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-DQXDU\ 6HUYLQJ $ODPR DQG 'LDEOR Hunger Continues Even After the Holidays Join Cheryl Yee Glass and the SRVHS Contra Costa’s Food Bank Answers the Daily Call Instrumental Music Program for the Ultimate By Jody Morgan Hunger is a problem every day. The Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano helps Tribute to Journey Concert 132,000 people each month – a 35% increase over the past two years. How well do seasonal food drives meet the needs of the 180 partner agencies? What happens when the flood of donations hits the warehouse? Is there a time when the cupboard goes bare?
By Elaine Selna, SRVHS Student Writer and Alisa Corstorphine
San Ramon Valley High School (SRVHS) instrumental music teacher Cheryl Yee Glass is fondly known as “Chief” to many people. When Glass first began teaching, the kids would call her “Mrs. Yee,” and she wouldn’t answer, thinking they were addressing her mother. After several different nicknames, her students gave her the name “Chief,” a title that has stuck for over 28 years. Glass attended University of California Berkeley for her undergraduate Cheryl Yee Glass aka “Chief” years. After graduating, she needed money to go on to graduate school and a friend suggested Glass earn her teaching credential so she could substitute teach and earn some money for her further schooling. Glass attended Cal State Hayward for her credential and found herself Renee Baptiste, Joseph Stockdale, and Rob Luger rotate barrels at the Blackhawk Food Drive. working at Monte Vista High School as a student teacher. On her first day The mix of hunger-stricken local residents is hitting Food Bank volunteers close to as a student teacher, the regular teacher was out sick. Glass helped the substitute teacher home. Lisa Sherrill, Community Relations Manager for the Food Bank, spends time and ended up in the field meeting with both beneficiaries and distributors of the Food Bank’s regular teaching all the programs. Volunteers, she reports, are finding their neighbors in line for groceries or classes that day hot meals. “If that person is one paycheck away from the situation, maybe I am too,” herself. The exthey are realizing. Lisa has talked with many folks working three jobs and still finding perience opened they don’t have enough to cover basic family needs. Do you pay for the gas to get to her eyes to the work or the shelter over your children’s heads? Senior citizens are balancing budgets joy of teachthat don’t include sufficient funds for both medications and food. Eighty-nine thousand ing. of the individuals receiving aid are residents of Contra Costa County. While conScouting for Food kicks off the holiday season with a pre-Thanksgiving collectinuing her stution by local Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts netting an average of 150,000 pounds of dent teaching food in a single day each year. Neighborhood, supermarket, school, and church at Monte Vista, holiday food drives bring in about one million pounds. Local members of the National Association of Letter Carriers took in 173,000 pounds during this year’s Come see “Evolution: The ultimate tribute to Journey” play at the a midyear posiInstrumental Music Benefit Concert on Saturday, January 28th at SRVHS. tion at SRVHS annual collection on May 14, 2011. While Rossmoor keeps barrels in place throughout the holiday season, many opened up. Glass took the position with the idea that she would teach for neighborhoods focus on single-day dawn-to-dusk events. Amanda Kuiper, Black- a couple of years and then go back to graduate school. However, Glass hawk Food Drive Chair, reports, “The outpouring of enthusiasm and support is fell in love with her work and never left. overwhelming. We actually have a surplus of volunteers.” During her years at SRVHS, many honors have been bestowed on the Interviewed midway through a workday that began at the Concord warehouse Instrumental Music Program that she teaches. This year the marching band at 5am and would end at the same location about 7pm, Renee Baptiste is passion- won first place in the Merced competition, the jazz ensemble received the ate about her work. Baptiste is on hand day after day for all of the neighborhood Sweepstakes trophy, and the jazz band also won first place in its division. collections from Crow Canyon to Diablo to Apple Hill, Round Hill, Stone Gate, One of the things Glass is most and Blackhawk, to name just a few. Overseeing the rotation of full barrels being proud of is that three students loaded on the Food Bank’s big truck with empty barrels being dispatched to collec- who graduated in 2010 were Volume XII - Number 1 tion sites, Renee is confident that even in this down economy 2011 donations will accepted to the very competitive 3000F Danville Blvd. #117, Alamo, CA 94507 exceed 2010’s records. Non-perishable comestibles are weighed at the close of the UCLA music program. Telephone (925) 405-NEWS, 405-6397 Glass has a full teaching See Food continued on page 25 Fax (925) 406-0547 schedule. She teaches six classAlisa Corstorphine ~ Publisher PRSRT STD es a day including both wind Editor@yourmonthlypaper.com U.S. Postage ensembles, both jazz groups, Sharon Burke ~ Writer PAID Local orchestra, marching band, and sburke@yourmonthlypaper.com Permit 263 Postal Customer the Advanced Placement Music The opinions expressed herein belong to the writers, and do Alamo CA necessarily reflect that of Alamo Today. Alamo Today is not Theory class. Due to budget not responsible for the content of any of the advertising herein, nor ECRWSS
See Glass cont. on page 17
does publication imply endorsement.
Page 2 - January 2012 ~ Alamo Today
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Boulevard View By Alisa Corstorphine, Editor I read the Sustainable Danville article this month (see page 7) when something caught my eye. The writer noted how when she was a student at Cal Poly, she took one class each quarter that didn’t count for anything beyond her personal interest in the topic. My daughter took a similar approach last term at UC Davis, and she took an Animal Science class. In class they learned how to grade eggs, milk cows and goats, shuck oysters, and herd pigs for weighing. Of course she probably won’t use these skills every day, but it definitely expanded her knowledge in new areas. I often reflect on my time in high school and junior high. In addition to the English, history, math, and science courses offered, there were also a lot of “hands-on” classes such as wood shop, auto shop, metal shop, jewelry making, electronics, home economics, cooking, and sewing. I took the American Red Cross First Aid class as a summer school elective back when summer school offered fun, not just remedial, classes. I clearly remember making a blue skirt in my sewing class, and grinding and polishing rocks in the jewelry making class. My husband (who went to the same junior high and high school as I) made a lamp on the wooden lathe in wood shop, and he learned basic and advanced auto repair skills in auto shop. His electronics class, which fueled the fire for his future career, was taught be the same teacher (John McCollum) who taught Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak of Apple computer fame. Those elective classes provided a foundation for us to be more self-sufficient. Unfortunately, with many of these classes now eliminated from schools (or poorly attended in lieu of heavier academic classes needed to get into hyper-competitive colleges), the stepping stones for some of these basic trade skills have been overlooked. Our kids do well academically, but they don’t know how to cut wood, fix or diagnose car problems, or measure voltage; all skills they’ll probably need at some point in their adult lives. However, I think the tide is slowly turning. The recognition of the importance of these skills is resurfacing. It’s being driven by economics and practicality, because when you can’t afford to pay someone, you better know how to do it yourself. When my grandfather passed away, I inherited many of his tools. When I went
off to college, I was the girl in the dorm who people turned to when they needed anything fixed. Being the oldest of five girls, my father gave me his can-do spirit to fix and repair things. I wasn’t always as methodical as he wanted, but I had the confidence to tackle the project. There are several Bay Area places where you can still learn some of these handson basics. The Crucible in Oakland is a “non-profit collaboration of arts, industry, and community.” They offer classes and lab sessions in skills such as blacksmithing, jewelry making, glass flame-working, welding, ceramics, foundry, neon and light, and stone working. You can learn more at www.thecrucible.org. The people I know who’ve attended their classes speak very highly of the instruction. Some for-profit businesses such as TechShop (www.techshop.ws) offer hands-on facilities for inventors, hobbyists, groups, and “anyone else who wants to be able to make things that they dream up but don’t have the tools, space, or skills.” Their website notes, “You can think of TechShop like a fitness club, but with tools and equipment instead of exercise equipment.” TechShop provides machinery and tools such as milling machines and lathes, welding stations, sheet metal working equipment, drill presses and band saws, industrial sewing machines, plastic and wood working equipment, electronics design and fabrication facilities, and pretty much everything you’d ever need to make just about anything. Local recreation centers and colleges also have some facilities and classes to fill the need to create, fix, or build. Also, hobby stores, hardware stores, and electronics stores like Radio Shack and Fry’s Electronics have begun stocking clever and inexpensive kits to help teach basic electricity and electronics skills, soldering, solar energy, radios, and more. The kits are an excellent way to dip your toe into these skills, and they are fun for kids and families alike. As the new year starts, make this the time to learn something new, and get back to basics. Be more self sufficient. While you may never find yourself needing to herd a pig, you may find those same skills are useful in herding crowds or even a group of kids!
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Alamo Today ~ January 2012 - Page 3
Westside Alamo. GorͲ geous floor plan, formal living and dining and family rooms, large bonus room, 5 bedͲ rooms, master suite. .35 acre lot with pool. Room off pool with kitchen and 1/2 bath. $1,295,000
Alamo. REDUCED! WonͲ derful estate like custom single story in tranquil setting. Gated flat 1/2 ac w/beautiful gardens & large pool/spa. Huge masͲ ter suite w/fireplace & French doors opening to yard. EatͲin kitchen w/ granite counters, top of the line appliͲ ances. Short Sale. $1,199,000
Alamo Oaks. REBUILT AS NEW. Level ac w/Pool, HeriͲ tage Oak, meadering walkͲ ing paths, circular drive & apprx 3700 sf.GOURMET KITCHEN Brazilian granite, Dacor 5 burner, walk around island, hardwood, high ceilͲ ings,arched windows, Custom lighting. Master w/spaͲlike bth. Bonus rm AU Pair w/SEPARATE KITCHEN & entry or 4 bd, 3.5 bths . $1,399,000
Rick Fiset 925.362.0415
Gretchen Bryce 925.683.2477 www.GretchenBryce.com
Jay Weymouth 925.915.1100 Jay Weymouth 925.915.1100 www.TeamWeymouth.com www.TeamWeymouth.com
Role Players Presents Spellbinding Murder Mystery Laura Crime, romance, obsession, and a ghost story... If you enjoyed the film noir version of Laura, you will fall in love with the stage production put on by Role Players Ensemble. A suspenseful and mesmerizing portrait of obsession is created by the ideal woman. She was beautiful, elegant, highly ambitious, and utterly mysterious, as well as a tempestuous coquette, brutally violent at times, then remorsefully generous. No man could resist her charms. The hardboiled detective is seduced and haunted by the dead woman while he sleuths out her life. As this tough cop probes the mystery of Laura’s death, he becomes obsessed with her strange power. Soon he realizes he’s been seduced by a dead woman – or has he? The show will be performed January 13th to February 4th at The Village Theatre located at 233 Front Street in Danville. Friday and Saturday shows will begin at 8PM, and Sunday shows begin at 2PM. Tickets can be purchase by going to www.villagetheatreshows.com, calling (925) 314-3400, or going to the Community Center located at 420 Front. St. Danville. More information can be found at www.danvilletheatre.com. • Thursday, January 5th ~ 7 to 8PM : Join Artistic Director Eric Fraisher Hayes at the Danville Library for a sneak peek into the world of the upcoming production of Laura. • Thursdays, January 26th & February 2 ~ 8PM : Join Artistic Director Eric Fraisher Hayes for a concert by the Role Players of spellbinding music celebrating the film noir genre and stage production of Laura. Venue to be announced.
Alamo Oaks. COMING SOON! Classic circular drive, SINGLE LEVEL ranch w/3 bdrms, office, 1.5 baths. Remodeled w/new kitchen, floor coverings, windows, LARGE Bonus rm or family rm. Large detached garage w/ workshop. Rear Patio to LEVEL COUNͲ TRY ACRE, Views of HILLS, LARGE TREES, CURB APPEAL. NOT ON MLS. $895,000
Veterans of Foreign Wars Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States (VFW), Post 75 of San Ramon Valley, meets every second Thursday of the month at the Swain House at Hap Magee Ranch Park, located at 1025 La Gonda Way in Danville. Doors open at 7 PM and the meeting begins at 7:30 PM . The next regularly scheduled meeting will be on Thursday, January 12th. For more information, contact Post Commander Nathan Greene at (925) 875-1747 or visit www.vfwpost75.org.
Danville Library Book Sale Friends of the Danville Library will hold a huge sale of gently used books, all priced at 50 cents or $1. The sale will be held in the library, located at 400 Front St. in Danville. Hours on January 27 are 9AM -10AM are for members only. The public is invited to shop January 27 from 10AM - 5PM and January 28 from 10AM - 4PM. Sunday, January 29 is bag day from 12:05-3:45 when all the books you can pack will cost only $5 per bag. Admission is free. For more information, call (925) 837-4455.
LIGHTS – ACTION – CAMERA! Hear Showbiz Personality & KRON Film Critic
Jan Wahl Announcing the 2012 Oscars Best Picture Nominations & “Critical Movie Watching”
January 25th | Noon-1:30 Sponsored by Alamo Women’s Club
Reservations - Carol (925) 930-6095
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Page 4 - January 2012 ~ Alamo Today
Free Tax Preparation
Songs of Peace and Freedom
Free Tax Preparation for the 2012 tax season will again be offered by Tax-Aide’s AARP sponsored program and Earn It, Keep It Save It’s (EKS) United Way sponsored program. The fast, free, confidential tax service, provided by IRS certified tax preparers, is available starting February 2012. The two programs serve slightly different populations. Tax-Aide serves low and moderate-income taxpayers of any age with special attention to seniors 60 plus. EKS serves individuals and families who earned less than $50,000 in 2011. For information or to make an appointment for the Tax-Aide sites serving the Danville/San Ramon area, please call Danville-Community Presbyterian Church (925) 480-7202 or San Ramon Senior Center (925) 973-3250. For general information and other site locations, call (925) 726-3199. If you need additional information concerning the EKS program, call 211 or visit www.earnitkeepitsaveit.org.
Monday, January 16th, 7PM
TRAFFIC AND PEDESTRIAN SAFETY MEETING Alamo School PTA will be hosting a workshop/ forum on traffic and pedestrian safety on January 26th at 7PM in the multi-purpose room at Alamo School located at 100 Wilson Rd, Alamo. The event is open to the public, and community members are encouraged to attend and provide input on potential solutions and recommendations to take forward to Supervisor Uilkema’s office.
The San Ramon Valley United Methodist Church (SRVUMC) will host its sixth annual celebration of the birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr. The community is invited to join in as we sing many of the Songs of Peace and Freedom from days gone by. Live music will be performed by the SRVUMC Living Water Band. There will be words of welcome by Dr. Lon Bristow, who was a college classmate of Dr. King, inspiring film clips from Dr. King’s speeches, and selected readings from other notable peacemakers. Please join SRVUMC and lend your voices in singing a selection of American songs of inspiration around the theme of peace. The free event will be held at SRVUMC’s Wesley Center located at 902 Danville Boulevard in Alamo. For information call 925-837-5243.
The Straw by Eugene O’Neill In one of his earliest full-length plays, O’Neill created an autobiographical account of a philanderer who conducts a long flirtation with a working-class, Irish-American girl in his play The Straw. The romance develops while the young couple, both ill with tuberculosis, are being treated at a rural hospital. A pioneer in bringing realism into the American Theatre, O’Neill created multi-faceted characters whose story rings true in our time, with a surprise ending! The professional cast presents the play as a staged reading, produced by the Eugene O’Neill Foundation. The play, directed by Eric Fraisher Hayes, will be held in the Museum of the San Ramon Valley located at 205 Railroad Avenue in Danville on Saturday, January 7th at 8PM and Sunday, January 8th at 2PM. Tickets costing $20 are available at the door, through the website www. eugeneoneill.org, or by phoning 925-820-1818. The Eugene O’Neill Foundation assists the National Park Service at Eugene O’Neill National Historic Site in the preservation of the Nobel Prize winning playwright’s Tao House and provides artistic and educational programs which focus on the contribution of Eugene O’Neill to the American Theatre.
The Exchange Club of San Ramon Valley The Exchange Club of San Ramon Valley meets for lunch the second Wednesday of every month at Faz Restaurant in downtown Danville. The Club’s sign-in and social time begins at 11:30AM. The meeting starts promptly at noon and ends promptly at 1PM. Our one-hour program features guest speakers and a business networking speaker. Guests are welcome. Price is $16 for members and first time guests and $20 for returning guests. For more information, call Karen Stepper, President, at (925) 275-2312, email coachstepper@yahoo.com, or visit www.srvexchangeclub.org.
One Week Host Families Needed for Students
Lic# 1100014354; Bay Area Entertainment
8
Lost Dog!
$50 REWARD
If you find her and your name is drawn!
Alamo Zoe is Missing We have a new dog, but now she has become lost in this paper... Keep your eyes out for Alamo Zoe! She is very small, so you will have to look hard if you want to find her.
To be eligible send a letter telling us where you found her, along with your name and address, to: Lost Dog! ~ Alamo Today & $ANVILLE "LVD s !LAMO #!
January’s Winner Is Caroline Powell
High school students from the south of France will be coming to our area for one week, April 13th - April 20th. Host families are needed to take care of the students on the weekend, and evenings. Weekdays the students will travel with their class to explore San Francisco. This is a wonderful opportunity to expose your family to another culture and language. Students have a varying command of the English language and are looking to improve their English skills! For more information, visit www.exchange-students-lecas.com or email teacher Martine Causse at martine.causse@yahoo.com.
Diablo Singles Dance Club Diablo Singles Dance Club holds a public dance the last Wednesday of each month from 7:30pm-10:30pm at the Shadelands Art Center located at 111 N. Wiget Lane in Walnut Creek. There is live music, refreshments, and free parking. The cost is $7 for members and $9 for non-members. For information please call 925-837-2851.
San Ramon Valley Genealogical Society The San Ramon Valley Genealogical Society meets at 10AM the third Tuesday of every month, except August and December, at the Danville Family History Center, 2949 Stone Valley Road, Alamo. There will be a speaker at every meeting. Everyone is welcome. For information, call Ed at (925) 299-0881, visit www.srvgensoc.org, or email SRVGS@SRVGenSoc.org.
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Alamo Today ~ January 2012 - Page 5
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Danville Community Band Dinner Concert February 12th at Diablo Country Club Everyone is invited to enjoy a sumptuous dinner and to relax as the enchanting sounds of music fill the ballroom at the historic Diablo Country Club. Conductor Robert Calonico leads the 90-member all-volunteer Danville Community Band and as they entertain you. The evening begins on Sunday, February 12th at 5pm with registration and drinks at the no host bar (cash only). Dinner will be held at 6pm, followed by the concert. For reservations (credit card only), please call 925-837-4221. Call early as the event fills quickly due to limited seating. Dinner and concert (inclusive) cost $38 per person. This event is open to all. Bring your Valentine, and enjoy an early celebration.
Alamo-Danville Newcomer’s Club Please join the Alamo-Danville Newcomer’s Club on January 10th for their first luncheon of 2012. The monthly luncheons are held the second Tuesday of each month. All women who are new to the area and long time residents as well are cordially invited to attend. For more information and reservations, call Marty at 925-838-8113.
San Ramon Valley Newcomers Club The San Ramon Valley Newcomers Club invites new and long-time residents to its luncheon on January 19th at Forbes Mill Restaurant, 200 Sycamore Valley Rd. W., Danville. We meet from 11:30am to 2pm and the cost is $19. Our speaker will be hypnotherapist Gerri Levitas. Call Grace, 925-828-8554, for information and reservations.
Treats for the Troops Happy New Year to the shoppers of Alamo and Danville. Because of your generosity, Delta Nu Psi has now sent over 22,150 pounds of gourmet junk food to our service men and women. Hand warmers have been requested by the squads stationed in the snow covered mountains of Afghanistan. Collections will be held January 6th at CVS in Alamo and January 13th at Lunardi’s in Danville. At both stores the hours are from 11am to 2pm. For more information, visit www.deltanupsi.org or e-mail deltanupsi@comcast.net.
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Page 6 - January 2012 ~ Alamo Today
Alamo Women’s Club Where Women Come Together to Work Toward a Better Community for All
Quilts Promotion at Way Side Inn Thrift
The annual Alamo Tree Lighting Luncheon in support of Hospice of the East Bay took place December 14th and was a spectacular event! Kathryn Kavanagh did an outstanding job representing Hospice by reading a poem, and memorial list, and introducing Laurie Hedstrom, who sang for all to enjoy. Special guest, Chase Whitley, accompanied by his father, Wade Whitley lit the tree. Lights on the Hospice tree represent memories of loved ones. Special speakers were Carol Rowley and Mario Chiodo. Mario told of his moving experience with Hospice while they cared for his father in his time of need. Beautiful piano music was performed by Hank Holmes. A special thanks goes to everyone involved with helping, The National Charity League and members of the Alamo Women’s Club. Hospice provides specially trained volunteers who can sit and comfort patients who are actively dying to ensure that no one has to die alone. If you wish to commemorate or honor a friend or a loved one, please send a suggested donation of $25 or more to: Hospice of Foundation of the East Bay, 3470 Buskirk Ave, Pleasant Hill CA 94523 or visit their website: www.HospiceEastBay.org.
The secret is out - throughout the year, member volunteers of Assistance League® Way Side Inn Thrift Shop, located at 3521 Golden Gate Way, in Lafayette, have been quietly preparing for the Quilt promotion which begins Tuesday, January 10th. Quilts play an integral part of our nation’s culture in that, initially, they consisted of scraps of material that, when stitched together, provided warmth for a people intent on claiming their destiny. Today, the age-old lesson of the importance of making do with what resources are available, remains. Over the years, quilts have evolved JANUARY 9- Executive Board Meeting - 4PM from utilitarian objects to objects of art. 10 - Cards Club -9-12PM AND Let’s Walk! - 3-4PM, meet @ Clubhouse Visit the Thrift Shop to find over 50 beautifully crafted quilts, 11 - Business Meeting - 11:30AM, hands-on project many of which are hand-pieced and hand-stitched. You will also find 17 - Let’s Walk! - 3-4PM, meet @ Clubhouse fabrics, quilt frames, quilt books, and an extensive thimble collec18 - Mah Jongg - 10:30-12:30PM AND Book Club I - 1PM AND Book Club II - 2PM tion. If you have any quilt related donations, you still have time to 24 - Let’s Walk! - 3-4PM, meet @ Clubhouse drop them off at the Thrift Shop. This promotion continues as long AM PM 25 - Program Meeting - 11:30AM, Jan Wahl, Movie Critic as the inventory lasts. The Shop’s hours of operation are 10 to 4 , 28 - Annual Crab Feed Fundraiser Tuesday-Saturday. They are closed Sunday and Monday. 31 - Let’s Walk! - 3-4PM, meet @ Clubhouse AND See Academy Awards Nominated Returning to more modern technology, please consider donating Movie & Munchies Night your car for tax purposes and for benefitting Assistance League of Diablo Valley’s eight philanthropic programs. To learn more, visit FEBRUARY diablovalley.assistanceleague.org and select “Donate Car.” 1 - Mah Jongg - 10:30-12:30PM 6 - Executive Board Meeting - 4PM 7 - Let’s Walk! - 3-4PM, meet @ Clubhouse 7 - See Academy Awards Nominated Movie & Munchies Night 8 - Business Meeting - 11:30AM SERVING ALAMO & DANVILLE SINCE 1979! 14 - Cards Club - 9-12PM 14 - Let’s Walk! - 3-4PM, meet @ Clubhouse 14 - See Academy Awards Nominated Movie & Munchies Night 15 - Mah Jongg - 10:30-12:30PM 15 - Book Club I - 1PM 15 - Book Club II - 2PM 21 - Let’s Walk! - 3-4PM, meet @ Clubhouse 21 - See Academy Awards Nominated Movie & Call us and ask about Munchies Night Pentair’s IntelliFlo pump 22 - Program Meeting - 11:30AM, Past Presidents’ Luncheon which qualifies for a $100 26 - Academy Awards Potluck Dinner & Voting! - 6PM 28 - Let’s Walk! - 3-4PM, meet @ Clubhouse PG&E rebate! Want to become a member? Be our guest at one of our events to learn about our Club’s philanthropies and mingle Want Soft Sparkling Algae Free Pool Water ? with the members. If you’ve been thinking about joining, our luncheons are the perfect occasion to join us at the Clubhouse Ask about the IntelliChlor salt chlorine generator located at 1401 Danville Blvd in Alamo. Please respond to Nancy Dommes, Membership Chair, by calling 831-0111 or emailing ndommes@yahoo.com, and bring a friend, too! For questions, please contact President, Nancy Combs 9LVLW RXU ZHEVLWH DW ZZZ DFWLRQSRROUHSDLU FRP at NancyPCombs@TheCombsTeam.com.
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Bee Environmentally Conscious By Rachel Egan When somebody asks you what you are afraid of, what do you say? Spiders? Heights? Public speaking? Bees? Yes, spiders are creepy looking. Being up high can make you feel you may fall. Speaking in front of other people can be nerve-wracking – all those eyes on you! And bees can sting when provoked. But what if I were to tell you that one of these things is actually a big contributor to the food on your table? Would you reconsider your phobia? As I was starting my senior year at Cal Poly, I decided I wanted to take one fun class each quarter that didn’t necessary fill degree requirements but did fulfill my interest in the topic. In the Fall Quarter, I decided my fun class would be beekeeping. I had no idea how much it would open my eyes to the world around me. Not only did I learn a bit of Egyptian history, but I also got a few biology lessons, watched interesting documentaries, and left the class with a new passion for bees - and an A. If you are afraid of bees, you probably have not given much thought to the positive impact they have on your everyday life. Being someone whose bee stings swell up to the size of baseballs, probably one of the most useful tips I learned in my beekeeping class is to ice the sting location and put a dab of toothpaste on the sting every once in awhile, and voila you’ll be as good as new in a few days. I was only stung twice during the three month class – and it was completely my fault, but I forgave the bee since they help farmers grow our food, pollinate the flowers in our gardens, have the capability of reducing allergies, and produce one of my favorite foods, honey. In fact, bees pollinate one of every three bites of food we eat. If that doesn’t convince you to become ‘Bee-friendly,’ consider this: you could actually survive on honey alone since it’s the only known food containing all the necessary nutrients that humans need to survive. And some say, a teaspoon of raw honey at bedtime (along with daily exercise) can help you lose fat faster than exercise alone. Over the past few years, farmers have noticed a shocking trend with their bees: often when they check on the hives, there are no bees to be found. Bees have started abandoning their hives and are dying at surprising rates. This phenomenon is called Colony Collapse Disorder, or CCD. Thus far, scientists have been unable to figure out why CCD occurs, but it is not surprising that, with nearly 80% of crops being pollinated by bees, farmers and scientists alike are worried about the bee population. China has already seen CCD change the course of its agriculture industry – since the ‘80s, farm workers have needed to hand pollinate all the blossoms in agricultural land because there is no longer a bee population to do it naturally. Beekeeping is surprisingly easy. By visiting the Mount Diablo Bee Association website (www.diablobees.org), you will find information about how to raise bees, what to do with a bee swarm, how to create the best environment for your bees, and more. Raising bees can take as much or as little time as you want it to. How often you care for the bees depends on how involved you want to be in the harvesting of wax and honey. Give beekeeping a try; you may be surprised at how much a bunch of bees can improve the health of your plants in your garden and neighborhood. Join Sustainable Danville Area and Monte Vista High School’s Team Green for a Honey Tasting and a filming of Queen of the Sun, about the environmental importance of honey bees. The evenings’ activities begin at 6PM on Wednesday, January 25th. A $5 suggested donation benefits MVHS student efforts to build an organic garden on campus. For more information regarding this event, please visit www.sustainabledanville.com.
Alamo Today ~ January 2012 - Page 7
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California Writers Club January Workshop The California Writers Club (CWC), Mt. Diablo Branch, will present bestselling Author Nick Mamatas to lead their Saturday, January 14th workshop. Mamatas’ topic is “Beginnings and Endings for Fiction and Non-Fiction.” Workshop attendees will learn how to tantalize a reader, what editors look for in the very first paragraph, and how to write an unforgettable conclusion. Mamatas is the award-winning author of four novels, more than 80 short stories, and hundreds of articles on writing and editing. Check-in is from 8:30AM to 9AM. A full breakfast will be served from 9AM to 9:30AM, followed by the workshop from 9:30AM to noon at Zio Fraedo’s Restaurant located at 611 Gregory Lane in Pleasant Hill. The cost is $35 for CWC members and $40 for guests. Reservations are required and must be received no later than noon on Wednesday, January 11. Contact Betty Iverson at bjiverson@comcast. net or phone 925-376-3631. Expect confirmation only if you e-mail your reservation.
Youth Workshop and Contest Two local authors will teach a free comedy writing workshop for Contra Costa County middle school students from 6th through 8th grades on January 21st, from 9AM until noon at the Walnut Creek Library. The Mt. Diablo Branch of the California Writers Club and the Walnut Creek Library are sponsoring the workshop, led by children’s book authors Elizabeth Koehler-Pentacoff and Sarah Wilson. The workshop is in preparation for interested middle school students to enter the Contra Costa County Young Writers Contest, sponsored by the Mt. Diablo Branch of the California Writers Club. Deadline for contest submissions is April 1, 2012. Register for the January 21 workshop at http://tinurl.com/7humdhm. For contest guidelines and writing tips, go to http://cwcmtdiablowriters. wordpress.com/young-writers-contest/. More information about the California Writers Club Mt. Diablo Branch is available at http://cwcmtdiablowriters.wordpress.com.
Page 8 - January 2012 ~ Alamo Today
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Alamo Elementary School
Stone Valley Middle School
Pedestrian and Traffic Safety By Stan Hitomi, Principal
By Shaun McElroy, Principal New Year’s Resolution - Be thankful for great teachers
On September 28th, 2011 six-year-old Sioreli Torres Zamora was struck and killed walking to school in East Palo Alto. In addition to Zamora’s fatal accident, there was an 8-year-old boy hit in April, a bicycle-vehicle accident and a head-on crash between two vehicles at the same intersection in the last 12 months. A transportation engineer hired to suggest traffic improvements for the intersection determined that a stop sign was not needed, because State guidelines for traffic control devices require five collisions within a 12-month period to justify installing a stop sign. Parents, students, and community members in Alamo have long argued that the intersection at Wilson Road/Livorna Road (the main access to Alamo School) presents similar concerns, but they don’t want to wait for the required three collisions which would qualify the intersection for safety improvements. Alamo School (current location) was built in 1968, at which time Livorna was a country road with no curbs, stop signs, and crosswalks and very little traffic. Since that time new developments, including Stonegate, Stonebridge, Alamo Country, and numerous infill developments have contributed to a level of traffic that has reached 11,000 car trips per day past the school. For the time period 2003-2007, there were 31 reported collisions on Livorna Road. Forty-two percent of the reported collisions involved injuries or fatalities. Crossing Livorna Road has become so dangerous that most parents drive their children to school, even though they live within blocks of school. This is ironic with all the efforts we are making to eliminate childhood obesity by encouraging students to walk or bike to school. For the past year, Janice Alamillo (parent volunteer) has been spearheading a one-person campaign to improve pedestrian safety at the Livorna Road/Wilson Road intersection. She has attended and spoken out at numerous meetings of the Alamo MAC (Municipal Advisory Council) and researched pedestrian safety solutions. Her work is building upon earlier efforts of past Alamo School and community members, including a 2003 Contra Costa County Traffic Operations Study. Janice’s efforts have led to recent meetings between SRVUSD staff, Contra Costa Public Works, and County Supervisor Gayle Uilkema. Next steps have included the County Public Works Department applying for a Transportation Development Act grant for the installation of pedestrian actuated flashers at the intersection. But the group has agreed that more aggressive strategies are needed, and they are looking to the community for possible solutions. The Alamo School PTA will be hosting a workshop/forum on traffic and pedestrian safety on January 26th at 7PM in the multi-purpose room at Alamo School. The event is open to the public, and community members are encouraged to attend and provide input on potential solutions and recommendations to take forward to Supervisor Uilkema’s office. Safety concerns at the Livorna Road/Wilson Road intersection are not limited to the students at Alamo School. The field at Alamo School is a county park, and the facilities are used throughout the year, including weekends for a variety of activities that include sports, scouts, and even Movies Under the Stars. I would encourage all members of the Alamo community to attend the PTA sponsored event and help make it safer to walk, bike, and drive on Livorna Road.
Important Dates: January 16 No School – Martin Luther King Holiday January 23 No School – Teacher Work Day January 24 Family Reading / Multicultural Night
Upcoming Meetings and Events AIA - Alamo Improvement Association - January 12th , 7pm - Creekside Community Church -1350 Danville Blvd. Alamo MAC (Municipal Advisory Committee) - First and third Tuesdays 6pm - The Cottage at Hap Magee Park Hap Magee Ranch Joint Planning and Operations Committee - March 24th - 5pm - The Cottage at Hap Magee Park P2B - Police Services Advisory Committee - February 7th , 5pm - Meets at Valley Station located at 150 Alamo Plaza P5 - Round Hill Police Services Advisory Committee - January 12th, 7pm - Meets at Round Hill Country Club - Lower Level Meeting Room CERT classes - Community Emergency Response Team - Visit www. firedepartment.org/community_outreach/cert/upcoming_classes.asp
“Ideal teachers are those who use themselves as bridges over which they invite their students to cross, then having facilitated their crossing, joyfully collapse, encouraging them to create bridges of their own.” ~ Nikos Kazantzakis We have all heard the expression “those who can’t do teach.” The lay person or adults without school age children may think teachers are college educated adults who choose a lesser path because they can’t compete for “real world” jobs. I think it’s time to change misperceptions that teachers choose their profession because they don’t possess the wherewithal to do anything else and replace it with “thank goodness we have great teachers.” I spent my first ten years as an educator in the classroom and for the last 23 years as a site administrator. I rank teaching in the top three of life’s most difficult professions, here’s how I rank them: 1. (tie) Single parent 1. (tie) Parent 2. Middle school teacher (P.S. I’ve been all three!) The path to the classroom includes a four year undergraduate degree, a fifth and/ or sixth year to earn a teaching credential and completion of two or three student teaching assignments (unpaid). After teachers land a job, they typically continue their education through seminars, workshops, and district staff development events. About 50% of the Stone Valley staff has completed their master’s degrees. Most staff arrives at school well before the contractual 8am arrival time. Classrooms are open for one-on-one or small group tutoring, parent conferences, coaching academic clubs or sports teams. Teachers are preparing lessons, making copies, or meeting with colleagues and attending to scheduled supervision duties. We also have two classes that begin at 7:15am. During the school day teachers deliver six 45 minute lessons to an incredibly complex audience. The social emotional growth in middle school is developmentally second only to years 0-3. Sixth, seventh, and eighth graders are going through puberty, experiencing dramatic physical and emotional changes, the gamut of social issues, their first crush, sometimes “life’s most embarrassing moment,” and struggling with change(s) in the family structure (death, divorce, addiction, illnesses, and decline in income). With this in mind, teachers deliver lessons with a clear teaching point derived from state and national standards, guided practice, a check for understanding, a connection to prior learning, and a summation. This is a tall order, and it is delivered 180 days each year. Included in the instructional day is a single preparation period and a 30 minute lunch period. Some teachers use their lunch period to tutor students, attend meetings, or provide student supervision. At the end of the teaching day (contract day ends at 3pm), teachers communicate with parents and students, coach after school sports, attend department or grade level meetings, represent the school on district level committees, and of course grade tests, quizzes, reports, projects and essays. For many teachers the grading routine can encompass the evening and weekend hours. On early release Wednesdays, teachers commit to an hour of staff development each week. The major focus for our staff is creating lessons that are infused with technology. When teachers are gone from the classroom, they have to leave a fool-proof plan for the substitute teachers to ensure that learning continues in their absence. Teachers spend time recruiting and training substitutes to step in during their absence. The final line in every teaching contract has the statement “other duties as assigned.” The “other duties” include student supervision, emergency preparedness, CPR and first aid certification, creating and maintaining academic data bases, updating web-based grade books, and reading research studies on student learning. Our hiring practices require potential teachers and support staff to embody four core values: (1)Subject area expertise, (2)Choose to work specifically with middle school children, (3)Strong desire to work collegially, and bring a (4)”Value added” skill to the school community. Suffice to say that teaching is a very complex task that requires equal amounts of passion, devotion, and expertise to be done well. Thank goodness for great teachers. Your first task in the New Year is to share a story with your children about a teacher who was an inspiration in your life; we all have at least one.
New Lexicon: Those who can do Teach!
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!LAMO 4ODAY ^ *ANUARY 0AGE
Monte Vista High School By Janet Terranova, Principal Vacation, whether a stay vacation or a visit to the far reaches of the world, is a wonderful time to relax and spend quality time with family and friends. I hope you all had an opportunity to enjoy a restful winter break with time for some fun activities and a chance to reflect on 2011. The first few weeks back from winter break are always hectic. Students are completing the first semester, and finals will start January 17. While finals can often be anxious time for students, families can do much to alleviate needless stress. As a parent, assure your student that all you expect is for them to try their best. If you are worried about finals, try to remain cool and positive with your student. Some students may need help with organizing their study time and strategies they will use to study. Give positive feedback to your student for making a plan for studying and carrying through with the plan. Cramming rarely works; encourage your student to begin reviewing now and develop a strategy for studying for each final. Most students benefit from active learning rather than passive studying. The more your student can manipulate the information in a variety of ways, the more successful the study session; flashcards, lists, charts, graphs, diagrams, turning the information into a story and telling the story are all active strategies for learning. Today our students are reliant on computers and may find success using many of the free online resources is a good study strategy. Space out study periods as spending short periods of time studying is more beneficial than trying to study for long periods of time. While this advice sounds familiar, make sure your student has a quiet place dedicated to studying, gets enough sleep, and eats a good breakfast before taking the finals. There are many websites that offer additional strategies for studying. Remember it is important to stay positive and encourage your student. If you would like more information about Monte Vista and our activities, please visit our website at www.mvhigh.org.
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Cinema Classics Orchestra Wives By Peggy Horn This month I recommend a film from 1942 entitled, Orchestra Wives, starring Ann Rutherford and George Montgomery. This is a cute, lighthearted movie featuring the real Glenn Miller and his band playing several of their gorgeous songs, including At Last and Serenade in Blue. Both are beautifully performed in this movie, and actress, Lynn Bari, is the tempting songstress in both songs. A hugely entertaining rendition of I’ve Got A Gal In Kalamazoo is presented by Tex Beneke, Marion Hutton (Betty Hutton’s older sister), and the Modernaires and this film’s performance of that tune generated an Academy Award nomination for “Best Music – Original Song,” in 1943. Mr. Miller plays his own charming self in the movie although his name has been changed to Gene Morrison. Whatever his name, it is Mr. Miller’s music that absolutely makes the movie! Jackie Gleason, Ceasar Romero, and Harry Morgan all have roles in this movie that was filmed during the development of all three of their successful acting careers. Even Dale Evans, wife of cowboy Roy Rogers, has a small part in this movie, but to her credit, in 1950, Miss. Evans composed the song, Happy Trails, which some consider one of the most recognized tunes on the planet! The movie purports to portray the lives of the women married to the Glenn Miller band members although the real orchestra or band wives apparently felt that this portrayal was inaccurate claiming that they actually all got along very well. Miss. Rutherford plays the part of Connie Ward, a small town girl who chances to meet the principal trumpeter for the band, Bill Abbott – played by George Montgomery. Following a lighting fast courtship they marry and Connie becomes an orchestra wife as she and her new husband travel with the band as it gives performances throughout the country. Because this is a forties movie, we have the opportunity to hear phraseology from that time period such as “Pencil me in for a dream,” “Knee deep in orange blossoms,” and “That would be grand.” But the music is the thing in this movie and on that basis alone it can be enjoyed again and again. Orchestra Wives is available inexpensively online and at select DVD rental establishments.
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Page 10 - January 2012 ~ Alamo Today
Give Your Pet a Happy, Healthy New Year By Deborah Knibb, DVM Give your pet a happy, healthy New Year by scheduling a general health chemistry check-up or a dental cleaning for less than the price of a designer pet tote bag! A general chemistry panel tells us about your pets’ internal health. The test covers kidneys, liver, red and white blood cell count, electrolytes, and thyroid...basically the works. If we detect changes in any major organ system early, we can usually manage and prevent further disease progression and increase the lifespan of your pet. Dental cleaning covers the oral cavity. The oral cavity is the entrance to the entire digestive tract. Infection, loose teeth, gum disease, and inflammation can lead to more serious systemic disease and illness. Bacteria from the mouth can lead to the kidneys and heart valves resulting in permanent damage or failure of those vital organs. Cats and dogs don’t normally cry when they are in pain, but subtle signs of not eating their food, dropping food from their mouth, or pawing at their month can be indicators of dental disease. Chronic inflammation of the gingival tissue can lead to problems with the immune system and even cancer. Any oral tumor should be considered cancerous until proven otherwise with a biopsy. Fresh breath is always more welcomed than smelly halitosis. We have several Notify the IRS when you change your address Here's a question you might not expect to hear from your accountant: What's options to achieve and maintain a pleasant aroma to your pets breath. It’s not only your last known address? the aroma that we are maintaining. Cleaner teeth mean a cleaner mouth and thus Your answer could have tax consequences. Why? For purposes of most IRS less chance of bacteria being spread to the hands and faces of pet owners. correspondence, your last known address is the one on your last tax return. That On average our pets live for only 8-12, so why not provide them with the means if you've moved your residence or business since filing your return, you best of care? After practicing veterinary medicine for over twenty years, I have might not receive IRS notices or refunds. Are you thinking, “No news is good news?” In the case of tax notices, no witnessed the importance of healthy gums and teeth in all animals including news may mean interest and penalties are accruing. In general, mailing a notice horses, dogs, and cats. is sufficient for the IRS to meet legal notification requirements, whether or not For the months of January and February 2012, bring your pets in for a teeth you actually receive it. cleaning at a significant discount honoring National Pet Dental Health Month. Your refund can be affected, too. One example: The IRS mails failed direct deposit Emergency and after-hour care is available seven days a week. Please contact refunds, such as those transmitted to a closed account, to your last known address. Even when you update your address with the post office, it's still smart to Advertorial me at 925-998-8368.
Volunteer at the Glass House Museum! Attend an orientation on Thursday, January 26th at 1 pm to learn about the exciting volunteer opportunities at the historic Glass House Museum in San Ramon. Completed in 1877, the fully restored, Italianate style Victorian home is open to the public as a museum. Volunteers will be trained to lead a variety of tours, provide educational programs, and participate in historic preservation. Find out how you can be a part of this unique program. Forest Home Farms and the Glass House Museum are located at 19953 San Ramon Valley Blvd., just south of Pine Valley Road. Seating is limited. Please RSVP to 925-973-3282.
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notify the IRS directly. The best method is to complete and mail "Form 8822, Change of Address." You can also write a letter and send it to the same Internal Revenue Service office where you filed your tax return. Remember to notify your state department of revenue of your new address, too, as well as customers or former employers who may need to send year-end tax forms. Give us a call if you're planning a move. In addition to helping you update your address, we can help determine if you're eligible for tax-related relocation deductions such as transportation, travel, or lodging.
Feeney McClaskey and Associates, Inc Certified Public Accountants 3201 Danville Blvd., Suite 150 • Alamo, CA 94507 (925) 314-1891 • Fax (925) 309-2462 www.fmacpa.com • Email: info@fmacpa.com
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Ten Years of PCIO
Alamo Today ~ January 2012 - Page 11
By Evan Corstorphine, Portable CIO
Where were you in 2001? I worked in San Francisco for a startup that was going to be the “next big thing” in insurance industry software. Like millions of others, I had high hopes of a big payday when our company became successful. The best laid plans often go awry, and something indeed happened on the way to the bank. The economy in general, and the venture-capital funding pool in specific, were very rocky in 2001. All that was needed was for the economy to be nudged to fall into an all-out recession, which it did in grand form following the September 2001 attacks. Taking everything into account, the company I worked for decided it had over-built due to slower-than-expected adoption of our product by the insurance industry and the new reality of post-9/11 economics. The writing was on the wall, and in October of 2001, for the first time in my professional career, I was no longer employed. For those of you who have never been “let go,” I must say it’s not a lot of fun. No matter how you may rationalize what has happened, it’s hard to avoid a bit of bruised ego. I had always thought about striking out on my own, but the corporate world and the “golden handcuffs” had always been a strong disincentive. Now that I was separated from the firm, I had some choices to make. There were three avenues to pursue. They were a) go find another job, b) find a firm to consult for, or c) start a new company. With technology budgets plummeting due to the recession and a glut of good people on the market, I decided against going back to corporate life. I felt it was going to be ridiculously over-competitive, I’d have a terrible commute, and I’d have to work a lot more hours than I wanted to given the state of the economy. I did try consulting for a boutique firm for a little bit, but it didn’t feel right. Maybe it was whom I was serving, but it just didn’t float my boat. I decided to create my own firm. What should I call it? Well, I was an unattached CIO (Chief Information Officer), and being unemployed I was quite available, so from there it was easy; “Portable CIO” was born. Besides being an accurate description of the owner, “Portable CIO” represents the conveyance of corporate-level computing expertise down to the small business and residential customer. It is no accident that this firm isn’t called “PC Doctor” or “Nerds Are Us” or anything else cutesy and ultimately demeaning to our profession. Our aim has always been to serve folks who try the other firms, realize something’s missing, and are ready for a fresh start. We have always taken a thoughtful and methodical approach to help our customers figure out their technology, and it’s resonated with our clients. Ten years later, computer technology has maintained its meteoric progression. Hardisks have grown in size from 40 gigabytes back when we started, to over 3TB (3000 gigabytes) today. Computers used to come with 1 gigabyte of memory, and now we order them with 12 gigabytes. The single-core “Pentium 4” microprocessor has been replaced with four or eight-core i7’s and Xeon processors, effectively quadrupling or octupling computing power. We’ve seen the introduction of the iPod, the iPad and Tablet Computing, Android, flat panel displays of enormous proportions, DVD and BlueRay players on the computer, and countless other enhancements. Back in 2001, the “Michealangelo” and “Klez” viruses were wreaking havoc on unsuspecting computer users. Little did anyone imagine the creative and destructive ways that bad guys would evolve over this decade, including advanced root-kits, Trojan’s, XP-Antivirus, and even the “Stuxnet” virus that was created to cripple Iranian nuclear ambitions. Who would have guessed that ten thousand viruses and malware of various origins and types would be created every single day in 2011? Yet some things haven’t changed one bit. People are still people. We all still have business problems to solve, and we hope technology can help us improve our situation. We still open emails we shouldn’t. We still visit websites we should avoid. We still leap before looking. Just like ten years ago, Portable CIO’s primary job is working with people first, technology second, to address the strategies, processes, and habits of the organization. We’re very good when working with technology, but we’re at our very best when working with people. It sounds cliché, but we really do listen, and we really like our jobs. We love what we do, and we plan to be around for the foreseeable future. I’d like to personally thank you for being a part of Portable CIO’s success over the past ten years. If we’ve worked with you, thank you, because our business is based on your trust. If we haven’t met you yet, I hope we get the opportunity in 2012. When you’re ready for a seasoned, people-centered approach to computing, give our friendly staff a call at (925) 552-7953, or email Advertorial helpdesk@theportablecio.com.
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Page 12 - January 2012 ~ Alamo Today
Pilgrimages to Ancient Holy Places By Betsy Ahlberg, Travel Consultant at Alamo World Travel & Tours From the pages of your history book or Bible, travel to ancient lands having a history that goes back to the beginning of time. Visit Israel and see the land where Jesus was born, walked, preached, and was crucified. The country of Israel is full of history. Although it is just the size of New Jersey, ten days is barely enough time to delve into its amazing history. See ruins dating from 2,000–3,000 BC, ancient Roman cities, “Tels” (up to 20 cities built on top of each others ruins), and the famous Dead Sea which is so salty you cannot sink. You can float for hours in the salty mineral water and come out feeling like you have been bathed in soothing oil. You can also visit Jerusalem, a world famous, fascinating city that has divided Old City Jewish, Christian, Armenian, and Arab quarters each with its own distinct personality. You will also want to see the Dome of the Rock built over the destroyed temple, the wailing wall that serves as the “temple” today, and the underground water tunnels. Visit the original walls built by Solomon and Herod, historic Bethlehem - Christ’s birthplace, beautiful green and mountainous northern Israel with its tranquil Sea of Galilee, as well as many other historical sites. Another pilgrimage to take is “The Steps of Paul.” The apostle Paul spread the Gospel from Israel to Turkey and Greece. See the ancient cities with their multiple layers of history taking you back thousands of years and through many different cultures. Visit Ephesus, Philadelphia, Laodicea, Pamukkale, Sardis, Thyatira, Pergamum, and Smyrna. See the fascinating city of Istanbul with its mosques and museums, exciting spice market, and the famous Grand Bazaar, a shopper’s paradise. The ancient Trojan horse was recreated in Istanbul - home to 5,000 years of ruins. Continue on to Greece. Tour the beautiful cities of Thessaloniki, Philippi, Neapolis, Berea, Athens, and Corinth. Stop at Mt. Olympus with its towering peak always encircled by a cloud. See the home of the gods and watch their stories come alive in the ruins. Greece is a beautiful country with its sparkling seas and hills covered with wildflowers growing among the ancient ruins of marble. Continue on to the famous city of Athens with its ancient ruins amid a modern beautiful city, and then see peaceful Corinth by the sea and the famous canal. After all the history you need a respite, so head off to the Greek islands for a three day rest. Explore picturesque cities tucked on tiny islands, many with only donkeys for transportation. Ferries travel hourly from the port in Athens to dozens of islands, big and small. Enjoy the food while you are there. Seeing the many different ways to cook calamari was a unique find. The best way to see all of this is to go with a group of friends, church members, or family members. We can put together a package for groups of 10–40 and customize the tour for what you want to see. We provide transportation, accommodations, your own personal professional guide in each country, and your own private bus and driver. If you do not have enough for a group, we can put together trips for individuals or families as well. For 31 years Alamo World Travel & Tours has provided group, individual, and corporate travel with tours, cruises, and hotels. We are located at 3201 Danville Blvd, Suite 255 in Alamo between Ace Hardware and the Peasants Courtyard. Please call us at (925) 837-8742 or (800) 848-8747, email us at info@alamoworld.com, or visit our website at www.alamoworld.com. We Advertorial have thousands of travel options. CST#2008416-10
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A New Year's Toast By Monica Chappell Do your New Year's resolutions include: eating better, exercising more and getting healthy? The next time you raise a glass of wine to toast a friend’s health, you may be doing more than expressing goodwill. For some of the same reasons “an apple a day keeps the doctor away,” a glass of wine a day may set you on your way to wellness.
I'll Drink to That Now is a great time to enjoy the pleasures of wine, especially since science is discovering the potentially powerful health benefits of drinking the fruit of the vine. A great number of studies have been done to determine the therapeutic and disease-fighting powers of wine, both red and white. When it comes to protecting the heart, red—not white—wine has always been the hero. We've all heard that red wine is good for us, but how good it is depends on who you are and how much and how often you drink it.
A Votre Sante (To Your Health) When it comes to health, all alcoholic beverages are not created equal. While all may have the power to relax us, only red wine contains a lot of polyphenols, heart-friendly antioxidants that help inhibit plaque buildup in the arteries. Studies suggest that the polyphenols, or tannins, which derived from grape skins and seeds giving red wine its color also act as protectors against cell damage caused by nasty molecules called free radicals, produced by sun, pollution, and cigarette smoke; all are believed to be culprits in the aging process. Wine, however, is not the only source of polyphenols. They are also abundant in a wide variety of foods including tea, chocolate, and many fruits and vegetables.
The Art of Living Well Wine has played an integral role in everyday life, religious ceremonies, celebratory events, and the enjoyment of meals by societies throughout history and continues to do so. While some of the recent studies concerning wine and health are more conclusive than others, many of them offer a good reason to make wine part of your daily life. Monica Chappell is a wine writer and educator. For a list of upcoming programs, visit www.wineappreciation101.blogspot.com.
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Tax Talk H&R Block/Danville location offers Special Review of Past Returns By Bob Shalon, IRS Enrolled Agent and Office Manager We are back for our sixth year at our current location at Sycamore Square in Danville. Due to a very successful tax season in 2010 where we experienced our fifth consecutive year of double digit client growth (18%), we have added two more tax preparers giving the office six experienced tax advisers to serve the Danville/Alamo area. Each tax adviser is a resident of Danville/Alamo with strong ties to the community. You can read their professional bios in the Tax Pro Finder feature on our website www.hrblock.com. Besides myself we have two additional IRS Enrolled Agents in Pam Abbott and Brynda Dobson. All three of us have experience representing clients in front of the IRS. Every H&R Block Tax Adviser completed at least 40 hours of continuous education hours, almost double the IRS annual standard.
Review of Taxpayers Previous Three Years Returns Last season H&R Block offered to meet with and review new clients’ previous three years tax returns. We were looking for missed opportunities as well as accuracy. The benefit to these clients were: • Returns received our standard guarantee of penalty and interest coverage once a return was entered into our system – even if the return was found to Bob Shalon, EA be accurate. Master Tax Advisor • Enrolled Agent • Amended returns to recover additional 925.820.9570 714 San Ramon Valley Blvd, Suite B, Danville tax dollars or correct inaccurate returns Sycamore Square (next to Lucky’s) were filed in three bob.shalon@tax.hrblock.com
Alamo Today ~ January 2012 - Page 13
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out of ten returns we reviewed. Due to the success of this program we will be offering this review at no charge to our new clients. You must bring us your tax returns and all relevant tax documents used that year.
Payroll Tax Cut Temporarily Extended into 2012 WASHINGTON — Nearly 160 million workers will benefit from the extension of the reduced payroll tax rate that has been in effect for 2011. The Temporary Payroll Tax Cut Continuation Act of 2011 temporarily extends the two percentage point payroll tax cut for employees, continuing the reduction of their Social Security tax withholding rate from 6.2 percent to 4.2 percent of wages paid through February 29, 2012. This reduced Social Security withholding will have no effect on employees’ future Social Security benefits. I personally want to wish each of you and your families a happy and healthy 2012. To my current clients, as always I look forward to seeing you again and hearing about your year. To contact me, please call 925.820.9570. Advertorial
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Page 14 - January 2012 ~ Alamo Today
Art in Everyday Life Buying Art: Part 1 By Tony Michael Vecchio
to make an informed purchasing decision. Local art exhibits in January: Danville’s Village Theatre Art Gallery’s latest exhibition will be Abstract Dialogue, featuring the work of John Toki and Pamela Stefl Toki, January 6 - February 17. Toki’s large-scale sculptures in clay and porcelain possess a timeless quality, inspired by nature’s form, and suggesting archaeological elements. Pamela Stefl Toki creates her unique prints from a wet clay slab technique called clay monoprinting, a process which provides time to work the clay surface for hours. The Diablo Valley College Gallery presents Telling Stories Through Art, an exhibit of how visual artists construct stories and push, shift, or break boundaries between image-based art and event or experience. The exhibit will run January 19 to February 21. The opening reception is Wednesday, January 25, 6-8pm. The next Alamo-Danville Artists’ Society’s exhibition, Artistic Fusion, is a collection of all new member work opening on Thursday, January 12 through March 25, at the spacious and inviting Blackhawk Art Gallery in Blackhawk Plaza. The artist opening reception will be Saturday, January 14 from 5-7pm. Come and meet the artists, while enjoying wine, snacks, and conversation. Tony Michael Vecchio writes about visual imagery, painting, and artistic style. Contact him at tonymvecchio@gmail.com. His work is on exhibit at the Blackhawk Art Gallery and online at Etsy.com/shop/WabiSabiDaddi.
Let’s set up an art buying scenario. You hit it big in Vegas, you sold some stock for a nice profit, or a favorite relative left you some cash. In any case, you find yourself with a nice little five-figure windfall, and buying a painting for your home is now your pleasant exercise. For simplicity, let’s focus today on just visiting brick and mortar galleries or studios to view the art selections in person. There are a number of different scenarios to consider: You may already have a particular artist in mind and can now purchase a larger piece, or you may have a specific wall space in your home that you need to fill with a certain size or color palette, or you are adventurously open to buying a painting that just connects with your soul. So how do you go about this endeavor? Where do you start? How do you know if the art you choose is good? In art-saturated Northern California, there are numerous co-op and retail galleries located in every sizable city from the South Bay to Napa, and San Francisco to Walnut Creek. Assuming you’ve already chosen the gallery locations to visit on your art buying mission, let’s look at what to expect. Co-op galleries display work by a large number of artist members, hanging only a few pieces by each artist, depending on available space. The co-op gallery, managed by the artists, generally charges a lower commission percentage on sales, but consequently the gallery doesn’t have the budget available for promotion and advertising to target and reach the appropriate sales demographic. The co-op gallery space presents a wide range of diverse styles which, while conducive for gift shopping and browsing, doesn’t have the ability to promote a singular artist, style, or conceptual genre. But a co-op gallery offers the opportunity to sometimes meet the artist at work and ask any questions you have. Plus, you may find you can engage in negotiations for work for sale or see other examples. A retail gallery, depending on size, will exhibit a limited number of artists at a time, with each person represented by a large series of work, sometimes 8 to 15 pieces. This gives an excellent overall scope of the artist’s current body of work. The gallery will typically provide bio and exhibit history information on the artist, which gives a more structured perspective of the artist’s professional growth and vision. When you find work you’re drawn to, whether it’s representational, abstract, or another stylistic category, you can engage the gallery business representative in more in-depth conversation about the particular artist or style. In this way, you can find out more valuable information about the artist’s relationship to their art and why the gallery chose to represent their work. Often a retail gallery will exhibit work of out-of-state artists if they feel the work is important enough to be seen by a new audience. Open Tues thru Sat 10 to 6 The gallery will answer your questions, and provide a valuable perspective of how the artist works, what their source of inspiDanville 925.648.0293 ration is, and what their vision is for their 3426 Camino Tassajara work. The more insight you have on an artist or style of work, the better equipped you are
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Alamo Today ~ January 2012 - Page 15
Happy New Year to All of Our Good Friends! RICHARDS CRAFTS
Thanks for your continued support in these challenging times...it’s much appreciated! From the Richards’ Staff! Visit our website www.RichardsArtsandCrafts.com for upcoming events Become our Facebook friend! Search Richard’s Crafts- The Creative Market Place
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Alamo Store 820-4731 Alamo Plaza Shopping Center Stone Valley Rd. Exit West off Hwy 680 to Danville Blvd. Right 1 block. Mon-Sat 9am-8pm • Sun 10am-6pm Family owned and operated since 1983
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Page 16 - January 2012 ~ Alamo Today
From Our Family to Yours The New York Life family is here to help you achieve your financial goals through the products we offer. Whether you’re purchasing a first home, starting a family or business, accumulating funds for your children’s education, or saving for retirement, we will work with you to develop a financial strategy that’s right for you. Call our office today. 552-7152 Mustang Angels - U10 State Cup Bronze 1 Champions. The Angels had a three shut-out run and took home the championship win. From top left: Coach Craig Ziegler, Coach Mike Mondloch, Coach Kurt Van Wagenen. Middle row: Jaye Campbell, Celine Ertekin, Caroline Quinn, Gigi Baldacci, Amy Rooney, Allie Van Wagenen, and Gabi Scheibley. Front row: Kennedy Rivera, Kylie Stubbs, Rachel Mondloch, Chloe Ziegler, and Maddie Langbein.
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Pictured are agents of the Greater San Francisco General Office of New York Life Insurance Company in Alamo. From left to right: John Erwin "EJ" M. Magbitang, LUTCF (CA Ins. Lic. #0D37634), Emma M. Magbitang (CA Ins. Lic. #0710892), Julius Elmer "Joel" M. Magbitang, LUTCF (CA Ins. Lic. #0D35676) 3000 Danville Blvd., Suite L Alamo, CA 94507 Tel. (925) 552-7152 / Fax (925) 552-7127
www.MagbitangFinancialGroup.com
© 2011 New York Life Insurance Company, 51 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10010. SMRU00454979CV (Exp. 08/25/13)
Danville’s St. Isidore’s 4th grade CYO basketball team took 1st place in their division in the 11th Annual Turkey Shootout Tournament. Coach Mark Strauch and John Corpus’ team edged out a 16-20 victory in the last two minutes of the game. Pictured from top left: John Corpus, Conor Wallace, Daniel Corbett, Jake Romero, Kyle Davidson, Anthony Santa Maria, Brady Bowman, Mark Strauch. From bottom left: Jacob Corpus, Jered Kenny, Alex Strauch, and Carter Strauch.
Moms In Touch Moms In Touch is an interdenominational, nonprofit organization where two or more moms gather together to pray for children and schools. Moms will experience how to replace anxiety and fear with peace and joy by praying specifically and scripturally for children and schools. For more information, contact Karen Pearce at bkpearce@yahoo.com or 949-350-2360, or visit www.MomsInTouch.org.
Boat Safety and Education Classes Boat Safety Training and Education classes are offered by the Diablo Sail and Power Squadron. The Squadron is a non-profit organization and classes are open to all. To register, go to www.DiabloSquadron.org or call (925) 377-2628. The Martinez Sea Scout Facility (MSSF) is located at 255 North Court St., Martinez (head north towards the Marina). All other locations are as listed. • America’s Boating Class (ABC) – January 29th and February 4th ~ 8AM – 4PM ~ Bridge Marina Yacht Club, 20 Fleming Lane Antioch • Seamanship – Thursday evenings, February 16 – March 22 ~ MSSF
Courses for Inland Navigator Certificate • Weather – January 19th ~ MSSF • VHF Radio – February 9th ~ MSSF • How to Read a Chart – Bridge Marina Yacht Club, 20 Fleming Lane, Antioch • Engine Maintenance – April 10 – May 15 ~ 3160 Crow Canyon Rd -Suite 400, San Ramon • Using GPS – April 19th ~ MSSF • Radar – May 17th ~ MSSF • Anchoring – June 21st ~ MSSF
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Trust & Estate Litigation – A Growth Industry By Robert J. Silverman, Esq. Trust and Estate litigation is a growth industry. While statistics are rare, my colleagues and I receive many calls about trust and estate disputes. Sadly, many of these disputes end up in court. Some legal experts go so far as to call the problem an “epidemic.” This article will cover some reasons for this phenomenon and a few tips on how you can help your loved ones avoid the tremendous heartache and expense of litigation. One reason for this rise in trust and estate litigation is that the U.S. population is aging dramatically. On January 1, 2012, the first “baby boomers” turned 65. Over the next 20 years, approximately 65-70 Million boomers will reach 65 - about 10,000 each day! As boomers die, the transfer of generational wealth is going to be astounding. In the first half of this century, literally tens of trillions of dollars will transfer from one generation to the next. Another reason for this increase in litigation seems to be the economic downturn. Many actual and prospective inheritors are needy; sometimes they feel desperate. But, to a certain extent, regardless of the economic climate, people will fight over inheritance because it’s human nature. We’re imperfect, and we can be greedy. We don’t communicate as well as we should - even with (perhaps especially with) our loved ones. Misunderstandings arise, poor choices are made, perceived and actual inequities occur, and disagreements and conflicts leave bitter feelings. How can you not be discouraged by all this? By learning about optimal ways to structure your estate plan, and taking affirmative steps to reduce your family’s exposure to ugly, time-consuming and expensive legal proceedings. The most common mistake that leads to a court proceeding is not having a funded Living Trust. Even if you have a Will (and not a trust), a court action for estate administration - probate - is essentially guaranteed. That doesn’t mean the probate will be a contested proceeding, but it will nevertheless usually cause unnecessary time and fees to be incurred in the process. Of course, just having a full set of estate planning documents doesn’t mean you are “home free” in avoiding legal proceedings. Much of the time spent in Probate Court involves flawed documents. Sometimes the flaws are blatant, sometimes more subtle. Frequently, the documents are internet-based legal forms or “canned” documents prepared by an unskilled estate planning attorney or paralegal service. The use of these by consumers is myopic, leaving loved ones vulnerable to courthouse grief and many multiples of the fees and costs they thought they were saving. In any event, canned documents are an unreasonable substitute for a customized plan drafted by a seasoned estate planning attorney, and supported by such wise “counselor’s” practical advice and skilled drafting. One of the most critical aspects of a Living Trust is choosing a successor trustee – someone who will manage the trust after the initial trustee(s) dies or becomes incapacitated. At the heart of a lot of disputes is the designation of an inappropriate person. The fact that someone is close to you in the kinship chart (e.g. a child or sibling) doesn’t mean that he or she has the right skill set, judgment, and sensitivity to do the job correctly, fairly, and in the way you would want and expect. Nominating co-trustees, rather than a sole trustee, is also generally a bad idea. Typically, a client’s initial instinct is to choose a close relative. I engage clients in a “reality check” discussion, explaining a trustee’s serious responsibilities, and outlining rational criteria for choosing a trustee. Consequently, the client sometimes decides to name a different family member or even an unrelated party, such as a neutral, objective institutional trustee or licensed private fiduciary. This decision always merits careful consideration. Another common and dangerous litigation trap is the failure to anticipate and reconcile potential competing interests (e.g. between your children and between your children and their step-parent). Fortunately, there are appealing ways to streamline an estate plan so that assets are made available and/or distributed to various loved ones in a manner that minimizes or eliminates the potential conflict. Thoughtful legal counsel, and accompanying careful and appropriate document drafting, are invaluable in keeping folks off of the crowded trust/estate courtroom battlefield. Mr. Silverman is an attorney with Shapiro Buchman Provine Brothers Smith LLP, 1333 N. California Street, Suite 350, Walnut Creek, CA 94596; (925) 944-9700; rsilverman@sbllp.com. His practice emphasizes Estate Planning, Trust Administration & Probate, Real Estate, and Business. Please call for a free introductory consultation. This article is intended to provide information of a general nature, and should not be relied upon as legal, tax, financial and/ or business advice. Readers should obtain and rely upon specific advice only from their own qualified professional advisors. This communication is not intended or written to be used, for the purpose of: i) avoiding penalties under the Internal Revenue Code; or ii) promoting, marketing, or recommending to another party any Advertorial matters addressed herein.
Alamo Today ~ January 2012 - Page 17
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Glass continued from front page constraints, this year the school had to combine the advanced and the intermediate jazz classes. As a student in the class, senior Claire Rogers, who plays the saxophone, said, “It’s difficult for the intermediate students to be dragged along to the advanced level at a rapid pace so the advanced students can learn something. It’s frustrating for the advanced students to have to wait for the intermediate students to catch on.” Because this combination is not helping either skill level, Glass and Rogers want to see the two levels separated to their original state. To fund this separation, the instrumental music department will have to raise $17,000. Years ago Glass thought, “Let’s make money for our program doing what we love to do -- play music. It beats selling candy bars.” Glass and Rogers, mentioned the upcoming 8th annual Instrumental Music Benefit Concert fundraiser, to be held Saturday, January 28th. All of the proceeds from the concert go to the Instrumental Music Program. The concert usually raises $5,000 to $10,000. This year’s headliner is “Evolution: The Ultimate Tribute to Journey.” With energy, precision, and nuance, Evolution carries on the spirit of Journey to throngs of enthusiastic fans. The musicians are honored to pay tribute to the band they consider the best in the world as well as to be able to share Journey’s heartpounding, hard-hitting, rock and roll hits with Cheryl Yee Glass (left) gets a marching band member ready for the many, many fans their performance. worldwide! The annual benefit concert is simultaneously many things: a learning laboratory, a student exhibition and a professional public performance. It’s “edutainment” that serves the students, the parents, and the community. Glass said that for the students, “There is a difference between performing and putting on a show. This is putting on a show.”
See Glass continued on page 21
Page 18 - January 2012 ~ Alamo Today
Simplifying Retirement Brought to you by Peter T. Waldron & Robert J. Waldron In conjunction with Waldron Wealth Advisors, a division of Lincoln Financial Advisors, a registered investment advisor.
Retirement planning can seem complex and intimidating, which explains why some people delay doing it. However, with the appropriate help from a knowledgeable financial advisor, preparation can be a straightforward process that produces a sound strategy and a sense of security. To simplify your planning, consider pursuing these 10 steps:
1. Shift your viewpoint. In retirement, you must go from accumulating wealth to providing a lifetime income stream while preserving wealth. If you accept this focus early in the retirement planning process, then you can go from being a great saver to being a great saver with a rational retirement income security plan.
2. Review your anticipated incomes needs. Calculate all the necessary expenditures required in retirement as well as the unnecessary but desirable ones. Be inclusive so that you can gauge the scope of expenditures accurately. This is the most critical step in the process because it provides the foundation for all other financial planning.
3. Conduct a comprehensive revenue review. Start by collecting information on any pensions you may receive. That includes pensions paid by corporations, governments or other organizations. Know the amounts due to you and the methods of payment – and especially at what age you can begin drawing benefits. Do the same thing for other accounts, whether they are savings or defined contribution plans, like an IRA, a 401(k), a SEP or an annuity.
4. Know your Social Security benefits. Social Security could be an income source in retirement, so it should be included in a revenue review. Because of its complexities, Social Security calls for a level of diligence and understanding beyond that required with other revenue sources. The Social Security Administration can provide information on what you’ve paid into the system and what you can expect to receive. It is important to know what your spouse’s benefits will be as well.Also, make sure you understand the impact that divorce or remarriage may have on benefits.
5. Factor in inflation’s impact. It’s important to understand the impact long-term inflation will have on retirement investments. Unfortunately, many people fail to include calculations for inflation in their retirement planning preparations. Even low levels of inflation can erode the buying power of the dollar. For example, 3% inflation over a 24-year period will double your income needs. So, you
The Care of Mature Trees By Blaine Brende & Joe Lamb Entering my sixth decade, the gathering stiffness in my joints deepens my appreciation that living systems change as they age. Trees also change as they grow older, but, for trees and humans alike, how gracefully we flower in later life is not determined by genetics alone. Long life for humans is a relatively new phenomenon. Our Paleolithic ancestors seldom lived beyond 35 years of age, and they would, I imagine, marvel that the average American now lives to be 78. However, long life for trees is nothing new. Methuselah, a bristlecone pine growing in the Sierras, has attained the astounding age of 4,838 and is the oldest documented living organism on our planet. It lifts my heart to acknowledge that the pine nut, which grew to become Methuselah, sprouted its first needles 2,268 years before the birth of Buddha, 2,832 years before the birth of Jesus, and 3,402 years before the birth of Muhammad. To promote long life, reduce the stresses on your trees. The densely packed clay soils common to the East Bay produce many stresses. Compacted soils lack air spaces and inhibit the movement of oxygen. Clay soils are soggy when wet (which promotes root rot), but they are hard when dry (which promotes drought stress). Improving the porosity of the soil by mulching, aerating, and, sometimes, by radial trenching reduces the stress on your tree. Mulching is the easiest and cheapest of these techniques. Two or three inches of quality mulch under the canopy of the tree, but not piled against the trunk, helps to keep the soil soft, moist, and cooler in the summer. Aerating aids soil porosity and reduces stress. To aerate the tree, use a deep root irrigator
www.yourmonthlypaper.com need to create a retirement plan that has the potential to increase your income over time.
6. Prepare for health care costs. Good medical care is vital in retirement, and figuring the costs now ensures it will be available when needed.Those costs could amount to as much as $1,000 monthly.Acomprehensive study of medical benefits and costs should include consideration of long-term care insurance, supplemental health care insurance and a review of any medical benefits for which you may be eligible. For the latter, be sure that you understand coverage and co-payments.
7. Develop a tax management strategy. Retirees need to convert the appropriate assets to income. Every conversion choice carries a tax implication. Wise choices can minimize taxes thus boosting income. It is important to compare your current tax bracket with the one you probably will occupy during retirement.
8. Understand market volatility. All markets, including those for stocks and bonds, rise and fall due to a variety of circumstances. An individual’s ability to tolerate these changes will have a huge impact on the composition of his or her retirement portfolio. Recognizing the inevitability of market fluctuations (and knowing your tolerance level) allows you to create a strategically balanced portfolio. That means you can tolerate the changes as they occur. Financial planners know of many strategies that can help meet your needs and ensure a sense of security.
9. Get important documents organized. Everybody should have some basic documents prepared, including a will, a living trust, a health care power of attorney and a financial power of attorney. These basic legal tools can ensure that inheritance matters are handled in an orderly and timely fashion. They also help loved ones make important decisions and gain access to needed funds if you become incapacitated.
10. Review your retirement plan. Regular meetings with your financial planner give both of you the opportunity to check that your retirement plan’s goals are being reflected in its performance. They also allow timely refinements to the plan required by major changes in your life. Annual reviews can be devoted to strategic issues, while quarterly meetings can cover tactical matters, like rebalancing portfolios. Please contact Peter Waldron to schedule a complimentary review of your financial situation, call 925-659-0383 or email peter.waldron@lfg.com. Peter T. Waldron & Robert J. Waldron Jr. are registered representative of Lincoln Financial Advisors, a broker/dealer, member SIPC, and offers investment advisory service through Sagemark Consulting, a division of Lincoln Financial Advisors Corp., a registered investment advisor, Waldron Wealth Advisors, 3000 Executive Parkway, Ste 400, San Ramon, CA 94583. Insurance offered through Lincoln affiliates and other fine companies. This information should not be construed as legal or tax advice. You may want to consult a tax advisor regarding this information as it relates to your personal circumstance. The content of this material was provided to you by Lincoln Financial Advisors Corp. for its representatives and their clients. CRN200906-2031097 Advertorial
to drill many one-inch diameter holes to a depth of around 30 inches throughout the zone under the tree’s canopy. Pruning to remove dead and diseased branches reduces the stresses on the tree. Many fruit trees suffer from diseases, both fungal and bacterial, carried from flower to flower by pollinating insects. After entering through the flower, the infection spreads, usually slowly, down into the woody tissue. Pruning to a point below the spread of the disease increases the lifespan of the tree. As with humans, stresses can have cumulative effects. When pines are drought stressed, they are unable to make the sap they use to drown burrowing insects. Oaks suffering from oak root fungus have trouble taking up water and often suffer from drought stress. When planning elder care for your trees, several factors beg consideration: What is your emotional attachment to the tree? Is the tree a hazard? Will it become a hazard in the future, and, if so, when? What will it cost to maintain the tree? Will it attain ‘sabi,’ the beauty of aging, if given the correct care? I hope that as I grow older I accept Roethke’s challenge and ‘dare to blaze like a tree.’ If you wish to extend your tree’s lifespan please call 510-486-TREE (8733) or email us at bl@brendelamb.com for a free estimate. Additionally, go to our website www.brendelamb.com to see before and after pictures, client testimonials, and work in your neighborhood. Advertorial
Do you have a story idea? How about sporting news? Call us at 925.405.6397, or email us at Editor@YourMonthlyPaper.com.
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!LAMO 4ODAY ^ *ANUARY 0AGE
Life in the Alamo Garden Garden Architecture By John Montgomery, ASLA, Landscape !RCHITECT What is “Garden Architecture?” Garden = a plot of ground where plants, vegetables, and flowers are grown. Architecture = the art and science of designing and constructing buildings and hardscape. I approach your Alamo landscape design with “Garden Architecture” in mind. The two design fundamentals brought together in a creative and cohesive design make up your landscape environment. Successful landscape design is a good balance of both. The approach I take is to focus on the “architecture” initially. The “architecture” defines the design. It creates structure with the borders, edges, views, and function of the “softscape.” Structures serve as background for people and plants. A focal point deserves significant detailing. Background structures don’t. Scale and proportion are important. Structures need to be scaled appropriately and in proportion to the surrounding environment. The outdoor environment allows for larger scale than the indoors. Measure the scale of structures by keeping in mind existing large scale trees, distant horizon lines, adjacent properties and views, and buildings.
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Architecture provides the bones to any landscape design. They provide ongoing significance throughout the season while the “softscape” changes from season to season. In general “hardscape” structures include the floor of the landscape (patios, decks, paths), steps and grade changes, enclosures and ceilings (arbors, pergolas, gazebos), walls (retaining, seat walls, benches), fences, buildings (cabanas, pool houses, potting sheds, storage sheds), use and recreation (swimming pools, sports court, bocce), and focal points (water features, bridges, garden ornament, gates, trellises). The purpose of any structure in the landscape design is function and form. What function shall any particular structure perform? In other words, what do they do? Those hot summer days in the Alamo garden demand the need for shade, and those long cold gray winters when deciduous trees drop their leaves, give you bones. Arbors or pergolas are “Garden Architecture” that can fulfill that function. What do they do? They provide shade in the summer and structural bones in the winter! A structure can have several functions. For instance, an arbor can define a portal, an entry into a garden room, or it can frame a view beyond. The form an arbor takes is an open structure usually with plants or vines climbing over it to form a portal or tunnel. An arbor can be built to take on any form that suits your design style. It can be as simple as an arched gate with climbing clematis or a bold design with four twelve-inch round Corinthian columns with rough hewn beams above heavily laden with Wisteria. Depending on the scale and architectural styling of your home and the design theme of your landscape, an arbor has many different forms it can take while performing the same function. A pergola as defined here is a free-standing overhead structure supported by posts or columns. The material that provides the shade may vary from lattice, to wood beams, to vines. All can provide shade depending on how much you wish to have. Pergolas generally are more significant structure because of the function. Often, a pergola becomes a garden room or enclosure in the garden, a gathering place for people, and a focal point. “Garden Architecture” brings form and
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function to any successful landscape environment. A hot tip from your local Landscape Architect: Built structures must be executed with proper construction techniques which are ensured through proper design, construction details and specifications, and on-site observations during the construction process. Landscape architects are tested and licensed by the state to design garden architecture. Gardening Quote of the Month: “One of the most delightful things about a garden is the anticipation it provides”. ~W.E. Johns If you would like me to write on any particular subject, email your ideas to jmontgomery@jm-la.com or for design ideas visit www.jm-la.com. Advertorial
Page 20 - January 2012 ~ Alamo Today
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Be Informed and Ready for Any Emergency By Roger Smith, President and Bill Nelson, Chair, Public Safety Committee *Alamo Public Safety Fair* Mark your calendars for March 24th, the date scheduled for our Alamo Public Safety Fair. This event will be open to the public between 10AM to 2PM and will be held at Creekside Community Church located at 1350 Danville Blvd. in Alamo. Information will be presented on programs such as Neighborhood Watch, Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT), and Emergency Preparedness for local and regional disasters. Fingerprinting of children for family identification records will be available. In addition information will be presented and available on Communication in Emergency Situations with local First Response Organizations. Program information will be provided by the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Department, San Ramon Valley Fire Protection District, Office of Emergency Services, American Red Cross, and others.
RACES The Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service (RACES), founded in 1952, is a public service provided by a reserve (volunteer) communications group. During periods of RACES activation, certified volunteer (unpaid) personnel are called upon to perform many tasks for the government agencies they serve. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) provides planning guidance and technical assistance for establishing a RACES organization at the state and local government level.
Alamo Today ~ January 2012- Page 21 The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is responsible for the regulation of RACES operations. RACES is administrated by a local, county, or state civil defense agency responsible for disaster services. RACES is a function of the agency’s Auxiliary Communications Service (ACS), sometimes known as DCS (Disaster Communication Services or ECS (Emergency Communications Services). The Auxiliary Communications Service (ACS), in its RACES and other reserve emergency communications functions, provides a pool of emergency communications personnel that can be called upon in time of need. ACS/ RACES units across the country prepare themselves for the inevitable day when they will be called upon. When a local, county or state government agency activates its ACS unit, that unit will use its communications resources (RACES, as necessary) to meet whatever need that agency has. Traditional RACES operations involve emergency message handling on Amateur Radio Service frequencies. These operations typically involve messages between critical locations such as hospitals, emergency services, emergency shelters, and any other locations where communication is needed. Whatever need arises, trained ACS personnel are ready and prepared to help. Via RACES or other means, ACS/RACES groups develop and maintain their communications ability by training throughout the year with special exercises and public-service events.
American Red Cross Visit the local American Red Cross website www.RedCrossBayArea.org for valuable information on Emergency Preparedness, including a “Child Friendly” program for teaching your children about Emergencies (using a non-threatening format).
Glass continued from page 17 A wide variety of acclaimed bands have performed at the annual benefit over the years including Carlos Reyes, Joyce Cooling, The Sun Kings, San Jose Taiko, PEACE with Jorge Santana, and Foreverland: A Tribute to Michael Jackson. Each concert begins with an opening set by SRVHS student performers and is followed by a full concert by a regional or national headliner. Student musicians sit in as guest performers with the main act for a few of their songs. A few days following the concert, students are treated to a master class taught by the headlining band, where they learn some of the ins and outs of the music and what it’s like to be a professional musician. Rogers noted that the students do a lot of competitive shows but the benefit concert is just a fun show for the students and the general public. The students work really hard at competitions but, for this show, they get to loosen up. Doors open for the Evolution: The Ultimate Tribute to Journey concert at 6:15PM. Students perform at 7PM followed by Evolution at 8PM. The concert will be held at the SRVHS Performing Arts Center located at 501 Danville Blvd in Danville. General admission tickets are $25 in advance or $30 at the door. Preferred seating Gold Circle tickets cost $40. SRVHS student and staff tickets cost $10. Call 707-869-9403 or visit www.communityconcerts.com for information about purchasing advance tickets. Rogers recounted that when she came to SRVHS as a freshman, she wasn’t very happy with life. However, not that she is a senior, she is much happier largely due to the instrumental program. Rogers says that, “There are many teachers who care about their jobs but not their students. Chief is one of the most aggravating people because every time you try to give her a compliment on something, she turns it back to her students and our hard work.” Students need the balance of math and science with music and art. “After the end of every year, there is a fear in the students that the next level class won’t be there the following year and that they won’t be able to play,” says Rogers. “Many qualities that high school wants us to gain are best expressed through arts where you have to work with difficult people, work in groups, and have to learn to problem solve. These qualities are also needed in college and music,” she continued. Glass notes that she is worried about the effect the economy has on students who want to become music majors. Having a music degree gives a musician flexibility. With Chief’s job, she gives students ideas so music will stay a part of their lives. Glass adds, “Please remember, there are students who don’t do well in school. Give them a reason for wanting to be here.” Rogers follows up with, “Sometimes I used to come to school just for music.”
Contra Costa County Library Offers Discover & Go Looking for something fun, educational, and free to do with the family? Have guests coming into town and want to show off the area’s cultural highlights? The Contra Costa County Library offers Discover & Go, an exciting new service providing library cardholders residing in Contra Costa County with free passes to local museums and cultural institutions. For questions call 800-984-4636. Make your reservations and print out up to two passes at discover.ccclib.org for the following destinations: •Asian Art Museum • Bay Area Discovery Museum • Beat Museum • Bedford Gallery • Blackhawk Museum • California Academy of Sciences • California Historical Society • California Shakespeare Theater • Cartoon Art Museum • Charles M. Schulz Museum • Contemporary Jewish Museum • Exploratorium • Freight & Salvage Coffeehouse • Habitot Children’s Museum • Lindsay Wildlife Museum • The Marine Mammal Center • Museum of Craft and Folk Art • Museum of the African Diaspora • Oakland Aviation Museum • Oakland Museum of California • Pacific Pinball Museum • San Jose Museum of Art • San Jose Museum of Quilts and Textiles • The Tech Museum • Town Hall Theatre • UC Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive • USS Hornet Museum • Vallejo Naval and Historical Museum • Yerba Buena Center for the Arts • Zeum: San Francisco's Children's Museum.
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Page 22 - January 2012 ~ Alamo Today
New Years Wishes for Continued Rejuvenation! By Barbara Persons, MD, Persons Plastic Surgery, Inc. Our family at Persons Plastic Surgery hopes you had a wonderful holiday season - one full of tradition, family, friends and delicious food. As we open the next chapter of our lives during the year of 2012, it is time to reflect upon the ways in which we can make our communities, families, and ourselves more engaged and vibrant. With the details of everyday life making our days busier than ever, I have found that the most effective way to focus is to write down my personal goals. In this new year, my goals focus on ways in which I can continue to better myself - not just as a physician and surgeon, but also as an involved and productive member of the community. This year I will strive to accomplish the following:
Community: 1. Supporting the schools in the area through the Lafayette Partners in Education 2. Preserving clean and flowing lakes, rivers, and streams through the Lafayette Parks and Recreation 3. Donating my time towards volunteer activities through my children’s school and scouting groups, my church, and local community organizations
Family: 1. Strive to dine together at least four nights a week 2. Plan special dates with each of my children once a week 3. Give attention to my 14-year-old Husky dog and three-month-old Bengal kitten
Self: 1. To spend quality time with my close friends 2. To find emotional balance through prayer and meditation
3. To be my physical best through exercising regularly and eating nutritiously January always motivates me to make changes in my routine that will turn back the clock on aging and become my physical best. Working towards this goal offers a sense of rejuvenation - physically, emotionally, and mentally. Hiking the beautiful Bay Area trails and breathing in cool crisp air always gets my day off to a great start. Improved nutrition results in clearer thinking, a calmer demeanor, and an improved ability to sleep. In thinking about ways to counter the aging process, a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon could be just the spark you need to make the most of 2012. Consider the many ways a full service physician’s office can help you look as young as you feel. Take this opportunity to do the things your friends are doing but not necessarily talking about: regular facials, microdermabrasion, laser genesis, laser hair removal, botox, fillers, eyelids, facelift, necklift, fat grafting, breast augmentation, breast reduction, tummy tuck, and liposuction, just to name a few. At Persons Plastic Surgery, we can consult with you on your options as these treatments and procedures make up a significant part of our practice. More importantly, we work with our patients not just on the physical rejuvenation and change, but we also provide the tools for lifestyle rejuvenation which help ensure that the change is enduring. Welcoming the new year should inspire us all to work towards living our best lives. Whether it is through exercise and nutrition or through greater involvement with family, friends, and community, all provide their own unique spark that add meaning to our daily lives. It takes a village for us to reach our goals and to achieve lasting improvement. Take charge in your village for the change you see necessary. Please consider me part of your village. Barbara Persons, MD is a Board Certified Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon by The American Board of Plastic Surgery. She is available at Persons Plastic Surgery, Inc. 911 Moraga Rd, Suite 205, Lafayette 925 283 4012 or info@ Advertorial personsplasticsurgery.com.
Calling all Instructors!
Cancer Support Community
The Town of Danville Seniors Services division is looking for qualified instructors to offer classes for adults 55 years and over at the newly renovated Veterans Memorial Building which is set to open early 2012. If you have the knowledge and skills to teach nutrition, health and fitness, language, craft, and/or hobby classes to adults over 55, you are encouraged to submit a proposal. Classes will be offered at various times including early evenings and weekends. For more information on how to become a Town of Danville instructor, please contact Jenn Overmoe, Program Coordinator for Senior Services by email at jovermoe@ danville.ca.gov or by phone at (925) 314-3491.
The following programs are held at Cancer Support Community located at 3276 McNutt Avenue in Walnut Creek. Admission is free, but please call to register at (925) 933-0107. Cancer as a Chronic Condition – For some, cancer treatment will be ongoing for the rest of their lives. Learn about the special medical considerations and how to cope emotionally with the challenges of living with ongoing treatment. Tuesday, January 10th from 6PM – 8PM. Planning on Peace of Mind – This workshop will provide information about what you need to know about creating wills, trusts, power of attorney, and advanced directives for healthcare from someone who can explain complicated concepts in a way that is understandable. For cancer patients, their families, and friends. Facilitated by Steven Donovan, Esq. Tuesday, January 17th from 6PM – 8PM. Newly Diagnosed Breast Cancer Workshop – This 16 week series is for women who have just been diagnosed and are either in treatment or starting treatment. Guest medical experts will present information to assist in understanding the disease. The group aspect assists you in finding the tools for coping with the diagnosis and gaining the support of others who share similar experiences. Meets Wednesdays, January 25th through May 9th from10:30AM – 12:30PM.
Dumploads OnUs specializes in providing the ultimate junk removal solution. We’ll haul away just about anything - from old household junk to construction and yard waste. The only items we are unable to accept are hazardous • Computers materials. We make getting • Cables rid of your • TVs unwanted junk • Monitors as easy as 925.934.3743 • 925.934.1515 • Servers 1-2-3; we load, www.dumploadsonus.com • www.erecycleonus.com • Phones we sweep, and 1271 Boulevard Way, Walnut Creek • Printers then we haul Monday-Friday, 8-5 • Saturday 9-1, Sunday, closed •Copiers away. It’s that • Fax Machines • Power Supply Units • Discs and Tapes easy! Plus we do it • Scanners • Printer Cartridges and Toners • And More... with a smile!
Ataxia Support Group On January 14th the Northern California Ataxia Support Group luncheon and meeting will be held. A lite lunch and refreshments will be served from noon -12:30pm. Introductions, sharing, announcements, news, and updates will take place from 12:30pm-1pm. From 1:15pm-2pm guest speaker Don Gibbons, Senior Science and Education Officer of California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM), the State Stem Cell Agency will speak. CIRM is a leader in California for funding stem cell research. Come learn and ask questions. Everyone is welcome. The meeting will be held at Our Savior Lutheran Church in the Recreation Hall located at 1035 Carol Lane, in Lafayette. The cost is $7 for lunch and meeting, and $4 for meeting only. For questions call Joanne Loveland at 925-735-7037.
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Alamo Today ~ January 2012 - Page 23 ties will hold regularly scheduled case reviews in order to confer on more difficult cases. Such multi-specialty conferences are not uncommon in university and hospital settings but can be impractical for private, stand-alone practices, where doctors from different specialties rarely appear in the same physical locations. With our new organizational structure, we will be able to provide collaborative tumor boards to patients in the private practice setting. Matthew Sirott, MD is a medical oncologist at Diablo Valley Oncology, home to the largest single site for cancer treatment in Contra Costa County. Its seven physicians bring together medical oncology, hematology, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, diagnostic imaging, clinical trial, and supportive care all in one convenient location. Learn more at DiabloValleyOncology. md. Pacific Urology is one of the San Francisco Bay Area's largest urology practices. The group's mission is to provide university quality of care in a private practice setting. Learn more at www.PacificUrology.com. Advertorial
Bringing Oncology And Urology Together By Matthew Sirott, MD Economic trends in health care combined with new opportunities in continuity of care has led our two practices to form Contra Costa County’s first multi-specialty group of its kind. Pacific Urology, a six-physician practice with origins dating back to the 1980s, is merging with Diablo Valley Oncology and Hematology Medical Group, a seven-doctor group specializing in treating cancer and blood disorders. There are two principal reasons we are merging our practices. 1 - New opportunities to deliver a stronger continuity of care for patients. 2 - Increasing economic pressures and challenges in delivering health care. Our practices have developed an organizational structure that will best meet patients’ needs through collaborative treatment of cancers of the prostate, kidney, and bladder. Both practices will retain their individual names but will now share infrastructure and resources such as information technology systems, business office processes, and clinic locations. The costs of practicing medicine are escalating while reimbursements are declining. We anticipate a 30-40 percent decrease in Medicare payments in 2012. By combining our practices, we secure the future for both organizations, allowing us to see more patients in more locations, reduce our overhead expenses, and collaborate more closely than ever before. As an example of improved care for patients, physicians from both special-
This Year I Will... By Brandi Geiger MS, CMT ...Reach my New Year’s resolution to lose weight, eat healthier, exercise regularly, change jobs, quit smoking, quit or cut back on drinking alcohol, coffee or soda, save money, get out of debt, have gratitude, and just be happy! Do any of these sound familiar to you? Do you have the same list of resolutions every year and all you need to do is change the date at the top of your list? How would you like to FINALLY reach your goals? Most of us have goals in life, but we don’t always know how to reach them. For example, we say we are going to lose weight, but HOW are we going to do that? Are we going to starve ourselves and live on celery sticks along with working out everyday for two hours to burn those extra calories off? Does that sound healthy or doable over long periods of time? NO! It doesn’t sound fun either! As I always say, life is short, so we have to have fun! I can teach you how to live the 80/20 Rule so you will have a balanced lifestyle and still have fun. For some people there may be some underlying health issues that may be keeping them from their goals. They do everything right and still can’t seem to be successful. For others, they just don’t know what to do or where to begin. That’s why I have brought together some amazing women for “Fit ‘n Fabulous at Any Age” to help enlighten, inspire, empower, and educate us in many areas of our lives. We will learn to be healthy inside and out. Better yet, the profits of “Fit ‘n Fabulous at Any Age” will be benefiting less fortunate women from Shepherd’s Gate home for battered and homeless women and children. Join me and these fabulous women on Thursdays - January 19th, February 23rd, March 15th and April 19th from 6-9pm at the Sycamore Clubhouse located at 635 Old Orchard Rd. in Danville to put a game plan together to help you finally
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reach your goals. MJ Ryan, author of This Year I Will, The Happiness Makeover, Adapt Ability and more, will give you the tools to help you create lasting change. MJ has appeared on the Today Show and CNN. Licensed Therapist Diane Donnelly will help us gain control of our eating and have a positive relationship with food. Inspirational speaker Laurie Bodine will give us five simple steps to define and achieve our goals and dreams as a woman, wife, mother, daughter, and friend so we can “Lead our Life with Meaning + Joy.” Dr. Lori Mancuso will help us understand what happens inside our bodies as we age. Our goals may be hard to meet when our hormones and adrenals are out of whack or maybe some of us are entering menopause. She will enlighten us about how these changes take place and how we handle them. Jennifer Cross of Skin Savvy will teach us how to take care of our skin at all ages so that we look our best. Personal Trainers Amanda Hite and Michelle Adams will give us a “10 Minute Metabolic Boost Workout” so we can fit exercise into any busy schedule. These can be performed at home, the office, or when traveling. Our last class will be held at Nordstom in Walnut Creek for bra fitting, make up, and clothing for our body type. We don’t need to be wearing outfits that don’t flatter our bodies. It’s going to be a great event that you don’t want to miss. So grab a friend to sign up with you, and help other women and children at the same time. It’s a win-win! I LOVE win-wins! The registration fee is $199. It comes with a raffle ticket for a chance to win some great prizes such as signed items from SF Giants Nate Schierholtz and Raiders Linebacker Aaron Curry, and gift certificates for Piatti’s, Bridges, a facial, massage, infrared sauna session, a spray tan, and more. To register or for more information, go to http://a3.acteva.com/orderbooking/bookEvent/A313961 or you can also visit www.fitmindnbody.com. Fit Mind ‘n Body is located at 55 Oak Ct. #130 in Danville. You can call me at (925)984-9259. Advertorial Eat Well, Live Well, Be Well
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Page 24 - January 2012 ~ Alamo Today
The Eye Opener By Gregory Kraskowsky, O.D., Alamo Optometry What It Means to Be a Local Business As we enter 2012 and embark on a new year, I decided to write my article from the perspective of a small private business in Alamo. I would like to take some time to reflect on what we have accomplished and what we hope to continue this year and in the years to follow. First and foremost, I owe all of our office success and viability to our patients. You keep the practice alive and thriving. The office staff and I truly appreciate the chance you have given us to be your full-service eye care office in Alamo. All of our patients, from the ones that stayed with us from the prior doctor and the new patients that have entered into the practice in the past few years, have helped sustain and grow the practice. These patients have then recommended us to other friends and family members. We all understand and are dealing with the downturn in the economy these past few years. I am well aware that patients have many choices for their eye care, and I am thankful that they have chosen our office. My personal approach with patients and in the management of my office is to provide something that other large corporate offices are unable to offer. The personal service and attention we are able to give each patient can generally not be found at the larger practices. I pride myself on getting to know each patient, and I generally recognize returning patients as they come into the office and call them by name. Since we have a small staff, you can also be assured that you are always dealing with the same members of the office, you will not get “lost” as you can in other offices. The difficult part of having a small staff is that sometimes we are a little short-handed or several patients will come into the office at once. We understand that sometimes this can be frustrating for everyone, but you can be assured that we don’t rush patients, and that everyone will get the attention and service they need. Our
staff members all have defined roles, but we assist each other to make sure everyone is taken care of. As an example, if I am not with a patient, I will often answer the phone or “man” the front desk if the need arises. Patients are sometimes surprised by this, but as they get to know us better, it almost becomes expected. We have also found that our local patient base are loyal people who prefer to spend their dollars locally. I cannot tell you how many times I have heard patients comment that they are so glad that we are here, our office is in a convenient location, and it is so close because most patients literally live “right down the street.” I can honestly say that my shopping behaviors have definitely changed since I became a small business owner. I can appreciate the effort and time commitment is takes to manage and prosper as an owner. I try to make it a point to frequent local businesses when I can; it is the only way these restaurants, shops, and offices can survive. We strive to be your hometown eye care office. We want your family and friends to be welcome and feel comfortable when you come to the office. We purposely don’t schedule patients every 15 minutes. Our exam slots always allow plenty of time to meet and learn about each patient. Good care necessitates learning about the patient and what they do to completely help them; this cannot be accomplished in a quick, rushed exam. I highly recommend shopping and dining in Alamo or your local community when you can. These offices and shops are vital to the community for several reasons. Small businesses are the livelihood of the local economy through employing the majority of the workforce. In addition, it keeps local dollars and tax revenue in the community. Regardless of if you are a patient at our office or not, I would urge all people to patronize local businesses when the opportunity is available. Dr. K. at Alamo Optometry is your hometown eye doctor for outstanding service, vision care, and designer eyewear. He can be reached at 820-6622 or visit his office at 3201 Danville Blvd., Suite 165 in Alamo. Visit our newly updated website at, www.alamooptometry.com, and become a fan on our Advertorial Alamo Optometry Facebook page.
An American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry survey reveals that 92% of adult respondents say an attractive smile is an important social asset. 74% believe an unattractive smile can hurt a person’s chances for a successful career. More than any other facial feature, a smile can reflect trust, comfort, confidence and the shortest path to reflecting your personality. Dr Rader is a graduate of the prestigious Las Vegas Institute (LVI), a renowned center for cosmetic,TMJ, and Neuromuscular dentistry. He is one of a few dentists nationwide to complete Full Mouth Reconstruction curriculum at LVI.
925.932.1855 Alex Rader DDS General, Cosmetic, and Neuromuscular Dentistry 1855 San Miguel Dr, Suite 12 • Walnut Creek, CA
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Actual patient, smile design by Alex Rader, DDS
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Ask the Expert By Dr. Kelly Hood We thought we’d begin the year with some frequently asked and important questions you have asked. 1. Are sunscreens safe? I have heard some ingredients cause cancer. A. I am taking this information straight from the Sun Cancer Foundation research scientists who provide peer reviewed research published in medical journals. We are Dr. Kelly Hood, Lafayette exposed to much junk science printed by individuals and special interest groups whose theories have not been tested or proven. Let’s look at the three most commonly questioned sunscreen components. Q. Can the UV filter oxybenzone cause cancer? “Junk Science” answer: An old research study on rodents suggested that oxybenzone can penetrate the skin and produce free radicals, harmful substances that, in theory, may contribute to the development of melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer. Best Answer: Oxybenzone underwent extensive review and was approved by the FDA for its current use in sunscreens. It has been available in the US for more than 20 years, and there is no evidence that it has any serious side effects in humans. Research on human subjects provides the most relevant and useful information about safety of substances. We can’t automatically assume that research findings on rodents are relevant in humans. Q. Does retinyl palmitate speed the growth of tumors after sun exposure? “Junk Science” answer: A special interest group says an FDA study on mice done 10 years ago suggests that retinyl palmitate may speed the growth of tumors. The study was never published. Best Answer: Retinyl palmitate is the form of Vitamin A that is stored by the skin. The is no evidence that Vitamin A is carcinogenic to humans. In fact, Vitamin A compounds, retinoids, actually help prevent skin cancer, eliminate skin precancers, and help reverse the aging effects of sun damage. The mouse study has not been published in a peer-reviewed journal, which suggests
Food continued from front page day. Monetary donations continue to accumulate well into January. The Food Bank distributes over one million pounds of food each month. The major seasonal food drives provide about 10% of the overall supply. When the barrels loaded with donations roll through the warehouse’s back door, each item has to be carefully checked before it can be staged to go to its final recipient. In the Concord warehouse serving Contra Costa County, Steve Strouse supervises the volunteers sorting gifted goods to ensure items are within expiration date guidelines. Lids are screwed off peanut butter jars to make sure seals are in place. A list of food recalls is consulted. A huge area of the warehouse holds contributions waiting to be processed. Hundreds of volunteers assist the Food Bank staff throughout the year. Fortunately for the growing population of county residents facing hardship and hunger, the Food Bank stocks its facilities year-round with bulk purchases. As a member of Feeding America, the national network of food banks formerly called America’s Second Harvest, the Food Bank is able to buy big box lots of fresh produce such as carrots and potatoes as well as soups, cereals, and other commodities. Ninety-five cents of every dollar donated goes directly into food programs. “Food drives supply variety,” explains Lisa Sherrill. Goods from the holiday collections supplement the less diverse purchased foodstuffs until the end of February and sometimes even into March. Each agency is given a weekly allotment of goods from bulk purchases and the opportunity to select a designated amount of more diverse provisions while the stock lasts. The Letter Carriers drive comes at a critical time and carries the Food Bank into the summer months. August, September, and October can be lacking in variety in the non-perishables area, but gifts of garden produce are on the rise. Remarkably for such a large organization, the Food Bank has developed ways to utilize even the smallest offerings of fresh fruit and vegetables. Walk-in donations of miscellaneous garden bounty rose to 41,783 pounds in the year ending June 30, 2011, a major increase over the 27,826 pounds received the previous year. Perishable food products account for 30% of what the Food Bank distributes. Donations of bread from Oroweat, milk from Sunnyside Farms Dairy and yogurt from Brown Cow supply weekly needs. In 2005 the Food Bank distributed 800,000 pounds of produce. In fiscal year 2010-2011, that amount increased to 4.6 million pounds. Executive Director Larry Sly summarizes his own amazement at the
Alamo Today ~ January 2012 - Page 25 that its findings were not deemed worthy of publication. Q. Are nanoparticles (tiny or “micronized” -sized particles) in sunscreen absorbed by the skin, and are they harmful? “Junk Science” answer: In theory, the small size of these particles could allow penetration through the skin, where the particles could gain access to DNA, causing skin cell mutation that can lead to cancer. Best Answer: Sunscreen is applied to the top layer of skin, made up of dead cells, and multiple studies have shown that nanoparticles do not pen- Dr. Shanny Baughman, Alamo etrate living skin. The general consensus is that they pose no risk to human health. Dermatologists know that one in three Caucasians will get skin cancer during their lifetime. Data clearly shows that sunscreens help prevent skin cancer. For more information on skin cancer and sun damage, contact us. 2. Does shaving decrease the efficacy or effectiveness of armpit antiperspirants? Answer: Shaving decreases the efficacy of armpit antiperspirants, especially in women who frequently shave the armpits. Antiperspirants function by creating little plugs of protein on the sweat gland, thus preventing the flow of perspiration onto the skin surface. This plug must be maintained with the continuous application of the antiperspirant. Aggressive armpit shaving physically removes the plug, allowing sweat to flow freely. Thus, in women who complain of excessive sweating, the efficacy of topical over-the-counter antiperspirants can be improved by decreasing the frequency of shaving, applying less pressure with the razor, and shaving only once over a given area. To have your skin evaluated by a board certified dermatologist and have a treatment specifically designed for your skin, contact Dr. Kelly Hood, 970 Dewing, Suite 301, Lafayette, 925-283-5500, khoodderm@yahoo.com or Dr. Shanny Baughman at Alamo Oaks Dermatology, 3189 Danville Blvd, suite 130, Alamo, 925-362-0992, shanny.derm@gmail.com Advertorial growth of the organization that delivered 30,000 pounds of food during its first year of operation in 1975. Hired in March of 1976 to drive a truck for the Food Bank, Sly notes in his statement opening the Food Bank’s 2010 Annual Report: “When I was driving a pickup truck gathering bread from Safeway stores I did not visualize a Food Bank The Food Bank delivers 30% of its aid as that would have tractor trailer trucks fresh produce. driving down the highway. I did not see a time when a well-developed system of soup kitchens would exist in our community.” Nevertheless, he has managed to turn the Food Bank into a sophisticated operation that channeled 12.6 million pounds of food into programs for hungry children and adults in Contra Costa and Solano Counties in fiscal year 2010. Virtual Food Drives are just one of the creative methods the Food Bank uses throughout the year to supplement seasonal food donations. For those familiar with online shopping, it’s a natural. Instead of lugging heavy bags of canned goods, the donor selects items from an online shopping list. Local companies can do an office food drive without bringing big barrels into the workplace. The purchasing power of the Food Bank maximizes every dollar. In addition to supplying local soup kitchens and charities, the Food Bank supports Food for Children, reaching 4 and 5 year olds, Food Assistance, a program for households defined as low-income by the federal government, the Senior Food Program, for low-income senior households; Extra Helpings, servicing people living with HIV/Aids, and Farm 2 Kids, an after school program in schools where over 50% of the students qualify for free or reduced price lunches. Farm 2 Kids supplies each participant with a bag a week of fresh fruits and vegetables. Family pets get food donations through the Animeals program sponsored by Contra Costa Humane Society. To help or be helped, contact the Concord office of the Food Bank at 925676-7543. The office will suggest the program or agency that best suits your interests or needs. Food donations can be accepted at the Concord warehouse, 4010 Nelson Avenue, on Mondays and Fridays 7am -3:30pm, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays 7am- 7pm, and Saturdays 7:30am to 3:30pm. For more information, visit the Food Bank’s website www.foodbankccs.org/.
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Page 26 - January 2012 ~ Alamo Today
Rocks in Your Head
By Michael Nelson, M.D.
Dizziness is a challenging symptom for patients and physicians. I always have to ask the patient to describe their sensations in detail rather than accepting that they have used the right word. In school, we learned to write stories that included the how, what, when, where, and why. I need to get those story details out of the patient. Vertigo is a rotational sensation that is frequently strong enough to be incapacitating. The Alfred Hitchcock movie, Vertigo, unfortunately adds to the confusion because the main character has a fear of heights, not vertigo. There is also light-headedness, which is the feeling like you are going to pass out, like after you stood up too quickly. In addition there is imbalance, which is a feeling like you are riding in a large boat or walking on a dock. Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is a condition in which the patient will experience a strong rotational sensation for a few seconds, typically with head movements. It used to be just benign positional vertigo (BPV), but someone decided that was too easy and had to add paroxysmal. I most often hear that the symptoms occur after rolling over in bed. If you read a textbook about BPPV, it will describe an endolith becoming lodged into the semicircular canals. I usually describe to patients that a small calcium deposit (or rock) floats into circular tubes in the inner ear and tells the brain the head is moving when it is not. This kind of vertigo does not last more than a few seconds, but you may have it with even slight head movement. How does that calcium deposit get to the wrong place? Frequently, there is a very mild head trauma, such as hitting your head on the car door or kitchen cabinet. I find it rare though that a patient will remember any event though. There are more significant injuries such as a car accident, especially if the airbag went off. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve all hit our heads and did not develop vertigo, so you have to add a dose of bad luck in there too. The treatment of this kind of vertigo does not involve a fancy scan, expensive pill, or other modern miracle. After picking the correct ear through the HallpikeDix maneuver, the Epley maneuver can put the calcium deposit back into place. It is named after John Epley who described it in 1980. It involves putting the patient through a series of CONTRA COSTA ONCOLOGY head movements that basically lets that rock move through the tube (semicircular canal) back where it belongs. While it is not guaranteed to work 100% of the time, I love having a patient come in with BPPV and cure them by simply doing an Epley maneuver in the office. Unfortunately, there are concerning causes of vertigo such as stroke and tumor, so proper diagnosis should be made by a physician. Neurologists and otolaryngologists are specialists who diagnosis and treat vertigo. As always, the information contained in this article is for educational purposes only and does not replace proper medical care. Michael Nelson, M.D. is a board certified adult neurologist who has been serving general neurology patients in the East Bay for the past nine years. His office is located at 970 Dewing Ave, Suite #300 in Lafayette. He can be reached at (925) 299-9022 to schedule and appointment and can also be found on the web at www.michaelnelsonmd.com. Advertorial
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Mended Hearts The John Muir Chapter of Mended Hearts will hold its monthly meeting on Thursday, January 10th at 7pm in the Lesher Auditorium located at the John Muir Medical Center-Concord Campus, 2540 East Avenue, Concord. The meeting will involve group support sharing. Mended Hearts is a national organization providing support for cardiac patients, their families, and caregivers. For more information contact Nancy Mitchell at 925-943-7549.
Hearing Loss Association Come to meetings of the Diablo Valley Chapter of Hearing Loss Association of America at 7pm on the 1st Wednesday of the month at the Walnut Creek United Methodist Church located at 1543 Sunnyvale Ave., Walnut Creek Education Bldg., Wesley Room. Meeting room and parking are at back of church. All are welcome. Donations accepted. Assistive listening system is available for T-coils, and most meetings are captioned. Contact: HLAADV@hearinglossdv.org or 925.264.1199 or www.hearinglossdv.org.
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Alamo Today ~ January 2012 - Page 27
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Stroke Support Group
Overeaters Anonymous offers a fellowship of individuals who, through shared experience and mutual support, are recovering from compulsive overeating. This is a 12step program. The free meetings are for anyone suffering from a food addiction including overeating, under-eating, and bulimia. The group meets Wednesdays at 6PM at Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Lafayette. Visit www.how-oa.org for more information.
The Stroke Support Group Of Contra Costa County will hold its monthly meeting in the Ball Auditorium at John Muir Medical Center- Walnut Creek Campus, 1601 Ygnacio Valley Road, Walnut Creek on Monday, January 9th from 7-9pm. The program is entitled “Experts, Stroke Survivors and Caregivers Share Their Insights.” It is presented by members of the Stroke Support Group. After the program, attendees will break up into three coping groups: stroke survivors without aphasia, stroke survivors with aphasia, and caregivers and families of stroke survivors. Each group is led by a trained professional. For more information, contact Ann Dzuna at 925376-6218. Meetings are free and open to the public.
C L A S S I F I E D DIVORCE/SEPARATION SUPPORT DIVORCE/SEPARATION SUPPORT GROUP - Join a small support group to discuss divorce or separation. Six-week session led by a LMFT. This is not drop-in support. Cost is $150. Tuesdays, January 10th-February 14th, 9am10:15am or 7pm-8:15pm. 635 Old Orchard Dr, Danville. RSVP to InHomeTherapy Services@gmail.com or 925-413-1623.
FOR RENT CONDO VACATION RENTAL Mauna Lani Resort, Big Island. New luxury 2 bedroom, 2 1/2 bath condo on 4th fairway. Minimum 3 night stay. Contact Alamo owners for discounted rate. 925.381.7042 Alamomgt@usa.net
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Page 28 - January 2012 ~ Alamo Today
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The Combs Team Professionals You Can Count On
Nancy
Joe
Call the Combs Team
®
925-989-6086 www.TheCombsTeam.com Alamo Real Estate: Unit Sales and Prices Slip in 2011
Dollars Per Square Foot
After a year of fairly stable prices in 2010, it looks like 4 bedroom 2-3 bath single family homes (Alamo Family Homes) prices are beginning to slip again. In the chart you will see that last year showed a turnaround in Alamo home prices with dollar per square feet in positive territory $4 above the previous low water mark of $376 low set in 2009. This year the dollar per square foot price has dropped an additional $16 dollars from last year and slipped $12 dollars beAlamo Family Home low the 2009 previous low price. $525 While sales price was relatively flat in 2010 at about -1%, its $500 rate of decline has accelerated $475 in 2011 to -4% or -$41,000 year $450 on year. Average sales price for $ Sq. Foot 2011 stands at $1,085,000 com$425 pared to $1,126,000 in 2010. $400 Total Family Homes for sale fell to 61 this year significantly $375 (-48%) less than the 108 homes $350 sold last year. Among the sold 1 2 3 4 5 6 properties, the lowest price paid Years 2006-11 for a 4 bedroom 2-3 bath homes was $575,000 for a 2060 square foot home on Danville Blvd. Oddly, it did not sell for the lowest square foot price paid in Alamo this year. That distinction belongs to a property on Hagen Oaks Ct. which sold for $241 per square foot. The highest price paid for an Alamo Family Home was $2,060,000 for a 4570 sq. ft. home on Green Valley Rd. A 3360 sq. ft. property on Las Trampas Road snagged the absolute highest per square foot price at $588 per square foot. The price swing between the highest and lowest price paid stands at $1,480,000. The difference in value on a square foot basis, highest to lowest, stands at $347. That price differential is just a few dollars shy of the average price paid for a home in Alamo this year. As I frequently write, there is no such thing as an average home in Alamo, however, a
price discrepancy this great does explain why many homes are falling short on appraisal. Nancy and I sold a nice West Side property for $541 per square foot earlier this year, so it does pay to know the market. Currently 25 homes like these are on the market in Alamo. That is a low inventory level. Their average list price is $1,241,395. Their average price per square foot is $385, not very much above the average price for sold properties, and yet they are sitting. They have been on the market an average of 99 days. One has been listed for 372 days. Among these 25 properties are 8 distressed sales (REO or Short Sales). This means 32% of our active inventory is in some manner in the hands of a bank. They are listed at an average price of $919,421 and carry a list price of $322 per square foot, greasing the skids for a further decline. As of this writing, a total of 11 Alamo Family homes are pending. Their average list price is $1,142,081, and their square foot price is $363. Chances are better than good that both numbers will be less at closing. Here’s why. Of the 11 pending sales, 6 properties are distressed. They are listed at and average price of $936,816. They carry an average square foot price of $290. One might conclude that to move the Actives into the Pending category an average price of $290 per square foot or less will be required. Distressed properties currently represent 54% of Pending Sales. Let’s now circle back to our 61 sold properties in Alamo during 2011 and bring them into a more favorable context concerning distressed property sales. Of the 61 Family Homes sold, only 14 or 23% of sales have been distressed properties. This is not bad when compared to Actives and Pending properties on a percentage basis. These properties sold at an average price of $821,841 and carried an average square foot price of $301 per square foot. Distressed properties are and will continue to be a big drag on the averages. Although the Actives and Pendings have a higher weighting of distressed sales in their mix, I am not convinced that distressed property sales are on the rise in Alamo. However, I can’t rule it out either. Until they are gone, we won’t see a turnaround. Nancy and I want to wish you a very Happy, Healthy, and Prosperous New Year. If you are thinking about selling your home and would like an honest opinion of its market value, please give me a call 925-989-6086, or send me an email joecombs@thecombsteam. com Nancy and I will be happy to help.
Two Large Lots for Sale
Westside Alamo Single Story
Alamo Custom Luxury Home
Beautiful wooded setting. Lot B is 7.93 Acres Lot C is 12.87 Acres. Call for details.
Perfect in every detail inside and out. 4 bedroom, 3.5 bath. Huge outdoor entertainment area and pool. $1,499,000
Exquisite 5 bedroom 4.5 bath custom luxury home on level .5 acre lot. Custom pool and spa! Eye popping, mouth dropping, Wow! Appeal. $2,285,000.
The Perfect Downsizer
Alamo Westside Mediterranean
Stonegate Single Story
G DIN N PE Nancy and I represented the buyer on this lovely remodel of 2928 sq. ft. We have more buyers. $968,000
LD SO Perfect “10” 5 beds, office, huge bonus room, kitchen family room flow, exquisite mill work, views $2,095,000
Data presented in this column is based in whole or in part on data supplied by the Contra Costa and Alameda MLS service and other quoted sources. Joe and Nancy Combs, J. Rockcliff and the MLS service do not guarantee the accuracy of this information. DRE #0144125.
LD SO Nancy and I represented the buyer and the seller. Pending in 3 days. $1,075,000. We have other buyers. J. Rockcliff Realtors 15 Railroad Ave., Danville CA. 94526