Blackhawk Living Magazine February 2019

Exclusively Serving the Blackhawk Community.

FEBRUA RY 2 019

Blackhawk

LIVING

Meet the Links: Rich, Terry and Danica COVER PHOTO:

by Kim Lind Photography

YOUR LOCAL BUILDING AND REMODELING COMPANY

WE SPECIALIZE AND CAN INTEGRATE ALL OF THESE AREAS: • • • • • • • • • •

Design & Engineering Additions Kitchens Bathrooms Show Garages Flooring Windows Media Systems Cabanas Pools

• • • • • • • • • •

Crown Moulding Iron Railing Stone & Tile Roofing HVAC Systems Smart Homes Painting Custom Cabinets New Construction Landscape

OUR MISSION

S&J Properties is excited to announce the opening of the new S&J Design Center, located in the Rose Garden Shopping Center in Danville, CA. A leader in the Tri-Valley area building & remodeling industry, S&J Properties has achieved a reputation for quality, innovation, and beautifully inspired designs.

Our expert team stays current on the latest products, trends, and technology in the industry.

The S&J Design Center helps our team add a comprehensive and personal design experience, in a warm and welcoming environment. These qualities combined with our fair and honest approach, results in the best remodeling experience and helps achieve S&J’s overall objective of continuing to make customer service and satisfaction our top priority.

The S&J Design Center offers a variety of mid-to-high end products including; wood flooring, carpet, floor, wall, and glass tile, counter tops, window coverings and much more. Contact us and begin your personalized design experience!

Call Today! 925-820-2924 MAKE YOUR HOME YOUR DREAM.

FROM CONCEPTION TO COMPLETION, WE CAN HANDLE IT ALL.

Living & Working in the Community Since 1990 2

We are committed to being the premiere remodeling company of our clients' dreams. Through integrity, professionalism, innovation, quality and service, we build enduring value and lasting relationships.

ABOUT US

S&J Properties is a Design/Build company that specializes in residential and commercial remodeling construction projects. By performing both the design Jim Long and construction, we provide the most beautiful, long-lasting and highest value remodeling projects in the industry. Our planning process is extremely thorough, which results in “no surprises” and a rapid and real timeline. Communication with clients, our partners, the city, and other regulatory organizations is consistent and frequent so our timelines are optimized.

We specialize in providing inspiring and custom solutions; whether it is a kitchen, bathroom, single room, landscaping, or an entire home or building. We invite you to take some time to explore us for yourself; talk with our clients and see a sampling of the high-quality work we perform.

www.propertiesbysj.com General Contractor License #993363 Class B

FEBRUARY 2019

We Are Now Online!!

Blackhawk

www.BlackhawkLivingCA.com

LIVING

Publication Team

Dear Neighbors,

Publisher:

Jo Peek, Blackhawk Resident since 2014

This month we are celebrating a certain romantic holiday in Blackhawk Living and introducing you to your neighbors, the Links. Their love story spans across several continents and began with a conversation at a pub in London.

Content Coordinator: Megan Scott Blackhawk Resident since 2010 Designer: Emily Lund Jo Peek

Contributing Photographer: Kim Lind Photography

If you’re looking for a way to celebrate and enjoy fine dining in Danville, our travel, food, wine, and golf columnist, Mike L. McColgan, reviews a new Danville hot-spot.

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. © 2019 Best Version Media. All rights reserved.

Personally, if award-show spectating were a sport, I may qualify as an enthusiastic amateur, which is why I love February. With the Grammy Awards and Academy Awards this month, you can be sure to find me watching the red carpet fun. Happy Award Show Season and Valentine’s Day from Blackhawk Living Magazine!

Megan Scott

Resident since 2010

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

Left to Right: Tamara Harper Fulton, Pam Perry, Karin Wallace, Dee Dee Crockett, Laurel Leftwich, Caroline Sanchez Cruz, Anna Emmett, Linda

Visit us online: WWW.ORTC.COM

WE

ESCROW!

Livery Shopping Center 419 Sycamore Valley Blvd, West Danville, CA

925.855.8700

BLACKHAWK LIVING 3

Expert Contributors 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.

Chiropractic and​Functional Medicine Blackhawk Chiropractic Lori Hamilton, DC, CCSP 925-736-2663 www.drlorihamilton@gmail.com drlorihamilton.com

Dr. Hamilton is a passionate and committed healthcare practitioner providing a comprehensive and individualized approach to her patients’ well being. Backed with over 27 years of training and experience, she is uniquely equipped at putting the pieces of the clinical puzzle together. By identifying the root cause of pain and dysfunction, followed by individualized effective treatment methods, patients are given the platform necessary to achieve long-term positive outcomes.

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.

Financial Advice JWM Wealth Management, LLC 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.

Education The Dorris-Eaton School 925-930-9000 www.dorriseaton.org

The Dorris-Eaton School serves preschool through eighth grade students and is recognized locally and nationally for its academic excellence. Strong writing, grammar, and reading classes are paired with interactive science, math and history courses. Foreign language, technology, art, music, and physical education are integral components of the program. Our experienced faculty provides the solid foundation that enables our graduates to succeed in the finest high schools and universities in the country.

Elder Law Julie Fiedler Horizon Elder Law & Estate Planning, Inc. 925-244-1185 www.HorizonLawCA.com General Contractor S&J Properties Jim Long Office: 925-820-2924 Cell: 925-575-0183 jim@propertiesbysj.com propertiesbysj.com Insurance Roger Fernando State Farm Roger Fernando Agency 925-244-1700 roger@rogerfernando.com Interior Design & Decorating Raashi Design Sheeja Nair 925-236-0402 enquiries@RaashiDesign.com www.RaashiDesign.com

Julie began her career as an RN, working in critical care for over 20 years before becoming an attorney in 2002. As an RN, Julie brings a unique, compassionate perspective to the practice of law. As an attorney, Julie advises in estate planning, with a specialty in elder law, working with seniors and their families in handling the challenges of aging and health related issues.

S&J Properties is a Design/Build company that specializes in residential remodeling construction projects. By performing both the design and construction, we provide the most beautiful, long-lasting and highest value remodeling projects in the industry. Our planning process is extremely thorough, which results in “no surprises” and a rapid and real timeline. Communication with clients, our partners and other regulatory organizations are optimized. We specialize in providing inspiring and custom solutions.

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.

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.

We Are Now Online!! www.BlackhawkLivingCA.com

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FEBRUARY 2019

Expert Contributors To learn more about becoming an expert contributor, contact Jo Peek at jpeek@bestversionmedia.com.

Jewelry, Diamonds & Timepieces Steve Padis Steve Padis Jewelry info@padisjewelry.com www.padisjewelry.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.

Mortgages Steve Cline Preferred Financial 925-820-5557 SCline@PreferredFinancial.com www.PreferredFinancial.com

Preferred Financial Group, Inc. is a local family owned business, funding over 11 Billion Dollars since 1979. We are the pioneer of the zero cost mortgage with access to over 15 national lenders and banks to obtain the lowest possible interest rate for your residential purchase or refinance. We listen, we educate, then perform like no one else in the industry.

Music & Fine Art Victoria Strochkova San Ramon Music & Fine Art School -925-336-0181 sanramonmusic@gmail.com www.sanramonmusic.com

Victoria Strochkova is a founder and Director of San Ramon Music and Fine Art School.

Mrs. Strochkova has more than 25 years of teaching experience; in 2008 she decided to collaborate her expertise and experience with other great teachers, which led her to idea to establish music school in San Ramon. Our school is happy to offer the highest quality music instructions and performance opportunities for students of all ages.

Mrs. Strochkova is a member of MTAC since 1998. She graduated from Kiev State Music College in 1988 and Kiev State Conservatory in 1993.

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.

Real Estate​ Linda H Kralik, CRB, CRS Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Drysdale Properties ​925-998-​9446 lkralik@pacbell.net

Linda’s love of the land began​while growing up in Danville riding her horse through the open​fields and trails that once crisscrossed the San Ramon Valley. Her most prized moments were​​early morning rides to the top of Mt. Diablo to watch the sun rise. Upon her return to the land of​her childhood, Linda began her real estate career over 30 years ago and has achieved many​ awards and top honors in her professional field.

Tree Service Trex Donovan Buena Vista Tree Service 415-531-1247 ntdonovan@yahoo.com www.buenavistatree.com

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.

Unique ​& Custom Travel Experiences Lori McDonald Cruise Planners 925-380-6208 lmcdonald@cruiseplanners.com www.McDonaldTravel.com

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.

BLACKHAWK LIVING 5

Resident Feature

Meet the Links: Rich, Terry and Danica

By Megan Scott, Resident since 2010

A

common experience as ex-pats in London is what brought Terry and Rich Link together about 15 years ago. In Terry’s view, she feels ex-pats tend to stand out and gravitate towards one another.

So it was when they were both working on assignments in London that they overheard each other at a restaurant in the South Kensington area. Rich introduced himself to Terry and, within minutes, they realized they had more in common than just being from the US. Terry was working in London in the music business with Sony/BMG Music at the time, and Rich was with a Silicon Valleybased start-up called FineGround Networks, opening up their European operations. Their similar family backgrounds and mutual love of travel, the outdoors, music and great food ultimately made them inseparable.They were married at LaQuinta Spa and Resort in California just a few years later. “We often joke that Terry, an Alaskan, moved all the way to London to meet a Jersey boy,” says Rich.

Born and raised in New Jersey, Rich is a graduate of the University of Maryland at College Park where he earned a mechanical engineering degree. He says he knew early on that he wanted to forge a career in sales and business development as opposed to becoming a practicing engineer. “If there’s one thing engineering school taught me, it is how to tackle a problem. That skill has

served me well throughout my career.”

After following his brother’s lead and landing in the Bay Area in the early 90’s, he began to forge his career in technology through his time at various publicly traded tech companies and VC-funded startups. It was the acquisition of Epicentric, an SF-based company by Austin-based Vignette that originally brought him to London, where he ultimately met Terry. “I expected to be in London for about nine months, but ended up living there for more than five years. It was an experience that I wouldn’t trade for anything,” says Rich. He’s currently the VP of Global Alliances at Vera, VC-funded security start-up based out of Palo Alto.

While Terry was born in Los Angeles, her love of the outdoors comes from her time growing up in Anchorage, Alaska where her parents started an automotive parts and tire business before Alaska was even a state. Terry is a graduate of Arizona State University, a logical destination for someone from Alaska, where she earned a finance degree. She also earned an MBA while living and working in London.

Early on in her career, Terry was fortunate enough to land a finance role at Sony/ BMG Music in Los Angeles and after a few years, she was given the opportunity to be part of an executive team that launched the merchandising operation of the World’s Fair “EXPO” in Lisbon, Portugal. After working in Portugal for two years, she was transferred

6

to Sony/BMG Music division in London.

Two years later and upon completion of her MBA, she was placed in a global finance role for Sony/BMG Music where she spent most of her time travelling internationally, enhancing the financial planning process of various Sony/BMG Music divisions around the globe. “I often had to pinch myself that I was so fortunate as a finance professional, to be able to work for a global music company and at the same time have the opportunity to live and work in so many incredible countries,” says Terry. After returning to the states and to have the flexibility for a family, Terry now works for herself as a finance consultant working with various companies throughout the Bay Area and beyond.

At the time they married in 2007, Terry had been in Europe for twelve years and Rich for more than five years. “We decided it was time to move back to the states to be closer to our immediate families and to start our own family. Rich was able to get transferred back to the Bay area with Cisco and we immediately started our search for a place to settle and call home,” says Terry.

One day Rich brought Terry to the Danville/ Blackhawk area and she immediately fell in love with it. “The green rolling hills, the access to great hiking and biking on Mt. Diablo, the charming downtown area, the school district’s blue ribbon standing and the amenities of the club sealed the deal. After living in London for so long, it was also important to us to be able to walk to get a FEBRUARY 2019

coffee or to have dinner. So we chose a home in the Silver Maple neighborhood due to the proximity to the plaza and for it’s incredible view of Mt. Diablo,” adds Terry.

The Links have one very active 9-yearold daughter named Danica who is in the 3rd grade at Tassajara Hills Elementary.

Her activities include swimming for the Blackhawk Swim Team, girl’s golf, Girl Scouts, and she will be starting her first year of lacrosse in the spring. She is also an avid skier, and she loves music and art. Her favorite subject is math, and she especially enjoys the chess club at school. Three spoiled dogs that include two English Cream Retrievers named Bruce and Doolin as well as a Black Lab named Hank complete the family.

Travel and outdoor adventures are what the Links are all about says Terry. “We spend a tremendous amount of time in Tahoe skiing and hiking. Additionally, we love our trips to Alaska where we fish and enjoy all of the incredible natural beauty that the state has to offer. We continue to travel internationally

but with the added benefit of sharing it with our daughter. It’s extremely important for us to expose her to other cultures, histories, traditions, and of course the incredible food that you can’t find here locally. One of our most memorable trips before we were married was to attend a wedding in Namibia with a close group of expat friends - it was a trip of a lifetime. We are currently planning on returning with the same group of friends but this time with our children.”

The Silver Maple community in Blackhawk turned out to be the perfect fit for the Links.

“We hit the jackpot as far as neighborhoods go. Danica has a lot of friends her age in the neighborhood, and we’ve become great friends with the parents.The kids spend hours riding bikes and playing games in the cul-de-sac. It is such a treat for them to be able to walk over to a friend’s house on Saturday mornings to play. And it’s truly a community that looks after one another. Our close-knit group also plays on a Blackhawk Bocce Team, and we also attend a number of Blackhawk Country Club events together.

Halloween in Blackhawk is probably our

most favorite event. How lucky are we to have extended family just steps from our door?” says Terry.

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.

There’s a Reason People Talk to Tucker!

Your Community Broker - Serving the Bay Area for 25 Years

Nicole Tucker 925-360-2125 TuckerRealEstateGroup.com CalBRE01145208

BLACKHAWK LIVING 7

Pet Adoption Corner

Cactus

Chloe

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.

One-year-old Cactus is a sensitive but curious fellow. This country boy is looking for a loving home with patient adopters and a quieter, lowkey household. If Cactus could talk he would want everyone to know that toys are pretty fun, quiet walks rock, and hot dogs are outta this world! Cactus is braver when he has a dog buddy and might be a great second dog.

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 $300, for adult dogs is $250, and includes a discount on the first six-week session of a manners class.

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Three-year-old Chloe is a lovely Tuxedo cat with a lot of love to share. She takes time to adjust to new environments and can use some encouragement but when she is comfortable she is playful and fun.

Chloe would benefit from a calm home where she can be the only cat for you, where she can really flourish and show you her true colors, beyond black and white!

The adoption fee for kittens <6 months $125 and for adult cats is $75.

FEBRUARY 2019

Real Estate Listings in Blackhawk

Active Real Estate Listings in Blackhawk

Street

List Price

Street

Kingswood Cir Silver Oak Pl Silver Oak Ln Kingswood Ct Oakridge Ln Deer Meadow Ln Quail Run Ln Silver Pine Ln Sugar Maple Dr Saddleback Dr Golden Oak Ct Blackhawk Dr

$839,000 $875,000 $899,888 $999,000 $1,225,000 $1,299,000 $1,688,000 $1,749,800 $1,750,000 $1,788,000 $1,795,000 $1,839,000

Sq.Ft. BR FBA PBA 1752 1869 1991 2162 2313 2699 3678 3477 3310 3248 4298 3395

2 3 3 3 3 4 5 5 5 5 5 4

2 2 2 2 2 3 3 2 3 3 3 3

1 1 1 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1

List Price

Mossy Oak Dr $2,099,000 Blackhawk Dr $2,399,000 Deer Creek Ln $2,695,000 Rosewood Ln $3,280,000 Red Alder $3,350,000 Eagle Ridge Dr $4,900,000 Red Pine Ct $5,900,000 Saddleback Pl $6,500,000 Kingswood Ln $7,500,000 Blackhawk Meadow Ln $7,999,800 Blackhawk Meadow Ln $8,450,000 Blackhawk Meadow Dr $15,500,000

Sq.Ft. BR FBA PBA 3911 5065 5200 6200 6181 7010 5774 9716 10116 8826 9955 6370

4 5 5 5 4 4 4 6 7 7 6 5

3 4 4 5 5 4 5 5 8 8 7 5

1 1 1 2 2 2 0 2 0 2 3 1

Source: Rockcliff 2.0 1/10/2019 Best Version Media does not guarantee the accuracy of the statistical data on this page. Any real estate agent’s ad appearing in this magazine is separate from any 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 and Over 1/2 Billion dollars in combined Blackhawk Sales The Nagle Team provides Excellence, Service and Results Michelle Nagle & Barbara Nagle

Michelle Cell 925 872-1478 Barbara Cell 925 872-1500

DRE # 01261283 DRE # 00828225

Experienced Negotiation Skills to serve our client’s best interests

www.NagleNagle.com The Nagle Team J. Rockcliff Realtors President’s Club

Extensive use of Technology based resources and Marketing

mnagle@rockcliff.com

3680 Deer Trail Drive Spectacular Blackhawk View Location!

Stunning view property with gorgeous granite slab kitchen with gas cook-top. Lovely .16 acre. apx. lot 2,946 sq.ft. apx., 4 bdr. 3 ba. and 3 Car Garage.

Gorgeous upgrades and appointments throughout!

We work, volunteer and live as friends among friends in your community

Your Real Estate Transaction will be handled with the utmost care If you are thinking about buying or selling a home this year… call The Nagle Team today!

Real Estate is our Passion!

BLACKHAWK LIVING 9

Thurs., Feb. 7

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

The Jazz Room Presents Broadway Lights and All That Jazz @VillageTheatreArtGallery Featuring Vocalist Lisa Lindsley and the Mike Greensill Trio!

Cost: Pre-sale $25 Door $30 Time: 8-9:30pm For more info visit www. villagetheatreshows.com or call 925-314-3400

Fri. Feb. 1- Sun. Feb. 17

Honky @Village Theatre Danville The contentious story of race in America seems to be a never-ending tale. Honky is a hilarious and absurd take on the language of race and racism. Political correctness goes out the window as five people both black and white puzzle through one of the most difficult conversations of our time. Each performance will be followed by a lively discussion.

Tickets and more info at www. villagetheatreshows.com

Sat., Feb. 9

10th Annual Danville Recreation Expo @ Danville Community Center, 420 Front Street You are invited to join the Town of Danville at the 10th Annual Recreation Expo. A variety of specialty class instructors and town staff will be on hand to showcase upcoming classes and to answer your questions. There will be a raffle with fabulous prizes, arts and crafts and games for the kids. Participants will receive information about a 10% discount for activities when they register that weekend.

Time: 10am-1pm Cost: Free

Wed., Feb. 13

Valentine’s Day Brunch & Line Dancing @ Danville Senior Center 115 E. Prospect Avenue What’s sweeter than a brunch on Valentine’s Day? Come enjoy delicious food with good friends. After we eat – we dance! Learn a new line dance step or make up your own steps to the music. All are welcome to attend this sweet treat.

Time: 10-11:30am

Pre-registration is required at www.danvillerecguide.com

Thurs., Feb. 14

Comedy with Liz Grant & Friends, Stand Up Comedy Series @ Village Theatre Art Gallery, 233 Front Street In this monthly stand-up comedy series, Liz Grant brings a host of Bay Area and L.A. comedians to the Village Theatre stage! Join these seasoned performers for this hilarious series.

16+ unless accompanied by an adult.

Time: 7:30pm Tickets: www.villagetheatreshows.com

Thurs., Feb. 21

Blackhawk Living Magazine 3rd Anniversary Celebration @Auburn Lounge Come celebrate Blackhawk Living Magazine’s 4th Year Anniversary at Auburn Lounge located in beautiful downtown Danville! You will enjoy a complimentary glass of wine or beer and appetizers! It’s a night to toast and give thanks to our amazing advertisers, expert contributors and everyone in the Blackhawk community who contributes content to our publication. We are a magazine written for the people and by the residents, and we couldn’t do it without you!

No Host Bar Additional Drinks And Cocktails Time: 5-6:30pm

Sat., Feb. 23

Meaningful Work Fundraiser @Alamo Creek Clubhouse, 4995 Enderby St. Danville Love Never Fails is a local nonprofit organization dedicated to the restoration, education and protection of those involved or at risk of becoming involved in domestic human trafficking. Their Workforce Development program empowers and equips survivors of human trafficking and at-risk young adults to access financially sustainable careers.

Celebrating Business Partnerships in the Fight Against Human Trafficking.

Join us for Dinner, Refreshments,

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February Entertainment and Auction.

Tickets: $75 More information and purchase tickets at http://bit.ly/LNFmeaningfulwork

Sat., Feb. 23

San Ramon Valley Rotary Presents its Annual BeerFest and BBQ Fundraiser @Danville Veterans Hall Includes beer tasting, dinner, music, silent and live auctions.

Time: 6-10pm Price: $55 Learn more at www.beerfestrotary.com

Every Monday

Tips for Change Community Fundraising Events @Gianni’s Italian Bistro Gianni’s Italian Bistro opens up their restaurant to support our local non-profit community. Tips for Change is a fun and unique way for local charity organizations to raise much needed funds. Volunteers and supporters of local non-profits suit up and become your servers for the evening with all tips and 10% of sales going to support their organization. This event occurs most Monday evenings between 5 and 8pm and is open to the public. Reservations required.

More information at www. giannissanramon.com

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 FEBRUARY 2019

Expert Contributor

Should I Replace My HVAC System?

By Jim Long, S&J Properties, General Contractor, Resident since 1991

I

f only your heating and air conditioning system could last forever. The heart of your home’s comfort is also your most expensive appliance. So how do you know when it’s time to replace it? Why can’t you just keep repairing it forever? What’s all this stuff you’ve heard about newer units being more efficient and saving you on your utility bills?

When to Keep Your HVAC System: A heating and air conditioning system under 12 years of age is generally not considered to be replacement worthy. According to Energy.gov the “lifespan” of a central air conditioner is about 15 to 20 years. A system younger than 12 years old should give you a few more years of life before you need to replace it. The best way to extend its life (possibly double its life) and lower your utility bills is to get annual tune-ups.

Two Reasons to Replace a Young System: (1) A Major Breakdown – if your heat exchanger (for a furnace), compressor (for an air conditioner), or motor fail, they definitely need to be replaced with new components. If the labor and part cost begin to approach several thousand dollars, replacing the entire system is probably your best option.

(2) Lack of Comfort in Your Home – if your heating and air conditioning system doesn’t get your house warm or cold enough, it’s often because it’s the wrong size or has been poorly installed.

When that’s the case, the only alternative to suffering for years in an uncomfortable house is to replace the system.

If Your HVAC System’s 12 Years Old or Older: Your utility bills are the main reason to replace your older system now as opposed to later. Energy.gov states that today’s best air conditioners use 30% to 50% less energy to produce the same amount of cooling as air conditioners made in the mid 1970s.

Even if your air conditioner is only 10 years old, you may save 20% to 40% of your cooling energy costs by replacing it with a newer, more efficient model.

An untimely breakdown is the next reason to consider replacing.

In extreme cold or hot temperatures, your heating and air conditioning system works overtime to keep you comfortable.

An older system leaves you at higher risk when it’s struggling the most. Replacing an older heating and air conditioning system makes sure you stay cozy warm or comfy cool every day of the year.

The older your system gets, the more it costs to repair. Beyond 12 years, investing money into your system doesn’t guarantee the extension of its life. The rest of your system parts are just as old and can breakdown at any time. Installing a new system can include a parts and labor warranty of 10 years, meaning not having to pay a dime on repair bills for an entire decade.

Safety is the most important reason to replace your old system: Carbon Monoxide; Older furnaces are at risk of getting cracks in their heat exchangers, allowing carbon monoxide to leak into your home. The more years of use, the more likely corrosion has caused a crack to form. A carbon monoxide detector is the only way to tell if you have a leak.

Electrical issues; In heating and air conditioning systems over 12 years old, fuses short out and connection points get weak.

Hopefully, the only result would be your air conditioner or heater quitting and not a dangerous fire. Regular tune-ups are important to make sure you don’t have an electrical issue developing.

Whatever the age of your system, the best way to insure low utility bills and a long system life is getting regular tune-ups.

If you are thinking about your HVAC system, getting the help from a qualified professional builder is worth the investment and long run value.

BLACKHAWK LIVING 11

Expert Contributor

How to Get Paid In Retirement

By Joe Morgan, JWM Wealth Management, Resident since 2004

I

n retirement, you will begin spending down your assets and stop receiving a paycheck. This is one of the most difficult mind-shifts we go through in our lifetime. But it doesn’t have to be.

A good Financial Plan will include a monthly “paycheck” to be transferred from the right retirement account to your checking account so you can live the life you want. This paycheck isn’t really a true paycheck, of course, but it is a steady, regular stream of cash moving from your investment accounts to your spending accounts.

It will be adjusted over time but should not materially change due to the markets. This is because your plan should include having 5-years of net cash flow set aside, relieving your reliance on the markets to pay your bills in the near term.

By getting your plan in place long before retirement, you can have confidence of continued cash in-flow, while optimizing your

investments to pay for expenses in future years.

JWM Wealth Management, LLC 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 take control of your finances, schedule a call with Joe at www.calendly.com/ jwmwealth. You can also learn more at jwmwealth.com.

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FEBRUARY 2019

Expert Contributor

Interest Rates on the Upswing

By Steve Cline, Preferred Financial

I

t’s true that after enjoying historically low mortgage interest rates for the last couple of years, today’s rates are on the upswing. As you are most likely aware, the 10 Year Treasury bond is the benchmark that relates to what the mortgage interest rate will be at any given time. It is the most liquid and widely traded bond in the world and a safe-haven for most countries’, businesses’ and individuals’ money. During the last 3 decades, its yield has been as high as almost 16% and as low as about 1.5%, currently hovering at about 2.7%. The long- term average is 6.3%.

Putting this into perspective, we are still only about a percentage point from the lowest 10 year Treasury yield in history, and, consequently, the lowest residential interest rates in history.

Given that the new Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac conforming limits have been raised to $484,350 (conforming) and $726,525 (high-balance), plus the Fed’s forecast to raise its rate at least 2 more times in 2019, the time to take advantage of current loan programs and improve your financial well-being is now. If you

need to do something (refinance, purchase, cash out or pay off existing equity lines of credit), getting started sooner rather than later is advisable. As the year progresses, we will almost certainly see interest rates continue to rise.

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BLACKHAWK LIVING 13

Expert Contributor

Kitchen and Bath trends for 2019

By Sheeja Nair, Interior designer, Raashi Design, LLC

H

ere are some popular and key emerging trends to keep in mind as you plan your kitchen/bath remodel/update this year:

Open and accessible designs with clean lines – ideal for casual dining and easy entertaining.

Cabinets – though white is classic, colored cabinets are gaining popularity. Moodier tones paired with contrasting metal finishes in hardware and fixtures, dramatic black cabinets and bright metal finishes are a couple of ideas to consider. Another trend is minimal or no upper cabinetry. Open shelving in wood, glass or metal for uppers. Clever storage solutions and accessories are in demand.

Counters and backsplashes – Quartz, Marble, Terrazzo and concrete are in vogue.

Appliances and fixtures - Under counter appliances like microwave drawer are popular with no uppers. Integrated appliances and induction cooking are becoming popular. Bright colored appliances are going to be a thing this year. Large sinks as a multi-use workspace when equipped with sliding cover and accessories is another trend. You will see more shiny, bright metallic sinks with fancy details, artisan finishes.

Technology - Wi-fi enabled appliances with voice activation is something to look out for.

Lighting – Statement lighting fixtures.

Bathrooms – People are looking for more spa like experience.

Details – bright and bold colors, mixed metals, polished silver, gold; Low maintenance matte finishes for cabinetry and appliances

“We listen, we educate, then we perform like no one else in the industry.”

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Mortgage Broker and Insurance Broker Office phone - (925) 820 - 5557 Email - SCline@PreferredFinancial.com Website - www.PreferredFinancial.com

14

Steve has been a Blackhawk golf member since 2003.

FEBRUARY 2019

Health & Wellness

Sleep and Your Health

By Judi Magee, Resident since 2014

How do you know if you are getting enough sleep?

Recommendations for sleep, according to The American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) and The American Academy of Sleep Medicine (SRS) are as follows: • •

•

•

Adults should sleep 7 or more hours per night on a regular basis to promote optimal health.

Sleeping less than 7 hours per night on a regular basis is associated with adverse health outcomes, including weight gain and obesity, diabetes, hypertension, heart disease and stroke, depression, and increased risk of death. Sleeping less than 7 hours per night is also associated with impaired immune function, increased pain, impaired performance, increased errors, and greater risk of accidents.

Sleeping more than 9 hours per night on a regular basis may be appropriate for young adults, individuals recovering from sleep debt, and individuals with illnesses. For others, it is uncertain whether sleeping more than 9 hours per night is associated with health risk.

People concerned they are sleeping too little or too much should consult their healthcare provider.

What are some strategies to improve sleep?

Let’s start with the basics: • • • • • • • •

Stick to a sleep schedule, same bedtime and wakeup, yes, this includes weekends If you have trouble sleeping, avoid naps, especially in the afternoon Exercise daily Practice a relaxing bedtime ritual and sleep environment that does not include TV or electronics Comfortable mattress and pillow Cool temperature at night (between 60 and 67 degrees) Dark, quiet, room Avoid alcohol, cigarettes, and heavy meals in the evening

What else is there to try?

Keep a Sleep Diary or Use a Sleep Tracker. Become more aware of your sleep patterns. Keep a diary of your sleep habits or use a sleep-tracking app.

Essential Oils. You can diffuse, spray, roll-on or add to your bath. Essential oils can calm your mind and trigger your senses that it’s time for sleep. Here are a few favorites that promote calming: • • •

Lavender – Relaxes and eases the mind Roman Chamomile – Supports a relaxed and comforted body Valerian – Promotes deep relaxation

•

Marjoram – Grounding and lulls the mind and body into a calmer state.

Yoga. A national survey conducted by the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health Organization found that over 55% of people who did yoga before bedtime, found that it helped them get better sleep. Over 85% said yoga helped reduce stress.

Weighted Blankets. If you haven’t heard about weighted blankets they are blankets, which are usually filled with plastic pellets to add weight, ranging from about 4 to 25 pounds. Most experts advise choosing one that’s roughly 10 percent of your body weight — so if you’re 150 pounds, you should buy a 15-pound blanket.

Benefits reported include having a calmer night’s sleep, with a decrease in movements with a more comfortable, better quality, and more secure sleep.

Mindfulness and Meditation. There is a lot of information and apps that you can download to use to incorporate a mindfulness and meditation daily practice and also offer guided meditations specifically for sleep. One clinical study, (Black, O’Reilly & Olmstead, 2015), indicated that structured mindfulness meditation training is usefulness to remediate moderate sleep problems and sleep-related daytime impairment in older adults.

• • • •

What stands out for you?

What is currently working in your nighttime routine?

What changes will you make to improve your sleep and overall health?

What is your first step?

References Black, David S., O’Reilly, Gillian, Olmstead, Richard,, et al.

Mindfulness Meditation and Improvement in Sleep Quality and Daytime Impairment Among Older Adults With Sleep Disturbances (2015).

Retrieved from https://jamanetwork.com/journals/ jamainternalmedicine/fullarticle/2110998?hc_location=ufi National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health Organization, (2002, 2007, and 2012). Retrieved from https:// nccih.nih.gov/research/statistics/NHIS/2012/wellness?nav=chat

Judi Magee National Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach with a Masters in Health and Wellness Coaching from Maryland University of Integrative Health.

BLACKHAWK LIVING 15

Expert Contributor

Let the Selling Season Begin

By Linda Kralik, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, Resident Since 1984

A

h yes, it is almost Valentine’s Day, the perfect day to begin the spring selling season for your home. Most of the country is still blanketed in snow or waiting for the flood waters to recede.

Here in California, we are blessed with more moderate winters, although at times it doesn’t seem as true. But for our purposes, let’s just presume the veracity of the statement and move on. Our more mild climate gives us an early start on the selling season, and I, for one, have always felt that Valentine’s Day marks the beginning of the real estate market. Christmas is over, the holiday decorations have been stored away, the days are starting to get longer, even warmer in some areas, and it is time to begin making the necessary changes if you are thinking about selling your home this year. Here are a few hints and ideas for both preparing you home for market and then getting ready for showing your home, once it is on the market.

Preparing for Listing: 1. DE-CLUTTER!!!! As much as you can, remove all personal items (family photos, collectibles, object d’art, etc.) Streamline to the point of severity. You can always bring back a few items if the look is too lean, but better to bring back then to

have to remove more. Be brutal with yourself! The two most important rooms to keep uncluttered are the kitchen and the formal rooms (Living room and Dining Room.) Remember to make the bathrooms look larger by clearing the countertops as much as possible 2. RE-ARRANGE furniture to make cozy reading areas or family fun areas. In bedrooms make for larger foot space by moving beds and dressers.

3. REPLACE old and tired furnishings. For instance, new bathroom mats that color coordinate to new bath towels, etc. New welcome mat!! Make the prospective buyer WELCOME! New towels for kitchen and maybe a throw rug.

For the bedrooms, new bedspread in the latest colors. These items will really enhance your home and the best news is you get to take these with you to your new home!

4. LET THERE BE LIGHT by replacing all of the light bulbs in your home. The days can still get dark very early, so buyers who come after dark will be disappointed if your home does not fill the night sky with lights.

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FEBRUARY 2019

Preparing for Showing: 1. LIGHTING. Have drapes open and lights on in every room. Lights give warmth to a home, making it feel alive and welcoming. Opening drapes, shutters, blinds, etc. gives a feeling of openness. A small home can feel large just by bringing the outside in.

2. AROMAS can be another welcoming factor. Many of us associate certain aromas to happy moments in our lives.

There are studies that can tell you what aromas release certain endorphins that reduce stress and or make you happy. Vanilla is just one of those aromas. Cinnamon is another scent that brings about an endorphin surge.

Do NOT!! Overplay this card. Just a small amount is sufficient. Try baking an apple pie then leaving it on the counter to cool. You could also try a drop of vanilla on a few light bulbs. As the bulb heats, the vanilla scent is released into the room. Again, everything in moderation.

3. NEAT and CLEAN is the final word for showing your home. Make your home look like a model home! You have done all of the hard work prior to the listing so let your home shine and you will be rewarded with a great offer in a shorter marketing period.

BLACKHAWK LIVING 17

Blackhawk Women

Blackhawk Women Upcoming Events

By Mary Plissey, Resident since 2017

B

lackhawk Women was established in 1985 by five women with the goal of uniting women in friendship through the sharing of fun, food, and common interests for all women residents of Blackhawk and Blackhawk Country Club. 33 years later, we maintain over 300 members. Each month, we offer the members of Blackhawk Women more than 30 activities to participate in. The benefits of becoming a member of Blackhawk Women are not limited to instant friendships, great ideas, and memories to last a lifetime.

Upcoming events include Beautiful Inside and Out: Luncheon Wednesday, February 20, 2019 Jessica Morton, owner and lead artist of Miabel Artistry, is an experienced professional in the makeup and fashion industry.

With nearly 17 years of experience helping others feel and look their best, Jessica will share valuable information and her passion for seeing people take hold of their beauty and health.

Verve Coffee Roasters of Santa Cruz: Luncheon Wednesday, March 20, 2019 Verve Coffee Roasters of Santa Cruz will provide “coffee tastings” of their special, high-end coffee that uses specific coffee beans from around the world. Verve provides coffee to companies such as Facebook, LinkedIn, Salesforce and others.

Verve’s “story” will include information on what constitutes a “good” cup of coffee, how and where the beans are procured, and the process involved in the roasting.

Save the Date: Blackhawk Women Annual Fashion Show: Wednesday, April 17, 2019 Duckhorn Winery Wine Tasting & Presentation: Wednesday, May 15, 2019

Book Boot Camp Other Activities Include: Book Buzz, Bridge, Bunco, Culinary, Hand & Foot, Knit & Stitch, Mah-Jongg, Mexican Train Dominoes, Movie Divas, TGIF, Wine & Dine, & Other GREAT EVENTS!

The best Valentine gift is the gift of new friends!

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FEBRUARY 2019

Expert Contributor

Consider Some of These Strategies to Use Pre-Tax Dollars to Pay for Orthodontic Expenses

By Richard Anthony, DDS MS. Blackhawk Orthodontics

O

rthodontic treatment fees are a considerable medical expense compared to some of the other usual family costs for annual/routine visits such as dental checkups or eye examinations. However, with proper planning regarding financial issues and coordination of the treatment timing, there can be a significant benefit to pay for the treatment cost with pre-tax dollars.

The Flexible Spending Account (FSA) is essentially a type of trust account that is administered by a bank or other financial institution. You put the money in on a tax free basis (usually through salary deferrals), it builds up tax free (you can invest it), and it comes out tax free to cover out-of-pocket healthcare expenses. To qualify for these accounts the taxpayer must be covered by a health insurance plan that has a high-deductible co-pay that exceeds a minimum upwards of $1,350 for an individual plan and $2,700 for a family plan. There are also limitations on the maximum amount of annual contributions that that can be put into such a plan. For the FSA type of plan the 2019 limitation is $3,500 for an individual and $7,000 for a family.

In practice I have seen families use several strategies to maximize the benefits offered by these plans. For instance, if both spouses are employed, they can each contribute to their own individual FSA accounts, thus effectively doubling the annual maximum contribution from $3,500 to $7,000. Another way to maximize the pre-tax benefit is to time the beginning of the orthodontic treatment near the end of the year and ask the orthodontist if he

will accept a partial bulk payment for the current year and then accept a second bulk payment at the beginning of the subsequent year. These strategies can also double the contribution as in the previous example. Also, since the initiation of orthodontic therapy is somewhat variable, any unused funds remaining in the FSA account that could be potentially lost if not used by the end of the current year could be reallocated towards the down payment for treatment.

Each familyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s situation is unique. I recommend you consult an accountant and/or tax advisor before implementing any FSA taxexempt strategies.

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BLACKHAWK LIVING 19

Book Boot Camp

February Book Review Book Boot Camp with Flola Tam, Resident Since 2004 Hello Blackhawk! For February I wanted to recommend a 2018 Goodreads award winner, The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang.

This story is about a young woman named Stella Lane. She is both intellectual and financially successful. However, she struggles to build social relationships due to having Asperger’s.

Problems arise as she reaches her 30’s and her mother begins to pressure her for a stable partner. To help with her Asperger’s, Stella enlists a male escort to practice in physical intimacy and relationship norms. The two form a unique bond as they aid each other through their personal problems.

This was such an enticing read and definitely one that you should add to your bedside table for the month of February.

Stella is entirely unique, in that she is not a Mary Sue. She often misses social cues and causes unwanted conflict with others due to being socially inept. However Hoang does an exceptional job at illustrating the inner workings of her mind as she struggles to adapt to social circles. Readers can’t help but sympathize with her genuine confusion when she speaks too bluntly. Her male escort, Michael Phan, is written perfectly for her. He’s sharp

and patient, traits that Stella needs in a partner.

I personally really enjoyed this read. Helen Hoang does an excellent job detailing the progression of Michael and Stella through both of their perspectives. Each character is welldeveloped and flushed out, allowing readers to understand and sympathize with their dilemmas. This is recommended for mature audiences that are looking for an original romantic novel to read this upcoming Valentine’s Day. Flola Tam My interest in reading sparked sometime in Elementary school.

Teachers at the time assigned books as projects or were read as a class time activity. I got addicted right away, and began reading ahead of the assigned pages.

20

I will be making a book recommendation and a brief summary and review of its contents, in hopes of reintroducing a passion for reading to the community.

FEBRUARY 2019

Expert Contributor

Quality Preschool Education is Important

By Nancee Watson, The Dorris-Eaton School

O

ur deep-seeded belief in the long-term benefit of a strong preschool experience prompted us to re-run this article.

Come see what parents are talking about.

Research clearly shows the lifelong impact of brain development during the early years. Linked to success throughout life, early experiences of children from birth to age five have a profound effect on the nature of their development as well as the quality of their brain’s architecture.

Enter the world of preschool. How important is it?

There are some who believe that enrolling a four-year-old in music, gymnastics, and dance classes will offer all of the early experiences necessary for success. However, what preschools do that individual classes don’t do is teach children how to be students. Preschoolers don’t automatically come with the ability to take turns and compromise, be respectful of others, raise their hands, and share the attention of a teacher. Students who enter kindergarten with these skills—coupled with the ability to easily separate from parents—tend to be the ones who are ready to learn and gain the most during the kindergarten year and beyond.

Experts have found that students who attend high-quality preschools enter kindergarten with better pre-reading skills, richer vocabularies, and stronger basic math skills than those who do not. So what defines a high-quality preschool environment?

Results of studies highlight stimulating activities that promote teacher-to-student and student-to-student interaction; a sequential building of instruction and curriculum; a well-designed outdoor play area to promote the development of gross motor skills and opportunities for social interaction; and a variety of activity areas with well-stocked materials such as books, art supplies, blocks, puzzles, and other manipulatives. But by far, experienced, welltrained teachers are the key ingredient. Teachers with college degrees with specialized early-childhood education and training have more positive interactions with children, provide richer language experiences, and are more engaged with their students.

So continue with the valuable music lessons and gymnastics, but in order to provide your child the best possible outcome for early brain development and educational readiness, make sure to include a high-quality preschool experience.

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dorriseaton.org BLACKHAWK LIVING 21

Ladies Golf

Check out the 9ers

By Linda Marver, Resident since 2007

We play golf to have fun and be social!

Niners Golf Days February February 7th: Lakes Front February 14th: Falls Back, Board Meeting February 21st: Lakes Back, Rules Seminar Lakes February 28th: Falls Front, Charm Day January was a wet, cold month, but many of the Niners persevered and were out on the courses golfing in between storms. Not always the best conditions but still a great time to get together, grumble, laugh and gather for lunch after and chat about the game! That is what is great about the Niners, always having fun while playing golf!

Please be sure to attend the Rules Seminar on the 21st if you missed the one in January, as there are lots of changes and updates

to the rules of golf. Now is the time to prepare for a great year of Niners golf, check out the golf shop and see what is new in golf clubs, accessories and lessons. Team play begins in April, so we all want to be ready!

If you are interested in joining the Niners, please contact our Membership Chair, Peggy Punch, at mpunch1@comcast.net.

Happy golfing!

See you on the links, Linda Marver

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BLACKHAWK LIVING 23

Monte Vista High School

High School KaleidoscopeBy Ananya Lamba, Junior Reporter

S

econd semester is in full swing! We are in the New Year, meaning it’s time to get back to our school routine. This time of the year is usually very mellow, with not many events happening at school. Even though nothing special at school is happening, there are many things to look forward to in our lives outside of school. Martin Luther King Jr. Day gave all students a break from our hard work. On this three-day weekend, my family and I went on a fun ski trip together in Tahoe. We skied for three days together, enjoying the wonderful powder and sunny days. I also am a ski instructor in Tahoe, so I had fun hanging out with kids who were excited to hit the slopes. This weekend was a nice refresher before getting back to school.

Now it’s time to look forward to Valentine’s Day, a time for spending time with loved ones.

Taking in the amazing scenery while riding the chair lift.

Skiing at beautiful Squaw Valley.

(925) 449-1203

Ananya Lamba attends Monte Vista High School. She loves reading and writing for they allow her to share her thoughts with her readers and explore various worlds. She also has a passion for skiing and ice-skating. For 3 years and counting Ananya has been a member of the Dublin Dolls and Dazzlers Synchronized Skating Team. Her team takes her and her family across the country for competitions, where she has won many awards.

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FEBRUARY 2019

Expert Contributor

What Does it Mean to Respond in a “Timely Manner”?

By Jon Lubrano, President, Atlantis Pools Inc.

A

s a business owner, I believe the difference between decent and outstanding service is communication. One of the biggest aspects of good communication is a quick response time. At Atlantis Pools, we love what we do and being based in Danville and Alamo means we always have someone right around the corner who can stop by and take a look at your pool. We know when it comes to your pool, it’s important for you to receive a quick response from us, especially in urgent matters.

We are frequently asked how long it will take to complete jobs or how soon we can start. While we wish we could always say, “We can start today!” there are many factors to consider when scheduling repairs and installs, and we have to prioritize those customers with emergency situations like electrical and safety issues first. A safety hazard always gets top priority when it comes to scheduling, but please know we are doing our best to provide all our customers with the best service and the best quality work, and that means not taking any shortcuts and doing things right the first time. A pump or pool that is down is also a high priority for us to avoid unsanitary water conditions.

We have invested in software that allows for the best flow of communication between the customer and the service person.

It takes time to build a relationship so you want to look for an experienced professional that’s been in business for a long time and plans to stay in business for a long time. We are a family owned business that has proudly been serving the Contra Costa County area for almost 30 years. From pool repair and maintenance needs to small and large remodels or updates to your pool, no project is too big or too small!

“We are so grateful for Atlantis Pools! We were having a pool party and 30 minutes before the party, our spa drained! We couldn’t figure it out. Jon and his team came immediately and saved the day! They worked in the hot sun to fix our spa in time for the party. They are also great with our weekly cleanings and helping us learn about our pool and spa. They are very reasonable, too. I highly recommend Atlantis Pools!”-Liberty E. Danville

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Wine, Food, Golf & Fun

Albatross:

A Great New Danville Foodie Experience

By Mike L. McColgan, Resident since 1990

I

n an effort to dine at all 3000 San Francisco Bay Area restaurants (900 and counting), my wife, Linda, and I recently had the pleasure to dine at Danville’s latest Albatross.

Albatross has only been open 3 weeks, and the ambiance, service and food remind you of being in a great restaurant in the “city by the bay.” They have an extensive wine list, and, if you decide to bring your own, charge a $20 corkage fee.

Founder Mehrasa Bagheri’s first successful restaurant was Primavera in San Ramon. As a world traveler, she found peace in cooking and brings perfection and passion to her sensational, soulful foodie creations.

We especially enjoyed the beet salad, tiger eye beef stew, Spanish oysters, salmon, Hanger steak and delightful, decadent desserts. Each order was prepared with Monet like beauty by Chef Brian who has culinary roots in high end places like Michelin star rated Meadowood.

Currently they are only open for dinner but are planning a lunch/brunch menu. It is great to have this classy new restaurant open in our great town of Danville. It is definitely a “must do.” We will definitely return.

For more information and to make a reservation go to: https://www.albatrossdanville.com/

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FEBRUARY 2019

Blackhawk: Life through a Lens

Ski and See in Park City, Utah

By Sonia Lamba, Resident since 2015

P

ark City is home to Deer Valley, Park City Mountain Resort and the Canyons. Park City has a lively and exciting history. It started off as a silver mining town, then a ski resort and now a luxury destination. My family and I celebrated the holidays skiing and exploring this quaint town.

For a non-skier like me, there is just as much magic off the mountain.

It was Deer Valley that got my attention. Besides boasting being United States best ski resort, I was impressed with its most sophisticated and lavish digs: Saint Regis and Montage. Both offer ski-in/ski-out access to the most gorgeous mountains with spectacular views. These are perfect examples of luxury atop ski- mountains.

I fell in love with Park City’s colorful, cheerful, walkable Historic Main Street with many art galleries, one-of-a-kind boutiques, souvenir stores and cozy cafes. In the evening the place is buzzing with apres ski activities.

I also had an enjoyable visit browsing through the Alf Engen Ski Museum at Utah Olympic Park showcasing the regions rich skiing history.

I am sure my Blackhawk Living Magazine Community has some interesting snowy adventures and favorite ski destinations to share too.

Have a great ski season!

Skiing at Park City Mountain Resort

Nestled between Deer Valley and Park City Mountain Resort is the Historic Main Street

Sonia Lamba As an amateur photographer, I have always loved taking beautiful photos of my friends and family, nature and travels. After having a fulfilling career in finance in New York, I moved to California in 2014 where my love for photography turned into an invigorating passion.

The mountains, valleys, flowers, water and parks never looked so captivating before. I look for vibrant colors and different shades of life. I love capturing anything that intrigues and inspires me. Moving to gorgeous Blackhawk has further enriched and blossomed my love for the camera. I take my camera everywhere, regardless of how short the distance is. Knowing me, there is always a photo opportunity!

Utah Olympic Park houses the 2002 Winter Games museum BLACKHAWK LIVING 27

Community Safety

Who Has Their Eyes on Your Street?

By Aaron “Wally” Barger, Resident since 2012

S

tarting 2019, Blackhawk Neighborhood Watch Block Captains are offering a series of meetings with representatives of the Blackhawk HOA, Country Club, Police Department, Fire Department, and other first responders. We further plan to hold public forums to share security information, earthquake, and fire preparedness strategies, which are useful to our residents. The date of the first meeting will be announced sometime in February.

The Blackhawk Neighborhood Watch Block Captains want to involve local residents in focused discussions regarding public/ private security systems as well as preparation for emergency situations. Public preparedness and security begin with an understanding of who has their eyes on your street. Neighborhood Watch is a way for all of us to join with police and other local services to safeguard our community and property.

During the past year, a number of articles have appeared in Blackhawk Living related to your safety and security. This year, in addition to topical articles, a few formal discussions with

residents and experts in law enforcement, private security, fire, and first aid assistance will be offered. Your participation in these discussions will be important because your safety and that of your neighbors will depend, to a great extent, on how effective each of us are in an emergency situation.

Most of us spend very little time on planning for a disaster.

However ill prepared or unprepared we are when a crisis occurs, such as the Paradise (Butte) and Ventura County fires last year, quick, initial actions in coping with the unexpected illustrates how important training can save lives and property. Your involvement and the awareness of community leaders as well as police, fire and medical first responders are central to effectively meeting a potential crisis.

As a first step in personal safety, many residents are investing in cameras and motion detection lighting systems for home security and safety. If you have not installed a home security system, you may want to consider this option. You should evaluate the feasibility and costs of installing a security system in your home. For specific questions, contact your local hardware store, electrician, or security installment company. For general questions contact the Blackhawk Police Department at 925-646-2441.

If you have any questions regarding this article, please contact me at aaron.barger@yahoo.com. If you or any of your neighbors are interested in forming a Neighborhood Watch Program, you can contact me or call the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Department, Crime Prevention Unit, and ask for Christina Lind-Winters at 925-3132682 for additional information or to schedule an orientation meeting to form a Neighborhood Watch program in your area.

28

FEBRUARY 2019

Linda Kralik

Blackhawk Bloomers Garden Club

By Kim Chandler, Resident since 2012

Blackhawk Resident for 33 Years

Come join us for our Wednesday, February 27 Luncheon.

Social at 11:15 am & Lunch at Noon & Speaker at 1:00 pm in the Blackhawk Country Club Ballroom for:

• Born and raised in the Danville area • A Member of the DD Riders • Five years on the San Ramon Valley AAU Swim Team • Moved back to Blackhawk in 1984 • Blackhawk Country Club Member since 1984 • Served as President for Women’s Tennis Asscociation • Served as President for the Blackhawk Swim Team • Served on numerous Blackhawk Country Club Committees • Blackhawk HomeOwner’s Association Board member for over 17 years

ELAINE FRIEDMAN “Birds in the Garden”

Elaine Friedman is the Director of Corvid Connection.

They care for injured crows, ravens & owls, some of whom will be visiting at our Bloomers luncheon!

Corvid Connection uses live wild (permanently injured) birds to educate the public about wildlife related issues. They do over 300 programs a year and also act as a wildlife rehabilitation sub-permittee for organizations such as Wildcare and Lindsay Wildlife Experience. Elaine has been working in the field of wildlife rehabilitation and education for 30 years.

Crows and ravens and owls, oh my! Come meet some of the members of the amazing Corvid family, and learn about the fascinating habits of these feathered people.

Her experience includes acting as Corvid Species Manager for a local center, raptor handling including eagles, consulting with local centers on the training of educational animals, supervising and training volunteers, presenting wildlife papers and advising rehabilitators countrywide on Corvid related issues.

Join Bloomers and join us!

Cost $32.00 – Reservation Deadline February 22

Linda Kralik Broker Associate and Luxury Specialist 4185 Blackhawk Plaza Circle, Suite #101 Danville, CA 94506

925-998-9446

www.TheBlackhawkTeam.com

CalBRE #00991436

Email your Blackhawk Country Club number to Kim Modersbach at Budncam@gmail.com OR mail a check made out to Blackhawk Bloomers to Kim at 272 Stone Valley Way, Alamo, CA 94507 Questions? 925-820-3733 or 925-998-8216 All Blackhawk Country Club members are welcome to join Bloomers. Please contact Patricia Jenkins at 925-736-7654 OR Patriciajenkins91@comcast.net

SAVE THE DATE:

Wednesday, March 27 for the Bloomers Luncheon presented by Nona Tai from Floral Design “Flower Arranging” BLACKHAWK LIVING 29

Loving Well

By Chelsea Scott

T

ypically on Valentine’s Day, we focus on the romantic relationships in our lives—gifting spouses, girlfriends and boyfriends cards and chocolate or taking them on a special date. It’s the time of the year to show our partners how much we care for them. However, there are more kinds of love than just the romantic type to celebrate. This Valentine’s Day, focus on loving everyone in your life well.

Love Your Spouse/Significant Other

No need to do away with the romantic date or chocoand forth.

Love Your Family

Family. Those people in our lives we take for granted the most. Try inviting everyone over to your house for Sunday dinner. Nothing says love more than food, right? Or organize a family trip somewhere. Making memories together is what life is all about.

lates altogether, but branch out a bit when it comes to recognizing your spouse on Valentine’s Day. Try writing one thing about them you are grateful for on a sticky note every day and leaving it some place they can find it. Have a few hours at night where you turn off your phones and just spend quality time together. Sometimes the smallest gestures are the most meaningful.

Love Your Friends

Life gets busy, and we don’t see our friends as often as we would like. Set up a video chat coffee date one afternoon, or make plans to take a walk or get together for a play date. Strapped for time? Write letters back 30

FEBRUARY 2019

Love Your Children

Spend some alone time with your child(ren) each week. One-on-one time can really benefit them. Ask what’s on their mind, what they’re doing in school and give them your full attention. Live in their world, meaning go to the park where they like to go, play the game they like to play or build a fort.

Love Your Neighbors

The bond between neighbors has also become somewhat of a lost art. With grocery delivery and cell phones, we don’t depend on our neighbors as much for a cup of sugar or idle chit chat over the fence. But the relationship is a good one to nurture. Try bringing up your neighbor’s trash can after pick-up or raking their lawn. What takes you a few extra moments, they will remember for a lifetime and return in kind.

Pest Control Weed Control Tree Service

925-336-0181

sanramonmusic@gmail.com www.sanramonmusic.com

• We offer private lessons in music and art, (group classes are available for art only) • Music Lessons: Violin/Viola/Piano/Guitar/ Voice and Flute • We prepare for Recitals, Auditions for Orchestras (included outside of school such as Oakland Youth Orchestra, San Francisco Youth Orchestra, Palo Alto Youth Orchestra, Berkeley Youth Orchestra and more).

• We prepare students for tests and competitions.

• In art class students will learn main principles of realistic drawing and painting including the study of composition, value, color, and pictorial space.

• Advanced students who want to pursue an artist career will develop portfolio for College submission.

Testimonials

Victoria’s love for music, appreciation for violin, and enthusiasm to with work with students of all ages and diverse backgrounds, makes her prefect as a teacher.

Iren Gullapalli, Ph.D. | San Ramon, CA--

Victoria is knowledgeable, enthusiastic and very easy to communicate with. She is always positive, encouraging and very respectful. My son is usually not very comfortable performing in front of an audience but Victoria provides plenty of activities that prepare her students to feel comfortable for the recitals. So far, my son has performed four times in the students’ recitals and has not complained yet.

Helen Lin | Livermore, CA

We are proud to support our local schools and enrich our community with high standards of teaching music and art.

We are taking a high degree of responsibility to teach and mentor the younger generation of musicians, and an artists who wants to achieve an expert level or pursue other interests having gained a skill that will bring them satisfaction throughout their entire life.

BLACKHAWK LIVING 31

Recipe

Spark like Tuna

By Parisa Z. Ambwani, Resident since 1983

Serves 2

• • • • • • •

•

2 shallots, thinly sliced 6 mushrooms, thinly sliced 4 tablespoons olive oil.

1-pound fresh tuna ½ teaspoon sea salt ½ pound baby mixed salad greens such as (lettuce, chard, arugula, spinach and radicchio In a large pan, lightly sauté shallots, mushrooms in heated olive oil. Arrange mushrooms and shallots on the sides of frying-pan; making room for tuna. Sprinkle Tuna with salt and place in the center of pan. Continue to cook for 2-3 minutes or until the bottom of tuna (about ¼-inch) is cooked and leave the top uncooked and red. Serve tuna on the bed of baby mixed salad greens such as lettuce, chard, arugula, spinach and radicchio along with sautéed mushrooms and shallots.

Top tuna with “vinaigrette mustard sauce”.

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

Vinaigrette Mustard Sauce Serve 2

•

2 tablespoons mustard seeds (soak with 2 tablespoons spring water overnight) • 2 tablespoons Italian parsley, chopped • 2 green onions (bulbs only), chopped • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar • 1 teaspoon green leaves oregano, chopped • 1 teaspoon honey • ½ teaspoon sea salt OR to taste • ¼ teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground • ½ cup olive oil Add all ingredients to blender, blend for 30 seconds until well blended. Chill prior to use. © 2017 Parisa Ambwani ----- All rights reserved www.enlightenedrecipes.com 32

FEBRUARY 2019

Come Celebrate With Us! Blackhawk ​L​iving ​M​agazine’s ​A​nniversary Auburn Lounge 321 Hartz Ave, Danville​ ​Thursday, ​February 21 ​5:00PM​ ​- ​6:30 PM Complimentary glas​​s of wine or​​beer Appetizers No host bar additional drinks and cocktails

Blackhawk LIVING

BLACKHAWK LIVING 33

Lisa Broome’s

Chocolate Crinkle Cookies 925-244-1700

These cookies taste like little brownies and would make a great treat for kids or adults on Valentine’s Day! •

3 large eggs

•

1 ½ cups sugar

•

4 squares (4 ounces) unsweetened chocolate, melted

•

½ cup canola oil

•

2 teaspoons baking powder

•

2 teaspoons vanilla

•

2 cups all-purpose flour

•

1 ½ cups powdered sugar

In a large mixing bowl lightly beat the eggs. Add the sugar, melted chocolate, oil, baking powder and vanilla, beat well. Slowly stir in the flour until thoroughly combined.

Cover and chill for one to two hours or until the dough is easy to handle.

Preheat oven to 375°. Shape the dough into 1-inch balls then roll in powdered sugar to coat. Place cookies on an ungreased cookie sheet two inches apart. Bake for 8-10 minutes or until edges are set and tops are crackled.

Remove cookies right away from cookie sheet and cool on a wire rack. If desired, sift more powdered sugar over cookies. Store in an airtight container.

PORTEOUS FAMILY DENTISTRY

Larry Porteous D.D.S. + Linda Porteous R.D.H.

“Let Our Family Be Your Family Dentist” We are celebrating 29 years in practice in the Bay Area.

Our practice is dedicated to treating and preventing dental diseases in a friendly, relaxed atmosphere. It is our philosophy to give each person the same respect, care and concern that we would want to receive as a patient.

50% OFF

Teeth Whitening

for new patients (reg $450)

(925) 736-9000 3840 Blackhawk Road Suite 110 Danville Across Blackhawk Rd. from Draeger’s Market

Independently Rated Highest in Quality

NINTH CONSECUTIVE YEAR

If you have an aching tooth, want to maintain your good dental health, are interested in improving your smile or just have questions or concerns, please call our office. We look forward to meeting you.

Providing Full Service Dentistry For The Entire Family

WWW.PORTEOUSFAMILYDENTISTRY.COM 34

FEBRUARY 2019

Consumer Protection Since 1934

Best Fine Jewelry

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The San Francisco Jewelry Center 101 Utah Street, Suite 201 San Francisco, CA 415-626-8288

The Padis Designer Galleria at the Gift Center 888 Brannan Street, Suite 128 San Francisco, CA 415-861-5388

The Gift Center 888 Brannan Street, Suite 165 San Francisco, CA 415-861-2325

ASK ABOUT OUR BLACKHAWK JEWELRY CONCIERGE SERVICE | 415-626-8288

Padis Romance St. Helena 1269 Main Street Saint Helena, CA 707-963-2288

VISIT OUR WEBSITE | WWW.PADISGEMS.COM

BLACKHAWK LIVING 35

Blackhawk 0482

LIVING

We’re bullish on the future. Yours.

The world is changing fast. While change can provide opportunities, it also raises questions about the future. Through honest conversations about your life and your priorities, we’ll find out what you want your future to look like, and develop a strategy together to help make it happen.

The Morasky Clay Group Mark Morasky, AAMS®, CRPC®, CPFA Senior Vice President Senior Financial Advisor 925.945.4879

Merrill Lynch 1331 N. California Boulevard Suite 400 Walnut Creek, CA 94596

mark_morasky@ml.com

fa.ml.com/the_morasky_clay_group

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.

AAMS® is a registered service mark of The College for Financial Planning. CRPC® is a registered service mark of The College for Financial Planning. © 2018 Bank of America Corporation. All rights reserved.

ARGF6QCD | AD-11-18-0332 | 472094PM-0718 | 11/2018