Mailed Directly to Blackhawk Residents and Published Online
AUGUST 2020
Blackhawk
LIVING CA
Meet The Rushes Spreading Awareness about Lynch Syndrome Photo by Indigo Moments Photography
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AUGUST 2020
BLACKHAWK LIVING CA 3
Table of Contents Letter to Residents
05
Expert Contributors List
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Meet The Rushes: Spreading Awareness about Lynch Syndrome Cover Article
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ARF Adoption Stars
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Real Estate Statistics
11
Calendar of Events
12
Where to Put Your Extra Cash
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Protea: Must Do Caribbean Cuisine In Charming Yountville
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Outdoor Living
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Coyote Moon – Lake Tahoe Golf
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New Regional Park in Diablo Valley
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Tri Valley Animal Rescue
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Look Younger for Longer
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Summer Book Review: The Mirror Sisters
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The Father’s Day Danville Cruise Show us Your Best Shot
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No Regrets..A 5-Part series on Selecting the Best Shutter (Part 2) Expert Contributor
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Tasty Multigrain Bread
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Blackhawk Arts and Crafts Corner
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Hearts Around Danville
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Invest in Hope Golf Tournament
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Check out the 9ers
33
Engagement Ring Myths Debunked
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Pet Adoption Corner
Expert Contributor
Wine, Food, Golf & Fun Header
Expert Contributor Golf Destinations
In our backyard
Pet Corner
Expert Contributor
Recipe
Charity Spotlight Ladies Golf
Expert Contributor
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AUGUST 2020
Dear Neighbors, Publication Team Publisher:
Jo Peek, Blackhawk Resident since 2014 Content Coordinator: Megan Scott Blackhawk Resident since 2010 Designer: Emily Lund Jo Peek
Contributing Photographer: Indigo Moments Photography
Welcome to the dog days of summer. As temperatures rise it’s important to keep cool, and there is no better way to stay calm and cool than laying by the pool or heading to the beach. Be sure to take Blackhawk Living CA along with you for a little summer reading; you won’t want to miss learning about your neighbors, the Rush family. They have dedicated their lives to spreading the word about Lynch Syndrome, after suffering the terrible loss of their daughter. We are devoted to sharing stories, events and news among our neighbors in this wonderful community. If you have a story, event or news to share please email me at mscott@ bestversionmedia.com Warmly,
Advertising Contact: Jo Peek Email: JPeek@bestversionmedia.com
Feedback/Ideas/Submissions: Have feedback, ideas, or submissions? We are always happy to hear from you! Deadlines for submissions are the 10th of each month. Go to www. bestversionmedia.com and click “Submit Content.” You may also email your thoughts, ideas, and photos to: mscott@bestversionmedia.com. Any content, resident submissions, guest columns, advertisements and advertorials are not necessarily endorsed by or represent the views of Best Version Media (BVM) or any municipality, homeowners associations, businesses or organizations that this publication serves. BVM is not responsible for the reliability, suitability or timeliness of any content submitted. All content submitted is done so at the sole discretion of the submitting party. © 2020 Best Version Media. All rights reserved.
Megan Scott Resident since 2010
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BLACKHAWK LIVING CA 5
Expert Contributors To learn more about becoming an expert contributor, contact Jo Peek at jpeek@bestversionmedia.com. Auto Sales & Service Kerri Anderson Pleasanton Automall Kerri.Anderson@hendrickauto.com 925- 737-5062
The Pleasanton Automall is a luxury automotive dealership housing the Acura and Lexus dealerships located in Pleasanton, CA. In addition to our flagships, we also carry a wide selection of quality pre-owned vehicles. We pride ourselves in offering a World Class experience to all of our guests. Visit us today or contact us online to experience the Pleasanton difference.
Dentist Dr. Larry Porteous DDS Larry Porteous Family Dentistry 925-736-9000
Porteous Family Dentistry- Larry Porteous DDS and Linda Porteous RDH have been serving the dental needs in the communities of Rodeo,Vallejo and Blackhawk/Danville for over 30 years.They are a full service practice, eliminating, in most cases, the need for referrals. Offering extended hours for your convenience. “Our practices are dedicated to treating and preventing dental diseases in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere. We strive to give each person the same respect, concern and care we would expect as patients.
Chiropractor Anatomy Power Wellness Dr. Tracey James (925) 457-0210 HelloWellness@ProtonMail.com AnatomyPower.com
Dr. Tracey James joyfully serves as a chiropractor, doula and educator. She provides chiropractic care to individuals of all ages, specializing in pregnancy and pediatrics with over a decade of experience immersed in supporting families during their birth process and fertility journeys. Dr. Tracey graduated with honors from Life Chiropractic College West with further studies through the ICPA (International Chiropractic Pediatric Association) where she gained certification in the Webster Technique.
Cosmetic Surgery Stephen J. Ronan MD FACS Blackhawk Plastic Surgery and Migraine Center 925-736-5757 www.blackhawkplasticsurgery.com
Blackhawk Plastic Surgery has been offering their patients the highest quality cosmetic treatments in the Blackhawk area for more than 15 years. Now they are thrilled to introduce the Blackhawk Migraine Clinic led by migraine specialist, Alicia Choquette. Alicia brings over 5 years of migraine expertise to the Blackhawk Migraine Clinic and looks forward to helping patients live a better quality of life migraine free.
Custom Window Treatments Home Living Window Fashions Shem Isaac 925-351-4509 shem.isaac@gmail.com
Shem Isaac has been in the Window Fashions industry for over 16 years and presently serves as President of Home Living Window Fashions, a company he founded with his wife Melody Isaac. With a mission to help people Live Better By Design, the Isaacs bring passion and enthusiasm to every project and provide solutions to their clients challenges with privacy, light control, and insulation, while providing a beautiful design. Shem is nationally known as an expert on shutter construction and installation, and provides training and mentorship to other pro’s within the industry. He is a CSLB licensed contractor and holds classifications in Window Coverings and Awnings.
Education St. Isidore School (925) 837-2977 www.stisidore.org info@stisidore.org
St. Isidore School is the East Bay’s largest Catholic School serving TK-8th Grade. We believe each student is a unique and beautiful gift. We foster individuality in a familial environment, inspiring students to explore and grow. Our teachers create a love of learning by nurturing an inquisitive spirit, building connections, and developing critical thinking. We understand that today’s learners are tomorrow’s leaders.
Financial Advice Best Financial Life Joe Morgan, CFP®, CFA 925-389-3889 joe@jwmwealth.com www.jwmwealth.com
Joe Morgan is a fee-only financial advisor who acts as an educator, guide, and protector of wealth to individuals and families. He created his own firm after a successful investment career because he wanted to help people find clarity in their aspirations, resources, and risks. When he’s not showing how financial advice doesn’t have to be dictated by stuffy suited men from Wall Street, he enjoys tennis at Blackhawk Country Club and hiking the Tri-Valley area.
General Contractor Cal York Construction, Inc. Cal York (925) 938-9984 calyorkcon@aol.com
Cal York Construction is a family owned construction and remodeling business operating for over 30 years in Walnut Creek and the East Bay. We have the expertise and talent to create your idea into reality. We’re conscientious and have a desire to serve our clients and make their remodeling dreams come true. We work closely with our clients to ensure that your project runs smoothly, on time and within budget.
Home Maintenance Home Inspections Plus Mark Beck 925-240-0441 m.beck@localinspector.com www.localinspector.com
At Home Inspections Plus, we have two basic rules: client satisfaction and long-term relationships. With our many years of business experience and over 6,000 fee paid inspections, we believe after you try our service, you will gladly refer others to us and use us in the future. Realtor and consumer inquiries welcome!
Find us online BlackhawkLivingCA www.BlackhawkLivingCA.com
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Expert Contributors To learn more about becoming an expert contributor, contact Jo Peek at jpeek@bestversionmedia.com. Insurance Roger Fernando State Farm Roger Fernando Agency 925-244-1700 roger@rogerfernando.com
Roger Fernando has been a State Farm Agent for 30 years, starting his insurance agency in 1988. Roger and his team are fully licensed. We take pride in giving personal, exceptional service, in talking and listening to our clients about their insurance needs. Our mission has always been to consult with customers as their insurance needs change, protect their insurance for the risks of everyday life and help recover from the unexpected loss.
Interior Design & Decorating Raashi Design Sheeja Nair 925-236-0402 enquiries@RaashiDesign.com www.RaashiDesign.com
Sheeja Nair is the founder/principal designer of award-winning Raashi Design. She specializes in creating interiors and custom homes that are thoughtfully conceived with an emphasis on elegance, comfort, functionality, and the homeowner’s personal style. Her international design work influences her approach to using color, texture and lighting in exciting, yet tasteful ways. An out-of-the-box thinker, Sheeja’s background in engineering and physics uniquely qualify her to solve challenging design issues.
Jewelry, Diamonds & Timepieces Steve Padis Steve Padis Jewelry info@padisjewelry.com www.padisjewelry.com Music: Soloist & Private Voice Lessons Elizabeth Hunter Ashley The Performance Studio 925-548-2694 Elizabeth@elizabethhunterashley.com www.elizabethhunterashley.com
Professional lyric coloratura soprano, Elizabeth has extensive experience as a soloist in oratorio, concert, musical theatre, sacred music, and new music. She performs nationally and internationally with renown conductors, orchestras, composers, international communities, and holds a myriad of national credits including MM degree. As the proprietor of her vocal music studio, she has taught 300+ private students from youth to mature adults offering them a sustainable vocal technique, bi- annual voice recitals which include philanthropic fund raisers, music connections in the community, performance preparation for high school top choirs, vocal competitions, college prep. recordings, pageant training. Elizabeth is a member of NATS, CCMTAC, an adjudicator for CMEA, and NATS.
Orthodontics Dr. Richard Anthony Blackhawk Orthodontics 925-736-3311 richard.anthony@blackhawkortho.com www.blackhawkortho.com
Richard Anthony, DDS MS Originally from Minneapolis, MN, Dr. Anthony moved to Danville in 1970 with his family and attended the old Charlotte Wood Middle School and San Ramon Valley High School. Dr. Anthony attended the University of California at Berkeley and subsequently completed his dental education at the University of Southern California in 1990. Later that same year, he opened the current office location at the Blackhawk Medical Center where he practiced for over 27 years. Dr. Anthony, his wife Michele, and son Ryan live in Danville. The family can always be found up at Lake Tahoe either hiking, biking, skiing, boating, or relaxing at the beach.
Pool Service Jon Lubrano Atlantis Pools 925-736-0447 info@atlantispoolsdanville.com atlantispoolsdanville.com
Atlantis Pools Inc. is a family owned business that has been serving Contra Costa County for over 25 years. From pool repair, maintenance needs, remodels and updates, no job is too big or small for us. We take pride in the high quality service we give to each customer.
Solar Energy Kyle Lowy Kota Energy Group 925-272-8013 Klowy@kotaenergygroup.com
Meet your neighbor: Blackhawk’s Solar Energy Expert, Kyle Lowy at the Kota Energy Group. Set up a time that’s most convenient for you, meet with Kyle and take a look at the incredible Federal Tax incentives that are still available but going away soon! With industry leading (no worry) warranty coverage and award winning service, find out why Kyle+Kota is the solar choice of Blackhawk residents. Be sure to ask about our family and friend referral program!
Tree Service Trex Donovan Buena Vista Tree Service 415-531-1247 ntdonovan@yahoo.com www.buenavistatree.com Unique & Custom Travel Experiences Lori McDonald Cruise Planners 925-380-6208 lmcdonald@cruiseplanners.com www.McDonaldTravel.com
Steve and Judy Padis own and operate Padis Jewelry, which has four locations in the San Francisco Bay Area. They founded the company in 1974 and are proud to have earned a reputation as one of the finest jewelers in San Francisco, serving generations of clients for their most precious moments in life, from engagement to anniversary to milestone gifts. Padis Jewelry maintains top-tier relationships with the most sought-after designers including Tacori, Forevermark, Verragio, Breitling, Tag Heuer, and Roberto Coin. As members of the American Gem Society, Padis is among the top 5% of jewelers across the country.
Buena Vista Tree Service is committed to preserving our urban forests and environment. They recycle 100% of our green waste into a reusable landscaping product. Trex safely and efficiently handles all types of tree emergencies 24 hours a day to eliminate tree risks to people and property and significantly reduce your liability exposure.
Lori McDonald, Travel Advisor, with Cruise Planners, wows her clients while considerately guiding their travel plans. Being passionate about helping her clients design the ultimate vacation, corporate travel, or assisting with a dream destination wedding, Lori’s expertise knows no bounds. Lori is professional, creative and detail-oriented. Each aspect of her clients’ land, sea, or river travel blueprint must be perfect.
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Resident Feature
Resident Feature is proudly sponsored by Tucker Associates Real Estate
Meet The Rushes
Spreading Awareness about Lynch Syndrome By Megan Scott, Resident since 2010
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llen and Joan Rush have suffered through every parent’s worst nightmare: their beautiful daughter died at the age of 23 from a surprisingly common, but mostly unknown cancer syndrome. Jacqueline Rush would have turned 30 this August. She tragically passed away at the age of 23, and Joan says her death could have been prevented, if only they had more information. That is why the family has made it their mission to spread awareness about Lynch Syndrome. “Jacqueline is our only child and she spent her entire life in Blackhawk. She passed away in 2014 from colorectal cancer caused by Lynch Syndrome (an inherited genetic mutation passed down through families that increases your risks of developing certain cancers). She graduated with a double major in Marketing and Spanish from the University of San Diego in 2013. She was fluent in Spanish and spent a semester studying abroad in Madrid, Spain. Growing up she enjoyed playing soccer, she was a talented piano player, and loved west coast swing dancing. She and I were members of the National Charity League,” shares Joan. After Jacqueline passed away in 2014, Allen and Joan founded the Jacqueline Rush Foundation, in Jacqueline’s honor, to raise awareness of Lynch Syndrome, to raise funds for Lynch Syndrome research, and to try to prevent Jacqueline’s story from continuing to repeat itself. The Rush family wanted to share their daughter’s story with the Blackhawk community: “Jacqueline had symptoms of abdominal pain, constipation, and some intermittent bleeding when she was 16. We took her to her pediatrician and told her pediatrician that Jacqueline’s paternal grandfather passed away from colorectal cancer in his fifties. The pediatrician said it couldn’t be colorectal cancer because Jacqueline was too young to have that diagnosis. We accepted that as true. That was a huge mistake. As Jacqueline’s symptoms worsened it took four 8
years before she was properly diagnosed at the age of 20. When a colonoscopy was finally done, she was diagnosed with Stage-3 colorectal cancer. It was devastating, and tragically she passed away at the age of 23. Had she been diagnosed when she first was having symptoms, she would most likely still be alive. During the course of her treatment, her oncologist suspected she might have Lynch Syndrome. She was tested and the results came back positive for Lynch Syndrome. It was determined that she inherited it from Allen. Jacqueline lost her life because of the perfect storm: We were not aware that Lynch Syndrome was in our family’s genes, her pediatrician had never heard of Lynch Syndrome, and the general belief in the medical community that young people couldn’t get colorectal cancer. If any one of those things had been different, Jacqueline’s story would’ve had a happy ending.” Lynch Syndrome is an inherited genetic mutation that significantly increases your risk of developing colorectal, endometrial and other cancers in your lifetime. If one of your parents has Lynch Syndrome, you have a 50% chance of inheriting it. One in 279 people living in the United States has Lynch Syndrome, but astonishingly 95% of those who have inherited Lynch Syndrome don’t know they have it. Current research suggests it may be even more common. Lynch Syndrome is significantly more common in the population than the BRCA genes that cause increased risks for breast/ ovarian cancer. Knowing if you have Lynch Syndrome is powerful and lifesaving, not just for you but for your family’s generations to come. There are many things you can do to prevent Lynch-Syndrome caused cancer and that is just one of the reasons it’s so important to know if you have it. The Rush family moved to Blackhawk more than 30 years ago and still live in the original home they purchased near the East Gate. Allen and Joan celebrated their 36th wedding anniversary this year. They met in 1979 while working at the Rolm Corporation in Santa Clara. Joan was born in a suburb of Pittsburgh, PA and grew up there until she moved AUGUST 2020
to Cupertino, CA in 1977. Allen was born in Syracuse, NY then moved as a child to Denver, CO then to York, PA where he spent most of his childhood. Allen moved to San Jose, CA in 1974 when he was recruited by Intel Corporation out of college. He received a Master’s of Science degree in Computer Engineering from Santa Clara University and is pursuing a PhD in Electrical Engineering from the same school. Allen is currently Chief Scientist for machine learning at Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) in Santa Clara. Before Joan left the workforce to raise Jacqueline, she worked at Electric Power Research Institute in Palo Alto providing technical support and software class instruction and is currently the President of the Jacqueline Rush Foundation. Allen and Joan are active members of the community and keep busy with a variety of hobbies. Allen says he has always enjoyed sailing, “Joan and I actually had our first date sailing on my boat in the San Francisco Bay. In 1983, I sailed a 44-foot sailboat from Boston to the British Virgin Islands with 2 friends. There was no GPS in those days, so we had to navigate using the stars.” Allen is in the Mount Diablo Astronomy Club and enjoys woodworking, photography and piano. Joan is in a book club with members from Blackhawk and Danville and started a Neighborhood Watch program in their neighborhood. Joan also enjoys gardening, floral arranging and playing the piano. Joan says sharing Jacqueline’s story has become their mission, “When Jacqueline
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was a freshman in college, we gave her a book titled Where Will You Be Five Years From Today? In this book she wrote her personal mission statement which was: ‘To love living my life and have a positive impact on the lives of those I know and cherish but also to those who I simply encounter. To believe that mistakes are made to learn and to embrace all knowledge.’ Jacqueline truly lived by those words, and we are carrying on her personal mission by using the knowledge that we’ve learned about Lynch Syndrome to positively impact the lives of others.” The Jacqueline Rush Foundation is currently finishing a documentary titled “Better Rush, Live in your Genes” to raise awareness through telling Jacqueline’s story with Lynch Syndrome. You can watch a trailer of the documentary on the foundation website. We always welcome those who want to get involved. For more information about Lynch Syndrome, visit our website: https://www.jrushfoundation.org
Do you know a neighbor who has a story to share? Nominate your neighbor to be featured in one of our upcoming issues! Contact us at mscott@bestversionmedia.com.
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Pet Adoption Corner
Caribou
ARF Adoption Stars Submitted by ARF Looking for a furry friend during this trying time? Good news — ARF is now offering a no-contact virtual adoption process! If you see an animal you’re interested in on our website, just fill out an online inquiry form. Once your inquiry has been received, you will be added to our virtual adoption queue.
Two-year-old Caribou is a striking fellow who is looking for his one true love. This active guy would enjoy days filled with hiking and exploring the outdoors. Even adult dogs can learn new things and Caribou is no exception. He is a fast learner who looks forward to earning treats while polishing up his sit, down, and stay training!
Meet your forever friend at Tony La Russa’s Animal Rescue Foundation, 2890 Mitchell Drive, Walnut Creek, during adoption hours: Noon to 6 pm Wednesday & Thursday, Noon to 7 pm Friday, and Noon to 6 pm Saturday & Sunday. Would you like to be part of the heroic team that saves the lives of rescued dogs and cats? Can you share your talents to connect people and animals? ARF volunteers are making a difference! For more information see our website, www.arflife.org, or call (925) 256-1ARF.
The adoption fee for puppies (<6 months) is $350, for adult dogs is $250, and senior dogs (7+ years) and special needs dogs are 50% off the adoption fee.
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Manny
Six-year-old Manny loves everyone! This chill dude just wants to hang out by your side, enjoy some petting, and meow at you about how wonderful his day was. He is the sweetest guy you’ll ever meet. He’s happy all the time and shows it by kneading and making biscuits with his feet. If you’re looking for an outgoing yet laid back cat, come meet Manny! This delightful gentleman will be your best buddy in no time. Manny has IBD, and might need to receive a steroid or other immune modulating medication for the rest of his life. He may do well with cat friendly dogs. The adoption fee for kittens (<6 months) is $150, for adult cats is $100, $25 off each for multiple cats/kittens, and senior cats (7+ years) and special needs cats are 50% off the adoption fee.
AUGUST 2020
Real Estate
Real Estate is proudly sponsored by The Nagle Team
Active Real Estate Listings in Blackhawk
Street
List Price
Street
List Price
Quail Run Dr Redwood Dr Tennis Club Dr Silver Maple Dr Canyon Oak Ln Blackhawk Meadow Dr Scarlet Oak Pl Liquid Amber Pl Holly Oak Dr Wild Oak Ct Deer Ridge Dr Blackhawk Club Dr Blackhawk Dr Red Fir Ct
$1,399,000 $1,425,000 $1,425,000 $1,579,000 $1,675,000 $1,698,000 $1,698,800 $1,850,000 $1,885,000 $1,949,000 $2,199,000 $2,199,000 $2,200,000 $2,295,000
Chestnut Pl Blackhawk Dr South Ridge Ct Saddleback Ct Saddleback Pl Blackhawk Club Ct Quail Run Ln Chestnut Pl South Ridge Ct Quail Walk Ct Oakridge Dr Eagle Ridge Dr East Ridge Ct Blackhawk Meadow Ln
$2,418,800 $2,499,000 $2,599,000 $2,725,000 $2,849,000 $2,988,800 $3,175,000 $3,398,800 $3,499,000 $3,588,800 $3,998,800 $4,398,800 $4,888,888 $6,499,800
Sq.Ft. BR FBA PBA 2273 2856 2800 3525 2533 3840 3016 3478 3056 4417 4644 5262 3963 4920
3 3 3 4 3 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 5
2 2 3 4 2 3 3 3 3 4 3 3 3 4
0 1 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 1 1 1 1 2
Sq.Ft. BR FBA PBA 4975 5062 4492 4940 3807 5584 4890 5565 6281 7066 6910 9580 7172 8826
5 5 5 5 4 6 5 6 6 6 5 7 5 7
3 4 3 4 3 5 5 5 5 7 4 7 5 8
1 1 2 1 1 1 0 1 1 0 2 1 1 2
Source: BridgeMLS 7/10/2020 Best Version Media does not guarantee the accuracy of the statistical data on this page. The data does not represent the listings of any one agent or agency but represents the activity of the real estate community in the area. Any real estate agent’s ad appearing in the magazine is separate from the statistical data provided which is in no way a part of their advertisement.
THE NAGLE TEAM IS PROUDLY REPRESENTING YOUR COMMUNITY! 50+ Years of Real Estate Experience If you are thinking about buying or selling a home call The Nagle Team today to put our experience to work for you! 925.872.1478 | 925.872.1500
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Experienced Negotiation Skills to serve our client’s best interests Extensive use of Technology based resources and Marketing Your Real Estate Transaction will be handled with the utmost diligent and personal care
BLACKHAWK LIVING CA 11
August
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Month of August
Sat., Aug. 15
Dive Deep into Summer Reading
Makers Market on the Plaza
@ Danville Library Online Sign up to keep track of your reading and learning. The whole family can get swept away with summer fun and entered in to a drawing for a chance to win prizes including an Xbox One X. Come back often to wrap your tentacles around updated information as it bubbles to the surface Cost: Free More info: https://wandooreader.com/ ccclib/summer-reading-2020-dive-deep/ users/sessions/new
@Broadway Plaza A highly curated marketplace of local makers and artisans, located at the gorgeous Broadway Plaza (Between Starbucks and True Food Kitchen). Shop from merchants selling US Handcrafted goods such as jewelry, handbags, ceramics, glassware, soaps, succulents, candles and more! Enjoy live music and stop into our Broadway Plaza shop (around the corner, in Apple Plaza) for libations and even more locally handcrafted goods. Time: 11am-4pm https://makersmarket.us
Every Tuesday and Thursday
On-line story time @home via Contra Costa Library See our favorite storytellers create impromptu story times every Tuesday and Thursday Time: 10am ccclib.org
Save the Date October (exact date TBD)
Every Saturday
Farmers’ Market @Railroad Ave. Municipal Parking Lot - Downtown Get the freshest seasonal fare at the Danville Certified Farmers’ Market. You’ll find fruits and vegetables direct from local farmers, along with fresh-cut flowers, bedding plants, fresh breads, and delicious specialty food items you can eat in the market or take with you to enjoy at home. It’s the perfect place to stock up for the week, or shop al fresco while socializing with friends. This event is located at Railroad & Prospect Avenues and offers free parking in the adjacent lot. Time: 9am-1pm More information at www.pcfma.com
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3rd Annual Danville Shops and Hops Craft Beer Stroll Enjoy a fun-filled evening of craft beer sampling and shopping during the 3rd Annual Danville Shops & Hops Craft Brew Stroll benefiting the educational and community programs at the Museum of the San Ramon Valley. Participating downtown Danville merchants will host craft brewers and offer small bites while area breweries pour their crafted creations and music will fill the air. Your $25 ticket includes a commemorative glass, beer tasting, small bites, and entertainment. The Designated Driver ticket is $10 and includes small bites and a non-alcoholic drink. Tickets can be redeemed for beer glasses at the corner of Railroad & Prospect Avenues from 5:30-7:00 pm the night of the event. This beer stroll will happen rain or shine! No refunds. More info at: https://museumsrv. org/shops-and-hops/ AUGUST 2020
Expert Contributor
Where to Put Your Extra Cash By Joe Morgan, CFP®, CFA, Principal: Best Financial Life, Resident since 2004
Got any extra cash laying around? Could be from an inheritance or maybe you just sold some of your employer’s stock. Or it could be that you have an investment to sell but you are holding off because you don’t know what to do with the proceeds. Well, here’s your answer. Over and above the cash you need in an emergency fund and for any net expenses over the next five years, all of your funds should be invested in your long-term portfolio. Further, you should know quite well how this portfolio will perform in a crash, because you are likely to experience several more in your lifetime. But that’s ok. Since these are funds you won’t need to spend for at least five years you will be able to ride out an overwhelming majority of those downturns. Historically speaking, the stock market recovers about 87% of the time after a crash by the fifth year. Those are great odds! For more details, check out a deeper analysis at www.BestFinLife. com/blog, but in this space I want to simply make the point that this can be very important. For a limited time, I am offering a completely FREE financial conversation on the topic of your choice. FREE, that is, from cost and also FREE from any sales pitch. Simply schedule your call here: www.calendly.com/bestfinlife/free-financial-conversation. Best Financial Life is a Registered Investment Advisor with the State of California and Joe Morgan is a fiduciary to his clients at all times. If you’d like to ensure your finances are on the right track, schedule a call with Joe at www.calendly.com/bestfinlife.
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BLACKHAWK LIVING CA 13
Wine, Food, Golf & Fun
Protéa:
Must Do Caribbean Cuisine In Charming Yountville By Mike L. McColgan, Resident since 1990
R
ecently we had the pleasure of dining at a restaurant in the charming town of Yountville named Protéa. Yountville is also the home of famous chef Thomas Keller’s French Laundry and Bouchon Bakery. This was our first dining experience since the lockdown during Covid 19. Protea is defined as a beautiful South African plant or sugarbush. The restaurant offers outside seating and also roof top service. We chose to dine on the roof enjoying a stunning, sunny Napa day. The menu changes daily and offers high level slow cooking techniques. Chef Anita has a bubbling and warm personality. She prides herself serving great Carribean cuisine
at reasonable prices complimented with outstanding service. Her son Adrien is the sensational sous chef. We enjoyed an order of Puerto Rican Beef empanadas with a golden crust and seasoned to perfection. We also shared an order of Jamaican Jerk Shrimp slowly cooked, marinated and served over Bomba Rice. Finally, we had the Ramen Stir Fry. It is fresh Ramen noodles tossed with seared pork belly, onions, topped with adobo soy sauce. They were all outstanding. We also enjoyed a bottle of Trefethen Riesling that paired beautifully with the cuisine. We look forward to returning soon. Make a reservation go to: http://www.proteayv.com/
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AUGUST 2020
Expert Contributor
Outdoor Living By Sheeja Nair, Interior designer, Raashi Design, LLC
T
he past few months have been a scary whirlwind of home isolation, and as we re-enter into the world socially, it is important to do so safely. Visiting with friends and family outdoors is a great way to be social while also keeping a safe distance. The fresh air and sunlight is good for the soul, and outdoor living will be the new way of life as we continue through the summer. Create an inviting living area with an outdoor sectional that has bright and colorful cushions and waterproof pillows in fun patterns such as a banana leaf motif. Outdoor rugs made of Nylon, a weatherproof outdoor option, can help to define a sitting area on a large deck. To combat a cool and breezy summer night, add a fire pit to your set-up. Options range from propane gas table fire pits to natural wood burning brick fire pits, all of which can be safe and add warmth, as well as ambiance. Host a dinner party with a long outdoor dining table, umbrella with LED lights and comfy outdoor patio chairs. Hammocks and lounge recliners are a great way to
relax and catch a tan under the summer sun. Even your dog can get in on the fun with modern dog houses and outdoor beds that can help keep your pup cool and comfortable. In addition to being able to enjoy outdoor living areas for as long as you live in your home, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s also a great ROI (return on investment). Outdoor kitchen, decks and pergolas, and patio pavers add value to your home when it comes time to sell.
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Golf Destinations
Coyote Moon – Lake Tahoe Golf By Chuck Fox, Owner, Quintessential Golf, Resident since 2012
Par3 Hole 16 Over Water Towering Pines Shadow The Greens
Signature Downhill Par3 Hole 13
T
he daily fee Coyote Moon Golf Course opened in 2000 and plays at 6300 feet above sea level. White tees are 6211 yards and blue tees are 6704 yards. But due to the elevation it plays shorter. Locals suggest adding 10% to your average carry distance to make the math simple, but I find 7% is more accurate. Designed by former PGA player Brad Bell, it is in the heart of the Sierra Nevada Mountains in Truckee, California. There are no homes on the course to spoil the dramatic scenery. Cut through thick forests over mountainous terrain playing Coyote Moon Golf Course is like a gentle mountain hike. Holes have large elevation changes, multiple chasms, lakes, and thick rough making for entertaining shots. Wildlife sightings are commonplace at the Coyote Moon Golf Course. Hence, there are few wide-open tee shots in which you can “grip it and rip it”. Despite the visual challenges, the landing areas are usually more generous than it appears. Coyote Moon Golf Course is well maintained. This is an accomplishment in mountain environments with the change in temperatures, significant elevation and the limited growing season. The back nine is sensational. Perhaps the most interesting hole is the 227-yard Par 3 Hole #13. The required tee shot is 200 feet downhill over a creek to a small well bunkered green with no bailout option. On the day I played, the pin was completely blind, tucked behind trees in the upper right portion of the green. That was a rare and bizarre feeling.
The layout is excellent, the scenery is spectacular. A mountain lodge style clubhouse with patio is serene. The excellent service is notable. Coyote Moon holds its own with the higher end public access courses and some private courses in the Lake Tahoe area. It’s definitely worth a visit if you’re looking for more golf while relaxing there. It’s one of the finest mountain courses you’ll ever play. High resolution photos at: www.quintessentialgolf.com/destinations/coyote-moon/
If You Go: Course Info – Coyote Moon Golf Club (www.coyotemoongolf. com) is a municipal owned daily fee golf facility with a single eighteen hole championship golf course. Location - Near Highway 80 in Truckee, California in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Thirty minutes from the shores and villages of Lake Tahoe. Lodging – Boutique hotels in Truckee two miles east. Chain and casino hotels in Reno, Nevada, forty-five minutes east.
Quintessential Golf (https://www.quintessentialgolf.com) A source of golf travel inspiration, Quintessential Golf online magazine spotlights the most spectacular, enduring and scenic courses, resorts and golf adventures. Written from a player’s point-of-view, articles include magnificent high-resolution course images. Brought to you by Chuck Fox, single-digit golfer, writer and photographer based in Danville, California, he is fulfilling his passion and dream to play, photograph and share the romance and beauty of golf throughout North America.
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AUGUST 2020
In Our Backyard
New Regional Park in Diablo Valley By Dave Mason, Public Information Supervisor , East Bay Regional Park District
E
ast Bay Regional Park District Board of Directors unanimously approved the final land use plan for public access improvements and open space preservation at the Park District’s new 2,540-plusacre Concord Hills Regional Park (working name). The final land use plan includes a joint visitor center with the National Park Service highlighting the history of the Port Chicago Naval Magazine National Memorial and the Diablo Valley, staging areas, and miles of recreational trails for hiking, biking, and nature viewing.
received possession of 2,216 acres of U.S. Navy property at the Concord Naval Weapons Station. An additional 327 acres will transfer to the District at a later time.
“This is the true culmination of a decades-long community effort,” said Beverly Lane, who has represented Concord on the East Bay Regional Park District Board since 1994. “I’m proud to be part of the Park District and its effort to produce a truly fabulous plan for a new Regional Park in the Diablo Valley.”
“Turning the former military base into a world-class park will take very many years and millions of dollars to restore and open,” said East Bay Regional Park District General Manager Robert Doyle. “However, thanks to the Park District and community’s efforts, 2,500 plus acres of scenic Diablo Valley landscape is permanently protected.”
“This important land use plan will provide public access, preserve natural habitat, and honor the unique natural and human history of the land,” added Lane.
“The opportunity to partner with the National Park Service to tell the unique and important natural and historic story of the land in a future joint visitor is exciting and rare. We thank National Park Service and all of our partners for their help in making this world-class park a reality,” added Doyle.
In July 2019, after a 20+ year community effort, the Park District
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The final land use plan utilizes existing developed areas and buildings to the greatest extent possible. The final approved plan and the associated environmental analysis permanently preserve 95% of the land as open space and protected habitat.
BLACKHAWK LIVING CA 17
Unparalleled Experience. Exceptional Service. Joujou Chawla Real Estate. Blackhawk •
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AUGUST 2020
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Compass is a real estate broker licensed by the State of California and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. License Number 01527235. All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only and is compiled from sources deemed reliable but has not been verified. Changes in price, condition, sale or withdrawal may be made without notice. No statement is made as to accuracy of any description. All measurements and square footage are approximate.
BLACKHAWK LIVING CA 19
Pet Corner
Tri Valley Animal Rescue By Janine Collins, Blackhawk resident since 1999
T
hose of you that know me know that I volunteer for Tri Valley Animal Rescue. There are a lot of fantastic rescue organizations saving animals every day. One of the reasons I chose to volunteer and become a Board Member with Tri-Valley Animal Rescue is for the work it does at the East County Animal Shelter. The county shelter is run by the Sheriff’s department and it is generally the first stop for strays, animals rescued from terrible living conditions and animals that are surrendered. Usually the in-demand dogs - meaning cute, young, popular breeds - get adopted very quickly or are taken by other rescue organizations. What is left in the shelter are the ones more difficult to get adopted and these are the dogs and puppies TVAR takes into their Foster Dog Program. For the Kitten Foster Program TVAR pulls kittens that are too young to be adopted or even many that are too young to even eat on their own and many that have had no socialization whatsoever. Helping these animals is a significant part of our work. Additionally, our Dog and Cat Shelter Volunteers are in the shelter every day walking, socializing, and giving love, affection and even training to the shelter animals until they are adopted. All of these interactions literally save lives. It’s been a challenging year for rescue organizations. Adopting an animal became very popular with the Shelter in Place and we’ve been very busy interviewing potential adopters. This is good news, but there’s a lot more work to be done. Kitten season is upon us! We expect with the shelter’s reopening there will be many more
Stevie in foster care waiting for a veterinarian
And of course, kittens!
Truffles before he was placed in foster care.
dogs and cats that need our help. In 2019, TVAR helped save, as they have each year for over a decade, over 1,000 animals. We are proud of all the work we do to save these deserving animals.
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AUGUST 2020
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BLACKHAWK LIVING CA 21
Expert Contributor
Look Younger for Longer By Dr. Stephen Ronan, MD FACS, Blackhawk Plastic Surgery & MedSpa
A
frequent concern I hear is, “Dr. Ronan, why do I look tired all the time even though I get plenty of sleep?”. The answer is simple. During the normal aging process, our faces age in different ways, including: 1. Topical changes in skin tone (sun spots, freckles, rosacea, wrinkles, etc.) can make us look more aged, 2. Despite the fact that we seem to gain fat everywhere we don’t want it, we lose normal healthy fat in our faces (volume loss), and 3. increased skin laxity due to loss of elasticity. The combination of increased laxity along with volume loss further accentuates “dark circles” and is also responsible for the descent of the cheek and the appearance of jowls. The loss of elasticity and time plays a role in the appearance of frown lines, forehead furrow and crow’s feet.
etc.). We choose the best type based on where it will be injected (thin and soft for lips, thick and bulky for cheekbones). The unifying theme of dermal fillers is that they “fill in” areas that have lost volume to create a smoother, more youthful, or more enhanced and defined appearance. In addition to filling in areas of volume loss where depressions and creases may be forming, dermal fillers can also be used to augment or enhance lips, cheekbones, or the chin. Dermal fillers, on average, create results that can last for about six months, although there is some variance between different types of fillers. Sometimes patients may opt to combine dermal fillers with Dysport or other procedures for a more comprehensive facial rejuvenation result. Dysport is simple protein that is injected into a muscle creating weakness. Muscle action is what causes the wrinkles of frown lines, forehead furrow and crow’s feet (smile lines). Look in the mirror and make these expressions to see the muscles at work. By precisely (and temporarily) weakening these muscles, we can soften the expression and reduce or eliminate wrinkles.
All of these factors as well as time work together to give the appearance of fatigue and aging. Fortunately, there are several non-surgical options that can address these issues and help yield a more youthful appearance, including dermal fillers, injections of neurotoxins like Dysport, and other facial treatments and procedures.
Injections of Dysport and dermal fillers take just minutes to administer and don’t require any downtime afterwards for recovery which makes them easy to fit into just about anyone’s schedule. Most of our patients have memberships for injectables. The procedure and frequency are chosen by the patient in consultation with the doctor. Besides a discount, the payments are made monthly instead of all at once. Our members also get other perks and are first in line for new products and procedures.
Dermal fillers are a popular non-surgical facial rejuvenation treatment that are administered via injection to reduce lines, creases and areas that appear “sunken-in.” A family of fillers, such as Restylane, has several formulations of the same material (thick, thin,
If you are interested in learning more about how dermal fillers, Dysport and other injectables, can help improve your appearance, please call our office at 925.736.5757. We can either explain the various options and procedures over the phone, and/or schedule an in-person visit or virtual consultation from the comfort of your home.
22
AUGUST 2020
Summer Book Review: The Mirror Sisters By Iman Simab, Resident Since 2003
T
he Mirror Sisters by V.C. Andrews is an interesting book to read for adults. The reason I wouldn’t recommend this book for children is because the book mentions several topics of taboo that are not suitable for children to read about. The Mirror Sisters tells the story of identical twin sisters Haylee and Kaylee Fitzgerald. Ever since the girls were babies, their mother always insisted on treating them the same way. For example, she would make sure Haylee and Kaylee had the same clothes and toys. She would even make them dress the same and would punish both of them if one wore something different from the other. Their mother believed that if they were treated differently, it would lead to a horrible sibling rivalry and the girls would constantly compete with each other on who was the “better” twin. Unfortunately, as the girls get older and start high
school, it becomes clear that they have opposite personalities. While Kaylee focuses on her studies and tries to stay away from the bad crowd, Haylee becomes the rebellious bad girl. Haylee also turns out to be very manipulative and takes advantage of her sister. For example, Haylee often gets Kaylee to do her homework for her since they are expected to get the same grades in their classes. Haylee knows Kaylee won’t let her fail in school since she doesn’t want to get in trouble with their mother if Haylee’s grades goes down while her grades are good. Kaylee is the narrator of the book and we get a lot of insight to her personality as she tells us about her family, particularly her twin sister. As I was reading, I suspected Haylee was always envious of Kaylee and was acting out for attention. I felt she thought Kaylee was their parents’ favorite, because she was obedient and always did what their mother wanted (even though it was to keep the peace and made their mother happy). As a result, Haylee wanted to feel like she was better than Kaylee at something, which is why she was always trying to seek attention from boys. She wanted to feel like she was the prettier twin and the one who was more fun to hang out with. While Haylee would be considered a bad girl, I found Kaylee’s character to be almost boring because she seems too perfect and hardly rebels. She also appears to be very naïve because she never suspects her sister of intentionally hurting her and she hardly stands up to her. I feel if Kaylee had stood up to Haylee more often, and wasn’t afraid to tell her parents about Haylee’s rebellious behavior, Haylee wouldn’t have been able to manipulate her so easily. The ending was especially shocking and was a cliffhanger. It made me want to immediately start reading the next book, Broken Glass, to find out what happens next. The reason I decided to read The Mirror Sisters is because I’m already familiar with Flowers in the Attic and House of Secrets, which are other books written by V.C. Andrews. If you like The Mirror Sisters, you would definitely like these books too because they also center around a family with deep dark secrets. Iman Simab graduated from UC Berkeley in 2016 with a degree in English and Journalism. She is passionate about reading and writing. She is always looking for new books to read and hopes to become an author someday. In the meantime, she works as a teacher for Kids’ Country and a library aide for Dougherty Station Library in San Ramon. Iman grew up in Danville and attended Monte Vista High School. She also loves hiking the trails of the Bay Area and exploring nature.
BLACKHAWK LIVING CA 23
Show us Your Best Shot
The Father’s Day Danville Cruise By Ricky Helton, Danville Resident
O
n Father’s Day, many Danville residents celebrated with a cruise around the town. Here are some of the pictures I took of the Father’s Day Danville Cruise.
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AUGUST 2020
No Regrets...
Expert Contributor
No Regrets..A 5-Part series on Selecting the Best Shutter (Part 2) By Shem Isaac, Home Living Windows The various materials There are many materials used to build shutters, but for this article I’ve broken them down into four broad categories. It’s true that within each of these categories there are many subcategories, but generally there are four. They are: 1. Hollow vinyl While there can be exceptions, Hollow vinyl is a low end material, which in my opinion is ill suited for shutters. It’s not that it’s a bad material for other purposes, and I often see it used in vinyl fencing and outbuildings. Fencing and plastic huts don’t have moving parts though generally speaking, and when they add vinyl gates and shed doors they don’t function well over time. Shutter manufacturers over-promote this material by giving it scientific sounding names followed by arbitrary numbers. Hollow vinyl shutters snap together or sometimes are fastened to an internal stabilizer such as wood or aluminum. 2. MDF MDF stands for Medium Density Fiberboard. This is made by grinding wood into a fine powder, mixing it with a resin and extruding it into the shape desired. While a step up from hollow vinyl, it’s still a material best suited for when there are no moving parts. MDF is great for baseboards and crown mouldings but doesn’t hold up over time when there are moving parts. Have you ever had MDF furniture and the drawer gave out? Same issue. Practitioners of puffery call it Composite Wood or Hybrid. It’s worth saying at this time that the hollow vinyl and MDF shutters are the best selling in the world. They are cheap and over promoted thanks to the protections of puffery. They are also the shutters we are most often asked to repair and the ones we are un-installing most frequently when people contact us for an upgrade. 3. Composite Polymer When something is called a Composite it means it’s made from two or more things. Composite Polymers are a blend of complimentary polymers that combine to make a better material. They are better defined by its strength to weight ratio, UV resistance, and appearance. These materials have been around for decades and just like any technology, they’ve been improved over time. If considering a composite polymer shutter, make sure the product has been improved on over the years. You wouldn’t buy an iPhone 3 today so don’t buy a shutter from the company saying, “We’ve been using the same formula for 25 years.” The newer composite polymers are very hard and strong and in my opinion are suitable for use as shutters on a limited basis. If you have a need for a waterproof or fire resistant shutter this is a material you should look at. But there are some limitations to keep in mind. Where residents find and recommend the best local, trusted businesses
First, this material is very heavy so there are operational considerations at play. Also, the color selections are often limited to 3-5 shades of white and perhaps 2-4 faux stained finishes. These shutters are made in a variety of ways and are usually screwed together with long screws. Bottom line, this is a great shutter for use in a shower or bath area where ventilation is limited. 4. Wood I’m asked frequently whether I recommend real wood shutters or not. Wood shutters can be made so poorly they make the plastic shutters look good. They can also be made so well that nothing else can compare. Real wood shutters, when made properly, are the standard against which all other shutters are measured. I’m going to teach you how to spot the quality wood shutters that will outperform and outlast all other shutters and avoid the poor quality shutters and their tricks. When selecting a wood shutter you need to start with the raw material. Ask what species of tree is used in the shutters. If a company states they use “Hardwood” or “North American Hardwood” ask further. Hardwood simply means the tree is deciduous, that it loses it’s leaves in the fall. Softwood means the tree is coniferous, like a Pine Tree for instance. There are soft Hardwoods and hard Softwoods, so the term Hardwood is not a good descriptor nor does it tell us what we need to know. There are many good woods suitable for quality shutters and some very poor woods too. The reason you want to know the species is because different woods behave differently and require different tooling. If a company is vague about the wood used, it indicates a lack of specialization which may mean they buy whatever is abundant and cheap. A quality shutter can’t come from a company that skimps on something as fundamental as the raw material. Next you need to understand if the wood is conditioned properly. Without getting into too many nerdy details, there are vast differences in the quality of lumber when shortcuts are taken during this important process. Most quality wood Shutters are made from lumber, dried to 6-7% moisture content (Lumber industry standard is 12% MC). These steps are very important to prevent any expansion issues with the wood shutter panels. The wood also needs to be very dry to prevent warping and to preserve the finish. When a shutter is placed in a window, any residual moisture will be exposed to the heat of the sun. The water will heat up and cause the wood to move to accommodate the expansion of the water. If the water does reach the surface of the wood it will cause the paint finish to fail. Warping components and failing paint finish are signs of a low quality shutter. Fortunately, many manufacturers get this vital step right. BLACKHAWK LIVING CA 25
Recipe
Tasty
Multigrain Bread By Parisa Z. Ambwani, Resident since 1983
This hearty bread is packed with nutrients and great flavor Serves 8-10 Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease and lightly flour a loaf pan • • • • • • • • • • •
1 tablespoon active dry yeast ½ cup lukewarm filtered water ¼ teaspoon sugar 1 egg, lightly beaten ¼ cup olive oil ½ cup filtered water 2 cups whole wheat flour 1 tablespoon millet flour* 1 teaspoon sea salt ¼ teaspoon cinnamon ¼ teaspoon black cumin seeds, ground
• • •
¼ teaspoon coriander, ground 1 cup rolled oats** ½ cup raisins
Mix the yeast with ½ cup lukewarm water and sugar. Let stand for 2-5 minutes or until light and frothy before combining with other ingredients. In another bowl, mix egg, olive oil and ½ cup filtered water.
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AUGUST 2020
In a stand mixer bowl combine all well-sifted dry ingredients except rolled oats (wheat flour, millet flour, salt, cinnamon, black cumin seeds, and coriander). Attach dough hook to mixer. Turn to speed #2 and run stand mixer. Add rolled oats and mix thoroughly. Gradually add liquid mixture (yeast-sugar mixture and egg-olive oil mixtures) into flour mixture; run for 4 minutes, turn off the mixer and scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl. Run again for 4 more minutes or until cohesive mass of dough is formed. Place dough ball into greased bowl, cover with a damp cheese cloth, cover bowl loosely, and allow rising until double in size. Add raisins, knead, and allow rising again until double in size. After second rising, knead dough briefly and allow dough to rest for 20 minutes prior to shaping. Form into a loaf, allow doubling in size. Mist the surface of the dough with pure water and bake in lower rack of the oven for 45-55 minutes or until done. *Millet, this non-glutinous grain (GF-gluten free), known as “the queen of the grain”, has high amounts of fiber and B-complex vitamins. It may help you with digestion. **Cereal flakes are unsweetened, and can be referred to as “rolled oats” or “rolled barley” etc. Instead of using 1 cup “rolled oats” you can use 1 cup mixed flakes (wheat, barley, oat, rye and kamut),
if those are available in your local store. Holistic Journey: We cannot force ourselves to forgive; forgiveness occurs when we choose to let it happen for good happiness.
About Parisa Z. Ambwani: Parisa, a native of Persia who moved to Blackhawk in 1983, has a BA in Fine Arts. Deeply influenced by her mother’s cooking, she has spent three decades writing cookbooks and pairing food with her poetry, philosophy, herbs and spices, and herbal teas. Parisa’s unique cookbooks are known for their merging of useful culinary information with a clear understanding of the relationship with other human beings and with the universe. She has followed this recipe to write and photograph six books that weave her beliefs into caring words on how to live life to the fullest. Learn more by visiting her website, enlightenedrecipes.com
BLACKHAWK LIVING CA 27
Crafts Corner
Blackhawk Arts and Crafts Corner By Michelle Barry, Resident since 2018
H
i, My name is Michelle and Blackhawk Living Magazine has asked me to contribute a monthly arts and crafts column. Here’s a little more details about me and how I find my creative inspiration: Our family has been Blackhawk County Club members since 2005. Through the club, we have met the nicest people and decided to move inside the gates in 2018. We are truly happy here. We enjoy our friends, neighbors, wildlife and the peaceful setting. We have felt very welcome in our new community. I have been sewing since I was small. I was inspired by my four older sisters. Sewing evolved into quilting for me. It’s something I find fulfilling. I taught Technology classes and headed a Maker Space at Montair Elementary school in Danville for eight years. I taught students from (TK to 3rd Grade) how to type, create computer coding programs, create documents, presentations, etc. The Maker Space was an explosion of all kinds of creativity. In this space, students were able to create whatever they could come up with using the supplies on hand. They could use the 3D Printer, the 3Doodler, Spheros, Cosmo Robots, Little Bits, create buildings with cardboard, make pom-poms with yarn, paint, make bracelets, make cards and many other things.
Seek to keep your goals in mind and your portfolio one step ahead
Embroidered rainbow on the pocket of a pair of jeans.
Morasky Clay Wealth Management Mark Morasky, CPWA®, AAMS®, CRPC® Senior Vice President Senior Financial Advisor 925.945.4879 mark_morasky@ml.com
Together, we’ll take a fresh look at the opportunities that a changing world can provide. Call to learn more today.
Merrill Lynch 1331 N. California Boulevard Suite 400 Walnut Creek, CA 94596 fa.ml.com/morasky-claywealth-management
Merrill Lynch Wealth Management makes available products and services offered by Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, a registered broker-dealer and Member SIPC, and other subsidiaries of Bank of America Corporation. Investment products: Are Not FDIC Insured Are Not Bank Guaranteed May Lose Value The Bull Symbol and Merrill Lynch are trademarks of Bank of America Corporation. CPWA® is a registered service mark of the Investment Management Consultants Association dba Investments & Wealth Institute. AAMS® and CRPC® are registered service marks of College for Financial Planning. © 2019 Bank of America Corporation. All rights reserved. ARNHWYSD | AD-10-19-0222.A | 470965PM-0119 | 10/2019 28
AUGUST 2020
When the Shelter In Place order was put in place, I began sewing face masks. There was a need within our community and the businesses they owned/ supported. I sewed and donated more than 100 masks. I have my hands in a lot of things like embroidery, books (I lead two book clubs), crochet, watercolor, ink drawing, hand sewing. I try new things all of the time. Here are some of my favorite ways to get inspired: Firstly, Instagram is the place I go for inspiration. It’s where I go online to see what artist’s and quilters are creating. Instagram can be all consuming so pace yourself. Second, YouTube has an endless number of tutorials to learn ANYTHING! Can’t remember an embroidery stitch? Need a tutorial on making a face mask? They have countless videos for artists and crafters. Third, CreativeBug www.creativebug.com is a great starting place. They have a ton of classes. They have a lot of FREE classes too. Rebecca Ringquist’s embroidery class was a lot of fun and the result was super gratifying (below). Fourth, Facebook has Groups that you can follow: Deep Space Sparkle, Cloth Sampler Stitchers, Shiny Happy Art, CreativeBug, etc. For example: CreativeBug’s Facebook group offers FREE tutorials on creating coasters out of resin, crochet lessons, making cards, making a mask and more. Lastly, start a journal. I just recently started a journal class (online) with Alisa Burke alisaburke.com. She is an artist in Seaside, Oregon. She is one to follow on Instagram. You can view all of her past work there too.
Where residents find and recommend the best local, trusted businesses
Embroidery Kit from CozyBlue, cozybluehandmade.com
BLACKHAWK LIVING CA 29
Hearts Around Danville By Megan Scott, Resident since 2010
H
ave you seen the public arts exhibit, “Hearts Around Danville”? These beautiful, hand painted hearts are all around our town. There are 17 uniquely adorned heart sculptures that will remain through out the town until October 16. Each heart sculpture is unique, with each design created by a different Bay Area artist. A few weeks ago, a group of friends from the Blackhawk community organized a walking tour of the Danville Hearts and shared some of their favorites with us. The photographer, Cindy Inloes says, “The six of us have been good friends for many years. We plan a walk or hike together every week, always being careful and safe. Kim Chandler mentioned that Danville had hearts around town and thought it would be fun to do our weekly get together to see all the Hearts.” Blackhawk friends Kim Chandler, Mindy Murphy, Deb Weber, Trish Caruso, Claudia Merritt and Cindy Inloes.
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AUGUST 2020
Charity Spotlight
Invest in Hope Golf Tournament Sponsored by Blackhawk Living CA
Save the Date Tuesday, September 15, 2020 Blackhawk Country Club
Benefitting PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere), a Northern California PGA program that provides free therapeutic golf lessons to military veterans.
BLACKHAWK PLASTIC SURGERY & MEDSPA
• Surgical and Non-Surgical Procedures • Accredited Private Surgery Center • Call for your Free Consultation
925.736.5757 3600 Blackhawk Plaza Circle Danville, California 94506 BlackhawkPlasticSurgery.com
BLACKHAWK LIVING CA 31
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AUGUST 2020
Ladies Golf
Check out the 9ers By Linda Marver, Resident since 2007
T
he summer is flying by and we are in August. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, all our activities except for our weekly Niners golf play have been cancelled until further notice. Disappointing summer season with no activities, but we are looking forward to 2021. Meanwhile we are able to golf and work on our game. So if you are new to golf or returning and looking for a fun group to play with, please check us out! Please contact our Membership Chair, Barbara Walsh at (925)699-1259 or rb232Walsh@comcast.net
Congratulations to all our June winners! June Charm Day Results Charm Winner- Sue Sunder
Ace of Aces, Low Gross - Sharon Ewell Ace of Aces, Low Net - Diane Paulik Most Improved - Joanne Knapp
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BLACKHAWK LIVING CA 33
Expert Contributor
Engagement Ring Myths Debunked By Steve Padis, Padis Jewelry and The Forevermark Boutique at Broadway Plaza
T
hinking About Proposing? Well, you survived the quarantine together – there’s no time like the present to propose, and we are here to help you navigate the often treacherous waters! Engagement rings are part of cultural tradition in many parts of the world - it’s truly a beautiful thing. People throughout the world celebrate a promise of devotion with fashioned pieces of the earth itself, to be worn and reflected on daily. However, traditions often carry with them some “stowaway” notions, “myths” if you will, added and acquired over the years out of habit or desire for socio-economic parity. Your family at Padis Jewelry is here to give these myths the one-two punch and hopefully lend some peace and confidence to your engagement ring shopping experience.
reason. We care more about WHY you are here than how much you spend. We will help you work within ANY budget to find the perfect ring to start your forever together.
MYTH #1 The Proposal and Ring Should Be a Surprise
MYTH #4 A Traditional Round Diamond is Best
Negative. Relationships are individual things and therefore so are proposals. Assuming you know your intended well enough, you should know if they A. like surprises and B. would like to have a say in the type of ring they’ll be wearing on their finger for the rest of their life. If the answer to BOTH is yes, then consider surprise proposal without a ring (or using a ring stand-in) or starting with a pre-scheduled time for both of you to meet with your trusted family jeweler.
MYTH #2 The Bigger Diamond is the Better Diamond
Nope. Just plain nope. It’s important to remember that a diamond’s overall value is determined using ALL of the 4Cs, not just carat weight. Although size is an important factor in determining the value of a diamond, the cut, color, and clarity are all important: Cut - A diamond’s cut grade is determined by how well it’s facets interact with light as it enters and leaves the diamond. It is also the only factor of the diamond that is controlled by man. Color, clarity, and carat weight are all up to Mother Nature and the natural formation of the crystal. In layman’s terms, a better cut = more sparkle! Color - Mother Nature makes diamonds in many different colors. They range from colorless to progressively more yellow and eventually brown. There are also fancy colors such as pink, blue, green, and the rarest of all – red diamonds. Generally, diamonds with more visible color are less expensive, but can also be very appealing to the eye. Clarity - Diamonds are made from carbon that’s under tremendous heat and pressure deep in the earth. This process can result in clarity characteristics called inclusions. These inclusions can interrupt the reflection of light and some can even be seen with the naked eye, so it’s very important to view diamonds in person as grading reports aren’t detailed enough to show the nuance of each tiny inclusion.
MYTH #3 An Engagement Ring’s Price Should Equal Three Months’ Salary
While we probably all agree that a respectable display of seriousness and commitment should be involved with a proposal, buying a ring worth three months of your salary does not equal a happy marriage. Engagement ring settings and diamonds are available in all shapes, sizes, and price ranges, and it would be a mistake to presume that you must spend “x” amount of money for it to be the “correct” ring. Your team at Padis is not on commission for this
Brilliant round diamonds are certainly the shape most people think of when they think “engagement ring.” However, fancy diamond shapes in engagement rings are becoming more and more popular. You may find that an oval diamond is appealing because it elongates the finger. Or, you may be drawn to the elegant lines of emerald diamonds. You might love that marquise or pear-shaped diamonds appear to be larger, given that more of the stone shows from the top view (looking down on the diamond). As you shop for your diamond, don’t rule out the fancies! To take the debunking of this myth one step further, we’d like to point out that an engagement ring does not even have to be a diamond ring. Alternative gemstones such as sapphire, ruby, and emerald (or any stone you want) can easily take the place of a diamond in an engagement ring. Again, it’s a matter of individual style and preference.
MYTH #5 The Jeweler Knows Best
While jewelers can provide you with all kinds of important information regarding a diamond’s 4 C’s, price comparisons, or a setting’s craftsmanship and durability, there is no way a jeweler can know which ring really speaks to you or which ring will best fit your intended’s style. That’s why we take the time to get to know you, find out what you really want, and guide you to that dream ring at a comfortable pace. Before you learn about diamonds, we want to learn about you! Where did you meet? What do you love about them? What do you do for a living? What is your personal style and how do we choose based on that? Have you been discussing engagement rings or is this a surprise? If you’re not choosing the ring together, we’ll give you our best advice on how to research and find their favorite styles. Our jewelry consultants are here as a resource for you. The team at Padis Jewelry wants you to know that when you shop with us, you become part of our family! We deeply value your trust and will always provide you with the BEST product, with the BEST service, for the BEST value. Don’t believe the “myths” you might hear about engagement rings - come to Padis Jewelry or visit our Forevermark boutique in Broadway Plaza and you’ll hear the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth when it comes to your engagement ring options! Email us at concierge@padisjewelry. com or visit our website to book your private appointment www. padisjewelry.com.
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AUGUST 2020
BLACKHAWK LIVING CA 35
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