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April 2018 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • PAGE 1
& APRIL 2018
A SK A MA STER GARDENER WHAT YOUR GARDEN NEEDS TO GROW By Jody Morgan
What differentiates Master Gardeners from individuals with extensive gardening experience? While acquisition of in-depth knowledge about growing all kinds of plants is a goal common to both groups, dedication to sharing that information and inspiring others distinguishes Master Gardeners. Officially named the UC Master Gardener Program of Contra Costa County (UCMGCC), UCMGCC furnishes free horticultural information based on the latest University of California research
Team members in photo left to right : Jordan Stein, Lucas Apger, Nolan Collins, Logan O’Connell, Ainsely Jacobsen, and Ella Shaw
ODYSSEY OF THE MIND TEAM HEADS TO WORLD FINALS
Dawn Kooyumjian, County Coordinator, Denece Dodson, Past President and Darlene DeRose Community Garden Co-Coordinator take time out from preparing for the Great Tomato Sale at Our Garden. Photo by Jody Morgan.
through programs throughout the county as well as support for community and school gardens and demonstrations of sustainable practices at Our Garden in Walnut Creek and Mangini Garden in Antioch. The Help Desk addresses concerns
The San Ramon Valley Christian Academy’s (SRVCA) 7th grade Odyssey of the Mind (OM) team advanced and became eligible to compete in the world finals next month at Iowa State University. They placed second in their division at the recent State championship. OM focuses on creative, outside-of-the-box, problem solving. Kids must come up with their own methods to solve the problems, without help from coaches, parents, or teachers. Seventeen Californian teams competed in a technical problem titled “Triathlon Travels.” The SRVCA kids, coached by parent volunteer Kathleen O’Connell, wrote a humorous play, designed their own costumes, and built a vehicle with up-cycled materials to compete in the triathlon. A Mario
See Odyssey continued on page 23
See Garden continued on page 16
MEALS ON WHEELS CELEBRATES 50 YEARS WITH NEW NAME
By Fran Miller
After 50 years of serving seniors throughout the county, Meals on Wheels and Senior Outreach Services is changing its name. Now officially titled Meals on Wheels Diablo Region (MOWDR), the name change reflects the organization’s expanded model, created to more effectively meet the needs of a changing population. “Though our organization is 50 years old, it’s not the same as it once was,” says Susannah Meyer, MOWDR Community Engagement Director. “Meals on Wheels covers more ground now, both geographically and in terms of services. We chose a name that reflects this new identity and yet retains the powerful recognition that the Meals on Wheels brand provides. The new name allows us to continue close alignment with the national senior advocacy movement. By keeping the Meals on Wheels name and speaking in one, united voice, we amplify the effects.” The geographic descriptor “Diablo Region” reflects a broader focus in the county. To further signal
See Meals continued on page 22
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