Danville Living CA | January 2025 by Danville Living CA

Mailed Directly to West Danville Residents and Published Online

JANUARY 2025

Meet the Parry Family Photo by Kim Lind Photography

Homegrown Happiness, One Adventure at a Time

MARY BONHAM TEAM YEAR IN REVIEW

Mary Bonham Team Address

MARY BONHAM MARY.BONHAM@THEAGENCYRE.COM 925.997.1787 | LIC. #01203856

ERIN CARRIGG ERIN.CARRIGG@THEAGENCYRE.COM 925.360.4420 | LIC. #02020465

Sale Price MARYBONHAMTEAM.COM

WISHING HOLIDAY SEASON 613 Bradford Place, YOU Danville*A HAPPY$5,500,000 Cheers to the 121 Saint Alicia Court, Alamo $3,600,000 start of exciting 6 Crownridge Drive, Danville $3,350,000 BY THE NUMBERS new adventures! 406 Red Wing Drive, Alamo $2,900,000 15 Glen Hollow Road, Danville $2,650,000 $100,000,000 TOTAL TEAM SALES VOLUME 2022-2023 184 Loch Lomond Way, Danville* $2,400,000 TOP 5% 50 Jessica Court, Alamo $2,236,000 THE AGENCY CHAIRMAN AWARD RECIPIENT YEAR IN REVIEW 1409 Emmons Canyon Drive, Alamo $2,029,000 Address Sale Price Top 1.5% 516 Silverado Drive, Lafayette $1,625,000 613 Bradford Place, Danville * ESTATE PROFESSIONALS $5,500,000 AMERICA'S BEST REAL IN THE U.S. BY SALES VOLUME$3,600,000 121 Saint Alicia Court, Alamo 18 Tea Tree Court, Danville* $1,550,000 6 Crownridge Drive, Danville $3,350,000 2818 Pine Valley Road, San Ramon* $1,330,000 406 Red Wing Drive, Alamo $2,900,000 15 Glen Hollow Road, Danville $2,650,000 2649 Presidio Drive, Brentwood* $1,029,000 184 Loch Lomond Way, Danville* $2,400,000 845 Bluestone Drive, Oakley* $778,000 50 Jessica Court, Alamo $2,236,000 YEAR IN REVIEW 1409 Emmons Canyon Drive, Alamo $2,029,000 YEAR INSALES REVIEW 2645 Ptarmigan Drive #2, Rossmoor $600,000 RECENT 514 Silverado Drive, Lafayette $1,625,000 Address Sale Price Address 18 Tea Tree Court, Danville* Sale Price $1,550,000 394 Ilo Lane #103, Danville $598,000 613 Bradford Place, Danville* $5,500,000 613 Bradford Place, Danville* $5,500,000 2818 Pine Valley Road, San Ramon* $1,330,000 613 Bradford Place, Danville* $5,500,000 121Court, Saint Alicia Court, Alamo $3,600,000$3,600,000 121 Saint Alicia Alamo 1400 Golden Rain Road #2, Rossmoor $490,000 2649 $1,029,000 121 SaintPresidio Alicia Court,Drive, Alamo Brentwood* $3,600,000

MARY BONHAM TEAM

MARY BONHAM TEAM MARYBONHAM BONHAMTEAM TEAM MARY

BRADFORDPLACE, PLACE,DANVILLE DANVILLE 613613BRADFORD 613 BRADFORD PLACE, DANVILLE NEW CONSTRUCTION NEW CONSTRUCTION

NEW CONSTRUCTION WESTSIDE DANVILLE WESTSIDE DANVILLE *buyer represented WESTSIDE DANVILLE

406 RED WING DRIVE, ALAMO

SOLD IN 9 DAYS $151,000 OVER ASKING

406 RED WING DRIVE, ALAMO 406 RED WING DRIVE, ALAMO

6 Crownridge Drive, Danville

$3,350,000

6 Crownridge Drive, Danville $3,350,000 121 SAINT ALICIA COURT, ALAMO 6 Crownridge 845 Drive, Oakley* $3,350,000 $778,000 406 RedBluestone Wing Drive, Drive, Danville Alamo $2,900,000 121 SAINT ALICIA COURT, ALAMO Red Wing Drive, Alamo $2,900,000$2,900,000 SOLD IN 6 DAYS 406 Red Wing 406 Drive, Alamo 152645 Glen Hollow Road, Danville $2,650,000 Ptarmigan Drive #2, Rossmoor $600,000 SOLD IN 6OVER DAYSASKING 15 Glen Road, $2,650,000 $451,000 LochHollow Lomond Way,Danville Danville* $2,400,000$2,650,000 15 Glen Hollow184 Road, Danville $451,000 OVER ASKING 394 LaneWay, #103, Danville $598,000 184 LochIlo Lomond Danville* $2,400,000 50 Jessica Court, Alamo $2,236,000 $2,400,000 184 Loch Lomond Way, Danville* 50 Jessica Court, Alamo $2,236,000 1400 Golden Rain Road #2, Rossmoor $490,000 1409 Emmons Canyon Drive, Alamo $2,029,000 1409 Emmons Canyon Drive, Alamo $2,029,000 50 Jessica Court, Alamo 516 Silverado Drive, Lafayette $1,625,000$2,236,000 *buyer represented 516 Silverado Drive, Lafayette $1,625,000 18 Tea Tree Court, Danville* $1,550,000 $1,625,000 516 Silverado 18 Drive, Lafayette TeaPine Tree Court,Road, Danville* $1,550,000 2818 Valley San Ramon* $1,330,000 2818 Pine Valley Road, San Ramon* $1,330,000 2818 Pine Valley Road, San Ramon* 2649 Presidio Drive, Brentwood* $1,029,000$1,330,000 2649 Presidio Drive, Brentwood* 845Drive Bluestone Drive, Oakley* Proudly $1,029,000 $778,000 serving$600,000 Danville, 2645 Ptarmigan #2, Rossmoor 845 Bluestone Drive, $778,000 #2, Rossmoor 2645 Ptarmigan DriveOakley* $600,000 and Alamo, Diablo $595,000 394 Ilo Lane #103, Danville Ptarmigan Drive #2, Rossmoor 2645Ilo $600,000 394 Lane #103, Danville $598,000 Surrounding Areas. 394 Ilo Lane #103, Danville $598,000 1400 Golden Rain RoadRain #2,Road Rossmoor 1400 Golden #2, Rossmoor $490,000 $490,000 1400 Golden Rain Road #2, Rossmoor $490,000 *buyer represented

15 GLEN HOLLOW ROAD, DANVILLE 15 GLEN HOLLOW ROAD, DANVILLE

representation is made as to the accuracy of the information

SOLD IN 9 DAYS SOLD IN 23 DAYS contained herein. All prospective buyers should investigate the ©2024 UMRO Realty Corp., dba The Agency®. No representation is made as to the accuracy of the information contained herein. All prospective buyers should investigate any SOLD IN 9OVER DAYS SOLD IN 23MULTIPLE DAYS information important and/or with appropriate $151,000 ASKING RECEIVED OFFERS information deemed important and/or consult with appropriate professionals. If your property is already listed with a real estatedeemed broker, kindly disregard. CalDREconsult #01904054 professionals. If your property is already listed with a real $151,000 OVER ASKING RECEIVED MULTIPLE OFFERS estate broker, kindly disregard. Cal DRE #0190454

JANUARY 2025

Table of Contents Calendar of Events

Letter to Residents

Expert Contributors List

Meet the Parry Family Resident Feature

Involved Parents Want to Know: When should I begin preparing my child for college?

Joybound–Looking for Love

Real Estate Statistics

New Year, New Home?

Steak and Spinach Pinwheels

SRVHS Fall Sports Wrap-up

Wolves Basketball 2025

New Year, New Beginnings Teen Journalist

January is a Great Time to Reset! Let’s Get Healthy!

St. Helena, Epicenter of the Wine Lifestyle Experience

Expert Contributor

Pet Corner

Expert Contributor

Cooking Corner Local Sports Local Sports

Expert Contributor

Day Trips and Getaways

DANVILLE LIVING CA 3

January

CALENDAR OF EVENTS Sat., Jan. 11 Aja Vu Plays the Music of Chicago @ Village Theater In this special tribute, San Francisco Bay Area Steely Dan Tribute band, Aja Vu, will be performing Chicago’s greatest hits as well as songs from Steely Dan’s songbook. Time:7-9pm Cost: $35

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, seafood, meats, local honey, and baked goods. More information at www.pcfma.com. Time: 9am-1pm Cost: Free

Mon., Jan. 30 Opening Reception: San Ramon Valley Unified School District Exhibition - Innovate to Elevate @ Art Gallery at the Village Theatre San Ramon Valley Unified School District showcases student work in this exhibition titled, “Innovate to Elevate.” Come see the talent of these young and aspiring artists! Light refreshments will be served. Time:5-7pm Cost: Free

Wed., Jan. 22 Breakfast with Friends @ Crumbs Hope you can make it to our quarterly Breakfast with Friends at Crumbs! Enjoy a hot breakfast and some fun conversations before you start your day. Always a fun morning with this group! Fees include breakfast and coffee/tea. Register at danville.ca.gov/242/Community-Events Time: 9-10:30am Cost: $20

JANUARY 2025

Publication Team Publisher:

Jo Peek, Danville Resident since 2014 Content Coordinator: Anne Angstenberger, Resident since 2006 Designer: Meagan Patry Jo Peek

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: aangstenberger@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, inclusive of materials generated or composed through artificial intelligence (AI). All content submitted is done so at the sole discretion of the submitting party. © 2025 Best Version Media. All rights reserved.

Hello Neighbors! Time seems to be flying by, and it’s unbelievable that it is already 2025! Here at Danville Living we hope that you had a restful holiday season and are ready to jump into the new year rejuvenated and prepared for a great year ahead. Perhaps you have some heath, spiritual, or personal goals you hope to achieve...or maybe just being more present and mindful of your priorities this year. Regardless of your plans, Danville is certainly the place to do it! Our feature family this month is the Parry family. The Danville natives have a sweet story of long time childhood friends, to eventually getting married and raising their family back home on the westside. We know you will love our expert and community articles, complete with a day drip to St. Helena and a cozy steak dinner recipe for you to try. If you have a story to share or know a neighbor that you would love to see on our cover, please send me an email at aangstenberger@bestversionmedia.com. We welcome all families, couples, or individuals - the only requirement is that our feature family live on the west side of Danville. So send your friends and neighbors my way, I can’t wait to meet them! See you around town!

Anne Angstenberger

Content Coordinator, Resident since 2006 We are dedicated to sharing your stories and interests. If there is anything you would like to share with our community, or see in our magazine, please don’t hesitate to email me at aangstenberger@bestversionmedia.com

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"The transformation was beyond our expectations and the entire staff is consummate professionals from the administrative aspect of the business to the design and particularly the craftmanship. We want to thank you all. The minute we walked in Natalie greeted us warmly and made us feel welcome. Osa and Alex were instrumental in the design/coordination phase, and Innesa kept us informed, coordinated scheduling, and always kept us in the know about the work progress and expectations. David is the face of the organization and his knowledge second to none. We want to give recognition to Victor especially whose craftmanship is impeccable and it's easily evident he is passionate about his work and the quality of workmanship and to Vitaly who at the end of the project makes sure his customers are completely satisﬁed and well-informed." Patrick S .

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Expert Contributors

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

Advertising - Print & Digital Danville Living CA Jo Peek 925-272-8246 DanvilleLivingCA@gmail.com www.DanvilleLivingCA.com

Over the last 9 years, Jo Peek has been helping local businesses, nonprofits, charities and schools connect with our community on a deeper level. She works with each client individually to customize a marketing campaign to suit their needs, timeline and budget.

Cooling & Heating Eco-Pro 844-605-2194 callecopro.com

Eco Pro is a family-owned and operated HVAC company established in 2016 with over five decades of combined technical experience, serving six major counties in Northern California, including Pittsburg and the surrounding areas. Call (925) 272-0094 today to learn more about our services and request a same-day service appointment!

Cosmetic Surgery Stephen J. Ronan MD FACS Blackhawk Plastic Surgery and Migraine Center 925-736-5757 www.blackhawkplasticsurgery.com

Blackhawk Plastic Surgery has been offering their patients the highest quality care in the Blackhawk area for more than 20 years. Including a fully accredited on-site surgery center, clinical Med Spa and top ranked Hair Restoration Center, Dr. Ronan’s team of skilled professionals are dedicated to delivering transformative results with every treatment.

Dentist Dr. Cynthia Stephenson, DDS Dentist of Walnut Creek 925-938-6000 www.dentistofwalnutcreek.com

We recognize that all of our patients are unique and deserve to receive dental care that reflects their individual needs. Our experienced and talented dental team is committed to working with you and your family to create a comfortable, stressfree, and rewarding dental experience every time you visit our practice. We are pleased to welcome you and your family, and we look forward to working with you.

Dermatology Wallach Derma Center Adam Wallach, M.D. 925-837-8848 www.WallachDermaCenter.com

At Wallach Derma Center, our top priority is providing first-rate dermatologic health care. We have built a stellar reputation by developing relationships with our patients. We strive to understand your concerns, to answer the questions you have, and to develop an optimal, personalized treatment plan for you. Because of our strong emphasis on continuing education, we are able to offer you the latest, most advanced dermatologic treatments, with meticulous attention to both your good health and appearance. We have extensive experience in the treatment of a wide array of skin conditions in patients of all ages.

Life Coach EYC Life Coach Christina Dalton 925-872-4726 Christina@EYHLifeCoach.com www.eyhcollegecoach.com/

Christina has serviced the high school community for 39 years as: Lead Counselor, Math Dept. Chair, Academy Coordinator and Educational Trainer. As a certified executive Life Coach credentialed from UC Davis, Christina gives her clients a powerful edge. From developing a diverse college list, to creating a competitive profile with dynamic essays and interviewing strategy, Christina has guided hundreds of students into top universities throughout the United States.

Memory Care Carefield Pleasanton Memory Care 925-750-8744 www.carefieldpleasanton.com

Carefield Pleasanton provides exceptional memory care in a lovely senior living community located in Pleasanton, CA. With a compassionate team, we provide 24/7 support with a personalized care plan, an enriching calendar of activities, delicious dining, & private residences. Take a tour today.

Music Danville Music 115 Town and Country Dr. Suite E Danville, CA 94526 925-226-8772 info@danvillemusic.com

We are a full-service music center that offers high-quality, brand name instruments for purchase and rent, supplies and accessories, repair services, as well as private lessons with well-known, established instructors. Danville Music is proud to be Northern California’s premier guitar shop. Nothing compares to our selection of high quality and boutique custom instruments in a wide variety of price ranges.

Real Estate Lisa Hopkins-Cochran Compass 925-964-5010 Lisa.Hopkins@Compass.com www.LoveHomes.pro

Lisa’s consultative and solutions based approach to real estate sales has been impressing her clients for 33 years. Lisa is an East Bay native and longtime resident of Danville, where she’s been involved in the community while raising her two children. Lisa takes pride in excellent communication skills, creativity, attention to details, and empathy, to provide the ultimate customer experience and successful transactions. Contact Lisa for “Service from the Heart.” DRE#01111126

Remodeling America’s Dream Homeworks Vlad Chernioglo (916) 739-0996 vladc@dreamhomeworks.com

Our company offers one-stop shopping for your complete kitchen and bathroom remodeling projects. We handle the design, materials and installation in house, so you only deal with one, full-service company. Find all the styles, fixtures and products for your renovation project in our 20,000 sq. ft. kitchen and bathroom showroom.

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

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.

Find us online DanvilleLivingCA 6

JANUARY 2025

Expert Contributor

Why Choose Our Kitchen Cabinet Experts? By Vlad Chernioglo, America’s Dream HomeWorks

rom refacing your existing cabinets to replacing them with a custom-built design, we’re your one-stop shop for any cabinetry needs.

Kitchen cabinets are an extremely practical and important feature of any functional kitchen, but that doesn’t mean they can’t be incredibly beautiful too! At America’s Dream HomeWorks, we’re a full-service kitchen remodeling company that’s known for combining high quality, high style, and high functionality. As an A+ BBB-accredited and family-owned kitchen remodeler since 2001, we know that there’s no one-sizefits-all formula for the perfect kitchen. What works for your family may or may not be suitable for another. That’s why we offer such an extensive variety of kitchen cabinet services! With DreamLine Cabinetry to ensure a tailored experience, smooth process, and complete client satisfaction from start to finish we do everything in house - from design, and fabrication, to installation. Many homeowners hire us for their main kitchen cabinets, but our services are available for pantry cabinets, mudrooms, and even custom entertainment systems. If it’s a part of your home’s design, storage, or organization solutions, we can help! Our staff includes designers, engineers, and production specialists, who take full responsibility for every aspect of the job. With a track record of success that includes over 19,500 happy customers, America’s Dream HomeWorks and DreamLine Cabinetry is a company you can count on to bring your cabinet dreams to life!

The Carbonell Forrey Wealth Management Group 1331 North California Boulevard, Suite 650 Walnut Creek, CA 94596 (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 © 2020 RBC Wealth Management, a division of RBC Capital Markets, LLC, Member NYSE/FINRA/SIPC. All rights reserved. 20-WC-02096 (05/20) DANVILLE LIVING CA 7

Resident Feature

Meet the

Parry Family Homegrown Happiness, One Adventure at a Time By Anne Angstenberger, Resident since 2006 Photos provided by the Parry Family

t was “crush at first sight” for Kensey when she spotted Michael in the halls of Stone Valley Middle School. Although the two were not in the same grade, they were lucky enough to spend some shifts working in the snack shack together. Meeting up again at San Ramon Valley High, the crush became mutual and ignited a brief summer romance. Kensey recalls “this was when you paid by the text, so I was grounded a lot after my parents got my phone bill.” As many typical high school romance stories go…the timing “wasn’t quite right,” but they remained friends throughout the years. One of the unique westside Danville traditions is the inevitable meet up in downtown during the holidays, and Michael and Kensey were no exception. During a chance downtown run in, there was “no doubt the spark was still there.” After just one year of dating, Michael and Kensey were engaged while sailing in the Sea of Cortez. They were married in Kensey’s parents backyard in 2014. Having lived in Pleasanton for a few years in an attempt to shorten their commutes, they ultimately settled back in their childhood town of Danville. Being Danville locals, Michael and Kensey have fun and familiar memories of Mustang soccer and the Danville baseball and softball leagues. Michael grew up off of El Pintado, playing every sport he could including swim and tennis, and eventually graduated from

Arizona State. After receiving his Masters in Kinesiology from Cal State East Bay, he put his passion for health to good use working as a Tennis Pro for Blackhawk County Club before transitioning into Revenue Operations. Working with technology startups, he loves the daily challenges that come with building business for scale. Growing up close to Montair, Kensey is very familiar with the westside, sharing happy memories of adventures on the Iron Horse trail and competitive soccer. She graduated from Chico State and then pursued her Masters degree in Change Management from Hawaii Pacific University on Oahu. Trading the island life adventures to come back home to California, her first job was working in sales for a technology startup. Over the years Kensey has settled into GTM Strategy and Enablement, finding her passion in working across functions to support sales teams. Having three young children, Emerson (8), James (7) and Sunny (4), certainly keeps the Parry family busy. Emerson is both a sports enthusiast and art lover. She is lucky to have an incredible grandma (Lala) who is an artist and regularly paints with her. James can often be found playing a game of pick up kickball with friends, and playing whatever sport is in season! Both have a big cheering squad of grandparents, who rarely miss a game. Never to be left behind, Sunny is the best little sister, always along for the ride to practices or games and being her siblings’ “very best cheerleader.” Both Kensey and Michael coach Rec for Mustang soccer and love hearing “Hey Coach!” in the halls at drop off and pick up at Montair Elementary. It makes them feel even more connected to their school and community. During the spring, Michael also loves coaching baseball for Danville Little League, and is known to pull together a few scrimmages with James and his friends to get them ready for the spring season. The Parrys take full advantage of living so close to the snow, spending as many winter weekends as possible skiing. “Getting three kids dressed in their ski gear and boots is no easy feat (essentially a sport itself), then you get to carry the rest of their gear (and sometimes a

JANUARY 2025

child) to the hill…but we turned a corner this past season with all three skiing on their own and it is the absolute best!”

so close to school, walking distance to all the westside has to offer, and of course their neighbors and community.

Sneaking in early morning workouts is important to Michael, and Kensey loves her weekly hiking group. She “has the best group of ladies” who hike all year and prepare for their annual Ridge Hike in Las Trampas to raise money for breast cancer prevention. As a survivor herself, this is a cause near and dear to Kensey’s heart.

Growing up, Kensey’s parents would always host a neighborhood 4th of July party, complete with long jump, greased watermelon, and swim relay competitions. “It was such a great day of family fun that we decided to bring back a version for our kids and friends. The kids’ events are fun, but the adult sweatsuit swim relay is always the highlight- it gets pretty competitive!”

Making the decision to move back to Danville and raise their family here has been a blessing. In 2015 when Kensey was 7 months pregnant with their oldest, they bought their first project home on Ochos Rios… they immediately went to work with renovations, and Kensey went into labor the day they moved in! While they loved their neighborhood, they always had their eye on their dream property. On a whim Kensey decided to call the owners and ask them if they would be willing to sell it. The timing was right and they closed 3 months later. They have lived in their home on Love Lane for the past 1.5 years and love being

The Parry family feels so lucky to “foster independence in our kids and give them a bit of freedom to do things on their own” because of their wonderful neighborhood. They also recognize, “It’s a really special thing, living in the town you grew up in. We are still discovering new things to do as a family, while also sharing some of our favorite things from our past.” While annual trips to Mexico, Kauai, and weekend getaways to Tahoe or Pinecrest are always a treat, the Parry family loves coming back home to their community and family in Danville.

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 aangstenberger@bestversionmedia.com.

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Expert Contributor

Involved Parents Want to Know: When should I begin preparing my child for college? By Christina Dalton, MS, PPS, PCC, EYH Life Coach

his can be one of the most difficult questions for a parent to answer. My husband and I began our discussion with our children early. From junior high school, each vacation involved a trip to a local university. So when should you start? If you are an active, committed parent like myself, here is a guide to help you. Parents can begin preparing their students for college well before the application process starts. Here’s a timeline of when and how to get started:

2. Early High School (Grades 9-10): •

Building Strong Academic Foundations: Ensure your student focuses on core subjects, as GPA and class performance are key in college admissions.

•

Exploring Interests: Encourage your child to explore academic and extracurricular interests (e.g., internships, volunteer work, clubs) that align with potential college majors.

•

Understand College Admission Requirements: Research college admission requirements for different types of schools (e.g., state schools, private universities, liberal arts colleges) to know which courses your student should take.

1. Middle School (Grades 6-8): •

Fostering Good Study Habits: Help your child develop strong organizational and time-management skills.

•

Encouraging Extracurricular Activities: Encourage involvement in extracurriculars, whether academic clubs, sports, or arts, to build well-rounded interests.

•

Introduce the Idea of College: Start casual conversations about what college is and why it’s a valuable path, making sure to include discussions about different types of schools and careers.

•

3. Junior Year (Grade 11): •

Research College Options: Start exploring different types of colleges (e.g., large universities, small liberal arts schools, community colleges) to see which fits best with your student’s interests, values, and career goals.

•

Test Preparation: If your child plans to take the SAT, ACT, or other standardized tests, junior year is when they should begin preparation. Consider hiring a tutor or enrolling in test prep classes if needed.

JANUARY 2025

•

Start Building a College List: Begin narrowing down a list of schools your child may want to apply to. Consider factors like academic programs, location, campus culture, and cost.

General Tips Throughout the Process:

Visit Colleges: If possible, plan visits to campuses to get a feel for different environments. College tours and information sessions can provide valuable insights. Explore Financial Aid: Begin understanding the costs of college, scholarships, grants, and other financial aid opportunities. Familiarize yourself with FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) and other financial assistance options.

Finalize College List: Narrow down the list of schools your student wants to apply to, and determine the application deadlines.

•

Application Prep: Help your student organize application requirements, including essays, recommendation letters, transcripts, and standardized test scores. Be proactive in ensuring deadlines are met.

•

College Essays and Interviews: Assist with essay brainstorming, editing, and preparation for interviews. Encourage your child to be reflective and authentic in their application materials.

•

Financial Aid & Scholarships: Complete the FAFSA and look into other scholarships or state-based financial aid programs. Be sure to check deadlines for aid applications.

•

Decision Making: Once acceptances come in, help your child weigh the pros and cons of each school, considering factors like financial aid offers, location, and long-term career goals.

•

College Visits: If your child hasn’t already visited the final schools on their list, now is the time for “admitted student” days to get a better sense of the community before making a final choice.

Encourage Independence: Allow your student to take the lead on decisions as they approach high school and college, with guidance from you when needed.

•

Promote Life Skills: Teach your child basic life skills, such as managing a budget, cooking simple meals, and handling time management—skills they will need when living on their own.

In short, preparation for college should begin as early as middle school, with a focus on academic success, personal growth, and exploring college options in high school. The earlier you begin fostering independence and encouraging your student to think critically about their future, the smoother the transition to college will be. At EYHCollegeCoach, we partner with our clients to assist in this exploration to prepare for success. Check our many packages or customize your own unique journey at:

4. Senior Year (Grade 12): •

•

https://www.eyhcollegecoach.com/

5. Summer Before College: •

Prepare for Transition: Help your student with packing, understanding their college schedule, and preparing for dorm life. This can include organizing finances, setting up a bank account, or figuring out how to handle health insurance.

•

Final Decision: If your student hasn’t already committed, this is the final chance to decide which college to attend and send in the deposit.

Christina Dalton is the Principal of EYH Life Coach. She applies her own personal and career transitions along with several degrees and credentials to provide insight and knowledge into the coaching experience. Christina handpicks her staff, all of whom are ICF credentialed and have unique experiences to create invaluable coaching sessions.

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Pet Corner

Joybound

Here are some of our adorable animals looking for love: CATS: Grand

DOGS:

Zesty

Looking for Love By Chelsea Blackburn, Joybound

Fry

dopt a new best friend at Joybound People & Pets (formerly the Animal Rescue Foundation) in Walnut Creek! View available dogs and cats online or visit Joybound in-person: MondaySunday, 12-6 pm. Our team is excited to guide you in choosing a pet, share information about their history and behavior, and provide helpful resources.

Columbia

Chase

Joybound adoption fees: • • • • • •

$150 for an adult dog • $375 for a puppy (<6 months) • $75 for a special-needs dog • $200 for a special-needs puppy (<6 months) • $75 for a senior dog (7+ years) • Adoption fees waived for US military Veterans •

Huck

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JANUARY 2025

Real Estate Listings in West Danville Real Estate is proudly sponsored by Gatti Real Estate Addresses in Bold are Seller’s/Buyer’s represented by Ron and Joe Gatti | 12/10/24

Active Listings Street List Price Sq. Ft. Beds Baths

Midland Way Rubicon Cir Jewel Terrace Hartz Ave Winfield Lane Hartz Ave Ocho Rios Pl

Briar Place Roberts Ct Nelson Lane Montair Dr Sky Terrace Verona Ave Starview Pl

$699,800 $799,000 $935,000 $986,000 $1,499,900 $1,525,000 $1,850,000

1114 1388 1559 760 1932 1350 2245

2 2 3 1 3 2 4

1 2 2 1 2 2 2

$2,248,000 $2,700,000 $3,398,000 $3,498,000 $3,499,000 $4,599,999 $8,999,000

3158 3363 4551 3612 3007 4735 6400

5 4 5 5 4 6 5

3 3 4 3 3 4 5

Pending Listings Street List Price Sq. Ft. Beds Baths

Garden Creek Pl Garden Creek Pl Garden Creek Pl

$899,000 $915,000 $929,000

1357 1357 1357

3 3 3

2 2 2

La Gonda Ct Hartz Ave Highland Dr

$1,749,950 $2,190,000 $5,688,000

1357 1891 2492 1908

3 4 4 3

2 2 2 2

Weller Ln Briar Place

$1,875,000 $1,900,000 $1,999,000 $1,860,000

Sold Listings Street List Price Sold Price Sq. Ft. Beds Baths Garden Creek Pl $905,000 $890,000 Elsie Dr $1,500,000 $1,425,000 Town And Country Dr $1,795,000 $1,925,000 Cavalry Ct $1,798,888 $1,795,000

1426 1575 4141

4 2 4

2 2 3

Sold Listings Street List Price Sold Price Sq. Ft. Beds Baths 2202 2924

4 4

3 3

Best Version Media does not guarantee the accuracy of the statistical data on this page. The data does not represent the listings of any one agent or agency but represents the activity of the real estate community in the area. Any real estate agent’s ad appearing in the magazine is separate from the statistical data provided which is in no way a part of their advertisement.

HAPPY NEW YEAR FROM JOE & RON GATTI AS DANVILLE NATIVES, WE KNOW DANVILLE AND THE SAN RAMON VALLEY SOLD! | CAR LOVERS DREAM

PENDING | PRIME OPPORTUNITY

HIGHEST SALE EVER FOR THIS MODEL

55 DIABLO WAY | DANVILLE

18271 BOLLINGER CANYON ROAD SAN RAMON

34 DANVILLE OAK PL | DANVILLE

5 BED | 4 BATH | 2,766 SF | 0.38 ACRES SOLD FOR $2,100,000

7.17 ACRES | SURVEYED | $595,000

JOE GATTI

RON GATTI

JULIE CYGAN

Broker Assoc. 925.588.3590 DRE 01914487

Broker Assoc. 925.596.1972 DRE 00623995

REALTOR® 510.501.5160 DRE 02059093

g a t t i r e a l e s t a t e @ g m a i l .co m

3 BED | 2 BATH | 1,302 SF SOLD FOR $1,020,000

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 CA 13

Expert Contributor

New Year, New Home? By Lisa Hopkins-Cochran, REALTOR® at Compass

s it time for change? Whether it is a change in your family, finances, health, career or simply a desire for change, January is a great time to prepare for a move. Whether your destination home is down the road or out of state, spring & summer will bring a good number of home options to market. If you have a home to sell soon, you’re also positioned in a great time of year. Do your homework early, so that you’ll have a plan in place without unnecessary surprises. Talk to your financial planner, CPA or other trusted professionals to find out what your tax ramifications might be. Your Realtor® can help you calculate other closing costs and expenses, so that you have a realistic view of the financials. If you’ll be financing your next purchase, consult with a trusted lender (don’t just drop numbers into an online calculator) to make sure that you’ve explored your loan options and to make sure that there isn’t anything that you aren’t aware of, that could prevent you from obtaining the financing that you have in mind. Will you need the equity in your current home, to purchase the next one? You’ll want to evaluate the pros and cons of selling first, versus buying first…and you may need approval for a bridge loan, if you plan to buy first. Buying first usually involves more financial risk and expense, however, many people choose to buy first because the “right” home is the motivation for the move, and they want to know where they’re going. If you’re looking at a different area, or perhaps a different type of home, be sure to investigate your insurance options and know what the average new policy of homeowners insurance is likely to cost. Familiarize yourself with property tax rates & special assessments. These can vary significantly by state, county, city & neighborhood. If you’re moving to an area that you don’t know very well, consider renting a home first…at least for a few months. This will allow you enough time to find the neighborhoods that

best match your lifestyle and personal taste. It will also give you time to figure out which neighborhoods the locals value most, hopefully leading you to a strong investment. Desirable features aren’t always the same, from one community to the next. If you’re moving to a different climate, be sure to think about the seasons and what that will mean for your lifestyle, and your utility bills. Quality of schools, commute distances, and access to medical care are all factors to consider, even if they are not important to you. Why? They will have an impact on your long term investment, if they are not favorable to the majority of home buyers. One thing is for certain, time moves quickly! Take advantage of the rainy days of January to do some early pre-move packing, cleaning and home repairs/improvement, if needed. If you have a home to sell, consult with your Realtor® now to make a plan that fits your needs & timing. You’ll want to be ready for the best opportunities, when the time comes. Every home sale and purchase is unique. Please feel free to reach out to me at 925-964-5010 or via email at Lisa.Hopkins@Compass.com to discuss your options. It’s never too early to start planning for success.

Lisa’s consultative and solutions based approach to real estate has been impressing her clients for 33 years. Lisa is an East Bay native and longtime Danville resident, where she’s been actively involved in the community while raising her two children. DRE#01111126

Lisa Hopkins-Cochran Residential REALTOR® for 33 Years

Recipient of the Five Star Professional Award 2012-2024

Service from the Heart 925-964-5010

Lisa.Hopkins@Compass.com www.LoveHomes.pro Certified Trust & Probate Specialist 14

DRE#01111126

JANUARY 2025

Cooking Corner

Steak and Spinach Pinwheels By Stephanie Seaberg, Resident since 2010

anuary means cozy, warm, and filling dinners in my house to help us forget that itʼs going to be cold and wet outside for the next two months. That usually means itʼs time for steak. As awesome as steak is, I feel that it has to be paired with a nice deep green vegetable for balance, and cream of spinach has always been my favorite thing to eat with a steak. By combining the two dishes into this yummy steak pinwheel, you save on time and clean up. Plus, it looks beautiful when you serve it next to some mashed potatoes. So put on your sweatpants and a good movie. Itʼs time to eat steak and chill!

STEAK AND SPINACH PINWHEELS Serves 4

You will need;

• 2 pounds of flank steak • 1/2 package of Boursin soft cheese • 4 strips of prosciutto • 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese • Half of a 10 oz bag of fresh • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella spinach (not frozen) cheese • Drizzle of olive oil, divided • 8 barbecue skewers, broken in • 1/3 cup yellow onion, finely half (don’t use toothpicks) chopped • Torani white chocolate sauce • 2 cloves of garlic, minced

Putting it together;

Preheat the oven to 400°. Lay the flank steak on a cutting board and cover with plastic wrap. Using a meat mallet, pound the beef thin to tenderize it, then set aside. In a medium size bowl, combine the Boursin cheese, mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese, until well blended. Set it aside. In a medium size pan, add a little water and heat it up, then add the fresh spinach. Cover and allow the spinach to steam for 5 minutes on low, stirring occasionally. Once the spinach is wilted, transfer to a strainer to cool and drain. In that same pan, heat the olive oil and sauté the onion on medium heat until soft. About five minutes. Add the garlic and cook for one more minute. Transfer the onions to the cheese mixture and add the spinach. Mix everything well. Go back to the steak and layer the prosciutto on top. Then spread the spinach mixture on top. (Do your best to keep the spinach in the center of the steak so it doesn’t ooze out when you’re rolling it) starting at one end, and tightly roll the steak into a pinwheel shape. Take the barbecue skewers, and insert them all the way through the steaks to secure its shape. Then using a sharp knife cut each roll in half. You should have four beautiful pinwheel steaks.

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.

In a medium size skillet, heat up a drizzle of olive oil. Once it is hot, brown the steaks on all sides and transfer to an oven safe baking dish, cut side down. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes. Depending on how well done you like your steak. Once they’re finished, allow them to cool for five minutes and carefully remove the barbecue skewers before serving. Where residents find and recommend the best local, trusted businesses

DANVILLE LIVING CA 15

Local Sports

SRVHS Fall Sports Wrap-up By Chris Declercq, SRVHS Athletic Director, Photos provided by Chris Declercq

Congratulations to our amazing Fall Athletes!

Flag Football Finished 2nd in the EBAL, and earned the #3 seed in NCS All League players Offensive Player- of The Year- Gia Ryan 1st team- Sydney Gann 2nd team- Hania Bowes, Ella Gunderson, Lauren Clark

Girls Volleyball STATE CHAMPIONS NorCal Champions All League Players 1st team- Lucy Chertock, Ellie Hunt 2nd team- Sophia Vella

Girls Water Polo NorCal Champions NCS Champions All League Players 1st team- Shelby Killingsworth, and Daphne Mundelius 2nd teamNatalie Buck, Olivia Anderson, and Brooke Temkin

Boys Water Polo Finished 2nd in EBAL, and advanced to NCS semi-finals All League Players 1st team- Evan Liberatore, Donovan Swann, and Daniel Drozdowicz 2nd team- Charlie Feaver, Stellan Karkazis

Football EBAL Mountain Division Champions. Finished as the NCS division 1 runner-up. All League Players Defensive Player of the year Marco Jones 1st team- Owen Scott, Dylan Dietsch, Rhett Thompson, Kaleb Pleis, Jason Doyle 2nd team- Max Ellis, Mathew Garibaldi, Evan Economos, Brayden Forschler, Julien Cambra, Luke Fitzgerald, Tyler Petersen

Girls Tennis Monika Tekic- NCS Singles Champion Team finished 2nd in EBAL Valley Division, advanced to the NCS team tournament. All League Players 1st team- Monika Tekic, Olivia Gallaway, Sydney Yuen

JANUARY 2025

Girls Golf Team advanced to the NCS team tournament. All League Players 1st team- Mia McDowell

Cross Country Boys- Qualified for NCS Meet Girls- EBAL runner-up, NCS 3rd place, 18th place finish at the California State Meet. All League Players 1st team- Hailey Gunderson(G), Emma Davidson(G) 2nd team- Sierra Davalle(G), Ila Mustin(G) Hon. Mention- Alexandra Smith(G)

Band 2nd Place in 2A Parade Bands 2nd Place in 2A Street Percussion 3rd Place in 2A Color Guard

Sideline Cheer, POM Did an amazing job performing at home and away football games during the Fall. POM will continue to perform at basketball this Winter.

DANVILLE LIVING CA 17

Local Sports

Wolves Basketball 2025 By Anne Angstenberger, Resident since 2006

Come Cheer on your SRVHS Men’s Varsity Wolves! Fri. Jan 10 v. DVHS 7:30PM Tues. Jan 14 @ DLS 7:30PM Fri. Jan 17 @ Livermore 7:30PM Tues. Jan 21 v. AVHS 7:30PM Fri. Jan 24 @ Cal High 7:30PM Tues. Jan 28 v. Granada 7:30PM Fri. Jan 31 @ Foothill 7:30PM Tues. Feb 4 v. Dublin 7:30PM Fri. Feb 7 v. Monte Vista Time TBD

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JANUARY 2025

Teen Journalist

New Year, New Beginnings By Kaylan Rizkalli, Member of the Danville Youth Council

anuary is a month that generally symbolizes new beginnings and renewal. The name January is actually derived from the name of the two-faced Roman god Janus, said to symbolize transition from the past to the future. New Year’s Day kicks off a month dedicated to a fresh start and hopeful wishing for a better year ahead. While many New Year’s Resolutions tend to focus on self improvement in one form or another, some can be drastic - calling for a complete change of way of life. A drastic resolution is often unattainable and can leave many feeling discouraged. Oftentimes, instead of focusing on a complete change, it’s easier to focus on one important aspect of your life you want to improve through small, simple steps. The perfect place to start your journey to self improvement is taking care of your mental health. This New Year, when creating a fresh start, try to place more of an emphasis on your mental health. Especially for teens, when the New Year often means a stressful semester two filled with AP Exams and tests, the New Year is the perfect time to check in with yourself mentally. Improving your mental health doesn’t have to seem like a big, impossible task. Instead, finding a couple simple yet effective steps to implement in your daily life can create a world of good. For instance, maybe your goal for the New Year is to practice mindfulness every morning - spending a quiet moment with yourself before launching into your busy day. Another option that can be easily incorporated into any part of the day is a quick meditation. You can easily find a short meditation on YouTube that connects to what you might be feeling that day or even follow a guided meditation script online and reflect on it.

One of the biggest, and probably hardest, things to do that will greatly improve your mental health is getting away from your phone. I know firsthand how difficult it can be to step away from your phone and stop “deadscrolling” on Instagram and Tik Tok. Still, it’s important to remember that time on social media platforms can quickly turn destructive as these apps can be plagued with media that lowers your self-esteem and creates body image issues. Starting off small, and slowly lowering your phone time can greatly benefit your mental health. In the time you spend getting away from your phone, you can dedicate it to reading a new book, journaling, spending time in nature and with friends, and more. This month, as you begin to take on new beginnings and a fresh start, remember to start small and focus on your mental health. As you look forward to what the new year holds, don’t forget to celebrate your past accomplishments and congratulate yourself on getting through the year.

Kaylan Rizkalli is currently a Junior at Carondelet High School and loves to be active in her community. She is a part of Model United Nations as well as the Multiplying Good club at her school, and plays soccer and lacrosse. In her free time, she loves to play piano and read mystery books. She is thrilled to be a teen journalist for Danville Living CA and is excited to share her thoughts on various topics to peers and neighbors. DANVILLE LIVING CA 19

We want to hear from you! We are looking for articles from you, our residents. Tell us about a charity you volunteer for, a hobby, a great hike you’ve found, a special way you celebrated a holiday, craft ideas, recipes, a beautiful photo! Send your ideas or photos to aangstenberger@bestversionmedia.com by the 10th of the month for publishing the next month.

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JANUARY 2025

Expert Contributor

January is a Great Time to Reset! Let’s Get Healthy! By Dr. Cynthia E. Stephenson, DDS

t’s a New Year! Are you prioritizing health and starting the year off with easy steps to improve your body and strengthen your immune system?

1. Preventive Dental Care is Cost-Effective: •

Regular dental check-ups and cleanings are essential preventive measures that help detect dental problems early when they are easier and less expensive to treat.

2. Preventive Measures Help Avoid Emergency Dental Visits: •

Neglecting dental health can lead to dental emergencies, such as severe toothaches, infections, or broken teeth, which often require immediate and costly treatments.

3. Early Detection and Treatment Save Money: •

Dental problems like cavities, gum disease, and oral infections can worsen over time if left untreated, leading to more extensive and expensive treatments.

4. Preservation of Natural Teeth: •

Prioritizing preventive care and addressing dental issues promptly can help preserve your natural teeth for as long as possible. Tooth replacements like dental implants and restorative dentistry is costly and may require ongoing maintenance, making the preservation of natural teeth the more cost-effective option.

Prevention of Systemic Health Issues: •

Poor oral health has been linked to various systemic health conditions, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and respiratory infections.

6. Avoidance of Long-Term Dental Costs: •

Neglecting dental health can lead to the need for extensive and costly dental treatments, such as root canal therapy, tooth extractions, or periodontal surgery.

Financial Preparedness for Dental Expenses: •

Incorporating dental expenses into your overall financial plan can help you budget for routine dental care, preventive treatments, and any unforeseen dental emergencies.

Quality dental care is not always top of mind but is an important part of planning and maintaining health. Consider prioritizing dental health as part of your financial and health planning as you look at a new healthy upcoming year! You can look great, feel healthy, and save money!

DANVILLE LIVING CA 21

Day Trips and Getaways

St. Helena, Epicenter of the Wine Lifestyle Experience By Ted Johnson, Resident since 1991; Photos by Amy Carabba-Salazar, St. Helena Chamber of Commerce

hat 4.5 million people visit Napa Valley each year tends to make us locals think just another major tourism attraction. But all it takes is one day in St. Helena and its quaint Main Street, the nearby world-class wineries to go with top-notch culinary options, spas, and shops, to remind us of how lucky we are to be this close to the epicenter of “the wine lifestyle experience.” A great way to start is the “Napa Valley Wine Passport” from the St. Helena Welcome Center. For $95 apiece, it gives access to 13 wineries and brings extended tastings, unique wine and food pairings, and tours, like that of historic Beringer Vineyards estate (146-years-old and as stunning as anything you’ll find in the Northern Rhone region of France). It’s best to buy the Passport and then contact the wineries, as Sterling, Pope Valley, among others, require reservations. The Passport is good for one person but can be used through March 2025. Spa-centric St. Helena makes it easy to focus on wellness, and the Spa at Meadowood remains a favorite. The resort’s reception, restaurant and cabins burned in the famous 2020 Glass Fire, but the Spa remains and still has its Tree House Milk Bath, which exfoliates and hydrates the skin. The Tree House Mustard Bath helps detoxify, ease muscle aches, and improve circulation, offering a soothing and restorative experience. Meadowood is located a few miles away off the Silverado Trail, so for those who want to stay on Main Street, Spa Alila offers ancient healing with modern wellness experiences with signature massages, a soothing steam room and guided meditation. Strolling Main means being tempted to dive into shops, galleries and restaurants that give St. Helena its charm. On the north end, the NO/MA House Café & Collective brings together wine, food, coffee and art. Sample the $7 turmeric latte while you peruse the pottery and jewelry. Walking into the JCB St. Helena tasting room is like stepping into the boudoir of French king Louis XV – velvet walls and gauche paintings and mirrors on the wall, and a small black bar. JCB offers tastings of high-end French wines, so it’s sort of like a competitor setting up camp in the middle of the Valley. Owner Tim Wood makes it a treat to learn about how the various wines differ and coalesce with Napa’s best.

A visit to the Napa Valley Olive Oil Company is another throwback experience. This barn two blocks off Main Street holds bottles and gallon jugs of olive oil and balsamic vinegars in various varieties. Italian meats, cheeses and other delicacies fill the shelves, and the concrete floor still has the tracks for the small rail cars that hauled olives in for crushing. Though wine is central to this lifestyle, food is just as important. For mid-day eating, Gillwood’s Café is more traditional breakfast and brunch fare – pancakes, eggs benedict. Need a little more flare? One street east of Main Street is where you’ll find Charlie’s, known for its fried chicken and shrimp and grits, but always get the Campfire Pie. For dinner, St. Helena spoils with high-end choices such as Press and Cook, and Farmstead at Long Meadow is indeed a true farm-to-table experience. Charter Oak deserves a look because Chef Christopher Kostow, who built the Meadowood Restaurant into a 3-star Michelin stop, is the man behind the menu. In all, St. Helena is indeed an epicurean attraction, singular, admired around the world that we get to visit any time.

Danville resident Ted Johnson has been a journalist for more than 40 years. 22

JANUARY 2025

DANVILLE LIVING CA 23

1393

REFLECTING ON A WONDERFUL YEAR TOGETHER LET’S MAKE

EVEN BRIGHTER!

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Compass is a real estate broker licensed by the State of California operating under multiple entities. License Numbers 01991628, 1527235, 1527365, 1356742, 1443761, 1997075, 1935359, 1961027, 1842987, 1869607, 1866771, 1527205, 1079009, 1272467. All material is intended for informational purposes only and is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions, changes in price, condition, sale, or withdrawal without notice. No statement is made as to the accuracy of any description or measurements (including square footage). This is not intended to solicit property already listed. No ﬁnancial or legal advice provided. Equal Housing Opportunity. Photos may be virtually staged or digitally enhanced and may not reﬂect actual property conditions.

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