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December 2018 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • PAGE 1
& DECEMBER 2018
S ENTINEL S OF FREEDOM : HONORING DEDICATION, ADVANCING ACHIEVEMENT
By Jody Morgan
Honoring the dedication of severely wounded post-9/11 veterans determined to transition back into civilian life as productive, self-sufficient contributors to their communities, Sentinels of Freedom (SOF) provides a network of mentors and an extended family of caring individuals as well as financial aid. Each Sentinel’s ability to reach his or her goals is advanced by support services that go
EAST BAY POKER SOCIETY By Fran Miller
Sentinel Jay Wilkerson, Mike Conklin and Jay's fiancee Heather celebrate the renovation of Wilkerson's Concord home. (Photo courtesy of SOF).
far beyond the face value of the two to four year scholarships. As these highly motivated men and women complete the educational requirements for their chosen careers, they continue to demonstrate their indomitable spirit. Investing in their futures benefits the entire country they so proudly serve. Based in San Ramon with a mission that embraces the entire nation, SOF graduated 42 Sentinels in 2017 and is on track to graduate 70 more in 2018. Mike Conklin, SOF Founder, explains why inspiring individuals and corporations to invest in the future of Sentinels by contributing to the program is not a hard sell. “The best advertising we can do for our program is to let the Sentinels tell their stories. It’s hard not to help after hearing about their bravery and determination.” Sentinel Brian Vargas, born in San Francisco and raised in the East Bay, enlisted in the Marines following high school. In Iraq, an enemy sniper shot him in the face and left hand. Traumatic brain injury caused Brian short and long term memory loss. As a Sentinel, Vargas graduated from UC Berkeley with a Bachelor’s degree in Social Welfare and is reinforcing his commitment to serve other veterans by working toward a Master’s degree in Social Welfare at the same university. “Once a severely wounded veteran is accepted into our program,” notes Kim DeSimone SOF Development Director, “they become part of our Sentinel family. We are here for them throughout their educational journey and beyond.” Sentinel Justin Avila, US Navy, describes what that never-ending engagement entails: “Sentinels of Freedom has been an amazing pillar of help and support to my
See Sentinels continued on page 16
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ECRWSS
Hold’em, 7-stud, Chicago, 5-stud, Baseball, Follow the Queen, Crazy Queens, Anaconda, Omaha, Low-ball, and High-Low Split. If these poker game names leave you scratching your head and wishing you knew a bit more about each, the East Bay Poker Society (EBPS) is saving you a seat at their poker table. It’s said about poker that it takes just a few days to learn yet a lifetime to master. Whether a novice or an expert, the EBPS invites you to explore the iconic game, its variations, and the particular nuances. Meeting every Monday from 7pm to 11:30pm, this small group has gathered together since 2002. One member in particular has been placing his bets since the beginning, hence Mark Langman’s current title, ‘Grand Poobah.’ “I am the longest tenured member next to Jim Fish who was at the first game and is still with us,” says Langman, a Moraga resident and senior manager at LeapFrog Enterprises who has been playing poker since high school. (The group originated in 2002 out of LeapFrog where four of the original members worked at the time.) Langman holds the club record for consecutive games
See Poker continued on page 26
MAKE THE MOST OF MEETUP
By Fran Miller
Are you seeking a sense of community? Maybe you’re looking to make new friends, or you want to explore a particular hobby. If you seek new adventures and activities, then Meetup – the online communal resource – is a great place to start. Meetup was founded in 2002 by Scott Heiferman as the result of his experience in the aftermath of 9/11. The tragedy brought Heiferman and his neighbors together – many of whom he met for the very first time, despite having lived within arm’s length. This seeming decline of community struck a chord, and he resolved to create a method by which people could create meaningful connections with those with similar interests. Within a few months of its online
See Meetup continued on page 18
The Editors Serving the communities of Alamo, Diablo, and Danville
Volume XVIII Number 12
Volume IX Number 12
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.