editor @ yourmonthlypaper.com
August 2019 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • PAGE 1
& AUGUST 2019
EAST BAY MIRACLES: DOGS DOING DAILY MAGIC By Jody Morgan
Dogs donated by Canine Companions for Independence to qualifying individuals throughout the US for assistance with a wide range of disabilities are expertly trained to execute extensive sets of tasks. As loving partners, they generate increased confidence and independence. East Bay Miracles, the
A FAREWELL TO THE HAY & GRAIN
By Alisa Corstorphine At 8 weeks, Canine Companions puppies are ready to go to volunteer puppy-raisers. Photo courtesy of Canine Companions.
chapter covering Contra Costa and Alameda Counties, has a dedicated network of volunteers breeding, raising, and training puppies; supporting graduates; and organizing fundraising events. Canine Companions for Independence, established in 1975, is the largest non-profit provider of assistance dogs in the US. All dogs in the program are Golden Retrievers, L abrador Retrievers or a cross between the two. Volunteer breede r- c a r e g i v e r s reside within 90 miles of national headquarters in Santa Rosa, CA. Eight-weekold puppies are sent to volunteer puppy-raisers across the country for 18 months of socialization and Pam Durkin relaxes with East Bay Miracles service dogs after Danville training. th 4 of July Parade. Photo courtesy of Canine Companions. D ur ing t he next phase of education, dogs spend six months at regional centers where professionals tutor them in specific disciplines. Service Dogs aid adults with physical disabilities; Hearing Dogs alert their partners to key sounds; Skilled
See Dogs continued on page 18
Local Postal Customer
PRSRT STD U.S. Postage PAID Permit 263 Alamo CA
ECRWSS
The iconic Alamo Hay & Grain store rolled down the large metal door on the old quonset hut for the last time at the end of July. It was time for current owner Anne Bellandi to step away from the landmark business her late husband John Bellandi took over in 1979. Alamo historian, Virgie V. Jones, wrote in her 1975 book Remembering Alamo...and Other Things Along the Way, “Towards the end of the war, the Peterson’s (Imogene Cross and Oscar W. “Pete Peterson) bought the large quonset hut. Building materials were in short supply. The hut arrived all broken down to be erected on the site. It housed seven large refrigerators inside and was comparable to some of the larger grocery stores in Walnut Creek.” The Peterson’s operated The Alamo Food Center on the site for several years and
See Farewell continued on page 11
A SSISTANCE LE AGUE OF DIABLO VALLEY ASSISTEENS RECRUIT TEEN VOLUNTEERS
Assisteens®, an auxiliary of Assistance League® of Diablo Valley, is now accepting applications from tweens and teens entering grades 7-12 in the fall of 2019. Assisteens Auxiliary currently represents 17 schools in the local community. Assisteens commit to a minimum of 35 volunteer hours per year. Activities include philanthropic community service programs, fundraising, monthly meetings, and special events. As a result, Assisteens learn the value of volunteerism while developing leadership and organizational skills. One of the philanthropic programs that the Assisteens plan and conduct is Holiday Parties for Children at an elementary school in Concord. For the spring themed party in April, as many as 50 children enjoyed activities such as face painting, coloring, cookie-decorating, and games, all led by attentive Assisteens and the surprise guest…Big Bunny. As they left the
See Teens continued on page 26
The Editors Serving the communities of Alamo, Diablo, and Danville
Volume XIX Number 8
Volume X Number 8
3000F Danville Blvd. #117 Alamo, CA 94507 Telephone (925) 405-6397 Alisa Corstorphine ~ Publisher Editor@yourmonthlypaper.com The opinions expressed herein belong to the writers, and do not necessarily reflect that of The Editors. The Editors is not responsible for the content of any of the advertising herein, nor does publication imply endorsement.