DEC 21 Clayton Pioneer 2007 by Pioneer Publishers

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from all of us at the Pioneer

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IT’S YOUR PAPER www.claytonpioneer.com

December 21, 2007

925.672.0500

Clayton homes light up the night TAMARA STEINER Clayton Pioneer

It is that time of year, when many Claytonians pile into their cars and head out to “go look at the lights.” Once again, throughout our community, there are many beautifully crafted and well-presented outdoor holiday displays that are a joy to see. Last Thursday, the five judges (some with Starbucks in hand) piled into one car and headed out across town to “look at the lights.” Judges Alise Lacosse of Applause Staging and Pioneer publisher Bob Steiner were the experienced voices of the group, since both judged last year’s contest. Joining them were Leanna and Kevin McLaughlin, whose cleverly decorated home won first place last year, and Lorraine Henney. There were 13 entries this year and competition was tough. One home after another elicited

GREGG MANNING

MAYOR’S CORNER

New mayor looks to city’s future With the end of every year, we have change and contemplations. City government is no different than the rest of life. The city has a new mayor, but it is not my first time with the job. In fact, the last time I was mayor I made a point of never missing one of these columns. That standard has been carried on since then, so I have to follow what I established. In some ways, I am sad to see 2007 fade into history. It was the city’s sesquicentennial and every month we had an event that recognized this milestone. I would like to thank all of the people who partook in those events, but especially Mary Spryer of the Clayton Historical Society who has a view of history similar to my own. We do not know what the new year holds, but it will be a mixture of good and bad and a lot in between. Whether it’s good or bad often depends on your view and that is up to the individual. In the beginning of each year, the City Council has a meeting to go over the goals the council would like to achieve as a group. We don’t always meet all of these, but it is a target. Some of the things I see happening in 2008 include the opening of the Downtown Park and the Village Market. Cities are always exploring additional sources of revenue,

See Mayor, page A13

What’s Inside SECTION A Around Town . . . . . . . . . . . .A2 Deal With It (New) . . . . . . .A4 Classified Ads . . . . . . . . . . . . .A5 Directory of Advertisers . . . .A5 Letters to the Editor . . . . . . .A6 Real Estate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .A7 Safety Zone . . . . . . . . . . . . . .A8 Book Review . . . . . . . . . . . . .A9 Look Good, Feel Good . . . .A9 Community Calendar . . . . .A10 Movie Reviews . . . . . . . . . . .A11 Church News . . . . . . . . . . . .A12 Club News . . . . . . . . . . . . . .A12 Crossword Puzzle . . . . . . . .A13 Sharing History . . . . . . . . . .A15

Tamara Steiner/Clayton Pioneer

A SYNCHRONIZED LIGHT AND MUSIC SHOW put this home on Pine Lane in first place in the Pioneer’s Home Decorating Contest. The display was designed by 16-year-old Jeffrey Holmes who plans to expand it next year.

New landscape district key event in Clayton for ’07 TAMARA STEINER Clayton Pioneer

Without a doubt, the story of the year was the 83 percent voter approval of a new landscape maintenance district in June. The old district, created in 1997, expired in June of 2007. The first effort to replace the district was defeated by the voters in 2005. Had the second effort failed, there would have been no money for watering and weeding. The new district will be funded by an annual parcel tax of $197 and calls for a citizens oversight committee, the Trails and Landscape Maintenance Committee, to monitor quality and spending. CCC AND THE TCSP In January, the Clayton Community Church’s

announcement of plans to buy the downtown parcel adjacent to their offices on Main Street for a worship center touched off a community debate over the proper use of commercially zoned land in the town center. Things heated up in November, when escrow closed on the property at about the same time the Planning Commission approved an amendment to the Town Center Specific Plan that removed meeting halls and places of assembly as preferred land uses in the town center. The amendment will go before the City Council with more public hearings sometime after the first of the year. PARK CONSTRUCTION BEGINS In April, construction began on the new downtown park that the voters approved in November 2006. Projected

opening was October 19. The project has been plagued by a series of delays that pushed the opening date back to December 1 and then again to January 12, 2008. The park has been described as “the crown jewel of Clayton,” with the focal point being the gazebo grandstand donated by the Clayton Business and Community Association. The park also has a deluxe play structure and water feature for the children, a plaza with game tables and picnic areas. A statue of seven children playing “Ring Around the Rosie” by noted artist Gary Lee Price stands at the southeast corner of the park. FIRST CERT CLASS GRADUATES Clayton graduated its first Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) class in

See Events, page A7

Council reorganizes for new year TAMARA STEINER Clayton Pioneer

SECTION B Cookie Contest Winners . . .B1 Financial Sense . . . . . . . . . . .B2 Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .B2 Holiday Gift Section B3 Garden Girl . . . . . . . . . . . . .B6 Senior Moments . . . . . . . . . .B6 Paws and Claws . . . . . . . . . .B7

See Lights, page A3

Tamara Steiner/Clayton Pioneer

GREGG MANNING, left, accepts congratulations and the gavel from outgoing mayor Bill Walcutt.

The City Council observed their traditional “changing of the guard” when outgoing mayor, Bill Walcutt, handed over the gavel to new mayor Gregg Manning. In a unanimous vote of the City Council, Manning was elected mayor and Julie Pierce was named Vice Mayor. The position of mayor typically rotates among council members with the Vice Mayor traditionally occupying

See Council, page A6

Tamara Steiner/Clayton Pioneer

Broken hydrant sends up geyser TAMARA STEINER Clayton Pioneer

Center Street was hit by heavy showers last week and the water came not from the sky, but from the ground. The scene looked a lot like Old Faithful when a pickup truck, coming out of the post office parking lot, cut the corner a little too close the afternoon of December 13 and took out the fire hydrant in front. The storm drains on that end of Center Street were covered with a fine filter to catch construction debris

from the Village Market and the park and the street quickly filled ankle deep with water. It was too tempting to pass up for a few hardy Clayton kids bent on some mid-winter water sports. It took about 15 minutes for Contra Costa Water District to arrive and locate the shut off valve on the flooded street. The driver of the pickup, a Livermore man, was none too happy with the damage to either the fire hydrant or to his truck. He will soon get a bill from Contra Costa Water in the neighborhood of $750 to $1,000 for repairs.

Page A2

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

December 21, 2007

Around Town Skow children breakfast with the Clauses Janet Easton takes part in local history writers event Clayton author and historian, Janet Easton, joined several other history writers in a Local History program at Aegis of Concord, sponsored by Clayton Books. Easton, with the help of past Historical Society president Dick Ellis and Clayton Museum Curator Mary Spryer, collected dozens of old photographs and compiled them into a pictorial of Clayton history. “Images of Clayton” was released last year Easton, whose own roots go back several generations in Clayton, was pleased and surprised at how many photos of her own family she came across.

Photo courtesy of the Skow family

JACK AND EMMA SKOW sit with Santa and Mrs. Claus while the elves look on from behind.

The weather here is not too cold for Santa. Even though Clayton is in hilly country at the foot of Mt. Diablo, “we call it meadowlands from where I come from,” he explained.

Emma and Jack Skow received their gifts from Santa early this year when they sat down for a family breakfast hosted by the CBCA at the Clayton Library on Saturday,

December 8th. Emma, 7 years old and a first grader in Mrs. Fuller’s class at Mt. Diablo Elementary, received

Tamara Steiner/Clayton Pioneer

MARY SPRYER AND JANET EASTON

“I’ve known these people all my life, but had had never seen

Lynndi’s kids collect Toys for Tots

See Claus, page A4

Santa stops for tea at Englund’s

Photo courtesy of Englund’s Restaurant and Tea Cottage

Over a hundred guests sipped candy cane tea with Santa on Sunday, Dec. 9 at Englund’s Restaurant and Tea Room in the Clayton Station. Chef Duane served finger sandwiches and scones as children whispered their Christmas wish lists in Santa’s ear. The jolly old elf spent three hours delighting local children and their parents, while posing for pictures. After singing a popular song about his favorite reindeer, he chuckled warmly and headed back to the North Pole.

ATILA TANG DRESSED FOR THE OCCASION as he took tea with Santa at Englund’s earlier this month.

Children from Lynndi’s Preschool / Family Day Care in Clayton recently made their annual visit to the Fire Station to donate the toys they collected for the Toys for Tots program. The children walked, hand in hand, to the fire station, carrying their gifts in a big red Santa sack

and singing Christmas carols in the rain. Pictured above, flanked by Lynndi and Andre Ernst are: Megan and Mikey Dickert, Jackson Estes, Joey Hawk, Catalina and Sophia Jacobs, Abby and Daniel Mc Cormick, Joshua Sullins, Ainsley Townlin.

them in any photographs,” she told the audience. The book is part of Arcadia’s “Images of America” series and has a somewhat international reputation, Easton says. A few months ago, she got an online inquiry and an order for the book from someone in Vallejo. Curious as to why they were interested, she called and asked (politely, of course), “who are you?” The Vallejo woman had once lived on Morgan Territory Road, and her daughter heard about the book on vacation in Turkey while exchanging small talk with a fellow tourist. When asked where she was from, she replied “oh, a little town in California, you’ve probably never heard of – Clayton.” “Clayton,” echoed the tourist, “my wife is from Clayton.” He then told her about the book, and she told her mother in Vallejo. It is, indeed, a small world.

“Images of Clayton” can be purchased from the Clayton Historical Society. Call 672-0240 for more information.

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Clayton $1,375,000 Peacock Creek – Level, prime lot w/major views! 5BD/3.5BA w/apprx. 3,911 s.f. has a huge family room wired for sound, 2-way fireplace & wet bar. Gourmet kitchen w/breakfast bar & nook. 4+ car garage w/shop + RV/Boat parking. Patios & pool for entertaining.

$1,225,000 Walnut Creek Larkey Ranch – Voluminous ceilings & stylish windows & rooms highlight this 4+BD/3.5BA w/3,731 s.f. Stunning Master suite has His/Her closets & master bath is updated & incl. Jacuzzi tub. Attached & detached garages offer space for 5+ cars and storage.

Clayton $574,980 Downtown Clayton – Brand new everything inside and out! Fantastic Lemke home w/3BD/2.5BA plus loft. Kitchen is updated & has breakfast bar, pantry and island. Lovely fireplace in family room will warm you during the holidays. Walk to award-winning schools!

$969,980 Clayton Falcon Ridge – 4BD/3BA w/open floorplan has apprx. 3,079 s.f., vaulted ceilings & full b/b downstairs along w/ elegant formal living & dining rooms. Gourmet kitchen w/double oven, pantry, island, breakfast bar & dining area. Pool-sized .5 acre lot w/RV pkg.

Clayton $699,980 Oakhurst – Popular single-story floor plan, Keller, has 3BD/2BA & apprx. 2,053 s.f. w/soaring ceilings & large windows. New paint, carpeting & tile throughout PLUS remodeled baths! Formal living & dining room & large, open kitchen/family room combo w/breakfast area.

Clayton $749,980 Regency Woods – Pool & backyard refurbished, new Anlin windows, and a clear termite on this already updated home w/ 4BD/2.5BA. Over 2,000 s.f. located on nearly .25 acre lot. Private, wonderful location on a culde-sac.

Clayton $965,000 Morgan Territory – Peaceful, private 3.5 acre horse property w/Mt. Diablo views! 3BD/2BA has an updated kitchen w/double oven, oak floors & cabinets. 3stall barn, hay storage & arena. Master suite has ample closets & French door to glass-surround sun room.

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Clayton Resident & Broker Owner

December 21, 2007

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

Around Town Marina Fitzsimons celebrates 99 years

MARINA FITZSIMONS

Marina Fitzsimons, a resident at Diamond Terrace, turned 99 on Dec. 1. She celebrated and her family celebrated

Lights, from page A1

CLAYTON PIONEER’S 2007 HOLIDAY PARADE OF LIGHTS Marsh Creek Road Area 1185 Pine Lane

with a day in San Francisco to see the DaVinci exhibit at the Moscone Center. The family had a birthday lunch at Chevy’s, where the restaurant staff created a paella especially for Marina. The day wrapped up with a tour around Fisherman’s Wharf and Pier 39. Born and raised in Panama, Marina has lived in New Jersey and Arizona. She moved to Diamond Terrace last November to be near her niece who lives in Concord.

65 years of bliss for Howard and Betty Boyd Howard and Betty Boyd celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary recently with a party and a musical tribute performed by their children. Howard and Betty met at the Glendale Presbyterian Church’s youth group. The country was at war and Howard, a graduate of UCLA, had been drafted

See Boyd, page A8

Page A3

HOWARD AND BETTY BOYD

Dana Hills 510 Mt. Davidson Court Oakhurst 422 Wawona Lane 5114 Keller Ridge Drive 5163 Keller Ridge Drive 4001 Hummingbird Way 8040 Kelok Way

a chorus of oohs and aahs. Only three points separated this year’s first and third place winners. In first place was the Holmes’ house at 1185 Pine Lane. An elaborate light show synchronized to music was hands down the most unique display of the bunch. Designed by Jeffrey Holmes, 16, the project was two years in the making and featured a series of trees and other holiday decorations illuminated by thousands of colored lights. The lights flash on and off in different sequences, animated by the music. The songs include holiday favorites such as “Rudolph” and “Frosty” and classics such

as “Jingle Bells” and “Silent Night.” Holmes’ favorite is the last song, featuring the TransSiberian Orchestra that Jeffrey describes as “sort of an energetic rock genre.” To see this display, turn down Pine Lane at the Pumpkin Farm. Turn left at the golden arrow. The Holmes’ driveway is marked by two brick posts. Turn in and enjoy it nightly between 7 and 9:30 p.m. In second place was the Bazan home at 7 Nottingham Place. Their front yard featured a large snowman, an igloo, reindeer, an assortment of lighted trees, a collection of huge lollipops and a dazzling display of lights.

Two Clayton Police Department volunteers were honored by the department at a special dinner last week at La Veranda. Herb Yonge was named Volunteer of the Year and Matt McLaughlin is Police Explorer of the Year.

See Police, page A8

Jeffry Ranch 2 Nottingham Place 19 Atchinson Stage Road Vintage 1204 Bridlewood Court 1226 Bridlewood Court

COLOR, COLOR AND MORE COLOR was the watchword at this Oakhurst home at 4001 Hummingbird Way.

Police volunteers honored at La Veranda dinner

Matt McLaughlin, Chief Dan Lawrence and Herb Yonge.

Upper Easley Estates 121 Cabernet Court 302 Chardonnay Circle

A FRIENDLY, WAVING SNOWMAN bekons visitors to the “North Pole” at 19 Atchinson Stage Road.

Third place went to Steve Hobbs and Eileen Payne at 510 Mt. Davidson Court. Their focal point is a 10-foot high, moving carousel, along with large lighted drums and a brightly lit rocking horse, against a backdrop of supporting characters and wellplaced lighting. Honorable mention goes to Steve and Sue Brye at 19 Atchinson Stage Road, where a happy, waving snowman and a lit sign pointing to the North Pole welcome you. Another display worthy of special mention is the colorful and imaginative light display, with oversize lighted ornaments hanging from the trees, at Robert and Carol Barrick’s home at 4001 Hummingbird Way. Thanks to everyone who entered this year, and to those of you who did not, there is always next year. We hope next

December finds our judges out in front of your home, enjoying the wonderment of the season. We encourage everyone to visit all the homes in our Parade

SEE THIS BRIGHTLY lit pony at 510 Mt. Davidson Court.

of Lights. Our hats are off to the folks who labor long and hard to make their front yards a wonderment and something we can all enjoy. Thank you, decorating angels, for helping to make the season special for all of us. Photos by Tamara Steiner

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A DAZZLING DISPLAY of lights greets visitors to 2 Nottingham Pl.

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Enjoy holiday cut finger sandwiches, scones & dessert treats with a glass of champagne or sparkling cider and seasonal teas. Served to lovely holiday music by candlelight. $25 pp

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Page A4

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

December 21, 2007

Deck the halls with boughs of folly…

ANDRÉ GENSBURGER

DEAL WITH IT It is a season to be festive, but the celebration is often marred by bouts of political correctness that deck the halls with boughs of folly. As a society, we are slowly becoming conditioned to avoid offense at all costs, including the homogenization of greetings where cultural offense could, albeit highly debatably, be taken. The debate rages about wishing others a “Merry Christmas” as opposed to the less forthright “Happy (generic) Holidays.” The language of the land has replaced directness with “adaptable language,” exchanging words like “handicap” with “disability,” “fat” with “overweight,” “illiterate” with “verbally challenged.” The list goes on. Christmas, formerly a strict-

ly Christian observance and later diluted with reindeer and that mood-enhanced, jolly, dimensionally challenged man in the fluffy velvet suit, now represents as much a commercial equivalent of piranha in a pond as it does a festive occurrence. And, with that, the standard greeting of “Merry Christmas” is more often than not replaced with “Happy Holidays” – not unlike the overused and unappreciated “Have a nice day!” People of different faiths, it was said, would take offense to be greeted with “Merry Christmas,” enough, perhaps, to cast it aside in order to assuage their disgust. We have seen the extremes that the world has to offer with regard to acceptable terminology. The unfortunate English teacher who permitted her student to name his teddy bear Mohammed almost received extreme consequences. It seems likely that a formal Christmas greeting would have dire results. In America, however, where freedom of speech prevails – often far too much – there should be no debate about the

merits of “Merry Christmas” other than the extent that each person demonstrates the peace of the season and goodwill toward others. We need as much goodwill as we can get. Certainly, commercial businesses have no issue with the word “Christmas,” as in “PreChristmas Sales” and “PostChristmas Sales,” and their customers are never heard to protest as they line up for hours, awaiting open doors.

“We would like to thank you, Dave, for helping us find a home loan that met our requirements. You monitored the closing process both before and after signing and were personally available during that time even though you were out of town for the holiday week. We were able to go through the escrow procedure with confidence knowing you were only a phone call away should we need you. You were an absolute delight to work with and we appreciate all you did for us.” - Mr. & Mrs. R. Stradley, Clayton

Merry Christmas or Happy Holidays?

(925) 672-LEND (5363) info@claytonfinancialmortgage.com www.claytonfinancialmortgage.com

JENNIFER WILLIAMS with her two daughters ages 8 and 4 says “Happy Holidays.”

TOM SHIPLEY believes that “It’s crazy how careful we have to be about what we say.”

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Outside the Clayton Post Office, Clayton residents Jennifer Williams and Tom Shipley fell victim to the “The Question Man” mini-interview. “I’m a Montessori school teacher,” Williams said, “so I am mindful of what I say. I do think that in some cases, there is a lot of over-sensitivity about what we say. I say ‘Happy Holidays’.”

CLAYTON COUNTS DOWN 2007 VOLUNTEERS NEEDED The 5th Annual “Clayton Counts Down” New Year’s Eve celebration is quickly approaching. This great Clayton tradition is held at the Clayton Community Gym from 6:30pm-10pm on New Year’s Eve. The FREE celebration is run by an all volunteer committee with assistance from the Mt. Diablo Region YMCA. Volunteers are needed to ensure the success of this Clayton tradition. Volunteers are not expected to attend meetings, just provide a couple of hours that day or evening to help with set up, events such as craft activities, games, sign in, and food, take down-clean up. We need volunteers to fill time slots between 1pm and 11pm. The committee will handle the various preparations and coordinate with the volunteers. Anyone interested in volunteering should call the City Clerk at 925-673-7300, or email to ljackson@ci.clayton.ca.us. In addition to your time at a fun FREE event, any monetary contribution is fully deductible to the extent provided by law. Please send contributions to:

Likewise, little children would scream in misery to hear: “ ’Twas the night before Happy Holidays and all through the house …,” or “We wish you a happy holidays and a better new year.” This does not include the whole breaking and entering through the chimney thing or the mess that 12 reindeer on a rooftop can produce. Merry Christmas. Deal with it!

hat Where w s you! i matters

“It’s ridiculous,” Shipley said. “Like the recent issue in Walnut Creek over the Easter Egg Hunt that could not be called ‘Easter.’ I don’t know what it wound up being called, but people are way to P.C. about the whole thing. It’s crazy how careful you have to be now about what you say.”

Dan Anderson

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December 21, 2007

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

Page A5

Classified FOR SALE Piano Yamaha M450 TAO piano. Excellent Condition. Oak finish with bench. $2,100, obo. Call Rick or Ellen, 6735141.

HELP WANTED Babysitter Experienced babysitter needed for active 7 year old in the Black Diamond area. Must be 15 years or older, available for weekday and weekend

evenings, responsible and fun! Call 925-787-7385. Experienced Loan Agents Local mortgage company, Clayton Financial, is looking for experienced Loan Agents who want to work for a company that focuses on the needs of our borrowers. Very good split in a comfortable, fully equipped office! Possible work from home opportunity. Please call Dave for more details 672LEND (5363).

Massage Therapists Certification required. Call Massage Envy, (925) 672-3689. Kitchen Help Kitchen assistant needed through holidays at Englund's Tea Cottage from 9:30 a.m. - 2 p.m. three to four days a week. Call 672-8327. Real Estate Agents Be Successful! Lynne French is expanding and interviewing for a few agents. Call her today (925) 672-8787.

MISCELLANEOUS

Corrections: In the article on Camp Camelot in the Nov. 23rd issue, the contact phone number was listed incorrectly. The correct phone number for Chris Harvey is 510 862 0960. In the story on the Town Center Specific Plan Amendment in the Dec. 5 issue, the Planning Commission approved the amendment at the meeting on Nov. 27. The date was incorrectly reported as Nov. 20.

“TREE”-CYCLE YOUR CHRISTMAS TREE Boy Scout Troop 484 will pick up Christmas trees for Clayton residents on January 6. Have trees (no flocked or artificial trees) at curbside by 8 a.m. The service is free, but the Scouts would appreciate any donations. Give your donations directly to the Scouts or mail it to BSA Troop 484, 709 Tally Ho Ct. Clayton, 94517. The Scouts will collect the trees for Allied Waste who will send them to the chippers. Keep your tree out of the landfill and help support the scouts at the same time.

Office Space for Lease VILLAGE OAKS CENTER (Ed’s Mudville Grill) 6200 Center St. 2,210 square feet ground Office or retail Available immediately Ample parking

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Agent 408-371-8770 Kevin ext. 19, Steve ext. 15

Bookstore Wants Used Books Clayton Books is looking for quality used books to buy or trade. 5433 D Clayton Road, Clayton, 673-3325.

SERVICES Tutor/Educational Coach Experienced classroom teacher. Tutoring for grades 2-5 all subjects. Study skills/ Homework help. Professional, mature, and kind. Will come to your home or the local library. Please call Janet, 925-672-4360. Residential Designer for House Plans Plans for residential additions and remodels. Start your plans and permit process now for spring of 2008. 30 years experience. References. 925-6721327 Pet Sitting Service Traveling over the holidays? Don't forget about your pets. I'll take good care of them while you’re away. Call local resident Linda Pastor at Peace of Mind Pet Services, 672-9781. Bonded, insured, member PSI, reasonable rates. Happy Holidays and I hope to hear from you. Perennial Garden Design by Nicole Hackett AKA the Garden Girl Personal consultations regarding plant choices, placement, identification, fertilizing and maintenance. Get your garden ready for the fall. Call or email for information and pricing. 673-1746 (leave message). gardengirl94517@yahoo.com.

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

VOLUNTEERS WANTED Tax Assistance Volunteer Training The AARP Tax-Aide program provides free income tax assistance to many low and moderate income taxpayers, and in particular senior citizens. Volunteers are needed. Training will commence in early January. For more information about becoming an AARP Tax-Aide volunteer, contact Helen Crisman, TaxAide State Coordinator, at (650) 5914284. Hospice of the East Bay Become a volunteer with Anna's Program, a specialized program of Hospice of the East Bay, which provides support to women in Central and East Contra Costa who have been diagnosed with recurrent breast cancer. All services are provided in the home. Volunteers provide companionship and practical assistance. To apply for free training, call Hospice of the East Bay at (925) 887-5678 and ask for the Volunteer Department, or email volunteers@hospiceeastbay.org.

PIONEER INFO CONTACT US Tel: (925) 672-0500 Fax: (925) 672-6580 CONTACT US Tamara Steiner tamara@claytonpioneer.com Beth Neudell beth@claytonpioneer.com Send ads to ads@claytonpioneer.com Send Sports News to Randy Rowland sports@claytonpioneer.com Send Club News to clubnews@claytonpioneer.com Send Church News to churchnews@claytonpioneer.com

HOW TO PLACE A CLASSIFIED AD Classified rates per insertion: Non-profit: $12 for first 30 words, $.20 each additional word Individual/non-commercial: $18 for first 30 words, $.30 each additional word Commercial: $48 for first 30 words, $.40 each additional word To place your classified ad over the phone, call the office at (925) 672-0500 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Mon.-Fri. Or, you may fax your typewritten ad and credit card information to (925) 672-6580 All classifieds must be paid for in advance by credit card (Master Card or Visa) We will not accept any ad that discriminates on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, nationality, family status or disability. The Clayton Pioneer reserves the right to reject any advertising we believe is unsuitable.

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 Website. Attach your photo to the form. Make sure the image size you are about to send is at least 3 MB but not bigger than 6MB. The only format we accept is JPG. You can also mail or bring your print to the office and we can scan it for you. Also on our Web site are forms for submitting Community Calendar items and press releases for your organization.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

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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 in a Word Document to tamara@claytonpioneer.com. Letters MUST be submitted via E-mail.

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

AND

R OBERT S TEINER , Publishers

TAMARA S TEINER , Editor A NDRÉ G ENSBURGER , Reporter and Feature Writer P ETE C RUZ , Graphic Design B EV B RITTON , Copy Editor and Feature Writer R ANDY R OWLAND , Sports Writer B ETH N EUDELL , Administrative Assistant In Memoriam Jill Bedecarré

Directory of Advertisers Abbey Carpets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .686-9901 Aegis of Concord . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .692-5838 American Discount Products . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .680-0677 Applause Staging . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-7701 Apronstrings Pet Sitting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .798-7621 Beautique Beauty Supply and Salon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-0405 Bella Mia Spa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .680-7792 Benton, Mureleen - Ameriprise Financial . . . . . . . . . . .685-4523 BHS Carpet Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .800-406-1524 Burkin Electric . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-1519 Butterfly Life . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-4238 Calkins, Bill - Charlotte Clifford Realtors . . . . . . . . . . . .673-9164 Carol Keane and Associates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .937-5200 Cartridge World . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .673-3500 CD Federal Credit Union . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .825-0900 Cegielski Jewelers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .682-2855 Clayton Books . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .673-3325 Clayton Club Saloon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .673-0440 Clayton Financial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .673-5470 Clayton Mind and Body Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .673-0686 Clayton Valley Bowl . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .689-4631 Clayton Valley Frameworks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-6066 Clayton Valley Medical Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-6744 Clayton Valley Shell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-3900 Computers USA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-9989 Cruise Adventures Unlimited . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .935-7447 Cup O' Jo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-5105 Diamond Terrace Senior Retirement Living . . . . . . . . . .524-5100 Donna's Gifts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-2440 Dromlewicz, Kim - Century 21 Hosking Assoc. . . . . . . .324-7072 Dryclean USA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-5653` Englund's Tea Cottage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-8327 Eternal Life Lutheran Church . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .524-0295 Flannery, Patty - Diablo Realty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-0541 Fly Media . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .437-2318 French, Lynne - Windermere Real Estate . . . . . . . . . . .672-8787 Frontier Hair Salon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .395-3007 Gotta Dance! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .825-7543 Granelli Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .673-7238 Help - U - Sell Real Estate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .680-4950 Hudak, Jim - Pianist and Composer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .673-7293 Insite Design and Build . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .980-0465 Isagenix . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .570-5187 Ken Mitolo Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-2460 Laurence, Pete - Better Homes Realty . . . . . . . . . . . . .939-7920 La Veranda Restaurant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .524-0011 Lifelock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .888-215-1391 Littorno, Richard - Attorney at Law . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-6463 Mavericks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .602-5600 Mazzei-Hyundai . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .757-5600 Michael Dwyer & Sons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-3980 Mike's Auto Body . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .689-1739 Monte Vista Veterinary Hospital . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-1100 Morucci, Kim - Intero Real Estate Services . . . . . . . . . .280-8563 Music Together . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .946-2990 Navlet's . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .681-0550 Neptune Society of Northern California . . . . . . . . . . . . .944-5100 Nichols Landscape . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-9955 Nuchols, Alicia - Bank of America . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .497-6195 Oakhurst Country Club . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-9737 Ouimet Funeral Home . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .682-4242 Postal Annex + . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-8900 R&M Pool, Patio & Gardens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-0207 R.E. 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Page A6

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

Letters to the Editor A reply to church newsletter In this land usage debate for Clayton’s Town Center, it is important we all work with the truth to be able to form opinions of what should be done. It’s important to the church members who’ve been asked to donate money, and important to all Clayton citizens who are being told they should give up a prime commercial parcel to instead allow the CCC to put in a church. The recent church newsletter, “Clayton Community Church – the rest of the story,” which was mailed citywide, contained, among other claims, (1) that the Town Center Specific Plan (TCSP) allows them to build on this parcel, and they say (2) that they have “never been offered 10 percent above the purchase price for the new property.” The recent Clayton Pioneer article of Dec. 7 states that while they can build elsewhere in Clayton, this parcel is zoned commercial, and that the church has had a verbal offer from the city at price plus 10 percent profit, AND a verbal (then emailed) offer from a local commercial developer to formalize a contract at the $1.4 million plus a premium to be determined. It is important to look at these two claims. If the church’s claim is correct (it may seem that) they think that would allow them to build upon the parcel. If there have been no offers it would lend credence to their claim that it’s an unwanted commercial parcel so letting the church build upon it would be a benefit for Clayton. There is nothing in the Town Center Specific Plan saying a church is allowed or zoned. In fact this parcel is definitely shown on the zoning map as Town Center Commercial. The language on pages 19 and 125 clearly state the city’s objective to “develop Main Street as a shopping street with as few breaks in the shopping frontage as possible.” . . . It’s important that the church members and the citizens of Clayton know the facts in forming their decisions and

the facts are: (1) Usage as a “church” is not stated, recommended or zoned within the TCSP, and (2) if the church weren’t the buyers, there is demand for and others who would indeed buy this 1.66 acre parcel and develop it as the prime two-story retail/commercial that it is zoned for. The church spurning and not wanting such offers known to the public, does not mean that the offers weren’t indeed made. Skip Ipsen

Half-truths or lies? Re: (Pioneer) claims that multiple offers have been made for the church property: Don’t you worry that what you’re spreading might in fact be half-truths or indeed, all out lies? Have you forgotten how to check for facts? Or perhaps you never learned – nor care to do so. I hope that over the holidays you take stock in what you’re doing and decide (for the best interest of your business) to become a bona-fide publisher. Mike Calamusa Pioneer answers: The two offers referred to in our article in the Dec. 7 issue are properly sourced and documented. Gary Napper told Shawn Robinson at their meeting on Dec. 16, 2006, that the city had Redevelopment Agency funds available to purchase the parcel from the church at a 10 percent premium. We also spoke with Councilwoman Julie Pierce who was at that meeting and corroborated what Mr. Napper had said. Councilman Dave Shuey was also present when the offer was made. The other offer was an expression of interest in buying the property and was first made verbally by Uzoma Nwakuche at the October CBCA meeting. He followed it up with an email to Shawn Robinson and Larry Easterly dated Nov. 26. Here is Mr. Nwakuche’s email: Dear Dr. Robinson, Following the announcement I made during October’s CBCA meeting of my company’s (Komgold, Inc) intention to make an offer on the 1.66 acre property, I have spoken and corresponded with Larry Easterly of Clayton Community Church.

Council, from page A1 the mayor’s seat the following year. Before stepping aside, Walcutt gave a brief retrospective of his year in office, recalling the passage of the new Landscape Maintenance District as the definite high point. “The whole community should be proud of a tax measure on the ballot that got over 83 percent support.” The city made great strides in its downtown revitalization efforts, he continued, with the opening of Longs Drugs, the groundbreaking of Flora Square, the park which is due to

open Jan. 12, and the long awaited completion of the Village Market. “I’m looking forward to buying a sandwich at the market and taking it over to the park to eat,” said Walcutt. “Unfortunately, I think the park will open before the market.” With that, he thanked the community for their letters and emails and expressed relief that Clayton’s 150th anniversary is over and he wouldn’t have to struggle with the word “sesquicentennial” anymore. With that he handed over

We do not want to upset any pre-existing negotiations and agreements – rather our intent is to position ourselves as a potential buyer in any event. We understand that the purchase price of the property is $1.4 million and we are willing to offer a premium on that amount in a formal offer. I await your response. Thank you for your time. Uzoma Nwakuche

Reject TCSP amendment Mayor Walcut and members of the Council I urge you all to immediately reject the Planning Commission Amendment, send it back to them for reconsideration or preferably an untimely demise; and, at least wait to adjudicate such an important decision until after the Church has had a chance to submit a project and their proposal can have a full and open Public Debate. Glenn Miller

Parking Study clarified I read the CCC’s “Rest of the Story newsletter mailing and was aghast at the misrepresentations, the untruths, and not so closely veiled threats to our city . . . The Town Center Parking Study of May 2006 . . . was totally misrepresented in the newsletter. (A Parking Study prepared by the city in 2006 looked at) the current parking conditions in the Town Center and identified options for stimulating and increasing commercial development. The Study recommended relaxing the parking standards in order to assure that commercial businesses do not incur excessive costs in providing parking spaces. The CCC Newsletter says that the Parking Study indicates a “shortage of parking spaces (between 264 and 452 spaces).” The newsletter further states that the prime (downtown) property the CCC recently purchased was NOT needed to meet the projected future commercial development. These are false statements. The Parking Study reflects that with the projected new commercial development of 113,000 sf. ft. under existing 2006 parking standards, 452 parking spaces would be required. The Study, as amendthe gavel and his “magic pen” to Gregg Manning, explaining “this is the magic pen I used to write 24 columns for the Clayton Pioneer. It’s magic because it runs out of ink after 700 words.” This is Manning’s fifth time as mayor and the continued economic development of the downtown is at the top of his list of priorities for the coming year. Not far behind that is to implement the recommendations of the Trails and Landscape Maintenance Committee (TLC), the oversight committee mandated by the Landscape Maintenance District regulations. “We need to show the people of

ed, would require 264 spaces. These parking spaces are required to serve the projected commercial development. The Study says there is NO shortage of parking spaces! Also the prime property the CCC purchased, by its size and location, is most certainly needed for a vibrant and successful retail district in the Town Center, and was included in the land requirements. Since preparing the 2006 Parking Study, the City has purchased the . . . property at the corner of High Street and Diablo Street and will be building more public parking. The Study concluded that with the recommended alternative standards and strategies, there would be adequate parking in the Town Center for commercial development. It really makes me wonder why the ‘Alliance for Clayton’ and the Church would distort something like this when looking the Study clearly states the facts! Lynn Hadley

December 21, 2007

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Town Center should remain commercial I have been a resident of Clayton for over 12 years and have watched the struggles that the city has gone through related to revenue to fund basic services. I firmly believe that the town center should be left for commercial properties and that we should continue to look for opportunities to bring more growth and business into Clayton like the most recent ventures. (At the Planning Commission meeting on Nov. 27) One church representative was loosely claiming discrimination and the threat of law suits. I did agree with him on one statement. The only winners will be the attorneys if this is the route this goes. Litigation around an issue like this can be very costly. I work in insurance defense and I know what it can take to pursue and to defend this type of litigation. Obviously litigation is not in the best interest of the city and obviously the church and its members are looking out for their own interest and not what is best for Clayton if litigation is the fall back position . . . Mark Lavezzoli

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Clayton that they made the right decision when they approved the landscape tax.” He also will encourage all of the council members to complete the Community Emergency Response Team training offered by the police department. Manning completed the training this year. Finally, he wants to see a review of the city’s water usage, especially in the Community Park above the ball fields. “And I have ecological concerns related to garbage collection…,” he said. Expect a review of that issue to be added to the city’s 2008 goals and objectives list.

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December 21, 2007

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer .com

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Page A7

Current market means it may be a good time to trade up For years, the housing market has favored sellers. Now, balance has returned to our real estate market. Some sellers are complaining that they missed the boat and that they should have sold two years ago when the market was hot. Even so, today’s market offers opportunities for enterprising buyers and sellers who understand current market dynamics. Buyers were at a distinct disadvantage in the last few years. Inventories were at record lows. Many buyers found themselves losing out to other buyers in one multiple offer competition after another. Some prospective buyers dropped out of the market altogether, convinced they’d never succeed in such a frenzied marketplace. Now these buyers have a second chance. Not only is there less competition today than there was two years ago, there is more inventory. And, interest rates are considerably lower than they were last year. This

makes a home purchase more affordable. Anecdotal evidence suggests that the number of first-time buyers is increasing. Entry-level buyers got a boost when Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac raised their conforming loan limits to $317,000. Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae are two quasi-governmental agencies that purchase mortgages on the secondary mortgage market. These mortgages typically carry the best interest rates and terms. The new loan limit is good news for buyers attempting to buy a home in higher priced areas like ours. According to Freddie Mac, an additional 250,000 buyers became eligible for lower cost loans when the new limits became effective. Trade-up homebuyers can also benefit from the current market. Home prices of properties in the upper end of the market – particularly homes over $1 million – have softened. But lower-end housing prices

haven’t fallen as much. For buyers who are moving from a lower-priced home to a more expensive home, this means that you could pay less for your new home than you would have last year. To further sweeten the deal, the price of the home that you’re selling may not have declined as much. In the Bay Area, for example, there is a glut of inventory of listings over $1 million. As a trade-up buyer, you can have your pick. And, you may even be able to negotiate a great deal. So you can potentially do well both buying and selling in the same market. Sellers can also benefit from the current market, if they set realistic expectations. Your best bet is to analyze the current competition from listings similar to yours. Then select a list price for your home that is lower than the list price of your stiffest competition. Homeowners who have no interest in buying or selling are realizing significant savings

Events, from page A1 May. Thirty-eight citizens completed the six-week program, which prepared them to assist the police and fire department if a major disaster cut Clayton off from the rest of the county for several days or weeks. The program is funded by a grant from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

community causes, Jill was the Pioneer’s assistant editor and display advertising manager and the first person hired by Tamara and Bob Steiner after they bought the Pioneer in April 2003.

JILL BEDECARRÉ In June, Clayton and the Pioneer lost a community supporter, crackerjack reporter, advertising manager and dear friend when Jill Bedecarré lost her courageous 17-month battle with breast cancer. A tireless supporter of the Dana Hills Swim Club, Mt. Diablo Soccer Association and countless other

57TH BEST Clayton made Money Magazine’s 100 Best Places to Live list, ranking 57th in the nation and first of the three Northern California cities listed. It was Clayton’s good schools, small size and low crime rate that earned the coveted spot. Money Magazine also took note of Clayton’s extensive walking trails and all the construction activity, including the new downtown park.

EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY

CONTESTED DAYCARE A use permit for a Large Family Daycare was approved in September after a series of heated public hearings. Shelly Alves’ application to increase the size of her daycare from eight children to 14 was opposed by neighbors around her home on Golden Eagle Way. The permit was granted on the condition that she establish and enforce traffic controls and parking rules. LONGS OPENS In October, the new Longs Drugs at the corner of Center Street and Clayton Road opened to cheers and rave reviews.

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through refinancing. If you haven’t begun the process, don’t hesitate. We don’t know how long interest rates will stay this low. There is a lot of uncertainty in the current financial market. If you’re buying, make sure that you have a long-term horizon. Home prices could soften further before they rise again. This is a natural part of the economic cycle. It only becomes a problem if you have to sell in a down market. If you’re not sure you’ll be in the home for at least five years, this may not be the right time for you to buy. Lynne French is the broker/owner of Windermere Lynne French & Associates and a Clayton resident. For any real estate needs or questions, contact her at 672-8787, Lynne@LynneFrench.com or stop in at 6200 Center St. in Clayton.

The building, located on a parcel that presented the architects with several challenges, is reminiscent of the buildings in the Gold Rush towns of the Sierra foothills and was praised for its design by city officials. The store has a drive-through pharmacy, a wellness center and a full beauty and cosmetic department and is expected to generate about $36,000 in sales tax for the city. FLORA SQUARE TAKES SHAPE The Longs opening was followed by groundbreaking for the new Flora Square building at the corner of Oak and Center streets. The project was formerly called Oak Center. The Western-themed building’s ground floor will be devoted to retail shopping and dining establishments and the upstairs will be offices. Clayton resident Uzoma Nwakuche has partnered with Collier’s International and a San Jose investor to develop the 14,000 sq. ft. building. Nwakuche has several tenants already lined up for the new building, including a coffee and bagel shop, a dry cleaning dropoff and a seafood restaurant. He has also set aside space on the ground floor for a small art gallery. Flora Square is the latest project in the long-awaited revitalization of downtown Clayton

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Think you’re prepared? Think again One of the more important items in your emergency cache is a trusty flashlight. Earthquakes or other disasters can come without warning and could bring total darkness. At 8:05 p.m. on Oct. 30, 2007, we had a 5.6 earthquake in San Jose. I’m a “wannabe” geologist and within five minutes of the quake, I received several text messages from friends. Even though we didn’t experience any effects from the quake, I decided to put our preparedness to the test and round up my nine flashlights. I wanted to ensure they were working properly. After all, you never know what Mother Earth or PG&E has in store for us. This seemingly simple chore turned into a nearly 45-minute treasure hunt. You see, in our humble abode, we have three kids under the age of 9 – not to mention an old yellow Lab who is like a fourth child. I discovered my kids were fascinated with sitting in dark closets playing with flashlights and giving our 3-year-old son and dog the occasional guided tour through a dark house. Between the flashlights that the kids ditched under the couch and the others they left

HARUN SIMBIRDI

SAFETY ZONE for dead without turning off the light, I miraculously managed to find all nine. Flabbergasted by the unplanned treasure hunt, I lined up the flashlights to begin some basic testing. It turned out only two worked; the others required a crash course in electrical engineering to troubleshoot the simple instruments. Did you ever realize how quickly expensive batteries begin to leak and corrode? I began to wonder: How much money did I spend on these quality batteries? Fortunately, I knew where the paper towels and knives were to scrape and wipe up the mess. All of this – and I thought I was prepared.

Police, from page A3 Yonge was selected for the Volunteer of the Year by his peers. He has been a VIPS (Volunteer In Police Service) volunteer since the program’s inception last year. Yonge is best known in the community for his work with the Neighborhood Watch program, making five presentations to over 160 residents this past year. He serves as president of Clayton’s Citizen Corps Council and represents Clayton on the county’s CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) council. He also mans the city’s Emergency Command Center at special events like the Oktoberfest.

McLaughlin joined the department as an active Police Explorer about a year ago, and was recently promoted to the rank of Sergeant of Police Explorers. “Matt quickly established himself as a valuable member of the department’s Explorer program,” said Chief Lawrence. “He is a ‘can do’ volunteer employee and will make a fine police officer if he so chooses.” The chief specifically recognized McLaughlin’s responsibility for maintaining the department’s parade vehicle, a ’71 Plymouth Satellite, and for setting up the classroom for the department’s CERT classes.

Boyd, from page A3 into the army. Betty was still a student at Occidental College about to begin her work as a teacher. Howard remembers proposing to her after they had been to the theater in Los Angeles. Betty still wears the engagement ring he gave her that night. They were married at home on December 1, 1942 and spent their honeymoon at the Pasadena Hotel before Howard was shipped off for training. With a twinkle in his eye, Howard claims he asked Betty to marry him because single soldiers only made

$21, married men in the army earned $35 a month. As a war bride, Betty taught elementary school until her hero arrived home two years to the day later to help her set up house. Together they raised four children and have two grandchildren and five great grandchildren. It’s no secret to anyone who knows the Boyds that each has a wonderful sense of humor. That and love have been the foundation of their 65 year long marriage. The Boyds live at Diamond Terrace.

In between all of my colorful metaphors, I managed to chuckle and may have even began to crack a smile. But it wasn’t over. We needed four D, four C and four AA batteries. You guessed it, we had no D or AA batteries. What’s the lesson in all of this? Honestly, I was humbled and thanked the lucky stars this hadn’t been a real emergency. Moreover, it made me realize that just as you know where your paper towels are, you should be able to find flashlights and replacement batteries. If an emergency like a quake were to hit, there would be no warning.

Oh, as for the adventurous kids in the house, you should consider supporting their career ambitions to become tour guides by giving them small flashlights they call their own. Keep your stash of flashlights in a place that is easily accessible only by adults. Check your flashlights twice per year – on daylight savings time changes or some other memorable dates. For more helpful hints and links to disaster preparedness Websites, visit www.claytoncert.com. For more information about joining the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), call Lynn Christ at 673-7350.

Claus, from page A2 a My Littlest Petshop diary. Jack, 4 years old, attends KinderCare. He received Star Wars figurines which he has been telling his parents about for months. Santa said he has many ways of finding the perfect gifts for each child including “wave thoughts,” telling children, “When you think of what you want, your thoughts go out and out like waves until they come to me at the North Pole.” Santa said he is trying to keep up with technology by accepting e-mail. Christmas wishes sent via the U.S. Post Office still get to the North Pole as well. Of course a visit to Santa for a photo gives you a short personal interview with the man himself, plus a candy cane. Hundreds of families from Clayton and surrounding areas visited with Santa after the Skow children’s private breakfast. Parents Sara and Eric Skow, owners of the Royal Rooster, won their special meeting at the Mt. Diablo Elementary PFC Spring Auction. Nana Jean Alamillo of Lafayette joined her grandchildren for the incredible event; it was her first personal interview with the holiday couple as well. The siblings were very excited with anticipation of meeting the Clauses. Emma wore a sleeveless red dress with velour top and satin A-line with a rhinestone buckle detail at the

empire waist. Jack sported a long-sleeve white polo with black stripes nicely juxtaposing his black-and-white checkered Vans. Upon arrival Jack got a little nervous and ducked behind his mother. Crystal Claus warmly welcomed the family and they soon sat down to enjoy chocolates, cookies, juice and a host of mouthwatering pastries. Mrs. Claus made herself available to the Skow family and throughout the morning to answer any questions. “Santa is in charge of taking gift requests, he covers all things to do with toys,” said Mrs. Claus. “I answer any questions about the reindeer or the North Pole.” Emma learned that just like her, Santa’s favorite food is spaghetti and meatballs. He prefers the winding around the fork method. “It turns his beard red,” said Mrs. Claus, “but it washes out.” Sydney Alcock and Lisa York co-chaired the Mrs. Claus event for the CBCA this year. Several Clayton sixth graders and a CVHS freshman boy acted as Elves to serve breakfast, arrange details and give free Polaroid family photographs throughout the day. “I gave the Elves at the North Pole the day off,” said Santa. “They can relax or dance around, do whatever they want to gear up for the busy season ahead. There are a lot of children this year… a population boom.”

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Page A9

THE

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Well, it finally happened. The publishing business has done what the film industry has been doing for years – it’s saved the best books for the end of the year. If you are a parent and your child is introduced to poetry in school, you owe it to yourself (thus avoiding the expected groans) and your children to buy “The Poet’s Corner: The One-And-Only Poetry Book for the Whole Family.” John Lithgow has yanked the living world of poetry out of the death clutches of academia and returned it to the people for whom it was originally written. You might think about giving this book to your kids’ favorite English teacher or donating a copy to the school library. Lithgow, that skinny comedic actor who broke us up in “Third Rock From the Sun,” has done what almost every high school English teacher failed to do. He has breathed life, and dare I say it, excitement, into the world of poetry. And what makes Lithgow such an expert? Well, his father produced Shakespearean festivals in Ohio and, to seal the deal, Lithgow has a poetry-reciting grandmother. In his opening remarks, Lithgow reminds us that poet-

ry is and has always been a part of our lives. Every nursery rhyme, radio jingle, jump rope chant, limerick and rap is poetry. Those catchy lyrics? Yes, poetry. The beauty of this book is that you get to move through hundreds of years of English verse at your own pace. As a reward for finishing the whole thing, an accompanying CD features selected poems

read by some of the finest actors around. It’s a gas to go back and try reading along with the actor. For every person who has no idea what Geoffrey Chaucer was saying in Middle English as his Canterbury pilgrims told their tales, wonder no more. Lithgow has happily explained enough about the raunchy and bawdy stories to entice even the timid and fearful reader. He assures us that some of the tales include jokes about farts.

Yes, dear readers, Chaucer was funny. He was also pithy, observant and groundbreaking in his use of the English language. Lithgow’s selections run the gamut, from Chaucer to Ginsberg, from Blake to Nash, and a host of others. You’ll find more than a few happy surprises. Each poet is introduced with a short bio, describing a bit about the poet and the time in which he or she wrote. It’s the kind of info we’d see on “Entertainment Tonight,” because, with few exceptions, these men and women fully intended to entertain. With that taken care of, Lithgow inserts a few of his favorite titles from the poet and then presents a poem. The poem is followed by a delightfully enlightening insight into what has just been read. Mind you, Lithgow does not try to tell you exactly what you are to get from the poem. Hurrah, for Lithgow. This is followed by a quote from the poet and sometimes a second poem (we can thus guess who are Lithgow’s favorites). What makes the book worthwhile is not only Lithgow’s love of his subject, but his honesty in dealing with its difficulty as well as its beauty. For those of us who read and write poetry, “The Poets’ Corner” has been a long time coming. I can’t say when I’ve been so excited about a book. Lithgow makes us see the strength of our English lan-

guage in all its shapes, colors, sounds and rhythms. And if he thinks what he has written might be insufficient, he often

“For every person who has no idea what Geoffrey Chaucer was saying in Middle English as his Canterbury pilgrims told their tales, wonder no more. Lithgow has happily explained enough about the raunchy and bawdy stories to entice even the timid and fearful reader.” adds a Website where more of the poet’s work can be found and often heard, sometimes in the poet’s own voice. The poems selected may be remembered by many with some distaste, but read anew, under the gentle prodding of Lithgow, you may read them as the poets intended – words meant to fire your imagination, tickle your funny bone, bend your heart, touch your soul. As Lithgow says, “If the poems are new to you, grab on to them, wrestle with them, fall in love with them, make them a part of you.”

Sunny Solomon is the BookLady and manager of Clayton Books in the Clayton Station. She holds an MA in English and Creative Writing from San Francisco State University. Sunny is a poet and loves to “talk books.” Reach her with questions or comments at 673-3325.

Remember to care for your skin during winter Well, the winter season is upon us, and our skin is drying out more than ever. The cold weather makes us turn on the heaters and that warm, dry air sucks the moisture right out of us. To minimize the loss of moisture, we must remember to drink fluids. In the winter, we tend to drink less because we don’t seem to get as thirsty as in the summer. We don’t perspire as much, so the moisture doesn’t get to the top of the skin. In winter, try using thicker moisturizing creams rather

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the lotions also are effective. Use hand lotion on a regular basis, selecting one that is more water-resistant. For the face, apply moisturizing lotions or creams at least twice a day and always wear sunscreen. Yes, sunscreen is necessary even in the winter. A good lip moisturizer also is important. You should still follow the same cleansing routine as in the summer. A good body lotion applied after your shower or bath can be helpful. Try to use liquid soaps rather than bar soaps. If you are

using a deodorant/antiperspirant soap, switch to a shower gel or moisturizing soap for the body and use the deodorant/antiperspirant soap only on the underarms. Check your soaps for glycerin, avocado, shea butter and jojoba oil, because these are all good for moisturizing the skin. Your moisturizer should go on over damp skin. This helps seal in even more moisture.

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Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

December 21, 2007

Clayton Community Calendar PLEASE SUBMIT YOUR CLAYTON COMMUNITY CALENDAR EVENTS BY 5 P.M. JAN. 2 FOR THE JAN. 11 ISSUE. FAX TO 672-6580 OR E-MAIL calendar@claytonpioneer.com EVENTS & ENTERTAINMENT DEC. 31 Clayton Counts Down @ Clayton Community Gym 5 - 10:30 p.m. Annual Clayton Counts Down New Year's Eve party for families in an alcohol-free environment with food, games and prizes. Clayton Community Gym, 700 gym Court. For information call YMCA at 889-1600. JAN. 6 Annual Curbside Christmas Tree Recycling Clayton residents, have your tree curbside by 8 a.m. for recycling of your Christmas tree. Keep your tree out of landfill and help support Boy Scout Troop 484. Donations accepted, checks made to Troop 484 and attach to tree inside a bag or send to BSA Troop 484, c/o 709Tally Ho Court, Clayton 94517. No flocked or artificial trees. Questions? Call Ken Frey at 925-3231524 or kjfrey1701@yahoo.com. JAN. 15 Queen of All Saints School 60th Anniversary Alumni Planning Meeting @ QAS School Hall 7 p.m. We welcome alumni who attended Queen of All Saints School to a pizza planning meeting in preparation for the school's 60th anniversary. Our hope is to grow the alumni committee to ensure a successful celebration. For Information call Mary at (925)685-8700 or email mgatz@csdo.org/msw4@sbcgolbal.net. Queen of All Saints School, 2391 Grant Street, Concord.

CLUBS & ORGANIZATIONS DEC. 22, JAN. 12, 26 Scrabble Club @ Carl's Jr. 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. Club meets the second and fourth Saturday of the month. All ages and skill levels. Prizes and contests. We have grown from six players to a roster of sixty in a year's time. Just $2 to play for the day. Carl's Jr., 1530 Kirker Pass Road, Clayton. DEC. 23, 30, JAN. 6, 13 Alcoholics Anonymous Meeting @ Clayton Community Church 7-8 p.m. AA Big Book Study every Sunday night. 673-9060. Clayton Community Church, 6055 Main St., Clayton. DE.C 27, JAN. 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 Rotary Club of Clayton Valley Concord Sunrise @ Oakhurst 7 a.m. every Thursday. Meeting includes breakfast and usually features a speaker. Visit www. claytonvalleyrotary.org or call Chuck Graham at 6897640. Oakhurst Country Club, 1001 Peacock Creek Dr., Clayton. DEC. 27, JAN. 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 Weights Watchers Meeting @ Contra Costa Farm Bureau Building 10 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. Thursdays. Weekly Weight Watchers weigh-in and meetings. Call 800-326-8450, x 2023. Contra Costa Farm Bureau, 5554 Clayton Rd., Concord. JAN. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 Kiwanis Club of Walnut Creek 12-1:30 p.m. every Tuesday. All are invited to check us out and be our guest for lunch. Call Sam Totah at 941-1536. Massimo’s Ristorante, 1604 Locust St., Walnut Creek.. JAN. 3 Sons in Retirement (SIRS) @ Oakhurst Country Club 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Meetings are the first Thursday of the month. SIRs is dedicated to promoting the independence and dignity of retired men and has no initiation fees or dues. The only requirement, other than being a man who is retired from his primary employment or career, is attendance at the monthly luncheons. Oakhurst Country Club, 1001 Peacock Creek Dr., Clayton. For more information, call Carl Sisson, 672-6418.

DEC. 27, JAN. 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 Contra Costa Chess Club @ Starbucks, Clayton 7:30 - 10:30 p.m. every Thursday. The Contra Costa Chess Club welcomes chess players of all ages and skill levels, and we provide instruction and materials for beginners. We are governed by the USCF Rules of Chess, and it's coffeehouse chess at its best. There is no cost to playing in or joining the club. Contra Costs Chess Club meeting at Starbuck's, 1536 Kirker Pass Rd., Clayton. JAN. 6 Knitting Club @ Concord Library 2-4 p.m. the first Sunday of the month. Have you noticed that knitting is all the rage? Join the group and get creative. 646-5455. Concord Library, 2900 Salvio St. JAN. 7 Clayton Valley 4-H Club @ Farm Bureau Hall, Concord 7 p.m. Open to boys and girls ages 5 - 19, and adults. Many projects, community service and leadership opportunities. Conferences, 4-H Camp and scholarships. For information contact Candy Hogan 925 969-1325. Farm Bureau Hall, 5554 Clayton Rd. Concord 94521. JAN. 8 Knights of Columbus @ St. Agnes Church Hall 7:30 p.m. the first Tuesday of the month. We look forward to seeing our brother Knights at the general membership meeting of the Knights of Columbus Concord Council 6038 of Concord and Clayton. St. Agnes Church, 3478 Chestnut St., Concord. JAN. 8, 22 Clayton Valley Woman's Club @ Holy Cross Lutheran Church 9:30 a.m. coffee; 10 a.m. meeting the second and fourth Tuesday of the month. Call Joyce at 672-3850 or Sheila at 672-7947. Holy Cross Lutheran Church, 1092 Alberta Way, Concord. JAN. 9 Creekside Artists Guild - General Meeting @ Clayton Community Library 7p.m. Come hear the exciting plans for the 2008 New Year! All levels and all art forms are welcome! Join this unique group of eclectic artists that meet the 2nd Wednesday of each month. S-T-R-E-T-C-H your artistic boundaries and bring artwork to the meeting that creatively expresses this months theme, "WINTER CHEER" if you wish." We provide an environment for all artists to inspire, create, educate and prosper"...Questions? Arlene KikkawaNielsen (925) 673-9777, email: nielsenjanc@aol.com or visit our website: www.creeksideartists.org JAN. 13 Concord Mystery Book Club @ Concord Library 2:30-4 p.m. All mystery readers are invited to participate and explore a different genre each month. Group meets the second Sunday of the month. Concord Library, 2900 Salvio Street, Concord, 646-5455. JAN. 13 VFW Breakfast @ Concord Veterans Memorial Hall 8 - 11 a.m. Breakfast is held on the second Sunday of each month. The menu includes eggs, pancakes, sausages, coffee, tea and orange juice. $4/adults and $2/children under 12. Concord Veterans Memorial Hall located at 2290 Willow Pass Road, Concord.

JAN. 23 Blue Star Mom Meeting in Concord 6:30 p.m. the fourth Wednesday of each month. Blue Star Moms is a support and service group for those serving in all branches of the Armed Forces. 1792 Elmhurst Lane, Concord, 676-3654. JAN. 31 Clayton Business & Community Association @ Oakhurst Country Club 6:30 p.m. Monthly dinner meeting the last non-holiday Thursday of the month. This is a great place to meet fellow Claytonites and become involved in some of the ongoing events that CBCA sponsors. Cost of the dinner is $24. Reservations due by Tuesday noon prior, 672-2272. Mike Fossan, President. Oakhurst Country Club, 1001 Peacock Creek Dr., Clayton.

BUSINESS & GOVERNMENT JAN. 8, 22 Clayton Planning Commission @ Clayton Community Library 7 p.m. The commission meets the second and fourth Tuesday of the month. www.ci.clayton.ca.us or 673-7304. Clayton Library Meeting Room, 6125 Clayton Road. JAN. 8, 15, 22, 29 County Board of Supervisors @ County Administration Building 9 a.m. Tuesday mornings. www.co.contra-costa.ca.us or 335-1900. County Administration Building, 651 Pine St., Room 107, Martinez. JAN. 10 Clayton Community Services Commission @ Clayton City Hall 7 p.m. The commission meets the second Thursday of the month. Clayton City Hall, 6000 Heritage Trail. JAN. 14 Clayton Trails and Landscape Committee @ Clayton Library 7 p.m. The committee meets the second Monday of the month. Residents are invited to attend to hear what is being proposed and to provide input and get answers to questions. Clayton Community Library Meeting Room, 6125 Clayton Road. JAN. 1, 15 Clayton City Council @ Clayton Community Library 6 p.m. The council meets the first and third Tuesday of the month. Agendas posted at City Hall, 6000 Heritage Trail. Clayton Community Library Meeting Room, 6125 Clayton Road.

SCHOOLS AND EDUCATION JAN. 9 Parent Faculty Club Meeting @ Diablo View Middle School 7 p.m. Meetings held in the school library. All parents welcome. Dates, times and places are subject to change. Diablo View Middle School, 300 Diablo View Lane, Clayton.

JAN. 16 Ygnacio Valley Republican Women @ Oakhurst County Club. 10 a.m. Lunch is $20. Installation of new officers. Please phone Barbara Allen at 672-5061. YVRW meets the 3rd Wednesday of the month. Oakhurst Country Club, 1001 Peacock Creek Drive, Clayton.

JAN. 10 Parent Faculty Club (PFC) @ Clayton Valley High School (CVHS) 7 p.m. Club meets in the school's library. All parents/guardians in the school community are welcome and encouraged to attend. If you are interested in placing an item on the agenda, please contact either of the Co-Presidents: Dianna Sutherland: 672-9392, dandb200@pacbell.net or Carolyn Hartnell 672-4146, crhartnell@earthlink.net. CVHS, 1101 Alberta Way, Concord.

JAN. 17 Veterans of Foreign Wars Meeting @ Concord Veterans Hall 6 p.m., meeting begins at 7 p.m. the third Thursday of the month. All veterans of foreign wars are invited to attend. The VFW is here to support eligible veterans and their families. Wives and daughters of eligible veterans are invited to join the Ladies Auxiliary. Veterans Memorial Hall, corner of Colfax and Willow Pass Road, Concord.

JAN. 15 Parent Faculty Club Meeting @ Mt. Diablo Elementary 7 p.m., Club meets in the library. Make a difference in your child's education. For items to be included on the agenda, contact PFC co-presidents Kristy Smith 673-1795, kristinsmith@yahoo.com or Susan Sovik, 673-5094, jsovik@earthlink.net. Childcare is available. Watch website for details. http://www.mdusd.k12.ca.us/mountdiabloelementary/.

YMCA Calendar of Activities tunnels, towers, and more. Campers will build motorized cars, trains, buses, and trucks and then race, crash and repair them. Explore the many possibilities of LEGO building systems while learning useful construction techniques and having a ton of fun!

The Clayton YMCA offers a variety of classes and activities for all ages. From Pilates to ornament decorating, from Kids’ Nights Out to Lego Camp, try the Y for fun things to do. DEC. 26-28 BASKETBALL CAMP AT 9 a.m. -12 p.m., Grades 1-5. Score a slam dunk! You’ll have a blast at this camp designed for basketball players of all levels. Drills, games and fun are the highlights for this camp so sign up and start dribbling. JAN. 2-4 LEGO CAMP: PRE-ENGINEERING 9 a.m. -12 p.m. Grades K-2. Create, play and learn. Instructors from Play-Well TEKnologies, a company specializing in teaching engineering to kids, will help campers build a town, city or star base with houses, buildings, pyramids, bridges,

JAN. 2-4 LEGO CAMP: ENGINEERING FUNDAMENTALS 1-4 pm, Grades 3-5. Led by instructors from Play-Well TEKnologies, campers will get to design and build motorized machines, catapults, pyramids, demolition derby cars, truss and suspension bridges, buildings, and other constructions. Explore concepts in physics, mechanical engineering, structural engineering, and architecture while playing with your favorite creations. This is a hands-on and minds-on class suitable for LEGO novices to “maniacs.” JAN. 6-MAR. 16 ADULT BASKETBALL: MEN’S 5 ON 5 AT THE CLAYTON COMMUNITY GYM Sunday evenings from 5-9 p.m., age eighteen and up. Show off your skills in the YMCA Men’s 5 on 5 Basketball league. This is an eight week season that meets once a week for a game. At the end of the sea-

son a playoff will be held to find the winner of the league. League winners will receive championship jerseys. Contact Jacob Duncan at 925.889.1600 or ccyprograms@mdrymca.org for more information. JAN. 8-29 VOLLEYBALL OPEN GYM AT THE CLAYTON COMMUNITY GYM Tuesday evenings from 7-10 p.m. Call 925.889.1600 for more information or visit mdrymca.org to register. JAN. 9-30 PILATES AT THE CLAYTON COMMUNITY GYM Wednesday evenings from 6:457:45 p.m., age twelve and up. All levels welcome. This class benefits all body systems and contributes to overall wellness. This ongoing class is an ideal complement to any exercise program and great for stress relief. Call 925.889.1600 for more information or visit mdrymca.org to register. JAN. 10-MAR. 13 ADULT VOLLEYBALL AT THE CLAYTON COMMUNITY GYM Thursday evenings from 7:30-10 p.m., age eighteen and up. If you like to pass, set and spike the YMCA Co-ed Adult Volleyball league is for you. This is an eight week season that meets once a week

for a game. At the end of the season a playoff will be held to find the winner of the league. League winners will receive championship tshirts. Contact Jacob Duncan at 925.889.1600 or ccyprograms@mdrymca.org for more information. JAN. 10-31 TUMBLING TOTS AT ENDEAVOR HALL Thursdays from 1:30-2:30 p.m., age three through five. Tumbling Tots is a structured playgroup that emphasizes developmentally appropriate activities that encourage coordination, memorization and motor skills. Call 925.889.1600 for more information or visit mdrymca.org to register. JAN. 19 KIDS NIGHT OUT AT THE CLAYTON COMMUNITY GYM 6-11 p.m., age three through twelve. Bring the kids down to the Clayton Community Gym for an evening of fun while you have a night out on the town. Children will enjoy crafts, games, movies, and dinner while you are worry-free knowing they are in a safe and friendly environment. Dinner and snacks are provided. Kids Night Out is offered the third Saturday each month from 6:00-11:00 pm. Call 925.889.1600 for more information or visit

mdrymca.org to register. JAN. 25 MOVIE NIGHT AT THE CLAYTON COMMUNITY GYM – SHREK THE THIRD 6-8 p.m. FREE EVENT! Join the YMCA on Fri., Jan. 25 from 6-8 p.m. for an evening filled with movies and popcorn at the Clayton Community Gym! Grab your blanket, pillows, and bean bag chairs and bring your entire family to enjoy our feature for the evening, Shrek the Third. It’ll be sure to keep the whole family entertained! Call 925.889.1600 for more information or visit mdrymca.org to register. JAN. 26-MAR. 15 BASKETBALL 9 a.m, Grades Pre K-8. Dribble, pass and shoot your way into the YMCA’s basketball league. The games are coached by parent volunteers and are refereed by YMCA staff. All practices and games are played for one hour on Saturdays and game times are scheduled by the YMCA at the Clayton Community Gym. Register by December 26 and receive special early bird pricing. For more information or to register for any of these classes, call (925) 889-1600, or register online at mdrymca.org.

December 21, 2007

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

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Flaunting the hit “Lord of the Rings,” New Line hopes the fantasy genre has a new blockbuster in the form of “The Golden Compass,” an adaptation of the book by Philip Pullman. The first part of the trilogy definitely has lasting power, as its new world challenges both our imagination and beliefs. Lyra Belacqua is a refreshing protagonist who defies authority and will only show respect to those who earn it. In her world, people exist with the accompaniment of a daemon, or a manifestation of their soul in the form of an animal. Lyra’s daemon, Pan, serves as her furry conscience and scampering playmate, voiced by Freddie

Highmore. And it would feel good not to be alone when Lyra is faced with the clandestine workings of the Magisterium with her uncle working against them. There is a frightful connection between the Magisterium and the Gobblers, who have been kidnapping children for experimental reasons. Lyra’s uncle (Daniel Craig) pushes her away as she discovers the interesting topic of Dust, a mysterious existence that seems to scare the Magisterium. But Lyra finds adventure in the form of the wicked Ms. Coulter (Nicole Kidman) and the truth-telling golden compass. Aside from some dragging pacing, Compass manages to keep the wonders of its story enough to satisfy. Ian McKellen as Iorek, an armored ice bear, is purely astounding, and paired with Dakota Blue Richards (Lyra), makes a heroic team you want to enter the nastiest battles and come out as victors. Anyone who has read the book should be able to see the underlying themes in the story. Pullman’s works question religion and authority, where even a

DAKOTA BLUE RICHARDS plays Lyra with Sam Elliot as Lee Scorsby in “The Golden Compass.”

fantastical idea such as Dust has startling and interesting meaning. However, from a less indepth point of view, Lyra’s fight is merely one against faceless authority that endangers her friends. Too many of the changes favored the comfort of the audience and, in turn, shying away from controversial issues means more revenue. My final word that I hope director Chris Weitz and audiences learn to appreciate is the importance of the existence of different viewpoints. People cannot be scared of differing

takes on life, but should be trusted to confront them, and whether it shakes their comfort or reaffirms their beliefs is a testament to each person’s own strengths. Give entertainment the chance at intellect, minds the right to explore, and words the power they deserve. There’s a whole world out there, and in Lyra’s case, multiple ones. Natalie Budesa is 17 years old and is a senior at CVHS. She plans to be a screenwriter and author. Send your comments to movies@claytonpioneer.com

“August Rush” simply makes me sad its ugly head. “August Rush” plays like a 2000-page novel ripped down to a two-hour film. No character is truly developed. Relationships are developed and ripped apart before the audience has a chance to decide how they feel about anything. The dialogue is both inane and completely predictable; I was scoffing ten

scene and appear in another with absolutely no apparent transition. We’re left to our own discernment to decide how characters live or what drives them. The storyline I’ve had to create in my head is marvelous – too bad it wasn’t on the screen. Even the most lovely actors are left with little to no sub-

JEANNA ROSS

AT THE MOVIES This movie had it all. A beautiful cast of wonderful performers, a gorgeous score by Hans Zimmer, and a sweet story arch. The trailer alone made this critic cry. When Century Theatres announced they would be airing a preview a week before the wide release, a sold-out crowd of people encircled the outside of the theater in downtown Walnut Creek on a Saturday night. And all for naught. “August Rush” is a wretched film. I feel cheated for having paid full price and guilty for having subjected my husband to such trite contrivances. The basic story is fine. Two musicians conceive a child; their child is also musical. All three feel music in their bones; if they can unite, it will be around their musical sensibilities. Then the hideous part rears

Jamia Simone Nash and Freddie Highmore star in Warner Bros. “August Rush”. minutes into the film as the two stantial dialogue. Freddie young lovers (unsarcastically) Highmore, a favorite since he created such gems as “What are broke my heart in “Finding you looking at?” “You.” Neverland” is restricted to the Wow. Stellar writing. That’s same mantra from page one. He why they’re paid the big bucks, I walks about in a peaceful daze guess. from one bizarre situation to And it only gets worse. the next, even earning laughs Storylines appear and disappear from the audience for his lack at will. Characters walk into one of reaction.

Keri Russell (“Felicity”) and Jonathan Rhys Meyers (“The Tudors”) are a beautiful match, but this relationship they spend two hours attempting to rekindle is based on – maybe – five minutes of screen time. Inane conversation = one night stand = lifelong unhappiness? Sheesh. Get over it. Robin Williams – yet again – has chosen poorly in his role of the Wizard, a Fagin-like musician who takes in the musically inclined runaways who cross his path. Part agent, part musical pimp, he never takes shape, even in his final moments onscreen. The music is the only saving grace to “August Rush.” Freddie Highmore’s title character is a musical prodigy who feels the music in all things, from the beat of a basketball to the wind in the trees. The simplest walk across the street becomes a “Stomp”-like percussive anthem to the beauty inherent in the world we inhabit. But it’s not worth it. Buy the soundtrack or rent it on DVD, but do not attend this film. Jeanna Ross is an English teacher at Clayton Valley High School and a free lance writer. She regularly contributes to the Pioneer. Send comments to her at movies@claytonpioneer.com.

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Page A12

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

Church News

December 21, 2007

Join us this Christmas for a traditional message in a non-traditional setting

Community Church’s family celebration a big hit NICCI SHIPSTEAD Clayton Pioneer

Clayton Community Church held its annual Christmas Banquet at Centre Concord with two fully packed halls of about 400 people. The program included a free ham dinner and dessert, a hilarious drama entitled “Christmas Rewind” and a stunning light show by 16-yearold Jeffrey Holmes. Pastor Shawn Robinson reminded those gathered to focus on the joy and hope in the birth of God’s son – rather than getting caught up in cultural and corporate expectations of big spending, packaged gifts and marketing glitz. Directed and narrated by Marianne Roberts, “The Christmas Rewind” is a modern-day rendition of the centuries old Nativity story. In this account, Mary (Mandi Hall) chats on her cell about King Herod’s recent appearance on MTV’s “Cribs” when the Angel

Zechariah (Ben Botello) is struck dumb (with a bit of duct tape) for his disbelief when the angel tells him that his wife Elizabeth (Susan Fossan) will bear a child in her old age.

(Brad Brigleib) appears. In humble subservience, she accepts the miraculous birth bestowed upon her and with deflated enthusiasm “looks forward” to informing her boyfriend Joseph (John Shipstead) of the incredible event to come. The 21st cen-

tury Angel laments that “nobody believes the Angel anymore” and resorts to modern techniques such as the Clapper and THX surround sound to proclaim his righteous message. Joseph and Mary find the

new millennium does not offer a break, as they have no reservations at either the Ritz-Carlton or Magical 8 Motel. They accept HBO-less accommodations out back of a very humble hotel offering “shower curtains in every room.” The surf-savvy shepherds are informed of the miraculous birth of the Savior and, although unsure what “swaddling cloths” might be, travel to Bethlehem to find the baby Jesus wrapped as a gift in the manger and proclaim, “God is with us.” Jeffrey, a Clayton resident, debuted his holiday light show synchronized to Christmas music. He noted that he and two helpers were busy setting up equipment right up to the start of the show, but Jeffrey hopes to streamline the procedure with practice. “It was probably the best dinner yet,” said Mary O’Neill. “The kids all seemed to really enjoy the light show.”

Christmas Eve Candlelight Service, Dec. 24 at 7 p.m.

10 am Sunday School & Bible Class, 11:15 am Worship

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(925) 524-0295 William Kant, Pastor

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Club News

Photo courtesy Mary Spryer

JoAnn Caspar, left, Janet Easton and Peggy Arundell celebrate at the Clayton Historical Society’s annual meeting.

CLAYTON HISTORICAL SOCIETY As co-chairmen of the Clayton Historical Society’s annual Gardens Tour, JoAnn Caspar and Peggy Arundell were given the Special Recognition Award at the society’s annual meeting at Oddfellows Hall. This award is bestowed annually to individuals or groups whose support, contributions and exemplary service have been vital to the mission of the organization. With Peggy and JoAnn at

the helm for the last 10 years, the Gardens Tour has netted more than $80,000 to benefit the museum on Main Street. They announced that the 2008 Gardens Tour will be April 2627. At the same meeting, an election of officers and directors was held, with John Rubiales as the chairman of the nominating committee. The two new directors are Charmetta Mann and Jeff Crady. The officers remain the same. Janet Easton is president, Carmen

Frank is first vice president, Barbara Allen is second vice president, and Barbara Fogerson and Sheila Driscoll share secretarial duties. The Clayton Historical Society Museum, at 6101 Main St., welcomes volunteers for positions as docents or greeters. Open hours are 2-4 p.m. on Wednesdays and Sundays. The museum is also open for special events downtown and for groups by appointment.

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

SAINT JOHN’S PARISH T HE E PISCOPAL C HURCH

With an unusual, yet effective plan, Guitars Not Guns offers troubled youth the opportunity to focus their energy and stay out of trouble by attending guitar tutorial workshops for eight weeks and earning the right to own their own guitar upon graduation. Ray and Louise Nelson founded GNG in San Jose in 1992. The local chapter is run by vice president Randall Davis, a member of the band Ambrosia in its early, pre-success days. He left the group to attend law school. Teamed with fellow Rotarian Frank Darling, he outlined the program to the Clayton Valley/Concord Sunrise Rotary

at the Dec. 6 meeting. The program raises money to buy guitars and recruit tutors to teach the eight-week class. Gibson Guitars donates 50 guitars each year, as well as offering an unlimited quantity at cost. All the guitars are purchased new. “There are 150,000 foster children in California,” Davis said, “and there are 2,000 in Contra Costa County alone. These kids move homes five to six times before finishing school.” GNG offers stability and a sense of self-worth to the kids by teaching them to tackle problems, as well as feeling a sense of accomplishment at meeting their goals. “Lots of kids have messed-

up home lives,” Davis said. “Mothers with multiple kids, fathers in jail and foster parents who, even though they care, are not always good parents.” “The foster system turns them out at age 18, ready or not,” Darling explained. “Only 10 percent of them are ready. The source of many homeless comes from the foster system.” Both men believe that learning to channel their attention on playing guitar relieves some of the built-up aggression that leads to shootings and other crimes. Many celebrity musicians, such as the Pat Travers Band and George Lynch, have volunteered to tutor the kids in the program. “That’s when you see a dif-

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ferent side to these kids,” Davis noted. “Beneath the tough exterior lies a kid.” Guitars Not Guns has provided more than 200 guitars in the past two years. For additional information, visit www.guitarsnotguns.com.

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December 21, 2007

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

Page A13

Mayor, from page A1

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Real Estate needs Call me voicemail: 925.975.5255 residence: 925.672.0541 email: granyflany@hotmail.com

since services can be unlimited while revenue is finite and we will no doubt do that in 2008. The environment is a current issue and so I expect we will be looking at energy savings, recycling and how to allocate our limited waste disposal options. There will be another

CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) class in April and I would like to see the three council members who have not taken the class enroll. It is difficult to turn on the TV without seeing news of a disaster somewhere. As a city, we need to be trained and ready. This is one of the sub-

jects I will address more extensively in future columns. The economic development of the downtown is a continuing topic for discussion and action. We are seeing residential building downtown. This will put people downtown 24/7. I see this expanding with residential uses above retail stores. I envision 2008 as another year of great achievement for

the city of Clayton and its residents. I will try to keep these columns lucid and concise without being verbose. If anyone has thoughts on these columns or would like me to address some pressing subject in the future, you can e-mail me at claytonmayor2008@ comcast.net. I look forward to hearing from you and to a great year for Clayton.

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Page A14

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

December 21, 2007

Donations drive Food Bank and Crisis Center ANDRÉ GENSBURGER Clayton Pioneer

No one should have to go hungry, say Hugh Toloui and Jorg Westerheide, Clayton residents who donate time, money and services at the Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano and the Monument Crisis Center. “It is more than just giving people food,” Toloui said. “Both these organizations require a lot of manpower to collect, sort and distribute food and other items to where it is needed.”

INSPECTION AND REPACKAGING

The Tuesday Rotary volunteers sorted through six pallets with more than 200 boxes, with products ranging from canned goods to pharmaceuticals, canned and bottled beverages, to diapers and pet food. Each item is inspected to ensure that is it not leaking or opened before it is repacked. Canned goods without labels, glass items, soda and medicinal items cannot be used. Pet food finds its way to other agencies, including the animal shelter.

office to a warehouse facility across from Costco Gas. “In our first year, even though we had a tiny space, we served 84 families,” said executive director Sandra Scherer. “Now we serve 3,700 families.” Most of these families earn less than $17,000 year, with an average income of $800 to $1,200 per month for a family of four. “You can’t make it on that,” Scherer said. “Forty percent of our clients are single mothers of all ages,” Scherer noted. “Over half of our clients are children.”

André Gensburger/Clayton Pioneer

SUSANA CEREGHINO, VIOLET MCCLAUGHRY and Dr. Norman Luebkeman repack potatoes for distribution in front of a rack of completed grocery bags. Each Tuesday morning, Toloui, Westerheide and other volunteers from the Clayton/ Concord Sunrise Rotary spend a few hours sorting through hundreds of boxes of food donated from Safeway, as well as food drives. Safeway contributes about $110 million worth of food yearly, from drives as well as “salvage” items that are no longer viable for sale due to dents, lack of popularity or approaching shelf-life expiration. “The food is perfectly good,” Westerheide said. “It would go to waste otherwise.” “Hunger relief is a very special concern for us,” said Teena Massingill, manager for corporate and public affairs for Safeway. According to executive director Larry Sly, the Food Bank helps feed more than 82,000 people each month. The Food Bank processes more than 8 million pounds of food each year in its 36,000 sq. ft. facility in Concord, enough for 6.4 million meals that are then routed to various agencies that rely on the Food Bank supply chain. The Monument Crisis Center in Concord is one of those agencies.

In the two-hour morning session, more than 80 percent of the items were reboxed for their next journey, by truck, to the Monument Crisis Center. There, they will be shelved by category and bagged for needy individuals, families, seniors and the homeless. “We have been doing this for quite awhile,” Toloui said. “It’s often very difficult for people to get here, but we always need the help.” The sheer volume of the food processed by the Food Bank is staggering. As you walk through the warehouse and see the stacks of packaged boxes reaching the ceiling, you get an idea of the scope of the service provided by the various agencies that coordinate with the Food Bank. It’s almost all volunteerdriven, although Toloui reports that some agencies pay for workers to come. The scene serves as a reminder of the vast need that exists for this service, a need that continues to increase. CRISIS CENTER EXPANDING Now in its fourth year, the Monument Crisis Center has grown from a 10 sq. ft. foot

A VARIETY OF VOLUNTEERS There are about 1,700 hours of volunteer time each month at the center, Scherer said. On this day, Starbucks supplied managers from local stores. Kim Schmidt, manager of the store on Olivera Street in Concord, is also on the Crisis Center’s Board of Directors. She uses her connections to draw in from the Starbucks “family” to help at the center. The volunteers are a welcome sight for Scherer, who makes a point of learning everyone’s names and telling them how appreciative she is. Students from area high schools, such as Carondelet and De La Salle, often come to help out. “It’s an excellent learning experience for teens,” Scherer said, “giving them the opportunity to learn skills while getting a chance to make a huge difference in someone’s life.” The Grocery Outlet on Contra Costa Boulevard donates salvage items in addition to providing Thanksgiving turkeys. Harvest House, across the street from the center, orders huge pallets of rice and beans as needed by the center. “It is amazing what people

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who care can do,” Toloui said. “I do it because I can,” Westerheide said. “It needs to be done.” Ed’s Mudville Grill in Clayton also has been a donor for several years, as well as helping with annual fund-raising efforts. “Even in Clayton, where there is a higher affluence, people would be surprised to find that their neighbors have needed our services,” Scherer said. “Your child may be attending school with a child we have provided services for.” According to Scherer, getting government aid can be a long process. “That does not help you get food on the table today,” she said. “Services at our center are immediate. You come in, complete an application and we go from there. Generally, you leave with groceries and supplies.” DONATIONS ALWAYS NEEDED While food items remain the most donated, there are other things that are in far greater need. “Toilet paper is such a rare commodity that we even have to play Toilet Paper Bingo with our seniors,” Scherer said. “People just assume that toilet paper is readily available. We desperately need it, along with other paper products.” There are 135 seniors in the Seniors Moment program, and they arrive for a morning of activities at the center with a social gathering afterward. When they leave, they take food as part of the brown bag program. This way, they interact with each other and many seniors volunteer as well. “What they do with the seniors is wonderful,” Toloui said. “Everybody can be useful, get self-worth.” Some of the volunteers

André Gensburger/Clayton Pioneer

HUGH TOLOUI AND LARRY HUTCHINGS, repack a box after inspecting each item. started as clients. “We get many clients coming back when their lives have improved and many who continue to need help,” Scherer said. “The Clayton Rotary raised money for computers that we have here for kids to use and also for people needing to type up resumes or look for work.” From the start of the “food chain,” as a shopper places an item in one of the barrels at Safeway, to the brown shopping

bag picked up by a low-income individual, the gift given by many people along the way remains one of hope. “Poverty doesn’t know any city boundaries,” Scherer said. “It can strike anywhere.” For additional information on the Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano, contact Lisa Sherrill at 7711304. For information about donations and volunteering at the Monument Crisis Center, call Sandra Scherer at 825-7751.

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December 21, 2007

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

Page A15

Seniors share touching holiday stories From each of the seniors who It was my first Christmas holihave shared a part of their personal day away from home. A dear history in this column over the Scottish lady that I met at last few years, the greatest gift church invited me to go to me has been listening to with her to Staten Island to her friend’s their heart’s cherished memories. During this holiday house for Christmas. season, a few Clayton resiThey were so kind and dents reminisce about their loving and even gave most memorable holiday me gifts. recollections. Instead of a loneMARIE SUTTON, MARIE SUTTON ly time, it was a 86: In 1943, I was stahappy time. I’ll never tioned in New York City in the forget their kindness to me, a WAVES (Navy) during WWII. 22-year-old girl away from

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home the first time at We got to India and sang for base. Although I was away for the event, his visit did much Christmas. the troops in India and Burma to improve troop morale MARY CALLAHAN, 67: One (now Myanmar). The day of my favorite Christmas mem- before Christmas, an Air and create the tempoories is from the ’70s, when our Corp man stepped up rary sense that “all is eldest children and I made gin- to me and said he wantcalm, all is bright.” COLLEEN ELWY gerbread houses. In the days ed to take me out. The Upon my return to before store-bought kits were first day he came to see the small hut that I SHARING HISTORY available, it was quite a project. shared with several us, he sat in the back The one we chose required row but when he saw other Marines, we lots of candy and my brother 11 x 17 sheet cakes made me for the second CONNIE LECLAIRE decided that we need- would go to the forest to pick ahead and cut warm from ed a Christmas tree. out a tree for us. We had ornaperformance, he a pattern we had to creUsing the only material that was ments and decorated the tree. was in the front row. ate. While the cake A handsome guy in ample supply, empty beer Santa always brought our cured, and smelled with dark hair and blue cans, we erected a small pyra- presents and the tree was in the wonderful, for three eyes, Bill Caskey was his mid-shaped tree. We then strung parlor, where we had 12 chairs days, we searched the name. He told me that a small set of lights around the lined up with our nametags on local candy stores for he was going to be cans. Although it didn’t look or each chair, so we would know decorations. stuffing stockings that smell much like a Christmas what Santa had brought for The decorating MARY CALLAHAN would go to the Polish tree, it was an inspiring symbol each of us. We would mostly was the most fun. orphans and asked me of what we thought mostly get clothes and also an orange After assembling the body of if I wanted to help. I spent my about at that time. with a small bag of hard the house, the fancy French Christmas Day stuffing stockWith Christmas rapidly candy. hard candies and others were ings. That was 63 years ago and approaching, it is time to My sister played “glued” on with the royal icing we have been married for 61 give some thought and the piano, my dad the cement to construct the house years now. prayer for those serving violin and my mom and simulate snow over the NADINE MACSTAY, 84: One our country. Some have the harp and we of many Christmases we had been away from their doors and windows. There would all sing together as a family family for a long time was lots of finger licking Christmas carols included our grandchil- and are located in many and popping of smaller and later have a realdren ages 4 to 7 and distant and hazardous candies into mouths. ly nice dinner LORA INGALLS they were at our daugh- places. Give thanks for Then the big chaltogether. We didn’t ter Nadine’s home for they are giving their lenge of the roof have a lot of gifts, but it was Christmas Eve. They today so that we can have our always happiness for all of us. came. The pitch of the were waiting for Santa tomorrow. During this holiday roof was very steep LORA INGALLS , 88: In Claus to come and season many of them will be December 1944, I was living and the pieces kept sliding off. We had NADINE MACSTAY when they heard a “dreaming of a (white) 200 miles away from my nearest loud noise, they all ran Christmas” at home. tried holding it on, relative in a small apartment pushing toothpicks through to to look out the window. CONNIE LECLAIRE, 80: I with my two children, Charles, Down the hill they saw a remember having Christmas 4, and Lenita, 2. My husband the walls, etc., but nothing worked. We finally braced the large, red truck and in the back when the whole family gathered was somewhere in the South bottom edge of the roof and let stood Santa Claus and a very together at my uncle’s house Pacific serving in the Navy. the “cement” dry over night. large bag of toys. They all start- that he built on a hill in For several weeks, Rhode Icing snow, ribbon candy, gum- ed yelling, except my grandson Providence, Charles had been lookdrops and the chimney were – who started screaming. He Island. It was the only ing forward to stopped, though, when time of the year that the then applied. Christmas. He said Santa gave out all the children got to go and Luckily, after all that over and over, to anypresents to the chil- see a special movie. We work, the house lasted one who would listen, also got a bag of dren. several years. When the “Santa is coming My husband candy. That house was snow on the roof began with toys for me and very special with a played Santa for to discolor, we made a my sister.” During lot of memories FRED STROMBERG the war, everything his children, new one. and we always g randchilMADDIE CASKEY, was in short supply, including 84: I sang with several would go to see it when toys, but I had no money for dren and girls I had met in high MADDIE CASKEY g r e a t we were in town. toys even if I could have found school, performing in FRED STROMBERG, them. g randchil90: In December San Francisco and the area. We dren for many years. I was in despair knowing 1944, I was in the that my children would be diswent to the USO and audiMIKE CALLAHAN, Army’s 139 General appointed on Christmas morntioned and they accepted us to 69: In the mid 1960s, go on tour to entertain the I was serving in the MIKE CALLAHAN Hospital just north of ing. As I put them to bed Liverpool, England, Christmas Eve, my heart was troops. It was December 1944 U.S. Marine Corps. It and we were half way in the air was shortly before Christmas, recovering from wounds heavy. What would I tell when they told us we were and Bob Hope and his received in action. I was them when they awoke? entourage visited our military sad, depressed and headed to India. I felt helpless but somewhat demoralized prayed that God would from being away from provide something. my family – my first A short time later, GIFT vailable Christmas away from a S E there was a knock on T ICA home. CERTIF the door. There, to A group of 10 my great joy and surchildren, ages 7 to 10, PEARL SALVADOR prise, stood an unfacame into our ward miliar woman with a and sang Christmas carols. huge basket filled with toys and They were just wonderful and Christmas goodies. I was more professional than their dumbfounded! She explained ages indicated. After, they all that a group of neighbors comBallet, Belly Dance, Hip Hop, Jazz, spent time visiting with us. It bined efforts to provide was so enjoyable and they made Christmas baskets to families Line Dance, Lyrical Pointe, Tap, Tumbling Christmas what it should be. with loved ones in the war. I PEARL SALVADOR, 91: slept well that night, so thankNew classes added When I was a child, there were ful for an answered prayer and 4743 Clayton Rd, Suite 4, Concord to Winter schedule 12 children in the family. The eager to see my children’s faces Corner of Clayton Road and Bailey Rd. day before Christmas, we made the next morning.

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Clayton Pioneer â&#x20AC;¢ www.claytonpioneer.com

December 21, 2007

georgevujnovich.com

Each Office Is Independently Owned & Operated.

From

GEORGE VUJNOVICH, Broker

Tel: (925) 672-4433 6160 Center Street, Suite E, Clayton 94517

Mortgage Market Update Helping friends, neighbors and newcomers buy and sell their homes since 1979 Clayton Market Update ADDRESS 207 London Ct 209 Mountaire Cir 54 Karkin Pl 14 Mount Lee Pl 628 Julpun Loop 10 Mt McKinley Ct 1378 Shell Lane 106 Forest Hill Drive 4297 Morgan Territory Rd 8 Whitt Ct 180 Mountaire Parkway 332 Saclan Terrace 13 Atchinson Stage Ct 407 Grenache Circle 25 Clark Creek Circle 1203 Buckeye Terrace 48 Marquette Ct 1125 Peacock Creek Dr

PRICE $715,000 $712,000 $560,000 $775,000 $465,000 $800,000 $501,500 $1,085,000 $925,000 $835,000 $600,000 $613,000 $650,000 $790,000 $435,000 $590,000 $593,800 $895,000

Conforming $417,000 or less

Jumbo $417,001 and up

30 year, fixed for 3 . . . . . . . .6.25% 30 year, fixed for 5 . . . . . . . .6.25% 30 year, fixed for 7 . . . . . . . .6.25% 30 year, fixed for 10 . . . . . .6.375% 15 year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5.625% 30 year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6.125%

30 year, fixed for 3 . . . . . . . . .6.5% 30 year, fixed for 5 . . . . . . . . .6.5% 30 year, fixed for 7 . . . . . . .6.625% 30 year, fixed for 10 . . . . . . . .7.0% 15 year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6.625% 30 year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7.375%

Provided by George Vujnovich of Better Homes Realty

SALE DATE

BED/BATH

12/7/07 11/16/07 11/15/07 11/6/07 11/5/07 11/1/07 10/30/07 10/29/07 10/26/07 10/26/07 10/24/07 10/23/07 10/12/07 10/5/07 10/5/07 10/2/07 9/28/07 9/25/07

2324 2171 1904 2481 1235 2566 1430 4076 1995 2600 1858 1904 1926 2052 1457 1639 1471 3030

4/2.5 4/2.5 3/2.5 5/3 2/2 5/3 3/2.5 5/3.5 3/2 5/3 4/2 3/2.5 4/2 4/2.5 3/2.5 3/2.5 3/2 4/3

ADDRESS 1801 Yolanda Circle 3021 Windmill Canyon Dr 1469 Indianhead Circle 4707 Keller Ridge Dr 1407 Indianhead Way 1108 Peacock Creek Dr 201 Round House Pl 632 Mt Olivet Ct 1288 Shell Circle 1236 Buckeye Terrace 3103 Morgan Territory Rd 226 Stranahan Circle 1126 Peacock Creek Dr 121 Forest Hill Drive 506 Suisun Ct 81 Mt McKinley Ct 251 Stranahan Circle 1423 Indianhead Way

PRICE $865,000 $620,000 $555,000 $545,000 $514,900 $1,125,000 $489,900 $784,000 $520,000 $580,000 $1,115,000 $597,000 $1,199,000 $900,000 $620,000 $705,000 $598,980 $535,000

SALE DATE

BED/BATH

9/24/07 9/13/07 9/11/07 9/6/07 8/29/07 8/28/07 8/22/07 8/22/07 8/22/07 8/17/07 8/16/07 8/16/07 8/15/07 8/15/07 8/15/07 8/10/07 8/6/07 8/3/07

3533 2143 1366 1554 1355 3675 1246 2694 1367 1343 2709 1650 3820 2748 1991 1740 1650 1355

5/4 3/2.5 2/2.5 3/2.5 3/2.5 4/3.5 2/2 4/2.5 3/2.5 3/2 4/3 3/2.5 4/2.5 4/2 3/2.5 4/2 3/2.5 3/2.5

CLAYTON PIONEER December 21, 2007

Section B

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

Page B1

Molasses, chocolate, peppermint – and don’t forget the sugar acceptable job by hand. Creaming helps create small air spaces in the butter and this makes for a tender crumb texture in the baked good. If you weren’t part of the lucky crowd who feasted on the cookies after the judging, here are the winning recipes for you to recreate at home. Happy holidays!

JUNIOR BAKER 1ST PLACE MATT WRIGHT, 11 MOLASSES COOKIES ¾ c. margarine, softened 1 c. sugar ½ c. Brer Rabbit mild or fullflavored molasses 1 egg 2 c. sifted all-purpose flour 2 tsp. baking soda 1 tsp. ground cinnamon ½ tsp. salt ½ tsp. ground cloves ½ tsp. ground ginger Granulated sugar (for rolling cookies)

ST T LI

JUS

$479,980 Concord Must see 10+ Property! Remodeled 4BD w/fantastic curb appeal! Gardener’s paradise w/ a lovely eat-in kitchen, newer cabinets, stainless appliances & stone counters. Hardwood floors & designer paint add class to living & dining rooms warmed by a fireplace.

GRAYSON WRIGHT, 7 DEATH BY CHOCOLATE COOKIE 2 packages (16 squares) Baker’s semi-sweet baking chocolate, divided ¾ c. firmly packed brown sugar ¼ c. butter or margarine 2 eggs 1 tsp. vanilla ½ c. flour ¼ tsp. baking powder 2 c. chopped nuts (optional)

Pri

Concord $310,000 La Terraza Condo – Completely remodeled 2BD/1BA upper unit has a large balcony w/storage & great view of pool & greenbelt. Kitchen offers maple cabinets & granite counters; bath w/dual marble vanity; master has a walk-in closet. Convenient inside laundry a big plus!

(from www.dallasnews.com) 1 17-oz. package Cool Mint Creme Double Stuff Oreos 8 oz. cream cheese, softened 2 c. semisweet chocolate chips 5 tsp. shortening, divided 1 c. white chocolate Green food coloring (optional)

Crush Oreos and mix with cream cheese with an electric Preheat oven to 350. Coarsely chop 8 squares of mixer on high until thoroughly the chocolate and set aside. blended (about 2 minutes). Roll Microwave remaining 8 squares into 1-inch balls and refrigerate of chocolate in large for 2 hours. Using a double boiler, melt microwaveable bowl on high for 1-2 minutes. Stir chocolate until chocolate chips and 3 tsp. of shortening over low heat. melted and smooth. Stir in sugar, butter, eggs and Carefully slip balls into chocovanilla. Stir in flour and baking late using a toothpick and powder. Stir in reserved spoon. Place on a sheet of wax chopped chocolate and nuts. paper and refrigerate for an Drop by ¼ cupfuls onto hour or until chocolate is hardungreased cookie sheet. Bake ened. 12-13 minutes or until cookies See Cookies, page B8 are puffed and feel set to the touch. Cool on cook2N D ie sheet for one PLA minute and CE transfer TI to wire rack to c o o l comIN pletely. N TO Makes VE A R E EO about 18 COOKIE ALLS OF H B cookies.

ced

uce

ed ce R

MINT OREO COOKIE BALLS OF HEAVEN

With electric mixer at low speed, beat margarine and sugar in a large bowl until creamy. Add molasses and egg, beating until well-blended. In medium bowl, sift together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, salt, cloves and ginger. Add to molasses mixture and mix well. Cover and chill. Preheat oven to 375. Form chilled dough into 1-inch balls. Roll in sugar and bake on nonstick cookie sheet about 2 inches apart for 6-8 minutes. Remove to wire rack to cool.

JUNIOR BAKER 2ND PLACE TIE ALISON BARBER, 9

JUNIOR BAKER 2ND PLACE TIE

Paige Anderson, Clayton Community and Business Association president Mike Fossan, Officer Rich Enea and Lynn Christ from the LINDA WYNER Clayton Police Clayton Pioneer Department, and Deborah Nork, 1ST PLACE Once again, Clayton’s finest owner of Cookies By I ES junior and senior bakers plowed Design. Santa arrived MOLASSES COOK their way through deep snow- just in time to help celedrifts (er, heavy commute traf- brate with the winning fic) to fill tasting tables ’til they bakers. groaned with cookies from their This year’s Junior Baker top kitchens. prize went to 11-year-old Matt Cady Lang nabbed first place Clayton’s own Vintage har- Wright, who baked up a batch in the Teen Division for her monic trio (Santiago and Joyce of soft and chewy Molasses Moo-Cow Cookies, while Martinez and Roxanne Pardi) Cookies. The judges swooned Katelan Bowden’s Russian Tea rocked the house with their and sighed as they bit into these Cookies were a close second. wonderful holiday music while tasty morsels. The selections from the the judges went to work. Just a point behind and tied Master (adult) Bakers were so Clayton Valley High School for second and third were close that only one point sepafreshman Zoe Manoguerro was Allison Barber’s Mint Oreo rated the winners. Michelle back judging for a third time, Cookie Balls of Heaven and Lang’s Chocolate Peppermint joined by last year’s Clayton Grayson Wright’s scrumptious Cookies took first, followed by Pioneer cookie contest winner Death By Chocolate cookies. Mary Ann Collander’s Invisible Baklava and Pam GhattaBowden’s Oatmeal Chocolate Chippers. In case you’re intrigued by Mary Ann’s submission, I’m told that the baklava is invisible because she has to hide it from her husband or it’s gone before the family can enjoy it! (I was disappointed, since I’d hoped that it was the calories that were invisible ....) Some of this year’s entries used ready-made cake mix as the foundation for the cookies. But the real secret to good cookiemaking is to cream together Tamara Steiner/Clayton Pioneer butter and sugar until light and COOKIE CONTEST JUDGES TOOK TIME OUT FOR A PHOTO WITH SANTA. Back fluffy. This is best done by row: Officer Rich Enea, Jr., Santa, Mike Fossan, Deborah Nork, Lynn Christ; Front row: Paige Anderson, Zoe Manoguerro and Linda Wyner. mixer, but you can always do an

Cookie contest brings out the best from local bakers

Pric

u Red

$399,000 Concord Ayers Ranch – Great location & endless possibilities! 3BD/2BA home has a roomy kitchen and large dining area with new vinyl, and an open family room w/fireplace. Front and back lawns are amply sized and out the back door you have a large covered patio & storage.

Pittsburg $376,000 Wonderful Investment! – Perfect family home 4BD/3BA incl. detached in-law w/kitchen & bath. Fresh paint & baseboards, lovely tile floors plus hardwood. Flowing floor plan & family room access to backyard w/covered deck & built-in hot tub.

Concord $335,000 Newhall Village – Condo w/attached 2-car garage! Gorgeous 2BD/1BA w/vaulted ceilings, oversized windows, updated flooring & paint + inside laundry. Open living space makes this light & bright 2-story feel like a townhome. Call Shelly Gwynn (925) 207-3069.

Concord $544,980 Clayton Valley Highlands – Upgraded 3BD/2BA w/nearly 1,700 s.f. has an expanded master suite w/elegant bath incl. jetted tub. Recessed lighting, neutral paint, raised panel doors & spacious bedrooms w/mirrored closet doors. Inside laundry & poss. RV Prkg.

DIN

PEN

$689,980 Concord Pine Hollow Estates – View Christmas lights from the top end of the road. Richly updated 4BD/2.5BA w/over 2,100 s.f. & new fencing, beautiful pool. Master w/double doors & family room w French doors & fireplace. Make your holidays warm & bright.

Concord $519,980 Clayton Border – Updated to please! 3BD/2BA w/dual pane windows, recessed lights, crown molding. Gourmet kitchen w/handset tile counters & newer floors thru-out! Family, Formal living & Dining rooms. Located on a cul-de-sac. RV Pkg. possible.

Lynne offers FREE staging on her listings

Clayton Resident & Broker Owner

Page B2

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

December 21, 2007

The long and short of alternative investment strategies

MURELEEN BENTON FINANCIAL SENSE There is a traditional way to make money in the stock market – invest in a company’s stock and hope to generate profits as the stock rises in value. This is referred to as a “long” investment and involves investing in a security with the expectation that the price will increase over time. But that is only one way to make money in the markets. Some investors also take advantage of profit opportunities created when the value of a stock decreases, which is called a “short” strategy. For example, an investor who borrows shares of stock from a broker and sells

them on the open market is said to have a short position in the stock. The investor must eventually return the borrowed stock by buying it back from the open market. If the stock falls in price, the investor buys it for less than he or she sold it, thus making a profit. In today’s marketplace, many investors are discovering the potential benefits of combining both long and short strategies in the same portfolio. This is one of the more popular “alternative investment” approaches now available to investors. COMBINING THE STRATEGIES A number of investments known as hedge funds incorporate a combined long/short strategy. The key benefit of this approach is to create more opportunity to outperform the market in a given period of time while also managing risk. In its most basic form, the long/short approach works this way. A manager invests 100 percent of a fund’s assets in long positions, buying securities

intended to generate a positive return. The manager also generally constructs a short portfolio. As is common for this strategy, securities are borrowed, then sold, on the assumption that the value of these positions will decline in the weeks and months to come, generating the potential for profit. By selling securities, the fund now has more assets available to invest in additional long positions. For example, the fund’s long and short position may break down in this way: Long positions (using fund assets): 100 percent. Short positions (borrowed securities sold): -30 percent. Additional long positions (funded by proceeds from short sales): 30 percent. Net investment: 100 percent. While the total long position adds up to 130 percent of the money invested in the fund, 30 percent of the value is subtracted because it represents short positions that are sold, resulting in a net investment of 100 percent of the fund in a mix of 130

percent long positions and 30 percent short positions. THE POTENTIAL UPSIDE Some managers appreciate having the ability to use a long/short strategy. Their research will help them choose positions that appear to offer attractive returns. But they also may identify stocks (or segments of the market) that may be at risk of losing value in the near term. Adding the ability to generate profits with short positions in these types of securities has the potential to enhance the fund’s return. In addition, the manager is leveraging the assets in the portfolio. By shorting some positions, more money becomes available that can be used to add to the favored long positions in the portfolio. If those stocks perform well, it can boost the fund’s return beyond what was possible using only the original assets invested in the fund. More profits are also generated if the short positions pan out and those stocks lose money.

Clayton Sports Basketball player scores at UC Davis taught me that every time I step on the court that there is always something to prove.” “From an early age, I saw a great potential in Ryan’s basketball abilities,” said his father, Dave. “His shooting and defense skills greatly improved to where they impressed quite a lot of college basketball coaches.” During a 14-minute play against La Verne, UCD coach Gary Stewart said Ryan was “disruptive on both ends of

the court.” “My walk-on role hasn’t shaped my play any differently. I play the same way I would have in the rec center,” Ryan said. “The most difficult part of the game is to be consistent with playing hard and being competitive,” he added. “In the UC Davis versus Nicholls State game (69-67), Ryan scored 16 points and was second behind starting guard Vince Oliver, who had 19,” his dad reported.

Clayton resident, Mike Rose, has been in business for over 35 years and has always provided quality repair with excellent customer service! Photo by Wayne Tilcock, The Davis Enterprise

RYAN SILVA wearing his number 5, pushes the boundaries against La Verne.

ANDRÉ GENSBURGER Clayton Pioneer

Clayton resident Ryan Silva, a 2007 graduate of De La Salle High School, became a “walkon” star with the UC Davis men’s basketball team this season. Coming off the 2006 state basketball championship, Silva

used his experiences as a freshman in a backup guard role to surprise everyone with lightning fast moves and determined play. He averaged 15 points at De La Salle last season, and his teams were 83-10 in three seasons. “I learned how to be determined,” Silva said, “and I got the mindset of winning from my high school coach, who

Mike Rose pr oudly announces our newest location

Another attraction of the long/short approach is the ability it gives a skilled manager to mitigate investment risk. The manager can take short positions in investments he or she believes are susceptible to a temporary downturn, to help offset the potential impact of a negative market on the portfolio. Another benefit is that long/short funds historically have had a low correlation with stocks and bonds, meaning that they provide some diversification for a portfolio invested in more traditional segments of the market. A properly managed long/short strategy has the potential to generate attractive returns, but it is not a sure thing. For starters, short selling stocks presumes the stock will lose money in the future. This is essentially a short-term play, and the stock market can be very unpredictable on a short-term basis. In addition, using the proceeds from shorting a stock to purchasing more long positions is, in essence, leveraging the investment. If the short or long position, or both, lose money for the investor, the negative impact can be more dramatic than if the fund just purchased long positions using no leverage. HOW TO PARTICIPATE A number of mutual funds or exchange-traded funds offer long/short and other types of alternative strategies. These can play an important role in helping to diversify your portfolio. Make sure you take the time to understand how these funds operate and that they are appropriate for your portfolio before you make any investment decisions.

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 and SIPC, part of Ameriprise Financial, Inc.

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Investors should consider the investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses of a mutual fund carefully before investing. For a free prospectus, which contains this and other important information, contact your financial advisor. Read the prospectus carefully before you invest. Investment products, including shares of mutual funds, are not federally or FDIC-insured, are not deposits or obligations of, or guaranteed by any financial institution, and involve investment risks including possible loss of principal and fluctuation in value. Long/short funds have typically a high turnover strategy, which could increase transaction costs and cause short-term capital gains to be realized. Diversification does not assure a profit or protect against loss. Alternative investments involve substantial risks, may be more volatile than traditional investments and are typically only suitable for investors with an above average risk tolerance. Short selling is a high-risk strategy that involves selling a security not owned in anticipation that the price of the security will decline. If unanticipated market movements occur, losses may be substantial.

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December 21, 2007

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

Page B3

Start here for great holiday shopping Take the stress out of your holiday shopping this year and avoid the crowded major department stores. Everything you need is right here in Pioneer Territory including retailers who care about customer service. Read on for some great ideas to get you started on your holiday shopping. Make sure you tell our advertisers that you saw their ad in the Clayton Pioneer. Happy Shopping.

ABBEY CARPET Get your home ready for the holidays with brand new flooring from Abbey Carpet of Concord. Located at 1170 Burnett Avenue in Concord, Abbey Carpet has been owned and operated by Mike and Connie Grover since 1991 Abbey Carpet has much to offer its clients as a specialty store with the expertise of knowledgeable sales people who have years of both technical and retail experience. Perhaps even more important than the products that Abbey sells, is the staff’s philosophy of doing business. “ We want to sell you a product that is right for your tastes and needs. We also pride ourselves on being honest and fair with all of our customers. We are able to offer personalized service at very competitive pricing,” Connie says. Abbey has a beautiful showroom with a huge selection of carpet, tile, vinyl, wood, and laminate flooring. They will bring floor samples to your home so you can see just how lovely that new flooring will look in YOUR home. Call Abbey at (925) 686-9901.

BHS CARPET CLEANING Get your home ready for holiday entertaining with a full service carpet and upholstery cleaning by BHS Carpet Cleaning. BHS is proud of their professional cleaning and reasonable prices and back up all work with an unconditional guarantee. They treat all manner of stains -- gum, wine, grease and even paint stains. BHS uses both dry cleaning methods and hot water extraction. They will carefully analyze your carpets, taking into consideration carpet fabric, backing, padding and the depth of the stains and will choose or combine methods to get the absolute best result. Whatever method they use, your carpets will dry fast. They are licensed, bonded and insured. Call today for a free estimate. 800-406-154.

BELLA MIA SPA Looking for something to pamper the mind, body and spirit of that special someone in your life? Treat her to a deluxe spa package from Bella Mia Spa in Concord. She will enter a soft, soothing world of relaxation when she walks through the doors of this elegant spa. Give her The Holiday Special Package and she’ll be pampered from head to toe. A half hour massage will de-stress her, a European facial will leave her skin soft and dewy and a manicure and pedicure will ready her for the most festive holiday galas. A full body airbrush tanning session will send her off to a dead-of-winter party with a fresh-

from-the-beach glow. Bella Mia’s massage therapy session and spa body treatments are of the highest quality and customized to clients’ personal health and beauty needs. The staff will assist you in selecting the perfect gift of well being and gift wrap your personalized gift certificate. Bella Mia Spa is nestled in a private suite inside the Maverick’s Sports Club, 5294 Clayton Road, 680-7792. Visit their Website at www.thebellamiadayspa.com

BUTTERFLY LIFE Is there a special lady in your life who never takes enough time out for herself? Tell her how much you love her with a Butterfly LIfe membership Butterfly Life is a new concept in women’s fitness and health. “We just don’t focus on fitness,” explains owner, Debbie Anthony. The Butterfly Life program includes a lecture series by Life Vision, the Butterfly Life diet, televised group exercises that run every half hour such as Pilates, Simple Step, Yoga and Dance. The facility is spacious, colorful and inviting. It includes 10 weight machines, five cardio rebounder stations and expert supervision by Debbie and her assistants Nicole Smith and Kathi Wihlon. Unlike other 30-minute circuit training facilities in the area, Butterfly Life provides weight machines that adjust to a client’s individual fitness. “You can make your training as hard or as easy you want it to be,” says Debbie. “I

Turn the page for more great gift ideas

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Quality Professional Cleaning at a Reasonable Price

Extended Holiday Hours

1 room . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$34.98 2 rooms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$64.98 3 rooms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$94.98 4 rooms . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$129.98 5 rooms and hall . . . . . .$159.98 Stairs, per flight . . . . . . . .$29.00 Sofa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$59.00 Love seat . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$49.00

SERVICE INCLUDES:

• • • •

Pre-treat high traffic areas & spots Some furniture moving Mild deodorizer YOUR SATISFACTION GUARANTEED

Tuesday thru Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursdays open until 8 p.m. Sundays 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

OPEN CHRISTMAS EVE until 1 p.m.

800-406-1524

(2 room minimum)

Holiday Cleaning Special

Any 3 rooms $69.95

Whole House $149

Up to 500 sq. ft. with coupon

Up to 2,000 sq. ft. with coupon

One coupon per customer Offer expires 1/31/08

Dec. 22, PROGRAM & BOOK SIGNING Sat., 2 - 4 p.m.

25% off Holiday Décor

Lou Fancher & Steve Johnson Illustrators

Open 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily

925-672-2025

In the Clayton Station joelharris@aol.com

www.claytonbookshop.com

5433 D Clayton Rd., Clayton (925) 673-3325

1030 Diablo St. across from Skip’s

Page B4

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

December 21, 2007

We are Back in our original location at Massage Gift Certificates

ave We h Kinkade as her Thom hristop as C m and hrist ko C s. d a R item

SPECIAL

5354 Clayton Road

and better than ever!

Dec 22, 23 & 24. From Noon until 3 pm each day.

One hr. massage gift certificate for $45. Limit 6. Not valid with other offers wire service specialists

(925) 673-0686 www.mind-and-body-connections.com

Mon - Fri 8:30 am - 5:30 pm Sat 9 am - 3 pm

major credit cards honored

toll free 800-603-ROSE (7673)

phone (925) 685-8200 fax (925) 685-0633

Place online orders at www.sonsetflowers.com

Shop Pioneer Territory Treat that special someone (or maybe even yourself) to a relaxing day at

Bella Mia Spa 5294 Clayton Rd., Concord 680-7792 Located inside Mavericks Sports Club Non-members welcome www.thebellamiadayspa.com

call this women’s fitness on big boy machines.” The store also carries athletic fashion accessories. Butterfly Life is in the Clayton Station next door to Beautique and across from Wine Thieves.

Look terrific for those holiday parties Three Airbrush Tanning Sessions, $90

De-stress Special

CEGIELSKI JEWELERS

Three half-hour massages, $105

Tucked away in an intimate and elegant shop off Clayton Road next to Mountain Mike’s Pizza is Cegielski Jewelers. If you’ve thought about upgrading your diamond, or having the perfect ring designed for your wedding or renewing your vows, Cegielski Jewelers should be your first stop. Owner and master jeweler Anna Cegielski combines originality,

Holiday Special Half-hour massage European Facial Manicure Pedicure $135

ecorative and practical garden accessories, including ornate hanging baskets, iron baker’s racks, functional and appealing trellis and wall panels, contemporary hanging and standing outdoor clocks and thermometers, French and traditional style electric post lamps and more.

The place for fine gifts, patio and garden furniture, spas, barbeque islands and a quality nursery.

Pool, Patio & Gardens Family owned and operated since 1983

Closed Mondays

· 672-0207

CLAYTON BOOKS

CLAYTON VALLEY FRAMEWORKS

CLAYTON MIND AND BODY CONNECTION This comfortable little day spa in downtown Clayton offers a variety of massages, facials, body treatments, foot and hand treatments.

Clayton Valley Frameworks is your neighborhood custom picture framing business, creating quality frames and matting to fit your art and lifestyle. Over the last 29 years the frame shop has been dedicated to providing customers with current trend forward designs that fit every décor and budget using only the highest quality materials. Clayton Valley Frameworks also carries limited editions, canvas prints and posters, and owner Craig Anderson is happy to special order an item. Visit Clayton Valley Frameworks in the Clayton Valley Shopping Center, next to Donna’s Gifts, to find that perfect frame for yourself or for a great gift.

COMPUTERS USA! ComputersUSA! is your one stop shopping experience for notebooks, computers and computer related accessories this season. Try their computer bundle which includes a Intel Pentium 4, 512MB RAM, 80Gb Hard Drive, Acer 17” flat panel monitor, Logitech speakers, mouse, mouse pad,

CRUISE ADVENTURES Go ahead! Do it! You know you’ve always wanted to. This year, forget the ties, socks and video games. Give your family a gift that will last forever in their memories. Treat the family to a cruise in 2008. Cruise Adventures Unlimited can plan the perfect cruise filled with unique personal travel experiences. They will handle every detail before and after your cruise. But what if you’re really a landlubber? Cruise Adventures will arrange a land tour anywhere in the world from Hawaii to Europe to Africa. So, go ahead...do it! Call Valerie or Colleen O’Connell at Cruise Adventures Unlimited today, 935-7447, to book your dream vacation.

CUP O’ JO Cup O' Jo is a family friendly Coffee House, a local gathering place with small town ambience. Come have an Eggnog latté or the best David Rios Chai Tea latté in town. Clayton Residents, Kristy and Peter offer personalized 1 lb. Coffee bags, gourmet candies, Elaine's Toffee, Selma's Treats, and almondina. They are excited to add a Gelato Bar to the store before before the New Year. Finish Your Holiday Shopping here in Clayton!

Clayton Valley

It's a beautiful combo Christmas, Computers & Monitors It's like the sleigh with all the bells & whistles.

Frameworks

Ho, ho, ho... Ho-bout a notebook for the Santa or that special elf?

Intel Inside Notebooks from $587.97

Clayton Station Shopping Center (Safeway) 1520C Kirker Pass Road, Clayton, CA 94517 925-672-9989 Ask for Santa

keyboard and your choice of Microsoft Windows XP or Windows Vista Home Basic preinstalled. They have everything from batteries to bundles, monitors to modems, routers to RAM – whatever additions you want for that special person in your life. The store is located next to the Clayton Station, next door to Clayton Valley Medical Group and across the parking lot from Clayton Fitness.

you Cel with all yo ebratin g ur ho liday 30 yea r pictu re fra s providi ng ming need s!

Holiday Special

Sizzler Combo Computer with mouse, keyboard speakers, 17" Flat Panel Bright Monitor, Windows Vista, Intel 1.8Ghz Inside, 160Gb HD, 512MB RAM Only $687.97

David Godsoe and his staff can provide as little as a quick halfhour massage or facial to a relaxing five-and-a-half-hour day package. Remember that a massage is not just for her-- it’s a proven stress reducer, perfect for this time of year. CMBC is a member of SpaFinder so let those relatives and friends that live far away know they can give SpaFinder gift certificates that can be used here. Drop by for a chat with David about a good gift package just for a cup of tea. Call (925) 673-0686 for an appointment or to order a gift certificate. David will mail or deliver it for you.

Clayton Books has the perfect gift idea for your favorite person. History buff? Mystery fan? Romance reader? Decorating diva? Literary lover? Foodie fanatic? Art aficionado? Helpless for Self-help? Political pundit? We have books for every young person on your list, from Board Books for the youngest to the latest vampire epic or series for the not so young, and everything in between.. Clayton Books is growing! Shop in their new expanded space. Their card section will wow you and we’ve even acquired a gift section for that really special treat you might not find anywhere else. Ask Manager Sunny Solomon for book title suggestions for every “hard to buy for” person on your list. For more information, call Clayton Books, 673-3325

Gifts for the Gardener on your list

6780 Marsh Creek Road, Clayton

uniqueness and quality craftsmanship in a wide variety of classic and contemporary exquisite jewelry designs. Anna guarantees excellent customer service and expertise in the selection of diamonds, colored stones, precious gems, pearls, watches and gold chains. If you are looking for a one-of-akind piece, Anna will help design something special for you or a loved one. Cegielski provides onsite repairs and refurbishing while you wait. Call Anna at 682-2855 and schedule an appointment in time for the holidays. The local jewelry store accepts Mastercard, VISA and American Express for customers’ convenience.

CA BEAR E-77986 & E81057 - Licensed Professionals

Tues. thru Fri. 10-6, Sat. 10-5

Clayton Valley Frameworks

Picture Framing with Quality, Style, Design and Experience 5420 Ygnacio Valley Rd., Ste. 50 Concord, CA Clayton Valley Shopping Center

925.672.6066

Now through the end of the year, save

20% off any custom frame valid thru 12/31/07 with this ad

www.claytonvalleyframeworks.com

December 21, 2007

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

The Holiday and Party Superstore

WE HAVE EVERYTHING YOU NEED FOR YOUR

NEW YEAR’S PARTY

Tableware, hats, noisemakers & more.

$10 off

SAVE

20%

Jenni Magaña

Frontier Hair Salon cuts highlights makeup color waxing relaxers extensions lash tint facials

expires 12/31/07

NEW - Rent or Buy Santa Suits

*not valid with other offers, collectibles and costume rentals excluded

Extended holiday hours

672-4425 visit our online store:

www.seasonalreflections.com

Anoop and Manjit Cheema serving the community since 1990

Clayton Station 5435-M Clayton Road, Clayton (925) 672-5653

DRYCLEAN-U.S.A.

ff vice o 0 er

6064 Main St., Clayton, CA (925) 395 3007

Open Mon. - Fri., 7 to 7 Sat., 9 to 5

when you drop off your dry cleaning order *Some restrictions apply. Offer expires March 1, 2008

purchase of $50 or more*

Mon - Thu 9 am - 8 pm Fri & Sat 9 am - 9 pm Sun 10 am - 6 pm

Page B5

$1first s

We guarantee top quality and great customer service.

for Great Holiday Gifts DONNA’S GIFTS Everywhere you look at Donna’s Gifts at Clayton Valley Shopping Center near Clayton Valley Frameworks, you’ll find something that makes your eyes sparkle. The popular Dept. 56, Snow Villages, Precious Moments and Boyd’s Bears are all family favorites. Christmas lighted houses, Willow Tree Angels and San Francisco Music Box Company are well represented with displays that get you into the holiday spirit. Donna’s Gifts is offering a 15 percent off coupon for the holidays. Call Donna’s Gifts 672-2440 to reserve that special collectible piece for holiday entertaining. Donna’s Gifts is owned by Clayton resident Donna Plavetsky who hopes everyone will have a wonderful holiday season.

DRYCLEAN USA Need a great gift for the boss, a neighbor or that certain someone that has simply everything? Bet you never thought of a dry cleaning gift certificate? This could truly be the perfect thing for the office gift exchange. Or, simply treat your own wardrobe to a professional dry cleaning at Dryclean USA. Owners Manjit and Anoop Cheema will take a personal interest in you. Dryclean USA is in the Clayton Station next to Walgreens.

FRONTIER HAIR SALON Are you in need of a little pampering or some relaxation in the midst of the craziness of the holiday season? Then, Jenni Magana at Frontier Hair Salon is the girl to see! While Jenni specializes in hair color and highlights, her services range from hair extensions to makeup for special events and weddings. In addition to hair she has expanded her services to include full body waxing and indulgent facials for all skin types. For all of you men out there who can't think of the right gift for the women in

your life, a gift certificate is the way to go! Call 395-3007 anytime to set up an appointment and receive $10 off of your first service.

MELANIE’S GIFTS AND INTERIORS Stop by Melanie’s Gifts and Interiors and browse her wonderful collection of unique gifts and decorator items for the home. Tablescapes are the focus of many holiday family celebrations and your home will be right in style with distinct collections, accent pieces and decorative candles. Luxurious pillows and throws and beautiful dish and platter collections from Seasonal Fruits, Tuscan Traditions and American Heritage will brighten up any festive occasion. Melanie and Nicole and their entire staff are always on hand to offer friendly suggestions and decorating tips. It’s all part of the customer service that you’ll find in this wonderful specialty store in R&M Pool Patio and Garden off Marsh Creek Road in Clayton. Call Melanie at 672-0207 and ask about her special collections.

SEASONAL REFLECTIONS This big, bright, beautiful, holiday and party superstore in the Clayton Valley Shopping Center has absolutely EVERYTHING for every holiday. One step inside and it’s pure magic. There’s a year ‘round costume room with costumes for everyone in the family, even the dog and cat. In just a few weeks, it will be the Christmas season. Make an early stop in the year 'round Christmas room and choose from wonderful custom lights, top brands like Dept. 56, Polonaise, Mark Roberts Elves, Fabriche, Kurt Adler, Thomas Kinkaide and Christopher Radko, and decorations to trim every inch of your home, inside and out. The rest of the store is filled with party decorations for all holidays

imaginable from Valentine’s Day and July 4 to Easter and St. Patrick’s Day. And there are hundreds and hundreds of light sets for every occasion. Clayton resident and owner John Sharapata has always loved Christmas and holidays. He admits he loves the Clayton area and felt that there was a demand for local holiday and party super store that residents could enjoy all year round. Stop by and visit with John. Also, visit their online store at www.seasonalreflections.com See ad this page for extended holiday hours.

SONSET FLOWERS Sonset Flowers on Clayton Road opened in January of this year and has already become the popular choice for unique flower arrangements. Owned and operated by Clayton resident, Donna Richey, Sonset Flowers has flower arrangements for every holiday and special occasion. They are also wire specialists. Donna has made her shop special, with gifts, candies and boutique items. Donna personally serves the family who has lost a loved one, making sure every detail is attended to. “At that time in their life, the last thing they need is to have to worry about the flowers,” Donna says. Sonset Flowers’ will be in their temporary location at 5356 Clayton Road, just across the parking lot from their store in the old Jory’s location, which was damaged by fire earlier this year. To order flowers, call 685-8200.

and great stocking stuffers at this intimate shop designed for the sophisticated shopper. Sara has designed her boutique to be family-friendly where children are invited to shop with mom or dad or play in Cup O Jo’s playroom. Stop by and say hello to Sara or call her at (925) 672-2025.

THE UPS STORE As you drive down Clayton Road, make sure you find time to turn into the Vineyard Shopping Center. Parking is a breeze and there’s a variety of stores to meet all of your needs. Bring your packages and notary documents to The UPS Store and let owner Tricia Tamura help you with your “to do” list. The store is spacious and the staff is friendly with a lot of expertise to help you get your gifts delivered on time, safe and sound. While you’re at The UPS store you have access to a new color copier, cards, postal materials, fax machines and more. Call Tricia at 689-6245 if you have any questions.

Visit our showroom M-F 9-5; Sat. 10-4 Evenings by appointment

Abbey Carpet & Contra Costa Floors 1170 Burnett Ave., Ste. E, Concord

Cruise Adventures Unlimited Serving all cruise lines since 1987

Cruise the Mexican Riviera for 7 days January to April 2008 on

THE ROYAL ROOSTER Clayton resident Sara Skow invites you to wake up with The Royal Rooster on your mind and prepare for a unique shopping experience in downtown Clayton. This charming little boutique nestled in behind Cup O Jo’s Coffee at 1030 Diablo Street features unique gifts and French country accents. You’ll find candles, soaps, art work, small furniture, jewelry, occasional tables, bakers racks

Golden Princess

Los Angeles Roundtrip from $799 pp* (balcony cabin) to $399 pp* (inside cabin)

Dawn Princess

San Diego Roundtrip from $749 pp* (balcony cabin) to $499 pp* (inside cabin)

*Fares are cruise only, USD, based on double occupancy, capacity controlled & subject to availability. Gov’t fees & taxes add’l. Refer to appropriate Princess brochure for terms & conditions. ©2007 Princess Cruises. Ships of Bermudan registry.

1610 Locust St., Walnut Creek

Owners Valerie O’Connell (Clayton resident, 28 years) & daughter Colleen O’Connell

www.cruiseadventuresunliminted.com

CST 2074362-40

(925) 935-7447

Donna’s Gifts Quality Gifts and Collectibles

Dept. 56

Boyds Bears

Willow Tree

Hummel

Annalee

Fenton Glass

Cow Parade

S.F. Music Boxes

Precious Moments

Just the Right Shoe

Annalee

Complimentary Gift Wrap!

672-2440 Clayton Valley Shopping Center

15% Off Storewide excludes certain collectibles

Add to your keepsake collections!

exp. 12/31/07

Page B6

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

December 21, 2007

With winter, comes lovely Daphne conditioner and planting mix when installing. Mixing large pieces of bark into the soil within the hole will help with the drainage issue. It is possible to drown the Daphne, so resist extra watering, especially on hot days. Regular water will help the roots establish.

your home. They both last long as a cut flower. After the flower has faded in late February, feed with a general multi-purpose fertilizer, like a 16-16-16 or anything balanced that you may have. Use a granular fertilizer and resist heavy cultivation at the roots. Just slightly

NICOLE HACKETT

GARDEN GIRL Daphne is winter’s garden beauty. This dramatic evergreen has lovely variegated foliage, many tiny blossoms and a fragrance that is as sweet as any citrus’ flower that you may have come across. Daphne does excellent in Clayton Valley yards and gardens. Planted in the right place, this evergreen is easy to care for and quite fulfilling for any level gardener. This plant cannot tolerate extreme sun, so installation on the north or east side of the home or garden is recommended. Plant Daphne in a bed with other shade lovers, around a patio or deck area or outside a widow – any place where the fragrance can be enjoyed. Daphne is prized for the rosypink blossoms that open to white, expelling a dense fragrance that perfumes the air. Daphne requires welldrained soil. Our clay does not drain fast, so use organic soil

DAPHNE

Winter Daphne blooms in early February; it’s one of the earliest flowers around. You can expect it to bloom at the same time as your mid-season camellias. Use these plants’ blossoms in early season arrangements in

scratch the product into wet soil and follow up with a watering session. Never fertilize a dry plant anywhere in your garden. Great companion plants to consider with Daphne would be any one of the fabulous azaleas

out there. My favorites are Happy Days, with its double petal style purple blossoms, and Red Ruffles, another double style rosy-red flower. These azaleas are famous for their fall re-bloom, and they also have dramatic early through mid displays. Grouping these evergreens together would give an extension of flower power. Surround a deciduous tree with the Daphne. The Coral Bark or Ever Red varieties of Japanese maples would love the evergreen support provided by the Daphne. These plants mixed together will give the yard or garden an Asian feel. Daphne was originally a native to China, thousands of years ago. It is said to be in Japan as early as the 1300s and finally in Britain around 1770. Plant some campanula at the base of your Daphne for evergreen groundcover support, or Wojo’s Gem Vinca if you feel the urge for a punchy blast of variegation. Be prepared to pay more for a Daphne. A one-gallon plant will set you back $14-16, and five-gallon versions may cost more than $60. This evergreen is a yard or garden splurge and makes a great gift for any gardener. Nicole is the Garden Girl at R&M Pool, Patio, Gifts and Garden Contact her with questions, comments or suggestions at gardengirl@claytonpioneer.com

Now carrying Hempz Herbal Moisturizer in travel and large sizes

Beautique beauty supply & salon Donna Taber,

owner

Open to the public seven days a week.

Clayton Station 5439 A Clayton Road, Clayton

925-672-0405

Pleasant Hill studio condo, $229,990, Great location! Mówie po Po lsku

Hosking Associates, Inc. Kim Dromlewicz,

B.S.E.E., M.B.A., Realtor®

direct (925) 324-7072

Kim@homes4ewe.com

INTEGRITY HANDS-ON BUILDERS

40 YEARS COMBINED EXPERIENCE

For all your remodeling needs, call Chris & Marc, Clayton residents

kitchen & bath & additions our specialty

For most seniors, moving is an emotional experience

Chris Simoneaux > 980-0465 Marc Thorne > 383-4277 general contractors

Office > 689-6460 Fully licensed and insured: #822229

Document your donations Moving can be a very stressful and overwhelming time for seniors and their families. Moving a senior relative can be one of a child’s biggest challenges, say people who have been through it. Presenting this change in a positive light is half the battle. Experts who deal with the elderly urge children of seniors to be aware of the effects of moving. In a way, moving is like grieving. When you’re giving away many of the things you have saved throughout the years, you realize you are no longer in the middle of your life. To help ease the move, make sure to give the moving party choices in the process when possible. Remember, they are feeling a sense of losing control, so any control they can have in moving is important. Children need to be support-

ive of their parents’ decision to change residences. Patience and understanding are crucial to make the transition as smooth as possible. A lifetime of memories is not an easy thing to sort through, and deciding what precious things to discard and which to keep is even more difficult. Moving to senior or assisted living can be a positive and exciting time in their life. Many are genuinely pleased about their moves because they are going to a place that is brandnew and clean, to a place with people around and something to do. Research tells us that moving ranks third behind divorce and death of a spouse in life’s most traumatic events. A multitude of decisions must be made. Selecting a place. Designing room layouts and deciding what

to take. Finding a mover, packing, moving, unpacking and getting rid of the leftovers. The “stuff ” being moved represents a person’s history, the tangible things of their life. Giving up any of those things can be difficult. With family members often spread far and wide, boomers and seniors often do not have the local assistance needed to prepare for a downsizing move. Luckily, there are numerous senior move management companies that help coordinate these aspects: Moving services. Downsizing. Assistance with packing. Estate sales. Staging your new home. Transfer of services (utilities, cable, phone). Organizing of important papers and documents.

A Time For Christmas A fresh, contemporary collection of Christmas music by Clayton's Joyce and Santiago Martinez and Roxanne Pardi, featuring the lovely and original "Angel of God." A perfect stocking stuffer or a great gift for yourself. To order, call

(925) 352-6303 or download order form at

www.vintagetrio.com

Book Vintage for your holiday parties. Call Today.

KELLY FERRO

SENIOR MOMENTS These organizations provide families with emotional and physical assistance. When feeling burdened with the stress of moving an entire household, a senior move manager can provide just the peace of mind one needs. If you take advantage of the services now offered in this area, this does not have to be an overwhelming time in your life. Kelly Ferro is Marketing Director for Aegis of Concord. Send comments or questions to kellyfarro@aegisliving.com

New rules apply this year to any cash contributions you make to charity, regardless of the amount. You now need either a formal receipt from the charity or evidence such as a cancelled check or other bank record. The receipt or bank record must show the date of the donation, the amount, and the name of the charity. If you need details or assistance with this or any of your tax concerns, contact our office.

700 Ygnacio Valley Rd., #360 Walnut Creek, CA 94596 Carol@carolkeanecpa.com (925) 937-5200 (925) 937-5202 fax www.carolkeanecpa.com

Advertise with the Pioneer 672-0500

December 21, 2007

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com

Page B7

Include pets in your disaster planning Was it “ruff” saying goodbye this morning? Pet Care in your home while you travel

Midday Dog Walks

Apronstrings Pet Sitting 925.798.7621

Kimsits@ASTOUND.NET

www.apronstringsonline.com HAPPILY SERVING CLAYTON FOR MORE THAN 15 YEARS All major credit cards, PayPal

Member Better Business Bureau

A financial plan as unique as you are Whether you’re starting a small business, obtaining life insurance, or sending your kids to college, I can help you plan to reach your financial goals through personal, customized financial planning.

Call 925-685-4523 today Mureleen Benton, CFP® 5356 Clayton Rd., Suite 211, Concord CA License #0692378

Ameriprise Financial Services, Inc. Member NASD and SIPC.

The Clayton Pioneer’s “Music Notes” columnist

Clayton’s own

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:

Brainstorm Records P.O. Box 488 Clayton, CA 94517 (925) 673-7293

Year-end is always a great time to reflect on past experiences and think about the future. We all hope there will never be another Hurricane Katrina, when people were forced to leave their pets behind. Many of those pets filled the polluted neighborhoods. Some were saved and some were eventually reunited with their human families, but most were not. With California’s Disaster Planning for Animals bill, disaster preparation agencies now have to consider the needs of household pets, service animals and livestock in an emergency. The Animal Rescue Foundation (ARF) believes this will protect animals and enforce the idea that companion animals help strengthen families and make better people and better communities. Susan Furukawa, ARF’s animal welfare director, says preparation is key when it comes to helping your pets in the event of a disaster. If you have to leave home suddenly, keep calm so your pets do not panic. Each pet should have a collar with ID tag, license tag for a dog and medical or allergy tag if appropriate. It is astonishing how often a tag falls off, so we recommend that each pet be microchipped. Keep an emergency supply kit at the ready for your pet. Plenty of water will be needed should your tap water become contaminated, and a water filter,

ELENA BICKER

PAWS

AND

CLAWS

such as you would use for backpacking, is a good idea. About a week’s worth of your pet’s food should be kept in an airtight container and clearly marked with type of food and date. You may want to replace with new food every six months. Pet first aid supplies, instruction book and medication need to be included in this kit. Cleaning items, such as towels, disinfectant, soap and a small garbage can with lid, will be valuable. A flashlight with extra batteries, leashes, muzzles and carriers or a collapsible crate for each pet should be ready to go. Bags for picking up feces, a litter box and scooper will also be useful. Your pet’s photo with information written on the back (name, age, description, owner’s name, phone number and address) should also be kept with these supplies. In the unfortunate situation where you can’t get home in time, set up a buddy system with a friend or neighbor to

evacuate your pets. Leaving your pet at home will place your animal at greater risk for injury or loss, so make every effort to take your pet with you. If you have no alternative but to leave your pet behind, determine well in advance which rooms offer safe havens and are clear of hazards such as windows and flying debris. Put a Rescue Alert sticker on your front window today to notify people of pets inside your home. The sticker’s infor-

mation states the types and number of pets in your household and the name and phone number of your veterinarian. To receive a complimentary emergency pet alert sticker, visit www.arf.net/Resources/stickerrequest.html. For more information about planning for your pets before disaster strikes, visit www.arf.net/Resources/emergency.html. Elena Bicker is the Executive Director of Tony La Russa’s Animal Rescue Foundation. She can be reached at (925) 256-1ARF (1273)

Dan Rosendich

Salem and Fry are ARF’s Adoption Stars Salem is an affectionate, well adjusted cat with a lot to offer the right family. He likes other cats and has lived with a sibling in the past. The adoption fee for Salem is $50. Seven-month-old Fry is a busy boy with a zest for life. He will thrive in an active home

with plenty of mental and physical stimulation. Fry bonds very quickly to his new family members and will require a home where someone is home much of the day. The adoption fee for Fry is $225 and includes the first six training courses. Meet your purr-fect match at

Tony La Russa’s Animal Rescue Foundation, 2890 Mitchell Drive, Walnut Creek, during adoption hours: 3 to 7 p.m. Thursday and Friday, Noon to 4:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. The primary caretaker, kids 16 and younger, and canine family members (dog adoptions only) must be present to adopt a pet at ARF.

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) 2561ARF.

SALEM

FRY

Call today for a personal tour & complimentary lunch

(925) 524-5100 Retirement Community

ay Marina d h t r i B h 9t 9 y ds p n e i r p f a your at from

ily m a f and e! c a r r e ond T

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"I really don’t feel different turning 99. I feel very thankful to God that he has kept me in good health all these years" -Marina Fitzsimons 6401 Center Street Clayton CA 94517

www.diamondterrace.net

Page B8

Clayton Pioneer • www.claytonpioneer.com syrup over the baklava. Return baking dish to the oven and bake for a few minutes or until the syrup has penetrated the layers and the top is golden brown. Remove and pour as much honey syrup over the baklava as it will absorb. Let stand at least 3 hours before serving.

Cookies, from page B1

MASTER BAKER 1ST PLACE MICHELLE LANG CHOCOLATE PEPPERMINT COOKIES ½ c. oil 1 box Betty Crocker devil’s food cake mix 1 T. peppermint extract 1 T. butter 2 eggs 1 c. semi-sweet chocolate chips ½ candy cane, crushed Preheat oven to 350. Thoroughly mix first five ingredients, then stir in remaining ingredients. Drop by spoonfuls onto ungreased baking sheet and bake 10-12 minutes.

MASTER BAKER 2ND PLACE MARY ANN COLLANDER INVISIBLE BAKLAVA 2 lbs. unshelled walnuts (about 3 cups shelled) ¾ c. sugar 2 tsp. allspice 2 tsp. cinnamon 40 filo pastry sheets 1 lb. butter, melted Whole cloves

MASTER BAKER 3RD PLACE PAM GHATTA-BOWDEN OATMEAL CHOCOLATE CHIPPERS 1 c. butter 1 c. brown sugar ½ c. sugar 2 eggs 1 tsp. vanilla 1¼ c. flour ½ c. unsweetened cocoa powder 1 tsp. baking soda ½ tsp. salt 2 c. oatmeal 1 12-oz. bag chocolate chips

HONEY SYRUP 1 c. sugar 1 c. water 1 ½ c. honey 2 tsp. vanilla Preheat oven to 300. Brush 9 x 12 (1 ½-inch deep) baking pan with melted butter. Combine shelled nuts with sugar, cinnamon and allspice. Cut pastry sheets to fit the pan. Layer 12 pastry sheets in baking pan, brushing each with melted butter. Cover with ¼ of the walnut mixture. Cover with 5 pastry sheets, brushed with melted butter, and sprinkle this with another ¼ of the nut mixture.

Tamara Steiner/Clayton Pioneer

Santiago Martinez, Joyce Martinez and Roxanne Pardi kept the crowd busy with Christmas carols while the judges did their work.

It’s a tough job, but somebody’s got to do it. Hard at work are the Pioneer’s cookie contest judges making the best of this tough job.

Cover this layer with 6 pastry sheets, also brushed with melted butter. Continue with another ¼ of the nut mixture and cover with 5 pastry sheets, brushed with butter. After spreading the last ¼ of the nut mixture, top with final 12 pastry sheets, brushed with butter. With a sharp knife dipped in hot butter, cut the baklava into ½-inch wide strips, then cut these strips diagonally to form small diamond-shaped pieces. Stick a clove in the center of each piece. Heat remaining butter and pour it into the knife slits between the strips. Bake until lightly browned, about 1 hour. Prepare Honey Syrup while

Preheat oven to 350. In a large bowl, beat butter, sugars, eggs and vanilla until creamy. In a separate bowl, combine flour, cocoa, baking soda and salt. Gradually add flour mixture to the wet ingredients until well blended. Stir in oatmeal and chocolate chips. Drop by teaspoonfuls onto ungreased cookie sheet. Bake 910 minutes. Cool on cookie sheet for 1-2 minutes, then remove to rack to cool further. Makes 4 dozen.

baklava is baking. Cook sugar and water over low heat until syrupy (about 10 minutes). Add the honey and vanilla and cook another 5 minutes. (This makes more syrup than is needed for this recipe.) After baklava is removed from oven, increase oven temperature to 400. Pour boiling honey PLACE MAST

1ST

TEEN BAKER 1ST PLACE CADY LANG MOO-COW COOKIES 1 box chocolate cake mix ½ c. oil 2 T. water 2 eggs 1 c. white chocolate chips Preheat oven to 350. Mix together first 4 ingredients. Add chocolate chips until blended evenly. Drop by teaspoonfuls onto ungreased cookie sheet. Bake 10-12 minutes.

TEEN BAKER 2ND PLACE KATELAN BOWDEN RUSSIAN TEA CAKES 1 c. butter, softened ½ c. powdered sugar 1 tsp. vanilla extract 2¼ c. flour ¼ tsp. salt 1 c. chopped walnuts (or other nuts of your choosing) Powdered sugar Preheat oven to 400. Beat butter until fluffy. Gradually add the powdered sugar and vanilla. Sift flour and salt, then add to butter mixture. Add chopped nuts. Shape into 1inch balls and place on a cookie sheet. Bake 10-12 minutes or until lightly golden. Roll in powdered sugar while still warm. Let cookies cool and dust once more with powdered sugar. E MA

PLAC D 2N

STER

IE S

Melt white chocolate with remaining shortening in double boiler. Add green food coloring if desired. Spoon chocolate into a sandwich bag and snip the bottom corner. Drizzle chocolate over the hardened chocolate balls. Makes 36.

December 21, 2007

CH K OC OO OLA C TE PEP PERMINT

VA A INVI L SIBLE BAK

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100 Suntree #105

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