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June 2012
Serving the Lafayette Community New Farmers Market Opening on June 10th at South BART Lot
Bob Frick (in red), and Len Holme (in yellow) get ready for their long distance ride.
Biking the Open Road By Fran Miller Their inspiration is the Lewis and Clark Trail. Their motivation is twofold: physical fitness and the desire to help others. On June 11th, Lafayette residents Len Holmes (age 70) and his friend Bob Frick (age 75) will take to the open road on bike, following Lewis and Clark’s 1806 expedition return route from Fort Clatsop, Oregon to St. Louis, Missouri. Their 3,000 mile ride through ten states – a benefit for Habitat for Humanity – is expected to take 69 days, far fewer than the original Corps of Discovery trek. Up the Columbia River, over the mountains in Idaho to Missoula, Montana, and then down the Yellowstone and Missouri rivers to St. Louis they will pedal. They plan to ride 60 miles per day, pending excessive rain, fatigue or other unforeseen encumbrances, with 11 stops along the way at Habitat for Humanity offices and build sites. Lewis and Clark historical sites will be their primary tourist targets, with a few rest days at Yellowstone National Park. An additional day is reserved to visit a friend who is working in the Bakken Oil Fields of North Dakota. The two cyclists bonded a few years ago after Frick read about Holmes’ last tour in 2007 – a 5,300 mile, 100 day solo ride from his Burton Valley home to Quebec, Canada. Frick, an active and gregarious community volunteer who serves on the Habitat for Humanity East Bay board, was preparing for his own cross-country ride, a benefit for Habitat, for which he ultimately raised over $90,000. He contacted Holmes for tips on how to ride a successful tour, and the two became fast friends. “Bob’s invitation to ride with him on this current trip generated an easy ‘yes,’” says Holmes, who was intrigued by the philanthropic nature of the trip – a second benefit for Habitat. (Frick, through his many contacts, has secured sponsorships from some of the Bay Area’s largest companies.) “I've always respected the work and education that Habitat for Humanity does for deserving people, and Bob's energy, enthusiastic attitude, and ability in setting a significant fund raising goal was inspiration enough for me. Throw in the support that Bob's delightful wife Barbara will provide in carrying gear and emergency supplies, and I had frosting on the cake.”
See Biking continued on page 20 Local Postal Customer
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Fresh cherries anyone? It’s been 8 ½ months since there was a farmer’s market in Lafayette, but that’s about to change. A new Lafayette Farmers’ Market was approved by the City Council on May 14th and will have its opening day on Sunday, June 10th at the south BART parking lot. The Market will be held, year-round, every Sunday from 9am – 1pm. Sponsored by Sustainable Lafayette, the new market will be run by Urban Village who currently runs 10 other markets from the South Bay to Oakland. “We aim to bring Lafayette world class farmers offering the finest tree-ripened, vine-ripened, just-picked, sensuous produce for the town’s sophisticated and discriminating residents,” said Ron Pardini, the Executive Director at Urban Village. The new market will feature roughly 60 vendors, and besides fresh produce, it will also feature specialty foods, baked goods, artisan coffee, freshcut flowers, a pizza oven, freshly prepared crepes, and more. Live music and hand-crafted art will round out the shopping experience. Even with 600+ fans on Facebook, the prior market on Thursday evenings suffered from reasons that people couldn’t make it, including lack of parking, being too small to be compelling, being difficult to attend over the dinner hour, and being right next to a congested intersection. So, last October the City of Lafayette, Chamber of Commerce, and Sustainable Lafayette decided to seek more community input and explore options for creating a thriving market. Sharon Richard and Gina Dawson, of Sustainable Lafayette’s Local Food Group, stepped forward to pin down the plans and launch the new market. Sharon said, “What motivates us is to bring all the residents (currently) leaving town to attend a farmers market back to Lafayette, so they can shop local, and to create a great weekly community event that residents will love.”
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By Fran Miller
Most people know to call 411 for phone information. Nearly everyone knows to call 911 to register a life-threatening emergency. Not so commonly known is the purpose of a 211 call – to receive information about emergencies declared in one’s town and outlying area. Taking it one step further is the Contra Costa County Community Warning System, which allows Contra Costa residents Volume V I- Number 6 to register, and in turn, personally receive 3000F DANVILLE BLVD #117 emergency information for their area. ALAMO, CA 94507 The Contra Costa County Community Telephone (925) 405-6397 Warning System (CWS) allows residents to Fax (925) 406-0547 receive alerts on cell phones, via email or via editor@yourmonthlypaper.com Twitter. CWS is recognized as one of the naAlisa Corstorphine ~ Publisher tion’s most modern and effective all-hazard The opinions expressed herein belong to the writers, and do not necessarily reflect that public warning systems and is a partnership of of Lafayette Today. Lafayette Today is not the Office of the Sheriff, the Health Services responsible for the content of any of the ad-
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vertising herein, nor does publication imply
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Summer Labyrinth Walk On Friday, June 22nd celebrate the Summer Solstice with a walk on a sacred labyrinth. Music will be playing as participants walk the Chartres style labyrinth. The Chapel at the Lafayette-Orinda Presbyterian Church located at 49 Knox Drive in Lafayette will be open for prayers, and there will be ongoing readings. You are invited to meander freely between the labyrinth and the Chapel. Guides for walking the labyrinth will be available if desired. Labyrinths are an ancient tool which are undergoing a revival of interest and use. Walk in gratitude, reflection, or prayer. Everyone is welcome between 7 and 8pm. For questions, call 925-283-8722.
Assistance League Seeks Members Assistance LeagueÂŽ of Diablo Valley is a nonprofit member volunteer organization dedicated to improving lives through hands on programs. We are actively pursuing members who would enjoy helping with needs of school age children and seniors. A Prospective Member Coffee will be held on Wednesday, June 20, at 9:30AM in Walnut Creek. If you are interested in spending quality time while helping those who are vulnerable, call 925-9340901or visit diablovalley.assistanceleague.org.
Danville Fine Arts Faire Visit the 21st annual Danville Fine Arts Faire with 200 talented artisans, Italian street painting, entertainment, Prospect merchant activities, gourmet food, and fine wines and micro-brews on June 16th and 17th from 10AM-5PM. Stroll tree-lined Hartz Avenue in downtown Danville while enjoying one-of-a-kind fine art from all around the country and the Bay Area. The Faire is hosted by the Danville Area Chamber of Commerce and the Town of Danville. Admission and parking is free, and there is secure bicycle parking. For more information, contact (925) 837-4400 or visit the festival website at www.mlaproductions.com.
Lafayette is Gearing up for Friday Night FUN this Summer The Lafayette Chamber of Commerce and the City of Lafayette have partnered to bring activity to our downtown. Friday nights will be your chance to step out, head for Lafayette Plaza and enjoy three months of entertainment.
Dancing in the Plaza - Friday nights 7-9pm • June 15 Sock Hop featuring Hot Rod Jukebox • June 22 Square Dance featuring “callerâ€? Eric Henerlau • June 29 70’s Disco Night featuring JT Productions Dancing will take place on the BIG dance floor. Costume contests, Dance contests and surprises will await you including free dance lessons.
Movies in the Plaza - Friday nights at dusk • July 6 Field of Dreams • July 13 Jaws • July 20 Muppet Movie • July 27 Ironman Snack Bar compliments of Whole Foods
Rock the Plaza - Fridays from 6-8pm • August 3 Jazz Camp Concert (NOTE: Held 3-9pm at Stanley Middle School) • August 10 The Floorshakers • August 17 Mixed Nuts • August 24 Night Fever Come down and get your groove on! For more information visit www.lafayettechamber.org or stop by the Chamber office located at 100 Lafayette Circle, #103 in Lafayette.
Way Side Inn Thrift Shop Does Disney! On Tuesday, June 19th, Assistance LeagueÂŽ of Diablo Valley member volunteers, those wonderful ladies who have devoted the past year to sorting and storing Mickey memorabilia, will usher in the “Disneymaniaâ€? promotion at Assistance League Way Side Inn Thrift Shop, located at 3521 Golden Gate Way in Lafayette. Relive the imaginative genius that created this great American pastime. Relive the magical moments from childhood that provided a safer, less complicated world. Or, in a more current context, collect items that would enhance any “Mickey Collectionâ€? at recession-proof prices. If you happen to be down-sizing and no longer have room for “Adventure Landâ€? in your home, you still have time to drop off any donations and help somebody else â€œâ€Ś wish upon a star.â€? Assistance League of Diablo Valley thanks you for If you find him and your name is drawn! your donations and purchases. He is very small, so you will have to look hard if you want to find him. Thinking of others who are in need and at risk - those who are vulnerable, enriches our lives He has become lost in this paper. and remains a pervasive part of Send a letter telling us where you found him, along with your name and address to: our heritage. To learn more about Assistance League of Diablo Lost Dog! Lafayette Today, 3000F Danville Blvd #117, Alamo, CA 94507 Valley and the Way Side Inn Thrift Shop, visit www.diablovalley. Christine Rothman is our winner! assistanceleague.org.
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Boulevard View By Alisa Corstorphine, Editor Another graduation season is upon us and students are moving on from elementary school, middle school, high school, and college. Hopefully they will have gained knowledge, values, and skills that will last a lifetime. Our oldest son, Alex, just graduated from San Jose State and is continuing his learning and employment with a large networking company in Mountain View. The path to his job stemmed from his education, hard work, and a little luck. That, combined with his good communication skills, his methodical approach, and his interest in technology, led to where he is now. He laid a foundation of entrepreneurship from an early age with his version of a lemonade stand, AKA Cardboard Cafe, that he set up on the Iron Horse Trail, followed by a successful eBay business. His success is summarized in a quote my daughter shared with me after her UC Davis Women’s Club Lacrosse team placed first in the nation beating, 300 other teams from across the country for the top prize. The quote noted, “We are what we repeatedly do. EXCELLENCE is therefore not an act but a habit.” The UC Davis lacrosse team roster included many girls who graduated from local high schools including Casey Bowles and Amy Corstorphine - San Ramon Valley, Ming Richie - Northgate, Jennifer Hofmann - Campolindo, Lisa Kritikos - Piedmont, and Jessica Dresser and Samantha Fannin - Las Lomas. Their season was not an easy one. There was tough competition from many California teams in their Western Conference League. Unlike early sports days when the score was always “fun to fun” with no win-
ners or losers, these girls had seven regular season losses where they only were defeated by one point. Many losses came in overtime and double overtime. “The losses sucked,” my daughter said. However, the team was able to pull out a tenth seed going into the national tournament which led the girls to come up with the motto of “The Perfect 10.” During most of the games at Nationals, they were down by multiple goals at points during the game. They started out down 5-0 against UC Santa Barbara, 4-0 against Michigan, and 6-2 against Colorado State, but they never lost focus. Two of their final games were decided in overtime, and their team came out victorious, realizing their vision by truly becoming the Perfect 10. Since their win was in Colorado Springs, they followed up their day with an inspiring trip to the US Olympic Training center. They were awed by the facilities and by the athletes they observed getting ready to reach the tops of their games to take home the gold with their perfect scores. On their tour they came across a poster that held much relevance. It said, “I learned to win by learning to lose - that means not being afraid of losing.” It reflected the girls’ path perfectly. The path to the top is usually not a straight line. There are lots of zigs and zags. Our son spent a few years in community college and took the “six-year plan” towards graduation, but his path worked for him. It was his persistence, like the persistence of the lacrosse team that helped each rise to the top of their game. What makes individuals and teams rise to the top is their dedication, passion, drive, detail, and teamwork. It is time to honor, celebrate, and share the accomplishments of all our local graduates and athletes. Congratulations Class of 2012!
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Scouts Earn Eagle Rank Boy Scout Troop 233 is proud to announce our most recent Eagle Scouts - Zach Brooks, Jim Coon, Matt Riggins, Ryan Riggins and Neil Tripathi. Miramonte sophomore Zachary Brooks Eagle Scout Project was to build and fill a 10’ x 20’ sandbox for Castle Rock Regional Recreation Area in Walnut Creek. Zach also removed the old sandbox and sand. Jim Coon is a sophomore at Campolindo. His Eagle Scout Project involved constructing 10 wood duck nesting boxes mounted on 10’ steel posts and installing five nesting boxes set in concrete at the remote end of the Upper San Leandro Reservoir. For Connor McDonald’s Eagle Scout Project, he installed numbered disks to trail markers in Briones Regional Park benefiting hikers, mountain bikers, ranchers, animals, and search and rescue efforts. Connor is a sophomore at Miramonte. Miramonte High School senior Matthew Riggins refurbished all the benches on the trail surrounding the Lafayette Reservoir recreation area for his Eagle Scout Project. Ryan Riggins has been a member of Troop 233 since 2003. His Eagle Scout Project was installing backpack cubbies for the first through third grade classes at Glorietta Elementary School in Orinda. Ryan graduated from Miramonte High School. Neil Tripathi has also been a member of Troop 233 since 2003. For his Eagle Scout Project, Neil constructed and installed two steel and wood picnic benches at the Lafayette Petanque Club grounds. Neil is a senior at Acalanes High. All six Scouts earned their Eagle awards under the leadership of Scoutmaster Don Larwood with the Assistance of Bruce McGurk and Wes Riggins.
Market continued from front page Working with the City and Chamber, Sharon and Gina evaluated many locations around town and found that the south BART lot provided the best venue at this time. Namely, it is very central, has loads of space, is a safe area for kids, and has ample parking. There will be parking along Happy Valley Road (36 spots) and in the large parking lot behind the Town Center directly adjacent to the market! Just turn in between Pet Express and Panda Express. Bikers and walkers can access the market from downtown by taking the walking path to BART behind Baja Fresh. The new market will add to the already outstanding selection of local and organic produce in town at Diablo Foods, Whole Foods, Chow, and Open Sesame. The farmers market is intended to be more of a community event that will provide a unique experience where you can sample everything, develop a direct relationship with the grower, learn about unique food varieties and cooking tips, and greet your neighbors. Since the City has a strict sign ordinance, it will be challenging to have signs pointing to the market and parking. Organizers are hoping that everyone can help get the word out. “Like” the Farmers’ Market Facebook page to spread the news and stay up-to-date on happenings at www.facebook.com/pages/Lafayette-Farmers-Market/140191441192.
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Historical Society Events Energize Community By Julie Sullivan, Lafayette Historical Society (LHS) Lafayette is lucky that our story is well documented, but it is the energy and dedication of Lafayette Historical Society members that keep our history alive, enabling newcomers and long-time residents alike to learn where our town came from. Over the past months, LHS events, attended by approximately 500 people, have spanned the spectrum from a walking tour of downtown’s historic buildings to a look at Pleistocene era artifacts unearthed with the building of the Caldecott Tunnel Fourth Bore. Last November, LHS joined the Lafayette Improvement Association (LIA) in its one hundredth anniversary celebration, including a tour of the renovated Town Hall. Shortly after that, LHS volunteer Michael Troutman, after poring over the collection of the Aklan (the Acalanes High School yearbook) in the
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Michelle Chan, LHS walking tour leader, in front of Pony Express station marker in downtown Lafayette.
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History Room, confirmed the existence of the now-defunct Acalanes High Lamorinda Peace and Justice School radio station. Troutman set up a website, www.acalanesradioclub.com The Lamorinda Peace and Justice Group meets the fourth Tuesday of each month for other to share and compile information. from 7 – 9PM in the fireside room of Lafayette Methodist Church, 955 Moraga Road, When the modern-day descendants of Elam Brown and Margaret Allen, Lafayette. We are committed to working to support a healthy planet, a thriving local Lafayette’s founding couple, wanted to organize an Allen-Brown family reunion, community, and a safe, equitable world for all. For information, call 925-946-0563. they turned to LHS. A dozen descendants of the families gathered at LHS for an San Ramon Valley Genealogical Meetings afternoon of reminiscing and discovery. The San Ramon Valley Genealogical Society meets at 10am the third The LHS Speakers Series has presented “Meet the Marquis: Who Was La Tuesday of every month, except August and December, at the Danville Fayette and Why Are We Named after Him?” including a showing of the 2010 Family History Center, 2949 Stone Valley Road, Alamo. A speaker is PBS documentary Lafayette the Lost Hero, as well as Tunneling Through Time, at every meeting. Everyone is welcome. the discoveries paleontologists made in Caldecott Tunnel construction, and Downtown Lafayette Then & Now by Mary McCosker, co-author of Images of America – Lafayette. Recently Michelle Chan, historic downtown Lafayette expert, led a special walking tour of downtown, bringing Lafayette’s historic buildings to life, and at the LHS Annual Meeting in May, Mary Volmer, author of Crown of Dust revealed little known facts about some of California’s most famous – and infamous – women. Purveyors of classic, exotic, and All these events were offered to the community at a nominal charge. “We also want residents to be aware high-performance cars for more than 30 years. of the treasure trove of material we have in the History California’s #1 Classic Car Dealer Room,” explains LHS president Mary McCosker, “for Over 200 vehicles in inventory! researching everything from their neighborhood, to their Acalanes High years to their local ancestors.” Coming soon: Stephen E. Drew, Virginia & Truckee Railroad Company Historical Society Board Member and Senior Curator at the California State Railroad Museum will speak July 18th, 3PM at the Lafayette Library & Learning Center. Watch for details next month. LHS History Room in the Lafayette Library and Learning Center is open Tuesday, Thursday, and Showrooms in Pleasanton, Benicia, and Fairfield. Saturday, 10AM – 2PM. For more information, visit www. lafayettehistory.org. www.SpecialtySales.com | 800.600.2262
Page 6 - June 2012 ~ Lafayette Today
The Bookworm By Joan Stevenson On June 6th we wave farewell to our dear friend, Susan Weaver, Librarian Extraordinaire. Susan came to the Lafayette Library seven years ago, and what a ride it has been. Through all the dreaming, the creating, and the building of Lafayette Library and Learning Center (LLLC), she was a key part of making it happen. And, who was there when the doors opened to welcome a thousand people a day? Susan. She was continually bringing new ideas and finding ways to make LLLC the most happening place in our fair city. How do we thank her? We do it by wishing her a joyful, restful, healthy retirement with plenty of time to read! Say hello to Vickie Sciacca who has been appointed our new librarian. She comes to us from the library in Danville, and we will throw out the welcome mat to her this month. Vickie will help us “Dream Big at the Library” this summer! Beginning on June 9th, reading records will be available in community libraries or online at ccclib.org. Pick one up and earn prizes for reading. The Summer Reading Festival is for all ages, with programs for babies, kids, teens, and adults. The program runs through August 18th. Do you love to wake up in the morning to the hoot of a barn owl? It’s truly country living at its best. The Lindsey Museum is going to explore our wildlife on June 12th at 2-3PM when they present “Guess Who is coming to the Lafayette Library!,” a look at owls and their feathered friends and what they teach us about the animals that share our neighborhood. Join us for some hands-on fun! The presentation is designed for kids ages 5-11. The Commonwealth Club presents Adam Gazzaley and Matt Richtel on Tuesday, June 19th from 6:30PM – 7:30PM in the Community Hall for a discussion entitled, “Your Brain on Computers: Neuroscience and Tech’s Devices of Distraction.” Now there is a hot subject. The original personal computer, the brain, has been evolutionarily programmed to meet basic data processing needs. Now, with tablets and laptops in every bag, and iPhones ever at our sides, our gray matter must meet the new challenges of the digital world. We understand that technology has dramatically altered our behaviors--the way that we work,
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Science Cafe: The Transit of Venus...viewing-free, lecture-$5 Professional & amateur astronomers facilitate a viewing of this once in a lifetime astronomical event (3:30-7:00), followed by a lively lecture by Dr. Ron Olowin (7:00-8:00). reserve@LLLCF.org Berkeley Repertory Theater Docent Talk......................Free Black and Blue Boys - A docent will discuss this beautiful & fierce show where children & adults are forging their identities in families fractured by drugs & abuse. reserve@LLLCF.org World Affairs Council - East Bay............................................ $8/Members, $10/Non-members, Free/Students Preventing Infectious Diseases in Less Developed Countries Donald Francis MD will discuss the impact of infectious disease & the latest powerful prevention tools. worldaffairs.org Lawrence Hall of Science: Bubble-ology................$20/child Become an expert bubble-ologist and investigate important bubble questions like “what’s inside of a soap bubble?” Ages 3 - 6. lawrencehallofscience.org/library Lindsay Wildlife Museum: Owls!....................................Free Lindsay Wildlife Museum and their feathered friends are flying over to teach us about the animals that share our neighborhood. Hands on fun for kids of all ages. no reservations necessary Commonwealth Club: Your Brain on Computers - Neuroscience and Tech’s Devices of Distraction............................... $12 mbrs, $22 nonmbrs, $7 students Adam Gazzaley & Matt Richtel will explore how technological devices affect our physical neurology. commonwealthclub.org The Commonwealth Club..$12 mbrs, $22 nonmbrs, $7 stdts Distilled in the Bay Area: How to Drink Like a Locavore Hear a panel of malt masters as they discuss our artisan, locavore handcrafted cocktail scene. Tasting, too. commonwealthclub.org Z-Day: Zombie Apocalypse!.............................................Free Zombies have taken over the library! Take Zombie Survival Emergency Training and then “battle” the Zombies in the library after hours. Ages 10+ no reservations necessary
www.yourmonthlypaper.com play, and interact with one another, but does constant use of devices impact our physical neurology? Can the endless deluge of digital data affect our memory, perception, and attention span? Join us as cognitive neuroscientist Adam Gazzaley, Associate Professor at UCSF, Founding Director of Neuroscience Imaging Center, and Pulitzer-winning tech journalist Matt Richtel enlighten us on the subject. Go to www.commonwealthclub.org or call (415) 597-6705.
Advance Notice: Half Price Book Sale Coming – June 30th Mark your Calendar! If you haven’t been to one of these sales yet, be sure to make this a priority. Stock up for summer reading! We are fortunate to be able to offer an incredible variety, and quantity, of books. At the end of the sale we share any unsold abundance with our sister libraries who do not enjoy our plentitude. It is the Friends Corner Book Shop’s way of helping turn used books (green) to gold.
YOU! Did you take a look at the message from LLLCF that just arrived in your mailbox regarding the magic number 53? The number 53 is magical because it represents the portion of the library budget - 53%- that comes from your support of the Lafayette Library and Learning Center Foundation. You make Sunday hours happen. You assure that the great programs continue. Have you made your contribution? All we need is ...YOU!
Weekly Dance Social Dance for joy at the weekly Social, or just come to chat; all are welcome. The Social is for all-level and all-style dancers, music lovers, and observers. The Social is held Wednesdays from 12:30 to 2:50PM at the Lafayette Community Center located at 500 St. Mary’s Road. The longtime event, with continuous, professionally recorded music, is held in the big, bright Live Oak Room. The whole scene gets extra lively the first Wednesday of each month when professional dance duo Karen and Michael DJ music and vary lessons from peppy Latin, to waltz, to swing. Other weeks, Elroy Holtmann, Dance Social president, and longtime Lafayette resident, presides as DJ. Fees for the event are $2 for members of Lafayette Senior Center, and $4 for non-members. It costs just $10 a year to join the Center and enjoy the complete range of activities available. For more information visit sites.google.com/site/ lafayetteteadance.
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Lafayette Firefighters Visit the Library!.........................Free Some of our city’s finest will be coming with their sirens and lights flashing! Come and learn about fire safety and see a fire truck up close. Designed for kids of all ages. no reservations necessary The Commonwealth Club..$12 mbrs, $22 nonmbrs, $7 stdts Belva Davis: A Black Woman’s Life in Journalism - The Emmy award-winning journalist recounts her harrowing journey as a black female media figure. commonwealthclub.org Screening of the film: Twilight..........................................Free Watch the film Twilight at twilight. Look out for vampires and werewolves! Eat popcorn, get scared and have fun. Under 13? Bring a permission slip. no reservations necessary Lafayette Historical Society............$10 mbrs, $15 nonmbrs Stephen E. Drew - Nevada's Famous Virginia & Truckee Railroad: 140+ Years Old and Coming Back to Life! To reserve call 283-1848 Snoopy Fest........................................................................Free Learn about local icon Charles Schulz and Peanuts by learning to draw Snoopy. Make a Snoopy puppet and mask to take home, too! Ages 5 - 11. To reserve call 925-385-2280 The Commonwealth Club..$12 mbrs, $22 nonmbrs, $7 stdts A Taste of Place: Eating Your Way Around the East Bay A panel of locally minded chefs share what makes the Bay Area such a great place to grow, cook & eat. commonwealthclub.org
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Lafayette Today ~ June 2012 - Page 7
Grass Clippings + Recycling = Grasscycling! By Sustainable Lafayette If you have a lawn, you may have noticed how heavy that green bin is when you wheel it out to the curb each week. Did you know that a 40 by 100 foot lawn produces about 1,200 pounds of grass clippings each year? Think of the energy required to pick up those clippings, truck them to a compost facility, process them, and then truck them to farmers in the Central Valley. Lots of our yard waste also ends up at the landfill. A far more efficient recycling model is to try “grasscycling”--the simple practice of leaving grass clippings on the lawn when mowing. It saves time and money, and it helps the environment. Why have your lawn clippings trucked away when they are so valuable? Since they are 80-85% water, they decompose quickly and return much-needed moisture and nutrients to the lawn. A Rodale Institute Research Center study showed that an acre of clippings provides 235 pounds of nitrogen, 210 pounds of potassium, and 77 pounds of phosphorus. Do these chemical names look familiar? They should; they are the same ones listed on fertilizer bags. In fact, grasscycling can provide up to 25% of your lawn’s fertilizer needs. Nitrogen from grass clippings is incorporated into new grass growth within one week! The best part about grasscycling is how easy it is. Just remove the grass collection bag, and let the clippings drop on the lawn. If your mower does not have a safety flap covering the opening where the bag fits, you may need to purchase a retrofit kit. Some of the clippings will be visible on the lawn, but they will quickly disappear as dehydration and decomposition take place. Even better is to use a mulching mower, which cuts grass blades into smaller pieces. Many of us in Lafayette use gardeners for weekly maintenance. Most of them don’t grasscycle because they assume that homeowners want the clippings collected. Just tell them to leave the clippings on the lawn. They should be happy to hear this since it will make their job easier and faster. You may need to remind them once or twice if they have been maintaining your yard a certain way for years. For best results, make sure to cut your lawn often enough so that you don’t have to cut more then a third of the blade length (producing 1” or less clippings). For most people, this means cutting the lawn once every one to two weeks. Concerned about grasscycling causing thatch? Don't be. Thatch is a layer of grass stems, roots, clippings, and debris that can accumulate over time. Research has shown that there is absolutely no relationship between thatch and grasscycling. Concerned about appearance? Again, you shouldn't be because, if done properly, the clippings will disappear quickly. Do you need special equipment? Absolutely not! Almost any lawnmower in good operating condition will do. Imagine how much less weight you could be wheeling out to the curb each week and how happy your lawn will be with the free mulch, free fertilizer, and free water. To learn more about grasscycling and watch videos, visit wastediversion.org and click on the “Composting” menu or visit CalRecycle at www.calrecycle. ca.gov/organics/grasscycling/. If you’re ready to make the move to less lawn and more native plants and grasses, check out the “Lamorinda Lawn Conversion Guide” at sustainablelafayette.org. Just click on “Resources” and “Yard.” And check out real-world success stories about how your neighbors are reducing waste and living more sustainably.
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All-American Grilling Wine By Monica Chappell As a proud flag waver for America’s own grape, Zinfandel, Zin epitomizes California. Known as the quintessential California grape variety, much of the appeal of this American treasure comes from the grapes complexity. At the same time, Zinfandel tends to be very approachable and a shoe in for casual summer gatherings.
Style and Stylish This uniquely American fine-wine grape has a history of moving in and out of fashion. Classic red Zinfandel has fruit aromas of dark cherries, plums, raspberries, and blackberries and can range dramatically in style. These stylistic variations influence how the wine will likely pair with food. The styles you may encounter include: • Medium-Full Body: expressive fruit with some barrel age, often spicy • Full Body: ripe, higher alcohol, often more tannic and oaky • Late Harvest: dessert style, sweet, port-like, high alcohol
All About the Food Unlike many other reds, Zinfandel is very compatible with food and especially loves the grill. Food pairings that work well include: • Heartier dishes that have been grilled, braised, or smoked • Many salty dishes, as Zin is better then most reds due to its forward, sweet berry fruit • Fruit based sauces, particularly those with berry fruits • Sharp cheeses like Manchego and washed rind cheeses like Taleggio
A Few Zin’s to Try Thank you Girl Scout Leaders for Inspiring Lafayette Girl Scouts In 2011-2012, the 100th year of Girl Scouts USA, Lafayette has 863 Girl Scouts (nearly 50% of all girls in K-12th grade) in 69 troops. These troops are led by leaders and co-leaders that help these girls do and become more than they ever thought possible by inspiring them to see what they are capable of and helping them get there. At the Lafayette Girl Scout Spring Leader Meeting the leaders were thanked for all of the long hours they have donated, devoting themselves to girl led leadership and bringing fun and spirit to everything girls do.
I recently participated in a 2009 Sonoma County Zinfandel tasting (yes, it was fun), and here are my top picks: Seghesio Family Vineyards Home Ranch, JC Cellars St. Peters Church, Carlisle “Carlisle Vineyard,” Ridge Vineyard Pagani Ranch, and Ravenswood Sonoma County. A schedule of Wine Appreciation classes taught by Monica Chappell, wine writer and educator, can be found at www.wineappreciation101.blogspot.com.
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Page 8 - June 2012 ~ Lafayette Today
Privacy
By Evan Corstorphine, Portable CIO
Selling Your House - What an Appreciation!
In March 2011 I wrote about privacy, at least the illusion of it we all subscribe to, and how much things have By Art Lehman, Village Associates Realtors changed over the last twenty years. I described how the Well after all the advice I’ve passed on over the years common individual has no concept of how little privacy – my wife and I are being put to the test –the rubber they retain and how much information anyone with comfinally meets the road! That’s right we put our house on puter skills can dig up on their lives. I’m sure it upset a the market. We are still staying local. It’s just that the lot of people to realize they live far from anonymously, kids are now men and women and that gorgeous house and how much they’ve lost control over their anonymity. Sometimes even I am caught off-guard. I have a simple most of the time sits lonely waiting for holidays and anecdote to describe just such an incident. special occasions. So it’s downsizing time! A young friend of our family turned 21 recently. As is customary, he invited a For many months we’ve been getting the house ready – fixing all those handful of his closest friends to meet him at a local bar for a night of over-imbibing little things that now we ask ourselves, “Damn why we didn’t do these years to mark his ascension into the world of “grown-ups.” I suppose it’s necessary at ago.” We are cleaning the garages, thinning out the house, going to the dump, this point to explain that I’m 48, not in my 20’s, so I’m pretty unfamiliar with the getting rid of furniture, de-personalizing and all those good things I’ve been bar scene. Anyway, my wife and I showed up, and a young man was stationed in lecturing all of you for years. Ok, Ok it’s not easy as we say and it does take front of the bar checking ID’s. Ok, I figured his job is to ensure nobody under 21 time – but in a way I’ve gotten a real appreciation of my home and most finds their way into the bar. It makes sense in this ever-regulated world for a small assuredly a real appreciation of what us realtors put our clients through. business to protect itself by ensuring there is no way an under-age drinker makes Having said all this I realized that all tasks towards readying a home their way into the bar. But it was more than that. for sale have an important place in the sales process. In the end we can I sensed something was different when we approached the front of the line and the only do what we can do – both time wise and financially. Now that the young man held his hand out to signal us to s.t.o.p. and wait “there” before we went time has come – the key is pricing it correctly. Yes, I stepped back from any further to enter the bar. As he finished with the person ahead of us, the young the process and invited a few colleagues to price it blindly. I eventually man asked for our ID’s. At first I felt complimented, because being salt and pepper came up with a price that “seemed” correct. Yes unfortunately it is not (probably a little heavier on the salt!), I thought it was a formality that he wanted to an exact science. I wish it were though. Now it is up to the realtor and see our ID’s. I even pointed to my grey hair and said, “Really? You’re kidding, right?,” the market place to take over. I chose a great realtor if I must say so. I’m in an effort to relieve him of this formality. Maybe he was just checking to make us confident he’ll advertise where he has learned it is worthwhile, provide a feel good; maybe we still looked young enough to pass for someone under 21? All great internet presence, drive customers to the house, and then – well then of these thoughts were quickly erased when in a tone reminiscent of my last traffic stop, he asked me to take my license out of my wallet, not just show it to him. That the marketplace takes over. As I’ve said many times – selling a home is surprised me. Should I keep my hands where he could see them, too? At this point, what seller is willing to sell it for and a buyer is willing to pay. Nothing the cuteness of the situation receded, and I was pretty irritated. Yes, he was doing his more and nothing less! However I will say that if any of you out there are planning to put you job, but what the heck was this? I was just looking to go into a bar and have a drink home on the market shortly and it’s important that your realtor can fully with a young friend. How does ensuring drinking age devolve into this? After a brief exchange that left my wife completely irritated with me “for caus- appreciate what it takes – LOOK NO FURTHER – Realtor with home on ing trouble,” we entered the bar and proceeded to revel in the celebration with our the market available for immediate listing! I’ll keep you posted on the progress! friend. But the incident stuck with me, because I felt like I had been unexpectedly If you have any questions on selling or buying a home in the area, poked by the horns of the privacy dilemma. I wasn’t satisfied or settled with the way our entry into the bar had gone, so I made please contact me at 925 200-2591 or by email at art@artlehman.com. email update my way to a friendly face behind the bar, and I asked her what was with this third-degree If you’d like a free Youautomatic are cordially invited to of current listings and sales at the front door, and why was someone so very obviously over 21 being treated like visit my website to sign up www.artlehman.com or call! Also if you have Advertorial topics invited future articles me know! this? What she said made sense but made me sad. Yes, she said, they check ID’s Youto areany cordially toLoaves and please Fishes You areforcordially to letfirst You invited are cordially invited to ensure people are 21. But when they ask you to take your ID out of your wallet and scan it, it’s because they store the information contained on your driver’s Loaves and Fishes Loavesfirst and FishesAnnual first Event license in their own little ID database. They do this, she said, to hold onto a You are cordially invited to Loaves and Fishes first Annual EventAnnual “Food for Thought” list of everyone who entered the bar in case of fights or other problems, where Loaves and Fishes first Event Annual Event it’s necessary to give information to the police about who was in the establish“Food for Thought” A Summer Garden Party ment. I don’t know if this is a condition of their business license for that type “Food for Thought” Annual Event “Food for Thought” of establishment in that city, but it may be. She went on to explain that felons SUNDAY – JUNE 24, 2012 2:00-5:00PM A Summer Garden Party often don’t have licenses, and that by asking for an ID they are excluding those Summer Party 2100 Donald - Moraga HACIENDA DEALAS FLORESGarden g Drive “Food for Thought” A Summer Garden Party $50 per person who’ve just been released from state accommodations, which seems to further x Food prepared and served by renowned East Bay’s chefs reduce the possibility for trouble. The bottom line? You cannot be anonymous A SummerJeffGarden Asadi Party La Finestra Jon Avalos Lafayette Park Hotel & Spa if you want to go to that bar. Stewart Beatty Postino All of this made enough sense for me to go to the young man at the front Philippe Chevalier Chevalier Restaurant Jeff Erb & Vince Herera Back 40 BBQ door and apologize for giving him a hard time. But this loss of anonymity Frank Palmer Diablo Country Club bothers me, and I find it unsettling. I don’t like being tracked, and I bristle Darius Somary Springloaf Catering John Townsend Orinda Country Club when someone tells me in an officious tone to take my license out of my Scott Wall Lark Creek Walnut Creek wallet and hand it to them. It is an element of control and intrusion over me Kevin Weinberg Walnut Creek Yacht Club x Live and silent auctions showcasing local artists, sports memorabilia and a luxury destination that I didn’t bargain for when I agreed to come out and have a drink with a trip to Hawaii friend. I live a low-key life, fairly anonymously, and when I am unexpectedly x Entertainment by Generations in Jazz, Pamela Freund Striplen – Violist and yanked out of that anonymity, I react. Wendy Tamis – Harpist x Bocce ball and croquet on the beautiful grounds Our kids don’t know any different and think I’m making a big deal. Am x Wine Tasting, beer and other beverages I just old and cranky? I’ll let you be the judge. It seems like one more unexpected corner of our lives where our privacy has been sacrificed for the All proceeds from this event will benefit Loaves and Fishes of Contra Costa. This entirely local non-profit agency has been providing hot nutritious meals for those in need since 1983, “greater good.” Welcome to the new age. Your papers, please? over 3.7 million meals served! Computers, networks, and of course privacy require a steady hand from seasoned professionals. Coincidentally, some of those professionals reside at Portable To purchase tickets, visit www.loavesfishescc.org and click on Register~Food for Thought or return enclosed registration form with payment to Loaves and Fishes at CIO, a great local IT consulting firm that can be reached by emailing helpdesk@ 1985 Bonifacio Street, Suite 100, Concord CA 94520 or call (925) 687-6760. theportablecio.com or calling 925-552-7953 for a consultation. Advertorial
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The Car Guy By Paul Matthew Peterson, Specialty Sales Classics Confessions of a Certified Old Car Nut
Lafayette Today ~ June 2012 - Page 9
INVESTMENT PARTNERS WANTED Foreclosed Real Estate Partnerships
High Return Requires a Minimum Cash My mother was the first to notice my condition soon after I got my Investment With No Experience in first car, a light blue metallic ’65 Mustang convertible. It was handsReal Estate or Construction. down the coolest (pedal) car on the block, and it was just like my uncle Phil’s REAL Mustang...except his was a coupe. Back in 1966, Uncle Contact: Adamsson Associates Inc. Phil drove an auto transport for Ford, delivering new Fords to Denver from the assembly plant in St. Paul. 925-575-2057 The day after I got the ‘Stang, Mom snapped a photo of me towing the convertible up the driveway with my www.adamsson.com trike. My older brother, Burt, helped me park the back wheels up on a couple 2x4s, and Mom had another photoop of my legs sticking out from under the car while I ‘fixed the u-joints.’ After we moved to Idaho and got an old farm with some space around it, Dad drug home a non-running 1950 Buick Roadmaster for Burt and me to tinker with. Burt was about 12 years old, and I was around nine. The car arrived at noon, and by the time Burt got home from school at 3:30, I had removed everything on the car that was held on by Phillips head screws. On a 1950 Buick, that’s 50% of the outside trim and lights and ALL the interior trim. I remember Burt and me struggling to open the hood for months, only to find out it opened sideways! A few years later we ended up back in Minnesota, and, with Dad’s passing, I started hanging out in Uncle Butch’s garage after school working on the cars he was repairing for family members and friends. Uncle Butch taught me the lion’s share of what I know about cars. I was changing clutches on 454 Super Sport Chevelles by age 13 and helping swap engines by 14. I studied the section of those old Motor’s Repair Manuals that showed the grills of all the different years and models so the mechanic could tell what he was repairing, and I could tell the makes of oncoming cars at 100 yards. I lusted after my Aunt Peggy’s maroon ’66 Pontiac Lemans 326 four speed… badly...daily. Another move back to Idaho at 14 put me in the driver’s seat with a daylight-only license designed for farm kids, which was the answer to this city kid’s prayers. I drove Mom’s Nova and had some junkers in the driveway from 14 on…but at 16 I bought MY FIRST REAL CAR! For $850 of Dad’s life insurance money I bought a dark copper 1966 Oldsmobile 442 four speed, showing an honest 80,000 miles on the odometer from the original owner. At the time I was working at J.C. Penny’s Auto Center. I had lied about being 18 to get the job as a tire technician, and the Olds had belonged to a customer. Two hours after I got the stone-stock 442 home, I immediately cut off the mufflers and tailpipes, welded on some ‘Purple Hornies’ glass-pack mufflers, and tossed the stock whitewalls and hubcaps in exchange for some Radial T/As and smooth center chrome wheels. The Craig ‘Powerplay’ 8-Track floor mount stereo packed a whopping 12 watts per channel, so I seat-belted my Radio Shack 12” house speakers in the back seat with 20 feet of speaker wire, and I was the king of the high school keggers, with the speakers on the roof, and my Boston 8-Track wailing away. The ‘66 was pretty fast for being a stock engine. For fun, I could raise the idle to 1000 RPM, pop the clutch, and get a ‘chirp in all four gears, never raising the idle. By the time I was 19, my friends and I figured out I had bought and sold approximately 17 cars. I had two jobs, two cars (a 1973 VW ‘Sport Beetle’ and a 1970 W-30 442), and two insurance payments. My condition was becoming critical, so I found a temporary solution. I took a job selling used cars, but I only did it because they let me drive a different car home every night. I obviously needed help. Now at age 52, I’ve had some 350 cars pass through my hands. A fair number have been cars I ‘turned,’ but at least 200 have been my daily drivers. My favorite one? Well...the NEXT one is always my favorite one, of course. Now seriously, working at a place like Specialty Sales Classics is just what the doctor ordered for this certified old car nut. With over 200 collector and exotic cars in our four locations, I get my fix daily. Last Friday I sold a spectacular 1976 Corvette for less than $11,000, then Saturday I delivered a cool ’37 Ford Street Rod, and consigned a customized 1966 Mustang Convertible that won ‘Best Of Show’ at the National Mustang meet in Fairfield…..Yes, I’m car crazy, and Specialty Sales Classics is my daily therapy. Check out our inventory at www.SpecialtySales.com. Feel free to email me at TheCarGuy@SpecialtySales.com with any questions or comments, or call 800-600-2262. Advertorial
Page 10 - June 2012 ~ Lafayette Today
The Euro...Will Live By Daniel A Barnes, CFA To paraphrase Mark Twain, reports of the Euro’s impending death are greatly exaggerated. Just because someone is awarded a Nobel Prize in Economics, doesn’t mean they know what they are talking about. Last week Nobel Laureate Krugman penned Eurodaemmerung in which he deduced that Italy and Spain’s public finances will require guarantees by core Europe (Germany and France), or it’s “end of the Euro.” Krugman’s confused. He doesn’t understand the difference between economic pressure and political will. While it is true that Germany will need to eventually do this, it is not true that the End of the Euro will happen if Germany doesn’t act soon. European nations battled over land divisions for 500 years. In just the last century it destroyed its economies – twice! Out of these collective experiences, the populations and politicians of Europe concluded that it is much better to seek consensus and concordia than division and discord. The Germans are terrified of existing as a stand-alone, policy-making sovereign state. They tried that twice in the last century. It didn’t end well either time. I lived, studied politics and history, and worked professionally in Germany for eight years in the ‘90s. Fundamentally, the Germans do not trust themselves to act alone as a leadership country. Germany has embraced, 100%, the concept of politics by consensus. The rest of the European elite essentially agreed, because all of Europe wants to box Germany in politically into federal golden handcuffs. For more than 60 years now, European politics and the EU project, has been governed by consensual politics. Things move slowly. But the most
America Can Compete (When Given a Chance) By Mark Becker, GoSimpleSolar Our economy has had its share of ups and downs. Fortunately, the era of the “Robber Baron” is over. Next followed the “Gilded Age when America rose to dominance in the world economy because of our manufacturing base. Slowly our economy morphed into the “Global Free Trade” model. Global trade has brought some advantages to the American consumer, yet it has also damaged the American economy. American manufacturing was 53% of our economy in the 1960’s, and it is now less than 8%. Mexico is now the world leader in the manufacture of auto parts. In the 1970’s the dumping of foreign steel destroyed that industry; the new Bay Bridge is 100% foreign steel. In the 1980’s it was foreign textiles. In the 1990’s it was outsourcing of service industry and call center jobs. Currently our airline industry has to compete against state owned foreign carriers with very deep pockets. Perhaps when a radiologist in India is reading your x-ray over the internet from your doctor’s or dentist’s office (coming soon), the doctor’s lobby will intervene. America is not protecting herself through our economic, corporate, or labor practices. Every economist knows that an American manufacturing job is the greatest economic multiplier in terms of providing for our economy’s strength and resilience. Robert Morley sums it up best saying “Admirers of globalization contend that freer access to foreign markets and cheap labor increase corporate profits and thereby benefit the U.S. economy. While this argument may superficially sound compelling, it ignores the dangerous long-term effects of manufacturing losses. In reality, outsourcing makes Americans poorer over time, because America’s wealth and technology slowly migrate to other nations.” Since manufacturing has moved to China, which economy is thriving,? America’s or China’s? Germany has protected their manufacturing base by a process called “co-determination” where the workers and the board members of companies work together incorporate governance, keeping in mind the long term health of the company when making strategic decisions and negotiating labor agreements. I believe WE are to blame because of loopholes in trade agreements, consumer shopping habits, and the relationship between corporate boards and American workers. The trickle down effect of cheap foreign labor and the flood of offshore products from industries we formerly dominated has decimated our economic base. As a nation, we need to encourage the growth of American manufacturing jobs by ensuring that trade agreements and business/labor practices allow us to compete. Author Stephen Young argues that “Brute capitalism - profit-seeking regardless of effects - must give way to moral capitalism to attain widespread monetary and moral well-being.” American Capitalism must be responsible and sustainable in order for it to survive.
www.yourmonthlypaper.com important thing is that the process is conciliatory and not divisive. You see, politics trumps economics. Politicians hold the trump card, because when it comes down to supporting and advocating for the welfare of the population, the owners of capital remain subordinate to the body politic. When disaster befalls an economy, the capital owners take their lumps and write-offs, for the good of the civil society and social compact of which they are a part. None of these economic disasters force a union to dissolve its currency. Politicians have options. These options include the choice of repudiating debt obligations. Just one small example illustrates this. Greece can’t decide on a new government yet. But irrespective of who is elected, the new leaders will have the choice of suspending debt payments. The EU cannot force Greece to pay. Other academics have made similar boneheaded claims. Last week Peter Boone, a senior fellow at the Peterson Institute for International Economics and London School of Economics, and Simon Johnson, a professor at MIT Sloan School and at Peterson Institute for International Economics, wrote that if the European Central Bank is forced to print money, the union could fall apart because of inflation. Poppycock! Political unions do not fall apart because inflation raises its unruly head. Political unions fall apart because of a break in ideology, not economy. Boone and Johnson are academics, and unfortunately they are out to lunch. One would hope a Nobel laureate may have better wisdom, but Paul Krugman’s logical reasoning can’t even measure up to Boone or Johnson. Barnes Capital LLC is a Registered Investment Advisor. We manage trusts and retirement income portfolios. Financial planning is an integral part of our process. We protect client capital using municipal bonds and high-quality companies which raise their dividend every year. We add Gold to portfolios for diversification. Call Daniel at (925) 284-3503 and visit www.barnescapital.com Advertorial From the solar industry, I’d like to share a LOCAL success story about American ingenuity and manufacturing at its finest. Quick Mount PV is a manufacturer of solar roof mounting products. These products lead the industry in innovation, design, quality, and price. All of this is achieved from their Walnut Creek headquarters and manufacturing facility where over 60 employees work. Since their birth in 2006, they have achieved growth of 75% year over year. I would like to commend the leadership and employees of Quick Mount PV. They demonstrate Yankee ingenuity and American business practices at their finest. America’s largest solar panel manufacturer, SolarWorld, is the leader of the Coalition of American Solar Manufacturers. As of May 18th, CASM has won a second round in a trade case against China. It has been proven to the US Department of Commerce and the International Trade Commission that China has been illegally dumping their solar panels into the US market. America can compete when we stand together in legislation, moral business practice, and resolve. We recently had the pleasure of doing a site visit for the Deputy Director of the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. He is responsible for new and emerging solar technologies. What he shared with us: “Today is the right time to go solar. None of the new technology that can last for 25 years will be available in the near future. Current products are the most cost effective, reliable, durable and have proven longevity.” Straight from the horse’s mouth: Now is a great time to go solar. As a veteran owned business, GoSimpleSolar is proud to practice our own version of “patriotic capitalism.” We’ll use American made products at every opportunity. We’ll do it at a very competitive price. GoSimpleSolar and our customers can rest well at night knowing we’ll have the product support when we need it, and that our product choices have had a positive impact on the American economy. Come see, touch, and discuss our solar and energy efficiency products at our showroom at 114 West Prospect Avenue, Danville. Mark Becker is the President of GoSimpleSolar, by Semper Fidelis Construction, a Danville based Solar Installation Firm based in Danville. He can be reached at 925.915.9252. For more details, see www.GoSimpleSolar.com or email Mark@ GoSimpleSolar.com. Advertorial
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Blended Families – Careful Planning is Critical By Robert J. Silverman, Attorney at Law
Lafayette Today ~ June 2012 - Page 11 Our mission is to provide personalized care, help maintain independence and enhance our client’s quality of life on a daily basis.
Heartfelt & Supportive At All Times...
Last month, I presentwww.excellentcareathome.com ed a case study illustrating how poor planning by blended families can cause severe financial and personal harm to their loved ones. This month, I’ll describe some ways in which a blended family can avoid this damage by establishing a thoughtful, customized estate plan. First, both spouses need to acknowledge conflicting interests. Then, they should identify specific conflicts and explore constructive ways to reconcile them. While there are no “one size fits all” solutions, an experienced estate planning attorney can share invaluable tools and give meaningful counsel and assistance. Below is the most common type of conflict and a description of a few practical approaches to resolving the conflict successfully. Conflict: How do you provide for the potential needs of the surviving spouse while ensuring an inheritance is received by the children of the spouse who dies first? First, it’s critical for each spouse to consider how he or she generally wishes to provide for his or her spouse and children (and potentially step-children) if he or she is the first spouse to die (“deceased spouse”). Many factors can come into play, including the length of the marriage and each spouse’s: personal feelings, age, financial resources, current and potential health needs, lifestyle, number of children (or, if none, primary loved ones), children’s ages, children’s needs, and children’s financial resources. The best tool to codify the plan is a revocable living trust, which can be structured so that, upon the death of the first spouse, the assets are split up into two separate sub-trusts. For the purpose of this article, I’ll refer to them as the “Survivor’s Trust” and “Deceased Spouse’s Trust.” The Survivor’s Trust contains the survivor’s assets (50% of the community property and all of the survivor’s separate property) and remains revocable. Naturally, the survivor can do absolutely anything he or she wishes with these assets and can change who will receive the assets on his or her death. The Deceased Spouse’s Trust contains the deceased spouse’s assets (50% of the community property and all of the deceased spouse’s separate property) and is irrevocable. Typically, the surviving spouse is entitled to some distribution of funds from the Deceased Spouse’s Trust; however, the survivor cannot give away the assets, spend the assets frivolously, or change who is to receive whatever is left in the Deceased Spouse’s Trust, if anything, when the survivor dies. Depending on the circumstances, the Deceased Spouse’s Trust might provide that the surviving spouse will receive only income. This ensures that the principal of the deceased spouse’s assets (hopefully adjusted upward by appreciation during the survivor’s life) is preserved so that the deceased spouse’s children receive them upon the death of the surviving spouse. Alternatively, the Deceased Spouse’s Trust can not only pay the surviving spouse income but also principal, if any, for the needs of the survivor’s needs. Of course, this makes it less likely that the children of the deceased spouse will receive a substantial, or any, inheritance on the death of the surviving spouse. Yet another possibility is to state that the survivor can withdraw income and only a limited percentage or a set dollar amount of principal each year. An infinite number of other variations of a Deceased Spouse’s Trust are possible, limited only by the couple’s imagination and the drafter’s experience and skills. For those who have substantial wealth, important Federal Estate and Gift Tax ramifications must also be considered. Another approach is to distribute certain assets to the surviving spouse (either outright or to a Deceased Spouse’s Trust) and other assets to the children. For example, the Deceased Spouse could designate his or her children as beneficiaries of a life insurance policy and/or retirement account (e.g. 401K or IRA). The home and other assets can then be made available to the surviving spouse. The benefit of doing this is that upon the death of the deceased spouse, his or her children receive at least some significant inheritance immediately, rather than potentially waiting many years until the surviving spouse dies to receive any inheritance. Furthermore, it helps minimize or avoid ongoing conflicts between the children of the deceased spouse and their step-parent concerning how the Deceased Spouse’s Trust is administered. All assets should be considered, various competing needs identified, and goals of each spouse established and discussed, and a customized, comprehensive, and practical estate plan should be drafted to accomplish the couple’s objectives. Mr. Silverman is an attorney with Buchman Provine Brothers Smith LLP, 1333 N. California Street, Suite 350, Walnut Creek, CA 94596; (925) 944-9700; rsilverman@sbllp.com. His practice emphasizes Estate Planning, Trust Administration & Probate, Real Estate, and Business. Mr. Silverman offers a free introductory consultation. This article is intended to provide information of a general nature, and should not be relied upon as legal, tax, financial and/ or business advice. Readers should obtain and rely upon specific advice only from their own qualified professional advisors. This communication is not intended or written to be used, for the purpose of: i) avoiding penalties under the Internal Revenue Code; or ii) promoting, marketing, or recommending to another party any matters addressed herein. Advertorial
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211 continued from front page of the Office of the Sheriff, the Health Services Department, other government agencies, industry, news media and the non-profit Community Awareness & Emergency Response (CAER) organization – all of whom strive to deliver time-sensitive and potentially life saving information to the people of Contra Costa County. CWS alerts come in various forms: through a Countywide telephone notification system, via sirens near major industrial facilities and in other special safety zones, through a cell phone voice notification service, via NOAA weather radios, via radio, TV and cable, via the Emergency Alert System (EAS) and now through Twitter and Facebook alerts. (Radio and television broadcasts are still usually the best source of ongoing information about emergencies, but it is important to recognize that different stations and channels serve distinct areas, and information might not be entirely applicable to particular locations.) The Community Warning System (CWS) has averaged about one to two activations per month over the last four to five years in various communities throughout the County, according to Katherine Hern, manager of CWS. “We have activated for active shooters in a neighborhood, downed power lines, missing persons, fire warnings, etc.,” says Hern. “We don't operate based on a list of specific events; instead, we use the criteria of imminent threat to life or safety, for which there is a recommended protective action authorities advise you to take.” Hern provides the following example of a recent activation - one that was requested by Lafayette’s Police Chief. “An extremely high voltage power line was down in an area between Highway 4 and Mt. Diablo Blvd in Lafayette,” says Hern. “The impact of this power line was not just that power would be out, but that due to the voltage, anyone coming near could suffer serious consequences, even death. Although a relatively small area, it was a denser population due to the mix of apartments and business. The CWS used phone lines, cell phones, and media to notify the public of the incident and issue a Shelter in Place. “Additionally, very recently, we notified the residents of Diablo of an at-risk missing juvenile girl and requested any information on her whereabouts,” adds Hern. Citizens need only register to receive the voice alerts on their personal cell phones, or any other landline on which receptivity to Telephone Emergency Notification System calls might be problematic. (Emergency warnings come from a caller ID of 00000000.) “But more and more, the CWS has the capability of using devices that people can access at a more personal level,” says Hern. “Just as we recommend having an emergency "go kit" with flashlights, batteries, water, etc., we now recommend people prepare with an ‘Emergency Alert Kit’ which includes: a) a weather radio, which provides a simple, inexpensive personal siren providing alert and full information on an incident, b) bookmarking www.cococws. us on your computer and registering at http://cws.cccounty. us to receive alerts on your cell phone, c) registering for text and email notifications at http://edis-by-mail.net , d) “liking” CWS on Facebook, and following CoCoCWS on Twitter. For further information on the Contra Costa County Community Warning System, visit www.co.contra-costa.ca.us/ index.aspx?nid=161.
Page 12 - June 2012 ~ Lafayette Today
The Art Of Screening By Blaine Brende & Joe Lamb Trees and shrubs provide many valuable services in the urban ecosystem. One of the most important, from the perspective of homeowners, is screening for privacy and to hide undesired objects. Well-placed foliage can keep out prying eyes and enhance personal safety, and a view of beautiful leaves and branches gives more pleasure than the view of a neighbor’s garage. Over the long run, preserving a living screen requires planning and judicious pruning. Plants grow toward the sun; they maximize foliage where there is most light. As trees mature, the density of the canopy can act as an umbrella and shade out the interior lower branches, which causes them to die. To see a clear example of this, look at a mature oak in the forest. The majority of foliage is in the outer shell; the interior is bare. This natural phenomenon works well for plants in the wild, but it may not succeed well for your screening needs. Luckily, there are ways to avoid this loss of valuable screening. All strategies for maintaining screen involve keeping sunlight flowing to interior branches. Sufficient light on the leaves reduces dieback. It is best to act before the screen is compromised (an ounce of pruning is better than a ton of replanting). In plants with latent buds, English laurels for example, trunks can re-sprout even after interior branches have withered. However, many species lack latent buds and are incapable of re-sprouting, and for those species preventative medicine is the only medicine. Even for species with latent buds, keeping branches healthy is much easier, and more effective, than reinvigorating them. • Eliminate light competition from surrounding plants. Evaluate the plants growing near your screen plants to see if they are casting a shadow on branches critical to screening. Plants shading out important screen plants can be removed, or they can be thinned and shaped to increase illumination of screening branches. • Thin the screen plants themselves. This may seem counterintuitive, but the exterior of the screen plant may be shading its interior. It is not uncommon to see 40-foot pittosporums that look like balloons, with the only green occurring in the
Gardening with Kate By Kathleen Guillaume Our weather is still crazy and unpredictable, mini heat waves followed by cool spells....we are either going to be extremely lucky depending on our own little micro climate or we are not. I have been doing this a long time and I swear that the micro climates can vary even on the same block, or where they are planted. If plants are planted next to a reflective fence or wall there can be night and day difference within one garden. I look out on my garden and see its’ surprising beauty and a reminder of the hours it is asking me to invest. This year, because of the cool and damp, my pears again have fireblight. This is a spore born horror. It is called fireblight because it virtually looks like someone has taken a blow torch to the tips of branches and burnt them. Fireblight starts at the tip of a branch and must be addressed immediately. Take your pruners and clean them with an alcohol saturated piece of paper towel. Line up your pruners considerably below the affected branch and cut it off. These diseased branch tips must be put in your garbage can: NOT in your garden waste recycle can where it can survive to come back with compost into someone else’s garden. Your pruning tool blades must be cleaned between each cut, with alcohol. It is a painfully bothersome process. If you do not cut these blackened tips out carefully, and immediately, the damage goes down the branch destroying major large branches. You can actually lose an entire tree. The most important thing is to pick up any blackened leaves and to also open up the tree so that there is good air circulation. Sometimes that means that you will be cutting off branches that have fruit, but better less fruit and a healthy tree. Much like a healthy rose, all fruit trees and tomato plants need good air circulation to produce the most abundant set of blossoms and fruit. Summer pruning is an essential task. Fast growing fruit trees like peaches and cherries need pruning in the summer. A good rule of thumb is to take off a third to one half of each new growth branch once it gets to three or four feet long,
www.yourmonthlypaper.com canopy. To revitalize, it is generally best to remove all dead wood, thin the top heavily, and even thin the screen area. The goal is to maintain layers of green from the edge of the canopy through the interior. A thick, multilayered screen is less prone to failure. If it is not acceptable to lose any bottom screen, even temporarily, a good compromise is to thin those portions above the screen area. Thinning only one portion of the tree is an aesthetic challenge, but it can be done. • Shape the tops of screen plants. It is sometimes possible to shape back the tops of screen plants to allow more light to reach the lower branches. Our philosophy of pruning requires that the overall beauty of the plants be considered in all pruning cuts. Because health and beauty are often synonymous, we have found that bringing light into the interior usually enhances tree aesthetics. What do you do if you have already lost the screen? It is difficult to get branches to grow back once they have died, but radically thinning or lowering the plant may induce growth in lower foliage. Unfortunately, this is hard to achieve without sacrificing the aesthetics of your trees and shrubs. Sometimes it is possible to fill the gap with shade-loving plants. Other times the only solution might be to remove the plant and start over. Each case is different. If you need help, do not hesitate to give us a call, for advice or to do the work. At Brende and Lamb, we have 20 years of experience balancing the aesthetics of your trees and shrubs and maintaining your screening needs. 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 Advertorial in your neighborhood. and take out anything that is not allowing good air circulation. The center of the rose, or fruit tree generally should be kept open like a bowl. The hummingbirds have returned and buzz down on me as I am doing garden tasks, then hover above my head. I always speak softly to them so they eventually realize that I will do them no harm. I keep about my tasks catching the flitter of them above my line of sight. I plant to please them. I try to keep year-round blooms for them to feed on...the Allen Hummingbirds often stay put so you want to encourage them to nest close by. The winds we have had have caused a lot of cherries to be stripped from my tree. I have lost a third of my cherry crop, so this is going to be a year when I eat everything and will not have enough to make and can some Black Tartan Cherry syrup which is divine on vanilla ice cream. Many nursery’s and hardware stores carry canning equipment. Places like Walmart also carry the smaller jam and syrup jars. The canning bible is still Ball’s Complete Book of Home Preserving which you can find on Amazon. For video’s and other helpful information go to www.freshpreserving.com. It is easier than you think, and perfect to get children and grandchildren involved in. I just delivered my first harvest of blueberries to my grandchildren: about a pint basket. I still am waiting for my tomatoes to come in, each day I watch the small green globes that are suspended from the branches to grow, but I know with all gardening, like life, patience is required.
Walnut Creek Garden Club The June meeting will wind up the year for the Walnut Creek Garden Club. It will be held on June 11th at 9:30AM with the Annual Installation of Officers and a potluck luncheon. Interested members can join the club for the following year at the June meeting. Contact Ursula Aulders (925) 934-3684 for reservations or questions.
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Life in the Lafayette Garden Design and Budget By John Montgomery, ASLA, Landscape Architect First, I want to personally thank you all so much for your participation in our 3rd Annual Garden Tour Fundraiser “Life in the Walnut Creek Garden.” I am very proud to announce we generated donations close to $10K for three charities that participated. The weather was perfect, and we all had a great time. It exceeded our expectations! I look forward to talking to you at our 4th Annual Garden Tour next year. This year I had the delightful opportunity to greet and chat with folks about the five gardens on the tour. People commented on how distinctly different each garden was. While a lot of the questions were specific like, “What kind of plant is this?,” some were about the design process. I found it intriguing that many questions were about Design and Budget, so it inspired me to write about it. I want to dispel the myth that good creative design is expensive. First, expensive is relative to each family’s budget. Every project and client is different. Therefore, everybody’s design goals and budget is different. Budgets are purely client driven by their wants and scope of the project. Everyone has a list of what they want and desire. Some clients have BIG want lists and are willing to “invest” in the budget to HAVE what they want while others only want some simple advice to do it yourself. I work with my clientele hand-in-hand with Design and Budget. I am well aware that while design options are limitless, most budgets are not. Good creative design need not be expensive; good creative design needs to be executed within the budget parameters. I require my clients to make tough decisions about their wants and budget so as to meet their expectations. The last thing I want is to create a beautiful garden on paper that isn’t affordable; I am committed to having my clients living in them!
When a client interviews me to do their project, they basically want to know two things, “How much are your fees going to be?,” and, “How much is my project going to cost?” To answer the first question, which is easier to answer, for everyone, whether or not it is a small project or a big one, my fees are by the hour based on the scope of services I provide. I love working on all aspects of a garden. I have three basic services; consulting, design, and construction assistance. I have a two hour minimum for consulting on items like garden spruce ups, flower pots, annual color borders, etc. My design services include conceptual master plans, construction documents, and planting plans. Construction assistance includes helping you with contractor selection, bids, on-site decisions, and project observation. In answer to the second question, project costs are driven by my client’s wants. People know what they want but often times don’t know what it costs. The specific way I work gives you control of the budget because my fees aren’t based on how much your project costs. I am interested in identifying how much you are willing to “invest” into your home and
Lafayette Today ~ June 2012 - Page 13
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what’s appropriate to the home and your family budget. Before I design anything, I evaluate your wants and desires and weigh it against your budget. Once these parameters are understood I begin the design, and at every step of the process I provide a line-item budget so choices and decisions can be made regarding the design and budget. I love what I do! With more than 35 years in the garden, my clients’ and my own, I understand the enjoyment we receive from our gardens, whether small or large. Not only am I a licensed landscape architect, but I am a passionate gardener! I am dedicated to designing garden environments that produce the feelings you wish to have when you are in them; inspiration, rejuvenation, relaxation, playful, peaceful… Good creative design doesn’t have to be expensive; it has to be good creative design within your budget! A hot tip from your local Landscape Architect: Over the years I have observed that good design can save you money in the long run by doing it right the first time! Gardening Quote of the month: “How much the making of a garden, no matter how small, adds to the joy of living, only those who practice the arts and the science can know.” - E. H. Wilson 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. Advertorial
Community Garden and Outdoor Learning Center Please join members of the Lafayette Community Garden and Outdoor Learning Center for the first series of classes offered at the new Lafayette Community Garden across from the Reservoir. These classes are intergenerational, interactive, informative, and fun, so bring your kids or grandkids, and prepare to get your hands dirty! Bugs: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly! ~ July 14 • 3 – 5PM Join Susanne Frey, landscape designer and gardener extraordinaire, as she teaches us how to recognize the insects in our gardens – those that promote plant health and those that wreak havoc. We’ll discuss the benefits of both and how to minimize the negative impact of the so-called “bad guys.” We’ll learn how to garden without harmful insecticides. California Edibles and What Native Americans Ate ~ August 4 • 3 – 5PM Join Kim Curiel, Burton Valley’s creative and entertaining teacher, as she takes us back in time. We’ll not only learn which native plants are edible, but she’ll also teach us how to prepare and enjoy these plants that Native Americans and early settlers depended on. Bring your curiosity and appetite! All classes are free, although donations will be gladly accepted. To register for a class, please visit our website at www. Lafayettecommunitygarden.org, and click on “classes.”
Page 14 - June 2012 ~ Lafayette Today
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Celebrate Father’s Day Early at Pints for Prostates! By Sachin Kamath, MD June is the month we celebrate the dads in our lives. Perhaps that is why June is also Men’s Health Month. The purpose of Men’s Health Month is to heighten the awareness of preventable health problems, and to encourage early detection and the treatment of disease among men and boys. Another program aimed at creating awareness for men’s health was founded by Rick Lyke, a prostate cancer survivor diagnosed at a young age. He felt a deep desire to get the conversation going with friends about the importance of prostate cancer screening. He started with one-on-one conversations, usually while sharing a pint of beer. Rick’s passion led him to establish the ‘Pints for Prostates’ nonprofit organization – with the goal of raising awareness and preventing prostate cancer. On June 13th, Diablo Valley Oncology and Pacific Urology sponsor their annual ‘Pints for Prostates’ event at Pyramid Alehouse in Walnut Creek. The guest of honor and keynote speaker will be Rick Lyke! A $20 donation Pints Package includes beer, beer glass, hors d’oeuvres, and raffle ticket. Space is limited, so reserve your spot by calling (925)677-5041. Lic# 1100014354; Bay Area Entertainment What are the key statistics about prostate cancer? Other than skin cancer, prostate cancer is the most common cancer in leading cause of cancer death in American men, behind only lung cancer. American men. The latest American Cancer Society estimates for prostate About 1 man in 36 will die of prostate cancer. cancer in the United States are for 2012: Prostate cancer can be a serious disease, but most men diagnosed with • About 241,740 new cases of prostate cancer will be diagnosed prostate cancer do not die from it. In fact, more than 2.5 million men in • About 28,170 men will die of prostate cancer the United States who have been diagnosed with prostate cancer at some About 1 man in 6 will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during his point are still alive today. lifetime. Prostate cancer occurs mainly in older men. Nearly two thirds are Dr. Kamath is a Radiation Oncologist with Diablo Valley Oncology in diagnosed in men aged 65 or older, and it is rare before age 40. The aver- Pleasant Hill. He can be reached at (925) 825-8878. Advertorial age age at the time of diagnosis is about 67. Prostate cancer is the second
Retinoids The Ultimate Product for Flawless Skin By Dr. Shanny Baughman Retinoids are topical products derived from Vitamin A. They are beneficial for many skin conditions from acne, to warts, to sundamaged skin, to keratosis pilaris - those annoying bumps on the backs of your arms. Prescription strength products containing adapalene, tretinoin, or tazaratene are best, while over-the-counter, products containing retinol, retinal, or retinylpalmitate Dr. Shanny Baughman, Alamo have very limited effect on the skin. The rest of this article is about prescription strength retinoids. Retinoids work by helping the skin shed more quickly so that oil plugs don’t form in hair follicles. They also lighten dark spots on the skin, and they ‘plump up’ the skin, making large pores and fine wrinkles less obvious.
Common Brands of Prescription Retinoids Brand Name Generic Name Strength DIFFERIN Adapalene 0.1%, 0.3% lotion, gel, cream EPIDUO Adapalene & Benzoyl Peroxide 0.1% + benzoyl peroxide ATRALIN Tretinoin 0.05% gel REFISSA Tretinoin 0.05% cream RENOVA Tretinoin 0.02% cream RETIN A Tretinoin 0.025%, 0.05%. 0.1% cream, 0.01% gel RETIN A MICRO Tretinoin 0.04%, 0.01% gel TRETIN X Tretinoin 0.0375% cream ZIANA Tretinoin & Clindamycin 0.025% + clindamycin gel TAZORAC Tarazotene 0.05%, 0.1% cream, gel Generic retinoids provide outstanding value, so if money is a consideration, they are hard to beat. Brand name products tend to be in a more elegant preparation. They may be less irritating and may degrade less quickly in the sun. Are they worth the cost difference? It is debatable. Generics are what I recommend the majority of the time. To use a retinoid product you apply a very small amount to clean skin at night.
If your skin is a bit oily, begin every night, but if you have dry areas, begin applying three nights weekly. A pea size amount is the usual recommended amount, but for sensitive skin a split pea, lentil, or sesame seed amount is plenty at first. Dab it onto your forehead, nose, mid-cheeks, and chin, and then spread it out. You don’t want a thick application, just a light coating is enough. Remember you will be using this for months, so start out slowly. After a month, or sooner if your skin tolerates it, you can increase the quantity and the frequency. Retinoids may cause dryness, flaking, burning, and Dr. Kelly Hood, Lafayette irritation at first, but most peoples’ skin adapts rapidly. By starting out slowly, and with small amounts, most irritation can be avoided. Avoid retinoids if you are pregnant. Your skin will be more sensitive to the sun. Remember to protect daily with a hat and sunscreen.
Insider Tips and the Bottom Line It typically takes eight to twelve weeks to see initial improvement, but the results are well worth it. Planning a trip to the beach or the mountains? Leave your retinoids at home. Higher altitude means more ultraviolet sun exposure and less humidity. Your skin will dry out and become sunburned more easily. Both of these will result in more irritation from the retinoids. It’s more simple to take a break, and resume use when you get back home. Trips to beaches mean more water time, reflection from sand and water, and more sun time. Unless you are super conscientious about sun protection, follow the advice above, take a break, and resume when you are home. Retinoids offer a time-proven benefit for acne, fine wrinkles, dull splotchy skin, some warts, and keratosis pilaris. Results take a few months, and although irritation may occur initially, over time most peoples’skin adjusts. Retinoids deliver the benefits they claim, and the benefits are worth the adjustment time. Do not use while pregnant, and take extra care to protect your skin from the sun while using retinoids. To have your skin evaluated by a board certified dermatologist and have a treatment specifically designed for your skin, contact Dr. Shanny Baughman at Alamo Oaks Dermatology, 3189 Danville Blvd, suite 130, Alamo, 925-362-0992, shanny.derm@gmail.com or Dr. Kelly Hood, 970 Dewing, Suite 301, Lafayette, 925-283-5500, khoodderm@yahoo.com. Advertorial
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Your Personal Nutritionist By Linda Michaelis, RD. MS. Can’t Lose Weight Despite Healthy Eating and Exercise I frequently get people coming up to me during my 24 Hour Fitness Club classes saying they are exercising five days a week and eating healthy but not losing weight. The following case study is typical. Carolyn, a nurse, exercises early at the gym at least five times a week. For breakfast she had a Lara Bar, and for a mid-morning snack she had a cup of granola with plain Greek yogurt mixed in. For lunch she always ate low fat cottage cheese with two pieces of fruit. For her 4PM snack she would buy a bag of Baked Lays. Carolyn would come home starved, and she would snack on baked pita chips with hummus or several handfuls of nuts where later she would have the traditional high protein-veggie-starch dinner with her family. Carolyn fit the pattern of having frequent snacks during the day and a large dinner at night. Given her age and size, I told her that in order to lose weight she needed to keep her calories to 1,500 on days she did not exercise and 1,800 for when she did. In spite of good exercising habits, she was nonetheless sabotaging herself. After an intense 45 minute exercise regimen, her metabolism is revved up to five times the rate as before the exercise. We discussed the need for her to have a large part of her daily calories closer to the period after exercise rather than her practice of eating the bulk of calories later in the day which culminated with a 1,000 calorie dinner. I recommended some dietary changes for Carolyn. At this time the Lara Bar seems to help get her thru the morning exercise routine, especially since she was still full from the heavy dinner meal. However, as she lightens up her dinner, we discussed how she will be more hungry in the morning where she needs to eat more. Great breakfasts before the gym are those with protein and fiber like a hard-boiled egg or cottage cheese which she loves with a toasted whole wheat English muffin. For mid-morning Carolyn can have some oatmeal along with toppings of her choice such as brown sugar and raisins. I find
Ask Dr. Happy By Bob Nozik, MD Dear Dr. Happy, I am a senior in high school. I am worried about my best friend, Sara, who is beginning to experiment with drugs, and not just marijuana, either. She really likes getting high on methamphetamine with her boyfriend. He’s the one who got her started and gets it for her. I don’t want to be a bad friend because she says it’s just fun, and she can stop anytime she wants. Still, I’m worried. What should I do? ~Worried
Dear Worried, You should really avoid doing all street drugs; they are all illegal and can get you in trouble. But, as you’ve implied, not all of them are equally bad for you. However, methamphetamine is a particularly dangerous one. It seduces because early on it feels like you are in control. But, slowly it takes over, and before you know it, you become severely addicted. That said, if you care for Sara, please tell your parents, the school nurse, or even her parents; you need to help your friend before she becomes deeply addicted. It may feel like you are ‘ratting her out,’ but what you are really doing is being a wonderful and courageous friend.
Happiness Tip We are social beings, and our happiness is very much entwined with our friends. Being a good friend sometimes takes courage and requires that we act in ways that may challenge the very foundation of the friendship itself. The present case illustrates this principle. Clearly, Sara is not likely to appreciate interference from her friend, ‘Worried,’ yet true friendship requires it. The easy road would be to do nothing, but friends don’t just sit by watching their friends self-destruct. This case demands a fast intervention, and I hope ‘Worried’ will find the courage necessary for her to take effective action to help her friend free herself from her self-delusion. Please send questions/comments for Dr. Happy to Pollyannan@aol.com.
Lafayette Today ~ June 2012 - Page 15 oatmeal is too heavy before the gym but a great choice afterwards. Her Greek yogurt and granola is a great snack, but the ratio needs to be reversed - one cup of Greek yogurt is a wonderful source of protein, and a sprinkle of granola is great for crunch. Carolyn also decided to try peanut butter with an apple or celery at this time as well. We discussed why Carolyn’s cottage cheese and fruit is a poor choice for lunch and only provides two ounces of protein. She needs to have at least 4-6 oz of protein for lunch. For instance, she could choose leftover meat from the previous night with a cup of veggies, or a salad and a cup of whole grains such as quinoa, brown rice, whole wheat pasta or couscous, barley, faro, or even a sweet potato. We even included her fruit as dessert. At first Carolyn thought this was too much food, but I suggested that she take it all to work, eat the protein and veggies first, and keep the grains and veggies for mid-afternoon snacks rather than her usual potato chips. Carolyn is now arriving home without being famished. She no longer needs the after work snack and can enjoy a cup of Good Earth tea, which is so sweet and pungent it is referred to as dessert tea. For dinner she is no longer having a large portion of protein since she would have eaten enough during the day to keep her blood sugar in balance and avoid hunger. After determining her favorite foods, Carolyn keeps her dinner calories to 500 which may include a 6 oz. baked potato (200 calories) with butter or sour cream (100 calories) and sauteed veggies or a salad with dressing (100 calories for the dressing or oil and minimal for veggies). She then has 100 calories left for such desserts as a fruit juice bar or two, a half a cup of lowfat ice cream, or even a slice of white cake with strawberries and a dollop of whipped cream. I am thrilled to tell you that after working with Carolyn for one session she instantly began losing weight. I have continued to counsel Carolyn for two months via phone and e-mail, and she has lost 15 pounds. By the way, she has Aetna PPO insurance which is covering her weight loss program. Please feel free to call me at (925) 855-0150 or e-mail me at Lifeweight1@ yahoo.com and tell me about your nutritional concerns. I am glad to inform you that Sutter Select, ABMG insurance, United Healthcare and most insurances are paying for nutritional counselling. Refer to my website www. Advertorial LindaRD.com for past articles, recipes, and nutrition tips.
Brainwaves by Betsy Streeter
Page 16 - June 2012 ~ Lafayette Today
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder By William Shryer, LCSW, DCSW Clinical Director, Diablo Behavioral Healthcare Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a type of anxiety disorder. Individuals who suffer from OCD experience intrusive thoughts and engage in rituals or repetitive behaviors. The thoughts and rituals associated with OCD cause distress and can be debilitating. Frequent upsetting thoughts are called obsessions. To try to control them, a person will feel an overwhelming urge to repeat certain rituals or behaviors called compulsions. OCD occurs from early childhood all the way throughout the life span. It can change form over time. Obsessive thinking can occur regarding a range of topics. Some common obsessions include fear of contamination, the fear that something horrible will befall a loved one, or conflict with ones religious beliefs. At our practice, we have seen children who are afraid of getting sick or eating certain things. Some will exercise excessively believing that if they stop some horrible result will befall them. Some OCD sufferers are convinced that their body is misshapen or ugly. These individuals look endlessly in mirrors and ask others if they notice the defect. They may even avoid going out, certain that others will find their appearance repulsive. OCD has more symptoms than just about any other diagnosis. Better known symptoms include repetitive hand washing and an obsession with cleanliness, as seen in the movie As Good as it Gets starring Jack Nicholson. Lesser known symptoms include “hoarding,” stuck thoughts, hair pulling, and quite possibly anorexia. Children with OCD are frequently given the misdiagnosis of ADHD. These children find it near impossible to pay attention in school because they are stuck in their internal world of worries and fears. When medication used to treat ADHD is mistakenly given to a child or teen with OCD, the medication worsens their anxiety and obsessions. When the medication “doesn’t seem to be working,” children who suffer from OCD are often given an increased dose. At
Change Starts at the End By Michael Anne Conley, MFT June sure is a time for big changes. Is your family thrilled to be celebrating a graduation? Are you ready to shift your pace as the busy last month of school, with field trips and finals, turns your thoughts toward summer plans? Or is a wedding in the offing? In June, especially, it’s good to consider how you navigate the small transitions of ordinary life. They are but opportunities to prepare for those once in a lifetime alterations that we all face at one time or another. Change starts with an ending. That’s because before something new can begin, there’s a phase of saying goodbye to what is passing away and then another stage of preparation before your new steps emerge.
What is Ending For You? Most of the time, people come to my office because something is over or heading that way. Whether it involves a job, relationship, project, geographic move, or behavior – even though the longing is for something new – nothing new can really be sustained until there’s a goodbye. Graduation, for instance, signals the ending of a phase in life. I’m thinking of the young people I know who are chomping at the bit to put high school in their past. Some of them are nervous and some enthusiastic, but they’re all ready to be done with this stage. If you’ve been there, you remember it. I know a young man who is very ready. This is a big change – not just for him, but for his parents, who are dear friends of mine. As their son ends this phase, my friends undergo their own changes. They recollect the past, from the unfolding of her pregnancy, their son’s birth, and all those years of childhood and adolescence, filled with challenge and accomplishment. Perhaps you’ve been there, too.
What Happens Next? You would think that once an ending has occurred we could just get
www.yourmonthlypaper.com our practice, we have seen a number of children with OCD who have been given the wrong type of medication and have suffered tremendously as a result. OCD occurs frequently with other disorders, making it very difficult to understand. For instance, individuals with Tourette’s syndrome, a disorder characterized by involuntary motor movements or vocal sounds, are three times as likely to have OCD as the general population. Children with Pervasive Developmental Disorders (PDD), such as Autism or Asperger’s Syndrome, also have a greatly increased likelihood of symptoms consistent with OCD. For too many years, the shame and embarrassment of OCD has kept sufferers from seeking and benefitting from treatment. In the U.S., an average of 14-17 years passes from the onset of symptoms to proper diagnosis and treatment. The good news is that available treatments, including newer classes of medications and Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), have greatly increased the likelihood of significant improvement. The most widely recognized treatment approach is CBT with the addition of Exposure and Response Prevention and sometimes “habit reversal training.” In most cases, OCD controls the afflicted as well as their loved ones. When working with a child or teen who has OCD, we involve the entire family. No longer should people with these symptoms that cause terrible anxiety, phobias, panic, and drastically altered lives have to hide when responsible treatment is available. It is imperative that individuals who have been diagnosed with OCD or suspect that they may suffer from OCD seek help from professionals who are highly trained and specialize in this area. Most General Practitioners and Pediatricians lack the expertise, experience, and training to properly diagnose and treat behavioral disorders such as OCD. If you or your loved ones seem to have an “obsessive brain,” you should urge them to seek proper assistance. Our highly trained group of psychiatrists and clinicians can diagnose OCD and create a comprehensive treatment plan to assist in dealing with the debilitating disorder. We also offer a free informational group on the third Thursday of each month at 7PM at our office in Danville for those who want to learn more about OCD. For more information on our practice or to reserve a spot for one of our monthly information groups, call Diablo Behavioral Healthcare at (925) 648-4800. To learn Advertorial more about behavioral disorders, visit www.behaviorquest.com. on with it. But Moses and the Buddha would disagree. After an ending, incubation occurs before a fresh start. I forget who first framed the story of Moses in new light for me, but I have appreciated the perspective ever since. Why, actually, did the people spend 40 years wandering in the desert when there were more direct routes from Egypt to Canaan? Surely it was not because Moses wouldn’t stop to ask for directions! Rather, it was because the adults who left Egypt were slaves, with a slavery attitude bound in them. Their children, born into slavery, had not completely developed the stance of a free people. It was only the third generation, the grandchildren who had never been slaves, whose experiences prepared them for self-determination. When Siddhartha left the protection of his father’s kingdom, he wandered for years as well. By the time he was the Buddha, he had formed the “middle path” as a fundamental concept in Buddhism, based on his own experience. There is a “promised land” for you, as well, if you can let your endings flow into the middle place of incubation. It may seem that nothing is happening, and if that’s uncomfortable, it’s only because it’s unfamiliar. You don’t have to let this stop you.
What is Empty, Fills Once you’ve cleared the decks by navigating the struggle of ending and accepting any uncertainty that follows, the new will come. Respect this. If you’re challenged by an ending, stuck in the anxious middle or unsteady in your footing on new ground, you don’t have to deal with this alone. Counseling can help you complete what’s over, prepare for next steps, and build your new foundation. Michael Anne Conley is a health educator, marriage and family therapist, and the director of Stillpoint Integrative Health Center at 953 Mountain View Drive in Lafayette. She supports people whose habits have created problems for themselves and others. You can learn more at (925) 262-4848 or wellnesslafayette.com or habitsintohealth.com. Advertorial
Lafayette Today ~ June 2012 - Page 17
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Healing with Minimal Scarring By Barbara Persons, MD, Persons Plastic Surgery, Inc.
CONTRA COSTA ONCOLOGY
With Them
my story Continues.
As summer approaches, I find that my practice is busier than ever. Most people would think that plastic surgeons become busy in the summer because that’s the time of year when people want to look better in a bathing suit. While it’s true that summer does bring people into my office looking to enhance their appearance through cosmetic surgery, summer is also the time of year when I see more patients after being involved in an accident. Local emergency rooms are packed in the summertime with people who have been involved in accidents while participating in warm weather activities such as swimming, hiking, and biking. I have spent years during my training in trauma centers and emergency rooms, working in highpressure situations and focusing my attention on saving lives, and ensuring that patients are not at risk of serious illness or infection. My advanced training in aesthetics is an added benefit my patients receive. For example, repairs to facial lacerations from a biking accident can be done in a way that leaves minimal scarring. Please use me as a resource and give me a call, especially when kids are involved. I would be happy to help. This past week, my patient’s sister was involved in a car accident. She was taken by ambulance to the emergency room where they made sure she had no major injuries and AT CONTRA COSTA ONCOLOGY, we are committed to providing WALNUT CREEK the highest quality care. Specializing in comprehensive cutting-edge treatment evaluated for a number of horrible lacerations SAN RAMON programs for all forms of cancer and blood disorders, our nationally recognized on her forearm. My staff and I told our patient CONCORD oncology experts and specialized oncology nurses are dedicated to providing to call us if there was anything we could do ROSSMOOR the best possible care experience. We understand the wide array of concerns for her sister. Two days later we were asked to and challenges faced by you and your family, so we ensure the most sophisticated DANVILLE take a look at her sister’s arm because it was levels of medical oncology and hematology care, while providing you with the painful and oozing. The woman had baseball contracostaoncology.com utmost support, compassion, and respect. 925.939.9610 type stitches in the largest laceration and 17 centimeters of cuts in a star-like pattern on her forearm. During my fellowship in hand and microsurgery, and other advanced training in cosmetic and maxillofacial the need for future scar revision. An additional note - It is a common misconception that lacerations must be surgery, I repaired countless traumatic injuries very similar to this woman’s. I consulted with her, and we agreed on a course of treatment that involved repaired immediately. In some cases, if the laceration is cleaned well and kept replacing the baseball stitches with 100 finer carefully placed sutures that moist, excellent results can be achieved days after the initial injury. Common sense must prevail with all bites, cuts, scrapes, or burns. Elevate will result in a more aesthetically pleasing and less painful repair. The result for this began with a consultation that allowed me to improve her situation and apply pressure for bleeding, ensure safety of the environment, and call 911 if and offer her a more aesthetically pleasing result in my office … away from there is a life-threatening emergency. The paramedics in our area are fantastic! Keep in mind that our office accepts most insurance plans and even on a cash the long lines and crowds of the typical ER. As a mother I know first hand that the emotions involved when your child payment basis treatment at our office is likely to be a less expensive option. As is injured are amplified on an exponential scale. The injury (especially facial always, it is my pleasure to offer my expertise and I look forward to consulting laceration) itself is traumatic enough, but add to that a lengthy wait time in an with you soon. Wishing everyone a safe and happy summer season. Barbara L. Persons, MD is a Board Certified unfamiliar environment and what is already a scary experience can become almost unbearable. I treasure my involvement in this community, and I want Plastic Surgeon and owns Persons Plastic Surto be used as a primary resource for these types of injuries. Please call me and gery, Inc. located at 911 Moraga Rd, Suite 205 in I will ensure that it will be a calm and comfortable experience for your child. Lafayette. She may be reached at 925.283.4012 or Most importantly, the injury will be optimally repaired the first time, avoiding drbarb@personsplasticsurgery.com. Advertorial
Page 18 - June 2012 ~ Lafayette Today
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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. Annual Membership fee: $10 per person. General Event fee: Members $1; Non-Member $3. Special Concerts fee: Members $3; Non-Members $5. Ongoing Caregiver Support Group: Members: no charge; Non-members $1.
Hearing Loss: What to do About it? Wednesday 6/13 • 10:30 – Noon • Toyon Room, LCC Join us to learn about your ears and gain a better understanding of hearing loss and your hearing test. With this insight learn why you may still struggle despite wearing hearing aids. Leave with information and knowledge to help you make the best choices for your hearing health care needs. An interactive discussion to get answers to your hearing- related questions will be available at the end of the session. Four 20-minute hearing screenings (by appointment only) are available at no charge following this lecture. Call 284-5050 to pre-register for one of the following screening appointment times: noon, 12:20, 12:40, 1:00. Let us know you’re coming to the lecture by calling 284-5050. Presented by Diablo Valley Ear, Nose, and Throat Audiologists
Why Meditation? Tuesday 6/19 • 11:00-12:30PM • Sequoia Room, LCC Meditation has long been known to promote improved health and well-being, increased self-awareness, growth, and a deeper spiritual connection. You’ll learn to release tension, quiet the mind, heal the body, and connect with your spiritual nature. These practices will help you to integrate your life experience into greater understanding and wellness. Presented by Mary Bruns, Meditation Practitioner for over 25 years.
Anne Randolph Workshop Friday 6/22 • 11:30AM – 12:30PM • Sequoia Room, LCC Anne Randolph, RPT, has been practicing physical therapy for 32 years. She provides outpatient therapy in Lafayette and specializes in the care of those 55 and over. Please call (925) 284-5050 to register.
• Exercise for Daily Living Even if you think you’re too tired to exercise, too busy, or that exercise is too boring, think again. Exercise can actually boost your mood, increase your energy, and keep you going strong! Anne will demonstrate simple, low- key exercises you can perform anytime, anywhere. Bi-Monthly Caregiver Support Group Mondays 6/4, 6/18, 1:30–2:30PM Elderberry Room, Lafayette Community Center If you are a family member helping to care for an older adult, join our support group led by Carol Shenson, MA, Certified Geriatric Care Manager to find balance and joy as you manage your responsibilities. Drop-ins are welcome. Self-Discovery and Aging, Creative Writing Workshop Alternate Mondays • 6/11, 6/25, Noon – 2PM Elderberry Room, LSC Join Judith Rathbone, Creative Writing and English Instructor to write about and explore issues around aging, emotion, and perception–or get support to write on any topic! Workshop sessions include writing prompts, feedback, encouragement, and information about the world of writers, writing, and publishing. Take a seat around our table! Lamorinda Dance Social Every Wednesdays (except 6/27) • 12:30 – 3PM • 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. $2 Members/ $4 non-members. Positive Living Forum (a.k.a “Happiness Club”) Thursdays 6/14 • 10:30AM – noon • Elderberry Room LSC Brighten your day and take part in this interactive gathering which features speakers on a wide range of topics that encourage and guide participants towards a more ideal and positive life experience. Drop-ins welcome! Moderated by Dr. Bob Nozik, MD.
Lafayette Senior Services Commission The Commission meets on the 4th Thursday of the month at 3:30 – 5:30PM at the Lafayette Senior Center. View agendas at the City of Lafayette office or at www.ci.lafayette.ca.us.
Senior Nature Walk and Bird-Watching Every Wednesday starting 6/20 • 10:00AM - Noon • Outside the Alder Room at LCC 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. Trail maps will be distributed. Bring a water bottle; binoculars will be helpful if you have them. Paths are accessible to wheelchairs and scooters. Join us every Wednesday or whenever you are able. This free event is led by Ben Pettersson, long-time Lafayette resident, hiker, and bird-watcher.
Senior Symposium Award Presentation By Dick Holt, Board member, Lafayette Community Foundation In an effort to provide real world design challenges to the students in her digital design class, Acalanes Digital Design Teacher Susan Lane collaborated with Acalanes junior Aaron Miller in requesting her students create a logo for The Lafayette Community Foundation’s (LCF) upcoming Annual Senior Symposium. Miller, a Lafayette Troop 243 Boy Scout and Eagle candidate is helping to organize the October 13, 2012 Symposium as his Eagle project. His suggestion to tap the Acalanes Digital Design class for help on creating a proprietary logo for the event was met with enthusiasm. More than 30 student designs were submitted to the LCF’s Liaison Committee for Seniors for a vote. Acalanes freshman Angelo Calitis’ dynamic and cheerful design was selected and will be utilized in all materials to promote the event. On Wednesday May 23rd, Calitis received from LCF a certificate of appreciation and a gift card. Pictured from left to right are Aaron Miller, LCF board member Dr. Anita Rama, Angelo Calitis, and Susan Lane.
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Lafayette Today ~ June 2012 - Page 19
A Conversation for Seniors and Adult Children By Mary Bruns, Program Coordinator Lamorinda Senior Transportation, an Alliance of Transportation Providers Recently while teaching an ongoing class on meditation to a group of seniors, a discussion arose concerning seniors feelings about how their adult children were dealing with the fact that their parents were aging. • “After my daughter visited, I called and apologized for my emotions during her visit,” one class member said. Apparently the daughter had suggested that her mother move from the large family home into a Senior Living Community, and her mother wasn’t ready to entertain that idea yet. • Another said, “My daughter seems to be in denial about the fact that I am aging. I can’t keep up the pace that I used to. I wish she recognized that.” • Another said, “I don’t want my daughter telling me I shouldn’t drive to Alaska. I’m still in good shape.” • Some remarked that they didn’t want their children making decisions for them. And others wanted help in making decisions. • Another expressed that she and her dad had been having discussions about his aging for quite awhile, but he was making his own decisions about next steps. This was a valuable discussion, and so it is offered here for your consideration. It is difficult for seniors to accept being parented by their children, and it is difficult for the adult children who have concerns about the well-being of their parents. Therefore, it seems valuable to initiate discussions in the family to find out what the seniors want in the way of care as they age and what the adult children feel about their parents’ situation and their own resources in being able to help. As our group talks progressed, the following was discussed: • When you retire, it’s important to reinvent yourself, to answer the questions: “What do I want to experience before I leave this world? What do I want to learn? What do I want to contribute? What’s on my bucket list?” By pursuing the answers to these questions, it’s easier to leave this world without regrets and unfinished business. • Staying active, involved in the community, and having goals will all help you stay younger, healthier, and stronger. When you retire from life, people seem to begin the end-of-life process. • Any exercise – even 10 minutes a day – will help you stay physically and mentally stronger and healthier. It will help you prevent falls or to fall with less damage. What I have learned from teaching meditation classes to older people is that older people feel stress – more than you would expect. The stress comes from the side effects of aging: less physical ability, illness, loss of friends and relatives, isolation, memory issues, and loss of a sense of purpose and contribution. Aging is definitely not for wimps. It requires great courage and internal strength to face these challenges, losses, and limitations. From
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Bob (driver), Doreen (dispatcher), Susanne (passenger), and Paula (driver) enjoy an “indoor picnic” at Lafayette Senior Services.
a spiritual perspective, aging invites us to review our life – What did we learn through our unique set of life circumstances and experiences? Have we released any residual negative emotion and accepted that our learning was part of our uniquely designed path of growth and development? From a family perspective, have we had important family discussions – forgiving each other for how roles were played, recognizing that a great love underlies the hardships we have created for each other’s learning, and planning for the future when we may need to call on our loved ones for a little help as we slow down?
Lamorinda Senior Transportation An Alliance of Transportation Providers Call each program for opportunities to become a volunteer driver or volunteer, transportation information, and/or to make tax-deductible donations.
Lamorinda Spirit Van
283-3534
Taking Lamorinda Seniors to medical appointments, grocery shopping, special events, and lunch at C.C. Café. $10 round trip; rides to lunch are free. Reserve your seat two business days ahead of time by 1PM.
Contra Costa Yellow Cab and DeSoto Company 284-1234 20% discount for Lamorinda seniors. A taxi is often an economical alternative to owning, insuring, and maintaining a car. Call 283-3534 for a discount card.
Volunteer Driver Program Volunteers driving their own cars provide free rides for seniors.
Orinda Seniors Around Town
402-4506
Serving Orinda seniors with rides for appointments and errands.
Senior Helpline Services Rides for Seniors
284-6161
Serving Contra Costa seniors with rides to medical appointments during the week and grocery shopping on Saturdays.
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Page 20 - June 2012 ~ Lafayette Today
Biking continued from front page Holmes’ 2007 cross-country ride had been a long held dream that only the precious resource of time, granted by retirement, allowed. Ironically though, retirement generally occurs at an age when the severe chaffing of a bike seat and the intensity of oncoming headwinds are not exactly welcomed. “Admittedly, this lifestyle requires a base level of physical fitness, but one can start riding and slowly build the endurance to ride for hours at a time,” says the decidedly physically fit Holmes, who cautions that perhaps the most important body part in need of conditioning is often the most overlooked – the rear-end. “The training effort is not only for the lungs, legs, and heart,” he says. “In my experience, I Exp. 6/30/12 need at least 40 hours of riding to get my rear-end reacquainted with the saddle.” Lafayette residents have undoubtedly passed Holmes or Frick on local roads as they ready for their trek. Both train with approximately 10 pounds of added weight – similar to the weight of food, water, toolkits, and extra clothing that they will carry daily. During the actual ride, their burden will be made lighter by assistance from Frick’s wife Barbara who will follow along in her amenity-stashed and sponsor-logoed “Habitmobile.” Holmes’ favorite training ground is Mt. Diablo, 3,900 feet in elevation, and $ $ $ $ what he describes as the perfect tool for Any Purchase Any Purchase Any Purchase Any Purchase developing an attitude that any climb can be mounted. “I love conquering of $1995 or more of $2995 or more of $3995 or more of $4995 or more hills, and with the confidence bred by success on the volcano skeleton called Diablo, I can translate any climb into some multiple of 3,900 ft., knowing Danville 925.648.0293 that enough revolutions of my spinning 3426 Camino Tassajara pedals will victimize the geographical impediment,” laughs Holmes. “I know I can summit the peak, albeit in a much Alamo 925.820.8492 slower time than the young chargers on Open Tues thru Sat 10 to 6 3189 Danville Boulevard 17 pound carbon bikes.” Sunday 11 to 5 • Closed Monday Holmes waxes poetic on the attributes of the open road and the fulfillment to all one’s senses. “There is no limit the locals is always a reward for the effort in the tour.” to the words that can be used to express the best aspects of distance Holmes says he is often asked, how can he can do a trip like this, which biking,” says Holmes. “In a car, you likely have on the air conditioner takes so much effort, especially at his stage in life. “They usually say ‘at your while the radio or audio player streams enjoyable content. On a bike, you old age,’ but I habitually avoid that phrase,” he laughs. His answer invariably may be hot, cold, or wet but you always are aware of the local fragrances explains that long distance touring is just another lifestyle. “You get up in emanating from flowers, crops, moist newly plowed fields, hot summer the morning, have some breakfast, go to work (get on a bike), toil and sweat rains, and yes, Kansas feed lots. Boy, that last one I will never forget, but for six to eight hours, arrive ‘home’ and have a beer, some dinner, update the it is part of the experience.” journal, watch the weather channel and go to bed. Get up the next day and He explains that in a car, the sights of snow-capped peaks are passed do it all over again, advancing 60 to 70 miles along the route. Repeat for 50 in moments, while on a bike, the view can last for hours – providing the riding days and you will complete a 3,000 mile tour with relative ease.” inspiration necessary to keep pedaling. But perhaps more motivating than Interested readers can follow Holmes’ and Frick’s progress on beautiful vistas are Holmes’ love of good food and friendship. During his Facebook at www.facebook.com/habitatcycleofhope. Contribute easily rides, he is able to consume 6,000 calories per day without weight gain. “The by visiting www.firstgiving.com/fundraiser/habitatcycleofhope/cyclehealth benefits of this lifestyle are immense, and the company one meets all of-hope-2. For anyone interested in biking tips and techniques for long along the route can lead to some lasting friendships,” he says. “Hospitality, distance touring, contact Len Holmes by sending a guestbook entry from curiosity, and friendliness towards a crazy senior rider are abundant in the his website www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/HCOH, or post a question country's heartland; touching elbows and sharing an occasional beer with on the Facebook page.
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