Lafayette Today, March 2012

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March 2012

Serving the Lafayette Community Welcome Aboard the Diablo Valley Lines!

By Fran Miller

The mention of a model railway likely evokes the mental image of a parent and child gathered ‘round the Christmas tree as their electric toy train chugs along on its circuitous route. However, a trip to the Diablo Valley Lines Railroad layout of the Walnut Creek Model Railroad Society (WCMRS) in Walnut Creek’s Larkey Park will quickly terminate that image. “We are not playing with toys here; we are operating a model railroad,” says member Ted Moreland with a wink.

A survey of the Society’s approximately eighteen hundred square foot layout in their own building, specially designed and constructed by WCMRS members, confirms that this past time is indeed more than child’s play. Featuring nostalgic steam locomotives, modern diesels, a narrow gauge logging road, and electric traction lines on 4,300 feet of hand laid track with 175,000 individual ties over 54 x 32 feet, 400 working switches or turnouts, and several miles of electrical wire, the WCMRS layout operation requires a dispatcher to communicate with several engineers who are provided a high-above-the-track bird’s eye view. The WCMRS layout is believed to be the most mountainous model railroad of its kind anywhere.

The highest peak is about 1,350 scale feet above the floor (measured in HO 1/87 scale) and the highest trackage is some 400 scale feet above the base table. A

See Trains continued on page 13

Lamorinda Toastmasters

A group watches the trains go by during a trip to the Walnut Creek Model Railroad Society.

By Fran Miller

In addition to the common goals of improving and refining public speaking artistry, members of Lamorinda Toastmasters join the speaking and leadership skill organization for varying reasons. Some look to meet new people and make new friends, some seek a sales edge, some are interested in developing interpersonal skills, and some hope to refine their English language skills. The beauty of Toastmasters is that members can find all of these elements and more.

Toastmasters is a globally recognized program proven to improve the speaking and presentation skills of all of its members. The Lamorinda chapter’s mission is to provide a mutually supportive and positive learning environment in which every member has the opportunity to develop communication and leadership skills, which in turn foster self-confidence and personal growth. Whether a member is a professional, a Clean Water Ballots – What’s This All About? student, a stay-at-home parent or retiree, Toastmasters provides an efficient

By Sharon Burke and enjoyable avenue for increasing communication aptitude.

Ballots went out in late February to property owners asking for their vote on The Lamorinda chapter meets every Tuesday evening from 7:30 – 9pm at the Contra Costa Community Clean Water Initiative. The election is required by Temple Isaiah, located at 3800 Mt. Diablo Blvd. in Lafayette. The program Prop. 218, the Right to Vote on Taxes Act, passed by California voters in 1996. utilizes manuals to help members practice the skills needed to become The countywide initiative was ordered for election by the County Board of Su- more competent communicators. The first speaking manual includes ten pervisors on February 7 on a 3-1 vote. A majority vote of property owners in the projects offering specific speaking aspects on which to focus, such as County is necessary to pass the fee. Critics have questioned the mode of election speech organization, body language, and vocal variety. Members then used for this measure, which is required in accordance with Prop. 218, written and receive verbal and written evaluations by championed by the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association. Prior to Prop. 218, no the other members. This congenial and nonvote was required to assess a property related fee. And since property owners felt threatening evaluation process is the heart it unfair for renters and other non-owners to vote on property related fees, Prop.

Volume V I- Number 3 of the Toastmasters program.

3000F DANVILLE BLVD #117 218 specified that only property owners could vote in a property related election “Lamorinda Toastmasters offers a ALAMO, CA 94507 See Ballots continued on page 18 supportive and friendly environment for Telephone (925) 405-6397 Fax (925) 406-0547 members to practice and critique their PRSRT STD editor@yourmonthlypaper.com delivery of both prepared and off-theU.S. Postage cuff public speaking,” says Greg Fisher, PAID Alisa Corstorphine ~ Publisher Local Permit 21 Lamorinda Toastmasters’ Vice President The opinions expressed herein belong to the Postal Customer writers, and do not necessarily reflect that Lafayette, CA of Public Relations. “Most members are of Lafayette Today. Lafayette Today is not for the content of any of the adsurprised that their gained confidence responsible ECRWSS vertising herein, nor does publication imply

See Toastmasters cont. on pg. 16

Page 2 - March 2012 ~ Lafayette Today

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Xenophon Gala Fundraiser Please join Xenophon Therapeutic Riding Center for its annual gala fundraiser, “An Enchanted Emerald Eve.�

This year, the event will be held at Round Hill Country Club inAlamo on Saturday, March 17th at 6pm. The evening includes a sit down dinner, dancing, and silent and live auctions. Tickets are $100 each, and reservations are required.

Please visit www.xenophontrc.org for more details and to purchase tickets or call 925-377-0871. Funds raised at this event will be used to support the overall cost of providing riding lessons to children with special needs.

Xenophon Therapeutic Riding Center is a nonprofit organization located in a beautiful rural setting in Orinda. The center offers life-changing experiences for children with a wide range of disabilities, and it provides therapeutic horseback riding in a safe and secure environment. The children achieve goals that they never before dreamed possible. By focusing on enhancing their unique abilities and with a horse as their guide, there is no limit to what these children can achieve.

Las Trampas, Inc. Presents What’s in Our Hat?

Assistance League Way Side Inn Thrift Shop

Support adults with developmental disabilities by attending Las Trampas “The Royals Go for the Gold!â€? event. This fundraiser will be held Sunday, April 29th from 3PM – 6:30PM at the Lafayette Park Hotel & Spa which is located at 3287 Mt. Diablo Boulevard in Lafayette. • One Lucky person will win $10,000 from our Hat • Sponsored by KTVU 2 featuring Mornings on 2 John Sasaki • Sponsored by Diablo Valley 92.1 KKDV featuring Don Potter • Fabulous cuisine from Lafayette Park Hotel & Spa Executive Chef, John Avalos • Live Music performed by Generations in Jazz • Raffle & Silent Auction Since 1958, Las Trampas has supported men and women with developmental disabilities to lead full lives as active members of the community by providing the highest quality of residential, developmental, and vocational services.

Tickets for the event cost $100. For more information, contact Bonnie Peacock at (925)284-1462 ext. 239 or via email at bpeacock@lastrampas.org.

Daylight Savings Time encourages all of us to leap into spring. Member volunteers at Assistance LeagueŽ Way Side Inn Thrift Shop, located at 3521 Golden Gate Way in Lafayette, are not caught unprepared. Spring fashions and accessories for men, women, and children are available now! Be the first to complement your wardrobe, casual or career, with this year’s vibrant colors and soft textures.

Tuesday, March 20 marks the Easter Merchandise and Little Girls’ Easter Dresses promotion. Imagine a treasure trove of lace-trimmed ensembles, streams of pastel-colored ribbons adorning dainty hats, and that perfect little handbag waiting for the eyes of the discerning. This is a favorite among the most attentive parents.

One thing is certain, the Easter season calls for families and friends to get together to enjoy their traditions. Whether it’s hunting for decorative eggs in the early morning dew-soaked grass or hiking along your favorite reservoir or mountaintop, joining hands at a table enhanced with pieces from our Silverplate promotion also scheduled to begin March 20 gives special meaning to your holiday observance.

For those of you who will be spring cleaning, thrift shop member volunteers will gladly relieve you of items that you no longer use. In return, you’ll receive a tax receipt for your records. Please consult our website diablovalley.assistanceleague.org and select “Guidelines for Thrift Shop Donations� for more information. While there, you might peruse the item regarding the Contra Costa Council awarding Assistance League of Diablo Valley the Lifetime Achievement Award for encouraging and implementing philanthropy to benefit those at-risk and in need in our community. Together, our motivation, time, and energy will improve the lives of an ever growing client base. See you at the Thrift Shop.

Lafayette Juniors Host Kitchen Tour

Tickets are now on sale for the 13th Annual Lafayette Kitchen Tour scheduled for Saturday, May 19th from 10AM until 3PM. Guests will have the opportunity to visit six exquisite kitchens located in Lafayette. Attendees will receive an event guide detailing all design elements and information on the contractors, architects, designers, and design resources featured in each home. “We invite you to bring friends and family to tour an array of brand new kitchens, showcasing the latest and up-to-date trends in kitchen design and style. This fabulous not-to-miss Lafayette event raises much needed funds for local charities,� says Amy Friedli, President of the Lafayette Suburban Junior Women’s Club. “On behalf of Lafayette Juniors, THANK YOU to the gracious homeowners who have opened up their beautiful homes, to our sponsors and local business supporters, and to all those in the community who have contributed to this event. We could not do it without you!�

Over the past 12 years, the Lafayette Juniors Kitchen Tour has raised over $275,000 for local charities such as Contra Costa Interfaith Housing, Brighter Beginnings, Youth Homes, Inc., We Care, Xenophon Therapeutic Riding Center, and Futures Explored. This year’s major beneficiary is Shelter, Inc. which offers an integrated range of services Purveyors of classic, exotic, and including prevention, emergency and transitional housing, housing and budget counseling, education, employment high-performance cars for more than 30 years. services, and permanent, affordable housing to low-income California’s #1 Classic Car Dealer residents of Contra Costa County.

Over 200 vehicles in inventory!

Tickets for the Tour are $40, $30 of which is tax deductible. A boxed lunch is available for an additional $12. Tickets may be purchased in advance from a Lafayette Juniors member, online at www.lafayettejuniors.org, or at one of the following Lafayette locations: • Douglah Designs, 3577 Mt. Diablo Blvd., 925-284-4560 • Premier Kitchens, 3373 Mt. Diablo Blvd., 925-283-6500 The Lafayette Suburban Junior Women’s Club, chartered in 1953, is an organization of approximately 50 women Showrooms in Pleasanton, Benicia, and Fairfield. dedicated to promoting social welfare, education and civic improvement in the Lafayette and surrounding community. www.SpecialtySales.com | 800.600.2262 For more information, visit www.lafayettejuniors.org.

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Lafayette Today ~ March 2012 - Page 3

Pillar Wealth Management might be right for you IF, Hutch Ashoo, CEOo

 You worry about managing your wealth to outlast you and your loved ones

Chris Snyder, Principal, SR. VP

 You currently have $3+ million cash and/or investments for deployment  You demand a different type of Wealth Management advice to help you increase the probability of reaching your life-goals  You believe what is best for Wall Street/Brokerage firms isn’t necessarily best for YOU Aree To discover if we are right for each other and to start the process of an honest evaluation, call Hutch or Chris at (925) 407-0320 to schedule a FREE 20 minute telephone meeting. Pillar Wealth Management is proud of the high caliber, 100% fee-based customized wealth management advice we deliver to a limited number of affluent families. We are not all things to all investors.

Pillar Wealth Management, LLC. is fully owned by Mr. Hutch Ashoo and Mr. Chris Snyder, they are book authors, financial columnists and nationwide radio guests. They have been providing customized financial solutions to affluent families for a combined 47 years. Pillar’s only product is unbiased advice. Call (925) 407-0320 to schedule a FREE 20 minute telephone meeting now.

Visit www.PillarWM.com for a short video affluent families should watch.

Pillar Wealth Management, LLC. | 1600 South Main Street, Suite 335 | Walnut Creek, CA 94596 Information about Pillar Wealth Management, LLC., as a Registered Investment Advisor, CRD number 147837, is available at www.adviserinfo.sec.gov.

Boulevard View

By Alisa Corstorphine, Editor The other day I got a call from a 21 year old friend of the family. She was filling out a job application which asked how many words per minute she typed and how fast she wrote in shorthand. Shorthand?!

Heavens! (Someone needs to update their job applications they hand out!) Having grown up in the 60’s and 70’s, I knew what shorthand was, but I have never seen anyone actually use it. I think she assumed shorthand was something akin to abbreviations and texting slang, like LOL or OMG. I asked others in the 20-30 age crowd if they knew what shorthand was, and they were clueless. For those of you in the younger crowd, Wikipedia defines shorthand as “an abbreviated symbolic writing method that increases speed or brevity of writing as compared to a normal method of writing a language.” It goes on to say, “A typical shorthand system provides symbols or abbreviations for words and common phrases, which can allow someone well trained in the system to write as quickly as people speak.”

The above reads: “One thing at a time and that done well is a very good rule as many can tell.”

I started thinking how much communication has changed in a small period of time. While reading Steve Jobs autobiography, I keep reflecting how the whole personal computer industry is less than 35 years old. The World Wide Web was implemented in 1991, and the iPhone, which millions now have at hand 24/7, wasn’t even introduced until five years ago.

Recently an email popped up in my Inbox from a favorite artist/craft selling website, www.Etsy.com. Blending the old with the new, the item for sale was an old Underwood typewriter. It was the same kind I used to type reports on for

school, using “onion skin paper,” carbon-paper for copies, bottles of white-out and those round typewriter erasers with brush attached, always at the ready. The artist took the typewriter and made it into an iPad stand. He added some electronics to make the typewriter keys fully USB functional for a PC, a Mac, or the iPad. The carriage return (for those of you who know what that is) is what acts as the Enter key to bring you to the next line. It still looks, feels, and works like a regular typewriter, but also as a keyboard.

To see it in action, visit www.usbtypewriter. com. For those of you who are handy with a soldering iron and who have an old typewriter in your closet, they have a “do it yourself” conversion kit that works with most old manual typewriters for $79.20 shipped. It’s tempting!

Seeing the guy typing on that demonstration video reminded me how much longer each keystroke took and how much more pressure on the keys was involved.

Remember what it was like? *Press* the key… and the metal arm raises and strikes the ribbon, and then through to the paper, then the arm descends…one character done…repeat.... And you better press hard, or you get a light-strike and maybe a blank spot in your word! Back then, a spilled drink or a hungry dog truly were a threat to that book report or term paper you’d been working on. Remember the professor who wouldn’t accept a paper with a single correction on it? We’re so spoiled now, because when I hit the wrong key and make a typing error, I can easily hit the backspace key and recreate the word correctly. And we shouldn’t forget inline typing correction, or the handy spell-checker and thesaurus built into all of our word processors now. It hasn’t been that long, and we have become completely comfortable with these amazing improvements in conveying the written word.

Communications have certainly evolved, and never has it been more so than in the last few years. The instant access we have to each other with phones, email, and text messages has drastically sped up our lives, which really helps us in some situations, but also robs us of the simplicity and leisure we once enjoyed. While some technologies are better in the past, combining the past with the future can bring the best of both worlds together and act as a pleasant reminder of a more uncomplicated time. Importantly, we shouldn’t ever forget where the On/Off switch is, because sometimes it’s great to just un-plug!

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Page 4 - March 2012 ~ Lafayette Today

Seniors Recreation Center Silent Auction and Fundraising Sale The Lafayette Seniors Recreation Center is having a Silent Auction and Fundraising sale on April 14th from noon 2pm at the Lafayette United Methodist Church located at 955 Moraga Road. There will be free coffee, tea, and cookies.

Items for sale include hand-knitted items, homemade breads, jams, handmade gifts, and much more.

Tell your neighbors and friends to come and shop for that special handmade gift you won’t find in a store. There will also be gift certicates from local merchants where you name your price.

The Lafayette Seniors Recreation Center operates solely by volunteers and have been in service to this community since 1950. We welcome all senior to join us.

AAUW March Meeting Raises Awareness of Issues in Cambodia and Thailand Become informed about issues affecting people in Cambodia and Thailand by attending the March 20th meeting of the American Association of University Women (AAUW). The Orinda, Moraga, Lafayette branch of AAUW is pleased to have Ksenija Olmer as its featured speaker. She will be presenting information about her travels to Cambodia and Thailand where she raised funds to assist local communities in those countries to build wells, start small businesses, and provide educational supplies to young people. She will be sharing photographs to illustrate her adventures. The meeting begins with coffee at 9:30am followed

by Ms. Olmer’s presentation at 10am. Meetings are held at the Holy Trinity Serbian Orthodox Church Cultural Center, 1700 School Street, Moraga.

Junior Achievement Needs You Junior Achievement, a non-profit funded by foundations and businesses, offers an exciting opportunity for you and your office to partner with local schools to educate students about business and financial literacy. By volunteering in the schools or hosting a Job Shadow, companies can increase outreach. Programs are offered to the schools at no cost. For more information, please contact Jenni Beeman at 465-1082, email info@janorcal.org, or visit www.janorcal.org.

San Ramon Valley Genealogical Meetings The San Ramon Valley Genealogical Society meets at 10am the third Tuesday of every month, except August and December, at the Danville Family History Center, 2949 Stone Valley Road, Alamo. A speaker is at every meeting.

Everyone is welcome.

For information, call Ed at (925) 299-0881, or visit http://srvgensoc.org.

Local Families Needed For Exchange Students ASSE International Student Exchange Programs (ASSE) is seeking local host families for international high school boys and girls. The students are 15 to 18 years of age, and they are coming to this area for the upcoming high school year or semester. These personable and academically selected exchange students are conversant in English, bright, curious, and anxious to learn about this country through living as part of a family, attending high school and sharing their own culture and language with their newly adopted host family. For more information, call 800-733-2773.

Lost Dog!

$50 REWARD If you find him and your name is drawn!

He is very small, so you will have to look hard if you want to find him.

Lafayette Luther is Missing He has become lost in this paper.

Send a letter telling us where you found him, along with your name and address to:

*****NOTE: NEW ADDRESS***** Lost Dog! Lafayette Today, 3000F Danville Blvd #117, Alamo, CA 94507

Nancy Lenoci is our winner!

Luther was hiding on page 7 last month.

Spring Egg Roll Annual Egg Hunt The Lafayette Rotary Club is pleased to announce the date for the Annual Egg Hunt. This event is open to all children ages two through third grade.

The event takes place at Lafayette Plaza (corner of Mt. Diablo Blvd. and Moraga Rd) in Lafayette, at 10am, Saturday, April 7th.

The park lawn will be covered with candy for the kids to put in their baskets. The youngest children are given extra time to get their share! The Bunny will be there to take pictures with the kids. Please arrive on time. We start promptly at 10am. Join us for the fun.

The Rotarians of Lafayette Rotary Club work with youth, help our community and play an active part in International and World Community Service. We meet every Thursday 12:15pm at Oakwood Athletic Club located at 4000 Mt. Diablo Blvd. Lafayette.

Emergency Preparedness The following classes will be held by the Lafayette Emergency Preparedness Commission at the Lafayette Community Center, located at 500 St. Mary’s Rd., in the Elderberry Room (back parking lot). Classes are taught by the Emergency Preparedness Commission and are free of charge.

Register by calling the Lafayette Community Center at 284-2232.

Emergency Preparedness for Individuals and Families Wednesday, April 11th ~ 7-9PM Don’t put it off any longer! This quick and easy session will help you prepare yourself and your family for the next emergency, whether you are at home, work, or out and about. Emphasis will be on earthquake preparation, but the information applies to other emergencies as well. Bring pencil and paper. Materials will be provided.

Neighborhood Captains’ Training Wednesday, April 18th ~ 7-8:30PM Join other Lafayette residents in becoming a neighborhood captain in the Lafayette Emergency Action Response Network (LEARN). This session is designed to help you organize your block or neighborhood in becoming self-sufficient for the first 72 hours following a major disaster. Attendance at a basic preparedness class (as above, CERT or Red Cross class) is recommended, but not required, prior to attending this class. Bring paper and pencil. Written materials will be provided.

The Lafayette Emergency Preparedness Commission can arrange classes specifically for Lafayette homeowner, church, or service groups, possibly closer to home. For more information, call the Commission at 299-3220 or email csurges@lovelafayette.org.

Free Tax Preparation Free tax preparation for the 2012 tax season is available starting February 2011 from AARP’s Tax-Aide and United Way’s Earn It, Keep It, Save It (EKS) programs. All tax preparers are trained and certified by the IRS. While both programs serve taxpayers of any age, Tax-Aide does not have an income limit to determine whom they can serve, but EKS can only serve individuals whose incomes do not exceed $50,000.

To complete your tax return, Tax-Aide will need you to bring to the appointment your Social Security card or ITIN letter for all individuals to be listed on the return, copies of all W-2s, 1098s and 1099s, other income and deductions, and your 2009 tax return.

For information or to make an appointment for the Tax-Aide, please call Walnut Creek Senior Club site at (925) 943-5851, Walnut Creek Grace Presbyterian Church site at (925) 405-6278, Walnut Creek St. Paul’s Episcopal Church site at (925) 979-5013, or drop into the Walnut Creek Rossmoor Adult Community, Hillside Clubhouse Vista Room for appointments made on-site on February 1st from 10am to 1pm. For general information and other site locations, call (925) 726-3199. For information on EKS sites, call 211 or visit www.earnitkeepitsaveit.org.

Lamorinda Peace and Justice The Lamorinda Peace and Justice Group meets on the fourth Tuesday of each month from 7 – 9PM in the fireside room of Lafayette Methodist Church, 955 Moraga Road, Lafayette. Our group is committed to working to support a healthy planet, a thriving local community, and a safe, equitable world for all. For more information, call 925-946-0563.

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Lafayette Today ~ March 2012 - Page 5

The Lafayette City Council is Soliciting Applications to Fill the Following Volunteer Vacancies • Banner Advisory Committee meets as needed to insure that the downtown street pole banners are attractively designed, and add color, vitality, and design elements to downtown Lafayette.

• The Lafayette Community Center Foundation is dedicated to renovating and improving the Lafayette Community Center. The Foundation was formed in 1983 to oversee the capital improvements and renovations necessary to transform the old Burton School into an active recreation center.

• The Lafayette Crime Prevention Commission meets on the 4th Wednesday of each month to study safety issues in Lafayette and works to educate

the public by coordinating the neighborhood watch and business alert programs, provides crime prevention tips to the local newspapers, and supports the Child I.D. program.

• Downtown Street Improvement Master Plan Implementation Committee (DSIMPIC) is charged with the implementation of the Downtown Street Improvement Master Plan that was adopted in 1988. The Plan guides developers and staff in making improvements to street frontage in downtown Lafayette to create a cohesive, positive visual image and provide amenities to make the downtown a comfortable, safe and enjoyable place.

• The Emergency Preparedness Commission meets on the 2nd Wednesday of each month to coordinate the preparation and planning efforts to mitigate the effects of natural and man-made disasters.

• Senior Services Commission meets on the 4th Thursday of each month to develop programs focused on enhancing the well-being of Lafayette’s older adults by identifying their concerns and needs, providing information about resources, and promoting community programs and services that enable them to live meaningful lives.

Individuals interested in these volunteer positions may obtain an application online at www.ci.lafayette.ca.us or call the main office at 284-1968 and an application will be mailed to you.

If you have questions related to these volunteer positions, please call Joanne Robbins, City Clerk at 299-3210.

Positions open until filled.

Lafayette Hiking Group To participate in hikes, meet in the parking lot out from Lafayette BART’s main entrance at 8:30AM. We form carpools to the trailhead. Bring lunch or snacks, water, layered clothing, good walking shoes, sun protection and money to contribute toward gas, bridge tolls, and parking ($3 local). E-mail questions to LafayetteHiking@comcast.net.

March 17 - Lafayette Reservoir - Rim and Adjoining Trails Discover new areas of our favorite Lafayette walk. We will follow part of the rim trail, then hike down into a valley on one trail and back up to the rim on another. There is the possibility of seeing some interesting birds - bring binoculars. There are steep hills, so bring hiking sticks if you use them. The hike will be modified if the ground is very muddy.

Strenuous, 5 - 6 miles. Leader: Alison Hill

March 24 - Rocky Ridge Trail, Moraga, Followed by Optional Winery Tour & Tasting Hike the Rocky Ridge Trail from Valle Vista trailhead beyond Moraga, where there are some hills and views of San Leandro Reservoir. Bring hiking sticks. Follow with an optional winery tour and wine tasting with cheese plate at Captain Vineyards in Moraga. There is a $20 fee for the wine tasting, and reservations are required by March 12. For questions and reservations, email leader at georgedenney01@comcast.net.

Moderately strenuous, 4 miles. Leader: George Denney

Montelindo Garden Club On Friday, March 16th, the Montelindo Garden Club will have as their speaker Jill Appenzeller, who is an avid gardener and landscape designer.

Ms. Appenzeller is a member of numerous garden related organizations which include the American Society of Landscape Architects and the Royal Horticultural Society. Ms. Appenzeller published Postcards from the Hedge in 2010 and has been featured on HGTV’s Curb Appeal.

The lecture is at 10:30AM preceded by a plant sale and social hour at 9AM. The event is held at the Orinda Community Church which is located at 10 Irwin Way in Orinda.

Big Downtown Project Continues For many businesses, shoppers and diners, the next several months will continue to be somewhat challenging. Most of the funding for this project came in a State Grant.

The work includes removal of old sidewalks and curbs, to be replaced with pavers. Below is a proposed list of the remainder of work that needs to be completed, hopefully before the summer.

Phase 4 Happy Valley Rd. east to Baja Fresh - March 14 - April 6 Phase 5 Celias east to Chevron Gas Station - April 4 - May 1 Phase 6 Happy Valley Rd. to CVS Pharmacy - April 26 - May 22 Phase 7 Remainder to be completed For more information, visit www.ci.lafayette.ca.us.

Opening Our Eyes In the summer of 2010, mother/daughter filmmakers Gail Mooney and Erin Kelly embarked on a 99-day journey around the globe. They were seeking ordinary people who were making a positive difference in the world.

Their documentary Opening Our Eyes tells the stories of eleven people on six continents who are making our world a better place through the power of ONE. The filmmaker’s goal is to inspire and motivate people as to what they can do.

Come see the film on Saturday, April 21st at 7PM followed immediately with a question and answer time with one of the filmmakers. The event will be held in the Community Hall at the Lafayette Library and Learning Center. A $10 donation per person is requested which will be used to benefit the Lafayette Library and Learning Center Foundation.

For reservations, call (925) 890-1441 or email candace94549@yahoo.com.

Page 6 - March 2012 ~ Lafayette Today

The Bookworm

By Joan Stevenson “Today you are You, that is truer than true.

There is no one alive who is Youer than You.�

Such a profound truth could only come from Dr. Seuss! You are invited to celebrate his birthday by seeing one of his tales come to life before your very own eyes on Sunday, March 18th from 1PM – 2PM in the Community Hall when the Peter Pan Foundation performs a rendition of a Seussical! It is something special for Seuss fans of all ages. Beginning Monday, March 26th, fourth, fifth, and sixth graders will have a chance to participate in Lafayette’s First Annual One City/One Kids Book by checking out The Strange Case of Origami Yoda, a tale about a “loser� sixth-grader, Dwight, with a very smart Yoda finger puppet that helps students out of difficult situations. Now Tommy, his classmate, is assembling the stories in a journal as they try to figure out whether Yoda is real. Look forward to a month of fun-filled activities as we explore Origami Yoda. For the middle and high schoolers, great events are planned for you too! The Hunger Games event will take place at the library on Thursday March 22nd from 6:30PM – 8PM. Celebrate the movie release by participating in the Hunger Games! “Tributes� are encouraged to come in costume to compete for sponsors’ gifts, and face painting supplies will be available for another contest. Participants can make Mockingjay pins and train in knots and cupcake camouflage design. Contestants will race to retrieve supplies from the Cornucopia, and afterward they will read the scenario to see how well equipped they are for the Games. Everyone will then play the “You’re in Real Jeopardy!� - Trivia Hunger Game thanks to the hard work of the Friends of the Library who put these events together.

On Saturday, March 17th you can visit the Friends Corner Book Shop for an amazing “One Day Half-Price Book Sale.� The doors are open from 9AM – 5PM. It is all there: children’s books, fiction, non-fiction, rare books, and much more.

For the past months, Science CafĂŠ has dazzled sold-out audiences with a peak at a different dimensions of science from an inside look at Steinway

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www.yourmonthlypaper.com grand pianos to the building of the Golden Gate Bridge. March promises to be just as impressive when Science CafĂŠ welcomes Dr. Robert J. Lang.

Dr. Lang has been a passionate student of origami for over forty years and is now recognized as one of the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leading masters of the art, with over 500 designs catalogued and diagrammed. Along the way to his current career as a full-time origami artist, he worked as a physicist, engineer, and Research and Development manager. In 2009, he received the highest honor of Caltech, the Distinguished Alumni Award. What do you think he can tell us about Origami Yoda? Join us March 20th from 7-8PM. Reservations are required, and a pre-purchase dinner menu is available. Email reserve@ LLLCF.org or phone 925-283-6513 x101for tickets and meal reservations.

The next note is for women only, and you must be over 18 to attend.

On Thursday, March 29th from 6PM-9PM John Muir Health presents Wine, Women and Chocolate: Desirable Bliss. Reclaim your sexual vibrancy- join John Muir Health for a decadent and free night out!

Your sexual wellness is an important component to your overall health.

Sometimes intimacy issues can be related to physical conditions- such as incontinence or pelvic pain- and sometimes it can be related to relationship or psychological troubles. Join us this evening as we demystify the myths about female desire and restore your confidence in having a pleasurable and satisfying sexual life. One complimentary glass of wine and chocolate included. Registration is required. Visit www.johnmuirhealth.com/classes or call (925) 941-7900, option 3.

Looking Ahead - Details will follow Celebrate National Poetry Month at Sweet Thursday to be held at 7:30PM on Thursday April 26th when we put a poem in your pocket!

Salute to Spring will be held Saturday April 28th. You are invited to come to sip, shop, and celebrate showtime! Enjoy wine tasting from local and regional wines, a wine toss, shopping for Motherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s and Fatherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day and Graduation, an â&#x20AC;&#x153;après tastingâ&#x20AC;? cabaret of dueling pianos, karaoke, dancing, and more!

Save the date of Saturday, November 3rd for dinner with Literary Lions - Mark our fabulous fall event on your calendar today if youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d like a seat at the dinner table with extraordinary authors.

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Sustainable Lafayette – Tip of the Month Flexitarians Holy cow! Millions of Americans are choosing to eat less meat. According to a recent CME Group (www.cmegroup.com) report, “Americans will consume 12.2% less meat and poultry in 2012 than they did in 2007.” That’s a good thing, since Americans eat more meat than any other population in the World; about one-sixth of the total worldwide (200 pounds each).

One of the reasons behind the trend is the swelling ranks of “flexitarians” – people whose eating style reduces the amount of meat without being fully vegetarian. The Values Institute at DGWB Advertising and Communications just named the rise of “flexitarianism” as one of its top five consumer health trends for 2012.

The benefits of reducing meat consumption have been piling up like manure!

Good for your pocketbook - Meat is expensive, so eating less can save a lot of money.

Good for your waistline – Flexitarian diets tend to be lower in calories and fat and make it easier to stay trim.

Good for your health – Avoids safety concerns about E.coli and all the drugs given to livestock. And, a host of studies have shown that people that eat less meat have lower levels of cholesterol, lower rates of obesity, hypertension, heart disease, and colon cancer, and they have longer life expectancies.

Good for the environment – Becoming a flexitarian is probably the easiest and fastest way to reduce your environmental footprint. Two geophysics professors (Gidon Eshel & Pamela Martin) calculated that if Americans were to reduce meat consumption by just 20%, it would be as if we all switched from a standard sedan — like a Camry — to the ultra-efficient Prius.

The Livestock industry takes a tremendous toll on the planet. Producing a pound of beef takes a lot of water (2,500-6,000 pounds), a lot of grain (7-8 pounds of corn), and a lot of land (64% of US farmland is used to feed livestock), and then it produces an incredible amount of waste (1.4 billion tons in 1997) that releases methane and pollutes US waterways more than all other industrial sources combined. The UN estimated that livestock production is the cause of nearly 20% of the World’s greenhouse gases – more than the entire transportation section!

But what about getting enough protein? That’s a common concern, but Americans currently consume about 110 grams of protein a day, about twice the federal governments recommended allowance. So, if we reduce meat consumption by 20% we are still way above the recommended amount. And many dietary experts think most of us would do fine on around 30 grams of protein per day, mostly from plant sources like almonds, peas, chickpeas, beans, peanut butter, tofu (soybean curd), soymilk, lentils, kale, whole wheat bread, brown rice, broccoli, and spinach.

So, what are the easiest ways to join the wave and become a flexitarian?

1. Think of recipes that you currently make in which you can easily reduce the meat content or eliminate it - like a pasta, stir-fry, or soup/stew.

2. Think of meat more as a side dish or accompaniment versus the main dish or an ingredient thrown in for flavor but not the main ingredient.

3. Use the money you’re saving by buying less meat to buy sustainably produced meats (grass-fed, natural, organic, free-range, etc). Then you can feel better about the meat that you do eat. Diablo Foods, Whole Foods, and Chow all offer “natural” choices.

4. Try more ethnic and international restaurants, which tend to have more vegetarian entrees.

5. Try “Meatless Mondays” - an international campaign that encourages people to cut out meat on Mondays to improve their health and the health of the planet. The campaigns website has a ton of great recipes and ideas.

Visit www.meatlessmonday.com.

To read real-world success stories about how Lafayette residents are reducing their environmental footprint, please visit sustainablelafayette.org.

Lafayette Today ~ March 2012 - Page 7

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Gayle Uilkema Lafayette’s Most Experienced Public Servant Named as Citizen of the Year WHEREAS, Gayle began her public service as a Lafayette Parks and Recreation Commissioner in 1975 and elected to the Lafayette City Council in 1978 where she served four terms as Mayor, and WHEREAS, Gayle helped form the Lafayette Redevelopment Agency, Pass the first Road and Drain Bond, served on the city council for 18 years, and WHEREAS, Gayle served for four terms as our County Supervisor (the longest serving member of the board), and WHEREAS, Gayle was behind the scenes working her magic to help produce Lafayette’s two greatest projects in the past 20 years, the Veterans Memorial Building and the Lafayette Library and Learning Center, and WHEREAS, Gayle has dedicated her time and energy to her family and her community NOW, THEREFORE Make It So, the Lafayette Chamber of Commerce and the constituents of District II honor and congratulate GAYLE UILKEMA as our “2012 Lafayette Citizen of the Year.”

The “Citizen of the Year” dinner is sponsored by the Lafayette Chamber of Commerce and the Contra Costa Times/Lamorinda Sun. The dinner and all the “WHEREASES” will take place at the Lafayette Park Hotel & Spa on Friday, March 23rd. Cocktails begin at 6pm and dinner will be served at 7pm. For reservations, please visit www.lafayettechamber.org or call 925-284-7404.

Young Goethe in Love

The exclusive Contra Costa premiere of Young Goethe in Love starts April 6th at the Orinda Theatre. The film takes place in Germany in 1772. The young and tumultuous Johann Goethe aspires to be a poet, but after failing his law exams, he is sent by his father to a sleepy, provincial court to mend his ways.

Unsure of his talent and eager to prove himself, Goethe soon wins the praise and friendship of his superior, Kestner. But then Lotte enters his life, and nothing is the same as before. However, the young lovers are unaware that her father has already promised Lotte’s hand to another man.

The show will run for one week only with multiple daily showings. For information, visit www.lfef.org or www.lamorindatheatres.com.

Page 8 - March 2012 ~ Lafayette Today

Preparing Your Home for Sale

By Art Lehman, Village Associates Realtors I’ve been getting a number of clients calling the past few weeks to get information on what they need to do to get their home on the market.

A good agent will assist in helping you to prepare your home for sale by doing a thorough evaluation of your home and property. Based on the results, the Realtor® may provide a number of recommendations to improve the overall curb appeal and presentation of your home for interested buyers.

Here are a few bottom line suggestions that you can do, as the homeowner, to have the best possible atmosphere and to show your home to its greatest potential: • Make the space less personal by removing an excess of family photos, posters, collections, etc.

•In order to maximize space, clear high traffic areas of too much furniture.

• Make sure the rooms standout and key features are highlighted and are not blocked by furnishings, plants etc.

• If the carpet and flooring is in bad shape, shampoo it, fix it, or better yet replace it.

• Remove all small items off shelves to assist in de-cluttering the rooms.

• Touch up your paint on the walls if needed...if nothing helps you may need to repaint.

All I’m suggesting is to use common sense. What you’re creating is an environment that a buyer can walk into that’s simple, clean, and looks good and that they can imagine their furnishings fitting into. It is very difficult for most buyers to see through others’ tastes and clutter, so you’re helping them out and making it easy.

Professional staging in many homes is a great option. Statistics show that a

www.yourmonthlypaper.com staged home sells quicker and typically for more money. You can discuss this option with your Realtor® and have them introduce you to the best providers of those services. Most stagers will work with you based on your budget and needs.

Have your agent discuss with you the advantages and disadvantages of being proactive in completing various inspections before your home goes on the market.

The rationale for doing the inspections is so the seller understands the overall condition of their home and specifically the items that are in need of repair. This information can be factored in for arriving at correct pricing. A seller may decide to make repairs prior to sale so that the items no longer become an issue. Every home is unique and as such may require more or less inspections. Typically a pest report and occasionally a home inspection are done. If certain areas of your home present issues or concerns, you may decide to do more i.e. roof, chimney, drainage etc.

There are many schools of thought regarding pre-sale inspections. Some agents will say that the buyer will do their own anyway, so why spend the money.

Others believe inspections can help you realistically price a home by taking into account its condition, and furthermore it allows a buyer to make an offer that initially reflects what condition they believe the home to be in. All good reasons!

In some cases where the reputation of the inspector is known, a buyer may choose to do fewer inspections because they feel the seller’s report was adequate. Sellers should go out of their way to use mainstream inspectors with good reputations.

Please consider that many Sellers bring a Realtor® into the process a bit too late. Sellers want to make the home look better for the agent in the hope of getting a better price estimate. As a result, many of the fix-it projects and funds for getting the home ready are used unnecessarily, and many projects that should have been done to maximize value don’t get done. So, get help early, spend you money wisely, and make your home look great – your home is likely to sell quicker and give you a greater return even in a challenging market if you do.

If you have any questions on selling or buying a home in the area, please contact me at 925 200-2591 or by email at art@artlehman.com.

Please feel free to email a topic for the next article too. If you’d like a free automatic email update of current listings and sales, visit my website to Advertorial sign up www. artlehman.com.

7th/8th Grade Boys LMYA Champions Oregon Ducks - left to right - Connor Virostek, Amir Alickbari, Harley McKee, Devin Mourrain, Dylan Siv, and Coach Garry Grotke. Not shown: Gabriel Grotke, and Payson Newman.

Lamorinda CYO Tournament Results - St. Perpetua's (SP2) 2nd grade boys played in the West Diablo CYO league championships and took runner-up honors. Back row, from left: Tom Bequette, Sam Bequette, Zach Anderson, Torin Cate, Rhett Skvarna. Front row: Will Groot, Michael Kuhner, Patrick Volk, Brady Burman, Marco Chao, Joe McCauley. Photo by Lisa McCauley.

8th Grade St. Perpetua National Team West Diablo Diocese Champions - Upper row: Coach Tim Fogarty, Wyatt Wilson, Ryan Shaw, Wyatt Nevins, Nico Brightbill, Joey Christensen, Brendan Supple, and Head Coach Doug Edwards. Lower row: Nathan Edwards, Jackson Taylor, and Colin Fogarty.

5th/6th Grade Boys LMYA Champions UCLA Bruins - Top row - Felix Varnai, Diego Antezana, Trevor Stripling, Michael Terentieff, Momin Razzaque, and Benji Levine. Bottom row: Erik Hays, and Noah Kim.

6/7/8th Grade Girls LMYA Champions UCLA Bruins - Top Row: Coach Alex Malinovsky, Samantha Tague, Riana Buchman, Emilie Malinovsky, Lindsay Easter, and Coach Chris Easter. Bottom row: Emma Kinney, Elizabeth Jane Hofinga, and Amanda Shepherd.

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Lafayette Today ~ March 2012 - Page 9

A Natural Pair

By Monica Chappell Wine and cheese are friends from way back.

Both are the product of fermentation, and both can express terroir, or the taste of the place they come from. In the case of cheese, the taste of terroir emerges from the different milk-giving animals; which can range from cows, goats, sheep, and even water buffalos – my favorite cheese of all times.

Wine & Cheese Pairing Tips: The first rule of thumb is that white wines usually pair better with cheese than red wines do – sorry red wine lovers. White wine’s acidity cuts through cheese’s butterfat beautifully. The creamy and nutty flavors in cheese can also bring a white wine to life by contrast. Along those lines, some consider Sauvignon Blanc the overall cheese-friendliest wine. Among red wines, the easiest to pair with cheese are the light and fruity varieties. Terroir-inspired combinations, wine and cheese coming from the same region, are almost always winners.

Pairings that Please: • White or bloomy rind cheeses such as Camembert and Brie are the trickiest to match; safe bets include soft, fruity reds such as Merlot, Pinot Noir, or Beaujolais-Villages.

• Hard cheeses such as Cheddar, Parmesan, and Manchego go with the widest range of wines; safe bets are medium to full bodied reds without too much tannin such as a softer style Bordeaux or good quality Cotes du Rhone-Villages. A buttery, medium bodied Chardonnay is a surprising star as well.

• Blue cheeses can be troublesome partners for any wine apart from the classic partnerships of Roquefort and Sauternes or port and Stilton.

The salty with sweet principle prevails here.

• Strong, pungent cheese offers no safe bets. Sweet or fortified wines are likely to pair well or try an aromatic white such as the classic combination of Munster and Gewurztraminer.

• For goat milk cheeses, Sauvignon Blanc is a good match especially with young soft cheeses; the more acid in the cheese, the more acid the wine should have.

• Sheep milk cheese can handle a robust red made from Syrah, Mourvedre, Grenache, or Tempranillo grapes. Or try countering the cheese’s saltiness with a little sweetness in the wine.

Strategies for Harmony: When planning a cheese platter, try adding walnut bread and a selection of dried fruits to create a more wine-friendly match. When serving a selection of cheeses, try to choose three or four which all pair well with a particular style of wine. Highly-oaked and super-tannic wines can be difficult to pair with cheese so be careful!

Pairing up cheese with wine can work like a charm. Just say “cheese please,” and discover a delicious new dimension to your wine-drinking pleasure.

Monica Chappell teaches and writes about wine. To see a listing of upcoming classes go to www.lafayetterec.org.

Cartoon Club Burton Valley Elementary third grader Zevin Acuna, 8, and his friends Nic and Mike Rossi, and Otto Craddock, gather at recess for the “Cartoon Club” where they study the art of the comic book, write stories, and draw cartoon panels. The club, established while members where in second grade, has two rules: no violence, and no naked people. Their goal is to establish a website featuring their cartoons, which can be accessed for free by other kids.

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Page 10 - March 2012 ~ Lafayette Today

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Lafayette Then and Now

By Julie Sullivan, Lafayette Historical Society (LHS) On April 25, the Lafayette Historical Society is hosting a presentation on â&#x20AC;&#x153;Lafayette Then and Nowâ&#x20AC;? as well as a walking tour of downtown Lafayette on April 29. To get in the spirit, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve provided three sets of pictures of the same location in Lafayette â&#x20AC;&#x201C; one from present day and one from Lafayetteâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not so distant past.

Think you know Lafayette? See if you can group the pictures correctly: match the number of the present day photo with the letter of the historic photo, then phone or email LHS with your answers to (925) 2831848 or Lafayette.History@comcast.net. Be 1 sure to include your name and phone number or email address.

Everyone who matches the pictures correctly will be entered in a drawing to win one of two prizes -- a free ticket to the talk on Wednesday, April 25, or a free ticket to the downtown walking tour 2 on Sunday, April 29 (each valued at $15). Watch for more information about both of these events in the April issue of Lafayette Today!

For more information, call (925) 283-1848 or visit www. lafayettehistory.org. LHS History Room in the Lafayette Library and Learning Center is open Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, 10 AM â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 3 2 PM.

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$20 Gas is the Answer

By Daniel A Barnes, CFA “Nothing will change until the prospect of change is less painful than the prospect of NOT changing.”

Natural gas burns much cleaner than coal or oil. It is a legitimate substitute for both these fuel sources.

Building the infrastructure of a natural gas economy will create a lot of good jobs.

I was annoyed that Obama championed natural gas only just recently. In the last five years the discovery of new shale fields and the technology to extract natural gas from them has more than doubled the reserves of this clean-burning fossil fuel.

Why didn’t the President support this idea sooner? Why hasn’t the government supported the idea of the transformation to natural gas before now?

Natural gas in shale deposits may even be just a drop in the bucket compared to the potentially recoverable reserves of frozen natural gas. The US continental shelf contains, by one estimate, 200,000 trillion cubic feet of methane hydrates (pressurized frozen gas). Rght now, we don’t have the technology to get it out economically. If we could, it’s a 9,000-year supply.

Change is the solution, not the problem to today’s high structural unemployment. A $20 per gallon economy is an economy which will develop more economical means of using fossil fuels. Eventually, there will be no service vehicles running on petroleum fuels. Anything that runs a route will use natural gas and eventually solar cells or other fuel sources. That development will create many good jobs.

The political question is this: Can energy transformation be positioned as a national security issue and thereby be supported by governmental policy? If we were willing to occupy Iraq for a decade to ensure global oil supplies from the Middle East, why are politicians so reluctant to support the development and transformation of our industrial economy to a natural gas economy?

I think the problem is one of aligning interests and time frames. Changes in supply and price of oil ripple through the economy in days and weeks. Changes in supply and the production in natural gas can be measured in months, years, and decades.

Cinema Classics and Music Notes A Majority of One

By Peggy Horn

This month’s film, A Majority Of One, (1961) stars Rosalind Russell as Mrs. Bertha Jacoby and Sir Alec Guinness as Mr. Koichi Asano. Mrs. Jacoby is a widow from “Brooklyn, USA,” whose daughter, Alice, is married to a diplomat being sent to Japan by the State Department. Mrs. Jacoby’s only son was killed during the war in the Pacific, and since she would be living alone while Alice resides in Japan, Mrs. Jacoby is persuaded to move to Japan with Alice and her husband, Jerome.

Mrs. Jacoby, Alice, and Jerome travel by ocean liner to Japan, and on the voyage they meet Mr. Asano, an elegant and important businessman who will be working with Jerome once they arrive in Japan. Although Mr. Asano is very solicitous of Mrs. Jacoby, she is distant and cold. The loss of her son has made her bitter, and she nurses an all-encompassing blame towards Japan that unfairly extends to all Japanese people. Through Mr. Asano’s persistent kindness, Mrs. Jacoby overcomes her bitterness and makes a friend of someone she previously regarded as an enemy. But when Mr. Asano falls in love with Mrs. Jacoby, Alice asks her to break off the friendship, and Mrs. Jacoby remarks that she has now been made to make an enemy of a friend.

All of the exchanges between Mrs. Jacoby and Mr. Asano are well done and even romantic, although other cast members can’t match the acting excellence of Rosalind Russell and Sir Alec Guinness. Nevertheless, the movie is enjoyable and provides details of prejudice and how it can be overcome through friendship and love at a time when relations between Japan and the United States made this issue especially controversial.

A Majority of One is available for purchase inexpensively online.

Musical Notes - In keeping with the suggestion of romance between Mrs. Jacoby and Mr. Asano, I propose downloading the gorgeous piano solo of Mr. Bill Evans, “I Love My Wife,” from his album entitled, New Conversations: Monologue, Dialogue and Trialogue. (Released in 1978). I spent a great deal of time trying to locate this piece after first hearing it on a friend’s car radio. I sent

Lafayette Today ~ March 2012 - Page 11 Government policy and politicians respond proactively to events which can unfold in their election term. They care much less about anything whose effect is measured over multiple election terms.

The energy crunch is coming. It’s even happening now. Yet even at $5 gas prices at the pump, energy is quite cheap, considering the benefits we derive from it. Next time you deliver a carload of stuff 10 miles away think about this. Your there-and-back costs might be $5 or $10. Try walking. Was it worth $10?

The energy crisis is going to be solved by the invisible hand of hundreds of millions of people pursuing their own self-interest. That invisible hand at work will create thousands of start-up companies which will develop ways to use energy effectively. Those start-up companies will employ millions of people, and our society will transform yet again.

As upset as I get about the ostrich-like behavior of political leaders, market forces are the solution to our current employment malaise. I think that government policy could support that change. But, I’m not convinced.

In Christopher Steiners “$20 Gas,” he describes a world in which containers stop shipping from China, airlines wither, agriculture goes local, bullet trains are built everywhere, desuburbanization occurs. Life as we know it transforms.

That’s a world of growth and change, and most of it is for the better. But the change will be painful. We are already seeing elements of it. Container shipping prices have tripled in a dozen years. Local agriculture is ascendent, trains move a ton of freight 500 miles on a gallon of gas, and, the Commander in Chief is finally pulling his head out of the sand.

Economic stress is the symptom; infrastructure transformation is the vaccine.

The energy crisis will be the catalyst to generate new solutions. Embrace $6 gas at a station near you because that’s what is going to bring the jobs, innovation, and a groundswell of human progress. You just have to frame the debate with a perspective that’s longer than one or two election cycles.

Barnes Capital LLC is a Registered Investment Advisor. We manage trusts and retirement income portfolios. Financial planning is an integral part of our process.

We protect client capital using municipal bonds and high-quality companies which raise their dividend every year. We add Gold to portfolios for diversification. Call Daniel at 925-284-3503 and visit www.barnescapital.com Advertorial family and friends searching for Bill Williams jazz piano – no such recording.

Then I revised my search for everything by Gil Evans – again no luck. Finally I lucked upon the correct artist name: Bill Evans! Here’s hoping you enjoy this as much as I do!

DAR Honors Good Citizens Contest Winners The Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), Acalanes Chapter, recently honored the 2012 winners of their annual DAR Good Citizens Program and Scholarship Contest. The Scholarship Contest began in 1934 and is open to senior high school girls. Contestants must be able to demonstrate the qualities of dependability, service, leadership, and patriotism. The student is asked to describe how she demonstrates these qualities in her day to day life and to submit two letters of recommendation along with an official grade transcript. Further, she must complete a timed essay, which is later read aloud at the chapter’s award ceremony.

This year’s chapter winner was Gail Wilson, of Campolindo High School.

At school Gail enjoys choir, drama, and track team. Other activities include participation in Chamber Singers Elite Ensemble and Rotary Interact Club. Gail has helped raise funds for Children’s Hospital and the Polar Bear Plunge, which raises money for those of special needs, and she has been a volunteer at soup kitchens through her church.

Other contestants included Elizabeth Ivy, of Las Lomas High School, who has participated in volleyball for four years, is a recognized scholar-athlete, and is president of Peace in Progress Club. Peter Santoro is from Contra Costa Christian High and is the first ever male to be recognized by the chapter.

He is a soccer player who has volunteered in crisis centers and schools in the Tenderloin in San Francisco. Sarah Gidre, from Acalanes High School, is the founder of Best Buddies, a weekly lunch for socializing with developmentally disabled students, and is a volunteer at Animal Rescue Foundation. Courtney Tran, of Miramonte High, participates in both Jazz and Symphonic bands and is a Youth Council member for the Oakland Public Library.

These exceptional students attended a luncheon with the members of Acalanes Chapter of DAR, where each winner was asked to read their essay aloud for the members. Each winner was given a DAR Good Citizen Pin, a scholarship check, and an American flag that has previously been flown over the US Capital Building.

Page 12 - March 2012 ~ Lafayette Today

The Car Guy

By Paul Matthew Peterson, Specialty Sales Classics If you follow the collector car world, you already know about Scottsdale in January. If you are new to classic automobiles, I’ll fill you in. Every January, Scottsdale Arizona becomes the Mecca for the entire planet in regard to investment and collector cars. Think Super Bowl, only with old cars…and you get the picture.

There are now so many classic car auctions in one week that it’s nearly impossible to attend them all. I chose to spend time this year at Silver Auctions’ Fort McDowell sale, Russo and Steel, and the 29-Ring circus that Barrett-Jackson has become.

I’ll start with the big guns. Barrett-Jackson was once a great classic car auction, with a few Lifestyle events surrounding it. Now it has become a festival of anything and everything ‘car’ related…and a ton of stuff that isn’t related to old cars at all...and BURIED somewhere in there are cars for sale and an auction. I could have spent eight hours looking at art, another eight hours looking at neon signs, another whole day looking at ….???? Yep, somewhere in there are some cool cars and an auction. Did I mention it costs $55 just to get in? Crazy.

Russo and Steele’s has evolved into one class act. It feels like a HUGE production, yet the folks that work there are so personable that you feel like you’re dealing with friends instead of a heartless corporate auction house.

Same goes for Silver, without the big, slick production values. Attending, buying, or selling at a Silver Auction is what the business was like “back in the day” before the SPEED Channel, and the ‘circus’ aspect took over. It’s always an auction full of real cars, real people, and some great deals for both the sellers and buyers, with a Down-to-Earth approach to the business. Both R.S. and Silver are highly recommended by this particular old car guy.

Now, as for the collector car market in general? In a word: STRONG. Quality is king these days, and the prices and sale percentages reflected that rule. The incorrect, edgy, and thrown together cars went home on the trailers unsold for the most part, or at seriously low prices. A very large number of the correctly restored cars, the beautiful unrestored original cars, and the over

GREAT SERVICE. EVEN BETTER VALUE.

www.yourmonthlypaper.com the top Resto-Mods Saint John’s brought solid prices and went home with Anglican Mission new owners. The sale Member World-wide Anglican Communion percentages were fanSunday Worship 11am tastic, into the 70% + at Chapel of Santa Maria Church, Orinda sold range. If one facVisitors Welcome tors out the junk that 925.386.6393 wasn’t ever going to info@saintjohnsanglican.org sell in the first place, www.saintjohnsanglican.org • http://anglicanchurch.net then that percentage climbs to over 90% sold. That’s pretty strong.

There was a flood of new investors in the market this year, likely a result of the challenging Real Estate and Stock Markets and the losses large investors have suffered recently. In the past, these newbies typically came with a checkbook and zero knowledge of what they were getting into. As a result, large numbers of these folks bought bad cars, fake cars, and vehicles that just weren’t a good investment. Those times are over, and even the brand new Classic Car investor has someone on his arm advising him on his purchase. Wise move.

So, after four days of endless cars, car people, and a front row seat-style market report, I can offer this basic observation: Park your investment capital in STEEL. Make that classic and collectible steel with some rubber, vinyl, chrome, and gasoline thrown in for good measure.

Seriously though, Classic Cars are a great investment, if you do your homework and educate yourself, and they’re actually a better place to park your investment capital than ever.

Ask for advice from a large car collector or a ‘car guy’ if you can find one.

Visit some Classic Car shows, cruises, and showrooms (We have 220+ different Classics spread in four showrooms in the SF Bay Area for example), and see which cars give you an emotional reaction for whatever reason. Educate yourself about that particular model, and then with some expert help, go buy the nicest example of that car you can find. Always buy what you love, but keep a keen eye towards investment potential. Good quality = Good investment.

So…the water’s fine. C’mon in and take a swim! Classic cars are a ton of fun if you let them be, and they’re a fine investment that you can ENJOY while your money grows!

See you at the Cruise and check out our inventory at www.SpecialtySales. com. Feel free to email me at TheCarGuy@SpecialtySales.com with any questions or comments, or call 800-600-2262.

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Merilee McCormick, a parent and employee at Burton Valley Elementary School, arranged a special visit by Salaton Ole Ntutu, warrior, community chief, and shaman of the nomadic Maasai tribe in Kenya.

Merilee’s mother-in-law, Gail Mc Cormick, cofounded Jamii Moja (jamiimoja.org) an organization which works to empower independent African communities to thrive through the establishment of sustainable programs. Gail visits Kenya every year and works closely with Salaton and the Maasai tribe.

Salaton taught the kids Swahili - “Jambo” (Hello) and “Rafiki” (Friends). He also taught the kids animal sounds of a hyena and a zebra, and the students walked like giraffes. They enjoyed learning the tribal dance (jumping very high in the air over and over). Salaton spoke about their way of life. He explained to the first graders that children their age in his village work all day and watch the cows. He talked about his clothing and noted his outer layer is actually a blanket which he unties from around his neck and sleeps with on the floor.

Pictured above is Salaton with Mrs. Dolley’s first grade class. At right, Salaton shows his traditional clothing to students in Mrs. Norton’s fifth grade class.

editor@yourmonthlypaper.com

Lafayette Today ~ March 2012 - Page 13

Longer Passwords are Better

Turn Your Valuables Into Cash!

By Evan Corstorphine, Portable CIO

C on s i gn me n t S a l e s

I’ve written many times about using good passwords (Dec 2010, Jan 2008, Nov 2006), but change is difficult, and a lot of you are still getting into trouble.

Specializing in cars, furniture, and other important items The telephone calls we get go like this: “Over the last I handle all the details and deliver a check when your items sell. couple of days, all of my friends/business associates have Hard-working local college student with lots of experience. begun receiving emails from me that have a link to a weird website, and their antivirus goes crazy when they go to it, Call today to discuss items you’d like to sell! but I didn’t send them that email. Then, it happened again Tato Corcoran • 925.858.7282 • tatocorcoran@yahoo.com this morning, and I’m starting to get concerned. Is my comCraigslist and eBay seller • 100% positive eBay feedback puter hacked?” No, your computer isn’t hacked, your email password is hacked.

What is happening? The bad guys are relentless in their effort to find email accounts from which they can send spam email links to their infected websites to millions of people. Their infected website usually contains embedded code that will automatically try to infect your computer with something like “XP Antivirus,” the fake antivirus program that pops up endless messages telling you to enter your credit card information to “fix” it. The more people they can trick into clicking onto their website, the more infections, and the larger number of people who unwittingly give out their credit card information to be stolen. More opportunity for identity theft is good business for the bad guys (and yes, people give their credit card information to them - we’ve seen it happen multiple times).

The bad guys have some extremely clever computer programs that go around and target email accounts from the largest email domains, such as AOL, Hotmail, ATT, MSN, Comcast and Yahoo. They go one by one, using a “bot” to test commonly used passwords and even attempting some limited brute-force cracking. This sort of “farming” of email addresses ensures they have a steady revenue stream. Virus infections are no longer courtesy of your neighborhood teenager experimenting on his dad’s computer. Now, they’re big business for Eastern Bloc mafia cartels, which goes far to explain why the problem has exploded over the last few years.

Back to passwords. Who do you think the bad guys are going to victimize? Are they going to be able to take over person A’s email account who uses the password “flower,” or person B who uses the password “Plausible*Deniability”? If you guessed person A, you win. Why? According to the password checking website http:// howsecureismypassword.net, “flower” is among the 260 most common passwords, so it would be hacked almost instantly, and “Plausible*Deniability” would take 28 million years for a common desktop computer to break. Even adding an exclamation point to “flower!” would only extend your safety to twelve minutes before it could be broken, because it’s a common word and it’s far too short.

The problem with password security is that the IT guys (yes, heavy sigh, my brethren) have made password management a royal pain in the neck, and they have burned people out. If you work for a state or federal agency, or a typical large corporation, they’ve probably fueled the law of unintended consequences with rules that make it impossible to remember your password. I never thought it was reasonable to make people change their passwords every 30 days to something completely unique and unused over the previous year. I don’t know anyone who can remember that many unique complex passwords. What happens is that normal people like you and I end up writing down that ridiculous password we had to create (or that we were given), and we put it on a Post-it note, and stick it on our monitor or under our keyboard. We’re just trying to do our job, right? Who can remember this password: “3RzH@=#xFq” ? But that’s not very secure, thus the unintended consequence.

Password philosophies are beginning to change. Long password phrases are more powerful than outright password complexity, because every additional simple character increases the complexity 26 times. But if you add complexity such as a punctuation mark to that phrase, a 20-character phrase is virtually un-crackable by common desktop standards, because it’s added an additional 33 character set that the cracker must include in their cracking search. For example, the phrase “twentygoodcharacters!” is one trillion times more complex than “twentygoodcharacters” because the addition of the exclamation mark increases the overall search space so dramatically. THAT is why upper and lower case, numbers and special characters are so important to use.

Most websites don’t accommodate long phrases because they’re still adapting to this new knowledge. For example, AOL wants a password of between only 6-16 characters that must include letters, numbers and punctuation characters. Others want upper AND lower case letters, punctuation and numbers. One of their examples; Harry Potter becomes “ HaRrieP0tt3r!”.

There is much more to write about this, but I’m out of room. I’ve put some great links to password testing sites on Portable CIO’s Facebook page, as well as more examples of ways to substitute numbers and punctuation into a password in a way that helps it make sense. In the meantime, if you get stuck please call the experts at Portable CIO at (925)552-7953, or email us at helpdesk@theportablecio.com.

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Trains continued from front page train’s complete single circuit of the mainline takes 45 minutes.

But, even though skill and know-how are integral, many members readily acknowledge that their interest does indeed stem from fond childhood memories. “I’ve always loved trains,” says Moreland, who has been involved with WCMRS for 36 years and is currently Chairman of the WCMRS Board.

“I’m old enough to remember real steam locomotives. When my dad returned from the Korean War, he brought back two footlockers full of model train engines and track. We moved so often while he was in the service, that we never had a chance to set-up the whole thing. Finally, we moved to a home where we could build the layout in the garage…and then I left for college.”

Was it a subliminal need to finish what he started? Perhaps; but Moreland cites the simple and majestic strength and power of large locomotives as the

allure. “Trains are just kind of cool,” he says. “I can’t really explain it.”

While the engineers may seem to have all the fun, successful operation and maintenance of the railway requires skills and cooperation of all types: carpenters and cabinet makers to construct the sound baseboard, artisans to paint and craft the scenery, and electricians to install wiring. There are tasks for all members who are interested in learning, sharing, and growing the ever-changing layout. The society currently boasts a membership of 60, ranging in age from 18 to 90. Work-nights are Fridays and Tuesdays. The layout is open for public viewing the last Friday of each month from 8 – 10pm and the third Sunday in January, March, May, and September. The annual holiday show takes place two weekends in November.

New members are invited to help out for three months, at which time one

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Page 14 - March 2012 ~ Lafayette Today

Spring Pruning

By Blaine Brende & Joe Lamb Once again, its that time of year when the landscape grows lush, beautiful – and out of control. At Brende & Lamb, we prune to balance the practical with the aesthetic. When our clients ask us to restore their views, bring more light into their gardens, and reduce fire hazards, we do our best to keep their screening intact and to protect their privacy. At the same time, we work hard to enhance the natural beauty of their trees.

Balancing your tree care needs are skills we’ve developed over decades of caring for trees.

Aesthetic Pruning Each plant has a natural growth pattern. Aesthetic pruning accentuates the shape given the plant by nature, good pruning creates a light and open feeling. A well pruned plant enhances the observer’s experience by accentuating the interplay of light and shadow, open spaces and denser spaces, and by revealing the sculptural elements of trunk and branch.

The first step in aesthetic pruning is to see the flow of the tree. We begin by looking at the base of the trunk, then we let our eyes follow the trunk upward into the branches and out to the branch tips. We notice how the flow of the branches determines the tree’s form. The form may be weeping, as with Willows and Chinese Elms. Perhaps, as with Monterey Cypress, the branches form at acute angles to the trunk, giving the tree an upswept look. Or the branches may bend and twist, forming complex arcs, as does the Coast Live Oak. Within these patterns, each tree has its own unique form and flow.

Pruning and Size Reduction It is important to prune in a manner that does not harm the health of the tree. When thinning a pine, for example, it is important not to strip the major branches of their smaller branches, a practice called “lion-tailing” which leaves a branch denuded except for foliage at the end. Lion-tailing increases the chance of branch failure by concentrating the weight at the branch tips.

Gardening with Kate

By Kathleen Guillaume Well, my whole garden is confused. The blueberries are blooming with promises of a large crop. My cherry crop is late as are my pears which are normally the first to bloom. My peaches have been blooming for weeks; last year they were the last to bloom. It just is what it is, and we just have to go with the flow.

My hummingbirds must be drinking nectar from my winter Daphne, as that is the most abundant bloomer right now. At any rate, the hummingbirds buzz around my head with happy dives and a whir of noise. They are happy here; they breed and their numbers grow. It helps, of course, that no one on the block uses pesticides or fungicides, and they plant year round bloomers.

No, my little block is not a garden paradise. One neighbor has just had twins, and sleep is on their agenda, not gardening. At another home, both husband and wife work long hours and have no time for gardening as such... but they let what is there grow, unfettered with little notice, and all of the birds are happy, and they are abundant pollinators.

It is almost tomato time. I buy “six packs” and plant them deep in quart size pots. As soon as they get a little larger, I replant and bury all but the top three inches deep in a gallon size pot. By the time those tomatoes which I keep sheltered have grown 8 to 10”, we will be past frost nights (or should be), and then I will plant them deeply again leaving only 3-4” above ground.

During that whole time I will have worked in large amounts of sterile manure and compost into the areas where they will go.

The ground is still cool enough to plant another round of snow peas or sugar snap peas. I just planted both flat leaf and curly leaf parsley. But that is it for a while, or at least until I make a trek over to Annie’s Annuals in Richmond, a once a year trip to get those things I can’t find in my local nurseries. You can shop online by going to www.anniesannuals.com. I

www.yourmonthlypaper.com A healthier tree, and more subtly beautiful look, is achieved by thinning to highlight the spaces or “layers” in its natural patterns. Removing diseased wood, and removing or reducing crossing branches that interrupt the natural flow, lets in more light and air, encourages interior growth and overall health.

Careful pruning can increase desired screening over time by encouraging interior growth.

Aesthetic View Work In view work, the beauty of the view and the beauty of the tree often seem to be in conflict. Some tree-workers will sacrifice the tree for the view by “topping” the tree. Topping is almost always a bad idea. “Topping” creates a dense re-growth in water-sprouts that is unsightly. But more than the tree’s beauty is at stake here. Topping wounds the tree and promotes disease, including heart rot, and can make the tree dangerous. The water-sprouts on a topped tree are not deeply anchored in the trunk and are subject to failure in high winds. Add in the fact that these sprouts may be anchored onto a rotting trunk, and you have a safety problem that gets worse over time. Responsible arborists do not top trees. Removing a tree, perhaps replacing it with a smaller variety that can be kept out of the view, is usually preferable to beheading it.

Looking at tree and view as two elements that complement each other can often solve view problems. Sometimes, lightly bringing the tree back without cutting into major branches can prevent further encroachment on the view.

To open even more of the view, we create windows by selectively removing branches not essential for the tree’s natural form. We can enlarge these windows by removing branchlets that rise or drop into the view. Thinning above and below the window creates a feeling of openness, rather than gaping hole. The image formed by Mt. Diablo, framed by the trembling leafs of a well-windowed tree, proves that nature and civilization can complement each other.

If your trees need a little TLC, please call 510-486-TREE (8733) or email us at bl@brendelamb.com for a free estimate. Additionally, go to our website www.brendelamb.com to see before and after pictures, client testimonials, and work in your neighborhood.

Advertorial always know what I want, but it comes down to the amount of space I have.

This is the only time I have a little “land envy,” as many things I love are just too big for my garden.

If you have space, the Lessertia Montana bush, with its three-inch “Parrot’s Beak,” blooms in a bright cherry red. It has ferny foliage and attractive seed pods. For rock gardens and drier areas, the pretty native shrub Mimulus ‘Pamela’ is a wonderful yellow. The gold bloom ‘Monkey Flower’ is great. It is one of the few low-water plants that can go under native oaks. If you want something pink instead, try Mimulus lewisii x cardinallis, a brilliant pink ‘Monkey Flower.’ If you have dry hills, try Eriogonum grande var. rubescens also known as ‘Red Buckwheat.’ A great flowering native, Buckwheats are great for neglected hillsides. This one is from the Channel Islands.

I visit Annie’s for the Snapdragons, especially Antirrhinum majus ‘Double Azalea Apricot.’ It has an azalea type bloom of florescent orangey apricot edged with pink. The ‘Chantilly Peach’ variety are glorious and long blooming.

This year I will try Annie’s ‘Schizanthus grahamii,’ also known as “Butterfly Flower” for bright shade. The stems hold bright hot pink petals with a golden stamen that is red veined. It looks glorious.

Find something unusual for your garden, something that will surprise you, something that is a virtual show stopper. Every garden needs one or two. Don’t forget that you can mix veggies and flowers together. My sugar snap peas best growing spot is behind my tree peony. The green foliage of the peas looks so sweet behind a cloud of five-inch wide white peony blooms.

The Flower and Garden Show will be held again at the San Mateo Events Center March 21st through the 25th. My favorite spot is at the plant vendors who always have varieties that I want for my garden. Also in March, there will be a showing of “Bouquets to Arts” at the De Young, March 13th thought 17th. You will see some of the most amazing floral arrangements, including some by five Lafayette floral arrangers. It is a stunning show.Allow 3-4 hours minimum to see the show.

Happy Gardening!

editor@yourmonthlypaper.com

Life in the Lafayette Garden More Than a Garden

By John Montgomery, ASLA, Landscape Architect

Lafayette Today ~ March 2012 - Page 15

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Over the many years of writing â&#x20AC;&#x153;Life in the Lafayette Gardenâ&#x20AC;? and following up with my clients after they have lived in their gardens, I have discovered some new distinctions about our Lafayette gardens. There are so many aspects to a garden, and I have attempted to cover the important ones over the years. I have talked about the various elements of design as well as practical advice such Julia Nieman | julianieman@comcast.net as how to save and conserve water and plant selection for deer territory. As a 925.837.2010 | www.hunterdouglas.com landscape architect with more than 35 years of experience in California, I have come to the conclusion there is so much more to a garden than meets the eye.

When you think about it, it is more than a garden! A garden has the power to rejuvenate, inspire, and relax. When you take in consideration how we use our Lafayette gardens, what comes to mind are the endless hours of peaceful contemplation, lively gatherings, and toiled love. We use our gardens not just for something beautiful to look at, although that is part of it. When I design a clientâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s garden, I first have them answer a questionnaire that I have developed over many years. I ask many questions spanning the gambit from functionality and budget to their vision. I delve into specifics, but I also try to go deep into what makes them feel they way they want to feel when they are in their garden. What I am bringing to the design is more than a garden! In this busy world, we all deserve our own little paradise where we can retreat to.

We are blessed to live in such a beautiful area where we can consider the garden as an extension of our homes. Here in Lafayette we can live outside just about as much as we live inside. Consider the time spent swimming in the pool, playing sports with the kids, barbecuing and eating outdoors, harvesting fruits and veggies, and reading a good book under a shade tree on a warm spring day. All these activities add many dimensions to our lives outdoors, making it more than a garden.

When it is more than a garden, we have the opportunity to use our gardens for other activities that contribute to our families, friends, and community. Think of the limitless activities and special events you can have such as weddings, anniversary celebrations, graduation parties, birthday parties, etc. Garden tours have become a viable way to raise needed donations for some very worthy organizations. A well designed garden can present endless opportunities to bring family and community together.

Over the years my wonderful clients have generously offered their gardens for various garden tours. Last year we had our second tour; â&#x20AC;&#x153;Life in the Lafayette Gardenâ&#x20AC;? fundraiser. It was a wonderful success! We had between 400-500 people and generated close to $18,000 for wonderful organizations such as Hospice of the East Bay and others. By popular demand, I have been requested to organize a third annual tour of gardens exclusively designed by my firm that will benefit the Quincy Lee Foundation, Hospice of the East Bay, Guide Dogs for the Blind Contra Costa Raising Club, and others.

A hot tip from your local Landscape Architect: JMLA is delighted to announce our third annual Garden Tour Fundraiser: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Life in the Walnut Creek Gardenâ&#x20AC;? a tour of five distinct Walnut Creek gardens. I invite you to come enjoy the afternoon with us; stroll the gardens, chat with me, and enjoy several surprises we have planned.

Mark your calendar for Saturday, May 5th from 11AM to 4PM. For more information, go to our website garden-tour page. It will be a pleasure to meet you all!

Gardening Quote of the Month: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Gardeners are - letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s face it - control freaks. Who else would willingly spend his leisure hours wrestling weeds out of the ground, blithely making life or death decisions about living beings, moving earth from here to there, changing the course of waterways? The more one thinks about it, the odder it seems; this compulsion to remake a little corner of the planet according to some plan or vision.â&#x20AC;? - Abby Adams, What is a Garden Anyway If you would like me to write on any particular subject, email your ideas to jmontgomery@jm-la.com or for design ideas visit www.jm-la.com. Advertorial

Page 16 - March 2012 ~ Lafayette Today

Estate Planning for Cyber Assets

By Robert J. Silverman, Attorney at Law Estate planning is not limited to wills and trusts, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives. It directly or indirectly involves so much more, such as special needs planning for disabled loved ones receiving benefits for a disability, estate tax mitigation, properly titling assets, and ensuring the optimal designation of beneficiaries on IRA’s and 401 K’s.

One new and often completely overlooked area is “cyber” or “digital” estate planning - protecting, providing access to, and planning for ownership succession of your electronically stored accounts and files, including hardware and software: cell phones, computers, CD’s, DVD’s, on the “cloud,” etc.

So much of our business and social activity these days is electronic in nature. Much of its use depends on user names and passwords. Privacy is a paramount concern. From an estate planning standpoint, this is both a blessing and a curse. It’s a blessing to the extent that it effectively blocks others from seeing or using your data, except as you otherwise desire. It’s a curse, however, when people die or become incapacitated because then thorny access, use, control, and ownership issues arise.

Virtually all online accounts require users to agree to the terms under which they are permitted to use such account. But few people (including me) tend to pay much attention to these long, boilerplate provisions. Nevertheless, it’s becoming widely known that most sites do not allow for the seamless transfer of the account, let alone any transfer at all, to anyone other than the original account holder. Rather, many digital assets endow owners only with a license to use the asset during life, and no right to assign or transfer ownership or use.

Digital files, such as photos, music, books, personal contacts, financial and insurance information and estate planning documents, can sometimes be very difficult to find on another person’s computer. Even more troublesome is that files stored in the “cloud” or somewhere other than on a personal computer or electronic device may be unknown to others and remain difficult or impossible to discover.

So, when someone dies, his or her personal representative (executor named in the Will, or administrator if he or she dies without a Will) - is likely to

Toastmasters continued from front page in speaking also leads to greater effectiveness in other areas of their lives.

Specifically, better speakers make better leaders, which is why the latest tag-line from Toastmasters International is, appropriately, ‘Where Leaders are Made.’”

Fisher, who resides in Lafayette and is a product manager for a high tech company, joined Lamorinda Toastmasters about three years ago, and his speaking skills have gradually improved since. A fringe benefit of membership has been listening to his fellow member’s speeches on a variety of subjects. “You learn things from fellow members that you would not find out any other way,” says Fisher. “For example, we had a fencing demonstration from a national practitioner, a first-hand Vietnamese boat refugee story, and an account of what it was like to hang out in the Whitehouse as a friend of a US president’s family.”

Mortgage banker Gordon Steele, a Moraga resident, joined Toastmasters upon the realization that for the past decade, nearly 80% of his daily communication was taking place electronically. “I was communicating with people almost entirely by email,” says Steele. “There was very little verbal communication during my day.

I missed the camaraderie and energy of communicating face-to-face. I needed to get out of my computerized comfort zone and meet with people.”

Steele was somewhat familiar with Toastmasters when he joined, and he had a good sense of the group’s high level goals, but the energy and level of member support came as somewhat of a surprise. “Beyond the speaking skills, I didn’t realize how much I would get out of my Toastmasters membership,” says Steele, who currently oversees the group’s mentoring program, which matches established members with new. “Everyone is very supportive and there is great, positive energy. We have a wide range of ages, occupations and cultures, and while we all may be there for different reasons, we have a common goal of trying to communicate better and trying to help one another.”

Toastmasters was founded by YMCA employee Ralph C. Smedley in1924 in an effort to assist other tongue-tied YMCA members with their speaking and presentation skills. He established Toastmasters as “a nonprofit, noncommercial movement, for the benefit of its members.”

www.yourmonthlypaper.com have a significant challenge. Fortunately, the law in this area should develop rapidly. New laws and improving technology will undoubtedly allow users more direct and user-friendly options to enable others, including their personal representatives on death, the right to access, use, and assume ownership of a decedent’s cyber assets.

Meanwhile, in the midst of many unanswered questions, you might consider taking some or all of the following steps to protect and provide for the succession of data you value: 1) Inventory. Create a list of your digital assets, directions on how to find each account and/or file, and how to access each, including the applicable user name and password. These types of assets may include, but not be limited to, email accounts, photos and videos, spreadsheets, important Word documents, music, social media accounts, bank accounts, life insurance policies, retirement plans, and estate planning documents.

2) Learn About Transferability. Read and inquire in detail about your ability to transfer account use and ownership upon your death, particularly for accounts you care a lot about.

3) Document Your Wishes. Draft a list in which you indicate what you’d like to have happen to each digital file and online account/service upon your death.

4) Provide Access and/or Control To Whom You Wish. If and to the extent you feel comfortable, provide trusted loved ones access to digital files you wish to disclose and share.

5) Name Successors in Your Estate Plan. More and more people will choose to formally specify the person(s) who are to be allowed access to and/or succeed to the ownership of their digital files, documents, and accounts. You can do so when you establish a Will and/or Living Trust, or if you already have such documents in place, you can modify (add to) them by means of a Codicil and/or Trust Amendment.

Mr. Silverman is an attorney with Buchman Provine Brothers Smith LLP, 1333 N. California Street, Suite 350, Walnut Creek, CA 94596; (925) 944-9700; rsilverman@ sbllp.com. His practice emphasizes Estate Planning, Trust Administration & Probate, Real Estate, and Business. Mr. Silverman offers a free introductory consultation.

This article is intended to provide information of a general nature, and should not be relied upon as legal, tax, financial and/ or business advice. Readers should obtain and rely upon specific advice only from their own qualified professional advisors. This communication is not intended or written to be used, for the purpose of: i) avoiding penalties under the Internal Revenue Code; or ii) promoting, marketing, or recommending to another party any matters addressed herein.

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Today, Toastmasters has more than 13,000 clubs and more than 270,000 members in 116 countries. The Lamorinda chapter’s membership of about 45 is a cosmopolitan mix of both local and international origin. Members range from professionals in their 20s to those in their 60s.

“We are one of the few clubs consistently recognized by Toastmasters International as performing to the highest standards year after year,” says Fisher.

“This is why guests who visit us so often stay-on to become members.”

For more information on Lamorinda Toastmasters, visit http://lamorinda. freetoasthost.net.

Lic# 1100014354; Bay Area Entertainment

editor@yourmonthlypaper.com

Tingling Toes

By Michael Nelson, M.D. Everyone has had their feet go to sleep at one time or another. Tight snow boots do this to me every time. The tingling and numbness goes away quickly after I take off my boots though.

Patients with peripheral neuropathy have tingling, numbness, and/or burning in their feet constantly.

Peripheral neuropathy is a common neurological condition, and unless it becomes painful, most patients will ignore the symptoms.

Peripheral neuropathy, also called neuropathy, is a neurological condition that causes damage to the nerves in our extremities. The peripheral part refers to being outside of the spinal cord. Central neurological diseases involve the brain and spinal cord. Because the nerves in our legs are the longest, symptoms commonly start in our feet.

Think of the nerve damage as many potholes in a long stretch of freeway; if it is several miles long, it will start becoming very irritating.

Besides an asleep feeling, which we call paresthesias, there are many different symptoms of neuropathy. There is a lack of feeling, “dead numb,” which represents the most damaged nerves. There is also a burning sensation which we call dysesthesias. I have also heard of tightness like the legs are very swollen, an itching sensation, a sunburned feeling, and also a crawling feeling. Most neuropathies produce similar symptoms in both feet.

Mimickers of neuropathy are lumbar stenosis, restless leg syndrome, and true peripheral vascular disease (poor circulation). Lumbar stenosis, which is pinching of nerves in the low back, will normally make a sideto-side difference in sensations and will also include shooting pain down the leg. Restless leg syndrome is typically an uncomfortable need to move the legs and usually occurs in the evening. Poor circulation produces a truly cold foot with purplish skin and some loss of hair on

Lafayette Today ~ March 2012 - Page 17 the foot and lower shin. Cramps are not specific as they can be from nerve damage, electrolyte imbalance, medication side effect, or poor circulation.

Luckily, peripheral neuropathy can be distinguished from these other conditions by a test called an EMG. This is short for electromyography.

It will also include nerve conduction studies. The EMG involves inserting an acupuncture sized needle into the muscle, and the nerve conduction study involves sending a small electrical impulse down the nerve. These tests must be done together. Unfortunately, many patients have been sent for just nerve conduction studies which, by themselves, do not produce accurate results. This is also a complicated test that should be done by a physician, such as a neurologist or rehabilitation doctor, that has had specific training in its use.

There are hundreds of causes of peripheral neuropathy. Proper diagnosis is best performed by a neurologist. As always with a neurological issue, the events related to the start of the symptoms and the nature of the symptoms themselves are extremely important. Possible causes include medications, vitamin deficiencies, autoimmune diseases, alcohol, toxins, and medical issues such as diabetes and renal failure. There are also neuropathies that run in the family such as Charcot-Marie-Tooth. The frustrating part of having a peripheral neuropathy is we frequently do not know the cause. Doctors call this idiopathic, which I always joke is because the doctors are idiots and can’t figure it out.

If you have been putting up with tingling toes for a while, now may be the time to have it properly evaluated. The information contained in this article is for educational purposes only and does not replace proper medical care.

Michael Nelson, M.D. is a board certified adult neurologist who has been serving general neurology patients in the East Bay for the past nine years. His office is located at 970 Dewing Ave, Suite #300 in Lafayette.

He can be reached at (925) 299-9022 to schedule and appointment and can also be found on the web at www.michaelnelsonmd.com.

Advertorial

Ask Dr. Happy

By Bob Nozik, MD Dear Dr. Happy, I am a 25-year-old college educated woman. My boyfriend Jim and I have been together for over a year. Jim is very good to me, has a good job, and lately we’ve been talking marriage. So, what’s the problem?

Jim is the most unromantic guy I’ve ever known. Our sex is good but devoid of cuddling or pillow-talk. I’ve told him how important romance is to me, and he tries, for a while, he really does, but he always seems to slip right back into bare-bones, no frills sex. Help! ~ No Romance

Dear No Romance, Clearly, you and Jim are opposites when it comes to sex and romance. The old saying ‘opposites attract’ is often true. You may have originally been attracted by Jim’s cool, business-like living style, and he to your more passionate ways; each being drawn to styles you couldn’t do. However, those differences which once seemed so attractive, over the long-haul, became annoying. “Can he really be so unemotional?” you think while he wonders, “Why does she make everything so mushy?” What has to happen here is for each of you to stop judging each other and see your different ways as just different, not wrong. It sounds like you both really care enough for each other to succeed. Still, I believe a good therapist might be the best for helping you and Jim find ways to reach ways for making your relationship work.

Happiness Tip Certainly, people can change if they want to enough. But, in the present case, I’m not optimistic that Jim will develop romantic passion to the degree that No Romance would like, at least, not for the long-haul. I suspect, if this relationship is going to work out, it is No Romance who will have to do most of the changing by applying the happiness principles of accepting Jim for the good he brings to the relationship and by not judging him for what he cannot. In fact, knowing what No Romance wants and feeling accepted and not judged by her may be the best way for encouraging Jim to actually become more romantic.

Please send questions/comments for Dr. Happy to Pollyannan@aol.com.

Brainwaves by Betsy Streeter

Cherry angioma are harmless, small, bright red domes created by dilated blood vessels. They occur in 85% of people over 40 usually on the trunk.

Electrocautery and laser therapy removes these spots.

www.yourmonthlypaper.com “Broken capillaries” or telangietasia are dilated facial blood vessels. These are usually related to rosacea or sun exposure. They also respond to laser treatment.

Bruising or purpura is common in seniors. Many seniors complain of black and blue marks or bruises, particularly on the arms and legs. These are usually the result of the skin becoming thinner with age and sun damage. Loss of fat and connective tissue weakens the support around blood vessels, making them more susceptible to injury. Bruising in areas always covered by clothing should be evaluated by a doctor.

Bruising is sometimes caused by medications that Dr. Shanny Baughman, Alamo interfere with blood clotting or internal disease.

Varicose veins are enlarged leg veins that appear blue and bulging. They are common in older individuals. The veins become twisted and swollen when blood returning to the heart against gravity flows back into the veins through a faulty valve. This condition is rarely dangerous.

The aching associated with varicose veins can be eased by avoiding standing for long periods, by keeping feet elevated when sitting or lying down and by wearing support hose or elastic bandages. More severe cases can be treated with surgery. Injections and laser therapy may remove smaller varicosities.

Varicose ulcers are caused by the same sluggish blood flow that results in varicose veins. When a crack or cut occurs in the skin of the leg, it may fail to heal because of poor blood flow. The injury can develop into an ulcer or shallow wound that may contain opus or infection. The ulcers may last for months or even years, healing poorly.

Varicose ulcers often develop at the ankles. They may be accompanied by swelling and red, itchy scaly skin around the ulcer. Another cause of ulcers on the legs is poor blood flow in the arteries. This condition is associated with medical disorders such as arteriosclerosis, hypertension, and diabetes.

To have your skin evaluated by a board certified dermatologist and have a treatment specifically designed for your skin, contact Dr. Kelly Hood, 970 Dewing, Suite 301, Lafayette, 925-283-5500, khoodderm@yahoo.com or Dr. Shanny Baughman at Alamo Oaks Dermatology, 3189 Danville Blvd, suite 130, Alamo, Advertorial 925-362-0992, shanny.derm@gmail.com

Is Food a Problem for You?

Ballots continued from front page

Page 18 - March 2012 ~ Lafayette Today

Benign Skin Growths

By Dr. Kelly Hood As we grow older, we see and feel certain changes in our skin, the body’s largest and most visible organ.

Most unwanted aging-associated skin problems can be addressed by therapies now available.

Brown Spots Brown spots, whether sun spots, freckles, “liver spots,” “age spots,” or melasma, are a source of frequent complaints by my patients. These lesions are Dr. Kelly Hood, Lafayette caused by excess pigment production, and they have nothing to do with the liver. Common causes of excess pigment production are excessive sun exposure, genetics, hormones, and medications. Patients often find these dark spots annoying and difficult to cover with makeup. For this reason, there are hundreds of products on the market touted as “lightening creams.” Although there are many products available, the number of effective products is relatively small.

The most effective topical agents contain hydroquinone. Hydroquinone is available in 2% concentrations over the counter and higher percentages in prescription products. It is effective as a sole agent, but it is often combined with other agents such as tretinoin, glycolic acid, or kojic acid.

There have been concerns about the safety of hydroquinone. However, side effects associated with topical use of hydroquinone have been limited to only blue brown marks in areas of prolonged use. This is an extremely rare occurrence and is more common in patients with darker skin types who have used over the counter hydroquinones for years.

Intense pulsed light (IPL) laser treatment is extremely effective for removing flat pigmented lesions. This is an in office procedure that causes the pigmented lesions to slough off. Diligent sun protection is required, but there is very little down time with this treatment.

Red Spots and Blood Vessel Lesions

Overeaters Anonymous offers a fellowship of individuals who, through shared experience and mutual support, are recovering from compulsive overeating. This is a 12-step program. The free meetings are for anyone suffering from a food addiction including overeating, under-eating, and bulimia. The group meets Wednesdays at 6PM at Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Lafayette. Visit www.how-oa.org for more information.

like the Clean Water Initiative. This means the Elections Department, which only tracks registered voters, cannot conduct the election and usually counties and cities hire an outside consultant to conduct the election, which has been done in this case.

Further criticism has been generated because the county materials sent with the initiative ballot are vague and do not contain the usual supporting and opposing arguments voters use to make an informed choice. Prop. 218 did Dumploads OnUs not specify that arguments should be sent with ballots to property specializes in owners. And, the fee to be charged is not specified in the materials providing the ultisent, but is shown in tiny type on the address label of the ballot mate junk removal so voters have to search for the amount they will be charged. In solution. We’ll haul Central County, the base fee will be $22 per parcel per year for away just about anything - from old household junk to construcmost property owners. However, this fee changes depending on tion and yard waste. The only items we are unable to accept are the size of the parcel and the amount of impervious material (i.e. hazardous paving and roofs that cause stormwater runoff).

• Computers materials. We The fee would raise $8 million countywide and would expire make getting in 10 years. Revenue raised in each jurisdiction would stay in the • Cables rid of your jurisdiction: i.e., the fees paid by Lafayette homeowners can by • TVs law only go to the City of Lafayette to be spent on clean water unwanted junk • Monitors issues in the City. as easy as 925.934.3743 • 925.934.1515 • Servers Since 1993, county property owners have paid a stormwater 1-2-3; we load, www.dumploadsonus.com • www.erecycleonus.com • Phones runoff fee of $30 per half acre and $51 per acre (found on the front we sweep, and 1271 Boulevard Way, Walnut Creek • Printers of your property tax bill as “Stormwater Utility Fee”). However, then we haul Monday-Friday, 8-5 • Saturday 9-1, Sunday, closed •Copiers the nearly 20 year old fee was not indexed for inflation and costs away. It’s that • Fax Machines • Power Supply Units • Discs and Tapes for clean water mandates from the state and federal governments easy! have exceeded the revenue raised for many years. The current Plus we do it • Scanners • Printer Cartridges and Toners • And More... initiative is a response by the County and its 19 incorporated cities with a smile! to deal with the increasing costs of clean water standards.

Clean water is an important issue. There are more than 16 miles of creeks in Lafayette. It is important to keep these creeks clean.

However, voters might ask, is this the right measure to do this? To

See Ballots continued on page 19

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Three Ways to Help the Problem Drinker in Your Life

By Michael Anne Conley, MFT Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve all heard that you canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t change others, but you can change yourself. This is never truer than when people you care about drink more alcohol than is healthy for them or for you. Here are some things to consider about your situation.

1. Educate Yourself Most people drink at one time or other in life, so how can you know whether someone has a problem or not? Here are just a few experiences that can occur when people have a drinking problem: â&#x20AC;˘ They plan their social lives around drinking or even drink before attending social events. â&#x20AC;˘ Once they start drinking, they donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t stick with their intention to stop after just â&#x20AC;&#x153;one or two.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;˘ You wonder if theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll follow through with agreements theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve made with you. â&#x20AC;˘ You or someone else has suggested they cut back. â&#x20AC;˘ Even though theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve had an embarrassing social incident or some other consequence related to drinking (like a DUI or job loss), they continue drinking. â&#x20AC;˘ Theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve lost work time due to drinking. â&#x20AC;˘ They express remorse, but they donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t keep their promises to cut back. â&#x20AC;˘ You remember more about what happened last night than they do.

2. Support Yourself It can be hard to face that you canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t change someone else. Your power comes, instead, from adjusting how you react to the drinking behavior.

How could changing yourself make a difference? After all, the other person has the problem, not you! My experience tells me that you have the best intentionsâ&#x20AC;&#x201D; but more often than not, your responses to the drinker backfire big time.

Hereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s how it works. Nobody wants to have a drinking problem. So people who have this problem look for reasons, reasons outside themselves.

The tough day at the office, the rotten boss, that cop who wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t listen, the

Ballots continued from page 18 help you make an informed choice, here are the major opposing and supporting arguments, gleaned from published reports and research.

Supporters include the League of Women Voters of Diablo Valley. Supporters give the following arguments in favor: 1) Federal and state unfunded mandates for clean water means cities and the county have had to dip into general funds to cover the costs of meeting the mandates. This negatively affects the amount of general fund money available for law enforcement, parks and other municipal services.

2) The fee is minimal and for the vast majority of households will amount to less than $2 per month. It is a small price to pay to keep our bay, streams, and creeks free of debris which ends up there from stormwater runoff from our properties.

3) The fee will expire in 10 years, and voters can evaluate the costs and benefits again. An independent Citizens Oversight Committee will oversee expenditures and conduct mandatory annual audits.

4) Only property owners are being asked to vote because only property owners will pay the fee. This is the right way to conduct a property owner election.

5) If this measure doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t pass, it will only end up costing taxpayers more in the future as local jurisdictions are liable for huge fines if they donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t meet clean water standards. Better to pay this small amount now rather than a larger amount down the road.

Opponents include the Contra Costa Taxpayers Association and nearly every individual who spoke at the Board hearing on the measure. They give the following arguments in opposition: 1) It is bad timing to increase fees on property owners at a time of economic distress and falling property values.

2) There are no specific programs listed in the ballot that would be funded by the fee.

3) By calling this a fee, the measure is an end run around Proposition 13, which would require a 2/3 vote for any tax increase.

4) The fee differs in three areas in Contra Costa County that seem to have no other basis than what polls show people will pay.

5) The fee is not modest like stated (businesses can pay thousands of dol-

Lafayette Today ~ March 2012 - Page 19 financial worries, the after-work friends...and you. After all, if you would just stop mentioning the drinking, or if you were more organized or didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t worry all the time, or if you didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t do this, or didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t do that, etc., etc., etc.

The excuses are ways to avoid. And when you are reactive, you make it possible for the problem drinker to focus on you, rather than looking in the mirror.

When you change your own behavior, you remove yourself as a target.

One of the best places to get support is Al-Anon (www.al-anon.alateen.org/ how-to-find-a-meeting), although you may also find the right companionship in your religious community. If you want more privacy, seek an insurancefree psychotherapist with experience in this issue.

3. Tell the Truth Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s amazing how much clarity youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll have once youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve informed yourself and see the drinking behavior more clearly. Then once you establish your support system, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll become more effective at not reacting in the ways you once did. Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be able to get reality checks from others, and youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll need it when you take the next step, which is to stop protecting the problem drinker from the consequences of their drinking. Your support system will help you practice saying the truth without any blame or judgment. Truthtelling could start with not cleaning up any messes the problem drinker leaves â&#x20AC;&#x201D; like leaving the car where itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s been parked, not making excuses on behalf of the drinker with work or other obligations. It can include letting the person know that youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve made a decision to change yourself, and that when theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re ready, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll help them with their next steps.

When a drinker is not ready to address the problem, this is very painful, so donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t try to do this alone.

And, these three ways to help the problem drinker in your life arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t the only actions you can take. But they are effective ways to start. Most importantly, when you change yourself, you will become all the stronger for it.

Michael Anne Conley is a health educator, marriage and family therapist, and the director of Stillpoint Integrative Health Center at 953 Mountain View Drive in Lafayette. She has offered holistic approaches to habit change and addiction issues for 27 years. You can learn more at Advertorial 925-262-4848 or wellnesslafayette.com. lars) and because it is indexed for inflation, the fee can be raised annually for the next 10 years.

6) There is already a similar fee on your tax bill that goes to fund stormwater cleanup.

7) The â&#x20AC;&#x153;calculationsâ&#x20AC;? include vague number justification and include dubious amounts for public outreach.

8) There are no scientific studies that validate the claims that are being made for the need for many of the issues raised.

9) The trash reduction component in the measure is unrealistic and could actually cause flooding when such small particulates are trapped (think leaves in the fall).

10) The state has recently announced that property related fees are not deductible from state income taxes like property taxes are, and the state will begin to enforce this. That means this â&#x20AC;&#x153;feeâ&#x20AC;? wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t even be tax deductible.

(Thanks to the Contra Costa Taxpayers Association for most of the opposing arguments).

Those are the pros and cons for you to decide. Please remember to get your ballots in by April 6.

Editorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s note: The author is a member of the League of Women Voters of Diablo Valley, which has taken a position on this initiative.

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Page 20 - March 2012 ~ Lafayette Today

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Your Personal Nutritionist By Linda Michaelis, RD. MS. An Overweight Teen Case Study and a Few Tips on Controlling Sodium Intake I see a lot of overweight teenagers – I have a particular empathy for them because I also had weight problems in my teens and overcame them. Teenagers typically share a similar pattern of skimping on food during the day and overeating from 4PM on. Let me tell you about my 16 year old client Molly.

Molly skips breakfast and eats a Cliff bar for a morning snack, drinks several glasses of juice and at least one Coke each day, and usually has a peanut butter and jelly sandwich with either an apple or salad with chips for lunch. She admits that when she comes home she is ravenous and can’t remember anything she has eaten. Her favorite after school snack is either multiple quesadillas or several bowls of cereal. When she sits down to dinner with the family she is not hungry but eats anyway because mom prepares a healthy meal.

Dad has a sweet tooth and loves to end the meal with dark chocolate, a habit which Molly has taken on as well. The only time Molly has a good source of fiber and protein is at dinner when mom makes her chicken and broccoli that she loves.

After evaluating Molly’s eating habits, it was obvious that she was eating very little protein and fiber, and this was the reason she was feeling hungry all the time. I educated Molly and mom on how to read food labels for protein and fiber. I showed them many high protein and high fiber foods that Molly was open to trying such as Kashi Go Lean cereal, oatmeal with yummy toppings, and quinoa.

Since Mom works and Molly doesn’t prepare anything for herself, Molly simply eats the easiest thing. After finding out her likes and dislikes, I prepared a list of lunches and after school snacks that included her favorite foods (including broccoli) and stressed it was Molly’s responsibility to take a few minutes each day to prepare the right foods. I suggested she continue with her protein consumption for dinner but that she lessen the portion and use some of the dinner portions for her sandwich or salad the next day. We talked about adding fiber to Molly’s lunch with items such as black beans with salsa and 100% whole wheat breads and crackers. For snack she will have a small baked potato topped with broccoli and cheese, or even scrambled eggs with a whole wheat English muffin. I told Molly if she substitutes all of the sugar in the glasses of orange juice and Cokes with non-sugar drinks, then she can enjoy a nice dessert each day. Molly was thrilled that after two weeks of counseling she had lost 7 pounds.

The high blood pressure epidemic we read about is certainly visible in my practice. The new dietary guideline for those who have hypertension is to consume no more than 1,500 mg/day – quite a low amount when you consider a packet of oatmeal has 240mg, a slice of bread has 130mg, a one ounce slice of cheese has 170mg, and a tablespoon of butter has 80mg. The most common question I’m asked is, “How can I enjoy food and limit my sodium?” After discussing their habits, I often wind up suggesting they save all their salt for one meal a day, whether it be while out at a restaurant, socializing, or just being in the mood for some pizza. That way they don’t deprive themselves when their other meals can more easily be salt-free. Common suggestions include cooking your own one minute oatmeal, whole wheat couscous or pasta, quinoa, or even legumes. Then all you have to do is add your own meats and veggies with spices like lemon pepper, garlic, onions, wine, lemon juice, or low salt chicken stock. Create a salad and make your own salad dressing with olive oil, vinegar, and herbs. By the way, most desserts are not laden with sodium.

It’s also important to keep your weight under control, exercise at least 30 minutes a day, limit alcohol to two drinks per day, and drink lots of water.

Finally, take your vitamin supplements and fish oils, eat lots of fruits and veggies.

Molly’s visits were paid for by her Hill Physicians health insurance which cover 10 visits a year. Many health insurance plans cover my services.

Please feel free to call me at (925) 855-0150 or e-mail me at Lifeweight1@yahoo.com and tell me about your nutritional concerns. Refer to my website Advertorial www.lindaRD.com for past articles, recipes, and nutrition tips.

A Multivitamin a Day...

By Jewel Johl, MD Multivitamin use is widespread in the U.S. There is general belief that multivitamin use can help prevent diseases such as cancer and reduce the risk of recurrence among cancer survivors. More than half of the American population currently uses dietary supplements, the majority of which are multivitamins. Even though vitamin deficiency is uncommon in the U.S., the use of vitamins is growing; it is currently a $20 billion industry.

There is conflicting data on the benefit of using multivitamins for reducing the risk of cancer. The Women’s Health Initiative study, for example, did not demonstrate any reduction in the risk of cancer for those who used multivitamins. Several studies, however, have shown that certain vitamins such as folate, vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin E, calcium, and retinol help fight cancer. Even though aspirin is not a vitamin, its use has been associated with reduced risk of colon cancer, especially in individuals at high risk, such as those with Lynch syndrome.

There is even less information about the benefit of multivitamins for patients with established colon cancer. This issue was explored in a clinical trial in which patients with stage III colon cancer who were treated with chemotherapy were asked whether they took multivitamins on a daily basis. In this clinical trial, almost half of the patients with colon cancer who received chemotherapy took multivitamins on a daily basis. The rate of cancer recurrence in multivitamin users was then determined and compared to those who did not use multivitamins. There was no difference in terms of risk of recurrence of colon cancer in either group, i.e. use of multivitamins did not help prevent recurrence of colon cancer.

These results are consistent with a conference statement from the Na-

tional Institutes of Health that concluded there was insufficient evidence to recommend either for or against the use of multivitamins for chronic disease prevention.

Nonetheless, further research is needed to assess the utility of individual vitamins in patients with established colorectal cancer.

Dr. Johl is a Medical Oncologist specializing in treating colorectal cancers. He practices with Diablo Valley Oncology, located at the California Cancer and Research Institute in Pleasant Hill. The center brings together medical oncology, hematology, radiation, chemotherapy, diagnostic imaging, clinical trials, and supportive care services. Satellite offices are located Advertorial in Rossmoor, San Ramon, and Brentwood. (925) 677-5041

Moving for Life – Exercise for Cancer Recovery The California Cancer and Research Institute presents “Moving for Life – Exercise for Cancer Recovery” on Tuesdays from 6-7PM and Thursdays from 10-11AM at 400 Taylor Blvd #300 in Pleasant Hill.

This class is a nationally recognized dance-based exercise program tailored for people with cancer, from diagnosis through treatment and onward.

This aerobic and expressive exercise program: • Promotes increased range of motion, lymphatic drainage, aerobic capacity, strength-training, flexibility, and coordination • Enhances body image and overall body-minded wellness • Addresses fatigue, muscular weakness, weight gain and joint or bone pain • Provides realistic tools to deal with stress • Awakens and enlivens bodies and souls • Designed to teach and empower, so you can use techniques at home • Helps to alleviate symptoms of chemo brain For more details and to register, call Shayna at 925-677-5041 x231.

Please bring your own yoga mat.

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The Brow Lift

By Barbara Persons, MD, Persons Plastic Surgery, Inc. Our natural aging process lets gravity accelerate the descent of one of the most prominent features of our face, our brow. Take a moment to look at yourself in the mirror.

• Are you using your forehead muscles to hold up your brow?

• Do you see horizontal lines on your forehead?

• Do you have to hold your forehead up in order to see?

Patients often mistakenly relate these issues to needing their eyelids rejuvenated (blepharoplasty). However, these issues are not resolved with the pulled back look of a blepharoplasty alone. What is needed is a complete repositioning of the brow to a natural, youthful position…a brow lift.

The brow line for women tends to be proportionally higher on the face and is naturally arched – positioned just above the rim of the upper orbital bone. In men, the brow line is less arched and is positioned closer to the rim. As we age, the change from a youthful position of the brow presents itself as forehead wrinkles, as a subtle hood, or as excess skin over the eyes or on the brow between the eyes.

A sagging forehead places excess tissue at the eye brow line and just above the eyes. This gives the face a tired, frowning, and often times, angry look. This sagging tissue can actually also impair vision. Repositioning the tissues back to their natural location eases this aged appearance and opens up the eye region of the face.

When evaluating the face during a consult, I look at and make note of the morphology/anatomic features, I evaluate those changes resulting from the aging process. Morphology refers to the shape or form of anatomy. It is the morphology of the face, rather than the anatomy itself, that we change through aesthetic surgery. As a highly trained Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, I understand the artistry behind morphology while also possessing the detailed knowledge of the related anatomy essential for superior aesthetic surgery results.

Depending on age, there are a variety of ways to achieve a brow lift. Younger patients can have carefully placed Botox to temporarily lift the eyebrow and smooth the forehead. However, expert placement of Botox used for this purpose is required to ensure the eyelid does not inadvertently droop. Fillers such as Sculptra, Juvederm, Radiesse, and Restylane can also be used to provide a minor lift to the brow. These treatments can last anywhere from four months for Botox to two years for Sculptra or Radiesse. Additionally, recent advances in Laser technology allow treatment that can reinvigorate the collagen in the skin, providing a short term natural looking lift to the brow.

When we start looking at longer-lasting results available through the use of surgical options, there have been significant technological advancements in the procedure which have improved effectiveness while ensuring a more

Lafayette Today ~ March 2012 - Page 21 natural look post-surgery.

Surgical brow lifts are performed either “open” or “closed.” In most cases I prefer to perform a closed, or endoscopic, brow lift. The endoscopic brow lift procedure utilizes small incisions in the hairline and a tiny microscope to guide the surgeon during the procedure. Post-operative recovery time is shorter, and results are more natural looking. An open brow lift involves a longer incision at the hairline or scalp, allowing for removal of forehead tissue and excess skin when necessary, and tends to be more appropriate for a patient with a high forehead.

A closed brow lift is appropriate for patients with a moderate or low forehead as there is generally little or no skin removed with a closed procedure.

Whether open or endoscopic, the brow lift procedure is the same. The tissue above the forehead bone is released and re-positioned. Small muscles which cause frowning are weakened or removed. The tissues are then re-attached to the bone using sutures, screws, or, my preference, endotine technology. The absorbable natural endotine plate holds the brow in its new position after surgery and during the healing process.

Endotine technology enables the soft tissue of the forehead to be repositioned and fixed into place so it can heal as the surgeon intends. An endotine is made of the same substance as dissolvable sutures and is ultimately absorbed by the body.

Many of my patients elect to have a blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) at the same time as the brow lift. A blepharoplasty removes the sagging skin which develops around the eyes. We target the upper eye, lower eye, or both. Laser skin resurfacing around the eyes is also often incorporated with the brow lift to rejuvenate the eyelid skin and to eliminate crow’s feet.

The brow, eyelid, and face are best rejuvenated from the top down. That means we evaluate the brow and move lower to the eyelids, cheeks, chin, and neck when discussing your goals for a natural, aesthetic, and lasting change. It would be my pleasure to consult with you on how the aesthetic benefits of a brow lift may be the change you are looking for… back to a more natural and youthful facial appearance.

Barbara Persons, MD is a Board Certified Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon by The American Board of Plastic Surgery. She is available at Persons Plastic Surgery, Inc. 911 Moraga Rd, Suite 205, Lafayette 925-283-4012 or info@personsplasticsurgery.com.

Advertorial

Hearing Loss Association Come to meetings of the Diablo Valley Chapter of Hearing Loss Association of America at 7pm on the first Wednesday of the month at the Walnut Creek United Methodist Church located at 1543 Sunnyvale Ave., Walnut Creek Education Bldg., Wesley Room. Meeting room and parking are at back of church. All are welcome. Donations are accepted. Assistive listening system are available for T-coils, and most meetings are captioned. Contact HLAADV@hearinglossdv.org or 925.264.1199 or www.hearinglossdv.org.

Weekly Dance Social

Lic# 1100014354; Bay Area Entertainment

Dance for joy at weekly Social, or just come to chat; all are welcome. Twirl, chat, and tap your feet to the beat. The Social is for all-level and all-style dancers, music lovers, and observers. The Social is held Wednesdays from 12:30 to 2:50PM at the Lafayette Community Center located at 500 St. Mary’s Road. The longtime event, with continuous, professionally recorded music, is held in the big, bright Live Oak Room. Tables are set up for friendly conversation, and friends, visitors, and newcomers are especially invited to chat and watch, or dance, or both. The Social specializes in ballroom, but any style dance adds to the charm.

The whole scene gets extra lively the first Wednesday of each month when professional dance duo Karen and Michael DJ music and vary lessons from peppy Latin, to waltz, to swing. Other weeks, Elroy Holtmann, Dance Social president, and longtime Lafayette resident, presides as DJ. A map, additional Dance Social details, and any upcoming skip-dates are posted at sites.google.com/site/ lafayetteteadance.

Fees for the event are $2 for members of Lafayette Senior Center, and $4 for non-members. It costs just $10 a year to join the Center and enjoy the complete range of activities available.

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Page 22 - March 2012 ~ Lafayette Today

Events for Lafayette Seniors All classes are held at the Lafayette Senior Center (LSC) located at 500 Saint Mary’s Rd in Lafayette unless otherwise noted. Space is limited. Please call 925-284-5050 to reserve a spot. Annual Membership fee: $10 per person.

General Event fee: Members $1; Non-Member $3. Special Concerts fee: Members $3; NonMembers $5. Ongoing Caregiver Support Group: Members: no charge; Non-members $1.

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Irish Eyes Will Be Smiling! – St. Patrick’s Day Sing-Along and Fiddle Concert Thursday 3/15 • 1:30-2:30PM • Live Oak Room Brush up on your favorite Irish ballads and delight in some lively toe-tapping jigs and reels. Our favorite fiddler and vocalist, Mark Shaw, will lead the party in rousing renditions of “Molly Malone,” “When Irish Eyes are Smiling,” “My Wild Irish Rose,” and of course, “Danny Boy.” Light Refreshments will be served compliments of ResCare Home Care. Please call to register.

Veterans’ Benefits Wednesday 3/28 • 10:30am-Noon • Elderberry Room If you are a Veteran, you should be aware of the benefits available to you. The Contra Costa County Veteran Services Office provides assistance to the men and women who served in the Armed Forces of America, their dependents and survivors, and the general public, in obtaining benefits from the U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs (VA), Dept. of Defense (DOD), California Dept. of Veterans Affairs (CDVA), and other programs for veterans and their families.

Anne Randolph Workshop Anne Randolph, RPT, has been practicing physical therapy for 32 years. She provides outpatient therapy in Lafayette and specializes in the care of those 55 and over.

Therabands • Friday 3/23 • 11:30AM - 12:30PM • Sequoia Room You’ve probably seen people using those stretchy, multi-colored exercise bands. Come learn how to use them yourself to easily maintain and increase strength and feel your best! Please call to register.

AT CONTRA COSTA ONCOLOGY, we are committed to providing the highest quality care. Specializing in comprehensive cutting-edge treatment programs for all forms of cancer and blood disorders, our nationally recognized oncology experts and specialized oncology nurses are dedicated to providing the best possible care experience. We understand the wide array of concerns and challenges faced by you and your family, so we ensure the most sophisticated levels of medical oncology and hematology care, while providing you with the utmost support, compassion, and respect.

Free Memory Screening Following Randolph Workshop Causes of memory loss include simple age related decline to more serious conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease. Often memory can be improved with early diagnosis and intervention. Appointments are required; please call 284-5050. Appointments: 12:30, 12:50, 1:10pm

Self-Discovery and Aging, Creative Writing Workshop Alternate Mondays 3/16, 3/26 • Noon – 2pm • Arts and Crafts Room, Lafayette Community Center Write to explore issues around aging, emotion and perception – or get support to write on any topic! Workshop sessions include writing prompts, feedback and encouragement, and information about the world of writers, writing, and publishing. Take a seat around our table!

Bi-Monthly Caregiver Support Group Monday 3/26 • 1:30– 2:30PM • Sequoia Room, LSC Caring for frail older adults in the home often creates great stress and emotional anguish for spouses and family members. Licensed Geriatric Care

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Manager Carol Shenson, M.A., CMC, offers a bi-monthly support group for family members who will be or are involved with the direct care.

Lamorinda Dance Social Every Wednesday • 12:30 – 3PM • Live Oak Room, LSC Enjoy afternoon dancing every Wednesday, and learn some great new dance moves. On the first Wednesday monthly, professional dancers Karen and Michael will provide a dance lesson and live DJ services, playing your favorites and taking requests. $2 Members/ $4 non-members.

Positive Living Forum (a.k.a “Happiness Club”) Thursdays • 10:30am – noon Positive Living Forum features eminent speakers on a wide range of topics that will stimulate and guide participants towards a more ideal and positive life experience. Drop-ins are welcome. Moderated by Dr. Bob Nozik, MD.

Lafayette Senior Services Commission The Commission meets on the 4th Thursday of the month at 3:30 – 5:30PM at the Lafayette Senior Services Center. View agendas at the City of Lafayette office or at www.ci.lafayette.ca.us.

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Lafayette Today ~ March 2012 - Page 23 Spirit Van Program, Lafayette Senior Services, 500 Saint Mary’s Road, Lafayette, CA 94549. On the memo line of the check, write “Lamorinda Spirit Van donation.”

Lamorinda Spirit Van Schedule

Exciting News for the Lamorinda Spirit Van Program and a Request for Your Help

By Mary Bruns, Program Coordinator “I think I have learned that the best way to lift one’s self up is to help someone else.” ~ Booker T. Washington The Lamorinda Spirit Van Program, serving Lamorinda seniors primarily in their 80s and 90s, has been awarded a second new vehicle through the 5310 Federal Grant program – a $44,000 mini-van that accommodates wheelchairs. It is perfect for driving passengers to medical appointments.

The local match is 11.47% of the purchase price, amounting to $5,047, and the grant pays the remaining $38,953.

To make this possible, the Lamorinda Spirit Van Program is asking you, our larger community, to pitch in, to the extent you are able. One donation of $5,000 or five donations of $1,000 or 10 donations of $500 or 50 donations of $100 or 500 donations of $10, you get the idea, would accomplish this goal. If through your generosity more than $5,047 is raised, the remainder would support annual operating expenses – money which has to be raised every year.

The program is currently operating with two vans that each have approximately 200,000 miles on them. One brand new nine-passenger van, applied for earlier, is on the way. It’s definitely cost effective to be operating and relying on new vehicles rather than the older ones.

Passenger rides have increased from 1,892 in 2006-6007 to 3,104 in 2010-2011, and a projected 3,528 will occur in 2011-2012, based on this year’s current rate of growth. There is a growing need to provide these services for our aging parents now and someday for ourselves.

To financially support this program, please make your tax-deductible check payable to the City of Lafayette, and mail it to the Lamorinda

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Currently, the vans operate from 9AM (the first available passenger pick-up time) to 1PM Monday through Friday and all day on Tuesday and Friday until 5PM. As more volunteer drivers become available, service will be extended. The van fare is $10 round trip. Rides to lunch at the C.C. Café, Walnut Creek Senior Center are free Monday through Friday. Call (925) 283-3534 to reserve a van ride on the Lamorinda Spirit Van by 1PM two business days ahead of time.

• Monday mornings and all day Tuesday and Friday – Rides are available to medical, dental, physical therapy, hair, and miscellaneous appointments.

Tuesdays are also available for Orinda seniors to shop and run errands in Orinda, prioritized on a first come-first served basis.

• Wednesdays – Rides are available for Lafayette seniors to shop and run errands in Lafayette to the bank, post office, library, grocery store, drug store, etc.

• Thursdays – Rides are available for Moraga seniors to shop and run errands in Moraga and Lafayette.

• Fridays - Mall Shopping is available at Sun Valley, Kohls (Monument), and Broadway Plaza.

Lamorinda Senior Transportation An Alliance of Transportation Providers

*Call each program for information, opportunities to volunteer and to make tax-deductible donations. Volunteer drivers are the glue that binds us together.

Lamorinda Spirit Van

283-3534

Taking Lamorinda Seniors to medical appointments, grocery shopping, special events, and lunch at C.C. Café. $10 round trip; rides to lunch are free.

Reserve your seat two business days ahead of time by 1PM. Call for information about mobile advertising.

Contra Costa Yellow Cab and DeSoto Company 284-1234 20% discount for Lamorinda seniors. A taxi is often an economical alternative to owning, insuring, and maintaining a car.

Volunteer Driver Program Volunteers driving their own cars provide free rides for seniors.

Orinda Seniors Around Town

402-4506

Serving Orinda seniors with rides for appointments and errands.

Senior Helpline Services Rides for Seniors

284-6161

Serving Contra Costa seniors with rides to medical appointments during the week and grocery shopping on Saturdays.

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Page 24 - March 2012 ~ Lafayette Today

Trains continued from page 13 becomes a switchman. Advancement (and increased responsibility) includes the further ranks of brakeman, conductor, engineer, and finally, the top spot of senior engineer. It takes about 1 ½ years to move through the ranks and earn “keys to the building” privileges as well as priority for any committee chair position.

Concord resident Rosa Marie Delgman is one of two women members.

After six months of membership, she is a brakeman and has learned to take apart and service the engines, change the wheels, add weights for traction, and change couplers. “I watch and learn in anticipation of one day operating the engines,” says Delgman, whose 12-yearold son encouraged her to join WCMRS. “I became fascinated by trains when I was a little girl visiting my uncle in

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Pittsburgh. The train would pass right in front of his house, and I loved looking at the freight and passengers. When my son was born, we started collecting a train set with a small loop, but with a small house, our track is limited. My son suggested joining a club with a bigger track, so I found WCMRS and have thoroughly enjoyed it.”

Like any organization in which participants share a passion, WCMRS inspires strong and lasting friendships.

Many work-nights begin with dinner at a local restaurant, and it is not uncommon for members to organize rail Open Tues thru Sat 10 to 6 related field trips and outings, such as Sunday 11 to 5 • Closed Monday to the Western Railway Museum in Rio Vista or a train ride to the Rail Museum in Sacramento. “After 36 years, you get to know some of these folks fairly well,” says Moreland. “They’re like family.”

For more information on the Walnut Creek Mobile Railroad Society, visit www.wcmrs.org.

Exp. 3/31/12

Danville 925.648.0293 3426 Camino Tassajara

Alamo 925.820.8492

3189 Danville Boulevard

Lafayette Student Wins Top Honors at Science Fair Six St. Perpetua School Junior High students traveled to the Oakland Diocese's 3rd Annual Science Fair. They competed against 360 other students from grades 7-12. Jeffrey Eitelgeorge took top honors as a finalist in the Environmental Sciences category for his project “Shake, Rattle and Roll” which used seismic waves to measure the diameter of the Earth’s core. All six St. Perpetua students will go on to compete in the Contra Costa County Science Fair on March 15th with top winners going on to compete in the 61st Annual California State Science Fair. For more information about Science Fair results, visit www.stperpetua.org.