DECEMBER 2010
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December 2010
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Community Holiday Happenings Light up the Night
Downtown Pleasant Hill, November 30th, 5:30pm. Celebrate the season at the Pleasant Hill tree lighting on Crescent Drive, complete with caroling, free horse-drawn carriage rides, cookies and hot chocolate along with visits from Santa and his elves. Participating merchants will offer special drawings and raffle prizes. Holiday Frolic & Snow Park Downtown Martinez,
December 3, 4 and 5. Martinez is transformed into a Winter Wonderland with 25 tons of snow at the Main Street Plaza. Downhill Sled Rides, Santa Visits, Holiday Light Parade, Tree Lighting, crafts and fun for kids! Call: 228-3577 or visit: mainstreetmartinez.org for times and locations for all the events.
Grand Menorah Lighting
Broadway Plaza, Walnut Creek, Wednesday, December 1st from 4:00 - 6:00pm A huge Menorah - the largest in Contra Costa - will be erected by the Promenade Fountain across the street from Nordstrom. The holiday festivities will include live music, face painting, crafts for children, traditional Chanukah donuts and a lively celebration with special greetings by City dignitaries. Chabad of Contra Costa sponsors this popular event in conjunction with Broadway Plaza management. Broadway Plaza. Holiday Boutique
Friends of Rodgers Ranch, December 11th & 12th, 10am4pm. Unique & Original Handmade Gifts. Mr. & Mrs. Santa Claus will visit
between 1pm- 4pm. 315 Cortsen Road, Pleasant Hill. Walnut Creek On Ice
Now through January 17th. The 6th annual outdoor, holiday ice rink is located within Civic Park, 1375 Civic Drive, in Walnut Creek Creek. Skate for $20 per family every Tuesday, except 12/21 and 12/28, from 5pm-9pm. Chanukah on Ice will be held on Dec. 1 from 7pm to 9pm. Ice skaters of all ages will enjoy a Menorah lighting sponsored by Chabad of Contra Costa on the outdoor rink while skating to Jewish music. Traditional Chanukah donuts and crafts for kids will be offered. Individual tickets are $14 and a family pack of 4 tickets are $50 if ordered in advance at www.JewishContraCosta.com. Tickets are $16 each if purchased at the event. For more infor-
mation visit: iceskatewalnutcreek.com. Tree-Lighting, Mayor’s Sing-
Along & Santa’s Grand Arrival, December 4th Concord’s Todos Santos Plaza. Santa’s Arrival: 4pm. Onstage entertainment: 5pm. School choirs and community entertainment on stage with traditional tree-lighting and holiday sing-alongs. Lights of the Valley
Discover the best Christmas light displays in the San Francisco Bay Area by viewing the Lights of the Valley website. See what homes have displays in your neighborhood and plan an evening with the kids. Load them in the car with some hot chocolate and cookies, sing some carols and view local displays. To view and post holiday displays visit: LightsOfTheValley.com
Holiday Happenings from P.H. Rec & Park District Make the season jolly with budgetfriendly holiday traditions from Pleasant Hill Recreation & Park District. Dec. 3 – 12 - North Pole Revue
Pleasant Hill teens are back as singing reindeer, dancing elves, and of course Santa and Mrs. Claus as S.T.A.G.E. Troupe presents North Pole Revue on the first two weekends in December. Performed at the Winslow Center, 2590 Pleasant Hill Road. Tickets: $12 advance or $15 at the door. For tickets, call the Community Center, 676-5200, or the District Office, 682-0896. Dec. 8 – Gingerbread House Contest
Design a sweet little dream house – made of gingerbread, icing, and trims for Pleasant Hill Recreation & Park District’s annual Holiday Festival. The Gingerbread House Contest is one of the
highlights of the evening. Winners in each age category: youth, teens, adults, and families will receive $50 to make the season bright! To enter, download an official Gingerbread House Contest entry form at www.pleasanthillrec.com and drop off your creative architectural confection at the PH Community Center between 9am-10am on December 8. Dec. 8 – Holiday Festival
Your first gift of the season is Pleasant Hill Recreation & Park District’s annual Holiday Festival. This free familyfriendly event starts at 5 pm on Wednesday, December 8, at the Community Center. Bring your family, friends, and neighbors to enjoy
• Chamber News...................................... page 5-6 • Real Estate.................................................page 7 • As Russ Sees It.........................................page 13 • Senior Envy.............................................page 15
sparkling lights, Santa and Mrs. Claus, music, crafts, refreshments, entertainment, and more! Pleasant Hill Community Center, 320 Civic Drive, Wednesday, December 8, from 5pm to 9pm. No admission charge.
an exciting variety of strategy and liveaction games for your children in grades 3-8, along with hobbies, movies, and arts and crafts. At just $149 or $139 per week for District Residents. Call 6820896 to register NOW!!!
What’s Your Game? Holiday Camp
Dec. 18 – Breakfast with Santa
Parents, are you looking for great activities for your kids during the holidays? You can’t beat this for value. Check out Pleasant Hill Recreation & Park District’s Holiday What’s Your Game? camps, December 20-24 and December 27-31, from 10am – 6pm daily. 40 hours of fun per week and less than $4 per hour! Leader Dave DeFabio will showcase
The jolly one himself will be there! Plan on a delicious breakfast for you and your child on Saturday, December 18, at the Pleasant Hill Senior Center, 233 Gregory Lane. While the little ones make a holiday craft and receive a special treat from Santa, you will have a great opportunity to take photos. Register by December 8 for one of two seatings: 8:30am – 10 am or 10:30am – noon for just $8 for adults, and $7 for children. For ages 1-8 years old. Infants under one year carried in backpack are admitted free. For information, call 682-0896.
• Sports......................................................... page 16-18 • Restaurant Feature .........................................page 19 • Book Suggestions ...........................................page 25 • Gift Giving . ....................................................page 27
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JULIE SAYS
December 2010
Avoid the Obliviots By Julie Ross
I was in my doctor’s waiting room and picked up a rather tattered copy of the Atlantic Monthly. The issue was old enough to contain the wonderful column wordsmith Barbara Wallraff used to write. In this particular issue, Barbara was musing about what one might call people who come to a complete stop at the top of an escalator, thus risking a nasty human pile-up. She coined the perfect word -- “obliviots,” which aptly combines “oblivious” with, well, you know. The second challenge was to come up with a name for those folks who walk four abreast on the sidewalk, forcing the unfortunates trapped behind them to creep along at what is typically a painfully slow pace. I would just call them “clueless,” and perhaps “annoying.” Barbara has another, better suggestion for these sidewalk blockers. She came up with “impedestrians,” capturing the way they effectively impede the flow of pedestrian traffic. Another good one, no? Now, here is my challenge to you. Why is December a good time to talk about obliviots and impedestrians? As I am extremely impatient and in no mood to wait for you to come up with the answer, I will provide it, phrased as a question: Have you been doing any holiday shopping at a local mall or plaza? If so, you are sure to have experienced the seasonal upswing in the obliviot population and perhaps come across a gaggle or two of impedestrians as well. Of course, ‘tis the season to be more tolerant, so by all means check out your favorite retail establishments, admire the lights and do your best to keep your cool. Afterward, if you still have friends and relatives
not checked off your list, don’t despair. As many of you have already discovered, happiness can sometimes be found by thinking outside the festively wrapped box. I asked around (note: this was not a scientific study so I’m not going to provide a percentage range of possible error or anything) to get an idea of memorable gifts people have received. I found many favorite gifts were not actual stuff, but rather opportunities to have a special experience of some sort. As an example, my friend Marie was given a pair of tickets to see “Jersey Boys” last Christmas. She not only had the “wow” when she opened the gift, she also received a special night to anticipate, enjoy and remember. Kids I know have appreciated getting a season pass to WaterWorld (this gift also teaches the concept of delayed gratification, and I love an educational gift) or Six Flags Discovery Kingdom. A membership – or if that’s too pricey, a day pass – to a place an individual or whole family can enjoy can be a really good idea. We are lucky to have so many choices in our area to make gift-giving a breeze – the Oakland Zoo, de Young Museum in San Francisco, the Blackhawk Museum in Danville or the nearby Lindsay Wildlife Museum, to name a few. So, shop our local establishments and then relax in front of the computer with a cup of hot chocolate. Order up some tickets and memberships, gifts that keep on giving. Best of all, by shopping at home you’ll avoid the obliviots. I hope you find a nice surprise for everyone on your list. Happy Holidays! Please e-mail questions, comments to julieakross@comcast.net.
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Thank You Advertisers! ABC Fun Aspire Pilates Center A Wee Change Café Milano Christie’s for Kids Coldstone Creamery College Park Boosters Computer Sales and Service Dallimonti’s Diablo FC Diablo Trophies and Awards Diablo Valley Oncology
Don & Norma Flaskerud, Re-Max Garden Natives Hire My Husband Hitchcock Realty Home Detailers Housekeeping Jennifer L. Martin, D.D.S. Kobe Japan Land Home Financial Services, Inc. Le Jardin at The Spa Lindsay Wildlife Museum Matthew C. Rinn, State Farm Insurance McHale’s Environmental Insulations
Navlet’s Orange Leaf Yogurt Pediatric Dentistry of Pleasant Hill Pleasant Hill Recreation & Park District Pleasant Hill Walnut Creek Mothers’ Club Quality Plumbing & Rooter Rob Schroeder, Mayor of Martinez Scott Floor to Ceiling Senior Helpers The Moulding Company UPS – Virginia Hills Wine Shop at Home
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PLEASANT HILL CHAMBER NEWS Pleasant Hill Chamber of Commerce
December Schedule of Events 12/3 - Ambassador Meeting PH City Hall – Large Community Room 7:45a – 9:00a 12/3 - No Brown Bag Lunch 12/14 - Ambassador Luncheon 11:45a – 1:00p at Rubio’s Fresh Mexican Grill, 2390 Monument Blvd #D, RSVP: Ingrid@pleasanthillchamber.com 12/15 - Holiday Mixer – 5:30p – 7:30p at Aegis Assisted Living,1660 Oak Park Blvd, RSVP: Ingrid@pleasanthillchamber.com
Christie’s For Kids consignment store in Pleasant Hill sells new and new to you clothing, toys, equipment, and accessories for children from newborn to 10 years old. If you are looking for quality, gently used name brands at a discount price, or great buys from local designers, this is the place! Christie’s has a great selection of new, safe, eco friendly toys for gift giving and Gift Certificates are available in any dollar amount. Stop by and shop, consign, or chat about your kids at Christie’s For Kids, 69 Doray Dr., in Pleasant Hill. Christie’s is located in the Gregory Village shopping Center along with Grocery Outlet and located right behind Play It Again Sports. You can also find them on the web at www.christiesforkids.com or call 925-849-6541 for more information.
Le Jardin at the Spa
12/18 - BOD Meeting PH City Hall – Large Community Rm. 7:45a – 9:00a 12/20 - 1/2 - Office Closed “Happy Holiday’s Everyone!” 12/27 - No Green Committee 12/27 - No GAC Meeting
Confirm schedule at www.pleasanthillchamber.com
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2010 Business Showcase Expo
Le Jardin at the Spa is a full service salon and spa. Our acre of property has been transformed from several old houses to a cozy four-cottage salon. From the first time you enter you will feel like a special guest in a cozy home because we are dedicated to bringing you the very best service in a warm, friendly atmosphere. When you leave we want you to feel as if you’ve had a little vacation…right here at home. Let our talented team of stylists help you find just the right look for your personality and lifestyle. We use superior professional products for all of our services. Browse through our charming gift shop where you will find fashion & vintage jewelry, Pashminas, handbags, collectables and much more! Le Jardin at the Spa, 1603 Oak Park Blvd. Pleasant Hill, CA 94523. 925-935-HAIR (4247) www. lejardinatthespa.com
Donate a Doll this Holiday With the holiday season upon us and the rush to get the latest electronic gadget for our children we sometimes forget that the simplicity of a doll would make some small child’s holiday transform from the cold of winter to the warmth of hot chocolate and a warm fire. In the spirit of the season, Marie’s Designer Outlet and the Pleasant Hill Chamber of Commerce are
teaming up to collect dolls for children in need. Between now and December 15th Marie’s Designer Outlet will accept new, unwrapped and slightly used dolls that need a deserving home. You can drop them off at Marie’s at 1630 Contra Costa Blvd in Pleasant Hill. Or call Marie at 798-1172 or the Chamber at 687-0700 for more info.
December 2010
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MARTINEZ CHAMBER NEWS Martinez Chamber of Commerce
December Schedule of Events
12/3 - Martinez Holiday Light Pa-
rade – Starts at 6:30pm from Martinez City Hall and goes through Downtown Martinez 12/7 - Ambassador Meeting – If interested in attending, contact Reba at 925-228-2345 or email Reba@martinezchamber.com 12/9 - Chamber Mixer – Joel Christopher Day Spa, 6684 Alhambra Ave (Virginia Hills Shopping Center)
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Main Street Hydroponics
Martinez, 5:30pm - 7:30pm. Great Networking, Food, Fun, Raffle Prizes (bring a raffle prize and have your business announced!) 12/24/10 to 1/2/2011 – Office Closed – Holiday Break (Office reopens 1/3/2011) From our Chamber Office to you – Have a safe and joyous Holiday! Please verify schedule at www.martinezchamber.com Main Street Hydroponics, 4990 Pacheco Blvd. Martinez, 925-229-2342, www.mshydro.com
2010 Business Showcase Expo
Photo Credit by RICHARDCASH.com
The 2010 Business Showcase Expo was held on November 4 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Concord. Five of our local Chambers hosted the event including Concord, Pleasant Hill, Martinez, Lafayette and the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. Many of our local businesses had booths showcasing their products and services. It was a very successful event. Pictured to the right are: Aegis Living, California Pacific Credit Union. Bottom Row: Kinders BBQ, Martinez Adult Education and the Martinez Chamber of Commerce. Photos by Reflections Photography and Video, www. fotoreflections.com
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December 2010
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HOUSING NEWS
Local Real Estate Update By Nathan Hitchcock The holiday season and the real burner until after the first of the year 40% percent less than the number of estate market have always been at when the holidays calm down. But if closed sales that occurred during the odds. This time of year, the distracyou are looking for a great deal (and market’s peak month of July. Because tions from our everyday life are who isn’t?) I strongly encourage you to of the typical 30-day to 45-day escrow endless. Office parties, school funcput those urges to rest. Why? Because period, the closed sales activity in tions, decking the halls, family gather- everyone else out there considering January and February is reflective of ings—it’s a busy time of year to say a home purchase feels the same way the purchase contracts that are negotithe least. The cold, inclement weather you do. And if my years of experience ated in December. Thanks to the age-old rule of supdoesn’t do much to motivate outdoor are any indication, the vast majority expeditions either. And if that’s not of these folks will give in and shop for ply and demand, fewer buyers mean enough, the shorter days provide far real estate later. lower prices. Of course, home inven This drop-off in buyer activfewer opportunities to view homes in tory also falls off because many sellers daylight. ity shows up clearly in the market are disinclined to deal with the hassles If you are in the market to buy a numbers. Since 2005, the number of of having their home on the market home, your instinct will likely be to homes that closed escrow in January during the busy holiday season. The put your real estate search on the back and February has on average been savvy seller also is cognizant of the seasonal slowdown and the effect it RECENT PLEASANT HILL HOME SALES (10/1/2010 – 10/31/2010) will have on their bottom line once the Market Days List Price Address Beds Baths Sq Ft Sales Price Sales $/Sq Ft deal is done. The result is an effecSINGLE FAMILY HOME 831 CONTRA COSTA BLVD 3 1 966 18 $204,000 $195,000 $201.86 tive weeding out of the less motivated 2118 GEARY RD 5 1 1875 160 $350,000 $255,000 $136.00 sellers from the market. Chances are, 339 GREGORY LANE 2 1 1040 93 $280,900 $277,000 $266.35 if they still have their home on the 954 SANTA CRUZ DR 3 2 1064 11 $320,000 $318,500 $299.34 736 CAMELBACK RD 3 1009 ESTHER DR 3 46 VIKING DR 3 270 KEATS CIR 3 1942 CAROLYN DRIVE 3 580 VILI WAY 3 427 BIFROST AVE 4 1865 ELINORA DR 3 64 CHAUCER DR 3 1009 HOOK AVE 3 114 POSHARD ST 2 1748 RUTH DR 3 331 4TH S AVE 3 285 APOLLO WAY 3 748 CHARLTON DR 4 301 SKYVIEW DR 3 627 MAUREEN LANE 3 26 BELMONT CT 3 123 IPSWICH WAY 4 2 FALCON COURT 4 623 MAUREEN LN 3 250 RAINBOW LN 4 305 STEVENSON DRIVE 4 2993 DOROTHY DR 4 30 KELSEY CT 4 Totals: 13 Listings TOWN HOMES / CONDOS / DUETS 260 CHILPANCINGO PKWY 1 15 MONTE CRESTA AVE 2 600 SUNTREE LANE 2 108 GLENBRIDGE CT 2 215 SUNSPRING CT 2 116 GLENBRIDGE CT 2 329 SCOTTSDALE RD 3 5 BUD CT 2 53 MATISSE CT 3 38 PICASSO CT 3 Totals: 10 Listings
2 1 2 1 2 2 2 2 1 2 1 2 2 2 2 2 2 3 2 2 2 2 3 3 3
1428 1162 1188 1042 1375 1843 1649 1273 1120 1782 1128 1522 15 0 1551 1672 1900 1531 2783 2880 2149 2770 2592 2415 2709 2604
85 14 15 82 98 146 168 83 7 60 3 9 79 117 19 7 12 6 19 2 58 13 10 26 16 21
$379,000 $375,000 $399,000 $429,000 $399,000 $399,000 $425,000 $424,900 $450,000 $499,500 $490,000 $499,000 $519,000 $525,000 $549,900 $599,000 $575,000 $599,950 $649,000 $639,000 $649,000 $680,000 $720,000 $749,900 $799,980 $476,376
$357,500 $370,000 $399,000 $408,000 $410,000 $415,000 $415,000 $419,000 $470,000 $475,000 $480,000 $499,000 $500,000 $505,000 $545,000 $570,000 $575,000 $585,000 $633,000 $639,000 $648,000 $680,000 $700,000 $720,000 $751,050 $475,488
$250.35 $318.42 $335.86 $391.55 $298.18 $225.18 $251.67 $329.14 $419.64 $266.55 $425.53 $327.86 $316.46 $325.60 $325.96 $300.00 $375.57 $210.20 $219.79 $297.35 $233.94 $262.35 $289.86 $265.78 $288.42 $309
1 1 1 2 2 2 1 2 2 2
614 800 1224 1121 1121 1162 1464 1215 1726 1676
26 7 106 57 23 49 106 19 31 5 42
$130,000 $180,000 $176,500 $245,000 $245,000 $269,000 $264,000 $269,000 $409,000 $407,000 $259,450
$120,000 $180,000 $183,254 $245,000 $245,000 $255,000 $261,000 $270,000 $398,000 $407,000 $256,425
$195.44 $225.00 $149.72 $218.55 $218.55 $219.45 $178.28 $222.22 $230.59 $242.84 $210
market this time of year, they are serious about selling it. So, if you are in the market to purchase a home, put down that glass of eggnog, throw on a warm sweater, and get out there. Your dream home is out there waiting for you, and I all but guarantee it will be a much more popular property come January 2, 2011. 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.
RECENT MARTINEZ HOME SALES (10/1/2010 – 10/31/2010) Address SINGLE FAMILY HOME 1080 SHELL AVE 2210 PACHECO BLVD 820 PALM AVE 817 VINE 1030 VEALE AVE 2306 YALE STREET 40 ASHLEY PL 1851 OPHIR CT 56 CAMINO DEL SOL 1131 SHELL AVE 458 DALE RD 2043 SEQUOIA DR 2033 SPRING LAKE DR 4900 SHADOWFALLS DR 101 SAINT PIERRE WAY 607 FALLING STAR DR 2360 BANBURY LOOP 930 SNOW DR 111 HALE COURT 5346 ALHAMBRA VALLEY RD
Beds
Baths
Sq Ft
Market Days
List Price
Sales Price Sales $/Sq Ft
2 3 3 3 3 3 3 4 3 4 3 3 3 4 5 4 4 4 4 3
1 2 1 1 2 2 2 3 2 2 2 2 2 2 3 2 2 2 2 3
1040 1434 940 1117 1178 1040 1700 2982 1276 2325 1286 1523 1901 1686 2129 2155 1917 2272 2344 1918
49 120 48 26 54 0 68 49 0 166 67 51 53 85 133 118 24 7 25 12 57
$159,000 $135,000 $169,900 $179,900 $199,900 $215,000 $224,900 $299,900 $264,000 $280,000 $319,900 $360,000 $364,500 $425,000 $445,000 $439,000 $469,950 $529,000 $640,000 $875,000 $349,742
$95,000 $135,000 $180,000 $195,000 $195,000 $215,000 $225,859 $250,000 $255,000 $280,000 $315,000 $345,000 $358,000 $405,000 $420,000 $439,000 $459,000 $529,000 $600,000 $850,000 $337,292
$91.35 $94.14 $191.49 $174.57 $165.53 $206.73 $132.86 $83.84 $199.84 $120.43 $244.95 $226.53 $188.32 $240.21 $197.28 $203.71 $239.44 $232.83 $255.97 $443.17 $196
2 1 2 2 2
1152 1216 1159 1148 1445
272 28 0 40 30 74
$219,900 $154,900 $200,000 $229,900 $280,000 $216,940
$120,000 $154,900 $200,000 $225,000 $272,000 $194,380
$104.17 $127.38 $172.56 $195.99 $188.24 $157
Totals: 20 Listings TOWN HOMES / CONDOS / DUETS 1543 ASHWOOD DR 2 1214 MAYWOOD LANE 3 1515 ASHWOOD DR 2 420 HOLIDAY HILLS DR 3 400 HOLIDAY HILLS DR 3 Totals: 5 Listings
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December 2010
The Best Loan in America If you had your choice of any loan-type to finance a property what would it be? Although I’m certain this is not a question that has kept you up at night, the correct answer would be the VA Loan! Active duty personnel, veterans, wives of veterans, and even reservists and National Guard personnel could be eligible to finance a home with 100% no down payment financing and more liberal qualifying terms. Just a few years back, the Bay Area was out of reach for most people, but with property values declining it’s time for our military to take advantage of one of the most important benefits the VA has to offer! Hopefully, at this point you haven’t moved on to the Sudoku puzzles and are still reading because I’m going to share with you why this loan is so great. VA interest rates tend to follow the same rates that you hear about on the news for FHA and conforming loans. Imagine getting an interest rate somewhere in the 4-5% range for the next 30 years! A VA loan does not have a monthly mortgage insurance premium. FHA does have a monthly insurance premium and it has recently gone up about 60%. Both FHA and VA loans have a one-
By Peter Paredero If you’ve stuck with me so far, time mortgage insurance premium you’re probably thinking, this is all well that can be financed into the loan, but and fine, but why did I read all of this? VA allows you to finance 100% of the I still have “As Russ Sees It” to read and purchase price as apposed to 96.5% I’m burning daylight… Well, we all on the FHA program. Finally, the have friends and family that have either loan has more lenient debt to income been in the military or are currently parameters which makes it easier to on active duty. There is nothing more qualify. Another huge benefit of the loan is that many of the closing costs cannot be paid by the Veteran, so closing costs are at a minimum. You can potentially walk into your new home with virtually little or no out of pocket expenses. The magic ticket to this loan comes in the form of the “Certificate of Eligibility” which can be obtained by filling out VA Form 26-1880. Your mortgage professional should be able to help you with this process. If you meet the requirements you will have your certificate and can go on to securing your loan preapproval. It’s important to understand that the VA only insures the loans, so the process of obtaining financing Showrooms also in Santa Clara & Milbrae is through any lender who does VA loans. You can go to the Department of Veterans Affairs website at www. va.gov/ and find all the information you need under the “Veteran Services” tab. Once you get this certificate you’re off to the races.
satisfying to me than helping those who have served our country purchase a home. They more than deserve it! Peter Paredero, Senior Mortgage Consultant for Land Home Financial Services Inc. has resided in Pleasant Hill since 1994. 925 787-8746. pparedero@lhfinancial.com
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December 2010
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“Quick” Nick Keeps Foot On The Pedal By Teri DeCarlo raced his way through several classes including Late Models, Dirt Modifieds, 360 Sprints and Dwarf Cars. He got our older brothers Michael and Terry Jr. into racing, as well as me and everyone else in the neighborhood! The Nevada race was a three-day event with pre-registration on Friday, automatically transferred into the 35 lap Heat races and Dash for Cash on A-Main. Saturday, followed by A and B Main Twenty-four Dirt Modifieds started Events on Sunday. There were four classes the A-Main. The track had already present: Pro Stocks, Hobby Stocks, Dwarf begun to show its blue groove by Sunday Cars and Dirt Modifieds. There were 37 afternoon. The green flag dropped and Dirt Modifieds total, which resulted in after a few early yellows the cars were well running four heats, two B-Mains and an on their way to finding the fastest line A-Main. The top four cars in each heat possible. It soon became routine that the top cars had started using the same line of Chimera College Showcase Press Release, 11/16/10, Monte Sereno running on the wall down the straight-a Two-time Greco National Champion Orry Elor has signed a National Letter of Intent with Ohio State University. Tonya Marie Amos, owner of When asked why he chose Ohio State, Aspire Pilates Center, was awarded the Orry replied, “I feel honored to become 2010 Concord Woman Entrepreneur of a Buckeye, and be able to train under the the Year by Women’s Initiative. Along coaching staff of OSU. I feel that learning with ten other female business owners from successful collegiate wrestlers such as from Contra Costa County, Tonya was Tommy (Rowlands), JD (Bergman), and recognized for making a real difference Tervel (Dlagnev) will provide help lead (sic) in her community by mentoring others, the Buckeyes to NCAA championships.” leading by example, being innovative Ohio State Head Coach Tom Ryan within her industry and stimulating the commented, “Orry Elor typifies the type local economy. of student athlete we want at Ohio State. In addition to teaching Pilates and Photo Credit: Tod Gomes, creativelookphoto.com His father was an Olympic athlete and his running Aspire Pilates Center, Tonya enjoyed getting to know Orry throughout family stands for excellence. We are all very is a founding member of the Grown the recruiting process. His physical size, proud to call him a Buckeye. He is a great Women Dance Collective, producing, athletic ability and desire to be the best addition to our family. Our staff has really choreographing and dancing in their bring great excitement to production Fallen Heroes, Rising Stars: A Buckeye Nation.” Juneteenth Celebration Through Dance. Orry Elor won the Greco She is also currently producing a fall Jr. National Championship in prevention DVD for seniors. Studies tell 2010, beating the previously #1 us that 1/3 of adults over 65 fall every year ranked HVY (Longendyke of causing 87% of fractures within this age Minnesota), (1-0, 4-0) in the group. The aftermath of a fall can lead to finals. He was the Fargo Cadet increased anxiety, decreased quality of life, Greco National Champion last early dependency and even death. With year, 5th the year before. her specialized DVD, Tonya hopes to help His goals are to seniors maintain their independence and win the California state to enable them to participate fully in life. championship this year, NCAA Tonya gives back to her community Championships at Ohio through periodic fundraisers and food State, and Gold in Olympic drives. Most recently, her Aspire clients wrestling. donated 465 pounds (1.5 barrels) of Our race team headed out on an early Friday afternoon in October to a race track in Nevada known as Racing’s Field of Dreams. The 3/8 mile dirt oval, located just outside Reno is surrounded by rolling hills and wild mustangs and is better known as Reno-Fernley Raceway. My brother, Nick DeCarlo, of Martinez, has been racing since he was five years old starting out in Outlaw Karts and moving up throughout his career, racing in classes such as Mini Sprints, 360 Sprints, Late Models and currently Dirt Modifieds. Racing is definitely in our family. Our father, Terry DeCarlo, Sr. started racing Hard Tops back in the 70’s and
Champ Orry Elor
ways, hugging the burm in the turns. The competition was fierce! Some of the top finishers came from mid-pack to finish strong. “Quick” Nick DeCarlo in the No. 17 car started sixteenth and was in tenth place by lap 12. The temperature began to rise in that hot Nevada desert and the Mods were definitely laying down the rubber on the dry-slick track. In the end, “Quick” Nick DeCarlo finished well in sixth position with a super run.
Entrepreneur of the Year
protein-rich peanut butter and dried beans to the Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano. After fifteen years as a professional dancer in New York, Tonya returned to California, became a Pilates instructor and opened Aspire Pilates Center. Tonya is fully certified to teach mat, apparatus and post-rehabilitation Pilates and has advanced certifications in Osteoporosis, Movement Medicine, Scoliosis, Pre & Post Natal and Golf. She has a genuine love of empowering people to understand how their bodies work, and gives special attention to safety and individual accomplishment. Her clients include a broad range of fitness levels and she truly enjoys the diversity of people’s experiences. Learn more about Tonya’s work at www.AspirePilatesCenter.com. For more information about the Women’s Initiative, the Woman Entrepreneur of the Year Award and for a complete list of winners, go to www. womensinitiative.org.
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December 2010
PAST TO PLEASANT
The Pleasant Hill Grange Prairie-dwellers may croon, “Home, home on the range,” but I ask, “What, what was the Grange?” In this next request for your help in writing the historical record of Pleasant Hill, I’ll tell you what I know about this old farming organization in hopes of reaping a bountiful crop of stories about it. A quick glance at Wikipedia gives us an idea of what the Grange was all about. Known in its fullness as the National Grange of the Order of Patrons of Husbandry, the organization encouraged farming families to unite for common economic and political purposes. The group’s lobbying fought for things like free rural mail delivery and regulation of grain warehouses and fought against railroad monopolies. Farming families held social events in Grange Halls across the country, and some even had elaborate Mason-like rituals and ceremonies. Pleasant Hill farmers founded their Grange chapter shortly after World War II and met in the schoolhouse; they built their own Grange Hall in 1957 near the Contra Costa Canal on Gregory Lane. If you look through old newspapers, you can find examples of their activities: they organized booths representing Pleasant Hill at the county fair, a bake sale at the Louis Store on Oak Park Blvd., and a “Dairy Dinner” to celebrate National Dairy Month. Not surprisingly, the newspapers do not tell us much more about the Grange other than brief mentions of events like these. I would love to know, what else were the Grangers up to in Pleasant Hill? How did they work to improve the lives of Pleasant Hill farmers? What was their response to the encroachment of suburban homes on former farmland? And what was it like being at one of these social events? Was a “Dairy Dinner” as silly as it
By Adam Nilsen sounds, or a serious reflection on the (925)335-6397 or send me an email at miracles of milk? apnilsen@gmail.com. I look forward All these questions and more come to harvesting your memories! to mind. If you were a member of Adam Nilsen is a Pleasant Hill nathe Grange, I would love to ask you tive and a history researcher at the these questions. Or, can you refer me Oakland Museum of California. He is to anyone you know who was part of the author of Pleasant Hill, a history the Grange? As always, pictures would of the community, available at local be great, too—precious few exist to bookstores and through the Friends of my knowledge. So give me a buzz at Rodgers Ranch.
The sign posted outside of the P.H. Grange Hall.
The Pleasant Hill Grange Hall.
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December 2010
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Page 11
PLEASANT HILL CITY BUZZ
2010 Community Awards Night Recipients by Martin Nelis, Public Information Officer, City of Pleasant Hill The 40th Annual Community Awards Night was celebrated at the Pleasant Hill Community Center on November 17th. The Chamber of Commerce, City of Pleasant Hill and the Recreation & Park District host this event annually to honor businesses and residents who have contributed to improving the strong sense of community in Pleasant Hill. Listed below are the award winners. Citizen of the Year Award: Sheila Cotruvo Sheila has been a long time resident of Pleasant Hill and has touched the lives of many families in this community. She currently volunteers at Valhalla Elementary, serves on the Civic Action Commission, the Blues & Brews Festival Committee, and the Art, Jazz & Wine Committee. She continues to be a huge supporter of teen programs in Pleasant Hill. Sheila’s boundless energy and willingness to help organizations and people is inspiring. Community Plus Award: Katrina Hunn This award is bestowed on an employee of one of the three sponsoring organizations of the Community Awards Night. Katrina Hunn is the Teen & Events Coordinator for the Recreation & Park District. Katrina has been a driving force in recent years in promoting teen programs and activities throughout Pleasant Hill, and has led fundraising efforts to support these programs including the
Photos by Reflections Photography and Video, www.fotoreflections.com
Garage Band Series Concert Benefit and the inaugural Blues & Brews Festival. Business Person of the Year: Chris and Victoria Bankerd – Pleasant Hill Wine Merchants Chris & Victoria Bankerd, owners of Pleasant Hill Wine Merchants, have contributed generously to the Pleasant Hill Community Foundation Golf Tournament, Lions Club Crab Feed, College Park Boosters Crab Feed, Taste of Pleasant Hill, Christ the King Crab Feed, and many other community events. Teen of the Year: Michaela Bogert Michaela worked as a student volunteer in the Primary Care department at Kaiser Permanente in Martinez. She assisted facility staff with patients and administrative duties and was very friendly and caring, always wanting to go the extra
City Calendar of Events Architectural Review Commission December 2, 16 100 Gregory Lane Large Community Room, 5:00pm Contact: 671-5259 City Council Meeting December 6, 20 100 Gregory Lane Contact: 671-5267 Civic Action Commission Meeting December 1 100 Gregory Lane Small Community Room, 6:30pm Contact: 671-5229
mile for Kaiser members. Educator of the Year: Lila Salem Lila has been teaching for 25 years. During that time, she has touched the lives of over 600 children, not to mention those she has tutored in the Reading Lab and after school at Valhalla Elementary. Lila is best described as kind, considerate, dedicated and always consistent with student behavior and expectations. Her kindness, caring and listening skills are also those that make her an outstanding classroom teacher. Mayor’s Award: Tim Flaherty Mayor Karen Mitchoff chose Tim Flaherty to receive the 2010 Mayor’s Award. She paid tribute to his leadership as chair of the Civic Action Commission, which organizes the Summer Concerts
by the Lake Series, Community Service Day and is currently heading up efforts to celebrate the City’s 50th Anniversary Celebrations in 2011. Tim is also a member of the Planning Commission and a long time resident in the Poet’s Corner neighborhood. Additional Award Winners Chamber Board Appreciation Award: Faye Donaghu & Michelle Kaus Ambassador of the Year Award: Rod Harris. Business Hall of Fame Award: Pleasant Hill Recreation & Park District. Community Service Award (Rec & Park District): Allied Waste Services & Preschool Parent Committee. Board Appreciation Award (Rec & Park District): Sheila & Paul Cotruvo, & Pat Tester. Cornerstone Award (Community Foundation): Dan Stone
Happy Holidays
Education/Schools Advisory Commission Meeting December 22 100 Gregory Lane Large Community Room, 7:00pm Contact: 671-5229 Planning Commission Meeting December 14 100 Gregory Lane City Council Chambers, 7:30pm Contact: 671-5259 Note: Offices will be closed Friday, December 24 - Monday December 27
For Confirmation Visit: www.ci.pleasant-hill.ca.us
On behalf of the three-hundred and twenty members of the Pleasant Hill Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), the Steering Committee wishes everyone a Happy, Healthy and Safe Holiday Season.
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MARTINEZ CITY BUZZ
December 2010
Martinez Mayor’s Message
Rob Schroder, Mayor of Martinez years with the first phase well into design Now that the tal improvement projects in the planning and some construction. Hidden Lakes November election stages and under construction throughpark play equipment has been replaced is behind us the out the city, including the rebuilding of with new safe, challenging and interactive political rhetoric the Marina. In 2008 the voters approved equipment that meets current fall zone should start to Measure H, brings $30 million of Parks standards. Holiday Highland Park imcalm down and we and Library improvements, providing provements will include a small restroom, can get back to the jobs and economic development to our new pathways, seat walls, additional trees business of moving community. and landscaping. Drainage issues will Martinez forward. There are several capi- Measure H projects will span several be corrected and turf areas restored. The project will go to bid this month and construction is planned for early spring. Kerri McClain In Rankin Park, the grading plans Dozens of local businesses along expected, trunks began to run out of and layout have been completed. There with sponsors, Main Street Martinez candy after the first hour. Marty Ochoa will be climbing rocks, swings, log and California Pacific Federal Credit of Marty O’s Concessions came to the slides and a large climbing feature. New Union, made Halloween in Martinez rescue by providing candy refills for restrooms, outdoor sinks and barbecues a bit more exciting this year with a many trunks so the event could conwill be added. Construction plans are Trunk-or-Treat Halloween Spooktacu- tinue without interruption. 95% complete. lar. This free community event closed The largest project in this phase is off several blocks of Main Street to the Rankin Aquatic Center. This is a $6 traffic while more than 15 sponsored million project that includes the demolicar trunks handed out candy and more tion of the aging Rankin pool and service than 20 Main Street businesses passed buildings, rebuilding of pools, bathrooms, out treats from inside their stores. The changing rooms, offices and equipment collaborative efforts of Main Street and buildings. More parking will be added local area businesses contributed to an and frontage improvements are being overwhelming turnout of more than made along Talbart Street. The project is 500 trunk or treaters at this three-hour well under construction with all excavaevent. All in attendance were able to tion complete and underground utilities enjoy unique and creative Halloween-themed trunks, free face painting provided by the City of Martinez Zoning Administrator Meeting Parks and Recreation Department, free December 1, 15 Halloween photos courtesy of Stahl4:00pm-6:00pm berg Photography Studio, and music Contact: 925-372-3500 by Relative Motion DJs. Because the Families enjoy a break in the weather to attend City Council Meeting attendance was so much greater than Trunk or Treat on Main Street in Martinez
Spooktacular on Main
being installed. The project is on schedule to open in July 2011 and below the original projection of $6 million. Measure H earmarked $2 million towards the renovation of the Martinez Public Library. This project includes the installation of an elevator between the upper level, outside patio area, and the lower level. The lower level will be renovated to create a space for children, office area for staff, storage, and a space for Friends of the Library. The building will be reroofed and the bookshelves and windows restored. There will be ADA upgrades throughout the building with three large skylights, new floor coverings and a new energy efficient air conditioning/heating system. Hazardous material abatement has been completed and construction is underway. And finally, the Park, Recreation, Marina & Cultural Commission has approved moving forward with the design and specifications of basketball and tennis courts at all parks as well as proceeding with the next phase of improvements in Hidden Valley Park, Cappy Ricks Park and Nancy Boyd Park. These will be followed by many more over the next several years.
City Calendar of Events
December 1, 15 7:00pm-10:30pm Contact: 925-372-3500
General Plan Update Community Workshop December 2 6:30pm-8:30pm John Swett Elementary School Holiday Frolic and Snow Park December 3, 4, 5 All Day Downtown Martinez
California Pacific FCU Mini Mogul Super Savers, Treasure and Wyatt
General Plan Update Community Workshop December 7
6:30pm-8:30pm Morello Park Elementary School Design Review Meeting December 8, 22 4:00pm-6:00pm Contact: 925-372-3500 General Plan Update Community Workshop December 8 6:30pm-8:30pm Hidden Valley Elementary School Planning Commission Meeting December 14, 28 7:00pm-11:00pm Contact: 925-372-3500 Note: City Offices Will Be Closed Friday, December 24-Sunday, January 2, 2011
For Confirmation Visit: www.cityofmartinez.org
December 2010
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That’s Just Wrong! A couple of weeks ago, while in Atlanta, I saw a guy wearing mid-calf length pants. I am not talking about the new, near-floor length, baggy, short pants that you see around. And by the way, if you are over-30 wearing those suckers, it is just wrong. This guy in Atlanta was sporting the male equivalent of “peddle-pushers.” My wife calls them “capris” but I am old enough to remember “peddle-pushers.” These even had the little draw string that laced through the bottom of the pant so he could pull them closed, nice and tight. Why would you need to do that? So, when you are standing there looking in the mirror and you don’t think you look foolish enough you can pull them closed nice and tight? “Oh yeah….that’s better.” Maybe you could wear them as your trick-or-treat bag? Just drop the candy right down your pants! When you unzip your pants candy falls out, just like a human piñata……time to go home. I guess I should not have been sur-
By Russell Carroll prised when I noticed he had the Mike I am in line behind a women over 35 it Brady afro working as well. A silver Mike goes like this: she waits until the cashier Brady afro, no less. Shoot, Mike Brady tells her how much her purchase is and looked stupid in the Mike Brady afro. then she heaves this carry-on sized purse Although I grew-up at the tail end of the up on the counter and digs through it 60’s and saw some crazy “do’s” in my day, for her wallet. It’s like she did not know I was honestly never really critical of any she was going to have to pay! And there of it. Even during the 80’s, which was the are two distinct styles of wallet-seekers. height of reckless, senseless hair-dos; no There is the one where she reaches in to one wore the Mike Brady afro. Can you her purse, looks away into space and digs imagine Poison in afros? Now, I am not around like she is drawing a raffle ticket. slamming afros as a whole. If your hair The second is the two-handed search grows like that, I’ve got no problems. But method that resembles a dog burying a if you’re wearing what my mom calls a bone. This style requires that she pick up permanent, it is just wrong. and shake the purse at least twice. Either The other day I was standing in a method takes longer than rescuing a Chilstupid, long line at an airport fast-food ean miner. Ladies…..this is just wrong. joint. I am not exaggerating when I say When I roll out of bed on a Sunwe were in this line for 10 minutes. Now, day and throw on my grey sweats, a 15 when the guy in front of me got up to year-old, undersized, blue Hootie and the the counter his response to, “May I help you, was “Ahhhh….let me see. What do I want?” Dude! What have you been doing The Pleasant Hill Community for the past 10 minutes? You didn’t notice Foundation is proud to announce its 2010 the billboard-sized menu while you were Youth Grant Awards. The proceeds from waiting in line to order food? This is just the 10th Annual Pleasant Hill Sunvalley wrong! And ladies, you are right up there Golf Classic held last May provided the as well. The silent sorority of “women don’t do that” will disagree, but every time funding to fulfill all of our grant requests this year. Health promotion projects, community organizations, recreation groups, music programs, youth theater, reading improvement projects, science programs and child care all benefited from the Youth Grant Awards. Betty Geishirt Cantrell, President and Youth Grant Awards Chair, stated, “The Pleasant Hill Community Foundation is very thankful to all the people who have participated in a decade of our Golf Classics. Their generosity has enabled the creation of meaningful opportunities for the youth of Pleasant Hill. We are also very excited to have youth join us in evaluating the grant applications – one way we strive to build future philanthropists.” This year’s Youth Grant Award recipients include: • Contra Costa Sheriff Search & Rescue for “Youth Recruiting” • College Park High School for “Reading Comprehension Intervention”
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AS RUSS SEES IT
Blowfish t-shirt, green and gold A’s hat, white socks and brown sandals, I think I look “comfortable.” My wife says, “Where are you headed?” Which in wife-speak translates to, “Please tell me you are not going to see anyone we know dressed like that.” I give her a hug aimed at reassuring her that no matter how good I look, I will not succumb to random advances from the opposite sex while at Home Depot. Maybe we all are entitled to our little nuances as we wander down this path. Maybe I am not the one to say what is right or what is wrong. Maybe I should throw away the Hootie t-shirt. Nah, it still looks good on me. But……that’s just how I see it. To contact Russell, email him at russ@ourcommunityfocus.com.
PHCF Youth Grants • College Park High School PTSA for “Growing Healthy Youth” • Diablo Theatre Company for “Performing Arts Academy’s Triple Threat Technique” • Gardens at Heather Farms for “Natural Science Classroom” • Gregory Gardens Elementary PTA for “Gators Achieving Confidence through Theater” • Martinez Pleasant Hill Futbol Club for “Grass Roots Soccer” • Pleasant Hill Recreation & Park District for “KIDSTOP Storage Unit Upgrade” • Pleasant Hill Recreation & Park District, Aquatic Program for “Pool Pace Clock” • Sequoia Middle School Music Boosters for “PA System for Music Program” The 11th Annual Pleasant Hill Golf Classic has been moved to October 2011. We hope that you can join us for a fun day that supports the youth of Pleasant Hill. The Pleasant Hill Community Foundation will be accepting proposals for its Community Grant Awards in the spring of 2011. Applications will be available on our website, www.PHCommunityFoundation.org.
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CORKS AND FORKS
www.ourcommunityfocus.com
December 2010
Pair Up With La Sommelierre Maria Terry
December 2010 – Austrian Christmas It seems like I have been writing about my mom a lot this year. I guess that is appropriate since she was my first real culinary instructor. This menu
comes from Austria, which is just over the border from my mother’s homeland, Hungary. The appetizer for this menu was inspired by a pairing I had at a German restaurant in Alameda called Speisekam-
Happy Holiday Wines By Derek Mims For many, the holidays are an exercise the lighter-style Zins offer a little more in attempting to please everyone – picking structure and a hint of spice without being out the perfect gift, attending the proper too jammy or alcoholic. Look for Pinot mix of parties and events, serving both Noirs from the Russian River Valley or the whole berry and jellied versions of cranWillamette Valley in Oregon; Lodi Zinberry sauce, etc. So keep it simple when fandels are typically great wines and good it comes to wine. Stick to straightforward values. When it comes to holiday celebrawines that pair well with a variety of foods and, most importantly, drink what you tions, Syrahs are a personal favorite, like! generally falling in the middle range of What wine goes best with turkey or flavors, body, alcohol, and tannins. They ham? Fortunately, there are a number of can be sipped enjoyably over a few hours wines that pair nicely with the full range of or paired with a range of hors d’oeuvres. holiday fare. For whites, try a Viognier or Syrah is another good option for your an off-dry Riesling. Viognier is a versatile holiday meal as well. You can find great examples of these wine, somewhere between a Sauvignon Blanc and a Chardonnay in terms of varietals for under $20; quality entertainfruitiness, crispness, and body. Similarly, ing doesn’t have to break your budget! “off-dry” Rieslings (like the German Kabi- Cheers! netts) are not totally dry and not too sweet, Derek Mims is an Independent Wine providing a good balance. Consultant with WineShop at Home; feel For the red wines, I recommend Pinot free to contact him with questions or for Noir or Zinfandel. Fuller-bodied Pinots more specific recommendations – www. are still delicate and somewhat fruity, while wineshopathome.com/derekmims.
mer. It was truly one of those, “Wow,” moments. Smoked fish is perfect with the great grape of Austria, grüener veltliner. Grüener has searing acidity with citrus and white pepper notes very similar to Sauvignon Blanc. The delicate smoke on the fish absolutely transforms the wine, tempering the acid. Serve smoked trout or salmon on top of little rye toasts and top with a dollop of horseradish cream. Garnish with pickled onion or capers. The salty fish and tangy cream will melt in your mouth and the wine will refresh your palate after each bite. Wiener schnitzel, cracked potatoes and a fresh cucumber salad will serve as a classic trio for your entree (recipes for sides on LaSommelierre.com). Open a Zweigelt from the region and enjoy the bright berry flavors that make this
Horseradish Cream INGREDIENTS ½ cup cream cheese ½ cup sour cream 1/4 cup grated fresh horseradish 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard 1 teaspoon white wine vinegar 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper DIRECTIONS Process ingredients in food processor until well combined. Yield: 1 cup
wine so easy to drink. If you can’t find Zweigelt, Sonoma County Zinfandel is similar. Enjoy your party and choose not to slave over dessert. Splurge on a classic Linzer Torte from Austria and pair it with a trockenbeerenauslese (TBA) welshriesling from Neusiedler See or a TBA from Germany will work, too. The almonds, lemon and buttery crust will be just the right sweetness with the rich wine. Also, do choose the apricot filling. Raspberry or plum are both fantastic but the stone fruit notes will be beautifully harmonious with the wine. So, go on. Pair Up! Maria Terry is a Certified Sommelier and Wine Educator in the San Francisco Bay Area. www.LaSommelierre.com
Pickled Onion INGREDIENTS 3/4 cup white vinegar 3 tablespoons sugar pinch of salt 1 bay leaf 5 allspice berries 5 whole cloves a small, dried chile pepper or ¼ tsp. of red chili flakes 1 large red onion, peeled, and thinly sliced into rings DIRECTIONS Bring vinegar, sugar, salt, seasonings and chile to a boil. Add the onion slices and simmer gently for 30 seconds. Remove from heat, cool and serve. Yield: 2 cups
Weiner Schnitzel INGREDIENTS 4 (5 oz.) veal, chicken, turkey or pork cutlets (traditional) pounded to 1/4-inch thickness ½ cup flour ¼ tsp. each salt and pepper 2 eggs, beaten ½ cup bread crumbs ½ tsp. paprika Oil for frying Lemon wedges
DIRECTIONS Heat oil in a large frying pan. Dredge cutlets in seasoned flour, then egg, then paprika breadcrumbs. Fry the cutlets in hot oil making sure the breaded meat “swims” in fat. Contrary to instinct, the breading will take on less oil than if the meat is sticking to the pan. Fry to golden brown and fully cooked through. Drain on paper towels. Serve with wedges of lemon. Yield:
4 servings
December 2010
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Page 15
SENIOR ENVY
P.H. Rec and Park District Award Pat Tester When Pat took on the role as Volunteer Chair on the Senior Club Board of Directors in 2008, we had no idea just what a great asset she would be to the Senior Center and little did she know that it was close to being a full time job! Not only does Pat contact and coordinate the volunteers for all senior center special
Martinez
Senior Activities Martinez Senior Center 818 Green St. (925) 370-8770 Fire Safety for Seniors – Dec. 2 9:30 a.m. Don’t miss this very informative presentation by Kathy Woofter, Fire Prevention Technician for the CC County Fire Protection District. Kathy will discuss smoke detectors and fire extinguishers, the importance of an escape plan, kitchen fire, electrical, and candle fire safety and storage of hazardous materials. Please call the Center to sign up. A free presentation and refreshments provided. Holiday Pancake Breakfast – Dec. 12 8:00 – 11:00 a.m. $3.50 adults/$2 children under 10. Homemade crafts for sale. Bring your camera and take a picture with Santa. 6th Annual Crab Feed – Sat, Jan. 22 Doors open at 5:45 p.m. Dinner served at 6:30 p.m. We will be serving our famous marinated crab, gourmet salad, pasta, garlic bread, and dessert. Complimentary ice tea and coffee will be served. Tickets will be sold for wine, beer, and soft drinks. Proceeds from the crab feed and silent auction will be used to paint the interior of our building, with the remainder going into a “2011 Transportation Fund.” Cost: $40 per person. Purchase tickets by Friday, Jan. 7, or until maximum is reached.
events, she also interviews and welcomes new volunteers. In one calendar year, Pat made a few hundred phone calls seeking volunteer help, coordinated scheduling for twenty special events, scheduled volunteers for our weekly Chef’s Lunch, interviewed a few dozen new volunteers as well as helping coordinate the volunteers for a number of District and community events where help is needed. As well as being a hard worker, reliable volunteer and efficient planner, Pat has also been an innovator in her role
Pleasant Hill Senior Activities
as Volunteer Chair. She goes above and beyond when it comes to bringing in new volunteers and making them feel welcome. Pat is also a great volunteer herself. She is at most every event working right alongside everyone else and is the official wine purchaser for our Taste of the Vine’s held quarterly. Pat has been a great addition to the Senior Center volunteer program as well as our Board of Directors. She takes it seriously but has fun with it as well. We look forward to seeing how she can increase our Volunteer Program when the new Senior Center arrives! Reprinted from the Pleasant Hill Rec and Park District’s award nomination submission.
Pleasant Hill Senior Center 233 Gregory Lane (925) 798-8788 Pleasant Hill Explorers – Dec. 2 Meet at the Senior Center @ 8:30am, carpool to Point Pinole and hike the trails. Lunch will be in the park. Distance is 5 miles on paved paths. We will arrive back around 2pm. Carpool is $4. Pancake Breakfast – Dec. 5 Monthly pancake breakfast features French Toast! Enjoy a bottomless plate of either one with eggs, sausage, and orange juice. (First Sunday of every month). 9am-11am, $3.50 ages 11 and up/ $2.50 ages 5 to 10 / Free ages 4 & under. Taste of the Vine – Dec. 10 Relax from your week and casually sip on a glass of wine with friends. Select from a variety of red and white wines and light hors d’oeuvres. Non-alcoholic beverages available. Sponsored by The Chateaus of Pleasant Hill. 4–6 pm, $6 Pre-sale (includes two tasting tickets) / $8 at the door.
Questions: Call Maxine Chan 925-969-9693 or email maxineABCTeam@aol.com
A Message from Rob Schroder Mayor of Martinez I want to thank the voters of Martinez for your vote of confidence in my leadership as we work together to move Martinez forward.
PROVEN LEADERSHIP • PROVEN LEADERSHIP • PROVEN LEADERSHIP
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December 2010
HOME TEAM
Dogs Make Run for the Championship
The Alhambra boys’ water polo team capped a successful regular season with a selection to the NCS Division 2 water polo championship bracket. The Bulldogs, with a 14-10 record, were slotted as a very impressive No. 3 seed. In the first-round they easily handled No. 14 San Marin (Novato), 19-8. They then drew No. 6 Northgate in the quarters. For the second time this season, the Dogs were victorious over the Broncos, this time by a 10-6 score. That put Alhambra into the quarter-finals versus tough Campolindo (13-13), a No. 2 seed and fellow DFAL foe. A whole gang of fans from Martinez made the short trip over to Campolindo’s Soda Aquatics Center for the big match-up to support their Dogs. If the Bulldogs were to proceed further in the tournament, they would have to defeat Campo in their own pool. The two schools battled evenly in
By Chuck Nan the first quarter, ending it at 2-2. In the second, Alhambra erupted for five goals and took a 7-3 advantage into intermission. The offensive thrust continued into the third quarter as the Dogs tallied six more times and kept the defensive pressure on the Cougars. Campo held down the Bulldogs in the fourth, but their two goals only made the score look better as Alhambra Photo Courtesy of Mari Weiss first-half saw Alhambra stay close at 6-5. earned a slot in the NCS Division I. scored a huge upset, 13-8. This marked Las Lomas then pulled-away in the third Alhambra (12-10) received a No. 7 the first time an Alhambra team had quarter en route to a 13-8 victory. seed. They were able to get past a pesky made it to the championship of any The Knights’ Ryan Sevilla scored Granada team 12-10. That put them in NCS post-season water polo tournathree times in the third quarter for a 10- the quarters versus No. 2 San Ramon ment (boys or girls). Evan Weiss was the 7 lead. In all, Sevilla had five goals and Valley (SRV). Unfortunately, the Lady star as he notched five goals. teammate Bryan Snyder six. Evan Weiss Wolves were too strong in an 18-4 win. The championship game was scored three times to lead the Bulldogs The College Park Lady Falcons (10-13) against another mighty opponent – Las scoring attack. also received a bid at No. 15. They also Lomas. The Knights were strutting as Notes: The Lady Bulldogs also bowed to SRV, 19-2. they entered the match. Their first three games of the tournament were of little challenge. The Dogs were very familiar with the Knights, being league rivals. By Keith George In the championship finale, the
AYSO U-12 Boys Champions
DFC11 Girls Triumph
Photos and Article by Diane Rivest, DFC Parent Many Martinez and Pleasant Hill impressive in the event. She allowed only residents participated at the Diablo Foot- three goals in the entire four-game tourball Club’s (DFC) Kick-or-Treat Soccer nament for a 0.75 goals against average. Tournament in Concord recently. The All the other girls participated in one way DFC U11 Girl’s Silver and Gold teams, or another in the team’s success and kept as well as the DFC U11 Boy’s Gold team parents on the edge of their chairs. Azzurri is: Daniela Suarez, Nicole were champions in their respective divisions. Lafranchi, Rajneet Sahota, Rebecca The DFC Girl’s U11 Silver, known Phelan, Sophia Brown, Maaeva Dwiggins, as Azzurri, won the event despite having Caroline Chouinard, Ashley McClearnen, two players out sick with the flu on the Jenna Betti, Amanda Zodikoff, Santana second day. Mix that with the usual inju- Merryfield and Kelly Livingston. They are ries and controversial calls from officials coached by Jack Boeger. and the challenge was steep, but not insurmountable. Caroline Chouinard scored the one and only goal in the championship game, set-up by a great assist from center player Nicole Lafranchi. Throughout the tournament and regular season thus far these girls have played amazing soccer with the entire team putting maximum effort and making remarkable plays, but most of all, by playing as a team! Goalkeeper Amanda Zodikoff was
On November 14, the Pleasant Hill-Martinez Soccer Association (PHMSA) completed its fall soccer season with the PHMSA Cup Tournament. The tournament lasted for three straight weekends and consisted of bracket play with 250 teams. The Ambush finished the tournament undefeated and were crowned the 2010 Fall PHMSA Cup Champions for the Under-12 Boy’s Division. PHMSA is the local AYSO affiliate in Region 281. PHMSA provides training and weekly games for 2,400plus soccer players from the ages of 4 to 19. For more information you can visit the website: www. phmsa.org.
AYSO U-10 Girls Extreme
PHMSA U10 Girls Xtreme placed first in the Area TOC defeating MDSA in overtime 3-2. The team won all five of their games during the weekend of November 13th - 14th to move on to the Section Championship where they will face other first place AYSO teams from Northern California. It’s been12 years since PHMS has sent a U10 girls team to the Section Championship. Pictured LtoR: Julia Shinn, Hannah Alves, Katie Foerste, Megan Hood, Julia Betti, Alyssa Clements, Samantha Pearson, Sophia Lucio, Samantha Gingrich.
December 2010
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“Season Ticket” Sports
Local Alumni Round-Up DVC Josh Atkinson, from Alhambra, has been garnering much deserved attention. The 6-1, 230 linebacker had offers from three Division I FBS and two FCS schools. The Division I offers included University of Texas at El Paso and Utah State. All hoped to get him to enroll this fall, but he decided to remain at DVC to see what other schools would gain interest after this season. Atkinson previously enrolled as a student at BYU with an academic scholarship in 2008. Rather than walk on with the Cougars, Atkinson left to try his hand at earning a Division I scholarship and remained close to home with the Vikings.
By Chuck Nan shootout loss at Sacramento City College. Calhoun leads the Vikings in rushing with 410 yards. He is averaging 6.4 yards per carry and scored five TDs. He also has one receiving score. Jordan Atkinson Just prior to the start of the 2010 Photo Credit: Tod Gomes, creativelookphoto.com season, BYU released a list of redshirt This young man’s appearance is that of candidates, mostly freshmen. One notable a chiseled statue. Atkinson’s strength in the weight room is on par with Division I exception was senior linebacker Jordan Atkinson (Alhambra/DVC). A prospecplayers; he bench presses 380, squats 515, tive starter, Atkinson did not participate and cleans 335 pounds. Despite dealing in fall camp because of complications with a nagging injury, Atkinson had a from off-season shoulder surgery. In productive season in 2009. 2009, he earned letterman honors as Coaches and players from opposing a junior. Atkinson saw action in all 13 schools wish Atkinson had taken one of games, mainly as a contributor on special those Division I offers. He is the ferocious leader of the DVC defense, a perfect teams. In all, he recorded seven tackles, including five solo, and forced one fumcompliment to the high-octane offense, ble. Jordan is the older brother of Josh. designed by coach Mike Darr. Scouts Brandon Rutley love his ability and his field intelligence. The former Alhambra star is in Reports indicate that Cal is also showing his third season with the San Jose State interest, having requested game film. (SJSU) Spartans. The all-purpose runOn the offensive side of the ball, the ning back with breakaway speed helped Vikings have two other former local prep the Spartans run the gauntlet of playing stars: Richard Calhoun (Alhambra) and three of the first four weeks of this season Chase Danska (College Park). Calhoun against national powers on the road (Alais at his customary spot in the backfield. bama, Wisconsin and Utah). Danska has successfully made the transition from quarterback/linebacker in high Rutley is recognized as a great allaround athlete. He is complimented by school to slot receiver. the SJSU staff as being a threat out of the Calhoun is athletic and tough. He backfield, dependable receiver, accurate can take a pounding from opponents, passer and capable kickoff return specialthat is, if they can catch up to him. Danist. He may add punt return duties to his ska is athletic and took poundings too as resume in 2010. the first option in the run-happy scheme In his career, Rutley has suited-up for of coach Bill Kepler at CPHS. 22 games (eight starts) in his first two sea The Vikings have high expectations sons. He already ranks fifth on the SJSU for themselves this season. They possess one of the most potent offenses in North- career list for number of kickoff returns ern California and will short-circuit a few (66) and kickoff return yardage (1,473). scoreboards along the way. In 2009, Rutley was second on the team Calhoun had his breakout game in with two rushing touchdowns. this season’s third contest as the Vikings Rutley helped the Spartans notch defeated Sierra College 49-32. Calhoun their first win of 2010 with a 15-yard TD gained 146 yards on 14 carries (10.4) and run against visiting Southern Utah. SJSU scored two touchdowns. On his second prevailed 16-11. He also scored San Jose’s carry, an 18-yarder, Calhoun bowledlone touchdown, a 13-yard scamper, in a over four defenders on his way to the end loss at Nevada. Rutley saw increased playzone. He also had a 37-yard run in the ing time in the second-half of the season contest. The bruising back followed that when another back was lost for the season performance with three touchdowns in a with an injury.
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HOME TEAM
Bulldog Odds and Ends Congratulations to Mark Eitelgeorge for being named the Boys Varsity Soccer coach at Alhambra. Eitelgeorge has worked with the program for the past three seasons. He inherits a club that has experience returning. The Bulldogs were 6-7-5 overall, and 3-6-3 in DFAL last season, missing the North Coast Section Playoffs. Congratulations also go out to Alhambra’s Evan Weiss of the water polo team. Weiss broke the school’s boys water polo scoring record during a 10-9 victory over Drake. Weiss notched four games in the contest, giving him 177 goals in his Alhambra career. Hannah Perkins of the Alhambra girls water polo team led the Dogs to the championship game of the Pinole Valley Invitational in late-October. In four games at the tournament Perkins finished with 20 goals, 12 assists, eight steals and 12 ejections drawn for the Lady Bulldogs. Harry Is Champion Again Martinez resident Harry Benzie and his San Francisco Seals softball team were crowned 2010 National Champions in a recent Arizona tournament. The Seals are in the 70-and-over division. The team defeated Suncoast Orthopedic to win the National title. In the World Championship portion of the event, Suncoast reversed the outcome to harness that crown. Benzie was a key contributor to the club once again. In Arizona, Benzie played in seven of the eight games. He batted .619 (13-for-21) with two doubles and six runs batted-in. For the season, Benzie sported great numbers, as well. He played 81 games and had a batting average of .637 (137-for-215). He had 30 doubles, seven triples and 84 RBIs. The Seals played a total of 98 games for the season and finished with a 65-33 record (.663). They won eleven of eighteen tournaments and averaged nearly 17 runs scored per contest.
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December 2010
Remarkable “Run” at Mt. SAC Invitational By Chuck Nan Celebrating its 63rd year, the Mt. San Antonio College (SAC) Cross Country Invitational has become the nation’s largest and most prestigious cross country event. This year a record 23,000 plus participants, divided into different flights, competed on the famed 3-mile course. Mt. SAC is a junior college located in the southern California community of Walnut. The Mt. SAC cross country course is one of the most revered and famous courses in the world. The course has changed little since its inception, making it one of the few courses where different generations can compare times. The weather conditions were excellent and cool in the Southland as the Falcons showcased their talent in the Division I Sub Sweepstakes races on Saturday evening. Every single athlete ran an amazing personal best time on the tough course amidst stiff competition.
The College Park boys continued their dominance with superb finishes. The Falcons proved that they are one of the best teams in Northern California and will have impact in the upcoming section and state meets. The Falcons prevailed as champions of their Division I flight and captured first-place. Senior Jeff Bickert led the way, finishing second individually with a time of 15:06. Anthony Ortolan also managed a top-10 finish in sixth position with a time of 15:18. Will Holland, Cooper Shanks, Sam Smith, TJ Tamura, and Jaskaranjit Singh all finished the course in under eighteen minutes. College Park edged Troy and Valley View High Schools, both of southern California, for the title. The closest northern California school was Carlmont (Belmont), a distant fourth. The College Park girls also did well, finishing third in the team standings.
CYO Basketball Champions
The 5th grade Girls American CYO Christ the King Basketball team took 1st place in the pre-season MVP Basketball American Tournament played on Sunday, October 31. The girls faced three very tough teams to secure wins in each of their games. In the end they were all smiles after beating the top ranked St. Perpetua team in the finals. Pictured: L-R, Coach Ray Ramirez, Jasmine Safarians, Maggie Scaff, Lauren Etnyre, Abigail Radutiu, Sydney King, Evelyn Kim, Kalane Bessard, Leah Walton, Coach Mike Kim. Photo by Kristy Safarians Not pictured: Kianie Ramirez
Mens team takes 1st place in the challenging Division I race. Pictured are: Jazkaran Singh, TJ Tamura, Sam Smith, Jeff Bickert, Anthony Ortolan, Will Holland and Cooper Shanks
Womens team places 3rd. Pictured are: Kazune Shidara, Amelia Lowry, Parisa Broomand, Caitlin Schillings, Kendall Stuscavage, Marissa Buckley, Jessica Reed Photos by Dave Holland
The Lady Falcons were narrowly edged by Fountain Valley, who finished second. Tesoro High School won the flight. All seven Falcon racers finished the course in under 20:00. This equated to top-40 finishes for all in the highly competitive flight. Sophomore Kendall Stuscavage finished in tenth-place with a time of 18:41. She was followed closely by Marissa Buckley (No. 15, 18:53) who also broke the nineteen-minute barrier. Jessica Reed had a solid run and was in the top-20. (No. 19, 19:03). Lady Falcon underclassmen dominated the rest of the finishers. They
included: Caitlin Schillings (No. 22, 19:15), Parisa Broomand (No. 24, 19:19), Kazune Shidara (No. 26, 19:20) and Amelia Lowry (No. 38, 19:42). Alhambra Evan Quigley of the Alhambra boys cross country team finished third in a Division II race at the Mt. SAC. Quigley had a stellar time of 15:57. For the Lady Bulldogs, senior Jewelz Andrews also collected a third-place finish with a time of 19:13. Andrews shaved-off three-minutes from her finishing time in last year’s event.
Falcons Varsity Volleyball
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Kellie Wiebe - Senior, Taylor Crawford - Junior, Katie Alden - Senior, Kelsey Rodocker - Senior, Amanda Taylor - Junior, Gina Deluca - Junior, Tricia Quinn - Senior, Kym De Guzman - Senior, Eimy Zakimi - Junior, Rachel Egoian - Senior, Paige Brown - Senior, Elaina Juarez - Junior. Photo by Ginger Peleras
December 2010
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Café Milano When I received my review assignment I was not sure exactly where I was headed. But once there, I was pleasantly surprised. There is a gem of a restaurant near DVC! Light, bright and charming is Café Milano. Owner Shaw Wadpey, who took over in 2008, greeted us at the door and offered us a great table near the window. I think every table there is a great table near a window! The first page of the menu shows Pizza. But don’t be fooled! This is a first class Italian restaurant. The menu is vast with a nice appetizer section and two full pages of entrees. The menu boasts such “classy” classics as Chicken Parmesan, Pasta Primavera, Salmon, Chicken Saltimbocca and Linguine Carbonara. Angel Hair Pasta abounds along with Gnocchi, Calzone and other standards. The menu offers something for all ages and palates. Entrees are priced from $12 - $17. Café Milano offers a very nice wine list with choices by the glass for $5 - $9 and
By Aaron Stanwell bottles from $20 - $35. The wine list is broken down into multiple sections including “special” and “interesting” and both are perfect adjectives. A few domestic and popular imported beers are offered as well. I opted for an Italian beer that proved to be both cold and tasty! We started with an appetizer of steamed clams which were delicious. Next came Minestrone soup for my wife and a salad for myself. The soup was excellent and the salad crispy and fresh. My wife’s entrée was Fettuccini in a pesto cream sauce with grilled chicken and sun dried tomatoes. Mine was Linguine with Pancetta and Parmesan. Both were so good we had to share! Portions were generous! Those with small appe You need to visit Café Milano, one tites will be bringing home tomorrow’s of Pleasant Hill’s best-kept secrets and lunch. Our meals were superb! With the a wonderful dining experience. Oh, by classic Italian music as a back drop, the the way, Shaw seemed to know all the espresso bar and dessert seemed like the customers by name and was happy to natural choice. My spumoni was tasty stop by the tables to chat and make sure and the cappuccino perfect.
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RESTAURANT GUIDE
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Dallimonti’s
Restaurant www.dallimontis.com
Dallimonti’s Italian restaurant is a multi-course, family-style dining experience, offering Pasta, Seafood, Steaks, Prime Rib. Full bar and wine list. Friday night Karaoke and Saturday night live music. • A Family Tradition Since 1982 • Open for Lunch & Dinner • Reservations & Take Out Available • Small Banquets Welcome • A Touch of North Beach in your Neighborhood
1932 Oak Park Boulevard, Pleasant Hill. 925-944-5224
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Three Simple Steps
Avoiding Stress & Enjoy the Holidays By Myra Nissen, CCH, RSHom(NA) It’s the Holidays! My clients tell me they are stressed-out from the extra tasks of decorating, shopping, parties, food preparations, mailing cards, visits from out-of-town guests, or making travel plans on top of their job, school, and family and everyday needs. What does it mean to be stressed-out? The stress response is a natural part of being human. It gives us added strength and endurance to respond to any emergency we may experience. Life’s pace today triggers a continual stress response that results in strain and fatigue. Add the holidays and some are headed for disaster. Living with constant stress compromises our immune system and contributes to 90% of chronic illnesses, such as insomnia, chronic fatigue, irritable bowel, arthritis, headaches, high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol, and even mouth ulcers. Here are three things you can do to overcome stress and enjoy the holidays: Sleep: A person needs 8 hours of deep, restful sleep daily. Sleep is the easiest step to achieve good health and wellbeing. Breath: Simple to do anytime, anywhere.
Stand, sit or lie down. Place the tip of your tongue behind and just above the top of your upper front teeth, mouth closed. Breath through your nose 4 counts. Hold breath 7 counts. Exhale slowly and completely through the mouth to a count of 8. Stick to Healthy Habits: Overindulgence adds to stress and guilt. Have a healthy snack before holiday parties. Limit sweets, caffeine, and alcohol. Continue your wellness routine. I can help you overcome stress and chronic illnesses. Call Myra Nissen, CCH, RSHom(NA), Nationally Certified Homeopath, 826.3858 to find out more. Homeopathy (ho•mee•ahp’•eh•thee) is more than herbs. Remedies are made from small amounts of natural substances that gently restore health and overcome chronic illnesses by restoring the immune system. I am offering $100 off to first time clients as my holiday gift. Just mention that you read this article in the Community Focus. Offer expires Dec 31, 2010. www.MyraNissen.com.
December 2010
Donate in December By Jewel Johl, MD.. As the year draws to a close, we and ‘Road to Recovery,’ (free transportaknow that many people embrace the tion to medical appointments). The spirit of giving by making tax deductible ACS also sponsors ‘Relay for Life’ and contributions to non-profit organiza‘Strides Against Breast Cancer’ in our tions and charities. So many agencies communities, raising millions of dolneed our assistance, inlars while raising cancer cluding those who provide awareness, providing cancer support. for early detection, and There is one organizaprevention. If you donate tion, the Cancer Support to the American Cancer Community (CSC), which Society by December reaches out to cancer 15th, a radiation device patients and their families manufacturer will match in many vital ways. Previyour donation, dollar for ously called “The Welldollar, up to $100,000. ness Community,” CSC Think about all the wonprovides comprehensive derful ways your donapsychological support and educational tions can help those touched by cancer. programs at no cost for people with Donations can be made by visiting the cancer and their caregivers, children and CSC or ACS websites. You can also make families. Their programs and services a donation in recognition or in memory enable patients and their families to of someone. Diablo Valley Oncology manage their treatment and recovery makes a donation to recognize and honor as effectively as possible, increase their physician colleagues in our community. I salute the Cancer Support Comchances for survival, and provide for a higher quality of life. Anyone affected by munity and the American Cancer Society cancer is welcome and all CSC services and all they do for patients fighting canare always free of charge. cer – everyday! Happy Holidays! The American Cancer Society (ACS) Dr Johl is a Medical Oncologist is another organization that makes huge with Diablo Valley Oncology/Hematolcontributions in cancer awareness and ogy Medical Group. For information research funding. Our patients enjoy on where to donate please visit www. programs such as ‘Look Good Feel Better,’ cancersupportcommunity.org or www. (free cosmetology consults and products) cancer.org. PAID ADVERTORIAL
PAID ADVERTORIAL
When Holiday Visits Reveal New Needs Holidays are often a happy time of family reunions and catching up. But this can also be a time of unpleasant surprises for those who discover that their aging parent is showing signs of either cognitive or physical decline. The conversation about Mom and Dad’s changing needs can be extremely difficult and emotional for everyone involved – but it is a critical conversation. Involving other family members in the discussion so everyone is on the same page can spare you and your family much future discord. Another option to consider is bringing in a mediator or
By Joyce & Jim Newport, Owners, Right at Home of Mt. Diablo geriatric consultant to help in-home care agency such as keep the conversation peaceRight at Home. ful. Ultimately, no isolated sign necessarily means Mom There are many options available for seniors in need or Dad is in trouble. Take a of assistance, even if you live gut check. Sometimes you far away. Single-service opcan feel a change in a person tions such as housekeeping even if you can’t articulate or meal delivery can help to it. Trust yourself. And in the address a specific need. Eldermeantime, enjoy your time care Locator (http://www. together and celebrate. eldercare.gov/) may help you locate some Founded in 1995, Right at Home of these services. If Dad wants to stay at offers in-home companion and personal home but needs a bit more assistance, assistance and support to seniors and you will want to consider a full service disabled adults who want to continue PAID ADVERTORIAL
to live independently in their own homes. Right at Home directly employs all caregiving staff, each of whom are thoroughly screened, trained, bonded and insured prior to entering a client’s home. All ongoing care is monitored and supervised by one of our RightCareTM managers. Owned by Jim and Joyce Newport, our office is a CAHSAH-certified (see www.CAHSAH.org). For more information about our services, please visit our web page at www.rah-md.net, or call us at 925. 256. HOME (4663) to schedule a complimentary in-home assessment.
December 2010
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Lindsay Museum, a Wonderful Gem By Deniene Erickson Did you know that pond turtles hibernate or that it can take up to five years for a bald eagle’s head and tail to turn white? These are just a few of the interesting facts you’ll discover at Lindsay Wildlife Museum. Located in Walnut Creek, Lindsay Wildlife Museum has been educating the community about local wildlife since 1955. The museum is home to 80 animal ambassadors who are all incapable of living in the wild due to injury or habituation. They have a coyote that was mistaken for a domestic dog as a pup, a bald eagle who suffered a wing injury after a collision into a power line, and an amazing collection of raptors, reptiles and small mammals. In addition to the museum, there is a wildlife hospital that cares for more than 5,200 animals each year. The wildlife hospital is an amazing community resource. People can drop off injured wildlife and also learn
Lindsay Wildlife Museum
Connecting people with wildlife to inspire responsibility and respect for the world we share.
Explore, Discover, and Learn! · children’s classes
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· birthday parties
· holiday workshops · family programs
· scout tours
Family memberships just $55 through the end of the year. See website for full details. Lindsay Wildlife Museum
1931 First Avenue, Walnut Creek CA 94597 • 925-935-1978 • www.wildlife-museum.org
about how to live with and respect our local and diverse wildlife population. Chances are if you grew up in the area, either you or your child has visited Lindsay Wildlife Museum for a field trip. Lindsay Wildlife Museum believes a life long love of learning and caring for animals begins early in life. With classes tailored for children as young as two, the museum offers workshops, camps, classes, field trips, birthday parties, and more for kids and kids at heart.
There is always something to discover and explore at Lindsay Wildlife Museum. Visit www.wildlife-museum. org or call (925) 935-1978 for more information. Be sure to check out the holiday family membership offer: $55 for a year of discovery with free or reduced admittance to nine other Bay Area science and nature centers. And save the date for Wild Night at the Museum – a wildly fun night for families on January 29, 2011.
The Speciman Tree By Troy McGregor A specimen tree is often the fowhite/pink bells which can sustain the cal point of the garden. Its role is to local bee and hummingbird population unify the surrounding landscape while until spring. Summer heralds the big creating seasonal interest. Unfortupeel as the trunk’s girth expands, peelnately, this role is often delegated to the ing away the previous season’s bark. Japanese maple, whose thirst for water Small, round fruits from the pollinated often dictates the plants surrounding flowers start to swell and will persist, it. As we progress away from water turning rich shades of brown, and prointensive landscapes, the choices for a viding contrast to the foliage. replacement tree seem to diminish. Not The most distinctive feature of the quite. One local candidate has been Manzanita is often hidden away – the flying under our collective radars for trunk. A pruned-up Manzanita is an some time, the humble Manzanita. incredible sight, with its twisted and Manzanitas (Arctostaphylos contorted structure wrapped in a rich - ark-toh-STAF-ih-los) are, first and copper or mahogany skin. Installing a foremost, perfectly adapted to our local soft flood light at the base of the Manenvironment. They care little for the zanita and directing it up towards the extremes in temperature or periods canopy creates a whole new dimension. Popular choices include A. ‘Dr of prolonged drought. Late winter and early spring see the Manzanita Hurd’, A. ‘Austin Giffiths’, A. ‘Louis erupt into flowers, with clusters of tiny Edmonds’.
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IN FOCUS•IN FOCUS•IN FOCUS•IN FOCUS•IN FOCUS•IN FOCUS
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Senior Helpers Helps Seniors Stay Mentally Sharp into Old Age Leading in-home care provider promotes “Brainy Day Activities” for the elderly population in Our Community “I hate to say it, but I think our parents are starting to slip.” Thousands of conversations start this way each year. Maybe it’s a forgotten appointment and a missed family birthday, or maybe it’s misplaced medication and a strange lapse in judgment. Unfortunately, as elderly loved ones age, some amount of cognitive change is almost bound to happen. But seniors don’t have to sit idly and let their minds fade without a fight. Senior Helpers is a national leading in-home care provider and Jenny Lind runs our community’s local office. The company is now providing Brainy Day Activities to help clients keep their minds sharp in the face of the aging process. “Just like exercise for the body helps muscles, bones and blood vessels stay strong, we need to give their minds a workout to keep the brain active,” said Jenny Lind, owner of Senior Help-
December 2010
Hire My Husband
ers of Contra Costa. “Elderly individuals with early stage dementia and other cognitive problems start to lose their ability to solve problems and maintain emotional control. This is a problem seniors can do something about, and they don’t need to see a specialist or a doctor to get started. We go right to their home and use these activities to help them work their mind.” The Brainy Day Activity Program consists of 64 different games designed to meet the cognitive, physical, social, and emotional needs of individuals suffering from or showing signs of memory loss. Senior Helpers caregivers are trained and instructed on how to properly use the games to engage individuals at any stage of dementia with fun, unique, stimulating interaction. This May, Jenny Lind will celebrate 3 years in business. She was recently designated Certified Senior Advisor (C.S.A). A key to Jenny’s success is to listen well; but more than anything, she loves her clients. For more information about Senior Helpers, please visit: http://www. seniorhelpers.com/.
What Do They Really Do? Hire My Husband is not kidding around. From the first time you contact them with a maintenance or repair need around your home or office until well after the task is completed, these husbands are on-the-spot. You receive a prompt call back, a professional, type-written estimate, an invoice, and a courtesy follow-up call to make sure everything went as you expected. Pretty incredible for being a local, family-owned, small business! So good in fact that Hire My Husband was voted the 2010 Best Handyman in Solano County, after being awarded the Benicia Chamber of Commerce 2008 Outstanding Small Business of the Year. No wonder more than 45% of their business is from repeat clients and they receive many word-ofmouth referrals. Hire My Husband is a CA Licensed Contractor (Lic. # 943231) specializing in interior painting and all kinds of projects and repairs inside and outside the home. The company was first established in 2002 in Benicia by a wife & husband team, working together to help local homeowners with their home repairs and maintenance. The original husband, Andrew Urban, is now focusing his efforts on the
marketing and financial side of the business. The original wife, Dawson Urban, runs the operational aspects with her crew of “husbands.” This crew of full-time employees is spread out over both Contra Costa and Solano Counties assisting homeowners with all kinds of projects & painting. “The really cool thing about these husbands is that they are professional handymen, not some guys between jobs doing some other kind of work. This is what they do, and they are great at figuring out solutions,” says Joey B., a client in Benicia. The HireMyHusband.com website provides clients with a list of services, before & after photographs, as well as a long list of client testimonials. Even videos of Dawson & her husbands’ work are currently in production. To get help with your Honey-Do list, find us on Google or call and ask for ‘The Wife’ at 925-969-0133. Become a Hire My Husband fan on Facebook and add yourself to the Hire My Husband ePromotions list on their website at www.HireMyHusband.com. You can also check out Dawson Urban’s Project Management credentials on LinkedIn.
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All kinds of Interior and Exterior handyman projects.
Call us at 677-2150
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Contractor Lic. # 943231
www.HireMyHusband.com
925-969-0133
December 2010
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THE GARDEN
Make Your Holiday Edibles Healthy & Wholesome As we dive head first into the holiday season, life kicks up in every direction. Giving creative and affordable gifts to your family and friends can be stressful, especially if you need to plan special evenings with extended family you may not have seen for awhile. I come from a huge family and we decided years ago that getting us all together in the same room for talk, food, and drink would be the priority. The only gift my family needs is seeing the joy in my parents’ faces when all their people are together. For everyone else on my list, I enjoy making homemade gifts, such as the cookie recipe below. Most holiday parties are pot lucks and even if they aren’t, I always take something that I want to eat along. Usually I bring a salad such as quinoa, faro*, and brown rice combined together with roasted, winter vegetables to make either a delicious and filling salad or a warm entrée that will help you skip some of the other not-so-great-for-you items, beckoning wickedly from that buffet!
By Lesley Stiles December is prime time for citrus, *Faro or Spelt, as it is also known, Lesley Stiles is a graduate of the persimmons, and kiwi and bringing a is the whole grain of the wheat berry. California Culinary Academy, sustainbasket or bowl of these fruits to a party When cooked until soft, it makes a great able caterer and school garden eduwill make you very popular indeed. For foil for salads or sides, not to mention a cator. Contact Lesley at lesleystiles@ some reason we tend to forget that we nutritious, vegetarian, main dish. Mixed comcast.net, www.lesleystiles.blogspot. have a choice of what to eat during the together in combo with rice and quinoa, com and visit her new website: www. holidays and can go hog wild on “yuck” you will not be disappointed! lesleystilesfoods.com. all month, depleting much needed Farmers’ Market Calendar energy and vitality. Fruit is a welcome addition and promises to keep your enThe Farmers’ Market Lovers’ Calendar for 2011 is now available for sale! Chef ergy fountain flowing. There are several Lesley Stiles, from Creative Catering, and artist Dave Johnson, from the CC farmers’ markets open year-round with Times Produce Pro, have teamed up again to bring you 15 months of sensual, farmers out there in rain or shine, just enticing recipes accompanied by ultra realistic and beautiful watercolors so we can have the goods. depicting seasonal produce from each month. In between the onus off shopping, A great gift for the holidays at only $16.50 per calendar. Available at Diablo if you can squeeze in some exercise and Valley or Moraga farmers’ markets, Orchard Nursery, Orinda Books, The Garkeep large amounts of fresh produce dener, or online at www.hardscratchpress.com or www.lesleystilesfoods.com. in your house, it is possible to keep the holidays fun and easy, without packing on extra insulation, if you get my drift. Keeping up with your daily walk is easy in the rain; just wear a coat with a hood Chopped, fresh, Lemon Verbena adds a nice spice and interesting twist to traditional shortbread and bring an umbrella. Sometimes I do cookies and the star cookie cutter is really about the holiday season. Any shape will do the rest of the have to forego my hiking in Briones due year. The herb can also be replaced with lemon thyme or lavender. to mud, but that is solved by pavement Ingredients: walks in steep neighborhoods. Get 18 tablespoons butter (2 sticks plus 2 teaspoons chopped, fresh, lemon movin! 2 tablespoons) verbena Happy, Healthy, and Active Holi1 cup confectioners’ sugar 2 cups white whole wheat flour days from my family to yours! 2 teaspoons vanilla ½ teaspoon salt
Lemon Verbena Shortbread Star Cookies w/ Lemon Glaze
Quinoa, Faro, and Brown Rice Pilaf with Sautéed, Seasonal Vegetables Ingredients: ½ cup quinoa ½ cup brown rice ½ cup faro 1 red onion, chopped 2 cloves garlic, chopped 1/2 medium butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and cut into medium-sized cubes 2 carrots, chunked 2 golden beets, peeled and cubed 1 bunch cauliflower, broken into
flowerets 1 bunch broccoli, broken into flowerets 1 bunch Swiss chard or kale, sliced thin ¼ cup of chopped fresh herbs such as parsley, tarragon, and thyme 2 tablespoons olive oil ½ cup vegetable broth Salt and pepper to taste
Directions: Preheat oven to 325* and lightly spray a couple of cookie sheets. Cream butter and sugar together. Add vanilla and herbs. Sift flour with sugar and add to butter and sugar mixture. Beat until flour is absorbed and well blended. Roll out on a flat surface, dusted with confectioners’ sugar to about ½ inch thick. Cut out star shapes and place on cookie sheet. Bake about 15 minutes. You do not want the cookies to get brown or over bake them. Pull them out even if you think they aren’t done. Remove and cool on rack a few minutes, then glaze with Lemon Glaze. Makes about 30 cookies.
Lemon Glaze Ingredients: 1 ½ cups confectioner’s sugar ½ teaspoon vanilla
½ teaspoon salt Rind and juice of 1 lemon
Directions:
Directions:
Cook quinoa, rice and faro separately, as directed. Sauté onion and garlic in oil until slightly caramelized. Add in squash, carrots and beets, broccoli and cauliflower. Sauté for 4 minutes. Add broth and simmer covered for about 5 more minutes until vegetables are tender. Add grains, greens and herbs to vegetables, and heat through. Season to taste. Serves 6.
Mix all together in a small bowl. The texture should be similar to a semithick sauce so that you can spoon over cookies, covering surface without picking them up to spread. You can use the back of the spoon to cover the cookie. This gives the cookies a smooth, poured on look. You can finish with some colored sugar sprinkles if the spirit moves you!
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December 2010
Veterans Day Celebrations
Candids from the Veterans Day Celebration held at the Pleasant Hill Community Center
Loren Lind, WWII Vet, Nicole Palmeri, MissPleasant Hill and Al Groeper WWII Vet
Maxine Chan and the ABC Singers
Boy Scout Volunteers
TJ, Vietnam Vet
50th Birthday Planning On Thursday, November 4th, Valhalla Elementary School participated in a school-wide photo shoot to help celebrate the upcoming 50th birthday of the City of Pleasant Hill. The photo will become part of a calendar that is currently being created by the Civic Action Commission. It will feature Then and Now pictures of Pleasant Hill, including the Police Department, Diablo Valley College, local schools and the Downtown area. There are plenty of festivities being planned for this celebration. According to Sheila Cotruvo, committee member, “all events during the 2011 year will
incorporate the 50th anniversary theme. The BIG events will be during the 4th of July celebration and a black tie dinner and dance on November 20, 2011 at the Contra Costa Country Club.� There will also be an open house at City Hall on Sunday, November 13 that will include a display of historical photos detailing the history of Pleasant Hill. For more information on how and where to purchase the calendar or if you wish to participate on the 50th Anniversary Committee, please email Martin Nelis at mnelis@ci.pleasant-hill.ca.us or contact him at 925-671-5229.
Pediatric Dentistry of Pleasant Hill Amybeth Harmon, DDS
Diplomate, American d of Pediatric Boar Dentistry
2710 Pleasant Hill Road
(925) 947-1188
www.phkidsdentist.com
Photo Credit Ann Luke
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends the 1st check up at the 1st birthday. We are open Monday thru Saturday.
December 2010
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Page 25
BOOKS IN FOCUS
Tips for Buying a Gift Book this Season Every year it seems more and more publications are releasing their top 10 lists to help people decide on the perfect book for a family member, friend, co-worker, etc. The truth of the matter is that picking out a book for someone is incredibly simple to do. Just follow one of the three options below. Option One: If you know the person (his interests, his hobbies, his sense of humor) you don’t need any advice. Just go to the book store, browse for about 30 minutes, and you will find a book that he will like. There are two catches to this, however. Do not buy him a book related to his job. As a teacher, I hate getting books about teaching. I’m sure the movie, “Waiting for Superman” is going to make a wonderful book some day, but please don’t buy it for me. The last thing I want to do after a full day of work is to come home and
By Adam Kondonijakos, Founder of the Pleasant Hill Book Club read about what I just spent the last 10 paperback he could want and you will Adam’s Top Ten Picks: 1. Shadow Divers by Robert Kurson hours doing. avoid the embarrassment of showing 2. Earth by John Stewart Next, if you are buying a book for the person how little you know about 3. Abraham Lincoln Vampire Hunter by someone who often shops at Barnes him. Seth Grahame Smith 4. Super Freakonomics by & Noble or Borders, you may want to Option Three: Steven D. Levitt, Stephen J. Dubner This is the best option. Get him a avoid the clearance shelf. It kind of 5. What is the What by Dave Eggers devalues that great book on ancient book you love. Write him a personal 6. Eating Animals by Jonathan Safran Foer Egypt or the collection of Poe short note on the inside explaining why you 7. The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson stories if he goes to the book store loved this book and why you think he 8. Are You There Vodka? Its Me Chelsea a week later and sees that you spent will too. by Chelsea Handler Hopefully, these tips help you. $1.99 on it. Not everyone will care, but 9. Sh*T My Dad Says by Justin Halpern someone may. Happy holidays! 10. The Obama Wars by Bob Woodward Option Two: If you do not know the person you are gift-giving very well, there are two By Alice Woo, 6th grade possibilites. The first is to see if he has an Amazon.com wish list. You can then 10. The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate by is the best thing about this book. Many either get him a book from this list or Kelly Jacqueline, ages 11+, 340 pg, genre: have heard of Roald Dahl’s other mastersomething similar. historical fiction; This is a sweet book that pieces, but this one is less famous and still If he does not have, or you cannot takes place in Texas around 1899. Calpurmy personal favorite of Dahl’s books. locate, an Amazon.com wish list, then nia (or Callie Vee) is instructed by her 4. The Wanderer by Sharon Creech, you can buy him a gift card. Trust me, mother to be a lady, but her grandpa wants ages 10+, 305 pg, genre: realistic fiction; it’s the best thing for everyone. A card her to become a scientist of many observa- This story is told from two points of view: of $15-$20 dollars will buy him any tions of the changing world around her. two cousins, on the same boat, one a boy, 9. Iqbal by Francesco D’Adamo, ages one a girl, and one with a secret. 8+, 340 pg, genre: historical fiction; A short 3. The Goose Girl by Shannon Hale, but heavy read, about a Pakistani boy who ages 11+, 383 pg, genre: fantasy, series; I escapes from bondage. Iqbal will tug at love spin-offs of fairy tales. If you have read your heartstrings. the Grimm’s fairytale version of this story, 8. The Invention of Hugo Cabret by you will be able to see how many details Brian Selznick, ages 10+, 533 pg, genre: become clear in Shannon Hale’s interprehistorical fiction; More than half of it is tation. told completely in beautiful pictures. The 2. Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson surprise ending is what makes this book Levine, ages 8+, 232 pg, genre: fantasy; complete. I am intrigued every single time A “blessing” of obedience: not much of I start it. a blessing but a curse! (Note: Seeing this 7. The Secret Order of the Gumm Street movie is NOT the same as reading the Girls by Elise Primavera, ages 10+, 441 book. They are completely different; the pg, genre: fantasy, adventure; This, like only thing in common is the names of Wicked, is the “back story” of The Wizard SOME of the main characters and the of Oz. But, its storyline is incredibly difcurse.) ferent and exciting. The bond between the And Finally . . . . girls is wonderful, though it doesn’t start 1. The Mysterious Benedict Society out that way! by Trenton Lee Stewart, ages 10+, 485 pg, 6. Hoot by Carl Hiaasen, ages 9+, 292 genre: realistic fiction, adventure, mystery, pg, genre: realistic fiction; I love this book series; I discovered this book with urgbecause not only is it humorous and mysing from my mom, and once I started it, terious, it has an environmentally friendly there was no stopping me! This book has message: Save the Owls! everything: mystery and suspense, action 5. Danny the Champion of the World and adventure, wonderful characters, mind by Roald Dahl, ages 9+, 205 pg, genre: repuzzles, humor, and, most importantly: 2 alistic fiction; Danny’s bond with his father more books in the series!
Alice’s Top 10 Countdown
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December 2010
Calendar events 12/2 – Race to Nowhere- A concerned mother turned filmmaker aims her camera at the culture of hollow achievement and pressure to perform invading America’s schools. Cheating is commonplace, stress- related illness, depression and burnout are rampant, and ironically, young people arrive at college and the workplace unprepared and uninspired. Featuring the heartbreaking stories of young people who have been pushed to the brink and educators who are burned out and worried that students aren’t developing the skills needed for the global economy. 7-9pm. Episcopal Church of the Resurrection, 399 Gregory Lane, Pleasant Hill. Tickets are $10. Call (925) 310-4242 or email info@racetonowhere.com 12/5 – Super Holiday Boutique - One stop shopping for everyone on your list. Attendees will enjoy a wide variety of holiday gifts, pictures with Santa, free gift bags, food, a fun children’s activity zone, and over 80 vendors. 11:00am-5:00pm at the Concord Hilton,1970 Diamond Boulevard in Concord. 12/9 – Mt. Diablo Business Women’s “Holiday Party” - This month’s networking meeting benefits STAND! For Families Free of Violence. Please bring a gift card for Safeway, Target, Walmart, or Kmart. There is an optional gift exchange. Bring a gift with a maximum value of $20. This is for members and guests. The business-networking group meets from 5:45 to 8:30pm at the Lafayette Park Hotel. Members $37.00, Guests $47.00. Please visit: www.mtdiablobusinesswomen.org or call 925-287-9222 for more details. Reservations required by Dec. 6th no later than 12 noon. 12/10 & 12/11 – Winter Ballet Gala - A performance rich in holiday culture from around the world. The array of music and dance embraces the celebrations of all people and many countries. Holiday favorites will be featured both in the classical and contemporary styles including selections from the beloved Nutcracker. Diablo Ballet professional dancer, Edward Stegge, will perform along with students from the Civic Arts Education Dance Academy. 12/10: 7:30pm and 12/11: 2:00pm and 7:30pm. Tickets: are $10. For tickets and information call: 925.943.5846.
12/11 – “The Bee” - Foundation for Pleasant Hill Education’s (FPHE) annual spelling bee, held at Pleasant Hill City Hall, 100 Gregory Lane is open to children in grades K through 5. Children from all communities are welcome to participate. Registration is $5.00 per entry. Proceeds from The Bee will go to FPHE to benefit Pleasant Hill public schools. To register and view word list, visit: www. fphe.org to print a registration form. Mail forms to FPHE, P.O. Box 23851, Pleasant Hill, CA 94523. Now -12/12 - Shadelands Ranch Holiday Faire. During this two-week event, over 35 vendors will offer a wide variety of handcrafted items and gifts for sale inside the museum. Open every day from 10am-4pm. Admission and parking are free. For more information, visit: www. walnutcreekhistory.info. 12/9 - 12/19 - A Christmas Carol. Brimming with music and dance, love and laughter, spectacular special effects and scary ghosts, it’s no wonder the critics have called it “THE Christmas Carol to see in the Bay Area.” Join the thousands who make this theatrical event part of their annual holiday traditions. Lesher Center for the Arts - Hofmann Theatre, 1601 Civic Drive, Walnut Creek. To purchase ticket online, visit: www.centerrep. org. Now -12/15 - The Mt. Diablo Branch of the California Writers Club is sponsoring a program for published writers to lead free middle school workshops in poetry, short story, and personal narrative. Contra Costa middle school teachers, administrators, and librarians are eligible to nominate their school to participate in the program. Send an e-mail to: www.mtdiablowriters.org to state why your school should be selected. Deadline for entries is December 15, 2010. The Mt. Diablo Branch, CWC Writers in the Schools program is intended to encourage young people in creative written self-expression. The club sponsors an annual Young Writers Contest for middle school students, awarding cash prizes in poetry, short story, and personal narrative. Information for the 2011 contest is also on the club website: www.mtdiablowriters.org. Now - 12/16 - Toys for Tots Drive. Bring new and unwrapped toys for children of
all ages. Toys will be distributed to kids in need over the Christmas season. Drop off toys between 9am-3:30pm M-F at: Edward Jones Investment office at 608 Las Juntas St., Martinez. Call 370-0184 or email jeni. waters@edwardsjones.com if you have any questions. Now - Mid-January – 24th Annual Tree of Light. Hospice Foundation of the East Bay’s annual Tree of Lights is a series of community events held to honor or remember beloved friends or family members. Fifteen trees will light up cities throughout Contra Costa. Each light on every tree is symbolic of the life, hopes and dreams of a loved one. Each ceremony is unique and can include personal hospice stories, music, poetry, the reading of the memorial and honor names, a short talk about hospice services and the lighting of the trees. To remember someone special, send a check for $25 (suggested minimum donation) per light to Hospice Foundation of the East Bay, 3470 Buskirk Ave., Pleasant Hill. Write TOL on the memo line. On a separate slip of paper, write the name(s) of your loved ones and the city where you would like to have their lights shine. Contact: 925-887-5678 or visit: hospiceeastbay.org. Upcoming Tree Lightings: 12/5 – Lafayette, Corner of Mt. Diablo and Lafayette Circle East, 5:30pm. 12/11 - Pleasant Hill, Gregory Lane near Cleaveland Road, 5:30pm. 12/12 – Walnut Creek, Oak Alley, behind Va de Vi Restaurant, 5:00pm. Ongoing - The Martinez Animal Hospital has a Kitten Adoption Program. The Cost to the new owner is our cost of vaccines & spaying/neutering. www.martinezanimalhospital.net.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES Teens! Complete your required community service hours with Martinez Recreation. We have a variety of volunteer opportunities and some include training! Assist with activities, classes, crafts, or face painting at the Holiday Frolic Dec 3rd. Call the office at 372-3510 for more information. CA Cancer & Research Center: Greet and assist patients. 2 hr shifts available, M-F 9am-5pm. Age 15 and over welcome. Community service hours eligible. Call: 925-395-7630 or email: ca.cancer.institute. volunteer@gmail.com.
bay area holiday EVENTS 11/28-12/27 - Train of Lights - Experience the magic of our brightly decorated holiday train, covered with thousands of lights, as it winds through Niles Canyon on a 75-minute round-trip ride either from Fremont to Sunol or from Sunol to Fremont and return. All general seating is $25- inside or outside, first come, first served. For the schedule and to purchase tickets visit: www. ncry.org. 11/28-12/31 – Christmas Fantasy at Tilden’s Merry-Go-Around. Tilden’s Herschell-Spillman merry-go-round is a splendid antique carousel with hand-carved and beautifully painted wooden carousel animals to ride. The calliope plays music to make any child’s heart sing. Facility offers a wheelchair accessible snack stand, drinking water, restroom, and parking. 11/28-12/23: Evenings only: 5:30pm-8:30pm. December 26-31: 11am-5pm. Closed Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. Tickets $2 per ride, $10 for 7 rides. For information call (510) 524-6773. 12/4-12/19 - Great Dickens Christmas Fair & Victorian Holiday Party - A holiday adventure into Victorian London, partying with hundreds of costumed players in over 120,000 square feet of theatrically-lit music halls, pubs, dance parties and Christmas shops on winding lanes. Food , shopping and entertainment. General admission $25, children 5-11: $12, under 5 are free. 3 weekends; 11am-7pm. For more information visit: www.dickensfair.com.
AT THE LIBRARY In Martinez: 12/21- 12/26 and 12/30-12/31 – Closed. In Pleasant Hill: 12/1-12/29 (Wednesdays except 12/22) – Mother Goose Time. 11:15am -11:45am. This fun story time is tailored for the youngest crowd. Come join us for this light-hearted story hour just for tots ages 0 - 3. 12/2-12/16 (Thursdays) – Preschool Story Time. 11:15am -11:45am. Featuring stories and songs to tickle the funny-bone and stre-eetch the imagination. 12/14 – Book Club: December’s Book: The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie, by Alan Bradley. Meet other readers for fun, engaging discussions. 6:30pm – 7:30pm. Room A. Contact: 646-6434.
December 2010
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Adopt-a-Grandparent By Rachel Braver The holidays can be very lonely Christmas with a fragrance-free hand for our local nursing home residents, cream, jumbo crossword puzzle, scarf, so this year we want to present each of plushy and stocking. Your business card will be attached them with a special gift and visit for Christmas. to the gift basket so they will know that This may be the you and your business only gift some of them thought of them this will receive this holiday. holiday. We are asking Last year, 150 stockthe businesses in the ings were hand-delivcommunity to help us ered to the Veteran’s with this project by Hospital and Alhambra adopting a grandparConvalescent Hospital. For more information ent for Christmas. Your $25 will sponsor one contact Rachel Braver resident and help him for more on donating. or her have a Merry rbraver@marykay.com
Christmas For Everyone Christmas For Everyone (CFE) is a non-profit volunteer organization, serving people in need during the Christmas season in Contra Costa County. Our Goal is that no one spends Christmas alone. Volunteers provide free transportation to and from the host church. Each person receives a new gift and almost new clothing. We serve a traditional Christmas meal and provide entertainment for both children and adults. Food and a gift can be delivered to the homebound upon request. This is the 24th year that C.F.E. has been helping the working poor in Contra
Costa County. We work with all service agencies in our county to provide help to as many families as possible. We are an organization where no volunteers receive paychecks for the work they do. Donation barrels for unwrapped toys are located at: US Bank, Main Street, Martinez; El Charro Restaurant, Lafayette; John Muir Hospital, Concord Campus; Martinez Animal Hospital, 5055 Alhambra Ave., Martinez To donate and for more information visit: ChristmasForEveryone.com or call 925-228-2233.
Toys For Tots Drive Drop off new and unwrapped toys for children of all ages now through December 16th. Toys will be distributed to kids in need over the Christmas season. Bring toys between 9am-3:30pm, M-F to: Edward Jones Investment office at 608 Las Juntas St., Martinez. Call 370-0184 or email jeni.waters@edwardsjones.com if you have any questions.
Juvenile Hall X-Mas Gifts
The Martinez Downtown Retailers Focus Group has partnered with the Contra Costa County Juvenile Hall to collect new, unwrapped Christmas gift items for youngsters, ages 8-18, now through Dec. 2nd. Donation suggestions are such as puzzle and comic books, teen jewelry, cards, hair products, gift certificates, blankets and sweats… For drop-off locations and information, contact Anne Mobley, 925-229-1900; whiterabbit531@sbcglobal.net.
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‘Tis the Season to Give By John Stone As we begin the holiday season and the joys that it brings, we need to also think about those who are less fortunate. In line with that thought we attach a list of organizations that function in this area of Contra Costa County and who provide services and caring for those who are less fortunate. We do not suggest what you should give to any of these organizations but believe that each is worthy of your support. Loaves & Fishes of Contra Costa Concord, CA 94519 1985 Bonifacio Street # 100 www.cceb.org/ Concord, CA 94520 Meals on Wheels of Contra Costa www.loavesfishescc.org P.O. Box 3195 Food Bank of Contra Costa & Solano P.O. Box 6324 Concord, CA 94524 www.foodbankccs.org Shelter Inc of Contra Costa 1815 Arnold Dr Martinez, CA 94553 www.shelterincofccc.org Salvation Army 3950 Clayton Rd Concord, CA 94521 www.salvationarmyconcordca.org Catholic Charities East Bay 3540 Chestnut Ave
Martinez, CA 94553 www.mealsonwheelsofcontracosta.org Monument Crisis Center 2350 Monument Blvd Concord, CA 94520 www.monumentcrisiscenter.org Winter Nights Shelter 1543 Sunnyvale Ave Walnut Creek, CA 94597 www.cccwinternights.org Friends Outside 1127 Escobar Martinez, CA 94553 www.friendsoutsidecontracosta.com
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THEATRE & THE ARTS
In the Director’s Chair with Doña Foreman At present, S.T.A.G.E. troupe director Doña Foreman is preparing for the upcoming North Pole Revue at the Winslow Center in Pleasant Hill. This classic holiday show, written by Barrett Lindsay Steiner, is complete with elves, reindeer and Mr. and Mrs. Claus. I sat down with Ms. Foreman during a pause in her busy schedule to learn more about her successful track record with S.T.A.G.E. troupe (Several Teens Acting Goofy Everywhere), a theatre class offered through the Pleasant Hill Recreation and Park District. She attributes the string of successful performances to a committed group of teens, parents and theatre professionals. Jaki Jones: How has S.T.A.G.E. troupe grown and changed since you took over as Lead Instructor in 1998? Doña Foreman: I wanted to do something more with S.T.A.G.E. troupe when I first game on board. I wanted to expand it beyond just the drama classes. For the first 5 years, my husband and I took our pay and put it back into the show. We purchased lights, set pieces, costumes and wood, and each year we would reuse everything. We then realized we needed to find a way to raise money. So a group of parents who believed in what we were doing and wanted to support us beyond what the Recreation and Park District was doing, created the “Behind the Scenes Parents Association”. They began to fundraise to help support S.T.A.G.E. troupe. Currently, they run our concessions, handle the raffle, and take donations from different groups and are currently looking for corporate sponsors. They have done an amazing job at getting
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December 2010
Stage Door By Jaki Jones other parents involved in the producrevue. I feel so blessed that Barrett gave We are opening on March 25 and it runs tions, from costuming to concessions to me the freedom and license to work with through April 3 for a total of 8 shows. We lighting and working with props. Families his characters’ as I wanted. Each year we are very excited about it because our shows get the entire theatre experience. A lot of update and develop different little stoare getting better and better. We’ve had the growth of S.T.A.G.E. troupe has been rylines and the actors give us feedback. In such quality teen theatre productions but because of the Parents Association. rehearsals something funny may come up nobody sees or hears about them outside JJ: What is your secret to working well and we’ll say “okay, we’ll keep it, that was of Pleasant Hill. The Lesher will provide with teens? very funny”. us with a whole new audience to see these DF: Well, I love them. They know that I JJ: What’s does the future look like for you wonderful up-and-coming actors and percare about them personally and they know and S.T.A.G.E. troupe? formers and that’s really what it’s all about. I’m available if they want to call me. It isn’t DF: Next spring we’re doing a production The North Pole Revue runs from Decemjust about a show, although they know of “You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown” ber 3-12. Tickets are $12/advance or $15/at they are here to work, that this is trainwhere my son will be the musical director. door. ing. We create an environment with no We are taking it for the first time to the For more information call: 682-0896 “cliques”. I want them to understand that Lesher Center for the Arts! We’ve actually or visit: http://www.pleasanthillrec.com the process is as important as the performraised enough money to take that next step. and click on “special events”. ance and that’s why I think we have been as successful as we are up to this point. It isn’t just about performing. We don’t cast Fuddy Meers by David Lindsay-Abaire (Dark Comedy), Directed by Trevor Moppin the same kids in the same roles over and Dec. 3 through Dec. 12. Curtain time(s): Thurs/Fri/Sat 8pm; Sun 2:30pm. Ticket Price: $10.00 - $20.00 over again--everyone feels valued. I try Fuddy Meers opens as just another normal day for Claire. She wakes up and greets the morning. Her husband, really hard to value every child’s gift. I like Richard, brings her a cup of coffee and patiently explains that she suffers from a form of psychogenic amnesia that erases her memory every night when she goes to sleep. But today is not a normal day…. The wacky charto take a chance on a kid who may never acters and plot chaos will have you roaring with laughter. Produced by: Diablo Valley College, www.dvcdrama. make it through the audition process in net. Box office: (925) 687-4445, 321 Golf Club Road, Pleasant Hill other theatre companies. We are one of The Arabian Nights by Mary Zimmerman (Comedy), Directed by Mary Zimmerman the only teen theatre companies in the Dec. 11 through Dec. 30. Ticket Price: $17.50 - $73.00. Curtain times – see website. Berkeley Rep brings back Bay Area that’s not supported by an adult this hit show for the holidays, an alluring adaptation of the 1,001 nights from the Tony Award-winning director of Metamorphoses and Argonautika. Produced by: Berkeley Repertory Theatre, www.berkeleyrep.org. Box theatre company. I think it’s benefited us to office: (510) 647-2949, 2025 Addison St., Berkeley struggle a little. What its taught them is to Scrooge: The Musical by Leslie Bricusse (Musical/Opera), Directed by Jessica Richards come together—we are all in this togethDec. 4 through Dec. 19. Curtain time(s): Thurs-Fri 8pm; Sat 8pm; Sun 2pm & 7pm (12/5 7pm). Ticket Price: er—and to understand that you can create $12.00 - $29.50. A musical retelling of Charles Dickens’s classic tale, A Christmas Carol. Produced by: Town a “theatre” anywhere. Hall Theatre Company, www.TownHallTheatre.com. Box office: (925) 283-1557, 3535 School St., Lafayette JJ: How has North Pole Revue changed Lemony Snicket’s The Composer Is Dead by Lemony Snicket & Nathaniel Stookey over the years? (Comedy) Directed by Tony Taccone. Nov. 26 through Jan. 15. Ticket Price: $14.50 - $73.00. World Premiere. The show must go on! But the actor is mute, the director is crying, the dancer is lazy—and the composer DF: The first script, created by Barrett is dead! This musical murder mystery by popular children’s author Lemony Snicket features live performance, Lindsay Steiner, was originally a 30-minute film, puppets, music and Geoff Hoyle. Produced by: Berkeley Repertory Theatre, www.berkeleyrep.org. Box script with music. I loved it! I called office: (510) 647-2949, 2015 Addison St., Berkeley Barrett on the phone and explained that Sister Robert Anne’s Cabaret Class by Dan Goggin (Musical/Opera) Directed by Dan I wanted to rework the script to include Goggin. Nov. 29 through Jan. 16. Curtain time(s): Wed 3:30pm & 7:30pm; Thurs 7:30pm; Fri 8pm; Sat 2pm & 8pm; Sun 3pm. Ticket Price: $22.00 - $32.00. Featuring songs from all the Nunsense shows, and starring Willows more actors. Today we have extended the veteran Deborah Del Mastro as the tune-belting, wise-cracking, trumpet-playing nun. Produced by: Willows 30-minute show into an hour and a half Theatre Company, www.willowstheatre.org. Box office: (925) 798-1300, 1975 Diamond Blvd., Concord
DECEMBER - NOW PLAYING
December 2010
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Letters and Opinions Dear Editor, Soccer Snacks November Kudos to Dalai Lina for her commentary, “Soccer Mom Fed Up!” in the November issue. I agree with her on all points and wish I had spoken up six years ago, when my five-year old daughter had a 10:00 a.m. game. The kids had just had breakfast, and would soon go home to lunch, yet a snack was “required.” Since it was my turn, I tried to go healthy by choosing 100% fruit leather and string cheese. Another mom showed up with her leftover bakery sheet cake, thereby trumping my lowly offering and unwittingly undermining my attempt to walk my talk. I think we are afraid of upsetting our children. I admit that I allow my kids to eat their snacks after soccer, even though I never buy that junk food for them at home. I don’t want to deal with a battle each week--denying them what all of their friends get. I also think we are afraid of be-
coming the unpopular parent. I feel peer pressure to pick out something that’s going to excite the kids-- and not just one item, but the recently upgraded standard of two items, plus juice. I worry that I’ll look cheap if I don’t match what the other parents provide. How will my choice affect my child socially? If you agree, please complain to the leagues. Pleasant Hill-Martinez Soccer Association can be found at www.phmsa.org. Let’s ask for a “no snacks allowed” policy in the best interest of our children’s health and to promote the intrinsic value of the game. Let the league be the bad guy. Until leagues implement such a policy, I suggest that if we feel strongly, we bring the issue up with our teams and ask to take a vote to eliminate the snack schedule; or at the least, come to an agreement about the sort of snack that would benefit our kids instead of harm them.
Announcements Josh Heasell’s Eagle Court
Josh Heasell’s Eagle Court was recently celebrated in recognition of his achievement of Eagle Scout on July 21, 2010. Josh joins five other scouts from Troop 277 who achieved Eagle this year: Zach March, Drew Abesamis, Michael Trebino, Steven Anderson and Michael Czabaranek. Congratulations to all of these young men on attaining the highest award in scouting. Troop 277 is a Pleasant Hill based troop affiliated with Hope Center and holds weekly meetings at Sequoia Elementary.
do the same. Carol is a natural educator and promotes hands-on learning, as well as staff in-services and patient seminars. Here is a portion of the tribute received with her nomination. “Carol is the glue of the nursing department. She is always eager to answer a question or help you find the answer.” Congratulations Carol for all you do to help your patients and staff “Learn Well”!
canceling snacks. If you snack lovers vote me down, I will take the bold step of opting out of the program. My kids definitely will complain, but I know what’s best for them. Elizabeth Woo Pleasant Hill
Letter to the Editor Thank You Pleasant Hill I would like to express my sincere thanks to Pleasant Hill voters for re-electing me to the Pleasant Hill City Council. I am honored and humbled by your support. I will work vigorously over the next four years to continue to deserve your trust. Whether you voted for me or not, I look forward to working with you during these challenging times to make Pleasant Hill the best it can be. Thanks again and happy holidays. Michael G. Harris, OD Councilmember, City of Pleasant Hill
Letters to the Editor The Community Focus invites your comments and opinions. Letters should be no longer than 400 words and submitted with first and last name. Address and daytime telephone number required but not published. All letters will be published at the editor’s discretion. The Focus reserves the right to edit submissions for length, clarity, possible libel and propriety or to refuse letters we feel contradict our mission. E-mail letters for our community forum to: editorial@ourcommunityfocus.com
Martinez Masonic Lodge 2002 marked the 150th anniversary of Martinez Masonic Lodge. Its original location (owned by the lodge) was in Susana Street Park in Martinez. The lodge was completed in 1859 at a cost of $1,750. In 1860, the bottom floor of the building was used for the first Martinez school. In 2002, a bronze plaque was purchased to commemorate the site but was never installed. This week the city of Martinez, with the assistance
Carol Blue - Oncology Nurse of the Month Patient Resource Publishing recently announced that Carol Blue, RN, Director of Clinical Operations at Diablo Valley Oncology/Hematology Medical Group, was selected to receive the “Learn Well” Award in October. Carol has been in Oncology for over 20 years and is dedicated to giving patients the highest quality care available. She sets the example for compassionate care and inspires her staff to
The current snack culture has become expensive and unhealthy. Those who feel snacks are necessary for their kids can bring their own. Dalai Lina has certainly inspired me to speak up. I just may volunteer to be the next snack coordinator ... and I’ll start by
of mayor Rob Schroder, city engineer Jim Tucker, and the men of the city work force mounted the plaque at the corner of Henrietta and Estudillo streets. The Martinez Masonic Lodge #41 F&AM is located at 700 Masonic Street, Martinez CA. To contact us please send correspondance to Martinez Lodge #41 F. & A.M. P.O. Box 387, Martinez, CA 94533.
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December 2010
TEEN SCENE
Local Reporter Takes Trip to World Series
On Wednesday, October 27, 2010, the San Francisco Giants started a seven-game series against the American League Champions, the Texas Rangers of Arlington, to decide the champion of the world in the 2010 Fall Classic. To kick off the Fall Classic, season ticket holders came out holding an American flag that covered the outfield of AT&T Park for the “Star Spangled Banner,” that was sung by none other than six-time Grammy Award winner, John Legend. AT&T Park was a full house, filled with 43,601 fans watching nervously. The park only has 41,915 seats, but lots of standing room. World Series tickets were rather expensive. Ticket scalpers were reselling standing room tickets for $400 to $500. The most expensive tickets sold from the stadium were $300 on the Giant’s website and were being resold by ticket scalpers for as high as $7,000. As fans walked into the stadium, employees handed out pom-poms and Bank of America 2010 World Series
By Jeffrey Eitelgeorge, Grade 7, Martinez Jr. High School lanyards for tickets. deck, that moved around a beautiful three-run homerun for the Walking through the on long wires, connected fourth, fifth, and sixth runs of the inning huge gateway, you could to the very top of the as the Giants jumped out to an 8-2 lead. feel the magic in the air stadium. The view from Brian Wilson went on to close it out in and see the anticipation the camera was as if the the ninth inning and the Giants won the first game of a best-of-seven game series. in every fan’s eyes. The viewer were sitting in the game was packed with third deck of the stadium, Freddy Sanchez made the history books fans standing in long towering above the playby being the first player to hit three lines to buy World Series ing field. doubles in his first three World Series The Giants went on to at-bats. merchandise. By the time The San Francisco Giants persethe game started, the play near perfect baseball Coast Guard wasn’t letagainst the best team in vered to pull off the first World Chamting any more boats into the American League pionship in San Francisco history. They McCovey Cove, except for kayaks. Fox and win the game, 11-7. The Giants won the World Series in Game Five by television had also set up a broadcast fell down 2-0 by the second inning defeating the Texas Rangers 3-1 off of booth in center field next to the Coca and came back to even the score in the Edgar Renteria’s three-run homerun in Cola Fan Lot where Ozzie Guillen, the third. Following that, the Giants scored the seventh inning to win the series four Chicago White Sox manager, was a guest a six-run fifth inning, as started by games to one. For this reporter, it was an unforgeton their pre-game broadcast. They also Freddy Sanchez, with a leadoff double. had the World Series trophy displayed Juan Uribe finished off the inning with table experience. on the desk for this unique broadcast. Another unusual aspect of this event that few people have seen before Alhambra High School Art Survey students recently participated in an annual was that the television crew had set up community service art project under the guidance of teacher and artist, Denise a camera, about as high as the second Fuller. Each year she teaches her students to create and sew dolls, lovingly called
ABC Fun
Learning Center and Gym
Sock Monsters
Sock Monsters, out of mismatched socks, which they then donate to local nonprofits serving families with children. This year Denise dropped off over 100 freshly stitched monsters to the Monument Crisis Center.
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