editor@yourmonthlypaper.com
September 2016 What’s Up? By Jim Scala
Serving the Lafayette Community
On September 24th the Mt Diablo Astronomical society will host a public night sky viewing party at 6:30PM at the visitor’s center parking area atop Mt Diablo. An evening with the stars begins with a short talk explaining what you will see through the members many excellent telescopes. Looking west at sunset you’ll see a bright star and another, not nearly as bright, nearby. Venus, the bright star, is our sister planet and the dimmer one is Saturn. In a telescope Venus will look like a small three-quarter Moon. In contrast, Saturn is larger and its rings are spectacular. As you return to other Mt. Diablo Star parties you will see Venus grow bigger and pass through interesting phases like our moon. Looking west at Venus is seeing where the earth has been. Since Venus’s orbit is closer to the Sun, it will pass by Earth in 2017, and Saturn, being far out in the solar system, will fall further behind and reappear in next spring’s morning sky.
LLLC Teen Programs By Fran Miller
As the teen services library assistant at the Lafayette Library and Learning Center (LLLC) for the past four years, Patrick Brogan knows what makes teenagers tick. He knows that it’s important for teens to feel included within the community, and he knows that they value and appreciate respect. He also knows that in today’s fast paced world, teens are pulled in a multitude of directions, and spending time at the local library might not be high on priority lists. Which is why he gets a bit creative in his programming, offering everything from ‘Cupcake Saturn and Moons After twilight fades, telescopes will focus on the many stellar objects visible Wars,’ to candy sushi making, to ‘Giant Jenga.’ Brogan’s goal is to engage, entertain, and at times advocate. He feels in our galaxy, the Milky Way, and on some objects in intergalactic space. Many See Astronomy continued on page 21 that teen programming is important for the community because it provides a creative outlet and a safe alternative place beyond home or school for teens to hang out. It also provides an opportunity for students to meet others and share their own expertise. His target audience is 6th grade through 12th grade students, the largest participation coming from middle school students. He strives to make the Teen Center (and the LLLC in general) a cool and welcoming place and has added student-created art and an interactive Post-It Note wall. He takes the time to get to know those who attend programs. “I talk to the kids after school and ask how their day is going,” says Brogan. “It’s all a matter of mutual respect.”
Charity Bike Chris Chandler (c), executive director of the Livermore Winegrower’s Association presides over the annual ‘blessing of the grapes’ with (l to r) Pastor Steve Wilde, First Presbyterian Church Livermore, Father Mark Wiesner, St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, and Rabbi Larry Milder, Congregation Beth Emek.
Local Wine By Fran Miller
Wine lovers might agree that Danville resident Chris Chandler has one of the best jobs in the industry. As executive director of the Livermore Valley Winegrowers Association, it is Chandler’s job to market the area’s liquid treasures. With more than 50 wineries within the 25-mile long, 18-mile wide Livermore Valley territory, Chandler is a very busy, and very happy, woman.
See Wine continued on page 20
Local Postal Customer
PRSRT STD U.S. Postage PAID Permit 21 Lafayette, CA
ECRWSS
See Teen continued on page 16 Institute By Fran Miller
Throughout an entrepreneurial career that has taken him from sales with IBM to his current position with Reflow Water Works, Alamo resident Stephen “Steamer” Stanley has always found time for charitable endeavors. After having been a youth sports coach, and having served on the boards of Shelter, Inc., CEID, and the Orinda Chamber of Commerce. In addition to being active in Rotary, Stanley decided it was time to establish his own charitable organization, and thus, Charity Bike Institute (CBI) was created. CBI’s premise is simple: they collect unwanted bicycles, refurbish and restore them if necessary, and donate them to individuals in need. Stanley operates the organization yearround, relying on word of mouth Volume X - Number 9 for his collection of unwanted bikes. 3000F Danville Blvd #117 He personally contacts homeless Alamo, CA 94507 and transitional shelters, schools, Telephone (925) 405-6397 veteran groups, and other organizaFax (925) 406-0547 editor@yourmonthlypaper.com tions to find those in need of a bike. His staff of high school volunteers Alisa Corstorphine ~ Publisher provide the tune-up labor, and he The opinions expressed herein belong to the writers, and do not necessarily reflect that of Lafayette Today. Lafayette was recently provided free use of Today is not responsible for the content of any of the ad-
See Bike cont. on page 17
vertising herein, nor does publication imply endorsement.