Lafayette Today, January 2013 by The Editors, Inc

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January 2013 Lafayette’s SEED Foundation By Fran Miller The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act – the law governing special education – promises a “free and appropriate education” to the Nation’s special needs school students. The standard is vague, and the bar is fairly low. Attempting to raise the bar for Lafayette School District’s special needs students (roughly 10% of the pre-school through eighth grade population) is The Special Education Enrichment and Development Foundation of Lafayette (SEED). “Both the District and parents of special needs students were interested in providing Lafayette kids with more than the minimum required by law,” says SEED founder Nancy Wallace, who has recently been elected to the Lafayette School District Governing Board. “For many years the School District’s Director of Student Services met monthly with a parent advisory committee to talk about District news and issues related to special education. Special education improvement ideas were often beyond what the District was legally required or able to provide. SEED was founded in an effort to help deliver desired support.” SEED became an official legal entity in 2008 and received non-profit status in 2010. SEED aims to help any family, child, or teacher of a child who is affected by a special need or learning difference, whether it is dyslexia, a speech issue, ADD/ADHD, reading difficulty, Down's Syndrome, etc. Its goals are 1) to assist individuals, corporations, foundations, trusts, and others in making charitable contributions that will enhance special education in Lafayette, 2) to provide information resources and a support network for parents of children with special needs and learning differences, and 3) to provide additional resources to support the effectiveness of special education programs. “In the few short years that SEED has been in existence we have raised almost $63,000 to support the education of children with special needs in Lafayette,” says Wallace. “SEED raises funds through private donations, grant writing, e-scrip, and identification of alternative funding. We’ve received funding from a wide variety of donors including the Spencer Foundation, CVS, First Five, The Run for Kiernan, and the Lafayette Juniors. We sponsor community fundraising events such as our annual spring auction, a great community-building event for families. Last year we had about 100 people, and we raised $9,000.” Programs funded by SEED include Recess Facilitation at the four Lafayette elementary school campuses, a 12-week Behavioral Management parent education class, teacher education and development courses, and community education programs. “Anyone - parent, district teacher, aide, administrator or staff member - can submit an application for a project to our Appropriations Committee,” says Laura Levandowski, SEED President. Some children need help engaging with their typically developing peers, especially during unstructured recess time. Recess Facilitation, implemented by the School District and funded by SEED, entails fourth and fifth grade volunteers leading games during lunch recess for children who need help joining-in with others. The social interaction with general education peers is beneficial for everyone and fosters ability awareness. “The program is inexpensive and easy to implement and enhances social skills for all participants,” says Levandowski.

See SEED continued on page 24

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Serving the Lafayette Community Colleen McCormick, Lamorinda Music 2013 Business Person of the Year Transforming lives with the Power of Music Colleen McCormick has been picked as the Marquis Business Person of the Year. In 2009 Colleen and her husband John had a crazy idea in the middle of a bad economy - to open a music store and grow the community of local musicians. After all, Colleen and John met playing in the Cal Berkeley band. Needless to say, they accomplished their goals, and they have flourished as a unique local start up business. Since they opened, they have tripled their size and now have two new partners sharing the space on Lafayette Circle - Mighty Fine Guitars owned and operated by Colleen’s uncle, Colleen and John McCormick of Lamorinda Music Stevie Coyle, and Renee DeWeese and Rena Wilson operate Lamorinda Theatre Academy upstairs. Investing in music education, sharing her love for music, and adding fun to people’s life is what drives Colleen. Help celebrate the award by joining Colleen, John, daughter Emily, and son Scotty at a dinner in her honor. Save the date for Friday, February 1st at the Lafayette Park Hotel and Spa. The reception begins at 6pm followed by dinner at 7pm. For reservations and more information, visit www.lafayettechamber.org.

Fire Station 16 Closure Public Meeting On Tuesday, January 15th at 6:30pm at the Veterans Memorial Building, located at 3780 Mt Diablo Blvd. in Lafayette, there will be a public meeting with Fire Chief Daryl Louder regarding the closure of Lafayette’s Fire Station 16, located at 4007 Los Arabis Drive. The closure of this station means slower response times for well over one-third of Lafayette, including Happy Valley, Upper Happy Valley and the west end and its residents, in addition to presenting complications implicit in the functioning of various activities and services throughout Lamorinda.

Volume VII - Number 1 3000F Dਁ਎ਖਉ਌਌ਅ B਌ਖ਄ #117 A਌ਁ਍ਏ, CA 94507 Telephone (925) 405-6397 Fax (925) 406-0547 editor@yourmonthlypaper.com Alisa Corstorphine ~ Publisher

The opinions expressed herein belong to the writers, and do not necessarily reflect that of Lafayette Today. Lafayette Today is not responsible for the content of any of the advertising herein, nor does publication imply endorsement.

Page 2 - January 2013 ~ Lafayette Today

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Free Tax Preparation

Livermorium Presentation

Free tax preparation for the 2013 tax season is available starting in February from AARP’s Tax-Aide and United Way’s Earn It, Keep It, Save It (EKS) programs. All tax preparers are trained and certified by the IRS. While both programs serve taxpayers of any age, Tax-Aide does not have an income limit for whom they can serve. EKS can only serve individuals whose incomes do not exceed $50,000. Beginning January 9th, for information or to make an appointment for the TaxAide sites serving the Walnut Creek area, please call (925) 943-5851 for the Walnut Creek Senior Club site, (925) 405-6278 for the Walnut Creek Grace Presbyterian Church site, or (925) 979-5013 for the Walnut Creek St. Paul’s Episcopal Church site. The Walnut Creek Rossmoor Adult Community, Hillside Clubhouse Vista Room appointments will be made onsite on February 5st from 10AM to 1PM. For general information and other site locations, call (925) 726-3199. For information on EKS sites, call 2-1-1 or visit www.earnitkeepitsaveit.org. To complete your tax return, Tax-Aide will need you to bring to the appointment your • Social Security Card or ITIN letter for all individuals to be listed on the return • Photo ID for yourself and spouse • Copies of all W-2s • 1098s and 1099s • Other income and deductions • Your 2011 Tax Return.

The Danville-Alamo-Walnut Creek American Association of University Women (AAUW) will present speaker Dawn Shaughnessy on Thursday, January 17th at 7:30pm in the Alcosta Room at the San Ramon Community Center located at 12501 Alcosta Blvd, San Ramon. Dawn will present a layperson’s address about the new element “Livermorium” for members of AAUW and their guests. This dynamic young woman chemist heads the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory team that discovered six new elements on the Periodic Table. One element, Number 116, was recently named “Livermorium” for the scientific laboratory and the city of Livermore. Last March Dawn was inducted into the Alameda County Women’s Hall of Fame for her scientific accomplishments. AAUW advances equity for women and girls through advocacy, education, philanthropy, and research. Danville-Alamo-Walnut Creek AAUW offers scholarships and supports women for personal and professional growth, community leadership, and friendship. AAUW membership is open to all graduates of accredited four-year colleges or universities and those holding an Associate Degree or equivalent. Prospective members can contact Tena at 925 837-0826 or membershipvp@aauw-da.org. For more information visit www.aauw-daw.org.

Lafayette Improvement Association Lafayette Improvement Association (LIA), Lafayette’s first community service organization founded in 1911, is seeking board members. The LIA is a non-profit organization and the steward of the Lafayette’s Town Hall building. We are looking for individuals who have a strong commitment to preserving this historic community resource and have experience working in fundraising and marketing. Community members who are interested in learning more about the LIA can visit www.lia-ca.org and contact LafayetteImprovementAssoc@gmail.com for more information.

Lamorinda Peace and Justice The Lamorinda Peace and Justice Group meets the fourth Tuesday of each month from 7 – 9PM in the fireside room of Lafayette Methodist Church, 955 Moraga Road, Lafayette. We are committed to working to support a healthy planet, a thriving local community, and a safe, equitable world for all. For information, call 925-946-0563.

American Association of University Women The Danville-Alamo-Walnut Creek Branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) is looking for homes for our 2013 Holiday Home tour to be held on Friday and Saturday, December 13th and 14th. If you’re interested in showcasing your creative holiday decorating talents, we’d like to visit your home during the holiday season. If you know someone who beautifully decorates their home, please have then contact us. The proceeds from the tour are divided between local scholarships for women and our Tech Trek program - a summer math/tech/science camp for incoming eighth grade girls held for one week on college campuses. To learn more about our branch and holiday home tour, please visit our website at www.aauw-daw.org. If you have a suggestion, please call Tena at 837-0826.

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Lafayette Today ~ January 2013 - Page 3

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Boulevard View By Alisa Corstorphine, Editor Happy New Year! In these interesting and challenging times, I am starting the new year with a goal of being more self-sufficient and creative. For example, the other night a family member was having an issue with their pants zipper staying up. The zipper was zipped, but after five minutes there was a “ventilation problem.” Admit it, you’ve had that issue too! Anyway, this unnamed family member asked out-loud if anyone had a solution. My daughter chimed in saying she had read that if you take a split ring (like what’s on your key ring) and thread it through the top hole of the zipper pull, then take the circular part and loop it over the top button of your pants, you have an instant fix. It was brilliant and worked perfectly. It got me wondering about other unconventional fixes or uses for items. There are multiple websites devoted to these McGyver-ish repairs. One of our favorites is www.ikeahackers.net. We found it when we were looking for a solution to hang a TV in an apartment where we couldn’t put holes in the walls. As noted on the webpage, the site “is a site about modifications on and repurposing of Ikea products. ‘Hacks,’ as we call them here may be as simple as adding an embellishment, while others may require power tools and lots of ingenuity.” With the information found there, we created a TV holder that was based on an Ikea pole and some miscellaneous hardware. It fit between the floor and ceiling like a lamp, held the 32” TV perfectly, and required no holes in the wall or ceiling. Sometimes there are simple ways to use everyday items in a new and different way. For ideas on organizing your world a little better, check out the useful and clever “life hacks” at http://justdwl.net/these-are-some-useful-tricks. html. For example, instead of using those annoying and ecologically disastrous styrofoam packing peanuts for shipping an item, use air-popped popcorn (with no butter, salt, or oil) which may then be fed to birds or other animals after use or be put in the compost pile. Another website that shows how to use or re-use common household items is Real Simple. They have a wonderful collection of ideas (www. realsimple.com/home-organizing/new-uses-for-old-things/favorite-new-us-

es-00000000019718/index.html). Some examples include using a picture frame as a decorative tray, adapting a Twister play-mat to be used as a tablecloth, employing a toothbrush to clean away the silk on an ear of corn, attaching binder clips to your desk to hold cords at desktop level or to serve as a compact money holder/key chain, storing empty plastic grocery store bags in a Kleenex box, or how about using a plastic soap case as a perfectly sized compact digital camera holder which can protect your camera in your purse or pocket? Alternate uses can be found for many everyday items. You just have to keep your eyes open, and think “outside the box.” If you’re a linear thinker, all of these websites will help you to get started looking at things around you differently. For example, my father bought himself a Roomba vacuum cleaner and was really proud of it. However, his son-in-law already has his eye on transforming it, and he may surprise Dad with the changes. The www.hackingroomba.com site shows you how to make your Roomba sing, how to use your Roomba as a computer mouse, how to connect your Roomba to the Internet, how to turn your Roomba into a “painter” and budding artist, and more. Admittedly, some folks have too much time on their hands, but there are some really creative ideas out there! My oldest son’s first grade teacher had what she called an “invention center” in her classroom. It was filled with spare parts from people’s bottomless junk drawers, corks, clips, egg cartons, paper, wire, boxes, and other stuff. The invention center sparked creativity and thinking about new uses for old things. It certainly helped our kids look differently at the things around them, which makes them more resourceful when confronted with a problem. One of the inventions my son made was a portable speaker for an MP3 player that he created from an Altoids tin and some spare wire. He got his knack for creating from the invention center. Speaking of old Altoids tins, they can be repurposed into many things, and there are multiple websites devoted to this craft (type in “uses for altoid tins” in a web browser for ideas). I am intrigued by the solar cellphone charger created from an Altoids tin, a mini-speaker set, a portable BBQ stove, a pocket flashlight, and the pocket games chest that may be created in bulk for my next set of holiday gifts (www.flickr.com/photos/airship/18104451/). There are endless possibilities. Whatever your situation, I’m sure you too can find something from these sites to help you be more self-sufficient and to solve life’s little problems one creative way at a time.

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Page 4 - January 2013 ~ Lafayette Today

Assistance League Way Side Inn Thrift Shop Presents Bow Wow Boutique and Quilts and Quilting Accessories Event Beginning Tuesday, January 8th, member volunteers at Assistance League® Way Side Inn Thrift Shop, located at 3521 Golden Gate Way, in Lafayette, will transport you to the “Land of Woof,” where you will find a “Bow Wow Boutique” created in celebration of man’s best friend. While there, you can retrieve that special pillow or bathmat, and choose from a selection of canine toys and doggie puzzles guaranteed to bring you hours of delight and entertainment, while purses and apparel for special occasions will suit your pet’s sartorial needs. In addition there will be dog bowls, giftwrap, greeting cards, and such objets de “dog decor” as figurines and wall art, not to mention “paw towels” for your tail-wagging guests. For the more discerning fourlegged creatures, Eau de Toilette du Chien will also be available. Starting Tuesday, January 15th, Assistance League blue smocked member volunteers will take you on a journey back in time with the Quilts and Quilt Accessories Event. As many as 50 hand stitched items, pieced together from a myriad of colors and textures, will bring back memories of days when selfreliance and the reuse of resources, features that helped define American culture, were as important as they are today. This year’s extensive thimble collection, whether wooden, silver, or gold washed, are not only functional but decorative as well. An ample inventory of fabrics, patterns, and quilting books, some of them no longer in print, will make this event a one-stop shopping trip. The Quilting and Quilting Accessories Event is typically frequented by hundreds of enthusiasts in the Bay Area, so plan accordingly. If you have any quilt-related items that you no longer use, you still have time to drop them off at the thrift shop on Tuesday through Saturday, from 10AM to 4PM. In return, you will receive a tax donation receipt for your records. When you donate and purchase items at Assistance League Way Side Inn Thrift Shop, the primary fundraiser for Assistance League of Diablo Valley’s eight philanthropic programs, you improve the lives of those in need and at risk in the Contra Costa community. As always, we thank you for your support. To learn more, please visit our website at diablovalley.assistanceleague.org.

Assisteens Host Holiday Party

By Hailey Woram, Assisteens® member

This past holiday season, the Assisteens® Auxiliary of Assistance League of Diablo Valley hosted a holiday party for the children at Meadow Homes Elementary School in Concord. Forty-five students attended the party and received gifts, books, and a box of cookies that they could decorate. Students also spent time with the Assisteens where they played musical chairs, colored, read books, decorated cookies, and had their faces painted. The highlight of the party was a visit from Santa, who distributed toys to one and all. “I always get excited to have presents to open since Santa sometimes doesn’t have time to deliver to everyone,” said a student at Meadow Homes. Assisteens love being able to give back to the community and spread joy to underprivileged kids. Teenagers from grades 7-12th are encouraged to join the non-profit organization. “It’s a great way to meet people from all over Diablo Valley and give back to the community,” member Noelle Woolway said. For more information visit www.diablovalley.assistanceleague.org.

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Lafayette Today ~ January 2013 - Page 5

Lafayette Community Garden and Outdoor Learning Center Classes – Winter/Spring 2013 Please join us for one or all of our winter and spring classes at the Lafayette Community Garden across from the Reservoir. These classes are interactive, informative and fun so come join us and prepare to get your hands dirty! It can be muddy and cold in the winter so dress appropriately.

Private Group Tour to Turkey Experience with your friends and family a fabulous 10 day journey to Turkey hitting the best spots the country has to offer!

February 9th 1:30pm – 3pm, Building Healthy Soil Lori Caldwell, an educator on sustainable gardening from Martinez, invites you to bring a sample of your own soil and learn how to assess it. She will then guide us in ways to improve its health so it works for you This 90-minute talk includes hands-on demonstration, handouts with references and tips and an opportunity to ask questions.

March 9th 1:30pm – 3pm, Doing Your Own Plant Propagation Kathy Echols, retired teacher of horticulture from DVC and highly respected expert on propagation, will get you excited about propagating your own plants. Learn how to start seeds and cuttings, care for them in the early stages of growth, and prepare them for transplanting to pots or your garden. You will also learn how to save seeds from your favorite vegetables to grow the next year. th

April 13 10

– 11:30 , Irrigation and New Norms for California Landscape

Scott Sommerfeld, Landscape Architect and EBMUD representative for water conservation, will emphasize site stewardship and resource efficiency as the new norms for local landscapes. He’ll discuss best practices for landscape and irrigation design, installation and maintenance and update us on the newest high efficiency irrigation equipment.

Istanbul Cappadocia Konya Antalya Pamukkale Bodrum Ephesus Izmir and more… Available year round - don’t miss out on this trip of a lifetime! For more information, contact Randa at (877) 673-4067 or Randatravel@comcast.net See: www.vacation-discounters.com/turkey.htm CST #2049287-40

May 11th 1:30pm – 3pm, Creating and Enjoying a Butterfly Garden Join Pamela Winther, Landscape Architect and Adjunct Professor at DVC to learn all about butterfly gardens and the beauty and delight they bring. She’ll tell us the best plants to grow, what conditions they need to flourish, and which beauties you’ll find in your garden. We’ll explore the Community Garden’s new butterfly garden and maybe find some visitors. Classes are free although a $5 donation is appreciated. To register for a class please visit our website at www.lafayettecommunitygarden.org, and click on classes.

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California Writers Club Author and writing teacher Connie Hale will present a workshop on “Creative Use of Language in Fiction and Non-Fiction” at the next meeting of the Mt. Diablo Branch of the California Writers Club (CWC) on Saturday, January 12th at Zio Fraedo’s Restaurant which is located at 611 Gregory Lane in Pleasant Hill. Ms. Hale will explain “sin and syntax,” how she views writing style, how to approach grammar with confidence, and how to write dialect. Participants are asked to bring paper and pen for exercises. The author of three books on writing style, Ms. Hale focuses on the use of language. Her books are Wired Style, Sin and Syntax, and Vex, Hex, Smash, Smooch. Sign-in is from 8:30 to 9AM, a full breakfast will be held from 9AM to 9:30AM, and the workshop is from 9:30AM to 12:30PM. Registration is $35 for CWC members and $40 for guests. Reservations are required by January 9th. Contact Jeannie Georgakopoulos at jeaniegpops@comcast.net or by phone at (925) 934-5677. Expect confirmation only if you e-mail your reservation. The California Writers Club Mt. Diablo Branch web address is http:// cwcmtdiablowriters.wordpress.com/.

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If you find him and your name is drawn! He is very small, so you will have to look hard if you want to find him.

Lafayette Luther is Missing He has become lost in this paper. Send a letter telling us where you found him, along with your name and address to:

Lost Dog! Lafayette Today, 3000F Danville Blvd #117, Alamo, CA 94507

Lucy Bakar is our winner! Luther was hiding on page 13 last month.

Page 6 - January 2013 ~ Lafayette Today

The Bookworm By Joan Stevenson

“Today’s libraries are reinventing themselves as vibrant town squares,” notes the New York Times on Friday, December 28, 2012. For the past three years Lafayette Library and Learning Center has been leading the way, creating a new concept of the role of the library as the heart and center of our community. Happy Birthday, LLLC! One look at the Master Calendar for the library clearly shows a banner year ahead but, alas, there was no personal 2013 calendar under the Christmas tree for me this year. So, I have been tardy removing 2012 from the wall, reluctant to bid farewell to its 12 months of Golden Retrievers. I definitely need a calendar to write down where I want to be and when and why! I want to be certain to make note of the programs, like the one on January 17th at 7:30pm in the Community Hall when the Friends welcome Mary Ellen Hannibal, author of The Spine of the Continent. She introduces her readers to the most ambitious conservation effort ever undertaken: to create linked protected areas extending from the Yukon to Mexico, the entire length of North America. More than physical connections, it is a story of connections between people and the land we call home. Mary Ellen Hannibal travels the length of the Spine, sharing stories and anecdotes about the passionate, idiosyncratic people she meets along the way - and the critters they love. I will put a big circle on January 19th and 20th when the legendary piano of Vladimir Horowitz finds a temporary home in our own Community Hall. Not only do will we have the opportunity to hear the dazzling music it makes but how about this? The piano will available for the public to play on Saturday, January 19th from 10:305pm and Sunday, January 20th from noon to 3pm. To support Library Foundation arts programs, a donation of $5 is requested. For your 20 minute time on this very special piano, make your reservations at reserve@LLLCF.org or (925) 283-6513 x101. Please also join us on Sunday, January 20th for a concert from 4 – 5:30pm. You can bet this next one will be on the calendar. Science Café on Tuesday January 22nd from 7-8pm will focus on Dark Energy and the Runaway Universe, presented by astrophysicist and professor of astronomy and the University of California, Berkeley, Alex Filippenko. Dating back to 1998, observations revealed that the expansion rate of the Universe is speeding up with time, rather

9th..Wednesday 7:00–8:00pm

A&S

10th...Thursday 2:00–3:00pm

15th...Tuesday 3:30–4:30pm

A&S

15th..Tuesday 6:30–7:30pm

17th...Thursday 1:30–3:00pm

17th...Thursday 7:30–8:30pm

18th...Friday 7:30–9:00pm

19th...Saturday 1:30–2:30pm

A&S

www.yourmonthlypaper.com than slowing down due to gravity as expected. This discovery was honored with the 2011 Nobel Prize in Physics to the research team leaders. The origin of the repulsive “dark energy,” creating the runaway Universe, may be the biggest unsolved mystery in physics. Alex Filippenko, one of the world’s most highly cited astronomers, was the only person to have been a member the team. Alex was voted the “best professor” on the UC Berkeley campus a record nine times! The cost is $5 per person To reserve, call 925-283-6513 x101 or email reserve@LLLCF.org. Boxed meals are available for pre-purchase. Call the number above to order. There will be beer, wine, coffee, and cookies for sale in the community hall. With my head still spinning from the idea of a runaway universe, I decide to attend The Lafayette Library and Learning Center Foundation presentation of Picasso to Pop: Liberation of 20th Century Art on Tuesday, January 29th from 6:30 – 7:30pm in the Community Hall. Join us as de Young docent Ellen Harden discusses artist such as Georgia O’Keefe, Jackson Pollock and Andy Warhol, and how they were influenced by early modernists like Picasso. The cost is $5 per person. For reservations, call 925283-6513 x 101 or email reserve@LLLCF.org. And while we are on the subject of art, WOW (aka Wonders of the World). Plan to attend a docent lecture on Tuesday, February 12th from 2-3pm and be introduced to di Rosa Preserve. Rene and Veronica di Rosa reside on 200 landscaped acres of the Napa Valley. There is plenty of space for their collection of 2,000 works of art including paintings, drawings sculpture and photographs by well known Bay Area artists. Are you curious to know more? Check www.dirossart.org. Here is a very special birthday party invitation for our preschoolers. On Thursday, January 24th from 12 – 12:30pm, you are invited to A Celebration of A. A. Milne’s Birthday. After reading the stories about Winnie the Pooh and Tigger, they can meet a few of Lindsay Wildlife Museum’s animal friends who may just live in the Hundred Acre Wood. As a long time insomniac, I want to hear the Alta Bates Summit presentation on Tuesday, February 5th from 6:30 – 8pm. Neurologist and sleep medicine specialist Joanna Cooper, MD will be with us to present What Has Happened to My Good Night’s Sleep? She will talk about why sleep is so important, how sleep patterns change over time, what disorders might be affecting your sleep, and how to get the help you need to maximize your chances of a good night’s sleep. This lecture from Alta Bates Summit is free. Call 510-869-6737 to reserve your space. I could not possibly remember all these opportunities. I am off to find a calendar.

Berkeley Repertory Theater docent talk.......................Free Troublemaker, or The Freakin Kick-A Adventures of Bradley Boatright - A docent will discuss this premier that is faster than a speedboat & more fun than a video game. reserve@LLLCF.org Friends of the LLLC: .......................................................Free Blackhawk Museum docent lecture - Join us to learn about the museum’s significant automotive treasures blending art, technology, culture and history. no reservations necessary Insect Discovery Lab:.......................................................Free Explore the fantastic lives of beetles, millipedes, tarantulas and more! Save Nature is bringing their hands-on Insect Discovery Lab to the LLLC! Kids 5+ no reservations necessary

19th...Sat. 10:30-5pm (public play) 20th...Sun. 12-3pm (public play) 20th...Sun. 4-5:30 (concert) CH

The Commonwealth Club..$12 mbrs, $22 nonmbrs, $7 stdts A Blueprint for Growth in Contra Costa County - Hear how key officials & business leaders plan to chart a brighter future for Contra Costa County. commonwealthclub.org Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI).....................Free OLLI@Berkeley Info Session in Lafayette! Hear Harry Kreisler & Alex Saragoza and learn about upcoming courses for the winter/spring terms at the LLLC. olli.berkeley.edu Friends of the LLLC Sweet Thursday presents.............Free Mary Ellen Hannibal - The author of The Spine of the Continent discusses her book & the importance of connecting landscape, people & ecosystems. no reservations necessary Gold Coast Chamber Players..........$35 gen, $30 sr, $10 stdt Join Gold Coast for a musical evening featuring works written at pivotal times during the lives of three legendary composers, Beethoven, Brahms, and Faure. www.gcplayers.org Lindsay Wildlife Museum presents....................................$5 Backyard Birding! Lindsay will teach beginning birding techniques and introduce your family to the feathered friends in your own backyard. Kids 8+ reserve@LLLCF.org

22nd...Tuesday 7:00–8:00pm

23rd..Wednesday 6:30–7:30pm

24th...Thursday 12:00–12:30pm

24th..Thursday 7:00–8:30pm

26th...Saturday 1:30–2:30pm

AMP

29th...Tuesday 6:30–7:30pm

Hear/Play the Legendary Piano of Vladimir Horowitz...$10 Pianists Justin Levitt & Susan Hammond perform in concert on this Steinway Concert Grand #503! reserve@LLLCF.org For details on how you too can play, visit LLLCF.org Science Cafe: Dark Energy and the Runaway Universe.....$5 Alex Filippenko, UC Berkeley Professor of Astronomy, will discuss the expansion of our Universe & its acceleration over time, driven by mysterious "dark energy." reserve@LLLCF.org The Commonwealth Club..$12 mbrs, $22 nonmbrs, $7 stdts Jon Moscone & Tony Taccone: Theatre in the East Bay The artistic forces behind the success of the Bay Area theater scene join us to explore their life & work. commonwealthclub.org Lindsay Wildlife Museum:...............................................Free A Celebration of A.A. Milne's Birthday - Pooh & friends are featured during storytime then Lindsay animal ambassadors arrive from the 100 Acre Wood. Kids 3-6 reserve@LLLCF.org The Oakland Museum...........................................................$5 Playing with Fire: Artists of the California Studio Glass Movement - Artists Mary White & Michelle Knox describe California’s impact on the movement. reserve@LLLCF.org Lindsay Wildlife Museum:...................................................$5 Bird Stroll - Use your beginning birding techniques to explore and learn about our local birds. Got binoculars or bird guides? Bring ‘em! For families with kids 8+ reserve@LLLCF.org de Young Museum docent lecture........................................$5 Picasso to Pop: Liberation of 20th Century Art - Were artists such as Georgia O’Keeffe & Jackson Pollock influenced by early 20th-century European modernists like Pablo Picasso? Join us to hear how. reserve@LLLCF.org

Wednesday, January 30th, 6:30pm

Join us for an evening of cool space adventure including Chabot, a NASA Scientist, computer games, rockets, astronaut gear & more! www.LLLCF.org

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The Rossi Family

By Amanda Berkson-Brand

Volunteers at the Lafayette Historical Society know history is around every corner, sometimes quite literally. Take Rossi and Angelo Streets in Lafayette. Some citizens might be familiar with the immigrant pioneer Rossi family, but Angelo Street owes its name to a son of the Rossi clan, named, what else, Angelo Rossi. The story behind these streets is one of the premiere families in Lafayette history. Angelo’s family story is a classic tale of hard work and success in blossoming California. His father, Serafino Rossi, made his way to California from Giustina, Italy in 1906 after his older brother Tony had earned enough money washing windows in Oakland to send for his brother. After a year of work at a candy factory, Serafino learned of another Italian immigrant, Joseph Ghiglione, who had land in the Happy Valley area. Serafino made the move to help Ghiglione work his land. After two years of working for Ghiglione, Serafino moved to Reliez Valley and became one of three families living in the area. He built a house for about $100 on neighbor Ed Rowland’s land near where Springhill School now stands and share-cropped for Rowland. Serafino saved Rossi family 1922. Serafino and Mary with children money to buy acreage, a few Frank, Serafine, and Angelo in his mother’s arms. parcels at a time, and eventually his estate was comprised of 152 acres growing corn, tomatoes, potatoes, pears and peaches, and boasted a three room house with indoor plumbing. It also boasted his new charming wife, Mary, whom he married in 1916.

Contra Costa County ClerkRecorder Stephen Weir Retiring By Supervisor Candace Andersen, Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors, District 2 Contra Costa will soon be losing its very able and well respected County Clerk-Recorder, Steve Weir, who has announced that he will be retiring in late March 2013. His term of office would not have otherwise ended until January 5, 2015. He has served as the County’s ClerkRecorder since 1989. The Board of Supervisors is seeking interested candidates to fill the remaining two years of Weir’s four-year term. To remain in office, the successful applicant must run for election in 2014. The application period began January 1st and runs through January 25th, with interviews beginning on February 19th. The new ClerkRecorder will be appointed to fill the remainder of the term starting on April 1st. This is the one countywide elected department head position that only requires that someone be a citizen, registered to vote, and a resident of the County. Weir has served the community for nearly 30 years. He is one of the longest serving elected officials in Contra Costa County. Prior to becoming Clerk-Recorder, he served as an elected member of the Contra Costa Water District Board and on the Concord City Council. The County Clerk-Recorder Department is one of the most frequently accessed offices by the public. It records and maintains official papers, registers voters, and conducts elections. The County Clerk/Recorder has been an elected office in Contra Costa County since 1850. The Department has two divisions, the County Clerk Division and the County Recorder Division. Many counties separate these duties and have both a clerk-recorder and a separate elections clerk. The County Clerk Division issues marriage licenses and conducts civil weddings. They have a program to deputize regular citizens to perform weddings. In addition, the County Clerk Division is responsible for things such as filing Fictitious Business Name (FBN) statements, which allow residents to conduct business by protecting their business name. The County Recorder Division maintains birth, marriage, and death certificates. This is where residents can obtain a certified copy of their records, which carry

Lafayette Today ~ January 2013 - Page 7 Serafino continued farming and in time he and Mary had three children, Frank, Serafine, and Angelo. The family sold produce in Oakland, only reachable after a four or five hour journey up Fish Ranch Road or through the very narrow, recently opened tunnel. Avoiding wildlife such a coyotes, which Serafino recalls deterring with his rifle, the family became well known in the area for their sugary pears and heads of beef raised by Mary. All three children attended area schools, and Angelo graduated from Acalanes High in 1941. Drafted into the 27th Infantry Angelo and Gloria Rossi Division during World War II, Angelo courted his future wife Gloria (whom he met at a Frank Sinatra show at the Sweets Ballroom in Oakland) via letters for the entire 3 ½ years of his deployment. Angelo returned to his family in Lafayette after he received a Bronze Star and two Purple Hearts. He married Gloria and moved into the house they were to occupy for 56 years. Serafino, meanwhile, stopped farming and opened a furniture store, which was staffed by his sons. The store stood for almost 30 years on Mt. Diablo Blvd, near where the Park Hotel stands, and featured furniture handcrafted by the Rossi family. Eventually, Serafino began a reversal of his initial purchase of his estate and began to parcel out acres to developers. While the Rossi homes on Reliez Valley Road and Hilltop are still occupied, they are no longer in the Rossi family. However, both Rossi and Angelo streets proudly bear the names of the hard working family that helped settle the Reliez Valley area and make Lafayette the beautiful, well-known town it is today. all of the weight of an original document. These certified documents are often required to establish identity and to conduct other business. The County Recorder Division also records and secures property records. It’s what we rely upon to prove our ownership of real property. Title is recorded along with liens against property. The County Recorder Division has property records that go back to 1849, when California was still a territory. The County Clerk serves as the County Registrar of Voters. The department oversees voting, signing petitions, running for office, and other related election activities. Every election that takes place in Contra Costa County – federal, state or local – is conducted by this office. All operations of the County Clerk-Recorder are located in the three story, 36,000 square foot building at 555 Escobar Street in downtown Martinez, at the corner of Escobar Street and Alhambra Avenue. More information about the duties and responsibilities of the County Clerk-Recorder’s office can be found on its website www.ccclerkrec.us. Our next County Clerk-Recorder has very big shoes to fill. There are significant duties and responsibilities which come with this job. Steve Weir has done an excellent job heading up the Contra Costa County’s Clerk-Recorder’s office and providing leadership to clerks across the State. If you have a desire to serve, don’t hesitate to apply! Candace Andersen serves on the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors. Her District includes the communities of San Ramon, Danville, Alamo, Walnut Creek, Saranap, Parkmead, Lafayette, Moraga, Canyon, and Orinda. Please contact her at (925) 957-8860 or e-mail her at candace.andersen@bos.cccounty.us.

A Concert for Children of All Ages The Story of Babar On Sunday, January 27th, at 4PM one of the most beloved characters of children’s literature will be brought to life in a brief concert for children and their adult friends. The Story of Babar, the Little Elephant, by Jean de Brunhoff will presented in a version for narrator and piano, as part of the concert series at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, 1035 Carol Lane, Lafayette. This production features narrator Joan Stevenson and pianist Martin Morley telling the story of Babar in words and music as illustrations from the original book are shown on the big screen. The 30-mnute concert is free and the public is invited. For information, call 925-283-3722 or visit www.oslc.net.

Page 8 - January 2013 ~ Lafayette Today

Sustainable Lafayette – Tip of the Month Greening Your Personal Finances When you’re considering ways to green your lifestyle, revamping your personal finance practices probably isn’t the first thing that comes to mind. But consider this: If we all just switched to online bill payments and electronic statements, it would save 17 million trees per year and avoid producing four billion tons of greenhouse gases. This is just one of many “opportunities” to enhance your personal finances and preserve the environment in 2013. Read on for more tips.

Go paperless Dealing with money and financial issues can create a mountain of paperwork -- but it doesn't have to. You can make a conscious decision to make your financial life paperfree. There’s so much you can safely do online and with your mobile phone these days, including banking, paying bills, giving to charity, and filing taxes. By doing so, you'll save not only paper, but also the cost of postage stamps, checks, and gas for driving to the post office and bank. Here’s a quick list: Request to receive bills electronically, pay bills online, discontinue receiving paper statements, and skip printed receipts when you don’t need them.

Consider green investments Check out green and socially-responsible mutual funds, like those offered by Winslow, Calvert, and the Sierra Club, who invest in corporations -- like clean-energy companies or organizations that operate in environmentally responsible ways -- that are committed to creating a sustainable world. A groundbreaking study by TruCost.com, released in April 2009, showed that the worst mutual fund studied was responsible for a whopping

Quick Trips

www.yourmonthlypaper.com 38 times more carbon emissions than the best fund studied. Another promising area is “impact investing” – investing opportunities that make an impact and still provide healthy returns. Learn more at http:// socialcapitalmarkets.net/. For those more interested in investing in local/ sustainable farming and healthy soil, check out SlowMoney.org.

Use environmentally responsible banks and financial institutions Are your bank, financial institutions, and advisors as committed to protecting the environment as you are? Why not choose to invest with socially and environmentally responsible institutions? Mechanics Bank is the first bank in Lafayette to be certified by the County as a green business. Other inspiring examples are New Resources Bank in San Francisco and ShoreBank, based in Chicago, which has operated for over 30 years based on the principles of green banking.

Learn about micro-loans If you are looking for an investment that does some good, think about micro-loans. You’ll make money and help someone less fortunate than yourself. In many of the poverty-stricken nations of the world, the interest rates charged are so outrageous that loans are unaffordable, even though many of the world's poor need very little in terms of U.S. dollars to get started. Check out www.kiva.org and www.microplace. com to get started.

Don’t forget about green charities Most charities’ goals are noble, but if your biggest concern is the environment, consider channeling your donations to environmental groups whose purpose it is to preserve the planet. The needs are as pressing as ever. And giving money to 501(c)(3) organizations is an excellent way to reduce what you’ll owe the IRS. For more ideas on how to reduce your environmental impact and live more sustainably, and to read success stories written by your neighbors, please visit www.sustainablelafayette.org.

By Linda Summers Pirkle

Driving through the open gates of the historic Alameda Naval Air Station to get to St. George Spirits (www.stgeorgespirits.com) a local distillery and tasting room is like taking a step back in time. Many of the original barracks are still standing. St. George Spirits sits on land that had strategic military importance during the WWII era. With direct access to San Francisco Bay and the Pacific Ocean beyond, Alameda Point was considered the ideal place for a naval base. The Naval Air Station Alameda was officially commissioned in 1940 and soon became known as the “Aviation Gate to the Pacific,” says the website for St. George Spirits. St. George Spirits moved into Hangar 21 of the decommissioned Naval Air Station in 2004. The 65,000-square-foot facility is a masterpiece of mid-century industrial architecture, with expansive steel beams, clerestory windows, and a redwood oak ceiling. When they moved into the space, they installed stills, built the tasting room, and wired the place for sound but otherwise, it’s pretty much unchanged from its days as a working airplane hangar. We arrived a little before 6PM on a Saturday night for our tour and tasting. Our half hour tour took us into the distillery where we learned about the craft distillery process. We saw one-of-a-kind handmade German copper stills and learned about the process of making their unique spirits. Our guide, Paulie, was funny and informative. He mentioned that the stills look like something out of the movie Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, and our group agreed. After the tour, we joined a group of about 20 other people in the tasting room where we sampled six different liquors made at St. George Spirits. Andie Ferman, manager of the bar, explained the company philosophy. “We at St. George Spirits take great pride in our hand-crafted approach to immortalizing the essence of fruits, grains, and botanicals. We are very mindful of the natural beauty of our ingredients, whether we are making our fruit Eaux de Vie, Single Malt Whiskey, Absinthe, or any of our award-winning St. George Gins. Each of these spirits is ushered through careful selection of ingredients to harvest, distillation, and ultimately the bottle, where our hard work will be enjoyed by fine spirit connoisseurs for years to come. We make great booze!” Dr. Barbara Thomas, who lives in nearby Oakland, likes to bring friends and family to St. George Spirits. “I invited my husband here for our anniversary, my son for his 21st birthday and I also brought some colleagues for a group tour and tasting. Even those who were not so into the alcohol had a great time learning about the craft distilling process, and everyone enjoyed the great views,” she said. The view of the City and the bridges from St. George Spirits is incredible. During the summer months you can bring your own nosh and enjoy the magnificent cityscape from the picnic tables outside the facility. St. George Spirits is open Wednesday-Saturday, noon to 7PM, and Sunday, noon-5PM. Last call is one hour before closing time. Their phone number is 510-769-1601. The address is 2601 Monarch Street, Alameda. * A fun restaurant, The Fat Lady, is just a ten minute drive from St. George Spirits. Their seafood pasta is wonderful and their cheeseburgers are a staple for the locals. They can be reached at 510-465-4996. The address is 201 Washington Street, Oakland. Linda Summers Pirkle, travel consultant and long term Danville resident, has been arranging and leading tours for the Town of Danville for several years. Inspired by the many wonderful places to visit in the Bay Area, she organizes day trips, either for groups or for friends and family. “If it’s a trip for my husband and me, my husband drives and I talk (he’s a captive audience) – the perfect combination! What a great place to live, so much to see, so much to do.” To share your “Quick Trips” ideas email Coverthemap@gmail.com.

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Solar Currents By Mark Becker, GoSimpleSolar In the world in which we live, life would be so much easier if there was more transparency in our personal and business dealings. In advertizing and industry, we’re oftentimes subjected to factual omissions, misrepresentations, or “offerings” so onerous they’re borderline fraudulent. “Trust but verify” should be a practice all consumers adopt when conducting business. Yesterday a potential solar customer told me that a competitor offered a “solar system output performance guarantee option” for an additional $2000. One of the cardinal rules in business is to never debase one’s competitors; allow your offerings to speak for themselves, and win the bid based on the advantages your business can offer the consumer. On the surface, a guarantee of performance sounds wonderful. In practice, this option is of no better value than the “rust-proofing option” for a new car. Fortunately, solar systems are very reliable, and the products come with warranties from the manufacturer. Those that sell and insure “performance guarantees” make a very good profit because they sell an onerous contract that makes it very difficult for a consumer to collect on the guarantee. The insurer/installer/seller of the guarantee is making the safe bet that the consumer does not have the skills to be able to prove that a solar system may be underperforming due to causes other than the weather; variations of weather have the greatest impact on solar

Best Practices Classic Car Care By Sean Harrington, Specialty Sales Classics

Lafayette Today ~ January 2013 - Page 9 system performance. These performance guarantees offered by the installation contractor are a waste of money; the reliability of the products negates the need for more guarantees at additional cost to the consumer. The kilowatt output of a solar array should be determined by one method only - that being online via one of the recognized government calculators that utilize the criteria of azimuth, tilt, standoff distance, products, shading, and 20 year weather data from the project zip code (www.csi-epbb.com). Consumer Alert: Manipulation of kilowatt output estimations on solar estimates affect payback time and long-term gains, and they incorrectly underestimate post solar electric bills. These manipulations are intended to make a contractors quote appear more advantageous than a competitor’s quote. Tax Credits: The Federal Tax Credit of 30% of the net cost of a solar system for a home or business is in place through tax year 2016. The only tax credit that recently “expired” was the ability of a customer to claim the 30% tax credit for tax year 2012. If the total tax credit cannot be exhausted in a single year, the remainder can be carried though subsequent years until the tax credit is exhausted. Evaluating a Solar Contract: To learn how to validate a quoted solar systems performance or to see a list of questions you should ask a solar contractor before entering into a solar contract, see www.gosimplesolar.com/questions_for_contractors.html. Mark Becker is the President of GoSimpleSolar, by Semper Fidelis Construction Inc, a Danville based Solar Installation Firm (License 948715). Mark can be reached at 925.915.9252. Visit GoSimpleSolar’s showroom at 114 West Prospect Avenue in Danville or www.GoSimpleSolar.com, or email Mark@GoSimpleSolar.com. Advertorial synthetic oils, better insurance, radar detectors, and better rear view mirrors. The bigger issue in properly maintaining the lubrication in a classic car that is driven for occasional pleasure is to consider not the miles between oil changes but rather the time. The technology for producing superior petroleum-based lubricants for internal combustion engines has experienced quantum leap advancements over the last 30 years. However, the pleasure driver with ultra-low miles per year tends to mostly drive short-distances. That type of driving does not allow the engine and the oil to become hot enough to evaporate the water vapor (a normal byproduct of combustion), and the oil becomes diluted over time. The dilution of the oil, coupled with an engine running on a richer than normal mixture when it is not fully warmed-up and an environment where these conditions are perfect for chemical reactions and changes in the chemistry of the oil, can create the perfect storm for the formation of sludge, internal corrosion, and resulting engine damage. Purchase top quality petroleum oil products, and consider the importance of proper weight, detergents, and climate (see manufacturers recommendations). Change oil at least once a year, and doing it twice would be even better. Questions and comments are welcome at thecarguy@specialtysales.com. A questions and answers forum will benefit us all. Check out our entire inventory at www.SpecialtySales.com, and if you have any questions, feel free to email me at TheCarGuy@SpecialtySales.com, or call 800-600-2262. Advertorial

As classic car owners we love to love our cars, but are we caring for them the right way? We spend hours polishing, waxing, or just spending quality time admiring the timeless lines of our classic cars. The engine compartment resembles a jewelry case; we’ve knocked ourselves out searching for just the right pieces to restore our time machines to their original beauty, and sometimes we exercise our creations and drive them. But many of us don’t understand “Best Practices” when it comes to maintaining our engine, power train, and cooling systems of our machines that spend far less time on the road than our daily drivers. Specialty Sales Classics recently had the pleasure of helping a fellow to acquire his dream car. He’s a scientist/chemist for a premier synthetic oil producer. He discovered we had a car for sale that he knew well as he also knew its owner, and he just had to have the car. The car is a 21 year-old Nissan 300ZX Twin Turbo that has been breathed on by Jim Wolfe, famous for extracting huge increases in horsepower while maintain drivability, longevity, and capability of meeting California’s smog laws. Dynoed at a whopping 358 rear wheel horsepower, the car still has manners; your grandmother could drive it, but put your foot in it, and you had better know what you are doing. This “no excuses performance” car doesn’t grade on a curve. Step on it and it pulls like it is being pushed by a Saturn V Rocket. Strap in, hold on, and say a quick prayer to the license gods. Like new with 22,990 original miles, averaging only 1,000 miles a year and a history of being raced, this car with its twin turbos running 14 pounds of boost could have been a recipe for disaster if not properly maintained and lubricated. My client knew this car and knew that it had always used his synthetic oils products, and he was eager to own this prize. His “put your money where your mouth is” example of the confidence in his product brought a tear to my eye. Purveyors of classic, exotic, and I had the opportunity to help my client with transportahigh-performance cars for more than 30 years. tion to pick up his car. While riding in my car we were a California’s #1 Classic Car Dealer captive audience, teacher, and student, and I was eager to get his opinion on “Best Practices” care of classic car engines. Over 200 vehicles in inventory! To my surprise, his answers were not a sales pitch for buying copious quantities of expensive synthetic oil products. He explained that the synthetic oil products wouldn’t cause any harm to the engines in classic cars, but in fact it wasn’t necessary in most cases. He explained that synthetic oils shine in the ultra-high performance engines that are pushed to the limit. While many classic cars have been modified to increase the stock engine’s performance, they are rarely used at Showrooms in Pleasanton, Benicia, and Fairfield. their limits--which is where synthetic oils come into play. For most of us, synthetic oils just aren’t required. The www.SpecialtySales.com | 800.600.2262 rest of you (you know who you are) might want to consider

Page 10 - January 2013 ~ Lafayette Today

Shop Talk from Urban Suburban AKA “The Mechanic” Happy New Year By René Aguirré We are making changes and expanding our reach into the community! Last year was a busy one. One of our continuing major goals is to expand our exposure in the community. We believe it is important to let you know we are always here to take care of all of your auto repair needs and answer your questions. René Aguirré ABS braking systems – Winter weather is here. Regardless of if you are staying locally or heading to the Sierras, we want to remind you to take extra caution on the roadways. December brought many freezes, waking up to frost on the windows and black ice on the streets. The ABS braking systems on our vehicles do not always act accordingly in these situations. Many of you might have thought something was really out of whack when trying to stop in these unusual conditions. Trying to stop quickly and getting a rough response? Still find yourself sliding around? I wish I had better news for you, but the simple answer is to take extra precautions out there by going slower on these colder mornings, and give yourself extra time to get to your destination. Should you find yourself in a slide, remember to turn into the slide, do not stomp on your brakes, and ease your foot off the gas. In some cases, you may need to press the gas to straighten yourself out. Each situation is different and all we can tell you is stomping on your brakes will make it worse, not better. Now for the fun stuff! Most years, Team Urban will sneak away for holiday cheer, visiting family or childhood friends, sometimes as far away as Massachusetts. This time Team Urban spent the holidays here in Lafayette, spending time with some of our favorite customers, enjoying the many different holiday traditions. It was nice to stay local spending time with friends, family, clients, and our neighbors. 2012 was a very busy year for us. We kicked off our branch business, “Triple Nickel Restoration, Racing, and Fabrication.” Our first major project was to modify a 1964 Ford Galaxie into a street legal Baja race car. This project is moving forward with an intended inauguration race at the Mexican 1000 on April 27th. Since the launch of the additional business, we have completed fabrication work on a few old-school Mustangs, Corvettes, and an original Austin Mini Cooper. We are extremely lucky to have two talented employees taking on the majority of the work in this venue. Finally, we made a big decision to change our business name. Since 1994, we have been “Urban Suburban, Foreign & Domestic Auto Repair.” We have a solid client base, many who have been a part of our family for more than five years. Beginning in 2013, we are adding a new name to our family, “The Mechanic – Foreign & Domestic Auto Repair.” We want everyone to know we can and will handle any and all work on every vehicle you drive. Your vehicle is your primary means to get you where you need to go – appointments, work, vacations, etc. To ensure your confidence in us, we are updating our employees training every chance we get. We recently sent our lead mechanic to an Audi specific workshop to get to know the systems in the newer models. This month, we are sending him off to diagnostics intensive training. A

www.yourmonthlypaper.com lot of things are changing in the newer vehicles to make your drive a more pleasant experience. It is up to us to make sure we can provide quality service with the newer technologies. We care about the experience you have when getting your vehicle repaired. We will continue our efforts to offer excellent service at affordable prices. If you have any questions about this or any other Shop Talk issues, call US today at 925-283-5212 or visit our website www.urbansuburban.com. Our hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 7:30am - 5pm. At Urban Suburban we work on all makes and models, foreign and domestic. All German ~ All Japanese ~ All Domestic ~ All Restoration ~ All the Time! We provide Advertorial free shuttle service to the local area.

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Lafayette Today ~ January 2013 - Page 11

So here We are in 2013! By Art Lehman, Village Associates Realtors California Association of Realtors® reports that 2013 housing will continue to recover in terms of both sales and the rising of median price. The statewide volume of sales in 2012 is slowly improving and is up 16.5% statewide with a forecast of rising another 7% in 2013. That sounds like good news for us! Unfortunately, the usual Washington gridlock with the looming fiscal cliff throws a monkey wrench in the wheel, and it may cause some hesitation amongst buyers. Add to that the discussion of some elimination of the mortgage deduction amounts (typically hurts Californians), and the unknowns still remain unknown. Despite the good signs of improvement and the uncertain news, I feel confident that our area will continue to be very positive. How much the real estate situation improves is hard to say though. Right now there are 18 homes on the market in Lafayette. Never have I seen inventory so low. You have to believe more properties are coming on the market, and when they do prices will go up unless TOO many come on all at once. If that happens let’s keep hoping there are plenty of buyers just ready to pounce. I believe the next 90 days will give us a clear picture of where the market is heading. Those of you who are planning to sell this year, get your home ready and hope for a Happy New Year! If you have any questions on selling or buying a home in the area, please contact me at 925 200-2591 or by email at art@artlehman.com. Please feel free to email a topic for the next article too. If you’d like a free automatic email update of current listings and sales call or visit my website to sign up, Advertorial www. artlehman.com.

Password Harangue By Evan Corstorphine, Portable CIO Happy New Year! I hope this year brings you prosperity and happiness, and I’m here to give you advice that will help make that happen. Let’s get right to business. I have to admit, I am blue in the face from telling everyone to improve their passwords. The “bad guys” have become so shrewd and pernicious it’s shocking, and it’s frustrating to see people fall prey. For example, a couple weeks ago we told a customer with a Yahoo account his password was too weak, and we told him how to change it. He didn’t get to it fast enough. The very next day he called back to inform us he’d been hacked, and his situation exposed some new tactics the bad guys are using. Several times a week we’re receiving email from people with hacked accounts. You know the emails I mean. They have simple subject lines like “Hey Evan,”and then contain a link to an infected website. What’s new is that in addition to spamming everyone you know with these emails, the bad guys are setting up “forwarders” on your email account, so that everything that comes to your email account also gets sent to another account they control at a different company. The bad guys are then in a position to intercept your communication with the various websites and financial institutions you may be contacting to change passwords. If they are in the communication chain, they can intercept information just like they were sitting in your lap watching. It’s pretty sneaky. Why do criminals bother setting a forwarder to intercept your email? It’s all about identity theft. Viruses and Malware are a multi-billion dollar business. It’s about criminals trying to separate you from your wealth. One of the first things an ID thief tries to do is impersonate the person they want to steal from. Once they accomplish your impersonation, they can open credit in your name, empty bank accounts, run up a tab on new credit cards and max out the credit lines, and then leave you the mess of creditors to unravel. THIS IS PREVENTIBLE. How do you protect yourself? First, improve your password. Everyone complains about this. My philosophy is you can either have your money stolen and your credit ruined, or you can endure a little discomfort to learn a new password; it’s your choice. We may not like it, but this is the world we live in, and we better protect ourselves or prepare to be a statistic. If you are using a simple password, it’s not a matter of “if you get hacked,” it’s a matter of “you will get hacked.” “Flower1953,” “skis99321,” and “michael62388” are not great passwords. If your password resembles these (or something even more simple - “password,” “hotrod,” “abc123,” the name of your pet...), read on. What makes a good password? You want your password to be as long

as possible, while still keeping it memorable enough to recall. I recommend a minimum of 12 characters, but if you follow my guideline, it’s easy to make it even longer. The way to make it long is by combining words, then modifying characters in the words with upper and lower case letters, numbers, and special characters. Strive to avoid any “normal” dictionary words in your password. After small modifications, the words will still be memorable enough that you don’t have to pull out a cheat-sheet every time you login. As websites evolve, you’ll find they actually require this level of complexity, so you’ll have a head start if you begin now. Here are some examples I just created. Feel free to modify these to suit your needs, or use them as a template for something that is more meaningful and memorable for you. Th1sIs1L0ngP@ssw0rd! - (This is 1 long password !) 19N1neteen*Lett3rs. - (19 letters) D0G$RH@ppyy# - (Dogs are Happy#) $implicity1sBe$t_-_-_ (Simplicity is best _-_-_) L3v3l42m@kesmus1c! - (Level 42 makes music!) Next, consider moving your email account to Google (gmail.com). I know, it’s a pain to switch email providers. But it’s not as big of a hassle as you imagine, and the benefits outweigh the discomforts, so let’s get started! There are many significant advantages to using the Gmail email system, and one significant reason is that Google allows you to use the full four character sets in your password. The realm of possible characters you can use is all upper case letters: ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ, all lower case letters: abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz, all numbers: 0123456789, and all special characters; ~!@#$%^&*()_’-+=, :{[}]|”;<.> plus the space character. Yahoo limits the special characters you can use to only the underscore “_” and hyphen “-”. This gives the bad guys a significant advantage because it dramatically reduces the number of possible passwords you can create, and it even predisposes you to a certain format for your password. Therefore the bad guys can update their passwordbusting methods to reflect this limitation, and perhaps that is why we find Yahoo is the most actively targeted email service. It’s just a theory. Finally, consider signing up for the Lifelock ID theft prevention service (www.lifelock.com). It’s $10/month and will stop the bad guys from opening new credit in your name. I use the service and would recommend it. Next month I’m going to write about wireless networking, because there have been some exiting improvements I’d like to share. But I can only do that if everyone updates their password so this hacking problem goes away! Do we have a deal? If this seems overwhelming, I understand. Call us at 925-552-7953 or email us at helpdesk@theportablecio.com, and let us help you get this under control. It doesn’t take long to make the necessary changes to protect yourself. Please take my advice so you don’t fall victim. And tell your friends. Let’s put these guys out of business. Advertorial

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Page 12 - January 2013 ~ Lafayette Today

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This month’s Cinema Classic is Casablanca, starring Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman. The film premiered in New York City on November 26, 1942 and was released in the United States on January 23, 1943. Although this film is frequently seen on lists of the finest movies of all time, such a result was not anticipated when the film was first released. Nevertheless, Casablanca won three Academy Awards in 1944: Best Picture, Best Direction (Michael Curtiz), and Best Screenplay (Julius Epstein, Philip Epstein, and Howard Koch). The movie is based on the unpublished stage play, Everybody Comes To Rick’s, by Murray Burnett and Joan Alison. The film begins by setting the stage historically for the story. Questions may be asked such as why is Casablanca, a Moroccan town with a Spanish name, characterized as French and, why were a large number of multi-national refugees waiting in Casablanca to journey to Portugal? Prior Spanish control (1580-1640) explains the Spanish name which means ‘white house.’ As a result of colonization in 1910 by France, Casablanca came to be a French possession. Subsequent to the defeat of France by Germany in 1940, the government of France (essentially a puppet government of Germany) was established in the small French town of Vichy from July 1940 to August 1944. As a French possession, Casablanca fell in an unoccupied portion of the Vichy regime. Because Portugal was neutral during the War, persons wishing to leave Europe could depart for the Americas more freely from there, and many refugees loitered in Casablanca waiting to escape because it was an available gateway to freedom. Even though Casablanca was an ‘unoccupied’ portion of the Vichy government, the Germans managed to influence departures by refugees as depicted in the movie. The historical details provided in the movie were essentially accurate, and, in fact, the release date of the film was purposefully planned to take place near the time of the actual invasion of North Africa by the Allies. In the film, Humphrey Bogart plays the part of Rick Blaine, an American who owns a bar called, ‘Rick’s Café Americain, a place where everybody goes.’ Rick is an embittered cynic, in part as the result of a failed love affair in Paris with Ilsa Lund Special Screening of (Ingrid Bergman). Unfortunately for Rick, the passage of time has augmented his bitterness, and We will be celebrating the 70th anniversary to the when Ilsa walks into his bar in day (January 23, 1943) of the release of perhaps one Casablanca, he confronts her face of the best films ever made. Followed by Q & A with Tronnolone, world renowned expert on to face with hostility. On behalf of Rosario Ingrid Bergman, direct from Italy. her husband, Victor Lazlo, a hero for the Resistance, Ilsa requests Rick’s help to escape Casablanca. The love story between Rick and Ilsa is profoundly touching and faceted with loyalty, forgiveness, patriotism and self-sacrifice, and Rick’s choice whether to help them is a critical part of the story. To commemorate Casablanca’s original release date (January 23, 1943) seventy years ago, the California Independent Film Festival is presenting a special Q & A with screening on January 23, 2013 at the January 23 Mr. Rosario Tronnolone Orinda Theatre (4 Orinda Theatre at 7 PM Square, Orinda, CA 94563, 925-254- Orinda Theatre 9060). The event will be accompanied by a ‘Question and Answer’ session, featuring Mr. Rosario Tronnolone, a world-renowned expert on Ingrid Bergman. Mr. Tronnolone will be traveling from Rome, Italy for this Check www.lamorindatheatres.com for all movie listings event.

Casablanca

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Lafayette Today ~ January 2013 - Page 13

Life in the Lafayette Garden By John Montgomery, ASLA, Landscape Architect The Night Garden What if the glory of your Lafayette garden could come to life at night? A whole other dimension of our gardens come alive at nightfall. There is so much to be enjoyed after the sun goes down. When designing a successful garden, the night garden must be considered. Many residents of Lafayette enjoy evening entertaining, sitting on the patio drinking wine or iced tea, reading a good book, night swimming, or kids playing hide-n-seek until midnight. The essentials of a great night garden are sound, scent, light, and fire. There’s nothing more soothing than the sound of trickling or babbling water echoing through the landscape. Waterfalls, streams, and fountains are an important attraction to all gardens, whether it is day or night. Water masks the unwanted sounds of traffic and noisy neighbors. The night garden becomes much more romantic with the sound of water soothing the night. Including the essential night-blooming plants that add scent enhances

the night garden ten-fold. Fragrance adds another dimension of pleasure to your garden, especially at night. It also heightens your outdoor experience by encompassing the most powerful of our senses, the sense of smell. Just as perfume induces the senses, aromatic plants intoxicate and romanticize any setting. White and pastel flowers are the most fragrant, pale pinks are the most robust pastels, and scented flowers continue through the color wheel to the mauves and yellows, and to the less scented purples and blues. Vibrant colors such as oranges and crimsons will provide dramatic flair in the garden, but these plants provide little or no fragrance to the night garden. Aromas intensify in enclosed areas, so plant your most sweet selections in a courtyard or trellised patio, or surround your garden with hedges and windbreaks to encourage the scent of plants to linger. Some of my favorites include jasmines (jasminum polyanthum, jasminum officinale, and jasminum sambac), gardenias (Gardenia jasminoides), Angel’s trumpet (poisonous Brugmansia versacolor and Brugmansia ‘Charles Grimaldi’), Mexican orange (Choisya ternata), Daphne (Daphne x burkwoodii), Sweet Olive (Osmanthus fragrans), and Citrus (oranges, lemons, tangerines, and blood oranges) to enhance the sense of fragrance of the night garden. Lighting your garden at night touches our visual senses. Creating a “lighting portrait” is another essential to the night garden. From mood and ambiance to functionality, lighting brings life to the night garden. A “lighting portrait” is not just plunking Malibu lights into your landscape but is a creative approach that paints a landscape for night-time enjoyment. Downlighting, moonlighting, uplighting, silhouetting, shadowing, and washing creates moods and ambiance. Lighting to feature sculptures, accents, and structures creates visual focal points in the dark, which in turn brings drama to the night garden. Lit water features produce dramatic effects. Watching the illuminated diamonds bounce off the glowing surface becomes a mesmerizing effect at night. Underwater lighting for pools, waterfalls, fountains, and ponds makes the water glow, giving emphasis to water’s natural attraction.

Another important feature in the night garden is fire. There is nothing like fire on either a summer evening or a cozy winter’s night to bring drama, function, and romance. I find the fire element to be important to my clients. The fire element can be simple or complex. The most simple and least expensive way to incorporate fire is with a portable firepit from Target, and the more complicated is a Mexican pottery “chiminea.” These simple accessories, as well as built-in firepits or full blown outdoor fireplaces, can add hours of evening pleasure. Fire elements have become popular in the last several years because they add another element to make your outdoor environment more inviting, especially in the night garden. A hot tip from your local Landscape Architect: The elements of a night garden such as sound, scent, light, and fire can be added to an existing landscape with creative and thoughtful design. If you have a beautiful garden and no lighting we can design a “lighting portrait” to enhance your night garden Gardening Quote of the Month: I often think that the night is more alive and more richly colored than the day. ~Vincent Van Gogh 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

Shun Li and the Poet

Italian-made Shun Li and the Poet has won many awards in Europe, and will open at the Rheem Theatre in Orinda on January 11th. Shun Li works in a textile factory near Rome, slowly paying off the broker that brought her from China to Italy, while saving money so she can bring her young son to join her. She is suddenly transferred to work as a bartender at a pub in a small town along the Venetian Lagoon. The pub is the hangout of the local fishermen, including Bepi, a handsome old Slav immigrant nicknamed “The Poet.” A tender, delicate friendship grows between Shun Li and Bepi. But gossip soon threatens their innocent relationship, a bond that had once transcended two very different, yet not at all distant cultures. For more information, visit lamorindatheatres.com.

Page 14 - January 2013 ~ Lafayette Today

The Care of Mature Trees By Blaine Brende & Joe Lamb Entering my sixth decade, the gathering stiffness in my joints deepens my appreciation that living systems change as they age. Trees also change as they grow older, but, for trees and humans alike, how gracefully we flower in later life is not determined by genetics alone. Long life for humans is a relatively new phenomenon. Our Paleolithic ancestors seldom lived beyond 35 years of age, and they would, I imagine, marvel that the average American now lives to be 78. However, long life for trees is nothing new. Methuselah, a bristlecone pine growing in the Sierras, has attained the astounding age of 4,838 and is the oldest documented living organism on our planet. It lifts my heart to acknowledge that the pine nut, which grew to become Methuselah, sprouted its first needles 2,268 years before the birth of Buddha, 2,832 years before the birth of Jesus, and 3,402 years before the birth of Muhammad. To promote long life, reduce the stresses on your trees. The densely packed clay soils common to the East Bay produce many stresses. Compacted soils lack air spaces and inhibit the movement of oxygen. Clay soils are soggy when wet (which promotes root rot), but they are hard when dry (which promotes drought stress). Improving the porosity of the soil by mulching, aerating, and, sometimes, by radial trenching reduces the stress on your tree. Mulching is the easiest and cheapest of these techniques. Two or three inches of quality mulch under the canopy of the tree, but not piled against the trunk, helps to keep the soil soft, moist, and cooler in the summer. Aerating aids soil porosity and reduces stress. To aerate the tree, use a deep root irrigator to drill many one-inch diameter holes to a depth of around 30 inches throughout the zone under the tree’s canopy. Pruning to remove dead and diseased branches reduces the stresses on the tree. Many fruit trees suffer from diseases, both fungal and bacte-

Gardening with Kate By Kathleen Guillaume We finally had tons and tons of rain which was inconvenient at times, but all of our trees are happy with their deep soaking. Land movement is often a side effect of continuous rain which can be witnessed all over with soil and rocks of various sizes spilling onto Taylor Blvd. in Pleasant Hill’s gutters and shoulders. If you are worried about slope stability where you live and you have just a small amount of erosion, the first thing that you will want to do is think of adding stabilizing plants to your slope areas. These are often natives and low water use plants that set very deep roots which help to anchor the soil. You can go to your local nursery and inquire about the best shrubs and ground covers that will assist with this task. If you have a steep slope and you are experiencing more than minor erosion, it is definitely time to call a drainage engineer and take corrective measures to protect any down slope structures. A hill can be stable for many years, and then just the right combination of factors can create very big problems. It could be a neighbor who changes the drainage or water usage on their property that causes atypical runoff to undermine your property. If you are in a hillside area, it is good to get to know your neighbors and discuss how changes in landscape can affect more than one property...good fences make good neighbors but so does shared information. Some homeowners are tempted to terrace their hillsides and think that “if I make a series of terraces where each retaining wall is only 18”, I won’t need a permit...what a good idea” NOT! If you are thinking of terracing to make a hillside more usable and the slope is higher than 4 or 5 feet you might want to hire an engineer, or else you may find that section of your property visiting your bedroom or dining room. I am a flat-lander, especially after my sister-inlaw woke to the sounds of a freight train one night and ended up with 10”of mud pushing against her children’s bedrooms. The slide took out the house next door. Both she and the neighbor had decided to clear off all of those pesky ugly natives and plant beautiful annuals and succulents down the slope. I had visited her in the fall, and I was shocked to see a back slope cleared

www.yourmonthlypaper.com rial, carried from flower to flower by pollinating insects. After entering through the flower, the infection spreads, usually slowly, down into the woody tissue. Pruning to a point below the spread of the disease increases the lifespan of the tree. As with humans, stresses can have cumulative effects. When pines are drought stressed, they are unable to make the sap they use to drown burrowing insects. Oaks suffering from oak root fungus have trouble taking up water and often suffer from drought stress. When planning elder care for your trees, several factors beg consideration: What is your emotional attachment to the tree? Is the tree a hazard? Will it become a hazard in the future, and, if so, when? What will it cost to maintain the tree? Will it attain ‘sabi,’ the beauty of aging, if given the correct care? I hope that as I grow older I accept Roethke’s challenge and ‘dare to blaze like a tree.’ If you wish to extend your tree’s lifespan please call 510-486-TREE (8733) or email us at bl@brendelamb.com for a free estimate. Additionally, go to our website www.brendelamb.com to see before and after pictures, client testimonials, and work in your neighborhood. Advertorial

Lafayette Garden Club The monthly meeting of the Lafayette Garden Club will be held at 9:30am on Thursday, January 10th at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church located at 1035 Carol Lane, in Lafayette. Guest speaker Stafford Buckley, a docent and participant of the Tulip Festival at the Chapel of the Chimes in Oakland, will share his ideas and expertise on “Garden Restoration.” He embraces both traditional and contemporary designs with a touch of the unexpected.

Montelindo Garden Club The next Montelindo Garden Club meeting will be held Friday, January 18th at 9AM at Orinda Community Church located at 10 Irwin Way in Orinda. The topic for the meeting is “Growing Citrus in the Bay Area.” The speaker will be Don Dillon, Jr. from Four Winds Growers in Fremont. For more information, visit www.montelindogarden.com. down to the bare soil. A better idea would have been to shape up the native growth with pruning and plant additional material (including a sprinkling of blooming annuals) in between the existing shrubs and growth. A good rainy day, or it’s-too-cold-to-do-anything day, project is to dig out your tools, clean and sharpen them, oil down their blades, and stain wooden handles. There is nothing prettier than a shovel with a cape cod blue handle. By keeping the wood sealed on garden tool handles, you’ll double their life. My grandpa kept a bucket of small gravel with coarse sand, and he would plunge his shovels into the gravel which would scrap away any soil. Soil left on shovels can attract moisture which will allow the blade to rust and get dull. Every now and then my grandpa would take coarse sandpaper to the shovel blade, and then he would wipe it down with diesel. I don’t keep diesel at my house, so I use olive oil. Another project is to go through expired pesticides, fungicides, and fertilizers, and take them to the hazardous material drop-off center. (The Central Contra Costa Household Hazardous Waste Collection Facility is located at 4797 Imhoff Place in Martinez. For questions, call 800-646-1431 or visit www.centralsan.org.) It is a good time to also collect and drop off old paint, florescent bulbs, and batteries that have been taking up shelf space. Once your garage and shed are organized, you can make a shopping list of things you will need before spring. One of the most important item you can buy is Horticultural Oil, which comes in containers that you can simply attach to your hose for easy application. This is the best dormant spray for your trees and plants. It is essential for spraying on roses to hold down fungus, it helps smother eggs of over-wintering insects that could feast on any fruit trees, it helps control scale and sundry things, and it is safe to use. Before using dormant spray, clean all leaf litter from your beds, prune, and then spray. Next, cover the soil with compost or bark, keep a bare soil ring around the base of each plant (do not let these get next to growth/trunk areas), then spray again. Re-spray whenever you see rust, mildew, black spot, scale, or mealy bug. You will be rewarded with healthy and beautiful plants. January is clean up, plan, and get ready month. It is also a perfect time to plant perennials and shrubs, so they can get established before those warm spring and summer days come again. Happy Gardening and have a Wonderful New Year

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Walking the Reservoir By Jim Scala “Let’s walk the Rez,” two young mothers said after dropping their children at school. Their Lamorinda slang for walking the Lafayette Reservoir brought fond memories to mind. I do it almost every day. On a morning jog along Mt. Diablo Boulevard in May 1979, I turned right at the sign, “Lafayette Reservoir.” I soon stood on a massive earthenware dam with a breathtaking view of an irregular lake spotted with bull-rush filled coves and a high water tower with a goose perched on top. I turned right and jogged the 2.7-mile paved, wooded trail around the lake, inhaling the spectacular views. Built in 1928 to supply water for cattle country that’s now affluent rural communities, the reservoir’s vistas and diverse wildlife have remained unchanged. Plenty of parking makes it convenient. Well-spaced picnic areas, the children’s play area, restrooms, and drinking fountains – with pans for dogs – are strategically located with benches to rest, talk, and enjoy the beauty and the wildlife. A platform on a grassy knoll allows folks to picnic and enjoy summertime band music with the lake as their backdrop. At about 25-square miles, it’s a world-class, municipal recreation area. About 15 years after that first jog, my knees – and my doctor – said, “Walk the trail, put jogging behind you.” Besides being good cardio exercise, “Walking the Rez” is a treasure involving people, lessons in psychology, and a window on nature’s ever changing beauty and its surprises. I grasped the reservoir society on my 7AM walks. I go counterclockwise– that’s making the dam be six o’clock and the far end twelve. I’d greet clockwise walkers with a “Hello,” “Good morning,” “Have a great day,” or, and especially to women, “Your smile just made my day.” I quickly realized that, beauty aside, there’s a social difference between men and women. Along with a broad smile, I’d get similar salutations from women, and several women walking together raise a good morning chorus that turns any overcast, misty, or cold morning into a bright warm day. One lady stopped and gave me a hug – it made her day – and mine. Not so with men! I’d get a short, “H-lo,” or a grunt, but most said nothing and didn’t smile. Many looked down at the ground seemingly unaware of everything. I figured what with facing a tough competitive day and making money, they’re dealing with serious thoughts. Is it like the wild animal seeking its morning meal while it avoids becoming one? That’s heavy. I asked myself, “Is it the time of day? Is there something about me that sparks enthusiasm in women and makes men ignore me?” I tried clockwise walking and ruled out direction as the cause. Was it the time of day? Afternoon women walkers were even friendlier, and those pushing strollers – some with twins – were downright enthusiastic. I got many more “hellos” from men, especially those with gray hair and walking with a friend or two. Others, especially loners, offered the reluctant grunt or “H-lo,” but they were a minority. Don, a psychologist friend, commented,“Jim, women are always friendlier than men.” He paused, “I see fear in men’s eyes these days. Insecurity reflects our times and your enthusiasm puts them off.” He made a point about afternoon men. “Ask one who said ‘hello’ to walk with you; I’ll bet he’ll jump at it. Most retired men are friendly, but old habits die hard.” I gave his challenge a try. I stopped an afternoon man who grunted and wore a shirt emblazoned with, “Too many books and not enough time.” “Hi, I’ll bet you like to read!” “I do,” he smiled. We walked together that day and often still do – we talk about books. At holiday time, walkers hang bright ornaments on a small tree near the path. It brightens and warms our chilly winter days and extracts “Wows!” from little kids walking with their moms. Women ask about calories while they walk, so I give them a few numbers to roll around. A six footer takes 5,670 steps and burns 280 calories while someone fivefive, with shorter legs, requires 6,200 steps for the circuit and 200 calories. Since that extra pound everyone wants to lose, takes a 3,000 calories deficit, Walking the Rez isn’t a shortcut to weight loss However, a typical 50-minute walk is very close to a 10,000 step, daily fitness program and the 250 or so calories is superb. And I haven’t mentioned the 10-mile rim trail, fishing, rowing, and dog walking. To share your Reservoir thoughts and observations email jscala2@ comcast.net.

Lafayette Today ~ January 2013 - Page 15

Saint Mary’s College Museum of Art February 2 - April 14, 2013

Four new exhibitions in the expanded museum ~ Carnaval!

The exuberant creativity, color, and pageantry that is Carnaval comes to the Saint Mary’s College Museum of Art in a spectacular exhibition opening Saturday, February 2. Carnaval in Bolivia, Brazil, Italy, Mexico, Spain, Switzerland, Trinidad, and Mardi Gras in New Orleans are on display in one of the Museum’s liveliest exhibitions ever. Costumes, headdresses, masks, medallions, musical instruments, photographs and videos show the history and traditions of Carnaval, and its often outlandish and ribald behavior. Carnaval! has been made possible by the National Endowment for the Humanities. It was organized by Barbara Mauldin, Ph.D., curator of Latin American Collections, Museum of International Folk Art, and is toured by Mid-America Arts Alliance.

~ In Search of the Source: Paintings of the Nile and Beyond, Lockwood de Forest

~ Landscape Assembled, Ryan Reynolds

~ The California Alps, William Keith Lockwood de Forest, oil on canvas, 1876, Lone Falucca at Dusk.

Ryan Reynolds Red Crane oil on canvas.

• Opening Day Saturday, February 2nd, 11am – 4:30pm, Carnaval! documentary video and reception, 2-4pm. Costumes, beads, masks and headdresses are welcome opening day attire. • Museum Hours: Wed-Sun, 11am-4:30pm, (Closed 3/29-3/31)

• Admission: $5 adults, K-12 grades free • 925-631-4379 | stmarys-ca.edu/museum

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Page 16 - January 2013 ~ Lafayette Today

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Reviewing Your Estate Plan – A New Year’s Resolution? By Robert J. Silverman, Attorney at Law

Lic# 1100014354; Bay Area Entertainment

City of Lafayette Contacts Below are key city departments and their contact information. Administration: Responsible for overall city operations such as human resources, finance and office operations. Key staff members include the City Manager, Administrative Services Director, City Clerk, and Financial Services Manager. The City Offices are located at 3675 Mt. Diablo Blvd., #210, Lafayette. Hours are 8am – 5pm Monday-Friday. For information call (925) 284-1968 or email cityhall@lovelafayette.org. Planning: Responsible for current and long-term planning for the physical development of the community that is consistent with the General Plan, Zoning Ordinance and the direction of the City Council. Planning Department hours are 12pm – 5pm Monday-Friday. For information call (925) 284-1976 or email planner@lovelafayette.org. Police: Responsible for public safety, law enforcement, emergency operations, and parking control. The Police Department is located at 3675 Mt. Diablo Blvd, #130, Lafayette. Hours are 8am-12pm & 1am-5pm Monday-Friday.For general questions call (925) 299-3220. For police dispatch call (925) 284-5010 or 911. Public Works: Responsible for maintaining the infrastructure of the City including road repair, storm drains, and landscaping of public property. The Public Works Corp Yard is located at 3001 Camino Diablo, Lafayette. Hours are 7am – 3pm Monday-Friday. For questions call (925) 934-3908. To report potholes, streetlight outages, traffic signal problems and other issues call the Hotline at (925) 299-3259. Parks & Recreation: Responsible for the management and operation of a variety of recreation programs, special events and facilities including the Lafayette Community Center, the Community Park and a system of city trails. The Parks & Recreation (Community Center) is located 500 St. Mary’s Road, Lafayette. Hours are 9am – 5pm Monday-Saturday. For questions call (925) 284-2232. Code Enforcement: Responsible for enforcing the Lafayette Municipal Code. The Code Enforcement Officer concentrates on the investigation and abatement of complaints involving land use (zoning), housing conditions, abandoned vehicles, signs, animals and vermin, weeds/fire hazards, fences and general public nuisances. Contact Mark Robbins at 925-299-3207. For more information visit www.ci.lafayette.ca.us.

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At the beginning of the year, people often resolve to take care of some things that are important to them. Should reviewing your estate plan be on your list of resolutions for 2013? Of course, before you can review an estate plan, you need to have one to review. If you have never established one, there’s no time like the present to do so. Experiencing the death of a loved one or simply watching the news (including fortunately rare, but unfortunately all too familiar, tragedies like the recent horrific killing of innocent people in Connecticut) reminds us of our own mortality. However, rather than just dwelling on the sadness of mortality, it can also be embraced as an opportunity to create a better life and to create a strong and joyful legacy for those we love. If you have an estate plan (Will, Power of Attorney, Advance Health Care Directive, and perhaps, a Revocable Living Trust), you can congratulate yourself for building one piece of the foundation of your legacy. Hopefully, your documents were drafted competently, were customized appropriately, and were accompanied by thoughtful advice from an experienced estate planning attorney. In any event, how long has it been since you established your estate plan or since you last had it reviewed by counsel? It’s important to embrace the concept that estate planning is not static. Your personal, familial and financial circumstances change, estate planning custom and practice changes, tax laws change, and your wishes tend to change. How do you even know if it’s prudent to have it reviewed, and what’s involved? Without treating the following as “set in stone,” I hope they serve as a useful reference about when and why it might be wise to have an estate planning attorney help you review (and update) your plan. 1) In general, I advise clients to review their plan at least every 3-5 years. Certainly, you should do so before then if you have experienced any material change in your personal, familial or financial circumstances or if you wish to make specific changes to your documents. 2) If you have any minor children, you should be sure that the guardianship provision in your Will is consistent with your current wishes. A premature death of a parent is devastating enough without enabling a court to appoint any guardian other than the person(s) you trust and want most to care for your children. 3) Your Advance Health Care Directive should contain a HIPAA Release provision. Older documents do not contain these important clauses, potentially rendering your designated agent unable to obtain your medical records when needed. 4) If you have just a Will but no Revocable Living Trust, and you own your own home and/or have a substantial amount of other assets, you should give serious consideration to establishing a Revocable Living Trust. A Trust has many advantages over a simple Will, including probate avoidance, privacy, efficiency,and (typically) lower attorneys’ fees and costs to administer. 5) If you have a Power of Attorney and/or an Advance Health Care Directive naming only one agent to make financial or medical decisions for you, respectively, if you become unable to make them yourself, you would be wise to have new ones drawn up in which trusted, responsible alternate agents are identified. 6) If you have a Revocable Living Trust and substantially all of your assets are not titled in your trust, you should seek advice and assistance with transferring title of such assets into your trust. 7) If you anticipate making any substantial gifts during the calendar year, you would be well advised to seek legal and tax advice before any such gifts are made. Complex Federal Estate and Gift Tax rules and other related legal and tax aspects may be involved. Good professional advice can help you avoid costly mistakes by learning how to gift efficiently and comply with legal requirements. 8) If any beneficiaries under your Will or Trust have “special needs” and receive public benefits for a disability, it’s critical to obtain advice about the merits of drafting a special needs trust. If a disabled beneficiary is gifted or inherits money directly, as opposed to doing so via a special needs trust, the receipt of such assets are likely to interfere with his or her ability to continue to receive these valuable public benefits. I offer a free consultation concerning your current or prospective co-ownership. 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

Lafayette Today ~ January 2013 - Page 17

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Ten Predictions for 2013 By Daniel A Barnes, CFA Since 2007 we have made predictions about what will happen in the new year. Thinking about the future and what could happen is crucial in our role as a steward of people’s money.

2012 Predictions Recap We got the money predictions right for 2012, and most everything else was WRONG. I guess that’s what you want from your Investment Advisor. 1) We said bonds are now definitely expensive. We said they’d deliver single digit returns. We were WRONG. Municipal and Corporate bonds ascended to bubblicious levels previously inhabited only by government bonds. 2) We forecasted gold, out of favor heading into 2012, would reach new highs in the second half to finish at $2,000 an ounce. Oops! Gold’s squeezing out a 7% gain for the year to finish around $1,650/oz. Still, that’s the 12th year in a row that gold has risen. 3) We said oil would remain range bound from $90-$115. It did. 4) European debt. We said few conclusions would be reached, and all issues would be pushed off until 2013. Bull’s-eye. 5) We said the Euro would weaken to $1.20. It weakened to $1.23, before rebounding to $1.32 in the 4th quarter. 6) Unemployment. We said it would remain stubbornly around 9%. It did! 7) GDP growth. We said it would putter along at greater than 2% but less than 3%. Barely. Growth averaged 2.2% for the first nine months, however it looks like the 4th quarter growth has slipped under 2% again. 8) The election. We said it would be a nail biter. It wasn’t. Boo. 9) Housing. We said housing would still take many more years to recover, but mortgage foreclosure and short issues will be much resolved. This happened! But we didn’t suspect that the price gains would gain traction so soon. Interest rates of 0% helped. 10) Forecasting. We said we’d retire. WRONG. We’re having too much fun to stop!

Port, the Winter Beverage By Monica Chappell

2013 Predictions 1. Bonds. Weakness in longer-term bonds but surprising strength in intermediate term bonds is our best guess. But, we lack conviction. We are not selling our longer bonds yielding 5% to 7%. 2. Stocks. We hate to say it, but they are attractive. We wish they were more attractive, but you can’t have it all. 3. Gold. Perhaps the gold bull market is long in the tooth, but bull markets rarely end with a whimper. We are buyers of bullion and very select gold equities. 4. Real Estate. The recovery is real, but we can’t help but think the recovery may have a long fuse and sputter, thanks to slow growth or more trillion-dollar deficits. Mildly bullish. 5. Commodities. No clue. Oil is tied to the developing market’s growth. Large integrated producers like Exxon and Chevron are fantastically run. Recessions in the developed world seem more likely, which bodes poorly for commodity prices. 6. Europe. Is somehow amazingly stable. Despite not dealing with their union problems, debt investors continue to refinance sovereign debt. But, the European recessions are real, and we will witness the first write-offs and defaults in the European Union. That union may rattle but it won’t roll over. 7. Fiscal Cliff. A Band-aid resolution will mean little. Up and over we go. Best guess is that stocks will sell off another 3-5%. Not much more downside because, alas, they are the only game in town. It’s ultimately about politics, which is about people so it’s messy. 8. The handgun problem. In a nation of nearly 400 million guns, school shootings barely move the needle against the 2nd Amendment. It’s going to take another several dozen massacres to change the mindset of American culture. Hollywood could show some leadership, but they are too gutless to do so. 9. Global warming and other difficult issues. 2013 remains an insular year of politics and confusion. Everything’s incubating and on the back burner. Institutional and technology changes are real, but we just won’t see them next year. 10. Apple. Apple rebounds. Earning $60 a share, the stock recovers amidst a crappy stock market. Have a safe and blessed New Year. Barnes Capital, LLC is a Registered Investment Advisor. We build balanced portfolios for clients seeking conservative growth, retirement income, and capital preservation. We offer a level of service which clients struggle to find elsewhere. To learn more call (925) 284-3503 and visit www.barnescapital.com. Advertorial

Traditionally served as a dessert wine, port wine has emerged as the sipping alternative to wine and cocktails at luncheons, afterwork outings, and at-home get-togethers. True Port comes from the hot, mountainous region of the Douro River Valley in northern Portugal. After fermentation and fortification, port is typically transported to the city of Oporto, which shared its name with the wine, to be finished and shipped. The real McCoy bears the name Porto to distinguish itself from similar beverages made in other countries. Port begins life much like any other wine: grapes are picked and crushed, and the juice is allowed to ferment – but only to a point. About halfway into the process, the wine is fortified by having brandy added to it. There are many styles of port. You can usually count on port to be sweet and red, but beyond that the sky’s the limit. Styles vary according to the quality of the base wine, the length of wood aging (2-40 plus years), and whether it’s vintage or blended. Most ports are ready to drink as soon as they’re bottled, vintage port is the exception.

Port Styles in a Nut Shell • White Port is produced in very small quantities. • Ruby Port is young, fruity, a non-vintage blend aged in wood for about 3-6 years. • Tawny Port is tawny in color, and made from a non-vintage blend; lighter and more delicate than ruby port. • Vintage Character Port is a blend of quality wines with about five years of wood aging. These ports are full-bodied, rich, and ready to drink. • Late Bottled Vintage Port (LBV) is a vintage wine, but not from a top year. These wines have been aged 4-6 years and are ready to drink when released. • Colheita Port is a tawny port from a single vintage year. • Vintage Port is considered the cream of the crop. Blended from several of the best vineyards in a declared vintage year. Aged for two years then bottled and sold, this rich wine usually takes 20 years until it is ready to drink. • Single Quinta Vintage Port is a vintage port from a single estate, usually the best vineyard in a winemaker’s portfolio. Most ports are best served at room temperature and go well with blue veined cheeses and chocolate. Monica Chappell teaches wine appreciation classes in Lafayette, Walnut Creek and Danville. Visit www.wineappreciation101.blogspot.com for a schedule of classes.

Wine From the Heart Tasting Room Open by appointment 925-449-1871 For private parties please call 510-861-2722 5700 Greenville Rd, Livermore www.redfeatherwinery.com

Page 18 - January 2013 ~ Lafayette Today

Want to Change a Habit? Start With Kindness By Michael Anne Conley, LMFT A year ago I was standing in line at the grocery store, when I saw the cover of a well-known national magazine with letters so large that they couldn’t be missed:

How to Break Your

Bad Habits. So, here we are again. It’s that time of year when so many of us focus on breaking things. Breaking bad things like habits. Doesn’t sound like very much fun, does it? You’re already seeing all kinds of articles, emails, tweets, and posts reminding you of those New Year’s resolutions you’re supposed to want to make. You might even feel enthusiastic and ready to take some steps forward. But there’s a problem with this once-a-year jump into behavior change – it tends not to work. Many studies have discovered that most people who make New Year’s resolutions drop them by June, if not before. If I could wave my magic wand, I’d free us all from our tendency to use the language of punishment, as if this was the best way to create change. You can help your best intentions by dropping punishing language, because there are lots of bad feelings that go along with those words. The problem lies in the difference between the future that you want (and deserve) and how you feel about yourself now. It’s very hard for most of us to separate our behavior from our sense of who we are. That means something inside makes a link between “bad habits” and “bad me.” Add in the extra measure of “breaking” those bad habits, and you’re dealing with an underlying problem that makes it all the harder to turn around the behaviors you so want to change. Habits aren’t intrinsically bad, and neither are they things to be broken, like dishes thrown against a wall. They’re not only normal; they’re essential! If you didn’t develop habits around your daily routines from getting out of bed when you wake

Ask Dr. Happy By Bob Nozik, MD Dear Dr. Happy, Why do I always think I’m such a bad person? I am a 15-year-old high school girl, and all I think about is how fat, ugly, dumb, or bad of a daughter I am. My boyfriend says I look fine, and my grades are okay; I have girlfriends and my parents love me. But, Dr. Happy, none of that seems to matter. All I can think about is what a loser I am. ~ How Can I Stop?

www.yourmonthlypaper.com up, all the way to getting back into bed to return to dreamland, you’d spend all of your time reinventing the wheel for every single thing, over and over every single day. Imagine that! Fortunately, for the most part, your habits are your friends. The human ability to habituate makes it possible for you to learn new behaviors and with practice, maintain them in the background -- without having to think about them. For instance, you probably don’t remember learning to walk, but if you’ve ever been around a baby taking on this task, you recognize how much work it is to stand up, fall down, maintain balance, and eventually move from one place to another. You might remember the first times you moved to music, whether you were dancing with a partner or just matching a beat. None of this can happen without those first hard steps, and yet by the time you’re dancing, you just do it. Isn’t that magnificent? Without habits, there’d be no time left in your day for the creative part of you that seems to make human beings different from most other life on the planet. And, among other things, your habits leave this creative aspect of you free to address those very, very few behaviors that get in the way of a happier life. You may not realize that there’s a difference between honestly stating the discomfort that you’re in and denouncing yourself for being there. Growing the capacity to live with this difference is an important first step in making any kind of change you want to make. So if you feel driven to get rid of a bad habit, start with being kind to yourself instead. A habit that makes you feel unhappy does not need to be broken. It simply wants to be healed. If you experience frustration from being trapped in behaviors you can’t change, Michael Anne Conley is here to partner with you in creating your own personal path to lasting transformation and freedom. She is a health educator, licensed marriage and family therapist, and director of Stillpoint integrative health center in Lafayette. Find out more at www.habitsintohealth.com or contact her at maconley@ Advertorial wellnesslafayette.com or 925-262-4848. parents, relatives, teachers, childhood friends, and others. Because they have been with us so long and seem to arise from inside our heads, we tend to believe they are telling us the truth even when they have little that is connected to reality. However, because they tend to be so absolute in their condemnation of us, so universal, they are easy to refute when we challenge their truth. This makes them vulnerable to cognitive therapy and why I recommend it. Best of all, once we begin questioning the validity of our Inner Critic, and keep at it, it isn’t hard to tame it and even convert it into an ally; what I call an Inner Colleague. Please send questions/comments for Dr. Happy to Pollyannan@aol.com.

Dear How, First of all, be reassured, you are not the only one bullied by a harsh Inner Critic living inside your head. It sounds like you do recognize it is excessive in both its tone and its evaluations. Still, I’d like to have you use a little of what psychologists call Cognitive Therapy. When the voice in your head says “You’re stupid,” question it. Is it true? What is the evidence? Your grades are fine, so that’s not the case. Then, rephrase “You’re stupid” to what is true -- maybe to, “I have to work hard to do well in math, but I easily handle science and history.” Do this for your appearance, your popularity, and any other areas where your inner voice puts you down. The trick here is to do this rephrasing-toreality each time; don’t allow your severe Inner Critic to bully and abuse you ever again. I think you’ll find you can teach it to be on your side instead of being the overly critical, nasty voice it is now.

Happiness Tip How Can I Stop is not unusual in harboring a harsh Inner Critic in her head. I suspect the majority of us suffer from this. The Inner Critic is created early in our life from the disapproving voices of

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Time-Saving Effective Workouts for Time-Strapped Working Professionals By Anna Dornier, The Club Fitness If you’re a busy working professional juggling your time at work, trying to meet project deadlines, and taking care of last minute tasks while the errands and household chores seem to just pile up at home, exercising is probably the last thing on your mind. Most people think that they have to devote many hours of their precious time to exercise if they really want to realize their ideal body. But, the truth is, it does not have to be that way. Michelle, one of our personal training clients who works for a large hospital in Walnut Creek, also used to think the same until she found that the workouts we designed for her can efficiently help her reach her fitness goal with as minimum of time and effort as possible. Michelle says, “I have tried numerous gyms over the years, but I feel The Club Fitness is different. It’s addicting! The 45-minute sessions are more effective than spending hours in a typical gym. I like that each session is different, so I never get bored with the workouts. I’ve learned many new exercises (I can count at least 40!) and proper technique. I look forward to the classes, and I rave about them to anyone who’ll listen.” If you’re strapped for time, doing the below three bodyweight exercises, twice a week will help you tone your muscles while helping you burn calories up to 48 hours post-exercise.

#1 Push Ups, #2 Squats, #3 Plank (hold for 30-90 seconds) Keys to Making This an Effective Workout • Perform each movement as slowly as possible. For instance, for the pushups, take 3-5 seconds to lower your body towards the floor and another 3-5 seconds to go back to your starting position. • Perform each exercise until you cannot move anymore. This is called positive failure and this helps train all types of muscle fibers to create a truly efficient workout.

Being a Caregiver is a Challenging Job By Michelle Rooney, NP Diablo Valley Oncology Caring for a loved one who is diagnosed with cancer is tough physically, mentally, and emotionally. What defi nes a caregiver? Caregivers are family members, friends, and loved ones who provide full and part-time support for a cancer patient. They do this through preparing food, running errands, helping with doctors appointments and treatment, coordinating care, cleaning, and offering emotional support for not only the patient but for the other people involved in their treatment. The opportunities to care for someone suffering from cancer, in any capacity, are endless. Being a caregiver is a challenging job. We want to share with you some helpful tips and resources for taking care of yourself and being better prepared to care for those you love. Remember, everyone’s situation is individual and unique, so some of these may not apply to you. Be open and communicate. Communication is key, not only with your loved one, but also with their healthcare team, other caregivers, and people who are connected to the cancer patient. It can take time to figure out communication styles that work best for you, but keeping everyone up to date on the care of your loved one and their needs will provide you more help and understanding from those around you. One effective and efficient method that is becoming more widely used involves creating a blog or webpage for your loved one. Most of these sites are free and easy to setup and manage. Carepages and CaringBridge are two popular sites to blog on. Be HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) compliant. Often as a loved one’s health declines, they need more help. If you are the primary caretaker, or someone who is helping with doctors visits, treatment, medication or other medical support, it is important for the patient to sign paperwork allowing you access to their medical informa-

Lafayette Today ~ January 2013 - Page 19 • Perform all three exercises back-to-back, then rest. This counts as one set. Get about 1-2 minutes rest in between sets, and perform 2-3 more sets depending on your current strength level. • Get at least 24 hours rest in between workouts to allow your body to recover. Performing this workout at the prescribed tempo and frequency will also help condition your heart because increasing strength in your muscles enhances every system in your body. This type of workout is also ideal for people who have joint problems such as arthritis or have previous joint injuries. As evidence to this type of training, Michelle declares, “Since joining The Club Fitness, I feel stronger and I sleep like a rock after classes. My posture has improved and I even noticed definition in my arms that I haven’t seen in years. In addition to the workouts, Anna and Alex have taught me some helpful nutrition tips. As a result, I’ve lost a few inches around my waist, hips, and thighs.” Most people can do well in this program with enough consistency. But, if motivation is an issue, getting a coach to help you personalize your exercise and nutrition plan could be the way to go, especially if you’ve tried other programs in the past and were not able to maintain your results for the long-term. For more information on how Anna and her team of coaches at The Club Fitness can help design your ideal fitness routine and nutrition plan that fits your lifestyle through their semi-private personal training program, call her at 925-297-5339 or email her at anna@theclublafayette. com. Need a jumpstart to your New Year’s resolutions? Ask us about our 21-Day Fat Loss Challenge and join other Lafayette residents in losing up to 8lbs. in just 21 days and develop the fitness habit. You may also visit our website at www.TheClubLafayette.com and get a copy of our free report “Ultimate Guide to Fat loss” where you will find our top three killer fat Advertorial loss strategies for busy people.

www.yourmonthlypaper.com tion (HIPAA). Having this release will allow you to be in exams with the patient, to help by taking notes, and if necessary, to communicate with the medical team. You will be enabled as the patient’s advocate; having the ability to ask questions they may forget or feel too overwhelmed to ask, have treatment options explained, communicate with others what prognosis and plans are in place, and comfort the patient. This HIPAA form is usually signed during the registration process but can be updated at anytime. Stay organized. This is easier for some individuals than others, but the effort is worth it. Take notes as you would for your own care. Keep track of medications, vitals, labs, and other tests which can help everyone understand the illness and the treatment. Keeping all of the information organized is also helpful when you need help from other caregivers. Having all of the information accessible makes an easy transition for other people to help give medications, take the patient to appointments, and adjust to their needs. Ask for help. Not only should you rely on the support of the patient’s friends and family, but also rely on your own. Battling cancer is a community effort, and you need people to talk to as well. So, talk to friends, family, or a professional when you are feeling overwhelmed, depressed, or having trouble meeting the needs of yourself and your loved one. Take breaks and take care of yourself. As a primary caretaker, spending time doing something for yourself can feel strange and selfish. But you must make time to take care of yourself so that you are physically and mentally strong for your loved one. Doing something you enjoy, whether it be exercise, cooking, reading or sleeping, will be rejuvenating and refreshing. You will be healthier and happier, and your loved one will benefit from renewed energy. Michelle Rooney is a Nurse Practitioner and practices with Diablo Valley Oncology, located at the California Cancer and Research Institute in Pleasant Hill. The center brings together medical oncology, hematology, radiation, chemotherapy, diagnostic imaging, clinical triAdvertorial als, and supportive care services. (925) 677-5041

Page 20 - January 2013 ~ Lafayette Today

Melanoma, Highly Curable When Caught Early By Dr. Kelly Hood The new year is a good time to give yourself a once over. New moles and changing moles need to be examined. If you have had a mole checked in the past and it was normal, but now it has changed, get it rechecked. In the United States, the incidence of melanoma has risen markedly over the past 50 years and continues Dr. Kelly Hood, Lafayette to climb at an alarming pace. For people born in 1930, the risk of developing melanoma at some point in their lives was one in 1,500. Today, about one in 55 Americans will develop this skin cancer in their lifetime. The death rate for melanoma also increased dramatically over the past half century. From 1975-1990 alone, it increased by about 33%. However, this death rate has started to level off in the United States, and in some parts of the world, it has actually begun to decrease. Increased awareness of skin cancer’s dangers and improved diagnostic methods such as dermoscopy are allowing physicians to find melanomas at an earlier stage, before they become deadly. Still, almost one

11th Step Prayer Group The Method of Centering Prayer “Centering Prayer” is a method for doing the “11th Step” to improve our conscious contact with our Higher Power through daily immersion in prayer and meditation. The practice of Centering Prayer, and the spiritual, historical, and psychological basis of it, are described and elaborated in several of Thomas Keating’s works including Open Mind, Open Heart and Invitation to Love. Centering Prayer has extraordinary parallels with other traditional practices and is remarkably simple and rewarding to engage in. For those who live by the 12 Steps found in AA, Al-Anon, OA, DA, NA, GA and other programs, a Centering Prayer practice can be a key support system in the process of recovery and transformation. This type of prayer has been used over the centuries, but it is different from what we may think of as prayer. It is not praying for something we want, it is simply moving deep within ourselves, in silence, saying nothing, asking for nothing, just being and allowing our Higher Power to be with us. Two 11th Step Centering Prayer Groups meet in the area: Monday mornings 9:30 to 10:45AM at Lafayette Orinda Presbyterian Church, located at 49 Knox Drive, Lafayette, and Tuesday evenings 7:00 to 8:15PM at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 1924 Trinity Avenue, Walnut Creek. For information on these meetings call 925-943-3190.

Grief Support Group Helps People Cope with the Death of a Pet When you lose your pet, you often feel like a part of you is lost. The death of your beloved animal companion is one of the most difficult losses you may ever feel. This loss is sometimes made more painful by society’s seeming lack of support for pet grief. Hospice of the East Bay and the Tony La Russa Animal Rescue Foundation is offering a support group where participants can share memories and feelings and talk to others who truly understand and care. Meetings will be held the first Tuesday of each month from noon - 1:30PM at the Tony La Russa Animal Rescue Foundation, 2890 Mitchell Drive, Walnut Creek. For further information and/or to register, please call Bereavement Services at Hospice of the East Bay (925) 887-5681. Pre-registration is required. Hospice of the East Bay Bereavement Services are provided free of charge to all community members in need. However, donations are greatly appreciated.

Is Food a Problem for You? Overeaters Anonymous offers a fellowship of individuals who, through shared experience and mutual support, are recovering from compulsive overeating. This is a 12-step program. The free meetings are for anyone suffering from a food addiction including overeating, under-eating, and bulimia. The group meets Wednesdays at 6PM at Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Lafayette. Visit www.how-oa.org for more information.

www.yourmonthlypaper.com person per hour dies of the disease in the U.S. We can now predict with considerable accuracy which melanomas are readily curable and which will be difficult to treat. Thickness of the tumor is a key indicator. With the aid of a microscope, thickness is measured from the uppermost part of the skin’s top layer (epidermis) to the deepest penetration of the 3/4 of a millimeter (about 1/32nd of an inch) in thickness. These are cured in virtually all cases. However, progressively thicker melanomas have correspondingly Dr. Shanny Baughman, Alamo poorer prognoses. Family, friends or gym partners can help check your skin. They can help you recognize an early changing mole. The thin, early melanomas are almost always completely curable when promptly removed. This article is meant to alert all people to be aware of moles and change. With the combination of monthly head-to-toe self examination, and an annual or more frequent professional examination, melanoma can be stopped before it spreads to distant sites. For any questions about your skin or nails please contact Dr. Kelly Hood, 970 Dewing, Suite 301, Lafayette, 925-283-5500, khoodderm@yahoo.com or Dr. Shanny Baughman at Alamo Oaks Dermatology, 3189 Danville Blvd, suite 130, Advertorial Alamo, 925-362-0992, shanny.derm@gmail.com.

Cancer Support Community The following classes are held at the Cancer Support Community, located at 3276 McNutt Avenue in Walnut Creek. Classes are free, but reservations are required. For information, call (925) 933-0107. Frankly Speaking About Melanoma ~ January 15 ~ 6PM – 8PM Learn about the latest treatments for melanoma including very recent advances. Learn about side effects and side-effect management along with social and emotional challenges of the diagnosis. Presented by Matt Sirott, MD a medical oncologist with Diablo Valley Oncology Hematology. Managing Symptoms and Side Effects ~ February 2 ~ 10AM – Noon Learn what you can do to feel better during cancer treatment. In this informal workshop, Diana Longacre, RN, and an oncology nurse, will discuss methods for managing fatigue, nausea, and other treatment side effects. For cancer patients, their families, and friends. What You Need to Know About Your Man’s Prostate ~ February 19 ~ 6PM to 8PM This is an opportunity for women to learn about prostate health, prostate cancer screening, and prostate cancer without your man being present. Presented by Dr. Patrick Swift, MD, a radiation oncologist with Alta Bates Summitt Medical Center. For cancer patients, their families, and friends.

East Bay Cancer Forum January 29 ~ 6-7:30PM ~ Diablo Valley Oncology, 400 Taylor Blvd. #300, Pleasant Hill Join an informal presentation highlighting breast cancer research and updates from the annual San Antonio Breast Cancer Conference. There will be complimentary admission, parking, and refreshments. The speaker will be Dr. Tiffany Svahn. To register, call (925) 677-5041 x272.

Stroke Support Group On Monday, January 14th the Stroke Support Group of Contra Costa County will hold its January meeting in the Concord Room at John Muir Medical Center - Concord Campus, located at 2540 East Avenue in Concord from 7-9pm. The speaker will be Carol Howard-Wooten MA, MFT, stroke survivor, who will discuss “Keeping Hope Alive.” Her non-profit organization is dedicated to helping reclaim meaningful lives after a stroke. After the program, attendees will break up into three coping groups: stroke survivors without aphasia, stroke survivors with aphasia, and caregivers and families of stroke survivors. Each group will be led by a trained professional. For further information about the Stroke Support Group, contact Ann Dzuna at 925-376-6218. Meetings are free and open to the public.

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The Importance of Winter Renewal By Barbara Persons, MD, Persons Plastic Surgery, Inc. January is a month of change, improvement, and renewal. It is a time when, after the chaos of the holidays, we have a chance to look back on the past year - our actions, our lives, and ourselves - and consider what changes we want to make. New Year’s resolutions are made, but they are often forgotten. According to one poll, 75% will keep their resolution a week, 64% will keep them for a month, and only 46% will make it to the six month mark. This year set your sights on something that will be sure to last, something we like to call “winter renewal.” Winter is associated with shorter days, cold weather, holidays, overall cheerfulness, and a bit of chaos. This year, after the commotion settles and before the longer days of spring and summer return, treat yourself to one of the many renewing treatments offered at Persons Plastic Surgery. Of particular interest this season is our newest renewing technology, the Fraxel Dual Laser. We are fortunate to be one of the few clinical locations in this area to have this latest version of Fraxel. It is a proven laser technology that can help reverse the visible effects of aging, helping you to look as young as you feel. When we are younger, our skin’s natural rejuvenation process of stimulating collagen helps to reverse damage caused by the sun, dehydration, scarring, wrinkling, etc. As we age, our bodies’ ability to naturally generate collagen diminishes. The laser energy delivered by the Fraxel stimulates collagen (bringing back volume) and resurfaces the skin’s top layer at the same time. The Fraxel Dual treatment is customized by skin type to penetrate varying depths of just the top layer of skin, and because this latest model utilizes two different wavelengths, it is highly effective on a variety of skin types and conditions. The laser is effective on fine lines and wrinkles, surface scarring, pigmentation, and sun damage. This is a non-ablative treatment which requires minimal social down time, allowing patients to return to their normal schedule very quickly. It has been said that appearance can directly affect how a person feels. When you feel attractive, you are more likely to have a positive outlook. This phenomenon is something we have all undoubtedly experienced. As a woman, I know the days I skip the makeup and go for the sweatpants I tend to have less energy and feel more sluggish. But if I simply swipe on some lipstick, I

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Lafayette Today ~ January 2013 - Page 21 feel like I can conquer the world. When you can look in the mirror and feel that you are an attractive and confident person, you will have the ability to go out into life prepared for the difficult challenges the coming year may bring. Sticking to New Year’s resolutions may be difficult, but making a positive change in your life does not have to be. The Fraxel Dual laser treatment is a great way to feel restored, rejuvenated, and ultimately more youthful. When you exude confidence, doors begin to open. Whether it’s getting the job of your dreams, smiling more, or simply living a happier life, a winter renewal should be a priority for everyone this New Year. As always, I look forward to the opportunity of meeting you soon for an in-depth consultation for Fraxel Dual or any of the options available at Persons Plastic Surgery that will help you leave winter behind feeling fresh and rejuvenated. Dr. Barbara Persons is a Plastic Surgeon and owns Persons Plastic Surgery, Inc. located at 911 Moraga Rd, Suite 205 in Lafayette. She may be reached at 925.283.4012 or drbarb@ Advertorial personsplasticsurgery.com.

“The Best Is Yet to Be” Forum The fifth annual “The Best Is Yet to Be” forum will take place from 8:45AM to 1PM on Friday, February 22nd in Walnut Creek. Five speakers will describe elements of positive aging. Topics include new nutritional guidelines, avoiding scams, benefits of pet ownership, and creative ways of dealing with challenges. A free senior information fair will be held throughout the morning next door to the forum. Sixteen exhibitors will describe their varied services and furnish prizes, pamphlets, and gifts. The events will be held at Heather Farm Community Center, located at 301 N. San Carlos Drive in Walnut Creek. Sponsor of the event is the nonprofit Diablo Valley Foundation for the Aging. It will donate proceeds to the Walnut Creek Seniors Club. “Our goal is to give seniors and their offspring information and ideas that will enrich their lives,” said Robert Kain, the foundation’s executive director. Speakers at the forum include nutritionist Kathy Napoli, who will describe “The Secrets to Longevity,” and Elena Bicker, ARF’s executive director, who will talk about the benefits of owning a pet. Concord Transcript columnist Ezio Kobyashi’s subject is “It Pays to Stay Active.” Consultant Tony Jimenez’s topic is “Creative Ways to Cope with Challenges.” Eloise Patella, manager of Family Protective Services, will focus on the latest senior scams and ways to avoid them. Lunch is included in the $20 admission. For tickets at the door, the admission is $25. To register, visit www.dv-fa.org or call (925) 945-8040.

Hospice of the East Bay is pleased to offer a variety of support groups and workshops for adults, children, and teens experiencing grief after the death of a loved one. Classes are offered at Hospice’s administrative offices at 3470 Buskirk Avenue in Pleasant Hill. Dumploads OnUs specializes in Support Groups for Adults: • Adults Who Have Lost a Parent - Mondays, 6 - 8M, January 28 - providing the ultimate junk removal March 25, 2013 solution. We’ll haul PM • Widow and Widowers’ Support - Thursdays, 1:30 to 3:30 , January 3 - away just about anything - from old household junk to construcFebruary 21, 2013 and/or Wednesdays, 6 to 8PM, February 6 - March 27, 2013 tion and yard waste. The only items we are unable to accept are • Drop-In Bereavement Support Group - 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of hazardous the month, 4:30 - 6PM materials. We • Computers make getting • Cables Support Group for Children and Teens: • TVs • The Bridge - Bi-monthly support program for grieving children and rid of your unwanted junk • Monitors teens. Support is also available for parents/guardians. New participants as easy as 925.934.3743 • 925.934.1515 • Servers can start at any time! 1-2-3; we load, www.dumploadsonus.com • www.erecycleonus.com • Phones Bereavement Services are provided free of charge to all community we sweep, and 1271 Boulevard Way, Walnut Creek • Printers members in need, however, donations are greatly appreciated. Pre- then we haul Monday-Friday, 8-5 • Saturday 9-1, Sunday, closed •Copiers registration is required for all groups and classes, except our drop-in away. It’s that • Fax Machines • Power Supply Units • Discs and Tapes group. To register, please call Hospice of the East Bay at (925) 887-5681. easy! • Scanners • Printer Cartridges and Toners • And More... Established in 1977, Hospice of the East Bay is a not-for-profit agency Plus we do it with a smile! that helps people cope with end of life by providing medical, emotional, spiritual, and practical support for patients and families, regardless of their ability to pay. Hospice of the East Bay is a 501 (c) (3) not-for-profit, organization that relies on the support of the community we serve. For more information visit www.hospiceeastbay.org.

Page 22 - January 2013 ~ Lafayette Today

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Events for Lafayette Seniors

Our mission is to provide personalized care, help All classes are held at the Lafayette Senior maintain independence and enhance our Center (LSC) located at 500 Saint Mary’s client’s quality of life on a daily basis. Rd in Lafayette unless otherwise noted. • Free in-home assessments • Regular home visits Space is limited. Please call 925-284-5050 ensure the right care plan • Hourly care Heartfelt & to reserve a spot. Annual Membership fee: for you • Live-in care Supportive $10 per person. General Event fee: Members • Fully bonded and insured • Geriatric care mgmt. • Elder referral and placement $1; Non-Member $3. Special Concerts fee: At All Times... Members $3; Non-Members $5. Ongoing 3645 Mt. Diablo Blvd., Suite D Lafayette, CA 94549 Caregiver Support Group: Members: no (beside Trader Joe’s) www.excellentcareathome.com 925-284-1213 charge; Non-members $1. PM Lamorinda Dance Social Every Wednesday • 12:30 – 3 • Live group will meet through May. Included will be an optional outing to St. Oak Room, LSC - Enjoy afternoon dancing every Wednesday, and learn Mary’s for their Creative Writing Reading Series. some great new dance moves. On the first Wednesday monthly, professional Home Maintenance – 13 ‘Must-Know’ Tips Thursday, 1/31 dancers Karen and Michael will provide a dance lesson and live DJ services, • 10:30 – noon • Sequoia Room - How often should you have a pest playing your favorites and taking requests. $2 Members/ $4 non-members. inspection done? When was the last time you painted your house? Does the Lafayette Senior Services Commission 4th Thursday of the month roof still leak into the garage? Your home is often the largest asset you own. from 3:30 – 5:30PM at the LSC - View agendas at the City of Lafayette of- Learn 13 important tips on maintaining your home BEFORE it becomes an fice or at www.ci.lafayette.ca.us. issue. Fifteen-year Real Estate Broker, Mark Shaw, has sold and inspected Senior Nature Walk and Bird-Watching Every Wednesday starting 1/16 hundreds of homes and has seen almost everything. Keep your home in tip-top • 9AM - 11AM • Call LSC to find out weekly meeting locations - Experience nature shape and maintain its value! Presented by Mark Shaw, Realtor and Violinist at its finest along our local trails. Delight in the beauty that unfolds around each bend, Book Club 3rd Tuesday monthly, 1/15, 2/19, 3/19 • 1 – 3PM • all the while learning to identify a variety of birds. Bring a water bottle; binoculars Elderberry Room - Looking for a good book to talk about with others? will be helpful if you have them. Join us every Wednesday or whenever you are able. Join this brand-new, informal group of book lovers, and enjoy enrichment, ‘Common Threads’ Stitching Group Every Wednesday • 2 – 3:30PM • discussion, fellowship, and refreshments. The books to be read will be decided Elderberry Room, LSC- You will be amazed at the works of art Ben Pettersson, AKA at the first meeting, so bring your suggestions! Stitcher Extraordinaire, has created with needle, embroidery floss, and cross-stitch fabric. Discovering Opera: Verdi’s Il Trovatore Tuesday, 2/5 • 1:30 – 3:00pm Whether you are a seasoned cross-stitcher or newbie beginner, join this ongoing, drop-in • Lafayette Library, Arts & Science Room - Take a sprawling Spanish group for instruction, guidance, or simply a relaxing afternoon spent with fellow stitchers. play, condense it into a libretto for an opera that runs a bit more than two hours, and Allow Ben to guide you regarding supplies and designs for a new cross-stitch project, you get an opera that is as legendary for its complicated plot as it is for its music. or bring your own (needlepoint, knitting, crochet, etc. are welcome, too!) That music includes the Anvil Chorus, a blood-and-thunder aria for the tenor, and Come Play Dominoes! Wednesdays 1:30-3PM • Cedar Room, LSC - Join us plenty of virtuosic singing for all four principals. Lecturer and 35 year opera lover every Wednesday for a rousing game of dominoes, refreshments, and socializing. Bradford Wade, will present a guided tour of the opera, explain the plot in simple Come out and challenge your brain, meet friends – old and new, or just spend an terms, and illustrate it with a number of musical examples. This lecture is given enjoyable afternoon over the game table. Feel free to drop in any time. in conjunction with Opera San Jose’s production of Il Trovatore, February 9-24. Come Play Mahjong! Every Tuesday 1PM–3:30PM • Sequoia Room, Cross-Stitch for Beginners Every Wednesday, starting 1/16 • 2:00 LSC - Come join us on Tuesdays for a drop-in game of mahjong. Mahjong is a – 3:30 • Elderberry Room, LSC- Join this ongoing, drop-in group for game of skill, strategy, and certain degree of chance. All levels welcome. Bring one-on-one instruction, guidance, or simply a relaxing afternoon spent with fellow your card, a mahjong set and a snack to share (optional). RSVP not required. stitchers. Allow Ben Petterson, stitcher extraordinaire, to guide you regarding Hearing Screening • First Wednesday of the Month 2/6, 3/6 • Alder designs and supplies for a new project, or bring your own. You will be amazed at Room, LCC - Audiologists from Hearing Science/Diablo Valley Ear, Nose, the works of art Ben has created with needle, embroidery floss, and cross-stitch and Throat will screen your hearing. An appointment is required. Please call fabric. Many free supplies are available at the class – please help yourself! Lafayette Senior Services at 284-5050 to sign up for one of the following Words of Wisdom…From the Philosophical to the Lighthearted 3rd appointment times: 1:00, 1:20, 1:40, 2:00 Tuesday Monthly 1/15, 2/19, 3/19 • 10:30 –Noon • Elderberry Room, Self-Discovery and Aging, Creative Writing Workshop • 2nd and 4th LSC - Take part in this free-wheeling exchange of inspiration, information, and humor. Thursday monthly 1/11, 1/25, 2/8, 2/22, 3/8, 3/22 • 3 - 5PM • Elderberry Topics – from soup to nuts - will be explored, examined, and discussed by participants. Room, LCC - Join creative writing and english instructor Judith Rathbone and Long-time Lafayette resident Paul Fillinger’s stories and photographs will stimulate write to explore issues around aging, emotion and perception–or get support to humorous discoveries regarding the benefits of becoming the ‘elders of our tribe.’ write on any topic! Workshop sessions include writing prompts, feedback and Anne Randolph Presentation: Parkinson’s Friday, 1/25 • 11:30 – encouragement, and information about the world of writers, writing, and publishing. 12:30 • Sequoia Room, LSC - Living with Parkinson’s disease (PD) can be Positive Living Forum (“Happiness Club”) Thursdays 1/10, challenging, but there are things you can do to maintain your quality of life and live 2/14, 3/14 • 10:30AM – noon • Toyon Room, LSC - Brighten your well. Learn about the stages of PD and how to optimize your physical ability as long as day with Dr. Bob Nozik, MD, Prof. Emeritus UCSF and author of Happy possible. Anne Randolph, RPT, has been practicing physical therapy for 35 years. She 4 Life: Here’s How to Do It. Take part in this interactive gathering which provides outpatient therapy in Lafayette and specializes in the care of those 55 and over. features speakers on a wide range of topics that encourage and guide • Free Memory Screening - Held on 1/25 and 3/22. Call 284-5050 to participants towards a more ideal and positive life experience. sign up for one of the following appointment times: 12:30, 12:50, 1:10PM.

Bi-Monthly Caregiver Support Group with Carol Shenson, MA, Certified Geriatric Care Manager, Mondays 1/14, 1/28, 2/11, 2/25, 3/11, 3/25 • 1:30–2:30PM • Elderberry Room, LSC - If you are a family member helping to care for an older adult, join our

“Love is Here to Stay” Piano Jazz Concert Friday, 2/15 • 1:30 – 2:30 • Lafayette Library, Community Hall - Come celebrate the month

support group to find balance and joy as you manage your responsibilities.

of Valentine’s Day with our love of piano jazz. Songs from the Great American Songbook may include tunes by Gershwin, A. Jobim, Duke Ellington and Dave Brubeck, as interpreted by members of CCPAS. Call LSC to reserve your spot.

Document Your Life Story 1/16, 1/30, 2/20, 3/20 – Cedar Room, LSC & 2/6, 3/6 – Sequoia Room, LSC • 1 - 3:30PM - If you have

Free Peer Counseling 3rd Wednesday of the month 1/16, 2/20, 3/20 • Cedar Room, LSC - Contra Costa Health Services offers free one-

wanted to write the stories, memories, and experiences of your life but haven’t known where to start, wait no longer. Michael Caligaris, MFA Candidate in Creative Writing, Saint Mary’s College will guide you through the process of leaving a living history for future generations –what a gift! This drop-in

on-one counseling with senior (55+) counselors who use their life experiences to help other older adults cope with life changes, problems, crises, and challenges. Confidentiality is strictly observed. Appointment required. Call LSC to sign up for one of the following appointment times: 10:00, 10:30, 11:00, or 11:30AM.

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Lafayette Today ~ January 2013 - Page 23

Happy New Year! By Mary Bruns, Program Coordinator, Lamorinda Senior Transportation, an Alliance of Transportation Providers A friend of mine sent me an email link with a video of flowers opening through the lens of time lapse photography. The filmmaker explained how looking at nature in this way gives us a sense of the connectedness of all life. These unfolding pictures lead up to an older man speaking with appreciation for each day, referring to each day as a gift that is given to us and therefore the only appropriate response is gratefulness. He suggests that we cultivate gratitude for each day, responding to the new day as if it is the first day or the last day of our life. He also suggests that we look at the sky and notice how different it is from moment to moment, and that we look at the faces we meet and consider the stories behind those faces. This brought to mind two recent experiences. A short time ago, I learned that one of my two cats has kidney dysfunction which will shorten her life expectancy; then about one month later, she had a seizure after being suddenly awakened by the shrill sound of the smoke alarm. These two experiences made me realize that she would not be with me forever and that I need to practice being more present throughout my remaining time with her. This pending loss seems to expand the heart center and helps to increase acceptance for life expressing as it is, recognizing that all things change and evolve over time. The holidays bring home how connected or unconnected we feel to the people in our life – which may contribute to why many people have a hard time with this season as it sometimes highlights what’s missing in our life. So, this month as we set goals for the New Year, let’s take a moment to look back over the last year to evaluate where we have been and what we have accomplished, gained, and lost. Then we may wish to consider how we may increase our appreciation for each moment of life as well as look for ways to increase our connectedness to those around us. Here at Lamorinda Senior Transportation, which includes all the programs listed at right, we are sending you our good wishes for the coming year. May it bring you an abundance of health, peace, love, joy, and prosperity. The picture of drivers and passengers was taken at the recent Lafayette Senior Services’ Holiday Concert. The Lamorinda Spirit Van, Senior Helpline Services, Orinda Seniors Around Town, and

ARCHITECT

the Contra Costa Yellow Cab and DeSoto Company appreciate your patronage and support, and we look forward to serving you in the coming year. We are especially grateful for our volunteer and staff drivers, who make our service possible.

Lamorinda Senior Transportation An Alliance of Transportation Providers 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. You may make your tax-deductible check payable to the City of Lafayette; write “Lamorinda Spirit on the memo line; mail to: Lamorinda Spirit Van, Lafayette Senior Services, 500 Saint Mary’s Road, Lafayette, CA 94549.

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

Orinda Seniors Around Town

402-4506

Volunteer drivers serving Orinda seniors with free rides to appointments and errands. Phone for information, opportunities to volunteer, and to donate.

Senior Helpline Services Rides for Seniors

284-6161

Volunteer drivers serving Contra Costa seniors with rides to doctors’ appointments during the week. Grocery shopping on Saturdays. Phone for information, opportunities to volunteer, and to donate.

STANDARD POODLE PUPPIES

JOHN ROLF HATTAM - ARCHITECT Specializes in modest budget, new and renovated residences. Over 200 completed projects. Brochures available for all of our professional services •RESIDENTIAL RENOVATION •NEW RESIDENCES •CHURCHES •COMMERCIAL •MULTI-FAMILY. For the brochure meeting your need call 510-841-5933. 737 Dwight Way, Berkeley.

STANDARD POODLE PUPPIES ready for Valentine's Day. Apricot, cream, white, silver, black born December 3rd, can go home at 8 weeks. Come see and reserve now. Many local references. $800. See Sweetbriar Standard Poodles Facebook page or call DuBose (Bo) Forrest at 925-284-3345.

Lafayette Today Classifieds Reach over 11,500 homes and businesses in Lafayette - Help Wanted, For Sale, Services, Lessons, Pets, Rentals, Wanted, Freebies... $35 for up to 45 words. $5 for each additional 15 words. Send or email submissions to: 3000F Danville Blvd #117, Alamo, CA 94507 or editor@yourmonthlypaper.com. Run the same classified ad in our sister papers “Alamo Today” or “Danville Today News” and pay half off for your second and/or third ad! Payment by check made out to “The Editors” must be received before ad will print. Your cancelled check is your receipt. We reserve the right to reject any ad. ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Name_________________________________________ Address___________________________________________ # of Words_______________

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Page 24 - January 2013 ~ Lafayette Today

SEED continued from front page SEED helps to fund a popular 12week Behavioral Management parent education class taught by Robin Hauge (MS CCC-SLP) and Clarissa Montanaro, Consultant and Parent Educator. The course emphasizes positive behavioral strategies and provides parents with tools to support their child in home and community settings. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The success of this program as been measured by overwhelming feedback describing an increase in home manageability and corresponding decrease in parental stress,â&#x20AC;? says Levandowski. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Providing support and education to parents in the home translates to gains in the school environment as well.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Raising any child presents its share of challenges,â&#x20AC;? says parent Mark Katches, â&#x20AC;&#x153;but the SEED behavioral classes are especially helpful for parents who have children with special needs. Our little guy is on the autism spectrum. Understanding the way he sees the world hasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t always been easy. But the instructors provide an array of tools that really work. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve noticed a remarkable difference in the way our son connects with us -- and the way we Custom Glass Doors connect with him. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s made our home a calmer, happier place.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our lives were changed by taking the Behavioral Class sponsored by SEED,â&#x20AC;? agrees parent Jennifer Craine. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The class provided the framework that helped my son make some incredible developmental gains over the past year and provided us with many tools that helped his ability to listen, understand, and also follow through without the typical meltdowns we experienced.â&#x20AC;? Teacher education and development courses have included training at the UC Davis MIND Institute and Linda Mood Bell intensive reading and Open Tues thru Sat 10 to 6 comprehension training for Learning :\UKH` [V Â&#x2039; *SVZLK 4VUKH` Center teachers, and this February, SEED is providing scholarships for six teachers to attend a one day program on developing studentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Executive Functioning skills. Burton Valley Learning Center educator Alissa Levenberg attended the Linda Mood Bell training. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Because of this training I am able to use cutting edge, research-based strategies to help my students with decoding, spelling, and reading comprehension. I can see it make an impact on my students every day, and I remain deeply grateful to SEED for providing me with this opportunity.â&#x20AC;? Levandowski emphasizes the need for volunteers and SEED liaisons at each of the Lafayette school campuses. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are currently seeking help with fundraising, grant writing, website design/ maintenance, and PR/communications. And we are accepting donations for our spring auction.â&#x20AC;? To help, please email SEEDlafayette@comcast.net. For more information, visit www.Seedlafayette.org, or for SEED updates, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Likeâ&#x20AC;? their Facebook page at SEED Special Education Foundation.

SPARE THE AIR USE GAS LOGS & FIRE PITS

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Community Service Day A few hours of service can make a positive change in our community! On Saturday, January 26th, member volunteers of Lafayette United Methodist Church will be serving those in need, and the public is invited to participate. Service projects benefiting the Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano, Bay Area Rescue Mission, Juvenile Hall â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Hall Closet, Shelter, Inc., Monument Crisis Center, and Toys for Tots will be available for all ages and skill levels. For more information, please visit http://thelumc.org/service/changetheworld or call (925) 284-4765. Please pre-register to help by January 20th.