DEC 02 Clayton Pioneer 2005 by Pioneer Publishers

Cookie and Candy contest entry deadline extended to Dec. 4. See page B8

PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID CLAYTON, CA PERMIT 190

IT’S YOUR PAPER www.claytonpioneer.com

December 2, 2005

925.672.0500

Hospice tree lighting is a symbol of compassion JILL BEDECARRÉ Clayton Pioneer

A couple of weeks ago, trees throughout the Bay Area were lit to celebrate lives touched by Hospice and Palliative Care of Contra Costa. At Clayton Station, the annual tree lighting took place with music, candles and somber references to Hospice’s care and compassion for the terminally ill. Chaired by Clayton resident and realtor Kim Dromlewicz, the brief, but poignant event featured the Mt. Diablo Elementary School choir with soloist Alaina Campbell. Approximately 110 young voices joined together to sing “Thankful for the USA,” “The Apple Song” and “A Song of Peace.” MDES Choir director Christine Billingsley shared a personal story about both her parents dying of cancer. “It’s the first time I’ve been able to talk about it this year,” she reflected. Other speakers also had personal experiences with Hospice, like Mayor Gregg Manning who remembered how HUNDREDS

CAME TO HELP LIGHT

CLAYTON STATION’S TREE

LIGHTS

Tamara Steiner/Clayton Pioneer

NOV. 16 to remind all of Hospice’s care of the terminally ill and their families

See Hospice, page A4

YASO musicians make classical music a priority TAMARA STEINER Clayton Pioneer

Music has charms to soothe a savage breast; to soften rocks or bend a knotted oak. (William Congreve, 1670-1729) Music also has the power to switch off the TV and silence the iPod for three hours every Monday while six Clayton teens forego mall crawling and blogging in favor of Mozart and Wagner. Vaso Rahimzadeh (violin), Elizabeth Tooley (flute/piccolo), Justin Beutel (piano), Alex Campomanes (violin), Tom Porcella (bass) and Mario Vargas (violin) are members of the 50-member Young Artists Symphony Association (YASO) and are currently preparing for their Christmas Concert at Los Medanos College on Dec. 11.

What’s inside SECTION A Around Town . . . . . . . . . .A2 Classifieds and Directory of Advertisers . . . . . . . . . .A5 Letters to the Editor . . . . .A6 Real Estate . . . . . . . . . . . . .A7 Club News . . . . . . . . . . . . .A7 Your Health . . . . . . . . . . . .A8 Financial Sense . . . . . . . . . .A9 Upcoming Event . . . . . . .A10 Sharing History . . . . . . . .A10 Garden Girl . . . . . . . . . . .A12 Tea For You . . . . . . . . . . .A13

SECTION B Hiker’s Haven . . . . . . . . . . .B1 Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .B2 Dining Around . . . . . . . . . .B4 Music Notes . . . . . . . . . . . .B5 Holiday Gift Ideas . . . . . . .B6 Pioneer Cookie Contest . . .B8 Paws and Claws . . . . . . . . .B9 Community Calendar . . . .B10 Church News . . . . . . . . . .B11 Crossword Puzzle . . . . . . .B12

The program is ambitious and includes Mozart’s 40th Symphony, Johann Straus’ Tritsch Tratsch Polka and Leroy Anderson’s Sleigh Ride. While music programs in California public schools are in sharp decline, groups like YASO provide opportunities for talented young musicians to study, rehearse and perform with other like-minded teens at a level beyond what they might find in their music classes at school. The young musicians from the eighth grade through community college age must pass muster at an audition with orchestra leader Steve Accatino, and only the best of the best will make the ranks. Currently, says Accatino, the group has openings for double reed, trombone, French horn and additional string musicians. In addition to the three-hour

YASO rehearsal every week, the young musicians must also be enrolled in the music program at their school. Many of the students also study privately. Justin Beutel studies with Clayton piano teacher, Roxanne Pardi. Accatino has directed the orchestra since 1996 and is currently the Director of Instrumental Music at Ygnacio Valley High School where he is in his 25th year of teaching. YASO was organized by parents, teachers and community volunteers in 1980 as the Diablo Youth Orchestra. In 1990 the name was changed to Young Artist Symphony Association and the group made its first international tour. That year, YASO was awarded the Frances Comber Cup at the Bourmemouth International Festival in England. Since then,

See YASO, page A7

Tamara Steiner/Clayton Pioneer

These six talented Clayton teens are members of the select Young Artists Symphony Association. From left, standing: Tom Porcella, Mario Vargas, Elizabeth Tooley, Vaso Rahimzadeh and Alex Campomanes. Justin Beutel is seated at the piano.

Dogs4Diabetics hopes to save lives JILL BEDECARRÉ Clayton Pioneer

Many people with Type 1 Diabetes know the scenario all too well. You take extra insulin so you can indulge in the dessert tray and then fall asleep without testing yourself. You wake up in the middle of the night and find yourself incoherent, dizzy and sweating. When you finally test, you discover that your blood sugar is dangerously low and you take immediate measures to raise your glucose level. Living with diabetes is high maintenance and there’s often times when the maintenance is neglected, ignored or just not working. Now imagine a friend with you 24/7 that could keep you

on track and most importantly warn you when you get into trouble with low blood sugar or

hypoglycemia. That friend actually exists, but not the type you would expect. It’s the four-

Tamara Steiner/Clayton Pioneer

Chris Edwards with a scented T-shirt waits for Armstrong to find and alert.

legged furry type and part of a new grass roots program called Dogs4Diabetics. With new headquarters in Concord and non-profit status, the program is taking off. Dogs4Diabetics has placed one dog with a nursing student from Livermore and about six other dogs are currently in training with other families throughout the Bay Area. It’s taken six years of research and a lot of dedication, but Mark Ruefenacht, founder and president of Dogs4Diabetics, is finally seeing the fruition of his dream and passion…to help save the lives of people affected with Type 1 Diabetes. “If the program can

See Dogs, page A11

Do you love the movies? If you are a movie lover who always has an opinion on the latest flick and can write well, the Pioneer is interested in you. We will buy dinner and movie tickets for two in exchange for a 450500 word witty, erudite review once a month. To be considered, go see a movie and review it. Email your review to tamara@claytonpioneer.com. Who knows, you may be the next Siskal or Roeper. For more information call Tamara Steiner at 925672-0500.

Page A2

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

December 2, 2005

Around Town Santa makes first stop in Clayton

No sooner had Santa polished off the last of the Thanksgiving pumpkin pie, than it was time to pack the sleigh with

note pads and pencils, round up a couple of elves and head south. Santa made one of his very first stops at Melanie’s Gifts (R & M

Pool, Patio and Garden) in Clayton. On hand to greet him and pass along that all-important wish list for Christmas were (from left) Christopher Teal of Concord, and Clayton kids Lance and Tyler Hackett. Santa’s helpers, Lauren Stratton and Lindsay Yarbrough are standing behind Santa. While the kids visited with Santa, their parents and grandparents browsed the decked out gift store, making wish lists of their own. Santa’s next Clayton stop will be Dec. 10 when he will accompany Mrs. Santa on her annual dessert visit at the Clayton Community Library.

family

CALLY ANN CHRISTIANSEN

WOMAN’S CLUB MEMBERS: Sandy Riccabona, Eleanor Clews and Chris Light stand behind their wares at Woman’s Club Boutique.

The Christiansen brothers Riley, 3 ½ and Brady, 1, have a new baby sister. Cally Ann, 6 lbs. 2 oz., was born Nov. 4. Her parents are Kevin and Lisa Christiansen. Cally’s grandparents are Claytonians, Ed and Maureen Christiansen.

Sevens have new grandson

Hendrix Marc Benton was born Sept. 11 to Scott Benton and Emmanuelle Beauregard in Montreal, Canada. Proud Clayton grandparents are Joe and Mureleen Benton.

THOMAS AND CHARLIE GIOIA

HENDRIX MARC BENTON

CV Woman’s Club presents Cally Ann joins a crafty Christmas Christiansen The Clayton Valley Woman’s Club made shopping for Christmas gifts a lot easier with their holiday boutique on Fri., Nov. 18 and Sat. Nov. 19. After many months of sewing, gluing, tying bows and making ornaments, the CVWC displayed their wares at the Clayton Community Library and delighted shoppers with colorful gifts for everyone’s taste. Half way through the sale, Peggy Arundell reported that sales were going very well.

Hendrix is new grandson for Bentons

Clayton’s Jim and Shannon Seven have a new grandson. Thomas James Gioia joined his parents, Amanda and Dave Gioia and big brother, two-year-

old Charlie at the Gioia family home in Sacramento on Nov. 16. The 8 lb. 12 oz Thomas was 21 inches tall. This makes four grandchildren for the Sevens.

Gen and Ben Camera move to Clayton Gen and Ben Camera recently moved to Clayton from Pittsburg, settling in on Mt. Etna Drive in Dana Hills across the street from their longtime friends Mureleen and Joe Benton. Both Gen and Ben were born and raised in Pittsburg. Gen attended college at St. Mary’s and is a first grade teacher in Pittsburg. Ben attended East Contra Costa Jr. College, which is now Diablo Valley College and recently retired from Dow Chemical in Pittsburg. They love Clayton. “This is a good place for us to be retired,” said Gen. “It isn’t quite so busy and so hectic.” They both attend many sporting events and like being so close to BART. Ben agrees, “We feel like we’re in a wooded area, but we’re only three minutes to

Ygnacio Road.” When Ben isn’t hiking Clayton’s many trails, he enjoys carpentry and woodworking. The Cameras both enjoy spending time with their six grandchildren, ranging in age

from 19 to one year. Do you know someone who recently moved to Clayton? We’d love to introduce them to the community. Call the Clayton Pioneer, 672-0500, or send a photo and a brief introduction to PO Box 1246, Clayton, 94517.

GEN AND BEN CAMERA

Concord/Clayton Border $699,980 This 2 story large home has fresh paint inside 4 spacious bedrooms, 2.5 baths & over 2,100 sq ft of living space. Kitchen w/ eating area, family room off the kitchen, formal living & dining room. You will also find nearby hiking trails & open space nearby.

Sunset Park, Walnut Creek $499,980 Two bedroom, 2.5 bath townhome has updated baths, dual pane windows and more. Great location near by BART, shopping, and schools.

Walnut Creek Border! $729,000 Single Story Beauty on Quiet Cul-de-sac. Open & Bright 4 bedroom w/ Remodeled Kichen, Huge, Gorgeous Backyard. New paint, windows, roof & exterior paint.

Falcon Ridge, Clayton $929,980 Beautiful single story Champagne model w/ 4 bedrooms and 2.5 baths. 2,542 sq. ft. of living space on a large .48acre lot. Gourmet kitchen with granite tile counters. Stunning entry, family room and kitchen w/ tile and inset carpet. Gorgeous master suite featuring California closets.

$964,980 Falcon Ridge, Clayton This beautiful Seranade model has 4 bedroom plus loft on a half-acre lot. 3079 sq ft of living space has a spacious family room and wonderful hillside views. Outside you will find a large side yard with access for RV.

Black Diamond, Clayton $715,000 Sitting on the 12th fairway of Oakhurst golf course at the end of the cul-de-sac you will find this 3 bedroom, 2 .5 bath home. Inside you will find an inviting master suite w/a spacious walk in closet, formal dining and living rooms, newer carpeting and fresh paint. Community pool/spa and sports courts.

Walter Glen, Concord $255,000 This charming condo is located on the 2nd level with 2 balconies. Inside you will find newer carpeting and fresh paint, kitchen w/pantry and a separate dining area. You can also enjoy the beautiful community pool and patio areas.

Kirkwood, Concord $585,000 Painted w/ Sun Shine - This charming rancher is located on the Concord/Clayton border. 3 bedrooms and 2 full baths. Formal living & dining room w/ fireplace. Sunny family room. Master suite w/ slider to yard. Large yard w/ deck. Freshly painted exterior!

Lynne offers FREE Professional Staging with all her listing's South Brook, Clayton $849,900 Desirable Neighborhood! This 3 bedroom and 2 bath, has a huge master suite w/ retreat (possible 4th bed), is loaded w/ upgrades. Kitchen w/ granite counters, intercom system & ceiling fans. Beautiful yard featuring freeform pool with water fall and built in BBQ. Extra Large Oakhurst Lot!

December 2, 2005

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

Tis the season to be shopping Melanie’s Gifts & Interiors

Page A3

Around Town No roasting chestnuts, but plenty of sunshine While most people were planning their Thanksgiving menus or out shopping to get a buy-one-

presents

evening of shop t n a g e l ping e An Wednesday Dec. 7,

5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Enjoy champagne, Hors d’oeuvres and music while you shop

Free gift wrapping available

20% off purchases all evening

Luxurious pillows and throws, decorative and aromatic candles, eclectic selection of Christmas ornaments, delightful holiday tablescape collections.

Come & experience the magic.

Pool, Patio & Gardens Family owned since 1983

6780 Marsh Creek Road, Clayton

· 672-0207

Melanie's Gifts & Interiors is all decked out for the holidays

get-one-free turkey, the Clayton Business and Community Association spent Sat. Nov. 19 decorating the city from head to toe. They put up trees, tied a few bows and hung mistletoe amidst a gorgeous, 75 degree sunny day that had volunteers rolling up their sleeves and taking off their jackets. After hours of hauling figurines from their off season resting place and opening boxes of garland and Christmas ornaments, Clayton was decked out for the holidays and the sights and sounds of Christmas were everywhere. Thanks to the city maintenance staff who lent a hand and a cherrypicker, decorations were strung in hard-to-getto places. It was a productive day

1. Dave Atkinson shows off one of the wreaths that will decorate the city; 2. Cindy Koll places garland just right at Black Diamond Plaza; 3. Gloria Utley lifts and separates tree branches near Nativity Scene; 4. City maintenance supervisor hangs the star on the tree; 5. Tom Faine empties one of the many boxes of stored Christmas décor; 6. There’s no butts about it, Marty Koll, Gregg Manning and Mike Fossan came ready to work.

and when all was said and done, The Christmas Season in Clayton was off to a good start.

Photos 1-3 and 5-6, Tamara Steiner/Clayton Pioneer; Photo 4 courtesy of Clayton Worsdell

do you feel like you have to yell to be heard? When it comes to your

real estate needs, we specialize in listening. Clayton/Dana Hills

1 level home. European Design Kitchen. 3 BD 2BA 1,796 sq ft spacious floor plan with vaulted ceilings, dual pane windows. New European design kitchen with cesarstone counters, cherrywood cabinets, upgraded appliances. 40 yr composition shingle roof. Large backyard with abundance of fruit trees, redwood deck, RV parking.

Clayton/Dana Hills

Live At The Base Of Mt. Diablo! Located in Dana Hills, one of Clayton's most desirable neighborhoods. This home has 2,481 sq ft with 5 BR and 3 BA. A bedroom and a full bathroom is downstairs with a tile entry and hallway. Walking distance to town center, elementary and middle school.

Clayton/Chapparel Springs

This is a beautiful turn key single story, end unit. 2 BR/2 BA 1,145 sq ft. Open floor plan, large living room with fireplace. Special features include vaulted ceilings, custom lighting and decor and plantation shutters throughout. Secluded lush private backyard with deck.

Concord/Turtle Creek

Serene Setting! 3BR/2BA plus den, 1,588 sq ft with large kitchen, freshly painted interior, new carpets. Private backyard with refreshing pool. No rear neighbors. 50-year steel roof. Desireable Turtle Creek neighborhood with tennis courts and acres of community parks.

The Dajani Real Estate Group

AVAILABLE FOR $769,000

SOLD FOR $778,000

925-672-3000 SOLD FOR $528,900

AVAILABLE FOR $669,000

joe@joedajani.com

www.joedajani.com

Page A4

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

December 2, 2005

Antioch native, Richard Welcome home Sanna Family McEachin joins Clayton PD TAMARA STEINER Clayton Pioneer

Clayton PD’s newest member of the force is returning to law enforcement after 20 years in the restaurant business. Richard McEachin, 35, graduated from Antioch High School and attended Los Medanos College before attending the Police Academy at Napa Valley College. He worked for a short time for the Brentwood Police Department before taking a career detour into the restaurant business. He and his wife, Rita currently own a Subway Sandwich Shop in Brentwood where Rita works full time. The couple has two children, son Trey 13 and daughter Whitney 10. Both children are active in sports and McEachin spends most of his off duty time volunteering

with school activities and helping to coach his son’s baseball team. McEachin brings the Clayton force to a total of 11 sworn officers, and is funded by a $100,000 grant from the

Brien, Madison, Rashel, and Daniel Sanna with Mike Williams, your local Real Estate Pro

& a t n Visit Sa with Mrs. Claus

Tamara Steiner/Clayton Pioneer

JANIS MCEACHIN PINS THE CLAYTON PD BADGE on son, Richard McEachin, while Chief Dan Lawrence looks on.

Hospice, from page A1 helpful Hospice was when his father was stricken with cancer. “This (the tree lighting) is an annual event; Hospice is year round. I’m glad they are there when you need them,” he said. Hospice Community Education Coordinator Jo Cundith talked about Hospice’s services and the organization’s dedication to families in need. “We come into the home and make everybody comfortable. It’s our goal to be there every step of the way.” She mentioned a few of Hospice’s specialized programs such as the Bruns House, the only free standing hospice facil-

Citizens Option for Public Safety (COPS) Program. The grant also funds two part time police interns. He’s replacing Amber Reiger who left the force after three months.

ity in the region providing around-the-clock acute care for adult hospice patients and Comfort for Kids, a pediatric hospice and palliative care program, now in its 10th year. “The most important part of this program is the fact that it allows families to stay intact,” said Cundith. “The sick child gets some sense of normalcy in a pretty out-of-control time of life,” she added. She also mentioned Anna’s Attic, a non-medical social support program for women with recurrent breast cancer. Clayton resident Susan Fossan has been a Hospice vol-

unteer for the past four years. “I get so much more back than from what I give,” she says. She focuses on ministering to children who have experienced death in the family or who are in the process of that experience. Fossan explains that often siblings of a dying patient or the children of a dying parent are forgotten and need someone who is honest and who will listen to them. “I have a strong need to take care of them,” she added. Hospice has served over 1,000 patients and their families this past year and is a not-for profit organization that cares for everyone in need regardless of their ability to pay, explains Cundith.

have Dessert

ry a r b i L n at the Clayto . 10 c e ,D y a d r Satu Prizes . . m Goodies 11 - 2 p Candy Canes FREE Photo

Children must be accompanied by an adult Admission $1 or donation Free for children 12 and under CHRISTMAS in CLAYTON is hosted by the elves of the CBCA (Clayton Business & Community Association.) CBCA: 672-2272

At Intero, we begin and end each day with one goal: to provide our clients with the finest customer service available in real estate. Every Intero real estate professional is guided by principles of trust, respect and integrity.

Independently owned and operated

The Josie Van FleetBronson Team

Concord's #1 Listing & Selling Agent

Our family will take good care of your family

This Area’s #3 Agent Specializing in Central and East Contra Costa County residential & investment real estate since 1989 Loans/Refinancing Property Management

Full Service Includes: 1. Superior professional care and service from our family to your family. 2. Professional staging and cleaning. 3. Feng Shui Chairman’s Circle z Ranked #56 worldwide of 90,000 RE/MAX Realtors, 2003 z Listed in the 2004 Heritage Registry of Who’s Who z Member of the Concord Chamber of Commerce z Member of Oakhurst Country Club

Featured Properties ABSOLUTELY DARLING "POTTERY BARN" HOME! 5486 Los Gatos Court, Concord This home has been extremely well maintained with many upgrades. Located on the Concord/Clayton border at the end of the court with ample parking. 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, new less than 2 years are the gas stove insert, Anderson sliders, 6 panel doors, French doors, carpeting and hot tub. This lovely landscaped yard is larger than most for this area. Please call us for more information on this very special home.

Offered for only: $559,000 GREAT FUTURE POTENTIAL! 8 cute separate cottages, 1 bedroom, 1 bath each with individual fenced yards with a country feeling about them. Needs cosmetic upgrading. Check out the Price. Seller may carry a 1st mortgage. Bring all offers!

Listed for: $899,000

1536 Kirker Pass Road, Suite D

Clayton, CA 94517

925-672-4333 www.callthevanfleetteam.com

Expect the BEST when you choose The Van Fleet-B Bronson - Intero Real Estate Team

December 2, 2005

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

Classified FOR SALE Dark Oak Executive Desk w/return: Desk is 30”x 60”, with pencil drawer and leather pad, and pedestal w/letter-size file plus two other drawers. The 24”x 50” return has a pedestal w/pencil drawer, and double door for housing printer. Lower level cut-out for keyboard. Cable way included. Beautifully made of solid wood with dovetailed drawers. (Some veneer). Good condition. $200. Call 672-3850

HELP WANTED Oakhurst Country Club: Two banquet captains, two part time morning and evening restaurant servers, two morning and evening banquet servers, one bartender, one morning fitness employee, and one full time landscaper/maintenance worker. Flexible hours and golf privileges. Fax resume to (925) 672-0148, or e-mail gm@oakhurstcc.com; or apply in person at 1001 Peacock Creek Drive, Clayton.

The Clayton Community Library Foundation is currently seeking to fill the following volunteer positions: Events Photographer - (min. age 16 years) to take simple 35mm and/or digital (to pass along to our webmaster) photographs of various library events to put on display in the library and be placed in the library scrapbook by the historian. Shelver - (min. age 13 years) to shelve and sensitize books in the library. Will train, day/time is Tuesday a.m. Call Arlene at 673-9777, e-mail akikkawa@ ccc.lib.org or leave a message for Arlene at the Clayton Library.

Cozy cabin in South Lake Tahoe. 2 bedroom, 1 bath, 1 car garage. Great for a family or 2 couples. 10 minutes to Lake Tahoe, Fallen Leaf Lake, casinos, skiing, and hiking. Call Mike Risso @ (925) 890-4623. Beautiful 3 bedroom 2 bath condo for rent at Kirkwood Meadows. Sleeps 8-11. Great location, great view. Call 673-0646 or 707-865-9552 for availability.

P.O. Box 1246 6200 Center Street, Suite F Clayton, CA 94517 Office: 925.672.0500 Fax: 925.672.6580

Tearoom: Part time server needed. $8/hour plus tips. Some weekends/weekdays. Contact pammbarnett@aol.com or call between 9 a.m. – 11 a.m. only, 672-8327. TAMARA

SERVICES

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

Cabin in Blue Lake Springs (Arnold, CA). Sleeps 6, fully remodeled, quiet, use of recreation facilities. $150/night, $950/week. Call Kevin Parker, (925) 383-9430 or www.vrconnection.com/parkerpaw

AND

R OBERT S TEINER , Co-Publishers

TAMARA S TEINER , Editor

Licensed Daycare. Black Diamond, Clayton. Ages newborn to 2 years old. Part time/full time. Loving and caring environment. Call Sholeh 6731722. License # 073404952.

J IM Z EWAN , Sports P ETE C RUZ , Graphic Design

Member of the California Newspaper Publishers Assoc.

State Farm7 Providing Insurance and Financial Services Home Office, Bloomington, Illinois 61710

VACATION RENTAL Beautiful Tri Level Chalet in Blue Lake Springs (Arnold, CA) Large loft with games for kids. Family room on lower level with wet bar and Foosball table. Sleeps 10. Two night minimum $419 includes taxes and cleaning fees. Mike 673-7167 or www.macphersonmountaingetaway .com

Hamid Ray Asemi Agent, Lic. # OC77769 3600 Clayton Road, Suite A, Concord, CA 94521 925.726.0154 Fax 925.726.0155 hamid.asemi.lxm9@statefarm.com Se Habla Espanol

December Tea Events

Fr ie

Friday Events

Sunday Events

2nd: HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE! 5 p.m. - 8 p.m. Free egg nog and gift-wrapping! Christmas carols will delight your ears while our holiday menu is available to delight your palate! No admittance fee.

4th: TEDDY BEAR TEA PARTY An unbearably good time for all ages! Bring your teddy, have lunch with Mrs. Bear and enjoy teddy teatime treats! $15 per child/$20 per adult.

9th:

SUPPER AND SHOPPING 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Enjoy an elegant evening of beautiful live music by candlelight. A delicious 4-course meal will be served with holiday-flavored teas and sparkling cider. Shopping specials and gift-wrap available! $25. 16th: 12 TEAS OF CHRISTMAS 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Bring a friend for a fun-filled evening of tea tasting, hors d'oeuvres, dessert sampling, live music, favors and more! $20.

ath

11th: TEA WITH MRS. CLAUS All ages are welcome to enjoy a special holiday luncheon and Christmas teas. Be sure to bring a camera for a photo with Mrs. Claus! $15 per child/$20 per adult.

PIONEER INFO

Directory of Advertisers

HOW TO PLACE AN AD Go to our Web site, claytonpioneer.com. Click on the Classified Advertising tab on the left side of the page. Complete the form to submit your ad. Mail a check for the number of insertions to P.O. Box 1246, Clayton, CA 94517 or call the office with your credit card information. Or, call the Clayton Pioneer, 925-672-0500 to place your ad over the phone. Or, come by the office at 6200 Center Street, Suite F, Clayton between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Rates are $12 for 30 words and 20 cents for each additional word. Classified deadline dates are printed above. The Clayton Pioneer will not accept any ad that discriminates on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, nationality, family status or disability. We reserve the right to reject any advertising we believe is unsuitable. All classified ads must be paid for in advance.

Abbey Carpets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .686-9901 Aircloud Wireless Internet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .260-4119 Alaimo’s Wood Farm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .439-2769 Alexander Video Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .524-0911 Alise Interior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-7701 All Loving Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-0752 America First Real Estate Services, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-9090 Apronstrings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .798-7621 Asemi, Hamid - State Farm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .726-0154 Bay Arts Custom Children's Murals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .323-9323 Beautique Beauty Supply and Salon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-0405 Benton, Mureleen - Ameriprise Financial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .685-4523 Brown Fitness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .673-5305 Burkin Electric . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-1519 C&R Landscaping . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .673-5917 Cegielski Jewelers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .682-2855 Café Santee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .429-3320 Calkins, Bill - Charlotte Clifford Realtors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .673-9164 Candy Created Bouquets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-6818 CD Federal Credit Union . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .825-0900 Clayton Fitness and Tanning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-2010 Clayton Flowers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .682-4664 Clayton Home Inspection Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-9405 Clayton Sports Cards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-8445 Clayton Family Dentistry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-0110 Clayton Mind and Body Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .673-0686 Clayton Valley Bowl . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .689-4631 Clayton Valley Frameworks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-6066 Clayton Valley Presbyterian Church . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-4848 Clayton Valley Pumpkin Farm and Christmas Trees . . . . . . .672-5198 Clayton Valley Villa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-8401 Computers USA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-9989 ComUnity Lending . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-5363 Consignment Treasures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .671-7002 Cookies by Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .256-1137 Cruise Adventures Unlimited . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .935-7447 Dajani, Joe - Prudential California Realty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-3000 Diablo Car Wash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .691-4529 Diamond Terrace Senior Retirement Living . . . . . . . . . . . . . .524-5100 Donna's Gifts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-2440 Dromlewicz, Kim - Century 21 Diablo Valley Realty . . . . . . .682-4663 Englund's Tea Cottage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-8327 Essential Skin Care by Linda . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .524-0850 Flannery, Patty - Diablo Realty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-0541 French, Lynne - Coldwell Banker Real Estate . . . . . . . . . . . .672-8787 Help You Sell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .680-4950 Hobson's Digital Media . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .676-0726 HomeEquity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .673-9737 Hudak, Jim - Pianist and Composer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .673-7293 Instant Imprints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .825-9815 Jewitt, Judi - Speech Pathologist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-9440 Joanna's Designs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .673-8911 La Veranda Restaurant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .524-0011 Laurence, Pete - Better Homes Realty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .939-7920 Lerner Eye Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .685-1130 Littorno, Richard - Attorney at Law . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-6463 Magic Hammer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .673-0949 Make It Happen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .497-8629 Maverick's . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .602-5600 Mazzei Auto . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .757-5600 Mike's Auto Body . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .689-1739 Monte Vista Veterinary Hospital . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-1100 Dr. Steven Moon, Chiropractor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .682-8400 Morgan, Yvonne - Security Pacific Real Estate Svcs. . . . . . .974-7675 Morucci, Kim - Intero Real Estate Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . .280-8563 NBS Insurance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .673-1845 Neptune Society of Northern California . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .944-5100 Oakhurst County Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-9737 Ouimet Funeral Home . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .682-4242 Pasos de Mt. Diablo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-4467 Pasta Primavera . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .687-5300 Pro-Tech Heating and Air Conditioning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .673-3776 R & L Jewelers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-2600 R&M Pool, Patio & Gardens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-0207 Rhino Wireless . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .674-9214 Rodie's Feed and Country Store and Self Storage . . . . . . . .672-4600 Roberta Claire Photography . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .625-1123 Robin's Nest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-4600 Robin's Ranches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-7323 Rocco's Ristorante & Pizzeria . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .947-6105 Smith Bernal Roofing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .216-6461 Dr. Steven Moon, Chiropractor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .682-8400 St. John's Episcopal Church . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-8855 Stone Tree Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .798-2094 Straight Line Imports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .335-9801 The Bizzy Team . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .890-7045 The Clayton Historical Society . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-1865 The James Gang . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .974-7678 The Maids . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .798-6243 The UPS Store . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .689-6245 Tipperary Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .216-2679 Toys, Games & More . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .673-8634 Truesdell, Lisa - State Farm Insurance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .686-4747 Van-Fleet-Bronson, Intero Real Estate Services . . . . . . . . . .672-4333 Van Wyck, Doug - State Farm Insurance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-2300 Vujnovich, George - Better Homes Realty . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-4433 We the People . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .246-0370 Weekends at the Cottage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-0744 Wooden' It Be Nice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .673-5595 Williams, Mike - Rath Realtors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .260-5363 Winner's Circle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .673-5305 Zandonella's Restaurant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .432-1700

LET US KNOW Weddings, engagements, anniversaries, births and deaths all weave together as part of the fabric of our community. Please let us know of these important events. We ask only that the announcement be for a Clayton resident. You will find the appropriate form for your announcement on our Web site. Also on our Web site are forms for submitting Community Calendar items and press releases for your organization.

J ILL B EDECARRÉ , Assistant Editor and Display Advertising

B ETH N EUDELL , Administrative Assistant Perennial Garden Design by Nicole Hackett AKA The Garden Girl. Personal consultations regarding plant choices, placement, identification, fertilizing and maintenance. Spring is just around the corner. Call or email for information and pricing. 925-6731746 (leave message) GardenGirl94517@aol.com

Page A5

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR The Clayton Pioneer welcomes letters from our readers. As a general rule, letters should be less than two double spaced pages and submitted at least one week prior to publication date. Letters concerning current issues will have priority. We may edit letters for length and clarity. All letters will be published at the editor’s discretion. Please include your name, address and daytime telephone number. We will not print letters from “anonymous.” E-mail your letter to tamara@claytonpioneer.com

Advertise in the Pioneer It works. Call today to place your ad in the next issue. 672-0500

Randell F. Gardner DDS and staff warmly welcomes Keith R. Bradburn DDS into our Clayton dental practice. We invite you to come join us. We are gladly accepting new patients.

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Page A6

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

Letters to the Editor Back to the drawing board on Measure M Dear Editor, I was disappointed to read Mr. Ken Collins’ letter to the editor in the Nov. 8 edition. While Measure M may have been overly ambitious and therefore included too large a tax increase to ever be approved by the needed twothirds majority, the landscape issue is nonetheless an important one to Clayton. To think that anyone would be irresponsible enough to vote a particular way on an issue simply to spite another party is alarming and a detriment to all residents. Every citizen has not only the right to vote, but also the duty to adequately research the issues in order to do so responsibly. Your Nov. 4 article provided an excellent summary of the benefits of Measure M and your bias was clearly disclosed by the large font title across the front of the paper: “Clayton Pioneer urges YES vote on Measure M.” All major newspapers to which I have subscribed, including the New York Times, Los Angeles Times, Wall Street Journal, and yes, even the Contra Costa Times, endorse candidates and issues on a regular basis. Perhaps this fact escaped Mr. Collins, as from reading his letter I would draw the conclusion that he has already canceled all his newspaper subscriptions. I appreciate your coverage of the Clayton community and the strides that the Clayton Pioneer has made in its coverage over the past few years. The City Council needs to address the landscaping issue over the next year and the margin of defeat indicates that city leadership is out of touch with the average citizen. While many of us enjoy all that Clayton has to offer, many others go from home to work with little reason to visit downtown. In order to get more interest, the city should pursue projects that benefit a greater portion of the population rather than Bocce Ball Courts, or even a drug store. With greater interest will come more support and more businesses to downtown, ultimately growing city revenue over the long run. In the meantime, the City Council needs to go back to the drawing board in order to give residents alternatives on funding

landscape maintenance rather than threatening to kill the plants. Steve Biggs Clayton Dear Editor, I see the city leaders are stymied by the failure of the citizens to pass Measure M. It seems everyone was mad at Arnold for holding the election, so anything on the ballot was doomed. Secondly the new tax was nearly three times the current levy. And finally the three percent escalator seemed too open ended. While I voted in favor (of Measure M), I too was bothered by that pesky three percenter, especially since we have the money to build the new park in hand. Simply stated, the plan was too ambitious. I do not believe the economic uncertainty had much to do with the failure, just the cost. Solution: Let’s see if (sales tax revenues from) the new Long’s Drug Store can build up the coffers to a point that we have a better handle on revenues to match our ambitions. And always use regularly scheduled elections to run ballot measures. As for the ridiculous opposition statements about weekend cleanup brigades that appeared in the ballot handout, sometimes I wonder if this is planet Earth. Bob Armstrong Clayton

Restore pedestrian access to Oak Hollow 2 Dear Editor, Recently Oak Hollow 2 Home Owners’ Association blocked off the pedestrian outlets from Buckeye Terrace and Moccasin Court on to Indianhead Way. Signs are posted that say “Private Street - No Through Access.” I am more than a little surprised by this action for several reasons. Those two streets provide pedestrian access to Indianhead Way – which in turns provides access to the Creek Trail below. This action restricts the Oak Hollow 2 residents from easy access to the Creek Trail. While it is possible to step over or under the chain, it provides a significant barrier to families with small children in strollers. I have friends on Buckeye and I typically walk to their house for dinner parties a couple of times each year. If walking these streets is no longer allowed, guests who might otherwise walk there

will be forced to drive, which will mean more visitor cars parking on their streets. I wonder if the majority of the homeowners actually agreed that their pedestrian access be closed, or if this is a unilateral decision by someone on their Board with a personal agenda. I live in the neighboring community of Chaparral Springs. Our streets are also private, however many people from Oak Hollow 2 walk through Chaparral Springs as a short cut to the restaurants downtown and the various festivals we have. We could also post signs stating that walkers from outside our community are not welcome to cut through on our streets, but that would not be in keeping with the atmosphere that I think Clayton historically has generated of a walkingfriendly community. I hope that Oak Hollow 2 reconsiders their decision to cut their streets off from the walking public in their neighboring communities. Linda Pinder Chaparral Springs

Thank you from VFW Dear Editor: Lt. Jerry Novakovich VFW (Veterans of Foreign Wars) Post 1525 thanks the people of Clayton for supporting our Veteran’s Day Buddy Poppy Program. The proceeds received are restricted for the use in areas of relief and welfare for needy veterans, their families and supporting veteran agencies. Special thanks are given to Clayton Station Safeway, Albertsons and Yardbirds for permitting the Post to set up our Buddy Poppy Stations. Again, thanks. This is a great community. Richard “Pete’ Loechner Commander, Post 1525

Boy Scout Troop 484 Christmas tree pickup will be New Year’s Day Dear Editor, For the last 14 years, our local BSA Troop 484 has recycled Christmas trees for Clayton. In partnership with the City of Clayton and Allied Waste Management, our troop has been able to divert over 12,000 trees from mainstream trash into specific usage. The ground-up trees have been used for many things from ground cover on trails to biofuel. Due to generous donations from Clayton residents,

our troop has been able to cover the high cost of renting and fueling commercial size trucks for the event and has had money left over to support our local Boy Scout program. Other than these donations, the troop receives no other compensation for this important service project. Troop 484 is facing a considerable challenge this year, in that the only viable date given to us for picking up trees is on New Year’s Eve Day. Since that date falls so soon after Christmas, there is a concern about the number of trees and donations that would be available. Rather than break our commitment to our community’s recycling effort, our troop has decided that it will continue its tradition and pick up trees on that date. If you would like to help Troop 484, here’s what you can do: Put your tree on the curb prior to Saturday, December 31, 2005. If you are unable to get your tree out for the recycling effort, kindly consider making a donation to our troop to help keep the recycling program alive. If you would like to leave a donation via check attached to your tree, we will pick them up starting Saturday morning, Dec. 31, or if you prefer, a donation can be mailed to: BSA Troop 484, 709 Tally Ho Ct, Clayton, CA 94517. Thank you for your continuing support for Treecycling and the Boy Scout program. George Beckham Scoutmaster Troop 484

December 2, 2005

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Page A7

Should I buy an unlisted home? Looking for a home to buy can be fun. It can also be tedious and discouraging if you’re trying to buy in a market where there are very few homes for sale. Some buyers will go to extraordinary lengths to find a home to buy when the listing inventory is low. Recently a buyer asked his agent to contact homeowners in the area where he wanted to live. Even though there weren’t any homes for sale in the area, the buyer hoped his agent could convince someone to sell. The agent’s efforts did turn up a prospect. The buyer ended up buying the property. But it took weeks to negotiate the contract, and the buyer paid a premium price. As is often the case with unlisted properties, this owner was willing to sell, but only if he received a price he couldn’t refuse. Many issues come into play when you consider buying a home that’s not on the market. A major factor is whether or not the property is really for sale. You could waste a lot of time and energy trying to talk a homeowner into giving up his home when he has no pressing reason to sell, even if he stands to make a big profit. The price issue is a concern for both the buyer and seller. When a home is listed on the open market, it’s easier to gauge its market value. If buyers are clamoring to buy the listing, the property will probably sell for the asking price, or more. A listing that has been sitting on the market for months may be priced too high for the market. It’s harder to determine the

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market value of a property that hasn’t had the benefit of market exposure. One option is to have the property appraised. However, appraisals, which are done without the aid of market

LYNNE FRENCH

REAL ESTATE

exposure, often don’t reflect real market values. One homeowner had his home appraised for a refinance shortly before selling the property. The property sold for much less than the appraised value. Refinance appraisals can also come in on the low side. If you buy a property that hasn’t been marketed, you will never know if you paid too much. Likewise, the seller will never know if he could have sold for more. Expired listings can offer opportunities for buyers who are having trouble finding a home to buy. An expired listing is a property that was listed for sale, but that didn’t sell during the listing period. Sellers of expired listings can lose interest and give up when their home doesn’t sell during the listing period. They may decide to wait for a different market, or they may shop for a different agent. In any case, these sellers are often anxious to sell.

Several years ago, a couple was having difficulty finding a place to buy. Their agent remembered an expired listing that she thought would work well for her clients. She contacted the owner who was indeed willing to sell. The seller was just giving the listing a break before putting it back on the market. Before you buy an expired listing, find out why it didn’t sell. It may have been priced too high for the market. Or, the market could have been soft. Study the comparable sales information before deciding what price to pay. Consider hiring a local real estate agent or real estate attorney to make sure that you’re interests are represented, and that all disclosure requirements are complied with.

BOY SCOUT TROOP WREATH SALE

CLAYTON VALLEY GARDEN CLUB

Happy holidays. The Clayton Valley Garden Club was formed to bring together people in our area who have a common interest in gardening. Our club motto is: “Life begins the day you start your garden.” We are presently on winter hiatus and will resume our meetings in Feb. We meet on the second Wed. of the month at Diamond Terrace at 7 p.m. We hope that you will join us.

United States at the Beijing International Children’s Festival in China as part of a preOlympic cultural exchange. The group will tour again at the end of their season in 2006. Several destinations are currently under consideration. All of the touring, training

the gift that keeps on receiving.

and preparation comes with a hefty price tag and the organization is always seeking new sponsors. The musicians help finance the activities with a $475 tuition each season; the rest is raised through corporate sponsors and fundraisers. For more information about YASO, to contribute or to arrange for an audition, call Orchestra Manager Jeannette Mundy, 825-7896, www.yaso_manager@yahoo.com.

Now with the

YASO CONCERT SCHEDULE Christmas Concert, Sun., Dec. 11, 2:30 p.m. at Los Medanos College in Pittsburg. Concert, Tues., Feb. 28, 7:30 p.m. at the Dean Lesher Regional Center for the Arts Concert, Sun., May 7, 2:30 p., at San Ramon High School, San Ramon “Pops in the Garden,” Sun., June 4, 5 p.m. at the Shadelands Museum in Walnut Creek.

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Vineyard Shopping Center (next to Albertsons supermarket) Holiday Hours: M-F 8-7 Sat 9-5 Sun 12-5 (Dec. 18)

Have the property thoroughly inspected even if you think you’re getting a great deal. For any real estate needs or questions contact Lynne at: Phone (925) 672-8787 or E-mail: Lynne@LynneFrench.com

The annual holiday Christmas wreath fundraiser has begun. Boy Scout Troop 262 is once again taking orders for the Oregon wreaths with immediate delivery anticipated. The 22” fresh noble fir wreaths from the Pacific Northwest will be delivered to your home or local office and benefit Boy Scout Troop 262. The troop has served the Clayton Valley community continuously for 38 years, helping young people serve, practice leadership and succeed. To order a wreath, please call Robb at 672-2044.

Free incoming calls,

n i e m o C

Lynne French

CLUB NEWS

YASO, from page A1 they have completed two more European tours and have performed in Australia and New Zealand where they won the Gold award. They have performed at Carnegie Hall and at the Washington D.C. Bicentennial Celebration. This year, YASO represented the

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Page A8

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

December 2, 2005

Take steps now to prevent overweight children from becoming obese adults More Americans are becoming overweight or obese at earlier ages. As the number of young people carrying excess weight increases, so do the rates of type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, cholesterol imbalance, sleep disorders as well as risk of heart disease in adulthood and much more. This problem has to be addressed within the entire community so all people who are involved in child care may promote healthy habits and encourage families to help their children to grow up as adults with appropriate self-esteem and good health. Weight problems can be very hard to fix, so it is important to prevent the problem from happening in the first place. TIME FOR CHANGE Throughout much of recorded history, people struggled to get enough food to eat. Today, many people in the world, and even in United States remain undernourished. However, the majority of Americans are actually in the opposite situation: they are overweight and find it difficult to lose the unwanted pounds. In some populations, particularly immigrant or poor populations, the fear of starvation can lead parents to believe that an overweight child is healthy. This is a major public health issue. Every year in the United States, about 300,000 adults die from causes related to excess body weight. We cannot change our genetic make-up, but the good news is that we can make a difference in two of the key areas that contribute to premature death: cigarette smoking and eating habits. What causes obesity? Our body converts the food we eat into energy. Every action we make requires energy. The energy contained in food is measured in calories. When we take more calories than we use up in our daily activities, the excess is stored in our bodies as a fat. Why lose weight?It is not just a “cosmetic problem.” Being overweight increases the risk of developing a number of serious medical conditions as mentioned above. Is it “baby fat” or a serious problem? Each child needs a periodic health evaluation from birth, which includes a measurement of height, weight, and head circumference throughout the early years. These numbers are plotted on a “growth chart” appropriate to age and gender. Clinical assessment of a pediatric patient should include determination of the BMI, or

Body Mass Index) which is cal- making a healthful lifestyle culated based on the child’s change. To find a meaningful weight and height. starting point, a family member Because children’s body fat should be identified as an “ally” changes as they grow and differs in working with the child. between boys and girls, BMI The best bet for change is to should be plotted on gender make a modest alteration in the specific growth chart, which family’s activity level. For examuses percentiles ple, take a walk to show how the together every child’s BMI comSunday. Over pares with chiltime, add more dren of the same walking days to gender and age. the week. Other During childcommitments hood, there are may be to eat natural periods of fewer times in growth spurts fast-food restauand times when a rants. child is supposed It is also pracJANA TOMSKY to be relatively tical to make a litskinny and tall. tle snapshot of YOUR HEALTH This time is clasthe child’s daily sic for the age of life. Review food entering elementary school. The intake starting with the morning other growth spurt occurs through the entire day including around puberty. snacks. How much time does The child with a BMI from your child spend outdoors, 85 to 95 percent is at risk of doing homework, and watching overweight and child at the 95 TV? percent level or higher is overIs your child eating highweight. calorie lunches at a school cafeIn evaluating the child, it is teria when a homemade sandalso important to review par- wich would be a better option? ent’s history; their growth patRemoving from the home tern—weight to height ratio high-risk food and temptation before and after age two years. such as cookies, cakes, chips, A physical examination and his- and sodas. Instead stock the tory can identify complications, refrigerator with healthy snacks, which may be related to rare fruits, vegetables, low fat popgenetic causes of obesity. Some corn, low fat milk, high fiber laboratory tests may be appro- food etc. Most of what your priate; i.e. fasting blood sugar, child eats depends on what you cholesterol, liver function etc. bring home from the grocery Pediatric and adolescent vis- store. its should be a time to review OTHER HELPFUL concerns and encourage preSUGGESTIONS ventive measures for healthy Make sure all meals and child development. snacks are eaten at the table and How do parents increase chances not in front of the TV. Get the for success? Overweight children whole family to start eating and adolescents frequently lose healthier, so your child won’t feel motivation and become frusalone and everybody will benefit. trated and may develop low selfFollow a regular schedule for esteem and get depressed. meals and snacks – do not skip These tender aged children need loving support and guid- breakfast. Eat meals together as a family as ance especially from their famioften as possible. Eat slowly. lies. Do not use food as a reward. Treating only the patient is Praise your child for drinking generally ineffective; the whole water with meals instead of soda. family must be committed to

Be firm – do not allow more than two hours watching TV or playing video games each day. Encourage your child to go bike riding or to participate in other sports activities. Suggest walking to school. Hold a nightly family meeting to review success of your goals. Breast feed within the first hour of life. Do not give supplements. Breast feed exclusively for the first six months before introducing the first solid food around six months of age. Keep all well child check ups. Offer the picky eater a variety of healthy food choices and let him choose. Limit high fat food, eliminate soda, and limit juice to one cup per day. Do not demand they clean their plate. Choose smaller servings to avoid food waste. No TV till two years of age. Encourage outdoor playtime. Be a good role model for your child. In general, whatever makes you and your child move is good. Simply putting the remote away can make you get up and down to change the channels. Do not try to make major, dramatic changes overnight. If you are expecting to achieve too much, too quickly, you may be setting yourself up for disappointment. Many resources and information are available on the Web See www.familydoctor.org, www. eatright.org and www.smallsteps.gov.

Specialist in Ranch and Country Properties. Thinking of selling? Robin’s Ranches web page gets more than 6,000 viewings a month

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Jana Tomsky, MD, can be reached at the Clayton Valley Medical Group, (925) 672-6744

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Since 1979

Living trusts z wills z elder law z Probate & trust administration z Creative estate & tax planning z Asset protection & general business z

Clayton office:

6160 Center St., Suite D Clayton, CA 94517 Phone: (925) 672-6463 Fax: (925) 672-6468 rlittorno@msn.com

Pittsburg office:

2211 Railroad Ave. Pittsburg, CA 94565 Phone: (925) 432-4211 Fax: (925) 432-3516 Estateplanning.com/Littorno

December 2, 2005

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

Page A9

Is an interest only loan a smart choice? g n i Low r E b E R rat est F I m y a roues g nd the you to Don’t Wait until after the holidays to Feel Good

The booming real estate market continues to see a steady increase in home prices. According to the National Association of Realtors’ July 2005 report, June’s national median for “existing-home” prices set a record of $219,000. This was up 14.7 percent from last year and represents the biggest year-to-year jump in 25 years. The average housing price (typically higher, then median prices due to upper-end home sales) was $268,000, up 9.4 percent from 2004. As real estate prices continue to set records, consumers trying to break into the market for the first time are looking for ways to save money. The lure of lower monthly mortgage payments is hard to resist leading a growing number of consumers to consider interest-only loans. Interest-only loans allow homeowners to pay just the interest on their loan for the first five, seven or 10 years, depending on the loan, after which the loan becomes fully amortized, and payments will cover both the principle and the interest. Interest-only loans have grown exponentially in the last decade. According to a July 2005 report from Bloomberg, 20 percent of all loans are interest-only, up 20-fold in the last 10 years. In the hottest real estate markets, particularly on the coasts, nearly 40 percent of new loans are interest-only, according to www.loanperformance.com. So how do you know if interest-only loans are the right choice for you? Before you

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decide, here is a look at some of the pros and cons: ARGUMENTS IN FAVOR OF INTEREST ONLY LOANS

Since your initial mortgage payments are applied toward only the interest on your loan, your payments can be significantly lower. For example, say you have a $500,000 mortgage. With a 30-year, fixed rate at 5.5 percent, you would pay $2,800 per month according to www.bankrate.com as of July 2005. With an interest-only loan your payment could be up to $800 less per month. The lower mortgage payments can have a profound effect on the finances of a disciplined saver. Using the same example, with the extra $800 per month, you would save $48,000 for five years or $96,000 for 10 years (without factoring in any interest you may earn on these savings). These savings can be used to pay down debt, put towards your child’s education, saved in an emergency cash reserve or invested into your retirement savings plans. The cash freed up by an interest-only loan can also be put towards investing. This strategy can pay off, provided you’re able to earn a higher rate of return on that money than the interest rate on your mortgage (this is also dependent on the rate on the mortgage not increasing too much.) The monthly savings of $800 could go down dramatically as rates increase and the interest only loan rate is reset. An interest-only loan can also help consumers get into a

home that they might not be able to currently afford. This can be a helpful strategy if you are counting on earning a higher future income that will match or surmount the increase in your mortgage payments. For example, this may work for a parent who is planning to return to work or a young professional planning on receiving many raises before the higher payments would kick-in.

MURELEEN BENTON FINANCIAL SENSE ARGUMENTS AGAINST INTEREST ONLY LOANS Interest-only loans also have some drawbacks. One pitfall is that attractive starting rates of interest only loans may lure consumers into loans that they cannot afford longterm. For instance, once the “interest-only” part of the loan expires say in five or 10 years, your mortgage payments can shoot up significantly, hundreds or even thousands of dollars more each month. Also, before the interest only period expires, rates can increase which will cause the monthly payment to increase. For example, let’s say you have a $500,000 interest-only

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adjustable rate mortgage (ARM) and the first five years were a fixed interest-only rate. You would begin by paying $800 per month. However, your payments would shoot up to $2,838 a month once it converts back to a regular oneyear ARM (given the one-year rate is 5.5 percent, an average rate over the last 30 years). This increase can result in payment shock if you are not prepared and you may find yourself struggling to get by. Furthermore this long-term commitment may result in derailing other important financial goals, such as retirement savings or education goals. Another pitfall is that interest-only loans delay the buildup of equity in your home. If you don’t plan on staying in your home for a long time, then building equity might not be a priority for you. However, not building equity could become a problem if you needed to sell your home in a declining market and owed more on your home than it was worth. Another thing to consider is that interest-only loans have a slightly higher interest rate, then loans without that feature (roughly a quarter of percentage point). If you are taking out a large loan over a long period of time, even this slightly higher rate would results in owing a lot more money. If you are considering buying a home, you should take the time to research the many different loan options available to consumers. Consider meeting with a qualified financial advisor who can help you make the best loan decision as part of a personalized plan to reach all of your financial goals.

Mureleen Benton is a Certified Financial Planner. Call her with questions at 685-4523 This information is provided for informational purposes only. The information is intended to be generic in nature and should not be applied or relied upon in any particular situation without the advice of your tax, legal and/or your financial advisor. The views expressed may not be suitable for every situation. Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc., Member NASD, part of Ameriprise Financial, Inc. Ameriprise Financial is no longer owned by American Express Company.

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Page A10

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

Upcoming Events CLAYTON TOWN TREE LIGHTING

cider and donut holes. Bring your flashlight.

Bundle up the family and head to the Clayton Historical Museum on Sat. Dec. 3 at 6 p.m. where the Mt. Diablo Elementary school choir will perform. Santa himself will lead Clayton residents down Main Street where he will flip the switch to light up the Clayton Town Tree. Clayton Community Church will provide hot apple

DESSERT WITH MRS. CLAUS On Sat. Dec. 10 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. come to the Clayton Library to have dessert with Mrs. Claus and visit with Santa. There will be prizes, goodies and a free photo. Donation is $1 and free for children 12 and under. Both events are hosted by the

elves of the CBCA.

NEW YEAR’S EVE CELEBRATION The third annual alcoholfree New Year’s Eve celebration begins at 6:30 p.m. and ends with a countdown to the

December 2, 2005

Alise Interiors & Staging

New Year at 10 p.m. The earlier “midnight” hour is a little more practical for families with small children, explained event volunteer, Julie Pierce. Get ready for hot dogs, hamburgers, chips, and drinks for dinner, cookies and popcorn for dessert. There are activities for the whole family from kickball and family soccer to movies and games. The event is sponsored by the City of Clayton, YMCA, Pleasant Hill Bayshore Disposal and Comcast. Volunteers are still needed. Call Rhonda Basore at 673-7304 for more information.

I’m an Accredited Staging Professional and my job and commitment to you is: to help you get a faster sale and the most money for your home When it’s time to think about selling call for a free bid, and see for yourself.

aliseinteriors.com

672-77701

WE THE PEOPLE Legal Document Service Center of Concord

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Ann Hague was primed for caretaker at an early age

Four years after taking this job, Ann met and married her Russell. She continued to develop her organizational skills through civic and volunteer work in San Leandro. “It helped me to start many innovative programs there,” says Ann. “I actually started the first hospice program in the Bay Area. I thought that no one should die alone and I was on the task force and we started Vesper Hospice in San Leandro. But just as it was ready to open, I found out I had cancer.” Ann stopped for a while undergoing treatment, but resumed her volunteer services once she was back on her feet. “But I found out that I couldn’t work directly with the people in need because I couldn’t sleep at night knowing that they were dying. That brought back everything that I knew from childhood,” sighs Ann with grief in

Olivia Moore-Wraa, owner

4474 Treat Blvd., Concord (925) 246-0370 www.wethepeopleconcord.com

We can help with personal care, respite care, light housekeeping, transportation, meal preparation & catering personnel.

A R EFERRAL A GENCY

ANN HAGUE TODAY

z z z z

deal with cancer three more times, but her fight to stay in a survival mode gave her the strength to carry her through. Three years ago, Ann moved to Diamond Terrace with her husband Russell, who passed away last year. Ann has a son and daughter and four grandchildren. San Leandro was a fortunate recipient of Ann Hague’s efforts for 46 years and now Clayton is home for this honored resident who has touched more lives than anyone could possibly imagine.

Caregivers/CNA’s House cleaners Catering s ervers Party/kitchen h elpers

fax: 925.672.2694 mobile: 9 25.457.0954

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Dr. Steven Moon, Chiropractor 5161 Clayton Rd., Suite E, Concord CA 94521 (across from K-Mart). This offer expires 12/16/05

“Festival of Trees” Silent Charity Auction Nove thru D mber 12 ecem ber 3

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hosted by

Funds raised will benefit the CBCA’s (Clayton Business & Community Association) annual “Adopt a Family” program

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Come and enjoy our beautiful array of Christmas trees decorated in a host of festive holiday themes!

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If you are a senior living in Clayton, or know of a senior that would like to share their life story with the Clayton Pioneer readers, please contact Colleen Elwy at 672-9565 or at colleensbyline@aol.com.

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ind of m

Photo courtesy of Ann Hague

Ann Hague as a young woman in San Leandro.

PREPARE THE DOCUMENTS.

For Ann Hague of Diamond Terrace, the gift of giving and kindness is not seasonal, but rather a passion that has spanned most of her lifetime. Ann’s involvement in initiating and volunteering for innumerable organizations weaves an incredible story. “I believe that at a very early age I was primed as a caretaker for others as I lost my mother at age 9, my father at age 11 and my brother at age 12,” Ann says, her voice filled with deep emotion. “When my mother passed away, I was the one who took care of my dad. I was devastated by the loss of my mother and was very insecure. Eventually Ann and her siblings were separated and lived with different families. Ann learned to become self sufficient at an early age. By the age of 15 Ann was not only going to school, but was working at various jobs after school until very late every night. “While I was doing these factory, waitressing and ushering jobs I couldn’t imagine doing them all my life, so I went to Heald’s Business College and took Business Administration there,” she said. Ann’s voice becomes more somber as she continues, “It’s strange to reflect back to how different I was back then though, as I kept telling people, I was 23 years old. It was like a façade that I acted worldly and sophisticated, but I think for me it was part of a survival mechanism to try not to be sad.” Ann started working in the credit departments of various stores in her teens and twenties and in 1948 was approached by a

- WE

SHARING HISTORY

her voice. “So I coordinated the volunteers instead.” Ann’s energy and commitment extended to her two children’s schools. Her roles in San Leandro’s school district included that of room mother, Cub Scout leader, Brownie co-leader, PTA president, vice president of the San Leandro’s Advisory Council, coordinator of parent communication workshops throughout the district and coordinator and chairperson of the annual fund raising carnival for the elementary school there. Proudly, Ann recalls, “I also started CAUCUS in the city. It was an organization to generate public awareness of drug misuse and other social problems and I was a member of the Board of Directors.” In addition, Ann was involved in the formation of the San Leandro Service Center for economically and socially distressed individuals that provided assistance in housing, medical aid, employment, etc. “These were all so very rewarding but one of the best of times in my volunteer work was being vice chair for the San Leandro Centennial Committee. The whole city was involved and it was a wonderful year of celebrations and fun,” smiles Ann. Over the years, Ann would

MAKE THE DECISIONS

embra c

COLLEEN ELWY

friend who wanted her to start a credit department at his store in San Leandro. “Having been born in Oakland, I told him that I didn’t want to go there,” says Ann. “But he was persistent and I ended up going and this is where my heart grew for over 46 years!”

YOU

For more information (925) 524-5100

December 2, 2005

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

Page A11

Joanna Wellsted has an eye for design Est.1972

Smith & Bernal

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As long as Joanna Wellsted can remember, she’s had an eye for design. She studied fashion design in college and enjoyed creating clothes for herself. Joanna designed her own wedding gown and dresses for her bridesmaids, but didn’t have the confidence to design for others. Interior design was a different story. “I have always loved interior design and I don’t lack the confidence in that area,” Joanna says. Her home-based interior design business got a jumpstart when Joanna decided to decorate her own home in Clayton. She designed sofa covers, draperies, pillows and window

save just one life, then its all been worth it,” he says from the training facility on Solano Way in Concord. Mark’s dogs come from Guide Dogs for the Blind. His dogs didn’t quite make the Guide Dog cut, but they are highly socialized and ready to learn, Mark explains. “These dogs are ready for a career change,” says Mark, as they officially become medical alert service dogs. Even though dogs become a trusted support system for a diabetic, Mark is quick to explain that that the dogs do not negate the need for a clients to carefully manage their disease with frequent testing, nutrition and regular check-ups. The dogs are trained to recognize the scent of someone with diabetes who is experiencing low blood sugar levels. They alert the person first with a bump, then

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This information is deemed reliable, but not guaranteed. The agent listed above may/may not be the listing agent of this listing.

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Joanna’s Designs. She specializes in reupholstered sofas, chair cushions, draperies, bedding apparel and color consultation. Joanna can walk into a room and immediate-

parents. When Mark brought his dog Armstrong to the DYF summer camp for diabetics, Armstrong went to work immejump and if the person still doesdiately alerting kids who experin’t respond, they escalate their enced low sugar levels. “The dog activity by pawing and barking. even woke up a counselor in the Mark, an insulin dependent middle of the night who was very diabetic, knows this high level of low,” Heiser explained. “Parents response all too well. It was were very excited,” he about five years ago that added. The dogs have been Mark was in New York with known to alert in other setBenton, a one-year old tings. “I’ve been dragged puppy from Guide Dogs for clear across the airport,” the Blind, an organization Edwards says when the dog that Mark was actively she was with sensed that involved in as a volunteer. In someone had low blood the middle of the night, sugar. Benton woke Mark up with Even though some dogs loud barking and jumping have a natural instinct to that was uncharacteristic of sniff out the scent of low the lab. Mark discovered blood sugar, Mark’s that his blood sugar was research initially focused on dangerously low and he whether the scent is comknew he had to act quickly mon among all diabetics before he lost consciousand if dogs can be trained ness. “Benton, quite possito find the scent and alert. bly saved my life that night,” That scent comes from a Mark admits. chemical change in the He began to think about body that produces aceBenton’s reaction to his low tones, explains Mark. “It blood sugar condition and was a big experiment,” says his thoughts soon turned to Mark talking about his Les Ruefenacht with Program Director Carol action. Now, six years later Edwards and Mark Ruefenacht with work. His dog Armstrong Mark heads Dogs4Diabetics Dogs4Diabetics Armstrong (left) and Danielle responded well to the trainwith Carol Edwards, a full- (right) ing and to Mark’s scent time program director and when his blood sugar was numerous volunteers. The organlow, but “would it be universal to research efforts from the beginization depends solely on donaother diabetics,” he wondered at ning. “I am just in awe of the tions and corporate sponsors. the time. amount of hours and dedication “We’re hoping to step up our Now training takes place in that Mark has invested,” she says. fundraising with speaking the Concord facility Monday A diabetic for 40 years and engagements,” Edwards said. through Thursday. One person Mark’s nurse, Hickey currently The organization is in need of dons a T-shirt containing the has a dog in training and supmore foster families to house the scent of someone with low blood ports Mark’s efforts in promotdogs as well as volunteers to help sugar and the dog is told to find ing the program. “ I tell everyone with administrative tasks, she that person and alert. “My about the program. “I feel honadds. favorite part of the job is watchored that they have welcomed me “I am so proud of him,” says ing as the partnership between into the fold,” she says. As a Mark’s mom, Sandra. She and dog and diabetic grows and teachboard member, Hickey provides other family members including ing each of them to trust the valuable ongoing information on his sister Amy and her family other,” says Edwards. “I really diabetes to staff members and have supported Mark in his quest feel I have the best job in the volunteers. to start a non-profit organization. Jeff Heiser, program director world. “Where else do you get to Amy and her husband Dylan and for the Diabetic Youth give the gift of unconditional love their five children are currently Foundation (DYF) in Concord that may some day save a life? hosting Danielle, a dog in trainFor more information on has seen first-hand the valuable ing, in their Clayton home. Dogs4Diabetics email service that these dogs perform Everyone in the family gets Mark@dogs4diabetics.com or and the positive and enthusiastic involved from 14-year old Taylor response from children and their visit www.dogs4diabetics.com.

to six-year-old Wyatt who is in charge of keeping Danielle fed. Mark’s parents, Sandra and Les, also Claytonians, periodically take in Mark’s dog, Armstrong. Dogs4Diabetics board member and Kaiser Diabetic nurse Jeannie Hickey has been involved with the program and Mark’s

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treatments. “My friends would come to my house and tell me that I should do this for other people,” she said. Three years ago, Joanna did just that and created her own business called

Dogs, from page A1

g a r o n p M r e e sents n n o v Y

Address Listing Price 107 Jeffrey Ranch Court . . . . . . . . . . .$759,000 1546 O’Hara Court . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$724,950 109 Mt. Whitney Way . . . . . . . . . . . .$769,000 620 Black Point Court . . . . . . . . . . . . .$815,000 316 Mt. Washington Way . . . . . . . . . .$819,943 24 Ohlone Ln. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$835,000 202 Falcon Pl. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$839,000 5915 Wallace Dr. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$849,000 104 Mt. Whitney Way . . . . . . . . . . . .$849,950 33 Marquette Ct. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$849,980 8000 Kelok Way . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$899,000 107 El Portal Pl. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$915,000 9007 Elk Dr. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$920,000 250 Jeffry Ranch Pl. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$925,000 5175 Keller Ridge Dr. . . . . . . . . . . . . .$929,000 374 Blue Oak Lane . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$929,000 8019 Kelok Way . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$929,980 8027 Kelok Way . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$964,980 3046 Miwok Way . . . . . . . . . . . . .$1,049,000 1032 Pebble Beach Dr. . . . . . . . . . .$1,069,000 928 Kenston Dr. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$1,099,000 1224 Bridlewood Ct. . . . . . . . . . . . .$1,130,000 5760 Tamarack Way . . . . . . . . . . . . .$1,500,000

JOANNA WELLSTED

ly come up with several creative ideas to give a fresh new look. “I love seeing the end product and knowing when a client is happy,” Joanna said. She admits she has an eye for color and fabric and takes the time to find out exactly what the client wants. “I recently got a call from a client who was so excited about her new draperies and valances. I really like to hear that,” says Joanna. Joanna attributes her keen eye for design to her grandmother who was “an exquisite designer.” After only a few minutes with Joanna, you’ll notice a charming British accent. She was born in England and met her husband, Bob there. The couple live in Clayton with their two boys, Patrick, 10 and Josh, seven.

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Page A12

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

December 2, 2005

Winter frost calls for some serious protection At the onset of winter, it’s the time to tuck some of our tropical and tender selections in for the season. Frost and freeze can damage some plants in various fashions. As the temperatures drop, the moisture that pumps through our plants evaporates from the stems and leaves. It is that moisture loss that can kill the large leaves and limbs of our tropical and tender plants. The damage starts at the

Nicole Hackett top of the plants and works its way down, possibly to the plant’s root, which will ultimately kill the plant. With gardening popularity on the rise, planters are becoming increasingly daring with their installations, choosing risky, tropical selections to enhance their containers and gardens. The big leafed tropical plants were popular choices—now it’s time to take proper care to insure survival through the winter. Bougainvillaea, Mandevilla (Alice du Pont, Red Riding Hood, Chilean Jasmine), Night Blooming Jasmine (Cestrum nocturnum), Elephant Ears (Alocasia), Alpinia (Thai Ginger), and any of the Taros are some of the tropical installations that you may have planted this growing season. Plants like these all need special winter care to sustain life through the winter. Container grown tropicals simply need to be moved to a sheltered location. Placing them under an evergreen or on a covered patio or porch should be enough to protect plants from frost. Placing the container up against the house wall can also protect the plant. Some may choose to put container-grown tropicals in your shed or garage through the winter. That is a great idea; just don’t forget to water the planters weekly. Loss of water is the main cause of death during the frost. The water evaporates through the stems and leaves, killing the plant. A simple way to protect your tender plants is to water thoroughly the night of the projected frost. Wet the soil as well as the foliage of the plant. Ice on the plant acts like a sealer to prevent evaporation. Think about the citrus growers, when

GARDEN GIRL

cold spells are upon them, they turn on the sprinklers, to ice over their trees, sealing in the plant’s moisture. Gardeners can buy products to seal the foliage of their plants. ‘Cloud Cover’ is a product that is applied every two weeks to all tender plants. This milky liquid dries clear and shiny, covering the foliage like an invisible coat for the winter. The trick is product build up prior to the frost. You can not expect Cloud Cover to work for you if you apply the morning after temperature dip to the upper twenties. You want a nice base of protection. Cloud Cover is an over the counter frost remedy found everywhere fertilizer and herbicides are sold, in both the ready to use as well as the concentrated form. When you read the label, you will see how many other protective needs this product fulfils, from heat stress to transplant shock—as well as just making leaves look shiny and healthy.

GREENHOUSE WILL PROTECT

is the seasonal set up of green houses on your porch or patio. These simple to put together green houses will help sustain the life of your tropical plants. Many sizes are available locally, and large sizes can be purchased through the Internet to protect an extensive collection. This remedy is only good for container grown tropical plants. For the gardeners whose collections are soil grown, mulch heavily at the base of your tender plants. Collect the leaf debris from your yard and pile 4-6 inches deep of leaf debris

roots. If it happens, then let it. Some installations may go completely dormant. You will have to be patient when waiting for re-growth, as most tropical plants do not respond to spring until the daytime temperatures stay consistently in the 60’s. You planted these non-

BBuy u y yyour our ffresh-cut resh-cut ppremium remium CCHRISTMA H R I S T M A SS TTREES REES aatt SSaint aint JJohn o h n ’’ss

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your tropical plants from frost damage.

Remove the fabric during the day so the plant can get the sun that it needs. Burlap and old blankets will do if the Frost Fabric is not available. Another protection method

around the roots. Use piles of bark, peat or moss to help cover up roots. The most important part of a plant is the root. The plant knows this. You may spray your plants with Cloud Cover every two weeks, water the roots and the foliage the night of the frost and cover the plant, but still you might have arms dying back. Do not cut any frost damage off your plants. Your tropical plant’s defense to the frost is to sacrifice leaf and limb to protect

Sain t J o hhnn''s E p i s c o p aall PPaarriisshh s Ep is c op 5 55 5 C l a y t o n R o a d , C l a yyttoonn photo courtesy of OSU

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“Ice on the plant acts like a sealer to prevent evaporation. Think about the citrus growers, when cold spells are upon them, they turn on the sprinklers, to ice over their trees, sealing in the plant's moisture.”

NICOLE HACKETT

Generally, in our area, a gardener should use the Cloud Cover from December through March, and some may use it through April. We have seen snow on Mt. Diablo in early April in the past. Covering plants with Frost Fabric is also another form of protection. Though not as readily available, the Frost Fabric should be teepeed around the tropical plant as a blanket. Try not to have the fabric touch the plant but rather shield the selection. Plants should be covered from sunset to just after sunrise.

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Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer .com

More tea travels close to home

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Page A13

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After our recent journey to Victoria, B.C. to visit the world famous Empress Hotel, I decided that my husband and I needed to spend a weekend exploring the tea business a little closer to home. So, this past weekend we set out for San Francisco with great enthusiasm. Well, at least one of us was enthusiastic; let’s just say the other was being a good sport. Our first stop was Lovejoy’s Tea Room on Church St. Lovejoy’s has been a popular San Francisco yuppie hangout since its inception five years ago. It occupies a corner in a quaint old neighborhood of other small businesses, second floor apartments and coffee houses. Directly across the street is Lovejoy’s Antique Store: a small cluttered room full of old kitchen items, teacups, hats and purses. Our reservation was for an 11 am teatime, so we arrived at 10:15 to browse around the neighborhood and explore the antique store first. To our dismay, both the tearoom AND the antique store did not open

“Amidst the beautifully manicured grounds we enjoyed the silent pleasure of sipping a fine Jasmine tea and nibbling on almond cookies. The lovely bonsai trees, footbridges and winding pathways were the perfect setting for our peaceful visit.” Pam Barnett

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until 11:00. We sat on a bench enjoying the eclectic nature of San Francisco’s inhabitants and waited eagerly for the teashop to open. Well, at least one of us waited eagerly, I think the other just waited hungrily. Finally, we were ushered into the shabby chic domain of

the sandwich fillings were tasty. Turkey with spicy mustard, pureed shrimp, chicken with asparagus and cucumber; all were fresh and filling. The raisin scones were light and delicious, especially with Double Devon cream atop them.

PAM BARNETT

TEA

Photo by Olivier Chebance

Japanese Tea Garden at Golden Gate Park

Lovejoy’s. With its casual wood floors, mismatched chairs and bed sheet tablecloths, it was uniquely charming. Usually a stickler for detail, I found myself noting the odd couplings of cups with saucers that did not match. Yet somehow, it seemed right in this atmosphere. Though certainly not fancy, it was comfortable and cozy. We ordered the Queen’s Tea and were quickly brought a pot of their house blend of tea. Soon after, a tiered tray arrived with our sandwiches lined up around the bottom perimeter and our scones, jam and Devonshire cream on the top plate. The bread was soft and

At the end of our meal, I thanked Muna, the owner and complimented her on the food. I told her of our new shop in Clayton, Englund’s Tea Cottage, and invited her to visit us soon. Afterward, we shopped the antique store with great interest. Well, one of us shopped, the other waited outside to check the ballgame score on their cell phone. Next stop was Chinatown and the renowned Red Blossom Tearoom , master blenders and sellers of more than 100 different teas. Here we sampled Monkey Picked Oolong, the ultimate green tea. We learned that its legendary name refers to Buddhist monks

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Clayton

$1,500,000

This gorgeous home is priced to sell! It has 5 bedrooms + loft (2 master bedrooms). It also has 5 baths and 1 is spa tub. It is approx. 3995 sq. ft. Gourmet kitchen with stainless steel appliances, double ovens (one convection), gas stove and a butler's pantry. It has a beautiful panoramic view from third floor loft. CONVENIENT upstairs laundry room. Spacious walk-in closets throughout the home. Office has DSL which is cable ready, and the house is wired for surround sound!

3 Bedrooms, 2 baths approx. 8,700 sq ft., 7 years old premium corner lot, extensively pro landscaped, low maintaince yard w/ retaining wall, aggregate patio, overhang and auto sprinkler drip system. Freshly painted front door w/ tile entry, bright family room w/ tile faced wood, burning fireplace & slider to back yard. Dramatic high vaulted ceiling w/ fans, neutral tile floors and wall to wall carpet. Large kitchen w/ separate eating area that features; gas stove/oven, microwave, dishwasher, double sink, oak cabinets, tile counter tops & spacious breakfast bar!

4 bedrooms & 2 Bath, approx 1,790 s.f. Family room has a brick fireplace and new carpet. Separate dining room with cupboards and chandelier. Bi-plex dual windows w/ warranty. Nicely remodeled bath. The master bedroom has a slider to the patio. Plenty of closets & storage. New paint inside & out; new drive-way & walk-ways. RV parking. New kitchen floors & the appliances are newish (refrigerator comes with the warranty). Seller to furnish home warranty. Move in ready AS IS property.

5 Bedrooms and 3.5 Baths, approx 3,839 sq. ft. Views! Views! Views! Everything in this home is changing, all new kitchen, lighting, floors, doors, baths, stairs and landscaping. You name it the seller did it and don't forget the views!

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1044 Mohr Lane #D

Concord

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2 Bedrooms & 1 Bath , approx. 854 sq. ft. Upper unit with balcony. Kitchen features: new garbage disposal, new refrigerator, new oven/stove and linoleum flooring. Spacious family room with new durable "Fabrica" carpet, freshly painted inside with newly painted baseboards. Single car attached garage with storage. Close to Schools, Bart, Freeway access and new shopping center.

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3 Bedrooms & 1.5 updated Baths, approx 1276 sq ft. Has a new kitchen stove/oven and pergo floors. Washer/dyer and refrigerator included. Ceiling fans in dining room & master bedroom and has central air/heat. New window treatments, one car garage and has updated electrical. Quiet complex w/pool & club house, ample storage space & homeowners dues only $260 month.

1525 Mendocino Drive

Concord

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3 Bedroom & 1 Bath, approx. 1,073 sq. ft. Great home with new roof, gutters, dual pane windows, driveway & new central air. Office in garage, spacious family room with fireplace, updated bathroom w/new tile & vanity & new tile & paint in kitchen. Huge .20 acre lot with RV parking on side!

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2 Bedroom & 2 Bath, approx 1,190 sq. ft. Condo is spacious with European style doors, windows & cabinets. Private deck off the master bedroom and has ample closet space. Detached garage and a beautiful marble entry. Well maintained complex with community pool.

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Clayton

$759,000

4 Bedrooms & 3 Baths, approx 2,150 s.f. Desirable cul-de-sac location! Spacious formal dining room w/ high vaulted ceilings, family room w/ granite faced wood burning fireplace, & bonus room addition done with permits. Bright kitchen w/ tile counters, oven, stove, dishwasher, breakfast bar, white cabinets, pantry, separate eating area, wet bar & recessed lighting. Convenient inside laundry room & monitored alarm system!

5216 Marvue Circle

Concord

$544,950

3 Bedrooms & 2 Baths, approx. 1,227 sq. ft. Nice home with new concrete driveway, newer roof, new insulated garage door, dual pane windows, hardwood floors & central heat/air. Large lot with sprinkler system, RV parking and beautiful Eastern facing views of downtown Concord !

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who trained monkeys to harvest the youngest leaves from the top of the wild tea trees. When infused, the unbroken, evenly sized leaves gracefully unfurl to reveal the most beautiful bouquet in your cup. Experiencing this lovely tea tasting renewed my excitement over our own tearoom’s upcoming evening of tea tasting (The 12 Teas of Christmas) on December 16. Our last destination was Golden Gate Park and the famed Japanese Tea Garden. Here amidst the beautifully manicured grounds we enjoyed the silent pleasure of sipping a fine Jasmine tea and nibbling on almond cookies. The lovely bonsai trees, footbridges and winding pathways were the perfect setting for our peaceful visit. As I journeyed home with my faithful tea-traveling companion at my side, I contemplated what a truly tea-riffic day we’d had. Well, at least one of us did! Pam Barnett was an English major in college and a teacher before becoming co-owner with Sally Englund of Englund’s Tea Cottage in the Clayton Station. Email her at Pammbarnett@aol.com

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Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

December 2, 2005

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Stunning single-story “Champagne” model on a huge level .29 acre (approx.) lot. 4 bedrooms, 2.5 bath, approx. 2,542 sf and 3 car garage. Updated travertine tile floors extend from entry to kitchen. Large open formal living and dining room. Gourmet granite kitchen with maple cabinets. Large master suite features custom built-in media center and sumptuous bath with extensive use of Italian marble. Private lot features custom aggregate patio, expansive lawn area & views of surrounding hills and open space. $899,000

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JUST LISTED! Manzanita model on a prime golf course view lot! backing to 15th fairway with Mt. Diablo views! 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, approx. 1,430sf, inside laundry & 2 car attached garage. New paint & carpets throughout! Upgraded marble tile floors in entry & all baths. Granite tile fireplace in living room. Kitchen with tile counters & floors. Spacious master suite. Cozy Spanish tile patio looks out to golf course. $599,000

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ADDRESS 461 Obsidian Way 605 Condor Place 533 Hamburg Circle 455 Obsidian Way 1547 O'Hara Court 112 La Encinal Court 125 Gold Rush Court 1048 Pebble Beach Dr 1014 Pebble Beach Dr 5878 Caulfield Drive 3078 Windmill Canyon 701 Acorn Drive 260 Stranahan Circle 1880 Eagle Peak Ave 229 El Pueblo Place 227 Stranahan Circle 39 Jalalon Place 5614 Bettencourt Drive 501 Suisun Court 113 Mt. Etna Dr 328 Ahwanee Lane 81 Bear Place 119 Hurd Pl 2 Rolen Court 1170 Moccasin Court 5120 Keller Ridge Dr 332 Saclan Terrace 18 Rhine court 4725 Morgan Territory 107 Salazar Court 1509 Haviland Ct 207 Bigelow Street 1144 Peacock Creek Dr 5736 Verna Way 104 Joscolo View 41 El Portal Drive 30 Mt. Scott Ct 597 Mt. Dell Dr 1550 O'Hara Ct 118 El Portal Pl 1122 Peacock Creek Dr 1749 Indian Wells Wy 1772 Indian Wells Wy 1527 O'Hara Ct 1529 Haviland Pl

PRICE $938,000 $495,000 $799,950 $1,089,000 $680,000 $960,000 $685,000 $1,125,000 $1,050,000 $719,500 $715,000 $925,000 $710,000 $870,000 $849,980 $665,000 $680,000 $822,000 $684,950 $580,000 $1,080,000 $965,000 $795,000 $950,000 $640,000 $739,000 $655,000 $758,000 $1,055,000 $775,000 $665,000 $859,000 $1,130,000 $999,000 $788,000 $840,000 $790,000 $600,000 $680,000 $850,000 $1,181,000 $691,980 $735,000 $720,000 $585,000

SALE DATE

11/10/05 11/9/05 11/9/05 11/4/05 10/28/05 10/26/05 10/21/05 10/19/05 10/19/05 10/14/05 10/13/05 10/10/05 10/7/05 10/3/05 09/30/05 09/30/05 09/28/05 09/28/05 09/27/05 09/27/05 09/23/05 09/22/05 09/22/05 09/21/05 09/21/05 09/20/05 09/20/05 09/16/05 09/13/05 09/12/05 09/08/05 09/02/05 09/02/05 09/01/05 09/01/05 08/31/05 08/30/05 08/29/05 08/25/05 08/24/05 08/24/05 08/23/05 08/22/05 08/22/05 08/18/05

2,981 1,252 2,030 2,981 1,739 2,427 1,597 3,820 3,599 1,850 1,816 2,237 1,663 2,467 2,643 1,650 1,749 2,479 1,904 1,627 3,416 2,843 1,794 2,718 1,343 1,877 1,904 1,776 3,117 2,011 1,574 2,325 3,599 3,100 2,467 2,390 1,740 1,587 1,549 2,427 3,911 1,904 1,958 1,739 1,256

BED/BATH 4/2 2/2 4/2 4/2 4/3 4/2 3/2 4/2 5/2 3/2 3/2 3/2 3/2 4/3 5/3 3/2 3/2 5/3 3/2.5 4/2 4/3.5 4/3 3/2.5 5/3 3/2 3/2.5 3/3.5 4/2 5/3.5 4/2.5 3/2 4/2.5 4/2.5 4/3 4/3 4/2.5 4/2 4/2.5 3/3 4/2.5 5/3.5 3/2.5 3/2.5 4/3 2/2

Shop Pioneer Territory for the Holidays

CLAYTON PIONEER Section B December 2, 2005

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

Hike of the Week

Los Vaqueros Reservoir—Mariposa Canyon/Vista Grande Trail Loop KEVIN PARKER

HIKER’S HAVEN Kevin Parker is on vacation (hopefully hiking in some nature wonderland or another). This column is reprinted from the Feb. 27, 2004 issue. Kevin will be back for the Dec. 16, 2005 issue. Mother Nature has given me much to be thankful for this winter. On one hand, she has created enough powder to keep any skier happy in the deep stuff. But on those days when I’ve got my hiking boots laced up, she has let the sun shine, the birds sing and the clouds roll away into the distance. So naturally, last Saturday couldn’t have played out more perfectly for a hike near Los Vaqueros Reservoir. Based on the number of cars in the parking lot, one would have guessed this location to be a lost waypoint in the middle of nowhere. The place was virtually empty, leaving open trails, no crowds and plenty of solitude. The Los Vaqueros Watershed is an 18,500-acre open-space play land nestled between Brentwood and Livermore. The watershed provides drinking water for CCWD and recreational opportunities for those who love the outdoors. In addition to the 1500 acres of the actual reservoir, this area boasts over 55 miles of hiking trails, some of which are

VIEW open to bicycles and equestrians. Sorry though, no pets allowed, which means again you’ll have to leave Bowser at home? Begin hiking from the Interpretive Center, however I suggest stopping in first and having a look around at the wide array of information from historical facts on the natives to the actual construction of the reservoir. Walnut Trail borders the main road for approximately one quarter mile until you reach the

FROM TOP OF

MARIPOSA CANYON

mouth of Mariposa Canyon. Gazing up into this canyon introduces vivid images of backcountry beauty that gets your heart pumping and your “outdoor juices” flowing. Mariposa Canyon Trail, a well-maintained gravel road, gently rises from the valley floor through vast fields of oak woodland. This time of year rolling green hills stretch as far as the eye can see. The gentle grind of this trail coupled with beautiful wide-open scenery temporarily

Photos by Kevin Parker/Clayton Pioneer

makes you forget about the slow burn that’s present in your calves. Eventually the deep canyon is replaced by open expanses of ridgeline weaving towards the top of Mariposa Canyon. You are immediately rewarded with views of Morgan Territory, Mount Diablo and even Round Valley. After reaching the summit of Mariposa Canyon, a panoramic view of Los Vaqueros Reservoir can be seen far below. The reservoir fingers are laid out perfectly

Page B1 as they complement the Adobe Los Vaqueros Reservoir Valley and numerous trails found Mariposa Canyon/ within the watershed. There are a Vista Grande Trail Loop number of benches and even a zTrailhead: Los Vaqueros small restroom facility located Interpretive Center (enter near the top of the trail. CCWD watershed through Walnut has done a great job in making Staging Area located off this a hiker friendly area with Camino Diablo) enough amenities to make anyzDifficulty: Moderate one feel at home out on the trail. zDistance: 5.46 miles Making a left on Vista zElevation gain: 1133 ft Grande Trail leads you back zDuration: 2.0 hours +/towards the Los Vaqueros Dam. zGetting there: Follow Marsh Vista Grande descends rapidly as Creek Road toward Brentwood. it slices right down the middle of Continue straight on Camino the ridgeline. Fantastic canyons Diablo. Make a right on can be viewed on the left, while Walnut Blvd. and enter Los vistas of the reservoir are present Vaqueros Watershed at the to the right. There are obvious Walnut Staging Area. Park signs of wildlife present on Entrance Fees are $4 for almost every section of trail. I Clayton Residents. was even able to spot a few Golden Eagles soaring high above. enjoy! For more information on A cluster of rocks overlook- Los Vaqueros, visit www.ccwaing the reservoir provides a per- ter.com or call (925) 513-2160. fect rest stop. These rocks are For more information on this hike or located adjacent to the Vista other outdoor experiences, contact Kevin Grande Trail and provide a numat hikershaven@comcast.net. ber of great spots to sit, relax and enjoy Los Vaqueros. At this time of year, the rocks are tattooed with an array of colored moss ranging from orange to red with some spots of purple. Finally this trail takes you back to the Interpretive Center and completes the loop, truly another wonder of nature found in what amounts to a 45-minute drive from your front door. As always, I encourage you to get outside and MARIPOSA CANYON

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Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

December 2, 2005

Clayton Sports MDSL Shock wins Golden State Soccer League JIM ZEWAN Clayton Pioneer

The Mt. Diablo Shock, a Mt. Diablo Soccer League (MDSL) U13 Girls Class 1 soccer team finished its fall season undefeated and is the Golden State Soccer League Silver B Division Champions this year. The Shock team had a particularly good year with an undefeated GSSL record of 8 wins, 0 losses and 2 ties. They scored a total of 33 goals during the season and only gave up six goals on defense. Over the course of their 10 game schedule they had four shutouts and never gave up more than one goal in any game. They obviously had a powerhouse offense and defense to put up those kinds of numbers. And, as it turned out they really needed those great stats. During the season one of the Shock’s two ties came at the hands of the Mustang Extreme where both teams scored one goal. Then on Nov. 5, the Shock played to its second tie, another one to one contest—this time versus the Walnut Creek Soccer Club Fusion. This left the Shock tied in total points with a record identical to the Mustang Extreme. Going into their final game of the season, the Shock knew they needed not only to win the game but they needed to score a lot of goals and play tough defense to increase their goal differential. In their game on Nov. 6 against the East Diablo TNT Extreme in Brentwood, the Shock scored five goals while shutting out the TNT Extreme. Head Coach Stu Symonds explained that the girls won big, “ thanks to a three goal ‘hat trick’ by Ali Carrozzi and two beautiful breakaway goals by Alissa Bailey along with awesome control by the midfield, tough defense and, as usual, incredible goalkeeping by Ally Hayes.” The Mustang Extreme won their final match also, so they actually finished their season with of 8-0-2 identical to the Shock’s record. And in the spirit of the league’s competitiveness, the Mustang Extreme only gave up three goals all season. The tiebreaker, though, was goal differential. The Shock had a differential of 27 while the Extreme had a differential of 20. So, the Shock was crowned the 2005 champions. As Head Coach Stu Symonds put it simply, “This is a great group of nice girls.” Three of the girls on the team are from Clayton and four attend Diablo View Middle School. Other players are from Concord, Martinez, Pleasant Hill and Walnut Creek. Coach

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Photo courtesy of Stu Symonds/GSSL

SHOCK AFTER THEY BEAT THE EAST DIABLO TNT EXTREME 5-0 IN BRENTWOOD TO CLINCH 1ST PLACE. Front Row: Landis Grant, Ali Carrozzi, Alissa Bailey. Middle Row: Marlowe Altamirano, Annie Hotton, Melissa Teifel, Renee Rocanova, Natalie Dib. Standing: Sarah Paff, Hannah Gonsalves, Rachel Anderson, Ally Hayes, Sara Konopelski, Madelyn Lawrence and Ashley Klekar. Back Row: Coaches Don Hotton and Stu Symonds

Symonds has lived in Clayton since 1964. The Golden State Soccer League (GSSL) was formed in 2003 by CYSA District 3 and District 4 to combine their district leagues to create diversity, interest and more balance in each age group to provide a more competitive playing experience for all its teams. GSSL is a playing league structured to include multiple flights (Gold, Silver A and Silver B depending upon the numbers of qualified players) for Division 1 (i.e. Class 1) teams in the U12 through U19 age groups. The flights are balanced according to the competitive playing history of the teams. Each year, teams in the Gold flight are subject to relegation to Silver flight and vice versa in order to maintain a more balanced and competitive group of teams in each flight each season. Teams that finish at the top of their flights each season (like the MDSL Shock) have an opportunity to move up a division which certainly provides motivation for competitive play. All U12 through U19 Division 1 teams registered in CYSA Districts 3 and 4 are eligi-

ble to play in GSSL. Teams from outside Districts 3 and 4 may also apply which can make the league even more competitive but they are not automatically accepted. Both the MDSL and the Diablo Valley Soccer Club (DVSC) - two local leagues where many Clayton and Concord residents participate -

have teams playing in the GSSL. Approximately 30 MDSL or DVSC teams competed in the Golden State league this season, which just concluded in November. A total of seven MDSL or DVSC teams actually took first place this year in their respective GSSL divisions. In addition to the Mt. Diablo Shock, the MDSL Boys U12

Earthquakes won Silver Division; the DVSC Black 93 Girls U12 won Silver B; the MDSL United Boys U13 won Silver A; the DVSC Black 91

Girls U14 won Silver A; the DVSC Black Pearl 90 Girls U15 won the Gold Division, and the MDSL Unity Boys U17 Won their Gold Division.

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Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

Page B3

Clayton Sports Texas Scramble and Better Ball League offer golfers something different ment to the gently rolling hills and vales of Oakhurst Country Club’s golf track. This year 88 players (22 teams) competed in this exciting event on Nov. 19, which was

JIM ZEWAN Clayton Pioneer

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on that same hole. On the next hole a different player rotates into the individual golfer slot. So there are three different golfers in the scramble portion on consecutive holes. Golfers must rotate to the individual golfer in the same order they start. In this way no one gets to select their own favorite holes to play when their individual score counts so heavily. The scores of the rotating individual golfers are added together to get the individual net score for the entire 18 holes. Par for the one round event is 144 (i.e. 72 for the scramble portion and 72 for the individual portion). This year the Texas Scramble Champion was the team of the Steve Johnson, Roger Mazza, Mark Riley and Mark Smith who shot a combined 19 under par, net 125 to take top honors. In second place with a score of 128 were last year’s winners, Norm Christensen, Mike Granelli, Brad Milner and Bob Westerlund. Coming in third with a score of 129 Better Ball golfers Linda and Bill Whelan (Crash were Mark & Boomie) took the Diablo Division championship against Drew Hagen and Jim Kreitzman, Rick Westermeyer (Chief). McClain, Steve

particularly nice this fall due to our unseasonably warm weather. The format for this tournament is a little different than most. It consists of a combination score for two separate simultaneous competitions - a scramble consisting of three rotating golfers and a net stroke play total for a rotating individual golfer, within each of the four person teams. In other words, one of the four players on a team rotates to play as an individual golfer on one entire hole while the other three players combine their shots in a regular 3-man scramble format

Sports Shorts CLAYTON VALLEY LITTLE LEAGUE REGISTRATION Final signups for boys and girls, 514 baseball and softball are Sat., Dec. 3. 10-4 p.m. at Holy Cross Lutheran Church, 1092 Alberta Way in Concord. The most significant change for the up-coming season is the method by which Little League determines playing age. A player’s age will be determined by the age of the player on May 1 for baseball and Jan. 1 for softball. For those players whose birthday falls after these cutoff dates, they will “repeat” last year’s playing age. Call 672-5242 or visit

www.cvll.org for more information. CVLL is also seeking sponsorships of all kinds. Donations to CVLL, an IRS tax-exempt organization, are tax deductible. CVLL is especially proud of their Challenger Program designed for children with disabilities, which is completely funded by the league and free to all participants. Call Mary Del Monte at 672-5723 or contact the league via the Web site at www.cvll.org for more information. CV PONY LEAGUE There is a signup meeting for ages 11-14 on Sun., Dec. 4 at 1:30 p.m. at

Sabatini and Chris Williams. BETTER BALL LEAGUE The Oakhurst Better Ball League is a little different. For the past several months twentyone two-person teams across four conferences competed in a net better ball stroke match format (with “greenies” getting possible bonus points) during the league’s regular season which Tom and Barbara Keehbauch (The Duffers) lost to ended in Sil and JJ Jung, (The Dragon) by 4 points in the September. Then Miwok Division, Oakhurst Better Ball tourney. in November, the four first place conference teams “Duffers R Us” (Barbara and faced-off with each other in a Tom Keehbauch) played “The “Final Four” post-season series to Dragon” (Sil and JJ Jung). In the first of these two match determine the respective division ups, on Nov. 6 “Crash & Champion teams. One can tell by the names of Boomie” won by a score of 11.5 the teams that these players points to 3.5 points and on intend to have fun. The Final Nov.12, “The Dragon” won by a Four series competition included score of 9.5 points to 5.5 points. the team of ‘CHIEF” (Drew These two Division Champion Hagen and Jim Westermeyer) ver- teams will now play the League’s sus the team of “Crash & final 2005 match against each Boomie” (Linda and Bill Whelan) other to determine the League’s in the Diablo Division. In the overall Championship Net Better Miwok Division, the team of Ball Team.

Skipolini’s Pizza, 1535 Giamona Drive (Near Civic and Locust) in Walnut Creek. ‘06 tryouts are Sat. and Sun. Jan. 14-15, 21-22, 28-29. Players 13 and 14 years old are from noon-2:15 p.m. 11 and 12 year old tryouts are 2:30-4:30. Tryouts are at the Tesoro Sports Complex Solano Way and Arnold Industrial Highway, Concord. The Pony League season runs from February through July. Contact Tom King at 685-7452 or visit www.cvpony.org. CVHS COACHES NEEDED CVHS is seeking Head Boys and Girls Varsity Track, Head Girls Varsity Lacrosse, Head JV Gir’s Softball and Head JV Boys Tennis. All are spring sports. Practice begins Feb 6.

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(925) 672-0500

Positions are also open for Fall ‘06 for Head Varsity Girls Golf, Head Varsity Boys and Girls Cross Country, Head Varsity Boys Water polo and Head JV Girls Tennis. Call Athletic Director Pat Middendorf at 682-7474 ext. 4728 or pm258@aol.com. CONCORD/CLAYTON YMCA WINTER PROGRAMS

This winter the Concord/Clayton Branch of the YMCA will be hosting several programs based out of the Clayton Community Gym at the Diablo View Middle School. A good activity for the kids over winter break might be the half-day camps. The Clayton Y also is introducing its new adult sports tournament series this winter for indoor soccer, basketball and volleyball. The first tournament starts Dec. 17 and the first camp starts Dec. 19. Call 925.889.1600 for more information about all programs. Jan 21, Basketball League, Pre K – 8th grade; Dec. 19-22, Half Day Basketball Camp, Grades 1-6; Dec. 27-30, Half Day Art Camp, Grades 1-6. Programs for Adults 10 and over: Jan. 7-9 and Feb. 11-13, Mens’ 5 on 5 Basketball Tournament; Dec. 17-19, Jan. 2830, Feb. 18-20, Coed Indoor 5 on 5 Soccer Tournament; Jan. 14-16, Feb 25-27, Coed 3 on 3 Volleyball Tournament. WATER POLO The Concord Terrapins will have winter and summer US water polo teams for the first time working out of the Cowell Pool in Concord. Teams will exist for both boys and girls in 8th through 12 grades. The Terrapins also plan on offering a youth program for ages 10 and under this summer. Please call 925-680-8372 for more info.

A new state-of-the-art automatic scoring system: “QUBICA-AMF” the world’s #1 automatic scoring system Additional remodeling in progress

Digital Thunder Glow Bowling Fri. 4pm to 6pm, 11pm to 1am - Sat. 10pm to 1am

Dollar Nights - Monday through Thursday, 9pm to midnight - $1 games Freaky Funday on Sundays 5pm to midnight - $5 cover charge gets you $1-games, shoes, hotdogs, soda’s and small beers.

925.689.4631 visit: claytonvalleybowl.com

Clayton Valley Bowl 5300 Clayton Road z Concord, CA

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Page B4

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

Now open at 8:30 a.m.!

Englund's Tea Cottage “Where good friends gather...”

A beautiful full service tea room featuring… Afternoon tea. Delectable lunches. Fresh salads. Fresh baked scones and desserts. Special events. and Come our e s brow op and gift sh ibles collect

now owned by Clayton resident, Susan O'Toole

Northern Italian Cuisine in downtown Clayton Fresh soups, salads, antipasti, pizza and pasta Dinner and lunch daily Brunch on Sunday

For reservations call

672-TEAS (8327) www.EnglundsTeaCottage.com

(925) 524-0011 6201 CENTER ST. CLAYTON

5433 L Clayton Road in Clayton Station

Dining Around

ENGLU ND 'S TEA COTTAGE is celebrating the holiday season with a brand new menu that includes some truly tasty treats! The Royal Christmas Tea is a beautifully decorated three tiered stand overflowing with four new tea sandwiches, warm savories, fresh baked scones, petit fours, and mini desserts and includes a pot of tea or coffee. New teas include Candy Cane, Pumpkin Cream, Chocolate Covered Cherry, Cranberry or Englund's own Christmas blend! Holiday desserts include Crimson Pie, White Chocolate Coconut Snowball, Pumpkin Swirl Cheesecake and Chocolate Pecan Pie. A lunch menu including soups, salads and sandwiches is also available. This charming establishment is decorated to the hilt in Holiday splendor, with its gift shop containing holiday gifts, tea sets, teapots and a wide variety of teas. Upcoming events include a four-course candlelight dinner with live harp music and the 12 Teas of Christmas, an evening of dessert and tea tasting. Englund's Tea Cottage is located in the Clayton Station and is open at 8:30 am for breakfast teatime, with quiche, fresh fruit,

fresh baked goods and more. For reservations, call 672-TEAS. Recently featured in Diablo Magazine’s “At The Table” section, LA VERANDA CAFE received raved reviews from restaurant reporter Melissa Swanson. La Veranda serves a Northern Italian menu of pasta, pizza, chicken, veal and fish starting at $8.50 for Bruchetta with olive oil, fresh tomatoes, garlic and basil. Pasta dishes range from $9 for Penne All’arrabiata to $11.75 for Spaghettini Frutti di Mare. “...make no mistake;” said Swanson, “this is no spaghetti and red sauce throwback. The quality of La Veranda’s food sets it apart.” If you haven’t yet had brunch at La Veranda, you are missing a real treat. The menu includes all the popular breakfast choices, Eggs Benedict and Florentine, omlettes and pancakes. A new twist on the tried and true Joe’s Special will leave you begging for more. All are served with potatoes, toast and fresh fruit. This popular spot is a perfect place for a lovely, quiet Sunday morning brunch where you are likely to run into friends and neighbors. La Veranda

OPEN Mon.Thur. 8 - 8 Fri. & Sat. 8-2

La Veranda Café

Children’s menu and take out service available

While waiting for a festive holiday tea, do some Christmas shopping in the gift shop at ENGLUNDS TEA COTTAGE.

December 2, 2005

opens on Sunday at 10 a.m. and is open daily for lunch and dinner. If you're hungry and want healthy food, CAFÉ SANTE is the perfect place to be. Ideally located in Maverick's Sports Club on Clayton Road where parking is plentiful, Café Sante offers an inviting menu with delicious items made fresh while you wait. For breakfast try the breakfast burrito or grab a bagel or muffin before you head to work. And for lunch or dinner, Café Sante has some interesting menu items like the "Wrap it Up" caesar, veggie or deli style. If you're in the mood for something hot, try the home-made turkey chili, spinach lasagne or soups and stews. Café Sante has a coffee bar, kids menu and successful catering business The casual ambiance makes this an inviting place to dine any time. For a little bit of Italy, just down Clayton Road at the corner of Clayton Road and Treat Blvd., is PASTA PRIMAVERA. This lovely little trattoria offers a delectable linguini with garlic and mushrooms in a virgin olive oil for $8.95...my personal favorite. For an intimate atmosphere and a good wine list, Pasta Primavera can’t be beat. Don’t be mislead by the name of this delightful family restaurant just over the hill in in the Citrus Marketplace. MARY’S PIZZA SHACK is definitely NOT a shack, and you can find a lot more on the menu than just pizza-although the pizza is a fine choice, indeed. Mary’s Pizza Shack serves up a delicious array of their legendary pizza and Italian dishes with both a luncheon and dinner menu. Mary’s loves families so bring the kids.

Pizzas range from $7 for a small Napoletana to $20.50 for the large Mary’s Combination. A pasta lunch will run you $7.25-$9.25; dinner $10.75-$13.25. And how about a Mary’s Pizza Shack gift card for every pasta and pizza lover on your Christmas list. See Mary’s ad this page. The dining room at OAKHURST is open Wed.Sun. for lunch and dinner. The lunch menu is extensive, offering appetizers, a daily soup selection, salads, sandwiches and wraps and pasta. Dinner on Friday and Saturday features a heavenly roasted prime rib for $20.99$24.99 in a size that’s perfect for every appetite. Wednesday dinner is a pasta buffet for $14.99 ($6.99 for kids). For view and atmosphere you can’t do better than ZANDONELLA’S situated on the lovely Delta View Golf Course in Pittsburg. Zandonella’s is open Tue.-Sun for lunch and dinner. This family friendly restaurant offers an

Located in

Serving fresh fruit smoothies, espresso drinks, & a fresh & healthy variety of breakfast, lunch & dinner items for you & your family.

Mavericks Spor ts Club

PHONE 4 2 9 3 3 2 0

Non-members welcome

Ask us about Internet Cafe Catering. FREE wireless web connection with purchase

at 5294 Clayton Road in Concord,

extensive menu that covers every craving. From that perfect bowl of Spaghetti and Meatballs all the way to a succulent and perfectly roasted rack of lamb, you

are sure to find your favorite. Make Zandonella’s part of your New Year’s Eve plans. Call today for reservations, 432-1700.

s n o w i t e a N rv ala tion e s re ur G bra e k r o le a e M fo e C Elegant v w E hors d 'oeuvres no ar’s buffet e will include a carving station, a pasta Y

station and dessert station with many delectable stops in between

Dance t o m usic provided by DJ Victor from

Aim to Please Toast t he N ew Y ear with complimentary champagne, hats and noisemakers 8 p.m. - 1 a.m., $35 per person

Fine Italian dining on the beautiful Delta View Golf Course • Banquet Rooms • Off-site Catering

(925) 432-1700

2222 Golf Club Road, Pittsburg From Clayton, take Kirker Pass over the hill Turn left on Leland to Golf Club Road

December 2, 2005

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

More Dining Around 2909 Ygnacio Valley Road in Walnut Creek. Voted the best pizza in the Bay Area by a Contra Costa Times

A little more on the casual side and a great place to take the kids is ROCCO’S RISTORANTE at

joy An Italian En Fe

ast at Ou r

Mon. – Thurs. Co zy P fé 11:30 a.m. – 9 p.m. asta Pr avera Ca im Fri. 11:30 a.m. – 10 p.m. Sat. 12 noon – 10 p.m. / Sun. 4 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Fine Italian dining with an extensive menu • Weekend Special - grilled steaks • Gourmet desserts and fine wines Very reasonable prices

4425-F Treat Blvd. Concord, CA 94521

687-5 5300

www.pastaprimaveracafe.com

Reader Poll, Rocco’s serves up a killer house specialty. The Dominator, piled high with pepperoni, salami, mushrooms, ham, linguica, sausage and onions, is not for the faint of heart. At $19.97, this large pizza will feed a small army. Rocco’s also has several choices of classic Italian pasta, homemade minestrone and several salads. All pasta dishes are served with fresh bread. Top your pasta dinner off with a glass of wine and you’re well fed and satisfied for well under $20 (tax and tip included.) Rocco’s opens every day at 11 a.m.

Open at 11 a. m., 7 days a we ek

A tribute to joltin’ joe n 1951, Joe DiMaggio’s fantastic baseball career was nearing its end.

The New York Yankees were far out in front in the American League. In a meaningless, late September game, DiMaggio turned a single into a sliding double, sore knees and all. When asked by reporters after the game, “Joe, why the extra effort for no apparent reason,” DiMaggio responded “There might be someone who hasn’t seen me play before.” As I open the doors of Rocco’s Ristorante & Pizzeria every day, I take the same attitude: someone is coming here for the first time and I want to make a good impression. - Rocco Biale, your host

2909 Ygnacio Valley Rd. at Oak Grove Rd. in Walnut Creek (925) 947-6105 • Fax (925) 947-6106 www.roccospizzeria.com

eautiful as th B s a e e r e AT R t epresents i t a h t t i r i Sp

Page B5

Party crasher has an strange piano obsession Earning your living as a professional musician has its joys, sorrows, ups, and downs. There can also be some incredible humor and irony involved, as you shall soon see. Please read on. There’s a nearby country club that’s engaged this writer’s services as their “house pianist” for eight years now. Every Friday night, most Saturday nights, and for many private party functions, I’ve provided piano music. I’ve made some good friends, had countless great meals, and it pays well. It’s a nice gig. On a Saturday night last month, I was asked to play for one of the club members’ intimate get-togethers that would include about 40 friends and family members. The occasion was the “celebration” of the host’s winning a long, involved lawsuit against his former employer, so the mood would be upbeat and cheerful. I was asked to play for three hours, which would include a cocktail hour from 6:30 to 7:30, dinner from 7:30 to about 9, then a half hour or so of after-dinner socializing. For a pianist, this would be a very typical engagement, and I looked forward to it. As I started playing at 6:30, I noticed two things. First, in the spirit of the evening, the drinks were flowing swiftly. Secondly, I noticed a man who kept coming to the doorway, staring at me for a few seconds, and then walking away. This was odd. He did it repeatedly during the cocktail hour Still, I didn’t make too much of it, at

least not yet. At 7:30, a few speeches and toasts were made in honor of the victorious host and his family. The host also greeted his small team of legal advisors who had helped him win his expensive lawsuit. I took the opportunity to run to the rest room and grab a quick cup of coffee. When I returned, the head waitress who was working the party came up to me and gravely said, “Jim, while you were on your break a man came to the piano and started playing! He annoyed everyone and I told him to go away, because he’s NOT part of the party!” Stunned, I listened as she continued, telling me that the piano invader told her that he’d be back, “as soon as she started serving the entrées!” This was getting weird! Who was this guy? I re-assumed my place on the piano bench, realizing my role had changed. I was now not only the piano player, but also the “guardian of the piano.” Sure enough, the guy reappeared in the doorway, several times. I ignored him, and kept playing away. But after he did this three more times I looked him in the eye and realized he was filled with determination. He was going to get back to that piano, no matter what! It was like life and death to him. The evening went along well, otherwise, and as quitting time approached, I’d started to forget about the piano invader, whose appearances became less frequent. At 9:30, I saw the

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The Clayton Pioneer’s “Music Notes” columnist

Clayton’s own

have We also Noble, m u i m e Pr nd Grand a ees Fir tr s a l g u o D

Jim Hudak Pianist and Composer For bookings and performances:

Visit our Website www.jhudak.com E-mail jimmydak@pacbell.net Piano CD’s available on his Brainstorm Records label

Call Or Write:

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host escort a couple guests out the door, and I took my cue. I packed up my music books and followed him out the door.

JIM HUDAK

MUSIC NOTES After he bid his guests farewell, I approached him about getting paid. He’d forgotten his checkbook, so I gave him a business card and asked him to just mail me a check on Monday, no problem. He was grateful, thanked me for a great performance, and that was that. Or so I thought. I grabbed a plate of food and went to the employee dining room for dinner. About 10 minutes later, the aforementioned waitress came in and said, “Jim, there’s just been a fight! That man came back in and started playing your piano, and the when the host told him to leave, the man punched the host in the nose!” My word, what next? I poked my head back into the party room, and sure enough, there was the host, with a handkerchief around his nose, huddling with his legal team and the last few party attendees. I figured it best not to bother them, but started wondering what might happen next. Mainly, would I still get paid? Would I be named in a new lawsuit as an “insufficient piano caretaker?” This was crazy! How could anyone be so obsessed with playing a piano? All ended well, however. The next day the host called me, and he was managing to view the incident and the evening in good humor. In fact, he acknowledged that he had to see the video someone had taken of the party to be able to remember anything about the occasion. As I’d mentioned, the drinks had been flowing freely. Happily, I received my payment in the mail, with a nice tip included. But I’ll always wonder what on earth could possess someone to become so inappropriately determined to play a piano? I guess I’ll never really know the answer. But who says being a musician doesn’t include some humorous and even dangerous moments? Jim Hudak’s Music Notes column appears regularly in the Pioneer. Contact him at jimmydak@pacbell.net. His piano music CD’s are available from his Web site at www.jhudak.com or at amazon.com.

Page B6

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

Give the Gift of History this Holiday Season Mail a check with YOUR name and return address (so the membership card can be mailed to YOU) along with this ad to CHS P.O. BOX 94, Clayton, CA 94517 I would like to buy a Yearly CHS Membership for the person named below. Please print their name below Name Address Phone

eated Bouq r C y d uet n a gifts candies C candy bouquets

100s of items at prices you will not believe! 100s of items Diamond Earrings Bracelets 14K, 10K, Sterling Gemstones, Rings Necklaces

10% Off

Store Inventory Jewelry!

NEW FINE JEWELRY LIQUIDATION

You can’t afford to miss this ONE-DAY SALE

SATURDAY, Dec. 3rd

671-7002

4673 Clayton Road, Concord (next to TJ Maxx) www.consigntreasures.com

Unique gifts for the:

z z

z Each Bouquet is individually handmade Our popular styles -or- Custom made to your satisfaction Major credit cards accepted

672-6818

5433 #F Clayton Station

Animal lover Hunter Gardener Horse lover

Rodie's Inside Clayton! Feed in

We Deliver & Ship

Mon-Sat, 10:30 am - 6 pm

! Make so me one smile

8863 Marsh Creek Road, Clayton (925) 672-4 4600 Mon-F Fri 9 - 6 Saturday 9 - 5 Sunday 10 - 5

Amy and Sean Boggs

Come see our inviting display of Christmas Bouquets

Shop Pioneer Territory for

Questions? Call 672-1865

SPARKLING GEMS FOR CHRISTMAS! One-Day Only Liquidation

Shop for Christmas

Now featuring the famous Grand Avenue Apples

The Clayton Historical Society is offering yearly memberships at these rates: Sustaining--$ $30 Couple--$ $25 Individual--$ $15 Senior/Student--$ $5

December 2, 2005

ust take a look in area stores and you will agree that it’s not too early to start your Christmas shopping. We invite you to spend some time in Pioneer Territory for all your shopping needs. Why take the harried drive to Walnut Creek or San Francisco when there’s so much here for everyone on your Christmas list. Read on for some great ideas to get you started. Make sure you tell our advertisers that you saw their ad in the Clayton Pioneer. And happy shopping!

If jewelry is on your list, you'll want to visit Cegielski Jewelers on

Clayton Road across from Mountain Mikes. Owner and master jeweler Anna Cegielski and her design team offer classic and custom designed jewelry from around the world including one-of-a-kind engagement and bridal sets. Anna describes her jewelry store as "boutique" style focusing on the European craftmanship that is artfully blended with today's jewelry trends. Jewelry choices also include platinum, sterling silver, diamonds and precious stones showcasing Anna's native homeland. Cegielski Jewelers provides on site-repairs and refurbishing while you wait. Call Anna and schedule your appointment in plenty of time before the holidays.

to the gills with collectibles, figurines and beautiful home décor. You won't want to miss the Dept. 56 Snowbabies with wonderful selections for the Christmas season. These charming handpainted porcelain bisque Snowbabies offer endless opportunities to celebrate love and friendship during the holidays. One walk through the store and you will definitely be in the mood for Christmas. There's something here for everyone on your list. Are you looking for a gift for the history buff on your list? Look no further. The Clayton Historical Society is offering yearly memberships. Look for the membership form on this page and give the gift of history this holiday season. As a member you'll receive the Clayton Chronicles four times a year, a 10 percent discount in the museum gift shop and as president Janet Easton says, “You'll feel good supporting your local museum."

Searching for that perfect computer? Why fight the crowds when you can get personalized service at Computers USA in Clayton Station. The new "Flame" Diablo Computer is now offered for $899.95. Will Claney wants to make sure you get your order in early and to reward you for your diligence, he is also offering a 17" BENQ flat panel display for only $249.95. Call Will to discuss all your computer needs.

R&L Jewelers owner Douglas Rountree has been interested in precious gems since he was six years old. And his long-time commitment to working with only the best diamonds and precious stones has led to a long list of distinctive jewelry designs and one-of-akind creations that have pleased customers since his store opened in

When you walk into Donna's Gifts in the Clayton Valley Shopping Center, plan to spend more than a few minutes. The store is packed

donna’s gifts Totally Huggable

Quality Gifts and Collectibles

now available at Donna’s Gifts

Dept. 56 Snowbabies for Holidays, Special days & Everyday

672-2440 Clayton Valley Shopping Center (next to Yardbirds)

15 % off

Storewide

Excludes certain collectibles.

Expires 12/24/05

Clayton Station. R&L offers the highest quality diamonds and an array of beautiful, intriguing designs for the discriminating buyer. Douglas also takes pride in his expert repair, restyling and restoration techniques that treat a customer's treasured piece or heirloom with utmost care. Each staff member at R&L is a jeweler. Come by and see Douglas for that special holiday gift. Getting ready for the holidays also means taking care of yourself and Linda Davilla has the perfect recipe. Step into her Essential Skin Care salon on Washington Blvd. and you'll find yourself in a peaceful, relaxing, wonderfully scented setting that leaves the holiday rush and business behind. Treat yourself to glycolic peels, microdermabrasion or anti-aging treatments and watch your skin glow. Linda also offers Rosacea and acne treatments along with back facials, eyelash and eyebrow tinting and facial and body waxing. After you treat yourself, treat someone on your Christmas list with a gift certificate. Linda has plenty of these on hand for family members and friends. Carol Orme invites you to her new location of Consignment Treasures on Clayton Road in Concord next to T.J. Maxx's store. The store is spacious and filled with "treasures" in every nook and crannie. Sofas, tables, lamps, pictures and antique chairs are only part of the fare at this wonderful store. Carol is featuring a one-day fine jewelry sale on Dec. 3. You'll find hundreds of items including diamond earrings, bracelets, necklaces, gemstones and rings. Don't forget to bring your coupon with you (see ad on this page) to receive 10 percent off store inventory jewelry. As you shop here for gifts for the holidays, you're sure to find something to brighten your own home.

December 2, 2005

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

Christmas Stockings for your favorite furry friends

When you want distinctive jewelry designs and the highest quality diamonds

Come stuff a stocking full of your pet’s favorite things and get a FREE pet first aid kit!

Also featuring custom gold & platinum creations, expert repair, restyle & restorations

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RODIE’S FEED & COUNTRY STORE

each staff member is a jeweler committed to professional & friendly service

Page B7

We’ve ARRIVED

in Clayton

Gifts that TASTE as GOOD as they LOOK

hristmas Order your oCuquets Cookie B NOW!

all jewelry work done on premises

8863 Marsh Creek Rd., Clayton,

proprietor - Douglas Rountree - 20 years experience 5435-J, Clayton Road, Clayton

925-672-4600

in the Clayton Station

(925) 672-2600

Deborah & Anthony Nork

Great Holiday Gifts Tired of the crowds and driving around for hours to find parking? Robin's Nest Country Gifts is the answer. After

a short drive out to the country on Marsh Creek Road, you'll find Robin's Nest inside Rodie's Feed. It's the perfect place for that special gift. Robin features gift ideas for animal lovers, gardeners, horse lovers and hunters. Rustic and relaxing…this one-of-akind gift boutique invites you to take your time, browse, chat with the friendly employees and make this holiday season a wonderful memory. After you visit Robin's Nest, a few steps inside the same building is Rodie's, known for its full line of pet food and supplies. There's horse and livestock feed, tack, propane, snacks and sodas. Manager Karen Bennett is now featuring special stocking stuffers and gifts for those fourlegged friends on your Christmas list. And don't forget Rodie's Self Storage which features the lowest rates in Contra Costa County. Finding that perfect gift for the hard-to-shopfor person on your list is a piece of cake (or should I say a piece of candy). Candy Created Bouquets in Clayton Station is now featuring Christmas bouquets which are great centerpieces…and you can eat them. The store also has the famous Grand Avenue Apples which is the perfect sweet gift for everyone on your list. New owners Amy and Sean Boggs also offer custom designed bouquets which offer opportunities to personalize your candy bouquet. Candy Created Bouquets delivers and ships so plan ahead for this holiday season.

There are many specials on Dusters, Tack and exotic boots. It's a great time to shop Western and English style. Sue and Fred Pederson are the new owners and will be on hand to show you around and talk to you about their product line and services. Here's another opportunity to shop til you drop and have fun too. Don't forget to ask about gift certificates, layaways and special orders. Winner's Circle also features hat clocking, shaping and cleaning, professional alterations and boot care. Winners Circle has a second location in Antioch. Sometimes the best part about a small specialty store is the people that work there and that is certainly true of Beautique in Clayton Station next to Toys, Games and More. The new owner Donna Taber who managed the store for 12 years is delightful. Her flare for decorating and design can be seen throughout the beauty supply store and salon. The ambiance is very inviting. Donna is a wealth of information about the products she sells."I only feature products that I've used and recommend," she says. Bed Head,

Redken, OPI, Pureology, Paul Mitchell are only a few of the quality products that are offered. There's also a new stylist at Beautique, David Wall, who will give you a special "do" for the holidays. Donna has some great gift ideas and stocking stuffers that are sure to make your season a beautiful one. Be sure to stop by Weekends at the Cottage. This fun store

in Clayton Valley Shopping Center has just re-opened to the delight of fans. Sue Somers and Barb Olson invite everyone to come in and browse through the array of eclectic gifts, holiday, home and garden décor. Take a look at the vintage and retro ornaments, décor and accents. And be sure to stock up on Seasons of Cannon Falls, Gold Canyon candles, Bethany Lowe designs, Cody Foster, Timeworks Clocks and more. At Melanie's Gifts & Interiors, Melanie and

her incredible staff will be sure to spend time with you to discuss your personal holiday needs and recommend gifts for the favorite people on your list. Every thing on display at Melanie's Gifts located at R&M Pool,

Christmas Special 1 hr. massage and half-hour facial for $85.

Gift Certificates available. Ask about our Pumpkin Peel. Try our new Balancing treatment Other specials available from Skin Therapy Call (925) 673-0 0686 for only $25 for more information

Clayton Mind & Body Connections

1007 Oak Street, Clayton, CA 94517

www.mind-and-body-connections.com

You don't want to miss

Winner's Circle's holiday

sale. The store is stocked up for the holidays with large variety of boots, hats, shirts, chaps, leather purses, and beautiful Justin Silver & Dark Horse jewelry.

Turn the page for more great gift ideas

Clayton Station 5433A Clayton Road Clayton, CA

925-524-9901 www.cookiesbydesign.com Patio and Gardens on Marsh Creek Road in Clayton is special, so come take a look. There's wonderful pillows and throws, finely woven tapestry and wall hangings, accent pieces for your dining needs and unique collections for tablescapes. You'll also find decorative candles, stands and holders. The intimate setting at Melanie's is perfect for some serious browsing. Don't miss the Elegant Evening of Shopping on Wed. Dec. 7 from 5 to 8 p.m. when Melanie will offer a 20 percent off sale. Enjoy champagne, hors d'oeuvres and music while you shop. Mark your calendar and don't be late.

Stylish choices for your home, holiday and garden

Melanie's Gifts & Interiors At R&M Pool, Patio and Gardens Distinct collections Finely woven tapestry wall for tablescapes hangings Accent pieces for the Decorative candles, stands kitchen and dining room and holders Luxurious pillows & throws

An Elegant Evening of Shopping Wednesday Dec. 7, 5 to 8 p.m. champagne, hors d’oeuvres and music

20% off purchases all evening 6780 Marsh Creek Road, Clayton

672-0 0207

(closed Mondays)

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

holiday, home and garden decor.

Now arriving - Seasons of Cannon Falls, Gold Canyon Candles, Bethany Lowe Designs, Cody Foster, Timeworks Clocks & much more.

We also have a wonderful array of original gift items hand-crafted by local artists.

The Cottage Hours:

WED, 3 - 7 THU & FRI, 10 - 6 SAT, 10 - 5, Closed: SUN - TUE

beauty supply & salon “The most complete source of beauty supplies to the public” Clayton Station

new owner

Donna Taber

5439 A Clayton Road, Clayton

managed the store for 12 years

925-672-0405

ceive e r & his ad t coDuenc.t31 t s i n o D i new stylist, David Wall men exp.

“I only feature products that I’ve used and recommend.”

out to make cookie monsters of us all. This sweet store is now located in the Clayton Station (next to Safeway). Deborah and Tony Nork have owned the store for several years and are very excited about their new location. "We love the Clayton community," they said. While the smell of fresh baked cookies will lure you into the store, the colorful cookie bouquets will also catch your eye. There's a cookie bouquet for just about every holi-

day and special occasion that you can think of…thank you's, graduation, birthdays, get wells, you name it, Deborah and Tony will design a creative cookie bouquet that says you care. They're hoping to add a few more gift ideas at their new store, including cash and carry items if you are in a hurry. Come by the new location and tempt yourself with the sweet selections and say Happy Holidays to Deborah and Tony, or visit their Web Site at www.cookiesby-

design .com. Clayton Mind and Body is the perfect get-

away from the stress and rush of the holiday season. David and his staff await you with many different styles of massage tailored to your specific needs. Therapists are trained in deep tissue, prenatal, Swedish, reflexology, acupressure and restorative massage. In addition, Clayton Mind and Body provides a variety of facial treatments from deep pore cleansing to acne as well

as a pumpkin peel. The spa in downtown Clayton also offers herbal body wraps and a salt polish. Gift certificates for a massage and facial at Clayton Mind and Body is the perfect way to say you care. The services can be combined to give that special someone on your list a luxurious half day spa treatment.

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Entry Deadline extended to Dec. 4

Enter the Clayton Pioneer’s Second Annual Christmas Cookie and Candy Contest Clayton Pioneer’s 2005 CHRISTMAS COOKIE AND CANDY CONTEST

ENTRY FORM

I AM ENTERING THE______COOKIE CONTEST _______CANDY CONTEST You may enter both contests, but please fill out a separate entry form for each entry. Entries are limited to one recipe for each category. Name

(Please print)

Address (Must be a Clayton resident) Phone Number

Master Baker/Candy Maker (12 and older) Junior Baker/Candy Maker (Under 12) Your age____ Parent's Signature (for Junior Bakers)

Contestant agrees to being photographed at the competition. Recipes used from published books must identify source. Signature

Mail your entry to: the Clayton Pioneer, PO Box 1246, Clayton, CA 94517; or drop off at our office at 6200 F Center Street, Clayton. If the office is closed, slip it through the mail slot.

Deadline extended to Dec. 4 Photo by Visualparadox.com

December 2, 2005

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

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Clayton Dog Park open all year LINDA PINDER Special to the Pioneer

The weather on Nov. 19 was perfect for a work and play party out at the Dog Park. As many of you know, water was finally installed at the park early this summer. We’ve planted two trees that will eventually provide some much needed shade during the hot summer months. Gary and Kathy Major in memory of their dog Milo, and Linda Pinder in memory of her dog Lucy donated the trees. Also new is a green storage box for hoses, rakes and shovels that will double as a play structure for the dogs. Future projects of the Clayton K-9 Coalition include planting up

Photo courtesy of Linda Pinder

RECENT IMPROVEMENTS to the Dog Park include a storage box/play structure for the dogs and trees to provide shade in summer.

to five more trees and creating a small dog exercise area within the park boundaries. We will schedule a work party soon to spread wood

chips and take care of weed control. If you would like to help with any of these projects, please call 672-7815.

This New Year resolve to spend more time with your best friend This time of year, we often find ourselves making resolutions. Sometimes they are as simple as wanting to stick to our diets or to get a little more exercise. Other times they involve more lofty goals such as being more productive, volunteering to help others in need, or spending more time with our families and friends. Most of us are so harried that we don’t even think about making resolutions with regard to the four-legged members of our households. So, from one busy animal lover to another, I propose the following New Year’s resolutions: Resolve to walk with your canine friend at least once daily. A brisk daily walk is beneficial to both you and your dog. Not only are there the obvious health benefits of daily exercise, but there are psychological benefits as well. When you walk with your dog, you are free to explore the neighborhood and discuss your day with an eager and attentive listener (who doesn’t interrupt your train of thought, I might add). Your dog appreciates the familiar sound of your voice and the attention being paid to him. Resolve to be more conscientious with regard to grooming. Both groomers and veterinarians recommend daily grooming for longhaired pets and twice weekly grooming of shorthaired breeds. Brushing your dog or cat not only allows you to keep up with the mats, burrs, and snarls that many of our pets’ coats are prone to, but it allows you to spend quality time stroking your four-legged friend. The act of brushing your pet can be soothing for you both. Unfortunately, many of us forget to brush our pets regularly or only remember to do so when we have guests arriving or we are taking our pets to the professional groomers. This is sad since most pets truly enjoy being brushed and with regular grooming, will come to look forward to that time, not dread it. Resolve to watch your pet’s diet more closely. It is important to monitor how much and what kinds of food your pet consumes on a regular basis. Too much people food can cause stomach upset and chronic diar-

JULIE BOND

PAWS

AND

CLAWS

rhea (not to mention bad breath and rotting teeth). Rather than spoiling your pets with cookies, sweets, or other rich foods meant for human consumption, try freeze-dried liver treats or homemade or store-bought biscuits and snacks. With regard to commercial diets--all commercial diets come with feeding instructions on the label. These are meant as guidelines and are usually based on the ideal weight, breed, age, and/or activity level of your pet. You don’t want to overfeed or underfeed your pet, and you want to make sure you are feeding him the best diet given his current state of being. It is always wise to check with your veterinarian regarding your pet’s diet. Resolve not to miss your pet’s annual physical exam. All too often, owners make their own judgments regarding the overall health of their pets. We assume that because are pets are eating and drinking normally and having normal bowel movements that everything is fine with regard to our pet’s health. However, many pets (especially cats) are very good at hiding or masking their illnesses until they have progressed quite extensively. This is why that annual physical exam is so important. Your veterinarian has been trained to look for the subtle signs of many illnesses and help you to make the best choices regarding further testing and treatment. Resolve not to miss out on daily playtime. Play is important to normal social and physical development in both humans and animals. By engaging our pets in play, we not only allow ourselves to cut loose, laugh, and be kids again, but we provide our pets with much needed exercise and mental stimulation. Whether it is tossing a ball, throwing the Frisbee, or chasing after a stuffed mouse, you are honing your own eye/hand coordination while exercising your pet mentally and physically. Remember to watch your pet for signs of fatigue and end any play before he tires out completely (don’t forget that fresh bowl of water following play as well). In addition, keep in mind that aggressive games such as chase, tug-of-war, or wrestling are generally not recommended for dogs as this teaches them to play too roughly and can lead to injury and problem aggression. Resolve to continue with your obedience training. Many

owners stop formally training their dogs after they have completed basic obedience when those dogs are still just puppies. Obedience training, whether formal in a class setting, or on your own at home, is important to your dog’s social and mental well-being throughout his lifetime. Dogs are descended from wolves that live in highly complex pack units. Rules govern the behavior of individuals within the pack. Basic obedience training allows your dog to learn the rules that apply to your pack. As we discussed in my last article, more advanced training such as carting, fly ball, and agility not only reinforces basic obedience behaviors, but challenges your dog mentally and physically as well. An active, stimulated dog is less likely to get into trouble at home and can be counted on to behave appropriately around others. If we all try to meet even a couple of these resolutions with regard to our pets, we will reap substantial rewards. We will have healthier, happier pets and we ourselves will benefit in the process. Julie Bond is an animal behaviorist. Address your pet questions to her at P.O. Box 21552, Concord, CA, or you can email her at K9Freud@aol.com.

Remember that the Clayton Dog Park is open rain or shine from dawn to dusk. When Concord’s dog park is closed in the winter due to rainy weather, you will always be able to use the Clayton Dog Park. It is located adjacent to Marsh Creek Road, north of Regency Drive, across from the Community Park. Parking is available at the Community Park. Use the cross walk to Regency Drive, then turn right on the walking path after the first house on the right. The dog park is about 300 feet in and parallels Marsh Creek Road. For more information call 672-7815 or write to Clayton K9 Coaliton, PO Box 21, Clayton, CA 94517.

A Date With Your Dog Every year, Furry Friends Pet Assisted Therapy Services, kicks off the holiday season by participating in the Los Gatos Holiday Parade. This is the 49th annual parade and it is expected to draw close to 15,000 spectators. Los Gatos is a very animal-friendly town with many businesses catering to and serving pets and their owners. There are many art galleries and eateries that cater to pet lovers. WHEN: Sat., Dec. 3. The parade begins at 11 a.m. WHERE: Los Gatos Town Plaza Park at Main and Santa Cruz Ave. in lovely Los Gatos. For More Information: Call 408354-8700, ext. 226 or visit their Website at www.losgatosweb.com /eventcalendar.html. For those of you interested in Pet Assisted Therapy, Furry Friends has been consistently delivering the love and affection of their volunteers and their pets for more than 25 years. Based in the San Jose area, you can contact them directly for more information on becoming a volunteer at 877-4FF-PATS (877-4337287) or visit their Website at www.furryfriends.org. You can also visit their booth along the parade route. Happy Howlidays Everyone!

-Julie Bond, M.S.

Mary and Pinocchio are ARF’s Adoption Stars

MARY

Mary, a four-month-old tortoiseshell, was out of time at a public shelter when the ARF Rescue Patrol brought her back to ARF. Mary is friendly and playful yet loves to snuggle. This delightful kitten is perfect for the first time pet adopter and for families with children of all ages. Pinocchio is a six-month old Wirehaired Terrier mix is an active puppy who loves to play. He will most likely thrive in an active household with adopters who have previous experience with a similar breed. Pinocchio is recommended for families with children ages 10 years and above.

Bring everyone who will live with Mary or Pinocchio – including any canine family members (for Pinocchio) – to meet them at Tony La Russa’s Animal Rescue Foundation, 2890 Mitchell Drive, Walnut Creek, during adoption hours: 2 to 7 p.m. Thursday and Friday, noon to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Would you like to be part of the heroic team that saves the lives of rescued dogs and cats? Can you share your talents to connect people and animals? ARF volunteers are making a difference! For more information see our Web site, www.arf.net, or call (925) 256-1ARF.

PINOCCHIO

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Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

December 2, 2005

Clayton Community Calendar PLEASE SUBMIT YOUR CLAYTON COMMUNITY CALENDAR EVENTS BY 5 P.M., DEC. 7 FOR THE DEC. 16 ISSUE. FAX TO 672-6580 OR E-MAIL calendar@claytonpioneer.com EVENTS & ENTERTAINMENT Fall Programs @ Concord/Clayton YMCA Programs include flag football league (2-8 grade), cheerleading (2-8 grade), soccer leagues (pre-k - 8 grade), QUEST league (for children with special needs), men’s 5 on 5 (18+) and coed volleyball (18+). Call Delise Young, Program Director at 889-1625, Clayton Community Gym, 700 Gym Court, Clayton. NOV. 18 - DEC. 3 Third Annual Festival of Trees Silent Auction @ Diamond Terrace Retirement Community Come anytime and walk through the lobby and hallways to see beautiful Christmas trees decorated in a host of festive holiday themes. Funds raised by the auction benefit the CBCA’s (Clayton Business and Community Association) annual “Adopt a Family” program. Diamond Terrace Retirement Community, 6402 Center Street, Clayton. DEC. 2, 3 “Vesta” at CTA Crossroads Theatre Dec. 1 at 8 p.m., Dec. 2 at 7:30 p.m., Dec. 3 at 2 p.m. Presented by Quality of Life Coalition, Contra Costa. Vesta, a contemporary drama that examines with humor and warmth an ordinary family’s challenge as they journey with their mother during her final years. Admission is $15, seniors 65 and older, $10. For additional information please call Carol Collins at Hospice of Contra Costa Foundation 925-887-5676. CTA Crossroads Theatre, 1277 Boulevard Way, Walnut Creek. DEC. 2 - 11 Humble Boy @ Diablo Valley College Contra Costa premiere of the drama Humble Boy, winner of the Critic's Circle Best New Play Award and the People's Choice Best New Play Award. British playwright Charlotte Jones weaves a stinging comedy about broken vows, failed hopes and the joys of beekeeping. In this freewheeling adaptation of Shakespeare's Hamlet, an astrophysicist soon realizes that his search for unity must be expanded to include his own chaotic life. Performances Fri. and Sat. at 8 p.m., Sun. at 2:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 - $13. For information call the box office at 687-4445. DVC 321 Golf Club Road, Arena Theater, Pleasant Hill. DEC. 3 Clayton Tree Lighting @ Downtown Clayton 6 p.m. Meet at the Clayton Historical Museum on Main Street, Clayton and then follow Santa down Main Street to watch him light the Clayton town tree. Clayton Community Church will provide hot cider and donut holes. Bring a flashlight and bundle up. Hosted by the Clayton Business and Community Association. DEC. 6, 13 Jingle, Jingle Holiday Crafts @ Clayton Community Library 11 a.m. - 12. p.m. both days. Help your children make holiday ornaments. Story time and activities. Registration required, 673-0659. Clayton Community Library 6125 Clayton Road, Clayton. DEC. 8 Clayton Valley High School Concert Bands and Orchestra @ Clayton Valley High School 7:00 p.m. The event will feature the Symphonic Wind Band, Concert Band, and the String Orchestra. Music will include Ralph Vaughan Williams's English Folk Song Suite, Clifton Williams's Variation Overture, John Morissey's Music for a Celebration, Georg Handel's Overture to Samson, and more. CVHS Band alumni and parents are invited to sit with the band for the finale - Leroy Anderson's Sleigh Ride. To get a part, alumni and parents should contact Mr. Mundy Viar, director of bands, at 682-7474 x 3125, or ClaytonBands@aol.com. Clayton Valley High School, Multi Use Room, 1101 Alberta Way, Concord, CA 94521. DEC. 8 - 11 Civic Arts Education and Clay Arts Guild Holiday Sale, Walnut Creek Dec. 8, opening party, 5p.m. - 9 p.m., Dec. 9, 10 a.m. - 9 p.m., Dec. 10 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. and Dec. 11, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. at both locations. Circle the dates for this much anticipated annual sale. This exciting four-day event opens Dec. 8 with a reception featuring the artists, music and food and first chance to buy quality handcrafted ceramic artwork at attractive prices. Ceramic pottery and sculpture will be available at 1313 Civic Drive, studios D and E, located adjacent to Civic Park in Walnut Creek. Paintings, jewelry, photography, fiber arts, mixed media and more will be available at Civic Arts Education Shadelands campus, 111 N. Wiget Lane and Ygnacio Valley Road, Walnut Creek. Over 75 artists will display their one-of-a-kind work.

DEC. 9 Art Show @ We Care Services for Children 6:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. We Care in the Arts will display a wide selection of California landscape paintings brought together from the collections of many well-known artists. Featured artists include Mary Lou Correia, Seth Ahonen, Victor Sanchez and Marv Reif. Enjoy an evening of good food and wine in addition to having the chance to open your heart and reach out to special children. This event is a wonderful opportunity for the public to assist one another by acquiring great artwork while also helping those in need. A portion of the proceeds will benefit children with special needs served by We Care. For more information, please call Barbara at 925-671-0777 x13 or Seth at 925-689-1123. We Care Services for Children, 2191 Kirker Pass Road, Concord, CA 94521 (across from the Chronicle Pavilion). DEC. 9 Clayton Valley High School Holiday Choral Concert @ United Methodist Church. 7:30 p.m. The concert will feature a variety of holiday and seasonal pieces by composers including Durufle, Beach Boys, and Wilcocks. $5 donation requested. For more information call 682-7474 X 2678. DEC. 10 Dessert with Mrs. Claus @ Clayton Community Library 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. Join Mrs. Claus in the library for dessert and a visit with Santa. There will be goodies, prizes and a free photo. Donation is $1 and free for children 12 and under. Hosted by the elves of the CBCA (Clayton Business and Community Association. Clayton Community Library, 6125 Clayton Road, Clayton. DEC. 11 Young Artists Symphony Orchestra @ Los Medanos College 2:30 p.m. Young Artists Symphony presents their annual Holiday Concert, featuring the music of Mozart, Strauss, Bach and Anderson. Admission is free, donations accepted. Recital Hall, Los Medanos College, 2700 E. Leland Road, Pittsburg.

DEC. 10, JAN. 11 Volunteer Opportunities Orientation @ Lindsay Wildlife Museum Nov. 8, 6:30 - 8 p.m., Dec 10, 3 p.m. - 4:30 p.m., Jan 11, 6:30 p.m. - 8 p.m. Opportunities abound at Lindsay Wildlife Museum to care for wildlife and the earth. This class will provide information about the ways you can get involved in the work of the museum and how you can help wildlife. This orientation is free, but pre-registration is strongly suggested. For more information call the museum, (925) 935-1978 or visit the website www.wildlifemuseum.org. Age 18 - Adult. DEC. 14, 15, 16 Little Shop of Horrors @ Clayton Valley High School 7:30 p.m. A down-and out skid row floral assistant becomes an overnight sensation when he discovers an exotic plant with a mysterious craving for fresh blood. Soon "Audrey II" grows into an ill-tempered, foul-mouthed, R&B-singing carnivore who offers him fame and fortune in exchange for feeding its growing appetite, finally revealing itself to be an alien creature poised for global domination! One of the longest-running Off-Broadway shows of all time, this affectionate spoof of 1950s sci-fi movies has become a house-hold name. Charming, tuneful and hilarious, with tongue firmly planted in cheek. Clayton Valley High School Arts Academy Troupe $5 general admission. For more information call 682-7474 X 2678. Clayton Valley High School, multi-use room, 1101 Alberta Way, Concord. DEC. 16, 17 Contra Costa Children’s Chorus 22nd Anniversary Winter Concert @ Walnut Creek Presbyterian Church Dec. 16 at 7 p.m., Dec. 17 at 1 p.m. The Winter Reflections concert blends the voices of young and younger to create an atmosphere of warmth and holiday spirit. Founded in 1984, the Contra Costa Children’s Chorus fills the need for a classically based music education program with a joyful environment. Artistic Director Iris LaManna has taken the Chorus to the Vatican, Carnegie Hall and more. Tickets are $15.00/person. Walnut Creek Presbyterian Church, 1801 Lacassie Avenue, Walnut Creek. JAN 10 The Art of Retirement @ Loma Vista Adult Center 7 p.m. - 9 p.m. This five week course costs $16 for people 55 - plus. Course units include how to keep the money you have, activities in retirement, health in retirement, travel, long term care insurance, happiness in retirement and more. Objectives of the course include learning more about retirement, meeting other people with similar interests, and having some fun discussing retirement issues. Call 937-1530 for information. Loma Vista Adult Center, 1266 San Carlos Avenue, Concord.

CLUBS & ORGANIZATIONS DEC. 6, 13, 20 Kiwanis Club of Walnut Creek 12 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. Meetings every Tues. All are invited to check us out and be our guest for lunch. Massimo’s Ristorante, 1604 Locust St., Walnut Creek. for more information call Sam Totah, 941-1536. DEC. 14, 21, 28 Concord Soroptimist Meeting Women at their best working to help other women. Business, professional people or people interested in providing service to the community are invited to luncheon meetings at Marie Calender’s the second and fourth Wednesday of each month and at The Left Bank the third Wednesday of the month.Call Gloria Utley at 672-0508, email at gloutley@aol.com. or Jo Harlow, 827-9676. for information. DEC. 8, 15, 22, 29 Weights Watchers Weekly Meeting @ Contra Costa Farm Bureau 10 a.m.and 5:30 p.m. Weekly Weight Watchers weigh-in & meeting on Thursday. 800/326-8450 x 2023.Contra Costa Farm Bureau, 5554 Clayton Rd., Concord. DEC. 8, 15, 22, 29 Rotary Club of Clayton Valley Concord Sunrise @ Oakhurst 7 a.m. Meets every Thursday for breakfast meeting that usually features a speaker.www. claytonvalleyrotary.org Chuck Graham 689-7640. Oakhurst Country Club, 1001 Peacock Creek Drive, Clayton. DEC. 12 Clayton Valley 4-H Club @ Farm Bureau Hall 7:00 p.m. Holiday gathering. Have a great time making crafts (like cookies in a jar) for presents. Non-members welcome. 4-H is open to youth ages 5 19 and adults. Projects in Small & Large Animals. Learn new skills including cooking, photography, arts/crafts etc. Opportunities in leadership, community service, conferences, 4-H camp, fairs. Contact Candy Hogan at 925- 9691325 for more information. Farm Bureau Hall, 5554 Clayton Rd. Concord.

BUSINESS & GOVERNMENT DEC. 6, 13, 20, 27 Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors Meeting @ County Administration Building 9 a.m. County Board of Supervisors holds regular weekly meetings Tuesday mornings. Open to the public. www.co.contra-costa.ca.us 335-1900. County Administration Building, 651 Pine Street, Room 107, Martinez. DEC. 13, 27 Planning Commission Meeting @ Clayton Library 7p.m. City of Clayton Planning Commission meets 2nd & 4th Tuesday of month. Open to the public. www.ci.clayton.ca.us 673-7304, Clayton Library Community Room, 6125 Clayton Road, Clayton. Dec. 8 Clayton Community Services Commission Meeting @ City Hall 7 p.m. City of Clayton Community Services Commission meets 2nd Thursday of month. Open to the public. www.ci.clayton.ca.us 673-7304, Clayton City Hall Conference Room, 6000 HeritageTrail, Clayton. DEC. 6, 20 Clayton City Council Meeting @ Clayton Community Library 6 p.m. City Council meets on the first and third Tuesday of the month. Open to the public. Agendas posted at the following locations: City Hall, 6000 Heritage Trail, Clayton, Ohm's Bulletin Board, 1028 Diablo St., Clayton, Clayton Community Library, 6125 Clayton Rd., Clayton.

SCHOOLS AND EDUCATION JAN 10 ClaytonArts Academy Information Night @ Clayton Valley High School 7 p.m. in room M-2. The ClaytonArts Academy is a fine arts program at Clayton Valley High School. Four specialties are offered: art, drama, photography and video production. The courses are UC approved. The CAA Program consists of a three-block integrated program comprised of an English/Social Studies core with a visual or performing art specialty. The purpose is to provide an artistic avenue for students to fulfill their academic requirements and to provide them with intensive in-depth training in their art area of interest with the use of computer technology.

Judi Jewett, MA. CCC-SLP Speech Pathologist e Helpi nicat u ng Childr m m en and Teens Co Dedicated to helping children and teenagers overcome speech, language and literacy problems.

Services Assessment and Treatment of: Articulation/Phonological Disorders Language Acquisition/Disorders Comprehension of spoken and written language Oral and written expression for stories, explanations and summaries Syntax and Grammar Vocabulary Development

Afternoon, evening and weekend hours available

Credentials

(925) 672-9440

ASHA Certification Board Recognized Child Language Specialist Speech-Language Pathologist since 1980 25 years experience in schools

December 2, 2005

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

Church News

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Members of Eternal Life Lutheran Church have found a productive use for greeting cards. Clayton resident and church member Sally Fischer heads the effort, which sends recycled greeting cards to prison inmates. Christmas, Easter or birthday cards can all be recycled. Volunteers in the prison ministry cut off the covers to remove SALLY FISCHER AND MARION KEIBEL prepare greetpersonal names, ing cards for the prison ministry at Eternal Life then stamp an Lutheran Church. appropriate Scripture verse on the back. Then these cards are distributed to the prisons. Often these greetings from the outside are the only cards a prisoner gets, and they are warmly received. Jesus says, “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.” The ministry will always accept greeting cards for recycling. You can drop them off at the Eternal Life church office at the Contra Costa County Farm Bureau building. Or call, 524-0295, and someone from the church will pick them up. Advent is a time for getting “spiritually ready” for Christmas. Eternal Life Lutheran Church will have Advent evening prayer services on Wednesdays at 7:15 p.m. Each service will focus on “Staying Spiritually Alert.” Soup suppers will precede each service at 6:15 p.m. All are invited for an evening of family and fellowship that focuses on Jesus. All children of the community are invited to a Happy Birthday Party for Jesus on Sat. Dec. 17, 10 a.m.-12 p.m. The party will be held at the Contra Costa County Farm Bureau. Please call 925-524-0295 for more information. Or email at eternallife@wels.net. Eternal Life’s regular Sun. schedule is Sun. school and Bible study at 10 a.m.; worship at 11:15 a.m. Eternal Life Lutheran Church is located at 5554 Clayton Rd., Suite 1B, in Concord. Eternal Life is a member congregation of the WELS. Please call 524-0295, or email to EternalLife@wels.net for more information.

A welcoming place and sacred space where thinking minds and caring hearts truly grow in faith

Page B11 BAHAI’S OF CLAYTON The Baha’is of Clayton extend an invitation to the community to a talk and an evening of fellowship at 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 2. The subject of the talk is self- transformation and healing. The speaker is Mr. Henry Miller who holds a MS degree in Education from Southern University of New York, and a MA degree in Transpersonal Counseling Psychology from J.F.K. University. He is a teacher of special education, Mental Health Collaborative Program, Mt. Diablo Unified School District. For more information and location call (925) 672-6686. Everybody is welcome. CLAYTON COMMUNITY CHURCH The Christmas season is upon us. Mark your calendar for the following events. Dec. 10: We’ve rented the Brenden Theatre in Concord to see a matinee of “Narnia,” the beloved C. S. Lewis classic at 2 p.m. Advanced tickets on sale at the church office. Dec. 11: All Church Christmas Banquet. Join us for this CCC tradition held at Centre Concord. Two seatings, one at 5 p.m. (more kid friendly) and one at 7 p.m. Dinner is provided by Englund’s Catering. RSVP to Jennifer. Dec. 16-18: “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” by Barbara Robinson (Fri. and Sat. at 7 p.m; Sun. at 2 p.m.) Tickets available at the door or at the church office. Dec. 24: Christmas Eve services (5 p.m. and 7 p.m., Dec. 25: Christmas Sun. service 11 a.m., Jan. 1 – Sun. gatherings at 9 and 10:45 a.m. Church office is at 6055 Main Street, Clayton, 673-9060. CLAYTON VALLEY PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH Sun. services at 10:30 a.m. Sun. school and childcare provided. Contact church office for details on “Sundays at 9” class, women’s monthly Bible study on second Tues. at 2 p.m. and Wed. at 7 p.m. Dec. 19 at 10 a.m. is the Holiday Brunch. There is a general 12-step meeting for anyone to learn about its healing aspects every Sun. at 5 p.m. in the Sacristy. On Sundays at 6:30 p.m. - 8 p.m. an “Advent and Art” series runs through Dec. 18 led by Tim Mooney. Children’s Center Holiday Program on Dec. 14 at 7 p.m. 1578 Kirker Pass Road, Clayton, 94517, 672-4848, http://www.cvpresby.org/. SAINT JOHN’S PARISH Saint John’s will host a community-wide World AIDS Day observance on Thur., Dec. 1, at 7 p.m. This will be an evening filled with knowledgeable speakers, beautiful music, prayers from many faith traditions; all meant to educate, motivate and commemorate. Everyone is invited and encouraged to attend. The season of Advent in preparation for Christmas is in full swing at Saint John’s. Sun., Dec. 4, Saint Nicholas, the fourth century bishop of Myra (otherwise known as Santa Claus), makes his annual appearance at both morning worship services (8 and 10 a.m.). The holiday “Adopt-a-Family” program, in conjunction with Monument Crisis Center, is already fully subscribed this year, providing gifts for 49 adults and children in need. Meanwhile, Saint John’s Christmas tree sales continue, with purchasers able to donate a portion of the sale price to one of eight local charities. More information about all programs, activities and worship can always be found online at: www.saintjohnsparish.org.

Send your church news of general community interest to churchnews@claytonpioneer.com

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Sunday Worship: 8 & 10 a.m. 5555 C LAYTON R OAD Q C LAYTON Call anytime: 672-8855 or check us out online: www.saintjohnsparish.org

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Library offers great gift ideas for your bibliophile Is there someone on your Christmas list that seems to “have everything?” The Clayton Community Library Foundation has several gift suggestions to fill the bill. Find that perfect “hard to find” gift and support the Clayton Library at the same time. Consider the Library’s “Buy a Brick” idea. For $35, you can buy a brick on the library’s walkway and have your name (or someone else’s) engraved on one line. $45 buys two lines of engraving. Forms are available at the Library or online at www.claytonlibrary.org. If you are looking for a truly unique way to honor or memo-

rialize someone, you might want to “Buy A Book” in their name. You can pick their favorite novel, collection of poetry or a

book on a particular subject close to that person’s heart. The library then buys the book and a memorial plate is put inside the book with the names of the person honored and the donor.

CROSSWORD PUZZLE

Fiction books are $25 and nonfiction works are $50. Or how about giving your favorite bibliophile a membership in the Clayton Community Library Foundation. For only $10 for an individual or $15 for a family membership, this gift is sure to please any book lover. Membership forms are available online and at the Library. “Clayton Cooks…” is a collection of favorite recipes including some by such local celebrities as Gregg and Joan Manning, Joan Culver, Susan Fossan and Skip Ipsen. This $5 gift is sure to please those in your family who love to cook (and those who love to eat).

Adults and kids t-shirts which sport the 94517 logo are great stocking stuffers. Adult shirts are $14 and kid’s sizes are $10. Aqua book bags with line drawing of the Library done by Carlene Honeychurch are available for $10. Purchase all of these items at the Clayton Community Library, Mon. and Wed., 1-9 p.m., Tues., Thurs., and Sat. from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday 1-5 p.m. All proceeds will be used to purchase new materials for the Clayton Community Library, 6125 Clayton Road Clayton. Phone 673-0659.

“W

hen you live in a place as exciting and beautiful as the Clayton Valley area, it’s hard not to be excited for each new day,” Lynne French says. “From the energy of the city to the natural setting of the country, there’s always something to keep me on the go.” Lynne brings this positive energy and love for the Clayton Valley to her long-running career as a real estate professional.

(925) 672-8787 www.LynneFrench.com Lynne@LynneFrench.com

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1- Tailless amphibian; 5- Narrow strip of wood; 9- Poles for sails; 14- Possess; 15- One who has something coming?; 16Old French expression meaning “goodbye”; 17- Single, individual unit; 18- Irish Parliament; 20- Small crustacean; 22- Course deviation; 23- Long fish; 24- Indication; 26- Rip; 28- Resident of Athens; 32- Talks; 36- Grievous distress; 37- Experiment; 39Equip; 40- Bedouin; 42- Tied; 44- Ripped; 45- Religion of the Muslims; 47- Draw off liquid gradually; 49- Noise made by a sheep; 50- Throws; 52- Edible; 54- Red sign; 56- Gas burner or Sicilian volcano; 57- Indonesian resort island; 60- Long-leaved lettuce; 62- Stellar; 66- Competitive market; 69- Codlike fish; 70- Fungal infection; 71- Thousand: prefix; 72- Goddess and sister of Ares in Greek mythology; 73- Hurried; 74- Primordial giant in Norse myth; 75- Hire.

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1- “Is ___ it?”; 2- Sworn thing; 3- Affirm with confidence; 4Death; 5- Salesgirl; 6- Wreath of flowers; 7- Breezy; 8- Rare delight; 9- It’s not PC; 10- Person who supports a cause; 11Location; 12- Small dabbling duck; 13- Figure (out); 19Amazes; 21- Aromatic herb; 25- Nymph presiding over rivers; 27- Primate with a short tail or no tail; 28- Look for; 29- Trunk; 30- Makes well; 31- Mother-of-pearl; 33- Sun-dried brick; 34Sacred text of Islam; 35- Perspire; 38- Flat contract; 41- Baby’s cradle; 43- Duce; 46- Encountered; 48- Sisters; 51- Caribbean dance music; 53- Suds; 55- Resembling pork; 57- Two together; 58- Capital city of Western Samoa; 59- Optical device; 61- Milk choice; 63- Describes a gently cooked steak; 64Related by blood; 65- For fear that; 67- Spring month; 68- Yale student.

Always focused on your needs throughout your home purchase or sale, she does whatever it takes to help you make the most of your opportunities. With Lynne and her team as your guides, you can Discover the Possibilities in Clayton Valley real estate. Her intimate knowledge of the area and dedication to your goals ensure your success when buying or selling a home. Give her a call today!

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