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November 2020 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • PAGE 1
& NOVEMBER 2020
WORLD OF NATURE: A TOTAL IMMERSION EXPERIENCE AT THE BLACKHAWK MUSEUM
SHARE THE WARMTH WITH ONE WARM COAT
COATS, SWEATERS, BLANKETS NEEDED
Now celebrating its 25 year anniversary, One Warm Coat is currently collecting warm items to distribute to the homeless and others in need via local East Bay The World of Nature Gallery brings a completely new focus to the world-class and outreach charities. Collection is happening now through November 30th. exhibits at Danville’s Blackhawk Museum. The multi-dimensional experience puts This program was started people in close proximity to animals from around the world, captured in timeless in 1995 by Rotary Club of expressions of natural interactions in their native habitats. It also immerses gallery San Ramon Valley member visitors in a symphony of authentic sounds, transporting them to remote corners of Dany Gregory’s late husband C.W. “Bill” Gregory. First year efforts took in 55 coats. Past years collections have received thousand of items that have been distributed to local shelters, charities, and the “Christmas for Everyone” project in Martinez. Due to COVID, charities and outreach organizations are counting on the program this year more than ever. As many past collection spots are not available at this time, Rotary members and other groups have opened up new spots. Drop-off bins are located at Heritage Bank, 387 Diablo Rd. in Danville, Pete’s Coffee located at 435 Railroad Ave, Danville, the office in front of Monte Vista High School, and at homes located at 172 Via Serena, Alamo (in front and on the porch) and 2097 Ahneita Drive, Pleasant Hill. A one-day drop off from 2-5PM on Wednesday, November 18th will be held at the Alamo
By Jody Morgan
See Coat continued on page 12
Local artist Roxana Hayden painted exquisite background murals based on extensive research.Photo courtesy of Blackhawk Museum.
the earth and its oceans. In compliance with current COVID-19 safety regulations, visitors must book timed-entry tickets with admission hours limited to Saturdays and Sundays 10am-5pm. Weekday hours will be added soon.
See Nature continued on page 17
PLANT A WINTER COVER CROP
By Keith Silva, UC Master Gardeners
A common soil type in the Alamo and Danville area is clay soil, frequently Clear Lake clay. Since this area was once agricultural, the soils here have been mapped by the University of California. To learn more, visit https://casoilresource.lawr.ucdavis.edu/gmap. A good way to improve our clay soil is to plant a cover crop. A good cover crop for clay soil are Bell beans. Bell beans (Vicia faba) are small-seeded fava beans. They are like fava beans with three important differences: 1. They germinate in cool soils, down to a soil temperature of 45 F. This means we can plant them in Alamo and Danville any time of the year; 2. They are pea-shaped, which allows them to be planted with simple and common garden and farm machinery; and 3. They produce a somewhat dwarf plant about three feet tall.
See Crop continued on page 16
Local Postal Customer
PRSRT STD U.S. Postage PAID Permit 263 Alamo CA
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Fostering Wishes
Inspired by her experience as a long time foster parent to over 25 children, Alamo resident Sabine Lemmo started a gift-giving program seven years ago that she named “Fostering Wishes.” The aim of the program is to provide kids in foster care something special during the holidays. Sabine has searched for partners, turned her garage into a mini Santa’s workshop, and collected, wrapped, and delivered hundreds of gifts to local foster charities. This year, Sabine will be joined by a team of enthusiastic elves so that even more kids will receive a holiday surprise. Sadly, there are currently about 440,000 kids are in the U.S. foster system, 60,000 of them residing in California. These children experience multiple living situations and many school transfers during their childhood. Only 1-3% of them graduate from college, and nearly half of them become homeless within 18 months after leaving care. With COVID,
See Wishes continued on page 10
The Editors Serving the communities of Alamo, Diablo, and Danville
Volume XX Number 11
3000F Danville Blvd. #117 Alamo, CA 94507 Telephone (925) 405-6397 Alisa Corstorphine ~ Publisher Editor@yourmonthlypaper.com
Facebook: Alamo Today & Danville Today News Instagram:@AlamoandDanvilleToday
Volume XI Number 11
The opinions expressed herein belong to the writers, and do not necessarily reflect that of The Editors. The Editors is not responsible for the content of any of the advertising herein, nor does publication imply endorsement.