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November 2016
Serving Alamo and Diablo
Blue Star Moms – Proud Parents Providing Practical Support By Jody Morgan
Blue Star Moms (BSM), Chapter 101, was established in 2001 shortly after the Twin Towers fell. The Moms honor the achievements of their own offspring who are serving in the United States Military, Veterans, or Fallen Heroes through an ever-increasing variety of missions from carefully coordinated care packages to programs for Gold Star Parents and events supporting Veterans as well as active duty military personnel. Once a month members from across the East Bay gather at Danville’s Veterans Memorial Building to commune with others who understand what it means to spend every day with their hearts on the line.
Alamo Tree Lighting Festival
The Community Foundation of Alamo will present the 2016 Alamo Tree Lighting Festival at 4:30PM on Sunday, December 4th. The festival signals the beginning of the Christmas holiday season for families sharing an evening of caroling, entertainment, beverages, and crafts. “Guests are urged to come early and stay late,” said the organizers. Students from local schools, elementary through high school, will be performing. Of course, Santa will make his annual appearance and hear what the dreams and wishes are for this Christmas. There will also be light treats and beverages provided by local restaurants as well as local civic groups. Participating again this year will be the Contra Costa Food Bank with barrels to collect non-perishable items such as canned or boxed goods. All are encouraged to participate in supporting charitable organizations this holiday, but it is not required in order to enjoy the fun festivities for the evening. Additionally, two local animal rescue groups have been invited to share pets
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Blue Star Moms host Gold Star Parents at High tea with Colonel Starling. (photo courtesy of BSM)
The Blue Star emblem originated with a service flag designed by Army Captain Robert L. Queisser to display his pride in his two sons engaged at the front during World War I. In 1918, President Woodrow Wilson approved the request by the Women’s Committee of the Council of National Defenses that mothers who had lost a child serving in the war be permitted to wear a gold star on their black mourning armband. Eventually, the gold star was also placed over the blue on banners displayed by parents across the nation whose children had died in combat. Blue Star Mothers of America, of which BSM is an official chapter, was founded during World War II. Care packages from home are always appreciated by those with boots on the ground around the globe. BSM assembles and ships at least 1,500 boxes each year. Travel-size toiletries are packed in quart bags. Snack size treats and similarly sized protein products are also separately bagged. Socks are important, especially in areas where sand and grit chew through fibers and can’t be washed out. Warm hats are good in cold climates. Asked by an embarrassed Captain with all women under his command if they did special packages for ladies, the Moms answered, “Absolutely!” The next major shipment, Holiday Hugs, will be sorted and sent December 3rd. Other major shipments are made for Valentine’s Day and the 4th of July. Better Homes and Gardens Realty, 630 Danville Boulevard in Danville, offers space year round for collection of appropriate items.
Local Postal Customer
Bay Area German Shepherd Rescue By Fran Miller
No one would deny that German Shepherd puppies are some of the cutest among all dog breeds, making them a popular pet choice. But these cute puppies grow into large and extremely intelligent dogs who require consistent mental stimulation and physical exercise. This high level of necessary care often takes German Shepherd owners by surprise, and they sometimes find themselves unequipped to handle their pets. This is one reason that German Shepherds are second only to pit bulls in dog shelter populations, and it’s also the reason for the existence of Bay Area German Shepherd Rescue (BAGSR). “German Shepherds don’t mature until age three,” explains Alamo resident Susan Hsu, director of fundraising for BAGSR. “German Shepherd owners don’t really get to know their dog’s personality for awhile, and if proper training does not take place, a large dog can quickly get out of hand.” Of course there are other reasons that these dogs end up in shelters, Volume XVI - Number 11 and thus, in the care of BAGSR. Real 3000F Danville Blvd. #117, estate issues and economics often Alamo, CA 94507 See Moms continued on page 20 play a role. Some come from owners Telephone (925) 405-NEWS, 405-6397 who are no longer physically able Fax (925) 406-0547 PRSRT STD to care for them. And then there are Alisa Corstorphine ~ Publisher U.S. Postage the rare cases of owner cruelty. Most Editor@yourmonthlypaper.com PAID Permit 263 Sharon Burke ~ Writer BAGSR dogs come from shelters The opinions expressed herein belong to the writers, and do Alamo CA where they’ve been abandoned. The not necessarily reflect that of Alamo Today. Alamo Today 20 volunteer foster families and five is not responsible for the content of any of the advertising ECRWSS
See BAGSR cont. on page 30
herein, nor does publication imply endorsement.