Embrace the Spirit of the Season with Vintage Quilts! Craft Corner
Publication Team
Publisher: Jo Peek, Blackhawk Resident since 2014
Content Coordinator: Megan Scott Blackhawk Resident since 2010
Designer: Meagan Patry
Contributing Photographer: Kim Lind Photography
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
Dear Neighbors,
It’s the season of giving thanks and giving back, and we’re thrilled to be getting into the spirit. For starters, we try to always feature Blackhawk residents practicing kindness, and this month you will learn about the Kwon family, loving the life they created in Blackhawk.
Of course, this time of year can be pretty stressful for some of us. If you feel the need to plan your next get away, Mike McColgan shares a top wine experience.
Here’s to a generous season!
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,
Megan Scott
Resident since 2010
Blackhawk Living Magazine is 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.
Jo Peek
Expert Contributors
To learn more about becoming an expert contributor, contact Jo Peek at jpeek@bestversionmedia.com.
Over the last 9 years, Jo Peek has been helping local businesses, nonprofits, charities and schools connect with our community on a deeper level. She works with each client individually to customize a marketing campaign to suit their needs, timeline and budget.
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.
Dr. Lippman has been in practice in the Tri-Valley since 2009. His passion is to help eradicate back pain and allow people to live their lives to the fullest. He is married and the father of two very good looking kids. When not cracking backs, he can be found running, hiking or biking with his kids, or enjoying a ballgame in the sun.
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.
Kristin Jones is owner and CEO of Kristin Jones Coaching, a life coaching service that specializes in empowering women to conquer their emotional eating. She offers personalized support and a safe space for clients to explore their relationship with food, and themselves. Through gentle guidance, practical tools, and insightful strategies, she helps untangle the roots of their struggles, fostering healing and self-acceptance. Discover the transformative power of a balanced, joyful relationship with food and yourself.
Professional Powerwashing & Maintenance has been in business for 10 years. Collectively, we have 70+ years of experience in residential and commercial cleaning and maintenance. We hold contractor’s license CSBL#1022456, bonded and insured. All of our employees are covered with worker’s compensation. Our specialties include working with insurance companies and claims, providing customers with industry’s highest level of services including cleaning roofs, solar panels, house wash, window wash and much more.
With 40 years as an investment advisor, John Gardner has gained valuable investment insight, experience, and knowledge. Blackhawk Wealth Advisors has the certifications and qualifications you can trust to successfully guide you with your financial goals. We provide strategic investment solutions to high new worth individuals to help them grow and preserve their wealth.”
Expert Contributors
To learn more about becoming an expert contributor, contact Jo Peek at jpeek@bestversionmedia.com.
Our rehabilitation support goes beyond recovery; it’s about rediscovering strength, resilience, and a path to a healthier you. Our team of dedicated professionals is here to guide and support you on your journey to wellness. With personalized rehabilitation support in the comfort of your home, we bring healing to your doorstep. We’re committed to helping you regain independence and live life to the fullest.
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.
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.
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, biannual 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.
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.
California Pacific Realty is a locally owned and operated full-service Real Estate firm. We specialize in buying, selling, and managing investment properties throughout the Bay area. Our mission is to offer unique turnkey solutions to our investors. We specialize in acquisition, sales, and property management throughout Oakland and the Alameda County area. Our local property management expertise helps owners improve their return on investment (ROI), and renters find their ideal rental home.
East Bay Accounting was established 5 years ago in Danville, California, and our partners have over 20 years of tax law experience. Continuous education on the newest legislation and pristine customer service is what we pride ourselves on. We provide high quality, uniquely tailored tax saving strategies that every American taxpayer deserves to have access to. We look forward to serving our Blackhawk community.
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.
Blue Sakana has become the premier destination for Japanese food, offering the highest-quality fish and most original sushi rolls in the area. Our inviting atmosphere and friendly staff have quickly made Blue Sakana a neighborhood favorite. Blue Sakana at Blackhawk offers a full bar with artisanal, Asian-inspired cocktails, an eclectic beer selection and a great wine list. We specialize in sushi and Japanese dishes made with fresh ingredients, all at an accessible and affordable price.
Meet the
Kwons:
Food, Love, and Family
By Megan Scott, Resident since 2010
Ben and Laura Kwon have a beautiful love story that started not too far from Blackhawk. Having both been raised in Fremont, CA, they had been in each other’s orbits for years, with Ben being friends with Laura’s sisters and ultimately running in the same circles. It wasn’t until they were both living in San Francisco, establishing their lives and careers, that their long-standing friendship turned into a romantic relationship and partnership centered on family, friends, and food. They were married in 2012, and their love of all of those things continues to be the pillar of their life together.
Ben and Laura left San Francisco for the Peninsula around the time that Ben’s son from a previous relationship, Christian, was about to start high school. “We wanted more space for Christian, and a strong sense of neighborhood community for his high school years,” says Laura. Foster City was a great fit for the family as it was also close to their offices, specifically Laura’s job as a Food Scientist at Mattson, a product development consulting firm which she began working at right after earning her Degree in Food Science and Meat Science
Processing from Cal Poly. One thing Foster City lacked, however, was a thriving food culture like the one Ben and Laura grew to love in San Francisco, so cooking elaborate meals for family and friends became commonplace in the Kwon household. It was also Laura’s first time striking a home-work life balance, striving to provide tasty and nutritious meals for her family. Laura would come home from her work in food science and cook meals that her, her software executive husband, and their highschooler could all eat on the go as schedules were often conflicting.
During the pandemic, Ben and Laura found themselves at another crossroads as they wanted to return to the East Bay to be closer to their families and put down roots for their family, which now include their daughters Kacey (11) and Kennedy (7). While they looked all over, there was a pull to Blackhawk that they could not escape. It was an aspirational move, having grown up so close to this beautiful community, dreaming about living behind the gates. Laura states, “it feels like a dream come true!”. While there are many draws to Blackhawk; the golf course, the strong community, the beautiful trees; the kitchen was one of the biggest selling points for Laura. Since living in Blackhawk not a week goes by where she isn’t hosting friends and family. Whether she is preparing Korean meals with Ben’s family or Italian feasts with her parents, there are always meals being made and friends to feed.
In January of this year, Laura found herself once again striving to strike a home-work life balance for her and her family. With the encouragement and support of Ben, she made the tough decision to leave Mattson after 20 years. Laura knew she wanted to continue working with food, but wanted to pursue something different and on her own terms. “Ben really pushed me to go out on my own. I was very nervous, but he was so encouraging. He has over 25 years of experience scaling companies and growing startups, so it really meant a lot to me that he believed in me so much,” Laura says. Ben states that friends and family have always called her asking for advice on what to make for dinner, “She was always planning meals for people, her friends would call for tips in the kitchen and ideas of what
Images courtesy of the Kwon Family
to make. It just seemed like a natural path for Laura to help other people and families with meals moving forward.”
After hearing from numerous busy families and professionals about their struggles with cooking healthy meals, Laura and Ben birthed a new business, Krave Kitchen. Krave Kitchen is a freshly prepared meal delivery service, where Laura plans the menus, cooks, and packages all the meals herself. Currently, you can select and order meals online and Krave Kitchen delivers to families throughout Danville, San Ramon, Dublin, and Alamo. The response has been overwhelmingly positive. “I want Krave Kitchen to be a simple and satisfying solution to all people who struggle to find the time, inspiration, or know how to cook up healthy and delicious meals.
Sometimes, with just one less thing to think about, you can open up your time to be more productive with your passions or be more present with your families,” Laura states.
As a family, Ben loves to go on fishing trips with Christian, working on his classic overlanding vehicles, and camping. Before every camping trip, Laura and Ben plan extensive menus, and they enjoy cooking them outdoors. They recently took their sprinter camping van to Yellowstone for a big family road trip where they camped, cooked, and took in the beautiful sights. They love to travel, and will always find the best restaurants, both well known and hidden gems, along the way. But mostly, they love being at home in Blackhawk where Ben can golf, the girls can spend time with the close friends they made, and Laura can cook up meals for all to enjoy.
“We absolutely love the Blackhawk community. We love driving our golf cart around and visiting friends, meeting up for walks, play dates at Eagle Nest park or taking Maximus, our English bulldog, to the dog park. Our family is deeply involved with the Blackhawk Swim Team. Kacey has been swimming with HOX for three years, and Kennedy for two. Summers are spent mostly at the pool, where we’ve created a swim family of friends we’ll cherish for a
lifetime. As a board member, I also have the privilege of helping organize all the exciting events throughout the season,” says Laura. Additionally, Kacey plays competitive SRVGAL softball and Mustang soccer and is also on the dance team with Next Step Dance Studio. Kennedy also plays Mustang soccer and dances with Next Step. Laura and Ben have come a long way together since their time growing up in Fremont, and Blackhawk has been the perfect place to watch all their lives unfold and their dreams come to true.
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.
Joybound Looking for Love
By Chelsea Blackburn, Joybound
Adopt a new best friend at Joybound People & Pets (formerly the Animal Rescue Foundation) in Walnut Creek! View available dogs and cats online or visit Joybound in-person: MondaySunday, 12-6 pm. Our team is excited to guide you in choosing a pet, share information about their history and behavior, and provide helpful resources.
Joybound adoption fees:
• $150 for an adult dog
• $375 for a puppy (<6 months)
• $75 for a special-needs dog
• $200 for a special-needs puppy (<6 months)
• $75 for a senior dog (7+ years)
• Adoption fees waived for US military Veterans
• $100 for an adult cat
• $175 for a kitten (<6 months)
• $50 for a special-needs cat
• $100 for a special-needs kitten (<6 months)
• $50 for a senior cat (7+ years)
• Adoption fees waived for US military Veteran
Minnie
The Blackhawk Scholarship Fund
By Cassandra Boyer
The Blackhawk Scholarship Fund (BSF) helps bridge the everincreasing financial gap of college costs to young women in Contra Costa County with outstanding academic and extracurricular achievement. On September 28th, BSF held a successful Olympics and Dinner fundraiser that brought in over $71,000 to help often firstgeneration students make their hard work and dreams a reality.
Teams donated to compete in bocce, pickleball, golf, biking and cornhole events and BSF congratulates the winners!
• Gold - a team of adult BHCC pickle ballers
• Silver - a group of employees from the Lawrence Livermore Lab
• Bronze - a young family from the Blackhawk community
It was truly a fun time for all!
Dinner followed outdoors on the Blackhawk Country Club’s sports complex, and BSF is extremely grateful to the club for their generous contributions in catering and spirited employee participation to help make the event one for the record books! Highlights included a silent and live auction, DJ and dancing, and a very touching testimonial from one of this year’s recipients, Lesly Silva Rosales, who is now attending UC Berkeley.
Lesly shared, “My first experience exploring the social justice field was in high school when I got the chance to travel to the Dominican Republic and do community service by laying down pipelines for the impoverished communities there. This experience taught me what it means to do something for someone else without ever expecting anything in return. The Blackhawk Scholarship Fund is a true reflection of this philosophy. And it’s the reason why I am able to stand here in front of you all and proudly tell you that likewise, I want to pursue a career where I can give back to my community as a lawyer.” In her 1st quarter at UC Berkeley, Lesly has already secured a role as a Caseworker for students in search of financial aid at UC Berkeley under the ASUC’s Student Advocate’s Office.
BSF sincerely thanks the attendees who so generously donated their funds to “give back” and be part of our mission to provide college education to such deserving young women with financial need.
If you’d like to be part of their cause, you may contact them at bwscholarshipfund@gmail.com
Hot Summer Sunday Show Heats Up September
By Celeste Altus
Danville’s annual downtown car show, Hot Summer Sunday, took place on Sept. 15 this year and was one to remember.
The event organizers describe the reason for hosting an auto show: “Whether we’re admiring a pristine classic hotrod, or we’re taken aback by the smooth ride that dad unveiled for Sunday drives, we never seem to tire of gawking at beautiful automobiles.”
There were gorgeous cars and trucks everywhere downtown, with collectors rolling out their pampered garage queens and muscle-car drivers showing off polished engines. Awards were given out in a number of categories.
The show takes place every year and is always looking for entries, sponsors and volunteers. Get more info at https://www.dhsscs.com/gallery.
1965 Chevrolet Malibu convertible
1956 GMC Pickup
Celeste Altus is a freelance writer and content marketer specializing in technology, retail and finance. She lives in Danville, and keeps a car account on Instagram called @Cars_of_Danville.
1962 Chevrolet Corvette
Grateful for You, Grateful for Home.
Cherishing our Blackhawk Community.
This Thanksgiving, I’m thankful for the trust and support of our wonderful community. Wishing you a season filled with warmth, joy, and the comforts of home.
Niner’s News
By Fran Davis
Niners had the last guest day of the year with an enjoyable day with friends and family. “Lucky Lady” guest day format was called Cha Cha Cha. On the first hole (cha), the one low net ball counted as a team score. On the second hole (cha cha), the two low net balls counted as the team score and on the third hole (cha cha cha) the three low net balls counted as the team score. Andrew Brown tabulated scores and announced the Lucky Lady first place winners of Helen Tarantino and guest Andrea Petralia, Lil Giovanzana and guest Lynda Mackesey. Second place winners were Channing Azzolino and guest Jennifer Holden, Leigh Bultman and guest Patty Lee.
The last Nine and Dine of the year was held on Sunday afternoon, September 29th. What a great way to meet new people and make new friends, paired with another couple who also love golf.
A BIG thank you to Wendy Echsner for planning and coordinating both of these memorable events.
If you or another club member is interested in joining Blackhawk Niners, email membership chair, Leslie Sprague at lesliesprague@comcast.net
Guest Day
Nine & Dine
By Elizabeth Hunter Ashley
HOX Fall Swim Is Making A Splash!
By Stacie Mihalik
As the air gets cooler and the leaves start to change, the pool is still buzzing with energy—because the Blackhawk Swim Team (HOX) Fall Swim season is officially in full swing! Fall Swim is designed to keep swimmers loving the sport while improving their swim skills and confidence. It’s an extension of the summer season designed to keep swimmers confident and enjoying fun and exercise in the water. For some, this season is their first taste of what it means to be part of a swim team.
The HOX are beyond excited to welcome several new faces, including a few siblings, to the HOX family. We welcome the following new additions to the HOX:
Amelia Betyousef
Adeline Buck
Oliver Insley
Liana Khorram
Sydney King
Jack McCabe
Niki Nourian
Mohan Uberoi
Much like the summer season, Fall Swim consists of practices and meets to keep things exciting. On Sunday, September 29th, the HOX participated in the San Ramon Aquatic Club (SRAC) Fall Splash at Dougherty Valley High School. The weather couldn’t have been better, and SRAC did an outstanding job hosting the event. The HOX really came together with incredible team spirit, creating an atmosphere of fun and support throughout the day. The swimmers gave their best efforts and had a great time in and out of the water.
who competed with confidence and enjoyed their first ever swim meet! One of the real highlights was the mixed-gender relays—they were a hit with everyone, both swimmers and spectators alike. Beyond the competition, the energy and enthusiasm from the swimmers, parents, and coaches really stood out, making it a truly enjoyable experience for all. There couldn’t have been a better group of swimmers and supportive families representing the HOX.
Even though we’re still in Fall Swim, the HOX Board is already getting warmed up behind the scenes. To close out the 2024 season, the HOX Board recently gathered for its annual retreat to reflect on all the highs of 2024 and chat about ways to make 2025 the best season yet. A big thank you to all the families who filled out the survey—your feedback is invaluable, and will help the HOX take things to the next level.
It was fantastic to see seasoned swimmers improve on their race strategies and pop some best times. There were also some new HOX swimmers
Spring Clinic and Summer 2025 registration will be here before you know it! Make sure to keep an eye out for updates. In the meantime, you can learn more about our programs at www. hoxswim.com or reach out to Coach Sean directly at seanq@blackhawkcc.org.
Geneva National The Palmer Course
By Chuck Fox, Owner, Quintessential Golf, Resident since 2012
Geneva National includes fifty-four holes designed by three legends of the game: Palmer, Player, and Trevino. Carved out of the rolling countryside of Southeastern Wisconsin four miles west of Lake Geneva, it’s near the shores of Lake Como. It’s an easy 90-minute drive from Chicago or Milwaukee. The club is semiprivate, with a variety of membership opportunities. An array of shot-making skills is required due to the differences between the courses. The Palmer and Player courses are most memorable and more challenging, while the Trevino course is easier. The tees, fairways, and greens are all bentgrass.
The Palmer Course is the longest of the three championship venues. From 2006 to 2008, it hosted an LPGA Futures Tour Event. It’s usually the favorite of the three courses for most golfers. Continuous elevation changes and tree-lined fairways provide both pastoral beauty and
shot-making challenge. Arnie shaped the wetlands actively. Each hole is different, and he offers different feels as you move around the course. I was struck by the marvelous mixture of open holes intermixed with
Wooded
Lake Como Views
tight forested holes, ending with three marvelous holes along the lake. These medium-sized greens are the toughest of the three courses with severe front-to-back slopes along with subtle breaks.
Starting at the range, breathtaking views of Lake Como are commonplace. The course opens with a splendid Par4. A creek winds through the fairway at the corner of the sharply right dogleg, presenting danger for golfers who push it down the right side. Running toward the green, the creek protects it short and left on the approach shot.
The Palmer course finishes with three marvelous holes along Lake Como. A striking contrast to the rest of the heavily wooded holes, these closing holes feel like a different course. Enjoy the scenery. The sixteenth is a long Par3, nicely protected by bunkers in the front and water in the back. The seventeenth is a medium length dogleg left Par5 entirely along Lake Como. Approach shots left of the green will be wet. There is no room for error. The eighteenth hole turns back to the clubhouse. It’s a problematic uphill Par4.
This course can be tough if you’re not striking it well and especially if played from the wrong set of tees for your ability. The varied course architecture at the Palmer course at Geneva National is simply enjoyable and represents Arnold Palmer at his best.
If You Go:
Course Info – Geneva National Resort & Club includes fifty-four holes of championship golf with the Palmer, Player, and Trevino courses. The semi-private club allows public access to all courses on a daily rotating basis.
Location - One hour west of the Milwaukee International airport, one and 1/2 hours southeast of the Madison Regional Airport and one and 1/2 hours northwest of the Chicago O’Hare airport.
Lodging – Geneva National Resort and Inns of Geneva National are on the property.
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 players 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.
Front Nine Open
How to Avoid Neck Pain When Working
By Dr. Max Lippman, Clinical Director of Plaza Chiropractic & Massage Therapy
TodayI was a guest speaker at Hidden Hills Elementary School in San Ramon, and I thought the topic was equally important for 5th graders as it is for the readers of Blackhawk Living. “Tech Neck” - or “Forward Head Posture” is one of the leading conditions that drives people into my office. Symptoms include headaches, neck pain, poor range of motion, or the dreaded Hump at the base of the neck.
You get this from sitting or standing with poor posture for extended periods of time (think: using a computer or cell phone, driving, or watching a TV). It’s rampant in our society, and just getting worse and worse.
At the school, I showed how easy it is to hold an 8 pound weight over your head, and how difficult it is to hold it out at an angle in front of you. The kids totally understood, and were interested in how they could avoid it.
The first step is sitting with good posture, and the trick there is to sit with your butt crack all the way in the back crack of the chair, which I call “crack in the crack”.
The second thing to do is to learn to breathe. I broke this into 4 steps:
1. Expand the space between the belly button and rib cage (straight up, not curved back)
2. Let your shoulders and arms relax
3. Try to touch your head to the ceiling
4. Big breaths, expanding your rib cage without lifting your shoulders
If you have pain with any of these motions, that’s a good sign you have restrictions in your spine or rib cage, and chiropractic or massage would be indicated.
If these elementary school students can get it, so can you! Reach our to our top rated clinic if you have any questions!
Antinori Napa Valley: Six Centuries of Winemaking
By Mike L. McColgan, Resident since 1990, Photo by MJ McColgan
Recently, we had the pleasure of visiting Antinori Winery proudly perched at the top of Atlas Peak like an Eagle overlooking the beautiful Napa Valley.
The Antinori family has been making world class wine for over 6 centuries. In 1385, Giovanni di Piero Antinori became a member of the Florentine Winemakers Guild.
Marchese Piero Antinori is the 25th generation of this famous winemaking family.
Marchese has passed the stewardship of the company to his 3 daughters. Together the 25th, 26th and 27th generations continue the pursuit of excellent winemaking.
Our knowledgeable wine ambassador today was Melinda. She presented the wines with a fabulous food pairing in the dining room overlooking 1200 acres of beauty. It was like being in Tuscany without having to travel there.
We began with a side by side tasting of the 2021 and 2022 Chardonnay. Both were fresh and vibrant on this warm
summer day. Next, we were treated to the 2021 Antica Cabernet Franc with an eloquent blend of 80% Cabernet Franc and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon. A couple bottles went home to Danville to share with our friends. Finally, we tasted the 2019 Townsend Cabernet Sauvignon with 90% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Cabernet Franc Townsend was the name of the former owner of this spectacular piece of property.
This winery is a ‘must do’ to add to your Napa bucket list. For more information and to make an appointment go to https://antinorinapavalley.com/
Almond Cookies with Maple Syrup
By Parisa Z. Ambwani, Resident since 1983
Serves 6.
Cover cookie sheet with parchment baking paper and preheat oven to 325-degree F.
• 2 cups almond flour, packed
• ½ cup raisins
• ½ cup maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 dash sea salt
• 2 eggs
Garnish: With a few and ground pistachio OR sweetened cranberries
In a mixing bowl, mix all ingredients (almond flour, raisins, maple syrup, vanilla, and salt), until thoroughly combined.
Cover mixing bowl and refrigerate mixture for several hours or overnight. With a small scoop, take about 2 tablespoons of mixture and form into 12 balls (the size of golf ball). Place balls on cookie sheet, transfer onto lower oven rack and bake about 25-35 minutes or until toothpick comes out slightly clean. Insert pistachio in the center of each cookie while they are still warm and soft. Cookies will become firmer as they cool.
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 seven books and over 1000 recipes that weave her beliefs into caring words on how to live life to the fullest. Learn more by visiting her website, enlightenedrecipes.com.
Embrace the Spirit of the Season with Vintage Quilts!
By Michelle Barry, Resident since 2018
With the winter holidays fast approaching, it’s the perfect time to get crafty! Recently, my sister and I stumbled upon a charming vintage quilt in a Napa store. We decided to give it new life by repurposing it—she took half, and I took the other.
I transformed my share into five adorable Christmas stockings. They turned out really cute, adding a nostalgic touch to my holiday decor.
If you’re inspired to get creative, check out a fantastic Pinterest board featuring 110 innovative ways to repurpose old quilts. From cozy hoodies and stylish vests to delightful ornaments and unique bookmarks, the possibilities are endless!
So, if you have a stained or damaged quilt tucked away, don’t toss it! There are countless ways to breathe new life into it and make something special.
Happy crafting, and enjoy the holiday season!
Best, Michelle On Instagram at #bhlmcrafts
Light up the night, embrace the joy-Diwali is here to brighten our hearts!
By Sonia Lamba, Resident since 2015 | Images by Sonia Lamba
Diwali, the festival of lights, is quickly approaching in November, bringing with it the promise of warmth, joy, and togetherness. Homes will soon be adorned with vibrant rangolis (colorful patterns on the floor), oil lamps (diyas), and sparkling fairy lights, creating an atmosphere of festivity and cheer; celebrating the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. Families will come together to perform prayers (pujas) to honor Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity. The air will be filled with the sweet aroma of traditional treats, from laddoos to jalebis, as loved ones exchange gifts and sweets, reinforcing the bonds of love and community. People also clean and renovate their homes, inviting good fortune in the coming year. That’s the magical Diwali vibe in India!
Diwali is also a time when old traditions blend seamlessly with new practices, with people across the world finding ways to connect and celebrate. The excitement is contagious. Me and my family also can’t wait for the annual Diwali event at Blackhawk Country Club that captures this magic beautifully, creating a sense of home away from home for all who attend.
Finally, it’s a time for reflection on the year past and hopeful anticipation of the new beginnings it heralds. As we prepare for Diwali this November, it’s a chance to not only celebrate with those closest to us but to embrace the spirit of giving, forgiveness, and renewal that defines this beautiful festival.
Wishing
Sonia Lamba
As an aspiring 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. 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!
The Holidays Are Here – And Even Last Minute, There’s No Need to Fear!
By Steve Padis, Padis Jewelry
Padis Jewelry’s extensive selection ensures you’ll find something special, regardless of when you shop!
Everywhere we turn, we’ve been told “better shop early.” Our extensive inventory of responsibly sourced natural diamonds, laboratory grown diamonds and focus on American-made brands such as Tacori and Verragio keep us unaffected by supply chain issues. Whether you’re shopping a month in advance, or a few days before the big holiday – we’ve got tons of options and selection for you to choose from.
Celebrating 50 Years of Padis Jewelry
As Padis Jewelry celebrates 50 years of being a part of life’s most precious moments, we truly believe jewelry is more than a gift—it’s a symbol of connection, love, and enduring beauty. ‘Tis the season to sparkle—and spread joy, and as the holidays approach, we take a moment to appreciate the people in our lives who make it all happen.
This year, more so than ever, it is the time to celebrate those who matter most. Fortunately, our team at Padis Jewelry is here to help you uncover the perfect Christmas gifts to show your loved ones just how much they mean to you. For some great ideas and suggestions, take a look at our 2024 Holiday Gift Guide!
Christmas Gifts for Women: Personalized and Stackable Fine Jewelry
Ultimately, jewelry is super personal — from the pieces that draw us in, the pieces we select for the people we love, and the pieces we choose to wear each day. At Padis, we heartily believe the value of the jewelry you wear goes beyond the price-tag. Pieces by our designers such as Forevermark, Roberto Coin, or our Padis signature collections make a statement about who you are, commemorate milestones, or help express your love to those in your life.
Christmas Gifts for Men: Luxury Watches
Whether you’re stumped on what to get your husband this year or determined to upstage your siblings at the family gift exchange, Padis Jewelry has the perfect gift for the timepieceobsessed in your life. Consider our selection of luxury watches for anyone on your holiday shopping list. We will help you find the perfect timepiece for any wrist, from recipients who need a watch for every day to that extra special piece that will be treasured and passed down for generations.
the one you love as nothing else can. Set up a time to visit Padis and learn about our world-class selection of loose natural and lab grown diamonds and our amazing designers, and our custom jewelry design services. We work with you to make the ring of your dreams a reality!
Happy to Be Nearby to Conveniently Serve You!
As one of the premier Breitling Authorized retailers in the Bay Area, we’re happy to help newbies navigate the Breitling world—and trust us, you’ll wonder what took you so long. From aviation watches to dapper and tuxedo-worthy styles, Breitling timepieces are a perfect present.
Holiday Engagement Rings
Let’s face it—it is the most wonderful time of the year, which makes it a popular time to pop a certain question. Dates include Christmas Day (which topped the list as the most popular date, even above Valentine’s!), Christmas Eve, New Year’s Day, New Year’s Eve, December 23, and two Saturdays before Christmas Eve.
There’s no better way to express that love than with an engagement ring that not only celebrates the commitment you’re making but also encapsulates all the things about
Padis Jewelry Walnut Creek is located in Broadway Plaza, right next to and Free People near the fountain. Padis brings the same exceptional selection, value, and customer service to Walnut Creek that they have offered to their jewelry clients in the San Francisco Bay Area and the Napa Valley for many years.
So there you have it; the gift guide for the people who matter most! Be sure to stop by Padis Jewelry this holiday season to find the best Christmas gifts for the ones you love most. We’re here to help by making holiday shopping easy! Our team at Padis is here and ready to help with all of your holiday shopping needs both in our stores and on our website at padisjewelry. com or 415-861-5388.
The Padis team is thrilled to be a part of the East Bay community and looks forward to seeing you soon. From our family to yours, we wish you a very happy holiday season!