Danville Living CA July 2023

Publication Team

Publisher: Jo Peek, Danville Resident since 2014

Content Coordinator: Anne Angstenberger, Resident since 2006

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: aangstenberger@bestversionmedia.com.

Hello Neighbors!

Happy Independence Day from the Danville Living Team! The 4th of July Parade is one of the most beloved traditions in Danville and the greater Bay Area. It is a day of celebration for our local community as well as a patriotic display for the birth of our nation. For anyone who has lived in Danville for just few months or even decades, you know it is an event not to be missed!

This month we are excited to feature the Niemiec Family. Read all about why they decided to settle down and raise their sweet girls here in Danville. A collection of expert articles, community highlights and a jam packed list of summer events are also included in our July issue. Enjoy!

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

Where

Jo Peek

Expert Contributors

Advertising - Print & Digital Danville Living CA

Jo Peek

925-272-8246

DanvilleLivingCA@gmail.com

www.DanvilleLivingCA.com

Banking Community Bank of the Bay Team Danville 925-838-2902

info@bankcbb.com

www.bankcbb.com

Cooling & Heating Eco-Pro

844-605-2194 callecopro.com

Cosmetic Surgery

Stephen J. Ronan MD FACS

Blackhawk Plastic Surgery and Migraine Center

925-736-5757

www.blackhawkplasticsurgery.com

Dentist

Dr. Cynthia Stephenson, DDS

Dentist of Walnut Creek

925-938-6000

www.dentistofwalnutcreek.com

Dermatology

Wallach Derma Center

Adam Wallach, M.D.

925-837-8848

www.WallachDermaCenter.com

Life Coach

EYC Life Coach

Christina Dalton

925-872-4726

Christina@EYHLifeCoach.com www.eyhlifecoach.com

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

Established in 1996, Community Bank of the Bay (CBB) is an independent, community-focused bank. Our mission is to foster and promote economic development in the communities we serve. We take the time to listen, understand, and develop customized financial solutions to support the needs of businesses. CBB is a FDIC member, SBA Preferred Lender, and a CDARS depository institution. We are California’s first FDIC-insured certified Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI).

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!

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.

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.

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.

Christina Dalton is the principal Life Coach for Expanding YOUR Horizons. She is credentialed through ICF as a PCC, Professional Certified Coach. She has worked with people in all stages of life; including students, families, new businesses, etc. Christina embodies the passion and enthusiasm for you to reach your FULL professional and personal potential. “Working with us is a wonderful journey in growth fueled by empowerment, passion and execution.”

Expert Contributors

Memory Care

Carefield Pleasanton Memory Care

Parveen Singh 925-750-8744 www.carefieldpleasanton.com

Mortgage CrossCountry Mortgage LLC

W. Todd Galde 925-854-5238 todd.galde@myccmortgage.com www.toddgalde.com

Real Estate

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

Remodeling America’s Dream Homeworks

Vlad Chernioglo (916) 739-0996 vladc@dreamhomeworks.com

Wealth Management

Jim Carbonell Matt Forrey

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

Wine

The Barnyard Epicurean Wine Bar

Lisa and Will Dickson 925-725-4594 thebarnyardepicurean@gmail.com www.barnyardwinebar.com

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

Carefield Pleasanton provides exceptional memory care in a lovely senior living community located in Pleasanton, CA. With a nurse on staff and 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.

After more than 20 years, Todd Galde has mastered the process of helping borrowers with different income sources, matching the correct loan to their unique circumstances. We teach and advise, then we customize. A Direct Lender, Team Galde offers solutions with competitive rates and financing programs that give you more qualifying options, including the unique NINE Loan for owner-occupied purchase or refinance. Learn more at www.The9Loan.com.

Lisa’s consultative and solutions based approach to real estate sales has been impressing her clients for 32 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.”

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.

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.

The Barnyard Wine Bar is that warm and welcoming cozy place – a new but familiar escape. Smells of wood, barrels, and corks; sounds of clinking glasses & laughter. Velvet energy, good vibes & light, coupled with delicious wines, cheese, charcuterie, craft beer and acoustic music. An ambient venue for date night, friends’ night out or elevated private party. Born and raised in Northern California, Will & Lisa’s journey has always involved the passion of the rich foods and wines of the region. Welcome to the Barnyard Wine Bar experience.

Find us online DanvilleLivingCA

Meet the

Niemiec Family

Planting roots on the Westside

By Anne Angstenberger, Resident since 2006

Photos provided by the Niemiec Family

Bay Area native, Alyssa, grew up in Sunnyvale CA. After attending St. Simon and Archbishop Mitty, she ultimately ended up at San Diego State University for college. She had her eye on SDSU because of its award winning school of journalism and its accredited public relations program. Midwesterner, Matthew, attended junior high and high school in Michigan (Fun Fact: same high school as Madonna!), before also ending up at SDSU. Thanks to an introduction from a mutual friend, Matt and Alyssa hit it off immediately at a college friend’s birthday party right before their senior year. They have been inseparable ever since, and on a Fourth of July weekend road trip from San Diego to the Bay area in 2014, Matt proposed to Alyssa. Just over a year later, the two were married at the picturesque Quail Lodge in Carmel, CA.

A special memory they will never forget is right before heading to the airport for their anniversary weekend trip to Portland, Oregon, Matt and Alyssa were surprised to find out they were expecting their first child. Now the couple has

three young daughters, Charlotte (5), Faye (3) and Leighton (2). Charlotte and Faye keep the family busy by being active in dance at Next Steps Dance Studio and Mustang soccer. Little sister, Leighton, is just starting to learn and play on her own to keep up with her big sisters. The girls love drawing, coloring, and exploring anything outside; from swimming, to scooter riding, or playing at one of Danville local parks.

As a Journalism Major, with an emphasis in Public Relations and a minor in Political Science, Alyssa has put her degree to good use. She first began her career overseeing Global Public Relations and Communications for a variety of businessto-business and software-as-a-service companies across the US and internationally. Currently, she leads internal and external communications for Walmart Data Ventures, the organization responsible for productizing and commercializing Walmart first-party data. After graduating SDSU with a BS in Accounting, Matt became a Certified Public Accountant (CPA). As the founder and President of Footprint Financial, a small business accounting firm, Matt manages a growing portfolio of clients, focusing on bookkeeping and financial reporting. In Matt’s free time, he enjoys being outdoors and makes an effort to go on an annual backpacking trip with his dad, brother and best friends. Matt is also a founding member of the St. Isidore Dad’s Club (where Charlotte attends elementary school, and Faye will attend in the fall). Although Alyssa travels quite a bit for work, she makes an effort to explore the communities she travels to, she loves learning about the communities she is connected to through her career. Back at home, during the fall season you can also find Alyssa coaching the girls’ soccer teams.

With a busy family and work life, Matt and Alyssa were looking to find the perfect town and neighborhood to raise their growing family. While living in Livermore, the couple always loved visiting Danville. They were attracted to the small town community and the exceptional schools, and luckily, found a great house on a cul-de-sac right off of La Gonda Way. Since moving to Danville in 2021,

Photo Credit: Kim Lind

the Niemiec family has taken advantage of the wildlife viewing that lives in the creek right behind their house. On a daily basis you can find deer, foxes, and turkeys… definitely keeping the girls entertained as well as the family pet, a mini labradoodle named Zoey. During the Thanksgiving holiday, the Niemiecs love taking a trip to visit Matt’s family in San Diego and enjoy some quality beach time together. Settling into Danville has been a wonderful experience for the Niemiec family. They are looking forward to exploring their neighborhood and town even more! After purchasing their home, they immediately began to update and remodel, forcing them

to temporarily move out. But now that they are home for the summer, they can’t wait to enjoy their Danville community, infamous block parties and neighborhood get-togethers. Be sure to say hi to Alyssa, Matt and the three girls when you see them around the westside!

ARF Adoption Stars

By Christa Noriega, Adoption Manager

Adopt a new best friend at ARF in Walnut Creek! View available dogs and cats online or visit ARF in-person: Tuesday-Sunday, 12-6 pm, with early-bird sign-in available on weekdays beginning at 9 am. Our team is excited to guide you in choosing a pet, share information about their history and behavior, and provide helpful resources.

Here are a couple of our adorable animals looking for love:

Sixteen-year-old Ferry is an endearingly sweet senior gal with a gorgeous, smoky coat and soft, gentle eyes that will melt your heart. This lovebug has clearly only gotten better and better with age, and she truly cherishes every moment of love and pets she gets. Ferry wishes for nothing more than to share her wisdom and warm affection with a loving family who will help her live out her golden years to the absolute fullest! Ferry’s adoption fee has been prepaid by a generous donor.

ARF adoption fees:

$125for an adult cat, $175 for a kitten (<6 months)o$200 for two adult cats, $300 for two kittens, $75 for a special-needs cat, $100 for a special-needs kitten (<6 months), $75 for a senior cat (7+ years). Adoption fees waived for US military Veterans.

One-and-a-half-year-old Buddy is a dashing young lad who has nothing but love to give. He is eager to lean into his person and be rewarded with yummy treats. His zest for life is unmatched. Buddy has a positive history with other dogs. We recommend he does not go into a home that has cats or small animals. He currently weighs 56 pounds.

ARF adoption fees:

$250 for an adult dog, $375 for a puppy (<6 months), $150 for a special-needs dog, $200 for a special-needs puppy (<6 months), $150 for a senior dog (7+ years). Adoption fees waived for US military Veterans

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.

July

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Tues., July 4

July 4th Parade

@ Historic Downtown Danville

The Kiwanis Club of San Ramon Valley has organized and conducted the annual Kiwanis 4th of July Parade in partnership with the Town of Danville since 1975. The parade attracts 30,000-40,000 spectators each year and is a wonderful opportunity for the community to come together and celebrate America’s birth. This year’s parade theme is Celebrating our Educators and our Grand Marshal is Chavonta Edington, Contra Costa County Teacher of the Year. More information: https:// www.srvkiwanis.org/parade

Time: 9am-12pm

Cost: Free

Fri., July 7

Senior Variety Show

Auditions

@ Village Theater

The Danville Senior Center is excited to announce that our awardwinning, 5th Annual Variety show is back! We are currently looking for this year’s performers and an emcee for the show. Previous acts have included dance, singing, musical performances, standup comedy, clogging, skits, poetry readings, and more. This fastpaced show will include a wide variety of 3 - 5 minutes skits.

Time: 9am-1pm

Cost: Free

Sat., July 8 and Sat., July 22

Music in the Park

@Oak Hill Park

Join us for an evening of music and dancing. Bring your blankets, lawn chairs, and snacks. The Shania Twain Experience (Country) will perform on Saturday, July 8 and Project 4 (R&B, Soul & Funk) will perform on Saturday, July 22.

Time: 6-8pm

Cost: Free

Tues., July 11

Kidchella-Purple Fox and the Heebie Jeebies

@Town Green

Join us for our annual music series, Kidchella. In partnership with the Danville Library, this is a free event that is sure to get kids dancing, participating in story walks, and playing games with Arts and Rec on the Go! Schedule;11:15amBook reading at the Library, 12:00pm-Music Performance, 1:00pm- Arts and Craft.

Time: 11am-2pm

Cost: Free

Fri., July 14 and Fri., July 28

Moonlight Movies

@Town Green

Come join us on the Town Green for a movie and activities. Games and activities provided by Arts and Rec on the Go beginning at 6:30 pm. Movie begins at 8:15 pm or after sunset. Guests are welcome to bring blankets, chairs, and snacks. “The Emperors New Groove” will be playing on July 14, and “The Karate Kid” will be playing on July 28.

Time: 6:30-10pm

Cost: Free

Fri., July 21

Summer Imagineering Theatre Performance

@Cal High Theater

Disney’s The Little Mermaid JR. is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI.

More Information: https:// www.eventbrite.com/e/ srvef-imagineering-presentsdisneys-the-little-mermaid-jr-tickets652195061987?aff=oddtdtcreator

Cost: $10 (adults), $5 (students)

Time: 7pm

Sat., July 29

Family Campout

@Mt. Diablo State Park

Enjoy the great outdoors with your family at Mt. Diablo State Park. Join us for a traditional nature camping experience hiking in the park, youth crafts, family games, and campfire activities. Dinner and continental breakfast are provided. ALL FAMILY MEMBERS ATTENDING MUST REGISTER. One car per household. More information: http://www. danville.ca.gov/recguide

Time: 3PM-9:30am

Cost: $22 (R), $26 (NR)

Mon., July 31

Harry Potter Birthday Bash @ Valley Oak Room

Join the Town of Danville in celebrating the magic of Harry Potter’s birthday! Activities include crafts, snacks, potions, Quidditch, and Butterbeer! All muggles are welcome. More Information: www. danville.ca.gov/recguide

Time: 3-6:30pm

Cost: $5 (R), $6 (NR)

SAVE THE DATE: Run for Education, October 8, 2023

Tri-Valley Animal Rescue Giving Them Another Chance

By Sue James, President

FOSTER DOG RUPERT - STILL LOOKING FOR HIS FUREVER HOME

We know we featured Rupert last month – but this darling boy still needs to find his own forever home. Here are some quotes from our amazing shelter volunteers:

• “I just adore this dog. He is sweet, loving and deserves a wonderful forever home”.

• “Rupert is like our mascot. But we want to see him get the home he deserves.”

• “Rupert makes me smile and laugh. He may be 10 years old – but he sure doesn’t know it.”

• “When he spins to say hello – it just makes your heart sing and smile.”

• ”When he gazes adoringly into your eyes - it makes you melt.”

And the list goes on. Rupert is 10 years young, fun loving, active, walks well on leash and will make a great companion. He is a husky mix with very soft fur, already neutered and ready to find his new forever home. If you are interested in finding out more about Rupert or adopting this darling boy, please contact us at contact@tvar.org

foster home has nursed them into remarkable kitties. When it comes to fun and games, these three fellows are the epitome of joyous enthusiasm. They are the best of friends, always eager to engage in playful shenanigans together. But what truly warms the heart is witnessing their adorable bond. When they tire themselves out from their adventures, they cuddle up in the most heartwarming displays of brotherly affection.

TVAR’s kitten and bottle baby programs rescue kittens - some only days old - who are unable to be adopted from the shelter and place them in foster homes where they receive medical care, love, and a home setting until they are healthy, able to be spayed or neutered and ready for their forever homes It is through the collaborative efforts of TVAR’s volunteers and foster families that these kittens, once vulnerable and in need, are now on a path toward a future brimming with hope, joy, and endless possibilities.

Tri-Valley Animal Rescue (TVAR) - Giving them Another Chance

TVAR

Kitten Program: Oreo, Cookie, and Coco

Meet the boys: Oreo, Cookie, and Coco! These three incredibly charming and dashing classic tabby boys have captured hearts since the day they were born. Rescued when they were only a day old, their TVAR

TVAR is a locally based and volunteer run 501(c)3 animal rescue organization. With our foster dog and foster kitten programs and our Dog and Cat Shelter programs at the East County Animal Shelter, TVAR assists in saving hundreds and hundreds of animals yearly in the Tri-Valley and surrounding areas. We are celebrating 30 years of saving lives with over 250 local volunteers.

At TVAR, we rely solely on Public Support to fund our life saving programs.

How Students Can Spend Their Summer to Improve College Applications

By Kyleigh Cooyar, Cooyar College Counseling, Resident since 2012

Theschool year has ended and parents and students alike can finally breathe. That is, until you hear that students should have a plethora of summer activities that will enhance their college applications and you have not planned anything yet! There is no shortage of camps or programs that students can attend, but they are expensive and the enrollment deadlines have long passed. So what options are left? Never fear, there are many things that students can do that will impress admissions officers at colleges.

I worked as an Application Reader at a selective private research university on the East Coast, helping them to build their Freshman class for Fall of 2023. I read about thousands of activities that applicants participated in during the Summer, many of which are considered “pay to play”, meaning that a student can attend an amazing camp to learn about any variety of subjects, IF they have several thousands of dollars to spend. The truth is that these experiences are far less impressive and impactful than the ones that students can create for themselves.

Here are some no cost ideas that can be started anytime and will help colleges get to know about a student’s interests;

Shadowing or internships - Spending some time following along with a professional to see what the career is really like is a great way to show admissions officers your seriousness in a particular field. For example, if you want to be a physical therapist or vet, contact local businesses in these professions and ask if you can spend some time over the summer observing the day to day activities for this career. Sometimes, this experience has the added benefit of realizing that this is not a career that a student would truly enjoy.

Community service - Most community service organizations are always happy to have additional volunteers, even after the summer has started. Community service is highly valued on college applications, especially in an area that aligns with a student’s future career or major, or a

personal passion. Consistency is key, however, as Admissions Officers can see right through students doing an activity just to fluff up their applications.

Help in the family business - Students can be an asset to their family business. Avoid just showing up and doing whatever task Mom or Dad asks you to do. Instead, find a way to use your skills or interests that align with your intended college major or personal interests. For example, create a social media campaign for the business, but be prepared to show on your college application the results of your efforts in a quantifiable manner. Another example is to look for ways to improve processes within the business, also in quantifiable ways. It is helpful to demonstrate on your college application how much you helped the business.

Passion Project - Think that the town needs another green space or that your neighborhood needs a Little Free Library? Maybe a street could use another stop sign or speed bumps? These are all projects that a student can take on by researching the process and then working through the steps to make things happen. Even if you cannot make the change happen, the lessons learned along the way can show Admissions Officers how you contribute to your community, which demonstrates what you will bring as a student to a university.

Start a business - Have a skill that could benefit others? Can you create a tangible item that can be sold? Want to expand from watering your neighbors plants while they are away to the entire neighborhood? Use these ideas to create a business. You will learn many skills that can be demonstrated in your college application. One example is a student who started a pet waste pick up service for his neighborhood which ended up expanding to other areas in town and taught skills like marketing and managing the employees he hired. Application readers loved this.

Self study - Do you have an interest that you did not have time for during the school

year? Even if you cannot find a class, there are many options to do self study. Anything from languages, musical instruments, or even skills that are taught through online courses that provide certification can be both fun and helpful for college applications.

Helping family - Don’t discount the importance of helping family. If you are caring for siblings or having to manage household meals while parents work, these types of activities demonstrate desirable character traits that colleges seek in their applicants. As with all of the summer activities listed, it is important to be specific about what you do to help the family.

Summer should be a time for students to recharge their batteries and have some fun. These activities can be fun and add value not only to your personal life but also your college applications, without the need to have signed up months ago or paid a lot of money. The sky’s the limit when it comes to creating opportunities for yourself!

Teenage Anxiety, The Stress of College Competition 1st of a 2 part series

By Christina Dalton, MS, PPS, PCC, EYH Life Coach

July

is the month for rejuvenation, family time, and the opportunity to regroup. If you are the parent of a teenager, you may be struggling to find balance between vacation, family and building your child’s extracurricular portfolio. The balance of the extracurriculars, along with taking rigorous classes to build your child’s competitive edge for college applications has become expected for this generation of teenagers. Along with this expectation, stress and anxiety have also become common with today’s youth.

Stress and anxiety are normal emotions that everyone experiences from time to time. However, teenagers are more vulnerable due to their own physical and emotional changes.

To be more specific, anxiety is a feeling of worry, nervousness, or unease. It can be mild or severe and can be constant or come and go. Anxiety can be caused by stress from too much pressure, self doubt and even one’s opinion of their self image. Though anxiety is common when managed, when not managed, anxiety can bloom

to much more serious health issues and interfere with day to day activities.

Teenagers commonly experience stress from several sources. School, body image, relationships and their future are the most common trigger points. Parents may want to be aware of these four arenas:

1. School: Teenagers are under a lot of pressure to do well in school. They may feel pressure from their parents, teachers, and peers to get good grades.

2. Relationships: Teenagers are also going through a lot of changes in their relationships with their parents, friends, and romantic partners. These changes can be stressful.

3. Body image: Teenagers are often concerned about their appearance. They may feel pressure to look a certain way, which can lead to stress and anxiety.

4. Future: Teenagers are also starting to think about their future. They may be worried about college, their career, and their relationships. These worries can lead to stress and anxiety.

The signs and symptoms of stress and anxiety in teenagers can vary from person to person. Parents can support their teen by first being aware of the common signs and symptoms which include:

Feeling overwhelmed or unable to cope

Difficulty concentrating

Changes in sleep patterns

Changes in appetite

Headaches

Stomachaches

Muscle tension

Fatigue

Irritability

Restlessness

Feeling on edge

Panic attacks

Social withdrawal

Thoughts of self-harm

As a parent, we want to be there for our child to support and encourage, but also to help them stay the course of their college and career dreams. This can be overwhelming. Next month I will offer helpful tools for you to use as you prepare your teen for their next academic year. If you can’t wait, please reach out to me, principal of EYHLifeCoach.

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.

Making the most of your summer break with a “Danville Staycation”

By Kaylan Rizkalli, Member of the Danville Youth Council

Withthe start of summer here, teens have one goal in mind, making the most of it! So, to help this endeavor, here are some fun activities to make your summer as “Pinterest Worthy” as possible!

-One thing you can do is paint flower pots. All you are going to need for this is miniature flower pots(which you can get from Amazon or your nearest Home Depot), some acrylic paint or any paint you have lying around, paintbrushes, and some dirt and seeds to plant whatever you want. First, you can paint your lovely design on them and set it out to dry. Then, you can fill them with dirt and then plant your seeds, making sure you are watering it consistently. This creates the perfect bright, lively piece of decor for your house and your room, and it is such a relaxing activity to do.

-Another fun thing to do is to get active with your friends. A good way to start your days in the Summer is by going on a walk or run. It is the perfect opportunity to get some exercise while laughing and catching up with your friends. Danville has a lot of beautiful areas to do this in, and my favorite happens to the Iron Horse Trail. If you are feeling

up to it, you can even bike together to your favorite ice cream shop or store. But don’t forget to sunscreen up since California weather is still crazy hot in the morning.

-On the other hand, if you are anything like me, and want a lazy morning since that is what Summer is for after all, you can have a huge breakfast buffet! By making all of your favorite breakfast foods: waffles, bacon, eggs, pancakes and sharing it with your family, you can have a slow, fun start to your day. Spending quality time with your family is always important, and this is a fun way to do so.

-Also, having a “dive in movie night” is a great way to wind down with your friends. If you or your friend has a pool, or even if you don’t, you can set out all your favorite snacks and comfy pool floaties or chairs and project a movie on any wall/fence in your backyard! This allows you to spend some time outside in the summer without burning up and gives you time to watch(or rewatch) some cult classics.

(925) 279-1701

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-Lastly, playing some beach volleyball is always a good option. Whether you are going to play at Hap Magee Park or at an actual beach, volleyball in the sand is so much fun. Don’t be afraid to get competitive and you can even bring some food or refreshing drinks to make it an afternoon at the beach or park.

I hope these ideas fill up your summer and give you some ways to wind down!

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All rights reserved. 20-WC-02096 (05/20)

Kaylan Rizkalli is currently a Freshman at Carondelet High School and loves to be active in her community. She is a part of Model United Nations and the Photography 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 because of her love of writing and excitement over being able to share her thoughts on different topics to her peers and neighbors.

Reshape Your Confidence: Unlocking the Potential of Liposuction

By Stephen J. Ronan MD FACS

Intoday’s world, achieving the perfect body shape is a common aspiration for many. Despite regular exercise and healthy eating habits, some individuals may find themselves struggling with stubborn fat deposits that resist their efforts. For many of these individuals, liposuction is a highly effective and popular solution. Liposuction is a surgical procedure designed to remove excess fat deposits from specific areas of the body. It is highly effective in addressing stubborn fat that is resistant to diet and exercise. Common treatment areas include the abdomen, thighs, hips, arms, back, and neck. With liposuction, individuals can finally bid farewell to those persistent bulges and achieve a more sculpted and toned physique.

One of the key benefits of liposuction is its ability to enhance body contours. By targeting and removing unwanted fat, liposuction can create smoother lines and improve the overall shape and proportion of treated areas. This results in a more balanced and contoured figure that is often unattainable through diet and exercise alone. Having a positive body image plays an important role in boosting self-confidence and overall well-being. Liposuction can have a

transformative impact on individuals’ self-esteem by addressing their specific body concerns. With stubborn fat gone and a more sculpted physique, patients often experience a significant increase in self-confidence.

Liposuction is a well-established and safe procedure when performed by a qualified and experienced plastic surgeon. Technological advancements, such as tumescent liposuction and ultrasoundassisted liposuction, have further improved the safety and precision of the procedure. However, it’s important to consult with a boardcertified plastic surgeon who can assess your suitability for liposuction and guide you through the process.

Interested in learning more? The best way to determine if you are a good candidate for liposuction is to schedule a consultation. During this consultation, the liposuction procedure is explained in detail and all of your questions are answered. To schedule an in person or virtual consultation, please contact my office at 925.736.5757. I look forward to hearing from you… and exploring the possibility of sculpting a new you!

The Social Fundraiser of the Season

By Mark Heavey, Discovery Counseling Center

TheBishop Ranch Roundhouse was rocking on Thursday, May 18th as roughly 300 people attended Discovery Counseling Center’s 10th annual spring fundraiser, An Evening of Music and Laughter. This highly successful event to raise money for DCC’s many programs also acknowledges May as Mental Health Awareness Month.

“Having sold out the Village Theater in downtown Danville for years, our Spring Fundraiser was moved last year to the beautiful 300 seat Tahoe Auditorium located within the Bishop Ranch Roundhouse in San Ramon,” says Mike Copeland, the Bill Graham type creator of the show and its charismatic host. “The Roundhouse is one of the preeminent event venues in the East Bay and the Tahoe Auditorium is a perfect theater for our big show.” Alexander Mehran Jr., CEO of Sunset Development Company, is once again hosting the event.

This year’s show featured musical headliner Forejour, performing an incredible tribute to the music of Foreigner and Journey. Opening the show, was the hilarious stand-up comedian, Jeff Applebaum. “Who doesn’t like Journey and Foreigner music? And Forejour is incredible,” said Mary Verstraete, a show committee member from the beginning. She added, “and Jeff Applebaum was so hilarious.”

Over the past nine years, the show has showcased some incredibly talented musicians and bands such as Eric Martin of Mr. Big, David Victor from BOSTON, Nashville songwriter Paul Jefferson, Jeff Campbell (solo and with his band Static & Surrender), Stung - a tribute to The Police, Fleetwood Macrame - a Fleetwood Mac tribute band and The Malodors – Vanderbilt’s award winning acapella group. The night has featured emerging artists as Sophia Pecoraro, Kiley Rothchild, Hays & Company and Courtney Randall. Along the way, the show has also introduced the audience to stand-up comedians such as Bryan Kellen, Karen Rontowski, Sammy Obeid, Tony Camin, Anthony Hill, David Vanavermaete and Shawn Felipe.

Discovery Counseling Center is a community based non-profit organization serving the San Ramon Valley for over 50 years. Discovery Counseling Center’s mission is to be the community’s leader in mental wellness by:

• Providing affordable, high quality, culturally appropriate and accessible counseling services and programs;

• Offering excellent and highly regarded training for future mental health professionals;

• Creating greater awareness of the prevalence of mental wellness issues in our community and the importance of early treatment.

• Serving as the community’s advocate in securing adequate funding and resources for the treatment of mental wellness issues.

Proceeds from this entertaining show are critical in helping Discovery provide counseling to families and children going through stressful and difficult times. “Thanks to the generosity of our patrons, Discovery can offer affordable and high-quality counseling services to families in need,” Copeland adds. With so much media focus on the importance of mental health treatment in our communities, this highly entertaining fundraiser is integral to funding the critically important programs that Discovery offers. The show picks up momentum every year and has proven to be an incredibly fun evening and quite the fundraising social event of the season. Sumita Bhandari, Discovery’s Executive Director, says, “We are so incredibly proud of this fabulous event and how it benefits the outstanding work our center does in the community.”

Tips for Celebrating the 4th with a Loved One Experiencing Memory Loss

By Parveen Singh, Senior Executive Director at Carefield Pleasanton Memory Care

TheFourth of July is a time for fun and celebration, but it can be a challenging time for seniors with Alzheimer’s, dementia or some form of memory loss. The loud noises and large crowds of people can be overwhelming and anxiety-provoking. With care and attention however, there are still ways to enjoy the holiday without putting your loved one at risk.

Here are a few tips for planning a safe and enjoyable Fourth of July celebration for your loved one with Alzheimer’s:

• Choose a quiet location. If you’re planning to attend a large event, such as a parade or fireworks show, try to choose a spot that’s away from the main crowd. This will help to reduce the noise and stimulation that can be overwhelming for those with Alzheimer’s and dementia.

• Avoid large crowds. If possible, avoid large crowds altogether. The noise and chaos may be too much for your loved one to handle. Instead, plan a small gathering with close friends and family and perhaps watch the celebration on TV or livestream it.

• Provide plenty of breaks. Keep in mind that although the day may not seem long for you, a few hours of celebrating can be tiring for your loved one. Make sure to provide plenty of breaks throughout the day. Taking a break to recuperate can help ensure your loved one is well-rested, avoiding meltdowns, anger or agitation.

• Be patient and understanding. Your loved one may not be able to enjoy the Fourth of July in the same way that they used to. Be patient and understanding, and try to create a fun and enjoyable experience for them.

Revisit old traditions and reinvent them into new ones. Old traditions do not need to stop once your loved one starts to experience memory loss. Evolve your old traditions and change them into new ones. If

your loved one always enjoyed baking cherry pie for the 4th of July, instead try purchasing premade cherry pie and eat a slice together. A live fireworks show may be too much, but watching it from the comfort of your couch at home can still be a way to enjoy the tradition together.

A few activity ideas for the Fourth of July:

• Have a picnic. A picnic is a great way to enjoy the outdoors without the crowds. Pack a lunch, find a quiet spot, and enjoy the company of family and friends.

• Watch a movie. Watching a movie can be a fun and relaxing way to spend the afternoon. Choose a movie that your loved one is familiar with or try something new.

• Play games. Playing games can be a great way to stimulate the mind and promote social interaction for your loved one. Games also allow for a different type of interaction and a chance for bonding between family members and your loved one. Try playing simple games that your loved one is familiar with.

• Decorate. Decorate your home with patriotic decorations. This is a great way to get your loved one involved in the celebration and help them to remember the holiday.

No matter what activities you choose, make sure that they are safe and enjoyable for your loved one. And most importantly, have fun!

The team at Carefield Pleasanton is always available to answer your questions about memory care for your loved one, and the benefits of a community. Contact Carefield Pleasanton by calling (925) 7508744 or visit www.CarefieldPleasanton.com today.

San Ramon Valley Education Foundation Summer Imagineering

By Alicia Gee, SRVEF Project Manager

Summer Imagineering Theatre Performance presents

Little Mermaid Jr.

Date and Time: July 21, 7:00pm

Location: California High School Theater 9870 Broadmoor Drive San Ramon, CA 94583

Link to: https://www.eventbrite. com/e/srvef-imagineering-presentsdisneys-the-little-mermaid-jr-tickets652195061987?aff=oddtdtcreator

Disney’s The Little Mermaid JR. is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.MTIShows.com

Save Money & Protect Yourself

By Lisa Hopkins-Cochran, Realtor® at Compass

Asa homeowner, you probably make frequent trips to the hardware store and undoubtedly you are faced with at least 1-2 small repairs per year, to keep your home in good order. Chances are, you don’t sweat the small stuff. If you don’t already keep a file with records of expenditures and repairs, I’m going to share with you two good reasons why you should.

The first reason is that the small stuff adds up…and the big stuff really adds up quickly! Some day when you decide to sell your home, you may be concerned about capital gains taxes on the increased value of your home. Check with your accountant for the specifics, but in general, you can subtract the cost of home improvements and repairs from your gain. In order to do this you’ll need proof, so keep those receipts.

The second reason is less obvious, especially if you haven’t bought or sold a home in awhile. Current seller disclosure forms require the seller of a residential property to disclose all repairs and improvements made during the years that they owned the home. Not remembering to disclose a past repair item could have serious consequences. For most sellers, completing the disclosure forms is a daunting task and many admit that they did a lot more over the years that they no longer remember. Ideally, you’ll want to keep receipts, invoices, bids and any associated warranty documents to make this task easier.

Professional bids and reports should be kept and passed along to the next homeowner, even if you decided not to go forward with a project. There’s actually a section in the disclosure forms that asks about these. If that sounds excessive, here’s an example of what could happen and how you can protect yourself: Your neighbor tells you that they just improved their drainage and thinks that you might want to also. They give you the name & number of the contractor

they used. The contractor points out concerns for flooding if your drainage isn’t improved. You get the bid and it’s way more than you want to pay, especially since you’ve never had any trouble with drainage. Ten years later you sell your house and you’ve still not had any issue with drainage and you don’t think to mention the 10 year old bid. The new buyer moves in and experiences flooding from record breaking rainfall. Your old neighbor has an incredible memory and shares with the new owner that they did not have any issue with flooding because they put in needed drainage and their contractor told you that you should also, but you didn’t. Your nondisclosure feels like an innocent mistake to you, but to the new buyer, it comes across as deliberately withholding information that would have resulted in them not buying the home or paying less for it, and they’ve now also incurred damages from the flooding. Their attorney will likely agree. The best thing that you can do to protect yourself is to disclose everything when you sell, and the easiest way to do that is to keep a home file for your receipts, bids and warranties.

If you’re thinking about selling your property and now feeling a bit overwhelmed by the reality of disclosures, please reach out to me at 925-964-5010 or via email at Lisa.Hopkins@Compass.com. I’d love to share my tips, strategies and experience to guide you through the process.

American Pineapple Cake

By Stephanie Seaberg, Resident since 2010

It’sFourth of July, and a delicious pineapple cake is exactly what we need right now. This is my take on a ‘Tornado Cake’, also known as a ‘Dump Cake’. It comes together so quickly in one bowl, and the cleanup is relatively easy. It’s perfect for your next pool party or a fun treat to keep in the house.

You will need;

CAKE

• 2 C. All purpose flour

• 2 tsp baking soda

• 2 C. sugar

• 2 eggs

• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

• 2 1/2 C. (20 oz) crushed pineapple, undrainedd

FROSTING

• 1 stick butter, soft

• 3/4 cup evaporated milk

• 1 C. sugar

• 1 C. chopped nuts (Not peanuts)

• 1 C. coconut shredded

• 1 tub of cool whip

• 1 small jar of maraschino cherries, drained

Putting it together:

Preheat the oven to 350° and lightly grease a 9x13 casserole dish. Mix all the cake ingredients with a whisk in a large bowl and pour into the cake pan. Bake for 30 to 40 minutes or until the center of the cake is set. While the cake is baking, prepare the frosting.

In a medium sauce pan, gently melt the butter. Once it melts, turn up the heat to medium and add the evaporated milk and sugar. Allow it to cook on medium/low heat for five minutes or until it thickens and using a rubber spatula to stir it often. Add the chopped nuts and coconut, then remove from the heat.

Once the cake is out of the oven, carefully poke holes all over the cake with a barbecue skewer and pour your warm frosting all over the top of the cake. Allow it to cool, then refrigerate for at least two hours. When you’re ready to serve, spread a layer of cool whip over the top and dot with cherries.

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.

Experience Del Amigo Swim Team

By Natasha Fitzgibbon, Del Amigo Swim Team President Photos

DelAmigo Swim Team is a recreational swim team for children 5-18 years of age that are members of the Del Amigo Pool Association. The team is part of the Valley Swim Association League. We believe that every member of the team is a valuable asset that should be nurtured and encouraged. The goal of our team is to provide every member an opportunity to improve swimming skills and achieve success at his or her level of ability, from novice to competitor. Del Swim Team is a great opportunity for families to make friends in a fun environment. Please see our website or contact us for more information your little swimmers aren’t ready for Swim Team we have many other programs that our pool offers such as our Dynamite’s (3-6 year olds), Guppies (2-3.5 year olds) and a new Parent & Me program (age 1-3 year olds). For more information, visit www.delamigo.com or email del.swimteam.news@gmail.com

provided by Stephanie Scheiding

Congratulations to the Graduating Class of 2023!

By Melissa Durkee, Marketing & Communications Director, Mustang Soccer

Mustang Soccer League, Inc. would like to recognize and congratulate all of our players from the Class of 2023! We know your futures are bright and feel very fortunate that you and your families have shared your time with us over the years. Best of luck to all the graduates!

Gavin Andrade

Christopher Attwood

Madison Bauer

Anders Bensch

Spencer Biles

Halle Blair

Makenna Bode

Nikki Bowbeer

Madeline Buckley

Shaelyn Buress

Alfredo Campos

Jacqueline Carney

James Carney

Galvin Cliff

Anna Colley

Sara Comstock

Joey Corritone

Katie Curran

Jasmine Daman

Emma de la Cruz

Carson Downing

Jack Downing

Kyle Drue

Shima Dixon

Ella Economos

Tara Escobar

Kian Esfandiari

Emily Estrada

Mia Ferreira

Zoe Franks

Madison Gambs

Anthony Gee

Ines Gendre

Aaron Gomez

Lisette Gregoris

Nolan Hannan

Mason Hill

Brensly Holmes

Thomas Ivanov

Vishaan Joshi

Riann Juroff

Quincy Kassar

Dayton Keane

Nick Kesiakov

Jonathan Kim

Graham Kol

Claire Lappin

Ally Langon

David Lewkowicz

Tomas Lewkowicz

Isabel Liu

Cali Madrid

Ashton Martin

Riley Martin

Nariah Martinez

Kaitlyn McCaughin

Gabriella Melean

Lucas Melo

Danielle Michiels

Felix Miranda

Cameron Mora

Abigail Morris

Luke Morrison

Alexander Muniz

Christopher Obsitnik

Mateen Omari

Ryder Padgett

Dylan Pagel

Rylan Park

Lila Patel

Lucas Pfister

Lyndsay Phillips

Logan Pressley

Eshaan Punalekar

Jazmin Rawls

Gianna Reginato

Madeline Rendez

Megan Robinson

Gianna Rodrigues

Ariana Rogers

Sierra Rosemont

Madison Schapiro

Alyssa Shenk

Rudra Shikhare

Cami Silva

Veronica Stagnaro

Ava Starkey

Summer Starsiak

Max Steele

Jesse Stock

Katelynn Strong

Natalie Suryan

Sophie Swida

Kiana Tahmassebi

Ashley Taylor

Isabella Turner

Elizabeth Vranesh

Jordan Vu

Ananda Walker

Carter White

Duke Williams

Joanna Yee

Anthony Zaldua

Stefan Zanatti

In addition, special praise to our seniors who have chosen to continue their playing careers in college!

Madison Buckley, University of California Santa Barbara

Alfredo Campos, Wabash College

Shima Dixon, University of California San Diego

Ella Economos, California Polytechnic

State University, San Luis Obispo

Emily Estrada, University of Oregon

Zoe Franks, University of California Santa Barbara

Madison Gambs, University of California, Berkeley

Lisette Gregoris, Arizona State University

Isabel Liu, Columbia University in the City of New York

Rylan Park, University of Utah

Cami Silva, University of Alabama

Summer Starsiak, University of California, Berkeley

Katelynn Strong, University of California, Berkeley

Elizabeth Vranesh, University of California, Berkeley

Please

Free Little Art Gallery

By Michele Osgood, Resident since 2016

You’veheard of the Little Free Library, but have you heard of the Free Little Art Gallery (F.L.A.G.)? Now open on Esther Lane across from Montair Elementary, this new Danville, CA outpost is based on Seattle artist Stacy Milrany’s original. We invite local artists (and art lovers) young, and young at heart, to please stop by and take a free piece of artwork, add your own free piece of artwork -- or both! We have had some great artwork rotate through from local artists and makers of all ages. We are also going to be keeping people up-to-date through our Instgram account @BherdStudios, as well and asking people to share their artwork that they made or brought home by using the hashtag #FlagDanvilleCA