2023 AUGUST ~ Alamo Today & Danville Today News

CONTRA COSTA FRUIT RESCUE GIVES FREE GLEANING SERVICE

By Jody Morgan

Contra Costa Fruit Rescue (CCFR) has been making a huge impact on saving homeowners’ excess fruit from waste and getting it to those in need since the non-profit began harvesting on January 21, 2023. An all-volunteer organization launched in partnership with ForestR, CCFR brings teams of workers to harvest fruit free of charge for area residents. Homeowners keep what they can use. The balance goes directly to local food resources such as White Pony Express, the Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano, and local food pantries. Donors receive a tax receipt. Individuals and families who lack access to fresh, nutritious fruit receive healthy additions to their diet. As of June 29, 2023, CCFR had already rescued 28,828 pounds of fruit. Every week, the total poundage saved and the total number of meals provided increases.

CCFR’s existence and remarkable success is attributable to several serendipitous connections. CCFR Program Lead Pat Schultz recalls, “I learned about ForestR through a happy series of circumstances. Last September, I was at the Castro Valley Fall Festival helping my Boy Scout troop with booth duty. I ran into one of my fellow retired teachers and she mentioned I should go and talk to the folks at ForestR as she knew I rescued fruit.

So, I wandered over to their booth and started talking. Their founder Yon Hardisty and his wife were excited that I was interested in gleaning and had lots of experience doing it. They were also open to the idea of exploring how we could help each other.”

O’NEILL FESTIVAL TO FEATURE FEMALE VOICES

Anna Christie, the play Eugene O’Neill wrote about one of his most spirited and memorable female protagonists, headlines the annual Eugene O’Neill Festival, August 2-September 24.

Titled “Having Her Say,” the festival is dedicated to showcasing women’s voices and experiences. The festival also continues the Eugene O’Neill Foundation’s mission to promote the vision and legacy of O’Neill, one of America’s greatest playwrights and the recipient of the 1936 Nobel Prize in Literature.

The festival’s main event is a revival of Anna Christie (September 9-24), O’Neill’s 1922 Pulitzer Prize-winning play. Anna Christie will be presented for three weekends at Tao House, O’Neill’s home at the Eugene O’Neill National Historic Site in Danville. The play portrays a woman who fights for self-determination against the expectations of society and the men in her life. When Anna memorably enters Johnny-the-Priest’s New York waterfront saloon, she’s looking to reconnect with her barge-captain father after surviving a childhood of abandonment and trauma and after sup porting herself as a sex worker. As she joins her father at sea to heal, she finds family, love, and a renewed sense of purpose to live on her terms, declaring, “Nobody owns me, see?—’cepting myself.”

Anna Christie is well remembered for the 1930 early-sound film adaptation starring Greta Garbo. It has enjoyed acclaimed stage revivals in more recent decades, including the 1993 Tony Award-winning Broadway revival, starring Natasha Richardson and Liam Neeson, and a 2011 London adaptation, starring Ruth Wilson and Jude Law.

Other events in the “Having Her Say” festival include the staged reading of a new play and pre-show author talks on Anna Christie and O’Neill’s legacy.

The festival officially starts August 2nd with a launch party for a new book, Vows, Veils, and Masks: The Performance of Marriage in the Plays of Eugene O’Neill. Written by Walnut Creek-reared author and academic Beth Wynstra, the book looks at the playwright’s views on gender roles

690 pounds of oranges gleaned from Tna Ritter’s tree. Photo by CCFR.

BOULEVARD VIEW

By Alisa Corstorphine, Editor and Publisher

I want to pause and take a moment to thank you for your readership. Without YOU, the paper doesn’t exist. I am grateful for your support of our wonderful advertisers who help fund the production, printing, and mailing costs of the paper. I would also like to recognize those that heed the call to action presented in ads and articles with the volunteering of your time, money, and other resources to support our local businesses, non-profits, and other causes. YOU make a difference in our local communities.

Recently, my husband and I were able to spend some time in Italy and the Czech Republic. When traveling, it is always interesting to note similarities and differences in the areas and culture, compared to here.

In the Czech Republic, we were able to explore the region and meet distant family. In Italy, my husband participated in a swim program logging 23km of swimming in six days...I found walking to be more my speed.

While electronic devices were present, there was a distinct lack of computer usage at cafes and gathering places. People seemed more engaged and connected with each other. There was always time to gather and socialize, especially over coffee. Classic bookstores and newspaper racks were abundant, and it was wonderful to see the printed word thriving.

The cultures felt more creative. Creativity doesn’t mean just arts and crafts. It’s using your mind to think outside the box. It can be taking an element and morphing it into something else. A favorite example of this would be repurposing an item for another use. For example, IKEA Hackers ( ikeahackers.net ), and similar websites, show endless new ideas of ways to morph IKEA products into something new. The Pinterest website also has a plethora of ideas for any type of creativity.

In the communities we visited, there was a large focus on children. Many restaurants embraced an area for children to play while adults socialized. There were toys they could ride on, as well as play boards and chalk boards they could manipulate and draw on. It gave the youngsters a space to be kids and not be set in front of a video game or show to quiet them while the others dined. I wish something similar existed in restaurants here.

We went on a hike to the Trosky Castle, and were accompanied by our friend’s young grandchildren. Instead of hearing any whining and complaining from the children about the uphill trek, our friend created a simple game to distract them. Taking small colored Post-It-Notes, he ran ahead of us on the trail and hid the papers along the path. The children then eagerly searched for the notes all while, unbeknown to them, they were hiking up the hill. Once the notes were found the kids counted their haul and practiced saying their colors in English. Then, we turned the tables and had the kids hide the notes for the adults. We made it to the castle in record time and full of enthusiasm!

I believe creativity, the arts, and trades are useful to all of us. With schools restarting, I encourage you and your children to find classes and activities that are creative and hands-on. Learn a new skill or trade. Enjoy the journey. We are fortunate to live in an area with many choices and electives that nurture our creativity. Please give grace and thanks to our educators and classroom volunteers as they embark on the new school year. Their jobs are not easy, and your support is always appreciated.

ALAMO WOMEN’S CLUB COMMUNITY FUN DAY

The Alamo Women’s Club is hosting a Community Fun Day on Sunday, August 20th at the Clubhouse located at 1401 Danville Blvd. Alamo, from 11AM to 2PM

For children: See a firetruck and sheriff’s car on display, and treat yourself to face painting and ice cream.

For adults: Take the opportunity to explore joining one of our local service organizations and support our community through volunteering. Representatives from many non-profit organizations will be in attendance.

Representatives from the Alamo and Danville Parks and Recreation departments will also be there to answer any questions about upcoming classes they offer.

Join in for this fun, free, family event!

ALAMO DANVILLE NEWCOMER’S CLUB WELCOME COFFEE

Are you new to the area or are you a long-time resident who would like to make new friends, get involved in the community, and socialize with other women? If so, please consider joining the Alamo Danville Newcomer’s Club (ADNC) for a Welcome Coffee to learn about the organization. The next coffee dates are Monday, August 21st and Thursday, September 21st at 9:30AM .

Come to a casual get-together where you will be able to meet current and prospective members and learn about the many activities offered through the club. Please RSVP to alamodanvillenewcomers@gmail.com for more information.

SRV GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY

The San Ramon Valley Genealogical Society (SRVGS) was organized in 1985 to provide its members with resources, assistance, and educational opportunities that help them successfully research their ancestry. The group publishes a monthly newsletter and offers monthly meetings of small groups with common interests to discuss their specific areas of research. SRVGS also provides resources ranging from a large selection of reference books to information on local genealogical libraries.

You are invited to join the next meeting on Tuesday, September 19th, 10AM - noon via ZOOM, with a presentation by Lisa Alzo. Her talk is titled “Diseases, Disasters, Distress: Bad for Your Ancestors, Good for Genealogy.”

To become a member of SRVGS, visit srvgensoc.org and click on the “Join SRVGS” tab on the left side of the home page. For questions about the group, email president@srvgensoc.org.

ADAS EXHIBIT MOTION

The Alamo Danville Artists’ Society (ADAS) is hosting a new exhibit, “Motion,” at their Blackhawk Gallery. The exhibit will be on view five days a week through October 22nd and is free and open to the public.

“Motion” features sculptures by guest artists Michael Rizza and jewelrist Nancy Hoover, and by 28 member artists. Members’ artworks include paintings, drawings, sculptures, ceramics, photographs, and wearable art.

Blackhawk Gallery is located at 3416 Blackhawk Plaza Circle in Danville, in the Blackhawk Plaza. Gallery hours are Wednesday-Saturday 11AM -7PM and Sunday 11AM-6PM .

For more information, visit www. BlackhawkGallery.org, call 925-648-8023, or email Gallery Director Greg Starnes, at bhgallery.director@gmail.com Sculpture Michael Rizza.

Granddaughters of our family friend unknowingly race up the hiking trail distracted by a simple game hiding colored Post-It-Notes along the path.

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TOGETHER WE GIVE GRATEFUL GARMENT PROJECT DONATION DRIVE

Since 2020, Alamo Women’s Club has sponsored seven donation drop-off drives for worthwhile charities. On September 21st, they will partner with The Grateful Garment Project (www.gratefulgarment.org)to provide new clothing to survivors of sexual assault to replace the clothing they give up as evidence. Sadly, Grateful Garment serves 35-40 California victims daily. Mark your calendar and drop off from 1- 6PM on September 21st at the Women’s Club Clubhouse located at 1401 Danville Blvd., Alamo.

“The Community has been very supportive of those needing help. We hope everyone rallies for these trauma survivors as they begin to heal,” says Jane Gebers, co-chair. Adds Vicki Koc, co-chair, “This affects all socio-economic classes and all ages. The step of restoring dignity with clothing following an assault is something our community can do.”

All donations must be NEW. Clothing is needed in all sizes for men, women, and children. Due to space constraints and critical need, the clothing needed is specific to these five items - long sleeve t-shirts, pajamas, sweatsuits, underwear, and sweatshirts.

Checks made out to Alamo Women’s Club (tax ID #94-1426354) with Grateful Garment in subject line are also welcome. Your gift matters. Together We Give.

DANVILLE

Volunteers, 18 years and older, are needed at The Thrift Station in Danville. This year the store celebrates 50 years of serving the local community, selling new and gently used donations. Store proceeds support the exceptional, low-cost, broad-reaching mental health services provided by Discovery Counseling Center of the San Ramon Valley. Discovery’s mental health services are integrated into all San Ramon Valley public schools. The Thrift Station is an all-volunteer organization of dedicated, welcoming, and enthusiastic volunteers supported by a large, loyal customer base.

The store is open Monday through Saturday from 10AM to 4PM, and is located at 486 San Ramon Valley Blvd. in the Crossroads Shopping Center in Danville--next to Los Panchos restaurant. The phone number is 925-820-1988.

If you are interested in joining the warm and welcoming volunteer family, please complete the application form at www.discoveryctr.net/the-thrift-station or email the Membership VP at Thriftvols@ gmail.com . You can also stop by the store and apply in person by filling out a blue form kept near the front register. Volunteers agree to work two 3-hour shifts a month.

Come join the family of volunteers!

THE GATTI REPORT: YOUR GREATER DANVILLE AREA REAL ESTATE UPDATE

By Joe Gatti

The Greater Danville Area is in the heart of summer. It took a little longer for the hot weather to return this year, but it’s definitely back, much like our local real estate market! The June consumer price index (CPI) was released on Wednesday July 12 th and it was lower than expected. The Federal Reserve will meet on July 26 th, and their rate decision will dominate economic news until their follow up meeting on September 20 th. In this month’s article, we’ll look at higher priced listing activity in our local market, focusing on detached properties closing at or above $2,500,000. Buyers for these properties have more cash reserves for their down payments, which can provide more flexibility with mortgage interest rates, but their choices for homes to buy are few. Low housing inventory first caused pricing to stabilize at the year’s beginning, and then prices gradually went up from the spring period to now. The median price of these homes have actually increased slightly when compared to this same point last year.

The June CPI report was released on July 12 th and it provided obvious evidence that inflation is cooling to a much more sustainable level. US inflation dropped to 3%, which was 1% lower than May, and 2% lower than the April reading. The Federal Reserve’s next meeting will be July 25-26 th (after the submission of this article). The prevailing view is that the Fed will raise their base rate again, which many economists think will be their last. With the inflation fight winding down after a year of rate increases, homes closing at or above $2,500,000 have maintained a surprising level of price s tability in our market.

From January 1st through July 19th this year, 139 detached properties have sold at or above $2,500,000 in the greater Danville area, which includes Alamo, Blackhawk, Danville, Diablo, and San Ramon. During the same period in 2022, 333 detached properties of this type closed escrow.* That’s a staggering 58.2% drop in 2023. When comparing the median price, it is evident that the fewer number of homes available to buyers this year has kept prices stable. In 2022, the median price for a property above $2,500,000 was $3,000,000. This year, the median has actually increased slightly to $3,069,000*, a statistic not many were anticipating at the beginning of the year. The higher priced listings that do reach the market have less competition from other similarly priced homes, but the average days-on-market resemble pre-pandemic time frames.

Through the pandemic we became accustomed to news stories of properties staying on the market for little over a week. For homes selling at $2,500,000 and above from January to July 2022, the average time on market was 13 days. This year, it has been 26 days. A little more time on market during a period with higher mortgage interest rates is a small price to pay when the value of your sold home will be equal to, or a little better than, a y ear ago!

If you have any questions or are looking to sell and would like a professional price valuation for your local home, please reac h out to the Gatti Team for a private consultation. Our services and full time local experience will help price, market, and promote your home on all levels so you r eceive the best possible outcome in our current market.

I hope you found this article helpful. I’ve been serving our real estate community for 11 years. Ron Gatti, my business partner and father, has been a full-time real estate professional for over 40 years, all in the greater Danville area. We both are Associate Brokers with Compass out of the 760 Camino Ramon (Suite 200) office in Danville. If you have any real estate questions during this extraordinary time or have questions about this article, please email GattiRealEstate@gmail.com or call Joe Gatti at 925-588-3590. Our services are here for you!

*Data taken from the MLS during specific dates and under the criteria mentioned within the article.

WOMEN’S CLUB JEWELRY FUNDRAISER FAIRE

The Alamo Women’s Club (AWC) is holding its Jewelry Fundraiser Faire on Wednesday, August 16th and Thursday, August 17th at its clubhouse located at 1401 Danville Boulevard in Alamo. The event hours are Wednesday from 10AM until 5PM and Thursday from 10AM to 4PM

Shop a selection of costume, designer, fine jewelry, and hand crafted gift items while supporting AWC, its scholarship program, and its philanthropies. Costume jewelry prices start at $5 and designer jewelry is 50% off.

For more information on the sale or AWC, visit www. alamowomensclub.org

MOUNT DIABLO ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY

Mount Diablo Astronomical Society (MDAS) was formed in 1957 as part of the National “Moonwatch” program established to time the first man-made satellites so accurate orbits could be calculated.

Within months of the club’s formation, astronomy and space science made a giant leap into the households and classrooms of Americans with the launching of Sputnik, and soon afterwards Explorer I. The space race was on, kindling a desire in many to understand more about space and astronomy, and what the newly formed NASA was planning.

Monthly Club meetings are held on the fourth Tuesday of the month (January to October and third Tuesday in November) at Lindsay Wildlife Experience 1931 First Avenue, Walnut Creek, and free monthly public and society astronomy programs take place on Mt. Diablo and the surrounding area from March to October. The events feature many telescopes and binoculars provided and operated by members for education and enjoyment.

The next program open to the community will be held August 19th at 7:3011PM. The program is titled, “Telescopes!

It’s All Done With Mirrors.” A volunteer will explain telescope technology which dates back more than 400 years.

Meeting for the program will be held at the Mount Diablo Lower Summit Parking Lot on Summit Road in Clayton. Due to construction, entry into the park will only be by way of the South Gate Road entry off of Mount Diablo Scenic Blvd. in Danville. To learn more, visit mdas.net.

GO '10-8' WITH CHIEF SHIELDS

MELT WITH YOU MUSIC FESTIVAL

The 3rd annual “Melt With You Festival” will be held August 12th. Doors open at noon. The music and comedy festival event supports The Crayon Initiative, a Danville-based nonprofit. The Crayon Initiative collects used crayons, melts them down, and creates new and vibrant ones. The newly packaged crayons are then donated to Children’s Hospitals around the country.

The festival will feature eight hours of live music and comedy!

Tickets include:

• All the food you can eat from vendors like Slow Hand BBQ, Copper Top Brick Oven Pizza, and more

• Unlimited nonalcoholic drinks, beer, wine, and cocktails from Auburn Lounge, Danville Brewing, mixologist Maxx Grush, and more

• Your own souvenir festival chair

Purchase tickets at https://give.thecrayoninitiative.org/event/melt-with-you-2023/e485940

The event will be held at Madrid Ranch, 57 Spring Ln., Danville. Parking is limited. Please rideshare or pre-purchase valet tickets. Learn more about the Crayon Initiative at thecrayoninitiative.org.

RAILS THROUGH TIME: TOTALLY TRAINS EXHIBIT CLOSING AT MSRV

The “Totally Trains” exhibit at the Museum of the San Ramon Valley (MSRV) closes on August 27th. This always-engaging display showcases a mesmerizing array of model trains, encompassing everything from enchanting steam locomotives to sleek modern diesels. Immerse yourself in a meticulously crafted landscape teaming with vibrant cities, charming towns, majestic mountains, awe-inspiring bridges, and much more!

A key highlight of the exhibit is the village scene, which beautifully captures the essence of Danville, Alamo, and San Ramon, both in the past and present. As a testament to the museum’s commitment to authenticity, the latest addition to the model is the Danville Presbyterian Church, a cherished landmark that graced Front Street from 1876 to 1932.

Children will be able to sort letters and packages just as the mailmen did in the past on the postal trains. In addition, there will be an exhibit of Plasticville buildings and model trains of the past.

While model trains are running, an exhibit on the electric railway which once served Alamo and Danville is also available to view. From 1914-1924 trains from the Danville Branch of Oakland Antioch & Eastern railway came from Saranap (west of Walnut Creek) through Alamo and Danville, ending at the (then) new Mount Diablo Park Club.

10-8

Danville Police Chief Allan Shields comes to you via Facebook Live in a community program called “10-8.” “10-8” is the radio code every officer says at the start of their shift and every time they finish helping someone and are ready to help someone else. “10-8” seemed to be a great title for the weekly program to reinforce to residents and businesses that the officers in Danville are here in service to the community. Come join the “10-8” meeting every Wednesday at 5PM on Facebook Live. Each program will have updates on what is happening in the Town of Danville, crime prevention tips, and answers to viewer questions. Community members can email questions to mailbag@danville.ca.gov. Questions can also be asked in the comment section on Facebook Live. The Facebook page is “Danville Police Department.”

“TOWN TALKS” WITH DANVILLE MAYOR

Danville’s Mayor, Robert Storer, hosts the monthly “Town Talks with the Mayor” series on the first Friday of each month at 9AM via Zoom.

Community members are encouraged to join the discussions. Participants can ask questions via chat or email questions ahead of time to towntalks@danville.ca.gov. Mayor Storer invites guests to discuss various topics of interest to Danville residents. Recordings are at www.DanvilleTownTalks. org/town-talks-with-the-mayor where you can find all the information for this program, including previous recordings.

For more information, contact Cat Bravo at 925-3143377 or cbravo@danville.ca.gov

For a decade, passengers and freight traveled in and out of the San Ramon Valley on two transit modes - the electric train and Southern Pacific’s steam trains. Special trains to the Diablo Country Club brought visitors from San Francisco on the ferry and electrics which were dubbed “Million Dollar Specials.” The quirky and storied “Toonerville Trolley” and its 10-mile route is remembered today in a book by Irma M. Dotson which is available at the Museum.

Totally Trains is one of MSRV’s most popular exhibits. A “Totally Train’s Family Pass” is available for $20. The pass will allow you to visit the exhibit as many times as you like.

The MSRV is located at 205 Railroad Ave. in Danville. Hours are Tuesday-Friday 1PM-4PM, Saturday 10AM-1PM, and Sunday noon-3PM. For more information, visit museumsrv.org or call 925-837-3750.

Festivalcontinued from front page

through his best-known female characters.

The festival also presents two performances (August 19 and 20) of a staged reading of a new play, Yellow Wallpaper 2.0 2020, by Jennifer Maisel, a former participant in the Eugene O’Neill Foundation’s Travis Bogard Artist in Residence program. Maisel offers a modern meditation on Charlotte Perkins Gilman’s 1892 short story, The Yellow Wallpaper , about a Victorian housewife who is driven to insanity when her physician husband prescribes isolation in an upstairs nursery as a treatment for her “nervous depression.” Maisel’s protagonist is a professor trying to pen an essay about Perkins Gilman while enduring a 21st century version of isolation due to COVID lockdown.

O’Neill fans also are invited to participate in a free, virtual, book-club-style discussion of the script of Anna Christie on August 31st with Katie Johnson, a professor of English and film studies at Miami University and an O’Neill expert.

Tickets and information for all festival events are available at eugeneoneill.org/productions/festival.

ABOUT THE EUGENE O’NEILL FOUNDATION, TAO HOUSE

The Eugene O’Neill Foundation, Tao House works to celebrate and promote the vision and legacy of Eugene O’Neill, America’s foremost playwright. The Foundation provides artistic and educational programs as well as a unique collection of resources that focus on Eugene O’Neill’s contribution to theatre in America and the world. It was established in 1974 for the purpose of acquiring O’Neill’s former residence in Danville and establishing a historic monument. Since then the Foundation has devoted itself to developing the site into a center that offers numerous educational, artistic and research programs.

Irish-American playwright Eugene O’Neill is the only American playwright to have been awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature and also four Pulitzer prizes. O’Neill wrote nearly 60 plays in a career spanning three decades. During his time at Tao House O’Neill wrote his most famous plays that rank among the highest achievements of the English-speaking theatre: The Iceman Cometh, Hughie, A Moon for the Misbegotten, and Long Day’s Journey Into Night.

LOCAL ROTARY CLUBS

To learn more about The Rotary Club of Alamo and see current meeting dates and times, visit their Facebook page “Rotary Club of Alamo.” More information is also available at alamorotary.org, alamorotary@hotmail.com, or by calling 925-718-6601. The Danville Rotary Club meets virtually every Monday at noon. Learn more at danvillerotary.org. If you are interested in the Danville/Sycamore Valley Rotary Club, they meet Tuesdays at 7AM. Contact Daniel Kodam at daniel@dsvrotary.com, call 925-336-0000, or visit dsvrotary.com. The Rotary Club of San Ramon Valley meets via Zoom every Wednesday night from 7PM-8:30PM. For more information, call Valerie Munoz at 925-683-6310 or visit www.sanramonvalleyrotary.com. The Rotary Club of Dougherty Valley/San Ramon meets via Zoom on Wednesdays from 5:30PM-6:40PM. For more information, call 925-998-2924. Rotary Club of San Ramon meets at San Ramon Community Center every Thursday between noon and 1:15pm. For more information, visit sanramonrotary.org, or email mjzroberts@att.net, or call 650-483-4069.

DANVILLE LIONS CLUB

The Danville Lions Club meets twice a month at 6:30PM on the first and third Wednesday at Mangia Mi located at 406 Hartz Ave, Danville. The group is looking for like-minded people who wish to volunteer their time for good causes to join the club. The group is a dinner-time club and meets at restaurants for dinner and business meetings in Danville. Danville Lions raise funds and provide services to those in need, both locally and worldwide, through fun and gratifying projects. Lions are well known for successful initiatives in vision health. Please visit www.e-clubhouse.org/sites/danvilleca to learn more or contact Club president Diana Gaines at 925-719-1553.

EXCHANGE CLUB

The Exchange Club of San Ramon Valley meets for lunch the second Wednesday of every month at The Grille at Blackhawk, located at 3540 Blackhawk Plaza Circle in Danville. Sign-in and social time begin at 11:30AM. The meeting starts promptly at noon and ends promptly at 1PM. The one-hour program features guest speakers and business networking. Guests are welcome with luncheon reservations. The cost is $30. For reservations and information, please contact Karen Stepper at 925-998-8865 or coachstepper@yahoo.com

KIWANIS CLUB OF SAN RAMON VALLEY

The Kiwanis Club of San Ramon Valley meets every Thursday at noon at Black Bear Diner located at 807 Camino Ramon in Danville. The Club organizes the Kiwanis 4th of July Parade in Danville and many other exciting events.

The Club has an interesting and informative weekly program speaker and specializes in fun and entertaining camaraderie. There is no charge for a guest lunch. For more information, email info@srvkiwanis.org, or visit www.srvkiwanis.org.

Carpets, Hardwood, Laminate & Stone

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MONTE VISTA HIGH SCHOOL

By Dr. Kevin Ahern, Principal Monte Vista (MV) has been largely quiet over the summer break, however, over the past few weeks the campus has gradually come to life and things will only get busier as the start of the 2023-24 school year approaches.

Every July, MV’s Speech and Debate program kicks things off with a four-week summer camp for elementary and middle school students. Hats off to David Matley and his team for providing such a great experience for our up-and-coming Mustangs. Several Next Level youth sports camps were also held over the month of July. Camps included flag football, basketball, and volleyball - all of which were well attended and a lot of fun. We closed out July with a three-day camp for MV’s award-winning Marching Band, who added a performance to cap things off.

On July 24th, MV’s Leadership Class went on their annual summer retreat. This year they headed west to Nature Bridge in Marin County where our student leaders set their vision for our school culture and planned out the year’s events. It is always great to see our student leaders working together collaboratively towards making our school community a better place.

On July 31st, MV’s office officially reopened for business. It was great to see the members of our counseling and office teams back on campus. This year, MV welcomed several new staff members: Susan McGill in English, Marcela Jimenez-Monge and Sarah Bowers in Spanish, Tracey Naritomi in Culinary, School Psychologists Ashley Jones and Suja George, Sarah Wells in Counseling, and Ana Mooney as our new College and Career Coordinator. We also welcomed Social Science Teacher Kristine Sexton back into the classroom after serving as an MTSS liaison for the past few years. We are excited about our new colleagues and cannot wait for them to start working with our students. Welcome to the Monte Vista Community.

On August 1st, MV hosted SRVUSD’s annual New Teacher U which serves as an orientation for all the new teachers in our district. We are honored that our district chooses our campus as a location to on-board new staff. On August 2nd, the Mustang Mentors will attend training to prepare for Freshman Orientation and on Friday, August 4th our mentors will put that training into action and officially welcome the Class of 2027 to our campus. A special thanks to the MV Leadership Team of Adrianne Bright, Tommy Greenless, and Chris Connor as well as our Mustang Mentors for putting on the Orientation.

On Thursday, August 3rd we will welcome the MV Community back to campus at our annual Stampede Day. Students and parents can pick up school related materials, receive their school ID, buy spirit wear, and make donations to a variety of booster organizations. Many thanks for the hard work put in by our students, staff, parents, and community volunteers who make Stampede Day such a success.

MV’s fall athletic programs kick off their tryouts and practices in early August. Many of our student-athletes are already hard at work throughout the summer preparing for the onset of the fall season. We look forward to a great fall campaign for the Mustangs in all sports and on all levels.

Finally, our campus is looking great thanks to the amazing work put in by our site custodial, landscaping, and maintenance teams. Thank you for making our campus look wonderful!

The first day of school is August 10th. We look forward to another awesome year at Monte Vista.

Neighborhood Watch is a community action and problem-solving program, and one of the most effective means available for resolving issues within the community. Through organized problem-solving activities, your block can remove crime from your neighborhood and address community issues of concern.

The Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff will be hosting meetings via Zoom. If you have any questions or are interested in finding out more information, please email the Community Services Unit at csu@ so.cccounty.us .

Breathtaking and secluded estate on the west side of Danville. This incredible property comprises two homes on one lot, both with incredible craftsmanship. The homes are hidden behind gates to a fully landscaped 1.86-acre parcel adorned with oak trees providing unparalleled privacy. Panoramic views of Mt. Diablo from every angle, minutes from Las Trampas and Iron Horse trails, top-rated schools, and walk to downtown.

The main home has an open kitchen with custom cherry cabinets, Viking stove with grill, full-size Sub-Zero refrigerator/freezer, and Miele dishwasher. A spacious butler’s pantry holds an extra dishwasher, and acrafts/wrapping room provides additional storage. Surround sound, outdoor speakers, outdoor kitchen with Lynx BBQ and burner. Travertine tile, marble, onyx, and granite are featured throughout the house. Each room is custom painted highlighting the architecture. There is a well for landscape irrigation.

The second home is 1,500+ sq ft., 2 bed, 2 bath, with hardwood floors, slate tile, 12 ft ceilings, and French doors lead to a wrap-around tiled porch that showcases the stunning views of Mt. Diablo and wooded creek. Private gazebo-garden and studio.

Saturdays

VALLEY VIGNETTE By

Beverly Lane

HISTORIC FIRES IN THE SAN RAMON VALLEY

Fires, called “tongues of venom” by one writer, seared people’s memories throughout valley history. Fires destroyed crops, swept across Mount Diablo, and demolished buildings. The new Danville Fire District had its hands full from the start.

Shortly after the firehouse was built in 1925, the Danville Emporium went up in flames and took adjacent homes with it. The Contra Costa Courier and Danville Journal on July 16, 1926 reported: “Fire caused by jelly boiling over on a coal oil stove and bursting into flames, completely destroyed a store and three homes in Danville on Monday afternoon and for several hours threatened the entire town of Danville with conflagration. The loss is estimated at $30,000.”

In the next decade the Courier-Journal from June 2, 1932, wrote: “One of the old landmarks of the San Ramon Valley was burned to the ground Friday night when the Presbyterian church of Danville was destroyed by fire from an unknown cause. The church had been built about 58 years ago and in those 58 years has seen continuous services every Sunday.

The conflagration, which started earlier in the evening, broke into a blaze about 12:30. The roaring wind fanned the blaze and blew the sparks to neighboring and adjacent buildings which took the combined efforts of the Danville and Walnut Creek Fire departments to keep them from being destroyed by the fire. Through the heroic efforts of these firefighters, the pastor’s house about 50 feet away was saved from burning and a tool house within 20 feet was also saved.”

Jim Root rushed into the unlocked pastor’s office and rescued several items, including the original 1910 minutes of the first San Ramon Valley Union High School board. The department grew over the years, increasing the size of the fire house and adding more equipment. The firehouse was remodeled in 1955 and Station No. 2 was built in Alamo in 1958. It was an all-volunteer force until 1959 when Mike Blodgett became the first paid firefighter. While the district formally included just the northern part of the valley, larger fires were fought by San Ramon volunteers and workers from the Bishop Ranch. In 1955 the Baldwin house (built in 1888) had a night fire break out in the kitchen wing that ultimately destroyed the historic home, leaving only the foundations and three chimneys standing. Nothing was saved. The water supply ran out and many of the volunteers had come from Elliott’s and weren’t at their best.

“Fire Chief Elliott placed the damage to the home at $15,000 but said no value could be put on the large amount of antique furniture and early-day possessions in the home which was built in 1888,” stated a story in the Valley Pioneer on April 21, 1955.

The District added fire stations and equipment as the population increased. In 1974, the community raised funds for the first emergency medical vehicle, after young Helen Howell died tragically when her bicycle was hit by a car on Danville Blvd. Forty years later, trained paramedics accompany every fire truck call.

Since 1891, when records began, Mt. Diablo has had hundreds of fires. The San Ramon Valley Fire District’s Fire Line booklet reported: “One of the largest fires ever, burned for five days, from July 2 – 7 in 1931, and consumed 14,000 acres of grass and brush on the south side. Fire Chief Duane Elliott remembered the 1931 fire: “We were there for three days and two nights. I slept on the rocks and the fire headed towards Livermore.”

From August 1-5, 1977, a fire ignited by lightning burned 6,041 acres on the northern side of the mountain. Easily viewed from homes in Danville and Alamo, people watched the fire’s progress from their back yards. The Morgan Fire of 2013 is well remembered and documented as well.

Over the years, Danville (and later San Ramon Valley) fire chiefs were Oscar Olsson (1922-1925),

Elliott (1947–1961), William Van Limburgh (1961), Forrest Wilson (1963–1965), Michael Blodgett

William Dutcher (1996 –1999), Richard Probert, (1999–2002), Craig Bowen (2002-2008), Richard Price (2008-2013), and Paige Mayer (2013present).

The Danville district was the first in the valley, but not the only one. Valley Community Services District began with South San Ramon and Dublin coverage in 1960, San Ramon Fire District started in 1963, Tassajara Fire Department began in 1969, and Dougherty Regional Fire Authority organized in 1988. By 1997, all but VCSD’s Dublin area (re-named Dublin San Ramon Special District) were formally merged or annexed as the San Ramon Valley Fire Protection District.

Today, the modern San Ramon Valley Fire District includes both professionals and volunteers, covers 155 square miles, and has 10 fire stations, a modern Communications Center, and a Mental Health Initiative. Respected throughout California, the District provides high quality fire prevention, skilled fire fighters, and prompt emergency medical service.

Sources: Local newspapers, speech by Inez Butz (1984), museum archives, Fire Line , SRVFPD, 75 Years of Service, p. 29, SRVFPD website.

Melford

ACTION POOL REPAIR

925.820.3640

H.M. Fichtenmueller (1925–1947), Duane

(1965–1988),

Deardorff (1988-1996),

Danville Presbyterian Church.

Danville volunteers in front of the expanded fire station and an Autocar Pumper, c. 1930.

The Morgan Fire, taken by Tim Anderson.

SCHOOL IS BACK – PLEASE DRIVE SAFELY

By County Supervisor Candace Andersen

Although it is still summer, school is starting up again. Slow down. Wear a seatbelt. Be aware of your surroundings.

As the new school year begins, it is important to refresh and review rules regarding driving near school zones. As young elementary schoolers run across crosswalks and high schoolers drive to their classes with new licenses, the community should be reminded of safe driving practices.

During the normal pick-up and drop-off times, congestion near schools increases – it is crucial to drive slowly and stay alert. California law mandates a 25-mph speed limit when driving within 500 feet of a school while children are outside or crossing the street. When driving near schools, it is important to keep an eye out for bicycles, pedestrians, and crossing guards giving directions. For students who bike to school the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) enforces these simple things for safe rides:

• Wear a correctly fitted helmet and make sure the chin strap is securely fastened.

• Ride in the same direction as traffic and always follow traffic signs and signals.

• Stay in the bike lane when possible.

• Do not use electronics/other distractions while riding.

Pedestrians need to be just as cautious when walking to school. The NHTSA encourages these few reminders before sending students off to school:

• Use the sidewalk when possible or the edge of the street facing traffic.

• When crossing the street, walk on crosswalks and make sure to look left and right for vehicles or bikers.

• When walking around traffic do not push or shove others.

• Do not use phones or other electronics as they can be very distracting. Prepare to slow down when school buses flash yellow and stop if it flashes red. Not complying to these rules can result in $1,000 fine and suspension of a

driver’s license for up to a year according to the California Drivers’ Handbook. There are several programs across Contra Costa County to ensure safe driving practices and encourage both drivers and pedestrians to tread with caution near schools.

The Street Smarts program, established in 2004 after the deaths of three San Ramon Valley children in traffic-related incidents, addresses traffic safety problems by educating the youth to practice safe pedestrian, bicyclist, and driver practices.

Elementary school students participate in a bike safety assembly which teaches them how to act safely and responsibly when travelling to and from school.

Middle and high school students are invited to create a traffic safety video for the Street Smarts “Be Reel” Video Contest. The top four entrants receive prizes. As for licensed high schoolers that are ready to drive to school, Street Smarts, in partnership with the California Highway Patrol, has developed classes students must take to be eligible to purchase a parking permit at school. For more information about Street Smarts, visit www.street-smarts.com

Contra Costa’s transportation authority (CCTA) is also committed to keeping transportation to schools accessible and safe. Along with 511 Contra Costa, CCTA has worked with schools, police departments, and local staff members to enforce safer drop-off and pick-up zones while also encouraging students to walk/bike to schools.

Seeing students returning to schools is always a bittersweet and joyous time, so it is of utmost importance that driving rules are followed to ensure the safety of students commuting to and from them.

My office is here to serve the residents of Contra Costa County District 2, which includes Alamo, Blackhawk, Canyon, Danville, Diablo, Lafayette, Moraga, Orinda, Rossmoor, San Ramon, Tassajara Valley, and parts of unincorporated Walnut Creek. Please contact us if we can provide you with additional information on this topic or on other County issues. I can be reached at SupervisorAndersen@bos.cccounty.us or 925-655-2300.

Thank you to Summer Intern Sami Tripasuri for her contributions to this article.

VETERAN SERVICE ORGANIZATION MEETINGS

Veteran Service Organizations (VSOs) meet at the Veterans Memorial Building of San Ramon Valley, located at 400 Hartz Avenue in Danville, except as otherwise noted.

• American Legion Post 246 meets on the first Wednesday of each month (except August) at noon. For information, visit www.americanlegionpost246. org, email commanderpost246@gmail.com, or call 925-272-8480.

• Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 75 of San Ramon Valley meets on the third Wednesday of each month at 7:30PM. For information, visit vmbsrv.org or email info@vfwpost75.org

• Viet Nam Veterans of the Diablo Valley meets on the first Thursday of each month at 5PM at Crow Canyon Country Club, 711 Silver Lake Drive, Danville. For information, visit http://vnvdv.org/index.html or call 925-838-6445.

• Marine Corps League Detachment 942 meets on the fourth Saturday of each month at 8:30AM. For information, visit www.mcldet942.org.

• Blue Star Moms Detachment 101 meets on the second Wednesday of each month at 7PM. For information, visit www.bluestarmoms.org or call 925-587-4037.

• Veterans Memorial Building of San Ramon Valley holds coffees on Saturdays from 9AM to noon.

DISCOVER DIABLO

Save Mount Diablo’s (SMD) Discover Diablo program offers an annual series of free activities that include hikes, family walks, rock climbing events, trail runs, mountain biking events, property tours, and more. Join SMD in exploring the Bay Area’s beautiful wild lands and open spaces!

Discover Diablo is a public outings program led by staff and volunteer naturalists that offers various outdoor activities including guided interpretive family walks, hikes, and property tours. These events are open to any and all trailblazers looking to get out in nature. All hikes are free, but in order to create the best experience and least impact on the environment, capacity is limited and advanced registration is required.

Property tours are led on SMD conserved sites. These are unique opportunities to explore privately-held lands that are otherwise closed to the public. Join these tours to learn more about the special ecological and cultural features of each conserved site.

The goal of Discover Diablo is to connect people to nature through outdoor recreation and to build awareness of both the land conservation movement and the importance of permanently protecting open spaces. Through this program, the aim is to reach new audiences, grow the membership base, and spark a passion for Diablo’s wild, natural lands in the youngest of trailblazers.

To learn more, visit tinyurl.com/mt2tjpvp

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

Many of our neighbors cannot afford to feed and clothe themselves or their families. Volunteer opportunities for individuals, families, and groups to serve the community are available at White Pony Express (WPE).

WPE, founded in 2013 and headquartered in Pleasant Hill, is a nonprofit that rescues fresh surplus food from supermarkets, restaurants, and farmers markets. This food is then delivered free to organizations that feed the hungry. In addition, high-quality clothing, children’s toys, and books are distributed free of charge.

Hundreds of volunteers make WPE possible. If you are interested in volunteering, please visit whiteponyexpress.org/volunteer or call Mandy Nakaya, Volunteer Services Coordinator, at 925-818-6361 or email Mandy@ whiteponyexpress.org

CLIP NOTES By Jody Morgan

Bright red, orange, and yellow nasturtium flowers are my family’s favorite salad topping. The edible young leaves and flowers have a peppery taste. The scent of nasturtium plants first encountered in Peru by Spanish explorers during the 16th century must have been quite pungent. The common name they applied is derived from the Latin nasus (nose) and torquere (to twist).

Because they freely self-sow, nasturtiums rate an interesting chapter in Pam Pierce’s Wildly Successful Plants: Northern California. She writes: “So dazzling are they Charles Darwin’s daughter Elizabeth thought they glowed in the dark and presented a paper before a scientific society to that effect. it may have been deference to her famous father that delayed disproof, but it has become clear that her impression was poetic rather than scientific.”

Thomas Jefferson had a more practical interest in nasturtium seeds. He first planted them on March 26, 1774 “in 35 little hills.” When he divided his terraced garden into sections designated for the parts of plants used, he placed nasturtiums with “Fruits” rather than “Leaves” or “Roots.” While no longer a culinary favorite, pickled nasturtium seeds were much in vogue in Jefferson’s time.

Mrs. Mary Randolph published The Virginia Housewife in 1824. Her cookbook proved so popular that it was re-printed some twenty times before the Civil War. Mary, whose brother married Jefferson’s daughter, had numerous family ties to Thomas’ family. In her recipe for caper sauce, she notes that when capers are unavailable: “pickled nasturtiums make a very good substitute.”

How does one pickle nasturtiums? Mary advises: “Gather the berries when full grown but young, put them in a pot, pour boiling water on, and let them stand three or four days; then drain off the water, and cover them with cold vinegar; add a few blades of mace, and whole grains of black pepper.”

Maarten J. M. Christenhusz explains the inspiration for the botanical appellation in a 2012 article in Curtis’s Botanical Magazine. “Linnaeus (1753) explained the generic name Tropaeolum as follows: ‘ ... victorious trophies, where the leaves are small shields and the flowers golden helmets stained with blood.’ The name is thus derived from a Roman trophy pole, ‘tropaeum’, on which the armour and weapons of the vanquished foe were hung.”

Claude Monet made annual use of nasturtiums in his “Grande Allee”. Derek Fell writes in Secrets of Monet’s Garden: “Monet’s originality in creating a true floral tunnel, with nasturtiums almost knitting together from opposite ends of the path, is ingenious. The secret of Monet’s nasturtium path is revealed in his painting the Artist’s Garden at Vetheuil (1880), where he lived before moving to Giverny. The painting is a hot color harmony, dominated by spires of red gladiolus and yellow sunflowers. It shows a flight of steep steps leading down into the garden, with orange nasturtiums creeping across the treads from opposite sides, completing a dramatic orange-red-yellow scheme.” At Giverny, Monet encouraged vining nasturtiums of orange, red, and yellow to weave in and out of other climbing plants such as morning glories and roses.

Modeled after a Venetian Renaissance palace, the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum features a remarkable central courtyard protected from the weather by a glass roof. When I lived in the Boston area, I looked forward to visiting the courtyard’s reliably lush horticultural display on crisp winter days. I enjoyed concerts in the music room and pausing to contemplate paintings no longer on display - stolen from the collection in the infamous art heist of March 18, 1990.

The grand opening of the museum was held as a private party on January 1, 1903. The following month, it opened to the public. In 1904, Isabella decided to celebrate her April 14th birthday by adorning the museum’s courtyard with spectacular banners of flowering nasturtiums spilling over the balconies.

The stunning display has continued as an annual tradition. Seeds planted at the museum’s nursery south of Boston in June are transplanted into small terra cotta pots in July and moved outdoors. Any that flower in a color other than the desired orange are discarded. In August, the remaining nasturtiums are repotted, and their training begins. Spent blossoms are removed daily. Weekly applications of fertilizer and careful pruning result in strong vines 20 feet long.

In March, the nasturtiums are cut down from their training trellises and loaded for transport to the museum. Several gardeners are employed in the delicate task of draping the living vines over the Gardner Museum’s third floor balconies.

QUICK TRIPS

By Linda Summers Pirkle TALKIN’ TIKI

“Is this outfit Tiki enough?” I had chosen a Hawaiian print peasant top to go with brightly colored pants. My fashionista daughter nodded and replied, “With sandals it’s perfect.”

My son, who is a Tiki enthusiast, suggested we attend Tiki Dreams, an evening event at the Napa Valley Museum in Yountville. The outfit choice was spot-on as we mingled among dozens of Tiki aficionados wearing muumuus, Bermuda short ensembles, and puka shells on a curated tour of the exhibit. The Tiki Phenomenon, also known as the world of Tropical Escapism, Polynesiean Pop, or even the Cult of Tiki is having a resurgence.

Tiki enthusiasts from around the state have been making pilgrimages to the Napa Valley Museum and according to Executive Director, Laura Rafaty, the “Tiki Dreams” exhibit has been one of the most popular the Museum has ever presented.The Tiki movement, in its heyday during the 1960s, went beyond palm fronds and hangovers. Rafaty said, “People thinking that Tiki was a kitschy fad from the ‘60s have been fascinated by the sheer scope and variety of Tiki art and design.”

An excellent resource on the history of Tiki is the James Beard Foundation award winning book Smugglers Cove by Martin Cate. Grab an icy drink, settle yourself in a lounge chair, ask your smart speaker to play some tunes by Martin Denny, “the father of exotica,” and enjoy a very fun read.

According to Cate, the birth of the Tiki bar was in late 1933 when founder, Ernest Gantt, “a globetrotter from Texas who married the drinks of the Caribbean with the look of the South Pacific under one roof,” opened Don the Beachcomber in Hollywood. Cate writes that when patrons entered the tiny Tiki bar they would find a “warren of small dimly-lit rooms festooned with driftwood, flotsam and jetsam, nets, fish floats and traps, puffer fish lamps, shells, and more. As though an idle drifter who wandered the beach collecting detritus had simply hung it all up in a scrappy watering hole…because that’s precisely what he did.” His exotic cocktails were an immediate sensation and by 1937, Don the Beachcomber was mentioned in the New York Tribune. Movie stars including Charlie Chaplin and Marlene Dietrich frequented the place. Ernest legally changed his name to Donn Beach and moved Don the Beachcomber to a bigger venue across the street.

No Tiki story is complete without San Francisco native son Victor Jules Bergeron (1902-1984), also known as the legendary Trader Vic. Cate describes how on a fateful day in 1937 Victor made his first pilgrimage to Don the Beachcomber. He was mesmerized according to the author. “The first time Vic pushed open the rattan and jade tile doors left him a changed man.” And, the rest is Tiki history.

“Tiki Dreams: From Far-Away Fantasy to Pop-Culture Phenomenon” is open at Napa Valley Museum located at 55 Presidents Circle, in Yountville. It is open Wednesday-Sunday 10AM-4PM through December 31, 2023. For more information, visit napavalleymuseum.org

Napa Valley Museum will be hosting a special event: Elvis “Blue Hawaii“ Celebration & Wedding Vow Renewals on Saturday, August 19th from 5PM-8PM The event will feature a live musical performance by Elvis Tribute Artist Johnny Reno, pupus, cocktail (and mocktail) tastings, wine tasting, and admission to the Tiki Dreams exhibit. You can even take or renew your wedding vows. Contact the museum for details.

Linda Summers Pirkle is a travel writer, Francophile, consultant, and long-term Danville resident. To share your “Quick Trips” ideas, email Coverthemap@gmail.com.

Kapu Bar, Napa Valley Museum photo.

Trader Vic’s display, Napa Valley Museum photo.

TECHNOLOGY MATTERS VACATION PHOTO MANAGEMENT

By Evan Corstorphine, Portable CIO, Inc.

Summer vacations are a great time to take family pictures. The sky is blue, flowers are blooming, the lighting is amazing, and all of the colors are vibrant. In the “old days” when we had to buy rolls of film for our cameras and then pay for developing them, there was a natural limit on the number and types of photos we took. It was expensive, and we were more thoughtful; we didn’t click the shutter with reckless abandon. That’s all changed! In the digital age, bits are cheaper and more plentiful than atoms, and our snapshot taking habits have adjusted accordingly.

During the vacation I just enjoyed, I took 567 photos. That would have been 16 rolls of 36 exposure film back in the day. Some of the photos are really good! And, I’m certain there are a lot of duds in there too. I tried to weed them out on my phone at the time, however, a combination of lighting (usually too bright) and the small screen make it an iffy proposition to avoid accidentally deleting a good one. So, I defer until “later.” We all know about “later.”

What happens next? Well, if you use an iPhone and have an iCloud subscription, all of those new photos are slurped up to the Apple cloud for safekeeping, then perhaps distribution down to your home computer. At approximately three megabytes each, those 567 photos equate to roughly 1.7GB of space consumed on your phone, and in iCloud. And, perhaps on a computer somewhere. Suddenly, we’re storing at least 3.4GB of photos, if not 5.1GB or more.

This works out well for Apple, Google, and other providers who sell us storage space for our phones. They know we’re busy, and the likelihood of us taking the time to review our photos to cull the duds is very low. The storage space grows, and so does the subscription plan required to accommodate this ever-increasing avalanche of photos. How do we manage this?

Everyone struggles with this. I’ve thought of only two ways. The first way

SONS IN RETIREMENT

LAS TRAMPAS BRANCH #116

Sons in Retirement (SIR) Las Trampas Branch #116 helps semi-retired and retired men lead active lives. All ages are invited to partake in enriching social activities. There are minimal dues and no major commitments. Come join the group to make new friends and social connections and stay active. Monthly meetings are held at Boundary Oak Golf Course.

The robust and well organized nine-hole and 18-hole golf programs are in full swing. Play is at Boundary Oak and other courses in the area. There are two different book groups that meet monthly. A very active fishing group takes place with participation from SIR members in the area. Join our pickleball group for a fun way to get some exercise. The bridge group meets for lunch twice a month. Put on your shoes and take an easy hour-long walk every Friday morning with the Amiable Amblers walking group and also join in the monthly sponsored walking tours to explore local areas. Spouses and friends join in on wine tastings which take place at members’ houses and group dinners which are held at local restaurants.

To learn more or become a member, visit https://sirinc2.org/branch116, or call 925-322-1160. Come join the group and have some fun!

SAN RAMON VALLEY BRANCH #128

Are you looking for ways to stay active, make new friends, and have more fun in retirement? Look no further than Sons in Retirement #128, a social organization for men over 50 who are retired or are nearing retirement.

At SIR 128 we believe that retirement is an opportunity to pursue new interests, travel, and spend time with friends and loved ones. That’s why we offer a wide range of activities that cater to every taste from walking, fishing, bocce ball, book clubs, wine tasting, cribbage, golf, and more.

Each month, SIR128 has a variety of events. In the upcoming months we will be touring TCHO Chocolate Factory, walking tour of the Nike Missile sites, Mt. Diablo Wildflower Walk, attending Giants, A’s, and Warrior games. These outings are a great way to have some fun and make some new friends.

is to be wiser about the photos we take, so that the job of reviewing them isn’t so onerous. However, that’s not enough. So, then it comes down to the second way which is to discipline ourselves to go through those photos afterward. We must establish dedicated time (probably multiple sessions) to do this and relentlessly, and ruthlessly, cull the so-so pictures to enjoy the brilliant essence of your cherished moments. Cull not with a scalpel, but with a machete; if you take photos with your phone, you have plenty of pictures. For example, do you really need 23 of you standing in front of that statue in various poses? Probably not! Another aspect of digital photography we need to accommodate is how to label our pictures. I’m a guy who still enjoys picking up an album left on a coffee table and going through the ritual of perusing those photos. The experience is just not the same when photos are viewed on a computer, and we don’t leave computers or iPads just sitting out for people to open on coffee tables anyway!

Albums are great because you can label the back of photos, or include paper labels underneath the photos. It’s not so obvious to label our pictures in the digital world, and it takes more work. (If you’re wondering, in iCloud or in the Apple Photos app, you need to click the little “i” for a photo, and click edit. This enables you to add a label and a caption to the photo.)

I think a hybrid approach to photo management is best. Take what I wrote above regarding the culling and refinement of your library, then apply the “analog” solution of printing albums from the resulting gems you’ve saved. We were just with relatives who have traveled extensively over the last 30 years. They had a bookcase filled with albums they’d made of their special trips, all from digital photos. These albums were ordered online from a European provider, however, there are many to choose from here in the US as well. These albums let them label the photos, add bits of other information or art to the pages, then print them in thick, glossy pages suitable for endless viewing. They’re quite lovely.

I think we can all agree on how out of control our photos have become, and hopefully these tips help you adjust and gain control of your library! As for your other puzzling IT conundrums, feel free to email info@pcioit.com, or call 925-552-7953 and we’ll help you figure those out too! Advertorial

Membership includes a monthly luncheon with a guest speaker. Luncheons are held on the third Wednesday of the month at 11AM at the Bridges located at 9000 S. Gale Ridge, San Ramon.

The August meeting will be held August 16th. The speaker will be Congressman Mark DeSaulnier representing our 10th Congressional District, including much of Contra Costa County and a part of Alameda County. Since coming to Congress, he has passed more than 60 legislative efforts, proving to be an effective legislator who knows how to get things done.

If you’re interested in attending a luncheon/meeting as a guest, email membership@sir128.com. To learn more about the group, visit www.SIR128.com

BRANCH #146

If you like making friends for life while participating in fun social activities, then SIR Branch #146 may be what you’re looking for. There are almost 50 activity groups and half of them can include your significant other as well. Visit www.sir146.com and click on any activity icon to learn more. You can find activity schedules, contact information, and recent write-ups by visiting www.sir146.com/newsletter_recent.html

Activities include nine-hole and 18-hole golf, hiking, cycling, pool, photography, birding, fishing, dining out, cards, dominoes, theater, great travel adventures, and more! Come enjoy a delicious catered luncheon with interesting and timely speakers at the next meeting. Meetings are held at Boundary Oak in Walnut Creek on the second Thursday of the month. Arrive early and socialize! Reservations are required. In May and December, please invite your significant other to enjoy special luncheon entertainment programs. Dues are only $25 per year. Broadening your network of friends and having fun is what it is all about. Do

Do

WHO SHOULD INHERIT YOUR WEALTH?

A GUIDE FOR THE WEALTHY

By Waldron Partners

“Only the man who does not need it, is fit to inherit wealth, the man who would make his fortune no matter where he started.” ~ Ayn Rand

One important consideration for many people, including those who have amassed significant wealth during their lives, is determining exactly who they should pass along their assets to when the time comes. Most folks want to feel assured that their hard-earned money will go to those who will appreciate it and who also might need it.

Estate planning is frequently filled with many tough decisions, and deciding on one’s heirs can be one of the most challenging parts of the process. In this article, we’ll explore how to decide who should inherit one’s wealth and discuss some key considerations.

#1: FAMILY DYNAMICS

First, it’s usually a good idea for one to consider their family dynamics. When someone has a spouse, they typically become the primary beneficiary. However, what if there are children from a previous marriage or a sibling that the person is particularly fond of?

It’s necessary to balance one’s familial relationships with the legal requirements of their state’s inheritance laws. If one doesn’t have a will, for instance, their state will likely distribute their assets according to the default laws, which may not align with their wishes.

#2: FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT SKILLS

Another key factor to consider is the potential heirs’ level of responsibility and financial management skills. While one may want to provide for a family member who doesn’t handle their finances as well as others, this can sometimes lead to future disagreements over money.

Alternatively, one could consider setting up a trust that dispenses funds gradually over time or specifically for certain purposes (such as education or health expenses) to help ensure the money is used wisely.

#3: CHARITABLE WISHES

If someone doesn’t have any obvious heirs or prefers to leave their wealth to a charitable organization, there are a few important things to consider. For example, one can designate a charity as a beneficiary in their will or establish a trust, foundation, or donor-advised fund (DAF) to give assets to multiple charities. A trust or foundation can also potentially give one greater control over how their money is distributed after they are gone.

#4: TAX IMPLICATIONS

Lastly, it’s critical that one considers the tax implications of their estate. For instance, some gifts to heirs may be subject to federal estate and gift taxes. In some cases, there may be exemptions that allow one to pass along wealth tax-free up to a certain amount with any amount exceeding that subject to being taxed. Consulting with a qualified financial planner and/or tax professional can help ensure that one’s beneficiaries receive the most tax-advantaged inheritance possible.

Deciding who should inherit one’s lifetime wealth is a crucial decision. There are many factors to consider from legal requirements to family dynamics to tax implications. The best approach usually depends on one’s unique situation, so it’s generally wise for one to seek professional guidance so they can make an informed choice. With careful planning, one can help ensure their assets go toward the causes and people they care about most, leaving a lasting legacy that reflects their personal values and beliefs.

“I had an inheritance from my father, It was the moon and the sun. And though I roam all over the world, The spending of it’s never done.” ~ Ernest Hemingway We can help you with your financial situation. You do not want to go through life wondering what could have been - contact Peter today at 925708-7397 or peter.waldron@lfg.com.

AGGRESSIVE & SKILLED

Fruit continued from front page

“Gleaning is the practice of harvesting excess crops and donating them to food resource partners throughout our community,” explains ForestR's website. Based in Castro Valley, ForestR was established in 2020. ForestR’s projects began with cleaning highway litter and soon extended to greening pocket parks and gleaning food. Creating green job opportunities is the organization's final goal.

Pat reached out to others she had gleaned with in The Urban Farmers (TUF) until that organization shut down operations during the COVID pandemic. Former TUF Harvest Leaders, donors, and volunteers eagerly embraced the new, fully insured non-profit.

Financial Advisors,

Peter T. Waldron, California Insurance License #0E47827, is a registered representative of

broker/dealer,

through

Marketing

Agency,

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other fine companies. This material is for use with the general public and is designed for informational or educational purposes only. It is not intended as legal, tax, or direct investment advice. Lincoln Financial Advisors does not offer legal or tax advice. CRN-5752966-061423 Advertorial

CCFR’s inaugural harvest gleaned 270 pounds of oranges at Ninan Fox’s Danville residence. The mature citrus tree was already well-established when the Foxes bought their home about 27 years ago. Ninan says, “I was happy to receive an email telling me CCFR would be able to harvest my huge orange tree in January and deliver the fruit to White Pony Express or the Food Bank. They are a wonderful organization providing a service much needed throughout California by families with fruit trees on their properties. Donating fruit that would be wasted without CCFR to harvest and deliver it to people in need is one of the best ways to give back to the community.”

Fahim Shafi, Danville Area Harvest Leader, is delighted to be gleaning again with CCFR. He remarks, “The part I enjoy most about being able to lead a backyard harvest is reducing waste, helping alleviate poverty, and

See Fruit continued on page 17

Lincoln

a

member SIPC, and offers investment advisory services through Sagemark Consulting, a division of Lincoln Financial Advisors Corp., a registered investment advisor, Waldron Partners, 3201 Danville Blvd., Suite 190 PO Box 528, Alamo, CA 94507. Waldron Partners is not an affiliate of Lincoln Financial Advisors. Insurance is offered

Lincoln

and Insurance

LLC and Lincoln Associates

Agency, Inc., and

Our Savior Lutheran Church volunteers of all ages harvested with Pastor Dan Senter. Photo by CCFR.

ALAMO IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATION (AIA)

By Roger Smith, President

AUTOS OF ALAMO ~ SEPTEMBER 7TH

Come enjoy the 10th annual Autos of Alamo Festival on Thursday, September 7th from 4-8PM at Alamo Plaza. Admission is free. Enjoy live music and see many locally-owned vintage, classic, custom, hot-rod, exotic, muscle cars and more from the years of 1980 and before. There will also be a “Kid’s Zone,” and a Short Line Model Railroad exhibit.

Show off your car! Auto registration is only $30 and you receive a gift bag of special items. Please pre-register by calling 925-247-8081.

Come mix and mingle with your neighbors while enjoying a fun night out.

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY COMMUNITY WARNING SYSTEM

Contra Costa County’s Community Warning System (CWS) helps you, your family, and our community learn how to prepare for and handle emergencies.

How Does it Work?

Sirens have been placed in the industrial corridor of the county. They are intended to be used for chemical accidents and used to notify the community to “Shelter, Shut, and Listen.”

Pagers for emergency response personnel, which operate via the radio network (independent of the phone system), can be used for any emergency. The County can order a coordinated deployment of emergency responders via CWS to areas of need during a disaster.

Why Provide the CWS?

The mission is to provide an alert and notification system that is able to:

• Immediately alert residents in a one mile radius to Shelter-in-Place in response to any emergency that may be harmful to their well being.

• Notify appropriate emergency response agencies concerning the emergency.

• Provide on-going updates about the incident and additional protective measures that may be required.

Join AIA on Wednesday, August 23rd at 6PM via Zoom for a community meeting discussing the various tools and services our CWS provides to County residents. Visit AIA’s website: www.AlamoCA.org for more information and meeting access.

ALAMO FARMER’S MARKET FRESH BERRIES AND MORE!

Summer fruit is upon us with an amazing selection of melons, stone fruit, berries, fresh veggies, corn, fish, baked goods, locally roasted coffee beans, local eggs, and more! Please welcome our newest vendor, Rapha Farms from Campbell. They have an amazing assortment of both harvested and prepackaged microgreens, in addition to their custom line of amazing microgreen pestos!

The Market is sponsored by AIA and is open rain or shine on Sundays from 9AM – 2PM in Alamo Plaza, off of Danville Blvd., near Bank of America.

ENVISION 2040 PROJECT AND POTENTIAL IMPACT ON ALAMO

You can only visualize the future of a community by examining its history and the forces that led to the present. What created this community and what are its particular attributes and characteristics? What attracts people to live here, buy a home, and raise their families? How will future economic and political trends and dynamics of demography affect the community and to what extent should those forces of change be embraced, controlled, mitigated, challenged, or rejected?

Please visit www.AlamoCA.org and www.AlamoVision2040.org for more information on the County Envision 2040 project and potential impact. Take our Alamo Community Poll at tinyurl.com/3k9z6jd8. Join the petition for sustainable and controlled growth for Alamo’s future at chng.it/MyTpTCLjY.

AIA CELEBRATING 68 YEARS

AIA, a non-profit 501 (c)(3) organization, has 68 years of serving our community and helping shape it into “the place where we love to live!” Visit www.AlamoCA.org for information on AIA, articles of interest to local residents, membership forms, and more. Don’t be left out, now is the time to renew or become a new member of AIA!

COASTAL CLEANUP DAY

Each year, volunteers gather at creeks, rivers, beaches, and all types of waterways around California to clean up trash and protect precious natural spaces. In 2020, more than 20,000 volunteers picked up more than 900,000 pounds of trash from beaches and waterways throughout the state.

Join Save Mount Diablo as they focus on cleaning Thomas Kirker Creek in Pittsburg, or find other Coastal Cleanup Day sites in Contra Costa County at tinyurl.com/297jvszf.

Register for the Kirker Creek clean-up at tinyurl.com/4bbvhdne. Learn more about other programs at SaveMountDiablo.org

SCOTTISH COUNTRY DANCING CLASSES

Join an Adult Beginner’s Scottish Country Dance class on Thursday nights from 7PM -8:30PM. Experienced dancers continue until 9:30PM. Lessons are $8 each. All lessons will be held at The Danville Grange, located at 743 Diablo Road, Danville.

Great exercise, enjoy the music, and connect with friendly people. Wear comfortable clothes and soft shoes. No partner needed! Proof of Covid vaccination required.

For more information, call Kathleen at 925-9346148 or Monica at 925-575-7637.

VETERAN SERVICES BRING THE “OFFICE” TO YOU

The Contra Costa County Veterans Services Office is removing barriers by opening a virtual office space. The virtual Veterans Office can give you close to an in-person experience. Veterans can learn about and apply for benefits, access VA health care, receive referrals for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder therapy, and much more. Visit the office website at www.contracosta.ca.gov/vets during open office hours for one-on-one assistance. Hours of operation are Mondays through Thursdays from 9am to noon and 1pm to 4pm, and on Fridays 9am to noon.

Staffing the virtual office are Veterans Service Manager Sidney Jones, an Air Force Veteran, and Veteran Services Representative Buck Carmichael, a Marine Corps Veteran. Both have long-time experience connecting vets to critical services. For more information, please call the Veteran Services Office at 925-313-1481.

SAFE EXCHANGE ZONE FOR BUYERS AND SELLERS

The Town of Danville Police Department has recently relocated the “Safe Exchange Zone” to the parking lot of the Police Department headquarters located at 500 La Gonda Way, Danville.

The Safe Exchange Zone allows residents who buy and sell items through sites such as Craigslist, NextDoor, and Facebook Marketplace a safe location to meet the other party and make their transactions. There are two designated spots, which are under 24 hour video surveillance, located next to the dumpster area in the parking lot.

Please remember to be cautious when buying or selling any items to people you do not know. Tell a friend or family member when meeting someone. Complete transactions during daylight hours and trust your instincts.

The zone is under surveillance

24/7. Officers will not be present during transactions and video will not be monitored in real-time. The Town of Danville employees cannot act as an official witness to transactions, do not give legal advice, and will not settle civil disputes related to any transactions. If police response is needed, call 911 or 925-820-2144.

GUARDING AGAINST TRUST AND WILL CONTESTS

By Robert J. Silverman, Esq.

In the course of drafting a Will, Will amendment (Codicil), Revocable Living Trust, or a Trust amendment - hereafter “document(s)” - clients often ask about the best way to prevent someone from challenging such documents. This is a fair question, but not simple to answer. Below is an overview.

Generally, there is no legal inheritance presumption or entitlement. Thus, if someone is not designated as a beneficiary under a document, he will typically only prevail in a Will or Trust contest if compelling evidence proves that the decedent (“testator”) nevertheless intended the contestant to be a beneficiary.

An exception applies for any in a class of legally-favored close relatives: spouse or child. This law gives relief to an omitted (legal term is “pretermitted”) spouse or child when a testator: a) establishes a Will or Trust; b) later marries and/or has/adopts a child; and c) dies without amending her documents to provide for her spouse or child. Essentially, the law creates a strong, but rebuttable, presumption that the spouse or child was inadvertently omitted by the testator. The “takeaway” is that to prevent unintended consequences, you should review your estate plan periodically, including whenever you marry (or remarry) or have a child (or additional children).

Common grounds to contest a document include: lack of capacity, undue influence, forgery, lack of proper execution, fraud, or that a beneficiary is a “disqualified” person (a relevant statute presumptively voids gifts to specified classes of people, such as certain caregivers).

What reasonable steps can a person take to try to prevent the filing of a Will or Trust contest? First, the testator should obtain legal advice from an experienced trusts and estates attorney. The attorney should make threshold determinations

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about whether: a) the client, testator, has legal “capacity” – basically, the cognitive ability to identify names of close relatives, key assets, etc.; and b) there are signs that the testator has been or is being unduly influenced by anyone about the terms of the documents being established or amended.

Next, a “no contest” provision - commonly included in documents - should be considered. Such clause expressly reflects that the omission (or smaller share in the document) of a certain person(s) is intentional. The objective is to incentivize potential contestants to refrain from filing a lawsuit to contest. If included, such a clause should be clear, comprehensive, and consistent with current, applicable law. And, it’s important that the clause is inserted in any and all amendments.

There is an important, associated, practical matter about which lay people are frequently unaware. A beneficiary or heir typically files a contest because he has been omitted or he alleges that his beneficial interest is unfairly small. Under a properly drafted “no contest” clause, if any person challenges the validity of an applicable document and is found by a judge to have done so without probable cause, the contestant loses the right to receive whatever beneficial interest he would have otherwise received under the document.

Accordingly, it can be useful to include a “carrot” in the document – for example, at least a modest cash gift - to the person the testator otherwise wishes to omit or disinherit. If that person nevertheless files a contest, the contestant puts at risk the modest cash gift he is slated to receive. If no carrot is given (i.e. the person is omitted entirely), the “stick” of a no contest provision is likely to be ineffective; the losing contestant loses his right to receive what he is entitled to in the document, which is nothing!

|Estate Planning | Trust Administration & Probate | Real Estate | Business|

Please contact me to request a complimentary: i) “Estate Planning Primer”; ii) Real Estate titling brochure; iii) introductory meeting. I am an attorney with R. Silverman Law Group, 1910 Olympic Blvd., Suite 330, Walnut Creek, CA 94596; (925) 705-4474; rsilverman@rsilvermanlaw.com.

This article is intended to provide information of a general nature, and should not be relied upon as legal, tax and/ or business advice. Readers should obtain specific advice from their own, qualified professional advisors. Advertorial

developing a sense of community awareness and action. I realized that my stepping into the role of Harvest Leader with CCFR meant preventing a harvest from being canceled, hundreds of pounds of fruit being wasted, and tens of people having a meal without healthy and fresh fruit.”

Tena Ritter’s Danville orange tree holds the CCFR record for the most fruit gleaned from a single fruit tree. Even after CCFR harvested 690 pounds of oranges, there were more out of reach in the center of the canopy. Tena explains, “I’m the monkey that climbs the tree so none of the fruit goes to waste. You have to maintain a tree to keep it climbable. Careful pruning also makes the tree more productive.”

Tena relates, “I was sad when The Urban Farmers closed. When Fahim told me that CCFR was ready to harvest, I couldn’t jump on his list fast enough. The harvest volunteers are efficient and they never leave a mess. I don’t worry if I can’t be home while they are working.”

As word gets around, new donors and new volunteers are signing up for harvests. Amber Martinez explains, “I discovered Contra Costa Fruit Rescue on Eventbrite while searching for odd-ball volunteer opportunities. I am happy to travel to any harvest locations available on a Friday or Saturday. Harvesting is a small commitment of time and energy that makes such a large impact. I do my best to get the word out about CCFR by passing out postcards and telling my coworkers about events.”

Schultz notes, “The timing for this venture was just right. There is much more awareness about the topic of food waste in general and governments are now putting some money and laws towards finding solutions. The COVID pandemic gave many people who had always been able to purchase whatever they wanted firsthand knowledge of the meaning of food insecurity.”

Pat is gratified by the incredibly positive response CCFR is receiving. “Once Contra Costa Fruit Rescue was launched in partnership with ForestR, serendipitous events brought us support and recognition. I followed up on an email from a neighbor who had worked at RecycleSmart. The agency was so enthusiastic about our plans that they featured CCFR on their website and found some funds to help us get equipment. They have also helped us connect to other organizations that can support our work and have been wonderful partners.”

Getting involved in supporting CCFR’s mission is simple. It all starts by visiting the organization’s website: forestr.org/fruit-rescue/ where homeowners can register their trees for harvest and harvest volunteers can find the link to register at Eventbrite for upcoming gleanings.

Harvests are held throughout the year as different types of fruit ripen in different seasons. Information of what types of trees are on your property, what size and how many, as well as your location, will be requested from donors who’ve got more fruit than they can pick or use. Most harvests are held on weekends. Because some fruits need to be picked as soon as they ripen, mid-week harvests are occasionally possible. Arrangements can be made to pick up donations from homeowners with a small amount of fruit they prefer to harvest themselves.

Harvesting is a great family activity. Minors must be accompanied by a parent and registered under their own names. Low-hanging fruit can be picked by children. Registration, totally free of charge, is required for every participant. A central location is designated for the day’s crew to meet. Generally, fruit

See Fruit continued on page 18

Harvest volunteers spread out to work with picking poles.

Photo by CCFR.

Fruit continued from page 17

is gleaned from 3-4 homes during a 3–4-hour time-frame. Travel distance is kept to no more than 25 miles from the starting location.

CCFR provides picking poles, but volunteers are encouraged to bring their own poles if they have one. Everyone should bring water, gardening gloves, garden clippers, hat and sunglasses, a snack, and a brown bag to take some fruit home. Fruit is loaded into crates provided by CCFR for transportation to White Pony Express, a local food pantry or the Food Bank.

White Pony Express provides invaluable assistance as a food distribution partner and in lending their vans for harvests that exceed the capacity of Harvest Leaders' personal vehicles. CCFR is seeking donations to fund the purchase of the organization's own walk-in transit van to accommodate more equipment, including ladders, and transport larger quantities of fruit.

Additional Harvest Leaders are now needed to meet the ever-increasing demand from homeowners

registering trees throughout Contra Costa County and in towns across the border like Dublin and Pleasanton. Training for Harvest Leaders begins with working alongside experienced leaders until the trainee feels comfortable progressing to leading a harvest at a single property with a small group. Qualifications include enjoying working outdoors with small groups of people, availability to lead a harvest once or twice a month, the ability to lift 20-25 pounds of fruit, and transportation to deliver the fruit to a food distribution partner. Schultz notes that some individuals who enjoy harvesting but dislike managing groups of volunteers handle requests to harvest manageable amounts of fruit at individual locations without a team of helpers.

Do you know someone with trees that produce more fruit than they can use? Do you enjoy working outdoors with congenial people? Are you willing to spread the word about CCFR's mission? Email patschultz@forestr.org and/or register to help or donate at forestr.org/fruit-rescue/

REVIVING VITALITY EXPLORING THE BENEFITS OF HORMONE TESTING AND BIO-IDENTICAL HORMONE REPLACEMENT

By Dr. Niele Maimone, DC

As we journey through life our bodies undergo various changes, and one crucial aspect that significantly impacts our well-being is hormone levels. Hormones are essential chemical messengers that regulate numerous bodily functions, and as we age, their production and balance may shift. Hormone testing is a powerful tool to understand and address these changes, enabling us to achieve optimal health and well-being as we age. Here, we explore the benefits of hormone testing in creating health and balance as we age.

IDENTIFYING HORMONAL IMBALANCES

Hormones play a pivotal role in maintaining the delicate equilibrium within our bodies. Imbalances can lead to a wide range of health issues, including weight gain, fatigue, mood swings, brain fog, low libido, reduced bone density, and disrupted sleep patterns. At Align, our hormone testing offers a comprehensive analysis of hormone levels, allowing us to identify any imbalances that might be occurring. Armed with this knowledge, we can develop a targeted treatment plan to restore hormonal harmony and improve overall health.

PERSONALIZED TREATMENT

Each individual’s hormone profile is unique, and there is no one-sizefits-all approach to hormonal health. Hormone testing allows personalized treatment plans tailored to an individual’s needs. By addressing the root causes of hormonal imbalances rather than just managing symptoms, our patients experience more effective and lasting results. This personalized approach is particularly valuable for those facing age-related hormonal changes that may contribute to a decline in physical and mental well-being.

MANAGING MENOPAUSE AND ANDROPAUSE SYMPTOMS

Menopause and andropause (the male equivalent of menopause) are natural phases of life, signaling the end of reproductive capacity. However, the hormonal shifts during these transitions can lead to a range of challenging symptoms. Hormone testing can provide valuable insights into fluctuating hormones, such as estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, and others. Armed with this knowledge, we can prescribe bio-identical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) or other interventions to alleviate symptoms and improve one’s quality of life.

BOOSTING ENERGY LEVELS AND VITALITY

Aging is often associated with decreased energy levels and a loss of vitality. Hormone testing can reveal deficiencies in hormones like thyroid hormones and cortisol, which regulate energy levels and stress responses. By addressing these deficiencies through hormone replacement or other therapies, individuals can experience increased energy levels and an improved sense of vitality, promoting a more active and fulfilling lifestyle.

PRESERVING BONE DENSITY AND MUSCLE MASS

As we age, hormonal changes can contribute to bone density and muscle mass loss, leading to an increased risk of osteoporosis and frailty. Hormone testing can uncover imbalances in hormones like estrogen, testosterone, and growth hormone, which are vital for maintaining bone and muscle health. By restoring these hormones to appropriate levels, individuals can support their skeletal and muscular systems, reducing the risk of fractures and preserving mobility.

MOOD AND MEMORY

Hormones play a significant role in regulating mood and memory. When hormone levels become imbalanced, it can lead to mood and memory issues due to the intricate connections between hormones and the brain. Hormone replacement therapy can help stabilize mood by restoring hormonal balance, potentially improving memory and cognitive performance.

Hormone testing emerges as a powerful tool in the quest for balance and health as we age. At Align, we feel deep satisfaction in helping patients identify their hormonal imbalances and providing personalized treatment plans to allow them to reclaim their vitality and well-being. Whether managing menopause or andropause symptoms, boosting energy levels, preserving bone density and muscle mass, or supporting mental health, hormone testing can play a transformative role in optimizing one’s health during aging.

Dr. Niele Maimone, DC founded Align Healing Center in Danville and has been practicing functional medicine in the community since 2000. To set up a complimentary consult, call 925-362-8283 or visit www.alignhealingcenter.com for online booking. Advertorial

Ninan Fox (left front with dog) hosted CCFR’s inaugural harvest. Photo by CCFR.

While Harvest Leaders transport everything needed in their personal cars, a donation of a van would greatly help their efforts. Photo by CCFR.

925-831-8310 StoneValleyDental.com

220 Alamo Plaza, Suite E, Alamo Next to Safeway

Open Monday - Thursday and the first two Saturdays of each month.

Meet Dr. Yvonne Hyland & Her Family

Dr. Hyland has been in private practice since 2000. She received a DDS degree from Baylor College of Dentistry in Dallas, Texas. Following dental school, she pursued a hospital-based General Practice Residency at the Veteran’s Medical Center in West Los Angeles for two years. Realizing this was not the end of her formal education, she completed a successful three-year post-graduate surgical residency in periodontics. Dr. Hyland’s experience and professional skills excel in every aspect of dentistry from general cosmetic procedures to complex surgical cases. She has placed thousands of successful dental implants and is highly trained in all phases of gum disease therapy, tissue and bone grafting procedures, and wisdom teeth extraction.

Dr. Hyland understands the desire to provide the very best care for the entire family. As a resident of Alamo, she strives to meet community needs by providing unparalleled services for those seeking the finest complete dental care in one location. In her spare time, Dr. Hyland enjoys spending time with her husband Terry, two sets of twin boys, and their three rescue dogs adopted from ARF.

THE EYE OPENER

By Gregory Kraskowsky, O.D., Alamo Optometry CHILDREN’S

EYE HEALTH

It is hard to believe that most of summer vacation is behind us and school is soon back in session. August is the month where parents prep their children for the upcoming school year. The list usually includes buying new school supplies, clothes, and backpacks, and scheduling their children’s physicals with their pediatrician to ensure a healthy start to the year.

Since August is Children’s Eye Health Month, I will cover main eye issues along with recommendations to help improve children’s eye health and development to ensure a good start to the school year.

The most common diagnosis I find at the office is myopia, or near-sightedness. For students that sit far away from the board or in the back of a large lecture hall, having uncorrected or under-corrected myopia will lead to blurry vision and an inability to see the material on the board or screen. These students are unable to take notes off the board and therefore often fall behind in class and miss assignments. At the opposite end of myopia is hyperopia, or far-sightedness. These students are in a constant state of focusing to allow sharp vision. The closer the point of focus the more work that is necessary to clear the image. That is why distance objects are easier to see than near ones. A low amount of hyperopia is desirable, since near-sightedness tends to evolve as the child enters adolescence, it therefore gives them a little head start. However, in larger prescriptions, hyperopia can cause near avoidance, headaches, fatigue, and an overall indifference to sustained up-close tasks.

The last prescription issue that can be a hindrance to vision is astigmatism. This is caused by the cornea, the clear front surface of the eye, not being completely round. An easy analogy is that it is shaped more like an egg than a ball. Astigmatism will degrade both distance and near vision; however, distance is usually more affected. It is important to note that this is not a disease; it is just the way the eye is shaped and can be treated with glasses or contact lenses just like myopia and hyperopia.

In addition to checking for any prescription changes, all patients, including children, should have their binocular vision status evaluated. It is quite possible to not have any of the above-mentioned prescription issues but have poor eye teaming skills. If the eyes are not aligned properly and do not work well as a team, there will be learning and reading issues. These tend to present themselves more for reading than distance, but can affect both. When the eyes do not work as a unit, a child might experience double vision, “stretching” or “ghost images” of letters, skipping of letters or lines of text, eyestrain, headaches, near avoidance, or any combination of these. Depending on the exact diagnosis, the condition can be treated with glasses or vision therapy.

Since most kids (and adults) are constantly on screens of all kinds, there are some recommendations to help alleviate the symptoms of fatigue, dryness, eye redness, etc. associated with this increased use. Make sure you have the proper eyewear, prescription, and coatings. For every 20 to 30 minutes of screen time, take 20-30 seconds away from the screen; look out a window, down the hall, close your eyes, etc. Make sure there is proper lighting in the room and reduce the contrast and glare of the screen or monitor. Using increased contrast in low-lit rooms will cause the pupils to dilate and the extra glare can be irritating to the eyes. Maintain good posture and hydration. Get outside; studies have shown that increased time outdoors reduces the progression of myopia.

I recommend having your child’s vision checked by an eye care professional instead of just relying on a school or pediatrician screening. The comprehensive evaluation I give at the office not only encompasses vision and binocular vision, but also includes neurological testing, color vision, peripheral vision, and an ocular health examination of both the front and back portions of the eye. We look forward to seeing your students in the office soon.

Dr. K. at Alamo Optometry is your hometown eye doctor for outstanding service, vision care, and designer eyewear. He can be reached at (925) 820-6622, or visit his office at 3201 Danville Blvd., Suite 165, in Alamo. For more information, visit www.alamooptometry.com, or find them on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter @Alamo Optometry. Advertorial

SUNBURN

By Jerome Potozkin, MD

I hope you have had a great summer. As enjoyable as spending time outdoors can be, it’s crucial to protect your skin from the harmful effects of the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays. Sunburn, characterized by redness, pain, and inflammation of the skin, is a common consequence of excessive sun exposure. However, by adopting preventive measures and utilizing appropriate treatments, you can minimize the discomfort and long-term damage associated with sunburn. In this article, we will explore the best practices for sunscreen use, home remedies for sunburn, prescription treatments, and when to seek advice from a dermatologist.

PREVENTION

Preventing sunburn is key to maintaining healthy skin and reducing the risk of skin cancer. Here are some preventive measures to follow:

1. Sunscreen: Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher. Apply it generously to all exposed skin areas, including the face, neck, ears, and hands. Reapply every two hours or more frequently if swimming or sweating.

2. Seek shade: Avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, especially during peak hours when the sun’s rays are the strongest (usually between 10AM and 4PM).

3. Protective clothing: Wear lightweight, long-sleeved shirts, pants, wide-brimmed hats, and sunglasses with UV protection to shield your skin and eyes from harmful UV rays. Remember, sunscreen is great as it increases your natural protection, but it doesn’t completely block out the sun.

4. Limit tanning beds: Tanning beds emit harmful UV radiation and should be avoided.

HOME REMEDIES FOR SUNBURN

If you do find yourself with a sunburn, there are several home remedies that can help alleviate the discomfort and promote healing:

1. Cool compresses: Apply cool, damp compresses to the affected area or take cool baths to soothe the skin and reduce inflammation.

2. Aloe vera: Apply pure aloe vera gel or lotions containing aloe vera to the sunburned skin. Aloe vera has a cooling effect and can help reduce redness and inflammation.

COMPLIMENTARY GRIEF SUPPORT

When you are grieving the loss of a loved one, you may feel overwhelmed by the ebb and flow of emotions. Grief follows no standard path or timeline. There will be days that you are deep in your grief, and others when you feel lighter. Grief can affect you physically, mentally, emotionally, socially, and spiritually. It can leave you with questions such as, “How long does grief last?,” “Will I always feel this way?,” “Why can’t I sleep?”

Hope Hospice’s grief support services help adults and youth learn to process these feelings and find ways to move forward in a positive direction. Services are offered at no charge to the local community, even if your loved one was not on their hospice service.

Hope’s grief support services are free of charge, but please register in advance by phone. Call 925-829-8770 on weekdays, 9 AM–5 PM. A brief assessment is required.

Support groups are currently being conducted online by Zoom video conference. Services for young children are temporarily paused.

General Grief - Mondays, August 7–September 25, 6–7:30PM

Spousal/Partner Loss - Tuesdays, August 8–September 26, 6–7:30PM

Loss of a Child - Tuesdays, August 8–September 26, 6–7:30PM

Teens Group - Please call for dates.

Groups are offered once per quarter. If you cannot make these dates, call the office to put your name on the interest list for the following quarter.

ABOUT HOPE HOSPICE

Hope is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that has served the Tri-Valley and adjacent East Bay cities since 1980. To learn more about available services or to make a tax-deductible donation, visit HopeHospice.com. To contact by phone, call 925-829-8770.

3. Hydration: Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and promote healing from within.

4. Moisturize: Use fragrance-free moisturizers or aloe-based lotions to prevent excessive dryness and peeling.

5. Pain relievers: Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or aspirin can help alleviate pain and reduce inflammation. Always follow the recommended dosage and consult a healthcare professional if you have any concerns.

PRESCRIPTION TREATMENTS

In severe cases, where home remedies are not sufficient, a dermatologist may recommend the following prescription treatment:

1. Topical steroids: These can help reduce inflammation and itching associated with sunburn. They should be used under medical supervision.

WHEN TO SEE A DERMATOLOGIST

While most sunburns can be treated at home, certain situations warrant a visit to a dermatologist:

1. Severe blistering: If your sunburn results in large blisters, it is best to consult a dermatologist to prevent infection and facilitate healing.

2. Intense pain and discomfort: If your sunburn causes severe pain, swelling, or a high fever, it may indicate a more serious condition requiring medical attention.

3. Signs of infection: If the sunburned area becomes increasingly red, swollen, warm, or starts oozing pus, it may be infected, and you should seek medical advice promptly.

Preventing sunburn is always the best approach, but if it does occur, there are effective ways to treat and manage the condition. Remember to consistently apply sunscreen, seek shade, and wear protective clothing to minimize the risk of sunburn. In case of sunburn, utilize home remedies such as cool compresses and aloe vera to relieve discomfort. If the sunburn is severe or accompanied by concerning symptoms, do not hesitate to consult a dermatologist. By taking proactive measures, you can safeguard your skin’s health and enjoy the outdoors safely.

Dr. Jerome Potozkin is a Board Certified Dermatologist and Board Certified Micrographic Dermatologic Surgeon specializing in minimally and non-invasive cosmetic procedures. He is the author of “Botox and Beyond: Your Guide to Safe Non-Surgical Cosmetic Procedures.” The practice is accepting new patients and can be reached at (925) 838-4900 and www.MyBeautyMd.com. Advertorial

FUN AT THE DANVILLE SENIOR CENTER

The Danville Senior Center offers a Monday Senior Lunch program. Lunches are provided in partnership with Café Costa and served at noon each Monday. Participants can enjoy puzzles and board games in the Community Hall at the Danville Senior Center (located at 115 E Prospect Ave, Danville) before lunch and stay for a free weekly movie following lunch.

Residents wishing to participate will need to complete a County NAPIS form and call in their reservation by noon the Friday before. Forms are available at the Danville Senior Center. The lunch program is provided in partnership with Contra Costa County and has a suggested donation of $3 for those 60 and up. Those under 60 can still enjoy lunch for a $6 fee. Menus are available at www.danville.ca.gov/seniors, and vegetarian options are available by request.

For more information or to call in a reservation, please contact the Danville Senior Center at (925) 314-3430.

TELECARE CONNECTS WITH THE HOMEBOUND

Since 1971, member volunteers of TeleCare, a philanthropic program of Assistance League® of Diablo Valley, have been making weekday reassurance calls to seniors and the homebound in our community. Clients can anticipate a friendly exchange of ideas with trained volunteers who provide high quality, consistent communications. If a client cannot be reached, family members will be notified.

This service is free! Make that call to get you or someone you know connected! For more information, call 925-934-0901. To learn about Assistance League of Diablo Valley’s other philanthropic programs, please visit www. assistanceleague.org/diablo-valley

Do You Suffer with NEUROPATHY?

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ELEVATE AND EMPOWER: AUGMENTING SELF-CONFIDENCE WITH A BREAST LIFT

By Dr. Barbara Persons, MD, FACS

In today’s world, where self-confidence and body positivity are highly valued, many women turn to a breast lift, or mastopexy, which stands out as a transformative option for women seeking to rejuvenate and reshape their breasts.

RESTORING YOUTHFUL APPEARANCE

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Over time, factors such as aging, pregnancy, breastfeeding, weight fluctuations, and gravity can cause breasts to lose their youthful appearance, resulting in sagging and drooping. This change can lead to a loss of confidence and dissatisfaction with one’s body. Breast lift surgery addresses these concerns by lifting and reshaping the breasts, restoring their natural position on the chest. By removing excess skin and tightening the breast tissue, a breast lift provides a more youthful and perky appearance. This physical transformation can have a profound impact on a woman’s self-image, instilling a sense of pride and confidence in her body.

IMPROVED BREAST SYMMETRY

We offer a scientific, 4-step, approach that heals your reverses your symptoms by:

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IMPROVED PHYSICAL COMFORT AND POSTURE

In addition to the aesthetic benefits, a breast lift can provide tangible physical comfort to women who have been dealing with sagging breasts. By lifting the breasts to a higher position, the procedure can alleviate discomfort associated with sagging, such as back, neck, and shoulder pain. Moreover, improved breast positioning can help correct poor posture, allowing women to stand taller and feel more balanced.

EMOTIONAL WELL-BEING AND SELF-CONFIDENCE

IMPROVE YOUR QUALITY OF LIFE

The psychological impact of a breast lift cannot be overstated. Many women feel self-conscious or dissatisfied with their breasts, particularly if they have experienced significant changes due to pregnancy, breastfeeding, or weight loss. By addressing these concerns and providing a more youthful and shapely breast contour, a breast lift can significantly boost a woman’s self-confidence and body image. Feeling more comfortable and attractive in one’s own skin can have a positive ripple effect on various aspects of life, from personal relationships to professional endeavors.

CONCLUSION

Wellness Inst 1pg_5-17-23.indd

Breast asymmetry is a common concern among women, with one breast often appearing larger or sitting lower than the other. A breast lift can address this issue by reshaping and repositioning the breasts, creating a more symmetrical appearance. By achieving better breast symmetry, women can experience a renewed sense of balance and harmony in their overall physical appearance.

ENHANCED CLEAVAGE AND BREAST PROJECTION

A breast lift can also enhance cleavage and breast projection, giving the breasts a fuller and more lifted appearance. By removing excess skin and tightening the surrounding tissues, the procedure can improve the overall volume and shape of the breasts. This increased projection can make clothing fit better and allow women to feel more confident in swimwear, low-cut tops, and other revealing outfits.

Breast lift surgery offers women an opportunity to regain confidence, restore body image, and embrace their true selves. Through the physical transformation of lifted and rejuvenated breasts, women experience a newfound sense of pride, self-acceptance, and empowerment. By addressing concerns related to breast sagging, asymmetry, and loss of firmness, breast lift surgery enables women to feel more confident, reclaim their femininity, and embrace a positive outlook on life. Ultimately, breast lift surgery empowers women to love and celebrate their bodies, fostering a strong sense of self-confidence from within.

Barbara L Persons, MD, FACS is a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and owns Persons Plastic Surgery, Inc., located at 911 Moraga Rd, Suite 205 in Lafayette. She can be reached at 925-283-4012 or drpersons@personsplasticsurgery. com. Advertorial

SAFE MEDICINE, NEEDLE, BATTERY DISPOSAL

If you have excess or expired medicines, used needles, syringes, or lancets, or have used batteries from hearing aids or other devices, there are disposal sites to safely discard of these items.

Working together, the San Ramon Valley Fire Protection District, the City of San Ramon, the Town of Danville, Allied Waste Services, and Central Contra Costa Solid Waste Authority hope to reduce the risk of needle sticks, and improperly disposed of medications, and used batteries in our community.

Drop-boxes are available 24/7. The boxes provide for the safe, secure, and environmentally-responsible collection. Drop-boxes for all items can be found at the Town of Danville offices inside the Police Department entrance located at 500 La Gonda Way, and a drop box for needles can also be found near the front door of the Fire Protection Districts’ Administrative Office Building, located at 1500 Bollinger Canyon Road in San Ramon.

BECOME A FOOD RESCUE HERO VOLUNTEER DRIVERS DESPERATELY NEEDED!

White Pony Express (WPE) is helping meet the growing need for healthy food in our communities. Hunger is on the rise, and fresh, nutritious food is out of reach for many of our neighbors. WPE needs volunteers willing to drive to help us meet this need. This can happen in a personal vehicle or one of our fleet vehicles. If you have a little time to spare and a good driving record, we would love to welcome you to our team of food rescue heroes.

For more information, email volunteer@whiteponyexpress.org

MEALS ON WHEELS VOLUNTEER PROGRAMS

Meals on Wheels (MOW) Diablo Region has many volunteer opportunities to aid seniors in our communities. Do you have a few hours a month to spare? Become a home meal delivery driver and assist in getting prepared meals to those in need. The Friendly Visitors, Friendly Callers, and Friendly Helpers programs check in on seniors and also can assist them with everyday errands, such as grocery shopping or picking up medications at a local pharmacy.

For more information, visit www.mowdiabloregion.org/get-involved, or contact Eileen Stephens at estephens@mowdr.org, or 925-482-2622, or Tuyet Iaconis at tiaco-nis@mowdr.org or 925-891-4872.

BE PREPARED! SIGN UP FOR COMMUNITY WARNING SYSTEM ALERTS

Emergencies are inevitable, being prepared is paramount and can give you and your family an edge on knowing how to handle a situation.

The Contra Costa Community Warning System (CWS) is one of the nation’s most modern and effective all-hazard community warning systems.

You can receive alerts via phone calls, text messages, and email, from the CWS in times of local emergencies such as gas leaks, fires, hazardous material incidents, law enforcement activities, and more that will include basic information about the incident and what specific protective actions (shelter in place, lock-down, evacuate, avoid the area, etc.) that are necessary to protect life and health.

Register to receive emergency alerts, and learn more at cwsalerts.com.

ADULT DAY CARE IN DANVILLE

Valley Oak Respite Center (now managed by Danville Dementia Day Care) has provided day care for memory impaired adults for over 30 years. Caring for loved ones with dementia is a 24/7 responsibility. Respite care allows caregivers freedom for four hours a day that they would not otherwise enjoy.

The program helps dementia sufferers to be more social and outgoing. Activities include games, crafts, exercise, singalong music, BINGO, and daily facts and memory joggers. Participants benefit both mentally and physically at the Center.

The Center is currently open Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 10:30AM until 2:30PM. Participants bring their own lunch and a morning snack is provided. The cost is $60 per session.

For more information call 925-915-0030 or email ValleyOakRespiteCenter@gmail.com

HOPE HOSPICE GOLF EVENT FUNDRAISER SUPPORTS DEMENTIA EDUCATION, GRIEF SUPPORT, AND OTHER HOSPICE PROGRAMS

Hope Hospice has opened registration for the 2023 “Hope 100 Golf Marathon,” for both individuals who want to play and businesses/organizations looking to sponsor. The event returns to Castlewood Country Club in Pleasanton on Monday, October 23rd. FH Dailey Chevrolet will again sponsor the Hole-in-One competition, which offers a prize of $75,000 to be used toward the winner’s choice of vehicle from the dealership in San Leandro.

Proceeds from the “Hope 100” support Hope Hospice’s patient-care services and grief support center, as well as a range of free educational programs for the local public including grief support services, dementia-care education, and family caregiver resources.

“Lots of people are slack-jawed when they hear that our participants play 100 holes in a single day,” says Marc Rovetii, Hope’s Director of Philanthropy and event chairperson. “But the men and women who come out for this event are some of the most golf-crazy folks I’ve met. They love this game, and they love getting to have fun while raising money for an important local cause. It’s the best kind of win-win scenario.”

Learn more and register at Hope100GolfMarathon.com or call Marc Rovetti at 925-829-8770.

Hope Hospice is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, proudly serving the Tri-Valley and neighboring East Bay cities since 1980. To learn more about their services and community programs visit www.HopeHospice.com

HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE COLLECTION

Have you done some home cleaning and find yourself with paints and paint thinners, cleaning supplies, pesticides and garden-care items, batteries, motor oil and other automotive products, solvents, fluorescent tubes, personal care products, or unknown rusty containers that need safe disposal?

The Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) collection facility operated by the Central Contra Costa Sanitary District offers this free service to residents. Drop-off is available at 4797 Imhoff Place in Martinez from Monday-Saturday from 7AM until 2PM with no appointment needed. Drop-off appointments for small businesses can be scheduled.

Learn more at www.centralsan.org/household-hazardous-waste-collection-facility

Pictured left to right Kenia Mora, Activities Coordinator; Jean Morrison, Program Director; Gary Peer, Administrator; and Thu Do, Program Assistant.

YOUR PERSONAL NUTRITIONIST WHAT DO I EAT AFTER A FOOD BINGE

By Linda Michaelis RD, MS

It’s summer and I’m seeing many clients spending time with friends, at family reunions, and at backyard parties. Sometimes they feel upset with themselves for overindulging at these gatherings. If this is you, you are not alone.

I teach my clients how to get back on track after a food binge, and how to prevent the next one.

Here are the ways to handle the day after a binge.

1. DON’T BEAT YOURSELF UP

There is a child inside you that does not deserve to be beaten up. Chances are it will only make you feel worse and you will end up having another day off track. Be kind to yourself the next day and heal by getting a mani/pedi, a massage, take a long nap or a drive to the beach, do whatever it takes to fill yourself up with love.

2. EAT HEALTHY AND BE AWARE OF TRUE HUNGER

The first inclination after overeating is to cut back on your food; however, if you listen to your body, you will often find you are not very hungry the day after eating too much.

Focus on eating lots of lean proteins and veggies. Drink a lot of water, which will help fill you up and cleanse as well. Enjoy kale, spinach, or other veggie smoothies with a small amount of fruit for taste.

When I work with a client we set up a food plan that addresses overeating and sets up a “cleansing day” that is enjoyable and not depriving. It may take 2-3 days of healthy eating to get back to that light feeling when you wake up in the morning. After this period of time, you will feel back on track and hungry for all meals.

3. LEARN WHY YOU WENT OFF TRACK

We usually don’t eat large portions of food out of pure hunger. Something triggers you at an event that causes you to eat past the point of fullness and to a point you are busting at the seams.

When I work with a client after a binge we explore how this train-wreck occurred. Often it is due to poor planning for the day or arriving at the event too hungry and not being able to handle the never-ending amounts of food available.

When we arrive at an event with a spread of food, we need to create an instant plan on how to navigate the food. The plan does not have to be the healthiest plan, but one that will fill you up and be tasty. It is most important to pay attention to portion sizes and certainly make room for dessert. I always suggest “working the room” at a gathering and moving around talk to everyone so you don’t find yourself hanging around the food.

Feel free to have a glass of wine and alternate sips with water.

4. GET EXERCISE AND MOVE YOUR BODY

I am not talking about a self-punishing routine, but one that will relax you and take your mind off of overindulging. Walk to a café and have a healthy meal, and then walk back home. Get out and about.

If you feel like you need a nutritionist to hold your hand through this process I would be happy to help you. I enjoy setting up personalized meal plans based on your favorite foods and I will teach you how to listen to your hunger signals.

Nutritional counseling is usually covered by health insurance including ABMG, Aetna, Blue Cross, Blue Shield, Cigna, Contra Costa Health Plan, Hill, Sutter, United Health Care, UMR, and others. I am happy to call on your behalf and see what your plan offers. Please visit www. LindaRD.com to learn more about my services. Email me at lifeweight1@ yahoo.com, or call me at 925-855-0150 to tell me about your nutritional concerns and see how I may help you. Advertorial

To advertise, share pictures, or submit a story idea, please contact us at 925.405.6397 or Editor@YourMonthlyPaper.com

• Comprehensive Dilated Eye Exams

• Contact Lens Exams

• Prescription Glasses and Sunglasses

In many cases, we are able to make your glasses in our office with our On-Site Lab

215

OPEN MONDAY TO SATURDAY

MONDAY FRIDAY: 9 - 6

925.202.2846

HELP! VOLUNTEERS NEEDED TO GIVE RIDES TO SENIORS AND VETERANS

CRISIS CENTER

Sometimes we all need a little help. The Contra Costa Crisis Center volunteers are available to listen, help, and provide resources, support, counseling, and hope 24/7 to assist people in emotional or psychological distress. Their mission is to keep people alive and safe to help them through crises, and to provide or connect them with culturally relevant services in the community. The services are free and confidential. They can be reached by dialing 211 or calling 811-833-2900. They are also available by texting “HOPE” to 20121.

For more information visit crisis-center.org

Office Space

Downtown Alamo - Convenient Office Site - $1,400/month, 200sq.ft. 19 Orchard Ct., across from Wells Fargo and Safeway. PGE, water, parking, internet, and air conditioning included. Professional setting with private restroom and lobby. Signage available in front. Call Dennis 925-899-8059 or email dfsnyder@mac.com.

CLASSIFIED Place Your Classified Reach over 28,000 homes and businesses in Alamo, Danville, & Diablo.$50 for up to 35 words,$5 for each additional 15 words. Email editor@yourmonthlypaper.com or call 925-405-6397 to place your ad. We reserve the right to reject any ad.