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FEBRUARY 2017 • LAFAYETTE TODAY • PAGE 1
FEBRUARY 2017
HIREABLE
By Fran Miller and Futures Explored
Futures Explored continues to blaze new trails for people with disabilities. In its efforts to continue providing a broad range of resources and ongoing guidance to its participants, the local non-profit recently partnered with two other disability-support organizations (Contra Costa ARC and East Bay Innovations) to create HireAble, a public awareness campaign aiming to increase employment rates for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). A staggering 9 out of 10 of IDD adults are currently unemployed, despite California’s overall unemployment rate of 6%. Futures Explores hopes that HireAble
CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL OAKLAND’S LOMBARDY BRANCH By Fran Miller
Two young Children’s Hospital Oakland patients practice their modeling skills at last year’s Lombardy Branch annual fashion show fundraiser.
A Futures Explored client enjoys the opportunity to work in her community
will provide a connection between local companies and people with IDD in an effort to break a cycle of poverty and unemployment. Funded by the Thomas J. Long Foundation, the new campaign will increase awareness of existing job placement programs, says Will Sanford Executive Director of Futures Explored. “Chronic unemployment has a significant effect on the lives of individuals with intellectual disabilities, their families, and our society as a whole,” says Will Sanford, executive director of Futures Explored. “Our society falls short when it comes to providing employment opportunities for this population. Without jobs, these individuals live in poverty, and their families struggle to help with financial resources. We can and must do better.” HireAble’s community partners will offer employment support programs to both employees and businesses, such as training for employees with IDD to prepare them for the work force, long-term support services for employees with IDD to help ensure they maintain success throughout their career, and pre-screening of candidates from which employers can select which makes it easy and successful for both the employer and employee. The campaign aims to engage a variety of businesses, from the traditional industries in which IDD typically work (food and janitorial services) to hospitals and tech companies.
SEE HIREABLE CONTINUED ON PAGE 22
Local Postal Customer
PRSRT STD U.S. Postage PAID Permit 21 Lafayette, CA
ECRWSS
For the families who’ve entered its doors seeking treatment for a sick child, UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital Oakland (CHO) is a Bay Area beacon and a symbol of hope. Ellen and Greg Davis of Lafayette know full well how CHO’s community of compassionate caregivers can make a medical difference; eight years ago, their son was treated successfully at CHO for a cancerous brain tumor. “We know he received the best treatment available,” says Ellen. “Even after getting second and third opinions from UCSF and Stanford, we stayed with CHO.” The Davis’ were so impressed
SEE CHO CONTINUED ON PAGE 8
BAY AREA GERMAN SHEPHERD RESCUE
By Fran Miller
No one would deny that German Shepherd puppies are some of the cutest among all dog breeds, making them a popular pet choice. But these cute puppies grow into large and extremely intelligent dogs who require consistent mental stimulation and physical exercise. This high level Volume XI - Number 2 of necessary care often takes German 3000F Danville Blvd #117 Shepherd owners by surprise, and they A lamo, CA 94507 sometimes find themselves unequipped Telephone (925) 405-6397 to handle their pets. This is one reason Fax (925) 406-0547 that German Shepherds are second only editor@yourmonthlypaper.com to pit bulls in dog shelter populations, Corstorphine ~ Publisher and it’s also the reason for the existence TheAlisa opinions expressed herein belong to the of Bay Area German Shepherd Rescue writers, and do not necessarily reflect that of Lafayette Today. Lafayette Today is not responsible (BAGSR). for the content of any of the advertising herein,
SEE BAGSR CONT. ON PAGE 20
nor does publication imply endorsement.
PAGE 2 • LAFAYETTE TODAY • FEBRUARY 2017
2ND ANNUAL EXPANDING YOUR HORIZONS STEM CONFERENCE FOR MIDDLE SCHOOL GIRLS By Stacia Cragholm and Heidi Mayer
The STEM conference is back again in 2017 for a repeat performance! After a successful first year in 2016, the local American Association of University Women (AAUW) branch, in partnership with the nonprofit Expanding Your Horizons (EYH) and the College of Science at Saint Mary’s College, Moraga, is once again hosting a day of exciting STEM-related (science, technology, engineering, and math) activities for middle school-aged girls on Saturday, March 18 at St. Mary’s College in Moraga. Registration for an unbelievable set of hands-on workshops, facilitated by successful STEM professionals and students, is only $25. Not to be forgotten, attending parents can register to attend a special early S T E M w o r k s h o p f a c i l i t a t o r, morning panel of Professional Women Christine Tyler who will address “Touchpoints: Achieving Wellness and Academic Success.” This year’s Conference will open with keynote speaker Jessica Mah, CEO, inDinero, and close with speaker Christina Cragholm, Business Development Leader in Mobile and Internet of Things. The Conference itself offers an increased number of activities to choose from with a total of 18 workshops in which girls can participate. Girls can attend three of these entertaining and diversified workshops which are led by distinguished STEM professionals. Returning workshops include the FBI Crime Scene Investigation and the Learning to Design and Build Bridges activities, while new offerings include Flying Machines: An Intro to Aerospace Engineering and Coding from “Scratch”: Get Creative with Coding. Last year’s Conference drew over 120 girls. This year, AAUW hopes that even more middle school girls can participate in order to accommodate everyone who is interested. AAUW has long sent a small group of seventh grade girls to Tech Trek, a weeklong STEM-intensive camp at Stanford University. Unfortunately, many interested nominees are not selected to participate given the limited spots available. The day-long STEM conference, open to all middle school girls, aims to engage as many young minds as possible in the fascinating world of science, technology, math, and engineering. Ally Scarpitti, a former Stanford Tech Trekker who volunteered at last year’s STEM conference, remarks, “This conference is put on so that all interested girls are able to attend a mini Tech Trek-type conference for a day.” Many Tech Trek alumni such as Scarpitti have remained an integral part of the program, returning to serve as facilitators and to help co- chairs Stacia Cragholm and Heidi Mayer plan the conference. Cara Wolfe is another Stanford Tech Trek alum who volunteered at last year’s STEM Conference and is once again volunteering her efforts to help make this year’s Conference another success. She too emphasizes the role that AAUW has played in supporting her passion for STEM. “I’m so thankful for the life-changing exposure to STEM fields that AAUW has provided,” Wolfe gushes. “Through Tech Trek and the local AAUW branch, I have met so many professional women in STEM who have inspired me. This conference will hopefully expose even more girls to the incredible STEM world and encourage them to pursue their passions.” For more information and to reserve your space, go to http://www. expandingyourhorizons.org/conferences/AAUWSAINTMARYS/. Registration is open now. AAUW has been empowering women as individuals and as a community since 1881.
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POKER NIGHT FUNDRAISER
Join Meals on Wheels and Senior Outreach Services at their Texas Hold ‘Em Fundraiser. The evening will be held at the Danville Grange located at 732 Diablo Rd. in Danville on Saturday, February 25th from 6-11pm. The cost is $85 per person and includes buy-in, a full BBQ dinner from Andy’s BBQ, and one drink ticket. No poker experience is needed! The event is for ages 21 and up. To purchase tickets visit www.mowsos.org/event/poker or call 925239-2487. Meals on Wheels and Senior Outreach Services are non-profit 501(c) (3) organizations (IRS#68-0044205).
SONS IN RETIREMENT LAMORINDA BRANCH 174
Sons in Retirement is a social organization of retired and semi-retired men who enjoy spending leisure time with friends and activities. Activities are golf, bowling, bocce ball, table pool, travel, fishing, computers & technology, bridge, poker, pinochle, investing, wine tasting, walking, astronomy, stamp collecting, etc. The group meets for lunch at 11AM on the second Wednesday monthly at Holy Trinity Culture Center, 1700 School Street in Moraga. The guest speaker on February 8th will be Supervisor Candace Andersen (Contra Costa County District 2). For attendance and membership info, call Tyler at (925) 284-5561. For additional information, please visit www.branch174.sirinc2.org.
LAFAYETTE HIKING GROUP
For all hikes, bring snacks, water, layered clothing, good walking shoes, and sun protection. Wednesday, February 15 ~Lafayette-Moraga Trail Meet at the parking lot at the corner of Saint Mary’s Road and South Lucille Lane at 9AM. The group will walk the most rural section of the trail from the Lafayette Community Center to the Moraga Commons, with an optional detour on to the Saint Mary’s campus. The hike is on an easy, paved path, and about 5 miles. The leader is Alison Hill. Saturday, February 25 ~Berkeley’s Claremont District Meet in the parking lot out from Lafayette BART’s main entrance at 8:30AM. Carpools are formed to the trailhead. Bring money to contribute toward gas and parking. The group will walk around Berkeley’s beautiful Claremont district, covering the area surrounding the Claremont Hotel and The Uplands. The walk is mostly on paved and level ground, but there are stairways and paths. The hike is an easy to moderate, 4 to 4 ½ miles. The leader is Roxana Yau. For answers to questions, e-mail lafayettehiking@comcast.net.
FREE TAX PREPARATION
Free tax preparation for the 2017 tax season is available starting February 2017 from AARP’s Tax-Aide and United Way’s Earn It, Keep It, Save It (EKS) programs. All tax preparers are trained and certified by the IRS. While both programs serve taxpayers of any age, Tax-Aide does not have an income limit in whom they can serve but EKS can only serve individuals whose incomes do not exceed $50,000. For information or to make an appointment for the Tax-Aide sites serving the Walnut Creek area, please call (925) 943-5851 for the Walnut Creek Senior Center site, (925) 405-6278 for the Walnut Creek Grace Presbyterian Church site, or (925) 979-5013 for the Walnut Creek St. Paul’s Episcopal Church site. For general information and other site locations, call (925) 726-3199. For information on EKS sites, call 2-1-1 or visit www.earnitkeepitsaveit.org. To complete your tax return, Tax-Aide will need you to bring to the appointment your: • Social Security Card or ITIN letter for all individuals to be listed on the return • Photo ID for the taxpayer and spouse, if applicable • Copies of all W-2s • 1098s and 1099s • Other income and deductions • Your 2015 Tax Return
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FEBRUARY 2017 • LAFAYETTE TODAY • PAGE 3
BOULEVARD VIEW
By Alisa Corstorphine, Editor
My friend Angela went in to talk to her daughter’s 4th grade school reading specialist whom she had known for many years. The reading teacher, Jennifer, asked about the book Angela’s daughter was reading, and Angela answered, “The one my mom bought from the library in Cusick (a small town in north east Washington).” The reading teacher responded, “Cusick? I went to Girl Scout camp in Cusick.” Angela responded that she had been a camp counselor at the camp. As the story unraveled, it was found that Angela had been Jennifer’s own camp counselor some 36 years prior! As Angela (whom I met at the same camp) relayed the story to me, I found I knew Jennifer as well as she was one of the campers that traveled with me on a two week covered wagon/horseback trip I helped to lead along logging roads throughout northeast Washington and northwestern Idaho in 1981. While I had been loosely involved in Girl Scouts during my high school years, I thoroughly enjoyed taking part in the “sleep-away camp” experience. With the camp name of “Sierra,” I literally “learned the ropes” of being a counselor during my month-long stay at Deer Lake Camp near Soda Springs, California. Sleeping in a hand-lashed tree-bed under the stars was a great way to spend my summer making friends, cooking over a fire, earning my lifesaving certificate, hiking, sailing, rock climbing, and learning silly camp songs that I can recite to this day. I often say it was the best job I ever had. Through my long-term project of scanning the majority of my photographs, I searched for and found a set of pictures of Jennifer as a young woman and of our wagon trip adventure at Kings Lake Camp near Cusick, Washington, where I had met her. With the power of internet and email, I was able to share the photos with her, reignite memories from the wonderful journey, and rekindle a connection. Upon seeing the pictures, Jennifer wrote me, “What a flood of emotion. I can hardly believe I am seeing these
pictures that have almost been forgotten to my visual memory but engrained on my heart. I recently read Wild by Cheryl Strange. She hiked the Pacific Crest Trail. They talked a lot about the Sierras, so I have been thinking of you lately; how AMAZING for me to find you!” What struck me was that after all the years had passed was that both Angela and I had struck a chord and made lifelong impressions on Jennifer even though our interactions had involved just a couple weeks of her youth. Jennifer remembered the Winnie the Pooh parties that Angela led, and a moment her horse balked going up a steep hill as she and I searched for a wayward horse. It was heartwarming to hear that our leadership as counselors made a difference. As we sit under rainy skies, it is time to think forward to the long, warm, days of summer. If you have the chance to send your kids to a get-dirty, hands-on camp away from technology, do. For those of us adults who still long for the camp experience a few programs have cropped up to recreate the experience for us as well. While I have no connection with them, Camp No Counselors (www.campnocounselors.com) which offers sports, crafts, and a host of other “classic camp activities” might just be on the bucket-list this summer!
FREE ADMISSION
h 5t nual An
ALL FREE! Bring the entire family.
Upcoming Cooking Classes at
Find out about Camps, Day Care, Preschool, Sports, Scouts, Enrichment, Performing Arts, S.T.E.M. & S.T.E.A.M. programs, Tutoring and much more Schools for all ages & subjects
Don’t miss the Biggest Camp & School Fairs of the season
DUBLIN
Sat. Feb. 25, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Saturday February 4 noon - 2 ~ Frying without Oil Enjoy fried food without the added fat… Our COSO Representative will be here to show you how. Lunch on chicken, kale chips, fries and more! $10/person th
pm
The Timid Cook three class series Designed for the timid or first time cooks, these classes will inspire you to cook for yourself, friends, and family all year long. We’ll start by learning knife skills which are essential for anyone who aspires to be a success in the kitchen. February 16th – Knife skills – Mince, Chop, Julienne – chicken three ways February 23rd – Pasta and rice – Foolproof cooking with an international flair March 2nd – Vegetables and grains – Roasting, Steaming, Blanching, Sautéing $65/class or $55/class when signing up for all three.
www.TriValleyCampFair.com
FREE ROBOTICS, CODING
LAFAYETTE
Sun. Feb. 26, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
WORKSHOPS
Acalanes High School - 1200 Pleasant Hill Road 1/2 mile off Hwy. 24 near I-680
www.ContraCostaCampFair.com
FREE
Goody Bag to first 200 families
Call today to reserve your seat!
Free Raffle at Camp Fair MAGAZINE
Alamo Ace Hardware |3211 Danville Blvd., Alamo | 925-837-2420 www.AlamoHardware.com
Register today for Exhibitor Space www.ContraCostaCampFair.com
1 Free Raffle Ticket for each canned good donation
Free Camps, Great Prizes www.ContraCostaCampFair.com
Produced by (925) 408-4014 jay@BayAreaFamilyFest.com
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PAGE 4 • LAFAYETTE TODAY • FEBRUARY 2017
HOST FAMILIES SOUGHT FOR TWO WEEK STAY BY VISITING FRENCH STUDENTS
For the twelfth consecutive year, students from a large high school in the south of France are coming to the Bay Area. Every visit by the students has been better than the last. The students will arrive on April 1st and depart April 16th. The teens stay with local families and have a full itinerary of activities during the days and only require your attention in the evenings and weekend. The visit is an ideal opportunity to experience another culture and hopefully consider visiting France in return. Anyone interested in hosting a student (or students!) is welcome to participate. For more information or to find out about past year’s programs, please contact Martine Causse (teacher in charge of the group), at dachary.martine@orange.fr. There are many happy local host families ready to discuss any questions with you (including the editor of this paper!). The local contact is Kevin Dimler, who can be reached at kevindimler@gmail.com or (925)718-5052.
AAUW COMMUNITY SERVICE SCHOLARSHIP AVAILABLE ONLINE
By Lynda Leonard
Applications for American Association of University Women (AAUW) Orinda-Moraga-Lafayette (OML) scholarships are available online at oml-ca. aauw.net. Female Lamorinda seniors graduating from Miramonte, Acalanes, or Campolindo High schools are encouraged to apply. Three scholarships are offered each year to high school girls: one is a $5,000 award and two are for $1,000 each. The deadline to apply is March 7th. Additionally, a fourth scholarship of $5,000 is awarded for graduate work to a senior from Saint Mary’s College. The deadline for that application, also available online, is March 14, 2017. The focus of the application is on community service, and applicants are asked to reflect on their experiences and achievements. It’s exciting to see how these young women live their lives and to learn about their interests, their choices of community service, and their academic achievements. The applicants reflect on what they have learned from their experiences. One girl wrote, “I had entered Girls Who Code believing the most important skills I would learn would be technical skills, but the importance of asking questions and engaging with my students became the defining theme of the club. I learned to adapt my plans and to focus on engaging with the girls.” There are some remarkable young women growing up amongst us, and they are encouraged to continue reaching out, engaging with their community, and leaving their footprint! Scholarship recipients will be recognized at an awards celebration on Sunday, April 23, 2017. AAUW, established in 1881, advances equity for women and girls through advocacy, education, philanthropy and research. It is open to everyone with an Associate Degree or higher and visitors and new members are always welcome. For further information, visit the website at oml-ca.aauw.net.
TOASTMASTERS
Goal Achievers Toastmasters meetings are held every Monday from 7:15 - 8:15pm at Atria Park Lafayette, located at 1545 Pleasant Hill Road. Develop your presentation skills and become the speaker and leader you want to be. The group is open to everyone aged 18 and up. For more information, visit http://goalachievers.toastmastersclubs.org.
Lost Dog!
$50 REWARD If you find him and your name is drawn!
He is very small, so you will have to look hard if you want to find him.
Lafayette Luther is Missing He has become lost in this paper.
Send a letter telling us where you found him, along with your name and address to:
Lost Dog! Lafayette Today, 3000F Danville Blvd #117, Alamo, CA 94507
Joyce Stenson is our winner! Luther was hiding on page 10 last month!
ASSISTANCE LEAGUE WAY SIDE INN
SADDLE UP FOR PIONEER DAYS & WESTERN ROUNDUP
Get in touch with your inner buckaroo by shopping the Pioneer Days & Western Roundup event that will start on Tuesday, February 14. You’ll find “gold in them thar hills” for the entire family. The “young-uns” will give a “whoop and a holler” when they stake out a spread of toys, specifically a herd of plastic horses, to add to their stable. The womenfolk will amble Member volunteer sidekick Cindy Milano sings, “… these boots are made for walkin’!” over to pioneer-fashioned dresses, aprons, and bonnets to spiffy up their wardrobe. Western apparel for all will “rope in” boots, shirts, vests, jackets, hats, belts, and bandannas. You’ll need to find room in your saddlebag for western pictures, a cowhide pillow, and even a horseshoe hat rack for your Stetson! To learn about the hands-on philanthropic programs primarily funded by the Assistance League Way Side Inn Thrift Shop, please visit diablovalley. assistanceleague.org.
VALENTINE’S ALOE TOURS AND “SWEETS WITH YOUR SWEETIE”
The Ruth Bancroft Garden’s Aloe Day Tours, an all-day event focused specifically on the Garden’s dramatic aloe collection, will be held on Saturday, February 11, 10AM - 3PM. The Garden has an unparalleled collection of aloes, including hybrids not found anywhere else in the world. These winter bloomers put on a stunning show with colorful, dramatic flower stalks. You and your sweetie will enjoy a guided tour of the Garden led by curator Brian Kemble, world-renowned aloe expert, then enjoy hot beverages or a mimosa and plate of sweet treats in the Garden’s covered shade house. Be sure to take home the succulent planter on your table as a remembrance of your visit. • Tours with Brian start at 10AM and 12PM and last 60 - 90 minutes followed by your Sweets seating. • Space is limited for this special event, so pre-registration is required. Sign-up online, or members call the office to make your reservation. The event will be held rain or shine. Fee is $50/couple for members and $65/ couple for non-members. The Garden is also open for regular admission visits with self-guided Aloe tours and docent led garden tours at 11AM and 1PM. • Special selection of aloes will be available in the retail nursery • Dish gardens, aloe books, and other garden inspired gifts for your Valentine will be available Regular admission rates are$10/adults; $8/students and seniors 65+; and free for RBG members, children under 12, and members of participating AHS reciprocal gardens. The Ruth Bancroft Garden is located at 1552 Bancroft Road, Walnut Creek. Parking is available at the office entrance. For more information, please visit The Ruth Bancroft Garden or call (925) 944-9352.
BALLET AND BREWS
Tutus and brews meet up at Ballet & Brews, on Wednesday, February 15th from 6 - 8pm, at The Cooperage in Lafayette (32 Lafayette Circle). Join the Lafayette Young Professionals and Diablo Ballet to mix, mingle, and network. Meet some of Diablo Ballet’s dancers and snap a picture in the “selfie station” with ballet props. A percentage of drink sales benefit Diablo Ballet’s PEEK Outreach Program to under-served youth and at-risk teenage girls incarcerated in the Juvenile Justice system. Admission is free with The Cooperage generously donating a portion of food and drink sales to support Diablo Ballet youth outreach efforts. For information, click here or call Diablo Ballet at (925) 943-1775 extension 2.
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FEBRUARY 2017 • LAFAYETTE TODAY • PAGE 5
IN MEMORIAM - RENEE ZEIDAN
Renee Zeidan, co-owner of Nerd4Rent/Lamorinda Technology and longtime Lafayette resident, passed away December 31, 2016. Renee was the beloved wife of Edward Zeidan, mother of three children, and grandmother of three. Renee was a gentle, loving person, who lived for her family and loved to care for and support them in every way. Renee was a volunteer in the schools and at St. Perpetua Church, in Lafayette. There will be a celebration of life, Saturday, February 25th from 3-5pm, at the Lafayette Veterans Memorial, located at 3780 Mt Diablo Blvd, Lafayette. If you’re planning to attend, please RSVP to edward@ lamorindatechnology.com. In lieu of flowers, anyone who wishes is encouraged to donate in memory of Renee Zeidan to The American Cancer Society, or John Muir Medical Center Oncology Department in Walnut Creek.
LAMORINDA SUNRISE ROTARY AIDS IN HOUSING OF FAMILIES IN TRANSITION
Thanks to a helping hand – literally and figuratively – from Lamorinda Sunrise Rotary, a pair of previously chronically homeless families in Contra Costa County now have roofs over their heads. Twenty families are beneficiaries of a new initiative by Contra Costa Interfaith Housing (CCIH). Named Families in Supportive Housing (FISH) and launched last October, the group will continue to place families in transition in subsidized domiciles throughout the county as units and funding become available. Lamorinda Sunrise Rotary, whose partnership with CCIH dates to 2005, decided last fall to “adopt” two units – a house in Pleasant Hill and a condo in Concord – by providing member-donated starter furnishings, everything from beds and furniture to an assortment of kitchenware. Donations came from elsewhere in the community as well. Using their own vehicles, members of the club physically delivered the goods to their destinations and set everything up in advance of occupancy by the incoming families. Club member Tom Guyette, a resident of Lafayette, offered his garage as a makeshift warehouse. As project pointperson, he worked closely with Gloria Bertolozzi, CCIH staffer who oversees volunteer and outreach programs. “Both domiciles are now occupied, and I can tell you how thrilled and grateful the families are to have a place they can call home. We hope that further funding will enable us to expand the program,” she said. A grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Development (HUD) partially underwrote what has been accomplished so far. Playing a major role since the founding of CCIH in 1991 is Lafayette-Orinda Presbyterian Church, which remains an active partner. Lamorinda Sunrise Rotary has been involved with CCIH for a dozen years as programming In preparing to move furnishings donated by Lamorinda Sunrise partners at Garden Park Apartments Rotary into a Pleasant Hill domicile, the delivery team poses in Pleasant Hill. The apartment for a photo op. In back, from left, Kathe Mitchell, Joan Breece, complex houses families, likewise and Hays Englehart. Seated is Tom Guyette who coordinated the previously homeless and facing project with Contra Costa Interfaith Housing. transition challenges. The Rotary club’s inaugural program, which continues to thrive, was to sponsor a Halloween pumpkin-carving day. “It has been a huge success,” said Brad Davis, architect of the program and CCIH liaison for Lamorinda Sunrise Rotary. In addition, the service organization donates Thanksgiving dinners for all resident families and Valentine’s Day festivities for kids. Lamorinda Sunrise Rotary, celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, meets weekly over breakfast, starting at 7AM, at Lafayette Hotel and Spa on Mount Diablo Boulevard. Guests are always welcome.
Classes start in February
ASSISTEENS SHOW ELEMENTARY SCHOOLCHILDREN HOW TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Since 1977, Assisteens, an auxiliary of Assistance League of Diablo Valley, has encouraged teens to volunteer by raising funds that benefit children and seniors in the Contra Costa community. Over the years, Assisteens has expanded its membership to include both girls and boys, as well as high school and middle school students. Meeting students from other local schools, these energetic game changers have developed skills in leadership, organization, and community service while having fun. At a recent regular meeting, Assisteens Auxiliary Liaison Linda Benetar specified that Assisteens activities include hosting two parties, one with gifts from Santa and a springtime event corresponding with homebound seniors and delivering a gift basket to each of them as well as supplying snack packs for receiving center emergency kits. Additionally, Assisteens commit to working at the Assistance League Way Side Inn Thrift Shop, the chapter’s primary fundraiser located in Lafayette, and supporting chapter programs throughout the year. Assisteens are also encouraged to attend the annual National Assisteens Conference where they have the opportunity to meet other teens from across the nation while experiencing life on a college campus. While there, they engage in team building exercises and attend workshops regarding topics such as cyber s a f e t y, p u b l i c speaking, business etiquette, and other leadership building classes. To learn more about Assisteens, please visit dia- Might this party reveler think to himself, “When blovalley.assis- I’m a teenager, I’m going to be a volunteer and tanceleague.org. do nice things for kids.”
PAGE 6 • LAFAYETTE TODAY • FEBRUARY 2017
THE BOOKWORM
By Joan Stevenson
The Lafayette Library welcomes its youngest visitors on Thursday mornings to listen to a storyteller: Book Baby at 10:15AM, Stay and Play at 10:45AM, and Toddler Time at 11:15AM. “In the light of the moon, a little egg lay on a leaf.” So begins Eric Carle’s modern classic, The Very Hungry Caterpillar. According to Amazon, this classic children’s picture book is sold somewhere in the world every 30 seconds, more than 12 million sold, and translated into 20 languages! It is widely recognized that reading aloud to newborns is the single most important activity leading to language. I asked Jane Gebers, Speech and Hearing Specialist, why it is so important. “In a nutshell, the importance of reading to infants and toddlers is all about the sounds of the language. It’s never too early. Infants are eager to replicate the sounds they hear spoken. The syllables or beats to your words and sentences are key for infants and children to process speech. Most children’s books are written with opportunities to do this in meaningfully ways.” And by the way, check out the great selection of children’s books at the Friends Corner Book Shop. Have you heard about “The Great Room Escape”? On Wednesday February 22, there will be two sessions in the Arts & Science room (Session 1: 3:30 PM-4:30PM, Session 2: 4:30PM -5:30PM). You have one hour to escape – Can you do it? Check with Patrick Brogan for the details. Calling all teen poets and photographers. Submit your latest work by February12th and come to the viewing party from 3:30PM – 4:30PM on February 18th to see all of the submissions and to applaud the winners. In February, the Asian Art Museum unveiled Tomb Treasures: New Discoveries from China’s Han Dynasty, an original exhibition of more than 100 dazzling works recently unearthed from the coastal heartland of classical Chinese culture. Don’t miss the WOW lecture on Wednesday, February 8 at 2PM when a docent from the museum will bring us details. This program is brought to the community by the Friends.
SEE BOOKWORM CONTINUED ON PAGE 18
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TOWN HALL WINS AWARDS
Town Hall Theatre of Lafayette received two Shellie Awards for its 2016 production of Tony Kushner’s epic drama Angels in America: Perestroika. Town Hall’s former artistic director Joel Roster received the “Best Director” award for his role in directing the Angels in America production and Jeffrey Draper received the “Best Actor” award for his role as the leading actor in the epic drama. Perestroika is the second part of Tony Kushner’s Pulitzer-winning masterpiece about the AIDS epidemic in America. In 2016, Town Hall previously won four Shellie awards for its production of the first part of the Angels series: Angels in America: Millennium Approaches. During the awards ceremony, a company of ten Town Hall actors and singers, led by Managing Director Dennis Markham, performed the song “There You Are,” from Town Hall’s production of the musical The Mystery of Edwin Drood which ran in September 2015. The Shellies have honored outstanding achievement in the performing arts in Contra Costa County Jeff Draper won the award for Best Actor. for the past 38 years. Town Hall, Photo by Mike Kirwan. which has continuously operated as a theater since 1944, displays some of the Shellies it has won over the years in a showcase in the theatre’s lobby at 3535 School Street in Lafayette. Town Hall’s next production Smokey Joe’s Café, a musical revue featuring the songs of Jerry Stoller and Mike Lieber, begins previews March 2 and opens March 4. Tickets which cost $25 to $32, can be purchased online at www.townhalltheatre.com or by calling the box office at 925-283-1557.
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NO MORE PIZZA (K)NIGHTS FOR THESE GUYS
By Ruth Bailey, Lafayette Historical Society
In February 1967, the word went forth to Lamorinda Land that “members of the secret youth organization known as the Knights are not welcome at the Straw Hat Pizza Parlor in Lafayette.” It wasn’t really news to them. “We’re doing everything we can to keep these types of troublemakers out of here,” Straw Hat Manager John Peden told the Sun Thursday. “A few minor altercations which erupted at the pizza parlor can be directly attributed to the Knights Gang,” Peden pointed out. He said he was personally aware of the identities of five or six of the Knights and had gone as far as contacting their parents. “He said he may even seek a county ordinance to prohibit loitering, especially in and around public places such as his at 3637 Mt. Diablo Blvd. (now the location of Round Table Pizza). Peden said he and his employees have constantly endeavored to keep anyone suspected of Knights affiliation from entering his pizza restaurant. The Sheriff’s department is investigating recent disturbance reports prompted mostly by youths reported to be affiliated with the Knights.” “The pizza parlor manager pointed out he may be being victimized because of the apparent attitude of boys belonging to the Knights. He said he is aware of an alleged feud continuing between members of the Knights and Saint Mary’s College students.” “The manager said even when the Knights and their associates sit outside his business, they create trouble for him and the surrounding businesses by leaving beer cans and bottles and other debris in the parking lot.” “Meanwhile, officials at an area high school where most of the Knights allegedly attend were reportedly trying to ‘break up’ the secret youth group this week. One Knight, who refused to be identified, said Knights were being asked to turn in their black leather jackets and advised to disband.” The same issue of the Sun had more news of troubled youth [or ‘yout,’ as Archie Bunker would say].” “Sheriffs deputies continue their search today for a 17-year-old Lafayette boy wanted for probation violation and possession of narcotics. The youth, who was being taken to juvy hall by his probation officer, escaped after walking out of Acalanes High School.” “Officers noted the youth was suspected of using marijuana. The boy’s father said he returned home to find his son and a 15-year-old companion ‘acting strangely.’” The father said he searched the boy’s bedroom the next day and found a matchbox with suspicious contents. He took the contents to the Walnut Creek police department, where it was identified as marijuana. “Probation Officer Blaine Johnson contacted the youth at Acalanes High School, and the youth allegedly admitted to smoking the marijuana. He told officers he purchased the marijuana from two unidentified male adults in the Telegraph Avenue area of Berkeley.” “The youth was informed that use of the marijuana would violate his probation, and he walked outside the school with the probation officer, but bolted. The officer was unable to catch the boy. Deputies said they were also unable to locate the suspect.” And there's more! Headlined “Girls’ Skirts Go Up, Boys’ Hair Down,” this chilling subject, suburban youth, appeared in the same issue of the Sun. Grease is the word! “Are you concerned because your daughter’s mini-skirts have been moving steadily higher and higher, even as the hair on your son’s head creeps closer and closer to his shoulders? What causes these phenomena? “Could it be that youth are fighting to be recognized for what they are? Are these fads a play for recognition? Is youth crying out, ‘Don't copy us! Let us be! We’re young. We want to use our own sense of beauty—our own judgment.’” “These are some of the questions and observations of John James, Lafayette Youth Council staff worker, who is currently conducting a class called ‘Youth in Suburbia.’ For six weeks, the unique difficulties of growing up will be examined—including concerns about school, sex, drugs, alcohol, prejudice, motivation, and the effect of adult behavior on young people’s thinking and attitudes. Special consideration will be given to the ‘need for being in’ and the pressures involved.”
FEBRUARY 2017 • LAFAYETTE TODAY • PAGE 7
2017 READY OR NOT By Erin Martin
First, I want to thank you all for your emails and calls about the loss of Ben Miller. I will pass on your kind words to his family. He will not be forgotten by our community. On January 20, I flew to Washington DC to participate in the Woman’s March. I wanted to show solidarity with the millions of other people concerned about woman’s rights, immigration, climate change, health care, and LBGTQ rights. Many of you may be thinking, “What does this have to do with Lafayette real estate?” When we think about real estate in Lafayette, we consider it an investment. Our schools, climate, and families are what make us great and our homes valuable. I plan to continue to find ways to make sure our public schools stay strong, climate research continues, and equal rights for everyone are protected. The new year brings anticipation on how the 2017 real estate market will shake out in Lafayette. With a change in presidents, climbing interest rates, and crazy unusual rain, buyers are wondering if the market will finally slow down so they can jump in. Despite how hot the Lafayette market has been for the last several years, I believe many buyers have stayed on the sidelines waiting to time the market right so they can get a good deal. We all remember the downturn and the buyers’ market from 2008 to 2011, and many buyers believe that we are due for a correction in the near future. While buyers and sellers are trying to time the market right, it is essential to remember that real estate is an investment. But, for most families looking to buy in Lafayette it is a decision that involves the heart. People are looking to find a place to call home and raise their families. Lafayette has the whole package when it comes to weather, schools, shopping, accessibility to BART, and safety. Our small town is a breath of fresh air to those who have been priced out of the South and North Bay Areas. We may be due for some sort of correction or decrease in yearly growth, but as I sat at my first open house of the year, there was no question that rain or shine, buyers are looking in Lafayette. If you are thinking about delaying putting your home on the market because of the rain, go check out some open homes so you can get a good sense of how many buyers are out looking. If you are thinking about selling, you should definitely be looking under your house to make sure it is dry. This intense rain is testing the best of drainage systems. Every year I think my husband is being a little too type A when he meticulously cleans our drains and gutters, but this year I am thankful for his hard work. Email me if you need resources for drainage or gutter repair, or if you are concerned about new movement, cracking, or settlement in your home. The sooner you get it checked out, the better. Even if you are not thinking of selling, excessive moisture under your home can lead to odors, rotted framing, pests, foundation movement, and mold. NEW YEAR As a wrap up, 2016 stats are in. According to • CARPET Contra Costa Association of Realtors, the number NEW FLOORS! of new single family home listings in 2016 was • HARDWOOD down 15.2% from 2015. The average home • CARPET RUGS sale price was down 1.6% from $1,530,847 to CUSTOM RUGS $1,506,811. I believe the change, although small, • HARDWOOD can be attributed to buyers waiting to see how the • RUGS LINOLEUM election played out and anticipating a correction TILE to come. The most shocking numbers come from • LINOLEUM townhome, condo, and attached home sales. Inventory increased by 300%. The average sales price is Family Owned Business up 27.5% to $987,639. There obviously is a demand Since 1989 in Lafayette for all the higher density construction. 2017 is going to be another great year for real 3344 Mt. Diablo Blvd. Lafayette, CA estate in Lafayette. Please feel free to email me 925.284.4440 at erin@erinmartinhomes.com with your real estate questions, or call for a free home evalua- www.LamorindaFloors.com License# 708486 Advertorial tion (925) 951-3817.
PAGE 8 • LAFAYETTE TODAY • FEBRUARY 2017
ALAMO- LAFAYETTE CEMETERY DISTRICT
By Supervisor Candace Andersen Contra Costa County, District 2
People are often surprised to learn that I like cemeteries. Not only are they a peaceful place for surviving friends and family members to honor and reflect upon the life of a deceased loved one, but they also provide an interesting glimpse into the history of our communities. The California Legislature authorized the creation of public cemetery districts in 1909. At that time, public cemetery districts assumed the responsibility for ownership, improvement, expansion, and the operation of many cemeteries within their given boundaries. Public cemetery services in Contra Costa County are provided by the Alamo-Lafayette Cemetery District and the Byron-Brentwood-Knightsen Union Cemetery District. These are independent special districts responsible for operating, maintaining, improving, and expanding the cemeteries within their district bounds. They are governed by an appointed Board of Trustees and supported by tax dollars. Approximately .06% of 1% of each property tax dollar goes to the district. Property taxes make up approximately 65% of total revenues received by the district. The rest comes from donations and fees for services rendered. My district, Contra Costa County District 2, is home to the Alamo-Lafayette Cemetery District. It was formed into a California Special District in 1937 and operates and maintains two cemeteries, the Alamo Cemetery located at 130 El Portal in Danville and the Lafayette Cemetery at 3285 Mt. Diablo Blvd in Lafayette. Both were cemeteries established by pioneer families. The Lafayette Cemetery’s first burial was 1854 and the Alamo Cemetery’s was 1856. Only a person living in the tax district may be buried in these cemeteries, and remaining spaces are limited. In special cases, the law does allow an exception to the residence stipulation, and persons who are related to but who do not reside in or pay property taxes within the district may be buried in the district’s cemeteries. In this case a Non-Residents Fee is charged in addition
CHO CONTINUED FROM FRONT PAGE
www.yourmonthlypaper.com to cemetery charges. Non-residents eligible for interment are described in California Health and Safety Code §9061, and they include former residents, current and former taxpayers, family members of residents and former residents, family members of those already buried in the cemetery, those without other cemetery alternatives within 15 miles of their residence, and those who died while serving in the military. The boundaries of Alamo-Lafayette Cemetery District include portions of various incorporated areas, including the southwestern portion of the City of Walnut Creek, the majority of the City of Lafayette and the Town of Danville, the eastern portion of the City of San Ramon, and the unincorporated communities of Alamo, Blackhawk, Diablo, and a portion of the unincorporated community of Walden (an area of Contra Costa Centre north of Walnut Creek). The District has a boundary area of approximately 84 square miles and serves a population of approximately 162,700. The County Board of Supervisors appoints the Board of Trustees that govern the cemetery districts for a fixed four-year term. The Alamo-Lafayette District has three Trustees who oversee the maintenance and operation of the District: Nancy J. Flood, Carolyn Thiessen, and Mary McCosker. More information about the board, their meetings, and the two cemeteries can be found at www. alamolafayettecemetery.org. Both cemeteries are open from sunup to sundown every day of the year. Wandering through the cemeteries is a great way to connect with the history of the Lamorinda and San Ramon Valley communities. Many families, whose names now appear on streets, schools, and civic buildings, are buried there. Each spring and fall the Museum of the San Ramon Valley offers guided tours of the Alamo cemetery. More information about these tours can be found at www.museumsrv. org. The Lafayette Historical Society also offers tours of the Lafayette cemetery, and they have on their website, www.lafayettehistory.org, a video tour as well. My office is here to serve 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.
and thankful for their son’s care, that Ellen sought a long term volunteer commitment to CHO in order to demonstrate her appreciation. That’s when she discovered Children’s Hospital Branches, CHO’s twelve fundraising groups spread throughout the Bay Area. Together, the Branches raise a million dollars annually to provide both seed money for new programs and ongoing support for every department and division at the hospital including Family House, the Parent-Infant program, Katie’s Clinic for Rett syndrome, the neonatal intensive care unit, and the Art for Life program. CHO was founded in 1912 by Bertha Wright and Mabel Weed, who saw the need for quality medical care for all babies. Their mission was that no child ever be turned away because of a family’s inability to pay. The Branches were formed 90 years ago in an effort to help the two women fulfill that mission. Ellen joined the Lafayette/Orinda/Moraga based Lombardy Branch where many members also have had personal experiences with the hospital and, in many cases, established a family legacy of service. Susan Candell of Lafayette has been a Lombardy member for 15 years, following in the footsteps of her mother who was a 35+ year member. “CHO is the only hospital that my children have ever been treated in, as their expertise and equipment is unmatched as compared to our local 'adult' hospitals,” says Candell, who hopes to match her mom’s years of service. Each of the twelve branches holds an annual fundraising event. Lombardy, established in 1964, originally hosted a garden party; members transitioned several years ago to an annual fashion show. Past fashion show clothing partners have included Trina Turk and Kate Spade. This year’s event (March 9, 6 – 10pm, Orinda Country Club) features Vineyard Vines with its Martha’s Vineyard-inspired prep-wear and accessories for the entire family. Guests will be able to shop at a special pop-up store at the event from which Vineyard Vines will donate 20% of all proceeds to CHO. For the first time last year, CHO doctors and patients participated as models. This year, patients will once again take part, as will Dr. Burt Lubin, CHO’s Associate Dean of Children's Health. "I'm really looking forward to being part of the show, wearing Vineyard Vines, and having a great time with our patients,” says Lubin. "We're so grateful to the Lombardy Branch and its volunteers who tirelessly support our mission with wonderful events like this fashion show.” In addition to the fun of participating in the annual fundraiser, Lombardy Branch members enjoy the camaraderie of like-minded members who strive to give back to kids in need. “Participation in Lombardy provides a social connection to Lamorinda area women you might not otherwise meet,” says Ellen. “I’ve met really interesting women – lawyers, doctors, grandmas, moms – and I especially love the senior members who have such a rich local history. “Parents, like me, who have needed Children’s know how valuable it is,” continues Ellen. “As Lombardy Branch members, we want everyone to know that in addition to its well-known emergency room services, CHO offers the best care in the world.” Tickets for the Lombardy Branch March 9 fashion show fundraiser are still available. To purchase, visit www.lombardybranch.org.
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FEBRUARY 2017 • LAFAYETTE TODAY • PAGE 9
WALKING THE RESERVOIR
By Jim Scala
Bird Sanctuary. The Golden Gate Audubon Society turns 100 in 2017 and has done the Oakland Christmas bird count for 76 years. Lafayette Reservoir is an important bird census site, and over 70 species were cataloged during this census by society members George Griffith and Johan Langewis. While the species number is typical for the reservoir, the entire Bay Area census of 175 was down from the previous two years. However, the most important observation was that the actual number of birds in each species count was lower in every case. State wildlife and Audubon Society experts said the decline in bird numbers is the result of our prolonged, devastating drought. However, the drought now appears to be over, and the reservoir is full. Of all our wildlife, birds are affected most by drought because they lose food sources and specific nutrients needed for their reproduction. We’re all hoping the white egrets will return this year to the far end reeds. Grey Foxes. A decline in grey foxes prompted a study by UC Davis and State Fish and Game veterinarians. They determined that a measles-related virus is the culprit, and it’s especially deadly to grey fox pups. The experts said there’s nothing we can do. Humans are immune. I recently found one dead grey fox pup, and before the vultures finished, I took his beautiful tail. It will always brighten my day and remind me of his beauty. I hope it’s the only one we find. Foxes are most easily seen where the Westview and Rim Trails intersect. Seniors, eggs, and res-walking. A serious report stating that eating eggs has very positive effects on health appeared in a major nutrition journal. Seniors who eat an egg regularly had reduced stroke risk. Admonitions about cholesterol were wrong. Add those findings to research that regular walking reduces the risk of breast cancer in women and colon cancer in everyone. These findings are especially cogent for the Lafayette’s Senior Center walking program that meets at the dam’s center bench and starts at 9:30AM three times weekly. It satisfies the recommendation of 150 minutes of moderate exercise weekly. This research says that a good way to start the day is to have an egg for breakfast and walk the reservoir. A cup of coffee before a walk induces the body to burn a little more fat. I still can’t explain that finding, but it seems worth doing. Lafayette’s business person of the year. In December 2015, I walked with Brenda, owner of Papillon, Fiesta Square’s coffee shop, and Jill, author of Remember to Remember, a book telling about Brenda’s life in a Cambodian prison camp. My article appeared here in January 2016. On January 27, 2017, the Lafayette Chamber of Commerce honored Brenda as business person of 2016. Some outstanding people grace our fine res-walk. Jill’s book is a good read, and Brenda will autograph it. Cormorants and fish stocking on Thursdays. Between 10AM and 11AM on most Thursday mornings, a truck backs down onto the dam apron and releases fish into the reservoir. Pelicans and cormorants are already there waiting for the process to start. How do these birds know it’s Thursday and 10:30AM? An apple a day keeps the doctor away. I recently spoke to a local Sons in Retirement group on Folk Wisdom, or Old Wives tales, and this one about apples is a classic. A res-walking colleague said, “I think those tales are mostly bunk.” I couldn’t let that pass, so I explained why this one applies even today. This tale originated in England during the 17th century. Over centuries, women noticed that those who ate apples were far less likely to get the wasting disease unique to women. In modern medical terminology, that’s breast and ovarian cancer. Modern medical research showed that the risk of those cancers is higher when the by-products of estrogen metabolism aren’t eliminated completely. They’re secreted via the bile duct into the small intestine, and if the right dietary fiber isn’t available to bind and eliminate them, they’re reabsorbed to do their dirty work. Apple pectin is the best fiber to eliminate those estrogen metabolites. Hence, woman of any age will do well by eating an apple a day. No doubt, that habit will reduce the risk. Next month I’ll explain how and why folk wisdom created the advice that every child needs the January sun. Let me hear from you at jscala2@comcast.net.
CALL FOR ENTRIES FOR HIGH SCHOOL VISUAL ARTS COMPETITION
The Lamorinda Arts Council (LAC) will host their 14th Annual High School Visual Arts Competition from February 28th to March 30th at the Orinda Library Art Gallery. This annual exhibition provides the community a wonderful opportunity to view a wide range of creative, original work by local students and recognizes the region’s dedicated high school art teachers. Entries for the High School Visual Arts Competition will be accepted through February 24th. The competition is open to 9th through 12th grade students living in or attending public or private high schools in Orinda, Lafayette, and Moraga. The competition is also open to all students who attend the Acalanes Union High School District schools, including Acalanes, Campolindo, Las Lomas, and Miramonte High Schools, regardless of residence. Students may submit entries for 2D and 3D artwork as well as for Photography and Digital Design. LAC offers community service hours for the project with school or district approval. The online registration form for entry closes at midnight on February 24th. The registration form as well as the full details of the competition can be found at www.lamorindaarts.org/vac. Competition award winners will be announced during a free, public reception on Wednesday, March 8th, from 7 to 8:30pm, at the Orinda Library Art Gallery. A panel of arts professionals and educators will select prize and award winners. Founded in 1950 as the Orinda Arts Council, the now Lamorinda Arts Council (LAC) is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization that has been igniting and sustaining artistic expression and appreciation in the visual, performing and literary arts for people of all ages in our community for over 65 years. Notable LAC events and programs include Lamorinda Idol, the High School Visual Arts Competition, Lamorinda ShortDocs Film Fest, Art in Public Places, Orinda Library Gallery, school musical funding, and live performances at the annual Moraga Pear and Wine Festival. For more information, visit www.lamorindaarts.org.
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PAGE 10 • LAFAYETTE TODAY • FEBRUARY 2017
SUSTAINABLE LAFAYETTE TIP OF THE MONTH
RETHINKING THAT ROMANTIC VALENTINE’S BOUQUET
If you want to honor your eco-sweetheart on February 14, stay away from the cut flowers at the supermarket or warehouse store. Yes, you will get a bigger bouquet of flowers, but you also buy an assortment of environmental no-no’s that just might diminish the wholesome sentiment. Here are some of the reasons to shop either at a local Farmer’s Market or perhaps to plan a romantic excursion to a flower farm in Sonoma County or the Sierra foothills. Shipping flowers from overseas to the US incurs huge transportation, energy, refrigeration, and storage costs, and thus creates an enormous carbon footprint. Foreign floral materials may carry residue of chemical pesticides or fungicides (Almost 80% of fresh flowers sold in the United States are grown in Colombia, Ecuador, Mexico, the Netherlands, and Israel). Perhaps the strongest environmental argument against imported flowers is the widespread use of toxic chemicals used to boost plant productivity. Obviously, demand for flowers ebbs and flows; demand is at its peak on holidays such as Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day. Many foreign growers douse their flowers with a toxic cocktail of fungicides, insecticides, and herbicides to keep disease and pests at bay. Twenty percent of those chemicals are restricted in the US or Europe, according to a 2007 study, and unprotected workers end up with an array of health effects, ranging from respiratory distress, to higher rates of miscarriage, to neurological impairment. Meanwhile, local farmers who are members of the Association of Specialty Cut Flower Growers (ascfg.org) strive to produce their flowers using responsible farming methods such as integrated pest management, diverse cropping systems, and low-input fertilization programs. Their farms encourage important biodiversity, soil health, and water conservation. There is a search feature on the ASCFG website, so you can check out the closest facilities. Locally-grown flowers can be cut in the morning and on your dining room table that evening. Imported flowers often are cut a week or more before they arrive here, so quality and vase life decline. Many commodity-type flowers have been bred for uniformity to fit into a box and the stem strength to hold up in that box for long-distance travel, usually losing their natural fragrance in the process. The production and sale of locally-grown cut flowers contribute to a community’s economy, and provides employment and valuable agriculture experience to young people. If you are determined to buy that big bouquet in a supermarket or discount store, at least read the label. In 1996, Colombia set up a “Florverde” (Greenflower) brand with high environmental and social (worker benefits) standards. Twenty percent of Colombia’s U.S.-bound blooms, available at many of the big chains, are Florverde-certified, meaning stringent standards are verified by annual independent inspections. Similar “Sustainable-,” “Fair Trade-,” and “Organic-” branded bouquets are increasingly available at mega-retailers and florists in the U.S., although international “organic” brands often have laxer guidelines than those in the U.S., authorizing less, but not zero, pesticide use. Visit SustainableLafayette.org for more information about transforming your home and community into more sustainable places with enhanced quality of life. “Like” us on Facebook! COMPUTER SERVICES, IT DESIGN & IMPLEMENTATION, IT INFRASTRUCTURE MANAGEMENT
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WHAT’S UP?
MT. DIABLO ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY (MDAS) By Jim Scala
Mt. Diablo on March 4 . You’re in for a treat on Saturday, March 4th atop Mt Diablo, viewing stars and planets through telescopes. Arrive by 5:30PM or earlier which is better. Your evening will start with a short talk on the objects you will observe. You will be rewarded with a splendid evening observing lunar craters, stars, planets, nebula, and double stars. This will be an excellent experience for everyone, especially children. Three interesting planets. Venus, Earth’s twin, dominates the sky during twilight. Through telescopes it will appear like a small Moon about half full. Look carefully and you’re sure to see markings in Venus’s clouds. Not far in the sky from Venus are two other planets, Mars and Uranus. If you look carefully through a large telescope, you can see Mars’s polar cap. Uranus appears as a small greenish disk in the eyepiece. You’ll learn that Venus is only 26 million miles from Earth, while Mars is over 65 million, and Uranus is many more millions away. But they’re all in our solar system and illustrate its vastness. Comet Enke is a possibility. Generally difficult to observe, Enke should be visible in the larger telescopes as a hazy patch of light. You will be observing a solar system comet that few people ever get to see, and it’s not visible without a telescope. The Moon is spectacular. Observing the moon through a telescope with its spectacular craters brings observational astronomy to life. Several telescopes will be focused on outstanding craters. Deep sky objects are plentiful. The Orion nebula, where stars are being born, will appear bright and colorful, and take up most of the view in the eyepiece. Our solar system started in a nebula like Orion. There are several excellent globular star clusters. If our sun were in a cluster, the night sky would be bright with stars. You can get a look at the Andromeda Galaxy, our Galaxy’s twin, and several others will be visible. Your astronomical evening will only end when you are tired, ready to call in a night, or the MDAS leaders decide it’s time. You’ll never forget what you see and be sure to attend again. Attend the MDAS Monthly meeting on February 28th. At the meeting, an astronomer will discuss Supernovas and exploding stars, starting at 7:15PM in the Lindsay Wildlife Museum, located at 1931 1st Ave., Walnut Creek. For any questions, please contact me at jscala2@comcast.net. th
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NATIONAL DRINK WINE DAY
FEBRUARY 2017 • LAFAYETTE TODAY • PAGE 11
By Monica Chappell
Happy National Drink Wine Day, where it’s wine o’clock all day. We can be thankful that National Drink Wine Day, observed on February 18th, is not the only official wine day of the year. Perhaps this day is just a reminder to enjoy a glass of wine. So, how will you celebrate: with red, white, or rosé? Perhaps an ice wine? Two Buck Chuck? No judgment here. How to Observe: Why not celebrate by visiting a winery or attending a wine tasting? Use #NationalDrinkWineDay to post to social media. There’s a lot of event information available, so check out Facebook at facebook.com/drinkwineday and Twitter twitter. com/drinkwineday. History: Tannins, varietals, and barrel-age aside, one thing’s for sure: Americans love wine. The purpose of National Drink Wine Day is to spread the love and health benefits of wine. Wine has played an important role in health, history, and religion. Wine does have its benefits, after all. Moderate drinkers of wine have lower risks of certain kinds of cancers, heart attack, and stroke. It can also reduce the bad cholesterol (LDL) and increase the good (HDL). More: While February 18 is observed annually as National Drink Wine Day, it would be a shame to only celebrate one day a year. There are at least 14 other days where wine is “official business.” Monica Chappell teaches and writes about wine. You can reach her at wineappreciation101@gmail.com.
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CINEMA CLASSICS
HOW TO STEAL A MILLION By Peggy Horn
This month’s Cinema Classic is a movie from 1966 entitled, How to Steal a Million, starring Audrey Hepburn, Peter O’ Toole, Eli Wallach, and Hugh Griffith. Directed by William Wyler, it was filmed in France in English. This delightful movie features Audrey Hepburn playing the role of Nicole Bonnet, the daughter of a well-known art collector who just happens to be an art forger, Monsieur Charles Bonnet, played by Hugh Griffith. The film opens with the sale of one of Mr. Bonnet’s forged paintings which is met with the disapproval of Nicole. In addition, Mr. Bonnet has loaned a sculpture, also a fake, forged by his father to a museum, and museum personnel have come to pick up the sculpture also in the beginning scenes. Monsieur Bonnet and Nicole quickly discover that an expert at detecting forgeries is to give the sculpture a battery of tests in order to insure it – after they have signed the paperwork authorizing the testing. Luckily Nicole has made the acquaintance of a burglar, Simon Dermott, played by Peter O’Toole, to help her steal the statue. The movie deals with the mind of a forger and even mentions Han van Meegeren who was a genuine forger during World War II. His specialty was the great Dutch artist Vermeer. Clever dialogue that is funny and sophisticated makes this movie so entertaining. In the midst of all the goings-on comes Eli Wallach, playing the part of art collector, Davis Leland, who becomes very useful when a buyer is sought for the statue. It is also amusing to see the wonderful Givenchy fashions worn by Miss Hepburn. The movie has just enough fantasy to make it a work of fiction, yet it is real enough to be believable. This movie is one of my favorites.
MUSICAL NOTES
The movie, taking place in Paris, puts the viewer in a French mood. The music I recommend is “Suite L’Arlesienne,” by Georges Bizet. It was first performed as an accompaniment to a play in 1872. My husband and I and our two children lived six years in France, and I home schooled my youngest son during his third grade. We were living aboard a 107 foot Dutch canal barge at the time which enabled me to take advantage of an excellent program specifically designed for people living aboard boats. It was meant for itinerant parties, but we were not prevented from participation because we were stationary. My son’s third grade curriculum was French, English, Algebra, History, Art, Music, and Computer Science. For music we studied different portions of “Suite L’Alesienne.”
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PAGE 12 • LAFAYETTE TODAY • FEBRUARY 2017
SOLAR CURRENTS
FORWARD, OR BACKWARD? By Mark Becker, GoSimple Solar
As we move into the next four years of our new President’s term, there are both nervous and cautiously optimistic energy leaders around our nation and our world. Alternative energy has proven to be a non-partisan issue, and citizens throughout the political spectrum hope that the clean energy revolution will continue on its current path. In terms of energy production, the world IS changing. Having multiple options of energy providers in the free marketplace will always be good for consumers, good for job growth, good for our economy, and especially good for domestic security. Sourcing energy domestically, from all energy sources, reduces the negative petro-politics associated with imported oil. American sourced energy is homeland security.
2016 SOLAR MILESTONES
Solar projects in California now number over 500,000. Solar growth in PGE territory in 2016 outpaced all other years. Reason: Electric costs keep rising, and the installation cost of solar PV, although mostly stabilized, continues to slowly decline. These elements make for a greater return on investment (ROI) on solar PV. There’s plenty of room left for solar growth in our utility grid. Solar PV generates just 5% of all energy production in PGE territory. California Net Metering 2.0 has become active: A big win for the solar consumer, Net Metering 2.0 allows a solar customer to continue to arbitrage utility rates, at PGE costs, for the next 20 years. PGE lost the battle to excessively limit payments to solar customers for the excess energy we generate. Solar PV reduces the amount of electricity PGE has to generate, and PGE, through Net Metering, is allowed to resell this excess electricity generated by solar. Properly managed, the solar and utility relationship is a win-win for both the utility and the electric ratepayer. Energy storage is gaining traction: Energy storage (traditionally batteries) can serve different purposes. It can be used as an emergency back-up power source
BERKELEY ART MUSEUM PACIFIC FILM ARCHIVE By Linda Summers-Pirkle
As a high school student in the late 60’s and early 70’s in the Bay Area, my classmates and I were able to take advantage of many renowned exhibits and shows with some amazing field trips. We carpooled to the screening of Franco Zeffirelli’s Romeo and Juliet in San Francisco, and we saw Shakespeare’s Hamlet starring Dame Judith Anderson (1898-1992) at the Geary (American Conservatory Theater). Another memorable school trip was to the legendary dancer Anna Halprin’s Parades and Changes at the newly opened Berkeley Museum of Art. The show debuted in New York in 1967, and Clive Barnes of the New York Times in a review wrote, “I mean they remove every last stitch of clothing, and boys and girls together are as rip-roaring naked as berries…fantastic shapes evolve, paper sculptures mingling fascinatingly with nude bodies. The result is not only beautiful but somehow liberating as well.” I was surprised the dancers removed all their clothing during the show, but I remember at the age of 17 I was mostly surprised that “old” dancers who were in their 30’s and (gasp) 40’s removed their clothing! The original Berkeley Museum of Art closed because of structural damage.
A nice perch to have some coffee or snacks at the Museum is in the window seat of the café Babette.
www.yourmonthlypaper.com for critical equipment such as medical devices, or it can be programmed to “Peak Shave” (reduce) high cost power import from PGE at certain times of the day with or without an accompanying solar PV system. Indeed, if your home or business is severely shaded, or your business simply needs to reduce the dreaded PGE “Demand Charges,” these simple devices may provide you with some very good ROI. The Federal Tax Credit for solar PV, which was due to expire on January 1st, was extended for another five years through a bipartisan effort in Congress. This tax credit from the federal government covers 30% of the cost of a solar PV system, as well as any associated roofing costs that are borne when installing solar PV. Employment: Over 40,000 new jobs were added to the solar and energy efficiency sector. Many of these jobs were filled by returning military veterans. From an economic growth potential, the number of jobs in the clean energy sector can easily replace the total number of current jobs in the coal industry. More than 50% of all new electric generation in the United States was provided by alternative energy, mostly from solar and wind energy sources. PGE Electric Rate Restructuring: In 2016, PGE, with approval from the California Public Utility Commission (CPUC), essentially re-wrote how electric ratepayers will be charged for their electricity for years to come. Increased electric costs in the late afternoon serve to de-incentivize (reduce) electric use and incentivizes solar PV deployment. With Net Metering, these increased afternoon electric costs increase the value of a solar PV system by providing higher credits to the solar customer who exports power to the grid at these times. PGE can rely on and re-sell this electricity to make up for any shortfalls in electric production, especially during high electric use summer days. By 2019, every rate-payer will be moved to a “Time of Use” rate, further advantaging the grid and those who have solar PV installed. Mark Becker is the President and business owner of GoSimpleSolar, by Semper Fidelis Construction Inc, CSLB 948715. GoSimpleSolar is one of the very few solar PV installers utilizing both licensed roofers and licensed electricians for installation work, project managed by a solar PV NABCEP professional. For more information, call us at 925-331-8011, visit www.GoSimpleSolar.com, or come by our showroom at 115 West Linda Mesa Avenue, Danville. Advertorial My youngest daughter and I recently visited the relocated Berkeley Art Museum-Pacific Film Archive Museum (BAMPFA) which opened last year. The new museum is a gleaming silver structure designed by Diller, Scofidio & Renfro. “Hippie Modernism, the Struggle for Utopia” is opening on February 8 at the Berkeley Museum of Art and Pacific Archive. It is the first comprehensive exploration of the counterculture of the 1960’s and 1970’s and its impact on global art, architecture, and design. The presentation highlights the key role the Bay Area, and especially Berkeley, played in the art, architecture, and design of the counterculture movement. The Pacific Film Archive will explore cinema and counterculture with documentaries, fiction, and experimental cinema with a series called “Hippie Modernism Cinema and Counterculture 1964-1974.” If you are interested in film that led up to the counter culture days, there are two interesting series coming up at the BAMPFA. One is called “On Dangerous Ground: The Cinema of Nicholas Ray” which explores Ray’s post World War II noir masterpieces with such films as Rebel Without a Cause (1955) and The Lusty Men with Robert Mitchum (1952). Additionally, film historian David Thomson will offer a seven-week lecture/screening series “In Focus, Hollywood Outsiders.” Two of the films in this series are Hitchcock’s Vertigo (1958) and Billy Wilder’s Some Like It Hot (1959). The museum installation “Buddhist Art from the Roof of the World” (through June 11) is located on the lower level. The focal point is a gorgeous 14th century Buddha Shakyumuni bronze sculpture from Tibet. Check out his back shoulder—since the sculpture is hollow, this small square on his back is where temple goers stuffed the figure full of important and beautiful items. Our wonderful guide, Lynne Kimura, a specialist in Asian Art, advised visitors not to miss the group of seven lineage ‘thangkas’ which are unique and significant as both an artistic and political creation with their depiction of Dalai Lamas and historic/mythical figures in brilliant color and gold accents. Berkeley Art Museum-Pacific Film Archive is located at 2155 Center St., Berkeley. Reach them at (510) 642-0808 or www.bampfa.org. Hours are Wednesday, Thursday, Sunday from 11-7, and Friday and Saturday from 11-9. Films are shown nightly, Wednesday-Sunday. Free tours presented by UC Berkeley graduate students in history, art history, and architecture are offered on Wednesday, Sunday, and Free First Thursdays. Linda Summers Pirkle, travel consultant, has arranged and led tours for several years. Inspired by the many wonderful places to visit in the Bay Area, she organizes day trips, either for groups or for friends and family. To share your “Quick Trips” ideas email Coverthemap@gmail.com.
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FEBRUARY 2017 • LAFAYETTE TODAY • PAGE 13
DO YOU KNOW WHO YOUR BENEFICIARIES ARE?
By George M. Noceti, CRPS -Wealth Advisor and Paul A. Noceti, Financial Planning Specialist, Integra Group at Morgan Stanley ®
When was the last time you checked your beneficiary designations for your individual retirement account (IRA), employer retirement plan, annuity, or life insurance policy? If you haven’t examined it since the account was set up, you are not alone. Due to changing circumstances and shifting priorities, you may find that your named beneficiaries are no longer in keeping with your estate plan or wishes. If you have switched jobs, become a new parent, divorced or survived a spouse or a child, your current beneficiary designations may need to be updated.
CONSIDER THE “WHAT IF?”
ROTARY AND TRUST IN EDUCATION
The Lafayette Rotary Club presented a $4,000 grant to Budd McKenzie, the founder of Trust in Education, for the continued development of learning academies for boys and girls in Afghanistan. Trust in Education (TIE), based in Lafayette (www.trustineducation.org), has now established six learning centers throughout Afghanistan and has helped fund the buildings, teachers, computer equipment, and the on-line lessons from Khan Academy, YouTube, and other sources. The lessons help students in such subjects as math and spoken English. On-line instruction helps children to learn on their own time and as fast as they are able. Utilization of the computer libraries is over 500 children per day. In Afghanistan, there is still a shortage of qualified teachers, particularly female teachers, so the videos make it possible for students to learn what their teacher may not know or are not available to teach. Once a video is produced, it lasts forever. Videos produced this year need no further funding unlike a teacher, classroom, or school. Education thereby becomes accessible to every child who has access to a computer
In the heat and emotion of divorce proceedings, for example, the task of revising one’s beneficiary designations can fall through the cracks. A court decree that ends a marriage also terminates the provisions of a will, but it does not automatically revise the beneficiary status of an employer-sponsored retirement account or an IRA. Some financial institutions automatically cancel the designation of a spouse as the beneficiary of an IRA in the case of divorce, but not all do. So, for example, if an IRA owner remarries and has a new family but fails to change the beneficiaries on the account, the original beneficiary may have a legal claim to the assets in the event of death. Also keep in mind that the law requires that a spouse be the primary beneficiary of a 401(k) or a profit sharing account, unless he or she waives that right in writing. A waiver may make sense in a second marriage if a new spouse is already financially set, and the children from the first marriage may need the money.
STEPS TO STAY CURRENT
To ensure that your beneficiary designations are current and up-to-date, consider the following steps: 1. Make a list of all accounts that have named beneficiaries. This may include 401(k) plans, 403(b) plans, 457 plans, IRAs, pension plans, life insurance policies, annuities, and bank accounts. 2. Contact the plan administrator or financial institution that maintains or services your account to verify your current beneficiary designations. You may want to do this with the help of your tax advisor or estate planning professional to ensure that these documents are in sync with other aspects of your estate plan. 3. Keep it safe. Store this list in a safe place with your other estate plan documents, such as your will, health care proxy, and power of attorney, and make sure your designated executor has a copy. 4. Register for online access. If you do not already have online access to your accounts with beneficiary designations, consider registering so you can view and update your account information whenever you need to. 5. Consolidate. If you have changed jobs and left your assets in your former employers’ plans, you may want to consider moving these assets into a rollover IRA. Consolidating multiple retirement plans into a single taxadvantaged account can make it easier to track your investment performance and streamline your records, including beneficiary designations. Naming beneficiaries and keeping them up-to-date is only one important aspect of estate planning. Let me work with you to make sure your entire estate plan addresses your current wishes and circumstances. Contact us for further information on how our advice can better help you plan financially. Also contact us for a complimentary Financial Review, Long Term Care Review, Medicare Review, or Social Security Review at (925)746-2982, via email at george.noceti@morganstanley.com, or visit our website at www.ms.com/fa/theintegragroup. Connect on LinkedIn: George M. Noceti, CRPS®. Follow me on Twitter: @GNocetiMS.
Sources/Disclaimer - Tax laws are complex and subject to change. Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”), its affiliates and Morgan Stanley Financial Advisors and Private Wealth Advisors do not provide tax or legal advice and are not “fiduciaries” (under ERISA, the Internal Revenue Code or otherwise) with respect to the services or activities described herein except as otherwise provided in writing by Morgan Stanley. Individuals are encouraged to consult their tax and legal advisors (a) before establishing a retirement plan or account, and (b) regarding any potential tax, ERISA and related consequences of any investments made under such plan or account. Typically, as a retirement plan participant who may be receiving an eligible rollover distribution from the plan, you have the following four options (and you may be able to engage in a combination of these options depending on your employment status, age and the availability of the particular option):1. Cash out the account value and take a lump sum distribution from the current plan subject to mandatory 20% withholding, as well as potential taxes and a 10% penalty tax,OR continue tax deferred growth potential by doing one of the following: 2. Leave the assets in your former employer’s plan (if permitted), 3. Roll over the retirement savings into your new employer’s qualified plan, if one is available and rollovers are permitted, or 4. Roll over the retirement savings into an IRA. © 2016 Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC. Member SIPC. CRC 1646410 11/16 Advertorial
or the internet. “Lafayette Rotary has been a long term partner with Trust in Education and is delighted to continue to support this organization as it helps the children of Afghanistan achieve a better life through education,” according to Norma Evans, President of the Lafayette Rotary Club. “One thing I have learned over the past thirteen years is Afghans know the value of an education. Their children are ‘thirsty for knowledge,’ and motivation is not a problem. We appreciate the long term partnership and support from the membership of Lafayette Rotary,” said Budd McKenzie. Lafayette Rotary meets every Thursday from 12:15PM to 1:30PM at the Oakwood Athletic Club at 4000 Mt. Diablo Blvd. Visitors are welcome to join them for lunch, and you can get more information by emailing info@ rotarylafayette.org.
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PAGE 14 • LAFAYETTE TODAY • FEBRUARY 2017
PARK DISTRICT ANNOUNCES 2017 TRAILS CHALLENGE
The East Bay Regional Park District invites you to join its 24th annual Trails Challenge program, in which participants hike at least five trails or a minimum of 26.2 miles in the East Bay Regional Parks. Thanks to support from the Regional Parks Foundation and Kaiser Permanente of Northern California, the program is free to East Bay residents. The program launched on January 1st, and participants have until December 1st to complete the challenge – which is self-guided and self-paced. Participants turn in a trail log to receive a commemorative pin, while supplies last. As always, the program runs on the honor system. No verification of the hikes is required. Participation is easy. Hikers may go to www.ebparks.org to immediately download a PDF of this year’s trail guidebook, or stop by a participating EBRPD Visitor Center to pick up a hard copy, and a free T-shirt, while supplies last. A complete list of participating Visitor Centers is also available at www.ebparks.org or by calling (888) EBPARKS, option 2. Each year, the guidebook highlights 20 different trails throughout the Park District. A handy guide is provided so that you may pick out the trail that’s right for you: easy, moderate, or challenging, and with a variety of features. An icon alerts park visitors to trails that are open to dogs – most are. Six of this year’s trails are accessible to wheelchair users. “We’re pleased to invite you outdoors once again with another year of this popular program,” said EBRPD Regional Interpretive and Recreation Services Manager David Zuckermann. “With a menu of exciting options, it makes visiting the parks easy and accessible for all.” This year’s featured hikes include trails in the following locations: Alameda County - Alameda Creek Regional Trail - Union City/Fremont, Anthony Chabot Regional Park - Castro Valley, Coyote Hills Regional Park - Fremont, Crockett Hills Regional Park - Crockett, Del Valle Regional Park - Livermore, Five Canyons Open Space and Garin Regional Park Hayward, Claremont Canyon Regional Preserve, Leona Canyon Regional Open Space and Martin Luther King Jr. Regional Shoreline, Redwood Regional Park, Roberts Regional Recreation Area - Oakland, Pleasanton Ridge Regional Park - Pleasanton. Contra Costa County - Bishop Ranch Regional Preserve - San Ramon, Brushy Peak Regional Preserve - Livermore, Marsh Creek Regional Trail - Oakley/Brentwood, Martinez Regional Shoreline - Martinez, Kennedy Grove Regional Recreation Area, Point Pinole Regional Shoreline and Wildcat Canyon Regional Park - Richmond.
The East Bay Regional Park District is a system of beautiful public parks and trails in Alameda and Contra Costa counties east of San Francisco Bay, established in 1934. The system comprises 121,000 acres in 65 parks including over 1,250 miles of trails for hiking, biking, horseback riding and nature learning.
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MYOPIA CAN BE HAZARDOUS
By Robert J. Silverman, Esq.
Over the years, I’ve encountered many situations in which clients, regardless of best intentions, have been myopic. In this context, let’s define myopia as a lack of foresight or discernment (or narrow-mindedness). Unfortunately, myopia often leads to unnecessary cost and inconvenience, if not also unintended consequences. Here are two common examples of myopia in the world of estate planning: 1) Failing to fully fund a Revocable Living Trust. One of the most valuable benefits of a Living Trust is probate avoidance - an expensive and inconvenient court-supervised estate administration process. Often, a Living Trust is established by a person or couple who keeps significant assets (e.g. bank or securities accounts) in their own name(s). Conveniently, an account co-owned by spouses will, on the death of the first spouse, be automatically owned by the surviving spouse. The problem is that probate is not avoided if the account is still held in the surviving spouse’s name when the surviving spouse dies. The negative consequences tend to be much more severe when people don’t transfer title of their real estate into their Living Trust. The preparation and execution of a Living Trust is only the first step. In order to avoid probate, one must accomplish the second step – retitling all or substantially all assets into the Living Trust. With advice and assistance from a knowledgeable estate planning attorney, the “trust funding” (title transfer) process is typically straightforward and quite manageable. Nevertheless, if this is not done or is not done correctly, it can result in considerable hassle and tens of thousands of dollars in unnecessary probate fees and costs to loved ones. 2) Neglecting to submit beneficiary designations on retirement plans and life insurance policies. Retirement plans, such as 401Ks and IRAs, are legally owned by the plan participant, not by the participant’s Living Trust. Fortunately, probate is avoided on the death of the plan participant because the beneficiary(ies) who are designated and on file with the retirement plan custodian are entitled to the retirement account. The same concept applies to life insurance contracts. Myopia occurs when a retirement plan participant or life insurance contract owner: a) Never submits a beneficiary designation form to the retirement plan custodian institution or life insurance company; or b) designates a primary beneficiary but no secondary/alternate beneficiary; or c) doesn’t designate new beneficiaries when desired; or d) fails to integrate these beneficiary designations with his estate plan (e.g. Living Trust). It is very unfortunate when a retirement plan owner dies, and there is no then-living designated beneficiary on file with the custodian. This sometimes occurs when the primary designated beneficiary is deceased and no secondary beneficiary is designated. In this situation, the account is subject to probate. Another problem stems from this fact: many people don’t realize that beneficiary designations “trump” Living Trusts and Wills. Let’s suppose that Betty is the beneficiary of your Living Trust and Will, but Bill is designated as beneficiary of your retirement plan. Bill takes your retirement plan. It’s ironic and sometimes tragic that people do not attend to their beneficiary designations carefully, even when large sums are at stake. Some years ago, I was involved in a case in which my client had been the designated beneficiary of a $3 million life insurance policy owned by her husband. They divorced. Fifteen years later, he died. She was entitled to, and received, the $3 million death benefit. It’s uncertain whether my client’s ex-husband wanted that result; however, it’s possible, if not likely, that due to his myopia, he simply never submitted a new beneficiary designation form (naming someone different) following their divorce. * Estate Planning * Trust Administration & Probate * Real Estate * Business Please contact the author to request a complimentary: i) “Estate Planning Primer”; ii) Real Estate titling brochure; iii) introductory meeting. Mr. Silverman is an attorney with R. Silverman Law Group which is located at 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. Advertorial
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FEBRUARY 2017 • LAFAYETTE TODAY • PAGE 15
TECHNOLOGY MATTERS
By Evan Corstorphine, Portable CIO
Ever since I was a young boy, I’ve loved pocket knives. I remember the red Swiss Army knife I was given by my grandfather that I treasured. The great part of a Swiss Army knife is that in addition to its very sharp blade, it has tons of clever tools packed into a very small package. When you carry one, you have a little toolbox in your pocket. Somewhere along the line, my own son also fell into the habit of wearing a pocket knife. He loves the Leatherman Skeletool, and having forgotten my fascination and enjoyment with pocket knives, he (easily) got me re-hooked on wearing one, too. To be honest, I use it daily whether it’s for cutting a box open, using the screwdriver, or doing whatever. It’s a great tool. “How could this possibly relate to technology?” I hear you cry. I’ll get to the point. Today, in addition to using my Skeletool, I carry an electronic Swiss Army knife: my smartphone. Whether I’m at home or work, I’ve become accustomed to having the “tools” available through my little pocket radio-computer, and I’m certain that I speak for you as well. That’s all it is, really: a small computer paired with a radio that allows for all sorts of communication over a large public network. It’s the communication that makes the smartphone work, because as you know, your smartphone is dramatically less interesting when you don’t have a network signal of some sort. I remember the first time I heard about the iPhone, and I not-so-presciently thought, “Who the heck wants a phone connected to their iPod”? This thought unfortunately harkens back to 1927 when H.M. Warner famously said, “Who the hell wants to hear actors talk?” It would seem I’m in good, if not short-sighted company! Hats off to the crew at Apple for figuring this one out, because they definitely had the long game plan in mind. While smartphone technical evolution seems to have stagnated somewhat as of late, there are still tricks in the bag as far as their integration into corporate America. We’ve been working a lot with companies on their BYOD (bring
your own device) policies and have been fortunate to acquire toolsets we can share with our clients that let us manage phones connected to the company network. The “sticky wicket,” where we always need to tread carefully, is where corporate policy exerts itself across and around an individual’s personal phone. Where does one draw the line? Where does your right to govern your device cede to my right to protect my company network, email system, or resources? These are all very important questions that we must tackle when implementing BYOD polices across a company. No one wants to be heavy handed, but we as individuals cannot expect free access to company resources without making some security compromises to protect company assets we’re accessing. A great benefit of smartphones for companies is that since most everyone owns one, everyone already has a pocket computer available to run specialized programs or access company data. New systems, like AWP file sharing (Autotask Workplace), enable businesses and vendors to push data all the way down to the individual through intelligently implemented smartphone applications. Frankly, it’s turning the way we work on its head, because the virtual office has now been completely realized. Between VOIP telephone systems and the smartphone applications that have extended company resources to the individual, one can work from anywhere they can get a network signal, which is just about anyplace these days. The smartphone is here to stay, and I believe the next evolution will come in the way we access our data. For instance, right now it’s all about our thumbs as we tap out our commands on our devices. If you haven’t noticed, there is a gigantic push for voice access and control. Both Amazon (Alexa) and Google (Google Home) are leading the way with butler-style access to data and control of local devices and home automation. Do you remember the Star Trek series where each crew member had a metal Star Fleet emblem attached to their tunic, which was a communicator and an interface to the main computer? We’re really almost there, and I am certain life will soon imitate art. If you’d like to learn how you can better enable your mobile workforce through smartphone and cloud technology, let’s grab a cup of coffee and talk about it. We’re excited about what the future holds and would love to bring you along. You can reach us at info@pcioit.com or 925-552-7953. Advertorial
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PAGE 16 • LAFAYETTE TODAY • FEBRUARY 2017
TOPPING TREES?
By Blaine Brende & Joe Lamb
At Brende & Lamb we get the occasional request to remove some or all of a tree’s crown, a process called topping. There are many reasons why people ask to have a tree topped: increased light, better view, safer tree, or reduced leaf litter. Though it seems counter-intuitive, topping almost always produces the opposite of the desired effect. Topping can decrease available light, mar the view, make a safe tree unsafe, and even increase leaf litter. Take, for example, topping to decrease the shadow cast by a tree. This may work in the very short term, but topping stimulates rapid growth, causing the tree’s crown to thicken, thereby cutting out light after just a few growing seasons. Over time, you get more light for your pruning dollar if instead of topping you give the crown a judicious thinning. When done correctly, thinning doesn’t over stimulate the tree, and it enhances the tree’s aesthetics instead of seriously, sometimes irredeemably, damaging it. Another common misperception is that topping will make the tree safer; it almost always does just the opposite. Most topped trees decay at the point at which they were topped. Topping also stimulates production of long lanky shoots. Given that these shoots grow out of decaying wood, topping often turns a safe tree into a hazard that increases over time. Some of the more dangerous trees we’ve seen were topped years ago with no follow-up pruning. If you have a previously topped tree growing close to your home, it is a good idea to have a competent arborist give it a safety evaluation. Previously topped trees can be made safer by pruning to reduce wind-sail and by reducing weight on leggy branches. People sometimes top trees to reduce leaf litter, but most trees respond to topping by putting out a profusion of leaves to help repair the damage. In short order, the owner of a topped maple will spend more time with rake in hand than before the topping. Topping to increase view is often done without realizing that the new view will include an ugly tree. If the tree in the view is a bay, a eucalyptus, or any number of other fast-growing species, the topping will fail to provide view for long because the topped tree will soon produce sprouts that shoot up into the view. Well-planned pruning can often capture view, and it is often possible to enhance the beauty of the tree in the process. A beautiful view framed by a beautiful tree is far lovelier than a view over
GARDENING WITH KATE
By Kathleen Guillaume
We prayed for rain, and boy, did it deliver! The last weeks of January rain helped fill up the ground water table and gave us deep soakings that got down to the deep roots of our trees and should help reduce their long drought stress. Rules are made for breaking, especially when breaking them has worked for you and/or your neighbors. Old rule/suggestion: Roses should be pruned by Super Bowl Sunday. If you haven’t done your rose pruning yet, it is best to wait until the ground is less soggy. Walking, standing, sitting, or kneeling on really wet soil compresses it into a clay ball, squeezing out all of the air, suffocating native bees who are ground dwellers, and also suffocating roots. Keeping your soil healthy is far more important than getting roses pruned by a specific date. Don’t panic; just do chores when the soil is drier. One of my favorite annuals is Amagallio monellii. This is the brightest, most intense blue flower I have ever seen. It grows in a mound of fine foliage and is loaded with blooms. If cut back after every bloom cycle, it reblooms heavily into fall. If you can’t find it at your nursery, you can get it from Annie’s Annuals, located in Richmond, and it is also sold online. The thing I love about Amagallio monellii is that it reseeds easily but is not invasive. You will be glad for every colony it creates. Known also as a Blue Pimpernel, it loves dry spaces. Too often when people think of snapdragons, they think of the ones that filled their childhood -- you pinched them and they opened their “mouths.” I love the ones from my grandmother’s time, with looser formed blossoms, taller and less tightly vertical, long blooming, and available in glorious colors. To find Antirrhinum majus, go to Annie’s Annuals website, www.anniesannuals. com, and look up these beauties. My favorite is ‘Chantilly Bronze’ which
www.yourmonthlypaper.com the top of an ugly and scarred tree. Another frequent request for topping comes from people about to sell their homes who think that topping their trees will increase the sale price. Real estate professionals know that beautiful trees can raise property values by as much as 20%, whereas a topped tree can be a liability . . . something the bidder on your house might ask you to deduct from the sales price so that they can have the tree removed. For further information about the perils of tree topping, go to the website of the International Society of Arboriculture, and read the article at www. treesaregood.org/treecare/topping.aspx. If you are thinking about topping, please reconsider. It is possible to enhance view, increase light, and make trees safer without topping. Doing so does, however, require competent pruning by tree professionals. If your trees need a little TLC please call 510-486-TREE (8733) or email us at bl@brendelamb.com for a free estimate. Additionally, go to our website www. brendelamb.com to see before and after pictures, client testimonials, and work in your neighborhood. Advertorial
MONTELINDO GARDEN CLUB
The next Montelindo Garden Club Meeting will be held on Friday February 17th at 9am, at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, located at 66 St. Stephens Drive in Orinda. Everyone is welcome. The presentation is titled “Plant Hunting at the ‘Edge of the World’” with guest speaker William McNamara. William is the Executive Director at Quarryhill Botanical Garden of Glen Ellen, California. He is a plant hunter extraordinaire and has been instrumental in building their botanical garden which advances the conservation, study, and cultivation of the flora of Asia.
LAFAYETTE GARDEN CLUB MEETING
The Lafayette Garden Club is excited to welcome Bruce Rodgers, the “orchid whisperer,” who will speak about the many charms of orchids and how to grow them at the Club’s February 9th meeting. Bruce has been growing, hybridizing, and decorating with orchids for over 30 years, and he offers a wide range of orchid growing and decorating services. His books will be available. Meetings are held at the Lafayette Veteran’s Building, located at 3780 Mt. Diablo Blvd., Lafayette, from 9:45AM to 12 noon. Visitors are welcome. For more information, please email Carolyn Poetzsch at cpoetzsch@gmail.com. has blends of apricot and orange and peach, and if it is deadheaded it blooms spring through fall. It likes a moist (not wet) rich soil. Once I was told that peonies just didn’t grow in the Bay Area. It didn’t get cold enough, you had to add trays of ice cubes to the soil, and you still wouldn’t have much luck. Decades ago on a trip to Fioli (http://filoli.org/), one of the most astounding estate gardens in Northern California which is located a mere hour away in Woodside, I walked into the cutting garden, and there were rows of peonies all in glorious bloom. I was astounded. If it grows here, I thought it will grow in the East Bay! When I was young, I would go to the Sunset Gardens and see all the plants and trees that I had been told would not grow here, and they were healthy and glorious. You might want to add a peony or two or three to your garden this spring. They like sun and moderate water, and they like to be planted high with the top of their crowns at or slightly above soil level. They are one of the longest cut blooms and can be maneuvered for special occasions. If cut when just a bud, it can be refrigerated for a week plus and then brought to room temperature two days before you need it in a special arrangement, and it will open up. It is one of the most astonishing blooms, and after pricing them in floral shops and finding what they charge for one bloom, I decided that the price of a peony plant was indeed a real bargain. Most peonies have little to no fragrance, but I recently noticed on the Springhill Nursery website (www.springhillnursery.com) they had a fragrance collection: ‘Madame Debatene,’ ‘Duchess de Nemours,’ and the most fragrant of all ‘Eden’s Perfume,’ which is a pink double-bloom that is rose scented. All three were available for just under $40. If you order from catalogs, they ship in spring at the right planting time for your area. If you wait for spring until you shop, they might be sold out of the plant you want. What are available now are bare root and much cheaper than if you buy a plant in bloom later on in the season. Your soil might be still too wet to work in, but it is a perfect time to order the jewels that will fill your spring garden. The depth of winter is a perfect time to dream your way into spring.
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LIFE IN THE LAFAYETTE GARDEN
TIMELESS AND TRANSITIONAL By John Montgomery, ASLA, Landscape Architect #4059
I like to follow-up with my clients after a period of time to see how they are enjoying their beautiful yards. After many years of creating gardens, I discovered a new distinction for how a landscape matures and why some of my clients were disappointed even though initially they absolutely loved their gardens. Timeless and Transitional, that’s it! At first glance “Timeless and Transitional” seems a little dramatic. It isn’t really, and I will tell you why in a moment. It all begins with expectations. We all know a garden can be beautiful, relaxing, stunning, delightful, therapeutic, and all of those great things I usually write about. On the other hand, gardens can be ugly, annoying, agitating, and sometimes just don’t meet your expectations, and that is disappointing. Most likely you have felt the way I feel about my own garden sometimes -- you too, at one time or another, have been disappointed and down right upset about your garden. Don’t get me wrong, I love my garden and my clients love the ones I design for them, but sometimes it just seems like nature (and untrained gardeners) get the best of our expectations. Case in point: I went to visit one of my client’s gardens only to find plants that I had designed in the plans were either missing, woody and misshaped, or turned into little balls and squares. Plants were missing because nature, especially with the drought over the last two years, had taken its toll. Perennials were missing and lavender was just woody stalks. Half broken, and lovely arching shrubs were turned into balls and squares by an inexperienced yard gardener in their prime bloom time. This is not what I expect and most of my clients don’t either. I have written about the importance of the hardscape, which are built elements that are timeless, as one aspect of creating an outdoor environment. The other design feature is the softcape, living elements which are transitional. What I discovered in this distinction of timeless and transitional is that while the backbone of a design of the garden was still there, beautiful and functioning just as I had designed it to be, the softscape was displaying the transitions of the years. If it wasn’t the drought, a harsh cold winter, and a long hot Indian summer, it was untrained gardeners, varmints, pets, fungus, and you-name-it that thrashed our expectations for a beautiful and everlasting show-piece. The good news is that there is hope! The bad news is you must rearrange your expectations. Gardens are truly “Timeless and Transitional.” Good design will always be timeless and will last over the years. The timeless aspects of a good landscape design are the beautiful and elegant elements of the hardscape such as well-crafted stone work on your patio, seat wall, pool, detailed trellis, pergola, arbor, fence, or garden gates. Well-placed timeless trees like oaks, redwoods, maples, olives, and crepe myrtles and long-lasting plantings like laurel, boxwood, mock orange, wisteria, and camellias can make up the softscape. While timeless is a little easier to swallow, transitional is the one that forces us to rearrange our expectations. We need to learn to understand that the living aspect of your design is a moving target and more unpredictable. It has taken me almost thirty years to get it! Snails eat your plants, fungus curls your peach leaves (unless you remember to spray at the precise time), aphids arrive every year to devour your roses, and plants need replacing every so often just like your home needs fresh paint and new carpet. With this new knowledge and reset expectations, you can relax in your garden, watch the transitions happen, replace and update as necessary, appreciate the majesty of your timeless elements, and accept the transition! A hot tip from your local Landscape Architect: One of the services we
FEBRUARY 2017 • LAFAYETTE TODAY • PAGE 17
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offer is to work with my staff horticulturists to do consulting for clients who don’t need a full Master Landscape Plan. This service offers on-site practical advice addressing your “transitional” concerns. Check out my website! Gardening Quote of the Month: My green thumb came only as a result of the mistakes I made while learning to see things from the plant’s point of view. - H. Fred Ale If you would like me to write on any particular subject, email your ideas to jmontgomery@jm-la.com or for design ideas visit www.jm-la.com or www.houzz. com/pro/jmla/john-montgomery-landscape-architects. Advertorial
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PAGE 18 • LAFAYETTE TODAY • FEBRUARY 2017
YOUR PERSONAL NUTRITIONIST
HOW MUCH PROTEIN DO I REALLY NEED EACH DAY? By Linda Michaelis RD, MS
I have evaluated many food diaries that clients bring in. I often see they are not consuming enough protein and I tell them this easily explains why they are feeling hungry all the time and have endless cravings for sweets. A question I often get is, “How much protein do I really need to reach my weight loss goal, as well as build muscle and feel my best”? I inform them that the food label is upside down. Protein is the last item listed on the label, where it should be the first. It is the most important food group and is easily overlooked. Protein is expressed in grams rather than in ounces or pounds which typically is how we purchase protein in our markets. We need to know how many grams
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Want to travel one of the most celebrated walking routes in the world, Spain’s Camino de Santiago? Veteran hikers and local residents Pam Fletcher and Dan Klapprott will provide the practical information you need to explore the cultural, physical, and spiritual opportunities in store along this ancient road. Hear all about the walk on February 9 at 6:30PM in the Art and Science Center. The next day, February 10 at 7PM, you can be inspired to train for the walk when New York Times bestselling author Dean Karnazes discusses his new book, The Road to Sparta: Reliving the Ancient Battle and Epic Run that Inspired the World’s Greatest Footrace. Karnazes weaves together three stories - his own Greek ancestry, the history of the world’s first marathon, and his personal experience running this monumental route. Dean Karnazes has been called the man who can run forever. He is an ultramarathoner who completed 50 marathons in all 50 U.S. states in 50 consecutive days. The Lindsay Wildlife Museum will present a program on Wednesday, February 15 on beginning bird identification just in time for the Great Backyard Bird Count. This is a wonderful opportunity for families to learn together. Binoculars will be available all week at the Information Desk for use for looking at the birds in our Zen Garden Circle March 4th in bold red! Come and explore the Lafayette Library at Night! Join us for this special fundraising event designed to inspire guests to discover the Library through creative themed stations featuring imaginative exhibits. Engage in numerous activities all while enjoying delicious food and cocktails. This event is new this year. We’ve moved into the 21st century with an online auction that allows anyone to “watch and bid” remotely, the winning bidders need not be present! Stay tuned for more information; bidding begins in February. Event information is available at www.lllcf.org/night-at-the-library-2017. What’s on your calendar?
of protein is equal to an ounce. My favorite example is the gold standard cereal Kashi Go Lean. Kashi Go Lean has 13 grams of protein in a 1 cup serving. One ounce of protein is equal to 7 grams, so you get almost 2 ounces of protein from a cup of the cereal. The Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for protein is established by The Food and Nutrition Board of the National Academy of Sciences. It is based on your bodyweight. It is suggested you consume 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight for a healthy adult, or roughly 54 grams daily for a 150 pound female or 71 grams daily for a 195 pound male. This calculation does not factor in exercise, and I find it overestimates protein needs for overweight or obese people. For my active clients and those who workout often, this amount of protein is far too low. I always recommend to veer to a higher protein intake. I create personalized protein recommendations for my clients based on their lifestyle, age, exercise, and health concerns. I suggest that protein consumption should be distributed mostly during the day as opposed to eating the large traditional protein meal at night. This eating style keeps you more satisfied and prevents blood sugar fluctuations and cravings for sweets. Protein takes several hours to digest and creates a fullness that you will not get from a carbohydrate based meal. When I work with a new client, I first set up a meal plan for them with specific amounts of protein at each meal and snack. I teach them how to make sure they are getting at least 2 ounces of protein at breakfast, such as Kashi Go Lean, 1 whole egg and egg whites with veggies, and 100% whole wheat toast, or even oatmeal and Greek yogurt. I make it a point to create a list of protein snacks that are portable and tasty such as beef jerky, portion sized almonds, 1 cup of cottage cheese, bean soup, or peanut butter with celery or apple. I make sure that lunch contains at least 4-6 ounces of protein along with a healthy grain and a cup of veggies. I put together a list of lunches that can be taken to work or eaten at my client’s favorite lunch spots. I encourage parents to make sure that their kids are eating protein based lunches that prevent them from coming home from school famished and wanting to snack all afternoon. Clients are always surprised that I tell them for dinner we do not need protein if we have eaten the amounts of protein that I suggest in prior meals and snacks. The feedback I get is that when dinner comes around they are not as hungry as they use to be, and they are good with less protein at night. Many of my clients say that trainers tell them that they need more protein and recommend protein shakes. I think protein shakes are great for pre or post workouts, but often they are not filling enough to last for several hours. Studies have shown that consuming more protein than is recommended does not lead to increase in muscle size or strength. There is a limit to the rate at which protein can be synthesized into muscle, and muscle size is determined by genetic makeup and training program, not by how much protein one eats. Most insurance companies cover nutritional counseling: Aetna, Blue Cross, Blue Shield, CIGNA, Health Net, Sutter, and UHC. Please visit LindaRD.com for more information about your nutritional concerns, call (925) 855-0150, or e-mail me at lifeweight1@yahoo.com. Advertorial
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SURGERY IS CONSTANTLY EVOLVING
By Dr. Michael Baker, West Coast Surgical Associates
It takes a minimum of nine years to train to be a surgeon after college. Once the training is completed and a surgeon goes into practice, the education requirement continues. Surgeons will continue to read the newest scientific papers, go to medical meetings for lectures and discussions with other surgeons, and often assist their colleagues in the operating room, consulting with them, and learning from each other. This is a field that undergoes evolutionary change at a rapid rate. It requires incredible devotion to the profession to stay current and competent. It is not just a job, it is truly a calling that requires dedication. There are numerous examples of this evolution. When I started as a surgeon, removal of the gallbladder and operations on related structures required a large open incision extending from the middle of the abdomen to the right flank just below the rib cage. Hospitalization was several days long, fraught with pain and the potential for complications, and had a long recovery period. Surgery then took a step into laparoscopy, opening the field of minimally invasive surgery -- operations that can be performed through small incisions. As we have improved our equipment and techniques, most of our gallbladder patients go home the same day or the next day. Even when they have a complex problem such as a stone lodged in their common bile duct, it can often be handled with another minimally invasive procedure called endoscopy. Many other procedures done by surgeons are now handled using minimally invasive techniques and the rapidly improving technology that goes with it. Now this minimally invasive procedure has undergone several new advances. The original minimally invasive laparoscopic cholecystectomy required a small incision by the umbilicus (bellybutton), and then two or three other instruments are inserted through small incisions in the upper right side of the abdomen. Surgeons have introduced a modification of this minimally invasive procedure that is done through one small single incision at the umbilicus. This is called Single Incision Laparoscopic Surgery (SILS), for which special instruments are developed that allow surgeon to operate through this one small area. Another innovation is the use of the robot to perform the surgery. The robot allows the surgeon enhanced visualization of the operative field, more precise surgical technique, and improved ergonomics for the surgeon which relieves fatigue. I believe robotic surgery will be a major step into the future of surgery. I have used the removal of the gallbladder as an example, but many of the same evolutionary changes now have extended to include minimally invasive and robotic approaches to abdominal wall hernia repair, resections of the colon for cancer, inguinal hernia repair, and bariatric surgery for weight loss. The surgeons of West Coast Surgical Assoicates (WCSA) use all of these techniques – minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery, single incision laparoscopic surgery, robotic laparoscopic surgery, and more as they come into every day practice. Patients have faster recovery, less complications, and an earlier return to normal activities. The field of surgery has and will continue to register a steady stream of breakthroughs, and the practice of surgery will continue to evolve. The technological refinement of our abilities to manipulate the human body has been nothing short of miraculous. The past quarter century has brought minimally invasive procedures and robotics which enhance our capability. This may be followed by nanotechnology -- seeing into the body through the manipulation of small-scale devices that can be injected or swallowed. The possibilities are boundless. Tomorrow’s surgeon will continue in a field standing on the shoulders of today’s pioneers. Through a culture and discipline of lifelong learning, the WCSA surgeons will continue the educational process in order to participate in new developments as they arise in order to provide the best possible surgical outcomes for their patients. Dr. Baker is a board certified General Surgeon, a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, and a retired US Navy Admiral. He is the Senior Partner of West Coast Surgical Associates (formerly Walnut Creek Surgical Associates) with offices in Walnut Creek, Concord, and San Ramon. For more information call 925-933-0984 or view the surgical team at www.wcsurgeons.com. Advertorial
FEBRUARY 2017 • LAFAYETTE TODAY • PAGE 19
A DAY TO DO SOMETHING SPECIAL
By Barbara Persons, MD, Persons Plastic Surgery, Inc.
Saint Valentine was a third century Roman saint who has long been associated with the tradition of courtly love. Every February 14t,h gifts and letters (an estimated one billion Valentine’s Day cards each year) are exchanged between loved ones, all in the name of Saint Valentine. The oldest known valentine was a poem written in 1415 by Charles, Duke of Orleans (Go forth, my heart, with my lady…with grace and mercy). By the middle of the 18th century, it was common for both friends and lovers to exchange small tokens of affection. I like to think of Valentine’s Day as a day to do something special. Some of my fondest memories are of writing cards for elementary school classmates. In some years, however, it was the preparation for Valentine’s Day that was special. Valentine’s Day is a time to feel and look your best. Whether you are preparing for a romantic evening, warming up the winter blues, or want to give a gift to someone, here are eight ideas that might help you on your way. 1. A consultation - I find this to be one of the most important interactions I have with my patients. I enjoy answering questions and offering both personal and professional advice. I’m often surprised at how many people ask if surgery is right for them. 2. Botox or Dysport injection - Most commonly used around the eyes and forehead, it can be used both to prevent and treat wrinkles. 3. Volumizing filler injection - This is an excellent way to refresh your appearance, address moderate to severe facial wrinkles, and give youthful contour to the skin. 4. Fraxel laser treatment - Certainly not what King Henry V had in mind when he hired a writer to compose a valentine note to Catherine of Valois - we’ve come a long way since then. For Valentine’s Day preparation, I recommend a first treatment one week before the big day. A series of treatments (generally 3-4) address texture problems, fine lines and wrinkles, and pigmentation issues such as brown spots, but results are noticeable after just one treatment. 5. Laser genesis is a great no-downtime, painless procedure for acne prone skin. While there’s never a simple cure-all for problem skin issues, laser genesis is a good place to start as the laser has enough heat to kill the bacteria in the active breakouts. 6. While not exactly the vestige of Christian and ancient Roman Valentine’s tradition, laser hair removal is a real windfall of living in the 21st century. Several treatments are generally needed, and it works best for darker hair types. 7. Longer lashes! - Latisse is a treatment used to grow lashes, making them longer, thicker, and darker. More voluptuous lashes in just six weeks, are “romantique”! 8. Skin care products - There’s a pleasure in taking time to care for your own skin, and a cream or lotion can also make a nice gift - something to be wrapped up and enjoyed. Sometimes just the process of sharing wisdom (and taking away some of the mystery of youth and beauty) is the most rewarding part of my day. Happy Valentine’s Day! Dr. Barbara Persons is a Plastic Surgeon and owns Persons Plastic Surgery, Inc. located at 911 Moraga Rd, Suite 205 in Lafayette. She may be reached at 925.283.4012 or drbarb@personsplasticsurgery. Advertorial com.
MEALS ON WHEELS
Seniors in our community need your support! Meals on Wheels and Senior Outreach Services have been supporting seniors in YOUR neighborhood since 1968. Two of the programs, Meals on Wheels and Friendly Visitors, rely on the support of volunteers, and we need your help now more than ever. Meals on Wheels volunteer drivers deliver meals to local homebound seniors through regular two hour shifts once per week or as substitute drivers. Friendly Visitors volunteers provide weekly one-hour companionship visits to isolated seniors. To volunteer for either program, please call (925) 937-8311.
PAGE 20 • LAFAYETTE TODAY • FEBRUARY 2017
MENOPAUSE MATTERS
By Timothy Leach, MD, FACOG, CNMP
The following are my original thoughts and highlights from a North American Menopause Society e-Consult article from January 2017 by Lisa Larkin MD Genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM) is an area of unmet medical need for many women. Genitourinary syndrome of menopause affects over 50% of postmenopausal women. Unlike “hot flashes” which go away on average within seven years after a woman’s final menstrual period, bothersome vaginal dryness progressively gets worse with time. Prevalence data estimates that over 30 million women suffer from GSM, but less then 10% are told about effective treatment options. The loss of circulating estrogen allows for changes in the microbiome of the vagina which alters the vaginal pH allowing for colonization with pathogenic bacteria, resulting in decreased elasticity, less moisture and lubrication, and increased tissue fragility. The dryness can be daily or just with intimacy, both negatively affecting a woman’s sexual health, intimacy, partner relationships, and quality of life. First line treatments are over-the-counter nonhormone moisturizers and lubricants which can reduce symptoms, but they are often inadequate because they do not correct the underlying tissue changes. Just like when your hands are dry and benefit from moisturizing lotion, the vagina can benefit with similar products that are made especially for the vagina. Products from lubrigynusa.com or pjurusa. com offer a wide variety of options that are proven safe and effective. Estrogen therapy which restores the vaginal pH and microbiome, either systemic or local, effectively treats GSM. Sadly, about 40% of women taking systemic (oral or transdermal) therapy don’t get sufficient relief of their vaginal dryness. Systemic estrogen should only be used in women who are having hot flashes. Otherwise, if vaginal dryness is your only complaint, low dose estrogen can be administered vaginally. The three low-dose options for the vagina are a pill, cream, and a ring which deliver a cumulative annual exposure less then systemic estrogen. These products are low dose and only administered twice weekly (pills and cream) which is why they
BAGSR CONTINUED FROM FRONT PAGE
www.yourmonthlypaper.com are OK to be taken unopposed, without any progesterone. Use of vaginal estrogen in survivors of breast cancer remains controversial. Despite a recent American Congress of Ob/Gyn 2016 position statement supporting the use of vaginal estrogen therapy as an option for patients with breast cancer, citing the lack of data showing an increase in breast cancer recurrence in users, many women are unwilling to use this treatment option. This unmet need has led to research into other options. Ospemiphene, an orally administered selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) taken daily, was approved in 2013 to treat painful intimacy associated with GSM. Although animal models and changes in breast density suggest a reduction in breast cancer risk with Ospemiphene, the package labeling indicates that since it has not been studied in breast cancer patients, it should not be used in women with this history. Vaginal DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) was approved in 2016 by the FDA as the newest option to treat moderate to severe painful intimacy associated with GSM. It is biologically plausible that DHEA may alleviate GSM symptoms because DHEA is metabolized to Estrone and Testosterone in the vaginal lining. The once daily 6.5 mg ovule placed in the vagina at bedtime decreased patient symptoms in trials lasting up to 12 months. The most common side effect noted in 6% of women was a vaginal discharge. No serious treatment adverse events were noted when given for up to 52 weeks, and there was no postmenopausal bleeding. A history of breast cancer is not necessarily a contraindication, although the package insert states that it has not been studied in breast cancer patients. Next month I will review the latest treatment paradigm which does not involve the use of any medicines and HAS been studied in breast cancer patients and proven to both safe and efficacious. The newest option involves the use of fractional CO2 laser for vaginal rejuvenation. MonaLisa Touch, approved by the FDA in 2015 for use in the vagina has been used worldwide for over eight years by well over 30 million women. I was the first Ob/Gyn physician in the East Bay to offer MonaLisa Touch and have treated well over 80 women in the past year with ~85% patient satisfaction, consistent with published scientific studies. If you don’t want to wait to read about MonaLisa Touch in next month’s column, visit our NEW website leachobgyn.com or call to make an appointment to review your treatment options. Visit my website at www.leachobgyn.com for links to resources and our Facebook page, Timothy Leach MD, for more information. My office is located at 110 Tampico, Suite 210 in Walnut Creek. Please call us at 925-935-6952. Advertorial
“German Shepherds don’t mature until age three,” explains Alamo resident Susan Hsu, director of fundraising for BAGSR. “German Shepherd owners don’t really get to know their dog’s personality for awhile, and if proper training does not take place, a large dog can quickly get out of hand.” Of course there are other reasons that these dogs end up in shelters, and thus, in the care of BAGSR. Real estate issues and economics often play a role. Some come from owners who are no longer physically able to care for them. And then there are the rare cases of owner cruelty. Most BAGSR dogs come from shelters where they’ve been abandoned. The 20 volunteer foster families and five board members at BAGSR are dog lovers who give their time to find loving homes for these dogs. The team has fostered and saved more than one thousand German Shepherds and Belgian Malinois to date. Each dog that comes into the BAGSR program is carefully evaluated and then placed into a foster home; no boarding kennels are involved. BAGSR volunteers passionately believe that by living with the dogs, they learn more about them, allowing for proper adoption matches. When applicants adopt a BAGSR dog, the process involves an evaluation of experience and lifestyle Contessa - Before and after. with a goal of making a suitable match for both owner and dog. BAGSR also provides ongoing post-adoption support and counseling. “We get to know each and every dog very well,” says Hsu, who is a certified dog behavioral consultant. “We want to keep in touch and make sure that the match is a good one and that everything goes smoothly.” Hsu’s own rescue dog, Contessa, suffered a sad case of abuse. Barely recognizable as a German Shepherd when first found, Contessa had been severely neglected for years. She was critically underweight and had less than 10% of her fur. Rescuers didn’t even know the color of her fur and estimated that due to the severity of her skin damage, she would likely end up with bald spots. But under the loving watch of Hsu, Contessa now weighs a healthy 80 pounds, has all of her fur, and reveals no lasting effects from her neglected condition. “She’s been a wonderful companion,” says Hsu. BAGSR is always seeking foster families: those who are able and willing to provide a temporary home until permanency is found. Fostering can last from one day and up to eight months. BAGSR, through donor funding, pays for all foster care expenses such as medical and food. And there are a multitude of other volunteer positions (for ages 16 and up) that allow volunteers to work just a few minutes each week or more. Many roles don’t require travel; others are event related. Choose from transporting dogs, social media work, blog writing, website updating, manning the hotline, responding to emails, or fundraising. “The main criteria for involvement is that you love dogs,” says Hsu. “Our ultimate goal is to save dogs.” While funds are always needed, BAGSR also seeks a donation or a loan of a piece of land at which rescued dogs can be held temporarily. “We can turn a land parcel into a home and be able to save more dogs,” says Hsu. “It is always our hope that in the future we can provide free obedience, behavioral and training classes, and a place where volunteers can play with the in-program dogs and provide education for those who wish to learn about dog care and the breed in general.” If you can help, please contact Susan Hsu at susan@bayareagsr.org.
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FEBRUARY 2017 • LAFAYETTE TODAY • PAGE 21
PREGNANCY MATTERS
EXERCISE By Dr. Theresa Gipps
You probably know a mother’s health during pregnancy plays an important role in her baby’s health. But did you know it is also important for your health in future pregnancies and long after baby is born? Weight, weight gain during pregnancy, and exercise are common topics pregnant women want to discuss at office visits. ‘What exercises are safe in pregnancy?’ ‘How much weight should I gain; am I on track?’ Below I will discuss exercise in pregnancy. In the next column, I will review recommendations for weight gain.
DURING PREGNANCY
Healthy women with a normal pregnancy can usually continue most exercises safely. Being physically active does not increase your risk of miscarriage or early delivery. Exercise has many benefits: it can decrease back pain, support healthy weight gain, decrease constipation, and improve your overall fitness. The Centers for Disease Control recommends pregnant women get at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise each week. During moderate intensity activity, you will feel like you are working out: your heart and breathing rate increase, your body temperature increases and you may sweat, and you can talk but may need to pause while talking or take a breath every few sentences. Examples include brisk walking, hiking, yoga, and casual biking. Women who exercise at high intensity before pregnancy can often continue their exercises during pregnancy. Examples include running and interval or ‘boot camp’ exercises. If you are starting an exercise program when you are pregnant, you may need to start slowly. Start exercising 5-10 minutes at a time, and increase until you can exercise 30 minutes or more. Changes in your body during pregnancy will affect how you feel during exercise, and they may affect your ability to work out. Changes early in pregnancy affect your breathing and oxygenation. You may become short of breath faster or need to take more frequent breaks. Hormones in pregnancy relax the ligaments around your joints. Make sure your form is correct, and consider avoiding high impact or jerking movements to protect your joints. Your balance may be affected as your belly grows. Take precautions to prevent falls. Make sure you stay well hydrated, and wear a supportive bra. Consider a belly belt for comfort. Women with certain high risk pregnancies should not exercise without talking to a doctor. Examples of high risk pregnancies may include: • Serious lung or heart disease (not mild asthma) • Pregnancy related high blood pressure (pre-eclampsia) • Preterm labor, or risk for preterm delivery, including twin or triplet pregnancies • Cervical cerclage • Placenta previa after 26 weeks of pregnancy Some exercises and activities are unsafe in any pregnancy. Avoid activities which risk a fall or getting hit in the abdomen - boxing, basketball, soccer, skydiving, horseback riding, downhill or water skiing, and surfing. Do not scuba dive. Avoid activities which may cause you to overheat such as ‘hot’ or Bikram yoga or Pilates.
AFTER PREGNANCY
If you had an uncomplicated, vaginal delivery, it is typically safe to begin exercising as soon as a few days after giving birth or when you feel ready. You may need to resume your activities slowly at first - listen to your body. Starting exercise can help you get back to your pre-pregnancy weight, strengthen and tone your abdominal muscles, boost your energy, promote good sleep, and relieve stress. It can be hard to find the time and energy to exercise with a new baby, but it is best for both of you in the long run! Try bringing your baby in a stroller, looking for mommy-friendly options (Fit4Mom Danville, Moms groups), or just doing exercises on the floor next to your baby. If you had a cesarean section, an extensive vaginal repair, or complicated pregnancy, you will likely need to wait longer to resume regular exercise.
BREASTFEEDING
Exercise does not affect your production of breast milk, so it should not affect your baby’s growth. As always, if you have specific questions or concerns check with your doctor. Happy exercising! Dr Gripps practices at Leach OBGYN. For questions and information call 925-935-6952, email leachobgyn@gmail.com, or visit their NEW website www. leachobgyn.com for articles and other important health education information. The office is located at 110 Tampico, Suite 210 in Walnut Creek. Advertorial
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A VACCINE FOR CANCER IS HERE
By Gigi Chen, MD
This year the California Department of Public Health is holding a preteen vaccine week February 12th through 18th. The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommends that 11 and 12 year olds have the Tdap (required), Meningococcal, Influenza, Chickenpox, and HPV vaccines before entering into 7th grade. As a medical oncologist, I encourage all parents to view the HPV (human papillomavirus) vaccine as a requirement rather than a suggestion. It is true for all cancers that early detection is crucial. HPV is the primary cause of cervical and anal cancer, making it pertinent for both girls and boys to be protected. Furthermore, certain types of HPV are called ‘high-risk types’ because they are strongly linked to cancers, including cancer of the cervix, vulva, and vagina in women, penile cancer in men, and anal and oral cancer in both men and women. Infection with HPV is common, and in most people the body is able to clear the infection on its own. Sometimes, however, the infection does not go away and becomes chronic. It is the chronic infection that can lead to the development of cancers. All that is needed to pass HPV from one person to another is skin-to-skin contact with an area of the body infected with HPV. While this usually means transmission during intercourse, it is not only the rule. As with all other vaccines, the HPV vaccine has been carefully studied. While there are mild side effects such as fever, dizziness or fainting when given to preteens and teens, serious side effects are rare. Always tell your child’s physician if your teen has any severe allergies or is pregnant. Gigi Chen, MD is a Medical Oncologist and Hematologist with Diablo Valley Oncology. She has extensive experience in treating all types of cancer, with a special interest in lung and gynecologic cancers. She sees patients in Pleasant Hill, Rossmoor, and San Ramon. To contact Dr. Chen, please call (925) 677-5041 or visit www.dvohmg.com. Advertorial
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PAGE 22 • LAFAYETTE TODAY • FEBRUARY 2017
EVENTS FOR LAFAYETTE SENIORS
All classes are held at the Lafayette Senior Center (LSC), located at 500 Saint Mary’s Rd in Lafayette, unless otherwise noted. Space is limited. Please call 925-284-5050 to reserve a spot. Unless otherwise mentioned, events are free for members and $10 for non-members. Let’s Do Lunch! 1st Tuesday monthly • 11:30AM - Discover and explore the various dining experiences in the Lamorinda area. Relax, dine, meet new people, socialize, and enjoy lively conversation! Space is limited. Contact Lafayette Senior Services for the schedule of restaurants and to make your reservations: Seniors@LoveLafayette.org or 284-5050. Individuals will pay for their own lunches; the restaurants will provide separate checks. This interest group is offered in conjunction with Lamorinda Village. Discovering Opera: Kevin Puts’ Silent Night Thursday, 2/9 • 1:30 – 3PM • Lafayette Library, Arts & Science Room - Kevin Puts’ 2011 opera recounts a miraculous moment of peace during one of the deadliest wars in history. On the western front, bloodied from battle and mourning their dead, weapons are laid down when three Scottish, French, and German officers negotiate a Christmas Eve truce amid the trenches. As evening sets in, a carol begins, floating softly over no man’s land. One voice becomes many, and as enemies lay down their arms to celebrate a precious night of peace and hope, they come together to share Christmas. Lecturer Bradford Wade will give a guided tour of Silent Night, with a description of the plot interspersed with musical examples. This lecture is given in conjunction with Opera San José’s production of Silent Night, February 11-26. Android Basics 3rd Thursday monthly • 10:30AM – 12:00PM • Elderberry Room, LSC - Designed for owners of non-Apple mobile devices that use Google’s Android operating system, this series will explore the wide range of functions including texting, calendar, email, music, photos, and more. Learn how to download and use free apps from the Google Play store (bring your Google Play account log-in information). There will be time for individuals’ questions at the end of each class. Please note: this series deals with non-Apple devices. Apple Basics 1st Thursday monthly • 10:30AM – noon • Elderberry Room, LSC - This ongoing series covers many topics such as Apple IDs, iTunes, iCloud, and the basics of iPad and iPhone usage. Topics for upcoming sessions are based on participants’ input and needs. There is always time for Q&A at the end of each class. Please note: this series deals with Apple devices only. Lamorinda Dance Social Wednesdays • 1 – 3:30PM • Live Oak Room, LSC - Enjoy afternoon dancing every Wednesday, and learn some great new dance moves. On the first Wednesday monthly, professional dancers Karen and Michael will provide a dance lesson and live DJ services, playing your favorites and taking requests. Words of Wisdom...From the Philosophical to the Lighthearted 3rd Tuesday monthly • 10:30AM – noon • Elderberry Room, LSC - Share your opinions with us in a freewheeling exchange of ideas: from current events to philosophy to the inspirational. There may be agreement or there may be different opinions -- it’s all in the spirit of learning, sharing, enrichment, and good humor. Our “elder perspective” frequently sounds a lot like wisdom! Reservoir Walking Group Tuesdays, Thursdays, & Saturdays • 9:30AM – 11:30AM • Meet at reservoir at 9:20AM at the center bench on the dam Come for camaraderie, fresh air and enjoyable exercise, all in magnificent surroundings. Optional bonus: at the end of the walk, Jim will lead you through easy yoga poses and breathing exercises in the most beautiful outdoor yoga studio: the band stage overlooking the water. Increase your balance and fitness – both physical and mental – and leave each week uplifted and radiant with that overall feeling of well-being! Jim is an author, nutritional expert, former Air Force pilot, and consultant to the U.S. Olympic Ski Team and Mt. Everest expeditions. Please call 284-5050 or email seniors@lovelafayette.org to add your name to the email list. Bring quarters or credit card for the parking meter. Annual senior (62+) parking passes may be purchased at the reservoir Visitor Center. Free Free Peer Counseling 2nd Tuesday monthly • 10AM - noon • Alder Room, LSC - Contra Costa Health Services offers free one-on-one counseling with senior (55+) counselors who use their life experiences to help other older adults cope with life changes, problems, crises, and challenges. Confidentiality is strictly observed. Appointment required. Please call Lafayette Senior Services to sign up for one of the 60-minute appointments.
www.yourmonthlypaper.com Lamorinda Nature Walk and Bird-Watching Wednesdays • 9AM - noon • Alder Room, LSC - Experience nature at its finest along our local trails. Delight in the beauty that unfolds around each bend, all the while learning to identify a variety of birds. Bring a water bottle; binoculars will be helpful if you have them. Join us every Wednesday or whenever you are able. For more information or to place your name on the route email/phone list, call Lafayette Seniors Services. Drop-In Mah Jongg! (Intermediate Level) Tuesdays • 12:30-3:30 • Cedar Room, LSC - Bring your card and mah jongg set, and join us every Tuesday afternoon for intermediate level play. Positive Living Forum (“Happiness Club”) 2nd Thursday monthly • 10:30AM – noon • Sequoia Room, LSC - Brighten your day and take part in this interactive gathering which features discussions on a wide range of topics that guide participants toward a more ideal and positive life experience. Drop-ins welcome!
HIREABLE CONTINUED FROM FRONT PAGE
“HireAble’s community partners are doing their part; now employers need to do their part in the job market,” explains Tom Heinz, executive director of East Bay Innovations. “A capable workforce is untapped – individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities are committed and driven workers who add value to the businesses for which they work.”
A Futures Explored client enjoys the opportunity to work in her community.
Companies who are not employing persons with disabilities are truly missing out and not meeting their full potential in the workforce and marketplace,” says Michelle Palmer, Supported Employment Director at Contra Costa ARC. “Hiring a person with IDD increases diversity, creativity, and productivity. Studies show employees are more prone to work at a business with IDD diversity.” Over the past year, Contra Costa ARC, Futures Explored, and East Bay Innovations have placed employees in a variety of jobs: print shop worker, hospital assistant, landscape assistant, assembler, courtesy clerk, merchandise assistant, loader, UPS unloader and dock worker, site security guard, wine steward, cashier, dishwasher, and porter. To learn more about HireAble, visit www.futures-explored.org.
TELECARE CONNECTS WITH THE HOMEBOUND
Since 1971, member volunteers of TeleCare, a philanthropic program of Assistance League® of Diablo Valley, have been making daily reassurance calls, Monday through Friday, to those in our community who are homebound. As the chapter’s longest standing philanthropic program, TeleCare empowers the clients, no matter what their ages, to remain in their homes. What ensures this is a daily confidential journal kept for each client that member volunteers consult prior to the phone calls then update accordingly. Unfortunately, many clients are socially isolated and don’t have anyone to check on them daily. Statistics indicate that loneliness can cause a 20% decline in health, a number that increases for seniors, the elderly and the homebound. TeleCare not only offsets that statistic, it ultimately serves as a safety net for clients and their families especially if volunteer callers are unable to reach the client. If you live alone or know someone who does, a daily phone call would be a great way to stay connected with life and make new friends. Other TeleCare activities include attending an annual holiday party to meet fellow clients and member volunteers face to face, as well as receiving greeting cards from the Assisteens®, an auxiliary where kids learn to participate in a community service at a young age. To help, or for more information about TeleCare, please call (925) 934-0901.
editor @ yourmonthlypaper.com
FEBRUARY 2017 • LAFAYETTE TODAY • PAGE 23
WILL YOU BE MY VALENTINE?
By Mary Bruns, Lamorinda Senior Transportation
My neighbor was returning home from walking her dogs at the same time I returned the other day. I reached over to pet the dogs, and she said, “Max always barks because he wants attention; he’s really very affectionate although quite demanding.” Having two demanding cats, I completely understood. And sure enough, when I stopped petting him, he began to bark again. With all the rain we have been experiencing and the conflict we see in the news, it’s enjoyable to think about celebrations like Valentine’s Day. I remember how much fun it was to exchange Valentine’s Day cards as a child in elementary school. Just as we sometimes participate in a group that has a “Secret Santa” exchange, we might consider having a “Secret Valentine” this year, someone we adopt to shower with little gifts and loving attention. Do you have an older adult in your family, neighborhood, or circle who would enjoy having a short visit with you, an invitation to coffee, or an offer of help in changing a ceiling light bulb or smoke alarm battery? Does someone you know need a ride to the doctor, library, or grocery store? These little gifts of service are Valentines in disguise and help to keep positive energy flowing in that person’s life as well as our own. “The heart that loves is always young,” states a Greek proverb. Is there someone in your life you need to make peace with? Neale Donald Walsch “wants us to know that winning an argument is never the goal of a true spiritual master: winning someone’s heart is….” We live in challenging times, so it is helpful to allow these quotes to inspire us to take new steps in creating a kind, peaceful, and loving environment. The benefit to our health
Lamorinda Senior Transportation An Alliance of Transportation Providers
Volunteer Drivers – Needed, Valued, and Appreciated We will accommodate your schedule. Call one of the programs below to volunteer.
Lamorinda Spirit Van
925-283-3534
Takes Lamorinda older adults, age 60 and up, to errands, appointments, shopping, classes, and to lunch at the C.C. Café. Wheelchair and walker accessible. WE LOVE TO SAY YES, so call early to make your reservation. ‘LIKE” us at www.facebook.com/lamorindaspiritvan.
Contra Costa Yellow Cab and DeSoto Company 925-284-1234 20% discount for Lamorinda seniors.
Orinda Seniors Around Town
925-402-4506
Mobility Matters Rides for Seniors
925-284-6161
Volunteer drivers serving Orinda seniors with free rides to appointments and errands.
Volunteer drivers serving Contra Costa seniors with free rides to doctors’ appointments during the week. Grocery shopping on Saturdays.
County Connection LINK Reservation Line 925-938-7433 For people with disabilities. (Older adults often have “age-based” disabilities.)
Mobility Matters Information and Referral Line 925-284-6109 Gogograndparents.com 855-464-6872 A way to use UBER or LYFT without an iPhone. Press “0” to speak to an operator.
and well-being is substantial. Thomas F. Woodlock tells us that “Times of stress and difficulty are seasons of opportunity when the seeds of progress are sown.” It was inspiring to see peaceful marches voicing the reminder of equality and inclusion for all after the inauguration. As we look inward to assess how we deal with differences of opinions, diversity, and conflict, the goal is acceptance, inner peace, and outer peace. “Self-conquest is the greatest of victories,” reminds Plato. At a recent SMAC (Senior Mobility Action Council) meeting, Katie Wade of Senior Center Without Walls (SCWW) shared with us how older adults age 60 and up can join free conference calls to talk on a variety of subjects or take classes by phone or video conferencing. What a gift this is to people who don’t drive or are house-bound due to physical limitations or illness! Since some people join the call on the same topic each week, phone friendships are formed. SMAC is working with SCWW to set up conference calls to learn about peoples’ experience with finding and using transportation as well as what their priorities are. To join this call, please call SCWW at (877) 797-7299 to register for their free program. It takes 4-5 minutes to register, and then you will have access to all of their programming. A program brochure and monthly calendars are sent out quarterly. SCWW suggests: “Play a game, write a poem, go on a virtual tour, meditate, share a gratitude, get support, and most importantly connect and engage with others every day, across the country.” May you have many Valentines in your life!
STROKE SUPPORT GROUP
The Stroke Support Group of Contra Costa County will hold its February 13th meeting in the Concord I Room at John Muir Medical Center - Concord Campus, (2540 East Street, Concord) from 7-9PM. The speakers will be Janet Patterson, Ph.D., CCC-SLP Chief, Audiology & Speech-Language Service at the Veteran’s Administration, Martinez along with Kevin Dalziel, Research Associate. They will be discussing “Aphasic Comprehension: Conflict Resolution and Short Term Memory.” After the program, attendees will break up into three coping groups: stroke survivors without aphasia, stroke survivors with aphasia, and caregivers and families of stroke survivors -- each group led by a trained professional. For further information about the Stroke Support Group, contact Ann Dzuna at (925) 376-6218. Meetings are free and open to the public.
C L A S S I F I E D S COMPUTER HELP
ITkid Computer Help Assistance with any tech related issue for a low price. Help with Email•Wifi•Computer•Smartphone•Tablet•Etc. $40/hr. Contact Max Nunan, local ITkid consultant. (925) 482-5488, maxnunan@gmail.com.
FOR RENT BIG ISLAND HAWAII - Luxurious 5 bedroom, 5 ½ bath home with pool and spa in Mauna Lani, Champion Ridge. Access to private beach, 2 golf courses, shopping, restaurants, and many other amenities. Rent by the week. Call 925586-8893 or reserve on VRBO listing #630743.
ARCHITECT
JOHN ROLF HATTAM - ARCHITECT Specializes in modest budget, new and renovated residences. Over 200 completed projects. Brochures available for all of our professional services •RESIDENTIAL RENOVATION •NEW RESIDENCES •CHURCHES •COMMERCIAL •MULTI-FAMILY. For the brochure meeting your need call 510-841-5933.
Lafayette Today Classifieds
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PAGE 24 • LAFAYETTE TODAY • FEBRUARY 2017
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