editor @ yourmonthlypaper.com
December 2019 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • PAGE 1
& DECEMBER 2019
SAN RAMON VALLEY CHORALE
By Fran Miller
The sounds that emanate from the San Ramon Valley Chorale (SRVC) are impressive, but perhaps even more striking are the stories behind those donning the formal black and white performance garb. A true community choral group, SRVC pulls from every segment of the community – from Trader Joe's team members, to local business owners, to past and current educators within the local schools. “Our group has a very interesting story to tell, with a significant percentage of our members being alums from San Ramon Valley Unified School District choral music programs See
Chorale continued on page 24
HOLIDAY TREE LIGHTING CEREMONIES
DANVILLE 43 LIGHTING OF THE OLD OAK TREE RD
Danville Area Chamber and the Town of Danville presents....
It’s the most wonderful time of year when the Snow Angel and Father Christmas come to town to light the Old Oak Tree. The “happiest season of all” will begin on Diablo Road, Friday night, November 29th at 5:15pm. Hosted by the Danville Area Chamber of Commerce and Town of Danville, the event has something for all ages. The amazing San Ramon Valley High School Choir and Danville Girls’ Choir, directed by Ken Abrams, will perform your holiday classics before the Old Oak Tree is lit by the Snow Angel & Father Christmas. This will be followed by a special treat of snow! The kids from Next Step Dance Studio will lead the procession of festive dancing down Diablo and Hartz Avenue. Along Hartz and Prospect Avenues, you’ll discover holiday treats and live local entertainment from several local church choirs. Zae Perrin, Danville Area Chamber President says, “It is our goal to bring the community together for family fun and encourage attendees to shop local and take advantage of big savings for their holiday gift giving.” For a complete list of activities, please visit danvilleareachamber.com. Friday, November 29
Diablo Road Danville 5:15-8PM
5:15PM SRVHS & Danville Girls’ Choruses, directed by Ken Abrams, will delight the crowd in singing holiday classics
6:15PM The ‘Old Oak Tree’ on Diablo Road will be lit by our special guests, Father Christmas and the Snow Angel 6:30PM Holiday entertainment, and refreshments at Downtown Danville merchants
VIET NAM VETERANS OF DIABLO VALLEY: GOING BACK/GIVING BACK By Jody Morgan
The Wheelchair Foundation recently completed a third distribution trip to Vietnam with several members of the Viet Nam Veterans of Diablo Valley (VNVDV) taking the opportunity to return for the first time to places where they served during the Vietnam War. The mission brought the gift of mobility to 500 individuals of all ages and renewed hope to their caregivers and families. The journey enabled veterans to deliver tangible measures of good to a country where they once were tasked with disseminating destruction. Dennis Giacovelli served in the Mekong Delta region in 1970 on Navy gunboats called PBR and STABs. During a reunion with his boat group, he described his plans to go back to Vietnam with the Wheelchair Foundation. He reports, “Their reaction was of surprise, shock, and disbelief that I would
ALAMO TREE LIGHTING
Join Alamo Rotary Club in supporting our local school’s music programs at the annual Alamo Tree Lighting. This free event will take place from 4:30-6:30PM on December 8th at Oak Tree Plaza, located at 3000 Danville Blvd. in Alamo. School choirs, jazz bands, and Santa Claus will all be making an appearance! These performances are a highlight of the year for the school music groups who perform for their parents, friends, and community. The event is a fitting way to begin the holiday season. Scheduled participants and events include the Stone Valley Jazz Sunday, Dec 8 4:30 pm - 6:30pm Band, the Alamo School Chorus, the San Ramon Valley High School Chamber Singers, the Monte Vista Barbershop/Beautyshop Quartet Singers, Monte Vista Freshman Cheerleaders, County Supervisor Candace Andersen, the Tree Lighting, and of course Santa’s visit. Alamo Rotary needs your help to offset the costs of staging this event. Donations can be made to the Alamo Rotary Foundation (Tax ID#77-0600752), 1005 McCauley Road, Danville, CA 94526. Thanks for your support.
Local Postal Customer
PRSRT STD U.S. Postage PAID Permit 263 Alamo CA
ECRWSS
Wheelchair distribution in Hue City. Photo courtesy of Jon Robbins.
even consider returning.” Their response dampened his enthusiasm, but prior to embarking he says, “Hopefully, I will see this as a wonderful vacation with a heavy dose of giving back to those in need. I am sure the idea that we were the ones who caused these ailments and that the wheelchairs are a ‘drop in the bucket’ will be ever present.” Gary Pforr served in the Northern I Corps 1969, 1970, and 1971. Before
See Veterans continued on page 22
The Editors Serving the communities of Alamo, Diablo, and Danville
Volume XIX Number 12
Volume X Number 12
3000F Danville Blvd. #117 Alamo, CA 94507 Telephone (925) 405-6397 Alisa Corstorphine ~ Publisher Editor@yourmonthlypaper.com The opinions expressed herein belong to the writers, and do not necessarily reflect that of The Editors. The Editors is not responsible for the content of any of the advertising herein, nor does publication imply endorsement.
PAGE 2 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • December 2019
BOULEVARD VIEW
www.yourmonthlypaper.com
By Alisa Corstorphine, Editor
Recently, our family took a tour of the Amazon.com fulfillment center, located in Tracy (their other local center is in Sacramento). It was fascinating to glimpse the process that takes an order for one of the over three billion items they carry and gets it to our front doors. (To learn more and sign up for a tour, visit www.aboutamazon.com/amazon-fulfillment-center-tours. New tour sign-ups will begin in January). Amazon.com started business in 1994, and I’ve been a member since 1998. It is staggering to see how their presence has shifted the way I and others shop. For all of the convenience that Amazon offers, there is nothing like our hometown businesses. These local and convenient businesses are run by our neighbors, and they need our patronage to exist and continue. During the recent power outage when everyone was in the dark, our local Ace Hardware started up their generator to run their cash registers and provided a venue for people to quickly get needed items to get them through the dark days. While Amazon is fast, they couldn’t fill that immediate niche (and as our local internet was down as well, ordering online wasn’t possible either). Some folks complain that local businesses have higher prices for similar products. Sure, that is often the case. Their costs to run their business are completely different. I was reading a tale of an artist selling a beautifully crafted bracelet that a potential customer wanted to purchase. The story goes -- the customer thought that the artist’s price was way too high, so she approached the artist and stated, “I want to buy a bracelet from you, but I think you charge too much.” The artist was a little taken aback but replied, “OK, how much do you think I should charge?” The customer replied “I think you should charge ‘X’ much, because the wire will cost this much, and the clasp this much, and the stone this much. I even factored in the price of your pliers.” The final price the customer had calculated was a lot cheaper than the artist’s original price, but she said “OK, deal. You will get your goods in a week.” The customer was pleased with herself and couldn’t resist telling her friends what a fabulous deal she had negotiated and how smart she was, and that in a week she would have her gorgeous bracelet. A week later, her parcel arrived in a lovely packaged box. She opened it and inside was wire, a clasp, a stone, and a set of pliers. Angrily, she contacted the artist asking, “How could you do this to me? I asked you for a bracelet, and you sent me a box of wire, a clasp, a stone, and a set of pliers?!” The artist quietly replied, “My dear, you got exactly what you paid for. If you think there is something missing, then you will need to pay for it.” The moral of the story is when you buy handmade (or local), you are not just buying the materials: you are buying the artist’s, time, effort, love, and dedication that goes into making your piece, or you get their time to get to know you personally, their effort to participate in the community to make it a better place, or the ability to support their presence in our neighborhoods. Folks often tell crafters or service providers that what they do is “easy” when the accomplish something quickly. However, while the vendor may have honed their craft to make what they do look simple, it is often the decades of knowledge and study that got them to that point. You may be paying for 40 years experience behind that 15 minutes of their time. As you are holiday shopping think local! If an experience is more your type of gift, check out one of the nearby holiday ice rinks that are sprouting up, look for local classes, schedule a local hike and provide a picnic, or get tickets to a place like the Blackhawk Museum or for a local performance. Danville Area Chamber and the Town of Danville presents.... Many folks choose to live in this area that is different than a “cookie-cutter” community. In this gift giving season, I encourage you to think of all that is available right in our backyards. Thanks to our advertisers for supporting the paper, and you for your readership. I am grateful to all of you. I hope you have a joyous remainder of 2019.
CHRISTMAS POPS
The Danville Community Band presents their annual Christmas Concert on Sunday, December 15th in the sanctuary at Community Presbyterian Church, located at 222 W El Pintado Rd. in Danville. The program features a fun selection of festive tunes including A Christmas Festival, symphonic highlights from Frozen, A Cowboy Christmas, a Jingle Bells Fantasy, and more! The group will also have a couple of tunes featuring vocalist Jodi Aldredge and wrap it all up with the ever-popular “Sleigh Ride!” The concert begins at 4PM. Admission is free and donations are gratefully accepted. Everyone is welcome to join in! For more about the band and future performances, visit www.danvilleband.org, or “like” the Danville Community Band on their Facebook page.
SANTA’S MAILBOX
Santa has a mailbox for your child’s holiday communications with the jolly man! Drop off your child’s letter between 8:30 AM and 5 PM, December 2nd and December 13th, at the Danville Community Center or Danville Library, located at 420 Front St in Danville. Your child will receive a letter in return by December 24. Be sure to include your name and mailing address!
ALAMO DANVILLE NEWCOMERS
Are you a new resident of Danville, Alamo, Blackhawk, or Diablo, a longtime resident, newly retired, or an empty nester interested in making new friends and participating in various social activities? The Alamo Danville Newcomers Club is a woman’s organization whose purpose is to enrich the lives of all its members and their families in a social manner. Check out all the club has to offer by visiting www.alamodanvillenewcomers.com. A “Welcome Wine & Cheese” will be held on December 10th from 6:30PM to 8:30PM. RSVP to alamodanvillenewcomers@gmail.com.
Friday, November 29 Diablo Road Danville
5:15-8PM 5:15PM
SRVHS & Danville Girls’ Choruses, directed by Ken Abrams, will delight the crowd in singing holiday classics
6:15PM
The ‘Old Oak Tree’ on Diablo Road will be lit by our special guests, Father Christmas and the Snow Angel
6:30PM
Holiday entertainment and refreshments at Downtown Danville merchants
editor @ yourmonthlypaper.com
December 2019 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • PAGE 3
In the spirit of celebrating the Holiday Season.
I’d like to offer a special thank you to all the firefighters who helped with our Bay Area fires. Many worked tirelessly in fighting these fires risking their own lives. In particular, I would like to honor Ryan Meineke and Dan Slone of the Oakland Fire Department. Ryan and Dan are the founders of the Oakland Firefighters Cancer Prevention Foundation. This foundation is dedicated to the advancement of cancer prevention techniques to both active and retired Oakland Firefighters through education, awareness, and providing early cancer screenings. I will be honoring Ryan and Dan by making a donation to the Foundation. If you would like to join me in saying thank you, you can donate by going to: ofcpf.org/donate Thank you with much gratitude from my heart to yours! Happy Holidays to all my friends, family and clients!
Celeste Pacelli Broker Associate 925.395.1511 celestepacelli.com DRE 01862387
Compass is a real estate broker licensed by the State of California and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. License Number 01527235. All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only and is compiled from sources deemed reliable but has not been verified. Changes in price, condition, sale or withdrawal may be made without notice. No statement is made as to accuracy of any description. All measurements and square footage are approximate.
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PAGE 4 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • December 2019
17TH ANNUAL ADOPT-A-FAMILY BIKE PROGRAM
Help a less fortunate child or adult with the gift of a bicycle this holiday season! Donate your gently used adult or children’s bike (bike trailers, too), and volunteers will clean, tune, safety check, and distribute it to a deserving child or adult along with a new helmet (adults & teens get new u-locks, too). Drop off your bikes on December 1, 7, and 8 from 10am to 4pm at Bishop Ranch 6, 2440 Camino Ramon, Suite 100 in San Ramon. A $15 donation per bike is requested to help defray the cost of helmets, locks, and parts. Please make checks payable to St. Timothy’s Episcopal Church of Danville. Thank you! Volunteers are also needed to help clean and tune bikes. No experience is required; we will train! Join the group on Volunteer Days (drop-in for an hour or two, or stay all day!). Find the November and December schedule at www.AdoptAFamilyBikes.org, check for expanded dates and hours, or contact adoptafamilybikes@gmail.com.
SANTA’S BUSIEST NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM
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The tradition continues with Christmas Memories at the Museum of the San Ramon Valley. This year ,the Museum celebrates Santa’s Busiest Night. You will be able to visit Santa’s North Pole Village as he gets ready for his busiest night, delivering toys to boys and girls around the world. ★ ★ ★ ★ Watch the Polar Express train travel on its magicalR e m rbeee★ n★ or To ea h R m m bb★ eeor H o n r Rbeeeem m m rH Ho or n o rTce T ch h ★ Reem m rH n aT ceehaac journey through a forest of trees. Santa and his sled will be there loaded with toys. Be quiet as you tiptoe past sleeping children with sugar plums dancing through their heads. View photos of iconic Christmas trees from around the world. A display of toys from the Toy Hall of Fame will also be on display for your enjoyment, amd, don’t miss the return of the merry-go-round, Ferris wheel, and Father Christmas! Young and old alike can enjoy visiting the playhouse stocked with a variety of toys to play with. The playhouse is also a great photo opportunity. The exhibit runs through January 4th. On Friday, November 29th, after the Tree Lighting in Danville, Santa will be making a special stop at the Museum, and the Museum store is stocked with lots of great gifts for the holidays. Come by and visit! The Museum is open Tuesday through Friday from 1PM to 4PM and Saturdays AM 10 to 1PM. On Sundays, the hours are noon to 3PM. The Museum is closed on Mondays. The Museum is located on the corner of Railroad and Prospect Avenues, 205 Railroad Avenue in downtown Danville. Free parking is available. For more information, call 925-837-3750 or visit www.musemsrv.org.
JoinJoin UsJoin in to to to UsOur inMission Our Mission UsOur in Mission
AAUW HOLIDAY HOME TOUR!
★
AM ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ December ★ December 14,2019 14,2019 10 December 14,2019 ★ December 14,2019
Please join American Association of UniverNATIONAL W REATHS AREATHS CROSS AA MERICA D AY DAY D N W CROSS A MERICA NATIONAL ATIONAL W REATHS A CROSS A MERICA DAY AY sity Women (AAUW) on their fabulous Holiday NATIONAL WREATHS ACROSS A MERICA th Home Tour to be held on Friday, December 13 and Saturday, December 14th from 10am to 4pm. To be held at Beautiful, festively-decorated homes in Danville, Alamo Cemetery Alamo, and Walnut Creek will be showcased. Your El Portal off Danville Blvd. ticket of $35 will provide scholarships for women in Contributions can be made to our communities to advance their higher education and also send 10 middle WAA, P.O. Box 1, Danville, 94526 school girls from Walnut Creek and the San Ramon Valley area to a one-week wreathsacrossamerica.org wreathsacrossamerica.org wreathsacrossamerica.or wreathsacrossamerica.org Sponsored by: Tech Trek math-science camp for girls in a four-year university setting. San Ramon Valley Republican Women’s Club To purchase tickets online, visit daw-ca.aauw.net/payment/. You may also order tickers by mail by sending a check payable to AAUW CA Special #EveryonePlaysAPart #EveryonePlaysAPart #EveryonePlaysAPart #EveryonePlaysAPart Projects Fund, with a self-addressed stamped #10 business size envelope postmarked by December 5th. Mail to AAUW Holiday Home Tour, P.O. Box 996, Alamo, CA 94507. To purchase tickets directly, visit the East Bay Flower Company, located at 206 Sycamore Valley Rd. West (in the Danville Livery) from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Saturday (cash or check only).
CLEAN YOUR CLOSETS AND HELP OTHERS BEFORE THE HOLIDAYS!
The San Ramon Valley Rotary is collecting items for the homeless and the impoverished of the Bay Area. Coats, sweaters, and blankets, for men, women, children, and infants are needed. Please bring items which are clean and in good condition. The collection will be held now through Monday January 6th, 2020, at various drop-off spots. For questions or a list of drop-off spots, visit www.sanramonvalleyrotary.com or call Bernie at 925-352-2155. The One Warm Coat project was started in 1995 by San Ramon Valley Rotary Charter President, Bill Gregory. Now in its 24th season the group is expecting even more than the 12,000 fabulous items received in 2018. Bishop Ranch has graciously housed the drive for the last 17 years and provides a critical space to sort and distribute the items. All items received are given back directly to local charities and programs such as the annual “Christmas for Everyone,” St Vincent de Paul, and Loaves & Fishes of Contra Costa. Cash donations to help with program expenses are also always appreciated.
ALAMO WOMEN'S CLUB
The Alamo Women’s Club (AWC) sponsors jewelry liquidation sales to provide scholarships for Bay Area foster youth and low income students. All sales take place at the Creekside Community Church, located at 1350 Danville Blvd, Alamo. The next sale will be held Friday, December 13th and Saturday, December 14th. Prices for costume jewelry start at $5, and designer jewelry will be marked 50% off the lowest market price. For more information about the Club, visit www.alamowomensclub.org.
editor @ yourmonthlypaper.com
December 2019 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • PAGE 5
DUDUM REAL ESTATE GROUP W H E R E R E A L E S TAT E I S S T I L L P E R S O N A L
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148 ERSELIA TRAIL, ALAMO 4 BEDS, 3.5 BATHS, 4,005 SF, .52 ACRE LOT
134 SANTA CLARA DRIVE, DANVILLE 4 BEDS, 3 BATHS, 3,201 SF, 16,218 SF LOT
11 MARION COURT, ALAMO 4 BEDS, 4.5 BATHS, 4,380 SF, 3 CAR GARAGE
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SOLD FOR $1,755,000
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WWW.DUDUM.COM ©2019 The information herein was obtained by sources deemed to be reliable by Dudum Real Estate Group. Dudum Real Estate group has not independently verified the information contained herein and therefore, assumes no legal responsibility for its accuracy. Buyer should investigate any matters or items disclosed, identified or about which they have concerns to their own satisfaction. DRE Lic. 01882902
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PAGE 6 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • December 2019
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Rules & Exclusions apply. Compass offers no guarantee or warranty of results. Subject to additional terms and conditions. Compass is a real estate broker licensed by the State of California and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. License Number 01527235. All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only and is compiled from sources deemed reliable but has not been verified. Changes in price, condition, sale or withdrawal may be made without notice. No statement is made as to accuracy of any description. All measurements and square footage are approximate.
MODEL TRAINS BENEFIT CRAYON INITIATIVE
GRAND OPENING - STOP BY TODAY!
HOLIDAY SONGS
YOU’RE YOU’RE YOU’RE YOU’RE BABY. BACK, BACK, BABY. BACK, BABY.
A vast wonderland of operating model trains and European countryside will be on display now through January 5th at the Blackhawk Plaza Shopping Center in Danville. The exhibit is open 10am-5pm, Wednesdays through Sundays, as well as Mondays and Tuesdays when schools are closed. Admission is $5/ person. Proceeds will benefit The Crayon Initiative, a Danville based program that recycles unwanted crayons and turns them into new crayons which are repackaged and donated to Children’s Hospitals nationwide. The European Train Enthusiasts (ETE) group has created remarkably detailed scale versions of European landscapes which come alive when they operate their trains though this carefully constructed layout. Visitors will see locomotives, freight, and passenger cars from various European countries. For a sneak peek at part of the exhibit, visit vimeo.com/367490298/82024d3993. Come celebrate the holidays with Diablo Symphony and Danville’s Blackhawk Chorus on December 7th and 8th at 2pm at Walnut Creek Presbyterian Church located at 1801 Lacassie Ave. There will be music that brings joy or inspires reflection—and some that is just pure fun. The evening will include a mix of old and new holiday favorites, from Handel’s Hallelujah Chorus and Brahms’ How Lovely is Thy Dwelling Place to Rutter’s What Sweeter Music and Custer’s Chanukah Festival Overture, is sure to evoke the warmth, peace, wonder, and magic of the season. All ages are invited to join the music-making in a spirited audience sing-along. Advance tickets are available at the Lesher Center box office, 1601 Civic Drive, Walnut Creek, 925-943-7469, or by visiting www.diablosymphony. org. Subject to availability, tickets will also be sold at the door.
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No Appointments | Open Evenings & Weekends | No Insurance Nee *Offer valued at $39. Valid for new patients only. See clinic for chiropractor(s)' name and license info. Clinics managed by franchisee or Prof. Restrictions may apply toname Medicare Individual *Offer valued and/or at $39.owned Valid for new patients only.Corps. See clinic for chiropractor(s)' andeligible licensepatients. info. Clinics results may vary. © 2019 All Rights Reserved. managed by The franchisee or Prof. Corps. Restrictions may apply toname Medicare eligibleinfo. patients. *Offer and/or valued atowned $39. Valid forJoint new Corp. patients only. See clinic for chiropractor(s)' and license Clinics Individual results may vary. © 2019 Corp. or AllProf. Rights Reserved. managed and/or ownedThebyJoint franchisee Corps. Restrictions may apply to Medicare eligible patients. Individual
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results may vary. at © 2019 Jointfor Corp. All patients Rights Reserved. *Offer valued $39.The Valid new only. See clinic for chiropractor(s)' name and license thejoint.com info. Clinics managed and/or owned by franchisee or Prof. Corps. Restrictions may apply to Medicare eligible patients. Individual thejoint.c results may vary. © 2019 The Joint Corp. All Rights Reserved.
editor @ yourmonthlypaper.com
December 2019 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • PAGE 7
Happy Holidays Stone Valley Center in the Heart of Downtown Alamo
Support Local Businesses-Shop and Dine CVS Pharmacy…………..……………………….314-9710 Forli Restaurant & Bar………………………….854-2638 Maguey’s Mexican Restaurant..…………….…..743-8997 Aqua Salon & Spa…………..…………………...837-7884
MD Liquors & Food.……………………….…...838-1888 RJ’s Asian Fusion Bistro………………………..984-2486 Fred’s Cleaners…………………………………837-1180 Coffee Shop Alamo …………….……………….820-0400 Hospice Thrift Shoppes...……………………….820-6525 Taco Bell Express………………………………..406-0185
Custom Nails……………………………………..831-9839 Subway-Eat Fresh……………………………….362-1520 Sexton Veterinarian Clinic…...………………….855-8387
A Lot of Free Parking • Easy Access from I-680 • Located at Stone Valley Road & Danville Blvd. The Lineweaver Trust, Owner • (925) 837-3665 • www.diabloholdings.com
PAGE 8 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • December 2019
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WHITEGATE/BRYAN RANCH/BRYAN MEADOW HOLIDAY FOOD DRIVE
IN HONOR OF JOYCE STUART & ROSEANNE SCOWLEY, BENEFITING THE FOOD BANK OF CONTRA COSTA & SOLANO
The residents of Alamo in the Whitegate/Bryan Ranch neighborhoods have been conducting a holiday food drive for over 30 years! They started tracking donations food donated in 1996 and over the past 23 years, have donated over $58,493 and 50,955 lbs. of food. Volunteers from St. Isidore School in Danville distribute the 650 bags to the doorsteps of local homes and over 20 residents of the neighborhood volunteer at the food collection site on the day of the drive. O n T h u r s d a y, December 12th from 7:30am – 4:30pm at the Whitegate entrance, look for volunteer elves who will be taking donations to pass on to the Food Bank. Please consider the following items of the Food Bank’s most needed foods when donating: peanut butter, whole grain cereal, canned meat/poultry/tuna, canned fruit, non-perishable ready-to-eat meals, dried or canned beans, pasta and rice, canned vegetables, and hearty soups. Please no glass or perishable items. Tax deductible checks are also accepted - payable to Food Bank of CC&S. Thank you on behalf of over 178,000 residents in our community fed each month by the Food Bank. We are ending hunger together! To learn more about the Food Bank, visit www.foodbankccs.org.
ALAMO ELEMENTARY
By Stan Hitomi, Principal
From experience, we know that the arrival of the holiday season means that we can expect to see a lot from our music program at Alamo School. Both Karla Angle (instrumental music) and Nancy Raaum (vocal music) make sure that their respective programs are ready to perform holiday music from a variety of countries and cultures. In addition to bringing their wonderful sounds to our school, our music programs also serve as our ambassadors to the entire community. th On December 4 , our Alamo School Chorus will hit the road for a two-stop winter concert tour. In the morning, they will be performing at the San Ramon Valley Unified School District Office for all of the staff that work “behind the scenes” to keep our schools running. After a quick snack/lunch, they will re-board the bus and head to their next stop, Forli’s Restaurant in Alamo. At Forli’s, they will be singing to the Alamo Rotary at their monthly luncheon. We are so happy to have the Alamo Rotary as collaborative partners. Each year, they provide dictionaries to all of our third grade students. In the spring they sponsor our annual Educator of the Year and Student of the Year Awards. Thank you, Alamo Rotary! On December 8th, the Alamo School Chorus will perform at the annual Alamo Tree Lighting Festival in the Alamo Oak Tree Plaza. They will be joining groups from Stone Valley Middle School, and San Ramon Valley and Monte Vista High schools. The Festival runs from 4:30PM – 6:30PM with our chorus performing at 6PM. For those who have not attended this event in the past, this is a must for the holiday season! On December 18th, both our chorus and instrumental music programs come together to perform at our own Winter Concert in the Alamo School MPR at 7PM. The instrumental program includes beginning and advanced bands, beginning and advanced strings, and beginning and advanced chimes. Weather permitting, we will also be seeing our Chimes players out in front of school the week before Winter Break playing during arrival time. There’s nothing like the sound of chimes to ring in the holidays and New Year!
VISTA GRANDE ELEMENTARY
By Osi Juergens, Principal
In November, Vista Grande took part in many charitable opportunities: we collected cans for a local food drive, collected candy for troops, and made Thanksgiving baskets for our sister school. Our PTA hosted a parent education event on youth trends and issues from the perspective of the Danville PD; information to know prior to your child starting middle school was given. Students enjoyed watching Toy Story 4 at our first movie night, and we welcomed our annual Vista Grande Turkey Trot and Grandparent Day; what great community events! This has definitely been a month of reflection as we head into Thanksgiving. I want to share some things I am thankful for. I would like to start off with our students - I am thankful every day for their sweet faces and hugs, and I enjoy watching them soak in the learning that encompasses them. I am thankful for our Vista Grande families for entrusting their babies to us and supporting the teachers, staff, and programs. Thank you for making our school a community! I am thankful for our teachers and paras who work endless hours to support our students; their love and attention to details do not go unnoticed. Thank you to our office staff and custodial staff for keeping our school up and running! Together, we all make Vista Grande the unique school that it is. Lastly, I am thankful to be your principal. We truly are a TEAM -- Together Everybody Achieves More!
ST. ISIDORE SCHOOL
By Maria Ward, Principal COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS
“It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas!” There is no better place to be than at St. Isidore School at Christmas time. The hallways are filled with festive decorations, Christmas songs can be heard throughout, and the excitement of the season can be seen on the faces of children and adults alike. This is the best time of the year! During this season, it seems like we are at our best. We smile more easily, we take the time to express gratitude, we send greetings to old friends, and we enjoy holiday traditions with our children and grandchildren. One of my favorite SIS holiday traditions is our annual 1st grade Christmas Pageant, held during an all-school Mass on Thursday, December 19, at 8:10am. First graders dressed as angels, sheep, wise men, and the Holy Family reenact the Nativity scene for an adoring audience. It serves as a wonderful reminder of the true meaning of the season, and all are welcome to attend. Sip & Shop Holiday Market will be held on Wednesday, December 4th, from 5:30–9pm, in the Cardelli Center. If you have not yet purchased your Sip & Shop Holiday Market ticket, now is the time! This fabulous evening is the perfect opportunity to mingle, shop, and celebrate the season. The event features over 30 local retailers. It truly is “the more the merrier” at this event, so please invite friends and neighbors. Tickets can be purchased at the door on the night or at www.stisidore.org. Let your child grow with us! Please join us for our TK/Kindergarten Informational Open House on Friday, January 10th at 10am. At St. Isidore School, we believe that early education lays the foundation for your child’s educational experience. Through hands-on learning, children are guided to develop intellectually, socially, emotionally, and spiritually. We encourage you to visit and see what makes our school so special. RSVP at www.stisidore.org. I wish you all a fabulous holiday season, filled with love and joy. I also wish you a very Happy New Year! Cheers to 2020!
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GREENBROOK ELEMENTARY
By Rhea Murphy, Principal
December 2019 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • PAGE 9
11 Critical Home Inspection Traps to be Aware of Weeks Before Listing Your Danville, Alamo Home for Sale
Fall is in the air at GreenDanville-Alamo - According to industry experts, altogether. In most cases, you can make a brook! The orange, red, and there are over 33 physical problems that will come reasonable pre-inspection yourself if you know what brown leaves have accumu- under scrutiny during a home inspection when your you're looking for, and knowing what you're looking lated in the parking lots and home is for sale. A new report has been prepared for can help you prevent little problems from growing around campus. Students which identifies the eleven most common of these into costly and unmanageable ones. have abandoned the recess soccer games for two-touch problems, and what you should know about them To help homesellers deal with this issue before football scrimmages and any other game that involves a before you list your home for sale. their homes are listed, a free report entitled "11 football. The cold mornings and warm afternoons leave Whether you own an old home or a brand new one, Things You Need to Know to Pass Your Home the playground scattered with abandoned sweatshirts there are a number of things that can fall short of Inspection" has been compiled which explains the and jackets. The fallen clothing find temporary refuge in requirements during a home inspection. If not issues involved. our Lost and Found, and some even make it back home. identified and dealt with, any of these 11 items could To hear a brief recorded message about how to Our thoughtful PTA parent, Mrs. Pomeroy, manages cost you dearly in terms of repair. That's why it's order your FREE copy of this report call toll-free 1the Lost and Found collection. She donates unclaimed critical that you read this report before you list your 844-941-0941 and enter 1003. You can call any time, items to Vestia (which passes items on to homeless and home. If you wait until the building inspector flags 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. foster youth) as well as the Salvation Army. these issues for you, you will almost certainly Get your free special report NOW to learn how to This month, our 5th grade students participated in experience costly delays in the close of your home ensure a home inspection doesn't cost you the sale an outdoor education program at Camp Arroyo in sale or, worse, turn prospective buyers away of your home. Livermore. The camp is a four-day, three-night experience where students participate in hands-on, physical This report is courtesy of The Jackson Group-EXP Realty DRE #01763819. Not intended to solicit buyers or sellers currently under contract. Copyright © 2019 activities that foster critical thinking and problem solving skills, relationship skills, and, of course, respect for the environment. The SAN RAMON VALLEY CHRISTIAN students sleep in the on-site cabins overnight with 10 peers and adult chaperons. They engage in family, sit-down style meals and even prepare their own lunches ACADEMY By Jamie Westgate, Principal for the day. As the campers returned back to Greenbrook after the four days, they This past month, our school hosted a very heartwarming looked entirely exhausted but had exciting stories to share about the long hikes, the Grandparents’ Day celebration. No matter the age of the funny naturalists, and the huge rock climbing wall. Yes, some kids mentioned they students, they couldn’t wait for their special guests to arrive! missed their video games and preferred foods. It made me realize that in our high We thoroughly enjoyed the chapel presentations from every tech world today, these outdoor camp experiences have never been so important class, the beautiful breakfast reception, and the intimate for our students. The memories and feelings of the adventure will last a lifetime. setting of classroom visits. The special projects handmade Lastly, November is the month we focus on the character traits of “Caring/ by students are no doubt keepsakes that will remind our Kindness.” The teachers read the book Have You Filled a Bucket Today? They grandparents that they are loved, valued, and appreciated. facilitated questions with students to talk about with their buddy partners, such In preparing for Grandparents’ Day, we talked a lot about history in American as “How do people feel when their buckets are empty? How about when they are society. In some ways, life seems easier today with so many technological advances. full?” Teachers used their “meet-up” class sessions to establish a common goal In other ways, there are more challenges as the pace of life has sped up, therefore around kindness, such as making an effort to do random acts of kindness in the changing the look of family life. One similarity between both generations is that community. Mrs. Ravin’s 4th grade students performed skits during flag salute quality time together brings the most joy. Adults often think grand vacations and demonstrating the impact of hurtful words and social exclusion. unique opportunities will create the most meaningful memories, but if you were We hope that everyone is able to be grateful for something this Thanksgiving, to ask a child, they would confess that it’s in the smaller moments when the best and that your tables are complete with love and kindness. times happen. Never underestimate the power of reading aloud stories, playing rounds of Go Fish card games, or offering prayers at bedtime. The real treasures MONTAIR ELEMENTARY come with the simple moments of quality time together. By Ondi Tricaso, Principal We are just about to celebrate the birth of Jesus, one of our favorite times of As we launch into the holiday season, we are taking year at SRVCA. Interestingly, God chose a very simple couple living a very simple the time to study GRATITUDE here at Montair. lifestyle to parent and care for His Son. There was no earthly fanfare there to greet We are so grateful to our amazing community who this baby king; instead, Mary and Joseph used an innkeeper’s barn to house the brought food, lights, and their labor to help out when newborn. Of all things about the Christmas story, I think my favorite detail is that our power was out in November. We are grateful for the baby’s birth drew the wealthy and educated wise men as well as the homeless our parent community who provides us with funding and uneducated shepherds. God sent heavenly angels and ordinary people to for rich programs like gardening, music, drama, worship and celebrate His Son. The message to us all is that God’s gift of Jesus is academic intervention and more that support the for everyone, no matter their status, race, or place of origin. As our school begins whole child. Our students, staff, and families are filling up Gratitude Graffiti to celebrate the season with musicals, projects, and parties, at the core of each one boards posted around campus, taking the time to share what we are thankful will be the reminder from 1 John 4:9, “This is how God showed his love among for. School-wide, we are reading the book Thanks a Million by Cozbi Cabrera us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him.” and talking about how gratitude is the first step toward happiness and content- Enjoy the beginning to the Christmas season! ment. Our students and staff are also filling out gratitude slips daily, naming the people we are grateful for and what they did that positively impacted us. WINTER BOUTIQUE As part of our study of gratitude, we are working to share our good fortune Come support local San Ramon Valley High School with others. Montair is collecting new toys to share with our sister school, (SRVHS) students, teachers, and community member’s at the Mission Elementary in Antioch. Our 4th and 5th grade leadership students will 2019 Winter Boutique to be held on Saturday, December 7th, take a field trip to Antioch to deliver the toys before the winter break. The from 10am to 3pm. The event will be held at SRVHS located at students at Mission reciprocate by visiting Montair in the spring. 501 Danville Blvd. in Danville. There will be 65 local crafters, “There are only two ways to live your life. One is though nothing is a artists, and vendors. Admission and parking are free! There will also be a Toys miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle,” said Albert Einstein. for Tots drop off spot, so bring your unwrapped toys. For more information Here’s to a wonderful month of appreciation! contact Helga Glasson at (925) 212-0986 or srvhswinterboutique@gmail.com.
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PAGE 10 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • December 2019
VALLEY VIGNETTE
THE SAN RAMON VALLEY’S SIX HISTORIC GRAMMAR SCHOOLS, PART 2 By Beverly Lane
Each new grammar school district in the San Ramon Valley was created somewhat differently from the others, and none of the schools were identical. Portuguese settlers were bright and ambitious but often illiterate; they were particularly determined to see their children go to school.
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SAN RAMON GRAMMAR SCHOOL
San Ramon’s school history is recorded extensively in the History of Contra Costa County (1882). According to that book, an early San Ramon school was built in 1852 at the “foot of the eminence which is known as Cox’s hill, near the village of Limerick (San Ramon).” www.actionpoolrepair.com After one failed election in 1864, voters on October 27, 1866, supported a tax of $2,000 to purchase land and erect a new school house. This classic and still-remembered San Ramon Grammar School was built in 1867 and served the community until 1950. The school measured 46 X 26 feet in dimension. It had a 13-foot high ceiling, two rooms with a partition, and an impressive Contractor Lic# 978033-C53 bell tower. Sturdy farm boys were enlisted to remove the partition from time to time for meetings, dances, and graduation ceremonies. “The building is one among the neatest and best arranged school houses in the county,” according to a writer for the Contra Costa Gazette in 1874.
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SYCAMORE SCHOOL
Sycamore School was built in 1866 and served the Sycamore Valley students until 1927. The first trustees were Charles Wood, William Simpson, and Wade Hayes. Early students met in an existing building (called a “shanty” by one author) nearby from April to June and were taught by Miss Mary Hall. The new school house opened September 15, 1866. Later, some gum trees were planted nearby by Charles. J. Wood. The school is especially remembered for its pioneer teacher, CharSan Ramon Grammar School lotte E. Wood, who was a student (1869-1877) and then teacher for 31 years (1890-1921). She wrote several histories of the school, stating,“In its early days, the Sycamore School was a public center for important events—social activities, picnics, parties, school exhibitions, etc. A literary society, Sunday school, and church services conducted at various times and occasionally a Christmas tree celebration were held in this pleasant gathering place.”
TASSAJARA GRAMMAR SCHOOL
The Tassajara Grammar School building still stands. It is a classic rural nineteenth century school house, complete with a belfry and bell. It was built in 1889 and was the second Tassajara school. Located at 1650 Finley Road off Camino Tassajara, it is still surrounded by ranch land and complemented by ancient native walnut trees and original outbuildings, picnic tables, and a redwood water tank. On January 12, 1889, ten out of ten Tassajara School District voters approved the sale of bonds Sycamore School with Charlotte Wood on the front porch. amounting to $1,700 to purchase a lot, and build and furnish a school. On April 5, 1889, rancher Peter Anderson and Emelia Kirchfeur deeded an acre of their ranch land on Finley Road for the new school for a consideration of $200. See Schools continued on page 22
MONTE VISTA HIGH SCHOOL
By Dr. Kevin Ahern, Principal
November brought all kinds of excitement to the Monte Vista (MV) campus as we entered into the last weeks of fall semester. Winter athletics programs have started, fall teams are vying for NCS and CIF crowns, and our Visual Arts/Performing Arts programs have started their fall and holiday performances. Athletics started off in a big way as MV squared off with rival San Ramon Valley (SRV) in water polo and football. On October 31st, MVs pool deck was packed with fans for showdowns between teams undefeated in EBAL play. MV Women’s Water Polo played a tough game against SRV but came up short in the end, 14-11. Men’s Water Polo reversed the result with an overtime 15-14 win to claim an EBAL banner. MV football played a great game against SRV only to come up short 17-16 in double overtime and had another crack at the Wolves in the opening round of NCS Playoffs where MV came out on top with a score of 9-6! In addition, MV Volleyball made a hard push in NCS but were upended by eventual champion Bishop O-Dowd in the semi-finals. Next up is a berth in the CIF-State Playoffs vs. Palo Alto. Lastly, MV Cross Country finished strong at the EBAL Finals Meet, sending numerous representatives to the NCS Meet. Also regarding Athletics, MV honored 11 student-athletes from the Class of 2020 at our annual Early Signing Ceremony. Our students signed National Letters of Intent in cross country/track, swimming, soccer, volleyball, and water polo. Next year, these athletes will compete at Hawaii, UCLA, San Diego State, BYU, USD, Stanford, Saint Francis, UCSD, Duke, and Purdue. These young men and women are outstanding representatives of the MV community, and we look forward to hearing about their future accolades. MV will have another round of signings in February. MVs Visual and Performing Arts departments continued to dazzle through November, beginning with our theater program which performed Pride and Prejudice in front of three packed houses. Our actors were truly amazing as they presented us with a terrific performance. Hats off to Mr. Chris Connor and his group of thespians. MV’s dance program, led by our dance director Annie Connors, also performed to three sold-out audiences. As always, MV’s dancers gave our community numerous amazing performances that covered multiple genres and styles of dance. Every fall, in addition to their performances at every halftime, MVs Marching Band goes on their own string of victories, this year taking numerous honors at the Amador Valley, Folsom, and Napa competitions. In addition, MVs Orchestra, Jazz Band, and Concert Band will be performing their annual Winter Concert on December 11th and December 13th. MV’s Choir Program will be performing their Winter Holiday Concerts on December 5th, 6th, and 7th in the Al Gentile Theater. All performances begin at 7PM. Monte Vista’s fall semester is winding down, and our students and faculty are looking forward to a week off for Thanksgiving Break. On behalf of the MV community, I wish everyone a safe and happy Thanksgiving with their family and loved ones.
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December 2019 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • PAGE 11
HOSTED CRYSTAL CRUISE
ROME TO ATHENS WITH HOLY LAND & GREEK ISLES By Mike Mullery, Alamo World Travel
UPGRADE YOUR CABINETS
Once again Ilene and I did one of our most favorite things, cruising with Crystal Cruises. The all-inclusive Crystal is the most awarded cruise line; with Crystal, even the sea days are enjoyable. There are enrichment lectures and classes, great food, and a myriad of activities available. We had previously enjoyed their Crystal Serenity ship, but the ship is even more fabulous after a
multi-million dollar renovation. Our cruise began in Rome with our first port being in Sorrento. Sorrento is a must-see town on any trip to Italy. From Sorrento optional visits can include the Amalfi Coast, the island of Capri, and Pompeii. Our next stop was Chania, Crete. Chania is a charming city conquered by Venetians in 1252 and it is known for a lighthouse built in 1570. We then went to Haifa and Ashdod, Israel, from which we visited Jerusalem, Masada, and the Dead Sea. I had always wanted to visit the Holy Land. Since our visit was during Sukkot, a Jewish holiday, it was even more memorable. The city was bustling, especially around the Wailing Wall. We headed to Masada and then floated in the Dead Sea. Traveling on we went to Paphos, Crete, a UNESCO World heritage site and birthplace of the Greek God Aphrodite. This was followed by a stop in Roades, Greece an ancient city once home to the Colossus of Roades which is one of the seven wonders of the Ancient World. From there we went to the Greek island of Santorini, which had been on my bucket list. Santorini is home of the beautiful white buildings with blue roofs featured in many travel brochures and photos. We were not disappointed. We then went to Patmos, another UNESCO city, where we visited the cave in which John wrote the book of Revelation. The cruise ended in Athens, a fascinating historical city that we enjoyed exploring again. Ilene and I were “Signature Travel Network Hosts” on this cruise. We will be hosting an exotic Crystal Cruise in 2020 from Dubai to Mumbai. For a great holiday gift give an Alamo World Travel Gift Certificate and/or see our top Gift Certificate at the right and treat yourself! For more information on Crystal Cruises and their ocean, river, yacht, and expedition tours, or any other cruise, tour, or travel needs, please call 925-837-8742, email info@alamoworld.com, or better yet stop by our Alamo World Travel Residential • Commercial & Tours office, located at 3201 Danville Blvd., Suite 255, High-Efficiency Experts Alamo in the Alamo Commons center between Ace Hardware Air Purifiers & Custom Installations and Peasant’s Courtyard Restaurant. Get travel ideas and information from thousands of searchable travel options on Serving the entire Bay Area our website www.alamoworld.com. Alamo World Travel and Kevin Armstrong, Owner 510.886.5853 Tours has been providing expert travel service for 38 years. State License #741785 Advertorial 510.579.5578 We know the suppliers and the destinations. karmstrong@sbcglobal.net
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TREATS FOR THE TROOPS
Service group Delta Nu Psi sends fun foods and coffee to American servicemen and women located in the War Zones. The group will be collecting donations at CVS in Alamo on the first Friday of each month and at Lunardi’s in Danville on the second Friday of each month. Collection hours are 11:30AM until 1:45PM. To learn more, visit www.deltanupsi.org.
SEARCH AND RESCUE
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The Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue Team needs volunteer members to respond to missing person incidents, disasters, and other critical incidents. Team members are on call 24/7 year-round. The program provides required training; including wilderness traveling, first aid, map and compass usage, tracking disaster response, and search skills; and may also include special training for canine, equestrian, technical, mountain bike, or other rescue skills. For information, visit www.contracostasar.org or call (925) 646-4461.
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PAGE 12 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • December 2019
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QUICK TRIPS
TASTY TREATS FROM VEGAS TO NAPA By Linda Summers Pirkle
Temperatures reached 110 degrees the week before we landed in Vegas for the International Baking Industries Exposition in September. My two daughters, grandbaby, and I were fortunate for the “cooling trend” with highs in the 90’s. My youngest daughter and I had ‘baby duty,’ while my oldest daughter who owns a bakery attended the baking show. We stayed at the Cosmopolitan Hotel on the Strip. It took me a while to get used to our room with floor to ceiling windows on the 59th floor. Yikes! We ended up loving the location, and, my-oh-my, the food choices in the Cosmo are spectacular. Tasked with getting coffee for myself and my youngest (she cannot function without her morning caffeine), and with no coffee machines in the room, I decided to try District, a coffee shop and bakery (www.districtdonuts.com) on the mezzanine floor of our hotel. Quite a few people had the same idea since the line was already snaking around the counter when I arrived. Founded by three friends in New Orleans ten years ago, with locations now in various cities throughout Louisiana, the Vegas bakery opened in 2013. District is famous for their Buttermilk Biscuits with butter and house jelly (customer favorite), Kolaches -- a yeasted sweet dough baked around a selection of sweets or savories, and their fluffy yeast raised donuts made in small batches with flavors that change daily. Did I mention they also serve a Brown Butter Drop, their take on a New Orleans classic buttermilk drop (donut hole type confection) topped with a brown butter glaze? I waited about ten minutes to place my order and chatted the while with a charming young couple, Andrea and Mark, who assured me the long line moved quickly. As much as I liked the tasty treats, it was the coffee (made in small batches and served with Straus Farms milk) at District that made me a believer. After a few “tiny” bites and delicious iced coffees in hand, I was headed up to our room when I ran into the couple I met in line. Both had smiles on their faces, and as they approached me, Mark asked, “It’s worth the wait, right?” I had to agree. Another food (and wine) lovers’ destination closer to home is the beautiful Napa Valley. On a recent two-day trip, my daughter and I, with baby in tow, explored
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downtown Napa. The “DoNapa” website says, “Downtown Napa offers the best of Napa Valley, all in one location…dozens of tasting rooms, world-class restaurants, unique boutiques, and vibrant art display—all within walking distance of each other.” A favorite find as we strolled around downtown Napa is BookMine, a used bookstore, located on 964 Pearl Street, Napa. The tiny shop has a huge inventory of gently used books tucked into shelves and armoires with well-organized and helpful booksellers which make BookMine worth a visit. No trip to Napa is complete without a stop at The Model Bakery, located at the Oxbow Market Building B, 644 1st Street, Napa. Their delicious English muffins are by far the very best we have had. The secret, according to founder Karen Mitchell, is that the homestyle muffins are made by hand and griddled in clarified butter. They are exquisite! Oprah listed the Model Bakery English muffins on her 2016 and 2017 “Oprah’s favorite” list. Luckily, even if you can’t make it to the Napa location or their second location in St. Helena, you can order these delicious treats online at orders@themodelbakery.com. They are a wonderful gift, and don’t forget to order some for yourself! You won’t regret it. Linda Summers Pirkle, travel writer, consultant, and long-term Danville resident, has arranged and led tours for the Town of Danville for several years. She is currently working on a guide featuring off-the-beaten path destinations. To share your “Quick Trips” ideas, email Coverthemap@gmail.com.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR AARP TAX-AIDE
Do you like working with people? Are you good with numbers? AARP Tax-Aide is looking for volunteers to become members of a team that provides free tax preparation for individuals residing in Contra Costa County. Tax-Aide volunteer positions include tax counselors who are trained by Tax-Aide and certified by IRS, and client facilitators, who schedule appointments and assist clients at tax sites. Orientation is in November, classes for tax counselors start in January. Service is needed February through April 15, 2020. If interested, apply online at www.aarp.org/taxvolunteer or call (925) 726-3199 for additional information.
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December 2019 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • PAGE 13
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3000 Danville Blvd 4:30 PM - 6:30 PM
8 9 Alamo Tree Lighting Oak Tree Plaza
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5:30 PM - 8:00 PM @ Heritage Bank of Commerce - Danville
Holiday Mixer
@SR Memorial Vets Hall 400 Hartz Ave
13 Small Business Council Workshop 7:45 AM - 9:00 AM
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Community Calendar
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PAGE 14 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • December 2019
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December 2019 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • PAGE 15
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PAGE 16 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • December 2019
CLIP NOTES
By Jody Morgan
A plant that blooms for several months is a precious gift for any gardener. Add attractive evergreen foliage and deer resistance, and the combination is almost irresistible. Although roses do occasionally bloom during December, the common name Christmas Rose belongs to a member of a totally unrelated clan: the hellebores. Bloom time is variable, so the more appropriate common name is Brumal (Wintry) Rose. Hellebores set their buds early and hold them through snowy winters in colder climates. In milder areas, one popular Christmas Rose cultivar called appropriately ‘Praecox’ is likeliest to open its white flowers in time for the holiday season. Folk tradition claims that twelve hellebore blossoms, one for each month of the year, picked on Christmas Eve and floated in a bowl of water will the forecast weather for the coming year. Those open the next morning foretell favorable weather, while those still closed augur months of inclement conditions. Named “niger” for its black roots rather than its blackguardly associations, all parts of the Christmas Rose (Helleborus niger) as well those of its close relatives like the Lenten Rose (Helleborus orientalis) are toxic. Legends don’t necessarily distinguish one lethal cousin from another. Possibly used as the first recorded agent of chemical warfare, hellebores are credited with securing victory in what modern historians call the “First Sacred War” (595-585 BC). Having besieged the city of Kirrha, the attacking Greeks laced the water supply with hellebore powder. Weakened by their resultant illness, the defenders were easily overpowered. An ancient myth attributes the power to cure insanity to hellebores. Supposedly seized by madness caused by their refusal to embrace the cult of Dionysus, god of wine and fertility, the daughters of the ruler of Argos ran through the woods in a manic frenzy. Conflicting versions of the story exist, but most report that Melampus cured the women using applications of hellebore. In exchange for his service, Melampus was elevated to the status of King of Argos. What felled Alexander the Great at the age of 32 in 328 BC? Although some historians suggest a natural cause such as malaria, others maintain he was poisoned. A suspiciously colorful account has the hellebore powder responsible
GIFTS WITH TASTE
By Monica Chappell
Would you like to make some spirits bright this holiday season? If you are still looking for a gift idea for the winelover or budding wine-lover in your life, here are a few ideas sure to satisfy. Wine is always in style and always a perfect gift for friends, family, or colleagues. That does not mean it’s always easy to pick out the right wine gift. You want the wine to match the occasion, the season, and the recipient’s personality. Whatever your fancy, there is something to fit the wine-lover on your gift list.
SAY IT WITH BUBBLES
I’ll use any excuse to pop a bottle of bubbly as there’s nothing quite like the magical sound of a Champagne pop during the holidays. Bubbles in the glass represent celebration, fun, and holiday cheer. Whether you’re heading to a party, or want to say thanks for being a great boss or congratulations on anything and everything, you cannot go wrong with bottles that sparkle. With that said, it’s hard to get good Champagne for less than $40 a bottle, so if you want European sparkling wine on a budget, look to France’s neighbors, Spain and Italy. Spanish Cava and Italian Prosecco are delicious and affordable alternatives to French Champagne.
WINE CLUBS
If you don’t want to say it once but instead want to be remembered all year long, a wine club membership is the way to go. Wine clubs are a wonderful way to introduce wine lovers to new and different wines or help aspiring collectors to build their wine cellar. Whether they are starting from scratch or have been tasting for years, clubs are the perfect way to explore an array of new and different wines delivered right to your doorstep from vineyards all around the globe.
JUST DESSERTS
If you’re looking for the perfect wine present, consider a sweet treat. Great dessert wines are truly remarkable – they offer a unique balance of sugar and acid and combine the nuances of fine wines with a decadent treat for your sweet tooth. Today, a new generation of high-quality dessert wines are being made with the same complexity of table wines. From Port to Bordeaux’s Sauternes and Australia’s sticky Muscats, dessert wines deliver rich flavor and pure pleasure!
GIFTS FOR THE CELLAR
Feeling generous this holiday season? Gifts for the cellar are wines worth
www.yourmonthlypaper.com for Alexander’s death being smuggled into Babylon in the hoof of a mule. Used medicinally as a purgative with sometimes-fatal results, hellebores were thought to summon demons. An ointment made from the plants enabled witches to fly, and walking through powdered flowers tossed in the air could render a person invisible. Equally implausible, but more seasonally appropriate, is the tale of poor young girl who cried as she stood outside the Bethlehem stable because she had no present for the infant Jesus. A beautiful white hellebore flower opened where her tears fell. Now, she had a lovely blossom to give the baby. Gardeners possessed by the magical properties of virtually maintenance-free thornless plants with flowers resembling roses have been nurturing hellebores for centuries. Easier to grow than the Christmas Rose, the slightly later-blooming Lenten Rose has been hybridized to maximize the range of available colors. Pale pink through shades of dusty rose into mauve come in single and double flowering varieties. Most dramatic against the rich emerald foliage are those with double white blossoms. ‘Wedding Bells’ is a heavy bloomer bred by Hans Hansen of Walters Gardens, Inc. Marietta O’Byrne of Oregon generated ‘Sparkling Diamond,’ an equally prolific selection with double snow-white flowers. Long-lasting on the plant, hellebore flowers don’t perform well in floral arrangements but make elegant centerpieces cut close to the base of the petals and floated in a bowl of water. Mature specimens resent being moved. Seedlings are easy to transplant but don’t come true from seed. Expect interesting offspring. Hellebores can be hellishly irritating to the skin. Wear gloves when handling them. Do ragged leaves offend you? Removing the previous year’s foliage while the plants are in bud gives the nodding flowers a more cultured appearance when they make their debut. The garden store Annie’s Annuals, posts: “We can ignore them, neglect them, and even abuse them, and thankfully, our ever so heroic Hellebores are just unbreakable, returning year after year in late winter and early spring despite clay, snails, cold, and drought.” In Hardy Perennials, Graham Rice quotes this bit of doggerel by 19th century journalist Charles Mackay: “Know ye the flower that just now blows, in the middle of winter – the Christmas rose—Though it lack perfume to regale the nose, To the eyes right fair is the Christmas rose –” splurging on. It is often said that 99% of the world’s wines are made to be enjoyed within a year or so of their release. Wines worth aging make up the other one percent. This handful of the world’s wines will develop and gain in complexity and texture over a period of years and even decades. Some wines are classic collectibles – Bordeaux, cult Cabernets from California, and top Burgundies. These wines are ideal for anyone who appreciates quality, patience, and age in their wine. The shopping days are dwindling, so whether you’re looking for an affordable stocking stuffer or a bank-breaking indulgence for your sweetheart, spread a little holiday cheer with any of these tasteful recommendations, and give the wine-lover on your list a reason to celebrate. Cheers! Monica Chappell is a local wine writer and educator, and can be reached at wineappreciation101@gmail.com.
MOUNT DIABLO ROSE SOCIETY
The Mount Diablo Rose Society meets the second Wednesday of the month from September through June at 7:30pm in the Community Room of the Dublin Public Library at 200 Civic Plaza, Dublin. Enjoy fascinating programs presented by rose experts, and meet new friends who love gardening as much as you do. For more info, visit www.mtdiablorosesociety. org or email secretary@mtdiablorosesociety.org.
SONS IN RETIREMENT SAN RAMON VALLEY
Are you looking for things to do in your retirement? Consider joining Sons in Retirement Branch 128. There are monthly luncheons with interesting speakers and good fellowship. Additionally, there are a variety of activities including golf, hiking, biking, bocce ball, movies, cooking, finance, reading, computers, and more. Other activities such as travel, dine outs, excursions, and baseball games include spouses, friends, and guests. The next luncheon will be held Wednesday, January 15th at 11:30am. The speaker will be Duffy Jennings, a retired Chronicle crime journalist who’ll discuss “The 1970’s, a turbulent era in San Francisco history.” Jennings covered the Moscone-Milk murders, the Zodiac and Zebra killings, the Patty Hearst kidnapping, the Jonestown mass suicides, and many other big stories of that time. Be ready for an interesting presentation. The $26 luncheon includes a meal, presentation, and a great opportunity to socialize with other retirees. To reserve a space, please send an email by Thursday, January 9th to info@SIR128.com. The luncheon will be held at The Bridges, 9000 S. Gale Ridge, San Ramon. For more information, visit www.SIR128.com.
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December 2019 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • PAGE 17
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PAGE 18 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • December 2019
PROPERTY TAX ASSESSMENT RULE & ESTATE PLANNING
By Robert J. Silverman, Esq.
Transfers of real estate - sometimes intra-family - are an important part of estate planning for many people. Property owners are well advised to consult with legal and tax advisors before any property transfers take place. Frequently, advice is sought after the fact, and unfortunately, as the saying goes, at that point it may be “impossible to un-ring the bell.” I recently received a call from a very well-educated, successful professional client of mine. He told me that his retired father-in-law and mother-inlaw owned a South Bay home worth well over $1 Million. They didn’t have a lot of liquid assets, they didn’t want to spend money to establish an estate plan, and they didn’t appreciate the value of paying for professional advice. Instead, they thought they would sidestep trouble, cost, and inconvenience by simply transferring their home to their two adult children (my client’s wife and her brother). However, they were very reluctant to do that since they had very low “Prop 13” property taxes, and they were sure that a transfer to their kids would result in a reassessment, increasing their property tax bill by many thousands of dollars per year. Understanding how valuable professional advice can b and acknowledging that he didn’t have the time or expertise to research the many variables involved, my client told his in-laws that he would look into this situation on their behalf. He asked me: a) whether his in-laws’ plan to transfer their home now was a good one; b) how could they best handle the property tax reassessment problem; and c) how could they best accomplish their objectives? I told him I had good news and bad news. Good news: the premise for his in-laws’ reluctance to make the transfer – a property tax reassessment – was faulty. In California, when a principal residence is transferred between a parent(s) and child(ren), the transfer is fully exempt from property tax
reassessment if the right paperwork is filed timely with the County Assessor. This applies to lifetime transfers and/or transfers on death (e.g. via a Living Trust or Will). Parenthetically, the parent-child property tax reassessment rules are different (limited) for the transfer of non-principal residences. Those rules are more complicated and beyond the scope of this article. Bad news: if the home was transferred now, while my client’s in-laws were both living, when my client’s wife and her brother later sell the home (e.g. when the parents die or move out of the home permanently), the children would incur a substantial income tax liability. Alternatively, if the parents retained ownership of the home throughout their lives and transferred the home to their children after they were both gone, the home would receive a “step-up” in income tax basis; thus, capital gains tax liability could be avoided. Of course, in addition to the above-described issues, there are many other issues these folks should consider, including the potential transfer of control over their home – e.g. if the home was sold, how could the parents be sure that the sale proceeds in the hands of the children would be used for the benefit of the parents? These people were looking for a shortcut, and I can’t blame them for that. But, as is often the case, the shortcut they sought was far from optimal. The silver lining was that by making a modest investment in attorneys’ fees to establish a Revocable Living Trust (and other important documents), they were able to achieve their goals without triggering any tax problems, without relinquishing any control, and without subjecting their children to a long, expensive Probate proceeding upon their passing. 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, 1855 Olympic Blvd., Suite 125, 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.
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TAXES, DO WHAT YOU CAN BEFORE IT’S TOO LATE!
By Peter T. Waldron, Managing Partner of Spectrum Wealth Partners
“Dear IRS, I am writing to you to cancel my subscription. Please remove my name from your mailing list.” – Snoopy You might be like most Americans for whom tax planning begins in February or March. However, it might be worth taking a few minutes before the year is over to make sure that you have prepared for your tax year before it is over as you can never get back what is lost. In this month’s article, I will give you my top three personal tax savings items that may help you minimize the impact of taxes. You should always consult a professional regarding your situation as these ideas might not be applicable to your long term financial plan or your tax plan strategy. #1 – Make sure you maximize your 401(k). So many people tell me that they think they are maxing out their 401(k). However, we find this is often not the case. By not fully maximizing your 401(k), it leaves crucial pre-tax contribution dollars on the table. In 2019, the maximum limit that you can contribute is $19,000 if you are under age 50 and $25,000 if you are 50 or older. This doesn’t include any company match that is above this amount. Confirming that you are maximizing your 401(k) should take minutes and could save you thousands of dollars. #2 – Donate to a 501(3)c or a Donor Advised Fund (DAF). While you are ostensibly giving away a portion of your income or assets while still paying tax, this will make you feel good and take money away from the government and give it to charity. When you donate money, you receive a deduction on your schedule A (this may not make sense for you to do financially, if you do not itemize your deductions). This means that if you give $100 to a qualified charity, the estimated cost of the donation to you is $63, and your tax savings is $37 (assuming a 37% tax bracket). Your tax savings may be super charged if you donate highly appreci-
COUNTY ANIMAL BENEFIT FUND HELPS TO KEEP ANIMALS OUT OF SHELTERS
By Candace Andersen
It is hard to resist a puppy or kitten. Puppies and kittens, of course, are the most in-demand types of animal when a family makes the decision to bring a pet into the fold or when an individual seeks out a fourlegged companion for his or her life. But what about older pets or ones in shelters? Dogs and cats often end up in shelters as the result of abandonment or recently deceased owners. Many shelter dogs and cats are simply of old age and deemed too much of a responsibility or burden for either previous or potential owners. Therefore, shelters are where these animals are left to live out their remaining days. Despite these circumstances, the Animal Benefit Fund (ABF) of Contra Costa County is working to make sure these animals in shelters are afforded the best life possible. The ABF was created in 1986 by the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors as a way to accept monetary donations from compassionate individuals who want to improve the well-being of our county’s shelter animals. Now, over three decades since its inception, the ABF continues to grow towards the goals it first set out to accomplish. Its 2018 report detailed the specifics behind its range of projects and initiatives that bring about this progress. The wide array of improvements was propelled by some 2,527 donors, who contributed $124,682 to the ABF. These funds have allowed the ABF to allocate $117,733 for low-cost spray and neuter programs during the 2017-2018 fiscal year, with the help of partnering organizations Fix Our Ferals, Paw Fund, and Positively SAFE, which provided over 1,224 surgeries, which also included exams, vaccinations, and microchip installations. Keeping animals outside of shelters altogether is a goal for the ABF. The Contra Costa Animal Services and ARF Pet Retention Program has been heralded as a significant success in its first two years of existence. In fact, the number of animals entering the CCAS system has been reduced by 50%, according to the report. The decline in animals entering County shelters has allowed for more kennel-space and capacity at the shelters. In the 2017-2018 fiscal year, over $30,000 from the
December 2019 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • PAGE 19
ated stock. Assuming you have $100 worth of stock that you bought for $1, if you were to donate that stock, you could avoid the $99 gain (and $25 tax), and you should still receive the same $37 tax benefit. You can also make a qualified donation from your required minimum distribution from your IRA, which could eliminate the taxes due for that income. It is important to note that cash is limited to 60% of your adjusted gross income where stock has a lower limit of 30% of your adjusted gross income. Seeing the benefits from this might take a bit longer, but it could not only reduce your tax bill but also reposition your tax dollars to local and international causes. #3 – Utilize tax loss harvesting. Tax loss harvesting is when you sell a position in your non-qualified account (or company stock) that is currently trading below its purchase price. It is another great tool to capture any losses for the year or to carry forward into future years. If you are practicing proper asset allocation, you should find a suitable replacement for the sold position. Furthermore, you can repurchase the position after 30 days to avoid the wash sale rules. You are able to take up to $3,000 of loss off your income tax return each year, or you can wash out unlimited gains. Also, you can carry forward unlimited amounts of losses each year to wash out future gains. Properly tax harvesting your losses can result in unlimited current year and future years benefits if you have gains to counter the loss with. In this article I have covered three valuable tax ideas for reducing your taxes. While what I have outlined could potentially save you thousands (if not tens of thousands) of dollars, it is my recommendation that you meet with a financial professional to understand how these ideas may fit into your unique financial situation. To schedule a complimentary review of your financial situation, please contact me at 925-786-7686 or email peter.waldron@lfg.com. Peter T. Waldron: California Insurance License #0E47827. Peter T. Waldron is a registered representative of Lincoln Financial Advisors, a broker/dealer, member SIPC, and offers investment advisory service through Sagemark Consulting, a division of Lincoln Financial Advisors Corp., a registered investment advisor, Spectrum Wealth Partners is not an affiliate of Lincoln Financial Advisors. 3201 Danville Blvd, Suite 190, Alamo, CA 94507. Insurance offered through Lincoln Marketing and Insurance Agency, LLC and Lincoln Associates Insurance Agency, Inc. and other fine companies. This information should not be construed as legal or tax advice. You may want to consult a tax advisor regarding this information as it relates to your personal circumstance. The content of this material was provided to you by Lincoln Financial Advisors Corp. for its representatives and their clients. CRN2822994-111319 Advertorial
fund was devoted to keep over 100 animals in their existing homes. Perhaps most importantly, in its second year of the program’s existence, staff were able to identify the leading reasons as why owners surrender their pets. The identification has led to staff bolstering existing resources in those particular areas while pursuing new resources. Overall, the report revealed that there was a 50% reduction in animals surrendered thanks to the ARF/CCAS Pet Retention Program, which in total was 117 animals. Animal transfers is another important program of the Animal Benefit Fund, with the CCAS Bridge Program serving as a mechanism to assist transfer partners with the adoption of more animals, especially those with medical issues. The Bridge Program, in particular, helps alleviate the costs of medical and other services transfer partners incur due to special needs animals, thanks to the participation of 20 veterinary hospitals and clinics. The report shows that $43,805 was spent on assisting these transfer partners to adopt over 50 special needs animals, of a total 2,643 animals transferred from the Martinez and Pinole shelters. Medical assistance, specifically the Panda Fund, was created to provide medical services to animals in need that have conditions beyond CCAS’ ability to treat. ABFs totaling $21,815 was dedicated to the Panda Fund. As a result, CCAS was able to provide 22 animals with the urgent medical care they so desperately needed, with services ranging from urgent care, surgeries, or home placement. In total, eight veterinary hospitals and clinics participated in the Panda Fund. Over the last fiscal year, the ABF has worked tirelessly towards programs that educate and increase awareness of the importance of adoption and pet licensing. The fund also received $47,204 in private grant assistance from Maddie’s Fund and Pet Food Express that will be utilized for providing services. This crucial grant money will go toward medical treatment, pet retention, spay and neuter services in the County, and raising awareness of CCAS and the importance of licensing and microchipping so that animals will continue to receive the best care possible, with the ultimate aim of keeping animals out of shelters and instead in happy homes. To donate to the ABF, visit contracosta.ca.gov/1429/Animal-Benefit-Fund. My office serves the residents of Contra Costa County District 2, which includes San Ramon, Danville, Alamo, Walnut Creek, Saranap, Parkmead, Lafayette, Moraga, Canyon, and Orinda. Please don’t hesitate to 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 925-957-8860.
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PAGE 20 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • December 2019
KIWANIS CLUB OF SAN RAMON VALLEY
ALAMO IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATION (AIA)
By Roger Smith, President CORNICOPIA OF FRUIT AT THE ALAMO FARMERS’ MARKET
Your Alamo Farmers’ Market has a great selection of fall/winter options including oranges, clementines, mandarins, grapefruit, pomelos, grapes, persimmons, apples, and pomegranates. Fresh fish from Half Moon Bay (you can even order in advance) is available, and Dore’ French Bakery from Brentwood will bring their goodies. Make sure to stop by for your Sunday pastry and more! The Market is open 9AM – 2PM every Sunday in Alamo Plaza, off of Danville Blvd. Make the Market a part of your Sunday, every Sunday. Please look for updated information on the holiday schedule on NextDoor.com.
COMMUNITY EMERGENCY RESPONSE TRAINING (CERT)
The CERT concept was developed and implemented by the Los Angeles Fire Department in 1985. The Wittier Narrows Earthquake in 1987 and the North Ridge Earthquake in 1993 underscored the need for community response to major disasters in California. Since 1993, when this training was made available nationally by FEMA, the CERT program, has grown and now includes programs in all 50 states, three territories, and six foreign countries. Our San Ramon Valley program began in 2006, and training is delivered locally by both the San Ramon Valley and Contra Costa County Fire Protection Districts. The CERT program educates community members about disaster preparedness for hazards that may impact our area. CERT trains students in basic disaster response skills. During the 20 hour course, students will learn disaster preparedness, fire safety, disaster medical operations and triage, light search and rescue, team organization, disaster psychology, terrorism response, and the incident command system. Upon completion of the program, CERT members will participate in a drill that will put all of their new skills to work. You must be registered and have an email confirmation to attend class. Upcoming classes through the San Ramon Valley Fire Protection District include CERT Class #89 which will be held Friday, February 21st from 6PM to 9:30PM, Saturday, February 22nd , and Sunday, February 23rd from 8 AM to 5PM. CERT Class #90 will be held Friday, March 13th from 6PM to 9:30PM, Saturday, March 14th, and Saturday, March 21st from 8 AM to 5PM. Both classes will be held at San Ramon Valley Fire’s Administrative Building, located at 1500 Bollinger Canyon Road in San Ramon. There are more than 200 CERT volunteers in the Alamo/Danville area, and more are always needed. Become a CERT volunteer now, and know what you can do in an emergency. To register for a CERT class, visit https://firedepartment.org/ community/outreach-programs/cert/upcoming-classes/cert-class-registration. For questions, email cert@srvfire.ca.gov. Alamo resident, Joe Bologna, has been a CERT volunteer since 2010 and has this to say about the CERT program: 1) The CERT goal is to do the most good for the greatest number of people needing help during a disaster. 2) CERT is about being prepared in advance for natural disasters such as earthquakes and wildfires. 3) We need to be able to survive a minimum of the first three days of a disaster before expecting our support systems like the National Guard and Red Cross to be in place. 4) Communication is key. Residents have to be able to get word outside of our area to relay status of help needed. Please remember to start or refresh your family disaster kit! Stock up on food, water, first aid, flashlights, sleeping bags, and other basic supplies. Learn more at www.fema.gov/disaster/4085/updates/building-supply-kit-your-family.
AIA ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP DRIVE
Alamo is a special community that all of our residents can be justifiably proud to call “home.” Since 1955, Alamo residents have been joining the Alamo Improvement Association (AIA) and working in support of AIA’s mission statement, which is to “preserve the semi-rural character of Alamo.” As Board President, I want to thank our many volunteers, both past and present, for their efforts over the last 63 years in making Alamo into the wonderful community that it is today. Now in its 64th year, AIA, a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, has an outstanding history of serving our community and helping shape it into the place we love to live. We have no employees so 100% of your dues/donations benefit our community. Visit www.AlamoCA.org for information on AIA, articles of interest to Alamo residents, membership forms, and more.
The Kiwanis Club of San Ramon Valley meets for lunch every Thursday at noon at Black Bear Diner, located at 807 Camino Ramon, 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, call John Lineweaver at (925) 272-8207, email info@srvkiwanis.org, or visit www.srvkiwanis.org.
DANVILLE LIONS CLUB
The Danville Lions Club meets at 6:30PM at Crow Canyon Country Club on the third Wednesday of every month. Danville Lions Club supports blind charities, Sight First, the curing of pediatric cancer, local sight screening, the fight against diabetes, and many local charities. Visit www.e-clubhouse.org/sites/danvilleca for details. For club information contact Mike Huggins at 510-460-5376, email mikehuggins@sbcglobal.net, or visit www.danvillelionsclub.org. Visitors and new members are welcome.
EXCHANGE CLUB
The Exchange Club of San Ramon Valley meets for lunch the second Wednesday of every month at Faz Restaurant, located at 600 Hartz Avenue 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 $20 for members and first time guests, and $23 for returning guests. For reservations and information, please contact Karen Stepper at 925-998-8865 or coachstepper@yahoo.com.
LOCAL ROTARY CLUBS
The Rotary Club of Alamo meets on Wednesdays at 12:15PM at Round Hill Country Club in Alamo. For information about the group, contact Peter Walron at peter.waldron@ lfg.com. The Danville Rotary Club meets every Monday at noon at the Black Bear Diner in Danville. For information, contact Bob Chace at bchace@pacbell.net or by phone at (925)838-7007. If you are interested in visiting the Danville/Sycamore Valley Rotary Club, contact Daniel Kodam at daniel@dsvrotary.com or call 925-336-0000. Meetings are held on Tuesdays at 7AM at Crow Canyon Country Club. The Rotary Club of San Ramon Valley meets for dinner every Wednesday night at the Blackhawk Country Club in Danville. Networking and social time starts at 6:30PM with the meeting starting at 7PM. For more information, call Bernie at 925-352-2155. You can also visit www.sanramonvalleyrotary.com. The Rotary Club of Dougherty Valley/ San Ramon meets at Amador Rancho Community Center, 1998 Rancho Park Loop Road, San Ramon, on Wednesdays at 5:10PM for networking and social time with the meeting and guest speakers starting at 5:40PM. For more information, contact Joe Tagupa at (510) 599-2351 or mizutag@sbcgobal.net. Lastly, Rotary Club of San Ramon meets every Thursday between noon and 1:15pm at the Crow Canyon Country Club. For more information, contact Dennis Harvey at dennis@dharveyrealtor.com or 925-519-4748.
DANVILLE POLICE OFFER ‘EXCHANGE’ ZONE
Residents who purchase items via online services such as Craigslist now have a designated neutral ‘Exchange Zone’ in the upper parking lot of the Danville Town offices to conduct their business. Signage has been installed, and the Danville Police Department has designated parking spaces at the Town of Danville offices, 510 La Gonda Way, for residents to conduct transactions in a constantly video-recorded space. With proximity to police headquarters and video recording, the goal is to have an atmosphere of safety and assurance for would-be buyers while dissuading criminals from using online merchandising for criminal purposes. To learn more about the safe zone, contact Sargent Ron Hoekwater at (925) 314-3700 or rhoekwater@danville.ca.gov.
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TECHNOLOGY MATTERS
MAY I BORROW A CUP OF... ELECTRICITY?! By Evan Corstorphine, Portable CIO, Inc.
December 2019 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • PAGE 21
BUSINESS CHALLENGES?
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The windstorm that recently came through our area and PGE’s proactive effort to forestall any further issues with preemptive outages, was a dry-run of our personal scenario of disaster preparedness. Our power was out for 60 hours (2.5 days). Someone I know lost their power for five full days because so many tree limbs fell. We’re fortunate because we have kept a generator to provide backup power for our business, and we work from home. We also have a very large DSBAC serves businesses of the Tri-Valley area. This is a uninterruptible power supply (UPS) for the equipment in my office, so we handle courtesy service provided to the business community by the outages of up to eight hours quite well. DSBCA through the Danville Chamber of Commerce. As the wind began to rise on Sunday morning and the power first turned off, I’ll For more information email consult@dsbac.org admit it was a little exciting to be able to use the supplies and methods we’ve stored for just this occasion. How windy would it get? It was a bit of a spectacle, and we kept checking wind-speeds on the internet. We checked, that is, until the afternoon when the home internet (Comcast) dropped, then the cell-phone internet (AT&T) followed. Okay, now it was getting interesting. This is the first time since the internet was created that we’ve been 100% offline in an urban setting and, it was quite eye-opening. One of my employees opined, “When you lose the internet, it’s a time machine back to 1980. When you lose all electricity, it’s a time machine back to 1880.” Very true. Having a generator didn’t change the fact we had no internet connectivity, and thus we didn’t know what was going on “out there.” It was a bit eerie, and honestly, I felt a gnawing sense of isolation. Of course, we were perfectly fine, and the first night passed uneventfully. On the second morning, a few of us wanted a shower, and our tankless water heater denied our requests for hot water because it needed power to ignite. Lesson learned. Cold showers weren’t on the menu, so I started the generator so the hot water could flow. I mentioned our generator. It is LOUD. It’s big enough to power our house, and with size comes noise. I did my best to buffer the drone of the motor, however it was still pretty annoying. I strove to run it for long shifts during the day to restore the cold that the refrigerators lost during the night. Then, I realized my neighbors were actually home and dropped an extension cable over the fence so they could power their refrigerator and some lights if they wished. I wished I had remembered to do that earlier. This was the first time I have endured a power outage of this length in an urban setting. We were fortunate because we were prepared better than many people. Because we could power our home, including our freezers, we didn’t lose our food. On Sunday and Monday nights, our house was an island of light in the inky blackness of Alamo’s west side. Did I mention we had a Japanese guest who had planned her visit for those days? She certainly had an adventure! I want to share some lessons I learned from this experience. First, I hope everyone came away from this event realizing how dependent they are on modern conveniences. It doesn’t take long for an emergency scenario to get very “real” and begin to affect the normal rhythm of your life. Second, nothing beats an actual practice of your disaster plan. It is one thing to pack bins with supplies, however have you checked them lately? For example, when we examined our supplies we belatedly realized it had been eleven(!) years since they were originally assembled. Batteries had exploded, stored food had gone far beyond expiration dates, and we really don’t need cat food for our now nonexistent cats. Oops. Third, think about communications and how you will stay informed. Do you have a portable radio? Do you have an out-of-area emergency contact with whom you can share updates for concerned family members? Is anyone a HAM operator or affiliated with CERT? Again, think 1980 or 1880 when you make your plans, because with no electricity or typical communications, our lives are quite different. Hopefully, relaying my experience and lessons will cause you to re-think this recent event and to become better prepared. I doubt things with PGE are going to change any time soon. We know California has always had a climate of extremes, and of course, we have earthquakes. In an emergency, you’re either a prepared survivor or a hapless, dependent victim. Which would you rather be? There are dozens of great emergency preparedness websites available for you to explore, such as the American Red Cross. Search for “disaster preparedness plan” on the internet, and further your education. Build a kit today. Just start. Something is better than nothing. We’re all in this together, and as we learn new ways to prepare, we won’t leave you in the dark! If you’d like to learn more about how we have protected ourselves, give us a call at 925-552-7953 or email us at info@pcioit.com. Advertorial
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR MOBILTY MATTERS HELPING SENIORS AND VETERANS
Mobility Matters is a nonprofit agency that provides free, door-through-door, one-on-one rides to ambulatory seniors and veterans who cannot take other forms of transportation primarily for medical appointments and grocery shopping. In September, John Muir’s Caring Hands program ended their senior ride services and Mobility Matters is now providing rides for those seniors. Since Mobility Matters took over several new clients all at once they are in great need of new volunteer drivers. Each ride is lasts about three hours and you get to schedule your own hours. Most volunteer drivers provide one ride every week or two. Contact David Benet at Mobility Matters at (925)284-2215 or david@mobilitymatterscc.com if you are interested in more information.
PAGE 22 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • December 2019
Schools continued from page 10
School was in session by April 24, 1889, with an attendance of 37 pupils, and the flag pole went up in 1890. The school was preserved through the efforts of the Tassajara community, especially many Fire District volunteers. Since 2012, the building has been owned and managed by the Museum of the San Ramon Valley. Every late winter and spring, the school provides a living history experience for all valley third graders who step back in time and attend a “one-room school” for a day. This program is a popular one. One student wrote that it was her second-favorite field trip ever, with Disneyland as her first choice. Especially in the first years these schools were open, many students graduated from the eighth grade and Tassajara Grammar School did not have further formal schooling. When the Union Academy (on the Alamo/Danville border) was in session from 1860 to 1868, there was a local high school. After it burned down, children from the Hall, Baldwin, and Stone families (for example) were sent to board during the week and attend high school in Oakland or San Francisco, returning home on the weekends.
Sources: Contra Costa Gazette, archives of the Museum of the San Ramon Valley, several Contra Costa County history books, notebooks at the County Historical Society’s History Center.
Veterans continued from front page
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THE EYE OPENER
HAPPY HOLIDAYS 2019 AND THE YEAR IN REVIEW By Gregory Kraskowsky, O.D., Alamo Optometry
We have come to the end of another great year at Alamo Optometry. At this time of year, I like to revisit the positive things we have done and look forward to next year. We have made some positive changes this year to improve patient care and frame choices available to patients. Our office is now working with young kids to help combat the rapid increase in myopia (near-sightedness). In this country, the percentage of people that are myopic has almost doubled in the past 30 years; it is even worse in other parts of the world, especially Asia. There are many reasons for this, but the main culprit is the amount of near work - including computer use, iPads, smartphones, laptops, etc. High amounts of myopia lead to increased risk of glaucoma, cataracts, and vision loss later in life. Our goal is to help kids whose prescriptions are progressing when they are young and use several remedies to help slow it down. One method is CRT (corneal refractive therapy), which uses rigid lenses worn overnight that gently mold the cornea to eliminate the myopia, so no correction is needed during the day. Another option is using a newly designed soft daily multifocal lens which corrects nearsightedness but utilizes a large depth of focus design. The goal for treatment with both options is to slow down the progression by at least 50%. These differ from normal daily disposables as those and standard glasses will not stop the progression as evidenced by children consistently needing to change their prescription every year or so due to decreased distance vision. We feel that this epidemic is treatable, and we have started to do our part to help prevent high amounts of myopia in our community. In addition to reducing the progression of myopia, these patients are eliminating the need for daytime glasses or contacts. To this point, we have seen amazing results with kids that are in the program. Depending on the initial prescription, most children will get at least half of their prescription eliminated in just the first night of wear; while some will almost be zero at the day one visit. In our effort to offer new and exciting frames to our office, we have added three new lines: Shwood, State Optical, and Silhouette. We are making a conscious decision to use frame vendors that are independent and who have independent practitioners and quality as their focus. Shwood is made of wood and natural products and is manufactured in Oregon. State Optical are high quality plastic frames that are hand-crafted in Chicago. Silhouette are extremely light metal and rimless frames manufactured in Europe. We recommend stopping by the office to check out these new frames. As the holiday season approaches, it is important to remember to exhaust your flexible spending accounts (FSA) before the end of the year. The government has a wide range of specified costs that qualify as a medical expense. Included in that list is any vision correction device: glasses, computer glasses, contact lenses, and sunglasses. If your purchase is made by the end of the year, it will count on your 2019 account balance. Our office has grown again this year thanks to our patients. You continually support us and go above and beyond by recommending us to your friends and family. We believe in providing quality service and care, and this is what our patients deserve and have come to expect from us. Our office extends best holiday wishes and a prosperous 2020 to all our patients and the local community. 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. Visit our website at www.alamooptometry.com, and join us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter @Alamo Optometry. Advertorial
leaving on the Wheelchair Foundation trip, he comments, “Despite my apprehension about seeing old places, it’s kind of a compulsive desire. Veterans’ and civilians’ memories of those times and places and events are not healed or closed – they’re managed.” Joe Calloway’s 2004 book Mekong First Light describes coming of age in the process of going from Private to Captain in three years and serving as an infantry platoon leader in Vietnam, Queens Cobra advisor to two Thai Infantry comth Jon Robbins with orphans in Hue City. Photo courtesy of Jon Robbins. panies, and in the 5 Special Forces Base Camp Defense and Special Projects. Asked what motivated him to travel back with the Wheelchair Foundation, he writes, “Doing something constructive and helpful for a country where we did so much damage is why I’m going. Healing and closure is a myth... going there is not going to eliminate the horrible experiences and memories.” Enthusiastic accounts by VNVDV members who traveled on previous Wheelchair Foundation Vietnam tours encouraged members to overcome their misgivings. Jerry Yahiro, VNVDV Past-President, spoke in a 2015 the positive effect of going back twice on wheelchair distribution trips. “Prior to 2006 and 2012, about every day something would remind me of Vietnam. Now, I can go days without thinking about Vietnam, however, it is still there.” He noted, “The Vietnamese have accommodated better. To them, it was a war of independence. They differentiate individuals from politics.” Wheelchair Foundation President David Behring orchestrated the trip to alternate wheelchair distributions with orphanage visits, provide time to revisit historic sites, and leave free time for relaxation. The itinerary included a dinner which brought veterans from opposing sides together in an evening of harmonious exchanges of times remembered and events graciously dismissed. Although some of the 500 wheelchairs went to remote locations, the impact of giving 160 wheelchairs a day to grateful recipients unable to afford the means of moving about independently proved to be one of the most rewarding aspects of the journey for returning veterans as well as others in the group who did not serve in Vietnam. Jon Robbins, who served in Vietnam in the Northern II Corps from August 1968-August 1969, was interested in seeing the country’s development in the last 50
See Veterans continued on page 26
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December 2019 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • PAGE 23
PAGE 24 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • December 2019
FACIAL REJUVENATION FOR THE HOLIDAYS
By Dr. Barbara Persons, MD, FACS
I was in the checkout line at a local drugstore when a gal next to me was talking on the phone. She said, “My sister needs a facelift and a laser peel.” She then looked over at me, and we both started laughing. You see, I was wearing scrubs with my John Muir Health-Walnut Creek Medical Center badge saying Barbara L. Persons, MD, FACS Plastic Surgeon. We went on to laugh some more and also to talk about the basic concepts of facial rejuvenation while checking out. You would not believe how many men and women around you have had facial rejuvenation surgery. When facial rejuvenation is performed correctly, no one will ever know. It’s not your great grandmother’s windswept look or the slick advertisements of a style that does not last and has many complications. My patients seek the five elements of facial rejuvenation intuitively without knowing the terms. They seek improvement not out of vanity or because they want to look 22-years-old again. They want to be perceived as naturally vibrant, happy, confident, and whole. As a natural healer and hypnotherapist who came to me for eyelid rejuvenation said, “Our bodies are the vessels through which we project our personalities.” It is okay to want to look better. Today, however, in my opinion, we are at times using fillers, Botox, facials, and light therapies because we are afraid to go ahead and fix issues with minor surgery. Five elements come together to create a youthful face (with naturally balanced bone structure and volume, skin and fat in the right position, no sun damage, and minimal scarring), fix a broken face, or create the beautiful look the patient envisions. The five elements are structure, volume, support, stress expressions, and skin. Structure: The temples, cheeks, chin, and nose should form a pleasant balance. We lose bone volume with age, especially in women, which can lead to a weak jawline, loss of cheek projection, sad-looking eyes, temporal hollowing, and recessed nasal folds.
Chorale continued from front page
www.yourmonthlypaper.com Volume: The overall volume of the face is reduced, and temples begin to hollow. The rounded curves and heart shape of the upper face volume give way to a more squared look as the volume is both lost and “moves south.” Some patients may want to consider fat injections, which use fat harvested from the patient’s own body which can then be re-injected to enhance facial fullness, fill creases, or build up shallow contours. Support: The ligaments of the face, superficial muscular aponeurotic system fascia beneath the skin, and deep layers of the skin sag with age. It can cause heavy eyes, tear troughs, sagging cheeks, nasal folds, marionette lines, jowls, and extra neck skin. Stress Expressions: These include forehead creases, glabella eleven lines, crow’s feet, bunny nose, smokers’ lines, and the downturn of the mouth. A balanced approach to addressing these issues is vital. Skin: Pigmentation, fine lines, and wrinkles, red spots, scars, and laxity. These signs of aging are especially noticeable around the eyes and mouth. To start the process of facial rejuvenation, I examine my patients’ faces. I immediately see what procedures will create or recreate the beautiful normal that they desire. Many of you know I have had facial surgery following a nearly fatal accident. At 25, I was hit by a semi-truck whose driver had a seizure from drinking and not taking his seizure medication. After 18 surgeries, bone grafts, implants, titanium plates, and screws, I still work on the five elements every year. I want a beautiful normal. I have personal experience with the products I use on my patients. When I see you, I will be honest about what will make the most significant and excellent improvement in your face over time, with the least risk, and within your budget. I will make sure you are within your comfort zone, doing what I do best, which is to perform surgery and procedures. Using my hands, my heart, and my artistic sense, our private surgery center in Lafayette is one of my most perfect places on this earth where I can make a real positive difference in your life. 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 925283-4012 or drpersons@personsplasticsurgery.com. Advertorial
from across the decades,” says member Justin Gagnon, an Alamo resident and CEO of Choicelunch, a healthy school lunch delivery company that he started in 2003. “We have every one: from recent high school grads, to new parents, to recent retirees. The two things we all have in common are the community in which we live and a passion for making music together.” Gagnon first learned about the SRVC via a Facebook audition invitation. An accomplished high school and college choral group member who traveled the world as part of the Notre Dame Glee Club, he believed his singing days to be behind him as he juggled his busy career and growing family. “It was a big leap at first to explore whether I could even pursue my love for choral music while managing my priorities as a father and as CEO of a growing company,” says Gagnon, who also sang post college as a member of the Colorado Symphony Chorus. “I largely tabled choral singing when I started my company and had resigned myself to the fact that I likely wouldn’t be able to pursue my passion again until after my kids were grown. I was also accustomed to a very high level of both talent and camaraderie in my prior choral experiences, and my perception of a ‘community choir’ left me doubting whether my expectations could be matched.” His hesitancy was quickly assuaged. “What I discovered in founder and director Bruce Koliha and within SRVC was astounding and showed me how remarkable a community choir experience can be,” says Gagnon. “The majority of our members are accomplished choral musicians in that ‘busy phase’ of life, most of whom had resigned themselves to an extended choral music hiatus, but each took a leap with the Chorale. There’s a core of us who have performed in every session, but many of our members join when they can and take a session off when necessary. Our intent is not to overwhelm our members with yet another commitment but rather to be there when it works for them as an outlet for musical expression that was likely lacking in their life prior. Most unique, though, is the story of our director Bruce launching the next phase of his career after retiring in 2014 as the long-time music director of Monte Vista and continuing a life-long exploration and appreciation of choral music with many of his prior students along with other SRVUSD students and members of our community.” The Chorale's repertoire can best be described as varied, if not eclectic, and challenging. Performances include works from classical to contemporary, and everything in between. In just a few seasons, the Chorale has sung a variety of classic choral gems ranging from works by Mozart, Debussy, Rachmaninov, Ives, Gjeilo, Susa, Willan, and Rossini. Their season consists of two annual sessions, with 13 weeks of rehearsals leading up to concerts in early December and early May. They take summers off. “I've sung in choirs all over the world, and I've never heard anything quite like this group,” says Gagnon. “We recently performed with the Diablo Symphony Orchestra, and our next session's concert is an eclectic mix of everything from Brahms to Pentatonix, and featuring a Bluegrass Mass selection accompanied by a professional bluegrass band. The musicianship really is unreal for a local community group. But what’s most striking to me is how many of us are choir alums from our local high schools. Those in our community not involved in choral music may not know that for several decades, Monte Vista and San Ramon Valley in particular have been two of the top high school choirs in the state under the direction of Bruce and Ken Abrams. I’ve sung for both of them now at different stages of life, and I am amazed at how blessed our community has been to have such accomplished vocal music programs for our high school students. And for those former high school choir standouts still living in the San Ramon Valley, to now have Bruce leading a group right in our backyard where we can continue to explore this passion is remarkable. Additionally, Bruce’s wife Nadia Blank-Koliha is our Accompanist. A world-class concert pianist, Nadia is easily the most talented among us and is beloved by the entire choir. These two are truly a remarkable duo. “It was a leap of faith to join the Chorale’s inaugural season, but I’m grateful I did,” continues Gagnon. “Chorale has allowed me to bring choral music full circle in my life. Instead of choral music being something I ‘used to do when I was younger,’ my kids get to sit in the audience at our performances and see me on that stage performing with a local group at an incredibly high level. They get to see that choral music isn’t just for high school kids and church groups, but that pursuing a passion in musical excellence can continue, even amidst hectic schedules and general life pressures.” The Chorale’s December performance, The Chorale Sings the Three B’s: Brahms, Beethoven, and Bluegrass, will be held Sunday, December 8th at 4pm, and Saturday, December 14th at 4pm at SRVUMC Church in Alamo (902 Danville Blvd). Tickets are available for purchase online at www.srvchorale.com. SRVC practices are held Tuesday evenings from 7 – 9:30pm at SRVUMC. Adults of all ages with a passion for choral music excellence who are interested in learning more or performing with the group can contact srvchorale@gmail.com.
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December 2019 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • PAGE 25
HOPE FOR TREATING CRPS AND CHRONIC PAIN NATURALLY
By Dr. Niele Maimone, DC
Since Align Healing Center first opened our doors in 1999, we have seen a progressive increase in chronic pain and Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD), now called Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS). RSD/CRPS is a chronic, painful, and progressive neurological condition that affects the skin, muscles, joints, and bones. The syndrome usually develops in an injured limb, such as a broken leg, or following surgery. However, many cases of RSD involve only a minor injury, such as a sprain. And in rare cases, no precipitating event can be identified. RSD/CRPS is characterized by various degrees of burning pain, swelling, and sensitivity to heat, cold, or touch. Pain may begin in one area or limb and then spread to other limbs. In some cases, symptoms of RSD/CRPS diminish for a period of time and then reappear with a new injury.
CAUSES AND RISK FACTORS FOR RSD/CRPS
An exact understanding of RSD/CRPS is not complete. It appears to involve a complex interaction among the sensory, motor, and sympathetic nervous systems as well as involvement of the immune system. Currently, western medicine is not sure what causes RSD/CRPS. It is believed that in most cases the sympathetic nervous system plays an important role in sustaining the pain. Another theory is that CRPS is caused by a triggering of the immune response, which leads to the characteristic inflammatory symptoms of redness, warmth, and swelling in the affected area.
TREATMENT OPTIONS FOR RSD PATIENTS
Medical treatments for the management of RSD/CRPS include analgesics, anti-depressants, physical therapy, occupational therapy, nerve blocks, and multiple other drug therapies.
THE NATURAL APPROACH FOR TREATING CHRONIC PAIN AND RSD/CRPS
Holistic, non-invasive treatments for RSD/CRPS offer new possibilities patients may consider for pain and symptom management. As with traditional treatments, holistic treatments may need to be combined for optimal results. Natural medicine (vitamins, herbs, natural compounds, etc.) has proven to be effective and long-term in helping to calm the sympathetic nervous system and reduce systemic inflammation. At Align Healing Center, we are currentMedical & Surgical Dermatology For Healthy Skin ly seeing beneficial results in the treatment Offering Treatments for: of chronic pain and RSD/CRPS. The comSkin Cancer bination of laser therapy combined with Moles natural medicine is yielding hopeful results. Precancerous Lesions INTRODUCING Acne, Eczema, and Rashes Laser therapy is the application of low Warts, Molluscum levels of laser light to areas of the body that EMSCULPT D Keloid and Scar Revisions RE ONLY FDA CLEA Psoriasis and Vitiligo have been injured or damaged. Contrasted Cysts and Lipoma ELECTROMAGNETIC with high-powered lasers used in health ING Hair and Nail Disorder CHNOLOGY TARGET TE care that cut tissue, such as surgical or Underarm Sweating ABDOMINAL AND Physician-Strength DY BO hair-removal lasers, therapy lasers produce R FO S LE SC GLUTEUS MU Skin Care Products PAD beneficial chemical and biological interacCONTOURING, FAT Offering Cosmetic Treatments for: T! TT LIF tions that can help relieve pain and repair REDUCTION AND BU Tattoo, Moles, Birthmarks, and Scars lpt cu MS DrWilliamTing.com/E injured/damaged tissue. Just as photosynFace, Neck, Body Tightening, Lifting, thesis creates energy for plants, the absorpand Rejuvenation tion of the laser light by your cells causes Frown Lines and Jawline Reduction increased production of cellular energy. Rosacea, Facial Redness, Veins, and In areas of injury or damage, this means Post-injection Bruising there is more energy available to improve Pigmentation and Melasma Sun Damage and Scars the rate and quality of healing. Studies on A place where beauty Body Sculpting tissue cultures have revealed a wide range Thinning Hair and/or Balding and healthy skin meet of beneficial physiological effects, includHair Removal Visit us at our Center of ing increased levels of endorphins, reduced Technology & Procedures Excellence with a combined Offered levels of inflammatory compounds, and an 12,000 square foot, state Cellfina increased rate and quality of tissue healing. Cool Mini for neck of the art, newly renovated We often have patients notice improveCoolsculpting® Our Women’s suite. We are dedicated Cryoshape ment after the very first treatment session; Wellness Center to Medical, Cosmetic, and Diolite 532 laser now offers EMSella, whereas with chronic pain or RSD/CRPS, it EMSculpt Surgical Dermatology and FDA approved noninvasive EMSella is realistic that it may take a few treatments. are a place for medical electromagnetic technology Excel V Laser The effect of laser therapy is cumulative, treatment (with clothes on) Excimer Laser skin consultation, aesthetic meaning that each successive treatment Fractional CO2 Laser for urinary incontinence rejuvenation, and face and GenesisPlus Laser and feminine intimate builds on previous ones. body contouring. Infini Microneedling RF rejuvenation! The results that we are experiencing Models are used. Kybella DrWilliamTing.com/EMSella with our patients are nothing short of Liposonix® Microneedling with PRP Visit www.DrWilliamTing.com remarkable. Class IV laser therapy has MiraDry for an extensive list of medical, surgical, and cosmetic treatments, exceeded our expectations of the healing Mohs Micrographic Surgery product lines, lasers, and therapies offered. NBUVB Phototherapy potential that it ignites in the body, and it Pico Genesis Schedule your free cosmetic consultation appointment today! is our mission to share it with anyone who PicoSure Laser is seeking freedom from their pain. PRP for Hair Loss and Rejuvenation William Ting, M.D., Vbeam Laser Board Certified Dermatologist and Mohs Surgeon Dr. Niele Maimone, DC is the owner Silhouette InstaLift and founder of Align Healing Center in 500 Alfred Noble Drive, #185 Spectra Laser 2262 Camino Ramon Hercules, CA 94547 Danville. For more information or to set Superficial Radiotherapy San Ramon, CA 94583 Tel: (510) 669-5700 Tel: (925) 328-0255 Thermage™ up a consult, call 925-362-8283 or visit Ultherapy™ Email: staff@caldermcare.com www.alignhealingcenter.com. drwilliamting.com Vaser Shape *Welcoming new Medicare patients VLase for Feminine Rejuvenation Advertorial
PAGE 26 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • December 2019
NEED SOME HOLIDAY GIFT IDEAS?
By Dr. Jerome Potozkin
As you’re reading this, the holiday season is upon us. Many of us find this a wonderful time to celebrate and spend time with friends and family. It is a time to be grateful for where we live and what we have. We also want to share our holiday spirit by getting our friends and family gifts. This can be stressful for some us, as we know people who seem to already have everything. You can always purchase a gift card but maybe you want to give something more personalized. If so, I think I can help. Men like me can be extremely challenging to get gifts for. Maybe your favorite guy has a hobby that can provide some great ideas. If not, have you thought of the gift of skincare? Men are usually not up to speed in this department. Most men don’t want a complex regimen. I recommend the KISS approach (Keep It Simple Stupid). My team is happy to customize a simple regimen for your favorite guy. I would start with SkinCeuticals Physical Matte 50 to be applied each morning. This will provide the daily sun protection needed. The slight tint creates a natural look without the white film we often see. In fact I use this everyday after I shave. I would compliment this with Resveratrol antioxidant gel to be applied at bedtime. A great solution for skincare in a single serum is something we are exclusively offering, SkinCeuticals Custom Dose. Custom Dose is a serum that is customized for the individual before their eyes. Since we are all different, and our skin has different qualities, it makes sense that instead of a one size fits all approach a customized serum would be better. Our office was one of three offices in the country that piloted the Custom Dose project which you will be hearing more about. Custom Dose has the benefit of being tailored
www.yourmonthlypaper.com to the individual, is exclusive, and cannot be purchased elsewhere. During the evaluation phase our patients raved about their custom dose product. We are happy to either provide a Custom Dose gift certificate or to have you come to our office where we can create it for you in advance. This will help that special someone have the healthy radiant skin they deserve. If bright radiant skin is what you or that someone special crave, then in addition to great skincare, you might consider HydraFacial for yourself or a gift for someone special. HydraFacial uses patented technology to cleanse, extract, and hydrate the skin. The treatment is customizable to the individual. This treatment is popular with our acne patients, laser patients, and patients who simply want their skin to look and feel its best. Many guys have no interest in cosmetic procedures. In our office there has been one exception, CoolSculpting. Many guys have local areas of fat, that despite exercise and diet we simply find very hard to get rid of. For men the most common areas are the so called “love handles.” Prior to 2015 the only solution I had for patients was tumescent liposuction. Many men, like me, are too chicken to consider something like that. However, CoolSculpting has revolutionized the body contouring options. Many people wonder,“Does it work?” The answer is an overwhelming, “Yes!” We have only had a very small percentage of people where we did not see significant results. The advantages of CoolSculpting is that the procedure does not require surgery, does not hurt, and you can binge watch your favorite series on Netflix while your fat is being frozen away. If you have that special someone that you are having trouble find a present for, we are here to help you get out of that pickle. We offer gift certificates and are happy to suggest gifts for the person that has everything. I hope you have a healthy, happy, holiday. Dr. Jerome Potozkin is a Board Certified Dermatologist specializing in minimally and non-invasive cosmetic procedures. We are accepting new patients and can be reached at (925) 838-4900 and at www.MyBeautyMd.com. Advertorial
Veterans continued from page 22 years. He remarks, “You never learn unless you get into the people and their lives today.” The trip gave him a chance to learn directly from the staff at the orphanages visited of their tremendous dedication and witness the lifestyle of the children they serve. He was greatly moved by the genuine gratitude expressed by wheelchair recipients as well as residents and staff at the orphanages. Jon writes, “In the City of Hue, at the Chuong Trinh orphanage, wheelchairs were distributed. On arrival, I met some young children who greeted me with their wonderful smiles. They sang and danced in a simple performance that was so rewarding to me. Later their stories were told. These children have received a new direction in life, and they show their gratitude without saying a word.” The orphanages visited are all privately funded with no government support. Gary explains, “The 30-50 children located at the Children’s Shelter in Hue receive training to enable them to achieve self-sufficiency. The shelter is supported by the Friends of Hue Foundation, based in San Jose. Approximately 30-40 abandoned children living in the Ha Cau Orphanage in Hanoi attend public schooling during the day and are nurtured by 74-year-old Mrs. Tran Josh Routh (center) at Ha Cau Orphanage in Hanoi. Photo courtesy of Gary Pforr. Thuc Ninh, who is assisted by four dedicated caregivers.” To the query on what he found most rewarding about the journey, Pforr responds, “Seeing the positive changes in a country that was once devastated by war was most rewarding to me as a Vietnam vet. Where undernourished grim-faced peasants in black pajamas once tilled their fields with water buffalo, healthy and vibrant hard-working people dressed in western attire are now engaged in mechanized agriculture as well as in a variety of commercial and industrial livelihoods. Red soil moonscape areas near the DMZ that were once pock-marked with shell holes are now under heavy agriculture.” Calloway sees Saigon, now called Ho Chi Minh City, as “a vibrant dynamic society teeming with vigor and resourcefulness.” The people are youthful. Seventy percent of the country’s population was born after the war. Perhaps that accounts for their willingness to welcome the group of Americans. Joe explains, “It is incredible how these people have forgiven us for killing three million of its citizens, poisoning millions more, and then they just moved on with life. They seem to harbor no ill will or animosity whatsoever.” Joe, however, finds photographs of deformed infants with birth defects caused by the Agent Orange defoliant disbursed by American combatants an unforgettable reminder that damage done to the landscape continued to impact the people of Vietnam long after the war ended. “It was a very sad and humbling experience. Many of these children are disabled they believe due to Agent Orange still left in the ground,” Calloway concludes concerning the first wheelchair distribution. Mothers brought children from remote locations. He estimates 500 people gathered to clap and cheer. The American contingent pushed each of the 160 wheelchair recipients individually out of the building. Pforr adds, “Despite Viet Nam’s widespread economic development and improved standard of living for most, it’s evident that many physically and mentally disabled persons, along with their parental caregivers, have been left behind and live in poverty.” Veteran Wheelchair Foundation travelers Don and Josh Routh had never been to Vietnam. Born with Cerebral Palsy, Josh enjoys demonstrating how empowering a wheelchair can be. His father Don encourages parents of differentially-abled children, recounting how his perseverance enabled Josh to become an independent, highly productive adult rather than the quadriplegic incapable of speech his doctors originally envisioned. Impressed by reactions of Vietnam veterans to their first wheelchair distributions and orphanage visits, Don especially enjoyed witnessing their encounter with former enemies in Hue where some of the bloodiest fighting occurred during the 1968 Tet Offensive. “The dinner with Viet Cong Veterans was a surreal experience. It didn’t take long for barriers to break down and veterans from both sides to embrace a common theme of peace and fellowship.” Calloway admits boundless beer consumption helped cement “deep-seated camaraderie and mutual respect” as the evening progressed. “It was indeed an inspirational
See Veterans continued on page 27
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YOUR PERSONAL NUTRITIONIST
HOLIDAY NUTRITION SURVIVAL TIPS By Linda Michaelis RD, MS
December 2019 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • PAGE 27
Season’s Greetings from the entire team at Poplar Spectacles Optometry
When working with clients, I often see common problem areas they face during the holidays. Here, I have presented my suggested solutions for each scenario. Wrong Mindset: Your mindset going into the weekend can play a huge role in the outcome -- whether you allow yourself to enjoy the event or end up beating yourself after over-indulging. I often see this all-or-none mentality. Does this sound familiar to you? Do you allow yourself foods that are not part of a healthy regimen, get frustrated with yourself, and end up binging? I see clients trying to be so strict with what they eat, and it always backfires. This mentality sets up failure and a feeling of being miserable. Solutions: I walk through holiday events with clients and show them how to navigate restaurants and parties. I show them how to give themselves permission to eat the foods they enjoy and learn how to balance the day with high protein and fiber foods before an event so they will not arrive too hungry. For lunch, 6 oz. of tuna or chicken salad with vegetables and coleslaw so they will not arrive to an event being too hungry. When arriving at an event, make an instant plan, and see what the food offerings are. Walk down the buffet first, and certainly include dessert. Stay away from bread, butter, and fruit if you wish to have a dessert because all desserts are comprised of flour, fats, and sugars. You don’t have to taste everything that is served. Wait for what you really want, even if it is something high-caloric like fettucine alfredo. It’s better to have a small portion of something you really like. How often do you order an entrée, and you do not enjoy the taste at all? Consider letting the waiter know, and substitute with another entrée. Look at it like you are helping the chef because maybe the dish 215 ALAMO PLAZA needs to be recreated. Do not get into the habit of eating food you do not enjoy. SUITE D Eating Meals at Erratic Times: Being on the go, skipping lunch, just snacking ALAMO, CA 94507 all day, and going too long in between meals is a major problem. I see clients that (T) 925.202.2846 are with friends that eat irregularly, and my client goes with the flow, resulting in (W) WWW.POPLARSPECS.COM low blood sugar and overeating at the meal because of being too hungry. Solutions: Make sure you have a good protein, fiber, and fat source at the prior meals. Bring portable snacks like nuts, jerky, and an apple. Be more assertive with friends when you need to stop to grab a bite to eat. Too Much Booze: Bottom line: alcohol will increase your appetite and cause you to not follow your intentions to eat healthy choices. Calories from alcohol add up quickly. Solutions: Alternate water or a sparkling water with your alcohol. Gin and vodka drinks have no sugar and fewer calories, depending on the mixer. Many of my clients are now enjoying martinis or drinks with lite cranberry juice. Season’s Greetings from the entire Don’t Sit Near the Appetizers: Clients tell me that they eat too many appetizers such as cheese and crackers and are not hungry when the meal is served. Solution: Please at Poplar Spectacles Optometry don’t waste your calories on these; wait for the good foods. Place your chair (or stand) far awayteam from the table. Bring an appetizer of crudité and tzadiki sauce to help you. You can have a great holiday season enjoying foods you love while not gaining any weight. The answer is to plan ahead, and prepare mentally for what your day will look like. Have on-hand prepared tuna, shrimp cocktail, grilled chicken or chicken salad, and veggie salads such as cucumber salad, broccoli slaw, coleslaw, or string bean salad to grab in between holiday events. Do not go to an event hungry! I am available to hold your hand this holiday season and help you set up a plan to be successful. I take pride in helping my clients with their health concerns and making sure they feel confident when attending gatherings. The good news is nutritional counseling is covered by most health insurance companies such as Aetna, ABMG, Blue Cross, Blue Shield, Hill, Sutter, and more. Please call me at (925) 855-0150 about your nutrition concerns, email me at Lifeweight1@gmail.com, and visit my website www.LindaRD.com for past articles. Advertorial
215 ALAMO PLAZA, SUITE D A L A M O , C A 9 4 5 0 7 ( T ) - 9 2 5 . 2 0 2 . 2 8 4 6 (W) - WWW.POPLARSPECS.COM
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Veterans continued from page 26
and truly bonding experience for guys who were some 50 years ago trying to kill one another. There were no harbored grievances, angst, or hostility.” He continues, “I watched, engulfed in an event of overwhelming good will. Who would have thought this would evolve into such a raucous gathering of former enemies?” Summing up the benefits of the journey, Joe writes, “Returning to a place where I brought so much destruction, structural and human damage, and then being able to participate 50 plus years later in events so positive with a group of admirable people so HANDYMAN SERVICES deep in compassion Home Services with 30 years experience •Plumbing •Electrical •Drywall and character was repair •New toilets •Carpentry •Caulking •Grab bars •Pressure washing truly inspiration- •Ceramic tile •Water heaters •Dead bolts •Faucets •Garbage disposals •Flooring AZA, SUITE D al and emotionally NO JOB TOO SMALL!2 1 5 A L A M O P LCall James, owner, at 925-934-0877 A L A M O , C A 9 4 5 0 7 rewarding. A true ( T ) - 9 2 5 . 2 0 2 . 2 8 4 6 ) - W W W . P O P L AClassified RSPECS.COM Place ( WYour field soldier will Reach over 21,000 homes and businesses in Alamo, Danville, never find closure & Diablo - Help Wanted, For Sale, Services, Lessons, Pets, as combat life is too Rentals, Wanted, Freebies...$50 for up to 35 words,$5 for David Behring talks with Vietnamese orphanage teacher fluent in English. brutally mean-spir- each additional 15 words. Send or email submissions to: She was disabled as a child. Photo courtesy of Wheelchair Foundation. ited and tragic, but 3000F Danville Blvd #117,Alamo,CA 94507 or editor@yourmonthlypaper.com.Payment by check made out to “The Editors,” or one can find some relief in this mission as I did.” card file by calling 925-405-6397 215placed ALAMOon PLAZA, SUITE D | ALAMO, CA 94507must be For information about the Wheelchair Foundation ,visit www.wheelchairfoundation. credit received before ad will print. Your canceled check is your (T)reserve 925.202.2846 (W) WWW.POPLARSPECS.COM org. To learn more about the Viet Nam Veterans of Diablo Valley, visit www.vnvdv.org. receipt. We the right to reject any ad.
C L A S S I F I E D
PAGE 28 • ALAMO TODAY & DANVILLE TODAY NEWS • December 2019
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