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May 2011 Fundraising for Japan Relief Aid
St. Isidore School 7 grade girls put their baking talents to work and raised $844 towards relief efforts for Japan. The girls decided that they wanted to do something to aid those who have been hurt by the devastating earthquake and tsunami in Japan. They rolled up their sleeves, pulled the flour out, and baked in preparation for selling their homemade goodies after masses at St. Isidore Church. The girls were overwhelmed by the positive responses and generosity that they received. Many parishioners made straight donations to the relief efforts and expected nothing in return. th
The girls left to right: Emma Walsh, Marina Gee, Lauren Torres, Nicole Bustamante, Megan McSweeney, Erin Schwarz, Kara Baldyga, Mackenzie Baker, and Gabriella Rebata.
Student Emma Walsh said, “I know that there are teens in Japan who would do the same thing for us if we were put in their place.” Both Kara Baldyga and Mackenzie Baker shared similar thoughts on the success of the bake sale and the girl’s genuine desire to help out those in need. “I was happy to see firsthand so many people willing to help by supporting our bake sale and, more importantly, the people of Japan,” said Baldyga. Adding to her thoughts, Mackenzie agreed, “It really was a lot of fun and rewarding helping the people in Japan! I couldn't imagine if something like that happened to my family and friends...I would be devastated. But, I would also be relieved and comforted knowing that there are people out there trying to make things better. That’s what I would like to do...try to make things better.”
Sad Tales to Glad Tails
Serving Danville
By Jody Morgan
Lost, abandoned, abused or surrendered by an owner unable to continue giving care, pets admitted to area animal shelters all arrive with sad tales. Helping them leave waving glad tails is the mission of the 250 volunteers of Tri-Valley Animal Rescue, one of the local groups dedicated to finding forever homes for dogs, cats and other small four-legged pets. TVAR provides socialization for animals awaiting adoption at East County Animal Shelter in Dublin, foster Lisa DeFinney and Daisy homes for animals from several local shelters, medical expenses, training support and a network of humans dedicated to “giving them another chance.” Kitten season has arrived making Terri Duncan extremely busy. Unable to say no to little balls of fur in need, Terri managed to transition an average of 100 felines a year into adoption the first three years she volunteered with TVAR. She recalls a favorite, Champ. “He had the biggest, brightest eyes I’d ever seen.” Champ was ten weeks old when he was delivered to the shelter with a rope around his neck. He’d been stabbed through the toes, but he never stopped purring. Today Champ is happily ensconced in a safe home with his “big sister” Gracie. Terri now concentrates on caring for adult cats, placing kittens in other foster homes until they are old enough for adoption. Terri takes personal responsibility for cats in the TVAR adoption area at the Dublin PetSmart. “Eighty-five percent of adult cats are adopted within two weeks,” she explains. How-
See TVAR continued on page 11
Diablo Valley Quilters By Fran Miller
In today’s society, where instant gratification is the desired norm and ‘faster is always better’ is the reigning philosophy, can a genteel activity requiring skill, patience, and artistic creativity survive? If that activity happens to be quilting, the answer appears to be ‘yes.’ “Besides being an artistic expression, quilting also answers the basic human need for comfort and warmth,” says Dianne Barnett, past president and current parliamentarian of Diablo Valley Quilters. “I don’t think quilting is merely a passing fad like macrame, for example. It is a huge multi-million dollar business that does not seem to be waning. Although there may not be many young people making their own clothing these days, I think there will always be some who like to work with their hands to create something truly individual and unique.” Diablo Valley Quilters (DVQ) was founded in 1983 with the goal of preserving and continuing the traditions, culture, and history of quilting. Through their sponsorship and support of quilting activities, DVQ promotes friendship among those interested in quilting and contributes to the knowledge and appreciation of quilts. There are currently 273 active members, ranging in age from 12 to 90. Barnett has been an active member for the past 25 years, since she moved to Danville in 1986. “For me, the guild has become my major Volume II - Number 7 social network,” says Barnett. “Most of the friends I’ve made since moving here are fellow guild members.” 3000F Danville Blvd. #117, Alamo, CA 94507 DVQ was initially formed as Telephone (925) 405-NEWS, 405-6397 PRSRT STD a group of about 30 women and Fax (925) 406-0547 U.S. Postage several of these members are still PAID Alisa Corstorphine ~ Publisher active. Guild members are entitled Permit 263 editor@yourmonthlypaper.com to attend the monthly programs, The opinions expressed herein belong to the writers, and do Alamo CA receive the monthly newsletter and not necessarily reflect that of Danville Today News. Danville
See Quilt cont. on page 14
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