Enjoy...Lafayette Today, September 2016

editor@yourmonthlypaper.com

September 2016 What’s Up? By Jim Scala

Serving the Lafayette Community

On September 24th the Mt Diablo Astronomical society will host a public night sky viewing party at 6:30PM at the visitor’s center parking area atop Mt Diablo.

An evening with the stars begins with a short talk explaining what you will see through the members many excellent telescopes.

Looking west at sunset you’ll see a bright star and another, not nearly as bright, nearby. Venus, the bright star, is our sister planet and the dimmer one is Saturn. In a telescope Venus will look like a small three-quarter Moon. In contrast, Saturn is larger and its rings are spectacular. As you return to other Mt. Diablo Star parties you will see Venus grow bigger and pass through interesting phases like our moon.

Looking west at Venus is seeing where the earth has been. Since Venus’s orbit is closer to the Sun, it will pass by Earth in 2017, and Saturn, being far out in the solar system, will fall further behind and reappear in next spring’s morning sky.

LLLC Teen Programs By Fran Miller

As the teen services library assistant at the Lafayette Library and Learning Center (LLLC) for the past four years, Patrick Brogan knows what makes teenagers tick. He knows that it’s important for teens to feel included within the community, and he knows that they value and appreciate respect. He also knows that in today’s fast paced world, teens are pulled in a multitude of directions, and spending time at the local library might not be high on priority lists. Which is why he gets a bit creative in his programming, offering everything from ‘Cupcake Saturn and Moons After twilight fades, telescopes will focus on the many stellar objects visible Wars,’ to candy sushi making, to ‘Giant Jenga.’

Brogan’s goal is to engage, entertain, and at times advocate. He feels in our galaxy, the Milky Way, and on some objects in intergalactic space. Many See Astronomy continued on page 21 that teen programming is important for the community because it provides a creative outlet and a safe alternative place beyond home or school for teens to hang out. It also provides an opportunity for students to meet others and share their own expertise. His target audience is 6th grade through 12th grade students, the largest participation coming from middle school students. He strives to make the Teen Center (and the LLLC in general) a cool and welcoming place and has added student-created art and an interactive Post-It Note wall. He takes the time to get to know those who attend programs. “I talk to the kids after school and ask how their day is going,” says Brogan. “It’s all a matter of mutual respect.”

Charity Bike Chris Chandler (c), executive director of the Livermore Winegrower’s Association presides over the annual ‘blessing of the grapes’ with (l to r) Pastor Steve Wilde, First Presbyterian Church Livermore, Father Mark Wiesner, St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, and Rabbi Larry Milder, Congregation Beth Emek.

Local Wine By Fran Miller

Wine lovers might agree that Danville resident Chris Chandler has one of the best jobs in the industry. As executive director of the Livermore Valley Winegrowers Association, it is Chandler’s job to market the area’s liquid treasures. With more than 50 wineries within the 25-mile long, 18-mile wide Livermore Valley territory, Chandler is a very busy, and very happy, woman.

See Wine continued on page 20

Local Postal Customer

PRSRT STD U.S. Postage PAID Permit 21 Lafayette, CA

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See Teen continued on page 16 Institute By Fran Miller

Throughout an entrepreneurial career that has taken him from sales with IBM to his current position with Reflow Water Works, Alamo resident Stephen “Steamer” Stanley has always found time for charitable endeavors.

After having been a youth sports coach, and having served on the boards of Shelter, Inc., CEID, and the Orinda Chamber of Commerce. In addition to being active in Rotary, Stanley decided it was time to establish his own charitable organization, and thus, Charity Bike Institute (CBI) was created.

CBI’s premise is simple: they collect unwanted bicycles, refurbish and restore them if necessary, and donate them to individuals in need. Stanley operates the organization yearround, relying on word of mouth Volume X - Number 9 for his collection of unwanted bikes.

3000F Danville Blvd #117 He personally contacts homeless Alamo, CA 94507 and transitional shelters, schools, Telephone (925) 405-6397 veteran groups, and other organizaFax (925) 406-0547 editor@yourmonthlypaper.com tions to find those in need of a bike.

His staff of high school volunteers Alisa Corstorphine ~ Publisher provide the tune-up labor, and he The opinions expressed herein belong to the writers, and do not necessarily reflect that of Lafayette Today. Lafayette was recently provided free use of Today is not responsible for the content of any of the ad-

See Bike cont. on page 17

vertising herein, nor does publication imply endorsement.

Page 2 - September 2016 ~ Lafayette Today

Boulevard View

If not now...then when?

By Alisa Corstorphine, Editor

The other day my daughter caught me deep cleaning the kitchen counters. While I appreciate cleanliness, I can’t say scrubbing and scouring take up a prominent space at the top of my “To Do” list.

It was the middle of the day, and I had walked by the counter, noticed some grime, and all of the sudden decided NOW was the time to tackle the chore.

I had a bowl of water, a scrub brush, a toothbrush for the crevasses, and the ultimate sponge also known as a “Magic Eraser.” I was vigorously scrubbing when my daughter looked at me and said, “Mom, you’re procrasti-cleaning!”

Boy, was she right. I was in the middle of a project that needed to get finished, but my heart wasn’t in it, so I took a little detour and found cleaning the counter at that moment was a higher priority and more “fun.”

My daughter noted that she and her college roommates excelled at procrasti-cleaning and procrasti-baking, especially during finals week, and their home was never as clean or smelled as wonderful from good cooking as once a quarter when upcoming tests loomed.

While my motto generally is “Do it Now,” at times it is easy to get derailed.

However, procrastination can cause its own set of problems. Procrastination, which is defined as “to put off till another day or time; defer; delay,” can turn a little problem into a big one, such as waiting to fix a broken sprinkler in the yard or a leak in the roof where a small drip becomes a flood, or ignoring the “Check Oil” light on the car dashboard until the engine seizes and needs to be replaced.

Author Matthew Quirk writes, “I used to be a reporter, and there is no better way to procrastinate while writing than research.” Today’s “research” involves a whole lot more than pulling a dusty encyclopedia off the shelf of the family library. It involves interviews, reviewing printed and electronic material, and following a rabbit hole maze of links to explore and dive deeper into a story or issue and then filtering out facts from tall tales.

Lafayette Flag Brigade 9/11 Remembrance and Candlelight Vigil

History forgotten is history repeated. In support of never forgetting our 9/11 heroes and their families the largest overpass flag display in the state will be held as part of the Lafayette Flag Brigade's 15th Annual 9/11 Remembrance and Candlelight Vigil.

Please come and bring your special flag. Meet Lafayette Boy Scouts from Troop 243 who will be presenting the colors, greet our local Blue Star Moms, enjoy our local speaker presentation, and be a part of a special patriotic musical program. Be sure and stay for the largest candlelight vigil to date which starts at dusk. This is a family oriented, educational, and non-political event where all groups are welcome. Free commemorative flags will be available for children.

The event takes place Sunday, September 11th, from 4pm to 8pm. The 9/11 Heroes Candlelight Vigil starts at 7:15pm at El Curtola Bridge, Highway 24 overcrossing at 680 Freeway, Lafayette. Take Highway 24 to the Pleasant Hill Rd. exit, turn on Old Tunnel Rd, and go to the top of the hill.

For more information, visit www.nevereverforget911.com.

9/11 Ceremony

The Exchange Club of San Ramon Valley along with local veterans’ organizations is hosting the Annual 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony for the residents of the San Ramon Valley, featuring the family of the pilot of Flight 175. The event will take place on Sunday, September 11 from 5PM to 5:55PM at the All Wars Memorial at Oak Hill Park which is located at 3005 Stone Valley Road in Danville.

Keynote speaker Justin Clark will share his Uncle Victor Saracini’s last moments as Captain and pilot of Flight 175. Also featured will be prominent guest speakers, Scouts with an array of American flags, joint Police and Fire Department Honor Guard and Pipes and Drums, the Monte Vista High Chamber Choir, White Wings Dove Release, and more.

Immediately following the ceremony there will be a free community picnic.

For information on the ceremony, please visit srvexchangeclub.org.

www.yourmonthlypaper.com Putting something off doesn’t make the project or issue go away. Whether it is a call or an email we are dreading responding to, or a project we aren’t excited for, it doesn’t evaporate; it lingers and festers until we address it.

Discipline is doing what needs to be done, even if we don’t want to.

Procrastination can lead to stress and anxiety, it can cause lost opportunities such as missing a flight or an event if tickets sell out, it reduces productivity as you find the need to ramp back up to the activity after walking away, it can cause medical problems that may have been more easily treated if they were addressed earlier to become worse, or it can lead to incomplete or hurried work when the task butts up against a deadline and we run out of time.

The flip side of completing a task early is it allows for more free time without pressure, it allows time to review, or it gives the opportunity to buy a ticket for an event and get great seating, it gets past the angst of confronting a situation and addresses it head on in order for us to move ahead.

Michael Landon Jr., son of television legend Michael Landon, is an awardwinning storyteller in television, film, and books. He noted, “Somebody should tell us, right at the start of our lives, that we are dying. Then we might live life to the limit, every minute of every day. Do it! I say. Whatever you want to do, do it now! There are only so many tomorrows.”

My personal “To Do” list is not just a bunch of chores that never end. One of my To Do lists is probably better classified as a bucket list of places to travel, restaurants to try, classes to take, and adventures to be had. It is a kick in the pants to not procrastinate but to dream, execute, and enjoy the things I deem important. Some dreams, such as a good education, can be comprised of steps we find unenjoyable - such as homework and research. However, those tasks are required to reach goals we define and to achieve an end result we desire.

Author Elizabeth Bourgeret writes, “Every hour you are not going after your passion, making your dreams a reality, or defining your purpose is an hour you can’t get back. Is what you’re doing right now, this day, this moment getting you closer to where you want to be? If not, readjust your focus.

It’s your future. Go get it!”

The counters can get a light dusting to ward off bugs and germs, and the laundry can wait to get folded. I am going to focus on projects I deem important and not get derailed by the procrasti-bug.

City Seeks Volunteers for Vacancies on DesignReviewandCirculationCommissions

TheLafayetteCityCouncilissolicitingapplicantstofillkeyvolunteerpositionson: TheDesignReviewCommission.Thefive-memberbodyisresponsibleformattersrelatingtoaestheticsandthephysicalappearanceofthecity.Thecommissionadvisesthe staff,planningcommission,andcitycouncilandactsonapplicationsfordesignreview including residential and commercial development projects.

Membersofthedesignreviewcommissionareselectedonthebasisofeducation, trainingandexperienceinthefieldsofarchitecture,landscapearchitecture,design,city planning or a related field.

TheCirculationCommission.Theseven-memberbodyreviewspolicymattersthataffect theCity’sright-of-wayandrelatetotheCirculationElementoftheGeneralPlan.TheCommissionadvisestheCityCouncilonmatterspertainingtotrafficsafety,on-streetparking, and pedestrian sidewalks and bikeways.

Sixofthesevenmembersofthecommissionshallberesidentsofthecityandshall representspecificneighborhoodsasdesignatedbythecommission.Theseventhmember ofthecommission,whoneednotbearesidentofthecity,shalleitherownoroperatea business in the downtown.

IndividualsinterestedinthesevolunteerpositionsmayobtainanapplicationfromtheCity’swebsiteatwww. lovelafayette.orgorcalltheCity’sClerksOfficeat(925)284-1968torequestanapplicationbemailedtoyou.

Completed applications must be received by 5pm September 15th.

editor@yourmonthlypaper.com

Lafayette Hiking Group Fall 2016

Join the Lafayette Hiking Group on these upcoming outings! Meet in the parking lot out from Lafayette BART’s main entrance at 8:30AM unless a different meeting time or place is indicated. Carpools will be formed to the trailhead. Bring lunch or snacks, water, layered clothing, good walking shoes, sun protection, and money for transit and food.

Bring BART and Muni fare, and money for lunch or a snack. We will take BART and bus to the Marina district, walk around the Palace of Fine Arts and Marina, then head back through North Beach where we can stop for lunch or an Italian dessert and coffee. We will return on BART from the Embarcadero Station. The walk is a flat and easy 5 - 6 miles. The leader will be Linda On.

Saturday, Sept. 17th 10-7 PM Sunday, Sept. 18th 10-6 PM Downtown Lafayette ual 21st ann

FREE

•Admission

5

Saturday, September 17, Marina to North Beach, San Francisco

Lafayette Today ~ September 2016 - Page 3

•Parking at BART •Shuttle to event •Bike Valet Parking

BENEFITING

Saturday, October 1, Lafayette to Pleasant Hill via Acalanes Ridge

We will start at Lafayette BART and walk along Deerhill Road to the Elizabeth Street trail to Lafayette Ridge. There we will join the Briones to Mt. Diablo Trail down the ridge, across Pleasant Hill Road, and up the Acalanes Ridge. The trail then heads down into Walnut Creek where we pass Larkey Park, then take the Canal Trail to the Iron Horse Trail to Pleasant Hill BART. We will return on BART to Lafayette. Bring a Clipper card or BART fare.

The hike is about six miles with hills, and some paved some not paved.

The leader will be Alison Hill.

17 & 18

4 • EVOLUTION • SUPER HUEY • LIFE IN THE FAST LANE • LUMBERYARD • EAST BAY MUDD • • ZEBOP • EXTRA LARGE • JUKE JOINT • OTHER PEOPLE’S MONEY • BAY BRIDGE BEAT • • BOB ATHAYDE • DOMINANT 7 • SAVANNAH BLU • THE SPAZMATICS • RED HOUSE JAM • • QUEENS & THIEVES • LONG TRAIN RUNNING • THE RIPPLERS • BISTRO MUSTACHE • Presenting Sponsor

Presenting Sponsor

Festival Sponsor

Mobility Matters

Mobility Matters provides mobility management services in Contra Costa County between public and private transportation providers for seniors, individuals with disabilities, and low income individuals. The program is provided at no charge to clients. To learn about receiving assistance or volunteering for the program, call (925) 284-2207 or e-mail office@mobilitymatterscc.com.

Help support programs of Mobility Matters by participating in their annual raffle. Tickets are $25, and you can choose the item you want to try to win which includes an hour flight over the Bay Area and a $100 VISA gift card, a basketball signed by Warriors basketball “Splash Brothers,” a Livermore Bootlegger Adventure for four, a Tahoe getaway, or $1,000 cash. The drawing will be held on September 24, and participants do not need to be present to win. For ticket information, call (925) 284-2207.

Festival Sponsor

Festival Sponsor

Festival Sponsor

6100 State Farm Drive Rohnert Park, CA 94928

INC

Minuteman Press Lafayette Minuteman Press Lafayette

www.lafayettefestival.com 6100 State Farm Drive

www.facebook.com/lafayettefestival

@friendlychamber #lafayettefestival Rohnert Park, CA 94928

72 for the 22 at Elevation 62(00’)

Lafayette resident Ted Gallagher is helping raise funds for the Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund and America’s Fund with a walk around Lake Tahoe. This fundraising event aims to give back to those who protect us around the world. Ted will be walking around Lake Tahoe with a special final segment from Tahoe City to Homewood that will hopefully include some of our brave warriors.

The 72 for the 22 @ elevation 62 (00’) walk reflects the 72 miles around the lake, the average daily 22 suicides of military veterans, and the 6,200’ average Lake elevation.

The walk and generous donations are being made as Ted’s effort to raise $100,000 for our wounded vets. To learn more or contribute, visit https://fundraising.semperfifund.org/ fundraise?fcid=635878.

Thanks so much for your generosity!

Lamorinda Sunrise Rotary Club

The Lamorinda Sunrise Rotary Club, made up of local business, professional, and civic leaders, holds its breakfast meetings every Friday morning at 7AM at The Lafayette Park Hotel & Spa, located at 3287 Mt. Diablo Blvd. in Lafayette. Join the Club for breakfast!

Speakers include: • September 9: Presentation by Rotary District Governor.

• September 23: Walt Shafer will address “Water—Our Most precious Resource.”

Rotary’s basic tenets include friendship, fellowship, and service to others. Founded in 1905, Rotary International is represented in six continents with a worldwide membership of 34,000 clubs and 1.3 million members.

For more information, email lamorindasunrise@gmail. com or visit www.lamorindasunrise.org.

Page 4 - September 2016 ~ Lafayette Today

Diverse Classes Offered at Acalanes Adult Ed Heartbeats to World Cuisines

Some 15 new classes at Acalanes Adult Education (AAE) are featured in the upcoming Fall session with registration currently underway for the September 12 start date. “Our recognition of the diversity in students’ age, interests, and background continues to guide course offerings,” states Steve France, Director of AAE. Heartbeats combines low impact aerobics with stretching and balance while the cooking classes feature savory dishes from India and Korea. For avid readers, a new class, “A Reader’s Adventure,” offers a sampling of different genres with plenty of author background and critical reviews for context. Pastels includes soft and oil pastels, emphasizing different techniques in using materials. A look at American politics and key world issues will provide food-for-thought in such courses as “The Right and Left in American Politics” and a six-lecture series presented in collaboration with Diablo International Resource Center. From managing money to learning a new language, from gaining historical insights to appreciating the finer aspects of films, a broad array of learning opportunities exists.

Most classes are held at the Del Valle Education Center in Walnut Creek.

They vary in duration and start date as well as cost. Seniors discounts apply.

Major credit cards are accepted for online registration at acalanes.k12.ca.us/ adulted or by phone at (925) 280-3980, x8001.

East Bay Stand Down

Serving those who have served our Nation is the primary goal of the East Bay Stand Down (EBSD). Veteran participants are treated with respect and dignity. Their former service to our nation is evidence of their ability to succeed and is also reason for the community to support them in regaining success.

You have an opportunity to serve homeless Veterans September 15-18 at Pleasanton Fairgrounds. The EBSD is a consortium of community organizations coming together to provide a four-day event every other year that serves the nine-county Bay Area’s homeless and at-risk military Veterans. They are connected with services ranging from VA, healthcare, dental, mental health services, clothing, meals, emergency shelter, transitional and permanent housing, ID/drivers licenses, veteran homeless court and legal assistance, showers, and haircuts. Many other creature comforts are also provided.

Volunteer registration closes September 10. You can choose how you want to volunteer at www.eastbaystanddown.org. If you would like to help financially support this four-day event, please make your donation to Diablo Valley Veterans Foundation - EBSD, and mail it to PO Box 2133, Danville, CA 94526.

The DVVF is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation, IRS identification number 263198472. Your donation may be tax deductible; please consult your tax advisor.

Volunteer with AARP Tax-Aide for 2017 Tax Season

Do you like working with people? Are you good with numbers?

Contra Costa County AARP Tax-Aide is looking for volunteers to become members of a team providing free tax preparation for individuals of all ages. TaxAide volunteer positions include Tax Counselors who are trained by Tax-Aide and certified by IRS, and Client Facilitators, who schedule appointments and assist clients at tax sites. Orientation is in November 2016, and classes for tax counselors start in January 2017. Service is from February through April 15, 2017.

If you are interested, apply online at www.aarp.org/taxvolunteer or call LaVerne Gordon at (925) 726-3199 for additional information.

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

Joan Hughey is our winner!

Luther was hiding on page 5 last month!

www.yourmonthlypaper.com

7 Top Reasons to Love Lafayette’s Art & Wine Festival 2016 on September 17 & 18

Stop by the East Bay’s favorite end of summer party the weekend of September 17 and 18 for award-winning art, wine and music, four live stages, 20 cover bands, 260+ artist booths, a KidZone, great food - and arguably the largest selection of wine, beer and ale of any San Francisco Bay Area Festival.

The Festival will be held on Saturday, September 17 (10am-7pm) and Sunday, September 18 (10am-6pm) NEW YEAR • CARPET in downtown Lafayette.

NEW FLOORS! Below are seven top reasons why Lafayette Art • HARDWOOD & Wine Festival, now in its 21st year, is so popular: RUGS Location: The Festival is held in the heart of • CARPET beautiful downtown Lafayette, just steps from the • HARDWOOD CUSTOM RUGS Lafayette BART station, near bike trails (compliLINOLEUM mentary valet bike parking provided), two blocks • RUGS off Highway 24, and an easy walk/shuttle from • LINOLEUM TILE complimentary Festival parking.

Continuous Music & Dancing – with no cover charge: Two days, four stages. There will Family Owned Business Since 1989 be room to dance to familiar tunes played by 20 of the Bay Area’s best headliner cover bands. The 3344 Mt. Diablo Blvd.

2016 line-up includes The Spazmatics, Evolution, Lafayette, CA SuperHuey, Life in the Fast Lane, Other People’s 925.284.4440 Money, Queens & Thieves, Zebop!, Extra Large, www.LamorindaFloors.com East Bay Mudd, Lumberyard, Savannah Blu, Long License# 708486 Train Runnin’, Bay Bridge Beat, Bob Athayde, Juke Joint, The Ripplers, Dominant 7, and Red House Jam.

See Festival continued on page 18

Assistance League Way Side Inn Thrift

The dedicated member volunteers at Assistance League Way Side Inn Thrift Shop, located at 3521 Golden Gate Way in Lafayette, are busily preparing for the Summer Semiannual Sale as prices are slashed by staggering amounts.

On Friday, September 9, you will find all summer merchandise priced at $2, and on Saturday, September 10, you will fill a bag for a mere $5!

When you shop the Assistance League Way Side Inn Thrift Shop Summer Semiannual Sale, you will save a lot of money by spending a little money while putting together an awesome look. You’ll also help the dedicated member volunteers make room for their over-the-moon fall merchandise waiting to be uncrated.

Fall Merchandise Event a Family Affair

Like the seasons, the dedicated member volunteers at Assistance League Way Side Inn Thrift Shop, are in transition as they prepare for the Fall Merchandise Event. Scheduled to begin Tuesday, September 13 and run through Saturday, September 17, this typically well-attended shopping spree offers great finds for the entire family as well as for the home.

Thank you for your generous donations to and purchases at the Way Side Inn Thrift Shop. To learn how your involvement improves the lives of those in our community who are vulnerable, please visit diablovalley. assistanceleague.org.

Montelindo Garden Club Meeting

The next Montelindo Garden Club meeting (third Friday of every month, September thru May) will be held on Friday, September 16 at 9am, at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, located at 66 St. Stephens Drive, Orinda.

The presentation will be all about apples with apple tasting! Join Paula, the coordinator of Save the Gravenstein Apple, who is active in Slow Food Russian River, which operates the Sebastopol Apple Press.

For more information, visit www.montelindogarden.com, call 925-2848193, or email wconstantine@comcast.net.

editor@yourmonthlypaper.com

Lafayette Today ~ September 2016 - Page 5

LAFAYETTE HAS JOINED CLEAN ELECTRICITY SERVICE PROVIDER, MCE

Starting this September, residents and businesses in Lafayette will automatically start cleaner energy service with MCE at competitive, and even lower rates compared to PG&E unless they choose another option.

How will this affect the energy service for Lafayette residents and businesses?

Lafayette residents and businesses can now choose their power sources. Prior to joining MCE, Lafayette had only one energy provider, PG&E. With the MCE Light Green service option, half or more of your energy usage is generated from renewable sources. For the typical home, the cost of this MCE service is slightly less than PG&E’s 30% renewable service. Lafayette residents and businesses may also opt up and choose MCE’s Deep Green 100% renewable energy service or opt out and choose PG&E’s 30% renewable energy service.

Is MCE more expensive than PG&E? No, MCE’s rates are slightly less than current PG&E rates. When Lafayette residents and businesses are enrolled in MCE service this September, the typical customer will automatically pay slightly less for 50% renewable energy compared to what they would have paid for PG&E’s 30% renewable energy. Customers in financial assistance programs like CARE, FERA, and/or Medical Baseline Allowance will continue to receive their discounts in–full without interruption with MCE.

Are MCE’s rates more stable than PG&E’s?

Yes. While PG&E tends to change its rates 3–5 times a year, MCE has never changed its rates more than once in a year since it’s started serving customers in 2010. MCE’s Board of Directors discuss, evaluate, and approve rates in public meetings that you are welcome to join.

Is MCE’s power cleaner than PG&E’s?

Yes, considerably! MCE puts more electricity from non–polluting, renewable sources like solar, wind, bioenergy, geothermal, and hydroelectricity on the electric grid, lowering energy–related greenhouse gas emissions. According to the 2015 California Energy Commission power content labels, MCE’s Light Green service is 52% renewable and 63% carbon–free, compared to PG&E’s 30% renewable and 59% carbon–free service.

Will my billing change?

No. PG&E will continue to send one monthly electric bill with MCE charges included. Instead of one fee that combines both electric delivery fees and electric generation fees, the bill will show separate charges — one for PG&E electric delivery and one for MCE electric generation. MCE’s generation rates will simply replace PG&E’s generation rates.

I have solar on my roof. How does this affect me?

At the time of your enrollment in MCE service, PG&E will initiate an immediate true–up — sending you a bill for all electric charges incurred since your last true– up and zeroing out any accrued credits. NEM customers may elect to enroll their accounts early or postpone their enrollment until later in the year to better align with their true–up date.

MCE offers one of the most generous Net Energy Metering (NEM) programs in California, and thousands of households and businesses are already benefiting. If you choose MCE, you’ll automatically be enrolled in our NEM program; there’s no need to reapply.

• MCE credits a premium rate (retail rate + $0.01 per kWh) for the excess electricity your solar panels produce during each billing period.

• Your MCE credits roll over continuously and are never zeroed out through an annual true–up.

• MCE offers you a check for the full amount of your NEM credit if your balance exceeds $100 at the end of April.

For more information about MCE’s NEM program, please visit mceCleanEnergy. org/nem.

What kind of organization is MCE? Who controls it?

MCE is a local, not–for–profit, public agency directly controlled by its member communities — like Lafayette. MCE member communities — not private shareholders — control their own energy choices. MCE is governed by a Board of Directors, comprised of elected officials from each of the communities it serves.

As an MCE Board Director, City Council Member Brandt Andersson represents Lafayette’s values in MCE’s decision–making. MCE’s Board of Directors is not paid for their role with MCE. MCE has been serving Bay Area electric customers since 2010. Today nearly 171,000 customers in Marin, unincorporated Napa County, and the cities of Richmond, Benicia, El Cerrito, and San Pablo are buying clean, renewable energy from MCE. American Canyon, Calistoga, Napa, St. Helena, Walnut Creek, and Yountville will also be joining MCE this month.

30%

•

Li

n ree pG ee n D ree tG h g &E PG

50% • M CE

100 %•

MC E

Learn About Your New Electricity Options

Renewable Content

LIGHT GREEN 50% RENEWABLE

Take no action and your 50% renewable energy service will start this month at slightly less cost than PG&E’s 30% renewable energy for the typical home.

DEEP GREEN 100% RENEWABLE

Opt up to 100% renewable energy service online or by phone, for about $5 per month for the typical home.

PG&E 30% RENEWABLE

To continue buying your energy from PG&E, opt out of MCE online or by phone. Learn about PG&E options at pge.com.

To choose Deep Green or opt out, visit mceCleanEnergy.org or call 1 (888) 632-3674. Please have your PG&E account number on hand.

SAMPLE RESIDENTIAL COST COMPARISON1 PG&E 30% Renewable

MCE Light Green 50% Renewable

MCE Deep Green 100% Renewable

$49.43

PG&E Electric Delivery† —

$11.04

$11.04

Electric Generation§

$44.84

$33.34

$37.97

Total Monthly Cost

$94.27

$93.81

$98.44

PG&E Additional Fees‡

Based on typical usage (463 kWh) at the residential (E1 XB) current PG&E rates and MCE rates effective September 1, 2016. † PG&E electric delivery rates are the same for MCE and PG&E customers and are available at pge.com. ‡ PG&E additional fees (Power Charge Indifference Adjustment & Franchise Fee Surcharge): $0.02385/kWh. § PG&E generation rate: $0.09684/kWh; MCE Light Green generation rate: $0.072/kWh; MCE Deep Green generation rate: $0.082/kWh.

mceCleanEnergy.org/Lafayette

|

1 (888) 632–3674

Page 6 - September 2016 ~ Lafayette Today

The Bookworm

By Joan Stevenson

“It takes a village…” to build a library, and even after the structure is complete, the support must continue to sustain the ambitious ideas of the builders. In our town “The Friends Corner Book Shop” does the supporting. Last month Debbie Cooper, Mechanics Bank VP Area Manager, presented a check to Sharon Lingane, Manager of the Book Shop. This is their third contribution of $200 which will be used to purchase the handsome blue book bags you can buy at the shop. Thank you Mechanics Bank! The Friends are grateful for all the community businesses who partner with them to keep Lafayette Library and Learning Center the best and most innovative library you can find anywhere!

Papillion has long been a popular Lafayette gathering spot, and the owners, Brenda and Tom Oum, graciously prepared our lattes and teas. Few of us knew their back story until now.

Well, Jil Plummer, author of Remember to Remember, will be our Sweet Thursday author on September 15th at 7PM, and she will tell us their saga. Her book is set in Cambodia and is the fictionalized true story of Chanbopha, a courageous child who, despite her youth, survives the death march from Phnom Penh and through the Khmer Rouge killing fields. Using her own ingenuity, she finds food for her family in the working prison farm where many starved and few emerged whole. Through all the ugliness, Chanbopha sees glimpses of beauty, and this allows nothing to deter her from fighting for her dream of taking her mother and siblings to a life of freedom. We know Chanbopha as Brenda. Enjoy this free event brought to you by the Friends.

The current feature at The Contemporary Jewish Museum in San Francisco is titled Stanley Kubrick: The Exhibition. Stanley Kubrick exerted complete artistic control over his projects; in doing so, he reconceived the genres in

www.yourmonthlypaper.com which he worked. The exhibition covers the breadth of Kubrick’s achievements, beginning with his photographs for LOOK magazine taken in the 1940s and continuing with his directorial achievements of the 1950s through the 1990s.

Hear more about the exhibit at WOW (Wonders of the World), brought to you by the Friends, on Wednesday, September 14th at 2PM in the Community Hall.

Experience the extraordinary phenomenon of avian migration, Birds on the Move: An Avian Treasure Hunt in the Bay Area, on Monday, September 19th at 6:30PM. Learn how to find migrant and vagrant birds around the Bay Area. Naturalist and educator Juan-Carlos Solis will talk about avian natural rhythms and how seasonal changes in local habitats influence the birds you will expect to find in the field.

Patrick Brogan, Teen Services, invites 6th to 12th graders to join in Cupcake Wars on September 20th at 3:30PM! The participants will be provided plain cupcakes and cupcake decorations. Their task is to provide the creativity to decorate them. You will be asked to make three cupcakes inspired by or related to a book of your choosing.

Final creations will be judged by your peers on appearance and faithfulness to book inspiration, and a panel of judges will also judge based on appearance and taste.

Four winners will be chosen. Prizes include a cupcake and a book. This event is free for 6th-12th grade students. Register at tinyurl.com/LAFcupcakewars.

Now on a more serious vein, STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math) will take a serious look at the physics of roller coasters, on Wednesday, September 21st at 6:30PM. If you love to ride them and you’ll love to build them!

Come explore potential and kinetic energy, and apply what you learn to build your own roller coasters made of foam tubing, marbles, and other materials. On September 28th at 4PM in the Amphitheater, come and help build the Giant Jenga!

The Distinguished Speaker Series presents author Leslie McGuirk on her book, Mercury’s Power Over Communication on Friday, September 23 at 7PM in the Community Hall. The author explains in her book how Mercury oversees our intelligence, mind, and memory, and impacts our ability to listen, speak, write, and negotiate. With equal parts humor and practicality, McGuirk reveals the mysteries of Mercury Retrograde, offers advice on how to flourish during this period, and explains how understanding your own personal Mercury sign can improve communication and unleash new creativity. Tickets are $15 for general admission and $40 for reserved seating.

LLLCF donors call 925-283-6513 x102 for donor discount tickets.

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The Lafayette Historical Society Why Lafayette Oral History?

By LHS volunteers

In every community — in families, neighborhoods, workplaces, and schools — there are people who have knowledge and skills to share — ways of knowing and doing that often come from years of experience and have been preserved and passed down across generations.

As active participants in community life, these bearers of tradition are primary sources of culture and history.

They are, as folklorist Barbara Kirshenblatt-Gimblett writes, “living links in the historical chain, eye witnesses to history, shapers of a vital and indigenous way of life. They are unparalleled in the vividness and authenticity they can bring to the study of local history and culture.”

Through documenting their memories and stories, the past comes to life in the present, filled with vivid images of people, places, and events. And it is not only the past that we discover: we learn about the living traditions — the foodways, celebrations, customs, music, occupations, and skills — that are a vital part of daily experience. These stories, memories, and traditions are powerful expressions of community life and values. They anchor us in a larger whole, connecting us to the past, grounding us firmly in the present, and giving us a sense of identity and roots, belonging, and purpose.

A tradition-bearer can be anyone — young or old — who has knowledge, skills, and experience to share a third-grader who knows the hand-clapping games shared among schoolchildren on the playground, a family member who knows about the special foods that are always prepared for holiday celebrations, or a neighbor who has lived in your community for many years and can tell you about local history and ways of life.

And so a group of Lafayette Historical Society volunteers is currently gathering oral histories from the citizens of Lafayette, as well as making available very old interviews. This is an interesting project that actually began

Sons in Retirement

Las Trampas Branch 116

Sons In Retirement - Las Trampas Branch 116 welcomes guests to socialize with them at their monthly luncheon beginning at 11AM on Monday, September 19th at the Walnut Creek Elks Lodge, 1475 Creekside Drive.

The guest speaker will be Budd McKenzie, the founder of Trust in Education. Budd will be speaking on Afghanistan and the War for Hearts and Minds, the work that Trust in Education has done and is doing in Afghanistan, and the challenges in combating extremism there and here.

Budd founded Trust in Education after reading Charlie Wilson’s War, becoming informed about US involvement in Afghanistan, and visiting Afghanistan. Trust in Education is comprised of an ever increasing number of people who have chosen to help Afghans rebuild their lives and country.

Budd has been committed to community services, serving as a coach and manager for various youth sports teams. His Lafayette Chamber of Commerce service includes six years as a member of the Board of Directors and president in 2006.

Please call (925) 322-1160 to make lunch reservations. The cost for lunch is $15. For more information about the group’s activities for retired men, please visit www.Branch116.org.

Sons in Retirement Lamorinda Branch 174

Branch 174 is a social organization of retired and semi-retired men who enjoy spending leisure time with friends and activities. Their 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 the second Wednesday monthly at Holy Trinity Culture Center, 1700 School Street, Moraga. The guest speaker on September 14th will be Poul-Erik Olsen, from City National Rochdale, who will be sharing his views of current domestic and world markets hitting on topics like the economic outlook, corporate profitability, monetary conditions, and more.

For attendance and membership info, call Tyler at (925) 284-5561.

Please visit www.branch174.sirinc2.org for more information.

Lafayette Today ~ September 2016 - Page 7

many years ago. The recordings have been maintained in our archives. We have reel-to-reel tapes, VHS tapes, cassette tapes, CD’s and now digital recordings.

Several of the older interviews and the newer interviews are available on the Lafayette Historical Society’s website http://lafayettehistory. org/archives. The transcripts have been combined with photos and pictures that pertain to the interview.

We are looking for people who are interested in helping with the project, working with the team preparing the oral histories for presentation, interviewing candidates, transcribing the interviews, or even being interviewed. Stop by the History Room on Tuesday afternoons (noon – 2PM) to visit with our Oral History Committee. Maybe you’ll join our venture!

Zestimates

By Erin Martin, Village Associates Real Estate

How many of you regularly monitor the value of your home on real estate sites like Zillow.com?

This month I want to share my perspective on these value measures or “Zestimates” and what they mean to the market value of your home. In my view these estimates of your home are like the weatherman telling us that it will be in the 70’s tomorrow. I generally know it will be a nice day, but I would certainly like to know if it will be 79° so I can wear shorts and a T-shirt or 70° so I can bring a sweater.

While sellers start with Zillow when considering if it makes financial sense to sell, very rarely does Zillow agree with my pricing feedback. In my experience, more often than not Zillow over estimates the value of a home, and sellers are shocked when my pricing feedback does not match up with their Zestimate.

Los Angeles Times writer, Kenneth R. Harney, interviewed the CEO of Zillow, Spencer Rascoff, in February of 2015 and asked how accurate is Zillow pricing for a home. Rascoff answered that they’re “a good starting point, but that nationwide Zestimates have a ‘median error rate’ of about 8%. In some rural counties in California, error rates range as high as 26%. In San Francisco it’s 11.6%.” I found this large margin of error shocking. If my pricing feedback was off the mark by 8-26%, I would have very few clients.

With the year-to-date median home price being $1,375,000 in Lafayette, the error rate can range from $110,000 to $357,500. There are endless reasons why Zillow has such a large margin of error. For example, Zillow never inspects a home nor do they hear freeway noise, see curbappeal, or lack thereof, check out busy roads, or see an undesirable home next door. Nor does Zillow consider the other endless factors that go into determining market value.

Pricing is make-it or break-it when it comes to buying or selling real estate. In other words, if my pricing feedback to a buyer is off the mark, the buyer either loses the house to another buyer or overpays. When it comes to listing, a home that is overpriced sits on the market, and all momentum and leverage is lost.

So the next time you look at Zillow and daydream about packing up, cashing in, and moving to Oregon, remember Zillow is only in the ballpark, and if you still decide to move after getting more accurate feedback from your realtor or an appraiser, keep in mind that then you won’t live in Lafayette.

Please feel free to call or email me your real estate questions. I would love to hear from you. I can be reached at (925) 951-3817 or by email at erin@erinmartinhomes.com.

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Page 8 - September 2016 ~ Lafayette Today

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Help for Families Facing a Mental Health Crisis

By Candace Andersen, Contra Costa County, District 2 Supervisor

Many people feel paralyzed when a loved one is in a state of mental health crisis. While we may want to diminish their pain, nothing seems to penetrate the barrier that surrounds them. In a time of crisis, trying to identify options for help is challenging. One great resource to aid families dealing with mental illness is the Mental Health Crash Course, a program designed by collaborating organizations to provide an orientation to help navigate through the mental health system. Every Wednesday, a 90-minute “crash course” is held at the Family Justice Center, located at 2151 Salvio St. in Concord. More information about the program can be found at www.mhcrashcourse.org.

Since mental health disorders are often invisible on the surface, they may not be as easy to immediately recognize. Mental illness is a chronic, persistent, and frequently hereditary disorder that 5% of the American population suffers from.

Just as we don’t hesitate to seek treatment for medical ailments, help for mental illness also needs to be sought.

Sometimes it is not until a crisis exists that family members seek assistance.

If someone becomes a danger to self, a danger to others, or gravely disabled, showing extreme symptoms of a mental disorder, police can be summoned and the person may be placed on a 5150 or involuntary psychiatric hold. A person can be held up to 72 hours to be evaluated. At the end of that period, a 5250 hold for up to 14 days may be further issued, followed by a 5260 hold up to 30 days. If a law has been broken, subjects may opt into the Behavioral Health Court, which provides an intensive two-year treatment program for the mentally ill.

Unfortunately, many of those who are seriously mentally ill remain in denial of their disorders, a state officially known as anosognosia. Assisted Outpatient Treatment (AOT), also known as Laura’s Law, was instituted in Contra Costa County in February of 2016 to help some of these individuals. The AOT program provides a 24-hour team response that includes mental health treatment, medication, access to primary healthcare, substance abuse counseling, benefit and resource

See Help continued on page 19

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Lafayette Today ~ September 2016 - Page 9

Walking the Reservoir

By Jim Scala

Reservoir birds. I’ve received many e-mails asking what has happened to the reservoir birds. The old rubric, “All politics are local,” can be restated as “All droughts are local.” Sadly, this longest of all California droughts has brought severe hardship to our bird population. By early August, the water level was at 83% and falling. When you read this it will be lower, and that translates to more hardship, not only for reed-dwelling birds, animals, and insects, but for all birds.

In the reed-rich shallow water area near the canyon trail-paved trail intersection, at least one Snowy Egret and usually a Great Blue Heron would feed regularly. Since early last year, that area is dry, the soil deeply cracked with no water dwelling wildlife, so those elegant birds have gone. Indeed, you can now follow the path that was once under water all the way to the west-end picnic area. Let’s hope our egrets and herons return this coming rainy season.

By some expert estimates, song birds have suffered worst. Their reproduction has dropped dramatically.

Although we don’t have statistics on these birds, in one area where state experts keep stats on nesting songbirds, only three out of 150 nests fledged chicks. Their finding illustrates the interdependence of nature.

Worms go deep into dirt to survive, and that means no food for many song birds. Many insects can’t get through the larval stage and, since songbirds require certain nutrients derived from insects, their eggs aren’t fertilized, or the chicks can’t survive. Consequently, we don’t see as many songbirds, and it can get worse.

Our raptors – hawks, eagles, and owls – are feeling the dryness even more. Vegetation growth is limited which in turn decreases the rodent and rabbit population that raptors rely on for food and to feed their chicks. For example, I could always spot at least one rabbit on an early morning walk, but I haven’t seen one in over a year. This means there just aren’t enough protein calories for adult raptors to have the required energy to breed and raise young. And the lack of dead rodents affects the vultures. We often saw many in the trees near the Visitors Center, but not this summer.

Botulism which thrives in droughts has increased and is devastating to our bird population. Though I have no reservoir statistics, the state experts said that our birds aren’t excluded.

AAUW Events

See Walking continued on page 23

A Taste of Walnut Creek

The 19th annual restaurant walk, A Taste of Walnut Creek, will be held on October 18 from 6 to 9PM. Proceeds will benefit American Association of University Women (AAUW) Orinda, Moraga, Lafayette, (OML) Branch Tech Trek Stem summer camp scholarships.

Buy your tickets and join your friends for a delightful evening tasting food from over 20 downtown Walnut Creek restaurants. Tickets are available for purchase for $30 per person before October 10 from Jan Cushman, 143 Meadow View Road, Orinda, CA 94563. Make your check for $30 out to AAUW OML Community Outreach Fund, Inc. (Add $2 for postage if requesting ticket book be mailed). For more information, e-mail jancushman@comcast.net.

Tickets will also be available at the September 20 meeting, 9:30AM at the Orinda Community Church Fellowship Hall, 10 Irwin Way in Orinda.

Help send Lamorinda middle school girls to Tech Trek summer camp by supporting this fundraiser.

Showcase Event with Nutrition Expert Jill West

Meet nutrition expert Jill West at the AAUW Showcase, “Celebrating Us” on Tuesday, September 20 at 9:30AM at the Orinda Community Church, 10 Irwin Way in Orinda. In addition, AAUW-OML will be celebrating its 60th year of service to the Lamorinda community. The theme will be the Five Best Foods for Women Over Fifty.

Showcase is the first meeting of AAUW-OML Branch, for the 2016-2017 season. In addition to hearing the speaker, attendees will have a chance to hear about the chapter’s plans for the year and speak with the coordinators of the Special Interest Groups (including Golf, Memoirs and Musings, Museum Mavens, International Travel, and others).

Jill is a registered dietician and nutrition expert. She is a member of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and the California Dietetic Association. Prior to starting her private practice, she worked in clinics in several major hospitals. She is a certified health coach, a columnist and a blog contributor at Famtivity.com. Don’t miss this chance to learn the fiction and fact behind the foods we eat.

AAUW General Meetings are open to the public. For more information, visit oml-ca.aauw.net.

Lafayette Community Garden and Outdoor Learning Center

The following classes take place at the Lafayette Community Garden, located at 3932 Mt Diablo Blvd (across from and just west of Lafayette Reservoir).

Classes are free however, a $5 donation is appreciated.

To register for classes or for more information, please visit www.lafayettecommunitygarden.org.

Explore the Natural Beauty of the Pease Family Trail ~ Sunday, September 25 ~ 3–4:30PM Join science teacher Janet Thomas for a talk and a short walk along the Pease Family Nature trail, located at the back of the Lafayette Community Garden along Lafayette Creek.* She will discuss the history of the area and talk about some of the most common plants and animals that live along East Bay’s many creeks. Time permitting, the group will venture to the other side of the creek to observe some of the same plants and animals that border the neighboring Costa Trail. This event is open to all ages and the walk is not strenuous. *Booklets for self-guided tours of the Pease Family Trail are available to the public during garden open hours: Tuesday 4–7PM, Thursday 9AM–noon, and Saturday 9AM–1PM. Gardeners’ Guide To Saving Seeds ~ Saturday, September 10 ~ 3 – 4:30PM • Are you interested in knowing more about how to grow out your plants to save seeds?

• Do you have questions about harvesting and storing seeds?

• Do you know how to avoid cross-pollination when starting a seed saving program?

Now is the perfect time to identify which of your tomatoes and other summer vegetables were the most productive and healthy and learn how to save some of their seeds for planting next year. Trish Clifford, UC Master Gardener of Contra Costa County, will offer a presentation about how to save seeds from your vegetable garden. She will share the value of saving seeds and explain the technique involved in growing plants to produce seeds.

She will also talk about how to organize a seed swap for next spring, so seeds can be shared.

Page 10 - September 2016 ~ Lafayette Today

Sustainable Lafayette

Lafayette Community Garden …Worth a Local Excursion

By Pam Palitz

When out-of-town guests descend on us, we manage to visit all the places we can’t cram into our regular routine: Alcatraz, Muir Woods, cable cars – they’re all such magical experiences that we wonder why we need a special excuse to make those trips.

There are “destinations” even closer that you might be overlooking. One of them is right across Mt. Diablo Boulevard from the entrance to Lafayette Reservoir: the five-year-old Lafayette Community Garden and Outdoor Learning Center.

The Garden offers classes and workshops that are open to the public and are listed in the calendar on Sustainable Lafayette’s website, sustainablelafayette. org. Anyone can visit the garden, even when there’s nothing special going on.

However, there’s ALWAYS something special going on because the garden is a very remarkable place.

The garden is open to the public during its regular hours: Tuesdays from 4-7PM, Thursdays from 9AM-noon, and Saturdays from 9AM-1PM. It is closed from November 1 to mid-March, although a “winter team” maintains a basic garden.

So what’s the big deal? Why is this garden worth an excursion?

First of all, it has a concept that is different than most community gardens. In most gardens, each member has his/her own plot and manages it individually. The Lafayette Community Garden is a cooperative garden, where vegetables, flowers and native plants are grown by its 70 member families. The members work together, in teams or individually, and share in the produce. They use sustainable best practices, which include rotation of crops and planting of cover crops during the winter to improve the soil. A member signs up to take on a specific task – one

www.yourmonthlypaper.com he enjoys, or requires skills she possesses, or wants to learn. So a person who hates to weed won’t have to weed (although someone has to!). A garden manager is responsible for the day-to-day tasks and projects. Most plants are propagated by members in the on-site greenhouse.

The Garden also has native plant and other educational gardens on site and beautiful natural oak and riparian displays of plants common to the area. There is a short nature trail and a self-guided trail book.

A visitor is overwhelmed by the variety and vigorousness of the crops. They literally burst out of their raised beds, and harvesting the thousands of vegetables and tomatoes is full-time work in the summer. Members can take home whatever produce they want, with the excess, when available, going to Belle Terre Senior Housing.

Private donors helped finance the initial infrastructure of the garden. Since then, member dues, private donations, and grants have helped sustain the garden operations. Fourteen Eagle Scout projects have contributed to the hardscape and maintenance of the garden setting, and the site is now shared by Troop 224, which uses the parking lot to sell trees during the holiday season as a Boy Scout fund-raising activity. School groups and scout groups take tours and use the garden for badge and other activities. A 10-member governing board and advisory committee handle financial and long-term decisions and policy matters.

Sustainable Lafayette is the fiscal sponsor of the garden, which operates under our non-profit umbrella.

If you want to be educated and inspired about organic gardening, visit the Lafayette Community Garden. The website is lafayettecommunitygarden. org. To become a garden member, go to the website and download, complete, and mail in the membership form to be put on the waiting list for next season.

Although priority is given to Lafayette residents, members from surrounding communities are also welcome.

For more ideas about how to transform your home and community into more sustainable places with enhanced quality of life for current and future residents, please visit sustainablelafayette.org.

Quick Trips

By Linda Summers Pirkle California Independent Film Festival

You know the type...six hours into a long flight they appear fresh, calm, and serene and are happily reading, working on a project, or watching movies. Then, there are those people who are fidgeting, anxious, and itching to get up and walk around the cabin after a mere 30 minutes into a flight. I happen to be the latter and am married to the former.

One of the reasons my husband is content on long hauls is because he can watch two or three films uninterrupted.

He’s a movie guy. In his spare time, he is the executive director (since 2002) of the California Independent Film Festival (CAIFF). The yearly festival will be held September 8-14 at three historic theatres: Rheem in Moraga, Orinda theatre, and the Castro in San Francisco.

Seventeen years ago the CAIFF was founded by local accountant, film maker, comedian, and all around visionary Derek Zemrak. His connections in the entertainment industry are legendary. Derek, who is also the president of the non-profit organization, is responsible for bringing an impressive number of film stars to the CAIFF over the years that includes Ms. Rita Moreno, Cloris Leachman, Tony Curtis, Julie Newmar, Tab Hunter, Lou Diamond Phillips, Mary Stuart Masterson, Martin Landau, and Mickey Rooney.

One of my favorite speakers was Richard Dreyfuss who appeared at a sold out CAIFF event held at the 750 seat Orinda Theater in 2010. He spoke about growing up in Los Angeles and how he was star struck when he met some of the Hollywood greats. Another sold-out event was when actress and animal-rights spokesperson Tippi Hedren entertained the CAIFF audience in 2009. She recounted with vivid detail the terror she felt when menacing birds were let loose in a small room she was locked in during the filming of a pivotal scene in the movie The Birds directed by Alfred Hitchcock.

Besides welcoming stars of yesterday, the CAIFF is a showcase for current film makers from around the world. Edy Schwarz, director of marketing says, “This year’s event has something for everyone. Film festivals bring good films to the community that may not be seen anywhere else. There are excellent feature films, nail biting suspense films, fun and light animation movies, and education inspiring documentaries.”

An inspirational film according to Edy Schwartz, is Generation Hope which is from the United Kingdom and directed by Charles Kinnane. The film is about a man who fulfilled his dream of educating and feeding one million children. It will be screened at the Rheem on Monday, September 12, 7:15PM. The CAIFF will screen the world premiere of The Red Maple Leaf, a Canadian drama starring James Caan, Robert Loggia, Martin Landau, Paul Sorvino, Kris Kristofferson, Michal Pare, Eric Roberts and Mira Sorvino, about a daughter of a U.S. Ambassador who is snatched from under the nose of the Secret Service detail.

The Red Maple Leaf airs at the Rheem on Saturday, September 10 at 8PM. Derek Zemrak recalled how he came up with the idea of CAIFF: “I attended a film festival in upstate New York in the 90’s which I really enjoyed, and I thought the San Francisco East Bay Area needed a film festival. In 1999 the CAIFF was held at the Pleasanton Hilton with two viewing screens, and now the film festival is screened in three majestic theatres.” He added, “There are always issues such as a scheduled celebrity or a filmmakers copy of a movie showing up late, but it’s like an obstacle course, and that’s the fun of running a film festival. Community involvement is key to our success. Without the participation of movie goers and exceptional volunteers, we would not be where we are today.”

To purchase tickets to the upcoming California Independent Film Festival and see the schedule of films, visit CAIFF.org or call 925-388-0752.

Linda Summers Pirkle, travel consultant and long term Danville resident, has arranged and led tours for the Town of Danville 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. “What a great place to live, so much to see, so much to do.” To share your “Quick Trips” ideas email Coverthemap@gmail.com.

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Cinema Classics and Musical Notes

Lafayette Today ~ September 2016 - Page 11

Father of the Bride

By Peggy Horn

This month’s movie recommendation is Father of the Bride, (1950) starring Spencer Tracy, Joan Bennett, and Elizabeth Taylor and directed by Vicente Minnelli. Based on a novel by Edward Streeter, the popular movie was nominated for Academy Awards for Best Actor in a Leading Role, Best Picture, and Best Writing, Screenplay. The writers were Albert Hackett and Frances Goodrich.

A sequel appeared in 1991 starring Steve Martin and Diane Keaton.

The plot involves the humorous aspects of a wedding and is narrated by the main character, Stanley Banks (Spencer Tracy), the father of the bride. Stanley’s wife, Ellie (Joan Bennett), couldn’t be a more tolerant, good natured wife, whereas their only daughter, Kay (Elizabeth Taylor) is a sweet, well-intentioned young brideto-be with some very child-like qualities. For Ellie, the upcoming marriage of her daughter to a nice looking, successful young man is all joy, and she thoroughly enjoys the process leading up to it. But Stanley resents all the money this is going to require, and most of all he doesn’t want his favorite child to grow up and move away.

At first Stanley doesn’t even remember which one of Kay’s suitors the fiancé, Buckley Dunstan (Don Taylor) is, and he hopes it isn’t that “poop-a-doop professor” she was so crazy about. Meeting the groom’s parents, engaging a caterer, and buying a new tuxedo all must be accomplished. A very funny dream sequence takes place in which Stanley is unable to walk down the aisle. At last the marriage takes place, and Kay shows her parents that she appreciates all the effort that went into planning it.

The movie encompasses the wedding’s expense, the anxiety, the chaos, and the laughter with warmth and good humor, even though the viewer is provoked to tears in some of its tender scenes. It’s worth seeing for the first time or to refresh your memory of these old, classy, humorous movies.

Musical Notes

Some 100 years before this movie was made, Richard Wagner composed the 1850 German opera, Lohengrin with the famous “Bridal Chorus” (Treulich gefuhrt). This is the Bridal March featured in the movie and is used at many weddings around the country. Its use at weddings began at the wedding of England’s Princess Victoria to Prince Frederick William of Prussia in 1858.

Wine Bloggers Unite

By Monica Chappell

As a relative newcomer to the vast community of online wine bloggers, I thought what better way to get acquainted than to seek out and recommend to my readers some of the best wine blogs out there. To start, the word blog is a compilation of two words; web and log. It is a log of thoughts posted publicly on the World Wide Web. At any time of the day or night, someone somewhere is pouring out his or her thoughts about wine on a blog.

Bitten by the blog bug myself, I’ve started my own blog and use it as an educational tool. In fact, I recently attended the 9th Annual Wine Bloggers Conference which took place in Lodi. It was a gathering of citizen wine bloggers, industry bloggers, and wine writing professionals who came together for educational sessions, networking, and social gathering.

From last count there were over 750 wine blogs. The ones mentioned here are some of my favorites and offer a variety of perspectives. winefolly.com ~ Wine folly’s goal, as stated on their webpage, is to “simplify wine,” and they do just that with articles, graphics, and videos to help out the wine novice. drvino.com ~ Dr. Vino, a.k.a. Tyler Colman, really is a doctor. After teaching political science for two years, he settled into full-time wine writing and education.

princeofpinot.com ~ William Gaffney, the “Prince of Pinot,” gears his site exclusively towards lovers of pinot noir. William professes to have changed the preference of many over the years, leading to his moniker “Prince of Pinot.” wine-pages.com ~ One of the most popular (and perhaps longest-running) wine websites is wine-pages.com, which was started in 1995 by Tom Cannavan.

The page is fun to navigate, with frequently asked wine questions, notes from tastings, and quizzes. dallaswinechick.com ~ Melanie Ofenloch, author of Dallas Wine Chick, encourages everyone to become educated about what they love, even if they are not experts. Her blog is down to earth, easy to understand, and non-threatening for any newbie.

Fast forward to next year, the 10th annual Wine Bloggers Conference will return to Santa Rosa in Sonoma County from November 9 – 12th, and I’ll be there.

Until then, stop by my blog, wineappreciation101.blogspot.com, and tell me your favorite wine blog.

Monica Chappell is a wine writer and educator based in Lafayette.

Page 12 - September 2016 ~ Lafayette Today

Technology Matters

By Evan Corstorphine, Portable CIO

Last week I had the opportunity to speak with a group of 50 gentlemen in Walnut Creek about computer security. The two-hour lecture seemed to pass quickly and it reminded me how much I enjoy people and love being of service. Our aim at PCIO is to change people’s lives for the better, and events like this make me feel successful in that mission.

What did we accomplish together? We dispelled myths, reinforced good practices, and conveyed a reasonable sense of urgency to take basic, proactive steps as quickly as possible.

Have you ever experienced the situation of recalling something very important that had slipped your mind only to have it slip your mind again? Then when you finally remember the item, it was only because the negative outcome you were hoping to avoid came to fruition? If you had taken the initiative to deal with the item back when you first thought about it, you could have escaped without any problems. I often find this is often the case with computer security and maintenance. And I have a rule of thumb that says once I’ve thought about something that could happen, the chance of it coming to fruition seems to become exponentially higher. I’ve tempted fate, so I must act!

In support of this notion, I’m going to give you the list of security precautions I used for my lecture so you can start taking proactive steps today. There are 18 points, and these will help you whether you run a large company and want a checklist for your IT staff, or you’re looking for direction at home.

1. Keep your computer up to date: Patch, Patch, Patch!

2. Web Browser: use Google Chrome. It does a better job of preventing access to sites with bad code. There are pros and cons to all of them, but Chrome has an edge in our opinion.

3. Install protective software, whether you own a MAC or PC. All systems get infected, and Macs are not special.

4. Use Ad Blocker extensions in your browser. Online advertisements are a new favorite way for bad guys to spread their drive-by malware and ransomware.

www.yourmonthlypaper.com 5. Use AntiMalware. Malwarebytes is a recognized leader for both Macs and PCs. 6. Switch to email services with top notch SPAM and virus filtering. For personal email, you simply cannot beat Gmail. Or buy your own domain and host it through Office 365. Both are fantastic.

7. Use strong passwords and different ones for each online service you use. Minimum 12 characters; long phrases are more important than complexity.

8. Nobody is watching you. Do not fall for the unsolicited telephone call saying: “We’re from ‘Windows’ and we’re monitoring your computer, and your system has an infection.” Microsoft will never call you, nor will anyone legitimate unless you request it.

9. If something you receive seems too good to be true, it probably is.

10. Pay for your software. Most free software introduces risk.

11. Stick to professional recommendations, avoiding fads and folklore.

I.E., just because you can do something doesn’t mean you should. If in doubt, call PCIO before acting.

12. Backup, Backup, Backup! Your primary backup should be internet-based.

We prefer Crashplan. Your secondary backup can be a local USB Hardisk. It’s unwise to use USB thumb drives for backups. The backup that depends on you remembering is the backup that won’t reliably get done.

13. Control access to your machine. Lock it when you’re away. Use a password.

14. Never conduct banking or login to any sensitive sites when on public WiFi networks. It’s a great way to have your bank account drained.

15. Use email and the internet safely. Be aware. Don’t visit sketchy sites, don’t open things people send you, and stay aware that unfortunately there are a lot of unscrupulous people out there trying to con or steal from you.

16. Use OpenDNS for network protection. It’s the priceless third leg of the protection stool - www.opendns.com.

17. Use encryption on your laptop, tablet, and phone. And make paper copies of important lists (addresses, credit cards, etc.), and put them in your safe.

18. Use that firewall that comes with your operating system. It helps.

Do you have other protection ideas to share? I’d love to include them in the next version of this ‘Safe Computing’ checklist. Let us know how we can help.

Reach us at info@pcioit.com, or 925-552-7953.

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Life in the Lafayette Garden

Lafayette Today ~ September 2016 - Page 13

Water as a Garden Element

By John Montgomery, ASLA, Landscape Architect #4059

We long to dip our hands under it, stick our big toe in it, and submerse our bodies under it. Every successful garden has some form of a water element as a main attraction. It may be a huge rushing waterfall cascade, an Italianate fountain, koi pond or a simple wall fountain.

Whatever the size and magnitude of the feature itself water brings a sense of peace, connection, serenity, and reflection to a garden.

There are several different approaches that I take in determining the design of a water feature. What are the size, scale and terrain of the land? Is the water feature intended to be a focal point? What is the level of sound that is needed from the water feature? Does the water feature have a function?

Size, scale and terrain play a significant role in the design of a water feature.

If you have a large Lafayette lot tucked up against a hillside you probably have a perfect opportunity to have a natural water feature like a waterfall, stream, brook, or thundering Sierra cascade ending into a pond or even a swimming pool.

Hillside backgrounds often times are the best terrain for a waterfall cascade. It lends itself to be a more natural setting. Typically, I don’t like creating a “fake” backdrop for a waterfall because they never look very natural. If you’re going to build a natural water feature do your best to recreate nature’s artful hands. Build it into the natural terrain, not onto the terrain.

The scale of a water feature is relevant to the purpose of it. Nine times out of ten a water feature is a main focal point in a garden. If it is a main attraction, design it so people can hear it, see it clearly, and access it easily and safely. A decorative fountain can often be a stunning focal point. Make sure to scale it to its surroundings. There’s nothing more disappointing than a wimpy little fountain surrounded by a massive piece of architecture. Be bold not gauche!

The sound that a water feature makes is very important. We love the look and feel of water, but often times the sound of water can be unnerving or irritating.

Most of us can remember the uneasy feeling of the water feature that sounds like the male of the species doing his business in the toilet. (Hopefully said with some political correctness!) Or the Sierra cascade next to your main patio that is so overwhelmingly loud that you have to scream at the top of your lungs to have a conversation. The sound that resonates from your water feature needs to be appropriate for your surroundings. For instance, the Sierra cascade is great for a golf course club house terrace view across the lake to the other side or at a distance from your main patio in the background. Water sounds can be very soothing and relaxing. The right sound tends to be different to each and every client. I once had a client who wanted a “lake-shore water-lapping-on-the-beachsound” and one who wanted a “babbling-brook-sound.” So before you undertake selecting a water feature listen for the sounds of water that please your senses.

The function of a water feature as a garden element is very important. The function can take many forms depending on the intention for its use.

It can also have several different functions separately and at the same time. Swimming pools, waterfalls, ponds, fountains, rills, vanishing edge, shear descent, wall fountain, fleur-de-lis, cascade, etc. all have many different functions. Basically, all of the five senses are available to please with your water feature at any given time. Maybe all of them! Sight, sound, touch, smell and taste! All of the aforementioned water features can fulfill the function.

Water as garden element

is essential for the successful design of your garden. It will bring you peaceful joy and connection to your garden.

It will attract and bring wonder to all who enter your garden.

A hot tip from your local Landscape Architect: A well-done water feature begins with good design and is implemented by an experienced craftsman. Ask to see some finished referrals from your contractor.

Gardening Quote of the Month: “How often it is that a garden, beautiful though it be, will seem sad and dreary and lacking in one of its most gracious features, if it has no water.” - Pierre Husson 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.

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Page 14 - September 2016 ~ Lafayette Today

Tree of the Season: The Monterey Pine

By Blaine Brende & Joe Lamb

The imposing Monterey Pine, Pinus radiata, perhaps the most common large landscape tree in the Bay Area, is one of the most widely-planted trees on the planet. It covers millions of acres in places as far-flung as England, Chile, and Australia. However, its native range covers just a few square miles of the California coastline, which explains why it prefers a cool, moist coastal climate with well-draining soils.

With their dense, towering canopies, dark, glossy green needles, refreshing scent, and magnificent sweep of boughs, Monterey Pines give the feeling of being in a forest. They provide habitat for many species of birds and butterflies. The beauty of these trees, combined with their immense vigor and rapid growth, appeals to landscapers who want a quick, tall screen between houses, a cool shady hillside behind their home, or an instantly woodsy subdivision.

Unfortunately, the quick hedge or woodland effect you enjoy in the first year of the tree’s life can become a major safety hazard and a source of conflict with uphill neighbors when, two decades later, the tree reaches 50-70 feet in height.

The Monterey Pine’s soft, brittle wood and its shallow root system combine to make it a serious hazard during winter storms on the hilly slopes. Away from its native habitat, it is vulnerable to root-rot diseases and, stressed by lack of water during our dry summers, it becomes prey to often fatal beetle infestations. The species is relatively short-lived, around 75 years, and its proclivity for toppling or for shedding large branches increases with age.

Coping with Pines

So what are we to do with these beautiful but bothersome pines that define so much of the Bay Area landscape? First of all, don’t plant any more of them unless you are willing and able to offer them ideal conditions. These include a large, level, adequately moist planting site, with porous soil, far from both houses and power lines, and with no uphill neighbors whose views your growing tree will obstruct. Monterey Pines also require regular care, including safety

Gardening with Kate

By Kathleen Guillaume

It has been a long hot summer, and we are entering the Indian Summer month which dances on the edge of autumn and its promise of rain. It is important to remind people to check the health of their trees, many of which are stressed and damaged due to our long drought. Recently a local woman who brought her children to play at a park was hit when a hundred pound branch fell from a drought-stressed tree hitting her damaging her spine and leaving her paralyzed. It is very important to not only check trees on your property but to note and report trees in your neighborhood and public places that are highly stressed and need attention before tragedy strikes. Dead and dying trees, and trees that lean out on slopes that overhang roads in our area have the high possibility of coming down.

My heirloom tomatoes continue to give me abundant gifts, and I know I will soon gather those green tomatoes that by October will no longer ripen and make green tomato relish and fried green tomatoes.

How I wish I had a bed where I could plant leeks, as lately those in stores are woody and unusable as though harvested after they set a bloom stalk... perhaps I will figure out a way to create some area for leeks by fall so I can have a good supply. This is one vegetable which I find essential for all of the autumn soups and stews which will soon be on my menus.

This is the time of year to start planning for the additions of the perennials which we plant in fall for spring and summer. It is important to plant them in the cooler weather which is coming, and hopefully with it rains will allow these perennials to get well-established roots to become low water use spring and summer blooms. Great sources for this ‘to do’ list are sites like Annie’s Annuals, a local Richmond based nursery that specializes in many drought tolerant perennials, along with your local nurseries which will soon be getting these plants in inventory. Check out the yarrow Achillea ageratum ‘Moonwalker’ with its oversized bright yellow flower heads and Salvia

www.yourmonthlypaper.com thinning every few years, as well as periodic watering, aerating, and fertilizing.

If you are already living with Monterey Pines, reduce the safety risks through preventative maintenance before it’s too late. To improve drainage, invigorate your pine’s root system, and strengthen its resistance, we suggest aerating then filling the holes with rich, porous organic matter (we use American Soil’s “Clodbuster” mix). Check your pine for infestations by looking for areas where whole branches are turning brown, as well as for small holes, tubes or splotches of pitch, or red “sawdust” droppings around the trunk and major branches.

Pruning Pines

The best time to prune any type of pine trees, and the only recommended time to prune Monterey pines, is between October 1st and February 15th. Sap from pruning cuts attracts beetles destructive to pines. These beetles are dormant during the fall and winter months. Given that the beetles can smell sap from long distances, it is important to prune your pine when they are inactive.

Not only are the beetles themselves harmful, but some species can carry pine pitch canker, a fungal disease that disfigures pine trees and sometimes kills them. If your tree has dead tips scattered throughout the canopy it probably has pine pitch canker. If you want to prolong the life of the tree, as well as its appearance, now is the best time to prune out the diseased tips.

Even healthy pines require occasional pruning to keep them safe and beautiful. To reduce the fire hazard associated with pines, fire departments recommend removing deadwood and taking branches back from buildings. Pines are sometimes subject to branch and column failure. Judicious thinning of the crown reduces the wind-sail effect of the canopy and thereby reduces the risk of the tree falling in a windstorm. Removing weight from the ends of heavy branches reduces the likelihood that those branches will break.

The safety pruning of trees is an art as well as a science. A well-pruned tree should not only be safer, it should look beautiful. At Brende and Lamb, we take great pride in both the science and the art of pruning. Now is the best time to make your pines as safe, healthy, and beautiful as possible.

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 splendens ‘Faye Chapel,’ a hummingbird favorite with its large red blooms.

This is also the time of year I look for my favorite winter blooming perennial, the hellebore, which now has such a fantastic range of hybrids with startling colors...definitely worth Googling to see what is new out there. Check out www.plantdelights.com/hellebores to see some of the astounding varieties.

Better known as ‘Lenten Rose,’ its common name, it is used heavily in holiday bouquets because it is one of the longest lasting cut flowers. It is shade loving, drought tolerant, and deer safe, so it’s perfect in shade borders and it has a very long life. While pricier than many perennials, the years of beauty they will bring to your garden is well worth the addition. I have hellebores which have graced my garden for 10 plus years and are still going strong.

It is time to cut back at least a third of any of the newer whippy branches on your peaches, apricots, and faster growing fruit trees. It is important to leave a fair portion of these branches as they hold the fruit buds that will bring you good harvests next year. It is important to cut flush to a branch any ‘water spouts,’ those branches which grow absolutely vertical off any branch. If you wait until winter, they will have hardened into tougher and larger branches to remove.

In these waning days of summer which are becoming a memory, remember that schools are now in session and that the streets have more children who are easily distracted, so drive aware and pay attention around school zones. Also check around your garden for saucers under pots, bird baths which should have their water changed out frequently, and discarded items which can hold water. Any standing water can become a breeding ground for mosquitoes: a pest that is more than annoying, that interrupts early evening outdoor activities but can carry health risks. If you notice a heavy mosquito presence in your neighborhood, it is likely that one of your neighbors has standing water that has become their breeding ground.

If you have elderly neighbors who may not easily get around their gardens anymore, offer to do a walk around for them, and empty out any standing water you find. You can also contact Vector Control at 925-685-9301 for additional information, or go visit www.contracostamosquito.com.

Happy gardening.

editor@yourmonthlypaper.com

Bringing Back the Natives Garden Tour

The fall workshop schedule is now up on the Bringing Back the Natives Garden Tour’s website (www.bringingbackthenatives.net/fall-2016-workshops-2), and registration is open.

Come this fall, and learn how to: • Remove your lawn • Install a drip irrigation system • Select native plants for your garden • Propagate natives from seeds, cuttings, and divisions • Garden sustainably These workshops will fill up; register now to avoid being disappointed.

Lafayette Today ~ September 2016 - Page 15

Enjoy More Anytime Dining at Merrill Gardens

Native Plant Sale Extravaganza

Come to this year’s fall Native Plant Sale Extravaganza on October 23 when seven nurseries will be open from 10AM-4PM, with knowledgeable staff on hand to help you select native plants for your garden. Fall is the time to plant natives; take advantage of this great opportunity to purchase hard-to-find plants! Shop to your heart’s content as a portion of the proceeds from this event go to support the Bringing Back the Natives Garden Tour.

If you are interested in running an ad in the garden guide, please reserve a space by calling (510) 236-9558 or e-mailing kathy@kathykramerconsulting.net. Company sponsors are also being sought to support the 2017 Tour.

Follow and “like” the Tour on Facebook to see a changing gallery of native plant garden photos, read about what to do in your native plant garden each month, and stay informed about Bringing Back the Natives Garden Tour events.

Leading a “Garden Revolution” from Your Own Backyard

This fall, The Gardens at Heather Farm is partnering with The Garden Conservancy (www.gardenconservancy.

A full life is a happy life. And nothing should keep org) to bring celebrated landscape designer, author, and horticultural icon, Larry Weaner, to Walnut Creek to share you from enjoying a great meal. That’s why we created our his insights on how to change your garden -- and the enEnjoy More Anytime Dining program – so you can dine on vironment -- for the better. On Thursday, September 29th pm at 7 , the program taking place at The Gardens at Heather your own schedule, whenever it works for you.

Farms, located at 1540 Marchbanks Dr in Walnut Creek, will feature a lecture by Mr. Weaner followed by a special Call today to schedule your personal reception and signing of his new book Garden Revolution. visit and enjoy lunch on us!

A successful garden is rewarding, stimulating, and environmentally friendly. Unfortunately, traditional gardening practices don’t often deliver on that promise. Not only are these outdated (925) 854-1858 methods resource and time-consuming, but they result in gardens 1010 Second Street that are weedy, labor-intensive, and at odds with wildlife and local Lafayette, CA 94549 ecosystems. For decades, Larry Weaner has been at the forefront of ecological landscape design. By understanding the ecological Lic #079200358 merrillgardens.com processes of change in our native landscapes and incorporating them into our designs, we can create beautiful, dynamic landscapes Retirement Living • Assisted Living • Memory Care that require less labor and are more aesthetically rewarding and environmentally sound. Larry Weaner’s ideas apply in any climate and will change the way you think about what a garden should do and be. Forget about nonstop weeding, 052316c_Lafayette_Today_EMAD_A.indd 1 5/23/16 11:47 AM fertilizing, and watering, it’s time for a garden revolution! Learn more at http://lweanerassociates.com.

The lecture will begin at 7pm, and book-signing and a reception will be held at 8pm. The cost is $25 for the general public and $20 for Members of The Garden Conservancy and The Gardens at Heather Farm.

For more information and to register, visit www.gardenshf.org or call (925) 947-1678.

The Gardens at Heather Farm (GHF) is an independent nonprofit organization which operates a six-acre public garden, education center and special event venue. A Certified Wildlife Habitat and Certified Green Business, GHF is self-supporting through memberships, fundraisers, grants, private donations, facility rentals and program fees. The mission is to enrich the community through the beauty and environmental stewardship of our gardens while providing educational programs and a variety of venues for social and cultural events.

Walnut Creek Garden Club

The Walnut Creek Garden Club’s monthly meeting will be held on Monday, September 12th at 10AM in the Camellia Room at Heather Farm located at 1540 Marchbanks Road in Walnut Creek. Nate Bradley, Owner of Amphora in Lafayette, will discuss Olive Oil: Myths, Misconceptions & Fraud. There will be tastings and an opportunity to purchase items. The business meeting will begin at 10AM, a social time from 10:30-11AM, and the program at 11AM. You are invited to attend a meeting and consider becoming a member.

Page 16 - September 2016 ~ Lafayette Today

Teen continued from front page

The fall schedule for teen programming includes: Cupcake Wars! Tuesday, September 20th, 3:30PM-5PM, Arts & Science Center. Using inspiration from favorite books, participants will artistically frost three cupcakes. Four winners will be chosen. To register or for more information, visit tinyurl.com/LAFcupcakewars.

GIANT Jenga: Wednesday, September 28th, 4PM-5PM. Play giant Jenga (made out of soda boxes) outside in the Library’s amphitheater The Changing Landscape of College Admissions: Thursday, October 6th, 6:30PM-7:30PM in the Homework Center. This workshop offers suggestions on how to make the application process stress-free and manageable. Register/info @ tinyurl.com/LAFcollegeadmissions Ukranian Egg Decorating: Wednesday, October 26th, 3:30PM-5:30PM, Arts & Science Center. Local artist Evie Michon teaches the folk art of Psyanky, Ukranian Egg decorating. Each person will dye and decorate an egg. To register or for more information, visit tinyurl.com/TeenFolkArtEggs.

For those teens interested in more regular LLLC involvement, Brogan recommends joining the LLLC Teen Advisory Board (TAB), a small group that meets once each month to discuss programming, services, and the book collection. The group offers suggestions and volunteers at programs. This year, TAB, open to students in 6th – 12th grades, partnered with the Lafayette Youth Commission on various events. Students can find a TAB application at the LLLC or by attending a meeting, the next of which is Tuesday, October 4th, 4PM-5:30PM in the Teen Center. Participants make new friends and also earn community service hours.

Fifteen year-old Moraga resident Alix Robinson-Kronrod has been a TAB participant for the past two years. “I participate and attend TAB because I find it fun and also learn the skills necessary to run an event,” she says. “As a homeschooled student, I don’t need community service points; I am there because I want to be.”

Seventeen year-old Acalanes student Lindsay Cocotis, also a TAB board member, enjoys her role in helping to inform and/or entertain the area’s youth. Particularly fun was a recent five-minute ice cream and candy sushi making class. “These programs mean a lot to me as they not only give me experience putting on events and working with people, but I also get to make people happy and better educated,” she says.

For more information on teen programming at the LLLC, contact Patrick Brogan at pbrogan@ccclib.org.

Pillars of Hope Black Tie Event

Pillars of Hope, Inc., a local non-profit dedicated to rescuing and restoring victims of human trafficking, invites you to attend their Black Tie Event. In order to meet the desperate housing need for victims, the group is raising funds to facilitate the opening of a safe house/restoration center. Please join in fighting against modern-day slavery. Together we can make a difference!

The event will be held on Saturday, September 24, 5-10PM, at the Oakhurst Country Club, 1001 Peacock Creek Dr. in Clayton.

Cost of $100 includes music, dinner, and auction. To purchase tickets, visit www.pillarsofhope.us.

TM

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The Ethical Will

By Robert J. Silverman, Esq.

As summer winds down and schools start up, families tend to shift into a learning mode. Our children study language, math, science, and history – specifically, the history of our state, our country, and our world.

Over time, I have come to appreciate how interesting history is and how many transformative lessons it can teach. Ironically, family history is given little attention. While one’s recent family history is often readily accessible, many people know shockingly little about their line of descent. It is a real shame if stories of a parent or grandparent remain untold when they were only a few simple questions away.

At our core, we all want to be productive and useful. Not only do we want to leave a meaningful and lasting legacy, but we want that legacy to be appreciated. How, you might ask, can this be accomplished?

One great way is to give yourself and your family the opportunity to live a healthy, balanced and comfortable life. Doing so in today’s world involves achieving basic levels of financial success. Classic estate planning strategies can be employed to ensure the effective succession of one’s financial legacy. This involves the establishment of appropriate estate, tax, insurance, and asset protection measures.

Most folks, however, miss the opportunity to ensure that their personal legacy is passed on to loved ones as effectively as they pass along their material belongings.

So, I try to weave into my clients’ estate planning documents content that covers not only their “valuables,” but also reinforces the values they wish to pass on.

In my short time on this earth – okay, not that short – I have come to believe that everyone has a unique story to tell: one that incorporates powerful lessons learned. Working with thousands of estate planning clients has confirmed this belief. The problem is that little of this, if any, ends up documented for the benefit of descendants. It is often said that understanding and remembering the mistakes of the past is the key to preventing their recurrence. Familial and ancestral history is a similarly valuable tool, capable of helping future generations understand and appreciate the world they live in.

So, what might you do to leave a more meaningful and lasting legacy than planning solely with respect to your monetary assets? In today’s technological world, there are many options. For starters, consider an “Ethical Will.”

Ethical Wills, dating back to both the Old and New Testament, are not legal documents and are relatively uncommon today. They are intended to pass on philosophies, stories, ethical values, and beliefs from one generation to the next.

An Ethical Will can take on a number of forms such as a list of core values, a statement of hopes for loved ones, an expression of gratitude, a brief life story, foundational lessons to share, etc. Consider an Ethical Will, as Andrew Weil, MD, would say, a gift of “spiritual health.” Children are shown to be far happier when they have a better understanding of where they come from.

The 21st Century embodiment of the ancient ethical will is a legacy video.

Under the guidance of an expert videographer and family historian, the use of a visual medium can facilitate deep emotional connections to loved ones long after they’ve passed. For some, a video is easier than putting pen to paper, and for many, it’s a more meaningful form of expression. Regardless of the medium, I urge you to consider the benefits associated with capturing your intangible legacy for loved ones. Whether a gift to children, request from parents, or an enhancement to your estate plan, codifying this special and valuable information will be appreciated by all parties involved.

If you may be interested in an ethical will or legacy video, please do not hesitate to contact me for resources. Also, stay tuned for the upcoming release of my new “21st Century Estate Planning” services; they might just help you supercharge your estate plan. * 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.

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Election Cycles Mean More Than Just Choosing a President

By George M. Noceti, CRPS® -Wealth Advisor and Paul A. Noceti, Financial Planning Specialist with The Integra Group at Morgan Stanley

When people think about cycles in the stock market, they tend to look at the obvious drivers of stock prices: major forces such as the state of the economy, the level of corporate profits, and conditions in global markets. But did you know that a presidential election itself can be a key pivot point in stock price trends?

Consider the average yearly performance of the stock market in the table below. After accounting for random volatility, average presidential election year performance was slightly below overall average performance.

But look at the other years in the election cycle. The first two years of presidential terms have, on average, lagged significantly. But then, in the third year, the market made up the lost ground and more.

What’s Going On?

Election years tend to have a degree of uncertainty over the future direction of the country, and the market may translate that uncertainly into some reluctance to commit on the part of investors. Then, after the direction is set, it may take some time for policy changes to assert any influence, further depressing investment demand.

By the third year, clarity could return and investors could embrace the future.

Exceptions May Be More Powerful Than the Generalities

Keep in mind that the amount of variation in annual returns is substantial and is reflected in the high variability, measured by standard deviation. As a consequence, the chances are good that performance in any given year could

Bike continued from front page

a large business office on the Pleasanton/Livermore border that serves as his storage facility and tool shop.

Organizations such as The Taylor Family Foundation (TFF) are frequent recipients of CBI bikes. A recent CBI donation included a ‘bike trike’ that is utilized by a different child at each TFF camp session and is a reward for good deeds.“Working with Stephen and Charity Bike Institute was an absolute pleasure,” says Angie Carmignani, executive director of TFF. “From our first meeting to the presentation of the ‘big wheel’ bike trike, Stephen was intent on creating something that our campers will enjoy for some time to come!”

Generous donations from California Pedaler in Danville, Danville Bikes, California Snowboard and Bikes, Livermore Cyclery, and Sports Basement Walnut Creek, and funds provided by Livermore Rotary keep the organization stocked with tires, tubes, and tune-up tools.

These retail outlets also serve as bike drop-off points, and most provide an instore 10% discount to donors.

But CBI is so much more than its own collection and giveaway program.

“Churches, scouting organizations, and fire/police departments are all welcome to use Stephen Stanley, founder of the Charity Bike Institute presents our state-of-the-art Angie Carmignani of the Taylor Family Foundation with a donated facilities to fulfill bike trike.

Lafayette Today ~ September 2016 - Page 17 end up being far different from the average for its category.

That becomes clear when looking at the extremely good and extremely bad performing years in the S&P 500 performance data set. The four best years were 1928 (44%), 1933 (53%), 1935 (60%), and 1954 (52%). The four worst years were 1931 (-41%), 1937 (-34%), 1974 (-26%), and 2008 (-37%).1 No two of the extreme up years occurred at the same point in an election cycle, and neither did any two of the extreme down years. Three of the extreme years are associated with Democratic incumbents and five with Republican incumbents.

Ultimately, six of the eight extreme performance years were associated with unpredictable macroeconomic tidal waves--the Great Depression, the oil price shock (when energy prices quadrupled in a few months), and the recent financial crisis --events much bigger than any election news.

So if you are thinking of cashing in on an election year rally--or selling before an election year rout--think again. As history has shown, trying to time the market, for whatever reason, is often a loser’s game. Instead, work with your financial advisor to

determine an appropriate long-term asset allocation that suits your goals and needs.

Contact us for further information on how our advice can better help you plan financially. Also contact us also for a complimentary Medicare Review, Social Security Review and understanding the new SS rules, 529 Plans, and a Financial Plan Review, please contact us at George M. Noceti, CRPS® Wealth Advisor 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. 1 Source: Wealth Management Systems Inc., a DST company. Returns based on yearly total return of the S&P 500 for the period from January 1, 1928, to December 31, 2014. The S&P 500 has performance data going back to 1926, including the elections that occurred in 1928 and every four years thereafter. It is an unmanaged index generally considered representative of the US stock market. Investors cannot invest directly in any index. Index returns do not represent the performance of any actual investment and do not reflect the costs and commissions associated with investing. Past performance does not predict future results.

George and Paul Noceti may only transact business, follow-up with individualized responses, or render personalized investment advice for compensation, in states where they are registered or excluded or exempted from registration, www.ms.com/fa/theintegragroup. © 2016 Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC. Member SIPC. Advertorial

their own bicycle donation projects,” says Stanley. “We can also facilitate the donation portion of a program for other organization that have the desire to help others, but not the time or resources.”

CBI invites other nonprofits to utilize their facility and resources; they can help to promote other organizations’ bike donation programs and will provide their facility, tools, and labor as needed. At giveaway time, CBI will even include a gift card identifying the guest organization as the donor.

CBI also has the appropriate infrastructure to assist Boy Scout Eagle candidates with their Eagle projects. And finally, CBI offers one-hour bike repair clinics with instruction on repairing flat tires, adjusting brakes and front/

See Bike continued on page 21

Lic# 1100014354; Bay Area Entertainment

Page 18 - September 2016 ~ Lafayette Today

Your Personal Nutritionist Good Nutrition Means Avoiding Constant Hunger and Craving for Sweets

By Linda Michaelis RD, MS

Dr. Jeff, a local physician from Walnut Creek, decided to take advantage of my eight week Royal Treatment weight loss program. This special program is based upon several studies that confirm if a person changes their eating habits over a two month period they have the optimal chance of reducing weight and keeping it off – less time is not as effective and more time has diminishing returns. My eight week program includes visiting the client’s home and making an assessment of their refrigerator and pantry, taking them on a supermarket tour, detailed menu planning, and frequent follow up communications through phone, e-mail, and face-to-face sessions When Jeff called me he was complaining that in his quest to lose weight he felt he was always hungry and craved sweets, and as a result he could not drop the weight he wanted. He came to my office in Alamo for an initial session with his lovely wife Ellyn and brought a food diary of a few days. I could see immediately why he is always hungry – his diet was very low in protein and fiber, especially during his busy day. For the next session I went to his home and made an inventory of the refrigerator and pantry, where my low protein and fiber diagnosis was confirmed. There were several types of cheese, leftover spaghetti with marinara sauce, fresh eggs, veggies in the bin, and a fruit bowl on the counter. Jeff loves crackers and there were many boxes of unhealthy crackers in the pantry. There were no ready-to-take meals or snacks for the office, such as hard boiled eggs.

Jeff and Ellyn agreed to go with me to Trader Joe’s to help set them up with fresh, tasty meals that would be available for their high paced lifestyle. Jeff loves Trader Joe’s but was shocked to see all the great food items that he simply overlooked or was not aware of how to prepare. We went aisle by aisle and went thru each item where we discussed meal and snack ideas based on what we saw.

In the lettuce section I introduced him to the organic bags of arugula that are delicious with diced fennel, fresh beets, and fresh quartered artichokes to be

Festival continued from page 4

www.yourmonthlypaper.com thrown in salads. We bought shredded cabbage and shoestring carrots that would make delicious Asian coleslaw along with Persian cucumbers, cilantro, sundried tomatoes, and sesame oil to be used to make low-fat hummus. I introduced them to Just Chicken, Fresh Grilled Chicken Strips, and Balsamic Grilled Chicken Breasts which are better than greasy rotisserie chickens. We bought the 97% fat free Hebrew National hot dogs to be enjoyed with fat-free baked beans and pickles. We also purchased individual serving packages of almonds that Jeff liked for taking to the office, and I suggested he create a trail mix with dried cranberries and Kashi Go Lean cereal which would help slow down his consumption of too many nuts. In addition, I showed Jeff the best cracker on the market called Akmak which has lots of protein and fiber. He liked the nutty, grainy taste of it.

In the grains section I introduced them to quinoa, whole wheat couscous, faro, barley, and bulgur. I told them that we would have a cooking lesson where I would show them how to simply prepare these grains. I showed them the popular Roasted Red Pepper and Butternut Squash Soups which I recommend as a side to lunch. They also carry heartier soups that provide protein and fiber such as the lentil vegetable, black bean, and minestrone soups which are also a great complement to a sandwich or a chicken caesar salad.

Elynn and Jeff were excited to see how I was putting meals together for them while shopping. At their home I helped them prepare hot dogs with fat free baked beans, pickles, and sauerkraut that they had in the pantry. We then made tabouli with whole wheat couscous and veggies, coleslaw, and low fat hummus in the blender.

I set up a meal plan for Jeff and then followed this up with evening phone calls to see how he liked the menu I planned. I was thrilled to hear that Jeff was experiencing a happy fullness after each meal without wanting to snack. He felt that his energy level during the day was high and remained constant while seeing patients. I am also glad to inform you that Jeff has lost 10 pounds which he said was painless. Now Jeff shops weekly at Trader Joe’s and makes sure that at home there are many choices for meals that are properly balanced with protein and fiber.

I am glad to inform you that your health insurance may pay for nutritional counseling. Please call me at (925) 855-0150 or e-mail me at lifeweight1@ yahoo.com and tell me about your nutritional concerns.

Advertorial

View the 2016 Lafayette Art & Wine Festival entertainment schedule at www.lafayettefestival.com/music.

Unique Wine & Beer Offerings at the Party Within the Party: Popular wines, beers, and ales are served throughout the Festival footprint, but the real action for connoisseurs happens at the Premium Wine & Craft Beer Pavilion, where there are selections of high-end wines and craft beer that most people never get a chance to taste.

Food: Choice is everywhere, including Lafayette’s restaurant row fare. More than 20 of Lafayette’s top restaurants are in the Festival’s footprint, plus there are many other festival food vendors and food trucks.

Original Fine Arts & Crafts: People from all over the Bay Area come to shop at the Festival's 260+ local and regional artists’ booths, including the “Local Artists Alley,” which showcases Lafayette, Moraga, and Orinda fine artists.

Family and Dog Friendly: People move to Lafayette for the family friendly lifestyle, so it’s no surprise that this is a family friendly festival, starting with a large KidZone and Kids’ Stage. There is also plenty for family dogs to see and smell, as well as easy access to Festival water bowls.

Budget Friendly: This event raises funds that support the Lafayette Chamber’s many programs, Lafayette Partners in Education (“LPIE”), and other local non-profits, but attendees don't have to spend any money. The Festival Experience offers many things that are free -- admission (including access to music stages), free parking, easy shuttle service from Festival parking, and free secure bike valet.

For complete Lafayette Art & Wine Festival details, visit www.lafayettefestival.com.

Help continued from page 8 counseling, supportive housing, vocational rehabilitation, and peer and family member education, and support. If someone is unwilling to agree to a treatment plan, a court order may be obtained to require compliance. More information about Contra Costa’s AOT program can be found at http://cchealth.org/mentalhealth/lauras-law.php, or by calling 1-888-678-7277.

Help is also available for those who are suicidal. If in fear for a loved one, watch for the following symptoms: aggressive behavior, dramatic mood swings, social withdrawal, increased substance abuse, and expressions such as “I wish I wasn’t here.” In an emergency suicidal situation, call 911, or help can also be found at the Contra Costa Crisis Center Suicide Hotline, (800) 833-2900 or just by dialing 211.

There are many public and private resources in Contra Costa County to help both the mentally ill and the friends and family members who are trying to help. Talking with your own family physician to determine what resources your health plan might have available is another essential first step. As a community, we will continue to work together to combat the stigma often accompanying mental illness and treat it just as we do any other disease, helping patients and looking for a cure.

My office is here to serve the residents of Contra Costa County District 2, which includes Lic# 1100014354; Bay Area Entertainment 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.

Thank you to summer intern Clara Cabot for her contributions to this article.

editor@yourmonthlypaper.com

Menopause Matters

By Timothy Leach, MD, FACOG, CNMP

Summer is just about over, and I hope you found time to be away, to be outside, to be exposed to sun, and to spend time with those who help your being. The last Menopause Matters addressed sunlight’s role in synthesizing vitamin D and its’ important role in bone health. Since that article I have attended a two-day UC San Francisco conference, (out of the sun) on bone remodeling, and I will spend the next few columns

sharing new insights.

Why should one care about bone health and, in particular, osteoporosis?

Well, it depends on the age of the person you ask. Young women should care and know that peak bone strength (the strongest your bones will ever be) is typically reached by their late 30’s. By age 80, many women have lost, on average, 30% of their peak bone mass. This is why age matters. Variables including menstrual regularity, relative amount of exercise, intake of calcium, and exposure to sunlight (Vitamin D), and the age of menopause play a role in bone strength over a women’s lifetime. The bone built earlier in a women’s life will pay dividends over her entire life.

Osteoporosis, typically diagnosed after a woman’s menstrual period has stopped for 12 months (menopause), is a silent skeletal disorder characterized by compromised bone strength and bone quality, both predisposing a woman to an increased risk of fracture. Bone strength is typically assessed with low dose x-ray called a DEXA scan. DEXA scan is a measure of bone quantity (bone mineral density = BMD) and is currently the best measure of risk for osteoporotic fracture. Investigational studies are underway to look at how to assess bone quality, but none are currently used to assess risk.

Why should you care about osteoporosis? It’s more common than one would think. UCSF faculty reviewed the prevalence (just how common) of osteoporosis, and those numbers shocked me. The National Osteoporosis Foundation (NOF) estimates that 9.9 million United States citizens have osteoporosis, and 43 million have low bone density. Both are risk factors for fracture. Most cases of osteoporosis occur in postmenopausal women and the prevalence rises from 19% in women aged 65-74 to more than 50%

The Living Paradox of Self Image

By Barbara Persons, MD, Persons Plastic Surgery, Inc.

I recall my visit to the doctor after my near-fatal car accident that left me with a face that no longer resembled the one with which I had been born. Accompanying me to the doctor was my twin sister. Although she is my fraternal twin, she was always a mirror of sorts for me.

We had always attracted a great deal of attention as a set of bubbly, bright red haired firecrackers. After the accident, I had no choice but to acknowledge that my sister looked less like a twin to me than a reminder of how I used to look. Proof that my appearance had changed, and that appearance mattered greatly, was in how differently people reacted to my sister than they did to me. It may have been subtle, but it was clear to me: people respond better to those with a better appearance. Though I initially perceived this act as unfair treatment, I later realized (and accepted) that there are sound societal and biological reasons why appearance matters.

Whether we like it or not, we live in a society where looks matter. Research has demonstrated that during infancy, mothers care more for the good-looking baby. A meta-analytic review has indicated that physically attractive students are usually judged more favorably by teachers in a number of dimensions including intelligence, academic potential, grades, and various other social skills.

What does all of this mean? The prettier girl wins. She gets more job offers, makes more money, and at the end of the day lives a more successful life. A recent

Lafayette Today ~ September 2016 - Page 19 in women 85 years and older. In the US, rates of osteoporosis and fracture vary with ethnicity. After adjusting for weight, BMD, and other covariates, whites and Hispanics had the largest risk for osteoporotic fracture, followed

by Native Americans and African Americans.

Osteoporotic fractures often do not make the headlines, and are consequently under appreciated as to just how commonly they occur relative to other diagnoses. The annual incidence of 1,000 US women with osteoporotic fractures is 1.5 million, compared to 513,000 heart attacks, 220,000 strokes, and 184,300 cases of breast cancer. In women 50 years and older, the lifetime risk of clinical fracture is 20% compared to the risk of breast cancer of 15%. Age is an independent risk for hip fracture in that there is greater than a five-fold increase in fracture probability from age 50 to 80, and this is independent of bone mineral density.

What happens when osteoporosis leads to a fracture? Consequences of fractures are also under appreciated as they are associated with increased morbidity and mortality. One year after hip fracture 20% of patients will die, 30% will have permanent disability, 40% will be unable to walk independently, and 50% will no longer be able to live independently. Most importantly is that when you have had one fracture you are four times more likely to have another vertebral fractures (associated with spine deformity and height loss, acute and chronic pain, and diminished quality of life) and two times more likely to have another hip fracture. Not living independently ranks as one of the highest concerns shared by persons over age 65, and compromised bone health can play a major role in a person’s independence. That is why bone health matters!

Future columns will briefly touch on the broad categories of both preventative (fall prevention) and pharmacologic treatment options. I will put some of the fears of treatment into perspective with their very known significant benefits. For now, know that bone health matters, and regular moderate weight-bearing and strength-training exercise, moderate alcohol consumption, daily calcium of 1,200 mg and Vitamin D of 800-1000 units, fall risk assessment, and not smoking are lifestyle factors that can help you live long and independent.

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 925935-6952. Advertorial article published by Business Insider referenced a research study that indicated more attractive women had a 54% callback rate while those judged unattractive experienced a 7% callback rate. Similar results were found in mirror studies.

What has the prevailing evidence repeatedly demonstrated? Looks matter!

Whether professionally or personally, the way we present ourselves to society has a huge impact on the way we are treated and the services that we receive.

Sadly, no matter how sophisticated or professional a male or female is, his or her attributes will be masked by his or her image. Our bodies and faces are the vessels in which we live. In this society the person that we are is heavily the result of our image, and ironically our image influences the person we become by shaping our behaviors and actions towards ourselves and others.

There is a silver lining to this sobering reality that looks matter. Information is power, and there are many ways to improve on natural appearance. And it doesn’t require us to look like we have been overdone or created from the same mold. There’s little purpose in lamenting the fact that our appearance may influence how others interact with us. It’s more constructive to decide which aspects of our appearance matter to us, and accentuate them. After all, there’s nothing more empowering than taking control of the changes we want to make…for ourselves, and maybe, just a little, for others, too.

Barbara L. Persons, MD is a Board Certified 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.com.

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For advertising information contact Lafayette Today at 925-405-6397

Page 20 - September 2016 ~ Lafayette Today

Thyroid Cancer

By Arash Mohebati, MD

September is Thyroid Cancer awareness month. Thyroid nodules are very common, and up to 60% of the population have thyroid nodules based on imaging studies such as ultrasound; however, more than 90% of those nodules are benign.

Sixty-two thousand new patients will be diagnosed with thyroid cancer in 2016 according to the American Cancer Society. Two out of three thyroid cancers are found in women, and it is the 5th most common type of cancer in women. During the past two decades there has been a steep rise in the incidence of well-differentiated thyroid cancer that is in part due to earlier detection and increased imaging utilization, but the survival rate has remained unchanged. The majority of thyroid cancers that account for this increased incidence are smaller tumors that are less than two centimeters with indolent behavior -- they rarely cause problems.

There are four major cell types of thyroid cancer: papillary, follicular, medullary, and anaplastic thyroid cancer. Well-differentiated thyroid cancer accounts for more than 90% of the neoplasms of the thyroid gland. Papillary thyroid cancer is the most common type of well-differentiated thyroid cancer. Thyroid cancer is more common in women, and its incidence increases with age. Evidence suggests that family history of thyroid cancer, history of exposure to radiation, iodine deficiency, and auto immune thyroiditis are associated with increased risk of thyroid cancer.

Evaluation of the thyroid gland usually includes clinical examination, laboratory values, and ultrasound imaging. Some patients may feel a mass in the neck or a nodule in the thyroid gland; sometimes they are found during a physical exam. Palpable nodules in the thyroid warrant evaluation by a thyroid specialist. Generally, nodules less than one centimeter should be observed without a need for biopsy. The majority of patients with thyroid cancer are asymptomatic and will have a normal thyroid blood test. If any suspicious nodule that meets the biopsy criteria is identified, an ultrasound guided fine needle aspiration biopsy may be considered. This is often done during an office visit if feasible. The biopsy findings will be categorized based on Bethesda classification and may be reported as benign, malignant or suspicious, indeterminate, and non-diagnostic. Molecular genetic testing may offer additional information in indeterminate nodules.

The primary management of thyroid cancer is surgery when treatment is necessary. We now know that many smaller thyroid cancers of certain cell types can be treated with very limited surgery. If cancer is diagnosed, evaluation of the neck lymph nodes is usually done prior to surgical consideration. Extent of surgery will depend on multiple variables such as the presence of thyroid cancer in the lymph nodes. Additional treatment such as radioactive iodine may be indicated for a select group of patients with thyroid cancer. Surgical management of thyroid cancer is best done by surgeons with special interest in thyroid disease as high-volume surgeons are shown to have fewer complications. Your endocrinologist and thyroid surgeon will tailor specific treatment based on the extent of disease and your general health. Patients with thyroid cancer will need periodic follow-up examination by their physicians as the cancer can return many years after initial treatment in the neck. Patients who have undergone total thyroidectomy will need lifelong thyroid hormone replacement. Five-year overall survival for patients is excellent -- with well-differentiated thyroid cancer is above 95% for all stages combined and is near 100% in patients with early stage thyroid cancer.

Dr. Arash Mohebati is a board certified general surgeon who completed additional fellowship training in head and neck oncologic surgery at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. He practices with West Coast Surgical Associates -- offices in Walnut Creek, San Ramon, and Concord.

Call (925) 933-0984 to schedule an appointment and view educational information at http://thyroidparathyroid.net/.

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Wine continued from front page

One of the oldest wine regions in California, the Livermore Valley winegrowing belt spans seven cities: San Ramon, Dublin, Pleasanton, Sunol, Livermore, the eastern edge of Castro Valley, and Danville. Elegant and accessible winetasting rooms and destination-worthy restaurants now dot the area where pioneering families such as the Wentes and Concannons long ago (1880’s to be exact) recognized winegrowing potential. Other vintners have continued to follow; they know that the soil’s richness, the valley’s high altitude, and daily maritime breezes all serve to create an ideal grape and in turn ideal wines, most of which Chandler is extremely familiar.

That’s why friends and family continually ask for her opinion – ‘What wine should I order?’ ‘What wine should I bring as a hostess gift?’ ‘What should I serve with fish?’ Her answer is invariably, “Whatever you enjoy!”

“Wine is subjective,” says Chandler, who acknowledges that one of the best parts of her job is learning more about wine, and learning to trust her personal instincts and preferences. “Don’t rely on price,” she cautions.

“Explore various wines; try different varietals, and find what you love.

There are no right or wrong answers with wine.”

Chandler’s background was a natural fit for her current position. As a former restaurant consultant, she worked with varying restaurant brands and menus, and had a love for - and working knowledge of - wine and the wine industry. Overseeing the marketing and communications for the venerable Livermore Valley Winegrower’s Association was a natural fit. The position has been ideal for her husband Daryl Tom as well, a management consultant with Accenture and a certified sommelier who appreciates his wife’s profession. Chandler and Tom enjoy vacationing in wine regions throughout the world where most of their travels are naturally centered around wine. France and Italy are favorite locations. When not marketing or researching wine, Chandler, a Louisiana native and LSU grad, can be found cheering-on her LSU Tigers. A huge football fan, she never misses a game.

As the representative for the Livermore Valley Winegrower’s Association, Chandler enjoys the annual meetings with her counterparts from California’s varied wine regions: Napa Valley and Sonoma County, Mendocino and Lake County, and the Central Coast down to Santa Barbara County.

(California accounts for nearly 90% of America’s wine production.) The ten

See Wine continued on page 21

editor@yourmonthlypaper.com

The Key to Prostate Cancer Survival

By Dr. Stephen Taylor, Urologist

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer diagnosis and the second leading cause of cancer death in the United States for men. One of the most effective methods for getting the upper hand on prostate cancer is early detection. When and how often you should get a screening test depends on various risks.

I encourage patients to begin having discussions with their physician about a prostate cancer screening test when they reach 40 years of age. If you are African-American or have a relative who’s had prostate cancer, you are at a higher risk and should consult with your doctor to determine your personal screening frequency.

With most types of urologic cancer, there are oftentimes no obvious symptoms, making early detection even more critical. However, those experiencing urinary pain, discomfort, or change in frequency should see a doctor immediately.

There are two primary diagnostic tests for prostate cancer. Doctors often perform a digital rectal examination to feel for any abnormalities in the prostate gland that could be an indicator of cancer. If the prostate is normal, it will be soft like a sponge. An abnormal prostate, on the other hand, will be hard like a marble and require further testing.

The second test is a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test which tests the levels of PSA in your blood. Having an elevated PSA level does not necessarily indicate you will develop prostate cancer. However, it may lead to further diagnostic tests or a more regular screening schedule.

Just a few short years ago, if a PSA test was elevated and/or a nodule was present on the prostate, doctors would immediately proceed to a biopsy. Such is not the case in this era of advanced innovation in medicine. Today, elevated PSA levels or the presence of nodules may result in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the prostate which is highly reliable (90% accurate) and eliminates roughly 60% of unnecessary biopsies.

When caught early, prostate cancer is highly treatable. Because prostate cancer is often a slow-growing cancer, doctors may discuss the possibility of putting you on “active surveillance” in which they clinically follow the cancer with routine PSA tests and, if necessary, biopsies before committing to any treatment options.

If treatment is necessary, such highly innovative procedures as the Robotic Assisted Radical Prostatectomy using the Da Vinci robot—with robotic arms—are available, entering through the patient’s belly button and removing the prostate from the abdomen. This remarkable procedure carries a host of benefits including minimal pain, early hospital dismissal, and little bleeding/ scarring. Radiation therapy has also made great strides in the fight against prostate cancer by delivering specifically targeted, high dose therapy with exceptional outcomes.

Prostate cancer is by no means a death sentence, especially in this age of advanced medicine. Thanks to effective, minimally invasive treatment options, men with prostate cancer are living longer, healthier lives with fewer treatment-related side effects to either their urinary or sexual functionality.

What’s imperative, however, is to diagnose prostate cancer in its earliest stages. This can be done with screening and early detection, especially for those that have a history or predisposition to the same. Consult with your doctor, get the facts, and make the most informed decision about your personal course of action.

Dr.Taylor is a board certified urologist with Pacific Urology. He is involved with the Prostate Cancer Center of Excellence at Diablo Valley Oncology in Pleasant Hill. For more information, call (925) 937-7740 or visit www.pacificurology.com.

Join Dr.Taylor and other prostate cancer specialists for an education seminar, The Many Faces of Prostate Cancer, on September 29, 6:308:30PM, at the Lafayette Library and Learning Center. To reserve your place at the event, please call (925) 677-5041x272.

Advertorial

Lafayette Today ~ September 2016 - Page 21

Bariatrics Fashion Show Tuesday, September 20th, 6-8pm

Join J.Crew, 680 Bariatrics and West Coast Surgical Associates at Broadway Plaza in Walnut Creek to celebrate the successful transformation of courageous individuals at the Bariatric Fashion Show. The event will spotlight the accomplishments of men and women who have lost significant weight through surgical weight-loss procedures and give them the chance to display their healthy, new physiques as they model the latest fall fashions from J.Crew.

Admission to the event is free and features door prizes and refreshments.

For more information, call 925-933-0984 or visit www.680bariatrics.com.

Astronomy continued from front page

globular clusters are visible, and the largest, M-13, in the constellation Hercules is beautiful. A globular cluster is celestial globe consisting of many stars. If the sun was in M-13, our night sky would be bright with many nearby stars. Stellar distances are measured in light years, and our closest star is four light years away. Since light travels 186,000 miles a second, that’s far. In contrast, stars in a globular cluster are light-days and weeks apart. Viewing the Hercules Cluster is an unforgettable experience.

A special object is the Ring Nebula in Lyra. In a telescope it lives up to its name, and you could mistake it for a telescopic smoke ring. It’s a ring of gas and dust created by the hot, bright, exploded star at its center.

Possibly most inspiring is to see our sister galaxy, the Andromeda Nebula, 2.2 million light years away. It’s how our Milky Way would look if we were there looking back. We see Andromeda as it was 2.2 million years ago. If someone there was looking at us, we’d be in their remote future. Think about stellar time during your exciting evening on Mt Diablo. We hope to see you there!

Bike continued from page 17

rear derailleurs, correcting seat height, and lubricating the chain properly.

Stanley’s goal is to take CBI to official 501(c)3 status and to expand the reach within Contra Costa and Alameda Counties. “I’d ultimately like everyone in the area who wants or needs a bike to be able to have one,” says Stanley. “The more bicycles we give away, the more smiles we create.”

To flearn more about CBI, to donate, or to make a bike request, contact Stephen Stanley at Stephen@charitybikeinstitute.org or (925) 255-6181.

Wine continued from page 20

representatives get together to discuss strategy and marketing techniques, and of course to share in their love of wine and the wine country lifestyle.

“I feel fortunate to represent the Livermore Valley,” says Chandler. “It’s a unique opportunity – to market California wine and everything wrapped into this dream of a California wine country lifestyle.”

So what does she recommend when pressed about her favorites? Ever the diplomat, Chandler does admit a particular appreciation for small, boutique wineries and seasonal favorites: whites and rosés in summer, and deep reds in winter. But she prefers that others trust their own instincts: “Explore!” she reiterates. “And enjoy – that’s what wine is all about.”

For more information on the Livermore Valley wine country and the area’s various events, visit www.lvwine.org.

Join Diablo Choral Artists

Diablo Choral Artists is looking for you! If you love to sing good music and have a great time, come join Diablo Valley’s own community chorus for a wonderful experience (especially tenors!).

Rehearsals are held Monday evenings, and fall season rehearsals begin Monday, September 12 at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 1924 Trinity Avenue in Walnut Creek, 7-9:30PM. Come to a rehearsal to check the group out, and if you would like to join, you can have an informal audition with the director, Mark Tuning, at break or after the rehearsal.

The group is made up of about 40 singers of various ages and experiences who perform significant works of sacred and secular choral music of artistic excellence in three yearly concerts, and participate in other events and social activities throughout the year. Find joy and camaraderie in singing with this friendly and welcoming choir. Members include a wide variety of people: homemakers, physicians, teachers, lawyers, therapists, researchers, and salespeople, among others.

To find out more, call (925) 680-7089, email info@dcachorus.org, or visit the DCA website www.dcachorus.org. Say what voice part you sing and give a brief history of your vocal experience. Come and “share the harmony.”

Page 22 - September 2016 ~ Lafayette Today

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.

Lunch n’ Learn: Emergency Preparedness: We’ll Help You Get Ready! 10:30 – noon • Jennifer Russell Building, LCC - We all have the best

intentions to be prepared for emergencies, but it’s a task many of us leave undone on our “to do” lists. These workshops will demonstrate just how easy it is to be prepared. RSVP at Seniors@LoveLafayette.org or 284-5050.

• Session 1 ~ 10/5, RSVP by 9/28 Learn about the various types of emergencies we can expect in our areas, how to develop a plan, how and when to shut off utilities, and more.

• Session 2 ~ 10/12, RSVP by 10/5 Hands-on Workshop: Use a fire extinguisher. Turn off a gas main. Learn about the “Neighborhood Readiness” concept. See the items you need for your “Go Bag,” car kit and home emergency supply kit, and more.

• Session 3 ~ 10/19, RSVP by 10/12 Progress Checkup and Next Steps: How did you do with your preparations? Were you able to locate your gas main and practice turning it off and on? Is your “Go Bag” complete and in position? We’ll help you prioritize your next steps and tie up any loose ends so you’re fully prepared.

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. Individuals will pay for their own lunches; the restaurants will provide separate checks. This interest group is offered in conjunction with Lamorinda Village, www.lamorindavillage.org.

Document Your Life Story - If you have wanted to write about the stories, memories and experiences of your life but haven’t known where to start, start right here. You will be guided through the process of leaving a living history for future generations—what a gift! These are not drop-in classes but are meant to be taken as a complete course. There will be optional outings to St. Mary’s College for their creative writing reading series, “Afternoon Craft Conversations.” For more information or to place your name on the interest list, contact LSC. Anne Randolph Physical Therapy Presentation Wednesday, September 28 • 11:30AM – 12:30PM • Cedar Room, LSC - Osteoporosis/ Osteopenia: What are the risks for developing osteoporosis? What are some of the treatment options? Learn how to maintain or possibly increase your bone mass. Get tips on how you can take control and keep your bones in the best shape possible!

Apple Basics 1st & 3rd Thursdays • 11AM – 12:30PM • Elderberry Room, LSC - This on-going series covers topics for Apple devices such as the technology needed for wireless communication, your Apple ID, iTunes, iCloud, and the basics of iPad and iPhone usage. Topics for future sessions will be determined by participants’ input and needs. There will be time for Q&A at the end of each class.

Lamorinda Tea Dance 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 • Toyon 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 and Thursdays • 9AM – 10:30AM • Meet at reservoir at 8:45AM center bench on the dam - Led by Jim Scala, Lafayette Today’s “Walking the Reservoir” columnist. Join us for camaraderie, fresh air, and enjoyable exercise. 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 feeling uplifted and radiating that overall sense of well-being! Please call (925) 284-5050 or email seniors@lovelafayette.org to add your name to the email notification list. Bring quarters or a credit card for the parking meter. Annual senior (62+) passes may be purchased at the reservoir visitor center.

Positive Living Forum (“Happiness Club”) 2nd Thursday monthly • 10:30AM – noon • Sequoia Room, LSC - Brighten your day with Dr. Bob

www.yourmonthlypaper.com Nozik, MD, Prof. Emeritus UCSF and author of Happy 4 Life: Here’s How to Do It. Brighten your day and take part in this interactive gathering which features speakers on a wide range of topics that guide participants toward a more ideal and positive life experience. Drop-ins welcome!

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.

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.

Hearing Screening September 7 & October 5 • 1 - 2:20PM • Alder Room, LSC - Please call Lafayette Senior Services to make an appointment. Minimum of two sign-ups required in order for hearing screenings to take place.

Drop-In Mah Jongg! Tuesdays • 12:30-3:30 • Sequoia Room, LSC - Calling all Mah Jongg players! Bring your card and mah jongg set, and join us every Tuesday afternoon. This group is for all levels.

‘As The Page Turns’ Book Club 3rd Tuesday Monthly • 1PM - 2:30PM • Tiny Tots Red Room, LSC - Looking for a good book to discuss with others?

Join this informal group of booklovers and enjoy enrichment, lively discussion, fellowship, and refreshments. The group is of mixed gender, and everyone gets to participate in the discussions as well as the selection of books to read. Please call Lafayette Senior Services for the book title of the month.

Caring Hands

Reaching Out to Seniors One at a Time

Life at any age involves challenges, but these intensify as we age. The first concern may be that it becomes too difficult to drive to the doctor or the grocery store, or to just get a haircut. Support systems change, neighbors and friends may not help as expected, and loneliness may put a damper on daily routines.

Caring Hands volunteers offer friendship that makes an extraordinary difference in the quality of life for many of our seniors. Here are just a few of the words grateful care receivers have used to describe their relationship with their volunteer match: “When she came, it was as if a heavy burden was lifted off my shoulders. She is my angel.”

“Not only does it allow me to have an intelligent friend, but it relieves me from having to take public transportation which causes me pain every time.”

Caring Hands Volunteer Caregivers Program, a collaborative community outreach program between John Muir Health, social service agencies, congregations of various faiths and the community-at-large, creates finely-tuned one-on-one matches. The Caring Hands Program is dedicated to helping aging adults in Contra Costa County remain independent as long as safely possible.

Isolation and loneliness shorten lives and may make health problems worse.

If making time to volunteer is on your to-do list, consider joining Caring Hands as a caregiver or even as an occasional driver. Enriching matches are created; loving friendships and deep relationships are formed. Care receivers treasure a friendly visit, a walk in the park or other social outing. Reading mail, letter writing, or providing respite care to give a break to a family member are thoughtful services that can make a big difference to a frail or isolated senior.

Since so many older adults need transportation to doctor’s appointments or stores, the best volunteer for Caring Hands is someone who is available once a week for 1-3 hours on a weekday and who can provide transportation.

Volunteers receive ongoing education, support and recognition of their efforts.

Perhaps you can be that friend who gives a waiting senior hope and help.

The next training session will be held on Friday, September 23rd, from 9AM2:30PM, at John Muir Health Medical Center, Walnut Creek. For a volunteer application or for more information about Caring Hands, please contact Stacy Appel, Volunteer Coordinator, at (925) 952-2999.

editor@yourmonthlypaper.com

Lafayette Today ~ September 2016 - Page 23

Lamorinda Senior Transportation News

By Mary Bruns, Lamorinda Senior Transportation

BART Director, Gail Murray and BART Principal Government and Community Relations Representative, Karen Basting attended the August Senior Mobility Action Council meeting to educate us about the upcoming bond measure that will be on the November ballot. We learned that most BART cars have been in place since BART began providing rides in 1972. Ridership has grown from approximately 170,000 per week to 435,000 per day. 32% of BART Trip Miles are taken by Contra Costa riders. Looking at Bay Bridge rush hour traffic: 14,200 people in cars per hour move over the Bay while 22,000 people per hour move under the Bay during this time. Looking at the west bound direction of the Caldecott Tunnel at the Morning Peak Hour, there are 8,200 BART riders and 9,670 people in cars. These statistics show us how important it is to maintain and improve BART so that traffic congestion doesn’t increase on these highways.

In the Draft Plan, 90.4% of the $3.5 billion bond funding will go towards the repair and replacement of critical safety infrastructure such as fixing the underground tunnel walls damaged by water intrusion, replacing 90 miles of track, and renewing the power and mechanical infrastructure. 9.6% of the funding will go towards relieving crowding, reducing traffic congestion, and expanding opportunities to safely access the stations. The Plan will mean more escalators/elevators for seniors, disabled, and the general public. It could create more parking options, add more bike lockers/stations, and add wider gates for the disabled. Although this bond legally cannot pay for rail cars, BART, CCTA, ACTC, SFCTA, and MTC are working together as a region to meet capital needs for more rail cars. The benefits from the bond measure to the region would include 30% more trains through the Transbay tube in the peak hour, 40% less projected infrastructure-related delays, and 8,500 fewer automobiles crossing the Bay Bridge during the peak hour. (Information provided from BART Power Point presentation.)

“Senior Center Without Walls - A telephone community for Seniors - is about removing the walls between us – creating connections on the phone with people who would otherwise not know each other. This is what it has done for me and others,” reports senior resident Rita. “You get isolated when you’re home-bound. But now I have a contact with the world again, and I’m developing interests I never knew I had,” states Clarissa, another user of the service. “Senior Center Without Walls is a FREE telephone-based program offering activities, education, friendly conversation, and an assortment of classes, support groups, and presentations to isolated seniors.

You can participate from the comfort of your own home with over 60 weekly groups taking place. You can join a group discussion of poems, stories, or creative writing; take guided trips on the phone to museums as well as local and faraway places; learn about valuable resources and healthful information; and exercise your gray matter with

Walking continued from page 9

We can’t do anything except keep things clean and hope this drought ends. If the Sierra snowpack can reach 150% of normal this winter, it will help a great deal. Last year’s 107% wasn’t enough, so this year we will need more. Many years of normal rainfall and snowpack are required for the bird population to recover.

Otters in formation. My friend Maynard and I were doing yoga on the Bandstand when he shouted, “Look at that.” Maynard pointed to three small otters swimming in a “V” formation toward the south cove. They continued past the Roughing It Day Camp’s young kayakers paddling not too far away. Where else can you see otters swimming in formation?

The inner beauty of yoga instructors. I asked Michelle Deane why yoga instructors are so pretty. She had just conducted one of her regular yoga sessions with 11 women on the Bandstand. With her disarming smile she said, “We’re not prettier than any others. I believe yoga imparts a calm, contented confidence that radiates a kind of inner beauty.” With a graduate degree in psychology and fully certified in teaching yoga, she should know. Michelle agrees that our res-stage is the world’s most inspiring yoga studio.

Since the reservoir class consisted of only women, I asked, “Why no men?” I learned that most outdoor classes rarely have 10% men attending. However, she observed that her indoor classes often have 40% men. “Yoga with Michelle” is easily found on Facebook.

Summer activities come to an end, but the senior walkers keep on keeping on. With the summer over, the enthusiastic children at Roughing it Day Camp will be missed. The senior’s walking group meets every Tuesday and Thursday at about 8:50AM, and some do yoga on the stage after our walk. One group we’ll miss is a Spanish class held for young children, some only five.

While doing yoga and listening to them we marveled at how fluent they had become. The stage is an excellent open-air classroom for all ages.

Let me hear from you at jscala2@comcast.net.

trivia, word games, puzzles, and more! Call 877-797-7299 for more information.”

Gogograndparents.com: Gogograndparents is a way to use Uber or Lyft without a smart phone. Look them up online or call 855-464-6872, and press “0” to speak to an operator for more information.

The Rotary Home Team will provide free basic home maintenance and repairs to those 60 and over on September 24th. To schedule an appointment, call (888) 204-5573 by September 16th.

Like the Lamorinda Spirit Van on Facebook: www.facebook.com/ lamorindaspiritvan. Pictures of recent trips and events are posted on our Facebook page. Check out the wine country pictures.

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

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.

Contra Costa Yellow Cab and DeSoto Company 284-1234 20% discount for Lamorinda seniors.

Orinda Seniors Around Town

402-4506

Volunteer drivers serving Orinda seniors with free rides to appointments and errands.

Mobility Matters Rides for Seniors (formerly Senior Helpline Svcs) 284-6161

Volunteer drivers serving Contra Costa seniors with free rides to doctors’ appointments during the week. Grocery shopping on Saturdays.

County Connection LINK Reservation Line

938-7433

For people with disabilities. (Older adults often have “age-based” disabilities.)

Mobility Matters Information and Referral Line 284-6109

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. $30/hr. Contact Max Nunan, local ITkid consultant. (925) 482-5488, maxnunan@gmail.com

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.

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Page 24 - September 2016 ~ Lafayette Today

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