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June 2018 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • PAGE 1
& JUNE 2018
FUNDAFIELD: BECAUSE EVERY KID DESERVES THE CHANCE TO PLAY By Jody Morgan
Inspired by the desire of kids to help kids, FUNDaFIELD developed into a sophisticated non-profit organization with sufficient global recognition that UNHCR and the Office of the Prime Minister of Uganda fast-tracked the application for its current project. Growth has come with some painful learning experiences more than balanced by remarkable achievements. Each completed project brings the healing power of team spirit to children most in need of a reason to view their futures with hope and bonds their communities together. In 2006, Garrett (15), Kyle (13), and Kira (8) Weiss attended the World Cup in Germany with their parents. They were impressed by the dedication of the team from Angola who had very few supporters in the Garrett Weiss and Manual Marques. Photo courtesy of FUNDaFIELD. audience. They learned that Angolans are passionate about soccer even though few young people have even basic equipment. They returned home to Danville determined to collect money to send soccer balls and uniforms to African kids. A friend asked, “What can kids do with equipment if they don’t have a place to play?” When the first two donations were received in January 2007, the process of filing FUNDaFIELD as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization commenced. John Doyle, retired professional soccer player and Director of Coaching for the Mustang soccer league, and Matt Zahner, Varsity Soccer Coach for Monte Vista high School, each donated $50. But how could youngsters from California actually construct a soccer field in Africa? None of the Weiss family had yet set foot on that continent. Serendipitously, the Weiss brothers’ research connected them with Saul Hailey Littlefield and Amanda Outcalt with Garlick. Currently President and CEO paper bead necklaces. Photo courtesy of of Think Impact, Saul and other student FUNDaFIELD. leaders founded the Student Movement for Real Change in 2003. Already working on projects in South Africa, Garlick mentored Garrett and Kyle, getting
See FaF continued on page 18
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Debora Killeen (far left) and Chicks with Sticks participants.
CHICKS WITH STICKS...AND A FEW GUYS TOO
By Fran Miller
Debora Killeen has been knitting and crocheting nearly her entire life. She knows that creative needle crafts provide benefits far beyond their useful end products. She’s aware that the craft promotes a ‘relaxation response,’ and she knows that the repetitive action of needlework can induce a state like that of yoga or meditation. She also knows that it’s a great social activity for anyone of any age, and that’s why she initiated “Chicks with Sticks,” a once per week informal gathering for Alamo and Danville residents who like to knit or crochet, or are interested in learning. Chicks with Sticks meets each Friday from 4:30 to 6:30pm at Panera Bread on Crow Canyon Rd. in San Ramon. The group typically includes
See Sticks continued on page 18
DANVILLE’S OWN BATWOMAN
By Fran Miller
Lo, the poor little bat. So often maligned and vilified, these shy and docile nocturnal creatures are actually extremely beneficial to the environment. They are helpful in controlling pests and can consume their own body weight in small insects - mosquitoes, moths, beetles, scorpions, and more! They help to produce some of our favorite foods via pollination, and their nitrogen, potassium, and phosphate-filled guano
See Bat continued on page 22
The Editors Serving the communities of Alamo, Diablo, and Danville
Volume XVIII Number 6
Volume IX Number 6
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.