Special Holiday editon
Extra
IT’S YOUR PAPER www.claytonpioneer.com
November 28, 2014
925.672.0500 TAMARA STEINER Clayton Pioneer
Jules Bianchi Photo
More than 60,000 lights will combine with the genius and skill of Clayton light meister, Jeffrey Holmes in a dramatic musical light show on his parent’s estate on Pine Lane. Holmes describes ‘A Heart for Christmas’ as original, but inspired by Disney’s ‘Frozen.’ Holmes has been lighting up for the holidays since 2007 when he won the Clayton Pioneer Home Decorating Contest at age 15. Many will remember when the Clayton Community Church glowed with his lighting in 2008 and 09. This year’s show opens Nov. 28. There is no admission, however donations will benefit Clayton transplant patient Katie Grace Groebner and the Children’s Organ Transplant Association. For the full story see page 2.
Clayton teen organizes benefit concert to fight cancer PEGGY SPEAR Clayton Pioneer
Sometimes, a bad thing can lead to good things. And that’s what Haley Morucci realized when, four years ago, a favorite uncle contracted lung cancer. The prognosis wasn’t good, until the family turned to the Lazarex Cancer Foundation, which helped her uncle get alternative treatment in the Philippines. The treatments “helped Uncle Dan tremendously,” Haley says, “and gave him a few more years with us.”
See Concert, page 2
HAILEY AND BRAD MORUCCI
When Jeff Holmes flips the switch on “A Heart for Christmas” Friday night, it will be the largest light show in the Bay Area, bringing together the vision of a teen-aged “tekkie, a decade of training and a burning desire to help a friend. Jeff was only 13 when he saw the now legendary Budweiser commercial with thousands of lights flashing and dancing across the screen in synch with the TransSiberian Orchestra’s “Wizards of Winter.” At that moment, Jeff knew. “I want to do that,” he said. The fire was lit. “No one was doing light shows back then,” he explains. “It was hidden from the world until You Tube.” He nurtured the idea for a couple of years, watching videos, experimenting with his computer and learning what he could. When the Clayton Pioneer home decorating contest rolled around in 2007, Jeff seized the moment and entered the contest. He and his dad rummaged through their basement, dragging out whatever they could find that looked Christmas-sy and had a plug on the end.. “The lights were old and shoddy,” Jeff recalls. “They were unstable, but they worked.” With those lights, a laptop and his dad’s help, Jeff
See Light Show, page 2
Downtown all dressed up and waiting for Santa Last weekend, while many of us were curled up in front of a fire enjoying the first real rain of the season, the CBCA Elves were hard at work readying the town for the holidays. By Sunday night, Santa and the reindeer were flying high over The Grove, red bows and green garland adorned every upright post and flat surface, the street lights will glowed with a warm halo and the tall stately tree in the gazebo glittered in full LED glory. At the other end of Main Street, a menorah waits for the first night of Hanukkah on Dec. 16, the manger scene is ready for Christmas Eve and the official town tree stays dark…waiting for Santa’s arrival. On Dec. 6, the city’s holiday festivities begin at 4:30 with the clip-clop sound of the two horse drawn carriages that will carry merry-makers around town. This will be the fifth year that Realtors Stephanie Lopez and Leigh Klock, the Moresi Family and P2C Foundation have sponsored the carriages. “This is our favorite time of year,” says Stephanie. “We love the rides, the lights and the kids’ faces.” She urges people to line up early. But, they won’t be bored while they wait, she assures. Clayton’s singing group “Vintage” will be on hand to entertain. At 6 p.m. the Tree Lighting party sponsored by the Clayton Business and Community Association, begins at the
Gazebo with seasons greetings from the mayor and the traditional appearance by the Mt. Diablo Elementary School Chorus. Be sure to bring an unwrapped toy for the Toys for Tots barrel. Santa will then lead the short parade down Main Street where he will flip the switch on the city’s tree and the holidays in Clayton officially begin. Then it’s a quick stop at the Clayton Community Church
for hot cider and donuts before heading home. The following Saturday, Dec. 13, the CBCA Elves will again be hard at work when Clayton kids are invited for Dessert with Mrs. Claus and photos with Santa at Endeavor Hall. The event is free for children under 12 (when accompanied by an adult) although donations are appreciated. Later that day, Vintage will celebrate the season with a free
concert at St. Bonaventure’s at 7:30. To learn more about this group, go to www.vintagetrio.com. The CBCA sponsors the Art and Wine Festival in the spring, the Clayton Classic Golf Tournament in June, The Oktoberfest in the fall and the Clayton Bocce Leagues. Funds raised are donated back into the community in the form of gifts, grants and scholarships. For membership information, go to claytoncbca.org.
Rochelle Douglass
Tamara Steiner/Clayton Pioneer
The horse drawn carriages, sponsored by the Dynamic Real Estate Group, the Ed Moresi Family and P2C Foundation start the Tree Lighting festivities off at 4:30 on Dec. 6.
Postal Customer ECRWSS PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID CLAYTON, CA 94517 PERMIT 190
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Light Show, from page 1 produced his first sequenced musical light show and won the Home Decorating contest that year, hands down. The next year, he moved the show downtown to the Clayton Community Church. With double the lights and more music, the show was a popular holiday attraction for two years. When the church decided not to do the show in 2010, Jeffrey made contact with a company that manufactured commercial Christmas products. And in a “one thing led to another” chain of events, Jeff found himself shipped off to Guatemala to work on what would be the biggest musical Christmas tree in the world. Last year, Clayton’s Katie Grace Groebner, a close family friend, was in the last stages of pulmonary hypertension and in grave need of a transplant. Jeff saw a way to help Katie Grace and brought his lights and music home again to produce a biggerthan-ever musical light show to benefit his friend. Last year, “A Heart for Christmas” was free to the public, but donations
amounted to over $3000 for Katie Grace and the Children’s Organ Transplant Association. Katie Grace received her new heart and lungs last June, but the family’s need for help is still great. He hopes the donations from this year’s show will double last year’s and help the family retire some of their huge medical bills. Jeff describes “A Heart for Christmas” as loosely inspired by Disney’s “Frozen,” – a low budget ‘fantasmic.’ “We may not have a 50 foot dragon, but we have lights, music and magic,” Jeff says. The 30-minute show stars two lovable animated snowpeeps — wannabe-superhero Snowball and the lovely Flurry— who share the “stage” with 60,000 lights and 15 songs all sequenced and projected on the front of the Holmes’ two-story colonial home. The magic begins at iron gates on Pine Lane. A 400-ft walk through the multi colored light tunnel opens into a “snowy” world of white lights and glitter. The entire two acres
of the estate have been transformed into a walk-through display with falling “snow,” colored fountains, a nativity scene and gift shop. The shows run from Nov. 28 at 6 p.m. with a short concert before Snowball and Flurry take the stage for a 20-minute show that will leave everyone feelin’ the love. “A Heart for Christmas” display is at 1195 Pine Lane, Clayton. Follow Clayton Road east through the town of Clayton. At the Middle School, it becomes Marsh Creek Road. Continue past the Middle School for less than a mile and Pine Lane is on the right. For additional dates
and a calendar of events, see sidebar. For more information go to aheartforchristmas.com.
Show director, Jeffrey Holmes, gives direction to a volunteer during installation.of the 60,000 LED lights in the show.
A Heart for Christmas Musical Light Show Schedule of Events
Nov. 28, 6 p.m. LIGHTS ON – Opening Night Todd Morgan from Todd Morgan and the Emblems Dec. 10, 7 p.m. 30 Minute Concert Ladies First - Concord HS Women’s Ensemble Dec. 12, 7 p.m. Grammy-Nominated Artist Judy Pancoast Dec. 17, 7-8 p.m., Christmas Concert Savanha’s Singing Elves Performing in-between scheduled shows on Nov. 28, Dec 3, 11, 13, 14, 19, 21 Visits from Santa and Mrs. Claus Dec 13 and 20
Denise Farar
The gates to ‘A Heart For Christmas’ musical light show at 1195 Pine Lane open Nov. 28 at 6 p.m.
Open Wed. – Sun. from Nov. 28 – Dec. 20 Open every day from Dec. 21-Dec. 28 Unless otherwise indicated, show times are every 30 minutes from 6-8:30 p.m. 1195 Pine Lane, Clayton Aheartforchristmas.com
Concert, from page 1 That prompted Haley, just a middle schooler at the time, to help raise funds for Lazarex any way she could. This year, the Carondelet graduate is doing that by organizing a grand benefit concert featuring local performers as well as American Idol Top 20 finalist Brianna Oakley — another Carondelet graduate and friend of Haley’s. The concert is scheduled for 7 p.m. Dec. 20 at Clayton’s Endeavor Hall. Haley is being aided in organizing the show by her brother Brad, 15, as well as Noah Williams. There will be desserts and drinks for purchase, as well as raffle prizes. Tickets are $10 and she expects the concert to sell out. Proceeds will benefit Lazarex. “I have been astounded by the community support,” Haley says, who will attend USC in the spring. Besides the City of Clayton, other sponsors include Skipolini’s Pizza, Safeway, the Defying Gravity Foundation, and the Clayton Pioneer. This is the second year in a row that Haley and Brad put together a benefit concert for Lazarex. Last year they raised $4,000, and this year they hope to double that, she says. Haley talks about raising money as if it’s second nature to her, and in many ways, it is. “I am very lucky to have grown up in a community that values giving back,” she says. “It’s always been something that’s important to me.” Haley says she loves to be involved in the community, and helping others. While in middle
BRIANNA OAKLEY
school she helped organize a creek clean-up in Clayton, “and it felt really good,” she says. “Giving back is what makes this community work.” It’s a sentiment shared by her mom, Kimberly. “Kids in this community have been blessed by good role models,” she says. “They’ve grown up with a philanthropic attitude. I think kids like Haley are just wired that way.” The Lazarex Cancer foundation, formed in 2006, is based out of Danville. According to Kim Morucci, the foundation “has quadrupled their patients in the last eight months. They are now assisting nearly 400 patients.” One of the Lazarex patients, a 4-year-old girl being treated at UCSF, may perform at the benefit concert. “Her dream is to perform onstage, so we’re really hoping we can make this happen for her.” Tickets for the benefit concert at 7 p.m. Dec. 20 at Clayton’s Endeavor Hall are available at https://lazarex.ejoinme.org/hope.
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Turkey Day Redux LINDA WYNER
FOOD
FOR
THOUGHT
Ah, the day after Thanksgiving. Not only are you stuffed like yesterday’s bird, but the refrigerator is also still full of food. What will you do with all those plastic-wrapped bowls full of leftovers, not to mention the
remains of the magnificent turkey that was the showpiece of the day? First things first — get the meat off that turkey right now before the whole thing becomes a Petri dish. Use the carcass to make a soup stock. I roast the bones for about 30 minutes in a 400degree oven until they are nicely browned, then immerse the bones in water along with a few celery and carrot sticks and a
chopped onion. Simmering for an hour or two will give you a rich turkey-infused stock. Just strain it well and put it to good use. If you just can’t find the energy to do much more cooking this weekend, portion it out in freezer Ziploc bags and use throughout the year for soups and stews. I love the Pilgrim’s Pie (my own seasonal version of Shepherd’s Pie) I make with the leftover turkey, gravy, mashed sweet
Lights out for Mr. Christmas A beloved Christmas tradition will come to an end this year when Bruce Mertz flips the switch on his “Mr. Christmas” light display for the last time. Every year for 35 years,
Mertz would add lights and imagination to his Concord home to create a display that drew hundreds from all over the Bay Area and became the subject of a short docu-
Saturday, Dec. 13
mentary. His home was a “must see” on any family’s Christmas lights tour. Sadly, declining health has prevented Mertz from maintaining his display and he is unsure of how much will actually light up when he flips the switch on Thanksgiving night. At the end of the season, a friend will help him dismantle and put away the 5,000 lights for the last time. To see the documentary, go to www.mrchristmas.com. Or, better yet, stop by one last time at 5208 Olive Dr. in Concord before Dec. 31.
11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
potatoes and any steamed, roasted or boiled veggies served with the holiday feast. It’s fast, easy to make yet elegant in its own way. PILGRIM’S PIE Serves 4-6 1 to 1 ½ cup leftover mashed sweet potatoes 1 to 1 ½ cup minced turkey 1 Tbsp. butter ¼ cup chopped onion 1 cup chopped cooked veggies ½ cup turkey gravy Dash each allspice, ground cinnamon and nutmeg Salt and pepper to taste
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Coat individual serving-size ramekins with cooking spray and set aside. In a large skillet, sauté the onion until tender, about 4-6 minutes. Add the veggies, gravy, turkey and spices and heat through. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Transfer the filling to prepared ramekins and top with a generous ¼ cup of mashed sweet potatoes. Bake, uncovered, for 25-30 minutes or until heated through. IF YOUR LEFTOVERS ARE SLIM-PICKINGS No leftover sweet potatoes? You could use leftover mashed potatoes but I like the sweet potatoes with this recipe, so scrub and pierce one large sweet potato and microwave it on a
plate, uncovered, on high for 10-12 minutes or until tender, turning once. When cool enough to handle, cut potato in half; scoop out the pulp and place in a small bowl. Mash with 1 Tbsp. butter, 1-2 Tbsp. milk, and salt and pepper. No leftover turkey? Use ½ lb. ground turkey and brown the meat with the onion. No leftover veggies? Substitute 1 cup frozen mixed veggies (defrosted). No leftover turkey gravy? There are some very good quality packaged turkey gravies available these days. I recently used Pacific brand and really enjoyed the meaty flavor. LEFTOVER CRANBERRY SAUCE Here’s a suggestion for all that leftover cranberry sauce/jelly you have. Add an equal amount of a sweet BBQ sauce and use it as a dip for turkey, pork or beef meatballs you might enjoy while watching
more football over the weekend. And for those leftover pumpkin, apple or pecan pies, my only advice is to whip up some more cream and indulge in yet another serving, or two, or three. Every year I let my Pans on Fire customers know they can call with questions while they’re working on their meal. The same invitation goes out to you. Let me be your resource if you have any questions on Turkey Day — just call 925-200-6622 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., and I’ll do my best to help you solve your dilemma. Please note, however, if you call to tell me you forgot to defrost your turkey, my advice is to quickly make a reservation somewhere or order in pizza. Cheers, and have a blessed holiday. Linda Wyner owns Pans on Fire, a gourmet cookware store and cooking school in Pleasanton. Send suggestions or questions to lwyner@pansonfire.com
Saturday Saturday Dec. Dec. 6, 6, 6 6 p.m. p.m. You’re You’re invited invited
Prizes
Bring your camera
Party favors
Clayton Tree Lighting Meet at the Gazebo for Christmas Music by MDE School Choir
Visit with Mrs. Claus and Santa at the historic Endeavor Hall Center St., Clayton Children 12 & under: FREE, if accompanied by adult
Donations appreciated
Follow Santa down Main Street for the countdown Join friends and neighbors for hot cider and donuts at Clayton Community Church Sponsored by the
Clayton Business & Community Association Sponsored by the
Clayton Business & Community Association
Go to claytoncbca.org or call (925)
672-2272 for membership information,
Go to claytoncbca.org or call (925)
672-2272
Bring a new, unwrapped toy for the
for membership information,
Toys for Tots drive
Page 4
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Holiday home tour Dec. 14 Five beautifully decorated holiday homes will be on display for the Clayton Historical Society’s fifth annual Christmas Tour on Dec. 14. One of the homes is owned by a Pottery Barn designer, another is designed by a professional decorator for special events such as Halloween and Christmas. Holiday decorations will include Santa figures, elves and fairies and brightly colored ornaments, complemented by poinsettias and cyclamen. Still another homeowner is an artist who designs her own Christmas cards and will have
LEIGH KLOCK Realtor®, DRE#01874255
925.212.5593
past years’ cards displayed on her hall walls. The tour runs from noon until 7 p.m. (tickets sold only until 6 p.m.), and takes about two hours. Tickets are $30 and are on sale via PayPal, R&M Pool, Patio, Gifts and Gardens, the Royal Rooster downtown and on the day of the event at the Clayton Museum, 6101 Main St., Clayton. Proceeds benefit the historical society. For additional information call 925-672-7680 or email museum@claytonhistory.org.
Help fill Santa’s bag with books and games The Monument Crisis Center in Concord is seeking an assortment of new games appropriate for children ages: 4-16. (Please no electronic games.) Some great games for kids include Apples to Apples, Scrabble, Scrabble Junior, Jenga, Sequence, Qwirkle, Candyland, Monopoly, Clue, Chess for Juniors, and Chutes and Ladders. Also needed are new children’s books: appropriate for ages 2-14. Drop off donations at the Monument Crisis Center, 1990 Market St., Concord (behind Park and Shop, Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays: 9 a.m.-noon and 1:30 – 4 p.m.; Tuesdays: 9 a.m.-noon and 1:30-6 p.m. Drop off donations by Dec. 9. For more information, email monumentspecialevents@gmail.com The Monument Crisis Center provides nutritious food, education, general assistance and referrals through dynamic service programs to low income families and individuals with the goal of independence and sustainability. To learn more, go to www.monumentcrisiscenter.org
See a collection of original greeting cards during the Clayton Historical Society Home Tour, Dec. 14.
STEPHANIE LOPEZ Realtor®, DRE#01370548
925.932.7329 Join The Dynamic Realtor Group, The Moresi Family Restaurants, and the P2C Foundation for the 5th Annual
“Holiday Horse and Carriage Ride” Saturday, Dec. 6, Lines form 4:30-6 (Downtown Grove Park) Enjoy Music and Caroling by “Vintage”
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It’s Movember and all about the mustache at Moresi’s Almost before the sun set on the last day of Breast Cancer Month in October, the barkeepers of Moresi’s Chophouse put away their razors and channeled their best Tom Selleck. The six men, Moresi Mo’s, would let their mustaches grow all month in support of the Movember Foundation Mens’ Health Initiative. The ‘staches would help to raise awareness and money for research for prostate cancer, testicular cancer and men’s mental health programs. During Movember, Moresi’s created a special cocktail menu with such macho names as Straight Razor Shave, International Spy and Bare Knuckles Pugilist and donated $1 for each cocktail sold to the Foundation. “When you start growing a mustache, it gets attention. People comment and it gives us a chance to tell them about the Movember Foundation,” Moresi explained.
Tamara Steiner/Clayton Pioneer
There are no more manly men than Moresi’s Chophouse bartenders who each grew a mustache, the icon of macho-ness, in support of men’s health initiatives. (Back row) Mark Misippo, Dominic Moresi, Andrew Francis, Greg Neely; (front) Antonio Tapia and Sean White
“Unlike the the womanly parts for October, mustaches are much easier to parade around in public and talk about. There are still two days left in
November. So, belly up to the bar with a Granddad’s Coffee and help support the Movember Movement.
Page 5
P.O. Box 1246 6200 Center Street, Suite H, Clayton, CA 94517 TAMARA AND R OBERT S TEINER , Publishers TAMARA S TEINER , Editor P ETE C RUZ , Graphic Design P EGGY S PEAR , Copy Editor J AY B EDECARRÉ, Sports PAMELA W IESENDANGER , Administration, Calendar Editor S TAFF W RITERS : Peggy Spear, Pam Wiesendanger, John Jackson, Jay Bedecarre
We remember Jill Bedecarré - Her spirit is our muse
CONTACT THE PIONEER Send Sports News to sports@claytonpioneer.com
Tel: (925) 672-0500 Fax: (925) 672-6580 Tamara Steiner tamara@claytonpioneer.com Send ads to ads@claytonpioneer.com
Send Club News to clubnews@claytonpioneer.com Send School News to schoolnews@claytonpioneer.com
Deadline for entry is Dec. 9
Through the years, the Pioneer Cookie Contest is part of Clayton’s holiday tradition ‘Tis the season to mix up a batch of that favorite cookie dough or experiment with a new recipe for the 11th Annual Clayton Pioneer Cookie Contest at 6:30 p.m. on Dec. 11 at the Clayton Library. Rivaling scenes from a Norman Rockwell holiday illustration, the night is full of oldfashioned charm. Clayton’s Vintage Trio leads the caroling while judges nibble sugary confections until their teeth hurt. Crafts and face painting entertain the children as their anticipation for Santa’s arrival builds. Bring the camera; Santa makes an appearance in all his rosy-cheeked glory with a bag
full of goodies for those on the Nice list. After the judges tally their votes, winners are announced and guests get to gobble the contest entries. Reindeer-shaped sugar cookies, chocolate drops, peppermint patties, pumpkin bars and other treats fly fast and furious until not a crumb is left, just a puff of powdered sugar hovering in the air. Here are a few of our favorites from past years.
This year will be our eleventh annual Christmas Cookie Contest & your chance to stir, bake and taste up a storm of those sweets that bust the diet and send us over the moon.
From 2005, our first place winner was Cindy Pearsall’s Chewy Gingerbread Cookies, still one of our favorites. 2 ½ cups flour ¼ cup sugar ¼ cup brown sugar ½ cup butter-flavored shortening ½ cup mild molasses 1 egg ½ tsp. baking soda 1 tsp. baking powder 1 ½ tsp. ground cinnamon 1 tsp. ground ginger 1 tsp. ground cloves ½ tsp. ground nutmeg ½ tsp. salt
So, dust off the cookbooks and dig out Uncle Bud’s sugar cookie recipe, bake a few practice rounds & enter our contest.
Judging Party is Dec. 11, 6:30 p.m. in the Clayton Library Community Room. Be there for live music and caroling led by Vintage, games and crafts for the little ones and photos with Santa. Recipes and photos of winners will appear on Facebook.
Clayton Pioneer’s
2014 CHRISTMAS COOKIE CONTEST ENTRY FORM Please fill out a separate form for each entry.
Name (Please print) Address
(Must reside in the Pioneer Distribution area 94517)
Phone Number Email address Name of Recipe
Master Baker (16+) Junior Baker (Ages 6-15) Your age____
Parent's Signature (for Junior Bakers)
Contestant agrees to being photographed at the competition. Recipes used from published books must identify source. Signature
Mail your entry to: the Clayton Pioneer, PO Box 1246, Clayton, CA 94517; or drop off at our office at 6200 H Center Street, Clayton. If the office is closed, slip it through the mail slot.
Deadline to enter is 5 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 9
Brace yourself for a dazzling 2015
Judges for the first Pioneer Christmas Cookie Contest held in 2004 at Endeavor Hall were Sweet Bakery owner Tevy Sun, Pioneer food writer Linda Wyner, Councilwoman Julie Pierce, Zoe Managuerro and Clayton Community Church Pastor Shawn Robinson.
Measure all ingredients into a large mixing bowl. Start at low speed, mixing ingredients until well blended. Then, at medium speed, beat ingredients until soft dough forms, adding more flour by teaspoons if dough is too sticky. Roll into a ball, wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for one hour. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Then, roll out dough on lightly floured pastry cloth. Roll to 1/8-1/4 inch thick. Cut out cookies using cooled and floured cutters and place on cookie sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake 8 minutes for softer cookies, 10 minutes for crunchier cookies. Remove from oven, place cookies on wire racks to cool. When cooled completely, decorate with Royal Frosting, red hots, sprinkles, etc. ROYAL FROSTING 1 ¼ cups powdered sugar 1 egg white 1/8 tsp. cream of tartar Sift sugar and cream of tartar through fine sieve into a small, deep bowl. Add egg white. Beat mixture at high speed for several minutes. It’s ready when a knife drawn through the frosting leaves a clean path. Fill a pastry bag and decorate. Be creative, have fun!
In 2009 Junior Baker Grayson Wright easily scored first place with these Chocolate Mint Dreams ¾ c butter, softened 1 c powdered sugar 2 squares (1oz. each) unsweetened chocolate, melted and cooled ¼ tsp peppermint extract 1-1 ½ c all-purpose flour 1 c miniature semisweet chocolate chips ICING 2 Tbsp butter, softened 1 c powdered sugar ¼ tsp peppermint extract 1 to 2 drops green food coloring 1 to 2 Tbsp milk DRIZZLE ½ c semisweet chocolate chips ½ tsp shortening Preheat oven to 375 degrees. In a large bowl, cream butter and powdered sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in chocolate and extract. Gradually add flour and mix well. Stir in chocolate chips. (Dough will be soft). Drop by tablespoonfuls 2” apart on an ungreased baking sheet. Bake for 6-8 minutes or until firm. Cool for 2 minutes before removing to wire racks to cool completely. Meanwhile, combine the butter, powdered sugar, extract, food coloring and enough milk to achieve the desired consistency; spread over cooled cookies. Let set. In a microwave, melt chocolate chips and shortening; stir until smooth. Drizzle over cookies.
Master Baker Tamara Aszklar walked away with the top prize three years in a row. This year, she will serve as head judge. From 2011, RASPBERRY SHORTBREAD YUM YUMS 1 c sugar 1 c butter 1 c shortening 2 tsp baking powder 4 ½ c flour, sifted 2 eggs, well beaten 1 tsp vanilla extract Raspberry jam (homemade is best) Pinch of salt Cream butter, shortening and sugar until creamy. Add the eggs and vanilla. Add sifted flour, salt and baking powder. Refrigerate dough for ½ hour before rolling and cutting. Preheat oven to 350 °F. Roll out dough on a floured board to desired thickness. Cut out with a cookie cutter. On half of the cookies, cut a smaller middle hole with a smaller cookie cutter. Bake until golden brown, about 10-15 minutes
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Performing Arts
Holiday shows brighten the East Bay SALLY HOGARTY
STAGE STRUCK As the holidays streak towards us faster than Rudolph can fly Santa’s present-laden sleigh, local theaters begin to offer tried and true holiday fare as well as a few surprises. While theaters on the other side of the Caldecott Tunnel offer some adult versions of holiday shows, Contra Costa County companies prefer more family-friendly fare. Often a seasonal treat during November and December is a young per-
son’s first experience with live performance – hopefully, an experience that will be repeated throughout the years. The story of a young girl’s courage heralds in the holidays for Pittsburg Community Theatre as they present Disney’s “Mulan, Jr.” Set in China, the heartwarming musical celebrates culture and honor as Mulan and her mischievous sidekick Mushu battle to save the Emperor. Concord’s Steen MergogeyConti directs more than 40 young performers including Concord residents Taylor Knecht (Zhang) and Brynn Bannan (son/soldier). In addition, PCT presents an original one-act play written by 10-year-old Ricky Tiongson of Pittsburg with contributions from Christina, Faith and Caleb
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East County Ballet brings the beloved ‘Nutcracker’ to the El Campanil Theatre in Antioch Dec. 19-21.
Gella of Antioch. “Operation: Coming Home!” shows how kids deal with a parent being deployed, the excitement of a homecoming, and the despair when a parent doesn’t come back. The shows run at 7 p.m. Dec. 11, at 8 p.m. Dec. 12 and at 2 p.m. Dec. 13 and 14 at the California Theatre, 351 Railroad Ave., in Pittsburg. Tickets are $10 (children), $15 (seniors/students), and $25 (adults). Call 925-427-1611 or go to www.pittsburgcaliforniatheatre.c om. What would the holidays be without a performance of “A Christmas Carol?” Center REP presents its annual adaptation of the Charles Dickens’ classic Dec. 11 – 21 at Walnut Creek’s Lesher Center for the Arts. Directed by Scott Denison, the large cast includes Concord residents Michael Berg, Marty Newton and Scott Strain. Denison promises even more music, colorful costumes, spectacular sets and awe-inspiring special effects. Call 925-943SHOW or go to www.lesherartscenter.org. And what holiday would be complete without a production
of “The Nutcracker?” Local audiences can enjoy this favorite ballet close to home thanks to the Ballet Company of East County. The group presents the story of Clara and her beloved nutcracker . Visit the El Campanil Theatre, 602 W. Second Street in Antioch. Priced $16-20, times and tickets can be reserved by calling 925-7579500 or going to www.elcampaniltheatre.com. The younger theater crowd will also enjoy Fantasy Forum Actors Ensemble’s annual production of “The Biggest Gift.” Now in its 43rd season, the company specializes in interactive fun production for youngsters from kindergarten through fifth grade. Some lucky audience members even get to sit on stage with the performers. Full of fun and laughter, “The Biggest Gift” tells of a crisis in Toyland. Santa hasn’t received any letters from the children and Tucker the elf and the toys must find the letters and save Christmas. The show runs Dec. 18 – 21 at Walnut Creek’s Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr. Priced at $14, tickets can be reserved by calling 925-943-
SHOW or going to www.lesherartscenter.org. Solo Opera finishes off the holiday season with a festive production of “Hansel and Gretel.” This more light-hearted version compared to the original Grimm’s fairytale features professional singers in the lead roles and the Contra Costa Children’s Chorus as the Gingerbread Children Chorus and Lori Buffalow’s The Next Step Dancers in the Fourteen Angel Ballet. Complete with beautiful sets and costumes, the opera performs at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 19 and at 2 p.m. Dec. 20 at Del Valle Theatre, 1963 Tice Valley Blvd., in Walnut Creek. Tickets are $25 (youth 17 and under), $35 (seniors) and $40 (adults). For reservations, call 925-943SHOW or go to www.lesherartscenter.org.
Fantasy Forum’s ‘The Biggest Gift,’ a kid-friendly production that sets about finding the ‘lost’ letters of Christmas, plays at the Lesher Center Dec. 18-20.
Sally Hogarty is well known around the Bay Area as a newspaper columnist, theatre critic and working actress. She is also the editor of the Orinda News. Send comments to sallyhogarty@gmail.com
Scrooge is back in town
Center REP presents their annual production of A Christmas Carol, running in the Hofmann Theatre at the Lesher Center for the Arts Dec. 11-21. Brimming with music and dance, love and laughter, spectacular special effects and scary ghosts, critics have called it “THE Christmas Carol to see in the Bay Area.” All performances are at the Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Drive, Walnut Creek, CA 94596. For more information or to purchase tickets, call (925)943SHOW or visit www.centerrep.org.
‘Hansel and Gretel’ delights young audiences SALLY HOGARTY Clayton Pioneer
It may not be visions of sugarplums dancing in their heads, but youngsters will find Solo Opera’s production of “Hansel and Gretel” just as sweet as the familiar Christmas poem. Especially designed for younger theatergoers, the opera performs at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 19 and at 2 p.m. Dec. 20 at the Del Valle Theatre, 1963 Tice Valley Blvd, in Walnut Creek. “I’m so excited to put this opera on,” says artistic director
Contra Costa County Animal Services 4800 Imhoff Place, Martinez, CA 94553 (925) 335-8300 / (510) 374-3966 Website: ccasd.org Facebook: facebook.com/ccasd
Kick-off your Christmas Season with song and laughter at Concord United Methodist Church 1645 West St., Concord – 925-685-5260 www.concordumc.org
Saturday, December 6 10:00 a.m. H.O.G.S. bringing Toys for Tots.
Free nursery care provided
3:30 p.m.
Carol Sing #1, with Santa!
6:00 p.m.
Bring new, unwrapped toys for Toys for Tots, bring your camera to take pictures with Santa.
7:00 p.m.
Carol Sing #2, with CVCHS and CHS choruses, CUMC Chancel and Community Orchestra and HouseBlend!
These are FREE events, but you are encouraged to bring a new, unwrapped toy for Toys for Tots.
Sylvia Amorino. “It was one of the first operas I saw as a child and has always been in my heart,” adds the Concord resident. Amorino has done more than make her dream come true, she has transformed it into a community collaboration with the Contra Costa Children’s Chorus performing the Gingerbread Children Chorus and Lori Buffalow’s The Next Step Dancers appearing as the Fourteen Angel Ballet. “We are honored to collaborate with Solo Opera,” says Children’s Chorus artistic director Andrew Brown. “We have 14 young singers playing the role of the children captured by the witch and held captive under her spell. They are enthralled by the story and love being a part of this show.” The lucky 14 secured their roles through a summer audition. More than 125 singers currently participate in the chorus with several from Concord and Clayton. The performance not only includes local community members but it also benefits other residents through the Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano. “We’re asking patrons to bring non-perishable food items to the show,” says Amorino, whose husband volunteers at the Food Bank. “With the show’s themes of hunger and poverty, it’s a good match. The show also features strong children’s characters who save the town in the end. We thought having children bring canned goods to the show would also empower them. They might not
Photo by John Buyer
Deborah Rosengaus (witch), Megan Stetson (Hansel) and Diane Squires (Gretel).
be saving a town, but they are helping and giving back to their community.” Audience members attending “Hansel and Gretel” will receive lots in return, including gorgeous music sung by professional singers, exciting dancing and an elaborate set by awardwinning designer Peter Crompton. “Peter is a phenomenal set designer,” Amorino says. “His design for our show is very colorful and bright, exactly what I wanted. This show is extremely visual. We need to see trees, a gingerbread house and lots more.” Amorino notes that Engelbert Humperdinck’s opera differs greatly from the story found in Grimm’s Fairytales. “Our mother isn’t the awful character in Grimm’s version.
She’s a good mother who’s just having a bad day,” Amorino explains. “Our witch isn’t scary either, and we have fun characters like the Sandman and the Dew Fairy.” According to Amorino, children as young as preschool will enjoy the opera, which lasts approximately two hours including a 15-minute intermission. “As long as the children can sit for 45 minutes at a time, they should be fine. And for intermission, Safeway and other stores have donated cookies,” she adds. Tickets to “Hansel and Gretel” are $25 (youth 17 and under), $35 (seniors) and $40 (adults). For reservations, call 925-943-SHOW or go to www.lesherartscenter.org.
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The UPS Store
TM
Independently owned and operated
Plant displays add panache to holiday décor
NICOLE HACKETT
GARDEN GIRL Adorning entry ways and patio areas during the holiday season is a welcoming sight for family, friends and those that pass by. Use botanical displays of poinsettias, pinecones, spruce, cedar wreaths and garlands to create these inspirational vignettes. Poinsettia plants are a flowering favorite this time of the year. Their traditional flowers of red, white, pink and speckled lend themselves to several desirable color schemes. Poinsettias can be finicky when it comes to temperature. Outdoors, be wary
once temperatures dip below 30 degrees, and don’t allow rain to land on the flowers for the drops discolor the petals. When displayed indoors kept out of rooms that can be too warm. Plants will wilt and dehydrate in the cold, and lose their leaves if the rooms are too warm. Pinecones are falling in abundance this time of year. A planter or basket filled with pinecones is a lovely touch. For a bit more dazzle, consider spray-painting your pinecones silver, or gold. Pinecones can also be added at the foot of urns to lengthen the visual in the display. Spruce has always been in great demand this time of year. Dwarf Alberta Spruce naturally has a Christmas tree shape. Plant or stage Dwarf Alberta Spruce in a container, and surround with white cyclamen or pansies for additional interest on a porch or patio. A string of lights would also all additional ambience. Bring Dwarf Alberta Spruce inside and place in a
cache pot and display in the vestibule or bathroom. Fresh cut cedar garlands create a perfect winter feel when draped over an arched entry, or twisted along balustrades. Their woodsy fragrance is an added bonus. If you plan on using fresh cut wreaths and gardens for decorating this holiday season, apply a dose of Wilt Stop to the pieces. An anti-transpirant spray will help keep the foliage fresh for longer. Colorful berries can also add to holiday botanical displays.
Consider using artificial berries for indoor decorations. However, the berries of Toyon and Pyracantha are toxic if ingested. Take the joy of your garden — indoor or out — into the season this year. Enjoy yourself , decorate, sing, bake and share. Spend time with those you love. Be kind. Greet people, say hello and smile. Nicole is the Garden Girl at R&M Pool, Patio, Gifts and Garden. Contact her with questions or comments at Gardengirl@claytonpioneer.com
Our friendly staff will help you get your gifts packaged and delivered on time, safe & sound. Notary, Stamps, Postal, Copy & Fax Services also available.
Clayton/Concord Location: Vineyard Shopping Center, (next to Lucky)
5100 Clayton Rd, Concord 925-689-6245
New Holiday Hours Mon.-Fri. 8-6:30, Sat. 9-4:30 Open Sunday Dec. 14, 10-3
This Christmas Give the gift of riding GIFT CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE
A grateful teen gives thanks after weathering difficult years When I was nine, I moved from my hometown of Martinez to Clayton. I had attended the same school for five years, going on six, and had lived in Martinez for my entire life. I wasn’t ready to leave my wonderful house, my fruit trees and vegetable garden, or my school and all of my friends. My grandma lived right down the street. My new house didn’t have any of those things I loved. When we first got into our new house in Clayton, everything went wrong. The windows leaked, standing water stood under the house, the heater and the air-conditioning were not working, and the kitchen appliances were about to die on us; one of the ovens wouldn’t even
open! For those few months, we had lots of trouble. My mom and dad had to fix, not to mention pay for, all of these errors. We had to really budget our money. However, my parents weren’t the only ones having trouble. At school, I had trouble making friends and some girls and boys were not being nice to me. Some were making fun of me. Not only was that hard for me, it was hard for me and my parents to get to different locations and not know the town of Clayton. We learned about the area by talking to people and exploring, and of course, Google. In the outcome, things have gotten much better than they used to be. Currently, we still
have to budget with things still need fixing. We are still having problems with our house and the backyard is still a bunch of dirt piles due to a drainage problem, but we are managing. I’m not made fun of anymore, though everyone has friend problems once in a while. I’ve gotten use to Clayton and I feel like I’ve been here my entire life. Even the worst of the worst can get better. So here I am, Thanksgiving, two years after moving to Clayton from my beloved Martinez home and I am so grateful to be in Clayton. I love living under Mt. Diablo and hiking on the weekends. I love taking long walks with my family in the greenbelt and watching the birds
NATALIE PURSCHE
DVMS CORRESPONDENT fly. I could not have wished to be in a better place playing, having fun and getting to know more friends. For all of that and more I am grateful.
DAVID LINZEY VOYAGE OF THE EAGLE for Cookie for a Can, a student-run project to support the Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano where students and staff bring canned goods for the hungry in exchange for a cookie. You would also see signs promoting the California Scholarship Federation Coat Drive, asking students and staff to drop off warm winter coats for those needing extra protection in what the experts say will be an extra cold winter. This is the season we give thanks for the blessings in our lives. For family, health, home, and food we are indeed grateful. However, there are some
within the CVCHS family that may be struggling at any one time and we want to help. Clayton Valley Cares, a volunteer-led effort, endorsed and administered by our Guidance Department, is a program designed to help our students and their families in need. Hardship can hit a family without warning, and we want to help. Students who may have a need for a warm coat, a gift card for necessities/food or maybe a bus/BART ticket can receive help by speaking first to their guidance counselor who will, in turn, reach out to Clayton Valley Cares for the help that they need. All services and inquiries are strictly confidential. But we don’t just “care” during the holidays. Part of what it means to produce “first class citizens with a world class education” is that we “care” year-round. It is simply a part of who we truly are. So we also work with the Clayton Business & Community Association to provide backpacks filled with school supplies for those in need. We raise money to fight breast cancer, and more charitable causes. The
925.360.7454
www.EarthquakeArabians.com
Natalie Pursche is in the sixth grade at Diablo View Middle School. She is an avid reader, enjoys writing, and loves to spend time with her friends and family. Send comments to natalie@claytonpioneer.com.
Caring for others is a CVCHS tradition High school campuses usually have lots of signs around. If you were to go onto our campus as I write this you would see a lot of signs. There is an announcement for girl’s soccer tryouts. There are a couple signs for a campus clean-up day coming up soon, one to sign up for Powder Puff, and there are usually signs of support for our sports teams. But what you would also see are signs announcing the annual Red Cross blood drive. For us, this one is a bit personal. Right around this time last year, one of our teachers became seriously ill and required life-saving emergency surgery. In a little more than a week’s time, he received 20 units of whole blood and plasma and would not have survived without the blood provided by community donors like our students and staff. Over the course of two days this year, 97 students and staff – the maximum capacity the blood drive truck could handle – signed up, gave blood, and, like the example of one of our teachers, literally saved lives. You would also see signs
3141 Morgan Territory Rd. Clayton
Design • Installation Maintenance
list goes on and on. For more information on how you can help, please see our website at www.claytonvalley.org or call our office at 925682-7474. Clayton Valley Cares and we know you do, too. David Linzey is executive director of CVCHS. Contact him David.linzey@claytonvalley.org
673-0440
License # 958849
Commercial & Residential
6096 Main St., Clayton
Karaoke Mon & Wed nights
Open Mic Thur. nights
Live Music Every Fri. and Sat.
www.claytonclubsaloon.com
Page 8
Clayton Community Calendar PLEASE SUBMIT YOUR CLAYTON COMMUNITY CALENDAR EVENTS BY 5 P.M. DEC. 3 FOR THE DEC. 12 ISSUE. ITEMS MUST BE SUBMITTED BY EMAIL TO calendar@claytonpioneer.com
IN CLAYTON Nov. 28 – Dec. 28 A Heart for Christmas Walk-through Christmas musical light show to raise funds for KatieGrace Groebner fund of the Children’s Organ Transplant Association. 1185 Pine Lane, Clayton. Free admission. aheartforchristmas.com.
Dec. 6 Annual Caroling and Tree Lighting Downtown festivities. Toys for Tots collection. Carriage rides; line up starts at 4:30 p.m. Caroling, followed by Santa, tree lighting and refreshments starting at 6 p.m. Grove Park to Main and Oak Streets, Clayton. Free. Clayton Business and Community Association 6722272.
Dec. 11 Cookie Contest Bake a batch of your best Christmas cookies. Live music by Vintage; Santa at the judging party. 6:30 – 8 p.m. Clayton Library, 6125 Clayton Road. Free. Register by Dec. 9. Clayton Pioneer 672-0500.
Dec. 13 Dessert with Mrs. Claus Prizes, party favors. Visit with Santa. Bring camera. Children must be accompanied by an adult. 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Endeavor Hall, 6008 Center St., Clayton. Donations appreciated. Clayton Business and Community Association 672-2272.
Dec. 14 Christmas Home Tour Self-guided tour of five homes in Clayton beautifully decorated for the holidays. 12 – 7 p.m. Rain or shine. Starts at Clayton Museum, 6101 Main St. $30. Proceeds benefit the Clayton Historical Society. claytonhistory.org. Call 672-7680 or email museum@claytonhistory.org.
IN CONCORD Dec. 5 Gift and Craft Fair Handmade crafts, baked goods and holiday decorations. 9:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Concord Senior Center, 2727 Parkside Drive. Free admission. 671-3320.
Dec. 6 Tree Lighting Santa, entertainment, Mayor’s sing along and tree lighting. 4 – 7:30 p.m. Todos Santos Plaza, Willow Pass Road between Mt. Diablo and Grant Streets, Concord. concordfirst.org. 671-3464.
Dec. 7 Super Holiday Boutique Special one-of-a-kind holiday gifts and stocking stuffers. Holiday arts and crafts, entertainment, Santa photo opportunity. Benefiting Food Bank of Contra Costa and Thankfulness in California. 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Centre Concord, 5298 Clayton Road. Free admission. superholidayboutique.com.
Dec. 8 Tree of Lights For Clayton and Concord by Hospice of the East Bay. 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. John Muir Medical Center parking lot, East Street and Almond Avenue, Concord. Donations accepted. 887-5678.
Dec. 13 Santa Crafts and refreshments. Take your own pictures with Santa, music by DJ Lou, photo booth pictures $1. 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Concord Senior Center, 2727 Parkside Drive. $8 for children over 2 years old; adults are free. Registration required: concordsanta.eventbrite.com.
EVENTS & ENTERTAINMENT Nov. 28 – 30 “The Nutcracker” Performed by Contra Costa Ballet. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $20-$35. lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469.
Dec. 2 Concert
Dec. 5 – 7, 12 – 14 “The 12 Dates of Christmas”
Dec. 22 Home for the Holidays
This heartwarming one-woman play offers a hilarious and modern alternative to the old standards of the holiday season. Delta Gallery of the Arts, 2485 Sand Creek Road, 128, Brentwood. $16-$20. thebrentwoodtheater.org.
Concert performed by Diablo Symphony Orchestra and featuring The Ashmolean Singers. 7:30 p.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $12-$28. lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469.
Dec. 5 – 14 North Pole Revue Presented by Center Stage Theatre of Diablo Valley. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $15-$17. lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469.
Dec. 6 Walnut Creek Chorus An evening of caroling. 7 p.m. Trinity Lutheran Church, 2317 Buena Vista Ave., Walnut Creek. $10-$12. walnutchorus@gmail.com.
Dec. 6 “Winterglow” Vocal and handbell ensemble performance by Tapestry. 7:30 p.m. Clayton Valley Presbyterian Church, 1578 Kirker Pass Road, Clayton. Free. tapestryringersandsingers.org.
Dec. 7 “A Very Electric Christmas” Performed by Lightwire Theatre. 3 p.m. California Theatre, 351 Railroad Ave., Pittsburg. $15-$30. pittsburgcaliforniatheatre.com. 427-1611.
Dec. 11 – 21 “A Christmas Carol” Brimming with music and dance, love and laughter and scary ghosts. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $27-$49. centerrep.org.
Dec. 12 – 13 Holiday Sweet
Holiday concert performed by San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus. Nourse Theatre, 275 Hayes St., San Francisco. $25-$65. sfgmc.org.
Dec. 12 – 14 #NEWMAGIC Annual family-friendly holiday magic show by Alex Ramon. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $20-$25. lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469.
Dec. 12 – 14 “Christmas at the Biltmore” Original play by Brentwood author Steve Kinsella. Edna Hill Theater, 140 Birch St., Brentwood. thebrentwoodtheater.org.
Dec. 6 Crab Feed Crab, pasta, salad and French bread. 6:30 p.m. Concord Moose Family Center Lodge #567, 1805 Broadway St., Concord. $40; $10 pasta only. 798-0887.
Dec. 6 Holiday Tea Tea, entertainment, raffle. Hosted by the Clayton Valley Charter High School Choirs. Wear your favorite hat for a free raffle ticket. 1 and 3 p.m. seatings. $30. doremi.parent@gmail.com.
Dec. 7 Holiday Faire
The Clayton Valley Charter High School Men’s Lacrosse team is collecting new, unwrapped toys for children up to 11 years old to donate to Bay Area Crisis Nursery. 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Grove Park Gazebo, Main Street, Clayton. Contact Tracey Morse: 207-0382.
Dec. 20 – 21 Country Kitchen Baked goods for your holiday feast. Some kitchen craft items. Proceeds benefit St. Bonaventure Food Pantry. Open to the public approximately one hour after service. Mass times: Sat. 5 p.m. Sun. 7:30, 9 and 11 a.m.; 12:45 and 5 p.m. St. Bonaventure Foyer, 5562 Clayton Road, Concord. 672-5800.
The Diablo Ballet Holiday Party, Dec. 20
With orchestra, community chorus and guest soloists under the direction of Susan Stuart. 7:30 p.m. El Campanil Theatre, 602 W. Second St., Antioch. $12. elcampaniltheatre.com.
Dec. 13 Vintage Concert to celebrate the season. 7:30 p.m. St. Bonaventure, 5562 Clayton Road, Concord. Free. vintagetrio.com.
Dec. 17 Student Art Show Ann Nakatani’s Annual Holiday Student Art Show. Refreshments. 6 – 8 p.m. Concord Senior Center, Room A, 2727 Parkside Drive. Free admission. Contact Ann: 825-2453.
Dec. 18 – 21 “The Biggest Gift” Presented by Fantasy Forum Actors. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $14. lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469.
Dec. 19 – 21 “The Nutcracker”
Presented by Trapped in a Rumo Improv. 7:45 p.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $12-$15. lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469.
Events Christmas Boutique – Wood Rose Academy . . . .825-4644 Clayton Business and Community Association . .672-2272 Super Holiday Boutique . . . . . .superholidayboutique.com Vintage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.vintagetrio.com
FUNDRAISERS
Dec. 13 Handel’s “Messiah”
Presented by The Ballet Joyeux. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $20-$25. lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469.
Dining and Entertainment Clayton Club Saloon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .673-0440 El Molino . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .963-7472 Los Rancheros Taqueria . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .685-7110
Music of the season, including live tableaux scenes performed by the Resurrection Choir and Friends. 7:30 p.m. St. Bonaventure, 5562 Clayton Road, Concord. Free. 672-5800.
Dec. 13 Toy Drive
Dec. 20 ‘Twas the Improv Before Christmas
Construction and Trades Burkin Electric . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-1519
Dec. 5 Advent/Christmas Concert
Dec. 12 – 13 “Home for the Holidays”
Dec. 5 – 6 “Once Upon a Christmas”
Clubs and Associations Clayton Community Library Foundation . . . . . . . .673-0659 Clayton Historical Society and Museum . . . . . . .672-0240 Clayton Valley Garden Club . .claytonvalleygardenclub.org
CHURCHES AND RELIGION
Diablo Women’s Chorale serves up a delicious show. Mt. Diablo Unitarian Church, 55 Eckley Lane, Walnut Creek. $10-$20. diablowomenschorale.com.
Performed by the Brentwood Children’s Ballet Theater. El Campanil Theatre, 602 W. Second St., Antioch. $16-$20. elcampaniltheatre.com.
Beauty and Pampering Clayton Mind and Body Connections . . . . . . . . . .673-0686 Hair’s the Place . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-6180
Concert performed by California Symphony and The Pacific Boychoir. 3 and 7:30 p.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $70. lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469.
Students and vendors selling items in large gym. Food and drink in small gym. Raffle. Sponsored by Clayton Valley Charter High School Parent Faculty Club to benefit participating student groups. 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. CVCHS, 1101 Alberta Way, Concord. Free admission. cvchspfc.com.
The Walnut Creek Concert Band presents “Anna’s Gift.” Includes holiday favorites. 7:30 p.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. $14-$17. lesherartscenter.org. 943-7469.
Directory of Advertisers
Dec. 23 Home for the Holidays
Financial, Insurance and Legal Services Travis Credit Union . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .888-698-0000 Van Wyck, Doug – State Farm Insurance . . . . . .672-2300 Health Dr. Iris Erdell - Orthodontist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .946-1951 Home and Garden Clayton Furniture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .686-2299 Diablo Lawnscape . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .381-3757 R & M Pool, Patio, Gifts & Gardens . . . . . . . . . . .672-0207 The Royal Rooster . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-2025 Mailing Services The UPS Store . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .689-6245 Photography Rochellez Photography . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .510-677-4170 Real Estate and Mortgage Services Booth, Angelique – Windermere Real Estate . . .672-8787 French, Lynne – Windermere Real Estate . . . . . .672-8787 Gray, Heather – Windermere Real Estate . . . . . .765-3822
Dec. 20 Holiday Party A night of dance led by ballerina Rosselyn Ramirez; food, wine, punch. Proceeds benefit Diablo Ballet and its Performing Arts Education and Enrichment for Kids Program. 7 – 9 p.m. Steinway Piano Gallery, 1605 Broadway St., Walnut Creek. $50. diabloballet.org/events.
Meeting dates and times for local clubs and organizations are listed at claytonpioneer.com. Click on ‘Links’
Klock, Leigh – Coldwell Banker . . . . . . . . . . . . . .212-5593 Lopez, Stephanie – Coldwell Banker . . . . . . . . . .932-7329 Mazzei, Matt – Mazzei Realty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .693-0757 Van Vaerenbergh, Carol – Windermere Real Estate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-1772 Recreation and Fitness Earthquake Arabians . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .360-7454 SNAP Fitness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .693-0110 Services, Other A Floral Experience . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .705-3088 Clayton Valley Frameworks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-6066 ComputersUSA! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-9989 Contra Costa County Animal Services . . . . . . . . .335-8300 Cutting Edge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .304-2200 Diaz, Jim – Councilmember . . . . . .jdiaz@ci.clayton.ca.us Net Solutions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .672-6029 Worship Concord United Methodist Church . . . . . . . . . . . .685-5260
Page 9
It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas . . . Take tea with CVCHS Choirs Christmas is a time for music and beauty and…high tea. Take an afternoon off from the charged pace of the holiday countdown and start a new tradition. The CVCHS choirs are hosting an elegant high tea on December 6 with seatings at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Both will include three courses of savories and sweets and entertainment by the CVCHS choirs. And, of course anyone who knows anything about high tea knows that one is judged by what’s on one’s head. So, wear your fanciest hat to tea and be rewarded with a free raffle ticket. Tickets are $30. Table for eight is $220. For tickets, email Gabriela Rowland at doremi@gmail.com.
Wood Rose Academy to hold first Boutique Wood Rose Academy and Preschool will hold their first annual St Nicholas Christmas Boutique on Sat., Dec 6 from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Browse the many vendors and shop for gift items – many of them handcraftedand enjoy home baked treats, warm apple cider and friendly folks. Hand knitted and crocheted hats and scarves, jewelry and housewares are just some of the items offered. Proceeds from the event are earmarked for playground equipment, curriculum materials and a holy family shrine on campus. Wood Rose Academy is at 4347 Cowell Road, between Treat and Ygnacio Valley Road. For more information, please call 925825-4644. See ad this page.
CVCHS Faire sells holiday spirit Clayton Valley Charter High School Parent Faculty Club is kicking off the holiday season by hosting its third annual Holiday Faire from 11a.m. to 4p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 7 in the large gym on campus.
food items. Some of the items include Scentsy, Origami Owl Custom Jewelry, Cookie Lee Jewelry, knitted and crochet items, Pampered Chef and many more. There will also be food booths selling burritos, nachos, and salads. Christmas music will be provided by the CVCHS band and choir groups, and there will be a raffle of all vendor items. Funds raised at this event benefit the student clubs and groups running their own booth get to keep 100 percent of their profits. This is a great way to get some holiday shopping done and support CVCHS.
Super Holiday Boutique benefits new organization The holiday season’s largest local shopping extravaganza is the fifth annual Super Holiday Boutique in Concord and Pleasant Hill. The free holiday indoor events allow shoppers to get those special one-of-a-kind holiday gifts and stocking stuffers for family, friends and colleagues from a variety of arts and crafts vendors, home-based businesses and commercial exhibitors. The Super Holiday at Centre Concord, 5298 Clayton Rd. next to Clayton Valley Bowl, is on Sunday, Dec. 7, from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. The Friday evening, Dec. 5, Boutique is from 5 - 8 p.m. at Pleasant Hill Senior Center, 233 Gregory Lane near City Hall and Bed, Bath and Beyond. A raffle at each site benefits Thankfulness in California, a new organization raising awareness and respect for all military service people. Santa will be on hand to hear holiday wishes and pose for free photo opportunities. There will be free holiday arts and crafts activities for kids to make keepsake presents for their family and friends. Each attendee will receive a free raffle ticket. Bring canned food for the Food Bank and earn one raffle ticked for each can. The first 200 families through the door get a holiday goody bag. Super Holiday Boutique is free to the public with free parking around each venue. Visit www.superholidayboutique.com for more information. See ad on page 10.
Country Kitchen sales benefit Food Pantry For those folks looking to fill stockings or put presents under the tree, there will be student booths selling all kinds of home-made gifts, crafts, pet, and
St. Bonaventure’s Country Kitchen will be open to the public on Dec. 20 and 21 with edibles and kitchen-related craft items for those last minute hostess gifts or stocking stuffers for the holidays. All proceeds benefit the St. Bonaventure Food Pantry.
The St. Bonaventure Food Pantry serves over 500 people each week and over 700 people each at Thanksgiving and Christmas. Their client list extends far beyond the parish boundaries and into the general communities of Clayton and Concord. Food Pantry clients can choose food items that best fit their family’s dietary needs and taste buds. The Food Pantry began in 1979. Food bins in the church foyer each week collect staple items, such as canned meats and tuna, peanut butter, canned vegetables, rice, pasta and cereal. The Knights of Columbus hold food drives throughout the year to replenish the stock. Financial donations to the Food Pantry are used to purchase foods from the Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano. To donate, send a check to St. Bonaventure Catholic Church, 5562 Clayton Road, Concord, CA 94521 and note Food Pantry on the memo line. The Parish Food Pantry is managed and staffed solely by volunteers. For more information, call 672-5800 or go to stbonaventure.net.
Book cool holiday gifts from the Clayton library If you love Clayton, holiday gift-giving just got a little bit easier, thanks to the Clayton Community Library Foundation. This year, the foundation is featuring a set of five note cards for sale. Each card has a different photo of Clayton scenes or buildings by Harvey R. Wall, a Clayton resident. Each set of five cards is $5. But that’s not the only Santa surprise featured at the library this season. For the book hound on your list, book bags are $10 each. Want to brighten up your holiday decorating? Christmas ornaments are $12 each (or two for $20). Locals of all ages will appreciate tee-shirts in red and blue that sport the 94517 logo for $14 ($10 for children’s sizes). For the culinary aficionados on your list, “Clayton Cooks…” a collection of favorite recipes including some by local celebrities, are $5per book. If none of these seem quite right, historians and book lovers on your list will appreciate a membership in the Clayton Community Library Foundation at $10 for an individual and $15 for a family. Membership forms are available online at www.claytonlibrary.org. and at the Clayton Library. A gift with long-term value is a brick for the museum walkway for $55 Forms are available at the library or downloadable online at www.claytonlibrary.org. Finally, gift cards and “Buy a
Tamara Steiner/Clayton Pioneer
With a dozen themed Christmas trees, hundreds of ornaments, glittering table settings, jewelry and custom gift baskets, Royal Rooster in downtown is truly ‘destination’ shopping.
Book” forms are available online as well. Items are available at the library during business hours, Monday and Wednesday, 1 to 9 p.m., Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday 1 to 5 p.m. Proceeds benefit the library.
The Rooster crows for a holiday wonderland For joyful shopping, visit the Royal Rooster in downtown Clayton. Walk through the doors into a holiday wonderland of elegance, grace and fun. Every inch of the store is decorated with themed Christmas trees, glittering table settings, shelf after shelf of whimsical and fun characters, ornaments, cards, jewelry and … well, simply everything Christmas. It took owner Sara Skow and assistant Liz Gregerson six days to set up the holiday displays. If you aren’t smiling when you get there, you certainly will be when you leave. The Royal Rooster is on Mt. Diablo Street in downtown Clayton. See ad page 2.
In the mood for some fa mily fun? Searching for fted gifts unique, handcra ry? & beautiful jewel
Looking for handmade st ocking stuffers?
Wood Rose Academy presents
The St. Nicholas Christmas Boutique Saturday, December 6, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Preview the event the day before with a few of the vendors:
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Friday, December 5, 3-5 p.m. Silpada, 31 Gifts, Pampered Chef and many more brands will be featured
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and elegantly lit candles, to boughs of holly and pine tree branch garlands — all of this décor is like a big warm and cozy holiday hug. Our favorite retail catalogues are mostly to blame for all of these wonderful holiday décor ideas. Page after page, we are shown perfectly snowcapped pinecones in a distressed woven metal basket by the front door, a grouping of perfectly placed ivory candles of various heights lining the family room fireplace mantel, and an array of holiday pillows with faux fur throws casually, but perfectly, laid out on a living room sofa. So, how do we make our houses look like those catalogue pages? How do we get all of those lovely holiday trinkets and accents without spending a mint? Grab a mug of Egg Nog, and let’s discuss. “PERFECT” HOLIDAY DÉCOR Let’s just say it right now, there’s no such thing as perfect holiday décor. Instead of trying to have a perfect page out of a catalogue, create holiday décor that is appropriate to your design aesthetic, your holiday traditions, and your budget. A holiday pillow that used to belong to your great grandmother, a toilet paper roll Santa Claus that your child made at school, or a series of beer mugs that you only bring out during the holidays to share with friends and family are all decorations that are perfectly perfect. But if you’re looking to have some holiday retail therapy, buy decorative items that will stand the test of time — timeless, classic and always chic.
spent, I like to see what my clients have hidden away in their closets and cabinets. So, consider the same idea for your holiday décor. Before you spend a cent, see what you have hidden away that could be used as-is, or repurposed into something holiday décor-ish. For example, get our your clear glass punch bowl and fill it with shiny baubles or a string of lights. The plain wood tray that hasn’t been used for years, consider painting it gold and filling it up with candles or several potted poinsettias.
And if you’re looking for greenery and even containers for your greenery, you probably have more things at your fingertips than you realize. Consider using spray paint to embellish a few empty ceramic pots red, green, gold or silver. Trimmings from trees or bushes in your backyard can be the filler. Jennifer Leischer is the owner of J. Designs Interior Design based in Clayton. Contact her with questions, comments and suggestions at jenna@j-designs.com.
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Galindo House and Gardens Visit Concord’s Galindo House during the holidays and take a few minutes with our neighboring city’s history. The gracious Victorian home was built in 1856 for Don Francisco Galindo and his wife, Maria Delores Manuela Pacheco. The home was in the family until Ruth Galindo’s death in 1999. The home and gardens have been restored by the Concord Historical Society.
The home will be lovingly decorated for the holidays with cookies and cider for visitors. The house will open one weekend before Thanksgiving for tours 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Nov. 15 and 16. Tours will resume after Thanksgiving on weekends and Wednesdays through Dec. 21. Weekend hours are 14 p.m. Sat. and Sun and 7-9 p.m. Wednesdays. The Galindo House is at 1721 Amador Ave., in Concord just one block off Galindo St. Call (925) 685-8203 for more information.
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Rochellez
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rochellez@live.com 510-677-4170
A Christmas tradition that’s good all year PATRICIA ROMERO Correspondent
A few years ago at a Cinco de Mayo event, President Obama joked about his wife that, “You do not want to be between Michelle and a tamale,” which elicited hoots and cheers from the crowd. Most of us either feel the same way Mrs. Obama does about our tamales, or have at least one friend or relative to whom that depiction applies. Tamales, everyone knows, are the quintessential Mexican food. And Californians are serious about their Mexican food. So serious it certainly surprised no Bay Area resident when a nationwide contest in search of “America’s Best Burrito” was won by a Mission S t r e e t taqueria in San Francisco. Still, ever yone knows that if you want to judge SILVIA BARAJAS LOS RANCHEROS Mexican
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food, it’s the tamales you have to check out. Californians know this because we’re serious enough to have established a museum called “Museum Tamal,” which has a permanent exhibit entitled, “Tamale Technology.” We’re serious. And with the holiday season fast approaching, everyone knows not to get between that friend or relative, and the tamales you’re certain to encounter during holiday festivities. For those poor souls who have never tried them, tamales are like large dumplings made with corn-based dough (masa). The dough is stuffed with meat or poultry, wrapped in a corn husk to resemble a tiny package, then steamed or boiled until fully cooked. The outer leaf is discarded before the tamale is eaten, unless you’re Gerald Ford. Yes, in San Antonio circa 1976, former president Ford infamously bit into a tamale which was still wrapped. He must have been seriously hungry. That, or he’d never attended a tamalada — the gathering where tamales are made. You can be
sure that aforementioned friend or relative, whose path you must not block, will attend at least one tamalada. Experienced aficionados will strategically plan their entire holiday season so as to attend every one. Because Tamaladas are an enormous amount of work, and many people live far from their extended families, getting the perfect tamale can mean going to the pros. And we’re lucky enough to have many authentic Mexican food restaurants very close by. Los Rancheros Taqueria, owned and operated by the Barajas family is located at 1099 Reganti Dr., just off Monument Blvd. in Concord. Los Rancheros makes up to 500 tamales per day during the holiday season. Across the street, Tor tilleria El Molino, at 1500 Monument Dr. in the Monument Plaza, has a tortilla facSANTIAGO MORALES tory on site TORTILLERIA EL MOLINO
and also makes the masa inhouse. El Molino prides itself on using only fresh ingredients. Luckily, this makes it easy for any of us to add tamales to our holiday celebrations.
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In fact, tamales may be the ideal food to add to any Thanksgiving gathering, since few dishes may be more native to the Americas than tamales, whose history can be traced back to around 7,000 B.C. The Aztecs made tamales to keep their warriors fed on the battle field, and they were famously consumed by the long-distance messengers in the Empire. Did I mention tamales come in a dessert version, too? Traditional sweet tamales have a little sugar added to the masa and are stuffed with fruit, raisins and nuts. For these, however, you’re going to have to get yourself invited to a tamalada or hold one of your own.
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