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Beat These Rates? You Can’t!
themoviemaverick by Jason Rugaard, www.moviemavericks.com
Gone Girl
2-Star An astute master craftsman’s befuddled love letter to the two directors he loves most: Alfred Hitchcock and David Fincher. The resulting movie, taken from the book by Gillian Flynn and interwoven with the director’s almost trademark nihilism, is watchable for the first 45 minutes or so, until ludicrous plot turns and genuinely unlikable characters cave the story in on itself. It’s tempting to dismiss Gone Girl as topical sensationalism. But Fincher’s film is too meticulously crafted to write off as mere exploitation. Unfortunately, it’s also incredibly boring. Nick Dunne (Ben Affleck) and his wife Amy (Rosamund Pike) are an upper-middle class couple living in the suburbs. On the day of their fifth wedding anniversary Nick returns home to find Amy missing. The crime scene has the appearance of a struggle, but something doesn’t sit right with the investigating officers, Nick’s anxious demeanor and somewhat aloof behavior is troubling. Soon, the story of the missing housewife has gone nationalwide and the ensuing media frenzy
revels embarrassing truths about the disintegrating state of their marriage, and Nick’s infidelity. All of which condemn the man in many people’s minds and leads to the Public opinion that Nick murdered Amy. To discuss the story in detail requires a viewing or familiarity with the source material. It would be unfair to have the events told and not experienced, whether you enjoy the experience is debatable after the fact. The typical cold detachment that is present in every Fincher film is pushed to it’s blistering extremes, the movie is so lumbering that I was expecting the “it was all a dream” ending, that mercifully never came Gone Girl has moments of acute awareness, wether it be social media speculations, cable news talking heads, or even the way our neighbors perceive us. All is undone by the need for Fincher to set his lead character as a walking Hitchcockian vamp. The obvious inspiration is oddly pretty good when the director copies Hitchcock, and pretty awful when he apes himself. The least of the esteemed filmmaker’s work to date. Director: David Fincher Stars: Ben Affleck, Rosamund Pike, Tyler Perry
bookends
A Tale to Tell
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by Chadwick H Saxelid
Read more of Chad’’s book reviews at http://bit.ly/McHguP
Dr. Mütter’s Marvels: A True Tale of Intrigue and Innovation at the Dawn of Modern Medicine by Cristin O’Keefe Aptowicz Before I picked up Cristin O’Keefe Aptowicz’s Dr. Mütter’s Marvels: A True Tale of Intrigue and Innovation at the Dawn of Modern Medicine, I had never heard of Dr. Thomas Dent Mütter, or the famous museum that displays his private collection of medical oddities. When I started the book, I expected it would be nothing more than a quirky recounting of how Dr. Mütter gathered the items in his collection. The story of what they were and where they had come from, an entertaining tour of one man’s unique, disturbing freak show. I was wrong, and never happier to have been. The marvels that the title alludes to are not the specimens in Mütter’s collection. No, Mütter ‘s marvels are in fact the radical plastic surgery techniques he pioneered (the most famous being the Mütter flap) and the students he taught and influenced during his tenure as Professor of Surgery at Philadelphia’s Jefferson Medical College. Flamboyant and outgoing, Thomas Dent Mütter was a truly revolutionary figure in the medical community of the first half of the 19th century. He championed compassion-based treatment, where the patient was not
seen as a challenge or an obstacle, but as a suffering human being. He believed in cleanliness at a time when germs, microbes, and transmissible illnesses were dismissed as mere quackery. He stridently argued for the use of anesthesia when it was thought better, and safer, to have the patient awake and aware during surgery. He even pioneered pre and post-operative care, at time when surgeries were not only unexplained to the patients, they were also pushed out of the building as soon as the operation was over. Mütter fought, and fought hard, for these changes to happen. He felt that it was every bit as important for a doctor to end suffering as it was to treat illness or injury. That so many of his contemporaries would strenuously, even contemptuously, dismiss Mütter’s humane efforts is horrifying and difficult to believe. Obstetrician Charles Meigs, a fellow professor at Jefferson Medical College, and vocal opponent of everything Mütter argued for, gives a human face to, and saddening example of, those that did not know, understand, or respect the advances and improvements in patient care they were fighting so hard to keep from happening. If, like me, all you knew of doctoring came from episodes of Grey’s Anatomy or Scrubs, I cannot recommend enough that you read Dr. Mütter’s Marvels.
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Calendar 11/1,8, 15, 22, 29 1pm - 3:20pm BERKELEY PLAYHOUSE MAINSTAGE PRESENTS MARY POPPINS Based on the books by P.L. Travers and the 1964 Disney film, MARY POPPINS is simply sweet, like a spoonful of sugar. Set in 1910 England, young troublemakers Jane and Michael Banks have duped their way through so many nannies! However, when Mary Poppins suddenly arrives at their door, the Banks family learns — through magic and wonder — how to value each other again., Berkeley Playhouse 2640 College Ave, Berkeley, http:// berkeleyplayhouse.org boxoffice@ berkeleyplayhouse.org 11/ 6 – 1/4/15 , times vary, James and the Giant Peach performed by Bay Area Children’s Theatre – Mill Valley, Berkeley, San Ramon & San Francisco, An exciting new musical, inspired by Roald Dahl’s classic tale about the orphaned boy who escapes from his wicked aunts aboard an enormous enchanted peach inhabited by a bevy of very big bugs. http:// www.bactheatre.org/shows/ Bay Area Children’s Theatre | 6114 La Salle Ave Ste 431, Oakland, info@ bactheatre.org Thru 11/8 RedWolf Fridays at 8 pm, Saturdays at 2 pm and 8 pm, Sundays at 7 pm A girl is ripening on the edge of town, uncontrolled, chaotic, voracious. This is an orderly place. Everything is on the map: the last scrap of woods, the old house on the outskirts. You can see the line where the big new road will go. Right through Red’s room. Thru 11/9 - DVC Drama presents THE WEDDING SINGER Music by Matthew Sklar Book by Chad Beguelin and Tim Herlihy Lyrics by Chad Beguelin October 24-November 9 Directed by Lisa Drummond Musical Direction by Enrico Banson Choreography by Amanda Boyan It’s 1985 and rock-star wannabe Robbie Hart is New Jersey’s favorite wedding singer. https://www. facebook.com/dvcdramaonline 11/ 10 Theatre Bay Area (TBA), the nonprofit service organization for theatre and dance in the Bay Area, has announced the finalists (http://www.bit.ly/1wJKIkY) for the inaugural year of the TBA Awards. 11-11-14 Veterans Day Celebration At Lesher Center for the Arts. www. lesherartscenter.org/
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Teacher Extraordinaire: Karen Krieder
Karen Kreider is a first-grade teacher at Saint Francis of Assisi School in Concord, and one who recently returned to teaching after a two year battle with colon cancer. On October 8, she received a special surprise; she had been named a winner of the Warren Eukel Teacher Trust award for excellence in education, a prestigious honor that also comes with a $10,000 cash prize. “I was humbled when I learned that the parents had nominated me for this special honor,” Kreider said. “Then I was shocked to learn that I was one of the three winners. All of the students were very happy for me. I received buckets of hugs, smiles beyond measure, and some congratulatory notes.” The school held a special assembly to honor her. The award was only the second time that a Catholic school teacher has won the award. “Learning that I had colon cancer was quite devastating,” Krieder explained. “But, what really helped me through the dark days, was to stop and take stock of my many blessings. I had chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery at Stanford Hospital. I was fortunate to be a patient at this wonderful facility. Sister James Marien, the Principal and Father Ismael, the Pastor made it a point to say special prayers on my behalf. The staff, parents, and children all prayed for my good health. My friends stayed close to offer any assistance I needed. So, how could I not be thankful for all of the wonderful prayers, good thoughts, and help? When I regained my strength and health, there was no
question about my wanting to return to my “slice of heaven,” Saint Francis of Assisi School.” As far as the cash award, Kreider did not now how it was to be spent. “I assumed that I would write a proposal or grant,” she said. “Upon receiving the special call, telling me I was a winner, I asked, ‘Do I write a proposal for how to spend the money?’ The gentleman who called me answered, ‘This money is for you! Go to France!’ WOW!!!!! Of course, I will give Saint Francis of Assisi some of the money. My heart is full of appreciation to Angie Elgazzar and the parents who “plotted my happiness.” Their children are currently in Second Grade. I will give their wonderful teacher, Mrs. Burke, money to buy something special for the class. I will also donate money towards their party fund, which is organized/ supported by parents. I love animals, so I will give some money to support animal welfare. I might buy a really nice digital camera, since I have wanted one for a while. Or, I might buy a new door with glass paneling. I embrace a simple life so I will not be jetting off to far away places.” Kreider was also honored at an awards dinner November 20 at the Diablo Country Club. “I am very happy to teach First Grade at this wonderful school. I hope that I am able to find and celebrate the special qualities or “light” that every child possesses,” She said. You can watch the video of her award presentation at http://on.fb.me/1zq7K2v
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Photo courtesy St. Francis of Assisi
“I embrace a simple life...”
Karen Kreider
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Calendar
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HOLIDAY FUN
HOSPICE OF THE EAST BAY - TREE OF LIGHTS SCHEDULE Martinez Tree of Lights , Saturday, November 1, 5:00 pm. Morello Avenue, north of Arnold Drive. Walnut Creek Tree of Lights, Sunday, November 16, 5:00 pm 1511 Mt Diablo Blvd. behind Va de Vi Pleasant Hill Tree of Lights, Thursday, November 20, 5:30 pm Gregory Lane, near Cleaveland. Reception to follow at Teen Center. Concord & Clayton Tree of Lights, Monday, December 8, 5:30 pm, John Muir Medical Center Parking Lot, East Street & Almond Avenue, Concord 11/27, 6:30 AM - 11:30 AM, Walnut Creek Turkey Trot Sponsored by Forma Gym, more than 7,000 runners and walkers from across the country are expected at Walnut Creek’s largest running/walking event to raise funds for both the Contra Costa County Food Banks and local public schools. Please visit www.formaturkeytrot.com. 11/29- 12/14 Annual Holiday Faire, Shadelands Ranch & Museum. http:// walnutcreekhistory.info/ 11/21 , 22 & 23 – Annual Clayton Valley Woman’s Club Holiday Boutique Sale ; 11am to 4pm, Clayton Community Meeting Room, 6125 Clayton Road. Information call Peggy Arundell at 672-2043 or Priscilla Manlove at 672-3039.
MISCELLANEOUS
11/ 15 from 9 a.m. to 12 noon, Mt. Diablo Recycling’s free e-Waste event. Old computers, printers, televisions, cell phones and other electronic equipment can be recycled for free at Mt. Diablo Recycling. Drop off location is at 1300 Loveridge Road in Pittsburg, Calif. Free bagels and doughnuts will be provided. Anyone who drops off their e-Waste items will also receive up to four bags of compost for free. www.Garaventaent.com
FAIRS/SHOWS 11/8, Concord Con Toy & Collectibles Show, 9 am, Center Concord, 5298 Clayton Rd. www.concordcon.com 11/15 – 11/16, Contra Costa County Fair, 1201 West 10th St. Antioch. www. ContraCostaFair.com SEE OUR AD PAGE 19 11/19, 5:30 pm, 14th Annual Amateur Boxing Show, Community Youth Center presents the 14th Annual Amateur Boxing Show at Scott’s Seafood Restaurant, Jack London Square, Oakland, http://www. communityyouthcenter.org 12/7, 3:34pm, Pearl Harbor Day Beacon Lighting Ceremony: Lighting the Eye of Diablo, Every year since 1964, the Pearl Harbor survivors and their families have memorialized Pearl Harbor Day by relighting the historic Beacon atop Mount Diablo’s summit. This year will be the first official Beacon lighting since it underwent an extensive restoration process earlier this year to ensure it continues to shine for many more years.., Mount Diablo State Park, Concord.
Outdoors 10/31 Trick or Treat, 3:00pm – 5:00pm. Come and Trick or Treat around the downtown plaza and see which of your favorite scarecrows won this years Scarecrow competition. www.Cityofconcord.org 11/2 Save Mount Diablo Trail Adventure- Half Marathon/10K/5K A portion of all registration fees will go to Save Mount Diablo to fund land preservation and trails. Castle Rock Park, Walnut Creek http://www.brazenracing.com/ DTAmain.html 11/8 - 1/11/15 Walnut Creek on Ice, Children’s Winter Festival $5/2 hour skating sessions offered all day! http://www.iceskatewalnutcreek. com 11/16, 3/815, 4/12/15, 5/10/15, Family Day at Sienna Ranch, Each Fall and Spring, Sienna Ranch opens its doors for special family and community open house days. Come enjoy our lovable animals, fun activities, good company, and wholesome environment. Bring your own picnic lunch or pre-order a healthy lunch to eat on the day. Family Day Passes are $85, Admission to Sienna Ranch Family Day for up to 5 people, 3 pony or horse ride tickets 3 archery tickets, 5 tractor-pulled hayride tickets, Participation in the handson activity,Opportunity to go on a guided nature hike to our Tree Fort Unlimited animal visits to goats, sheep and chickens during open pen times. http://bit.ly/1FOtrdc to register Sienna Ranch, 3232 Deer Hill Rd. Lafayette 11/2 Pleasan Hill Family Fun Triathlon. This Swimming event will be located at Pool - Pleasant Hill Education Center, 1 Santa Barbara Rd, Pleasant Hill
Ooops! We ran out of room!!! The full calendar is on our website at www.DigitalConcordian.com
WhatReallyMatters by Dan Ashley,
ABC-7 News Anchor
Watch Dan’s live newscasts at http://abclocal.go.com/kgo/live
Holidays are for the Home
You may still have that carved pumpkin on the front stoop and you certainly have at least a couple of “fun size” candy bars left over from Halloween, but ghosts and goblins are a facing memory. We’re on to the main events. Quick bird walk; I’ve never thought of those tiny candy bars we hand out to trick-ortreaters as the “fun” size, who are they kidding? Anyway, I digress, regular commentary service is now resuming. The next couple of months are a magical time of year, but, in our busy work-a-day lives, it is easy to miss the magic. The winter holidays, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Hanukkah are truly a time of gratitude, good will, and joy. So often, however, we seem to whiz by these important mile-markers with only a passing glance as we notice them fading away in our rear view mirrors. We are too busy today, too distracted to steep ourselves in some of the most precious moments we are meant to enjoy with our families. How many years have you entered the holidays excited and looking forward to making the most of them only to look back in February and wondered how and why they passed by so quickly?
Our working lives are demanding and can be unforgiving. While we may not be able to change the reality of earning a living, we cannot allow ourselves to make that an excuse for not being engaged in our home life when we’re not on the job. Admittedly, this is a classic case of the pot calling the kettle black, as I am often far too busy, too distracted, too pulled in too many directions to unplug and enjoy down time. And it has only gotten worse thanks to the insidious influence of my smart-phone. What began as a device to keep us connected has, in so many ways, disconnected us from our loved ones. I should probably sue the thing for all of the time it’s stolen! With Halloween over, we’re off to the races—the mad dash to Thanksgiving followed by that panicked sprint to Christmas. We can come up for air by Valentine’s Day. Here’s an idea—make your New Year’s resolution now. Resolve not to let another holiday season pass without embracing What Really Matters.
Dan Ashley is an anchor at ABC-7 News and can be seen weeknights at 5, 6 and 11 p.m. on ABC-7 and at 9 p.m. on KOFY TV20. Contact him at dan@myconcordian.com. Visit http://www.rockwithpush.com for more on the band.
TSBA
Member Spotlight This month the Todos Santos Business Association would like to put the spot light on one of Concord’s favorite businesses, The Tower Grille. Located on Grant Street, across the street from Todos Santos Plaza, the Tower Grille is close to two free parking garages, street parking and accessible to all the great activities, concerts and Farmer’s Market at the Plaza. Owned and operated by H. Gordon Clarke, The Tower Grille has been whetting whistles and satisfying growling tummies for over 3 years. “The Tower” is a favorite for sports enthusiasts as it boasts every sports channel with multiple TV screens visible from every table, including the patio. The bar is famous for Gordon’s secret Bloody Marys, bottomless Mimosas on Saturdays from 10a to 1pm and is also a popular “after work” hang out. The menu at the Tower Grille is eclectic and tasty. Try the tempting calamari, sliders or yummy meatball appetizers or their crisp and creative salads. For bigger appetites you can enjoy big juicy burgers to entrees, such as a New York steak, Surf and Turf, pasta dishes and even pizza! The Tower Grille is the perfect place to meet friends, bring your family, enjoy your favorite sports team or grab a late night bite. Gordon Clarke first opened a Tower Grille in Danville with partners in 2007. Gordon has since sold the Danville location and has concentrated his efforts on the Concord Tower Grille. Gordon has enjoyed great success and is excited to announce that he will be expanding both the outdoor patio area and the menu! Besides the great location, excellent food, friendly staff and fun atmosphere, Gordon attributes his success to his commitment to the Concord community. The Tower Grille’s contributions seem endless. The Concord Chamber of Commerce awarded The Tower Grille, “Business of the Year, 2013/14 In appreciation of your outstanding contribution to the community”. Gordon was also awarded the Mayor of Concord’s “Certificate of Appreciation for Economic Growth” The Tower Grille contributes to or sponsors the annual Concord Police Associaation Golf Tournament, local school’s Little League, Basketball, Varsity Soft Ball and Bocce Ball. He hosts the Chamber’s mixers and also sponsors the City’s annual Business Expo. Whew! The next time you’re in the neighborhood make sure you stop by the Tower Grille, grab a bite and a drink and say, “Hi” to Gordon.
residenttales
Sponsored by the Diamond Terrace 55+ Retirement Community
Peeping Moms
My 15 year old niece is overthe-top happy at being invited to her first prom. I couldn’t help but think back to my first
prom. It didn’t matter that my date was arranged by my mother and her best friend.
by Ruth Dywer
My date was a classmate and also the son of mom’s best friend. I had known him since childhood and we barely
tolerated each other. But we wanted to go to the prom, so we prepared to go and have a good time. My mother took me to a fancy store in San Francisco to get the perfect dress. I remember it was lavender taffeta and had yards and yards of skirt. A wonderful ball gown! The dress cost $14.95 which was more than my folks had ever spent on an article of clothing. The prom was being held in the Colonial Ballroom at the St. Francis Hotel in downtown San Francisco. Since neither I nor my date drove, we took a taxi to the affair. What could be more grown-up! To see all my classmates dressed in suits and gorgeous dresses was a sight to behold. Of course, my dress was the most beautiful and I felt like a fairy princess. There was a big-band orchestra playing all the current hits of the 40’s. I was dancing to every song and actually having a marvelous time when a classmate stopped me and asked if that was my mother hiding behind a potted plant in one of the balconies above the dance floor. Not only was my mother there, but so was my date’s mother. Soon, all my friends were commentating on our parents viewing us. One smartmouthed boy referred to me as “Baby Ruth”, needing her mom to be near. I’d like to say I confronted both moms and chewed them out, but I was too upset. So, I kept quiet, stayed until the affair was over. We taxied to my home, and my angry date stormed off to have a few words with his mom. When my mom came home I let loose on her, citing all the embarrassment she caused me. www.diamondterrace.net Editor’s Note: Sadly, Lora Ingalls, a longtime resident of Diamond Terrace, and a contributor to this paper, passed away on Sept. 28. Please see a memorial for Lora on page 14.
The Concordian • NOVEMBER 2014 • Page 11 • www.MyConcordian.com • (800) 606-6448
The Greater Concord Chamber of Commerce
RibbonCuttings
by Melissa Rea, Membership Services Coordinator Meet the Greater Concord Chamber’s Young Professionals Group The Greater Concord Chamber of Commerce Young Professionals Group, also known as the Concord Yo Pro’s, is a collective of young business professionals between the ages of twenty-one and thirtynine. They are committed to personal growth, their community and volunteerism. The group was formed in the past year and is led by Jacob Perez, General Manager at Mary’s Pizza Shack, along with a very active lead team. The group holds meetups every fourth Tuesday of the month at various locations to spotlight the different businesses around Concord, while building bridges and forming business relationships. They also volunteer their time to give back to the community, such as planting a tree at Markham Regional Park and sorting food at the local Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano. Recently, Mayor Tim Grayson met with the Yo Pro’s at the John F. Kennedy Institute of Entrepreneurial Leadership in Concord to receive feedback and insight
regarding what the young professionals want to see in the community. Mayor Grayson asked questions such as “How do we attract young professionals to Concord?” and “If you had five million dollars, how would you spend it to better the community?” The Yo Pro’s then created a dialogue with each other and the Mayor, voicing what they believe would best suit the community. If you would like to learn more about the Concord Young Professionals Group, please contact me at the chamber at mrea@concordchamber. com or at 925-685-1181. If you want to know more about Opportunity Fund and their programs, please visit their website at www. opportunityfund.org. To learn more about Chevron’s community work, please visit http://www.chevron.com/ corporateresponsibility/community/. And last but not least, if you want to know more about the Concord Chamber of Commerce, visit www.concordchamber.com.
Regus Management Group, 1255 Treat Blvd., Suite 300, Walnut Creek Contact the Concord Chamber office at 2280 Diamond Blvd, Concord, (925) 685-1181, or visit our website at http://www.concordchamber.com.
“I am delighted to be able to contribute to The Concordian. I believe deeply in the value and voice it gives to the people in the East Bay!” ~Dan Ashley, ABC-7 News Read Dan’s column on page 9
THE CONCORDIAN
Your Voice. Your News. Stories About Your Community. Because We Care!
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1 Kick Up Martial Arts, 1200 Contra Costa Blvd., Concord
Ghost Golf, Inc., 4383 Clayton Road, Concord
legalbriefs
The Concordian • NOVEMBER 2014 • Page 12 • www.MyConcordian.com • (800) 606-6448
by Jason W. Mauck
Ericksen Arbuthnot, Attorneys At Law
It’s Not Stealing, the Lease was Up I’ve mentioned this before, but I have recently had reason to think about it again: For a business, a commercial lease might be the most important document that they sign (or at least very close to the top). What made me think about the commercial lease is a recent case I handled for a large company which owns a substantial amount of real estate that it subleases out to smaller business tenants. The large company (let’s call them “LargeCo”) is a manufacturer that removed itself from the retail business many years ago. To help fill its coffers, LargeCo leased many of its statewide properties to small operations owned by local business people who worked in the same field as LargeCo. One particular unlucky small company (let’s call them SmallCo) rented a property from LargeCo’s for many years, building up goodwill and a loyal customer base through hard work and personal effort. Flash forward to the present. LargoCo informs me that SmallCo’s lease was up three months ago and SmallCo has to get out so LargeCo can take possession of the property. Since SmallCo’s lease expired, but they kept paying rent, their lease was converted to a month-to-month tenancy. (See Civ. Code § 1945.) Therefore, all that was needed to take the property and all the goodwill away from SmallCo, was to serve a thirty-day notice of termination of tenancy. That’s all. Thirty days after serving notice, a landlord can file an unlawful detainer action and invoke the power of the court to force the tenant to move out. There is a very good chance that any goodwill the small business built up will be lost. The problem is often
tenants who do not review or understand the terms of their leases. Commercial leases are generally governed by the terms of the contract with guidance and some controls inserted by state law. Commercial leases can be for a number of years, but the terms can be renegotiated and the lease term extended at almost any time so long as the parties are willing to negotiate. In the above example, if SmallCo had a good business going, they could have called up LargeCo and asked to extend the lease for a period of years (with potentially an option to renew after that) but they did not do so. Once the lease expires, there is little to no recourse for the tenant served with a 30-day notice except to eventually vacate the property. A knowledgeable tenant can insert provisions into the lease for keeping fixtures and, potentially the development of goodwill, but it is imperative that the tenant plan ahead and not try to work out a lease extension or modification at the last minute. Rents in commercial spaces are rising at impressive rates, giving landlords an incentive to evict their current tenants and move in a new tenant who is more than willing to pay the higher rate. Be sure to protect yourself by knowing what your lease says and what you can do about maintaining your rights. If you need help with negotiating your lease executing or defending an unlawful detainer or have a business dispute over the terms of any contract, feel free to call our office at 510-832-7770, or you can reach me by email at jmauck@ ericksenarbuthnot.com.
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scenesfromthesociety by Carol Longshore, Concord Historical Society I bet you don’t recognize the picture. Let’s see if I can shed some light on it’s story. Back in the mid l970’s a young man named Steven Donahue felt devastated that the Vietnam Veterans were not recognized for their bravery and service. He couldn’t serve and felt obligated to change things. He contacted a few parents of sons in Concord and Clayton that were lost in the war and they began planning what needed to be done. Then mayor of Concord, Larry Azevedo joined in the support and between them there was discovered a 350 foot hill overlooking the rolling countryside of Concord and Clayton. It reminded the Vets that worked with them of the Vietnam countryside. The location of this “Hill” is in our own Newell Park. It was decided to have a living oak tree memorial for the 32 men we lost in Vietnam – 29 from Concord, 3 from Clayton. Money was raised, land was donated and oak trees were planted with loving memory of the soldiers lost. 22 US Army, 9 US Marines and l US Air Force. A Bronze plaque was mounted on a native rock that reads, along with the names of our heroes, FORGOTTEN BY SOME, THIS MAY BE TRUE, BUT FOR EACH ONE LOST, WE PLANT A TREE, SO ALL WHO PASS THIS LAND MAY SEE, THESE MIGHTY OAKS STAND BECAUSE THIS LAND IS FREE……. now here is where this story gets sad. The first oaks planted were ripped out or destroyed and although the committee felt violated they went back to work and raised more money. With the support of June Bulman, then mayor of Concord,
the trees were replanted and cared for by the city. In the early 1980’s the memorial became shabby looking, with no services happening on Memorial or Veteran’s Days, so a group of citizens including vets and family members of the men honored there,gathered once again and organized and made some noise about keeping the tradition going for our Vietnam Veterans. The Veteran’s of Foreign Wars, American Legions, Disabled Veterans, Fleet Reserve and Vietnam Veterans of America all joined in the march to make the “Hill” happy again. The committee desolved with differences of opinion and government became too busy to care and once again the “Hill” became silent from honoring our men. Clayton built it’s own Memorial and Concord’s became neglected. In 2010 the Bronze plaque was stolen. With the uproar from a few people, the thief was caught and the money was raised to make a new one. That is what you see in the picture with one of the beautiful oaks. By the way, in researching this story I found that no true history has been recorded on this FIRST LIVE OUTDOORS VIETNAM MEMORIAL IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA; The City of Concord, the Historical Society and the Veteran’s Centers have no history on this first of a kind, diamond in the rough, gem that we, the citizens of Concord have in our midst. The Concord Historical Society is having a Christmas Bazaar Saturday November 15th from 11 to 4 and Sunday the 16th from 1 to 4 at the Galindo Home, 1721 Amador Avenue. For more information check out our website – concordhistorical.org or contact the Resource Center at 827-3380
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The Concordian • NOVEMBER 2014 • Page 13 • www.MyConcordian.com • (800) 606-6448
Putting Your Back Into Our Values
by Edi Birsan
Disclaimer: This article is not intended or represented to be the viewpoint of the Concord City Council, the City of Concord, or City staff or officials (Living, Dead or Undecided).
In the intense divide of an election season it is easy to forget that we all share values as well as different political solutions. We are intertwined within our community’s fabric through numerous threads such as our social networks be it service clubs (Rotarians, Elks, Masons, or Kiwanis) or our religious groups and not to mention the direct participation in specific non-profits like the Friends of the Library or the Senior Club. Nor should we be so arrogant and self-centered as to not recognize that our political opponents may actually share some of those organizations and indeed some of the same values though their spin off into the political venue and expression is quite an opposite path from ours. When we look at our values at the very basic local level we may come to join in service to others that which both reminds us of the importance of why we struggle for what we do as well as provide a meeting ground of bridging the gaps in our partisan divide. It also shows to the community that far beyond the lofty words and complex ideas that may waft around the nightly news and national posturing, we are dedicated to the community and all its peoples and our values have direct visible local effect. Here are some volunteer opportunities where beyond sending money you can put your muscles and back into making a difference and demonstrating values of: Feeding the poor Promoting Education Treating the sick Taking care of the elderly FEEDING THE HUNGRY THROUGH GLEANING Gleaning is the taking of excess fruit from your trees and getting it to the food pantry’s and the Contra Costa and Solano County Food Bank. If you or a friend has excess fruit we will be happy to come and collect it and get it delivered. If you need help picking it we can arrange that as well. Contact: The Concord-Diablo Rotary- (CDrotary.org)Edi Birsan *(Community Service Director) EdiBirsan@astound.net or call 510-812-8180 If you’re interested in joining us as we glean throughout the community, just send an email to: HYPERLINK “mailto:gleaning-subscribe@cdrotary.org”gleaningsubscribe@cdrotary.org and we’ll notify you of opportunities as they arise. SUPPORT THE FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY The Friends of the Concord Library (http://ccclib.org/ friends/conc.html) need people who can help sort donated books, restock the sale shelves in the lobby (1 hour a week) as well as be available to help with the book sales every quarter. All the funds raised go to support the library and its education programs. Contact: Judy Chun Judy Chun HYPERLINK “mailto:jtchun3@gmail.com”jtchun3@gmail. com HELPING THE UNINSURED WITH FREE MEDICAL Even though we have done much to expanded coverage there are always going to be some who are left behind. We applaud the efforts of RotaCare (http://www. rotacarebayarea.org/) to provide Free Medical Service at its operations in Concord with a mobile clinic every Thursday at Cambridge Elementary and twice monthly at the Monument Crisis Center. They are in need of qualified doctors, nurses and administrative folks to expand their service. If you can contribute your services go directly to this wonderful effort 925-429-6409 Project Caring Hands- Helping the Elderly In Concord there is an urgent need for people to volunteer to put 1-3 hours a week aside to help with the transportation of seniors and to provide a little moral support. They also have a need for occasional drivers that just provide a few rides a month which is something that I do for folks in Concord. The Caring Hands Volunteer Program is an excellent channel to help your senior neighbors where isolation and lack of mobility are critical factors in health. Contact Linda Groobin at Linda.Groobin@ JohnMuirHealth.com or phone at 925 952-2999.
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Assemblywoman Bonilla Holds Select Committee Hearing on STEM Education Assemblywoman Susan A. Bonilla (D-Concord) will be holding a Select Committee on Increasing the Integration of STEM Education hearing on Thursday, October 23rd at Mills College in Oakland from 9:00am to 12:30pm. The hearing, titled the Bay Area Regional STEM Education Summit: Advancing STEM through Public-Private Partnerships, will serve as the kickoff to the 4th Annual Bay Area Science Festival which is a10-day event filled with a wide range of science and technology activities. “This hearing will produce actionable initiatives to advance STEM education throughout the Bay Area and beyond,” said Assemblywoman Susan A. Bonilla (D-Concord). “Our extensive list of confirmed panelists will produce a wide variety of perspectives on the best strategies and practices to improve STEM education and increase investments for its expansion.” The Bay Area Regional STEM Education Summit will bring a diverse group of education, industry and government leaders to strategize policies, partnerships and investments that will strengthen STEM education throughout the Bay Area. The hearing will explore state policies that promote
STEM, provide insightful dialogue from the perspective of educators, and encourage effective public-private partnerships. In addition, the hearing features presentations on the Broadband Infrastructure Improvement Grant and the Career Pathways Trust, two state funded grant programs that support STEM learning. “In a constantly shifting economy, it is important that public education reflects the necessary skills students will need in the workforce,” said Assemblywoman Bonilla. “STEM education does just that – it prepares students for the 21st century economy. It is essential that we continue to develop and expand these programs, with publicprivate partnerships being an integral part of the process.” Among those participating in the panels are executives from the Bay Area Council, Bayer, Hewlett-Packard, Wareham Development, various leaders from K-12, higher education and STEM organizations, as well as current and former legislative officials. For the full hearing agenda and to RSVP to this free event please visit: http://asmdc.org/ stemsummit
In-Memoriam Lora Ingalls Lora Ingalls, an original resident of Diamond Terrace, passed away peacefully Sunday, September 28th, 2014. Lora first moved to the Retirement Community in January 2003. She was born on a ranch in North Central Nebraska and was a twin. She often shared her years growing up with wonderful stories about her youth many printed in The Concordian. She came from a very caring and generous family which helped her become the person she was - genuine, loving and smart. In her early years she was a teacher in a one-room country schoolhouse 100 miles from her home. Lora continued teaching until she married Mitch and together they had 2 children, Lenita and Chuck. Playing scrabble was one of her favorite past times and you could always spot her on Wednesday mornings in the lobby at Diamond Terrace engulfed in a game. She was also a very accomplished seamstress and enjoyed crafts and needlework. Among items she collected, her pencil collection was near and dear to her heart and proudly shared her extensive pencil assortment to the amazement of all who got to see it. Lora Ingalls had a deep and meaningful faith and was responsible for leading fellow residents in a weekly time of study in the Bible, Lora’s Devotions for many years. Always up for fun whenever the opportunity arose, Lora loved to dance and was sure to make all the parties. The Halloween Party was one she never failed to get excited about and always came in costume, of course! Little Red Riding Hood was a favorite over the years. She will surely be thought of this coming Halloween. Lora will be deeply missed by her many friends who knew her, loved her and enjoyed her for so eleven years at her beloved Diamond Terrace.
The Concordian • NOVEMBER 2014 • Page 15 • www.MyConcordian.com • (800) 606-6448
Time for the Arts
by Deborah Ashley
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The Concordian
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What Color Says About You!
a serene color associated with nature and Shorter and colder months are almost can indicate stability and approachability. here; and for some people, the winter The brown tones reflect a down-toseason with less daylight can get you earth attitude, relaxed and down. It can be hard to feel reliable. Black shows strength, upbeat and energetic when seriousness and sophistication it’s gloomy outside, but the and an air of mystery. People colors you decide to wear who wear white tend to be can help change your mood. orderly and meticulous and grey What we wear can also tell projects a cool and composed the people who see you disposition. something about your traits Once you decide what colors and characteristics. It may you like and want to wear, you even make you rethink some Photo credit: http:// might want to consider what of your choices. news.instyle. colors look best on you. Your You may be used to com/2012/04/05/ choices get more complicated wearing the same color when you are determining palette and you may not what colors are most flattering even be aware of what your to your skin tone. Whether your skin favorite color choices say about your has cool, warm or neutral undertones personality. There have been numerous will play a key role in what colors look studies on the science of color and best against your skin. So we may love what it says about us. Of course these the color yellow, but it may not be the observations are not iron clad, but it best choice if we want to enhance our might be interesting to reflect on your appearance. But wear it if you want to preferences and see if they match the come across as cheerful and energetic! characteristics that are attributed to that There really is a science to color and color. there are graduate courses devoted to If red is your favorite hue, you might color theory. There is so much more to be assertive or extraverted. Pink has color than most people realize, from how calming effects and those that like pink we use it in art to why we choose certain are thought to be sweet and romantic. colors to wear, decorate our homes and The color yellow shows a cheerful and paint our cars. Advertisers use it very energetic personality and people may deliberately to get us to buy certain find you charismatic. If you wear a lot of products. Years of research has been done orange, it is associated with warmth and on the effects of color and the role it plays enthusiasm. If you are more a fan of the in our psyche. Next time you really love cool colors, blues are the world’s most a piece of art, clothing, a car or anything preferred color and it is associated with else, you might want to notice the trust and dependability. Purple lovers are emotion that is associated with its color. thought to be unconventional, creative and elegant. If green is your choice, it is
somethingtosmileabout
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---------------------------------------------------------------------------------PRIVATE LESSONS AVAILABLE: Deborah Ashley has 20 years of teaching experience in piano, violin and art, and teaches ages 5 through adult. She offers private piano and violin lessons as well as private and group art classes. Contact Deborah at deblovesart@aol.com, (925) 588-5226. -----------------------------------------------------------------------------AMATEUR PHOTOGRAPHERS WANTED: Do you like to take pictures throughout the area? Do you have a decent smartphone? We’d love to see your pictures for our Media Site. Send us a sample. If we like what we see, we can negotiate pay for photos. Email: info@ myconcordian.com ------------------------------------------------------------------------------WRITERS WANTED: BYCT Publishing is looking for writers interested in getting published. Have you tried the traditional approach? Let a small publisher help you. No costs to the writer at all. Professional representation. We share royalties. BYCTPublishing.com for more information.
by Robert H. Waldman, D.D.S.
Unused Dental Benefits I try to address these articles to the community as a whole but there is a difference when half the community has dental insurance and half doesn’t. I understand people who have no insurance will wait until it hurts or breaks before seeing a dentist. I don’t agree but I understand. What I cannot understand is people who are fortunate enough to have dental benefits and don’t use them. In this season of thanksgiving and being grateful for the rewards of hard work, dedication and perseverance I am truly thankful for the people who put their trust in me and allow me to give them a healthier dentition and smile. I often ask my clients if their dental insurance company sends them a nice holiday card thanking them for not using their full benefits! Then I remind them that their spouse has not been in to see me in a while and ask exactly how much of their hard earned money they donated to the insurance company. No tax deduction either!!! Sorry to get morose about people who take good health and good fortune for granted. In the next few weeks people will come out of the woodwork and try to get in my office in the 11th hour when they
suddenly have a toothache that they have ignored for several months. I will happily do my part, stay late and come in early to be of service to my community especially the loyal following of people who try to do the right thing and try to commit to preventing dental disease in the 1st place. I will take care of their friends and family who travel to see them this holiday season and find themselves out of town with an unexpected toothache or lost or broken tooth. Please take the time, review your benefits, review what your dentist has told you about your dental health and how you can improve it. Call your dentist and make your appointment now to get an appointment that is convenient for you and your dentist. In closing, I wish our community a Very Happy and HEALTHY Holiday Season filled with smiles and laughter and no toothaches!!! Please remember to “SWISH, FLOSS, BRUSH AND SWISH AGAIN” and of course visit your dentist regularly. Please visit my website, www.roberthwaldmandds.com, and you will find many helpful videos which will explain many dental treatments.
CONSTANTLY UPDATED - Visit THE CONCORDIAN MEDIA SITE For More STORES AND VIDEOS • www.DigitalConcordian.com
financiallysavvy by Kristin Peterson, Pacific Service Credit Union
Scam Alert - Charity Scams Following Disasters The IRS has issued a warning to consumers about fraudulent charity scams. Fraudulent scams capitalize on the good will of the public with the intent to steal money or identities. The IRS warns that scams of this nature are most rampant following major disasters, like the recent earthquake in Napa. Disasters are the most popular times for this type of fraud because of the surge of good will surrounding a catastrophic event, and suspicious circumstances are more likely to be overlooked because of the immediacy of need. The scammers pose as a legitimate charity using several different methods. They may claim to be an employee or volunteer of a legitimate charity. They may use company names that sound similar to real charities. They may use email with links to fraudulent websites. Or, they may use phone calls to solicit donations requiring personal or financial information all in an attempt to commit identity theft. You can protect yourself in several ways: Verify that the charity is legitimate. The IRS and FEMA both offer online tools to search for qualified tax-deductible organizations.
Don’t share your personal financial information. Never share your Social Security Number, credit card numbers, your credit union account number or your passwords with anyone. Often these donation attempts are a way to access much more than your intended donation amount.
The Concordian • NOVEMBER 2014 • Page 16 • www.MyConcordian.com • (800) 606-6448
Fighting the Good Fight with
Good Friends
Twelve year old Clayton resident, Katie Grace Groebner has made huge strides back home, following her heart and bilateral lung transplant a few months earlier. With the support of many in the community and across the country, she has become an inspiring story of resilience. During the ordeal which began at her birth, her family has endured much financial hardship. With Online funding sites and local fundraisers, such as Jeff Holmes’ “A Heart for Christmas” light show (see this issue), Katie Grace has become Clayton’s favorite girl. CVCHS student and Clayton native, Chandler Wakefield decided to do something of his own. And so
Don’t send cash. Cash isn’t a traceable way to record donations for tax purposes, but it’s also not very secure. Use a check or other payment method to properly document your transaction. If you suspect that your account has been compromised, immediately call your financial intuition. At Pacific Service Credit Union, we can cancel compromised cards, change your account number or add a password to your account for future transactions, if necessary. For more information about Pacific Service Credit Union, please visit our branch at 3000 Clayton Road in Concord or 2051 Contra Costa Boulevard in Pleasant Hill. You may also call a member service representative at (888) 858-6878 or visit our website at www. pacificservice.org. SEE OUR AD ON PAGE 3
he had a CVCHS football jersey made using his number and adding Katie Grace’s name to the back. “Football has become a huge part of my life it takes up a lot of my time, “Chandler said. “On my football pads I wear an extra pad that covers my lower back and a lot of the time this is the only visible pad on a football player. Since you can see it, many people cover it in tape and write or draw something on it, this is one way a player can add their own unique touch to their uniform. At
an inspiration to me and has changed the way I look at a lot of things in life.” “She was so excited to see Chandler out on the field,” Kathy Groebner said. All the new things that Katie Grace can now do is still overwhelming to her mother. “Breathing is something everybody takes for granted,” Chandler said. “Considering I’m an athlete, I realize that I use fatigue as an excuse sometimes and that is really selfish since I know a little girl who’s lungs were failing her and she has lived 11 years basically breathing as though through a straw.” November is PH Awareness Month. You can learn more about helping to fund the Groebner family expenses at http://www.gofundme.
the beginning of the summer when Katie first got her surgery I took the Katie’s dream logo and put it on my back pad. This was my own personal way of showing my support to Katie. “As time went on almost every single player on my team ask me what it meant and I gave them a brief run down of Katie’s story and they would always ask is she gonna be okay? I would tell them now she will be and they would always say that’s really cool.” Katie Grace wore the jersey to the Oct. 18 game. “I never expected to get attention from this,” Chandler said. “It was just my own little piece of support. So then I realized I don’t want her to be supporting me I wanted to make her a jersey of her own and then it will be like I’m the one wearing the compliment jersey to her. She is such
com/katies-dream and about Pulmonary Hypertension at http:// www.phassociation.org Photo credit (in order): courtesy of Kathy Groebner, Chandler Wakefield, and Brent Wakefield.