at least one contingent beneficiary on file – in case the primary designee(s) predeceases you. Frequently, people either don’t have any beneficiary designated; have an out-of-date designation on file; or have only a primary, but not a contingent/secondary designation. This can lead to unintended consequences. I have a client (unnamed and facts changed) who is the beneficiary designated on his recently deceased ex-wife’s $3 million life insurance policy – his ex-wife never submitted a new beneficiary form to the life insurance company after they divorced 10 years ago. So, he will receive the $3 million death benefit (regardless of whether she wanted him to receive it). 5. Nominating the Wrong Candidates for Key Positions. It’s hard to over-emphasize the importance of this one. Whether it is a successor trustee you name in your Living Trust, an executor or guardian in your Will or your agent under a Power of Attorney or Advance Health Care Directive, it’s easy to emotionally or irrationally designate someone who is not suitable or at least not optimal. Many questions should be explored carefully with legal counsel when making these decisions. Does the person you have designated for a given position have the reqServingAlamo&Danville Since 1979! uisite skill set? Will he or she act cooperatively or likely have a conflict with the other family members or loved JUMPSTART the 2015 POOL SEASON! ones who are involved? Does the designee have the time Upgrade Your Pool Equipment and inclination to serve in the applicable capacity? If you name two people to serve together (co-trustees, co-agents, Remodel your Pebble, Tile, and Coping! co-executors, etc.), will they get along and would it make FREE ESTIMATES more sense to name one as primary agent and the other as alternate? Picking the wrong people can wreak havoc Make sure your pool/spa is Drain Cover Safe (Virginia Graeme Baker - VGB compliant). with a smooth succession for loved ones. In-house diver can replace your drain covers. Best prices year-round. Upon request, I’ll be happy to provide you, on a complimentary basis, any or all of the following: i) an “Estate Planning Primer”; ii) a brochure on alInstall a Pentair Intelliflo pump and ternative methods of holding title to property; iii) an save $100 monthly on your energy introductory meeting. bill and get a $100 rebate from PG&E. Mr. Silverman is an attorney with R. Silverman Law Group, 1855 Olympic Blvd., Suite 125, Walnut Creek, CA 94596; (925) 705-4474; rsilverman@rsilvermanlaw.com.
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Page 24 - February 2015 ~ Alamo Today
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3) “Call 811 Before You Dig” education for Alamo residents and the surrounding communities through AIA’s website, articles and announcements.
Grant Request (Initial Process)
Happy 60th Birthday Alamo Improvement Association! (AIA) By Roger Smith
Now in its 60th year, AIA, a non-profit 501 (c) (3) organization, has the longest history of serving our community and helping shape it into “Alamo - the place where we love to live”! Since 1955, Alamo residents have been joining the AIA and working in support of AIA’s mission statement, which is to “preserve the semi-rural character of Alamo.” As Board President, I want to thank all of our many volunteers, both past and present, for their efforts over the last 60 years in making Alamo into the wonderful community that it is today. Please watch for your upcoming AIA 2015 Annual Report, ballot and membership form, then complete and return to AIA to P.O. Box 156, Alamo, CA, 94507. Please visit our website, www.AlamoCA.org, for information on AIA, articles of interest to Alamo residents, membership forms, and more. Don’t be left out; now is the time to renew or become a new member of AIA!
Just What is a “TAG”?
With assistance from Michael Kent, Contra Costa’s Hazardous Materials Ombudsman, AIA has been awarded a $50,000 Technical Assistance Grant (TAG) from the Department of Transportation’s Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration. Within the Pipeline Safety Improvement Act of 2002, Congress authorized the TAG program, which was based on a successful Superfund grant program operating within the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency since 1988. The Office of Pipeline Safety (OPS) can award grants of up to $50,000 to local governments and not-for-profit community groups for technical assistance relating to the safety of pipeline facilities in local communities. Grant recipients are required to make the technical findings of their project available to the relevant pipeline operators. In addition, they are encouraged to have open communication with local pipeline operators, local communities, and other interested parties. Grants must be awarded through a competitive process with established criteria, and grants cannot be used for lobbying or in direct support of litigation.
Intended Uses For The Grant
The AIA’s grant request focused on three main areas including: 1) Community education for stakeholders and about Safety, Regulations and Oversight Responsibilities involving liquid pipelines, such as the Kinder Morgan pipeline located within the Iron Horse Trail bisecting Contra Costa County. 2) First Responder Pipeline Emergency Training specializing in Hazardous Liquid Pipelines for the San Ramon Valley Fire Protection District, which has responsibility for the Alamo community.
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The TAG Application process was both thorough and difficult. It involved the use of three governmental websites and a proposal format of 21 pages. We are appreciative to the Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration for the opportunities this grant represents in terms of education for our local community and specialized Petroleum Pipeline Emergency training available to our First Responders.
Grant Award Process
Several Pipeline Safety Community Education meetings are being planned. A committee comprised of Michael Kent, Contra Costa County’s Hazardous Materials Ombudsman, Jennifer Quallick, Supervisor Candace Andersen’s liaison to the Alamo area, Aron DeFerrari, Contra Costa County District Attorney, AIA Board member and Alamo MAC member, along with myself, are in discussions with the Pipeline Safety Trust, a Washington based not-for-profit organization specializing in national meetings of this type, to determine the scope of the educational meeting project. Meetings most likely will be held in May-June. Philip Oakes, designated by the National Association of State Fire Marshals to provide specialized training for Liquid Pipeline Emergencies, has been selected to provide this specialized training for the San Ramon Valley Fire Protection District (SRVFPD), which serves Alamo and the San Ramon Valley. Discussions between Mr. Oakes and SRVFPD have already confirmed training dates for late March of this year. “Call 811-Before-You-Dig” is a national service provided free-of-charge to property owners. It focuses on providing information on the location of pipelines on properties, both residential and commercial. AIA will continue this process of educating Alamo residents and those of surrounding communities through newspaper articles, announcements, and other means using various media outlets and their website.
Alamo Police Statistics
There were a total of 47 crimes reported during the month of December in Alamo which included alarm calls, domestic battery, burglary, embezzlement, found property, identity theft, hospitalization and mentally ill commitment, patrol requests, petty theft, possession of drugs for sale, armed robbery, service to citizens, suspicious circumstances, and vandalism.
Reported Incidents
• La Sonoma Way, Residential Burglary: The unknown responsible(s) gained access into the home. Electronic devices were stolen from the home. The home was examined and processed for evidence by the Crime Scene Investigators. This is an ongoing investigation. • South Avenue, Vandalism: Unknown responsible(s) damaged a lantern that was located at the end of a driveway of a home. It appeared that a large rock was used to damage the lantern. The incident occurred in the middle of the night. It appeared that the same responsible(s) also damaged another lantern in the same fashion and on the same night on Lunada. Video footage is being analyzed as it becomes introduced to the Sheriff’s Office. This is an ongoing investigation. • Via Don Jose, Petty Theft from Vehicle: The unknown responsible(s) gained access into the victim’s vehicle and stole minor items such as a pack of cigarettes and a binder. Suspect was caught on video driving around early in the morning, looking for unlocked vehicles. Suspect appeared to be a young adult male, Hispanic, with long hair and driving a white sedan. This is an ongoing investigation
Items of Interest
• J-Team and Officer Topete focused on burglary suppression in Alamo and were able to lower the residential burglary rate in half to three from the month before. • Alamo merchants only reported a total of one shoplifting incident from the month of December. • A suspect was caught on video randomly driving throughout Alamo looking for unlocked vehicles to steal from. Officer Topete asks that citizens make sure they lock their vehicles and leave nothing of value inside of them. • An armed robbery suspect that was allegedly responsible for the robbery at the Shell gas station has been apprehended.
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The Eye Opener
Alamo Today ~ February 2015 - Page 25
By Gregory Kraskowsky, O.D., Alamo Optometry Optic Nerve
I think most of my patients are aware of what the optic nerve is and where it is located, but they don’t completely understand its importance in vision. For some people, what they know is enough information, but for the rest, I will give a little more information about this very important element of the visual system. First of all, the optic nerve is the second of the 12 cranial nerves. These 12 nerves supply the motor function of the face and neck region which includes chewing, head movements, and blinking. They also supply the sensory features of the head; the senses of hearing, smelling, and vision are carried through these cranial nerves to the brain. The optic nerve is derived from the same tissues as the brain, so it is considered to be a part of the brain and the central nervous system. The optic nerve itself is made up of cells that are connected to the photoreceptors in the retina. The actual number of fibers can vary from person to person, but the average is 1 million. In comparison, there are 125 million photoreceptors (rods and cones). The photoreceptors capture the light, transfer it into an electrical signal, and then transfer it along the optic nerve to the brain. In fact, the only place on the retina where there are no photoreceptors is the optic nerve head itself; this is our physiologic blind spot. An optic nerve cell connects to only a few photoreceptors in the macula. Since there is a much lower ratio of macular photoreceptors per optic nerve cell, more detail and higher resolution visual information is carried to the brain for processing. At other places in the retina, there are up to thousands of connections to one optic nerve cell, thereby leading to lower quality vision. All of these cells from all over the retina come together at the back of each eye and then travel back towards the brain as the optic nerve. The optic nerve from each eye meets and partially crosses at the optic chiasm. It is at this location where the visual signal from each eye goes across to the other side and travels to the visual centers in the brain. For instance, the signal of what you see out the left side of each eye now is travelling and processed on the right side of the brain and vice versa. If a patient therefore has a defect on the visual field test, we can direct further studies at certain parts of the brain since the location of the nerve fibers that correspond to each part of the visual field is known. The optic nerve has several functions that it facilitates in the eye. The main one is visual acuity. Even though it is not responsible for light perception, it does transfer the message from the photoreceptors to the brain. Included within these fibers are visual field information, depth perception, color vision, and pupil function. Because the optic nerve is so vital to the normal functioning of the eye, any damage to the nerve can therefore lead to visual compromise. Diseases of the optic nerve and brain; such as glaucoma, stroke, and tumors; can lead to abnormal pupil function, abnormal visual fields, and decreased vision; this is why these are tested at every exam. Several situations that can cause abnormal pupil function and visual field changes don’t initially cause pain, headaches, or decreased vision and can potentially be diagnosed during your eye exam. This is only meant as a cursory introduction to the optic nerve due to its complex structure and function. Even though most conditions of the optic nerve and brain will require co-management with a specialist, the initial information can be gathered at your eye exam, and the proper course regarding timing and treatment will be discussed. Dr. K. at Alamo Optometry is your hometown eye doctor for outstanding service, vision care, and designer eyewear. He can be reached at 820-6622 or visit his office at 3201 Danville Blvd., Suite 165 in Alamo. Visit our website at www.alamooptometry.com, and join us on Facebook, Instagram, Advertorial and Twitter @Alamo Optometry.
San Ramon Valley Genealogical Society
The San Ramon Valley Genealogical Society was formed in 1985 and now has over 170 members. The group meets at 10AM the third Tuesday of every month, except in August and December. The group gathers at the Danville Family History Center located at 2949 Stone Valley Road, Alamo. The group also conducts educational classes for its members and has various special interest groups. Everyone is welcome. For information, call Ed at (925) 299-0881, visit www.srvgensoc.org, or email SRVGS@SRVGenSoc.org.
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Page 26 - February 2015 ~ Alamo Today
Male Incontinence By Parminder Sethi, MD
Incontinence is a medical condition caused by the unintentional leakage of urine. While incontinence is more common in women, men may also experience symptoms of incontinence. Luckily, incontinence is a treatable condition. Depending on the type, a treatment plan is customized according to patients’ needs and desired outcomes. The prostate gland, in combination with aging, is one of the chief causes of incontinence in men. Because the male sex organ enlarges as men age – commonly presented as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) – it may put pressure on the urethra, affecting the urine stream.
Common types of urinary incontinence:
Most often, men experience overflow incontinence. Indicated by a full bladder sensation after urination, men will continue to leak after and between bathroom trips. Treatment options for overflow incontinence will vary and may include a temporary or permanent catheter, medication, minimally invasive thermotherapies, laser therapy, or entire prostate removal. Urge incontinence, or overactive bladder (OAB), occurs in men when the bladder squeezes without warning and control. Symptoms may include a frequent urge to urinate. In some cases men may experience an urge that arises so quickly they are unable to reach a bathroom before voiding begins. Kegel exercises, biofeedback therapy, medications, Urgent PC, Interstim, Botox injections, and double voiding strategies may help male patients improve urge incontinence symptoms. Stress incontinence occurs most often in females, but men can also suffer from these symptoms. Ticks such as a sneeze, laugh, cough, or any other movement that stresses or strains the bladder may cause leakage. A patient may experience stress incontinence as a result of nerve damage to the sphincter, the muscle that maintains bladder control, or from a prostate removal. Men experiencing this form of incontinence may opt for biofeedback training, muscle strengthening, minor office procedures, or surgery as a treatment option.
Behavioral modifications that can help:
Set daily bathroom times - Setting and sticking to a voiding schedule will help regulate bodily functions. Recording all bathroom trips in a diary and sharing them with your urologist may help your doctor create future treatment plans. Double voiding – This practice requires the patient to urinate as much as possible, relax for several seconds, and again resume voiding to empty the bladder in full. Incorporate Kegels into a daily routine – This simple pelvic floor exercise will help strengthen the muscles surrounding, and involved in, the release of the bladder. To find this group of muscles, begin urinating and halfway through the void, slow and stop the flow. These are the muscles needed to properly perform a Kegel. To strengthen the pelvic floor, contract and release this group of muscles in intervals of ten, three times daily.
Lifestyle factors that can help:
Male incontinence is not a disease, rather a symptom most often linked to aging or a malfunctioning bladder. With that in mind, there are several nonmedical lifestyle changes that will likely improve incontinence symptom severity as well as overall health. Limiting alcohol and caffeine – Because both alcohol and caffeine are diuretics, they increase the need to urinate. Limiting these will help reduce trips to the bathroom. Improve diet – Increasing fiber consumption will reduce constipation and overall functionality of the digestive and urinary tract systems. Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables, as well as supplementing with fiber tablets, may help decrease urinary leakage. Exercise regularly – Aim to exercise moderately to vigorously five times weekly. Choose enjoyable activities to sustain a regular schedule. Yoga and Pilates, for instance, target the lower abdominal muscles and will help a patient locate and strengthen Kegel muscles. If behavioral and lifestyle changes do not yield satisfactory results, in some cases, patients may opt for surgery to eliminate symptoms. Men who experience incontinence may be treated with surgery after exhausting other options such as Interstim neuromodulation, Urgent PC, Botox injections, or use of anticholinergic drugs. Surgical treatment for incontinence may involve the partial or complete removal of the prostate or the use of an artificial sphincter – an inflatable rubber device that fits around the urethra to control urine stream by either inflating or deflating it. Dr. Parminder Sethi is a Urologist at Pacific Urology. He specializes in treating patients with urinary incontinence and bladder dysfunction. He sees patients in Walnut Creek, San Ramon, and Livermore. To reach Dr. Sethi, call 925-830-1140. Advertorial
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DNA Analysis and Hematologic Cancers By Kasra Karamlou, MD
A study published November 26, 2014 with the New England Journal of Medicine shows an interesting promise toward detection of hematologic cancers prior to onset of clinically apparent symptoms through DNA sequencing. Though there are more studies that would need to be conducted on a larger scale to provide clinical usefulness, our understanding on DNA mutations relationship with elevated risks of diseases in individuals is growing. By better understanding this relationship, we can attempt to create early interventions and perhaps even prevention. It is known that cancer is developed through multiple mutations in the body, and in some cancers those early mutations cause clonal expansions. Clonal Expansion is the production of daughter cells all arising originally from a single cell (medilexicon.com). It was hypothesized that duplication of specific mutated genes could be identified as predecessors to hematologic cancers. The study was conducted on 12,380 persons who received complete DNA sequencing, and then were followed up with for 2-7 years. After analyzing the collected data, it was organized by the number of mutations that an individual possessed and subsequently by which genes specifically were identified as most commonly mutated. It was found that four genes resulted with higher numbers of mutations than others. These genes were identified as ‘Drivers’ of somatic mutation, meaning that they contribute to production of cells arising from a single cell. Data shows as individuals age, they are more likely to possess gene drivers that may be a contributor to hematologic cancer. It was also found that as the age of the individual increases, so does the amount of mutations found. Persons who had three or more mutations occurred in only .3% of people younger than 50 and 4.6% of those older than 65. Upon observation it was apparent that the same driver gene mutations that were detected in participants are present in individuals with hematologic cancers. These genes can be mutated and leave individuals un-symptomatic for long periods of time before perhaps cooperating events attribute to hematological cancer. While currently there are no interventions available for individuals who have a slightly elevated risk of hematologic cancer, and testing positive for these mutated genes does not warrant a diagnoses of such, it is hoped that strategies may be developed for eventual early detection and prevention of the hematologic cancer and other diseases that risks can be calculated with DNA screening. Dr. Karamlou is a Medical Oncologist and Hematologist with Diablo Valley Oncology in Pleasant Hill. He specializes in treating hematologic malignances and benign hematology. To hear more on Leukemia, Lymphoma and Myeloma, join Dr. Karamlou and Dr. Robles for a free event focusing on the unique issues of patients with blood cancer. They will discuss and share exciting new research, treatments, and therapies recently announced at the American Society of Hematology’s annual meeting. Q & A session to follow. February 11, 6:30PM at Walnut Creek Library’s Oak Room 1644 N. Broadway Walnut Creek. For more information, visit dvohmg.com Advertorial or call 925-677-5041.
Search and Rescue
The Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue Team needs volunteer members to respond to missing person incidents, disasters, and other critical incidents. Team members are on call 24/7 year-round. The program provides required training; including wilderness traveling, first aid, map and compass usage, tracking disaster response, and search skills; and may also include special training for canine, equestrian, technical, mountain bike, or other rescue skills. For information and applications, visit www.contracostasar.org or call 646-4461.
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A Fit Fantastic Pregnancy!
By Michelle Brown, C.P.T., C.G.T
Many women are understandably nervous to workout while carrying a child. The changes that the body will endure during this wonderful time should be prepared for safely and progressively. A functional training program that increases balance, strength, and cardiovascular health can not only improve the experience of being pregnant, but it has also been shown to make the birthing process much more manageable. Having provided fitness programs for dozens of women from first trimester through birth, I have been blessed to be a part of many fit and fantastic pregnancies. Though there are certain medical conditions in which physical activity is discouraged, most women will benefit greatly from exercise while pregnant. Talk to your doctor before beginning any exercise program to ensure that you and your baby are not at risk. With your doctors consent, a well educated fitness and wellness professional can guide you through a safe, functional, and fun fitness and nutrition program. This will benefit both your physical and mental health as you move through the changes of each trimester. During the first trimester, breathlessness from a small amount of cardiovascular exercise is common. This is the work of hormones which are inducing changes in your body to prepare for the baby. Recent studies show that during the first trimester, it may be best to participate in gentle exercise because of the effect of hormones on increased blood volume. Activities such as swimming, light weight lifting, yoga, and walking are safe and effective ways to move during the
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Alamo Today ~ February 2015 - Page 27 first trimester. As a precaution, many doctors and trainers recommend avoiding exercises that jolt the body such as jogging, jumping, and high impact aerobics. Daily exercise during the second trimester of pregnancy is very important in keeping up your energy level and helping you sleep well at night. According to the Mayo clinic, exercise during this time can also help prepare your body for labor and prevent too much weight gain. Unlike the first trimester, exercise such as jogging and aerobics are recommended provided they are not causing discomfort. It is recommended that pregnant woman in their second trimester work below 60% of maximum heart rate. For most of us, this means maintaining a heart rate of less than 140 beats per minute. In addition to monitoring heart rate, it is critical to pay attention to the signals of the body. Stop exercising immediately if you feel dizzy, nauseous, light headed, dehydrated, or overheated. Any unusual discharge is a reason to stop as well. If these symptoms do not subside within 15 minutes, see your doctor. If your baby is growing enthusiastically, you may need to be more creative with your exercise choices as activities like jogging may be completely out of the question. Alternatives like stationary bike riding, rowing on a rowing machine, light aerobics, and dancing can be great ways to break a sweat without the discomfort that may be caused by plyometric exercise. By the third trimester you may tire more easily, sleep less comfortably, and just feel ready to have that baby! Taking a deep breath may feel almost impossible. Take a seat, find good posture, and inhale as you extend your arms overhead, breathing into the sides of the body. Exhale as you lower your arms. Repeat this four times. The extra oxygen flow may make you feel light headed, so again, make sure you are seated during this breath practice. Exercise can also help alleviate swelling in the ankles and feet. Avoid standing too much, and elevate your feet after exercise. Many women also experience sciatic pain during the third trimester. The position of the baby and the added weight contribute to this. A seated figure four stretch can alleviate this pain, and simple childs pose is another way to open up the posterior chain and give the baby some room to move. Finally, some pregnancy-related conditions may make it dangerous for a pregnant woman to exercise. Don’t feel badly if your doctor has recommended a more sedentary pregnancy for you. The benefit of protecting your baby by avoiding exercise for medical reasons far outweighs any health benefit activity will provide. Respect the changes that are happening inside you by getting quality sleep, eating healthy whole foods, drinking water and sharing loving moments with your partner, family and friends. Your baby will be the direct product of the care, love, time, and affection you have given yourself. Enjoy the awesome miracle that is becoming a Mommy! Michelle Brown is an ACE certified fitness professional, 2nd Degree Bok Fu Do Black Belt Disciple, Level 2 TRX certified, TRX Mind Body Certified, a Trigger Point Self Rehabilitation Therapist, board member on the CHMRC, blogger, public speaker and owner of Gumsaba Outdoor Fitness. Michelle has been helping clients surpass their goals since 1998. Gumsaba offers outdoor fitness programs year round in the great outdoors. Join Gumsaba for a FREE CLASS. Visit our website at gumsaba.com to get started. Use promo code BEBLESSED to redeem your free week. www.gumsaba.com Advertorial (925) 683-5630.
by donating supplies twice a year. They thought it was a great idea and immediately agreed,” Janice reports. Circle of Friends shops to help fill s om e o ff - s e a s o n gaps – spring, after holiday donations have been distributed and fall following the wave of backto-school contributions. Janice contacts SHELTER, Inc. Resource Coordinator Teri Gonzales for Maureen Olsen and Diane Bishop at Swing for SHELTER which current needs. Each gives golfers and dinner guests an annual chance to enjoy raising list is different. Can funds. Photo courtesy of SHELTER, Inc. openers, cookware and pantry items were the theme last fall. Xenophon Therapeutic Riding Center’s Circle member Marilyn Daugherty remarks, “Through the years our shopping has been as thrifty as possible, using coupons, Annual Gala Event watching for sales and comparing prices, to stretch our money and purchase as much as possible to fill the needs of SHELTER.” Nancy Bucholtz recalls working with the department manager at Target and returning to the store as new stock arrived to get every sweatshirt size on that season’s list. Proud to be involved, Circle member Toni Brien explains, “SHELTER, Inc. does not just dispense charity. They help people get back on track by making them responsible for pulling their lives together.” A year ago, she helped prepare holiday gifts for Date: Saturday, March 14, 2015 SHELTER families. “I was very impressed with the organization Time: 6:00 PM—10:00 PM when I went to volunteer. All the supplies are so well organized it is easy for clients to find what they want.” She remembers Location: Round Hill Country Club, Alamo sorting and wrapping presents for an extended family of eleven living together. Information SHELTER provided thoughtfully Tickets: $125.00 per person, reservation required. suggested that the girl cousins of the same age both be given Attire: Gather your boots and your bling or your most glamourous western wear. similar pajamas and toys. Gift tags signed by the parents, rather than an anonymous donor, make each present more personal. For Gonzales, the holiday rush begins in August with calls For information and tickets visit www.xenophontrc.org about the Adopt-a-Family program. Seasoned contributors want Contact: Mari Parino - mparino@xenophontrc.org Office: 925-377-0871
Denim &
Diamonds
See Circle continued on page 30
Page 28 - February 2015 ~ Alamo Today
Your Personal Nutritionist
Case Study with Remarkable Results By Linda Michaelis RD,MS
The following is a real case study and teaches us how poor health can be transformed with some easy, sensible changes in diet. I received a frantic call from Jan (names are changed) asking for help with her husband Tom who was just discharged from the hospital due to chest pain, uncontrolled diabetes, and blood pressure. Tom’s physician told him this was a warning, and he better take losing weight seriously, start exercising, and see LindaRD. Jan said I was the first phone call she made when they came home from the hospital because Tom was confused about what he should eat. Since he was still weak, I decided to do a visit to their home in Alamo. Tom works out of his home, and not surprisingly, the refrigerator was loaded with juices, soda, high sugar yogurts, different flavored creamers for coffee, cheeses galore, and frozen pasta dishes, while the cupboards were filled with chips, crackers, and cookies. Jan indicated she hardly eats Tom’s snacks and said she had given up. Based on prior experiences I knew that immediate changes in Tom’s diet could create fast results such as dropping weight, lowering blood sugar, and lowering blood pressure. Tom’s best friend was his food, and he expressed fear that he would feel hungry all the time without his goodies. I knew I had to show Tom how he could still have his favorite foods as long as he balances his meals and snacks correctly. First, I devised a nutrition plan and told Tom and Jan the plan must be based on having protein and fiber at each meal and snack which would help bring down Tom’s blood sugar and create a sense of fullness. Next, I decided to educate the couple about food labels, taking items from the fridge and explaining what they were actually eating. Tom was shocked to learn, that cheese, his favorite snack that he would consume all day long, was almost pure fat, high in salt, and hardly contained any protein. Tom also could not believe how many teaspoons of sugar he was consuming in one day. We put together a list of snacks that Tom would enjoy during his work day. Of course, we kept his cheese in, but I asked him to keep his cheese intake to 2 oz. a day and to make sure he purchased it in 1 oz. slices. I asked Tom to add to his snacks veggies such as peperoncinis, roasted red peppers, or even raw veggies that he said he likes. I also suggested that in addition to cheese Tom add turkey or
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alcoholism? AA asks the following questions: * Have you ever felt that your life would be better if you did not drink? * Have you ever decided to stop drinking for a week or so, but only lasted for a couple of days? * Do you wish people would mind their own business about your drinking-- stop telling you what to do? * Have you ever switched from one kind of drink to another in the hope that this would keep you from getting drunk? * Has your drinking caused trouble at home? * Do you tell yourself you can stop drinking any time you want to, even though you keep getting drunk when you don't mean to? * Do you envy people who can drink without getting into trouble? * Do you have “blackouts”? * Have you had problems connected with drinking during the past year? For those who answer “yes” to four or more of these questions, indicating a likely problem with alcohol, AA is available to help. AA provides a supportive and discreet community and fellowship to aide efforts in overcoming alcoholism. Members encourage and help each other to stay sober, and help the currently suffering alcoholic to become - and stay - sober. AA members share with each other their experiences within group meetings; they provide person-to-person service or “sponsorship” to other alcoholics within the twelve-step process of recovery (a set of guiding spiritual principles as accepted by a group’s membership, outlining a course of action for recovery from addiction). There are no dues or fees associated with AA membership. AA is not allied with any sect, denomination, political group, organization or institution. In its efforts to dissuade controversy, AA neither endorses nor opposes any causes. AA offers several types of meetings for its members, and no matter which type one chooses, a member’s privacy and anonymity is always respected.
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other sliced meats for a change. When he saw how high in fat and salt his Ritz crackers were, Tom agreed to substitute them for Akmak, Rye Krisp, Kavli, or even whole wheat Triscuits. A couple of days later we made a trip to Safeway to show Tom other foods that he could add to his life and really enjoy instead of always ‘cheesing it up.’ Tom was delighted to see that he can have shrimp with cocktail sauce, ceviche (that is now available in delis), calamari salad, and even prepared tuna which I felt was still better than rich cheese. I was thrilled to see that Tom was interested in trying Greek yogurt and cottage cheese which he joked was “women’s food,” and I corrected him by saying “real men” also eat it. Since our Safeway trip was so successful, we decided to go to Trader Joe’s the following week to find other convenient healthy items. The couple was amazed at the already prepared snacks and meals such as grilled chicken strips and the huge array of interesting veggies. When Tom was feeling better, we began to discuss menu choices at some of his favorite restaurants, going over the menu before dining out. Tom began saying he was getting comfortable with eating healthy and was understanding that he was creating a lifestyle change. I was thrilled that Tom began to see that he was not feeling hungry with the meals and snacks that I was suggesting. In fact, Tom said he was feeling better and the weight was melting off. After working with Tom for two months, we had a visit with his doctor, and she was amazed that Tom’s blood sugar and blood pressure were now in the normal range, and he had lost 20 pounds. The doctor mentioned that she had previously been very frustrated with Tom and felt he was not taking his health seriously. Now the doctor eliminated his Metformin prescription at night and gave him a prescription for a significantly lower dose of his blood pressure medication. You should have seen the big smile on Tom’s face, not to mention the relief on Jan’s face when he got that news. My time with Tom and Jan was truly rewarding, and I am still amazed how after a short period of hand holding and education you can get poor health on track. Please allow me to help you if you feel you cannot do this on your own. I am glad to inform you that insurance companies will cover nutritional counseling. Please visit LindaRD.com for the list of companies that cover counseling, past articles, and more information about nutritional concerns. Call me at (925) 855-0150 or e-mail me at lifeweight1@yahoo.com. Advertorial Closed meetings are for alcoholics only, those who have a drinking problem and have a desire to stop drinking. Open meetings are available to anyone interested in the Alcoholics Anonymous program of recovery; nonalcoholics may attend these open meetings as observers. Big Book meetings are those that use as a point of discussion the book Alcoholics Anonymous published by Alcoholics Anonymous World Services. At these meetings, members often take turns reading from the book in which a passage may inspire a thought related to recovery. Discussion meetings are those in which one member selects a topic and attendees share their own experiences, struggles, and ideally success in dealing with their alcohol problem. Speaker meetings are those in which one or more members are selected beforehand to share their personal experiences. Step meetings involve discussion of one of the Twelve Steps of AA. Members will often skip from one type of meeting to another, in an effort to find inspiration for overcoming their addiction. AA becomes a lifelong support group for many; alcoholism is not a disease that is ‘cured,’ and a sober lifestyle can be a lifelong struggle. AA provides the support and counsel that allows members to accomplish together what they could not accomplish alone. Please visit www.contracostaaa.org where a full calendar of meetings locations and times can be found, or call the 24-hour hotline at (925) 9394155. The Contra Costa County AA service center also provides to its members a monthly newsletter, publications for sale, a newcomer packet, an audio rental library with more than 800 recorded AA speakers, special events and outings, and most importantly, a welcoming and safe place for all alcoholics to seek help and to be with others.
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Alamo Today ~ February 2015 - Page 29
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(925) 837-6052 Nail Safety
By Dr. Jerome Potozkin
Last month I saw a lovely young woman in the office. She was completely distraught because she had developed an infection in her great toe after having her nails done at a nail salon when she was visiting her sister in Los Angeles. By the time she got home her toe was red, hot, swollen, and painful. Fortunately, a few days on an antibiotic took care of the problem. After seeing her I thought this would be a great opportunity to share some information that would help prevent a problem like this. The first piece of advice to prevent an infection is to leave your cuticles intact. Don’t allow a nail technician to cut or push back your cuticles. If you insist on pushing back your cuticles, do it at home, gently, after a shower or bath. The cuticle serves as a barrier to infection. Most nail salons take cleanliness and disinfection seriously, but that doesn’t mean you should take it for granted that they do. When you visit a salon, ask if your nail technician has the appropriate training and certification. Check to see if the stations look clean. If they don’t, run for the hills! Don’t hesitate to ask how they clean and sterilize their tools. If you frequently go to the nail salon, you might want to invest in having your own tools that are only used on your nails. I recommend shaving after, not before, a pedicure. My recommendation is not to shave up to 24 hours before a pedicure. Shaving can cause small nicks in the skin. This can serve as an entry point for infection. Shaving before a pedicure increases your risk of developing cellulitis (a skin infection) as well as folliculitis (an infection of the hair follicles). Before you put your feet in water, make sure the basin is clean. I would completely avoid the large throne foot baths. There have been multiple reports of these harboring bacteria and fungus. If you develop an infection from one of these, they can be very difficult and stubborn to treat. Avoiding them in the first place is your best defense. If things look or smell dirty, then move on and find a different nail salon.
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Nail problems are not unusual. Most people that I see attribute their nail problems to fungus. In reality only about half the patients who think they have fungus actually do. If you have a nail problem, don’t cover it with artificial nails. These can make the problem worse. If you have a nail problem, a board certified dermatologist would be the type of doctor most likely to help as we are the experts in skin, hair, and nails. If you have a problem with you nails, get them checked sooner rather than later as small problems are easier to treat than big ones. Dr. Potozkin is a board certified dermatologist who has been serving the local community since 1993. His fully accredited dermatological and laser facility is located at 600 San Ramon Valley Blvd, Suite 102 in Danville. He is accepting new patients. Please call (925) 838-4900 or visit Potozkin.com for more information. Advertorial
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Page 30 - February 2015 ~ Alamo Today
A Day to do Something Special By Barbara Persons, MD, Persons Plastic Surgery, Inc.
Saint Valentine was a third century Roman saint who has long been associated with the tradition of courtly love. Every February 14th gifts and letters (an estimated one billion Valentine’s Day cards each year) are exchanged between loved ones, all in the name of Saint Valentine. The oldest known valentine was a poem written in 1415 by Charles, Duke of Orleans (Go forth, my heart, with my lady…with grace and mercy.) By the middle of the 18th century, it was common for both friends and lovers to exchange small tokens of affection. I like to think of Valentine’s Day as a day to do something special. Some of my fondest memories are of writing cards for elementary school classmates. In some years, however, it was the preparation for Valentine’s Day that was special. Valentine’s Day is a time to feel and look your best. Whether you are preparing for a romantic evening, warming up the winter blues, or want to give a gift to someone, here are eight ideas that might help you on your way. 1. A consultation - I find this to be one of the most important interactions I have with my patients. I enjoy answering questions and offering both personal and professional advice. I’m often surprised at how many people ask if surgery is right for them. 2. Botox or Dysport injection - Most commonly used around the eyes and forehead, it can be used both to prevent and treat wrinkles. 3. Volumizing filler injection - This is an excellent way to refresh your appearance, address moderate to severe facial wrinkles, and give youthful
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information that gives them the chance to shop sales and find everything on their adoptive family’s list. Creating detailed descriptions of interests, ages, sizes and needs, Gonzales ensures a joyous holiday for everyone. When families come to collect their packages, they complete the thank you card provided. Sending personal thank you notes to donors is one of many aspects of the successful system Gonzales has created. “I know the effort that has been put behind each gift. I know how excited the donors are about finding exactly the item on the wish list – that Hello Kitty alarm clock, for example.” Each family is assigned a numbered bin for the holidays so that wrapped gifts can be properly stored and distributed. Families not adopted are never overlooked. Volunteers find appropriate presents in the stock of undesignated donations. Gonzales keeps up the momentum non-stop.“What has gotten me through the holidays,” she confides, “is knowing this may be the most memorable holiday ever for some family thanks to the generosity of the donor adopting them.” SHELTER family histories indicate how this non-profit organization transforms crisis management into productive solutions by helping clients to help themselves. A carpenter, unable to work while recovering from cancer, keeps his family in their home thanks to SHELTER’s support. Others live in SHELTER’s transitional housing while obtaining the education they need to achieve financial independence. Adrienne finds a job as a paid intern at her 4-year-old daughter’s school so she can work part-time while attending college to complete a teaching degree. Jennifer, forced into homelessness by a failed marriage, succeeds in getting her Certificate of High School Equivalence and writes to SHELTER on behalf of herself and her four children, “Thank God that people like you give us hope and faith.” Preventing homelessness is a major component of SHELTER initiatives. Ninety-five percent of the families at risk that SHELTER helped in 2013-2014 remained in their homes at an average cost of $1,000 – 10% of the cost of supporting a homeless family. The national average annual cost of placing children of homeless families in foster care is $47,608. Subsidizing housing for the same family so that children and parents can stay together costs $13, 412 on average for a year. SHELTER offers emergency living space at their Mountain View facility in Martinez. “Our kitchen is 100% run by volunteers,” explains Chris Flitter, SHELTER, Inc. Media Coordinator. Area churches and dedicated individuals provide meals. With access to units they own and contract throughout the county, SHELTER transitions homeless families into housing they can afford (subsidized to cost no more than 30% of adjusted income). Finding affordable
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contour to the skin. 4. Fraxel laser treatment - Certainly not what King Henry V had in mind when he hired a writer to compose a valentine note to Catherine of Valois we’ve come a long way since then. For Valentine’s Day preparation, I recommend a first treatment one week before the big day. A series of treatments (generally 3-4) address texture problems, fine lines and wrinkles, and pigmentation issues such as brown spots, but results are noticeable after just one treatment. 5. Laser genesis is a great no-downtime, painless procedure for acne prone skin. While there’s never a simple cure-all for problem skin issues, laser genesis is a good place to start as the laser has enough heat to kill the bacteria in the active breakouts. 6. While not exactly the vestige of Christian and ancient Roman Valentine’s tradition, laser hair removal is a real windfall of living in the 21st century. Several treatments are generally needed, and it works best for darker hair types. 7. Longer lashes! - Latisse is a treatment used to grow lashes, making them longer, thicker, and darker. More voluptuous lashes in just six weeks, are “romantique”! 8. Skin care products - There’s a pleasure in taking time to care for your own skin, and a cream or lotion can also make a nice gift - something to be wrapped up and enjoyed. Sometimes just the process of sharing wisdom (and taking away some of the mystery of youth and beauty) is the most rewarding part of my day. Happy Valentine’s Day! Dr. Barbara Persons is a Plastic Surgeon and owns Persons Plastic Surgery, Inc. located at 911 Moraga Rd, Suite 205 in Lafayette. She may be reached at 925.283.4012 or drbarb@ Advertorial personsplasticsurgery.com.
Meals at the Mountain View emergency shelter are prepared by volunteers. Some groups take an entire week. Others serve for a single day. Photo courtesy of SHELTER, Inc.
homes in Contra Costa County is a huge challenge. At the current minimum wage of $9/hour, a low-income worker needs to work 135 hours per week at 3-4 full-time jobs to pay the median rent for a Contra Costa apartment. In the 2014 SHELTER, Inc. Impact Report, O’Keefe writes: “We address unemployment or underemployment by offering individualized employment services. Credentialed teachers work with parents and children, helping them develop skills to improve future opportunities. A case manager walks side-by-side with each family, guiding and encouraging them in their journey toward a home.” Volunteers are crucial to making the dreams of SHELTER families come true. Last year they contributed 14,600 hours to breaking the cycle of homelessness. Flitter comments, “There are so many ways people can help. Our volunteer coordinator Theresita Gonzales is full of ideas, and you can even make up your own drive or project to benefit the homeless families we serve.” Follow the example of Spread Kindness, and put on a party or save up your coupons and go shopping like Circle of Friends. Eagle Scout projects are welcome. Call Teri Gonzales at 925-957-7561 to discover how you can help. Non-glamorous basics like toilet paper and diapers are always needed, as are volunteers to sort supplies. Two annual fundraisers get even more members of the community involved. Three hundred, seventy hikers of all ages gathered on Mount Diablo to tackle three trails of varying difficulty during the October 2014 Hike for SHELTER. The 24th annual Swing for SHELTER is scheduled at Round Hill Country Club July 27th, 2015. Learn more about these events and the way SHELTER addresses preventing and overcoming homelessness at www.shelterincofccc.org.
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Can You Imagine a Life Without Headaches and Migraines? By Dr. Kristin Moore, DC
(Formerly Dr. Kristin Hazleton, DC)
Can you imagine what life would be like if you never had a migraine or headache? If you answered “NO,” you’re not alone. If you suffer from the excruciatingly painful symptoms that come along with headaches and migraines on a regular basis, there is hope--hope for a life without pain. Can you imagine that? FREEDOM! Some people suffer, day in and day out, not knowing when another headache or migraine will strike, knowing in the back of their mind that at any moment another one could be looming around the corner. When a headache strikes, the pain can be unbearable. There are many causes of migraines and headaches. However, most are caused by tension of the neck muscles, irritation of the nerves in the head and neck, and inflammation in that region as well. Migraines and headaches are similar in their characteristics, although migraines are much more severe and they are incredibly debilitating. Here are the most common symptoms of both. Symptoms of Migraines • Pain in any region of the head • Nausea • Vomiting • Sensitivity to light or sound • May have sensory indications that a migraine is about to occur Symptoms of Headaches • Pain in any region of the head • Pain can be either on one side of the head or both • May be worse with neck or head movement • No sensory indications occur before a headache is about to come
Hospice Grief Support Groups and Classes
Hospice of the East Bay has announced a new schedule for their support groups and classes. Unless otherwise noted, these will be offered at Hospice of the East Bay’s office, 3470 Buskirk Avenue in Pleasant Hill. Our Bereavement Services are provided free of charge to all community members in need. All groups, except drop-in, require pre-registration. Call (925) 887-5681 or email volunteers@hospiceeastbay.org.
Groups for Adults
• Adults Who Have Lost a Parent ~ Mondays, 6 - 8PM ~ January 26 March 23 • Widow and Widowers’ Support ~ Thursdays, 1:30 to 3:30PM ~ Mondays, 6 to 8PM ~ January 26 - March 23 • Drop-In Bereavement Support Group ~ 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of the month, 4:30 - 6PM ~ NOTE: on February 18, March 4 and 18, April 1 this group will meet at the Pleasant Hill Senior Center, 233 Gregory Lane. • Pet Loss Support Group ~ 2nd Tuesday of the month, 5:30 to 7PMNOTE: This class meets at Tony La Russa’s Animal Rescue Foundation, 2890 Mitchell Drive in Walnut Creek.
Groups for Children and Teens
• The Bridge ~ Support program for grieving children and teens using art, play, journaling, music and conversation. Support is also available for parents/guardians. Meets bi-monthly. You can start at any time.
Classes and Workshops for Adults
• Understanding Grief ~ Thursday, 6 - 8PM ~ April 16 • Creative Arts and Grief - Remembrance Soup ~ Thursday, 6 - 8PM ~ January 29 ~ Hear a reading of Pat Schwiebert’s poignant story Tear Soup, then explore different layers of grief as we each create and enjoy our bowls of remembrance soup. Hospice of the East Bay provides compassionate end-of-life care to terminally ill patients, while offering emotional, spiritual, and grief support for the entire family. As a not-for-profit organization, we accept all medically qualified patients, regardless of their insurance status or ability to pay. Hospice of the East Bay has served over 23,000 patients and their families since 1977.
Alamo Today ~ February 2015 - Page 31
How do you treat migraines and headaches?
Believe it or not, the treatment for a migraine is very similar to the treatment for a headache. If caused by head and neck tension, headaches and migraines can be alleviated by releasing and relaxing the cervical spine using the following methods. • Class IV Laser Therapy (K-Laser): K-Laser treatments are very effective at treating migraines and headaches. The laser is a form of light therapy that increases blood flow to the effected area in order to release the tight muscle and pump away inflammation that has built up around the nerve. It is a very gentle and relaxing treatment that almost always causes IMMEDIATE relief from the pain. • Gentle Chiropractic Care: This can help to realign vertebrae that have become misaligned and have begun to irritate the nerves in the head and neck. By gently adjusting the neck, the pressure off of the nerve is decreased and symptoms of headaches and migraines will begin to decrease. This maneuver can be done very lightly and can even be done without hearing the “popping” sound.
How effective is this treatment?
Many of my patients have seen a huge decrease in the incidence and severity of their migraines and headaches. The duration and the intensity of your condition will determine how long your treatment will take. If complete pain relief is possible in your case, it will most likely take a series of visits. A rule of thumb that is true in most cases is that the longer you have migraines or headaches, the longer and more difficult it is to treat. If you are experiencing migraine or headache symptoms, do not put off treatment any longer!
Will this work for me?
The best way to find out if this form of non-invasive treatment is right for you is to set up a FREE, 15-minute consultation. This will give me an opportunity to ask you some specific questions about your migraine and headache symptoms and help me to determine if this type of care is the best option for you. To learn more, please visit www.drkristinmooredc.com, call 925-3628283, or visit our office located at 125-G Railroad Avenue in Danville to Advertorial schedule your complimentary consultation today!
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C L A S S I F I E D FOR RENT
CONDO VACATION RENTAL Mauna Lani Resort, Big Island. New luxury 2 bedroom, 2 1/2 bath condo on 4th fairway. Minimum 3 night stay. Contact Alamo owners for discounted rate. (925)381-7042, Alamomgt@usa.net
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Page 32 - February 2015 ~ Alamo Today
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Danville Area Real Estate: Prices Up! (Expect More of the Same)
The Danville Real Estate market has shown dramatic improvement of late, so much that I thought it would be good to take a look at the last four months of data and review our local market which includes Alamo, Danville, Diablo, and Blackhawk. During this time period homes have been selling at a rate of about 72 homes per month through January 26th. This is a 26% increase over the same time period last year when 57 homes sold. Homes are still selling relatively quickly. The Town of Danville leads the way with a mere 29 days on market, followed by Alamo with 42, and Blackhawk with 53. Diablo has performed significantly worse on this measure at 68 days on market. Last year Diablo stood at 188 days on market so, clearly, Diablo is improving. Alamo leads all communities in average size of homes sold at 3,410 square feet. Diablo is second at 3,314 square feet followed by Blackhawk at 3,289 square feet. Danville trails the group significantly with an average size of 2,388 square feet. This is down from 2,766 square feet last year. Danville has a much higher percentage of two and three bedroom condos and townhomes, so we shouldn’t be surprised that homes are smaller. Recently the FHA reduced its down payment requirement to 3% to encourage first time home buyers. The significant reduction in size from last year may indicate that more first time buyers are in the market this year than last. That is a good thing. In 2006 Danville crossed the million dollar average line and held on to it for the next two years. Since 2009 Danville fell well below this level, dropping as low as $784,000 on average. During the past four months, Danville Real Estate sales have soared and at this writing are higher by about $20,000 than they were at the peak in 2006. At $423 per square foot, Danville prices are gaining ground on Alamo and Blackhawk prices.
Home Sales Alamo, Blackhawk Danville, Diablo (Oct.1-Jan 26) Active Pending Sold DOM List Price Sold Price Sq. Foot Alamo 28 15 50 42 $ 1,602,153 $ 1,551,236 3,410 Blackhawk 21 11 36 53 $ 1,452,003 $ 1,430,245 3,314 Diablo 3 9 9 68 $ 1,804,093 $ 1,735,614 3,289 Danville 51 51 192 29 $ 1,014,309 $ 1,012,328 2,388
Diablo may be the most encouraging of our local markets. During this same time period last year Diablo posted only three home sales. This year that number is triple at nine. At an average of $527 per square foot, Diablo stands well above the other three areas. Diablo boasts an average selling price of nearly $1.7 million. This is down from last year but the size of homes sold has come down by about 1,000 square feet on average, so a direct sales price comparison isn’t particularly helpful. In each of markets except Danville, inventory is lower than it was at this time last year. In Blackhawk and Alamo the inventory is less than 30 units. Diablo is down to three. Danville currently has 51 homes for sale, up from 39 during the same period last year. If that seems like a negative it is counter balanced by the fact that 46 more homes have sold this year than last year in Danville. Fiftyone homes for sale in this market is barely a month’s supply. Unless inventory increases significantly, this year’s Real Estate market should closely resemble what we experienced last year. Too many buyers and not enough houses for sale. It’s important to remember that there really is no “average” home and no two homes are exactly alike. If you would like an honest no strings attached opinion of your home’s current market value and suggestions for getting it ready for market, please give me a call 925-989-6086 or send me an email joecombs@thecombsteam.com.
Alamo View Home
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Alamo Single Story
Danville West Side
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Magnificent Mt. Diablo views from this lovely updated 4 bedroom 3.5 bedroom home. Two Master suites. Priced to sell at $1,250,000
Nicely updated West Side single story. Backs to open space, large level yard. Oak trees. Priced to sell at $999,000.
Alamo Oaks
Diablo Single Story
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SOL Beautiful update. Everything you want on ½ acre flat lot. Includes pool, pool house, orchard and irrigation well. Priced to Sell $1,499,000.
$ Sq. Foot $ 455 $ 431 $ 527 $ 423
Updated 4 bedroom 3595 sq. foot home with 1.13 acre lot. Perfect for horses or a vineyard. Priced to Sell $1,839,000
Data presented in this column is based in whole or in part on data supplied by the Contra Costa and Alameda MLS service and other quoted sources. Joe Combs, Nancy Combs, The Combs Team, J. Rockcliff and the MLS service do not guarantee the accuracy of this information. DRE #0144125.
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Nicely updated 4 bedroom 3.5 bath mid-century modern on 1.45 acres. Pool, Stable, Views! Priced to sell $1,795.000 J. Rockcliff Realtors 15 Railroad Ave., Danville CA. 94526