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July 2019 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • PAGE 1
& JULY 2019
SENIOR VARIETY SHOW HIGHLIGHTS HIDDEN TALENTS By Fran Miller
Leah Madonich had witnessed the success of senior talent shows in other communities and thought, “Why not in Danville?” The adults and senior services program supervisor for the Town of Danville last year organized the town’s first senior variety show, and it was a hit. So, naturally, a second show was a must, especially with so much hidden talent lurking within the community. “Most of these performers do not perform regularly, so the event offers some stage time and recognition for many talented people in the community,” says Madonich. “The level of planning and attention to detail on the end of the performers speaks to their enthusiasm and dedication. For senior attendees and audience members, it is inspiring to see their peers take the stage.” This year’s show will be held Sunday, July 21, 1:30pm-3pm at Village Theatre & Art
See Variety continued on page 27
FRIDAY NIGHT OUT
By Fran Miller
When Noralyn Giles’s daughter was younger, social activities and friendships were a bit simpler. “Young kids don’t see differences and tend to be extremely inclusive,” says Giles, whose daughter Gilly has Down’s Syndrome. But when Gilly entered high school, Giles found that the boys and girls who had once literally and figuratively
embraced Gilly were naturally heading in different directions. The parties and various weekend social events in which her high school classmates were partaking were not as readily accessible to Gilly. That’s when Giles had an idea. “What if these special needs kids had access to the same parties and events that
See Night continued on page 18
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Hope and courage shine in every Moment by Moment photo. Photo courtesy of MbM.
MOMENT BY MOMENT: FOCUSING ON THE MAGIC OF LIFE By Jody Morgan
Moment by Moment offers free professional photographic portrait sessions to Bay Area families with children coping with serious illness and chronically life-impacting conditions. Launched by Alamo resident Karen Henrich in 2006, the 501(c)3 non-profit foundation helps to preserve priceless memories that capture the magic of life. Thanks to the dedicated team of professional photographers who have joined her in generously donating their time and skill to document each family’s expressions of love, hope, and courage, MbM is well on its way to achieving its goal to add 700 families in 2019 to the more than 4,000 previously served. MbM is welcomed by physicians and staff members at all Bay Area Children’s Hospitals, the Kaiser system, George Mark Children’s House, and the Bay Area hospices that support children. Regularly scheduled visits from the volunteer photographers give everyone the rare opportunity to relax. For medical professionals with stressful jobs, it’s a chance to offer something to patients and families that’s totally positive. For families and patients, it’s a welcome relief from the usual routine of testing, prodding, and hearing health-related commentary. The photographers don’t enter a room with any agenda beyond getting everyone to smile and engage in embracing life and their affection for one another. As a specialist in portrait photography, Henrich has extensive experience in drawing the best from her subjects. She remarks, “Even very sick children rally for the photo sessions to express joy and love for family members. One little girl who liked unicorns rarely smiled. But asked during the portrait session to smile every time she heard the word ‘unicorn,’ she responded with a glow that brought her entire family together.” Trained to stage settings that normalize each interaction, MbM volun-
See MbM continued on page 22
The Editors Serving the communities of Alamo, Diablo, and Danville
Volume XIX Number 7
Volume X Number 7
3000F Danville Blvd. #117 Alamo, CA 94507 Telephone (925) 405-6397 Alisa Corstorphine ~ Publisher Editor@yourmonthlypaper.com The opinions expressed herein belong to the writers, and do not necessarily reflect that of The Editors. The Editors is not responsible for the content of any of the advertising herein, nor does publication imply endorsement.