2023 JANUARY ~ Alamo Today & Danville Today News

MAKE IT HOME: MAKING SPACES WHERE HOPE HAPPENS

By Jody Morgan

Make It Home (MIH) creates welcoming home environments for individuals and families emerging from crisis. Established as a non-profit furniture bank in October 2020, MIH gathers new and gently used furniture and household goods that might otherwise be dumped in area landfills. In response to requests from social agencies and charitable organizations serving a range of people with no means to equip their living spaces, including those who have faced homelessness and young adults transitioning out of foster care, talented volunteers put together

thoughtfully designed, fully furnished apartments and/or rooms according to the needs of each client. MIH has already furnished 950+ households and kept at least 1,035 tons of functional items out of landfills.

MIH Founder Carolyn Rebuffel Flannery witnessed lots of waste working as an interior designer. Vendors told her to “just donate” damaged pieces that could be repaired easily. Clients offloaded perfectly functional furniture in order to have a fresh look. When she began volunteering with foster youth, she started collecting cast-off pieces in her garage to give to foster families and youngsters moving from foster care into independent living. In the midst of the COVID pandemic, she turned her personal project into a registered non-profit.

Flannery writes: “Since I started Make It Home, it has grown by leaps and bounds and become much more of a force than I could have anticipated. The idea of saving items from the landfill while

BOUND FOR BOOKS, AN ARTFUL BOOK BENCH PROJECT

CALL FOR ARTISTS

The Town of Danville, in collaboration with the Danville Public Library and Rakestraw Books, invites artists or art teams to participate in “Bound for Books, An Artful Book Bench Project.” Artists are invited to paint and embellish fiberglass benches in the shape of open books, drawing on themes and inspiration for their designs from beloved children’s books and/or adult classics. An art selection committee will review all eligible proposals to select finalists for each bench.

The exhibition of 10 book benches will be on display from June 9–September 30, and intends to encourage reading, provide a place for people to rest, and to instill in the community an understanding and appreciation of public art.

For details and submission information, visit danville.ca.gov/956/ Public-Art. Deadline for artist submissions is January 23, 2023. For more information, contact Visual Arts Coordinator Marija Nelson Bleier at 925314-3460 or mnelsonbleier@danville.ca.gov.

EUGENE O’NEILL PLAY AT THE MUSEUM OF THE SAN RAMON VALLEY

The Museum of the San Ramon Valley is proud to be the site of the first-ever west coast production of Eugene O’Neill’s The First Man. For those who appreciate the plays of O’Neill, this may be the one and only chance to experience this play.

“I am very proud and thankful for our long-time relationship with the museum,” says EONF Artistic Director Eric Fraisher Hayes. “The intimate space and limited runs at the museum each January afford us a chance to explore the lesser-known plays of O’Neill.

Eugene O’Neill loved and hated many things in his life. New London, CT, the only “home” he knew growing up, was no different. While the town provided him with a measure of security and sense of community, he clearly outgrew its puritan pretensions. In his play The First Man, he imagines himself an anthropologist who has traveled the world only to land back in the provincial town he grew up in. Scandals and intrigues lead to a showdown with his family and the community when an unexpected pregnancy unleashes a flurry of speculation and family members are forced to choose sides.

Don’t miss your chance to see this rarely-produced O’Neill play which will show Friday, January 13th, 7:30PM, Saturday, January 14th, 7:30PM , and Sunday, January 15th, 2PM matinee.

To buy tickets, visit the Eugene O'Neill Foundation website eugeneoneill.org

MIH volunteers pose in one of the beautiful rooms they've created. L to R: Kathy Flores, Amy Campbell, Jenny Parker, Kelly Scanlon, Farrel Vance, Lisa Sernetti, Chris Davenport. Photo courtesy of MIH.

BOULEVARD VIEW

By Alisa Corstorphine, Editor and Publisher

It’s a new dawn, it’s a new day, it’s a new year....and, what will it hold? As always, life is about change, and my guess is 2023 will be full of changes.

Last month I shared part of an article titled, “22 Things Happy Successful People Do Differently.” It resonated with many who read it to their kids, commented on it to me, and saved it for reflection.

This month I ran across a piece titled, “Old Farmer’s Advice.” I pondered how the San Ramon Valley used to be full of farmers and farming. The areas where many of our homes sit was dedicated to crop production or processing. From the book, Historic Tales of Alamo, California , the authors note: “Between 1870 and 1900, California farmers became leaders in grain production for the entire nation. ” There were acres of pears, cherries, apples, quince, walnuts, almonds, as well as vineyards. Cattle were grazed and raised for both meat and dairy consumption.

When I ponder the “Old Farmer’s Advice,” I contemplate those that lived here before us and how they welcomed in the new year. Their words from over a hundred years ago still ring true. There are several variations of the “Advice” list, but the gist goes like this:

• Your fences need to be horse-high, pig-tight and bull-strong.

• Words that soak into your ears are whispered, not yelled.

• If you don’t take the time to do it right, you’ll find the time to do it twice.

• It don’t take a very big person to carry a grudge.

• Every path has a few puddles.

• When you wallow with pigs, expect to get dirty.

• Don’t judge folks by their relatives.

• Good judgment comes from experience, most often from a bad one.

• Letting the cat outta the bag is a whole lot easier than putting it back in.

• Timing has a lot to do with the outcome of a rain dance.

• The best sermons are lived, not preached.

• Don’t corner something that is meaner than you.

• You cannot unsay a cruel word.

• Silence is sometimes the best answer.

• Most of the stuff people worry about ain’t never gonna happen any way.

• Always drink upstream from the herd.

• The biggest troublemaker you’ll probably ever have to deal with, watches you from the mirror every morning.

• If you get to thinking you’re a person of some influence, try ordering somebody else’s dog around.

• Live simply, love generously, care deeply, speak kindly; the rest is not up to you.

• Borrowing trouble from the future doesn’t deplete the supply.

• Live a good, honorable life. Then when you get older, and think back, you’ll get to enjoy it again.

• Sometimes you get, and sometimes you get got.

• If you worry about what people think of you, you’re sure to be worrying a lot.

While many things change, wise and sage words from the past can teach us a lot. I hope you can take some lessons from the past to make this new year a great one!

LOOKING TO VOLUNTEER IN 2023?

Be a part of the Tassajara One Room School House experience. Third graders in our area enjoy an 1888 classroom experience at the schoolhouse on Finley Rd. in Danville. Volunteers are needed to help run the program.

*Teacher Docent – Leads the class in provided 1888 lessons.

*Assistant Docent – Helps in class and oversees students during outdoor play enjoying games from 1888.

*Superintendent – Oversees safe parking, opens schoolhouse, facilitates setting up for outdoor games, may choose to assist with outdoor activities.

Training will be January 9th, at 1:30PM at Oak Hill Park Community Center, 3005 Stone Valley Rd., Danville.

Volunteer times will be weekday mornings from January 24 – May 26, 2023.

If you are interested or need more information, contact Donna at the Museum of the San Ramon Valley at 925-8373750, visit museumsrv.org/contact, or email info@museumsrv.org. Be a part of history!

FRIENDS OF THE DANVILLE LIBRARY BOOK SALE

The Friends of the Danville Library

a pop-up used book sale to raise money for our local library. There will be books of

Most hardbacks will be priced at $2 and most paperbacks at $1. Recent publications will be $2-5. Cash, local checks, and credit cards will be accepted.

The sale will be held in the Mt. Diablo Room of the Danville Library located at 400 Front Street, Danville.

The next book sale will be held Saturday, January 28th from 10am to 2pm. Proceeds from the sale go towards funding library programs and purchasing library materials.

BOOK DONATIONS

Book donations will be accepted during the sale. Please limit donations to four bags per day, per donor.

OTHER WAYS TO HELP

Have you been traveling and have some extra foreign bills or coins? Bring them in and donate it to the Friends of the Danville Library and it can be turned into cash for the Library.

VOLUNTEER - BECOME A FRIEND

Volunteering with the Friends of the Danville Library is a great way to support the Library and to be involved with the community. Talk with any of the Pop-Up Sales Associates in green aprons when you come to the sale. They would be delighted to provide insight and answer any questions you may have about volunteering.

January 28th beginning at 5PM . The cost of the crab feed is $65.

The American Legion exists to enhance the well-being of America’s veterans, their families, our military, and our communities by devotion to mutual helpfulness. The Crab Feed fundraiser supports this mission.

To donate goods or services, or to register for the crab feed, call 925-2728480 or email commanderpost246@ gmail.com

JANUARY 28, 2023

2023 Holiday Tree Collection Schedule

Your tree pickup will be on the same day as your regular garbage service but by a separate truck. Regular service will not be affected for Christmas and New Year’s Day because they fall on a Sunday.

Week of Jan 2–6 Customers in Walnut Creek, Danville, Alamo, Diablo, and Blackhawk (including unincorporated areas).

CRAB FEED LIVE AUCTION RAFFLE ONLINE AUCTION

Week of Jan 9–13 Customers in Lafayette, Orinda, and Moraga (including unincorporated areas).

CRAB FEED

LIVE AUCTION RAFFLE ONLINE AUCTION

Week of Jan 16–20 Any customers who missed prior tree collection.

AFTER Jan 20 If possible, cut tree and place in organics cart with lid closed, or call (925) 685-4711 to schedule a pick-up for a fee.

Reminders:

JANUARY 28, 2023

CRAB FEED

CRAB FEED

Learn more at www.americanlegionpost246.org/ events-1.

VETERANS MEMORIAL BUILDING OF SAN RAMON VALLEY P.O BOX 133 DANVILLE, CA 94526

VETERANS MEMORIAL BUILDING OF SAN RAMON VALLEY P.O BOX 133 DANVILLE, CA 94526

Remove lights, ornaments, stands, and tinsel before placing at curbside.

• Trees over 6’ must be cut in half.

• Flocked trees can be collected using your annual on-call garbage cleanup at no cost, but must be scheduled in advance. Call (925) 685-4711. If cut to fit inside with lid closed, flocked trees may be placed in your black landfill cart.

The American Legion exists to enhance the well -being of America’s veterans, their families, our military, and our communities by our devotion to mutual helpfulness.

Leave trees at curbside on the same day as your regular collection day, during your city’s assigned week.

Collected trees will be composted.

MEET PRINTMAKER KAREN BARRY

We will hold a virtual online auction along with an in -person event. Join us by donating goods or services. Call 925-272-8480 or visit www.americanlegionpost246.org.

The American Legion exists to enhance the well -being of America’s veterans, their families, our military, and our communities by our devotion to mutual helpfulness.

Join the Alamo Danville Artists’ Society (ADAS) at the January meeting with Printmaker Karen Barry. The meeting will be held Tuesday, January 10th beginning at 7:30PM at the Alamo Women’s Club located at 1401 Danville Blvd., Alamo.

We sincerely appreciate your support!

We will hold a virtual online auction along with an in -person event. Join us by donating goods or services. Call 925-272-8480 or visit www.americanlegionpost246.org.

Barry has been doing art and design for more than 30 years. While attending the Academy of Art University in the late 80s, she started designing packaging and promotional materials for a San Francisco Bay Area micro-brewer. That work became a steady freelance gig she held on to while also working for consumer electronic companies designing packaging, in-store displays, ads, and collateral.

We sincerely appreciate your support!

About 10 years ago, Karen became interested in printmaking. She admired a Southern California printmaker’s work who exhibited at an Art & Wine festival in Palo Alto. Karen arranged some private instruction from him, and created a drypoint from one of her drawings. She was hooked. She enrolled in printmaking classes at Laney College in Oakland and learned traditional etching techniques, stone

past few years she’s focused on relief printing (linocuts and woodcuts).

HELP!

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED TO GIVE RIDES TO SENIORS AND VETERANS

Mobility Matters is a nonprofit agency that gives rides to seniors and veterans in Contra Costa County. Volunteer drivers are needed to escort seniors to medical appointments and grocery shopping. Volunteers must be 25 to 75 years old. Please call Mobility Matters at (925) 284-2215 for more details. You can learn more about Mobility Matters at www.mobilitymatterscc.com

VETERAN SERVICES BRING THE “OFFICE”

TO YOU

The Contra Costa County Veterans Services Office is removing barriers by opening a virtual office space. The virtual Veterans Office can give you close to an in-person experience.

Veterans can learn about and apply for benefits, access VA health care, receive referrals for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder therapy, and much more. Visit the office website at www.contracosta.ca.gov/vets during open office hours for one-on-one assistance. Hours of operation are Mondays through Thursdays from 9am to noon and 1pm to 4pm, and on Fridays 9am to noon.

Staffing the virtual office are Veterans Service Manager Sidney Jones, an Air Force Veteran, and Veteran Services Representative Buck Carmichael, a Marine Corps Veteran. Both have long-time experience connecting vets to critical services.

For more information, please call the Veteran Services Office at 925-313-1481.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

Many of our neighbors cannot afford to feed and clothe themselves or their families. Volunteer opportunities for individuals, families, and groups to serve the community are available at White Pony Express (WPE).

WPE, founded by Dr. Carol Weyland Conner in 2013 and headquartered in Pleasant Hill, is a nonprofit that rescues fresh surplus food from supermarkets, restaurants, and farmers markets. This nutritious food is then delivered free to organizations that feed the hungry. In addition, high-quality clothing, children’s toys, and books are distributed free of charge.

Hundreds of volunteers make WPE possible. They volunteer because they believe in the mission and know they are helping others who have urgent needs at this critical time in their lives. If you are interested in volunteering, please visit whiteponyexpress.org/volunteer or call Mandy Nakaya, Volunteer Services Coordinator, at 925-818-6361 or email Mandy@ whiteponyexpress.org.

lithography, and linoleum block printing. For the

BEAUTY AND THE BEAST

CALIFORNIA WILDFLOWERS AND CLIMATE CHANGE A FREE VIRTUAL PROGRAM

The Museum of the San Ramon Valley starts its 2023 free virtual programs with internationally acclaimed conservation photographers Rob Badger and Nita Winter.

Rob and Nita will take you behind the scenes of their 27 year journey photographing wildflowers throughout California and the west. In addition, they will discuss how climate change threatens this part of our natural history. The free virtual program will take place January 19th at 11:30AM

Their many journeys led to the award-winning coffee table book Beauty and the Beast: California Wildflowers and Climate Change. Their book blends art and science together with their stunning photographs.

Gorgeous scenery isn’t the only thing that makes the “Beauty and the Beast” wildflower photos so special. The photographers show how they create wildflower portraits in the field, lugging 80 pounds of cameras and their “natural light” studio equipment from below sea level in Death Valley National Park to 13,000-foot-high mountain passes.

To attend the online presentation, visit museumsrv.org and go to the “Events” section.

The Museum of the San Ramon Valley is located at 205 Railroad Ave. in Danville. Hours are Tuesday-Friday 1PM-4PM, Saturday 10AM-1PM, and Sunday noon-3PM. For more information, visit museumsrv.org or call 925-837-3750.

FREE TAX PREPARATION

Free tax preparation will again be offered by AARP Tax-Aide. The service, provided by volunteer IRS certified tax counselors, is available starting February 2023. Tax-Aide does not have an income limit, but helps low to moderate income taxpayers of any age, with special attention given to seniors 50 plus.

Starting mid-January 2023, appointments and information are available by calling 925-272-0902 for the Danville Veterans Memorial Building site, or 925-973-3250 for the San Ramon Senior Center site. For general Tax-Aide information and other locations, call 925-726-3199.

Please gather and bring the following:

• Social Security Number or ITIN for all individuals to be listed on the return.

• Government issued photo ID for taxpayer and spouse.

• All income and deduction forms, such as 1099-SSA, 1099-R, W-2, 1099-INT, 1099-DIV, 1099-B, 1099-MISC, 1098, etc.

• Any other documents that report income or deductible expenses, such as real estate tax paid, DMV renewal paid, charitable contributions, etc.

• Copy of prior year federal and state tax returns.

Alamo Parks and Recreation Presents Music Together

Early Childhood Music Classes for Parents and Children

County Service Area R-7, Alamo Parks and Recreation, is pleased to offer early childhood music classes for parents and children.

The 10 weekly classes include take-home materials including an illustrated songbook, music CD, and digital download of all music used in class.

Class Days/Time Start Date

Mondays 9:15AM January 9

Mondays 10:15AM January 9

Mondays 11:15AM January 9

Fridays 9:15AM January 13

Fridays 10:15AM January 13

Fridays 11:15AM January 13

The first two weeks classes will be held at Tice Valley Gym2055 Tice Valley Blvd., Walnut Creek; thereafter, classes will be held at Alamo Women’s Club, 1401 Danville Blvd., Alamo.

Tuition: $335 for the first child, $100 for siblings (if 8 months or older by 01/07/2023). Infant siblings under 8 months attend free.

Sign up now!

To register go to www.musictogether.net/alamo-classes.html

DAW-AAUW

PRESENTS

“PROVIDING

HEALTH

CARE TO WOMEN EXPERIENCING VIOLENCE”

AWARD WINNING SCREEN

WRITER PAUL ZEIDMAN HEADLINES CALIFORNIA WRITERS CLUB (CWC) MEETING

Paul Zeidman, an award-winning screenwriter and the author of three Go Ahead and Ask! screenwriting books, will be the featured speaker at the January 14th lunch meeting of the California Writers Club-Mt. Diablo Branch. Zeidman’s talk will cover “The Magic of Storytelling through the Art of the Screenplay.”

Check-in is at 11AM at Zio Fraedo’s restaurant in Pleasant Hill. Guests are welcome.

For more detail or to register for the meeting, visit cwcmtdiablo.org/ meetings-and-workshops. To join CWC, visit cwcmtdiablo.org/join

SAVE THE DATE ~ JEWELRY FUNDRAISER FAIRE

Start the new year by joining the Danville/Alamo/Walnut Creek branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) at their monthly meeting on January 19th at 6PM. The meeting will be held at Greenbrook Clubhouse located at 300 Greenbrook Drive, Danville. A half-hour social time will be followed by guest speaker Dr. William Francis, Assistant Medical Director, Family Violence Prevention and Pediatrics, at the Sutter Delta Emergency Department in Antioch. His talk will be about emergency medicine in general, leading into specifically providing health care to women experiencing violence. He’ll also tell us about the innovative TeleCARE program in Contra Costa which enables remote care for victims who may not be able to access in-person services.

In 2018 Dr. Francis began partnering with STAND! followed by the Family Justice Center. He founded the TeleCARE program with the objective of providing accessible and free healthcare to all survivors of interpersonal violence and their families. Dr. Francis is a champion of interpersonal violence prevention, healthcare access and pediatric emergency services.

Sign-up to attend via Eventbrite at daw-ca.aauw.net/2023jan

Learn about becoming an AAUW member. It’s a great way to meet like-minded women through activities that focus on equity for women. In addition, enjoy interest groups such as Art/Garden, Bridge, Gourmet, Great Decisions, Hiking, Literature, Mah Jongg, Movies, Needle Arts, and Writers! Learn more at daw-ca.aauw.net/members/join

The Alamo Women’s Club (AWC) will be hosting a Jewelry Fundraiser Faire to benefit Club scholarships as well as projects to support the community. The event will take place Wednesday, February 1st from 10AM-5PM and Thursday, February 2nd from 10AM-4PM. Some lovely new jewelry has just arrived! A huge inventory of designer jewelry will be 50% off and beautiful costume jewelry can be had starting at just $5.

The Club is located at 1401 Danville Blvd., Alamo. Please come and shop!

GREATER DANVILLE AREA REAL ESTATE UPDATE

By Joe Gatti

Welcome 2023! The New Year is here!

I’m hoping your Christmas/December holiday period was relaxing with family and friends. I also hope you are looking forward and ready to get started with 2023. As we enter January, there are some economic goalposts to keep an eye out for as we progress towards our local spring real estate market which begins in mid-February. We will see December’s reading for the Consumer Price Index (CPI) provide an update on US inflation levels. This mid-January announcement will largely determine what the Federal Reserve decides to do at their next policy meeting on February 1st. Lower inflation levels would lead to a less aggressive Fed, sending us into a spring real estate market where we could see mortgage interest rates finally stabilize.

The next CPI reading will come out January 12th. At the last CPI announcement (December 13th), the Federal Reserve received an early Christmas present. The report showed inflation declining in November, more than expected, with a reading of 7.1%, which was down from October’s 7.7% level*. This is finally providing the Federal Reserve with a series of declining inflation reports. What does this mean for our local real estate market? The visible cooling of inflation in the US economy will lessen pressure on the Federal Reserve to continue steep interest rate increases going forward in 2023. This will allow for mortgage interest rates to stabilize, eventually plateau, and at some point in the next 12-24 months descend again. On January 12th, if the inflation number is lower still, look for interest rates to reach an equilibrium as we head into the spring and become more predictable, allowing buyers to have more confidence as they consider placing offers on homes in the coming months.

Our local real estate market began seeing mortgage rate increases one year ago in March when it became evident to the Fed that inflation was becoming out of hand. So, the real estate and the mortgage industries have been going through a more challenging economic environment for about a year now. If inflation continues to lessen in future CPI readings, the Federal Reserve will eventually be able to pause and allow their past rate increases to fully work themselves through the entire US economy. Going forward in 2023, look for our local real estate market to re-enter our customary seasonal cycles, with the spring and fall markets being the most competitive and with the most activity.

Nationally, sales volume in real estate declined for the tenth straight month in November, which exactly parallels the rate increases that began in February/March of 2022. In the greater Danville area, single family property sales declined 37% from the prior year (November 22 to December 22), and were down 25.3% from the previous month (October 22 to November 22).**

The beginning of a new year is historically the end of the winter season and therefore slower in our local area. Look for the busiest season, spring, to begin in mid-February, and watch for mortgage rates to stabilize. If they do, look for activity to gradually increase as 2023 progresses.

If you have questions on the value of your home during this period of changing interest rates, please reach out for a private consultation. Our services and full-time local experience will help price your home correctly. We look forward to seeing everyone in the coming months. Happy New Year!

I hope you found this article helpful. I’ve been serving our real estate community for 11 years. Ron Gatti, my business partner and father, has been a full-time real estate professional for over 40 years, all in the greater Danville area. We both are Associate Brokers with Compass out of the 760 Camino Ramon office in Danville. If you have any real estate questions during this extraordinary time or have questions about this article, please email GattiRealEstate@gmail.com or call Joe Gatti at 925-588-3590. Our services are here for you!

*CNBC “Consumer Prices Rose Less Than Expected in November, Up 7.1% From a Year Ago,” by Jeff Cox, December 13, 2022 https://www.cnbc.com/2022/12/13/cpi-inflation-november-2022-.html. **Data taken from the MLS during specific dates and under the criteria mentioned within the article.

SAN RAMON VALLEY CHRISTIAN

ACADEMY

By Jamie Westgate, Principal

Every December, I look forward to hauling out the Christmas decorations and gathering our family to hang ornaments on our tree. In January, however, I always feel a bit of sadness when packing up the holiday trinkets and mementos. I think that at the root of such sadness is realizing that time passes quickly and many of our best memories as a family were made during the Christmas season. It’s hard to give up the time together to settle back into a routine!

This year, I can’t help but wonder how things would change if our efforts to spend meaningful time together became the routine for all of 2023. As we enter into the new year, I will be challenging our families to prioritize rest and play as a family. Although there is definitely room for outside activities, time in our own homes should provide conversation over chaos, and imagination over images on a screen. It’s so easy to get lost into the vortex of busyness that we forget that our best memories are made when spending time face to face. The alarming increase of anxiety and depression in students should make us all pause and consider the societal changes in the past 10 years. Although technology can occasionally be used to bring people together, it is more typically used to isolate one another. Prioritizing a loved one over other chores or activities tells him/her that people are to be valued and loved, something that’s virtually impossible to do through a screen.

As we head back to school in January, we are excited for many winter and spring events. In February, we’re most excited to bring back Grandparents Day! Our students love to honor their loved ones, and we look forward to celebrating them with a special chapel, reception and classroom visits. Also, we are thrilled to host our gala in March! Due to the pandemic, we’ve missed the chance to have an adult gathering to celebrate all God is doing at SRVCA. The new year is filled with promise of good things to come!

CATCH UP ON SOME “Z s ”

2023

By Jaime Kaiman, Monte Vista High, Senior

It’s hard to believe that a new year is already upon us. From pictures of new galaxies to the death of England’s longest reigning monarch, this past year has been nothing short of eventful. It’s interesting to review 2022 to 2021, and also to make predictions on how it will compare to 2023. There is so much to take away from this last year, and it’s crazy to think about how quickly it went by.

To start, this year was great in terms of music. There were many great artists who released tons of new music. Harry Styles released his album Harry’s House which ended up becoming a smash hit. Many of the songs from that album became anthems throughout the year such as “As It Was” and “Late Night Talking.” Taylor Swift also released her tenth studio album Midnights that took the world by storm and shattered many records. Midnights is one of my favorite projects by Taylor Swift because of how perfectly it blends all of the sounds she has tried out over the past years into one album. Swift’s impact can be clearly seen from her sold-out upcoming tour that will feature songs from Midnights, but also highlight select songs from her past albums, too. Another artist who made an extremely big impact in 2022 was SZA. SZA released her sophomore album SOS this past year, which is a big deal since she hadn’t released an album since 2017. Many of her songs have gone viral, and SOS has been streamed so much that it has earned its spot as #1 album on the “Billboard 200” albums list.

Additionally, there have been many newsworthy things that have occurred this year. As aforementioned, new galaxies have been discovered from amazing images that were captured by the James Webb Space Telescope. The population of the world has even hit eight billion. Also, as mentioned earlier, Queen Elizabeth II died. My AP Comparative Government class and my AP Environmental Science class had many good discussions about a lot of these developments, and this ultimately made classes even more interesting.

In my opinion, in comparison to 2021, 2022 definitely had more far-reaching events that impacted areas from science to history. However, in terms of Covid-19, 2021 was more affected by the pandemic than 2022. To me, 2022

MONTE VISTA HIGH

By Dr. Kevin Ahern, Principal

The Monte Vista (MV) community enjoyed a well-deserved Winter Break. Fall semester was quite a ride, and everyone appreciated a few weeks off.

In December, MV students and staff stuffed stockings and wrapped gifts for students at Verde Elementary in Richmond. MVs Leadership classes delivered the items to Verde and spent the day playing games with the students. I would like to thank Tommy Greenless, Chris Connor, and MV’s Leadership Class who all took the time and effort to make these wonderful things happen.

MV’s Performing Arts programs were also in full swing in December. MV’s Choir and Marching Band helped chime in the season at the Holiday Tree Lighting at City Center. The event included a personal escort for Santa’s arrival courtesy of MV’s Drumline. MV’s Choir sang to sold-out audiences at numerous holiday venues both on and off campus. A special thanks to MV’s Choir Director Rosalind Neisinger and her students for sharing their talents with our community. MV’s Jazz Bands, Orchestra, Symphonic Band, and Wind Ensemble played to full houses with another round of brilliant shows. A big thanks to Ed Cloyd and his students for their amazing performances throughout our community.

MV’s winter sports are in full swing, and Men’s and Women’s Soccer, Men’s and Women’s Basketball, and Wrestling are off to strong starts. We are looking forward to excellent seasons as non-league schedules give way to an always-challenging EBAL season.

Thank you to MV PTSA for the Holiday Bake. I don’t think we ever had so many baskets full of goodies shared with our staff and community. A huge thanks to MV’s PTSA President, Mary Peart and her amazing group of volunteers for this incredible event.

Thanks to the whole MV community for an awesome fall semester; we are looking forward to a great spring semester and an even better New Year in 2023!

was the year in which everything felt like it was truly returning back to how things used to be.

All in all, 2022 was a very eventful year. New discoveries and great music lifted this year up, but there were also many things that were cause for many good discussions. I hope we continue to experience things that will lift people up in 2023, and we can continue to have intriguing conversations about different things that happen throughout the year.

“TOWN TALKS” WITH DANVILLE MAYOR

Danville’s Mayor, Robert Storer, hosts the monthly “Town Talks with the Mayor” series on the first Friday of each month at 9AM via Zoom.

Community members are encouraged to join the discussions. Participants can ask questions via chat or email questions ahead of time to towntalks@danville. ca.gov. Mayor Storer invites guests to discuss various topics of interest to Danville residents. Recordings are at www. DanvilleTownTalks.org/town-talks-with-the-mayor where you can find all the information for this program, including previous recordings.

For more information, contact Cat Bravo at 925-314-3377 or cbravo@ danville.ca.gov

HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE COLLECTION

Have you done some home cleaning and find yourself with paints and paint thinners, cleaning supplies, pesticides and garden-care items, batteries, motor oil and other automotive products, solvents, fluorescent tubes, personal care products, or unknown rusty containers that need safe disposal?

The Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) collection facility operated by the Central Contra Costa Sanitary District offers this free service to residents. Drop-off is available at 4797 Imhoff Place in Martinez from Monday-Saturday from 7AM until 2PM with no appointment needed. Drop-off appointments for small businesses can be scheduled.

Learn more at www.centralsan.org/household-hazardous-waste-collection-facility

PREVENTING CRIME IN ALAMO (AND DANVILLE)

By County Supervisor Candace Andersen

Public Safety is one of the many issues that my office focuses on. It is something that has been a growing concern among many constituents. For Alamo residents, who reside in unincorporated Contra Costa County, police services have long been a high priority. Police services are provided by the Contra Costa Sheriff’s office.

To supplement the basic police services provided to unincorporated communities throughout the County, Alamo has three police districts: P2B, P5, and P6. District P2B covers the west side of Alamo, south of Hillgrade Avenue, all neighborhoods off Livorna Road and Miranda Avenue, and the Stone Valley Road neighborhoods up to Round Hill Country Club on the north side of Stone Valley, and all the way to Monte Vista High School on the south side.

There are 3,400 homes in the P2B area and one dedicated officer to the district. Officer Lance Wallace is funded through the P2B parcel tax, which is $67 per household. The parcel tax was approved by Alamo voters back in 1981 and was recently increased in 2021. A P2B committee meets monthly to make recommendations about how that money should be spent.

The P5 District encompasses the Round Hill area. Voters approved an increase to their parcel tax in 2019 to support two dedicated police officers in Round Hill and the surrounding areas. Round Hill residents pay $470 per year. The P5 officers assist in other areas of Alamo in an emergency. A P5 committee also meets monthly to make recommendations about its budget.

The last police district, the P6 District, was formed in 1983 and covers unincorporated parcels throughout the entire County except for Kensington. Alamo neighborhoods included in the P6 District are Alamo Glen, Stone Valley Oaks, Monte Sereno, Whitegate, and Bryan Ranch. Because these neighborhoods could also benefit from enhanced police services, the P2B Committee is considering whether, at a future date, these voters should be asked if they would like to join the P2B district. The discretion of how P6 funds are spent lies with Sheriff David Livingston, who ensures that they are also used for the benefit of Alamo residents.

It is important to note that beyond the dedicated Alamo officer, the Sheriff’s department provides additional support. Two officers are always available, but their area is very large. It goes from the Tassajara Valley to Marsh Creek. Traffic enforcement is primarily the responsibility of the California Highway Patrol (CHP), although the Sheriff’s department does assist with this.

Unfortunately, Alamo and Danville have seen an uptick in residential burglaries over the last several months. Residents can do several things to avoid being a target. The Sheriff’s Office has provided several safety tips:

• Be aware of your surroundings. We are often carrying cash and credit cards as we shop. Criminals may watch ATMs and banks to identify someone carrying a large amount of cash or valuables, then follow them to rob them. If you think this is happening to you, lock your doors/windows, call 9-1-1, flag down an officer, or drive to the Police Department or a well-lit active area and follow the directions of the Dispatcher on the phone. While driving, do not leave your purse or bag on a seat from where someone can easily grab it.

• If you are away from home, lock your house and ensure that all doors and windows are completely closed and secure. If you don’t have one, consider an alarm or video surveillance system to safeguard your home. Secure and hide your valuables. Use timers so that lights in the house turn on and off at different intervals. Ask your neighbors to keep an eye on things for you.

• Scams continue to be prevalent. Don’t click on email attachments from unknown persons. PG&E will never telephone you to collect a bill, the Sheriff’s Office does not call to collect money for a warrant, neither will any legitimate company or agency accept payment over the phone via gift card or Green Dot card. If you have a question about a call you’ve received, hang up and look up a valid telephone number for the company or agency and contact them yourself. You can also call the Sheriff’s Valley Station at 925-837-2902 and ask for assistance.

• Vehicle burglars are also happening frequently. You can prevent burglaries by locking your car, hiding valuables, and reporting suspicious persons in and around cars. Remember, an item may appear to be valuable (such as a gym bag containing old gym clothes) to someone even if it isn’t.

• Even if we have bluetooth/hand free connections in our cars, it is easy to be distracted by phone calls, texts, music, or audio books and not pay attention to our driving. Please focus on your driving, slow down – especially in the rain, and drive defensively. It goes without saying that alcohol and other substances

do not mix with driving. If you are going to an event or party, use a designated driver or ride service. DO NOT DRIVE UNDER THE INFLUENCE…even if you’re just feeling buzzed.

Another great resource for preventing crimes in our neighborhoods is the Contra Costa County Community Services/Crime Prevention Unit. It promotes and provides specialized crime prevention services and expertise to support the safety and well-being of the public throughout unincorporated Contra Costa County. Central to its mission are the building of partnerships and improving public safety through education.

Their programs include Neighborhood Watch, which is an effective way to keep your community safe. Through organized problem-solving activities, your block can remove crime from your neighborhood and address any community issues that concern residents. Please use the Crime Prevention e-mail, CSU@ so.cccounty.us, to contact the Specialist in your area for crime prevention information, Neighborhood Watch guidance, and community events. This email should NOT be used to report crimes, suspicious activity, or active situations.

IF YOU HAVE AN EMERGENCY, PLEASE CALL 9-1-1, or (925) 646-2441 for non-emergencies.

The Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff’s Security/Surveillance Camera registration program is another way for residents and businesses to impact crime in their community and help police keep us safe. By registering your address, you let detectives know that your home/business is equipped with a perimeter surveillance system. In the event of a crime in your area, detectives will be aware that your system is available to them should they need it to possibly identify the suspect. You remain in complete control of your system. If needed, the detective will meet with you to view your recordings for the time period in question and download any identifiable footage. This is a voluntary program, and you can opt out at any time. To participate, email the Sheriff’s Crime Analysis Unit at crimeanalysis@so.cccounty.us. Please provide contact name (first and last), if a business, the business name, complete address, and best contact phone number.

My office is here to serve the residents of CCC District 2, which includes Alamo, Blackhawk, Canyon, Danville, Diablo, Lafayette, Moraga, Orinda, Rossmoor, San Ramon, Tassajara Valley, and parts of unincorporated Walnut Creek. Please 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 925-655-2300.

VALLEY VIGNETTE

By Beverly Lane

FAZ AND THE TREES ARE GONE

This winter there is a blank area, an unfamiliar vacant space at the southeast end of Danville’s Hartz Avenue. To see it is to feel ineffably sad. Faz Restaurant is gone, and with it, the tall redwood trees planted decades ago. Viewed from the street or from the Front Street parking lot, there are no longer any tress there. A two-story building with underground parking, ground level retail, and second floor residences will fill the space. This property has witnessed many changes over the last 150 years. The original Danville village didn’t extend that far south, placed as it was at Front Street (the “county road”) and Diablo Street with a small bridge over San Ramon Creek. In the 1860s the first Danville Grammar School was roughly in this area. Just north, in 1874, the new Danville Grange No. 85 built an impressive hall. The Danville Presbyterian Church came next and was completed in 1876. Twenty years later, a handsome new grammar school was built near the location of the original school. All of these buildings lined up along Front.

Ranch land abutted the village to the west and south, with 220 acres purchased by John Hartz in 1888. When the San Ramon Branch Line railroad was planned, Hartz sold the large Danville station land to Southern Pacific and the first train arrived in June of 1891. That July, Hartz subdivided the eastern part of his ranch. The Hartz Addition included new north/south streets named Hartz and Railroad Avenues. East/west streets led to the school (School Street) and to the church (Church Street) with Prospect Ave. bordering the plan. An 1890 map shows that “Flournoy” owned land south of Hartz’ original ranch.

The train’s arrival set off a building boom for Danville. On Hartz Avenue’s south-eastern site (where Faz stood), John Halverson built his livery stable and managed it with son Roy. Salesmen and visitors could leave the train, walk up School Street, and rent horses or buggies from Halverson.

Soon after the train’s arrival, across the street at today’s 675 Hartz Ave. (where Danville’s first three-story building appeared in the 1960s), the Mountain View Hotel was built on the southwest corner of Hartz and School. On the northwest corner, Danville postmaster and general store proprietor John Shuey built his handsome two-story house (now restored). He also built two warehouses for hay and grain adjacent to the depot.

Houses available to purchase, in sizes 50’ x 100’ or 50’ x 50’, lined Hartz Ave. Gradually Hartz became the main road through town, replacing Front Street.

Back from the street, in the former Faz space, was a two-story building with a long-forgotten history. It was a Japanese grocery store with a second floor which hosted Saturday Japanese language and culture classes. After Pearl Harbor, when the Valley’s Japanese-Americans were sent to Gila River Internment Camp, some of the store’s products were purchased by Acree’s store at Hartz and Prospect.

Fast forward to the time after the freeway was built in 1964. In 1974, a new restaurant, Dan McGrew’s Restaurant and Saloon was built, and served the growing population. Decorated with western memorabilia and the “Tale of Dan McGrew” on its walls, the restaurant fit right into local marketing efforts promoting Danville as a place with “Old Century Leisure, New Century Convenience.”

Next, the short-lived Tiger Alley Restaurant filled the site from 1989 to 1990. And finally, Faz Restaurant and Bar opened after a restoration in 1991. When it recently closed after 30 years, no wonder people thought Faz had been here forever.

City councils work to have their traditional downtowns become vibrant places -- and this means providing walkable spaces, plazas, and housing. Danville’s new Downtown Master Plan is available on the town’s website with just those goals. Of course, there are now many state mandates for the Town to provide additional dwelling units. Thus, Faz will be replaced by 37 second floor units and four retail spaces in 2023. The site has been transformed many times – something to remember as we ponder the bare property today.

Sources: Museum of the San Ramon Valley archives, Downtown Danville, Changes Twenty-Five Years, 1976-2001 by Irma and Jim Dotson, Downtown Master Plan (2022).

SRV GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY

The San Ramon Valley Genealogical Society (SRVGS) was organized in 1985 to provide its members with resources, assistance, and educational opportunities that help them successfully research their ancestry. The group publishes a monthly newsletter and offers monthly meetings of small groups with common interests to discuss their specific areas of research. SRVGS also provides resources ranging from a large selection of reference books to information on local genealogical libraries.

You are invited to join the Tuesday, January 17th, 10AM ZOOM meeting with a presentation by Alice Hoyt Veen entitled “It Goes with the Territory! Find your ancestors in Pre-Statehood Records.” Alice is a professional genealogist with Prairie Roots Research in Iowa.

To become a member of SRVGS, visit srvgensoc.org and click on the “Join SRVGS” tab on the left side of the home page. For questions about the group, email president@srvgensoc.org

Danville’s Grammar School 1896-1922.

Halverson’s Livery Stable.

The Hartz Addition expanded Danville from Front Street.

John and Lelia Shuey House with Las Trampas background.

simultaneously helping others has really hit a chord with so many people and the community support has been amazing.” Asked what she is most proud of accomplishing with MIH, she responds: “I am proud that Make It Home really embodies the best characteristics of residential interior design -- creating spaces that provide comfort and dignity and give people a haven that also serves as the springboard for successful endeavors outside the home. I am most proud of creating a lovely community of volunteers and donors that are excited to help in all sorts of ways, from repainting a chair to rebuilding a large dining table into two smaller dining tables to helping with our strategic planning.”

Connections with interior designers, vendors, home real estate stagers, and retail furniture showrooms bring MIH a remarkable inventory of new or slightly used pieces. Homeowners and other donors contribute additional items. A triple win is generated when a hauler doing home clean-outs gives MIH a chance to accept usable items: folks in need get functional furnishings, less waste ends up in the landfill, and the hauler saves money on dump fees. MIH purchases fully sanitized, refurbished mattresses that are delivered good as new.

When MIH volunteers receive a request to furnish an apartment for the client of a partner agency, they go to work pulling color-coordinated pieces that fit the plans they receive of the specific living space. They choose kid-friendly pieces for families with children -- no glass top coffee tables. Photographs and diagrams are given to the movers so they know how everything should be placed.

Why Clean Your Air Ducts?

• Better overall air quality

• Reduction of allergens

• Odor reduction

• Fewer repairs for your HVAC equipment

• Energy savings

• Protection against mold and mildew

When was the last time your air ducts were cleaned?

Alamo resident Kristine White is part of the team at the Walnut Creek location that opened this fall as well as a member of the MIH Board. A volunteer with MIH from the beginning, she has also worked at the larger San Rafael facility. She relates: “Every day at the warehouse is completely different. One day, it seems nearly empty and the next day it’s like a bomb went off and is brimming with inventory. Thankfully, we have a wonderful group of volunteers that work hard to keep everything organized. Together, we manage the chaos and create functional (and beautiful!) arrangements for our clients -- complete with color coordinated throw pillows and artwork. After all, it’s the little touches that make a house feel like a home.”

Nancy Scanlon, another member of the Walnut Creek volunteer team, explains: “When the folks we serve have finally gotten off a waiting list and have gotten an apartment, they are still in crisis mode. Typically, they are given a set of keys and an inflatable bed and very little else in the way of furnishings. They come into their new empty living space with usually just their clothing and some goods that they may have acquired along the way. Make It Home outfits their entire apartment from carefully curated furnishings and linens to kitchen essentials and cleaning supplies. The word Home implies that it is warm, comfortable, and inviting. That is our ultimate goal.”

At Danville’s Community Presbyterian Church (CPC), Robin Latendresse accepted the mission of supporting Care Portal, a national organization that connects local agencies with local churches, non-profit organizations, and individuals to combat the foster care crisis by helping families and children at risk. Discovering MIH has helped Robin immensely in fulfilling the needs of clients. She remarks: “The MIH volunteers have amazing hearts along with the ability to make a living space beautiful for people who are struggling to make ends meet.”

MIH volunteers do not go into homes to arrange furniture. Working through CPC, Latendresse finds volunteers to deliver requested items and raises money for new bedding and the MIH set up fee. She says: “When I meet the people we are serving and see how thankful and grateful they are, I feel honored to be able to deliver the furniture and household supplies they need.”

MIH Board member Hilary Sessions brings an important ability to the team. Hilary explains: “I was drawn to Make It Home by the creativity of the organization and the dedication of the volunteers who each offer specific talents. Some are adept at finding pieces to coordinate a room setting. Others can refinish, refurbish, or even reupholster donations. With my experience as an interior designer as well as with Chairish.com, I am able to spot items that although unsuitable for our clients’ tiny apartments, may have monetary value to fund MIH operating costs. I know brands that are desirable and recognize vintage pieces and antiques that can be sold at auction.” The average person may see a grimy, unappealing chair, while Hilary immediately realizes that once the leather is cleaned, the piece will present itself as a highly collectible treasure.

Chris Davenport and Sherry McGoff hard at work in the Walnut Creek office. Photo courtesy of MIH.

Nancy Scanlon puts together a shelf. Photo courtesy of MIH.

QUICK TRIPS

By Linda Summers Pirkle

HISTORIC KLAMATH FERRYBOAT

At midnight, with frigid temperatures dipping to 28 degrees, my son Reed bundled up in his cold weather gear and boarded the blue-and-white IJVeer Ferry boat in Amsterdam, along with dozens of others. Marveling at the beautiful Amsterdam skyline, Reed was able to take a few photos before he arrived at the other side of the river, a four-minute journey. With classic European efficiency, the front end of the ferry drops down, people disembark, then returning passengers board within a two-minute window. The sleek ferry is a tourist destination as well as a necessary commuter vessel carrying people, bicyclists, and mopeds across the water to and from Amsterdam Noord. The ships in the fleet operate with EST-Floattech Lithium-Ion Polymer technology (or batteries for someone like me). According to their website, the electrification of the vessels is driven by the city’s ambition to provide sustainable public transport; transport that benefits the crew, the passengers, and citizens living nearby. The boat can travel back and forth across the river (450 meters) 10 times without starting the generator. It’s free and operates 24 hours every day of the year.

Closer to home, the Klamath, a 97-year-old ferry, newly docked at Pier 9 in San Francisco is an enduring part of Bay Area ferry boat history. After extensive remodeling and reinforcement of the superstructure which included adding a new rooftop garden, a gorgeous oak staircase, high-tech conference rooms, and a museum, the Klamath was officially christened in her new home on September 21, 2022 by San Francisco Mayor London Breed and Bay Area Council CEO Jim Wunderman, the company behind the boat’s renaissance. Between 1850 and 1939 ferryboats were at peak oper-

ation in the Bay, shuttling people and vehicles across the water. The Klamath was built in 1925 and was one of the largest ferries used in the San Francisco Bay. At 246 feet long and 65 feet wide, she could carry up to 1,000 people and 78 vehicles at a time within its 37,380 square feet of interior and exterior space.

Before the three major bridges were built to cross the bay, the Klamath served the Southern Pacific auto routes between the San Francisco Ferry Building and Oakland/Alameda from 1925-1929, then the San Francisco to Sausalito line for nine years, and finally the Richmond-San Rafael line for 18 years. When the bridges were built in the 1930’s, 40’s, and 50’s, ferry boats were becoming obsolete. The Klamath was the last major boat to operate on the Bay and is one of only five remaining from the original fleet of 120.

In 1964, the Klamath, no longer crisscrossing the bay, served as the headquarters for Landor and Associates, followed by a 30-year stint as headquarters for Duraflame in Stockton. Now in San Francisco, the Klamath is a newly renovated headquarters for the Bay Area Council. One of the requirements as part of using a public waterfront is to provide public access. A magnificent 3,000 square-foot rooftop garden and deck brilliantly addressed the public access requirement.

You can soon add the deck and rooftop garden of the Klamath to your list of best places for dramatic 360-degree views of the city skyline, Bay Bridge, and beyond. Access to the public will be weekdays and the first Saturday of each month. Currently, the elevator to reach the top deck has yet to be approved by San Francisco Fire Department. Check the website for updates.

The Klamath docked at Pier 9 in San Francisco is a five-minute walk from the Ferry Building. The interior is a gorgeous modern space with white walls, gleaming wood floors, and spectacular views from every window. Conference, meeting, and event spaces are available, and offices can be leased. Their website is historicklamath.com

Linda Summers Pirkle is a travel writer, Francophile, consultant, and long-term Danville resident. To share your “Quick Trips” ideas, email Coverthemap@gmail.com.

LOCAL ROTARY CLUBS

To learn more about The Rotary Club of Alamo and see current meeting dates and times, visit their Facebook page “Rotary Club of Alamo.” More information is also available at alamorotary.org, alamorotary@hotmail.com, or by calling 925-718-6601. The Danville Rotary Club meets virtually every Monday at noon. Learn more at danvillerotary.org. If you are interested in the Danville/Sycamore Valley Rotary Club, contact Daniel Kodam at daniel@dsvrotary.com, call 925-336-0000, or visit dsvrotary.com. The Rotary Club of San Ramon Valley meets via Zoom every Wednesday night from 7PM-8:30PM. For more information, call Valerie Munoz at 925-6836310 or visit www.sanramonvalleyrotary.com. The Rotary Club of Dougherty Valley/San Ramon meets via Zoom on Wednesdays from 5:30PM-6:40PM For more information, call 925-998-2924. Rotary Club of San Ramon meets via Zoom every Thursday between noon and 1:15pm. For more information, visit sanramonrotary.org, or email chris@gallagherwealth.com, or call 925-831-3043.

DANVILLE LIONS CLUB

The Danville Lions Club meets twice a month at 6:30PM on the first and third Wednesday at Mangia Mi located at 406 Hartz Ave, Danville. The group is looking for like-minded people who wish to volunteer their time for good causes to join the club. The group is a dinner-time club and meets at restaurants for dinner and business meetings in Danville. Danville Lions raise funds and provide services to those in need, both locally and worldwide, through fun and gratifying projects. Lions are well known for successful initiatives in vision health. Please visit www.e-clubhouse.org/ sites/danvilleca to learn more or contact Club president Diana Gaines at 925-719-1553.

EXCHANGE CLUB

The Exchange Club of San Ramon Valley meets for lunch the second Wednesday of every month at The Grille at Blackhawk, located at 3540 Blackhawk Plaza Circle in Danville. Sign-in and social time begin at 11:30AM The meeting starts promptly at noon and ends promptly at 1PM. The one-hour program features guest speakers and business networking. Guests are welcome with luncheon reservations. The cost is $30. For reservations and information, please contact Karen Stepper at 925-998-8865 or coachstepper@yahoo.com.

KIWANIS CLUB OF SAN RAMON VALLEY

The Kiwanis Club of San Ramon Valley meets every Thursday at noon at Black Bear Diner located at 807 Camino Ramon in Danville. The Club organizes the Kiwanis 4th of July Parade in Danville and many other exciting events. The Club has an interesting and informative weekly program speaker and specializes in fun and entertaining camaraderie. There is no charge for a guest lunch. For more information, email info@srvkiwanis.org, or visit www.srvkiwanis.org

Meet Dr. Yvonne Hyland & Her Family

Dr. Hyland has been in private practice since 2000. She received a DDS degree from Baylor College of Dentistry in Dallas, Texas. Following dental school, she pursued a hospital-based General Practice Residency at the Veteran’s Medical Center in West Los Angeles for two years. Realizing this was not the end of her formal education, she completed a successful three-year post-graduate surgical residency in periodontics. Dr. Hyland’s experience and professional skills excel in every aspect of dentistry from general cosmetic procedures to complex surgical cases. She has placed thousands of successful dental implants and is highly trained in all phases of gum disease therapy, tissue and bone grafting procedures, and wisdom teeth extraction.

Dr. Hyland understands the desire to provide the very best care for the entire family. As a resident of Alamo, she strives to meet community needs by providing unparalleled services for those seeking the finest complete dental care in one location. In her spare time, Dr. Hyland enjoys spending time with her husband Terry, two sets of twin boys, and their three rescue dogs adopted from ARF.

Meet Dr. Kiranjot Dyal

Dr. Kiranjot Dyal graduated from the University of California, Davis, with a Bachelor of Science in Molecular and Cellular Biology. Thereafter, she attended Western University of Health Sciences, College of Dental Medicine to earn her degree in Dental Medicine (D.M.D.) and further extended her studies by completing a general practice residency at UCLA- Harbor Medical Center, where she earned the “Resident of the Year” accolade. Dr. Dyal’s passion for growth in her dental skills shows as she continues educating herself through various classes and up to date courses.

Dr. Dyal’s goal as a dental provider is to provide compassionate care for her patients and make them feel as stress-free as possible in the dental chair. She believes that knowledge is power and understanding what treatment is needed, why it's necessary, and how it can be prevented in the future is extremely important in bettering the overall oral health of her patients and the general public. Dr. Dyal strives to build a trusting and genuine relationship with her patients and their family and friends to create a comfortable dental home for the community she treats.

CLIP NOTES

By Jody Morgan

Folklore associated with flowers reads much like the tales collected by the Brothers Grimm. One legend ascribes salutary powers, while another story suggests nefarious connections. Common names from different cultures often hold clues to whether the blossoms are considered beneficial or detrimental to those who choose to cultivate them. Foxgloves, an old-fashioned garden favorite, are a prime example.

My favorite explanation for the common name Foxglove is that fairies covered foxes’ paws with the flowers so the foxes could sneak silently into hen-houses. According to another folk tale, the bell-shaped flowers ring to warn foxes when hunters are approaching. On a more practical note, given the poisonous properties of the plant, children were warned that picking foxglove blossoms would offend the fairies. All parts of common Foxglove plants are toxic. Consequently, some people called the plants Dead Man’s Bells and warned that anyone who heard them ring would not live long. In case you are not familiar with the flowers, John Gerard gives an excellent description of them in his Herbal, first published in 1597 as The History of Plants. Referring to the purple-flowered Foxglove, the most widely known species, he notes: “the stalke is straight, from the middle whereof to the top stand the floures, set in a course one by another upon one side of the stalke, hanging downwards with the bottome upwards, in forme long, like almost to finger stalkes, whereof it took its name Digitalis ...” Although I see bells rather than fingers, other common names for the plant now botanically labeled Digitalis purpurea include Fairy Fingers. Attributing a religious connotation to their form, French Catholics called the plants Doights de Notre Dame or Gantes de Notre Dame -- Fingers of Our lady or Gloves of Our Lady.

Some suggest that rather than “fox” the ancient name meant “folks” as a reference to the plants’ legendary connection to fairies, the “Good Folk.” Adherents to that belief say the stalks do not bend because they are blown by wind, but rather in deference to fairy folk passing by. Not by any means the only interpretation, but a quite plausible translation of the original Anglo-Saxon gliew contends that rather than glove, the intended artifact was glew, a musical instrument consisting of many bells.

Substantiation of the medicinal value of digitalis was established by William Withering’s research. Asked in 1775 as a physician to attend a woman suffering from dropsy, a condition associated with heart failure (known today as edema). Withering expected her to succumb to her illness. However, after being given an herbal tea said by an old Shropshire woman to be her family’s secret recipe,

WALNUT CREEK GARDEN CLUB

The Walnut Creek Garden Club will hold its monthly meeting on Monday, January 9th at the Elks Lodge, 1475 Creekside Dr. in Walnut Creek. Registration begins at 9:30AM, followed by a brief business meeting, social time, and an educational program.

The guest speaker will be Shawna Anderson, a professional and certified Horticulturist for Orchard Nursery. Shawna enjoys sharing her plant expertise and writing nursery articles. She will demonstrate how to prune your roses using the correct tools.

The public is welcome to visit meetings and to become a part of the Club. For more information, visit www.walnutcreekgardenclub.org. Learn more about the Master Gardeners at www.ccmg.ucanr.edu.

LAFAYETTE GARDEN CLUB

The Lafayette Garden Club monthly meeting begins at 10AM on January 12th. The meeting will be held at the Veteran’s Hall located at 3780 Mt. Diablo Blvd., Lafayette.

Catherine Watters will be the guest speaker. Catherine is a botanical artist who paints in watercolor. She lectures and shows her work in many exhibitions each year in the U.S. and abroad. She will be presenting her work and discussing techniques she has developed along with some of the history of botanical art.

The meeting is free to attend. If interested in attending or joining the club, please email LCGMembershipCommittee@gmail.com

the patient made a remarkable recovery. Withering isolated Foxglove from the 20 herbs in the tea and spent 10 years studying the best time of year to harvest it and the most efficacious, yet least likely to be lethal dosage. After documenting his observations of 156 patients, he published An Account of the Foxglove and some of Its Medicinal Uses in 1785.

An entry under “Cardiology” in The Medicinal Plant Collection at the University of Oxford Botanic Garden explains: “Foxglove had been included in many European herbals such as those of Gerard, Culpeper, and Fuchs and was used to treat a range of conditions including coughs, epilepsy, and paralysis.” Withering proved that Digitalis purpurea contained the requisite remedy for treating dropsy. In 1930, Dr. Sidney Smith at Burroughs Wellcome finally identified digitoxin as the cardiac glycoside (a molecule that affects the heartbeat) provided by the plant.

The abstract of H.B. Burchell’s “Digitalis poisoning: historical and forensic aspects,” notes: “In fiction, the homicidal use of digitalis has appeared in the writings of Mary Webb, Dorothy Sayers, and Agatha Christie.”

Grown as a biennial or short-lived perennial in gardens for centuries, Digitalis purpurea is now available in stunning hybrid forms that offer a variety of colors. If left to go to seed, the straight species self-sows, providing offspring in surprising locations. Fortunately, seedlings are easily transplanted to more desirable places. Due to its toxic attributes, Foxglove is deer and rabbit resistant. However, bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds attracted to the blossoms feast unharmed. Please garden responsibly. Common Foxglove is listed among California invasive species as having a “Limited” ecological impact but can be problematic in some locations.

Digitalis lutea, a perennial Foxglove, features smaller yellow blossoms that provide a much longer floral display. I find it settling its offspring in spots within my garden where nothing else seems to thrive.

TECHNOLOGY MATTERS

LESS IS MORE!

By Evan Corstorphine, Portable CIO, Inc.

Happy New Year! I hope you had some time off with your family over the holidays and are refreshed and ready for what lays ahead. By all accounts, I expect 2023 to be an interesting year.

All indications seem to tell us we’re heading for a big recession. I’m not an economist, however, it’s plain enough to this layman that when you spend money like a drunken sailor there’s going to be a hefty price to pay down the road. With our belts tightening, this is a good time to watch what we spend and to get the most out of our technology before rushing to replace things. I recently encountered a situation that highlights this notion.

Just before the holidays we had the opportunity to help a long-time friend with her computer. Her four year old machine was well configured when she purchased it -- a good processor, plenty of RAM, and a solid state hardisk. The problem was that her main harddisk was filling up. As a result, the disk was throwing some errors and performing poorly overall. She assumed the worst and called us up.

We identified the cause of her problems and laid out a course of action to fix her system with minimal disruption or cost. It was a simple matter of cloning her very full hardisk to a new, larger SSD storage device, updating her antivirus, checking her backups, and she’d be good for several years more. The total cost would be less than $500, it would be fast, and everything would work exactly as it had before as her drive could be copied keeping all programs and files in place. It would be an extremely low-risk and predictable result.

Unfortunately, she wasn’t convinced, because she was focused on needing a new computer. So, instead of the simple route, she had her son buy a monstrosity of a replacement gaming computer and enlisted a common friend (who only knows Macs!) to transfer her from the old to the new. That was a disaster in the making. She was moving from the frying pan into the fire.

We’ll stop here to make the first point. If you know someone who is an expert in a discipline – any discipline - and you ask them for advice, which they provide, it’s probably worth your while to consider that advice! Would I ignore an accountant? A lawyer? A plumber or an electrician? Definitely not.

The computer her son purchased for her was larger in capacity than many servers we’ve provisioned for big companies. It had 8 terabytes of disk storage, 64 gigabytes of RAM, roughly four times everything that she

SONS IN RETIREMENT

LAS TRAMPAS BRANCH #116

actually might need, especially for someone whose main use of a computer is genealogy research and documentation. The word overkill doesn’t do it justice. It was expensive though, so she felt she was really solving the problem because she was spending a lot of money. In this case, the new computer was over $3,300, and that was before all the software she was going to need to repurchase and before any of her data had been moved over. Most likely she would be into this for well over $4,000, an old legacy genealogy program may not have worked on the new operating system, and it would still be painful.

The second point of the story is that throwing a lot of money at a problem doesn’t necessarily fix anything. We must do the right thing, not just the expensive thing, to get the results you’re after. (And, unfortunately sometimes the right thing IS the expensive thing.) The old joke I remember was about a repairman being called to fix a broken machine. He walked in, took out a wrench and made an adjustment to a single nut that solved the problem. It only took him five minutes to fix, and he charged a hundred dollars. The customer was outraged that simply turning a wrench would cost a hundred bucks. The repairman replied, “It didn’t. Turning the wrench cost only $5. It was knowing which nut to turn that cost the other $95.”

How did it all end up? Our friend-in-common reached out to us for help with the situation he had walked into. We helped him unravel the mistake, and they chose to do what we had originally recommended instead. The monster computer was returned, and our friend’s problems were solved. It cost under $500, with minimal disruption.

The old saying that “free advice is worth every penny” may be true in some cases, but not when you call PCIO. When we give advice, it’s what’s best for you, not what’s best for us. If you’re in need of that advice this year, call 925-552-7953, or email info@pcioit.com

Sons in Retirement (SIR) Las Trampas Branch 116 helps semi-retired and retired men lead active lives. All ages are invited to partake in enriching social activities. There are minimal dues and no major commitments. Come join the group to make new friends and social connections and stay active. Monthly meetings are held at Boundary Oak Golf Course.

The robust and well organized nine-hole and 18-hole golf programs are in full swing. Play is at Boundary Oak and other courses in the area. There are two different book groups that meet monthly. A very active fishing group takes place with participation from SIR members in the area. Join our pickleball group for a fun way to get some exercise. The bridge group meets for lunch twice a month. Put on your shoes and take an easy hour-long walk every Friday morning with the Amiable Amblers walking group and also join in the monthly sponsored walking tours to explore local areas. Spouses and friends join in on wine tastings which take place at members’ houses and group dinners which are held at local restaurants.

To learn more or become a member, visit https://sirinc2.org/branch116, or call 925-322-1160. Come join the group and have some fun!

SAN RAMON VALLEY BRANCH #128

Looking for things to do in your retirement? Consider joining SIR San Ramon Valley Branch #128. There are monthly luncheons with interesting speakers and good fellowship. In-person luncheons occur on the third Wednesday of each month at 11AM at The Bridges located at 9000 S. Gale Ridge, San Ramon. The next meeting is scheduled Wednesday, January 18th at 11AM. The speakers will be KGO channel 7 weatherman Spencer Christian.

Nationally, Spencer is best known as the former weather forecaster on Good Morning America from 1986-1998. He is the host of the PBS train series Tracks Ahead, and has hosted Spencer Christian Wine Cellar on HGTV. From 1992-1993 he hosted the music game show Triple Threat on BET. In addition, he is the author of several children’s books. He has been on KGO in his present role since 1999.

Christian was born in Newport News, Virginia and graduated from Hampton College. He is a resident of the East Bay.

SIR 128 offers its members many activities including investing, book groups, fantasy football, technology, wine tastings, golf, bocce ball, bicycling, hiking, pickleball, and more.

If you’re interested in attending a luncheon/meeting as a guest, email membership@sir128.com. To learn more about the group, visit www.SIR128.com

ALAMO IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATION (AIA)

By Roger Smith, President HAPPY 68TH BIRTHDAY

Alamo is a special community that all of our residents can be justifiably proud to call “Home.”

Now in its 68th year, AIA, a non-profit 501 (c)(3) organization, has the longest history of serving our community and helping shape it into “the place where we love to live!”

Since 1955, Alamo residents have been joining the Alamo Improvement Association and working in support of AIA’s mission statement, which is to “preserve the distinctive character of Alamo.”

Visit www.AlamoCA.org for information on AIA, articles of interest to local residents, membership forms, and more.

CORNUCOPIA OF PRODUCE AT FARMERS MARKET

With summer fruit now a sweet memory, your Alamo Farmers’ Market has a great selection of fall/winter produce options. Stop by and experience live music while you stroll the bountiful produce and other goodies for sale. Vendors welcome the opportunity to discuss their businesses and goods with you.

The Market is open rain or shine on Sundays from 9AM – 2PM in Alamo Plaza, off of Danville Blvd., near Bank of America.

PIPELINE SAFETY TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE GRANT (TAG)

In Contra Costa County, pipelines are all around us. There are three major refineries and more than 2,000 miles of petroleum pipelines along with PG&E natural gas pipelines. The AIA is pleased to announce their receipt of a $59,520 TAG from the Pipeline Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) to promote pipeline safety in our county.

AIA, through two previous grants (in 2015 & 2017), has provided a series of petroleum and natural gas pipeline safety workshops for residents of Antioch, Alamo/ Danville, Martinez, Richmond, and their surrounding areas. At the conclusion of each award period, a detailed safety report developed by Pipeline Safety Trust, a nationally recognized organization, was provided to Contra Costa County. Among a number of recommendations was to replace older manual pipeline valves with automatic valves, which has just been done as of December 2022.

This current grant will be used to provide pipeline emergency response training for our first responders, gas monitor sensing units for their equipment, along with drone software and on-site training for fire emergencies.

In addition, a Pipeline Information Center (PIC) website prototype is being developed for County review to serve as a resource for this information.

INTERESTED IN NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH?

Are you interested in having a speaker for neighborhood meetings to discuss theft prevention techniques and also in having help to establish a network of interested representatives to discuss the Neighborhood Watch program and its benefits?

There are many benefits of starting or becoming involved in a Neighborhood Watch group. The group gives you the opportunity to know your neighbors, and helps deter criminal activity near and around your home. Groups offer a greater sense of security for those who live alone, train you to be more aware of your surroundings, reduces your risk of becoming a victim, plugs you in to what emergency personnel are doing to help protect your community, offers you support following a natural disaster, takes power out of the hands of criminals, and provides you with actionable, easy ways to protect yourself and your property.

In Alamo: Contact Christina Land-Winters, Community Services Unit, Sheriff’s Office 925-313-2682. In Danville: Contact Lindsey Ortez, Community Service and Crime Prevention Coordinator, Danville Police Department 925-314-3717.

INTEREST RATES HAVE BEEN RISING - WHAT DOES THAT MEAN FOR CERTAIN LIFETIME GIFTS TO CHARITIES?

By Peter T. Waldron, Managing Partner of Waldron Partners

“Every good act is charity. A man’s true wealth hereafter is the good that he does in this world to his fellows.” ~ Moliere

The IRC section 7520 rate (the 7520 rate) is a number (i.e., interest rate) set by the IRS that’s updated monthly. Recently, the 7520 rate has gone up, worrying some individuals who have setup charitable remainder trusts (CRTs). But this rise shouldn’t cause alarm - it may be good news for CRAT donors! Here’s why:

Generally speaking, when the 7520 rate goes up, the income interest value of a CRAT goes down. That’s because the CRAT may now get a higher rate of return on its investments without having to pay taxes on the excess income in the CRAT. However, this decrease in value may also increase the charitable deduction that can be taken by donors. So, while CRATs may not be quite as valuable as they were when the 7520 rate was lower, donors may come out ahead thanks to the increased tax deduction if otherwise deductible.

The American Council on Gift Annuities (ACGA) suggests maximum charitable gift annuity rates that are used by most charitable institutions when issuing gift annuities.

What’s more, when interest rates increase, it may also increase the “deductible percentage” of charitable gift annuities (CGAs). This percentage represents the portion of each payment that is considered a charitable gift for tax purposes.

The recent uptick in the 7520 rate may have caused some concerns among those with charitable remainder trusts. However, there may be no need to worry - this may present an opportunity for CRAT donors. Thanks to the increased rate, donors will be able to take a bigger tax deduction when they give via a CGA or CRT. So, if you’ve been thinking about making a gift to charity, where you maintain some income, now is a good time to consider it!

“A rich man without charity is a rogue; and perhaps it would be no difficult matter to prove that he is also a fool.” ~ Henry Fielding

We can help you with your financial situation. You do not want to go through life wondering what could have been.

To schedule a complimentary review of your financial situation, please contact me at 925-708-7397 or email peter.waldron@lfg.com.

Peter T. Waldron, California Insurance License #0E47827, is a registered representative of Lincoln Financial Advisors, a broker/dealer, member SIPC, and offers investment advisory services through Sagemark Consulting, a division of Lincoln Financial Advisors Corp., a registered investment advisor, Waldron Partners, 3201 Danville Blvd., Suite 190 PO Box 528, Alamo, CA 94507. Waldron Partners is not an affiliate of Lincoln Financial Advisors. Insurance is offered through Lincoln Marketing and Insurance Agency, LLC and Lincoln Associates Insurance Agency, Inc., and other fine companies. This material is for use with the general public and is designed for informational or educational purposes only. It is not intended as legal, tax, or direct investment advice. Lincoln Financial Advisors does not offer legal or tax advice. CRN-5351778-121422. Advertorial

GO '10-8' WITH CHIEF SHIELDS

The Shelter in Place order prevented the Danville Police Department from continuing programs like Coffee with the Cops, which allowed police a chance to directly interact with the community in a non-threatening environment. Not to be deterred, Danville Police Chief Allan Shields comes to you via Facebook Live in a community program called “10-8.” “10-8” is the radio code every officer says at the start of their shift and every time they finish helping someone and are ready to help someone else. “10-8” seemed to be a great title for the weekly program to reinforce to residents and businesses that the officers in Danville are here in service to the community.

Come join the “10-8” meeting every Wednesday at 5PM on Facebook Live. Each program will have updates on what is happening in the Town of Danville, crime prevention tips, and answers to viewer questions. Community members can email questions to mailbag@danville.ca.gov. Questions can also be asked in the comment section on Facebook Live. The Facebook page is “Danville Police Department.”

WILL THE KIDS BE HAPPY?

By Robert J. Silverman, Esq.

In our area, many people have sizable estates and, as such, when they die and their children (or other loved ones) inherit assets, it can be analogous to hitting the jackpot.

A primary goal of most clients - aside from important objectives, such as avoiding unnecessary taxes and estate administration costs - is to help make their children comfortable. Many say: “I just want my kids to be happy.” This begs the question, will the receipt of a substantial inheritance make the children happy? Is the answer always, yes?

Interestingly, when looking at lottery winners, the happiness answer is not so clear. Quite a few years ago, the Wall Street Journal published an article titled “America’s Dangerous Powerball Economy.” The author cited a famous 1978 study that found that after an initial “happiness boost” right after winning the lottery, within a few months the winners’ happiness had receded to a pre-lottery winning level. As more time passed, the winners were actually less happy than they had been before winning.

The author rightfully points out that it would be misguided to conclude that money makes us unhappy. Rather, he refers to voluminous research demonstrating that money, when earned, is typically associated positively with happiness; but conversely, when it is unearned and raw purchasing power is untethered from hard work and merit, people are much less likely to be happy and feel successful.

These findings and principles are consistent with anecdotal evidence and my 29 years of experience helping people plan and administer their trusts. It can be helpful to ask clients about the legacy they wish to leave. A fascinating question is “How much is too much to leave your children?” For some, the answer is $1 Million. For others, it might be significantly more or less. Still, others answer that no amount is too much to leave their children.

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A few related questions are: 1) Might you feel better, and your kids be just as happy, if you leave them a bit less and give some portion to one or more worthwhile charitable organizations? Incidentally, there are a number of compelling types of charitable trusts and other charitable strategies that have tax and non-tax advantages. Some are specifically designed as “split interest” trusts, with some income/assets being paid-out to one or more charitable organizations and some being paid out to you and/or your loved ones.

2) When is the right time for your children to receive their inheritance outright, with no strings attached? Typically, trusts provide that children are to receive distributions for their needs, but when they reach 25 or 30 years old, they receive outright distribution of their shares. A growing trend, however, is to instead provide for discretionary, rather than mandatory, distribution at a particular age (or a fraction at one age and the balance at a subsequent age). Assuming a trust is drafted properly, if a child keeps in trust during his or her lifetime all assets he or she doesn’t immediately need, the child: a) might be inclined to handle the inheritance more responsibly; and b) can benefit from robust creditor and spousal protection.

Certainly, the way your trust distribution provisions (among other trust provisions and other estate planning documents) are drafted can materially help or hinder your wishes and intentions. People’s financial, personal, and familial circumstances change and estate planning related law, software, and customs evolve. Hence, it is prudent to review your estate plan periodically and promptly following any major life changes. Keeping your estate plan up-to-date and designed optimally may also help your loved ones avoid the inheritance “Powerball trap”!

Estate

Planning | Trust Administration & Probate | Real Estate | Business|

Please contact me to request a complimentary: i) “Estate Planning Primer”; ii) Real Estate titling brochure; iii) introductory meeting. I am an attorney with R. Silverman Law Group, 1910 Olympic Blvd., Suite 330, Walnut Creek, CA 94596; (925) 705-4474; rsilverman@rsilvermanlaw.com.

This article is intended to provide information of a general nature, and should not be relied upon as legal, tax and/ or business advice. Readers should obtain specific advice from their own, qualified professional advisors.

Advertorial

LID TWITCHING

By Gregory Kraskowsky, O.D., Alamo Optometry

We have all felt a lid twitching or pulsing at one time or another. It is usually not noticeable to someone looking at you, but you can feel it. Although it is annoying, it is usually completely benign. Lid twitching is not associated with any neurological problems and therefore is not a medical emergency. A lid twitch is quite common and can occur with either eye and usually occurs on the lower lid. For most people, the twitches are painless, but annoying. We will discuss some causes and things that can be done to help.

There are several causes for lid twitching, with stress and fatigue being the main culprits. Considering the current state of the world we are all under more stress than normal. Whether it is COVID, colds and flu, the holiday season, a change in job status or an extremely busy time at work, moving, a death in the family, or a myriad of other situations, the stress bar has risen. After the external factors subside, so does the twitching.

Fatigue is also a big cause, and stress and fatigue are often related. If there is a lot of stress, sleep usually suffers.

The other main contributor of eye twitching is a change in caffeine use. Most of the time it is secondary to a significant increase in caffeine intake, but it can also be due to a quick, drastic decrease. It is common for students studying for midterms or finals to experience these lid twitches because they have an increase stress, fatigue, and caffeine use.

Now that we know the causes, what can be done to treat the twitching? Unfortunately, the quick answer is there are no drops, pills, or other medications that resolve this issue. However, there are several anecdotal things that can be done to reduce the symptoms.

First, attempt to reduce the stress level and get more sleep. Of course, this is often much easier said than done, depending on the situation. Regardless, any reduction in stress and fatigue will go a long way to calming things down. Other remedies that may help include cool compresses and oral antihistamines such as Benadryl. Keep in mind that these can cause some drowsiness, so it’s best to take them before bed. Another treatment that works well is drinking tonic water. Tonic water contains quinine, which helps to relax muscles. I instruct patients to not put the tonic water in their eyes as I had one patient do this and their eyes were completely irritated. Feel free to mix whatever you like with the tonic water, as it is does not taste that good by itself.

Even though a lid twitch is benign, other neurological lid conditions such as a Bell’s palsy or facial spasms need to be ruled out since these can be a sign of more serious issues that require further testing. If there are any questions about lid twitches, we would be more than happy to schedule an office visit for you.

Dr. K. at Alamo Optometry is your hometown eye doctor for outstanding service, vision care, and designer eyewear. He can be reached at (925) 820-6622, or visit his office at 3201 Danville Blvd., Suite 165, in Alamo. For more information, visit www.alamooptometry.com, and find us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter @Alamo Optometry. Advertorial

DISCOVER DIABLO

Save Mount Diablo’s (SMD)

Discover Diablo program offers an annual series of free activities that include hikes, family walks, rock climbing events, trail runs, mountain biking events, property tours, and more. Join SMD in exploring the Bay Area’s beautiful wild lands and open spaces!

Discover Diablo is a public outings program led by staff and volunteer naturalists that offers various outdoor activities including guided interpretive family walks, hikes, and property tours. These events are open to any and all trailblazers looking to get out in nature. All hikes are free but in order to create the best experience and least impact on the environment, capacity is limited and advanced registration is required.

Property tours are led on SMD conserved sites. These are unique opportunities to explore privately-held lands that are otherwise closed to the public. Join these tours to learn more about the special ecological and cultural features of each conserved site.

The goal of Discover Diablo is to connect people to nature through outdoor recreation and to build awareness of both the land conservation movement and the importance of permanently protecting open spaces. Through this program, the aim is to reach new audiences, grow the membership base, and spark a passion for Diablo’s wild, natural lands in the youngest of trailblazers.

To learn more visit https://tinyurl.com/mt2tjpvp.

MEALS ON WHEELS VOLUNTEER PROGRAMS

Meals on Wheels (MOW) Diablo Region has many volunteer opportunities to aid seniors in our communities. Do you have a few hours a month to spare?

Become a home meal delivery driver and assist in getting prepared meals to those in need. The Friendly Visitors, Friendly Callers, and Friendly Helpers programs check in on seniors and also can assist them with everyday errands, such as grocery shopping or picking up medications at a local pharmacy.

For more information, visit www.mowdiabloregion.org/get-involved, or contact Eileen Stephens at estephens@mowdr.org, or 925-482-2622, or Tuyet Iaconis at tiaco-nis@mowdr.org or 925-891-4872.

VETERAN SERVICE ORGANIZATION MEETINGS

Veteran Service Organizations (VSOs) meet at the Veterans Memorial Building of San Ramon Valley, located at 400 Hartz Avenue in Danville, except as otherwise noted.

• American Legion Post 246 meets on the first Wednesday of each month (except August) at noon. For information, visit www.americanlegionpost246. org, email commanderpost246@gmail.com, or call 925-272-8480.

• Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 75 of San Ramon Valley meets on the third Wednesday of each month at 7:30PM. For information, visit vmbsrv. org or email info@vfwpost75.org.

• Viet Nam Veterans of the Diablo Valley meets on the first Thursday of each month at 5PM at Crow Canyon Country Club, 711 Silver Lake Drive, Danville. For information, visit http://vnvdv.org/index.html or call 925-838-6445.

• Marine Corps League Detachment 942 meets on the fourth Saturday of each month at 8:30AM. For information, visit www.mcldet942.org

• Blue Star Moms Detachment 101 meets on the second Wednesday of each month at 7PM. For information, visit www.bluestarmoms.org or call 925-587-4037.

• Bay Area Navy Nurse Corps Association holds two general meetings in June and December. For information, visit https://nnca.org, or email bannca@nnca.org.

• Veterans Memorial Building of San Ramon Valley holds coffees on Saturdays from 9AM to noon.

WILL FATHER TIME AND BABY NEW YEAR BE SAFE IN 2023?

By Ann Marie Giusto, RN

As the new year unfolds with the potential pursuit of optimal health and happiness, you may find yourself making new commitments to rid yourself of bad habits or clean out closets to make space for something new and shiny. One drawer or cabinet often overlooked is the one where medications are stored. While this may not be as exciting as clearing out a drawer for your new sleep mask or the current New York Times best selling book, it can possibly save your life.

With viruses such as the flu, Covid, and now RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus), both young and old, and everyone in between, may be affected. This is the optimal time to check the expiration date of your stash of medications, including over-the-counter pain relievers or fever reducers. You may notice that your bottle, such as acetaminophen, commonly known as Tylenol, expired last year. Do you gamble and wonder if it will work when needed to bring down your fever?

What exactly is an expiration date and will the medication be safe and effective after the expiration date? In 1979, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) put in place a law requiring manufacturers of medications to include an expiration date on prescription and over-the counter (OTC) medications as well as supplements. The expiration date is the final day that the manufacturer guarantees the full potency and safety of the medication. The expiration date can be found on the label of a prescription medication and usually found on the bottom of the bottle of an OTC medication or supplement. The FDA recommends NEVER to take drugs beyond their expiration date.1

In addition to the expiration date, the potency of medications can be impacted by storage. It is easy to check the medication’s package insert for recommendations for proper storage. Some medications, such as insulin, require refrigeration. In most cases, the safest place for medications is to

store them in their original containers with the bottle caps tightly on, in a cool, dry place. Finding a convenient place in your home that is not easily accessible by children and pets, such as a high dresser drawer may also keep children and teenagers from finding your medications. According to the “Up and Away and Out of Sight” program, approximately 50,000 young children are brought to the Emergency Department each year because they got into medications that were in reach. This program has several materials and resources to help you learn more about keeping your children safe by storing medicines safely (www.upandaway.org). Contrary to popular belief, the cabinet in the bathroom is not the ideal place to store medications due to the heat and humidity. Medications are not being kept dry and cool because of the steam from showers and the bathroom door being closed the majority of the time. This can result in the medication losing its efficacy.

Whether you discover one bottle or a full bag of expired medications, the best option for safely disposing of them is to drop the medicine off at a drug take back location. Most CVS, Safeway (with in-store pharmacies), and certain Kaiser sites currently accept medications. Be sure to remove labels with personal information or mark out the information before disposing. If you are not able to drive or find a drug take back site, you can dispose of most medicines in your household trash by mixing the medications with an unpalatable substance such as used coffee grounds or kitty litter and mix well. Place the mixture in a sealed bag or container before throwing in your trash.

For questions regarding your medications, your health care provider is your most appropriate resource. When not available, your local pharmacist is also a respected resource. My mobile team of experienced, local Registered Nurses at Be Well at Home-Concierge Nursing Care Inc. can also assist seven days/week in your home. This can include as little or as much help as may be needed, such as reviewing medications, expiration dates, interactions and side effects, setting up medication devices to help with timing and dosing of medications, administering medications in your home -- including infusions or injections, and coordinating medications across multiple health care providers. Our involvement can be a one-time visit or on an ongoing cadence. We can also address issues or approvals with your health insurance company.

YOUR PERSONAL NUTRITIONIST LOSE YOUR WEIGHT FOREVER THIS NEW YEAR THE HEALTHY WAY

By Linda Michaelis RD, MS

Happy New Year! Are you using this time as a motivator to drop the weight you have been struggling to lose all year round? Do you have the best of intentions to lose weight as the New Year begins, but somehow, life happens and you often find yourself going back to your old ways?

Try a different approach this New Year. Instead of making a diet and weight loss resolution, focus on improving your health by making weekly nutrition and fitness goals. Decide what goal you will work towards for the coming week. Log your progress and check in with yourself at weeks end. This is the process that I follow when I work with clients.

Don’t look at this year’s resolution as a temporary change; look at it as a lifestyle change. Making too many changes at once can cause you to burn out before the end of January, and cause you to break your commitment. Therefore, instead of changing your entire way of living all at once, try making these small changes every day.

Use the following nutrition and fitness goals, and see how great you’ll feel.

1. Increase your intake of fruits and vegetables. Every day have two servings of veggies. Add veggies to your egg white omelet, have soup with veggies at lunch or a salad. Have a piece of fruit at lunch and one after dinner. The new dietary recommendation is half your plate should be filled with veggies and fruit and the other half should be a ½ cup of grains and 4 ounces of protein.

2. Portion control. Work your way to smaller portions. This will help control your amount of calories consumed. If you use a big dinner plate and fill the whole plate, try using a smaller size plate. You will always eat more when you have a pile of food in front of you.

3. You do not have to avoid sweets. The key is moderation. If you enjoy

BREAST SURGERY - THE IMPORTANCE OF EXPERIENCE

By Dr. Barbara Persons

Breast surgery procedures consistently rank as the most requested procedures by women. There are various options when it comes to breast procedures: breast augmentation, breast reduction, mastopexy (breast lift), mastopexy augmentation, or breast reconstruction. Of all the breast procedures I perform, breast augmentation is the most popular. There are several implant options to consider with augmentation. Saline-filled implants are silicone shells filled with sterile salt water. Silicone-filled implants are silicone shells filled with plastic gel. Several styles of “Gummy bear” implants, or implants with a form stable silicone gel, are on the market which give women another option to consider. Another popular procedure is mastopexy. A mastopexy is a procedure to lift the breast and reposition the nipple in order to obtain a more youthful appearance. Often, an implant is placed to contour the breast. With the process of motherhood, weight gain, and aging, our breasts will undergo many changes. As we mature, our appearance and expectations grow with us, and many of my patients would like to look as young as they feel. Before any procedure, there are a series of steps to go through that will ensure that you achieve your desired results. The first important question is why you want to have this procedure; this surgery should be about your wants and needs, not someone else’s. We have been raised to be selfless, and we teach others to be as well, but in this case, it’s okay to be selfish! I consult with female patients almost every day for a variety of breast procedures. Their reasons for wanting a procedure ranges from need for greater self-confidence and improved self-image, to correcting breasts that are asymmetrical, to reconstruction after breast cancer. Our breasts are both physically and emotionally important to our image as women. Making the right choice in a partnership with a plastic surgeon can make all the difference. I strongly believe and encourage you to accept nothing less than a surgeon who is Board Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Note: It is not the same to claim that one is “Board Certified” in a different medical specialty or by a board that is not endorsed by the American Board of Medical Specialties. Any procedure involving the breasts demands the

dessert and sweets several times a day, make a goal to limit sweets to either once per day, or a few times a week. I teach my clients to have sweets after a meal instead of randomly during the day which will prevent cravings. I always say, “Think about how you feel after eating too many sweets. You may typically notice a headache, stomachache, and irritability.”

4. Swap out the soda and juice. These beverages are loaded with sugar and contribute to your daily calories. And, let’s be honest, most people don’t only drink a can a day. Imagine how many extra pounds in one year are contributed from soda alone. There are many popular beverages that have no calories.

5. Begin a walking program. Commit to a daily walk, first thing in the morning or after dinner. Learn about interval training which shocks the metabolism and causes us to burn calories faster.

6. Schedule your workouts. Just like you schedule a doctor’s appointment or a lunch date with a friend, schedule your workout on the calendar and make it a part of your routine five times a week. Set up a meal plan based on your exercise schedule for the day.

7. Make sure to get enough sleep. It will be easier to listen to what your body needs in terms of food and exercise. I often see that when my client is having a problem with overeating it is because they have not gotten enough sleep or are overwhelmed with family and work. They use food to get through these stressful times.

8. Practice mindful eating. Since you have vowed not to diet this year, practice being mindful when you are eating. Listen for your hunger and fullness signals and respond appropriately. Don’t eat when you are not hungry, yet don’t let yourself get to the ravenous point either. When eating, stop midway and ask yourself if you are still hungry. If not, stop and save the rest for another time. I take a lot of time to practice this technique with my clients.

Nutritional counseling is usually covered by health insurance including ABMG, Aetna, Blue Cross, Blue Shield, CCHP, Hill, Sutter, UHC and others. I am happy to call on your behalf and see what your plan offers. Please visit www.LindaRD.com to learn more about my services. Email me at lifeweight1@yahoo.com, or call me at 925-855-0150 to tell me about your nutritional concerns and see how I may help you. Advertorial

highest levels of experience, knowledge, care, and understanding.

Breast surgeries have always been an important focus in my practice. After my plastic surgery residency, I completed an additional fellowship which focused solely on aesthetic and breast surgery. I have presented papers and written chapters in published textbooks on the topic. I have placed hundreds of pairs of breast implants. I am proud of the extensive amount of time I have spent training and researching breast procedures.

So what should you expect when you come into my office for a consultation? After taking the time to get to know one another and have an examination, my goal is to understand your goal and to explain what we can do to realistically achieve your desired results. I will review your implant options and expertly advise you on the best style and size to achieve your goals. As a patient, know you have options. Find a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon who listens to you, who believes they can help you achieve your goals, and who presents you with all the information. As always, it would be my pleasure to discuss breast surgery with you in my Lafayette office and surgery center.

Barbara L Persons, MD, FACS is a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and owns Persons Plastic Surgery, Inc., located at 911 Moraga Rd, Suite 205 in Lafayette. She can be reached at 925-283-4012 or drpersons@personsplasticsurgery.com. Advertorial

FUN AT THE DANVILLE SENIOR CENTER

The Danville Senior Center offers a Monday Senior Lunch program. Lunches are provided in partnership with Café Costa and served at noon each Monday. Participants can enjoy puzzles and board games in the Community Hall at the Danville Senior Center (located at 115 E Prospect Ave, Danville) before lunch and stay for a free weekly movie following lunch.

Residents wishing to participate will need to complete a County NAPIS form and call in their reservation by noon the Friday before. Forms are available at the Danville Senior Center. The lunch program is provided in partnership with Contra Costa County and has a suggested donation of $3 for those 60 and up. Those under 60 can still enjoy lunch for a $6 fee. Menus are available at www.danville.ca.gov/seniors, and vegetarian options are available by request.

For more information or to call in a reservation, please contact the Danville Senior Center at (925) 314-3430.

FOUR WAYS VITAMIN IV THERAPY AIDS IN WEIGHT LOSS

By Dr. Niele Maimone, DC

Vitamin IV therapy is a form of nutritional therapy that involves the intravenous injection of vitamins, minerals, and other beneficial substances directly into the bloodstream. This therapy is gaining popularity as an adjunct to diet and weight loss, as it provides powerful, fast-acting benefits that can help promote overall health and wellness. In recent years, many people have been turning to vitamin IV therapy to help them with their weight loss efforts. This type of therapy is becoming increasingly popular due to its numerous benefits. Here are four of the most significant benefits of vitamin IV therapy for weight loss.

1. Boosts Metabolism: One of the primary benefits of vitamin IV therapy on weight loss is that it helps to boost the body’s metabolism. By introducing essential vitamins and minerals into the body intravenously, the body is able to break down and absorb nutrients more efficiently. This can help speed up the body’s metabolism, ultimately leading to more efficient weight loss.

2. Improves Nutrient Absorption: Another benefit of vitamin IV therapy is that it helps to improve nutrient absorption. By introducing a high dose of vitamins and minerals directly into the bloodstream, the body is better able to absorb the nutrients that are necessary for weight loss. This improved absorption can help the body to make better use of the nutrients that it receives, leading to better overall results.

3. Reduces Fatigue: Vitamin IV therapy can also help to reduce fatigue, which can be a significant obstacle when it comes to weight loss. Providing the body with the necessary vitamins and minerals can help to reduce fatigue and give individuals the energy that they need to stay motivated and stick to their weight loss goals.

4. Enhances Detoxification: Finally, vitamin IV therapy also helps to enhance the body’s detoxification process. Introducing vitamins and minerals directly into the bloodstream can help flush out toxins and other harmful substances that can slow down weight loss. This can help to improve overall health and give the body a much-needed boost.

Overall, vitamin IV therapy has numerous benefits in aiding weight loss. This type of therapy can be a great way to kick-start your weight loss journey from improved nutrient absorption and metabolism to enhanced detoxification and reduced fatigue. Vitamin IV therapy could be the perfect solution if you’re looking for a natural and efficient way to enhance any weight loss plan. IV therapy can be an excellent strategy in conjunction with other approaches to get you to the weight you desire.

At Align we offer many options to assist in your health and weight loss goals, find us at AlignHealingCenter.com or give us a call at 925-362-8283 for a complimentary 15 minute consultation. Dr. Niele Maimone, DC of Align Healing Center Maimone Chiropractic Inc. in Danville has been active in natural health & functional medicine since 1999. Advertorial

BECOME A FOOD RESCUE HERO

VOLUNTEER DRIVERS DESPERATELY NEEDED!

White Pony Express (WPE) is expanding to meet the growing need for healthy food in our communities. Hunger is on the rise due to inflation and supply chain disruptions and fresh, nutritious food is out of reach for many of our neighbors. WPE needs volunteers willing to drive to help us meet this need. This can happen in a personal vehicle or one of our fleet vehicles. If you have a little time to spare and a good driving record, we would love to welcome you to our team of food rescue heroes. Together, we can end hunger in our county and beyond!

Contact Mandy and Ana at volunteer@whiteponyexpress.org for more information.

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MONDAY FRIDAY: 9 - 6 SATURDAY: 9 - 4

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Currently serving in Marin, San Francisco, Sonoma, Napa, Alameda, Solano, and Contra Costa Counties, MIH has participated in innumerable innovative projects. In San Francisco, MIH partnered with Dignity Moves to furnish 35 tiny dwellings for individuals transitioning out of tents into

permanent housing. To essentials such as bedding, MIH added the special touches like area rugs, artwork and decorative pillows that made each space cozy and unique. In support of the Guardian Scholars Program, MIH has

The first room set up by the Walnut Creek team. (L to R) Sherry McGoff, Chris Davenport, Donna Baum, Nancy Scanlon.Photo courtesy of MIH.

LONGER LASTING BOTOX?

DAXXIFY IS HERE!

By Jerome Potozkin, MD

The wait is over. Daxxify is finally here. This new wrinkle-buster was FDA approved in September. The nationwide launch is scheduled for early 2023. I was fortunate to be amongst the first group of physicians to have access to Daxxify as part of a prelaunch program after attending an educational and training seminar at Revance’s corporate headquarters in Nashville, TN. We are currently using the product, and have had great results so far. Daxxify is unique in that it has a proprietary peptide that enhances its absorption and makes it last longer. There are no animal products in it so it is essentially a “vegan” drug.

Botox is the most popular non-surgical treatment worldwide. It is in a class of drugs known as neuromodulators. Historically, when done properly and by a skilled practitioner, nothing beats Botox. Despite other neuromodulators joining the party, Botox is still the king commanding about 70% of the market in the United States. The reason it has dominated is because it is the gold-standard having become a household word and none of the other neuromodulators had any significant advantages. Daxxify, or as it is also know Daxi, is the first neuromodulator to last longer than Botox.

Botox, like many medical discoveries, happened accidentally. I first learned about Botox to treat wrinkles in the late nineties. I attended a lecture given by Dr. Jean Carruthers at the annual meeting of the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery. Dr. Carruthers, an ophthalmologist, had been using Botox to treat patients with blepharospasm. Blepharospasm is a

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condition where people have uncontrollably twitchy eyelids. Dr. Carruthers was injecting Botox into the muscles around the eye that cause the twitching. One of her patients came back to her telling her “she was happy that her twitching was better and she was ecstatic that the wrinkles around her eyes were softer.” She begged Dr. Carruthers to inject her forehead. As chance would have it, Dr. Carruther’s husband is a dermatologist. Over dinner they discussed Botox and how it could be used to treat a variety of wrinkles. When I returned to my office I treated my nurses frown lines. The results were like magic. Thus, a star was born.

Daxxify joins the other FDA approved neuromdulators, which include Botox, Dysport, Xeomin, and Jeuveau. They all work in a similar fashion sort of like a mute button on a phone. They block the signal from a nerve telling a muscle to contract. These medicines don’t act as fillers, rather they act to prevent a muscle from repeatedly folding the skin which creases the skin. Once you stop folding the skin, the lines soften over time. Most people receive treatment about three times per year to maintain the results. One of the biggest downsides of the neuromodulators prior to Daxxify is that they typically last about four months. Daxxify has shown to last an average of six months and as long as nine months.

Will Daxxify replace Botox? I don’t think so. If you’ve been happy with your Botox treatments, stick with Botox. If you find that Botox doesn’t last long enough for you then Daxxify might be worth a shot! In any event, we are here to help.

Dr. Jerome Potozkin is a Board Certified Dermatologist and Board Certified Micrographic Dermatologic Surgeon specializing in minimally and non-invasive cosmetic procedures. He is the author of Botox and Beyond: Your Guide to Safe Non-Surgical Cosmetic Procedures. The practice is accepting new patients and can be reached at (925) 838-4900 and www.MyBeautyMd.com. Advertorial

helped foster youth pursuing post-secondary education move into student housing with all the furnishings other students’ parents typically provide. Fully furnishing The Foster Village of Contra Costa County gave MIH another opportunity to help.

MIH is teaming with IDF Studio at Catholic Charities St. Vincent's School for Boys to refurbish residences for up to 40 unaccompanied refugee boys ages 7-17 to have welcoming and secure places to live while awaiting documentation and hoping to be reunited with family or connected with sponsors. Many more projects are highlighted in newsletters posted on the MIH website. The extensive list of community partners includes Grateful Gatherings and Youth Homes Inc.

MIH looks forward to expanding to other locations to serve more people in need. Carolyn explains: “For the future, we are excited to grow our Walnut Creek location and serve the East Bay community and help reduce furniture poverty in Contra Costa and other surrounding counties. We are also excited to be building a model furniture bank in this county that can be replicated in other counties in California.”

If you have furniture or housewares to donate, visit the MIH website: www. makeithomebayarea.org . Click on “Donate Stuff” and then carefully read the “Guidelines” entry before filling out a donation form. Delivery of donations is by appointment only. Due to the small spaces MIH furnishes and the organization’s dedication to delivering everything in “good as new” condition, MIH volunteers carefully assess each offering’s suitability before setting up a fee-based pickup or drop off appointment with the donor. A list of suggested valuations is provided at

time of delivery along with tax receipts.

Setting up furniture costs $250. Moving expenses are $450. Monetary donations are most welcome. The MIH website has donation forms for volunteers as well as for monetary contributions. In Walnut Creek, volunteers are scheduled in flexible hours Tuesdays-Thursdays from 10AM-3PM. There’s an area for repainting and refinishing if that’s your skill. Some volunteers enjoy putting kitchen and bathroom kits together. Others manage office duties, organize the warehouse, and create room settings.

the

Kristine White puts together a kitchen kit. Photo courtesy of MIH.

Robin Latendresse and Nancy Scanlon with a fully refurbished mattress ready to be delivered to someone in need. Photo courtesy of MIH.

When we meet a new patient in their home, one of the first things we do is partner to find and review all medications. This past year, 100% of our patients had at least one expired medication, and often the expiration dates were from several years ago. Understandably, the cost of throwing out and replacing expired medication can add up, but most times we find that the person was not aware of the expiration dates and potential consequences.

There’s really no way to know if a drug is safe unless it’s tested for potency, but being aware of expiration dates, appropriate storage, and taking medications as prescribed or directed, are basic measures to take every day. This can keep you healthy and minimize trips to the hospital.

Check you and your loved one’s medications today. Let’s keep everyone, including Father Time and Baby New Year, as safe as possible. For additional support, call to schedule a complimentary consultation at 925-202-8250. For information, visit www.BeWellRN.com. Ann Marie Giusto and my team of compassionate registered nurses are available 24/7. (Be Well at Home-Concierge Nursing Care Inc is not a nurse advice line). Advertorial 1 “Don’t Be Tempted to Use Expired Medicines.” U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Revised 2/08/2021. Accessed December, 2022.

TELECARE CONNECTS WITH THE HOMEBOUND

Since 1971, member volunteers of TeleCare, a philanthropic program of Assistance League® of Diablo Valley, have been making weekday reassurance calls to seniors and the homebound in our community. Clients can anticipate a friendly exchange of ideas with trained volunteers who provide high quality, consistent communications. If a client be reached, family members will be notified. This service is free! Make that call to get you or someone you know connected! For more information, call 925-934-0901. To learn about Assistance League of Diablo Valley’s other philanthropic programs, please visit www. assistanceleague.org/diablo-valley

CPC SENIORS

CPC Seniors is a gathering of senior adults who like fellowship, to have fun, and to make new friends! The group meets in the multi-purpose room of Community Presbyterian Church (CPC) located at 222 W. El Pintado Rd., Danville, from 10:30AM – 12:30PM on the first and third Tuesdays, September to May. Please join in! The first Tuesday of the month offers BINGO and prizes, while the third Tuesday of the month generally has a variety of presentations or entertainment. A delicious home-made lunch is provided for $4.

For more information, visit www.cpcdanville.org/seniors or call Cyndi Davi at 925-827-5525 x 418.