Danville Living Magazine December 2019

Mailed Directly to West Danville Residents and Published Online

DECE MBER 2 019

Danville LIVING

MEET THE

Drury Family: Jon, Shabnam, Shia, and Kaden COVER PHOTO:

by Kim Lind Photography

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DECEMBER 2019

Publication Team Publisher:

Jo Peek, Danville Resident since 2014 Content Coordinator: Alexandra Sullivan, Resident since 2017 Designer: Emily Lund Contributing Photographer: Kim Lind Photography

Advertising Contact: Jo Peek Email: JPeek@bestversionmedia.com

Feedback/Ideas/Submissions: Have feedback, ideas, or submissions? We are always happy to hear from you! Deadlines for submissions are the 10th of each month. Go to www.bestversionmedia. com and click “Submit Content.” You may also email your thoughts, ideas, and photos to: asullivan@ bestversionmedia.com.

Any content, resident submissions, guest columns, advertisements and advertorials are not necessarily endorsed by or represent the views of Best Version Media (BVM) or any municipality, homeowners associations, businesses or organizations that this publication serves. BVM is not responsible for the reliability, suitability or timeliness of any content submitted. All content submitted is done so at the sole discretion of the submitting party. © 2019 Best Version Media. All rights reserved.

Dear Neighbors!

For those that find this time of year to be a never-ending basket of stress, I hope that you can take a few quiet moments flipping through our pages and reading about our town happenings.

This month we’ve got some amazing expert articles, fun activities in the calendar, and a beautiful family gracing our cover.

What are some of your favorite holiday season traditions? Share them with us on Facebook and Instagram. One of our family traditions is putting the kids in their pajamas and driving around Danville to see all the twinkling lights. Get ready as we say goodbye to 2019 and welcome in a whole new decade! 10...9...8...

See you around town!

Alexandra Sullivan Content Coordinator

DANVILLE LIVING 3

Expert Contributors To learn more about becoming an expert contributor, contact Jo Peek at jpeek@bestversionmedia.com.

Architects

Steven Wynn, AIA is an Architect with over twenty years’ experience designing custom homes, additions and remodels. A Cal Poly grad, Steven is NCARB certified and a LEED accredited professional with expertise in historic preservation and adaptive use. He and Blair Barry, a Danville native, are partners in their award-winning firm, Barry & Wynn Architects. Steven enjoys hiking with his camera and enjoying time with his family, including two young daughters.

Dentistry Paul Cannariato, DDS Danville Dental Care (925) 820-2121 www.paulcannariatodds.com

Dr. Paul Cannariato and his team have been providing friendly and professional care in Danville for over thirty years. He earned his Doctorate of Dental Surgery from the University of the Pacific in 1987, and thereafter studied Temporomandibular Disorders and Orofacial Pain at the University of California, San Francisco. In addition to his own practice he enjoys mentoring other dentists as a visiting faculty member of the Spear Institute.

Education St. Isidore School (925) 837-2977 www.stisidore.org info@stisidore.org

St. Isidore School is the East Bay’s largest Catholic School serving TK-8th Grade. We believe each student is a unique and beautiful gift. We foster individuality in a familial environment, inspiring students to explore and grow. Our teachers create a love of learning by nurturing an inquisitive spirit, building connections, and developing critical thinking. We understand that today’s learners are tomorrow’s leaders.

Event Coordination and Design

Rayna Hess has over 15 years of experience in corporate and private event planning. She is an expert at bringing your vision to life, creating a spectacular event that friends and co-workers will talk about for years to come. Rayna’s sophisticated designs, and effortless management style, make her a preferred vendor at a number of popular, local venues including Blackhawk Country Club. As co-owner of Chairs for Affairs Party Rentals, she also has high quality event rentals at her fingertips for each of her clients.

General Contractor

Full-service complete, kitchen remodeling and bathroom renovation company based in Santa Clara. We are licensed to operate in CA. Our expert designers and in-house insured contractors will provide high-end, timeless, elegant, sophisticated, and classic complete renovation, kitchen remodeling and bathroom renovation.

Jewelry, Diamonds & Timepieces

Steve and Judy Padis own and operate Padis Jewelry, which has four locations in the San Francisco Bay Area. They founded the company in 1974 and are proud to have earned a reputation as one of the finest jewelers in San Francisco, serving generations of clients for their most precious moments in life, from engagement to anniversary to milestone gifts.

Padis Jewelry maintains top-tier relationships with the most sought-after designers including Tacori, Forevermark, Verragio, Breitling, Tag Heuer, and Roberto Coin. As members of the American Gem Society, Padis is among the top 5% of jewelers across the country.

Steve Wynn Barry & Wynn Architects 925-837-1422 stevew@barryandwynn.com www.barryandwynn.com

Eventfully Yours Event Designs Rayna Hess (925) 370-1300 rayna@eventdesignsbyrayna.com www.eventdesignsbyrayna.com

Ryan H. Done Right Home Remodeling Inc. 1-800-816-0000 homeprofessionals26@gmail.com www.donerighthomeremodelingca.com

Steve Padis Steve Padis Jewelry info@padisjewelry.com www.padisjewelry.com

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DECEMBER 2019

Expert Contributors To learn more about becoming an expert contributor, contact Jo Peek at jpeek@bestversionmedia.com.

Home Maintenance

AAA House manager is your partner in home maintenance. Trusted and reliable House Managers tackle your to-do list and help you create a plan to get ahead of future maintenance needs, all to keep you home running smoothly. Whether you have a leaky faucet, smart home tech to install, or need your gutters cleaned, AAA House Manager works for your home so your home can work for you.

Interior Design

Drawing inspiration from her clients, travels, and architecture, designer Casey Howard brings a refined, eclectic eye to each of her projects. At Casey Howard Designs, founded in 2012, the design team specializes in Full-Service Residential Interior Design, including new construction, small and large-scale renovations as well as furnishings and interior styling. With a high level of project management expertise, CHD simplifies the design process to ensure that your experience is enjoyable and effortless.

Real Estate

Janice Jordan comes from three generations of real estate experts. Her passion and perseverance, combined with 30 years of experience and being a Danville resident for over 20 years, is her key to creating an extraordinary client experience, always exceeding expectations, and the reason clients call on her every time they are buying or selling a home. She is an upstanding member of the community and spends her time volunteering and supporting local events. In her spare time, Janice enjoys mountain biking, hiking, and spending time with her daughter Jenna, her horse, Wilder, and Australian Shepherd, Buster.

Rodent Proofing

Anthony and Mike are the owners of Honest Rodent Proofing Inc. They have over 25 years of combined experience in business ownership, marketing/sales, and in the pest control industry. Mike lives in the Sacramento area with his wife and three girls. Anthony lives in Walnut Creek with his wife and three kids. In our business there are 3 simple rules we live by. One, treat every home as if it was your own. Two, Honesty and transparency is the only way to conduct business. Three, Family is not an important thing, it’s everything!

We are a family here at Honest and our customers are part of that family.

Wealth Management

Local Danville residents, Jim and Matt have worked with families in the Bay Area for the past two decades. The Carbonell Forrey team offers customized investment planning and management services based on each individual’s unique set of needs and objectives. With a family-first approach, the team prides itself on delivering an exceptional experience so that clients are able to focus on the other important aspects of their lives.

AAA San Ramon 925-314-2600 www.aaa.com/housemanager

Casey Howard Designs, Inc. Casey Howard (925) 725-4223 Info@caseyhowarddesigns.com caseyhowarddesigns.com

Janice Jordan Broker/Associate at Compass janice.jordan@compass.com 925-580-7482

Mike Scott and Anthony Lozano Honest Rodent Proofing 925-433-3988 customercare@honestrodentproofing.com www.honestrodentproofing.com

Jim Carbonell Matt Forrey The Carbonell Forrey Wealth Management Group 925-279-1701 carbonellforreywmg@rbc.com www.rbcwmfa.com/carbonellforreywmg/

Find us online DanvilleLivingCA www.DanvilleLivingCA.com

DANVILLE LIVING 5

Resident Feature

Meet the

Drury Family: Jon, Shabnam, Shia, and Kaden

By Alexandra Sullivan, Resident since 2017

W

hat happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas - unless you meet your future spouse while on separate trips! Jon Drury was in Las Vegas for a friend’s bachelor party when he met Shabnam Ezazi, who was at the same spot for a girls weekend. A couple of big moves, a wedding, and two little boys later, Las Vegas is now a frequent anniversary trip that the Drury’s enjoy making.

On July 23, 2011, Shabnam and Jon said “I do” in San Francisco at the Westin St. Francis Hotel. For Shabnam, a born and raised Bay Area native, it was a dream wedding - favorite hotel, top floor, beautiful all around. Prior to their urban nuptials, Shabnam and Jon became engaged on Christmas Eve in 2010.

Shabnam was born in Berkeley and went to Miramonte High School in Orinda. She went on to UC Davis and lived in the Roseville area when she and Jon first met. Jon was born and raised in Iowa. He attended the University of Northern Iowa. While there, he was a competitive track runner. After graduation, he moved to Arizona and began working as a high school history teacher. As he was teaching full time, he was also going to school at Northern Arizona to get his Master’s degree in School Administration.

Jon always knew he wanted to be a School Administrator. He has been working as a Vice Principal for over seven years now. Currently, he is one of the Vice Principals at Campolindo High School in Moraga. Funnily enough, Campolindo was

Shabnam’s rival high school, “I still secretly root for Miramonte to win sports games when they play.”

Even before receiving her bachelor’s degree, Shabnam spent a significant time in her career field. Because of her father’s career in commercial real estate/property management, she always had a passion for the business. Shabnam is now the co-owner of Citadel Management Company, the commercial property management firm she’s worked at since 2008. She has her brokers license and still travels to Roseville part-time to run the business.

To start their family, the Drurys brought home sweet little Zoe, now 7, “Funny story is Jon wanted a dog from the second we moved in together. I didn’t want the shedding, so I told him as soon as he gets a job as an administrator we can get one.... and I held my end of the deal. We got Zoe the day after he was hired as a Vice Principal in Wheatland, CA.” Their first son, Shia Jonathan, is now 4.5 years old. Not long after he was born, Jon and Shabnam decided to move back to the Bay Area to be closer to Shabnam’s large, extended family. That’s when they settled here in Danville. She only has one brother, but has plenty of Persian aunts, uncles, and cousins to go around! In October, their youngest son, Kaden Rumi, turned two years old.

The Drurys live within walking distance to Hap Magee Park. “We love that park, [the] kids love playing there, especially the

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water park during hot months.” When the family learned that Hap Magee was one of Danville’s best picture spots, they jumped on it and took some favorite family photos there last fall. Bike rides down the Iron Horse Trail are also a favorite activity of the family.

Having a pool in the backyard and two active little guys means lots and lots of swimming.

Thanks to a couple years of lessons under his belt, Shia is a great swimmer and counts it among his favorite activities! He currently goes to Creative Learning Center, in Alamo, just down Danville Boulevard. Kaden, who is talking more and more every day, likes to point out “Shia’s school!!” every time they drive by it. Next year the whole family is excited to send him off to Kindergarten. As the saying goes, “The days are long, but the years are short.”

This past July, the Drurys made their first whole family trip back to Iowa, to visit Jon’s family. The Drurys of Iowa have owned their soybean and corn farm for generations. It was a chance to show Shia and Kaden another side of their family history and give them a taste of rural life.

They spent the days playing on tractors and combines. While in Clarion, Iowa, the kids (and the rest of the family) spent a good chunk of their time showing off their skills while swimming in the cool, clear lake next to the Drury house.

Back here in Danville, the boys, of course, love going to Hap Magee as often as possible. Jon also likes to take the boys over DECEMBER 2019

to San Ramon Valley High School to run around. Coaching is something that he loves to do, and he has coached both basketball and cross country. It looks like Shia and Kaden will have access to tons of support and knowledge as they grow older. The love of sports extends to the whole Drury gang. Shabnam and Jon enjoy cheering for all the Bay Area sports - especially the Niners and the Giants.

For this young family, Danville has been a place to settle in together. They have a home they love, jobs that are fulfilling, and two great kids to keep them on their toes.

What more could you ask for?

Do you know a neighbor who has a story to share? Nominate your neighbor to be featured in one of our upcoming issues! Contact us at asullivan@bestversionmedia.com.

DANVILLE LIVING 7

Pet Adoption Corner

Custard

Dove Meet your forever friend at Tony La Russa’s Animal Rescue Foundation, 2890 Mitchell Drive, Walnut Creek, during adoption hours: Noon to 6 pm Wednesday & Thursday, Noon to 7 pm Friday, and Noon to 6 pm Saturday & Sunday.

One-year-old Custard is a striking, playful boy.

He likes approaching people for pets and likes to sit near his favorites to enjoy the weather. He lights up when there is another dog around and loves to run around with them. He also likes to play with tennis balls and usually has one in his mouth to carry around. He would do well with anyone that can give this sweet boy all the exercise and love he wants

Would you like to be part of the heroic team that saves the lives of rescued dogs and cats? Can you share your talents to connect people and animals? ARF volunteers are making a difference! For more information see our website, www. arflife.org, or call (925) 256-1ARF.

The adoption fee for puppies (<6 months) is $300, for adult dogs is $250, for senior dogs (7+ years) is $125, and includes a discount on the first six-week session of a manners class.

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Two-year-old Dove is a young mother who is finishing up her maternal duties and is looking forward to a home where she can relax and be pampered. She’s a cute and outgoing young lady who will greet you with a loud non-stop purr and before long she’ll be contentedly curled up in your lap or sitting by your side. Dove is a playful girl too and enjoys chasing wand toys. You couldn’t ask for a better companion.

The adoption fee for kittens (<6 months) $125 or 2 for $200, for adult cats is $75 or 2 for $100, and for senior cats (7+ years) is $50.

DECEMBER 2019

Real Estate Listings in West Danville Addresses in Bold are Seller’s/Buyer’s represented by Ron and Joe Gatti | 11/10/19

Active Listings Street List Price Sq. Ft. Beds Baths

Active Listings Street List Price Sq. Ft. Beds Baths

Ilo Ln

Elworthy Ranch Dr Elsie Drive Kuss Road Flora Vista Pl Montair Dr Hilferd Way

$514,500

1012 1301 1292 1788 1804 1170

1121 San Ramon Valley Blvd $649,000

Ashley Cir $725,000 Westfield Cir $769,000 Elworthy Ranch Cir $929,000 Ramon Ct $998,900

2 3 3 3 4 3

1 2 2 2 2 1

$999,500 $1,174,900 $1,499,000 $1,500,000 $2,795,000 $4,795,000

2119 1941 2676 2678 4193 4997

4 4 3 4 5 5

3 3 3 3 3 3

Pending Listings Street List Price Sq. Ft. Beds Baths

Pending Listings Street List Price Sq. Ft. Beds Baths

Danville Oak Pl Westfield Cir

Winfield L $1,079,000 Morris Ranch Road $1,249,900

$675,000 $699,000

992 1499

2 3

2 2

$965,000 $1,150,000 $1,398,000 $1,498,000 $1,598,000

$950,000 $1,090,000 $1,410,000 $1,435,000 $1,590,000

1941 2690 3158 2948 3534

3 4 5 4 5

3 4

2 2

Sold Listings Street List Price Sold Price Sq. Ft. Beds Baths

Sold Listings Street List Price Sold Price Sq. Ft. Beds Baths Boyd Ct El Portal Briar Pl Highland Drive Meadowside Pl

1932 2087

Camino Encanto $1,735,000 $1,700,000 Kirkcrest Rd $1,765,000 $1,765,000 Sky Terrace $2,495,000 $2,495,000 491 Montcrest Place $3,499,000 $3,465,000 El Dorado $3,790,000 $3,830,000

2 3 3 3 3

2515 2575 3504 2870 5000

4 5 5 5 5

3 2 3 5 4

Best Version Media does not guarantee the accuracy of the statistical data on this page. Any real estate agent’s ad appearing in this magazine is separate from any statistical data provided which is in no way a part of their advertisement.

As Danville Natives, we know Danville and the San Ramon Valley Recent Activity in Your Community!

Sold

Just

Sold

Listed

491 Montcrest Place, Danville

1121 San Ramon Valley Blvd, Danville

5 Bed | 5 Bath | 4,870 Sq Ft | $3,465,000 | Represented Buyer

3 Bed | 2.5 Bath | 1,301 Sq Ft | $649,000

Call us regarding how our Compass Concierge and Bridge Loan programs can help you!

Ron Gatti Broker Associate 925.596.1972 gattirealestate@gmail.com DRE 00623995

Joe Gatti Broker Associate 925.588.3590 gattirealestate@gmail.com DRE 01914487

gattirealestate.com Compass is a real estate broker licensed by the State of California and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. License Number 01527235. All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only and is compiled from sources deemed reliable but has not been verified. Changes in price, condition, sale or withdrawal may be made without notice. No statement is made as to accuracy of any description. All measurements and square footage are approximate.

DANVILLE LIVING 9

December

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Mon., Dec. 2- Fri., Dec. 13

Sat., Dec. 14

Every Weekend in December

Santa’s Mailbox

Elf Workshop

Visit with Santa

@Danville Community Center Santa has a mailbox at the Danville Community Center or drop off at the Danville Library during business hours.

Bring your letters to the Santa Mail boxes and you will receive a letter in return by December 24. Be sure to include your name and mailing address!

Time: 8:30am-5pm Cost: Free

@Danville Community Center Children will love this holiday craft workshop. Light refreshments will be served while children create handson holiday crafts and get a chance to visit and take a photo with Santa! Preregistration is required (online only).

No walk-ins. Call 314-3400 for more information. Please choose one time to attend. If program is full, please add your child to the waitlist in case we are able to accommodate additional participants.

Time: 9-11am or 11:30am - 1:30pm Cost: $8 resident, $10 non-resident

@The Danville Livery Bring your cameras and capture your visit with Santa during the Holidays! Be sure to bring your camera to capture your visit with Santa and some very special friends! Danville Livery is proud to host a safe, family fun event for the community. Added days on Monday, Dec. 23 and Tuesday, Dec. 24. For more information: www.danvillelivery.com Time: 12-3pm Cost: Free

Tues., Dec. 10

Winter Wonderland: Crafts and Fun! @Danville Library We’re celebrating winter and the end of our year-long Read to 2020 challenge with fun, crafts, and a “snowball” fight! Have you been keeping up with our Reading Challenges? Pick up your prize! Sponsored by Friends of the Danville Library and Read to 2020.

Time: 3:30-5pm Cost: Free

Sat., Dec. 14

Ring Those Holiday Bells, Performed by Blackhawk Chorus @Dougherty Valley Performing Arts Center Come join us for a festive mix of favorites like “Sleigh Ride” and “Jingle Bells”, classical pieces by Brahms and Mozart, and much more. As in past years, we’ll also feature Blackhawk Jazz, Bella Voce, and Jubilee Road. This is perfect event to enjoy with your family or a group of friends. For more information: www.blackhawkchorus.com Time: 4pm Cost: $28 adults, $18 children

Tues., Dec. 17

Buzz Session: Wildlife in Your Backyard @Danville Senior Center One of the best parts about living in the Bay Area is getting to live around and with so much wildlife. But sometimes living so close to each other can cause unnecessary trouble. Come learn about the wildlife you’ll see in your own backyard and how to get all the benefits of coexisting with your wild neighbors.

Time: 10-11am Cost: Free

Tues., Dec. 17

Fratello Marionettes: The North Pole Review @Danville Library Celebrate a holiday tradition with us as the Fratello Marionettes present their winter extravaganza, “The North Pole Review,” featuring high-kicking dancers, a graceful ice skater, dazzling acrobatic penguins, and much more! Sponsored by the Friends of the Danville Library.

Time: 4-4:30pm Cost: Free

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Every Saturday

Farmers’ Market @Railroad Ave. Municipal Parking Lot-Downtown Get the freshest seasonal fare at Danville Certified Farmers’ Market. You’ll find fruits and vegetables direct from local farmers, along with fresh-cut flowers, bedding plants and fresh breads. This event is located at Railroad & Prospect Avenues and offers free parking in the adjacent lot.

Time: 9am-1pm More information at www.pcfma.com

Every Monday

Tips for Change Community Fundraising Events @Gianni’s Italian Bistro Gianni’s Italian Bistro opens up their restaurant to support our local nonprofit community. Tips for change is a fun and unique way for local local charity organizations to raise much needed funds.

Volunteers and supporters of local nonprofits suit up and become your servers for the evening with all tips and 10% of sales going to support their organization.

This event occurs most Monday evenings between 5 and 8pm and is open to the public. Reservations required.

DECEMBER 2019

Expert Contributor

4 tips for freshening up your entertaining spaces for the holidays

By Lauren Parker, AAA San Ramon

R

eady or not, the holidays are here! And, whether you’re looking to make a good impression or just want to liven up your living area, here are four ideas for adding some pizzazz to your entertaining spaces before company arrives.

1. Add Seating Skip the metal folding chairs and opt for something more stylish and fun. Storage cubes and cushioned ottomans pull double duty, and you can’t get more diverse than the options for floor cushions.

They come in nearly every color, shape and style imaginable and are great for guests who don’t mind lounging on the floor — namely, kids.

2. Cozy Up The Scandinavians use the word “hygge” (pronounced HOO-gah) to describe a lifestyle of cozy contentment. So how you can create hygge for your guests? Light a fire in the fireplace or candles around a room, add throws for bundling up, dim the lights, play soft music, and serve up hot chocolate before your meal.

3. Prep the Kitchen After all, this is the room where you and your guests will be spending most of your time this holiday season. Give your kitchen a good deep cleaning, then organize the pantry or cupboards to make room for the influx of groceries you’re bringing home.

Lastly, stock up on to-go containers and impress your guests by sending them home with leftovers.

4. Tackle Your To Do List Now is the time to tackle those miscellaneous projects that went undone over the summer. A loose doorknob to the bathroom?

Lightbulbs burned out? Don’t forget about the outside of your home. A good impression starts the moment your guests pull up to the curb.

For more information about AAA House Manager and properly maintaining your home, visit aaa.com/housemanager.

DANVILLE LIVING 11

San Ramon Valley High School

The Man of Steel: A SRVHS Icon

By Stephanie Seaberg, Resident since 2010

H

ans De Lannoy is the Man of Steel.....or at least that’s the way his colleagues see him. If you were to walk through the halls of San Ramon Valley High School today and mention the name Hans De Lannoy, you would find yourself igniting a social wild fire among alumni students and teachers alike singing his praises.

A lifetime of passion for basketball and the lessons that come with it are just the tip of the iceberg when describing this inspiring instructor. In a career that spans over 40 years and stretches as far as Palo Alto it’s no wonder he is seen as so much more than just a coach.

Coach De Lannoy began his career at Churbberley High School in 1972, where he oversaw the Girls Varsity, Girls Junior Varsity and Boys Junior Varsity basketball teams all at once and in his first year. He would go on to coach the Varsity Boys basketball team and eventually make his way to Danville where from 1982-2014 he would rule the basketball court.......And the yoga mat? That’s right!

For many years, Coach De Lannoy led hundreds of students in the artful wisdom of stretch and meditation. Making mindfulness cool, and helping students find their inner peace during a long stressful school day. In 1986 and 1987 he directed the SRVHS Boys-to-Back

ALBATROSS Re-Think Farm to Table.

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albatrossdanville.com

312 Railroad Ave. Danville. • 925.718.5445

The Wolf pack sticks together!

Coach Lannoy gets inducted into the San Ramon Valley High School Athletics Hall of Fame

EBAL Championship including a division one final four finish in 1987. He also brought the girls basketball team to its first ever NCS Championship in 2006, which was a very proud moment in SRVHS history. Coach De Lannoy has directed over 35 fundraisers and been the keynote speaker for 10 ceremonies. He was named Mr. San Ramon in 2002 and was honored with the Mason McDuffie Outstanding Teacher Award twice.

Coach De Lannoy has been a man of many catchphrases. Using brief inspiring words before every game and at the end of any class so his students leave with a bounce in their step and a better sense of self. “I think my favorite is ‘Never give up’” and “It’s important to see yourself in a light of greatness.” Reminding kids that a positive attitude always goes a long way has been his unofficial motto.

That kind of positive reinforcement came in handy when Coach De Lannoy found himself fighting his biggest battle, and it wasn’t on the basketball court. Earlier this year he found himself unexpectedly battling cancer. However, in the eye of a hurricane of fear and uncertainty, he found comfort in the support of his former students.

“I felt like I was going to battle with a giant army at my side.” The outpouring of love and support came flooding in via social media as Coach De Lannoy posted updates of his chemotherapy process through Facebook. It was officially announced in July of this year that his cancer was in remission and life would return to normal.

With news like that, how could things possibly get any better?...

They can! On October 3, 2019 he was honorably inducted into the San Ramon Valley Athletics Hall of Fame by his many close friends and The Alumni Association. It was a heartfelt ceremony that could only be described as “Incredible.” Here’s to many more years of inspiration with The Man of Steel.

Stephanie Seaberg has lived in the East Bay for the last 30 years, and is a SRVHS Alumni. Steph is a play-writer and director for Theater Performance Workshop, KAOS Camp, and Golden Oak Montessori. Steph lives for cooking, theater, photography, travel, and singing.

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DECEMBER 2019

Veteran Spotlight

One Danville Grandmother’s Pearl Harbor Remembrances

By Joanne Grabowsky, Resident since 1971

W

ould you believe that a faulty ship’s whistle on the USS Arizona saved my future husband’s life?

My future husband, Leon Grabowsky, was a brand-new Ensign just before the Japanese attack. His Naval Academy class, accelerated for WWII, graduated in February 1941. His first duty station: USS Arizona at Pearl Harbor.

Leon was assigned to engineering and given several undesirable duties. One was maintaining the 25-year-old ship’s continually-failing whistle, which the Captain loved. The skipper would cuss whenever it didn’t work. Leon then had to crawl through noxious fumes in a smoke stack where it lived to repair the whistle.

Leon was a bachelor then, and loved surfing. Whenever he had liberty he would

surf with the natives. However, an Admiral there would wake the ensigns up at 5AM for readiness training and hard, morning workouts of running and swimming. The hard workouts, coupled with surfing, lack of sleep and noxious fumes caused Leon to come down with pneumonia that May. It took months to heal.

In August, Leon uncharacteristically failed a physical, causing concerns about kidney function. Although he was fine, Leon had to endure weeks of medical tests.

When nothing was found, the doctors were flabbergasted. Finally, a urologist determined he had a “harmless” overactive prostate. He returned with this report, which failed to be logged.

Three months later on December 6th, 1941, the skipper received orders for a physical to determine whether Leon could “stay in the Navy.” Instead of protesting this, the skipper gave him liberty to resolve it.

Leon reported to the hospital, but all doctors were out playing golf. He was told they’d do the physical come morning, so he asked to bunk there. He then went to Waikiki to surf and party.

Leon Grabowsky was one of the men who lowered the Colors from the USS Arizona before it sank completely.

Leon awoke to bombs on the Day of Infamy.

He helped with wounded; many were his Naval Academy classmates. With another officer, he commandeered a launch. Leon even swam through burning oil, but found no survivors. The last thing they did that evening was recover the Colors from the stern, which was momentarily above waterline. Leon lowered the flag into the other officer’s arms.

Ensign Leon Grabowsky USN 1941

Leon was the only surviving member of his division, and one of only 335 crew members who survived, while 1177 perished. If not for this chain of bizarre circumstances that kept him disembarked, Leon also would have perished.

Following this, Leon fought bravely in all major Pacific battles. He became the youngest destroyer commander ever, at 27 years old, and in Okinawa won the Navy’s highest honor, the Navy Cross, by saving a sister destroyer.

I think of Leon every day. He passed away in 2000 and is interred at Arlington National Cemetery, the only location that may be more solemn than the USS Arizona Memorial. These heroic men risked everything so we can enjoy life and freedoms that many take for granted.

Freedom isn’t free. On Pearl Harbor Day, please remember that this is the land of the free BECAUSE of the Brave, and honor them accordingly.

DANVILLE LIVING 13

Youth Sports

Come Ride With Us

By Joyce Bohn, Resident since 2018

T

he Cavallo Cowgirls is an equestrian drill team. The riders, young ladies from 14 to 24 years of age, are passionate about this sport. So if you love horses, ride Western, enjoy camaraderie – Come Ride With Us! The Cavallo Cowgirls Drill Team was founded in January of 2016 and delivers precise, fast paced performances to music at various drill team competitions. In addition, the team performs at shows, rodeos, and parades throughout the season. The riders have a desire to build a team that continues to perfect their abilities while having an incredible amount of fun.

In May, the Cavallo Cowgirls came to ride at the 2019 CSHA State Championships at Diamond Bar Arena in Ceres, CA. The ladies proved once again that they were there to compete, and win. Putting down 3 excellent rides during the weekend, the Cavallo Cowgirls took home 1st Place in the Theme competition, running a Star Wars themed ride on May the 4th (be with you!). Their subsequent long program and short program in the very competitive Mixed Division earned the team Reserve Champion status in the event.

And in July, the girls traveled to Southern California to compete in the California State Horseman’s Association (CSHA) Coto Cup competition at the Los Angeles Equestrian Center. This year’s competition marks the second year that The Cavallo Cowgirls have participated in the annual event where they continued to solidify their presence as a young team competing against larger and more experienced teams. They performed two programs and earned a very respectable 3rd place overall in the Elite Division. The ladies scored the highest point total of all competitors in the freestyle program according to the CSHA Chairwoman, Jill Kraut.

Team members are; Alexa, Ashley, Juliana, Ronnie, Sophia “Pie,” Sophia, Taylor, and Teaghen.

Participation in the drill team is not without some hard work and sacrifice. The riders spend countless hours practicing and collaborating

The team choreographed their Star Wars themed ride for the Cota Cup last May, and won first place!

on creative drill maneuvers. They all take care of their own horses and work together to raise the funds necessary to buy the costumes and equipment required to compete. They are supported by their parents and grandparents who assist with the logistics of practicing and performing. “It’s great to see the smiles on their faces when they have a good ride,” commented one parent. “The girls have really gained valuable experience and maturity though their participation,” says another.

The team is coached by Shauna Ketcham who has been the coach of the team since its inception 3 years ago. Shauna has been riding and showing drill for 5 years, riding with the Smoking Guns and Buckshot Beauties. In addition, she is the owner/trainer of Ketcham Quarter Horses and Paints in Livermore, CA located on the beautiful Circle J Ranch, specializing in AQHA and APHA all around horses. Shauna has been riding and showing her whole life and has worked and trained under Bruce Vickery, Chris Brown, and Scott Neuman in the AQHA world, just to name a few, and under Sumer Peioxto in the drill world.

The Assistant Coach is Samantha Turner. While she has only been with the team for a year, she has loved every second of it. She has been riding drill for four years, having started with the West Coast Cowgirls, then Smoking Guns and the Buckshot Beauties. Besides coaching drill, she competes in rodeo events. In 2015 she was Miss La Grange Rodeo Queen and traveled all over the state of California and Nevada.

They are supported by Dave Colli who owns and operates the Cavallo Riding Center in Tracy, and various other sponsors. The team practices at CRC Ranch and is very grateful for their sponsors’ ongoing support.

To try out for the team, contact: Yvette Sharif (209) 456-0505 www.cavallocowgirls.com

The Cavallo Cowgirls

One of the team’s best maneuvers is the pinwheel.

They stay tight and go fast.

14

DECEMBER 2019

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DANVILLE LIVING 15

Expert Contributor

Layering a Space: Creating a Room that’s Cohesive and Dynamic

By Casey Howard, Principal, Casey Howard Designs, Inc.

W

hen you think of a “layered look”, what comes to mind?

With colder autumn weather on the horizon, perhaps you think of an outfit that combines multiple pieces of clothing whose purpose is to keep you warm as well as looking stylish.

Just like with your clothes, creating a layered look in a room shouldn’t be bulky or busy. Instead, it should be a space that feels complete through the interaction of an array of components that complement each other creating a harmonious space, one that is both classic and unexpected.

But where to begin? A great way to create a layered space is to play with old and new pieces, and in this bedroom we did just that. The side tables and mirrors possess a traditional charm with their intentional distressing and classic lines. When it comes to the lamps, however, we opted for a more modern and organic look instead of continuing with the antique feel. While different styles, these pieces create a cohesive look that is simultaneously vintage and modern.

The designing doesn’t stop there. The brass floral light fixture above adds just the right amount of unexpected flair, echoing the brass trim on the mirrors, and becomes a stellar focal point. You don’t always have to go with the ordinary pendant light — design outside the box! And even though this particular light is on the

Cozy, creative, classic design aligns in this master bedroom.

Photo by Lauren Edith Anderson.

funkier side, it still reads “classic”.

Mixing and matching different materials and textures adds dimension to a space while still maintaining a unified design.

While the overall color palette for this room is more neutral (for a very calming feel), it’s by no means dreary or drab! The rich textured fabrics on the headboard and pillows add warmth to this cozy room.

Yes, the main function of a bedroom is for relaxing, but that doesn’t mean you can’t add a touch of whimsy to your space!

By playing with old and new pieces and combining different materials and textures, you create a comfortable and chic layered space — one that’s unified but still has eye catching elements.

Committed to the well-being of our clients and community The Carbonell Forrey Wealth Management Group 1331 North California Blvd., Suite 650 | Walnut Creek, CA 94596 Direct: (925) 279-1701 us.rbcwealthmanagement.com/carbonellforreywmg Investment and insurance products: • Not insured by the FDIC or any other federal government agency • Not a deposit of, or guaranteed by, the bank or an affiliate of the bank • May lose value © 2019 RBC Wealth Management, a division of RBC Capital Markets, LLC, Member NYSE/FINRA/SIPC. 16 19-WC-180_MattForrey_AD_KC_R2_FINAL.indd 1

DECEMBER 2019 4/3/19 7:52 AM

DANVILLE LIVING 17

Expert Contributor

Year End Financial Checklist

By Matt Forrey and James Carbonell, RBC Wealth Management, Residents since 2009 and 2004

A

s the holidays approach, it can be difficult to find time to organize your financial life. While it may seem easier to push off your financial planning until next year and include it on your 2020 New Year’s resolutions, there are some financial strategies you may want to consider now: •

•

•

Make your charitable donations directly from your IRA: Individuals over age 70 ½ can donate up to $100,000 from an IRA directly to a qualified charity without triggering any federal income taxes. As any income tax on the distribution is avoided, this may be beneficial to individuals who no longer are able to itemize contributions given the increase of the standard deduction under the new tax laws.

Donate appreciated stock: Contributing appreciated stock to charities in place of cash can reduce capital gains in your portfolio and generate a potential income tax deduction.

Reduce pending capital gains: Realizing capital losses before December 31st can offset gains that were realized during the year.

In addition, up to $3,000 in losses can be used to offset ordinary income.

•

Gift cash or assets: individuals may give any number of people up to $15,000 each in cash or assets without triggering gift, estate or generation-skipping taxes.

•

Catch-up retirement contributions: If you are 50 or older, you are entitled to make an additional $6,000 contribution to your company sponsored retirement plan or an additional $1,000 to a Traditional or Roth IRA.

Visit our website www.rbcwmfa.com/carbonellforreywmg/ for a complete copy of our year-end checklist.

RBC Wealth Management does not provide tax or legal advice. All decisions regarding the tax or legal implications of your investments should be made in connection with your independent tax or legal advisor.

Investment and insurance products: • Not insured by the FDIC or any other federal government agency • Not a deposit of, or guaranteed by, the bank or an affiliate of the bank • May lose value © 2019 RBC Wealth Management, a division of RBC Capital Markets, LLC, Member NYSE/FINRA/SIPC. All rights reserved.

18

DECEMBER 2019

Pet of the Month

Meet the Pets of the Month:

Lily and Lulu

By Jenn Soine, Resident since 2008

L

ily is a loving and protective 7-year-old Yorkie who loves to walk up the hill to San Domiano or on the trail to Peetâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Coffee. She likes to bury her treats in the backyard for later, chase every bird or squirrel she sees, and is the BEST listener. She sleeps at the foot of the bed or couch and makes sure Shane from UPS knows she is waiting for a bone when he drops off packages. She was born in Turlock on February 14, 2012 and joined her family at 3 months old as a rescue from the breeder. Because she wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t adopted early, she still has her long tail and perky ears which show every happy emotion she has to offer!

Lily has been a true best friend to her owners since she joined her family. She loves to travel with them wherever they go, including long plane rides to Priest Lake, Idaho, Portland, Oregon or Seattle, Washington. She is experienced on the airplane and even showed her little sister, Lulu, the best ways to snuggle into the carrier and how to sneak treats with no one looking.

Lily became a big sister Memorial Day weekend, 2019, when Lulu finally was able to come home. Lulu was born on March 14, 2019 in Danville and is an unconditionally loving, fiercely playful Frenchie. She was born into an amazing home, The Penimann Family, and is fortunate to have her birth mother, Pearl, and brother, Rocco, still living right up the street!

Lily, the experienced adventurer

Lulu, the amazing French Bulldog

Lulu has kept Lily on her toes since she arrived. Lulu loves to chase the tennis ball in the backyard for hours, chase Lily around the house (Lily pretends to be scared), and dig in the flower beds.

She is terrified of the vacuum cleaner and sleeps under the covers with anyone in her Lily and Lulu are living the good life! family. Her signature snort makes her owners and Lily love her even more, as well as when she takes all of the toys out of her basket and leaves them all over the house.

You might run in to Lily and Lulu anywhere in Danville, including the San Ramon High School field on the weekends, the Iron Horse trail, driving around town with their heads out the window, or at StarCycle!

If you would like to nominate your pet (dog, cat, bird, reptile, etc.) for Pet of the Month, send an email to asullivan@bestversionmedia.com

Save the date!

Our next Magazine Anniversary Party will be

Thursday February 27, 2020!

DANVILLE LIVING 19

Expert Contributor

It’s Holiday Season, Let’s Celebrate and Look Forward to 2020

By Janice Jordan, Compass, Resident since 1998

I

t’s the crazy hustle-bustle season. We’ve been planning parties, shopping for friends and family, going on vacation during the school break and barely finding time to fit in our workouts.

Once the holidays are over, we promise ourselves that next year we will be better prepared and have more self control when we are offered another luscious holiday dessert.

During this retrospective period we might also have noticed that our home isn’t quite big enough for our growing family or that there wasn’t enough room in your kitchen when the in-laws were helping prepare meals with you.

This is the perfect time to think about the possibilities of buying a new home. It’s not as daunting a task as you might think. But, it does take some planning.

1. Start with an end game. What kind of home do you want?

Start looking at homes with the amenities and locations that are appealing to you. Ask your Realtor to show these homes to you or visit them at the weekend open houses. Very quickly you will get an idea if these homes are within reach financially.

2. Assess your home’s value: Call your Realtor and ask them to prepare a market evaluation of your home. Don’t rely on Zillow or other pricing websites. They are not always accurate. It is better to really know your home’s value; the $50,000 to $100,000 swing in value could make the difference between being able to make a move or not.

3. Prepare your home for sale. Once you have completed the first 2 steps, you will be ready with the help of your Realtor to prepare your home for sale. That’s where a great Realtor with a strong brokerage backing will really give you the advantage. Your realtor should be your “one stop shop” for all vendor referrals and services and giving you the best marketing and sales advice.

to purchase your next home before your home sells and covers the potential double payments and costs of the loan for up to 6 month. Again, at the close of escrow on your home, we reimburse ourselves for these costs with no extra fees.

C “Coming Soon” pre-marketing: Exposing your home prior to actually putting it on the market will increase interest with those buyers out there just waiting for the right home or the right neighborhood. Statistics have shown that our Coming Soon marketing doubles your first Open House traffic. It also doubles your market exposure and lets you test the market to make sure the price is within market norms 4. Simultaneously, choose a Realtor with experience. Demand market statistics, trends and neighborhood information from them. They should be your single resource for everything about selling and buying. Request consults from stagers, color/paint consults from experts, contractors, handyman services down to what color mulch should you put in your garden. Ask for ‘coming soon’ listings to get a head start on what homes are coming on the market that you might like. Ask for neighborhood information; schools, crime statistics, demographics and park and local church information. This is one of your largest financial decisions, make sure you have a top professional representing you.

Take a look at the current market trends for our area. I’m available any time for advice or consultation.

A Compass offers Concierge Services; we front the costs to prepare your home for sale and then after your house sells, we will collect these costs from your proceeds with zero interest or fees.

B Compass offers Bridge loans; many homeowners feel stuck. How can we stage our home to look picture perfect and still live in the home with our kids and pets? Should we move out and rent? Also, it is challenging to make offers on your future home with a contingency of selling your home. In a competitive market, the contingent offer rarely gets accepted. The bridge loan takes care of these conundrums. Bridge loans offer you the financing 20

DECEMBER 2019

DANVILLE LIVING 21

Business Profile

AAA House Managers: Making Home Ownership Easier

By Kara Navolio

A

AA House Manager was established in 2018 as a new service of AAA, the company that has provided roadside assistance, home insurance and travel services for more than 100 years. It’s a membership-based service designed to help make home ownership easier every day.

Included in the membership are two visits a year by a House Manager who provides a plan for preventative home maintenance, home repairs, and improvements. As issues pop up throughout the year or the homeowner adds to their to-do list, AAA House Manager serves as a single point of contact to get the work done.

AAA House Manager brings the same trusted service and care for Members from the road to your home. Each House Manager has years of experience in the home maintenance and improvement industry, and is a full time employee of AAA. The three who primarily serve the Danville area are Darwin Ovejas, Robert Lara and Matthew Preble, all hardworking fathers who grew up taking things

apart and putting them back together.

“My favorite part about being a House Manager is witnessing change in a member,” said Preble. “Usually when I first arrive, they’re a bit anxious because they’re opening up their home to a stranger, essentially. But then I get to see them go through a transition of gaining trust as I take care of problems in their house. It’s very rewarding.”

“There really is no typical day for our House Managers,” said Lauren Parker, Product Marketing Director for AAA House Manager. “They may spend a couple hours in the morning at a new member’s home doing an initial assessment, followed by a service visit in the afternoon. And in one visit they may do something as small as patching a chip in a sink, to fixing a malfunctioning HVAC system. Every home has a unique set of issues. It’s our job to address the issues and tasks that homeowners don’t think about so that your home continues to run smoothly for a long time.”

22

House Manager Matthew Preble helps Danville home owners make home ownership easier

AAA House Manager is currently available in Contra Costa and Alameda counties, but has plans to expand next year. Looking to the future, AAA is fascinated by what home ownership will look like and how the needs of homeowners will change over the next 100 years.

“We’re excited about the opportunity to be part of it,” adds Parker.

Find out more at aaa.com/housemanager.

DECEMBER 2019

Tee Time

SRVHS Women’s Golf Team

By Lynne Harrosh, Resident since 2008 2019 San Ramon Valley High School Women’s Golf Team

H

ey Girls, for the love of golf, get out on the golf course! That is exactly what the San Ramon Valley High School Women’s Golf Team did this fall. High School Women’s Golf is a fall sport which starts the first week of school and continues through EBAL’s, East Bay All League Championships, finishing with NCS, North Coast Section, at the end of October. Lucky for all of the girls out there, Women’s Golf is currently a sport looking for enthusiastic players. This is an opportunity like no other!

game, but to practice and play at the Crow Canyon Country Club in San Ramon. For the 2019 season, there were 11 high school girls on the San Ramon Valley High School Women’s Golf Team. She said other teams in the league have some players that are yearround golfers and are very committed to golf and “my team loves to have fun and enjoys playing.” Besides wanting her students to be skilled golfers, Coach Gilozzi’s goal for these young women is to “make lifelong golfers of all my players”.

This is a grand opportunity to learn about the game of golf, course etiquette, be outside in nature, learn techniques and skills to use with the various clubs, and compete with other high school women. Beyond high school, unlike many other sports, golf is a sport you can play your entire life. It is a sport to play with friends, with colleagues, and for charitable events. To be able to learn all of this with a skilled coach, I believe, is one of the best educational and valuable resources we have in our athletic department within the public school system. To get the kind of instruction, practice, and tournament time that SRV players get, it would cost the average person more than $400 a week.

The SRV team is not only lucky to have a great coach, Coach Debrah Gilozzi, who has extensive knowledge and skill in the

Coach Gilozzi’s practice and game schedule is rigorous. From Monday driving range practice, with the focus on club distance and consistency, to chipping and putting, practice 9 holes on Wednesdays, and 9-hole games on Tuesdays & Thursdays, their week is packed with golf. The tournaments are normally on Mondays. The Crow Canyon Country Club is a “gracious and generous host for the women’s and men’s teams.”

San Ramon Valley High School Women’s Golf Team 2019 at home course Crow Canyon Country Club

To be on the San Ramon Valley team, a no-cut team, each player needs their own set of clubs and provides their own golf balls for games. Each player needs to dress for the requirements of the golf course, which is usually a collared shirt and golf pants, shorts, or skirt, golf shoes, and glove. If you

are not a golfer, you would be surprised at the amount of golf clothes that are out there!

At each game the golfers have to walk the course since they are not allowed to drive the golf cart. They play one school at a time, each team with 6 players, but only the top 5 scores are counted. They are responsible for keeping their score and the score of the players in their foursome - it is based on an honor system.

San Ramon Valley Parents, if your daughter doesn’t have a fall sport, this is the one!

Take her to the driving range, get her on the course, and bring her friends along!

Lynne Harrosh is an avid golfer and traveler. Follow her on Facebook & Instagram @TeeItUpTravel to get connected to the best places to golf, golf technology, golf equipment, discounts on green fees, stay & plays, and golf travel lynneharrosh@me.com

Beau Pre Golf Club McKinleyville. Division 2 North Coast Section Championship, October 2019. Sienna (left), Coach Gilozzi, Lauren (right) DANVILLE LIVING 23

24

DECEMBER 2019

Where in the World?

A West Coast Disney Cruise

By Sheila Legg, Resident since 2016

E

xperience the best of the Baja Peninsula combined with the magic of Disney.

October of this year, the Legg family hopped aboard and treated themselves to a 5 day Disney Cruise getaway. Sailing from sunny San Diego, they visited 2 ports of call, Ensenada and Cabo San Lucas, aboard the Disney Wonder. It offered plenty of onboard fun including themed dining and Broadway-style stage shows to immersive play spaces for kids. When sailing from late September through Halloween, the ship celebrates “Halloween on the High Seas” and includes treats, tricks, themed parties, spooky surroundings, elaborate décor, costume contests and more. Next adventure sets sail Spring 2020.

ter playground The sprawling wa every member for n fu e ar and pools ily m fa e th of

Princess gatherin g meet and greets await

sort in Cabo nown We would love to haveinyou us ed forre lunch! a rejoin Relax and lounge

Port adventures in pi perfect Cabo San ctureLucas

da off of Ensena la n w to g n ninsu anti The ench f Mexico’s Baja pe o t the coas

Meet gree t with your and pose favorite Disney ch aracters.

DANVILLE LIVING 25

Business Spotlight

Find Your Florals at The Flower Theory

By Alexandra Sullivan, Resident since 2017

S

ince May of 2017, the first business welcoming visitors to downtown Danville has been Kathy Koutz’s, The Flower Theory.

Nestled next to the creek, and across from the high school where all five of her children attended, this flower shop has become a true neighborhood gem.

It was when Kathy was learning to navigate life as a single mom that she stepped into that quaint building and was presented with the very unexpected opportunity to take over the lease! A decision made in less than an hour created a whole new world for her, “It’s been the most life changing experience to open my doors and my heart to those customers that walk through it and share their life with me.” Kathy believes that flowers symbolize a level of love that few can express, and she works hard to customize each arrangement to the receiver, so that they get the message loud and clear.

The Flower Theory specializes in unique flower arrangements and gifts. Each time you visit, it will be worth it to take a look around, since the collection is always changing. This small shop does it all,

weddings, corporate events, “pop-ups on the go” - where they supply the materials and your guests get to make wreaths, centerpieces, flower crowns, etc. If you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind gift, blooms to brighten up your own home, or an experience like no other, call on Kathy at The Flower Theory.

The Flower Theory 100 Hartz Ave Danville, CA 94526 925-718-8865 www.theflowertheory.com

Kathy Koutz, owner of The Flower Theory

Hours of Operation Tue-Fri: 9:00am to 5:00pm Sat: 12:00pm to 5:30pm

26

DECEMBER 2019

Non-profit Spotlight

Danville-Alamo-Walnut Creek

AAUW Holiday Home Tour

2019 Holid ay Home Tou r 10:00

A Friday D M – 4:00 PM ecembe r 13 Saturda y, Decem th, and ber 14t h

By Tena Gallagher, Resident since 1981

Please join us this year on our fabulous Holiday Home Tour where we showcase beautiful festively decorated homes in Danville, Alamo, and Walnut Creek. Your ticket of $35 will provide scholarships for women in our communities to advance their higher education and also send 10 middle school girls from Walnut Creek and the San Ramon Valley area to a one-week Tech Trek math-science camp for girls in a 4-year university setting.

For more than thirteen years, our Danville-Alamo-Walnut Creek branch of AAUW (American Association of University Women) members have put together this Holiday Home Tour to advance education and equity for women and girls.

Our Holiday Home Tour raises funds for our Tech Trek program and Local Scholarships. From the funds collected in our past Holiday Home Tour, we award local scholarships of up to $2,000-2,500 for college level women, and 10 $1,000 Tech Trek camperships for middle school girls.

Purchase tickets:

ON-LINE Via Credit Card visit https://daw-ca.aauw.net/payment/ US MAIL: Send a check postmarked by December 5th payable to AAUW CA Special Projects Fund with a self-addressed stamped #10 business size envelope to: AAUW Holiday Home Tour P.O. Box 996 Alamo, CA 94507 DIRECT PURCHASE after Nov 18: Tickets will be for sale at East Bay Flower Company 206 Sycamore Valley Rd. West (Danville Livery) 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Monday – Saturday (cash or check only).

DANVILLE LIVING 27

Residents Giving Back

Harmony & Healing: Bringing Music to All

By Michael Copeland, Discovery Counseling Center

T

om Petty once said, “Music is probably the only real magic I have encountered in my life. There’s not some trick involved with it. It’s pure, and it’s real. It moves, it heals, it communicates and it does all these incredible things.”

Danville based musician, David Victor, also believes that music can do magical things. His non-profit, Harmony & Healing, has a mission to bring live music to the bedsides and community spaces of patients and their loved ones in hospitals and healthcare facilities. “We take patients’ and families’ minds off their challenges with live musical performances. Music lowers patient stress levels, brings about positive associations, speeds healing and restores happiness to patients’ lives and the lives of their loved ones,” says David. To date, H&H has performed at Lucille Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford and the Ronald McDonald House in Palo Alto, San Ramon Regional Medical Center and Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital in Long Beach.

Harmony & Healing Founder David Victor, formerly of the multiplatinum band BOSTON, has recorded, produced and released multiple albums as a solo artist. David currently performs with several nationally-touring bands including David Victor’s SUPERGROUP, Platinum Rock Stars and Rockin’ America.

As Harmony & Healing founder, David not only manages the charity, but also delivers many of these live performances and

Rock On with Harmony & Healing

lessons, along with a small group of hand-picked, world-class musicians.

Harmony & Healing programs are tailored to the special requirements of each facility and patient. Interactions may include bedside performances/a play-along or common area performances for groups featuring solo acoustic, jazz and pop duos and even full bands (in larger common areas). David says patients can enjoy the music from their rooms and H&H can even provide music lessons for patients able to hold a guitar or play a keyboard.

Harmony & Healing will have their first inaugural fundraiser at the Bankhead Theater in Livermore on March 28, 2020 featuring David Victor’s SUPERGROUP. This follows a headlining show on August 2nd at the Bankhead where David will be performing the songs of BOSTON and more. Tickets are still available.

For more information about Harmony & Healing please visit their website at harmoneyandhealing.org. To connect with David about bringing Harmony & Healing to your facility, you can email him at hello@harmonyandhealing.org or call 925-364-4517.

We want to hear from you!

We are looking for stories from you, our Danville residents. Some of the columns we'd like to add are: Travel (Where have you been recently? Share your trip with us!)

Book Reviews Acts of Kindness

Non-profit Spotlight Show Us Your Best Shot (photography) Gardening

Hobbies Pet of the Month Local Hikes More ...

If you’d like to submit something, or have any questions, please email asullivan@bestversionmedia.com 28

DECEMBER 2019

San Ramon Valley High School

Ready for Finals?

Here Are Some Tips!

By Shelby Falahat, Junior Reporter

F

inals. A stressful occasion for all high school students. Every year, students at San Ramon Valley High School wonder, “is it possible to be successful during finals without the hassle and worry?” Though the month of December is hectic, I have accumulated tips throughout the years that reduce the pressure of finals and ensures successful results. As a Senior at SRV, I have experienced three years of finals, and have the following tricks up my sleeve:

Final Hacks: 1. Begin to prepare for finals in advance. I suggest beginning with your most difficult subject first, and then slowly progressing to simpler subjects. In my Sophomore and Junior year, I began preparing for my finals at least two weeks in advance to reduce my stress.

2. Don’t take finals lightly. In most cases, finals can determine a student’s grade for the semester. Borderline grades are greatly affected by finals, and I suggest putting the effort to prepare for them in order to end with your desired grade.

3. Keep old assignments, tests, and quizzes. By keeping such items,

students can utilize them as a study tool. Typically, most teachers create similar problems on the final, so it will benefit you greatly to use your past assignments.

4. Review old material every so often. If you find yourself not having any assignment one night, try and look at previous lessons to recall old lessons. Psychologically, once we learn a lesson, it is easier to recall or relearn the information, if need be. It always benefits high school students to have a review day, and I suggest taking advantage of those days as much as you can, especially in November.

5. Form a study group. One of my favorite ways to study is with a group. If you are focused, it’s a great way to learn content and clarify information that you are not comfortable with. In addition, you can learn study hacks from your peers and utilize those in your routine as well.

6. Organize your study materials in advance. If you have past work hidden in a drawer or folder, begin organizing your work in advance.

By doing so, you can determine if you are missing any key study materials and gather the items in advance. In any scenario, being prepared reduces stress and allows studying to be more effective.

7. Make Quizlets/Kahoots. At SRV, most teachers utilize either Quizlet or Kahoot in order to prepare for exams. With these websites, you can create personal study guides in order to learn content for any class. By using these study tools, you not only learn the information, but have fun doing so. In addition, games allow students to focus on their work for a longer period of time, which is extremely necessary during finals.

8. Attend teacher led study sessions for additional final preparation.

In some cases, SRV teachers host final review sessions to further prepare their students. I recommend attending a session or two if you are lucky and your teacher offers such a program. If not, you may use Khan Academy or Crash Course as a study tool. Both websites explain various topics with great detail in simple terms, which allows students to easily comprehend the lesson. Crash Course is most useful for History, Anatomy, Psychology, Philosophy, as well as Biology, while Khan Academy is useful for Math, Chemistry, and Physics. In addition, Khan Academy offers practice tests to determine what students grasped after reading or watching their articles or videos.

Good luck SRVHS! Have a great break!

Shelby Falahat is a senior at San Ramon Valley High School.

She loves writing as a tool to express herself as well as learn about the world around her. She also has a passion for working with children. Recently, Shelby has had the opportunity to work at Kumon, which has allowed her to teach young students math and reading.

In addition, she loves to travel with her family across the globe.

DANVILLE LIVING 29

Expert Contributor

GIFT BRILLIANTLY A Holiday Tribute To The Incredible Women in Our Lives

By Steve Padis, Steve Padis Jewelry

‘T

is the season to sparkle—and spread joy, and as the holidays approach, we take a moment to appreciate the people in our lives who make it all happen. There is something extra-special about the women in our lives who make home, “home.” My wife Judy is my rock; an amazing partner, spouse, friend, and mother to our four kids. I am so grateful to her for all she does for our family. In addition to working exceptionally hard during the holiday season alongside our team in the jewelry stores, she also does nearly all of our Christmas shopping and cooks a feast for our Christmas celebration at our home in Blackhawk for the entire family of nearly 50 people. She is remarkable in so many ways, and I feel so blessed to call her my wife.

you’ll also find a beautiful array of fine jewelry and timepieces from many other luxury brands such as Tacori, Roberto Coin, Verragio, TAG Heuer, Michael M and Breitling, to name a few.

Our team at Padis is here and ready to help with all of your holiday shopping needs both in our stores and on our website at padisjewelry.com. Be sure to join us at our brand new East Bay location at Broadway Plaza – a Forevermark boutique!

We treasure the generations of families who allow us to become a part of their most precious moments. From our family to yours, we wish you a very happy holiday season!

Naturally, I am especially proud of our partnership with Forevermark on the Tribute™ Collection, a collection that celebrates the uniqueness and importance of the women and moments that make our lives special. A Forevermark diamond is distinctive for many reasons, not least of which is its unalterable inscription, located inside the heart of diamond itself – a true mark of integrity. These diamonds come with a promise: every single diamond is responsibly sourced, as well as beautiful and rare.

The Forevermark Tribute™ Collection celebrates the unique and brilliant woman who wears it. The pieces can be worn stacked or layered to reflect individual style and character. When combined, the look features multiple diamonds, paying tribute to the many qualities that together make you the incredible woman you are.

The Forevermark Tribute Collection is perfect for symbolizing your own distinct traits, or for celebrating the many qualities of the woman you adore.

Less than 1% of the world’s diamonds have the qualities to become a Forevermark diamond. The rarity and beauty of the Forevermark diamond is the perfect center to a piece of jewelry to celebrate life’s most precious moments. A Forevermark diamond to commemorate those memories is the perfect marriage of strength and beauty, inspired by the women who hold our world together.

Padis Jewelry has an extensive selection of Forevermark diamonds --- in fact the largest in the country. When you visit, 30

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Get your home ready for the holidays with AAA House Manager.

Ensure everything is looking good and working smoothly this holiday season with a visit by AAA House Manager.

We’ll tackle your home maintenance so you can focus on more important things, like what’s for dinner.

Get started at AAA.com/HouseManager or visit our San Ramon branch located at 2435 San Ramon Valley Blvd Ste 5, San Ramon © 2019 AAA Northern California, Nevada & Utah. All rights reserved. AAA House Manager is a service provided by AAA Northern California, Nevada & Utah.

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