Alamo • Danville • Blackhawk • Diablo • San Ramon
VALLEY
THE
SENTINEL 53,000 circulation
Special Section...... page 7
Kids d an Teens
always for the community
August 2009
VOL 14, NO 10
SEVENTY-FIVE CENTS
SPOTLIGHT
Nipun Bhandari third in National Championship By Staff Writer
ECRWSS
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See NIPUN page 4
Photo by Bob Moore
N i p u n Bhandari, resident of Alamo and a recent graduate from Monte Vista High School, was ranked third in the nation in t h e Se n a t e, a chamber of mock congress. Assemblywoman Joan The National Buchanan and Nipun Forensic League’s Bhandari 78th National Championship took place in Birmingham, Alabama, from June 15 through 19 this year. A total of 240 students participated in the event, representing over 100 leagues from all over the United States. Competitors debated over 50 On July 23, Downtown Hartz Avenue turned into a street party like no other. Danville’s Hot Summer Nights Car Shows combine classic cars and camaraderie to create an evening of summer celebration. Check out the A&E Calendar for the next Hot Summer Nights Car Show on August 20.
Save Mount Diablo’s 28th Annual Mount Diablo Challenge and getting into their
wave is amazing. There is excitement in the air Imagine racing to the summit that is contagious even of Mount Diablo and competing to those who are not with over 1000 cyclists. For one day riding. The start is split each year this becomes a reality as into waves in order to the Mount Diablo Challenge joins give the faster riders a together the worlds of professional clear pathway up the and recreational cyclists. The Mount mountain. The waves Diablo Challenge is a 10.8 mile timed are assigned based on bike ride, starting at the Athenian participants expected School in Danville and climbing up finish time on a first Southgate Road 3,249 feet to the signedup first served summit of Mount Diablo. Both North basis. Gate Road and South Gate Road are The scene at the closed to all outside traffic during the race’s finish line is event to ensure a safe ride, and cyclist equally exciting. For will be assisted by State Park escorts those riders who reach during the descent. the summit in less than Watching cyclists at the start is one hour, a special “One one of the defining moments of the Hour” Tshirt is awarded. Awards are presented for fastest race. The sight of 1000 cyclists in team, individuals, and additional categories. At the 2008 event, their gear, warming up for the ride, Nathaniel English set an alltime record by finishing the race with a time of 43:33:3. Flavia Oliveira was the first place female rider with a finish time of 51:40:5. Each year Save Mount Diablo looks forward to new riders and arts & entertainment......2, 3 auto....................................10 their goals of setting new records. education............................4 classifieds...........................12 Riders of all ages and abilities are encouraged to compete. Whether this is food.....................................6 community calendar.........13 your first year or you have participated seniors................................15 community...............5, 11,14 By Staff Writer
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Danville Concours d’ Elegance is back By Staff Writer
The 2009 Danville Concours d’Elegance marks the fifth year of this event, which is a 100 percent volunteerrun fundraiser dedicated to the fight on Parkinson’s disease. This year’s event, held on the streets of Danville, will take place on September 27. A dinner and live auction will be held the night before on September 26 at the Blackhawk Museum. This year’s guests include the winner of the 1985 Indianapolis 500, Danny Sullivan, as well as Derek and Alma Hill, son and widow of the late, great world Formula One champion Phil Hill. The 2008 event successfully generated in excess of $300,000 See d’ELEGANCE page 10
• ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT • dining out • music • art • theater • fun events
page 2
The valley Sentinel
Calendar of EVENTS
August 6-15 Poison Apple Productions presents “The Jungle Book Kids” The jungle is jumpin' with jazz in this exciting Disney classic! Join Mowgli, Baloo, King Louie and the gang as they swing their way through madcap adventures and thwart the ferocious tiger, Shere Khan. Tickets: $15: Regular. Knight Stage 3 Theatre, Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. Call 925-943-7469 for time and information. August 13 Diana Krall Diana Krall is the sensation whose cool, heavylidded vocals and strikingly sensitive piano playing carved herself a permanent position at the top of the jazz charts. Wente Vineyards, 5050 Arroyo Road, Livermore. Call 925-4562400 for times and tickets.
August 14 & September 11 Downtown Walnut Creek Sounds Around Town 4:30pm - 8:30pm. This event is sure to keep the music alive in downtown and invites guests to stroll though the many unique retail shops and restaurants. Enjoy the finest shopping, food and music. Musicians will be playing at eight locations. For a complete listing please visit www.walnutcreekdowntown. com. For more information call 925-933-6778. August 15 Comedy Night ’09 8pm. Come on out and laugh for a cure at the 9th A n n u a l C o m e d y Ni g h t . Headliner Leo Flowers will make you laugh ’til it hurts! Proceeds benefit National Ovarian Cancer Coalition. Tickets: $30. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Drive, Walnut Creek. Call 925-9437469 for information. August 15 Lil Wayne Lil Wayne has called himself the best rapper alive, and with wildly inventive hiphop hits like the chart topping “Lollipop” and “Got Money” he just might be. Lil Wayne is notorious for an incredibly high energy live show. Sleep Train Pavilion, 2000 Kirker
Pass Rd, Concord. Call for time and ticket information: 925-676-8742.
August 15-17 Festival Fridays: Bay Area Barbeque Cook-Off and Music Fest Fri. & Sat.: 11am-9pm. Sun.: 11am-8pm. This is the place for some lip-smacking ribs, tender pulled pork, and exceptional smoked brisket, not to mention some great beer, music, arts and crafts and a Kids Zone. Music begins at 5:30pm on Friday and continues through the weekend. Tickets: Friday, 11am-3pm:Free. After 3pm: $3. Saturday and Sunday: $5 (discount for seniors & children under 12 are free). Parking: $8. Alameda County Fairgrounds, 4501 Pleasanton Ave., Pleasanton. August 17 - September 13 The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee All the usual suspects
Sixth Annual
6:00pm - 9:00pm Artists • Wine Tasting Commemorative Wine Glass Live Music Music • Entertainment
DOWNTOWN DANVILLE, THE LIVERY & ROSE GARDEN SHOPPING CENTER TROLLEY RIDES BETWEEN ALL LOCATIONS
Presence Gift Shop - 411 Hartz Ave., La Buena Vida in the Danville Livery & Elisa Wen in The Rose Garden Shopping Center or at www.discoverdanvilleca.com
are ready to compete: the spunky overachiever; the ultra-pressured only child; the weirdo; the outcast; last year’s winner; and the out-of-place runner-up. Through song and humor, we delve into the lives of six children who all have one thing in common - a love of spelling. Tickets: $15-$30. Campbell Theater, 636 Ward St., Martinez. Call 925-798-1300 for times and information.
August 19 Elvis Costello & The Sugarcanes He has torn through rock’s back pages taking whatever he wanted, as well as borrowing from country, Tin Pan Alley pop, reggae, and many other musical genres. Costello emerged as one of the most innovative, influential, and best songwriters since Bob Dylan. Wente Vineyards, 5050 Arroyo Road, Livermore. Call 925-456-2400 for time and ticket information. August 19-23 Maids and Matrons A comedy about marriage.... “The groom is late, the bride is allergic to the flowers in her bouquet, the wedding planner has designed bridesmaid dresses from hell and the town matriarch has just died with no place to put her coffin but the room where the wedding party is dressing. And, that’s just the beginning.” Tickets: Regular, $23. Senior/ Youth, $20. Stage 3 Theatre, Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. For more information call 925-943-7469. August 20 Summer Nights at the Livery Returns! 6pm – 9pm. Enjoy free reptile shows, hula hooping, a jump house, strolling entertainment, face painting and more! Bring the family and receive free hula hoops for children of all ages and enter the raffle for a chance to win prizes! Both nights will feature live music by The Dave Matthews Blues Band as well
as a DJ spinning your favorite tunes. For more information, visit www.danvillelivery.com or call 800-762-1641. August 20 Hot Summer Night’s Car Show 4pm - 9pm. Downtown streets are lined with muscle cars, hot rods, and vintage rides dating back to 1969— some traditional and some sublime—while live bands play ‘50s and ‘60s music to people dancing in the streets. You can also browse the myriad of food, drink, and souvenir booths throughout, or stop off in one of the downtown shops or restaurants. Information: 925-437-3649. Held on Hartz Avenue. August 21 - 23 Goodguys Rod & Custom Show Fri. & Sat., 8am-5pm; Sun, 8am-3pm. A hot rod heaven bringing in 3000+ hot rods, customs and classics thru 1957 vintage. Shop the 100s of vendors and exhibitors selling auto related parts and services and scour the swap meet & cars for sale. Live entertainment. Tickets: Adult $17, Child (7-12) $6, Kids 6 and under free. Parking: $8. Alameda County Fairgrounds, 4 5 0 1 P l e a s a n t o n Av e . , Pleasanton. Call 925-8389876 for information. August 22 Rock & Roll Magic Show 7pm. Family magic show with Rock and Roll music! Tickets: Regular, $35. Senior/ Youth, $25. Child, $20. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr. Call 943-7469 for more information.
August 22 Mt. Diablo Jazz Festival with Anita Baker Eight-time Grammy winner, Anita Baker sings classics like “Sweet Love” and “Giving You the Best That I Got” with one of music's alltime greatest voices. Sleep Train Pavilion, 2000 Kirker Pass Rd, Concord. Call 925676-8742 for time and ticket information.
The valley Sentinel August 2009 August 24 – September 27 Hair: The American Tribal
Love-Rock Musical
 The turbulent 1960s, a time of peace, love, rock and roll, and protests. Currently playing on Broadway, this exciting and vibrant musical is surprisingly timely in our modern world. Willows Theater, 1975 Diamond Blvd., Concord. Call 925798-1300 for time and ticket information. August 27 Chris Isaak The California native’s two-decade career showcases his stellar songwriting; smooth, dusky baritone, tender falsetto and effortless brand of stylish retro-cool. Wente Vineyards, 5050 Arroyo Road, Livermore. Call for 925-456-2400 time and ticket information.
Photo by Ben Krantz
Chelsea Nanni as Fanny Brice in her youth and Jessica Fisher as Fanny in her mature years.
August 27-29 DLOC presents “Funny Girl in Concert� A s e m i - b i o g ra p h i c a l
story of Vaudeville star and comedienne Fanny Brice and her tumultuous love for entrepreneur and gambler Nick Arnstein. The staged concert will feature full orchestra and some favorite East Bay performers singing hits that include two of Streisand’s signature songs, People and Don’t Rain on My Parade. Tickets: Regular, $44. Senior, $39. Student, $21. Hofmann Theater at Lesher Center. 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. Call 925-943-7469 for time and information. August 29 & 30 Lamplighters Music Theater present “My Fair Lady� 
 2pm & 8pm. Tickets: $33-$43. George Bernard Shaw’s Pygmalion rivals the wit and sting of W.S. Gilbert in telling the story of the transformation of a cockney “guttersnipe� into an upper class lady. Bankhead Theater, 2400 First St., Livermore. Call 925-373-6800 for more information. September 3-October 10 Center REP’s musical presents “All Shook Up�
 Inspired by and featuring the hit songs of the great Elvis Presley. Love Me Tender, It’s Now or Never, Heartbreak Hotel, Don’t Be Cruel, Fools Fall in Love – over 20 of the King’s hits make this an exhilarating new musical comedy with a whole lot of shakin’ going on. Lesher Center for the Arts,
1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. Call 925-943-7469 for time and ticket information. September 5 Scottish Games and Gathering Heavy athletic events, piping and drumming, Highland Dance Competition, Celtic Country Dancing, Sheep Dog Trials, Birds of Prey Demonstration, The Kilted Mile Race, The Children’s Glen, and the fantastic Grandstand Show. Alameda County Fairgrounds, 4501 Pleasanton Ave., Pleasanton. Call 800-713-3160 for time. Ticket information 925-4434700 or visit www.caledonian. org. September 7 Heartland Danville Antiques & Art Faire 9am-3pm. Over 60 merchants & artisans offering one-of-a-kind great finds. Holiday, Halloween, estate silver, ephemera, native artifacts, victoriana, vintage baby, porcelain, paintings, photography, collectibles, purses & jewelry galore! A special antiques appraisal clinic will be held as a fundraiser at the Museum of the SRV from 10-2pm for $10 per item. To participate or for more information: Marcia at Cottage Jewel 925837-2664. Held in downtown Danville on Railroad Ave. in Railroad Centre, and on the steps of the Museum of the SRV. Free.
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• Education • libraries • schools • camps • events
page 4
Nine local women receive AAUW scholarships
major at UCLA. Her goal is to earn a Master’s of Fine Art from a graduate school in another country and sell her own artwork, eventually owning her own art gallery. Kellie is a 2006 graduate of California High School. Sandy Lin is pursuing a BS in Business from UC Berkeley. She is on the finance committee for the Haas Business School Association and is cofounder of Project Reuse at UC Berkeley. She has chosen Accounting as the career she will pursue. Sandy is a 2006 graduate of
California High School. Kirsten Brown has earned her master’s degree in Counseling from Santa Clara University and her B.A. from Sonoma State University with a major in English and a minor in Psychology. Her goal is to practice as a school psychologist, conducting a c a d e m i c re s e a rc h a n d teaching. Kirsten is a 1999 graduate of Monte Vista High School. Sh a n n o n Wa g n e r currently attends California State University, Chico, where she hopes to earn a master’s
degree in Speech Pathology and Communication Disorders. She hopes to become a speech pathologist. Shannon is a 2004 graduate of Monte Vista High School. No t p i c t u re d : Sa r a h Brunskill currently attends San Francisco State University and is seeking a master’s degree in Developmental Psychology with an emphasis in research. She plans to apply to Ph.D. programs in Developmental Psychology with the goal of becoming a professor at a university. Sarah is a 2004 graduate of San Ramon Valley High School.
Katie Gallagher is a recent graduate of California State University, Long Beach, with a degree in Biology/Botany and a minor in Chemistry. She would like to continue with botany as a lifelong profession by earning a master’s degree beginning in the fall 2009. Katie is a 2001 graduate of San Ramon Valley High School. Ly d a G h a m b a r i i s currently enrolled in New York University pursuing a double major in Economics and Psychology with a minor in Business. She hopes to enter the field of microfinance, where a company supplies small business loans to disadvantaged people in developing countries. Lyda is a 2006 graduate of San Ramon Valley High School. Stephanie Varvitsiotes is a graduate of the University of Arizona with a degree in Psychology. She has been accepted at Boston College School of Social Work for the fall of 2009, where she will pursue a master’s degree. Stephanie is a 2005 graduate of Monte Vista High School.
highest a Monte Vista student has placed in Congress in the past 20 years. The video recording of the final round, in which Bhandari competed, will be used by all the schools in the nation for coaching purposes. “I am thankful for the guidance from my coach David Matley and the support I receive from all my teammates” said Bhandari after receiving the prestigious award. In order to qualify to participate at the national competition, over 100 top students from high schools all over the Bay Area competed
for two spots to represent the San Francisco Bay District at the National Tournament. Bhandari took first place during the qualifying competition during spring of this year. Bhandari’s passion and dedication to speech and debate goes much deeper. Last year he and fellow Monte Vista teammate Sebastian
Deluca started a new Speech a n d De b a t e p ro g ra m a t their former middle school, The Dorris Eaton School in Walnut Creek. Both students coached sixth through eighth grade students and prepared them for state and national competitions. He has achieved high accolades in the last four years in Speech and Debate while
attending Monte Vista High School in Danville, under director/head coach Mr. David Matley. This summer, he will be teaching at Monte Vista’s Speech and Debate Institute for middle school and high school students. In the fall, Bhandari will be attending Cornell University and plans on majoring in Bioengineering.
By Staff Writer
Alamo AAUW awarded nine scholarships to local women seeking higher education at their June 9th executive board installation/ awards celebration. The scholarship monies were generated from the Holiday Home Tour in December 2008 and, additionally, from members who supported this program. Allison Gervis earned her BA degree from Cal Poly, and has a strong background in business. She spent nine months caring for her gravely ill mother, which influenced her decision to pursue a career in nursing and contribute in a meaningful way to her community. Because of her strong desire to help, treat and care for sick people in her community, Allison is also the recipient of AAUW’s Jane Trittipo Award. Allison is a 1990 graduate of California High School. Kellie Langewisch is currently a third year Art NIPUN from page 1 bills and resolutions ranging from “Increasing US troops in Afghanistan” to “Eliminating Agricultural Subsidies”. After four days of competition and spending nearly thirty hours in session speaking on several pieces of legislation, Bhandari was awarded third place in the Nation during an awards ceremony in Birmingham Concert Hall. The ceremony was viewed by a live audience of over 3,000 people, with more watching on a live TV broadcast. Nipun is the highest ranking Californian in this event and matches the
Left to right, Allison Gervis, Kellie Langewisch, Sandy Lin, Kirsten Brown, and Shannon Wagner are five of our nine scholarship recipients.
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H. Abram Wilson Mayor San Ramon
Sa n Ra m o n re c e n t l y launched a new email and digital subscription solution – GovDelivery – to improve the way residents receive and access municipal information. GovDelivery is a subscription service which allows residents to subscribe to topics of interest and receive free, instant email alerts when this information is updated on the city’s website. Another wonderful feature is that it allows for instant notification in emergency situations. Subscribers receive real time Crime Bulletins and Emergency Alerts both via email and wirelessly. There is also an Emergency Alerts widget that can be shared
San Ramon’s “Govdelivery” provides immediate city and improve our digital updates community. This new system in a variety of mediums: email, placement on your iGoogle page, Facebook page, etc. The widget works as a window that displays all the Emergency Alerts sent by the city in chronological order. The Council and I are excited that the system will help residents get the information they want as quickly and efficiently as possible. We’re very proud to be the first city in Contra Costa County to offer this service to our citizens. It exemplifies our ongoing commitment to provide efficient delivery of quality public services to those who live and work in San Ramon through an accessible and responsive city government. The city is constantly looking for innovative ways to expand
offers personalized email and text message updates, putting you in control of the types of information you receive, the time frame in which it is communicated, and the means by which it is delivered. San Ramon launched the subscription ser vice throughout its website (http:// www.sanramon.ca.gov) on July 1, 2009. Signing up is free, easy, and riskfree. Sign up links are found on the city web site home page and on the individual pages that are being offered for subscription. The only required information is an email address. Subscribers can change their subscription details or cancel the service at any time. You may contact Mayor Wilson by email at: hawilson@ sanramon.ca.gov.
The valley SenTinel
august 2009
Local Student receives Scholarship Award July 14 at the Danville/Sycamore Rotary meeting, Michael Betty from San Ramon High School received the Robert R. Tuttle Memorial Scholarship Award and a check for $1,000. Michael will attend Butte College this fall. Pictured: Assistant Fire Chief Steve Hart, who presented the award, Michael Betty and Mary Tuttle.
Oakland Zoo launches online game for kids By Staff Writer
The Oakland Zoo is pleased to announce a new online game for kids featuring animals that live at the Oakland Zoo. This exciting project has been in the works since 2008 when the zoo created a customized Oakland Zoo Top Trumps card game and began handing out collectable Top Trumps supercards at it’s main e n t ra n c e. T h e a w a rd winning card game has sold more than 40 million packages worldwide and has been a big hit at the zoo. Now, you can take your animal knowledge to the next level. Gamers can choose to monkey around with the easiest levels, or they can enter the game’s “lion’s den” and face an exciting challenge against the clock. The Top Trumps online game
helps children improve their knowledge of animals and impress their friends and
family with intriguing animal facts. To try the game out, visit www.oaklandzoo.org, click on the activities tab, and then scroll down to the ZooKids section where you’ll see the Top Trumps online game. Every month from now until November 2009, the
Oakland Zoo will give away five prize decks of Oakland Zoo Top Trumps cards to the top five scorers of the game. If you can’t wait to get your hands on these cool new cards, don’t worry; you can pick up a pack from the zoo’s gift shop. The awardwinning Oakland Zoo is home to more than 660 native and exotic animals. Nestled in the Oakland Hills in 525 acre Knowland Park, it is located at 9777 Golf Links Road, off Highway 580. The East Bay Zoological Society (Oakland Zoo) is a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization suppor ted in part by members, contributions, the City of Oakland and the East Bay Regional Parks District. For more information please visit www.oaklandzoo.org.
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Dog ingests drug by the Iron Horse Trail By Staff Writer
When Renee Morgan of Alamo returned home one evening around 6:00, she noticed one of her dogs, Saydy, was acting a little unusual. While she was cooking dinner, her daughter arrived home and also mentioned that Saydy appeared sick and lethargic. Renee and her daughter, Chantee, quickly took Saydy to the emergency hospital, but not before observing her other dogs and checking the yard for anything that could have caused Saydy’s condition. They found nothing, and none of the other dogs were showing any symptoms. After examination and some blood work, the doctor suggested they leave Saydy overnight for further observation and to keep her from dehydrating. Renee called the doctor the following morning to get the results of the lab work; all results came back negative. They could not attribute Saydy’s symptoms
to anything (spider bite, bee sting, mushrooms, etc.). It was then that the doctor asked Renee if she lived by the Iron Horse Trail. He suggested performing a drug test because he had come across several cases of animals living in homes in close proximity to the trail being given drugs
over the fence. The test came back “positive” for marijuana. The prank resulted in Renee receiving a $1,500 vet bill and a very sick dog. If you live close to the Iron Horse Trail, be sure to keep a watchful eye on your children and pets.
SAVE THE DATE ... The 20th Annual San Ramon Chamber of Commerce Golf Tournament will be held on August 31, 2009, at the prestigious Crow Canyon Country Club. Please plan to attend with San Ramon business and community leaders for fun, prizes ... and NETWORKING. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to support our local schools. REGISTER NOW Opportunities for sponsorships and golf registration are available. Online: www.sanramon.org Call: (925) 242-0600
FOOD
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Nutrition • Health • Gardening • Wine • Events • Gourmet
The Valley Sentinel
August 2009
abundant in red wine.
The Grape Escape By Ron Ottobre
One of the planet’s oldest cultivated crops is also one of the healthiest foods you can consume. Grapes, aside from being a great snack, are fantastic in a variety of recipes from soups to desserts - and now is the season to enjoy them. Red, green, black and purple, seeded or seedless, table grapes are enjoyed by everyone. In the Beginning… Paleontological evidence of grapes dates from 100 to 200 million years ago. Neolithic dwellers of Mesopotamia we re p ro b a b l y t h e f i r s t humans to eat wild grapes as an accompaniment to their roast woolly mammoth. Well, it didn’t take Homo Sapiens long to figure out how to cultivate this prized berry. The ancient Egyptians, Greeks, Phoenicians and Romans grew grapes for wine and also as part of their diet. Over the following centuries, g ra p e s b e c a m e a m a j o r component of European and Asian agriculture. California Viniculture The Franciscan friars brought Vitis vinifera, the original European grape vine and mother of most grape cultivars, to California in the 1700s. These vines were, of course, meant for wine production. It wasn’t until a century later that table g ra p e s we re c u l t i va t e d . Although there are more than 60 varieties of table grapes grown in California, there are just a few that you will see in the marketplace. Table grapes are not used for wine making because they have lower sugar content than wine grapes. The most popular California table grapes are: Perlette, Sugraone, Thompson Seedless, and Calmeria. The top red varieties are Red Globe, Christmas Rose, Rouge, Emperor, Flame Seedless, Ruby Seedless, and Crimson Seedless. The leading blueblack varieties include Autumn Royal, Niabell, Ribier, Fantasy Seedless, Beauty Seedless, and Marroo Seedless. Note that the Concord grape, Vitis labrusca, is actually a Northern American native and not from European stock. California produces 98 percent of the fresh grapes grown in the United States, and about one-third of these table grapes are exported. Canada, Mexico, China,
Australia, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras are the leading consumers. …and Good for You too Grapes contain several c o m p o u n d s k n ow n f o r their healthful properties. These include resveratrol – an antioxidant known for its ability to fight cancer, infections, heart disease and even Alzheimer’s disease. This is found in both the skins and seeds. Grapes also contain anthrocyanins. This compound promotes cardiovascular health and is found mainly in the skins of red grapes and is therefore
Cooking with Grapes Remember to always wash grapes before using in recipes, even if they are organic. Aside from the obvious things you can do with grapes, they also combine well with poultry and fish. Try them on pizzas, roast them to intensify their flavor then add them to rice or couscous. And what would a cheese platter or plate of cold cuts be without them? You can also replace starches like potato chips or French fries with this healthful side, and your family will love you for it. However you serve them, they will live up to your Grape Expectations.
Caramel Short Cake with Grapes & Warm Grape Marmalade topped with Melted Brie Ingredients: 4 oz. Brie Caramel Short Cake Cake Ingredients: 1/2 cup sugar 1 c. milk ½ c. sour cream 4 cups all-purpose flour sifted 1 tsp. baking powder ½ tsp baking soda 2 tsp kosher salt 6 oz butter – chilled and diced Note: since these are slightly more difficult to make than basic short cakes, I always make more and freeze the extras for strawberries later. Slowly melt the sugar in a deep saucepan. Gently stir with a wooden spoon until sugar starts to melt and brown. Quickly take off of the heat and add a little of the milk. BE CAREFUL. This wants to boil over. Slowly add the rest of the milk and
stir. This will look lumpy, but don’t worry. Return saucepan to stove. Heat and stir over low heat until caramelized sugar dissolves in milk. Remove from heat. When cool, add the sour cream. Stir until blended well. Place in refrigerator Put the flour in a large bowl or mixer. Add the remaining dry ingredients. Mix well. Cut in the butter until smaller than a pea. Slowly add the caramel milk mixture until a dough forms. Do not over mix. Cover and chill for 1 hour. Roll out dough on a lightly floured surface. It should be ½ to ¾ inches thick. Cut large circles using a large biscuit cutter or wine glass. Yield should be about 12 to 14. Bake in a preheated 400° oven for 10 to 12 minutes. Remove from oven and cover with a dishcloth to keep them from drying out.
Grape Marmalade Ingredients: 2 large oranges ½ c. julienne orange peel (1 ½ oz.) 1 c. orange juice from squeezed oranges ¾ c. sugar ½ c. water 2 c. seedless grapes cut in half (12 oz.) In a saucepan simmer orange juice, water sugar and zest over medium heat until reduced and thickened. Add the grapes
and stir, simmering for another 2 minutes. Leave in saucepan. Yield 1 cup Place 4 biscuits on a b a k i n g s h e e t . Us i n g a tablespoon, scoop out a little of the top of the biscuits to make a slight indentation. Fill with marmalade. Place two slices of Brie on top of each biscuit. Broil or bake at high heat for a few seconds until cheese melts. Serves 4
Grapes, Papaya, Bacon, Grilled Red Onions, Glazed Walnuts and Spring Mix with Balsamic Honey Vinaigrette Salad Ingredients: 1½ c. assorted grapes cut in half ½ Hawaiian papaya peeled and seeded 8 slices bacon baked, drained and diced 1 large red onion, peeled, sliced, grilled or baked 4 oz. (1/2 c) walnuts Spring mix Glazed Walnuts Ingredients: 4 oz. walnut halves Mix together 1 teaspoons salt 7 teaspoons sugar 1 pinch of cayenne pepper Cover the walnuts with water and bring to a boil. Drain immediately and toss with the salt and sugar mixture. Bake on a cookie sheet sprayed with vegetable oil for 10 minutes at 325°, until slightly browned. Take
care not to overcook. Honey Balsamic Vinaigrette Ingredients: 2 oz balsamic vinegar 2 tsp. minced shallot 1 garlic clove ½ tsp. kosher salt ¼ tsp. ground black pepper 2 tsp. Dijon mustard 1 tbsp. honey ½ c. salad oil ½ c. olive oil Blend all ingredients except the oils. With blender running add the oils slowly. Yield 1½ cups Toss spring mix, papaya, bacon and grapes with enough vinaigrette to coat leaves nicely. Divide onto 4 plates. Garnish with a few slices of grilled red onion and glazed walnuts.
Sole Veronique Ingredients: 4 fillets of sole, preferably Petrale (about 6 oz. per person) 1 c. white wine 1/2 small onion peeled and sliced thinly 20 black peppercorns & a bay leaf 8 oz seedless grapes (green grapes are normally used, but I used a combination for this recipe) 1 oz sweet butter 1/2 pint whipping cream Sprigs of parsley for garnish Lay the sole fillets in a buttered dish and cover with white wine. Add slices of onion, a bay leaf and
several peppercorns. Cover with foil. Bake the fish for 15 minutes at 300 °. Cut the grapes in half. Remove the fish from the oven and transfer to a warming platter. Strain the cooking liquid into a saucepan. Add the butter and cream and reduce until the sauce starts to thicken. Add the grapes, season with salt and pepper and simmer for one minute more. Check the seasoning and add the grapes. Arrange the fish on an oval dish and spoon over the sauce. Serve with green beans tossed with toasted almonds. Garnish with parsley sprigs. Serves 4
To a s k q u e s t i o n s a b o u t t h e r e c i p e s i n t h i s a r t i c l e , a n d f o r a d d i t i o n a l re c i p e s b y R o n O t t o b re , visit www.worldcooking.com.
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Kids
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august 2009
Tutoring – What are your options? By Alexandra Rajaofera
It’s no secret that doing well in school is a vital component to future success. If your child seems to struggle in a certain subject, or just needs a bit of study help, then tutoring may be an ideal solution. A couple hours a week of tutoring can help students master their homework, sharpen learning skills, and increase confidence. Tutors offer a different perspective than the classroom teacher, which can help the student better understand the material. The biggest advantage is that tutors can walk students through problems stepÂbyÂstep, while one onÂone time creates a lesson that is tailored to the student’s abilities and gives students and parents the opportunity to ask questions and gain immediate feedback. Not only does tutoring help expand knowledge and understanding of academic subjects, it often results in higher selfÂesteem and positive attitudes toward school. The extra help allows students who have fallen behind to catch up, so they feel confident when they enter the classroom. According to CBSNews.com, some signs your child needs a tutor may include: • Continued failing grades in school • Child is constantly making excuses as to why he or she is not doing homework. • The student is unhappy in school or having problems in general that you are aware of. • The teacher sends notes home to you alerting you of your student’s disruptive behavior. While these may be indicative of a need for a tutor, problems at school can be caused by a variety of reasons. Talk with your child’s teacher or school counselor to learn more about your child’s situation. It is important to note that tutoring is not a magical solution. Tutoring is most effective if the student wants to improve their skills and sees the value in it. Keep in mind that a oneÂon one interaction will be drastically different than a classroom setting. If you have found a good tutor, they will make the lesson interesting and more like a conversation rather than a lesson. Private vs. Group Tutoring Private tutoring ensures that the student’s problem areas are focused on and the lesson is completely tailored to their needs, level and pace. Group tutoring, on the other hand, is typically less expensive, but the general needs and abilities of the group dictate how sessions are run. NonÂparticipation can also occur in a group setting, whereas in a private lesson the student must participate. Still, a small group tutor can take time to answer individual questions and students are less likely to get left behind than in a large classroom setting. The advantages of group tutoring are that different views and questions can be shared, and it promotes cooperative attitudes and work skills. Group tutoring can also be effective if the student just needs a refresher of the material or a reinforcement of skills they have already learned.
Tutoring Center vs. Private Tutor Tutoring schools and tutoring centers available include Sylvan Learning, Kumon, Kaplan (formerly SCORE!) and The Princeton Review for SAT prep. These programs offer individual tutors or special classes within an organized structure. Individual tutors at these types See TUTORING page 8
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page 8 TUTORING from page 1
of centers are prescreened and have met set requirements. When considering whether to go with a tutoring center, ask about how they conduct their tutoring sessions. Some centers may assign a different tutor for every session or
children may spend most of their time working with tutoring software. Private tutors are more flexible with meeting times and sometimes even pricing. Pr i v a t e t u t o r s c a n a l s o come to you rather than the student having to go to a certain location. However,
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august 2009 experience, education and skill vary widely so you will need to carefully interview these tutors yourself. Finding the right tutor with the right amount of experience is essential to getting results. Ask your child’s school if they recommend individual tutors or commercial tutoring centers. In addition, ask other parents if they have experience in hiring tutors. You can also look into afterschool tutoring programs or at local colleges for tutoring centers with tutors available for all ages. Recommendations are your safest bet, but websites such as TutorNation.com offer listings of certified tutors by location and can be a good starting point. When looking for a tutor, inquire about their experience, whether or not they have a degree in the subjects they are tutoring, and whether they have a teaching credential or tutor certificate. If your child has a learning disability, ask a potential tutor if they have experience with that particular disability. Remember that how they teach is just as important as their credentials. Ask what they plan to do during the lesson, how they are going to find out your child's problem areas, and how they will go about improving the child's skills. Think about what you want your child to be able to achieve as a result of tutoring and communicate this with your tutor. Rates can vary widely with private tutors, depending on the experience of the tutor and
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the subject. For example, high school chemistry, calculus and SAT prep are typically more expensive than other subjects. As a parent, you can help your child make the most of their tutoring by encouraging them to do their homework. Provide them with a quiet place to study and be available to help (but don't do the work!). Most importantly, be a good example and show that reading and education are important. Becoming a Tutor If you have an excellent understanding of core subjects like English, math or science, plenty of patience and the ability to motivate, you should consider becoming a tutor. Finding work as a tutor depends greatly on experience, so start small. If you are in college, tutor your classmates or family friends and neighbors. You can also volunteer or apply for a job with your school’s tutoring center. Once you have some experience, you can begin advertising on craigslist.
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com, or even at your local campus (you will need to get permission from the campus before you do this). After you get your first few clients, and if you are a good tutor, word of mouth will spread quickly. If you want to continue as a private tutor, recommendations are one of the most effective ways of expanding your tutoring business. It is important to put plenty of time and effort into your tutoring. This means working on lesson plans, or doing some studying of your own outside of your tutoring sessions to make sure you have a good command of the material. Obtaining a tutoring certificate is also a good way to demonstrate that you are a qualified tutor. The International Tutoring Association (ITA), American Tu t o r i n g A s s o c i a t i o n (ATA) and National Tutor Association (NTA) all offer certificate programs. Alternatively, you can advertise your services by signing up with an online tutor ing director y, such a s Tu t o r Na t i o n . c o m o r MathLessons.com. Once you sign up, your location and area of expertise will be available for all potential clients. Some sites offer free membership, while others charge a fee. Tutoring is beneficial for the student and for the tutor. It can be a very rewarding experience because you get to witness a student’s progress first hand. Not only this, but teaching others encourages higher levels of thinking and increases your motivation to learn in order to maintain your role as a tutor. If you are currently in school, tutoring others will strengthen your knowledge in the subjects you tutor as well as your learning and study skills.
The valley SenTinel
Kids
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august 2009
Good nutrition helps with energy and concentration By Shannon Williams Ciatti
Making wellrounded meals for the family every day is a challenge for most parents. Some make it more work than it needs to be. A general rule of thumb is that every meal should have a balance of healthy fats, carbohydrates and protein. What are you and your children having for breakfast? Is it cereal with lowfat milk? Are you tired and hungry well before lunch? If you are, so are your kids. Below are some breakfast, lunch, and snack ideas that can give you and your kids more stable energy and better concentration. You may even sleep better, too. Breakfast • Whole grain pancakes with real peanut butter and banana (or peaches, blueberries, strawberries, etc.) and a side of Greek yogurt. • Quick-cooking oats with apple, raisins, cinnamon, walnuts and flax. • French toast, ricotta cheese sweetened with stevia, and
fruit • Scrambled eggs with cheese (and veggies) wrapped in a wholewheat tortilla • Cottage cheese with banana, raisins and cinnamon and whole grain toast • Morning smoothie • English muffin (whole grain, of course), with pasta sauce and melted white cheese • Muffins with nut butter or ricotta cheese. Lunch box ideas • Tor t illa wraps—cream cheese, grated carrots, nitrite free luncheon meat with lettuce on a rolledup tortilla; or almond butter and jam on a rolledup tortilla • Chicken “nuggets”—cut up a chicken breast into nugget sizes. Dip in egg or milk and crushed crackers. Season with parmesan cheese and oregano or basil. Sauté them in a pan or bake them. Make your own dipping sauce using mustard and honey • Tuna boats—tuna in a whole grain hot dog bun • Bean dip and veggies
• Hard-boiled eggs • Cookie cutter sandwiches • Pa s t a w i t h c h i c k e n o r turkey tossed with broccoli, Pa r m e s a n , a n d I t a l i a n dressing • Pita bread with chicken salad (sometimes you can find a 4” pita bread—perfect for small hands) • Ham and cheese on wholegrain crackers (create y o u r “m a d e w i t h l ov e” Lunchable). And don’t forget a note of love and/or praise: “You are special and I care for you,” or “You are so good at playing the piano and we love listening to you,” or “I love you just the way you are,” etc., etc., etc. Snack ideas • Apple (or other fruit) with almonds (or string cheese) • Celery with almond butter and raisins • Bean dip and veggies • Tortilla rolled with turkey • Plain Greek yogurt sweetened with stevia and vanilla extract. Add fruit and nuts if desired.
Bev Lane EBRPD Board of Directors
If you are looking for a quiet place to cool off and rejuvenate on a hot summer day, Castle Rock Regional Recreation Area in Walnut Creek is a real gem. Tucked away at the foot of Mt. Diablo, this is a lovely secluded location that offers an outdoor swimming pool, large deck area, and comfortable new lounge chairs. The pool area is surrounded by shady oak trees, picnic tables, grassy fields for volleyball or baseball, a basketball court and miles of hiking trails. For decades this recreation area was operated for large private parties only. Last summer, the East Bay Regional Park District opened the area to the public. The word is still getting out about the pool, which operates Thursday through Sunday from 11am to 6pm with lifeguards on duty. According to staff, about 90 percent of
Melt butter and honey on stovetop. Combine almond and rice flours with cinnamon. Add butter honey mixture. Mix in egg yolk and vanilla until thoroughly combined. Roll tablespoons of the
mixture into balls. Place on a greased baking sheet and flatten slightly. Press a deep hole into the center of each cookie and spoon some jam into each. Bake in a preheated 350˚ oven for 15–20 minutes until golden. Leave on baking sheet for 2 minutes. Transfer to wire rack to cool. Shannon Williams Ciatti is a Certified Nutrition Consultant at Successful Health & Nutrition Planning in D anville. For more information visit her website at www.successfulhealth.info or call 925-820-6205.
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Great Place to Swim, Picnic, Get Outdoors the time the recreation area is seldom crowded, making it quite attractive to those wanting a quiet, stressfree place to relax and swim or a place to cool off after a hike or mountain bike ride. Sometimes, groups reserve nearby picnic sites. The staff recommends, if you are looking for “quiet” time, to call about a week ahead and they will let you know the reservation status for the day. The park office number is 9259458244. The entrance rates are very reasonable at $3.50 for ages 16 and older and $2.50 for seniors, disabled, and children under 16. There is no fee to park but keep in mind that the pool is about a one quarter mile walk down a flat paved path. Park staff can assist with special needs by calling 925945 8244 in advance, and often arrangements can be made to park closer to the pool. The complex is fully accessible to individuals with disabilities, including the bathhouse a lift into the pool. The pool is available for rent Monday through Wednesday for groups up to 150 people. See www.ebparks.
Strawberry Ring Cookies 3/4 cup almond flour 1/4 cup rice flour 1 tsp. cinnamon 5 Tbs. honey 1/4 cup butter 1 egg yolk 2 tsp. vanilla 3 Tbs. strawberry jam
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org under “swimming”for more information or call reservations at 1888EBPARKS (1888327 2757, option 2, then 1). Picnic facilities are also available for rent for small groups up to groups of 150 people. You can also call this number for information about reserving picnic sites. Castle Rock is located at 1700 Castle Rock Road in Walnut Creek at the entrance to Diablo Foothills Regional Park. To reach the park, exit I680 at Ygnacio Valley Road in Walnut Creek and drive east. After about three miles, turn right on Walnut Avenue. In two miles turn right on Oak Grove Road, then bear right onto Castle Rock Road and follow it to the Orchard Staging Area on the right.
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page 10
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The valley SenTinel
august 2009
2009 BMW Z4 sDrive 35i By Judy Colman
Before I was given the key for the 2009 BMW Z4, I had to make three promises: first; I would always drive it with the top down, second; I would always drive using the manual transmission mode, and third; I would always drive it in the Sport Plus suspension setting. All promises proved easy to keep. BMW completely redesigned the Z4 for 2009. Two notable features of the revamp are an aluminum retractable hard top and a twinturbocharged, inline 6 cylinder engine. The interior also benefits from materials and design upgrades. The Z4 fits both the performance and luxury categories with ease. The retractable hardtop makes having a convertible more versatile, especially in our summer climate of morning fog followed by warm, sunny days. The power hardtop retracts in about 20 seconds, folding neatly into the trunk. With the top down and the windows up, freeway wind and noise are barely
intrusive. The radio doesn’t even need to be at full volume to hear it well. With this package, why would anyone leave the top up unless it is raining? Promise number one fulfilled. Even though the 2009 Z4 is about 350 pounds heavier than the 2008 model, the 300 horsepower and 300 lb.ft. of torque from BMW’s twin turbo, inline 6 makes the pounds melt away. There is no turbo lag and power application is smooth through the power band. The throaty exhaust note adds a nice compliment to the turbo power. The sDrive 35i features an optional sevenspeed, double clutch, automatic transmission with a manual mode setting. When in manual mode, shifting with the steering wheelmounted paddles is crisp and almost seamless. For a diehard manual transmission junkie, shifting when you want, rather than at a predetermined rpm, makes the whole driving experience more interesting. Promise number two kept.
Many new cars now offer multiple suspension settings; normally from comfort to sporty. The 2009 Z4 has three such settings from which to choose. The Sport Plus mode provides the firmest ride and the most handling feedback to the driver. If you own a sports car, doesn’t it make sense to drive it in the configuration that gives you the most sports carlike feeling? Check off promise number three. Owning a convertible used to mean questionable passenger safety in the event of a collision or rollover. BMW engineering incorporates front and side impact airbags, antilock brakes, and stability and traction controls on the 2009 Z4. When the top is up, a builtin support system protects passengers in a rollover accident. If the top is down, a steel hoop behind each seat provides rollover protection. BMW adds higher quality materials and design elements to the 2009 Z4 that create a premiumlevel cockpit. Storage is often lacking in small twoseaters. BMW designers found room behind the seats for small packages,
purses, or backpacks. Also, a small pass through from the trunk increases cargo space options. Be aware though, in topdown condition, trunk space is limited to about two small carryon bags. There are several options packages available for the Z4. When combined, the final price for the vehicle can add up quickly. The Premium Package ($2,500) includes autodimming mirrors, power front seats, lumbar support and BMW Assist. The Premium Sound Package ($2,000) features iPod and USB adapter, a premium AM/FM/CD/MP3 system, and a 6disc CD changer. The Sport Package ($1,900) offers adaptive M Suspension. The 7speed double clutch
transmission goes for $1,525. The navigation system costs $2,100. Base price for the 2009 Z4 sDrive 35i is $51,650. Estimated fuel mileage is 18 city and 25 highway. BMW must have kept some promises of its own when it redesigned the 2009 Z4. If they promised to offer a more thrilling sports car ride by adding 300 turbocharged horses, they succeeded. If they promised more opulent and comfortable surroundings for passengers, they succeeded. If they promised themselves to be more competitive in a difficult market niche, they succeeded. By those standards, my three little promises were simple to keep.
Held over 1 Las Mon t th! October
8
The valley SenTinel
august 2009
d’ELEGANCE from page 1
CHALLENGE from page 1 since the ride’s inception, the ride is always an exciting challenge. Greg Meier of Diablo Motors Auto Sales and Service in San Ramon is a long time supporter of the Mount Diablo Challenge. He is one of the few participants who both rides in and sponsors the event. When asked about his involvement in the Mount Diablo Challenge, Greg says, “I’ve sponsored the ride for 12 years and have been a participant for over 20 years. Mount Diablo is a beautiful nature spot right in my back yard. I ride up the mountain once or twice per week because it’s great to enjoy the scenery and get exercise. I’m really excited to support Save Mount Diablo’s worthy cause.” The ride benefits Save Mount Diablo, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) conservation organization, which has been preserving lands on and around Mount Diablo and educating the public to the mountain's natural values since 1971. Preserved lands have increased from 6,788 acres in one park to
wonderful wines from the surrounding wine country, bid on an outstanding collection of silent auction items, and view some very rare and exotic
automobiles. Additional information regarding the 2009 event and automobile registration can be found at danville_delegance.org.
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friend to Parkinson's and has been an ardent supporter and major donor to the event since its inception. Both Bob and Don have been involved in the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance over its fiftyplus year history. Their private collection of automobiles rates among the best in the world and you will have the opportunity to view some of these at the 2009 Danville Concours d’Elegance. The event is also supported by many other local auto enthusiasts who own historically important v e h i c l e s. O n e o f t h e s e individuals is Manny Del Arroz. His 1950 Ferrari 166 Mille Miglia Touring Barchetta
won the Post War Preservation Class at the Pebble Beach Concours in 2007. That particular automobile, as well as others owned by Manny, can be seen at the Danville event. The 2008 Danville d’Elegance Road and Track award recipient is owned by Carl Moore of Alamo. His 1960 Maserati T61, nicknamed “the Birdcage” for its construction, was driven by Dan Gurney and Sterling Moss during its racing history. For a great family day in Danville, come to the 2009 Danville Concours d’ Elegance. Your attendance and donations will help raise money to fight Parkinson’s Disease, provide an oppor tunity to taste
more than 90,000 acres in 29 parks and preserves. Save Mount Diablo continues to raise funds to preserve the remainder of the mountain. If you cannot ride in the event but would love to take part in it, consider volunteering. Events like the Mount Diablo Challenge can only be successful because of the many volunteers who help before and during the event.
Registration is now open. Fee is $55 when registering before September 10, 2009. There are no dayof registrations permitted so make sure to register early. For more information about all our events contact: Save Mount Diablo, 1901 Olympic Boulevard, Suite 2 2 0 , Wa l n u t C re e k , C A 94596; 9259473535; www. savemountdiablo.org; email: smdinfo@savemountdiablo.org.
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September 5, 2009 Mt. Diablo State Park’s China Wall Join us for a memorable evening for an elegant sit-down dinner, auctions, live music and presentation of the Mountain Star Awards. Save Mount Diablo preserves natural lands on and around Mount Diablo Event Sponsor: The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers-Local 302 Co-Event Sponsor: Chevron Photo By Chris Foster
Contact: (925) 947-3535 www.savemountdiablo.org
Photo By Scott Hein
for the Danville d’Elegance Foundation in the fight against Parkinson’s Disease. Sponsors such as Don Williams, owner of the Blackhawk Collection, and Bob Cole, owner of Cole European in Walnut Creek, helped make that possible. The Blackhawk Museum graciously donated their facility for the dinner as well as providing a number of world class automobiles from the collection for the show on the street. The Blackhawk Museum houses one of the world’s finest collections of rare automobiles in the world. Located right here in Danville, a tour is a must. Bob Cole’s words to the Danville Concours d’Elegance committee is the same every year, “Anything you need, just ask.” Bob lost a lifelong
page 11
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august 2009
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Please mail check and ad to: The Valley Sentinel, 315 Diablo Rd., Ste. 214, Danville, CA 94526. Or email w/credit card information to info@valleysentinel.com. Write your ad clearly and include your: Name, Address, Daytime Phone, Date, and Category. DEADLINE is the 15th of the month preceeding publication month. For more information call 9258206047. BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES ‘Short Sales Workshop for Homeowners, Real Estate Agents and Investors’ Wed., August 26, 9 am – 4 pm Radisson Hotel 6680 Regional Street, Dublin To register visit http://www. WealthAndHealthNetwork. com ‘Real Estate Online Auctions’ Evening Seminar Wed., August 26, 6 pm – 8:30 pm Radisson Hotel 6680 Regional Street, Dublin To register visit www. WealthAndHealthNetwork. com Business Opportunity Meeting Thursdays: 7pm to 8pm. Learn how to earn an extraordinary income !! Start your own business, earn residual income and position yourself for the explosive growth in the Telecommunications and VoIP Industry. Work where and when you want. You do not need to carry inventory, have employees or pay rent. Hotel Sierra, 2323 San Ramon Valley Blvd., San Ramon. Information: 925-548-3511.
Ready To Lease Your Property or Looking To Rent It? Come To Hitchcock Realty Property Management Rentals, Listings, Advertising, Maintenance Full Services Low Rates Call Chris at 925-890-4482. Rodan + Fields’ Dermatologists, creators of Proactiv® need distributors to launch new product and create systems of distribution. Ground floor Opportunity! 925-256-0626. BUILDING MATERIALS Discounted Steel Buildings Big & Small Get the Deal of Deals! Placement to Site www.scg-grp.com Source #1BJ Phone: 925-304-4266. SEEKING EMPLOYMENT Certified Professional Caregiver. Looking for fulltime or live in position. Bonded with 25 years experience. Reliable with references. 925-642-4510. Professional Caregiver/ Companion. Kind,
Christmas)- Great Location! Suzie 925-980-9399.
In-home Caregiver: LVN 30 years hospital experience. Will cook/run errands with advance notice; Hours:9am5pm. Call for rates (925) 736-8439.
Rocking Crib for newborn, height to mother’s bed and changing/storage table. Both for $60. Call 925-8288350 in San Ramon.
Senior Caregiver/ Companion. Cook, run errands, reliable with references. Kind, considerate and patient. Call Marianne in San Ramon at 925-858-4758.
Oil Painting, Quality Original European Paris Street Scene, Eiffel Tower, 24”x 36”, heavy gilt frame, excellent condition, Sacrifice - $600. Ruby Ring, Ladies 14K Yellow Gold, quality 4.70 Ct. oval cut, excellent color and clarity, .40 Ct. quality diamonds, contemporary setting, Sacrifice - $3000. Funk and Wagnall encyclopedia set, 20 volumes, $75. Aquarium, 20 gallons, heater, lights, rock, accessories, Sacrifice - $100. Bookshelf, white, excellent condition, Sacrifice - $35. Wine Rack, wrought Iron, 9 bottles, Sacrifice $30. Baby Stroller, Graco, dark navy blue/plaid, Sacrifice -$40. Call 925743-1966.
Vo l u n t e e r a t F o r e s t Home Farms. Volunteer Description: Docents lead hands-on activities that teach the agricultural history of the San Ramon Valley and Forest Home Farms. Education docents need to attend a two-hour training session twice per year. Volunteer commitment is 2 times per month minimum, and each tour lasts 3 hours. Volunteers must be available on weekday mornings and be fingerprinted through the San Ramon Police Dept. For more information contact Stephanie Herscu at 925-973-3282. Forest Home Farms, 19953 San Ramon Valley Blvd., San Ramon.
2009 Entertainment books. Support music at California High School in San Ramon. Price just reduced from $25 to $15. Free local delivery. Please call Volunteer Cam Reed at 925-829-0628 or camreed@comcast.net. Thank you.
Garden Education Docents. The City of San Ramon is welcoming adults interested in becoming a garden docent for the school tour programs at Crow Canyon Gardens. If you have an interest in nature, farming and/or organic gardening AND enjoy working with children, this is a great opportunity to share your passion as a docent. If interested and for more information, contact Jessica at (925) 973-3213 or (925) 314-0362.
REAL ESTATE We have homes for investors, please call today 925-890-4482 . RELIGION Tr a d i t i o n a l R o m a n Catholic, Latin Mass (PreVat.II). Sunday Mass at 9:30am in Walnut Creek. Private Chapel. All Catholic welcome. Call Father Gregory L. Foley at 925935-3610. RENTALS LAKE TAHOE NORTH S H O R E VA C AT I O N RENTAL - 5 Bedrooms, Spa, Sauna, fireplace, cable, wireless internet, fully equipped. Available August - December (includes Labor Day, Thanksgiving,
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VALLEY
SENTINEL Community News & Information
315 Diablo Road, Suite 214 Danville, CA 94526 925-820-6047
Pool Service If your pool looks like a pond Call John at 925-584-6333 It’s the last call you will have to make. VOLUNTEERS
Hats Off America, a non-profit organization, needs volunteers. Hats Off America raises money and awareness for the families of soldiers who have paid the ultimate price for our freedom. For information contact Sparky George at 925-855-1950.
Total Circulation: Over 53,000 Denise Rousset – Publisher/Editor Veneta Roberts – Operations Manager Jeff Gummere – Chief Financial Officer Alexandra Rajaofera – Staff Writer Ron Ottobre – Food Writer Judy Colman – Auto Linda Hendry – Graphic Designer Bob Moore – Account Manager
FREE to Every Home & Business
COMMUNITY CALENDAR
August
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August
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August
EVENTS
Ticket on sale now for September 12 Contra Costa Master Gardener Garden Walk 10am - 4 pm. CCC Master Gardeners are opening six home gardens to raise money for healthy garden outreach to the community. Located in Walnut Creek, Pleasant Hill and Martinez, these gardens showcase a variety of unusual plants, whimsical decor and ideas for reducing the amount of lawn. Specialists will be on hand to answer questions about bio-intensive gardening, composting, propagation, bees and general gardening questions. Tickets are $15 per person. Send check payable to: CCMG Association, c/a 2009 Garden Walk, 221 Virginia Circle, Martinez, CA 94553 or call Gail Campbell 925-945-7738 Save The Date Alamo 27th Annual Music & Wine Festival on September 12 2-11pm. The Alamo Music and Wine Festival is an annual community celebration benefiting, in part, our schools’ music programs while providing a variety of activities for the entire family. School music groups will perform starting at 2:00pm, at 8pm listen to the Cruise Tones performing songs from the late 50’s to the hits of today. Food, games, raffle prizes, California wines and business booths will be set up throughout the festival area. Dinner tickets are a modest $18.00 and an inexpensive hot dogs and chips for the kids. In the evening, Rotary will present its annual Citizen of the Year Award. Held at the Alamo Plaza, at Danville Blvd. and Stone Valley Road in Alamo.
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August
Tuesdays: Danville AM Toastmasters 7am. Father Nature's Shed, Danville. Contact: Christopher Sherry 650-703-6424. Diablo View Toastmasters Club 7:55 to 9am. Open to public. Annual Dues: $80 Toastmasters will show you how to listen effectively, think on your feet and speak confidently. Center Plaza Building - Conference Room (First Floor), 2333 San Ramon Valley Boulevard, San Ramon. diabloview.freetoasthost.ws/. Contact: Ernie DeCoit 925-699-7103. Wednesdays: Le Tip Danville 7:15pm. Meets every Wednesday at Denny’s, 807 Camino Ramon, Danville. For information call 510-409-2144. Danville PM Toastmasters Club 7:30-9pm. Meets every Wednesday at DVC San Ramon Campus, Room 217. A great way to meet new people and practice your public speaking skills with feedback. Guests welcome. Info: anup@danvilletoastmasters1785.com. Danville Midday Business Network International (BNI) 11:30am-1pm. Meets every Wednesday at Denny’s, Danville. Build your business through referrals and networking. Visitors welcome. Info: 925-361-8859.
August 13 Donate Jeans & “Love your genes at every age” Event 4-6pm. Broadway Plaza is collecting gently used or new denim to benefit the Assistance League of Diablo Valley. Those who donate will receive discounts and specials from select Broadway Plaza retailers. Your “price” of admission is one pair of gently used or new pair of jeans. Activities planned include: A Denim Bar, where denim experts will be on hand to help find the perfect fit for women of all shapes and sizes along with free food, drink and entertainment. Held at the Former David M. Brian Store at Broadway Plaza, 1129 Broadway Plaza, Walnut Creek. To Attend: Please contact Tracy Dietlein at 925-939-7601 by August 12.
The National Exchange Club of San Ramon 10am-12pm. Meets on the second Wednesday of each month. Luncheon features great food, guest speaker and business network presentation. Faz Restaurant, 600 Hartz Ave., Danville. Information: 275-2412.
August 29 & 30. Tri Valley Veg at the San Ramon Eco Festival 9am-9pm. Tri-Valley Veg will be passing out healthy organic snacks and Vegetarian Starter Kits and posters as well as answering questions about the vegetarian lifestyle. They will also be signing up people who are interested in creating a veg community and/ or going to a veggie potluck. Persons who are interested in being a part of Tri-Valley Veg or who want to learn how to incorporate more veggies into their diet can call Lisa at 925-989-1811 or email her at Lisa@ThriveHolistic.com. So come to our Eco-Festival in San Ramon and get lost in our world-changing eco extravaganza that includes a Vendor Village, Auto Zone, Kids Zone, Food Court, and Career and Job Fair. You’ll agree that learning to be Green has never been this fun! San Ramon City Center, 6200 Bollinger Canyon Road, San Ramon.
Fridays: Business Network International 7am. Meets every Friday. Business and professional networking organization that offers members the opportunity to share ideas, contacts and referrals. Guests welcome. Denny’s, 807 Camino Ramon, Danville. Info: Glenn, 925-831-3372.
August 31 – October 12 Danville and San Ramon Library joint “City Read” Join residents of Danville and San Ramon for a six-week, booksharing event to read one book together. Take a humorous and fun-filled ride through American History with this year’s “Assassination Vacation,” by Sarah Vowell. Pick up a free paperback copy at the Danville or San Ramon Libraries. For more information call the Danville Library at 925-837-4889 or San Ramon Library at 973-2850 or Dougherty Station Library at 925-973-3389.
BUSINESS August 13: San Ramon Chambers “Women’s Golf – Networking for Business” 8:30-1:30pm. Attention Ladies: Join other golf enthusiasts and women in business for a day of networking, golf education, and fun! Bring your clients, friends, and/or team colleagues for an event that promotes golf for women and promises to increase your appreciation, knowledge, and enjoyment of golf – as a business tool. Only $50 per person includes: professional instruction and lunch (rental of clubs and 9 holes of golf if you wish – advanced reservation/notice to the ChamberSpace is limited to 50 people, so sign up today! Wear golf attire (casual clothing) and golf, or tennis shoes. San Ramon Golf Club, 9430 Fircrest Lane, San Ramon. To register and information: 925-242-0600. Danville Chamber August 13: 5:30pm. Business After Hours Mixer. Rakestraw Bookstore, 522 Hartz Ave., Danville . $5.00 Chamber Members $20.00 Prospective Members August 21: 11:30am. Business Series- Green Up Your Business. Presented by Robin Bedell-Waite and Chris McCann. Danville Library. Members Free. Non-Members $10.00.
Thursdays: Business Development Network 8:00-9am. A professional group that shares resources & networks. Meets 2nd & 4th Thursday at Denny’s, 807 Camino Ramon, Danville. Info: Bonnie, 925-648-0222.
Professional Women’s Business Exchange – San Ramon Chapter (PWBE) 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. first and third Friday of each month. We meet to provide professional and personal leads and contacts, and to educate and support each other in our chosen fields. Guests welcome. Please contact Susan 806-0643.
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August
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August
CLUBS
August 20 San Ramon Valley Newcomers 11:30am-2pm. The San Ramon Valley Newcomers Club invites new & established residents to their monthly luncheon, an afternoon of bingo & prizes. Cost depends on menu choice. Contact Myrna at 925-560-0650 for info/reservations. Mimi's Café, 4775 Hacienda Dr., Dublin. Mondays: Danville Rotary 12:15-1:30pm. Meets every Monday. Brass Door Restaurant, San Ramon. Info: Victor, 925-838-8721. Tuesdays: Experience Unlimited Contra Costa 9am-11am. Meets every Tuesday. EU is a no-fee, nonprofit volunteer organization helping professionals who are seeking employment. Weekly meetings include guest speakers and networking opportunities. Temple Isaiah of Contra Costa, 3800 Mount Diablo, Lafayette. For more information call 602-0166 or visit www.euccca.org. Danville/Sycamore Valley Rotary 7am. Join us at the Crow Canyon Country Club every Tuesday morning for a good breakfast and great company. Info: Scott Sampson, 925-743-8449. Wednesdays: Alamo Rotary Noon. Meets every Wednesday at Round Hill Country Club, Alamo. Info: Mark Kahn, 925-837-3262. San Ramon Valley Rotary Club 7pm. Guests welcome. Join us at the Crow Canyon Country Club every Wednesday for dinner. A great way to make new friends. Info: 925-838-9110. Danville Lions 7pm. Meets the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month. Join us and learn about the good work Lions do around the world. Brass Door, San Ramon Info: Ted, 925-227-6617. Thursdays: Rotary Club of San Ramon 12:15-1:30pm. Meets every Thursday at the Crow Canyon Country Club, San Ramon Info: Bill Nethercott, 925-337-3311. Kiwanis of San Ramon Noon. Meets every Thursday at Round Hill Country Club, 3169 Roundhill Rd, Alamo. For information call 925-648-4800. Saturdays: CoreQuest Fitness offers a FREE ADVENTURE BOOT CAMP every Saturday! Runs at Civic Park in Walnut Creek and suits adults of all fitness levels.Meet by the playground at 7:30AM sharp to kick start your adventure. No reservation necessary. For more info call 457-4587.
ALAMO 2009 CITIZEN OF THE YEAR The Rotary Club of Alamo is in the process of selecting the Alamo 2009 Citizen of the Year. This award will be presented at the Alamo Music Festival on September 12. The nominee must be a person who in 20082009 has demonstrated a unique commitment to the Alamo community (and the community at large) that places him/her in a special place deserving this singular recognition. Alamo has hundreds of dedicated citizens who give countless hours to our benefit.The Alamo nominee must truly represent your view of the very best of citizenship, service, and integrity. We would very much hope that you will submit a nomination for this year. Please provide the following information about the nominee: Nominee’s name: Address: Telephone: Following are detailed factors/data which justify the nomination: (Attach biographical information about the nominee if available and other sheets as needed) Your name/organization name: Address: Telephone: Please return this form not later than August 15 to: Don Morton,Chairman, Alamo Citizen of the Year Committee 3124 Via Larga, Alamo, CA 94507 838-1137 • FAX (925) 838-9930 • Email: dmorton12@yahoo.com
Please email or fax your Calendar Events to the Sentinel by 5 p.m. Wednesday, August 24 for the September issue. Fax No. 925-820-6048 or info@valleysentinel.com. Inclusion in the calendar pages is at the sole discretion of Sentinel Newspapers, Inc.
august 2009
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page 14
The valley SenTinel
Designer boutique has something for everyone By Staff Writer
Elizabeth Wen Tell’s friendly smile greets customers as they enter her shop for that special piece, whether it is a designer top to go clubbing or a sophisticated cocktail dress. Her engaging manner facilitates easy conversation about the business she started nearly a decade ago. She is the owner of ElisaWen, one of the terrific The Polka Dot Attic boutiques The antique store with less fuss and more fun! located in the Antiques • Hats • Bonnets Clearance n e w Ro se Teacups • Costumes • Linens Sale Aprons Silver • Jewelry • Books G a r d e n 3 for $12 China • Signs • Dolls Ce n t e r i n Danville. 925-838-8004 “At that time”, she 411 Hartz Ave., Ste. K • Danville says, “there we re v e r y few independent boutiques and I always felt that I Mention this ad and get needed to go into the city to shop”. Having always your purchases. Expires 8/31/09 wanted a career in fashion, she decided to offer East Bay residents an alternative to trekking to the city or being limited to the chain store brands. “We offer our customers the convenience and variety of 730 Camino Ramon an urbanstyle shopping experience, but closer to Ste. 170, Danville home”, she says. Mon-Sat: 11am-6pm She first opened her doors in 2001 in Walnut Sun: Noon-5pm “Contemporary Clothing Boutique” Creek, offering high quality fashionable apparel at moderate prices in a friendly, relaxed environment. “Part of the reason I moved to Danville is because I wanted a more communityoriented location. Danville harbors a unique shopping environment, and this location is more convenient for my clientele in terms of parking and accessibility”. Modern and airy, the store is stocked with a stylish selection of pieces by up and coming designers, as well as established favorites. “We look for designers that are new and fresh. We have won in Diablo Magazine’s Best of the Experience the difference with Keller Williams Realty East Bay for several years,” says Wen Tell. “We try to differentiate the best trained agents in the industry ourselves by providing excellent customer service and knowledge about the product. If you are looking for a pair of jeans”, she said, “our sales staff will help you to select the cut and fit that is most comfortable and flattering to your individual figure”. You can visit ElisaWen at 730 Camino Ramon, in the Rose Garden Center. The boutique is open Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday from 12 to 5 p.m. Call (925) 831 9600 for more information. Selling or buying a home in today’s complex and changing market demands that you select a highly trained agent qualified to look out after your best interests. You can take comfort in knowing that you have the best possible representation when you select a Keller Williams Realty Danville agent.
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In addition to great training for our agents Keller Williams Realty continues to grow in market share of all residential real estate companies as we recently became the 3rd largest real estate company in the United States with 74,000 agents in 679 offices. To reach any of our talented agents or to learn more about Keller Williams Realty call (925) 855-8333, or email Kristin@kristinwhite.com. Keller Williams Realty 760 Camino Ramon Danville, Ca. 94526
The valley SenTinel
august 2009
Free In-Home assessments for seniors in San Ramon Valley By Staff Writer
The San Ramon Fire Department, along with Senior Outreach Services of Contra Costa County, are offering free inhome assessments this summer to residents of the San Ramon Valley to evaluate risks regarding fall and fire prevention in the home. The first 25 seniors to sign up for the free assessment will qualify for free smoke detector upgrades for their homes, and possibly for the installation of stability grab bars in their bathrooms, depending on the status of new grant monies. The program will have trained volunteers from Senior Helpers who will come to the home and conduct the safety analysis. The entire process should take approximately 20 minutes, and those who have the audit will receive packages that will include several items, including a free oven mitten. One can register for the free assessment by calling Senior Helpers at 925367 8000. Due to the high number of senior injuries and fatalities related to fires and falls in the home, the inhome analysis is designed to verify and remedy risks. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention and National Center for Injury Prevention and Control older adults are hospitalized for fallrelated injuries five times more often than they are for injuries from other causes. Key risk issues in the home include loose throw rugs on the floor and exposed power or extension cords. Other common hazards include the mixing of prescribed medicines, blood pressure changes when body position may move suddenly, and balance problems related to lack of exercise. Fire safety is also a crucial issue for seniors who choose to live in their own home. Older adults face fire risk factors which are much different from when they were younger. Mobility and memory become increasingly difficult, and those with memor y issues may not realize or remember they are in danger. Among the most important steps that can be taken to mitigate some of the dangers are the following: • Smoke Alarms – Alarms should be tested monthly and batteries may need to be replaced as much as every six months. The current Contra Costa program will test and replace faulty batteries in
bed must be emphasized. • Cooking – Cooking fires are the number one cause of fire injuries among older adults. Leaving cooking food unattended is a major problem. If they need to step away, they should turn off the stove. Keep lids nearby so that if the pan catches fire, one can slide the lid on and turn off the stove. Mount a fire extinguisher in the kitchen, and check the pressure gauge monthly. Also, remind seniors not to wear loose clothing when cooking: a dangling sleeve can easily catch fire. Keep towels and potholders away from the stove. Clean the exhaust hood and the duct over the stove regularly.
existing smoke alarms without any charge. Seniors who are deaf or hard of hearing should consider purchasing flashing or vibrating smoke alarms. • Escape Plan – Many seniors still depend on escape routes that were planned when their kids were young. Update these plans and rehearse them. Make sure there are two ways out of each room, and keep hallways and stairs uncluttered. • Smoking – Careless smoking is a leading cause of fire d e a t h s f o r t h e e l d e r l y. Refraining from smoking in
page 15
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page 16
august 2009
The valley SenTinel
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