• DECEMBER 2011
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Happy Holidays Wishing you joy this holiday season The Community Focus MAKE OUR COMMUNITY FOCUS YOUR HOME PAGE Find the information you need to navigate Our Community at www.ourcommunityfocus.com • Real Estate • Sports • Recipes • Submit a Story
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10/27/2011
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December 2011
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December 2011
L ght Up The NIGHT!
Page 3
Oh! What Fun it is to Ride By Randy Wanser
in Downtown Pleasant Hill
Join Santa, Mayor David Durant, and Pleasant Hill Rec Board Chair Sandy Bonato in lighting our spectacular 25-foot Holiday Tree on Crescent Drive
Thu Dec 1 5:00–8:00pm NT 2011 EVE ..... FREE horse-drawn carriage rides TS Holiday arts & crafts fair HIGHLIGH FREE hot chocolate and cookies Special discounts and store prizes at participating merchants! Visit with Santa (6:40–8:00pm)– bring your own camera. Music, caroling, and dancing on the Plaza Stage... College Park High School Choir Generations Church Rock Band Studio A Dancers And the special moment (6:30pm) when we light THE 25-FOOT HOLIDAY TREE!!
y
This holida. season..
Tom and Connie Hodgson, owneroperators of Martinez business Fancy Ferriage by Horse & Carriage, are living their retirement dream. By no coincidence, their primary business objective is to help make other people’s dreams come true, too. The Hodgsons, motivated by a desire to connect with Contra Costa County’s rural past and traditions, started Fancy Ferriage in 1993 with two horses (Laverne and Shirley) and a single carriage. Initially, they focused on weddings and stayed local. Their unique business has since grown to include five horses, nine themed carriages, and serves customers throughout California. For many of those customers, a horse drawn carriage ride in a sparkling “Cinderella” carriage creates a fairytale experience never to be forgotten. “Every girl from age two to a hundred-and-two wants to be Cinderella,” says Connie. “We take care of the details to make the experience authentic. This includes matching the color of the ribbons in the horses’ tails and glitter on their hooves to the theme colors of the wedding or event.” Connie recalls a favorite story about a young man who hired Fancy Ferriage on the evening he “popped the question” to his fiancé. “We picked up the couple after their meal at a Benicia restaurant and
took them on a carriage ride to a gazebo in the park. That’s where he proposed and she was thrilled to accept. They so enjoyed the carriage ride that evening, that one year later the young couple themed their entire wedding around Cinderella and reprised their horse and carriage ride.” While much of their opportunity still comes from weddings, Fancy Ferriage’s carriages are also proudly represented at county fairs, holiday celebrations and even funerals. When asked what he enjoys most about the business, Tom replies: “Making people happy is the best payment we receive. The horses are pretty good at eating up any monetary profits, so we choose to focus on the thrill that we’re providing people. In the case of a funeral, it is extremely gratifying to help fulfill the special request of a departed family member.” Area residents should not miss a terrific opportunity to receive a ride in one of two Fancy Ferriage horse drawn carriages at “Light up the Night” in Downtown Pleasant Hill, on Thursday, December 1, from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Carriage rides are free to the public, courtesy of the City of Pleasant Hill. For booking information, please visit Fancy Ferriage by Horse & Carriage on the internet at www.fancyferriage.com or call 925-228-7766.
Experience the “Small Town Charm” of Pleasant Hill during Light Up the Night!
For more details go to www.pleasant-hill.net/lutn or call (925) 671-5215 This evening of merriment is brought to you by
City of Pleasant Hill Downtown Pleasant Hill Pleasant Hill Recreation & Park
City of Pleasant Hill
Fancy Ferriage’s “Cinderella” carriage, drawn here by Austrian-bred light draft horses Sundance and Kid, provides a fairytale experience for people of all ages.
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Page 4
JULIE SAYS
December 2011
Glaedelig Jul! By Julie (Kallsen) Ross
Cards sent? Check. Decorations up? Check. Parties, baking, shopping, wrapping, menus? Check-checkcheck-check-check. Risengrod for the Julenisse? Coming right up. On Christmas Eve in Denmark, Danish folks are careful to appease the Julenisse, mischievous Christmas gnomes known for their pranks. To avoid tree-toppling, glogg-spilling and the like, Danes put out a tasty bowl of rice pudding – risengrod – as a bribe to encourage good behavior. (In case you are wondering how to tell Christmas gnomes from regular gnomes, the Julenisse are the ones wearing white clogs.) Growing up, my family followed the Scandinavian tradition of opening presents on Christmas Eve, Juleaften, following a candlelight church service. My dad told us Julemanden, the Danish Santa, made his gift deliveries while we were out, demonstrating a veritable marvel of precision timing. We always had a beautiful Christmas tree but, in a nod to modern fire safety, we used electric bulbs rather than the real candles my paternal grandparents used. I am sure my Kallsen forebears took precautions to have an ample supply of risengrod on hand to distract the pesky Julenisse from the flames. Mind you, the gnomes are not the only force to
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contend with on Christmas Eve. On this special night (at least in Denmark), animals can talk. Wise Danes, not wanting woodland creatures to speak ill of them, give the animals a treat. They walk in the garden, park or forest and bring along small goodies for the birds, squirrels and deer. (Whether or not you buy the talking animal thing, you have to admit this is a charming practice.) Whatever your holiday traditions, may your season be merry and bright. For extra insurance that all goes well, why not whip up a batch of risengrod? Here’s how: Bring 1 ½ c water, 1T butter and ½ t salt to a boil. Add 1 c whole grain rice and reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer about 15 minutes until the rice has absorbed most of the water. Add 4 ½ c milk, stir, bring to a boil and reduce heat to low. Once at a simmer, pour yourself a glass of glogg, cover the pot and cook without stirring for 45 minutes. Serve with cinnamon sugar and butter to taste. Give some to anyone in your household who might misbehave, including your children, spouse, houseguests and any other potentially unruly holiday visitors. And be sure to leave out a big bowl for the Julenisse, just in case. Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukah, Peace on Earth. Send comments to julieakross@comcast.net.
The Community Focus is available at the following locations: Pleasant Hill Market • Pleasant Hill City Hall Pleasant Hill Senior Center • Pleasant Hill Library Mt. Diablo YMCA • UPS – Virginia Hills, Mtz. Chamber of Commerce (P.H. & Mtz.) Pleasant Hill Rec and Park (Civic Dr. & Gregory) Hyatt Summerfield Suites, Pleasant Hill Legal Grounds, Martinez • Martinez Senior Center Les Schwab Tires - Alhambra Avenue Best Western, John Muir Inn, Martinez Headways Salon, Main Street
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• Local Ribbon Cuttings................................ page 8 • Martinez City News..................................... page 10 • Chocolate Lava Pudding Cups................... page 11 • As Russ Sees It - A Classic.......................... page 13
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• Alhambra Homecoming..................................page 15 • CPHS Winter Sports Pull Out.................pages 16-17 • Pleasant Hill’s 50th Gala Photos..................... page 19 • Local Live Music............................................... page 24
December 2011
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Page 5
Miss UC Merced is Sunny With a Heart of Gold By Alison Clary friends, but she also happens to be an Though beautiful on the inside and ambassador for the newest addition exceptional woman who knows how to the UC system, doing community out, Sunny Partington was not particito rise above adversity and live life to pating in a simple beauty pageant when service with organizations including Boys and Girls Club of Merced County, the full. she won the Miss UC Merced com Born Sonja Laura Sun Mun PartUnited Way and Valley Crisis Center. petition in October; the show was a ington, Sonja appointed herself “SunLike a lot of hard-working college stufundraiser sponsored by the American ny” when she was 10 years old. Her dents, Sunny Partington likes to use Women Making a Difference (AWSwedish grandmother Sonja, also nickwhatever leisure time she has left to MAD) Club to benefit foster children named Sunny, had a sunny disposition eat, sleep, shop and hang out with in the community. Sunny will be an and her Chinese grandma, Sun Mun, means “fulfilled heart” in the Cantonese dialect. Living up to her positive Proudly sponsored by: moniker, the younger Sunny doesn’t bother telling most people that she has a heart condition called complete congenital atrioventricular block. Although I never had a policy; I have just tried to do my very best each and every day. Abraham Lincoln there is nothing physically wrong with her heart, Sunny requires a pacemaker, a medical device that uses electrical impulses to prompt the heart to beat at a normal rate. She has had three different pacemaker surgeries, all scheduled around soccer season and the first one occurring at age 10. Most people would be hard put to keep up with Sunny; she is phenomenal in both her activity level and her impressive attitude. She is on both the UC Merced Women’s soccer team and the NAIA cross country league and also loves gymnastics, camping, snowboard-
DOING THE RIGHT THING
Hats off to Pleasant Hill’s 50th Anniversary Committee! Nearly two years ago, when the Civic Action Commission (CAC) began meeting and planning for the yearlong celebration of the City’s 50th Anniversary, they reached out to the community for volunteers to assist, and the 50th Anniversary Committee was formed. Beginning with the placement of the banners on Contra Costa Boulevard in January 2011, the anniversary theme was incorporated into regular community events such as the Summer Concert Series and Community Service Day and it culminated with the Gala and Open House on November 12-13. The 50th events would not have occurred without the energy and creativity of Martin Nelis, and the members of the Civic Action Commission and the 50th Anniversary Committee, each of who made the yearlong festivities such a huge success. Pictured above are the members of the Dinner Committee at the black tie optional event. Left to right, front row: Allison Koerber, Aloma Levine; middle row: Martin Nelis, Faye Donaghu; back row: Paul Cotruvo, Sheila Cotruvo, Don Flaskarud (Chair), Norma Flaskarud, Dennis Donaghu, Bill Bankert and Tim Flaherty (CAC Chair). CAC members not pictured are: Joy Bianchi-Brown, Jenelle Kelly and Vice Chair Mary Gray. Members of the 50th Anniversary Committee not pictured include: Dick Hixson, Thora Harshman, Elizabeth Kennan, Margie Alkire, Karen Gilban, Denise Koroslev, Adam Nilson, Patrick Remer and Jim Bonato. Martinez 3800 Alhambra 370-6382 • Concord 625 Contra Costa Blvd. 825-5940
ing and surfing. Although she hasn’t met other students in high school or college with her condition and only a few of her teammates know about it, Sunny says it hasn’t affected how she is treated on or off the field. She said she “feels honored to have teammates that believe in me and encourage me to do my best, just as I would for them.” A resident of Pleasant Hill and graduate of College Park High School, Sunny is currently a junior at UC Merced and majoring in biology. Whether she winds up choosing a career such as sports medicine or physical therapy, she wants to be “a person that people can go to for encouragement when they feel their hopes and dreams are unattainable.” She is inspired by those “who don’t allow a condition or circumstance to get in their way” and by her family and friends who encourage her “to go out there and live my life. I am a sociable person and like challenges and pushing my limits.” In Sunny’s case, clichés and song lyrics aren’t needed to describe her name or her positive attitude in life. Her message to others is “don’t let anything stop you from what you want to do. What you have could be a gift in disguise.”
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HOUSING NEWS
December 2011
Real Estate Update By Nathan Hitchcock
I’m going to be blunt—you are crazy if you are selling a home right now and don’t absolutely need to. If you own a home that you no longer need or want, and are in a financial position to keep it, then putting it on the market for sale is a terrible idea. You should turn it into a rental, and do that today. As the owner of a real estate firm that handles both home sales and rentals, I am in the unique position to provide an unbiased recommendation on this subject. For a variety of reasons, the demand for rental homes has exploded in recent months. If you want to know how to make your phone ring every five minutes, just put a competitively priced rental ad on Craigslist. Our leasing agents are beginning to feel more like auctioneers than realtors. I can almost hear the collective groan as you read this. When the average homeowner hears the word “landlord,” thoughts of pain, misery,
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and horror are soon to follow. When handled correctly though, it need not be that way. I receive a lot of objections when I broach the subject of renting to clients who are considering selling their home. They have become so common, in fact, that I recently wrote an article titled, “The Top 5 Myths About Turning Your Home Into a Rental.” Here are excerpts from the top 3 myths (drop me an email if you would like to read the full article): 1.“The tenants will trash my place and it’s going to cost me a fortune to repair when they move out.” This is actually quite rare, especially with a thorough background check by an experienced professional. In the past five years, less than one half of 1% of the properties we managed were returned with any significant damage, and over 95% were returned with nothing more than normal wear and tear. In nearly all other cases, the security deposit
covered any corrective action. 2.“I’m going to get calls in the middle of the night about plugged toilets and broken heaters.” While maintenance calls are unavoidable, they are less common than you might think and rarely occur after hours. Tenants don’t want to make these calls any more than landlords want to receive them, so most are made only when absolutely necessary and typically while the sun is out. Plus, for about the cost of your cable bill, you can have the home professionally managed, and you’ll never have to speak to your tenants at all. 3.“I’ll lose my primary residence capital gains exemption.” The IRS permits up to $500K in tax-free capital gains on your primary residence, an exemption that is not available on income properties. To qualify a home as your primary residence, however, you need only occupy the home for two of the past five years, so you could potentially
rent your home for up to three years and still qualify for the exemption. Of course, every case is unique, so be sure to check with your CPA or tax attorney to make sure you understand the tax implications in full, regardless of what you choose to do with your home. If you would like to explore the prospect of renting your home in greater detail, please don’t hesitate to give Hitchcock Realty or your favorite property manager a call. There are a lot of eager, well-qualified tenants who will be glad you did. Nathan Hitchcock is the managing broker of Hitchcock Realty, a residential real estate brokerage and property management firm in downtown Pleasant Hill. He can be reached at nathan@hitchcockrealty.com or (925) 825-1100. Data contained herein was obtained from the CCAR Multiple Listing Service. Information is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed.
December 2011
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The Pleasant Hill 411 By Martin Nelis City Celebrates 50th with Open House at City Hall On a perfect Sunday afternoon, the city of Pleasant Hill capped the yearlong celebration of its 50th Anniversary with an Open House on November 13th at City Hall, during which more than 1,000 people visited the various exhibits on display. Awards were given out by Mayor David Durant for the art contest, writing contest Photo by Tod Gomes, creativelookphoto.com and “Day in the Life of Pleasant Hill” phoAnnual Light up the Night is loaded with tography contest. There was musical enter- family entertainment including carriage tainment, free food and other giveaways rides, music, caroling and dancing in the during the event. The city thanks everyone plaza next to Sweet Tomatoes. Come and who participated in all of the events and enjoy the holiday arts and crafts faire, free programs during the 50th Anniversary hot chocolate and cookies, Santa and lots celebrations. A 50-year historical booklet, of giveaways by downtown merchants. The “Pleasant Hill 1961 – 2011” will be availTree Lighting will take place at 6:30 p.m. able for purchase at City Hall in mid-Janu- and entertainment begins at 5 p.m. See the ary. full program which is listed on page 3. All of the 50th Anniversary Exhibits Community Awards Nominations will remain on display in the main lobby at Sought City Hall until Friday, December 2nd. The The 41st Annual Community Awards public is welcome to stop by during reguNight takes place on Thursday, January lar business hours to view these exhibits, 19th at Back Forty restaurant in Pleasant which include a 50-year historical photoHill. The Awards Committee is currently graphic exhibit about Pleasant Hill, the art seeking nominations in the following cateand writing contest winner displays and gories: Citizen of the Year, Business Person the top fifteen entries in the “Day in the of the Year, Teen of the Year, and Teacher Life of Pleasant Hill” photography contest. of the Year. For eligibility criteria, or if City Hall is open Monday - Wednesday, you would like to nominate someone in 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Thursday from 8:30 any of these categories, please go to www. a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Friday from 8:30 a.m. pleasant-hill.net/awards and download to 1:00 p.m. the nomination form with instructions. Light Up the Night in Downtown Information on how to purchase tickets for Pleasant Hill this event is also available online. For more Downtown Pleasant Hill hosts a Holi- details, email Martin Nelis at mnelis@ day Tree Lighting this coming Thursday, ci.pleasant-hill.ca.us or call him at (925) December 1st from 5 - 8 p.m. The 4th 671-5229.
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PLEASANT HILL CITY BUZZ
City Contest Winners Writing Contest Over 45 middle and high school students in Pleasant Hill entered the writing contest as part of the 50th Anniversary celebration. Contestants chose from three topics: The Future of Pleasant Hill - What will Pleasant Hill look like in 50 years?; The Past of Pleasant Hill -Share a distinctive true tale which shows our town’s character; or, The Community of Pleasant Hill - What is unique about our city? The following winners received $100 for 1st place, $50 for 2nd and $25 for 3rd. Winners 6th Grade 1st Place - Zoe Novak, Pleasant Hill Middle, Pleasant Hill in 50 Years 2nd Place - Courtney Turner, Pleasant Hill Middle, Pleasant Hill: What Makes This City Unique 3rd Place - Joshua Cartagena, Pleasant Hill Middle, 50 Years From Now Winners 7th Grade 1st Place - Maddie Guzaitis, Sequoia Middle, A Different Point of View 2nd Place - Edaile Santos, Sequoia Middle, The Future of Pleasant Hill 3rd Place - Jessica Singh, Valley View, The History of Pleasant Hill Winners 8th grade 1st Place - Maddy Schultz, Pleasant Hill Middle, Pleasant Hill’s Character 2nd Place - Courtney Martin, Pleasant Hill Middle, Pleasant Hill in 50 Years 3rd Place - Ethan W. James, Pleasant Hill Middle, Making a Difference
Winners High School 1st Place - Dean Engle, College Park High School, Recollections and Pondering: Half a Century in Pleasant Hill 2nd Place - Janette Danielson, College Park High School, My Community . . . Pleasant Hill 3rd Place - Raimundo Triana, College Park High School, Pleasant Hill’s Wonderful Attributes “A Day in the Life” Photography Contest As part of the City’s 50th anniversary celebration, a photo contest held on September 17th, was designed to depict the character of Pleasant Hill within a 24-hour period. Below are the contest winners and honorable mentions. Top Five Winners: Mark Pemberton, 1st Place Shelley Harding, 2nd Place Doug Ota, 3rd Place Carly Jones, 4th Place Adam Johnson, 5th Place Honorable Mentions: Michael Espinosa Kim Johnston Clo Leraul Aubrey Lommel Ann Luke Kaitlin Mowry Sherry Mullin Julie Nilsen Reyna Winn Russ Ysunza
City Calendar of Events Architectural Review Commission December 1, 15 City Hall, 100 Gregory Lane Large Community Room, 5:00pm Contact: 671-5209 City Council / Redevelopment December 5, 19 City Hall, 100 Gregory Lane Council Chambers, 7:30pm Contact: 671-5267
Zoning Administrator December 8 City Hall, 100 Gregory Lane Comm. Development Dept. Conf. Room, 5:00pm Contact: 671-5209 Planning Commission December 13 City Hall, 100 Gregory Lane Council Chambers, 7:30pm Contact: 671-5209
For Confirmation Visit: www.ci.pleasant-hill.ca.us
Winners of the 50th Anniversary Art & Writing Contests, and the “Day in the Life of Pleasant Hill” Photography Contest at the Open House on Sunday, November 13th at City Hall.
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Page 8
PLEASANT HILL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 11/30 – Chamber Member’s Appreciation Party, PH Chamber Office, Two Worlds, 91 Gregory Lane #11, Pleasant Hill, 5:00 – 8:00pm 12/2 - Ambassador Meeting - City Hall, 100 Gregory Lane, Pleasant Hill, 7:45am - 9am 12/2 – Ribbon Cutting – Sips Cellars, 2685 Pleasant Hill Road, Suite D, In the TJ Maxx Plaza, Pleasant Hill, 5:00pm
ant Hill, 1660 Oak Park Blvd, Pleasant Hill, 5:30pm - 7:30pm 12/23 – 1/1/12 – Chamber Offices closed. Happy Holidays! Please verify schedule at www.pleasanthillchamber.com • 925-687-0700
CALENDAR SPONSORED BY
12/10 – Planning Session - City Hall, 9:00am – Noon
December 2011
MARTINEZ CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 12/1 - Chamber Mixer – Thursday, 5:30 – 7:30pm - Shell Oil Products US - Shell Club House, 1635 Pacheco Blvd., Martinez. Families & Children welcome! We will have a very special guest! Great Networking, Food, Fun, Raffle Prizes (bring a raffle prize and have your business announced!)
12/23/11 - 1/1/2012 – Office Closed – Holiday Break (Office reopens 1/2/2012) From our Chamber Office to You – Have a Safe and Joyous Holiday!!
12/2 – Martinez Holiday Light Parade – Friday, 6:30pm –The parade starts at Martinez City Hall and goes through Downtown Martinez.
Please verify schedule at www.martinezchamber.com • 925-228-2345
CALENDAR SPONSORED BY
12/2 - 12/4 – Martinez Holiday Frolic & Snow Park - Friday, Dec. 2 will feature a synthetic ice rink, kids games and crafts.
12/14 – Internet Marketing Workshops, JFK University, 100 Ellinwood Way, Rm S 104, Pleasant Hill, Craigslist Marketing Strategies and Call Capture System, 11:45-2pm. Info and RSVP:www.Marketing4MainStreetAcademy.eventbrite.com
12/6 – Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting – 4:00pm – Little Hunan, 621 Las Juntas, Martinez. Join us in welcoming the new business to the community.
12/14 – Holiday Mixer – Aegis of Pleas-
Ribbon Cutting Pleasant Hill Smiles
Pleasant Hill Smiles opened their doors on August 22 this year and hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony and reception on September 28. Happy to be a part of the Pleasant Hill community, they offer Modern Dentistry That’s Affordable™. The friendly and knowledgeable staff is committed to understanding and meeting the needs of their patients. Conveniently located off 680 and Monument in the Kohl’s shopping center, they are preferred providers for most HMO and PPO insurance plans. They look forward to meeting you and serving your dental needs. To schedule your appointment, please call (925) 363-4455 or visit www.PleasantHillDentist.com. See ad and highlight article on page 13 and back page.
Ribbon Cutting Royal Thai
Going out to lunch or dinner is not just about having a meal; it should be an experience to remember. At Royal Thai, we offer a delightful, memorable dining event with a menu in tradition with Thai cuisine. Owner Chanya has completed her training from the Thai Culinary School in Bangkok, so the flavor and taste is a bit more traditional. Thai food is not as hot and spicy as you may have heard! You can order your meal as non-spicy or any range of spiciness. Dine in, take-out or celebrate special occasions in our banquet room. Free delivery within Martinez with a minimum $20 order. Mention you saw this ribbon cutting and receive a 10% discount! For those 55 and older receive a 15% discount. Dine in only. Enjoy live music Monday through Thursday; Karaoke Friday and Saturday. Lunch: Monday – Friday, 11am3pm; Dinner: Monday – Thursday, 3 - 9pm; Friday, 3 – 9:30pm; Saturday and Sunday, 11am – 9:30pm. 414 Ferry Street, Martinez (near Amtrak), 925-313-9185. Photo by Richardcash.com
Call us at 677-2150
JENNIFER L. MARTIN, D.D.S. Specialist in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics
401 GREGORY LANE, SUITE 126 PLEASANT HILL, CA 94523 925.676.8485 FAX 925.676.0288 www.drjennifermartin.com
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December 2011
Page 9
Baby Boomers Face Retirement Uncertainty By Rod Harris Generation Mortgage Company, the largest independent reverse mortgage company in the United States, released new data detailing the financial struggles of the “Sandwich Generation” - Baby Boomers who are financially supporting their aging parents and children at the same time. As the survey highlights, this generation is increasingly feeling the stresses of funding not only their own retirement nest egg, but also that of their
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parents. According to the survey, 78% of the respondents fear they won’t be able to retire “comfortably” – a statistic that speaks to just how significant the financial burden is. In an effort to reduce this strain, 52% of Sandwich Generation-ers indicate they will need to work part time during retirement. Further supporting the evidence that the Sandwich Generation is feeling unprecedented financial pressure can be seen in the data, which overwhelmingly highlights the fact that those surveyed are continuing to feel the effects of the economic downturn. To this end, 61% of respondents view their parents’ current financial situation as “negative”, which is interestingly consistent with the finding that 64% view their own current financial situation as negative. When Baby Boomers were asked to indicate how they are planning to fund their retirement, 60% indicated they would rely on their 401(k) or IRA
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account(s) to sustain them through retirement and 37% noted they’d turn to their home equity line of credit. “When looking at the responses from this study, it became clear that Baby Boomers are still only relying upon their often underfunded retirement accounts and home equity lines of credit to support their retirement,” said Jeff Lewis, Chairman of the Board for Generation Mortgage Company. “The truth of the matter is, when you look at the cost of maintaining your lifestyle in retirement, coupled with the increased price of supporting an aging parent, it becomes daunting and at times unrealistic to think that it can be met simply with what you have saved in your nest egg. The good news is there are financial instruments available, reverse mortgages being one of them that can alleviate some of these stresses.” Rod Harris is a reverse mortgage professional with Generation Mortgage.
He can be reached at rod.harris@generationmortgage.com or 1-866-629-3720. Generation Mortgage is Better Business Bureau accredited, an Equal Housing Lender and member of Nat’l Reverse Mortgage Lending Association. NMLS # 1319, cc 2010 Generation Mortgage Co. All Rights Reserved. Zogby International was commissioned by Generation Mortgage to conduct an online survey of 271 adults who have children and are Caregivers of parent(s). The survey was conducted from 8/9/10 to 8/11/10. A sampling of Zogby International’s online panel, which is representative of the adult population of the US, was invited to participate Slight weights were added to region, age, gender, education to more accurately reflect the population. The margin of error is +/- 6.1 percentage points. Margins of error are higher in sub-groups. The MOE calculation is for sampling error only.
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Page 10
MARTINEZ CITY BUZZ
December is going to be an active month for Martinez! Starting on Friday, December 2nd, we will have the opening of the Snow Park at Main Street Plaza at 4pm. This will be followed, at 6pm, with the lighting of the Spirit Tree on Court Street, immediately followed by the Holiday Light Parade, which begins at City Hall and ends at Main Street Plaza and the Snow Park. The parade will deliver Santa to his house and he will be open all evening for photos and holiday wishes. The Snow Park will again be open on Saturday the 3rd at 10am and possibly on Sunday the 4th at 10am, depending on how fast the snow melts. On Friday night only, from 3pm to 9pm, the synthetic 30’ X 60’ ice rink will return to Main Street. The cost is $6 for kids and $8 for adults, including skates. If you buy a three-day Snow Park pass for $20, skating is free. A wonderful new addition to the festive ambiance of downtown is the recent installation of LED lights strung
December 2011
Mayor’s Message Rob Schroder, Mayor of Martinez from lamppost to lamppost down both complete the hunt will turn in their sides of Main Street from Alhambra Avsheets to win a prize. enue to Court Street. The $16,000 cost of Come to downtown Martinez this the lights was split between Main Street holiday season and experience the amMartinez and Shell Oil. Over three days, city crews removed the broken and damaged lights in the street trees and volunteers from Shell Oil, including plant manager Paul Gabbard, strung the lights from pole to pole. I will have the The Martinez City Council recenthonor of “throwing the switch” to light ly agreed to lease the two vacant city up downtown just before the start of the owned waterfront buildings located at Holiday Light Parade. 330 and 360 Ferry Street to Universal Santa’s house has also been updated Sports Academy and NorCal Courts. to accommodate folks with disabilities. The owners intend to provide practice Thanks to master carpenter Tony Zepeta and tournament space for baseball, and the Shell volunteers, Santa’s house basketball, soccer, volleyball, lacrosse has a new front door and a handicapped and flag football. Batting cages and a ramp. Santa will be available for photos turf field are also anticipated. and to hear holiday wishes from ap Lease terms indicate that both proximately 11am to 5pm every weekcompanies will have use of the wareend. The week before Christmas he will houses for 15 years with the possibility be available all week and up until 3pm of extensions. According to the Union December 24th. versal Sports Academy facebook page, Finally, there will be a Late Night Shopping Spree & Scavenger Hunt on December 22nd. Various shops around downtown Martinez will stay open until 9pm. Shoppers will go from shop to shop scavenging for items. Those that
biance of a small town that has disappeared in most other communities. We look forward to seeing you. Rob Schroder
New Indoor Sports Complex in Martinez plans for the 48,000 square foot building at 330 Ferry Street include “an indoor turf sports training and recreation center. There will be fitness, but not the conventional cookie cutter gym type. It will be geared more towards sports performance and increasing agility. Construction will begin on January 1st with the projected opening on March 1st.” NorCal Courts plans to have 5 basketball courts and 6 volleyball courts available at the 360 Ferry Street building and intends to serve youth, high school, special needs and adults in the 30,000 square foot facility.
Martinez Events Letters From Santa Every child loves to receive mail! A letter from Santa Claus would be an extra special surprise! Santa’s Elves will send a warm friendly letter (with no special promises) approximately one week before Christmas. The letter includes information about Rudolph, elves at the workshop and a holiday activity. Letters are also available for Spanish speaking children. Reserve a letter by calling the Recreation Department at: 372-3510. Also, you may drop by the office at City Hall, 525 Henrietta Street. Santa’s helpers appreciate the donation of a first class stamp per child. The last day to request a letter is MONDAY, December 5. Basketball Program The City of Martinez Recreation Department has an outstanding, low cost, after school basketball program for boys and girls in 3rd through 5th grade. The basketball season begins November 28th. The program is for beginning or intermediate players and teaches basic skills, sense of fair play, and an appreciation for the game. Players practice from 2:45-4:00 p.m. twice a week at the elementary school they attend. Hidden Valley practices 3-4:15 p.m. All games are held Friday’s at the Boys & Girls Club. The cost is $90 for residents and $95 for non-residents. Scholarships are available. For more information contact Walter Welsh, Youth Sports Manager at: 372-3510.
City Calendar of Events Zoning Administrator Meeting December 7, 21 3:00pm-4:00pm Contact: 925-372-3500
Design Review Meeting December 14 4:00pm-6:00pm Contact: 925-372-3500
Planning Commission Meeting December 13 7:00pm-11:00pm Contact: 925-372-3500
City offices closed from 12:00pm, December 23 through January 2.
For Confirmation Visit: www.cityofmartinez.org
December 2011
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Page 11
CORKS AND FORKS
Pair Up With La Sommelierre Maria Terry All Port Dinner The holiday season is the time to splurge. We buy expensive gifts, eat decadent food and drink special wines. This dinner features port-style wines paired with rich foods like roast duck and Chocolate Lava Pudding Cups. It will make any occasion special. Port-style wines are named for their birthplace, Portugal. The style was created when Portuguese producers needed to prevent the spoilage of their wine on the long journey by ship from Portugal to England. The solution was
to add alcohol to the wine just before the sugar had all fermented out. Today, port-style wines are made all over the world and California creates some of the most delicious. St. Barthelemy Cellars, located in the Vaca Mountains, produce only portstyle wines, and they make it out of almost every red grape grown in California. I had never tasted pinot noir or barbera grapes made into port wine until I had St. Barthelemy wines. It is truly a winery to seek out and visit. The best port wine to pair with
a starter salad is barbera port because barbera is a high acid grape. As a port, it is the perfect balance of sweet and sour. But if you can’t find a barbera port, try a traditional Portuguese Ruby port. Use arugula as the base of your salad and add morello cherries, a tangy blue cheese and dress the salad with the Sweet Walnut Dressing listed here. The wine’s acid will stand up to the vinegar in the dressing, and the bitterness of the walnuts and arugula will be balanced by the sugar in the wine. The tannins and alcohol in port are tamed by the fat and salt found in Roast Duck with Port-Cherry Sauce. Port-style wines made with syrah, cabernet or merlot are all good pairing
partners. The cherry-port reduction will complement the sweetness and echo the fruit found in a port-style wine. The full recipe for this dish can be found on my website (www.LaSommelierre.com). Rarely do I recommend chocolate desserts and wine, but port-style wines are the exception and zinfandel port is exceptional with dark chocolate. I find these gooey pudding cups have just the right texture and flavor. So, go on. Pair Up! Maria Terry is a Certified Sommelier and Wine Educator in the San Francisco Bay Area. For more great wines and information please visit Maria’s website at www.LaSommelierre.com
Chocolate Lava Pudding Cups
Senior Wine Consultant
Senior Wine Consultant
INGREDIENTS 4½ ounces best-quality bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped 8 tbsp. unsalted butter 3 large eggs ¾ cup sugar ¼ cup all-purpose flour DIRECTIONS Melt the chocolate and butter in a double boiler above simmering water. Whisk every now and again until melted. In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, and flour until just blended. Gradually whisk in the melted chocolate into the mixture.
Set aside. Grease 4 (1-cup) ramekins with butter and add flour to cover the butter, tapping the ramekins to get rid of excess. Preheat the oven to 400°F about half an hour before you want to eat the puddings. Plan to cook just before serving. Pour the mixture into the ramekins and put them on a baking sheet in the oven for 10 to 12 minutes. They will be done when the tops are firm, cracking slightly and the edges are set. Serve immediately. Yield: 4 (1 Cup) Servings
Sweet Walnut Dressing INGREDIENTS 2 tbsp. peanut oil ¼ cup walnuts, chopped fine ⅓ cup honey ¼ cup maple syrup ½ cup Italian dressing
DIRECTIONS On a low flame, sauté walnuts in oil until slightly brown. Add honey and maple syrup to pan. Simmer 5-7 minutes. Remove from flame. Add Italian dressing and mix well. Yield: About 1 Cup
Roast Duck with Port Cherry Sauce For this delicious Holiday recipe, please visit our web site at:
www.ourcommunityfocus.com or www.LaSommelierre.com
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Page 12
December 2011
SENIOR ENVY
Talking with Family, a Gift for the Holidays
By Jenny Lind, Senior Helpers photo or a memory written in the form It can take days, even weeks, of ing? What accomplishments in your life of a story. Or, just spend time with searching to find the perfect holiday are you most proud of? What someone to learn more about gift idea for a friend or family member was a funny or memorable him or her on a deeper who happens to be of senior age. The dating experience? What level. Time and talking reaction of a loved one is all worth it were some of your facan be the most rewardthough – that electric smile when the vorite subjects at school? wrapping paper comes off of a thought- ing gift for both the giver How did a world event and the receiver! ful, heart-warming present. Additionimpact you? What chores Borrowed from Dr. ally and importantly, family legacy can did you have to do as a Amy, Inc., here is a short be the most memorable gift you can child? What do you rememlist of questions that can give yourself and your family during ber about your marriage prohelp families get to know their loved the holidays. posal? What food or drink was a special ones in ways they may have never ex So, consider giving a loved one treat in your childhood? What are some something that might bring back a spe- plored before: What did your grandparfunny or scary stories about your pets? ents and great grandparents do for a livcial memory, whether it is a framed These questions come from a larger set of “Caring Cards” by Dr. Amy, Inc. No family visiting this season? Do you know someone who will be alone? 818 Green St. (925) 370-8770 This holiday season, I urge you to make Dec. 11 - Holiday Pancake Breakfast with Santa. 8–11am. Breakfast includes pananother person’s day through a simple cakes or toast, sausage, scrambled eggs, orange juice and coffee and a visit with Santa! Everyone is welcome. $3.50 for adults/$2.00 for children 10 or younger. Handact of kindness and inquisitiveness. made crafts will be on sale during the breakfast. Parents, bring your camera! We work with seniors in Contra Yoga with Linda – Tues. and Thurs., 8-9am; Sat., 8-9am. Linda Burkard has studied Costa County who simply don’t have extensively in various styles of yoga, specializing in Yoga Therapy. Classes cover variaanyone to bring them a present or help
Martinez Senior Activities
tions for all skill levels. Wear loose fitting clothes and bring a yoga mat. $3 drop-in/$25 for a 10 class punch card. Sat. $4 drop-in, cards not accepted.
them get what they need. A quick visit or small gift to a senior neighbor living alone can go a long way. Of the nearly 40 million people nationwide over the age of 65, 20 percent suffer from depression – a number that drastically increases around the holidays. Senior Helpers brightens the holidays for a number of local seniors, but individuals and community groups have the power to do the same through a quick visit, simple conversation starter, or small act of kindness. We visit and care for seniors yearround and see what a big difference these efforts have on their days, moods, and lives. Help us spread holiday cheer to an elderly family or neighbor who could really use a smile this year; it’s a small gesture that can go a long way. For more information about Senior Helpers or how to get involved with a senior in the community, please contact me at jlind@seniorhelpers.com.
Zumba Gold – Thursdays, 11:45-12:30pm. Join the fun! Zumba Gold fuses Latin and international rhythms with easy-to-follow dance moves for 50 minutes of non-stop fun. Zumba Gold was designed for the active older adult or Zumba beginner. Cost: $20 per session (4 classes). Call the office for session dates: 370-8770. Instructor: Jo Nash. Jan. 28 - 7th Annual Crab Feed. Doors open at 5:45pm; Dinner served at 6:30 pm. We will be serving our famous gourmet salad, pasta, garlic bread, delicious marinated crab and dessert. Complimentary ice tea, water and coffee. Tickets sold for wine, beer and soft drinks. Cost: $45 pp. Purchase tickets prior to Jan. 13 (we may sell out prior). There will be a fabulous silent auction and drawings during the evening.
Pleasant Hill Senior Activities 249 Gregory Lane (925) 798-8788 Dec. 7 - Classroom in the Community. 10am-11am. The first 20 people to register will receive a free lunch from our CC Café, compliments of SCAN Health Plan. If you are not one of the first 20 to sign up, you may still reserve a meal for $2. Lunch is served at 11:30am. Pre-registration is required for lunch: 798-8788. Topic: “Depression: When it’s more than just the blues.” This is a free presentation at St. Andrew’s Church, 1601 Mary Dr., Pleasant Hill. Dec. 9 - The Morning Joe. 10-Noon. Miss our regular Friday Chef’s Lunch? Come to this “open house” to visit and catch up with friends! We will have coffee and light snacks; feel free to bring something to share! This month we will have a sneak peek at the Holiday Boutique! VFW: 1919 Wendell Ln., Pleasant Hill. Free! Dec. 10 - Holiday Boutique. 9am-1pm. Just because we don’t have our building, doesn’t mean our boutique ladies haven’t been hard at work creating beautiful, handmade items to offer our members and the community! Visit our “mini” version of our annual Holiday Boutique…same great items but in a smaller venue. VFW: 1919 Wendell Ln, Pleasant Hill. Dec. 16 - Friday Flik. 12:30pm. See “The Help” at the Winslow Center: 2590 Pleasant Hill Rd. FREE!
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December 2011
It Was Quite a Scene
Page 13
AS RUSS SEES IT
By Russell Carroll (An As Russ Sees It Classic)
Christmas day at Safeway: up and down every aisle there’s a man on a cell phone taking orders and directions from their significant other back at H.Q. “I AM in the paper product aisle and I don’t see plastic cups anywhere!” he says, “I’m looking right at the paper plates and I don’t see them.” I can tell he is following directions because he quickly spins around and finds what he is looking for. “Oh…there they are. I got ‘em,” and he hangs up. We make eye contact and develop that instant husband-on-a-stupid-errand bond. He says to me, “How did she know they were right behind me? Do you think she can see me?” I leave him with a fist bump and a “Merry Christmas,” which in husband-speak translates to, “Today, we just do what we’re told.” Me, I’m there for three lousy items: gravy, a turkey thermometer and horseradish. Should be simple, right? But this is my second Safeway and third grocery
store in the quest to fulfill my orders. God knows I cannot go home without everything on the list. I couldn’t face the disappointed look I would get back home. My wife already showed little faith in me by writing down these three items on a huge piece of paper, “So you don’t lose it,” she said. I have no idea where these items are. I’m looking everywhere for someone in a little apron who will point me in the right direction. Why don’t grocery stores have little maps at the front door? Or have someone walking up and down the aisles like they do at Home Depot? On holidays they should have Husband Helpers greeting us at the door. The pharmacist thought I was kidding when I asked him where the turkey thermometers were. Hey, makes perfectly good sense to me that all thermometers would be in the same place. I did not like his tone when he said, “Over by the turkeys.” No fist bump for him. But he was right. There they were in their own little stand, right by the turkeys. Nice! I wonder where they have the horseradish. I considered going back to the pharmacist,
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but his line was jammed up with other husbands asking questions. Someone must have spotted me successfully getting directions from him earlier. If they stocked these stores in alphabetical order, this would be simple. I would just head to the “H” aisle. So, I do what every self-respecting guy does on a grocery store errand: I start at the very first aisle and walk up and down each one until I find what I am looking for. Ta-da! Horseradish! Right by the mustard and mayonnaise. Shoot. I should have been looking for gravy while I was hiking the aisles. I’m disappointed in myself. Rookie mistake. So, I try walking along the ends looking down the aisles in search of gravy. In the aisle marked “Sauce,” there are about six husbands in a group all on their cell phones. I head down to check out the
commotion and voila, gravy! One guy is on his phone trying to explain to his handler that there are multiple types of gravy. “Do you want turkey gravy, brown gravy, spicy brown gravy, biscuit gravy?” Another guy is crying like a Penn State fan, mumbling, “I can’t remember what kind she asked for and I lost my list.” This poor guy may not be able to go home. Just then an old-timer steps up and takes two packages of each kind of gravy. He turns to the rest of us and says, “Can’t go wrong this way.” We stop and just stare at this Jedi. All around me phones slap shut and we all grab two of everything. No words need be spoken. We have been schooled. At home all is well. I guess the husband errands aren’t so stupid after all. It beats loading the dishwasher. But...that’s just how I see it.
A Great Reason to Smile
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Page 14
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December 2011
Local Authors
The Community Focus is proud to introduce our first Annual local author page. Every December, we will present a selection of work by local authors. This month we have the distinct voices of three authors, each offering diverse writing styles and subject matter.
Gretchen de la O Pleasant Hill resident, Gretchen de la O, published her first book this year, entitled Wilson Mooney, Almost Eighteen. This 314-page romantic novel is the story about a young girl who is abandoned by her mother at the vulnerable age of eight, only to be shipped off to a boarding school in Northern California by her grandparents. Wilson Mooney is one girl who knows what it’s like to have to grow up way too fast. When she takes a spontaneous ski trip to Aspen, Colorado, Wilson becomes tangled in the powerful emotions of first love and society’s principles. She lives a whirlwind weekend filled with newly discovered boundaries, calloused aches for a family she never had, and all the pressures of keeping her weekend a secret. “When I wrote Wilson Mooney, Almost Eighteen, I had two goals in mind: First, to get the reader to dog-ear the good pages and second, to live vicariously through Wilson who is experiencing her first true love. The journey of untangling Wilson from my imagination and heart while laying her at the feet of the world has been astonishing. I admit that it has been scary at times—knowing my words were being poured over by people I’d never met; but the overwhelming excitement and support has been phenomenal. It reminds me of why I love being part of such a great community. From rising sales and book clubs, to release parties and the invitation to take part in the first Local Authors section of The Community Focus, I’m soaking up every moment with gratitude.” One of the greatest moments I’ve experienced as a new author was when one of my readers told me they found their passion for reading again. It never crossed my mind that the 89,000 words I wrote, nearly two years ago, would impact people so dramatically. It has been an honor and a privilege and I am excited about releasing the next book in the series, Wilson Mooney, Eighteen at Last.” Readers can purchase a copy of the novel at Amazon.com and Barnesandnoble.com. Visit Ms. De la O’s blog at: www.wilsonmooney.blogspot.com. To learn more about Ms. De la O and her upcoming novels, visit her website: www.wix.com/gdelao/gretchen-de-la-o. Jill Shinn Another Pleasant Hill resident, Jill Shinn, specializes in helping people tap into and trust their own inner guidance. If you’ve ever wondered why you are here or how your life could hold more meaning, you are among the millions of people on the planet who have begun the process of spiritual awakening. Perhaps you’ve been traveling this road for some time. While there are many effective spiritual paths and teachers to follow, your most reliable and empowering guidance comes from within. Drawing from Eastern and Western thought, as well as ancient and modern-day wisdom, Jill Shinn highlights several transformative approaches that will help you cultivate your own inner guidance and unique spiritual path. “Your divine true nature is extraordinary, and when you tap into it you have the power to move mountains. Remembering Who You Are: A Guide to Spiritual Awakening and Inner Peace is a toolbox of key information, insights, and techniques that will help you wake up to who you really are and find the inner peace you’ve been searching for. Whether you’re new to the spiritual path or a seasoned traveler, the next leg of your grand journey begins here,” says Ms. Shinn. Jill Shinn holds a master’s degree in transpersonal psychology. She is a licensed marriage and family therapist, Reiki master, and Angel Therapy Practitioner®. She writes weekly articles in her blog, “Wake Up, Sweetheart: Your Guide to Spiritual Awakening (or, Cappuccino for the Soul).” You can learn more about the author on her website: www.WakeUpSweetheart.com. Her book is available through Amazon.com and other retailers.
Christine Scharmer After her eighteen-year-old son’s car crash in 2002, Christine Scharmer began writing her first book, Raising Mario Twice. It is the story of her family’s heartfelt encounter with this tragic event. It is also the story of how love can transform a nightmare into a miracle. It was an impossibility that Mario had survived the car crash and yet he had. It took almost a brigade of firemen and “The Jaws of Life” to extract him from the wreck. He was found slumped over the driver’s steering wheel unconscious. He was having trouble breathing and suffered severe traumatic brain injury. On route to the hospital he was ventilated through an oral mouthpiece. The paramedics could not intubate him because his mouth was clenched shut. He was considered brain dead on arrival to the emergency room. The doctors put Mario in an induced coma for twenty-one days. It was not expected that he would live. Many people prayed for Mario and even though Mario lived, he was considered a vegetable with a poor prognosis for any meaningful recovery. With more prayers and healing Mario slowly recovered. After one hundred forty-one days of hospitals, Mario finally responded to a doctor and got into a rehabilitation facility. He stayed in rehab for forty days and finally came home. He wore diapers, couldn’t talk, walk, eat, or even move most of his body. The book chronicles the first few challenging years of taking care of Mario. “The journey has been difficult, but inch-by-inch Mario has improved. He never gives up and through the love of his family and friends, he remains happy most of the time,” said Scharmer. Christine Scharmer has been retired for 4 years after teaching elementary school for thirty-three years in the Mt. Diablo Unified School District. She started her speaking career by presenting Mario’s and her story to churches, stroke and brain injury recovery groups, and “Victim Impact Panels” for MADD. Ms. Scharmer currently lives in Martinez. To learn more about the author, visit: www.raisingmariotwice.com.
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December 2011
Homecoming Thoughts Alhambra High School celebrated their Homecoming on October 28th. Two students in Marianne Griffin’s senior english class expressed their view of Homecoming with the poem below. Griffin said that, “it is based loosely on the prologue from the Canterbury Tales. The students that wrote it felt that the week of Homecoming was like a social pilgrimage, and wrote their version of a prologue”.
Homecoming Week
Adapted from a poem written by seniors Alex Moral and Aneysa Martinez
In the month of October, Alhambra High School holds an event that brings out the inner fool. The Homecoming parade comes once a year to this town dedicated to the students and citizens all around. First comes the rally then the parade, last but not least the big Homecoming game. There are events for the young and the old to come as one to support the blue and gold. During Homecoming week the students believe that Homecoming spirit is all they need walking around school in the appropriate attire full of spirit getting everyone inspired. It is tradition to put two people in position as the title of Homecoming king and queen the students vote for who they believe deserves it the most not for someone who brags and boasts at the rally the final moment is here for all to clap and cheer for the announcement of the ones who have won for all who come to see they will find the ones crowned king and queen
Page 15
HIGH SCHOOL HAPPENINGS
Reader Leader Program
By Students in Sports Leadership sons and how much they really appreciated Here at College Park High School we them.” have a new program called Reader Leader. The children seemed really interested Our goal as Reader Leaders is to educate and engaged. They were eager to particiand prepare young elementary school students about the importance of education, pate throughout the whole presentation. heath and fitness and making good choices. We focused on reading, especially in the elementary school, because we know it’s an We visit local schools and give a ten to important learning period for them. We unfifteen minute long presentation. derstand that this special moment in their Recently we spoke to the students at lives will stick with them for a tremendous Strandwood Elementary School and had a successful experience. We covered some key amount of time. We took weeks to prepare and practice to ensure that the correct mesaspects about getting ready for the future. sage was conveyed to them. We hope the Speaking to elementary students on their inspiration of our program will be taken in a level can make a positive impact on their positive way. developing lives. The children at Strand This month we are scheduled to visit wood were extremely attentive and loved Valhalla and Gregory Gardens elementary interacting with their older role models. schools. The Sports Leadership program at One of our fellow leaders, Shane Gerhard, College Park is led by Coach Jim Keck and revealed that, “It warmed my heart to see was launched in 2010. how much the children took from our les-
The Martinez community unites To come together under the Friday night lights Blood sweat and tears are displayed here Demonstrating our efforts to win this year No matter what the outcome is The least we can say we all came together for one special day
(LtoR) Kierra Willis, Amanda Baker, Caitlin Schillings and Wilson Jones
Upcoming Performances
Winterfest
Winterfest celebrates all of the visual & performing arts at College Park. This year’s annual event is Wednesday, December 14 from 7 - 9 p.m. at College Park High School. There will be a concert in the gym featuring vocal performances by the mixed chorus and concert choir as well as instrumental performances by the wind ensemble and orchestra. Concurrently in the multi-use room, the visual arts students display original artwork from ceramics, glass, photography & art classes. Some of the students offer art for sale. Come see the very talented teens in our community show what they can do! Again, there is no charge for this event. Bring the whole family!
The CPHS Drama Department presents “Stardust” Seniors at Homecoming (LtoR): Dominic Lucido, Homecoming King, Lara Visser, Tyler Sylvia, Jessica Ponce, Sam Randall, Olivia Johnson, Mazi Sitzwohl, Christina Szpekowski, and Andrew Schwartz.
AHS Homecoming Court
Tad Odom, Marissa Madden, Troy Alexander, Jessica Ponce, Julia Miller, John Miller, Natalie Smith, Mitchell Maisel, Sam Randall, Jackie Tan, Zach Schmid, Ellen Griffith, Cody Johnson, Olivia Johnson, Stephanie Bramlett and Nick Jessup. King and queen honors went to and Dominic Lucido and Hannah de Vries.
This month, the College Park drama department will be performing “Stardust”, based on the fantasy novel by author Neil Gaiman. The story is a charming fairy tale, in which the main character, Tristan Thorn, sets out to collect a fallen star in order to win the heart of his true love. But the star turns out to have a personality all her own and leads Tristan on a course of adventures and revelations. In 2007, a movie version was released. College Park alumnus Gabriel Avila created the novel adaptation and is also directing the play. A former College Park graduate, Bryan Dougherty has been assisting the actors during rehearsals with the sword play and fighting techniques. Drama Teacher, Joan Lopate, remarked that, “Working on the production has been a sheer joyride! The kids love the story and love playing these roles and it’s a teen-friendly story. The drama students even wrote letters to Mr. Gaiman inviting him to come and watch the show. Who knows, he may surprise us!” The 4 lead actors include: Jake Garvin, Savannah Roll, Emily Dow and Wyatt Dunn. Evening performances of “Stardust” are on 12/2, 8, 9 & 10 with open seating in the MU. A matinee is scheduled for 12/7.
Page 16
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December 2011
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We Buy, Sell, Upgrade, Network, and Repair Used and New PC's and Apple Computers and Laptops!
Save The Date: Join us for the Athletic Boosters Crab Feed February 18th, Shadelands Art Center, Walnut Creek BECOME A PART OF SOMETHING GREAT - JOIN THE BOOSTERS. FOR INFO GO TO WWW.CPHSBOOSTERS.COM
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December 2011
Page 17
SPECIAL PULLOUT SECTION PROVIDED BY CP BOOSTERS
HONOR • SACRIFICE
Winter sports Schedule
GIRLS SOCCER DATE
Dec. 1 Dec. 3 Dec. 6 Dec. 8 Dec. 13 Dec. 15 Dec. 19-21 Dec.30 Jan. 3 Jan.5 Jan.10 Jan. 12 Jan.17 Jan. 19 Jan. 24 Jan. 26 Jan. 31 Feb. 2 Feb. 9
EVENT
Campolindo Acalanes Deer Valley Freedom Northgate Berean Trivalley Mitty Ygnacio Concord Clayton Alhambra Mt. Diablo Northgate Berean Ygnacio Concord Clayton Mt. Diablo
BOYS SOCCER DATE
Dec. 2 Dec. 10 Dec.13 Dec.15 Dec. 20 Dec. 24 Jan. 2 Jan. 3 Jan. 5 Jan. 10 Jan. 12 Jan. 17 Jan. 19 Jan. 21 Jan. 24 Jan. 26 Feb. 2 Feb. 9
EVENT
Oakland Newark Memorial Northgate Berean Amador Alumni Game Acalanes Ygancio Concord Clayton Alhambra Mt. Diablo Northgate Dublin Berean Ygnacio Clayton Mt. Diablo
SITE
Campolindo CP Deer Valley Freedom Northgate CP TBA CP CP Concord CP CP Mt. Diablo CP Berean Ygnacio CP Clayton CP
TIME
6:15am 12pm 6:30pm 6pm 6pm 3:30pm 2pm 3:30pm 6pm 3:30pm 3:30pm 5pm 3:30pm 3:30pm 3:30pm 3:30pm 6pm 3:30pm
WRESTLING VARSITY DATE
Nov. 30 Dec. 2-3 Dec. 10 Dec. 17 Dec. 28-29 Jan. 4 Jan. 6-7 Jan. 11 Jan. 18 Jan. 20-21 Jan. 28 Feb.1 Feb. 3-4 Feb. 8 Feb.11 Feb. 15 Feb. 24-25 Mar. 2-3
OPPONENT
SITE
Scrimmage Granada Duals Newark Duals Hollister Duals Elk Grove Sierra Nevada Tourney Reno Mt. Diablo CP Doc. B Clovis Clayton Clayton Concord Concord Foothill Foothill Maria Carillo Maria Carillo Ygnacio CP Mission San Jose Mission San Jose Northgate CP NCS Duals Foothill DVAL CP NCS CIF State
League Duals at 6pm unless otherwise indicated.
GIRLS BASKETBALL DATE
EVENT
Dec 1-3 Granada Dec. 2-3 San Ramon Vly Tourny Dec. 6 Mt. Eden Dec. 8 Antioch Dec.10 Dublin Dec. 14-16 Cougar Classic Dec. 20 Sacred Heart Dec. 22 Las Lomas Dec. 26-28 West Coast Jamboree Jan. 3 Ygnacio Jan. 6 Concord Jan. 10 Clayton Jan. 17 Mt. Daiblo Jan. 20 Northgate Jan. 24 Berean Jan. 27 Ygancio Jan. 31 Concord Feb. 3 Clayton Feb. 8 Alameda Feb. 10 Mt. Diablo Feb. 14 Northgate Feb. 17 Berean Feb. 21 Mar. 24 NCS/NORCAL/CIF Playoffs
SITE
Granada San Ramon Mt. Eden CP Dublin San Lorenzo CP Las Lomas Freedom HS CP Concord CP Mt. Diablo CP Berean Ygnacio CP Clayton Alameda CP Northgate CP
Varsity at 7:00 p.m, JV 5:30, Frosh 4:00 unless indicated otherwise
SITE
Oakland Tech CP CP Berean Amador CP Acalanes Ygnacio CP Clayton Alhambra CP Northgate Dublin CP CP CP Mt. Diablo
TIME
BOYS BASKETBALL
4:15pm 4pm 3:30pm 4pm 4pm 3:30pm 4pm 1pm 3:30pm 3:30pm 3:30pm 6pm
Nov. 30-Dec. 3 Dec. 8-10 Dec. 13 Dec.15-17 Dec. 21-23 Jan. 3 Jan. 6 Jan.10 Jan.17 Jan. 20 Jan. 24 Jan. 27 Jan. 31 Feb. 3 Feb. 8 Feb. 10 Feb. 14 Feb. 17 Feb. 21-Mar. 24
5pm 10am 3:30pm 3:30pm 4pm
DATE
EVENT
Jeremy Jack Invite Gridley Invitational Alhambra Don Nelson Classic Roy Ghiggeri Invite Ygnacio Concord Clayton Mt. Diablo Northgate Berean Ygancio Concord Clayton Salesian Mt. Diablo Northgate Berean NCS/NORCAL/CIF Playoffs
SITE
Salesian Gridley CP Dublin Freedom HS Ygnacio CP Clayton CP Northgate CP CP Concord CP Salesian Mt. Diablo CP Berean
Varsity at 7:00 p.m, JV 5:30, Frosh 4:00 unless indicated otherwise
BECOME A PART OF SOMETHING GREAT - JOIN THE BOOSTERS. FOR INFO GO TO WWW.CPHSBOOSTERS.COM
Page 18
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HOME TEAM
Season Ticket
December 2011
By Chuck Nan Daivon Ballard DVAL 5-0 Record Running back Daivon Ballard of College Park punctuated a perfect league slate as he and the College Park Falcons won the 2011 DVAL football championship. In the 55-7 win at Mt. Diablo, Ballard rushed for 198 yards on 18 attempts (11.00 avg.) and scored a remarkable 5 touchdowns. With the win, CP earned an automatic NCS playoff berth. Ballard had a breakout game against Clayton Valley in the DVAL League opener in mid-October. Ballard amassed 185 yards rushing on 21 attempts (8.81 avg.) scoring 2 touchdowns, keying the 20-10 win over the Eagles. The Falcons (2-4, 1-0) were looking for a much needed win as they had gone 1-4 through a grueling non-league slate. Ballard followed-up that game with an even better display -- 213 yards rushing at Northgate on 15 attempts (14.33 avg.). Ballard scored 3 touchdowns as the Falcons
CPHS’s Daivon Ballard with the carry. Photo by Tod Gomes, creativelookphoto.com
rolled to a 30-0 win. Ballard helped the Falcons, 6-4 overall in regular season, earn the DVAL title with a perfect 5-0 league record, their first since 2006. He averaged 184.0 yards per game in league play. Ballard, on the cusp of 1,000 yards rushing for the season, went well over the threshold in his monster game against Mt Diablo. Ballard scored 17 touchdowns in the team’s first ten games. Poyadue Shatters 1,000 With his 241-yard effort against Campolindo on October 28, Alhambra’s Maurice Poyadue bested the 1,000-yard rushing plateau for 2011. Amazingly, he did so in less than 100 attempts. The junior had 26 attempts (9.27 avg.) and 2 touchdowns in the Homecoming loss to the Cougars. It was Poyadue’s third game this season where he surpassed the 200-yard rushing mark. In September, he had a 314yard effort at Ygnacio Valley. The Bulldogs have now had a runner exceed 1,000 yards for the fourth consecutive season (Richard Calhoun, 2008-09 and Jared Leaf, 2010). Poyadue’s 241 yards is seventh best since the start of the 2005 season. For the season, Poyadue finished the regular season with the following stats for 10 games: 136 attempts, 1,335 gained, 9.82 average per carry and 10 touchdowns. Alhambra Water Polo Falls Short in NCS Final In 2010, the Alhambra Bulldogs water polo team made a surprising run all the way to the Division II championship game. Well, in 2011, they are no longer considered an underdog. The North Coast Section water polo playoffs began in early-
Brandon Simons with the ball.
November and the Dogs were the No. 1 seed in the D II bracket, a very unfamiliar position. Finishing in a tie for third-place in the always rugged and stacked DFAL, the Bulldogs found themselves in the D II tournament with familiar foes Las Lomas, Marin Catholic (Kentfield) and Drake (San
Anselmo), numbers two through four, respectively. The 2011 campaign saw the seniorladen Bulldogs beat defending NCS Division II champion Las Lomas for the first time ever and finish in a tie for third with the Knights and Campolindo. Alhambra set a school record for regular-season wins (19). In September, they earned what is believed to be the program’s first varsity tournament title at the Jim Healy Tournament in Napa. In the NCS, the Dogs routed Ygnacio Valley 22-7, defeated San Marin 15-9 and then nipped Drake 16-15, creating a re-match showdown with the Knights for the title once again. In the championship, Alhambra took an impressive 8-2 lead at the half, but Las Lomas mustered a torrid comeback and outscored the Dogs 9-2 in the second stanza to hold-on for a hardfought 11-10 triumph.
Skyscrapers Take First
Congratulations to The Skyscrapers for winning first place in the U10 girls division of PHMSA AYSO.
Back Row (LtoR): Amanda Philson, Rylee McCormick, Emma Cancilla, Jasmine Azevedo, Katie Callahan. Front Row: Victoria Martinez, Lauren Titus, Morgan Crosby, Kate Philson. Submitted by: Jennifer Philson
VISIT US AT:
www.lesschwabmartinez.com
12/31/11
December 2011
www.ourcommunityfocus.com
Page 19
Pleasant Hill’s 50th Gala - A Stunning Evening
Sue and Paul Damhesel
Steve and Lise Wallace
Don and Norma Flaskarud and Family
Pat and Shirley Cambell, Carol and Bob McMains
Margi and Jim Alkire
Patty Fowler, Charley Daly, Marian Woodard
Matt Rinn, Dick and Peg Hixon
Katrina Hunn, Ann and Scott Luke
www.ourcommunityfocus.com
Page 20
December 2011
Pleasant Hill Rec and Park Updates
Recycling the Old Pleasant Hill Community Center Who would have thought that more than 90% of an old building could be reused or recycled? For Parc Services, the contractor hired to demolish the Pleasant Hill Community Center, recycling is one of the company’s top goals. Parc Services company record was established last year, when they demolished the Juvenile Hall in San Mateo. When all of the concrete, wood, steel, and other metals was weighed and counted, the company figured that 91% of the building had been recycled. Jack Cook, estimator for Parc Services thinks he can top that record with the Pleasant Hill Community Center. Although the demolition process is ongoing, the company has completely removed the above-ground portion of the building. Once the below ground cement and steel are removed and separated, the concrete has been crushed and
pulverized, and the metal sent to a metal recycling company, they will be able to calculate the final numbers. The demolition process is impressive. Three huge excavators, one weighing 66,000 pounds and the other two, each weighing 50,000 pounds, are equipped with different attachments: a hammer, pulvarizer, and bucket and thumb. The operators are able to rip, tear, and sort wood, concrete, steel, and other metals into separate loads. Cook said that by using the pulvarizer or muncher, they are even able “to squeeze the concrete until the rebar pops out.” The concrete is taken to a concrete crushing plant in Antioch. One hundred percent of the material will become “aggregate base” and used for the Highway 4 widening project. The steel, tin, and copper were taken to Sims Metal where they are also 100% recycled. Unpainted wood is taken to a wood recycling plant, while reusable material included mainly
As construction moves forward on Pleasant Hill’s new 4,900 square foot Teen Center, the first of two online surveys was created to solicit input on what programs and activities parents who have children that attend a Pleasant Hill middle school would like to see at the new facility. The responses to the 8-question survey will help the Pleasant Hill Recreation and Park District plan for a wide range of programs and activities for teens. From the survey, the most popular after-school programs that parents want for their teens include outdoor sports, a computer center and homework help/ peer tutoring. Arts and crafts, swimming and ping-pong were also high on the list. Fee based enrichment classes will be additional options for teens, with parents hoping to see self-defense, cooking, foreign language and CPR classes at the Center. According to survey results, parents would also send their teens to events such as movie nights and holiday themed parties. The goal of the Recreation District is to have the Teen Center open for pro-
grams everyday after school until 6pm. In order to offer the variety of programs and activities that parents are requesting, the district will need to charge a per hour fee that could range from $5 to $10. The challenge for the d istrict is to make it affordable to all families while aiming to satisfy the requests of parents. The survey has been very enlightening for Katrina Hunn, Recreation Supervisor for Teen Programs and Special Events: “It has made me think more about trying to pursue grants for programs so we can keep our fees reasonable, but on the other hand, we have to charge to be able to offer quality, well staffed programs.” Hunn is also looking into ways to transport the students from their schools to the Teen Center. The second survey, designed for the parents of high school students, will be available online in the coming weeks. Look for further details on the College Park website and the Community Focus website. The new Teen Center is set to open in the fall of 2012. Hunn says, “I’m glad we have the survey so we can make the Center the best place we can.”
Teen Survey Results
ted free. Advance registration is required. Call 682-0896. North Pole Revue at the Lesher Center Get the holiday season started with STAGE Troupe’s production of North Pole Revue, at the Lesher Center in Walnut Creek this year. This show is a Pleasant Hill holiday tradition featuring Pleasant Hill teens singing and dancing to new musical numbers written by Barrett Lindsay Steiner and an updated script by Doña Foreman. Performances begin on December 2 and run the first two weekends in December. Tickets are available for just $14! Call 943-SHOW, or visit http://www.lesherartscenter.org/thenorth-pole-revue. Dolfins Tree Lot Nothing gets you into the spirit of the season like a beautiful fresh tree! Why not choose yours at the tree lot that supports the Pleasant Hill Dolfins Swim Team! You will find it conveniently located at the Winslow Center’s parking lot, on the corner of Pleasant Hill Road and Taylor Boulevard.
kitchen equipment, such as stainless steel sinks, stove, etc. The company will bring in a portable machine to grind trees that are in the footprint of the new building, and the resulting wood chips will be used to grade the site. Stay up to date on this and other bond related issues. Sign up for the eNEWS or visit www.pleasanthillrec.com/ Bond.html. Holiday Events from Pleasant Hill Recreation & Park District Breakfast with Santa, December 17 Share the joy and magic of the season with your child (ages 1 – 8 years) at Pleasant Hill Recreation & Park District’s annual Breakfast with Santa. Register now for one of two seatings (8:30 – 9:45 am or 10:30 – 11:45 am). This year, the event will be held at St. Andrews Church (1601 Mary Drive). Your child will enjoy making a holiday craft, having breakfast, and visiting with Santa. Registration is $8 for children and $9 for adults; infants under one year carried in a backpack are admit-
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www.ourcommunityfocus.com
December 2011
Gifts For Wildlife
SOAR LIKE A
HAWK Experience new interactive exhibits, behind-the-scenes programs and live wild animals! Visit Wednesday–Friday noon–5pm and weekends 10am–5pm. Go to www.wildlife-museum.org to learn more.
1 9 3 1 F I R S T AV E N U E | WA L N U T C R E E K | 9 2 5 - 9 3 5 - 1 9 7 8 try Com our e i newn an me d nu !
!
BREAKFAST & LUNCH OPEN 6 AM - 3 PM DAILY
COUNTRY WAFFLES BREAKFAST
2'3* $2&'/ .'-'4
For the Healthy Appetite '$4 06'23 .'-'4 For the Hearty Appetite
Everyone’s Favorite 2 Eggs with your choice of " " ham
$3.99
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05/427 00,+/: $4 +43 -& $3*+0/'& '34 ANTIOCH
0/' !2'' #$7 9
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CLAYTON
-$740/ &
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Page 21
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By Susan Heckly, Lindsay Wildlife Museum Mosquitoes can spread diseases such The holiday as west Nile virus that affects both aniseason is upon us mals and people. with all the joys and • Keep garbage and debris picked up. opportunities for Even small things like a roll of duct gift giving. Have tape left on the ground can cause seriyou ever wondered ous problems for wildlife. how you can give • Cut six-pack rings to prevent entana gift to the wild glement. Crush plastic containers with animals that live narrow necks so animals don’t get their in your backyard? We give gifts to our heads stuck. family, friends, co-workers, even our • Close pet doors and don’t leave pet pets, but how many of us think about food outdoors at night. the wild animals that share our neigh• Keep your cat indoors. borhoods? During this time of shorter days, longer nights, rain and cold, there It might be easier if we could just are ways to help the animals that live in pick up trinkets at the local drug store, but these steps will really make a difor pass through our yards. • Reduce or eliminate pesticide use. Use ference in the lives of the animals that share your backyard. non-toxic cleaners such as lemon juice For more information about Lindand vinegar. say Wildlife Museum and ways you • Plant native plants or plants that give can help wildlife, visit www.wildlifewild animals food or shelter. Fall and winter are the best times to plant in the museum.org. Bay Area. • Prune trees only during September through December to protect animals that nest during the rest of the year. • Don’t use sticky traps; they are inhumane and can catch birds, lizards and snakes. • If you use garden netting, keep it off the ground to keep snakes from being tangled. • If you have bird feeders, make sure you sanitize them at least once a week to prevent the spread of disease. Do the same for bird baths. • Make sure you don’t have standing water where mosquitoes can breed.
www.ourcommunityfocus.com
Page 22
December 2011
Chilly Weather Prep By Big Air Heating and Air Conditioning It’s a proven fact that over 90% of heating and A/C repair calls are on unmaintained equipment. The question is, has your furnace been maintained? Not only can you prevent costly breakdowns for the upcoming season, but with a tune up you can save BIG on your energy bills. Believe it or not, a lot of people don’t think of maintaining their furnaces, but they are likely to change their car oil every 3,000 to 5,000 miles. Think of your furnace as a car; it needs to be maintained to keep it in tiptop shape. Here are just a few benefits of a tune-up: it reduces heating costs, thereby saving you money; it protects your home and assures proper and safe equipment operation; it improves equipment efficiency, which allows you to get the most from your investment; it improves dependability, allowing comfort when you want and need it; it gives your equipment a longer life and gives you peace of mind. Of course, no tune-up is complete without a duct inspection. Studies indicate that up to 30% of heated air is lost, along with the money spent to heat your home, through leaky or poorly insulated ducts. Properly sized, installed, and sealed ductwork will make your heating system significantly more efficient. Energy loss is not the only concern. Duct systems can also impact the comfort of your family, as well as indoor air quality. If the return air duct system is leaky, it could be drawing in outside, stale, or polluted
air and distributing it throughout your home! So take advantage of this limited offer - for only $90.00 we will perform a furnace tune-up when you mention this article. Call Big Air Heating and Air Conditioning today at 925-6877942 to take advantage of this special offer. As a bonus we will include a free duct inspection at no extra cost to you!
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December 2011
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Page 23
THE GARDEN
A Calm Holiday Season May Require a Strategy Depending on your frame of mind, the holiday season can either be a warm glowing/uncontrolled baking/ hugging time of year, or an overwhelming/ anxiety-producing/ grumpy/depressing time of year. As you ponder the frame of mind thing, perhaps the concept of “I’m the boss of me” can decide how you want to navigate the tunnel of December. Looming large in our minds are: the expense and pressure of gift giving, taking the time to take care of ourselves, and taking care of everyone else’s incredibly pressing needs. Excellent strategies for maintaining a smile on your face and a strong, clear grip on your happy place this month are many and varied. The latest and greatest expensive gifts take a back seat in our family while we focus on the concept of community and generosity. With 30 in my immediate family: parents, brothers, sisters, in-laws, and nephews (we only grow boys round here,) we came up long ago with a fabulous plan for gifts. We go the old secret Santa route. You set the limit on price amongst yourselves. What was a money-saving strategy initially, evolved into what it is really all
By Lesley Stiles about: family and friends sharing qualple to grab. Flavored soda water is great Anything to get the heart pumping ity time with each other. Our clan is so and blood flowing through your calm, to space out the wine, creating an even big that it takes hours to complete, but happier person the next day. Eat some- beautiful, serene and peaceful body and by the end-time we have had an amazmind. Happy Holidays! thing healthy and filling before you go ing cooperative (key strategy word) Lesley Stiles is a graduate of the if you are worried about party offerdinner and an evening filled with love California Culinary Academy, sustainings, and feel the power of preventing and laughs. No pressure, unless my rule madness and anxiety. Then notice the able caterer and school garden educaabout not bringing cheap wine counts. sweet smile of satisfaction on your face, tor. If one polled all friends caught up Contact Lesley at lesleystiles@comcast. knowing that you are indeed the boss in gifting each other during the holiday net, www.lesleystiles.blogspot.com and of you. season, the answer would be the same visit her new website: www.lesleystiles As always, get out and walk or from dang near all. Don’t do it! I know foods.com. Zumba, Booty Boogie, Pilate or yoga. everyone can’t make jam to give out to friends and teachers, but everyone can Fantastic for gift giving as they hold well layered w/ waxed paper or parchment in tins or come up with a card that wishes happy plastic ware. Makes 50 cookies holidays to all and a nice line about Ingredients: how your family is giving to the com2 teaspoons kosher salt 1 cup butter munity this year - in the form of vol1 teaspoon baking soda ¾ cup molasses sugar (from Trader unteering at the food bank, Monument 2 teaspoons fresh ground cinnamon Joe’s) or turbinado or brown sugar Crisis Nursery, Christmas for Every½ teaspoon fresh ground nutmeg ¾ cup granulated sugar one, or sorting items at your church or 1 cup chopped and toasted walnuts 2 eggs school. It does not have to cost money, 1 cup raisins (the dried Thompson 1 1/4 cup peeled and chopped persimonly a bit of your time. Crazy side efSeedless grapes from the Farmers’ Marmon (about 2 large or 3 small persimfect of the give back: it is relaxing. ket are awesome) mons) As to taking care of one’s self, ban2 1/2 cups wheat flour ish the holiday binge victim living inDirections: side all of us with a strategy. That word Preheat oven to 350 degrees and spray cookie sheets with canola oil or line with again. Always take a food that you want parchment paper. Mix flour, salt, soda and spices together and set aside. Combine to eat to a potluck or buffet party, posbutter and sugars and beat until smooth. Add the egg and persimmon pulp and sibly a lusciously steaming pot of butbeat well. Add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients and mix until incorternut squash soup, an amazing winter porated. Add the raisins and nuts and mix until incorporated. Drop by spoonfuls onto the cookie sheets and bake for 10 to 12 minutes. These cookies are cake like grain dish, seasonal roasted veggies, or and will seem too soft but pull them out anyway as they will be nice and moist. simply a big basket of Satsuma mandarins from the farmers market for peo-
Persimmon Cookies
Butternut Squash and Herb Pasta
This is really quick and yummy pasta but you could also substitute quinoa, rice, faro or any other grain that you love. Feel free to add as many veggies as you like!
Ingredients:
1 large butternut squash, peeled, seeded and cubed 2 teaspoons olive oil 3 cloves garlic Salt and pepper 1 pound whole wheat or brown rice pasta 1 onion, chopped
Directions:
2 teaspoons olive oil 4 cloves garlic, chopped Handful fresh chopped herbs such as parsley, oregano or basil ½ to ¾ cup vegetable or chicken stock 1 cup grated cheese Salt and pepper to taste
Toss squash with olive oil, salt and garlic and roast in a 400 degree oven for 20 minutes. Cook pasta in salted boiling water to al dente. Heat olive oil in a sauté pan, add onion and garlic and sauté for 3 minutes. Toss cooked pasta, squash and stock in and mix until heated through. Add herbs and season with salt and pepper. Garnish with cheese. Serves 4 to 6.
2012 Farmers Market Calendar
Great news! The Farmers’ Market Lovers Calendar for 2012 is hot off the presses and ready to be scooped up for all those veggie lovers on your holiday gift list! Preview at lesleystilesfoods.com or at the Diablo Valley Farmers Market, Orchard Nursery, Mrs. Dalloway’s Books, Orinda Books or the Gardener! More info: Lesley at 925. 934.3128 or lesleystiles@comcast. net.
www.ourcommunityfocus.com
Page 24
IN FOCUS•IN FOCUS•IN FOCUS•IN FOCUS•IN FOCUS•IN FOCUS
Le Jardin at the Spa Le Jardin at the Spa believes beauty is always in style and that our guests come first. We have over twenty service providers and the best quality products in the industry to give you an exceptional experience and a difference you will see with the perfect haircut, color, and style. Our spa offers a variety of treatments, from anti-aging to relaxation. Owner Nancy Robinson is a shining example in the beauty industry
for how to provide the best possible service for guests as well as ongoing education for her staff. Ms. Robinson is on the board of the Carrington College School of Massage, and her experience and successful marketing skills garnered her the 2010 Woman Entrepreneur of the Year award. Come and see for yourself why Le Jardin at the Spa is voted number one! Call for an appointment or tour of our salon at 925-935-4247.
Happy Holidays from Le Jardin at the Spa
Give the Gift Every Woman Wants One aize fits ALL Holiday gift certificates directly from our web-site any time of day. Visit us at www.lejardinatthespa.com.
Huge Gift Shop Sale Saturday December 3rd, 10:00-4:00, Everything 20-50% off. Vintage, designer inspired, jewelry, Shawls, handbags, much more. See our web- site for our monthly specials and events! 1603 Oak Park Blvd.,Pleasant Hill, CA 94523
925-935-4247 www.lejardinatthespa.com
December 2011
In the Mix By Paul Cotruvo for free. One highlight of the series We have was the reunion of The Buzztones. finally reached the They lost power for an hour, but that end of the year, didn’t stop the band from grabbing an and as we say acoustic guitar and walking around goodbye to 2011, singing to different sections of the I thought it would crowd. Total professionals! The Tom be appropriate to Petty tribute band, Petty Theft, ended reflect on some of the show and had the crowd singing the incredible musical highlights that and dancing from the first note. took place in Central Contra Costa. So many great events to remember: As I look back, I am reminded of how - Pleasant Hill’s Blues and Brews lucky we are to have such amazing featuring Tommy Castro, and an talent right here in our backyard. And amazing performance by the real deal, in these hard economic times, how Mr. Chris Cain! lucky we are to be able to escape our hectic lives, if only for a few hours, and - Concord’s concerts in Todos Santos ending with House of Floyd, a Pink enjoy many local artists. Floyd tribute band featuring a light In February of 2011, many local show. musicians participated in the first - The Lafayette Art and Wine Festival, Come Together Benefit Show for Teens Pleasant Hill’s Art and Wine Festival, of Pleasant Hill and Katherine and Brooke Erb Education Fund. All artists Martinez’s Beer Festival, Clayton’s Concert Series and an amazing night at performed for free. Although the the Lafayette Town Hall featuring Mark show lasted FIVE hours, it featured Stanley, Drew Harrison and Dream some amazing musical highlights: Posse. Carlos Reyes, David Denny and Brian Hough closing out the night; Stephanie - And I haven’t even mentioned some of the great shows at some local Harwood and Swoon’s original venues, such as Armando’s, which music; Mark Stanley, Marc Bonilla, featured acts such as Dan Hicks, Leo Katy Lawrence and Del Burchette’s Vigil Trio and Tip of the Top. version of “Suite Judy Blue Eyes;” I cannot stress enough how Dan DeShara, Channing Dahl and lucky we are to have all this music in Dave McCullough rockin’ the house our area. I know 2012 will be just as with “Steppin Stone” and Toni Bryant amazing, so please get out there and nailing Sugarland’s “Stay.” support local music. You will not be In May, the Walnut Creek Art and disappointed. Happy New Year and I Wine Festival turned into Woodstock hope to see you out at a show! with all the rain, but if you stuck Quote of the Month: around on Sunday, the San Francisco band, Luce, performed under threating “For last year’s words belong to last year’s language and next year’s words skies and was rockin’! await another voice.” Pleasant Hill’s Sunset by the Lake Little Gidding II series continued to bring quality acts
PAUL’S PICKS FOR DECEMBER: December 3: Jeffrey Halford & The Healers, Armandos, Martinez, 8:00pm December 10: Billy Schaub, E.J. Phairs, Concord, 8:00pm December 23: Sin Silver, Rocco’s Pizzaria, Walnut Creek, 8:30pm December 30: The Famous Trio, Rocco’s Pizzeria, Walnut Creek, 8:30pm December 31: Cover2Cover, Back Forty Texas BBQ, Pleasant Hill, 9:00pm December 31: Side FX, Dan’s Bar, Walnut Creek, 10:00 pm December 31: Garageland Rodeo, The Station, Martinez, 9:30pm
www.ourcommunityfocus.com
December 2011
Page 25
Get your RESTAURANT FEATURED in Community Focus Call 925-335-NEWS (6397) or email info@ourcommunityfocus.com Hours: Mon-Thur 11-8PM Fri & Sat 11-9PM Open Sundays During Main Street Events Only
Dallimonti’s
Restaurant www.dallimontis.com
Come for the food stay for the music!
FRIDAY KARAOKE NIGHT • GRAB THE MIC AND ROCK OUT LIVE MUSIC EVERY SATURDAY • COMING IN DECEMBER & JANUARY 12/3 The Famous Three-O • 12/10 SolMates • 12/17 The Von Trapps 12/31 New Years with The Business • 1/7 The Famous Three-O
GREAT
Slow Cooked, Smoked Meats and More
Cold to the bone? Come grab some hot ribs! Visit the Martinez Holiday Frolic then come in for some down home BBQ. No time to come in? Order a Family Meal to go. All the fixings (3 meats, 2 lg sides, 1 lg salad) to feed your hungriest eaters.
Catering is available at our place or yours. Let Smokey D’s cater your office luncheon parties for the holidays!
Specials:
• A Family Tradition Since 1982 • Open for Lunch & Dinner • Reservations & Take Out Available • Small Banquets Welcome • Full Bar & Wine List • A Touch of North Beach in your Neighborhood
1932 Oak Park Boulevard, Pleasant Hill. 925-944-5224
Tuesdays: $3 1/4 lb. Cheese Burger with fries with $2 pints of Coors Light.
TWO OPTIONS AVAILABLE FOR FUNDRAISING! CALL US FOR MORE INFORMATION
925.335.9915
601 Main Street, Martinez www.smokeyds.com
Order Your Holiday Party Trays Now! SUSHI
Sushi & Kitchen Assortment Available from $29.95 and Up
Savanh, originally Bangkok Restaurant, has been serving Thai favorites in this Oak Park location for over 20 years. Insisting on fresh market ingredients, our kitchen locates the freshest produce, seafood, and meats everyday, preparing each dish a little different from other Bay Area Thai restaurants. Our newly redesigned dining room is adorned with the nation’s symbolic emblem, the elephant. Our extensive menu boasts the traditional Thai fare, plus an array of grilled dishes. We also offer take-out.
Please contact us for more details: Tel: 925-705-7065/7066 • Fax: 925-705-7067 We will be open Christmas and New Years Day!
KITCHEN
1910 Oak Park Boulevard • Pleasant Hill Hours: Monday - Saturday, 11am-9pm (closed Sunday) 925.937.4368 • www.savanh.net
Formerly Bangkok Restaurant • New Name, Same Family and Staff
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events 11/28-12/31 - Willows Cabaret Theatre presents “ Winter Wonderettes”. For all details visit www.willowstheatre.org or call 798-1824. 636 Ward St., Martinez. 12/1 - Light Up the Night in Downtown Pleasant Hill. Join Santa and others on Crescent Dr. in Pleasant Hill from 5pm-8pm. Holiday crafts, carriage rides, caroling and hot chocolate; fun for the whole family. 12/2 - Sequoia Elementary Craft and Vendor Fair. The family-friendly fair is from 2:45pm until 7:30pm in the multi use room. 277 Boyd Road, Pleasant Hill. 12/2, 3 & 4 - Holiday Frolic & Snow Park. 25 tons of snow will be brought in to make a snow sled hill and tot’s play area for non-stop winter fun! Dec. 2 will feature a synthetic ice rink, kids games and crafts, and the City Light Parade on Main Street along with Santa’s arrival. For more information visit: www.mainstreetmartinez.org/php/SnowParkDetails.php. 12/2-4 - North Pole Revue. A Holiday Musical Comedy! Come join Jack and Dolly as they get the North Pole and all of us into the Christmas spirit with some of your favorite holiday tunes. Fri., 7:15pm; Sat., 2:15pm and 7:15pm; Sun., 2:15pm. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Drive, WC. $14. Call: 925943-SHOW. 12/7 - Pleasant Hill Garden Study Club. Speaker: Gary Gragg on “Going Tropical in the Diablo Valley”. 8pm. Free. Camellia Room at Heather Farms, 1540 Marchbanks Dr., WC. Visit www.phgsc. com or call 925-944-4898 for more info. 12/9 - Pleasant Hill Elementary Crafts Fair. Join PHE from 1:00pm to 6:00pm for our holiday crafts fair, showcasing the talents of PHE families and local small businesses. You can purchase holiday gifts such as cosmetics, jewelry, “Pampered Chef ” items, handmade scarves and sweaters, fresh baked cookies, calendars, essential oils and many more handmade items. 2097 Oak Park Blvd. Pleasant Hill. Contact: 925-934-3341.
December 2011
Calendar 12/9 & 12/10 - AAUW Holiday Home Tour. The Danville, Alamo and Walnut Creek branch of AAUW presents its 7th Annual Home Tour from 10am-5pm. Tour 5 beautifully decorated homes. Tickets are $30 and can be purchased at East Bay Flower Co., 205 Sycamore Valley Rd., Danville. Call 925-933-9299 or email questions to holidaytour@aauwda.org. 12/10 - 3rd Annual Downtown Christmas Party Fundraiser for Martinez Early Childhood Center. Dinner, raffle, silent auction, and Santa. $25 pp., children 6 and under are free. For tickets, contact Ann at 925-229-1900 or email: whiterabbi531@sbcglobal.net. RSVP by 12/5. 12/10 - Saving Soles Gala. Custom shoe fashion show, live music and prizes. A fundraiser for Carlo’s Cobbler School, 825 Ferry Street, Martinez. From 8-11pm. Custom shoes will be auctioned off. Tickets are $30 and space is limited. For more tickets or more info contact Carlo’s Shoe Repair at 925-228-6232. 12/10 & 12/11 - Holiday Boutique at Rodgers Ranch. Shop for unique gifts in the 1867 farmhouse from 10am - 4pm. Santa and Mrs. Claus will be on hand from 1-4pm each day. 315 Cortsen Rd., Pleasant Hill. For more info visit: www. rodgersranch.org or call: 925-937-3577. 12/11 - Workshop with Myra Nissen, CCH, RSHom(NA). Learn how to avoid holiday related injuries to your pet. Discover natural remedies to help you and your pet. Walnut Creek Sports Basement, 1881 Ygnacio Valley Road. From 3:30-5:30pm. Call 925-826-3858 for more information. 12/17 - Breakfast with Santa. Santa will join you and your child for a morning of holiday cheer and live entertainment. For ages 1–8 yrs. with parent. Breakfast includes pancakes, eggs, sausage and more. $9 /adult; $8 /child. Must pre-register by Dec 14. Call 925-682-0896. 1/9-12 - Valley Stitchers and Fiber Art Guild presents Carol Larson. Her love of color, texture, and pattern led to a lifetime of interest in wearable art, hand
weaving, knitting and needlepoint. She works in mixed media using multiple layers of dyes, selective dye removal and screen printing with original imagery. 9:30am at Faith Lutheran Church, 50 Woodsworth Lane, Pleasant Hill. $5 per guest. For more information contact: quilter98@hotmail.com or call: 925-9451338. 1/22, 2/5 & 2/19 - How to Raise Your Chickens. Raising young chicks, hen maintenance and sustainable coop construction. Workshops are free and will be held from 1:30-3:30pm. Sign up by email: jhkiefer@comcast.net.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Convalescent Center, 367 Concord Blvd., Concord • 12/23: 6pm, Chateau III, 175 Cleaveland Road, Pleasant Hill• 12/25: 10am, Christmas for Everyone at Crossroads Covenant Church, Olivera & Grant, Concord
At the library Pleasant Hill: Closed for the Holidays: Friday, 12/23 through Monday, 12/26. Wednesdays - Mother Goose Storytime, ages 0-3. 11:15-11:45am. Fridays 11:1511:45pm & 1:15-1:45pm. Thursdays - Preschool Storytime, ages 3-5. 11:15-11:45am.
The Martinez Grange No. 853: Join a grass roots organization that began in 1867 and open to all members of the family. Junior Grange for ages 5 to 13 1/2 years, and regular members are 14 and up. The Grange has ten thousand members and 207 chapters across California. For more info. email: MtzGrangeMom@ aol.com.
Saturdays (closed 24th) – Saturday Story Time, Babies, Preschoolers, Kids. 11:15-11:45am.
NBA/WNA Sponsored Coed Youth Basketball. Calling all 3rd – 8th graders! Instructional basketball - Learn skills, coordination, agility, teamwork and sportsmanship. Evening practices begin late December. Play runs January – March and games are on Saturdays. $145. PH Dist Res: $135. Registration closes 12/16. To register call PH Rec & Park: 925-682-0896, or visit 147 Gregory Lane or online at: www.pleasanthillrec. com.
12/14 – The PHUN Team, Pleasant Hill United Nerds Team, formerly known as the Teen Advisory Group (TAG). Meet other community teens and the young adult librarian to share and plan what you want to see happen at the library. Every 2nd Wed. of the month, this group is teen-only, ages 13-18. 3:30pm-5pm. Room A.
Join the ABC (AnyBody Can) Singers! Our Christmas Caroling program is as follows: 11/29: 6 pm Practice at ALTERA Signature Properties, 6635 Alhambra Ave. Ste. 100, Martinez • 12/1: 6 pm, Chateau at Poets Corner, 540 Patterson Blvd., PH • 12/5: 6pm, Bayberry Care Center, 1800 Adobe, Concord • 12/7: 6pm, San Miguel Villa, 1050 San Miguel Road, Concord • 12/13: 6pm, Chateau on Broadway, 1700 Broadway St., Concord • 12/17: 12:30pm, Heritage Plaza, 2020 Grant St., Concord • 12/19: 6pm, Stonebrook
Monday 12/5 & 12/12 – Picture Book Storytime, ages 3-6. 1:30-2:30pm.
12/1 & 15 – Wii Thursdays for Teens – Wii or play some board games too! 3pm4:30pm. Room A. 12/13 – Book Club. We will be reading Jon Meacham’s, American Lion. Room A; 6:30pm-7:30pm. Contact: 646-6434.
Martinez: Closed for the Holidays: Friday, 12/23 through Monday, 12/26.
Tuesday 12/6 & 12/13 – Mother Goose Storytime, ages 0-3. 10:30-11am. Tuesday 12/13 – Book Discussion Group - Join us as we discuss The Christmas Pearl by Dorothea Benton Frank. Let’s start the holidays with a great story about Christmas traditions, a grandmother’s beloved housekeeper and a miracle or two. Adults. 6:45pm. Contact Catherine Oliver, (925) 646-9900.
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Sneak in Some Exercise During the Holidays “The most wonderful time of the year” is upon us. Twinkling lights, office parties, family fun, and expectations of joy and merriment abound. Children wait breathlessly for the holidays, while adults often feel a mix of being excited as well as overwhelmed and melancholy. With big plans for fun, we know we should take care of ourselves during this whirlwind time, but we soon get discouraged and opt for, “I’ll take care of myself in January.” With a little strategy, you can have a festive holiday season while mitigating stress and depression. • Live in comfortable shoes so you can take advantage of using your body physically at any moment. Instead of driving around in circles for that perfect spot at the mall, park at the far end of the parking lot for a little cardio-vascu-
By Tonya Marie Amos, Aspire Pilates lar walking. Use the stairs instead of the tic year. able food is part of the fun of the holielevator. Tonya Marie Amos danced profesdays, but sneaking in a bit of exercise When traveling by air, take advansionally in New York for 15 years before will keep your energy up, your stress tage of the time that’s available, whether opening her studio, Aspire Pilates level down and your waist line in you are stranded, walking through conCenter in Concord. For more informacheck. You’ll begin January with high courses, or waiting for your plane. Carry tion, contact please call (925) 680-4400 energy, a great sense of accomplishyour own bags for strength training; or go to www.AspirePilatesCenter.com. ment, and ready to make 2012 a fantasavoid moving walkways; stretch; and do isometric exercises and deep breathing while at the gate. Not only will you feel better physically, your stress level will drop. • Workout before attending stressful family meals. This will help with nervous eating, as well as your ability to cope with those um...interesting conversations. • Obesity has risen to 2nd biggest cause of preventable death! • Walk with your family to see the neighborhood lights. Avoiding local car • Deaths linked to overweight outnumber those from alcohol, trips can be a great opportunity for famdrugs, firearms and motor vehicles –combined! ily bonding and may even establish a tradition of holiday exercise. • Gaining weight increases your chance of heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, • Get a massage and enjoy a hot kidney failure, high blood pressure, stroke and certain cancers! bath! Socializing and eating question-
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December 2011
Art World Confidential - Wrapping Paper Revisited Since it’s the holiday season and for many a time of major gift giving, let’s talk about gift-wrap and the role it plays during the season. For a long time, the gift wrapping tradition has been to buy rolls and rolls of fun, seasonal, well-designed paper at $4.99 to $7.99 a pop, made brighter with shiny, synthetic bows. While it’s lovely and very Hallmarklike, it’s still off-the-shelf, generic and lacking in soul. We can do better than that. Make it fun and real by creating your own custom gift-wrap. You can do
By Tony Michael Vecchio this with a simple collection of interesting, graphic, and unique papers and bags that you see every day. Handmade wrapping is practiced in many countries and has been elevated to a level of sophistication in Japan, where gifts and packages are ceremoniously wrapped in handmade papers incorporating intricate folds and cuts that are, in themselves, works of art. There are many different paper members and friends receiving your and fabric materials that can help you gifts, wrapped cleverly and uniquely put together a striking and memorable in interesting paper that might othergift presentation. Newspapers, magawise be immediately recycled. One of zines, shoebox tissues, comic books, my favorite materials to use is brand maps, calendars, manuals…the list is name shopping bags from retailers endless. like Nordstrom, Banana Republic, Think of the satisfaction of family
Peet’s Coffee, Hurley, Abercrombie, Hollister and others. They are fun to collect, cut up into sections, and tape into your own design combinations. With one magazine issue, you can wrap any number of gifts, even picking out articles that match the personality or lifestyle of the gift recipient. Creating your own custom wrapping is a great way to consciously recycle a range of paper products, while having fun and impressing friends with your creativity. Contact Tony Michael Vecchio at tonymvecchio@gmail.com. View his collage illustrations and paintings at etsy.com/shop/WabiSabiDaddi, and selected work at the Blackhawk Gallery.
Holiday Shopping to Support Local Artists Some local art happenings in December include: • The 7th Annual Local Artist Collection at the Antioch Lynn House Gallery features a diverse, non-themed, mixed media exhibit of painting and photography showing from Dec. 3 through Dec. 21. The reception is December 3, from 2-4 pm. The Lynn House Gallery is located at 809 W. 1st Street in Antioch (across from the Amtrak Train Station). For more information, visit www.art4antioch.org. • Gallery Concord’s fall show, “Kaleidoscope”, runs through December 23. • The Lafayette Gallery presents “Peach On Earth” through December 30. The show focuses on the winter holidays and the opportunity to reflect on the bounty of our blessings, the richness of our lives, and our universal hope for peace on earth. • The latest ADAS exhibit, “Artful Treasures,” an exhibit of over 35 artists, runs through January 8, 2012 at the Blackhawk Art Gallery in Blackhawk Plaza. • EBAG’s 3rd Annual John Muir
Medical Center Show at John Muir Hospital, Nov. 17 - Jan. 4. More details to come at www.ebag.wordpress.com/ • mARTinez GALLERY Holiday Boutique will run from November 28th though December 24th. 630 Court St. Martinez, CA 94553. The gallery is open Monday - Friday 11am3pm Sat 9am-1pm. 925-370-6270.
Limit one coupon per customer. Not valid with other offers.Restrictions apply. Valid and redeemable only when presented at a participating location. The UPS Store centers are independently owned and operated. © 2010 Mail Boxes Etc., Inc. Exp. 12/31/2011
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December 2011
Discover America
Join us for a completely NEW offering from Pleasant Hill Rec and Park! Everyone remembers those family summer vacations...including the parts where Dad got lost and your brother wouldn’t stay on his side of the seat. Well, we have an option where you can sit back and relax while we do the hard part. On this tour, you will jump into the pages of American history. The nation’s earliest days spring to life during a scavenger hunt along Philadelphia’s trail of independence and a guided tour of George Washington’s Mt. Vernon. Learn to roll a pretzel in Lancaster, embark on a city tour of Washington featuring views of the Capitol building and the White House, and walk the hallowed grounds of Gettysburg. In D.C., design an afternoon to suit your family; visit D.C’s famed Spy
Museum or explore the National Zoo. Uncover the treasures of the Smithsonian museums. From historic Colonial Williamsburg to modern-day Washington D.C., embrace your patriotic spirit on this exciting journey. If you are interested please join us for a presentation of this trip by Jessie Wusthoff of the Rec Department and Jay Fehan representing the tour operator on Saturday, February 18 at 10am at the VFW: 1919 Wendell Ln, Pleasant Hill. RSVP requested, please call 798-8747 x19. Cost for adults: $2,585 pp/double occupancy; $3,135 pp/single occupancy; $2,555 triple/quad occupancy. Cost for children: $2,035 pp/any occupancy. July 21 - 28, 2012. Deposit $415 due ASAP. $100 Discount if you sign up by Jan 21, 2012.
One Day Treatment
By Sachin Kamath, MD eBx system, IORT can now be more Today, more easily performed because a shielded than ever, one of vault is not required. With breast IORT, our primary goals the radiation is delivered in a single in cancer treattreatment, right to the target tissue ment is to provide (lumpectomy cavity) in the operating better targeted room at the time of surgery. The rationtherapies. One of ale for IORT is to deliver a high dose the most exciting of radiation precisely to the target area recent innovations in breast cancer treatment is intra- with minimal exposure to surrounding tissues. With the Xoft eBx system, a operative radiation therapy (IORT). typical IORT treatment for breast can Traditionally, early-stage breast cer can be completed in as little as eight cancer treatment has included surgery minutes. (usually a lumpectomy), six weeks of Two bay area institutions, Stanford whole breast external beam radiation and UCSF, offer breast IORT. Begintherapy and possibly chemotherapy or ning this December, Diablo Valley Onhormonal therapy. Fortunately, today cology, a UCSF research affiliate, will be there is another, newer method of partnering with local breast surgeons to delivering radiation to the breast after offer breast IORT with Xoft eBx system lumpectomy—intraoperative radiaat the Aspen Surgery Center in Walnut tion therapy (IORT) -- that allows for a Creek. Diablo Valley Oncology will be more expedited, convenient treatment the first practice in the East Bay to offer schedule. this procedure to breast cancer patients. IORT has been performed suc Dr. Kamath is a radiation oncessfully over the past several years cologist with Diablo Valley Oncology, with good results, but very few centers located at the California Cancer and around the country could afford the Research Institute in Pleasant Hill. For necessary, specially shielded operating more information, contact 925-825-8878 rooms. With the advent of electronic or visit www.DiabloValleyOncology.md brachytherapy technology, like the Xoft PAID ADVERTORIAL
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THE BEE Winners
Pleasant Hill City Hall was abuzz with excitement on Sunday, November 6 for THE BEE, FPHE’s 4th annual spelling bee. Local students and some from as far away as San Bruno and Benicia (grades K-5) competed for fun and prizes. Each participant received a certificate and a prize bag. All the students performed admirably and were extremely calm and cool despite the pressure. The non-profit organization, Foundation for Pleasant Hill Education (FPHE), awards grants to support education activities in Pleasant Hill public schools. Since 2009, FPHE has awarded $85,000 to the 11 schools in Pleasant Hill and within the College Park H.S. feeder pattern. The grants are especially significant during this time while schools combat ongoing education spending cuts. FPHE accepts donations all year. Show we are a community that values quality education and give today at www.fphe. org. Kindergarten: First Place: Sebastian Hazlett, Fame
Public Charter, Second Place: Anishka Jain, North Creek Academy, Walnut Creek, Third Place: Victor McCall, Gregory Gardens Elem., First Grade: First Place: Jade Peng, Strandwood Elem., Second Place: Juhi Yadav, Joe Henderson Elem., Benicia, Third Place: Emily Fosker, Christ the King School Second Grade: First Place: Ben Rood, Contra Costa Jewish Day School, Lafayette, Second Place: Drew Christie, Sequoia Elem., Third Place: Akul Kumar, Sequoia Elem. Third Grade: First Place: James Arona, Sequoia Elem., Second Place: Sarthika Chimmula, Sequoia Elem., Third Place: Max Wilson, Strandwood Elem. Fourth/Fifth Grade: First Place: Dylan Serna, Highlands Christian, San Bruno, Second Place: Otto Deilke, Strandwood Elem., Third Place: Neha Yadav, Joe Henderson Elem., Benicia
How to Help Local Homeless Students Help Disadvantaged MDUSD students. In 2011 the Mt. Diablo Unified Homeless Outreach Program for Education (HOPE) and Mt. Diablo Foster Youth Services served 515 homeless students and 212 foster youth respectively, which is the highest number of homeless students to date. Contribute to the educational success of our foster children or homeless students, or simply help to make their holiday season a little brighter by donating Kohl’s, Target, Safeway, Trader Joe’s, or other gift cards. Gift cards are easier to distribute and allow students and families to choose their own clothes, food, or gifts for each other. If you or your organization would like to sponsor an individual family, please email Elsa Dalpiaz, Secretary,
School Linked Services at hope@mdusd. org and copy James Wogan at woganj@ mdusd.org. With permission, we will link you with an individual family’s or student’s needs/wish list. Please send contributions or requests for information to James Wogan, District Foster Youth and Homeless Liaison, Mt. Diablo Unified School District, 2730 Salvio St., Concord, CA 94519. If you prefer, you can drop off contributions to Lori Amenta at the Mt. Diablo Unified District Office, 1936 Carlotta Drive, Concord or call: 925-682-8000. Please make checks payable to “MDUSD HOPE” and indicate if you would like a receipt for tax purposes. One hundred percent of all contributions will go to serving foster youth and homeless students.
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TEEN SCENE Whenever I tell people I am a Girl Scout leader, they inevitably ask me if there is a Girl Scout award equivalent to the Boy Scout Eagle Award. There is: the Girl Scout Gold Award. Before a girl earns this highest distinction however, she has the option of earning the Bronze Award and Silver Award. Most girls earn their Bronze Award as a troop while the girls are Juniors (4th-5th grade). The Silver Award can be done either as a troop or individually, while the girls are Cadettes (6th-8th grade). I am proud to say that two of the eight girls in my troop have completed their Silver Award, Kendall Stoudt and Kelly Shaw. “I have a soft spot for seniors and knew I wanted to help senior citizens for my Silver Award project so I decided to make no-sew blankets for the seniors at Monument Crisis Center in Concord, which provides services for nearly 100 seniors. After some informal fundraising with my family and friends, I purchased lots of fleece and ribbon. It took me many
December 2011
Girl Scouts Strike Silver By Lois Shaw hours to make nearly 100 blankets but I to purchase 50 cases of diapers and put to- to them with my Gold Award.” Kelly got many friends, family and other girl Shaw gether 112 “Happy Baby” kits! I delivered scouts to help. My goal was to com Congratulations Kendall and Kelly them to the Monument Crisis Center on plete my project before the holidays so for giving back to your community. I August 22, 2011. I am hopeful that I will that the Monument Crisis Center could inspire others to help the Monument Crisis look forward to writing about your Gold distribute them as a gift to their seniors.” Awards!! Center and I plan to continue my service Kendall Stoudt “A good Silver Award project involves leadership, community involvement, and service. I decided to work with the Monument Crisis Center, which provides food, education, assistance, referrals to lowincome families and individuals in crisis situations. Sara Luquin told me that one of their biggest needs is diapers in sizes 4, 5, and 6. I came up with the “Happy Baby” kit, which contains sample size bottles of Johnson’ brand baby shampoo, lotion, and wash; rubber ducky; sippy cup; Kendall Stoudt Kelly Shaw and a handmade bib that I sewed myself from bandanas and washcloths. I spent my summer sewing bibs, Congratulations go out to College Park seniors, Lucas Velzy, Evan Dowey and Robert Spark, earning money and collecting donations who have recently received the rank of Eagle Scout. Lucas and Robert hail from Troop 282 of Pleasant Hill under the guidance of Scoutmaster Mark Bradshaw. Evan hails from Troop 401 of to pay for diapers and supplies. I even Pleasant Hill under the guidance of Scoutmaster Dennis Kemaya. Good work gentlemen on used $250 of my own money. I was able
New Eagle Scouts
your achievement!
World Champion By Jeffrey Eitelgeorge, 8th Grader St. Perpetua Joe Frazier was born on January 12, 1944, in Beaufort, South Carolina. Frazier was most famous for his punishing 14-round boxing match against Muhammad Ali in the Philippines, which Ali won by a technical knockout. Smokin’ Joe was world heavyweight boxing champion from February 16, 1970, when he beat Jimmy Ellis in New York City, until January 22, 1973, when he lost to George Foreman in Jamaica. Joe Frazier substituted for Buster Mathis in the 1964 Summer Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan because Mathis suffered a hand injury. Frazier returned from the games with a heavyweight gold medal. Frazier later fought Muhammad Ali, who was allowed to box again after being banned from the sport. Ali fought Frazier in 14 grueling rounds until Ali won by a technical knockout on September 30, 1975. The grueling bout was later called “The Thriller in Manila.” Ali said
after the fight, “I’m just happy right now, there ain’t no more Joe Fraziers to fight.” Frazier retired in 1976. He tried to come back to the sport in 1981, but it was unsuccessful. He retired for the last time and began operating a gym in Philadelphia. Frazier finished his boxing career with a 32-4-1 record as a professional with 27 knockouts. He was the World Heavyweight Champion from 1968 to 1973. Joe Frazier was a successful professional athlete who won an Olympic gold medal and was heavyweight champion of the world. He was even featured in the cartoon, The Simpsons, in 1992 and 2006. When he was growing up, he did not have a proper punching bag, so he filled a bag with moss, corncobs, coal briquettes, and his mother’s old clothing. Joe Frazier lived an interesting life and died at the age of 67 of liver cancer on November 7, 2011.
Lucas Velzy, Evan Dowey
Robert Spark
12/31/11
12/31/11
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December 2011
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Thank You Advertisers! Acupuncture Wellness Architectural Wood Products Aspire Pilates Center Hagins Auto Artesa Dental Express Auto Insurance Coldstone Creamery Computer Sales and Service Dallimonti’s Big Air Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. Heritage Soccer
Flaskerud- Re-Max Hire My Husband Hitchcock Realty Home Detailers Housekeeping Jack’s Jennifer L. Martin D.D.S. Kobe Japan Les Schwab Tires Le Jardin Navlet’s PH/WC Mothers’ Club Pleasant Hill Smiles Dentistry
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