Lafayette_Today_Mar_2015

Lafayette Today 2014 Page 21 25 Lafayette Today ~January March 2015 Lafayette Today ~~February 2015 -- Page 21

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March 2015 Teambuilding

By Fran Miller

Being outdoors isn’t just fun and healthy, it’s also good for business according to former Lafayette residents Trudy Triner and Jack Foley, the mother and son team behind Paleoventures Wilderness Teambuilding Offsites. Foley, a 2004 Acalanes High School and Sonoma State graduate and outdoor educator, and Triner, with years of experience in organization development, embarked upon their venture after Foley confessed to his mom that his stable but unengaging job at a prestigious East Bay institution was ‘killing his soul.’ After gaining a unique perspective working in such venues as Burning Man DPW, Tough Mudder, and Trackers Earth Bay for several years, Foley could not envision a mundane future and wondered how he might turn his love of the outdoors into a career.

At about this same time, Triner was retiring as Director of Leadership Development for Patient Care Services at Kaiser Permanente, and she was

Serving the Lafayette Community Marechal Duncan: Lafayette’s 2015 Citizen of the Year

The “keeper” of Lafayette's history, is making a little history of his own. Ninetythree year old Marechal Duncan is still leading the charge on many projects in Lafayette. Marechal was picked from a distinguished list of nominees as this year’s Citizen of the Year. He and his wife Doris have been residents of Lafayette for 60 years. It seems as if Marechal never slows down, and you can find him everywhere. His passions include the Lafayette Historical Society, where he currently serves as Vice President, and the Lafayette Community Foundation’s Liaison Committee for Seniors, where he serves as Co-chair for the annual Senior Symposium. Marechal also served as Co-chair of the Lafayette Sesquicentennial Celebration in 1998.

Marechal is always telling us, “Today’s news is tomorrow’s history.”

Now Marechal will too will be part of the long history of Citizens of the Year that have helped shape the Lafayette we know and love today.

The Citizen of the Year event takes place at the Lafayette Park Hotel & Spa on Friday, March 27. Online registration can be found at www. lafayettecahmber.org. Cocktails begin at 6PM and dinner will be served at 7PM. Please come celebrate and congratulate Marechal.

Lafayette Rotary Club Candy Scramble

Jack Foley of Paleoventures explains a team building task.

speculating on what the future might bring. She hoped she might find something equally as satisfying as her work at Kaiser. Today, the two work together utilizing their distinctive strengths as co-founders and partners in Paleoventures.

The mission of Paleoventures is to provide outdoor learning experiences for teams in order to increase their cohesion and effectiveness while gaining a new appreciation of, and respect for, the natural environment. The outcomes for participants typically include greater appreciation of their teammates, increased communication skills, and an increased ability to work together as a team. In addition, they learn a variety of practical outdoor skills.

“Stepping away from one’s typical environment and instead being in nature, having fun, and learning new things together can have profound and long-lasting benefits for a team,” says Triner. “And more successful teams mean a more successful organization. It just works that way.”

Paleoventures draws companies from the healthcare and finance industries, nonprofit groups providing social services, and organizations involved in wildlife rehabilitation. Their goal is to provide an exceptional offsite experience that combines wilderness skills-focused activities, team challenges and work relevant discussions, all while participants experience, learn about, and appreciate the beauty of a wilderness landscape.

The offsites are held at open spaces, parks, beaches and other outdoor locations, and the experiences actively engage all participants no matter what each individual’s physical capacity. Briones is a spot favored by Foley and Triner, as are Mt. Diablo, the Lindsay Wildlife Museum and Borges Ranch.

See Teambuilding continued on page 10

Local Postal Customer

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

ECRWSS

Mark your calendars as the Lafayette Rotary Club is pleased to present the “Annual Candy Scramble.” This event is open to all children ages two through second grade. The event takes place at Lafayette Plaza (corner of Mt. Diablo Blvd. and Moraga Rd) in Lafayette at 10am on Saturday, April 4th.

The park lawn will be covered with candy for the kids to put in their baskets.

The youngest children are always given extra time to get their share! The Bunny will be there to take pictures with the kids. Please arrive on time as the event starts promptly at 10am. Join us for the fun.

The Candy Scramble is put on by local Rotarians who work with youth, help our community, and play an active part in international and world community service. The group meets every Thursday at 12:15pm at Oakwood Athletic Club, located at 4000 Mt. Diablo Blvd. in Lafayette.

Family Bike Ride

On Sundays, March 15, 22, and 29 from 9am-11:30am join local families for a fun, casual bike ride to Moraga Commons and back. The ride is recommended for ages 7 years and up.

Volume IX - Number 3 Bring younger children in a trailer or on 3000F Danville Blvd #117 Alamo, CA 94507 your bike as they’ll have fun playing Telephone (925) 405-6397 at the Commons. Please bring Fax (925) 406-0547 snacks and water. The ride meets editor@yourmonthlypaper.com and kicks off on the LafayetteAlisa Corstorphine ~ Publisher Moraga Trail at The opinions expressed herein belong to the writers, and do not necessarily reflect that of Lafayette Today. Lafayette Stanley Middle Today is not responsible for the content of any of the advertising herein, nor does publication imply endorsement.

School.

Page 2 - March 2015 ~ Lafayette Today

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Friends of the Lafayette Library Bookmark Contest

The Friends of the Lafayette Library Bookmark Contest is happening again! The contest is open to all Lafayette students, grades K-8th. Entry forms are available at the Lafayette Library and Learning Center, at Friends Corner Book Shop, and at school libraries for Lafayette School District and St. Perpetua School students. The entry deadline is Friday, March 27th. Winners will receive a gift certificate from The Storyteller Bookstore and complimentary framing of their bookmarks at FASTFRAME of Lafayette. For more information, contact Mary Ransdell - mbransdell@comcast.net.

Host Families Sought for Visiting French Students

For the tenth consecutive year, students from a large high school in the South of France are coming to the East Bay. The students will arrive on April 11th and depart April 25th. The teens stay with local families and have a full itinerary of activities during the days and only require your attention in the evenings and weekends. Fifteen additional families are needed to host this year’s group!

The visit is an ideal opportunity to experience another culture and hopefully consider visiting France in return. Anyone interested in hosting a student (or students!) is welcome to participate.

For more information or to find out about past year’s programs, please contact Martine Causse (teacher in charge of the group), at caussefly@wanadoo.fr or dachary.martine@orange.fr.

There are many happy local host families ready to discuss any questions with you. The local contact is Kevin Dimler, who can be reached at kevindimler@gmail.com or 925-718-5052.

Become an American Red Cross Hero

Heroes come in all shapes and sizes. They don’t wear capes or special suits, and their badge of honor is the bandage that shows they gave the “gift of life.” The American Red Cross and Be The Match encourage eligible donors to become hometown heroes and answer the call of patients in need by donating blood and registering to be a potential bone marrow donor. Together these two organizations are hosting a blood drive and bone marrow registry on Saturday, March 14 from 9AM to 3PM at Moraga Sons in Retirement Valley Presbyterian Church, 10 Moraga Valley Lane in Moraga.

Sons In Retirement - Branch 116 welcomes guests to socialize with us at our Donating blood is one of the simplest things a person can do to help save monthly luncheon beginning at 11AM on Monday, March 16th and held at the a patient’s life. Registering to be a potential bone marrow donor is as easy as Walnut Creek Elks Lodge, 1475 Creekside Dr. The speaker will be Bernat Rosner completing a quick evaluation and performing a check swab. Give blood or join who was born in 1932 in rural Hungary. At the age of 12, he was loaded onto a Be The Match registry, and there could be a whole community of people thankful train with his family and the rest of the village’s Jewish inhabitants and taken to for another birthday given to their loved one.

Auschwitz. He was the only member of his family to survive the gas chambers Simply download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit and the other horrors of the Nazi concentration camps. Bernie came to the United redcrossblood.org, or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) to make an States in 1948 at the age of 16, and received his education at Cornell University appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a and Harvard Law School. He spent his 35 year career in the legal department of reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other Safeway Inc and the last ten as the Company’s General Council. After his retireforms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of ment in 1994, he met Fritz Tubach, who was his same age, but was the son of age, weigh at least 110 pounds, and are in generally good health may be eligible to a Nazi military officer. They became friends and decided to share their intimate donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger story and co-wrote a book, An Uncommon Friendship, which tells the unique also have to meet certain height and weight requirements. story of two youths trapped on opposite sides of the Holocaust. Please call (925) To become a marrow donor, registration is simple and involves completing a 322-1160 for lunch reservations. The cost for lunch is $15. health history form and performing a cheek swab. A person must be between the If you are retired or semi-retired and want to make new friends, participate in ages of 18 and 44, meet the health guidelines, and be willing to donate to any fun activities and better enjoy your leisure time, we welcome you to join us. Our patient in need. Individuals will become a member of the Be The Match Registry member activities include book discussions, bridge, computers, dine-outs, fishing, until their 61st birthday. If one is called match, most transplants are currently done golf, hiking/walking, investments, poker, travel, wine tastings, and more fun things. through a peripheral blood stem cell (PBSC) donation – no surgery is needed. More If these are activities you like to do, then you may find even greater enjoyment information can be found by visiting www.bethematchfoundation.org/goto/mvpc. in doing them with the friendly group of retirees in the SIRs organization. For The American Red Cross shelters, feeds, and provides emotional support to information about our activities for retired men, please visit www.Branch116.org. victims of disasters, supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood, teaches skills that No-Cost Energy and Water Assessments save lives, provides international humanitarian aid, and supports military members This summer, Rising Sun Energy Center’s California Youth Energy Services and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on (CYES) program will provide local residents with no-cost energy and water volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For conservation services through a partnership with Pacific Gas and Electric more information, please visit redcross.org or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.

Company the City of Lafayette, the Town of Moraga, and local water districts.

For people with life-threatening blood cancers like leukemia and lymphoma CYES trains and employs local youth ages 15 to 22 to become ‘Energy or other diseases, a cure exists. Be The Match is operated by the National Marrow Specialists’ who serve their city’s residents with Green House Calls (GHC).

Donor Program (NMDP), a nonprofit organization that matches patients with At each GHC, Energy Specialists perform an energy and water efficiency assessment; install energy-efficient lighting, water-efficient showerheads, and donors, educates health care professionals, and conducts research so more lives faucet aerators; perform a toilet leak detection test; inspect attic insulation; can be saved. Be The Match also provides patients and their families one-on-one provide e-waste pick-up and disposal; offer tips on recycling and energy and support, education, and guidance before, during, and after transplant. water conservation to save money on utility bills; and give an energy-conscious Search and Rescue gift from Rising Sun Energy Center — all at no cost to residents.

The Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue Team needs The program helps cities reach their Climate Action Plan targets and do their volunteer members to respond to missing person incidents, disasters, part to address California’s drought. and other critical incidents. Team members are on call 24/7 year-round.

GHC will begin July 1 and run through August 6, and calls are available on a The program provides required training; including wilderness traveling, first-come, first-served basis. Reserve your spot now and start saving on your bills! first aid, map and compass usage, tracking disaster response, and search Call 510-665-1501 x5 to schedule your Green House Call, or sign up online at skills; and may also include special training for canine, equestrian, www.risingsunenergy.org/content/greencall.html. technical, mountain bike, or other rescue skills.

For more information about Rising Sun and its programs, visit www.

For information and applications, visit www.contracostasar.org or risingsunenergy.org. call 646-4461.

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Lafayette Today ~ March 2015 - Page 3 ORGANICS

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Boulevard View

By Alisa Corstorphine, Editor Lighten your World

All too early, spring is in the air, and spring-cleaning has begun! I started with my yard in that narrow two-week pruning window that nature sets aside for certain trimming. Right before the buds bloomed, I gave drastic pruning to my fruit trees, rose bushes, and other trees in the yard. It’s amazing to open up the vegetation and let the light in. Everything feels lighter and brighter. It is amazing how a tidying and yard cleanup can invigorate me. I feel the same way indoors, and even though I know I don’t have a fraction of the junk or issues as portrayed by some on the show, Hoarders, I am still inspired to lighten my load inside our house as well.

I’ve mentioned a blog I read call Rodale News, and there was a recent article about “de-cluttering.” It noted that we can all benefit from this process and it suggests we separate the “benign” from the “malignant” items we own. The article went on to say that, “The stuff you own has power—the power to take you to another place and time, to remind you of events long past, to overwhelm or depress you. Malignant clutter poisons your point of view, your habits, and your behaviors. It makes you feel bad about the decisions you’ve made. It makes you think less of yourself. It makes you second-guess yourself. It gets in your face, undermines your confidence, and it calls you a failure. It reminds you of lost love, missed opportunities, or times past that you wish you could move on from. It’s harmful, and rooting it out must be your priority.”

It’s up to you to decide what’s benign and malignant in your household.

In the pantry it might be junk or processed foods that ended up in your shopping cart or you bought to support an organization.

How do you start? Pick a room. Carefully inspect the area and list all the malignant items—or better still, gather them in a pile on a table, where you have to deal with it. These things can bring up all kinds of emotions. The idea of throwing them out might be hard, even when you can see they’re bad for you. If so, put them aside, somewhere unobtrusive so you can think about them differently.

LANDFILL

1. Your new Recycle, Organics and Landfill carts will be delivered the day before your regular collection day.

For each piece of malignant clutter, ask yourself: • How did this get here?

• What power does this item have over me?

• Is this item helping me create the vision I have for the space?

• Is this item serving any purpose or helping me in some positive way?

• What feelings linked to this object have kept me from throwing it out?

• When was the last time I used it?

• How would I feel if this item disappeared on its own right now?

• Could this item, that’s a source of pain or disappointment to me, become a wonderful addition to someone else’s life?

I proposed to my husband that we spend time each day working on lightening our load, and after some hesitation he climbed onboard. We realize that every object we possess actually owns US and has to be taken care of – cleaned, dusted, repaired, filed, trimmed, etc. All of the time used for these chores is better enjoyed, in my opinion, taking advantage of the lovely area we live in. This place we raised our family in for the past 18 years has so much to offer, and we barely take advantage of its abundance.

There are many organizations happy to take items we no longer want.

They repurpose others unwanted items or raise funds by reselling them. I know if I ever want to re-acquire something I’ve given away, with sources like eBay I can almost always find it again. For mementos like kids artwork, it is very easy to now take pictures or scan the items so they can live on and be shared in another medium. You don’t have to keep endless tote bins of papers, cardboard, glitter, and glue!

I’ll tell you one that thing I am hoarding is water. I hope it rains, but I’m planning for the drought. Our state is facing a serious crisis, and my opinion is that without more rain we are going to have water rationing before too long. I’ve purchased two “rain catching” barrels that fill up with water from our gutters when it rains, and we have buckets we fill with the “warming up” water from our showers. We’ve found it takes about 2.5-3 gallons of water to make our shower hot in the morning, and instead of wasting that water down the drain we let it partly fill a five gallon bucket in the shower. Every drop is going to count. I’m going to use this previously wasted water to take care of my summer garden.

Happy March!

Page 4 - March 2015 ~ Lafayette Today

NOW OPEN!

Walnut Creek Veterinary Hospital Jill Christofferson, DVM 130 La Casa Via, Suite 103A Walnut Creek, CA 94598 925-448-2908 www.wcvethosp.com Chromatica Sings American Composers

Chromatica, a regional chorus recently dubbed “the undiscovered musical jewel of the East Bay,” will perform three concerts of music by American composers in April in Dublin, Danville, and Clayton Valley. The April 13th concert will be held at 7pm at Resurrection Lutheran Church, located at 7557 Amador Valley Boulevard, Dublin. On April 18th the show will be held at 7pm at Peace Lutheran Church, 3301 Camino Tassajara, Danville (a reception follows this concert), and on April 19th the show will be held at 7pm at Clayton Valley Presbyterian Church, 1578 Kirker Pass Road, Clayton.

Building on its tradition of innovative and compelling programs, the American Composers Journey will include works from as early as the 19th century scholars Stephen Foster’s “Come where my love lies dreaming” and Dominic Argento’s haunting “Dover Beach Revisited.” Morton Lauridsen’s “Nocturnes” is a recognized masterwork in modern American choral music, including three pieces in French, Spanish and English, while Rene Clausen’s “Jabberwocky” is an idiosyncratic and beguiling piece based upon the Lewis Carroll poem. Chromatica will also perform Clausen’s “One if by Land, Two if by Sea,” a tribute to Paul Revere’s ride. Eric Whitacre’s hilarious Ogden Nash settings called “Animal Crackers” will have audiences laughing while Frank Ticheli’s “Earth Song” is a touching and heartfelt tribute to singing.

The program also includes Moses Hogan’s classic (and rollicking) spiritual “My Soul’s Been Anchored in the Lord,” among other pieces.

“This program illustrates the extraordinary richness and depth of American choral composing, ranging from the deeply serious to the lighthearted and entertaining. American composers continue to expand the boundaries of modern choral composition, and I’m delighted to share this program with our enthusiastic audiences. We are always looking for good, enthusiastic singers to join us on our musical journey,” says David Huff, Chromatica’s founding musical director.

Tickets and information are available at www.chromaticachorale.org or from any member of Chromatica. Tickets may also be purchased at each location on the evening of the performance (cash or check only, please).

Chromatica, a classical and contemporary chorus, was founded in 2011 and now includes 28 men and women singers. It seeks to perform challenging pieces at a high level of professionalism. Entrance to Chromatica is by audition.

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Way Side Inn Thrift Shop’s Spring Fling

The dedicated member volunteers at Assistance League® Way Side Inn Thrift Shop, located at 3521 Golden Gate Way in Lafayette, want to remind you that spring is a time of renewal, a time when nature presents a palette ranging from soft, delicate pastels to deeper, more full bodied colors. Add a backdrop of floral prints, stripes, solids, textured easy-care fabrics designed in relaxed, gently fitted, and tailored styles, and you can rejuvenate your inhouse spring line with a few, carefully selected pieces.

The event begins on Tuesday, March 10, includes men’s long and short sleeved checkered and plaid shirts, knit polo shirts for casual and golf wear, belts, leather shoes, and a power tie or two for those who are still “on the clock.”

Likewise, a quick turn on the heel gets you to the children’s section, which features lightweight cotton items, again ranging from pastels to bright colors.

As always, the shelves are lined with toys, all of them looking for a home.

Not to be overlooked, a splendid array of spring eye candy, calorie free, includes glass/crystal baskets, china, figurines, floral, porcelain miniatures, as well as other collectibles. New spring jewelry, picture frames, and recently arrived books await your discerning eye without depleting your closely guarded wallet.

To learn aboutAssistance League of Diablo Valley’s philanthropic programs, which are funded by its thrift shop, visit diablovalley.assistanceleague.org.

Czech Composers, Folk Songs, and Fairy Tales Concert

The Gold Coast Chamber Players are proud to present their third concert of the 2014-15 season, Czech Mix. The concert will be held on Saturday, March 14 at 7:30PM at the Lafayette Library Community Hall, 3491 Mt. Diablo Blvd. in Lafayette and features Czech composers, folk songs, and fairy tales. A pre-concert talk with musicologist Kai Christiansen will start the evening at 7PM. Highly acclaimed Chicago-based pianist Yana Reznik will perform on Czech Mix. The Gold Coast Chamber Players are known for their engaging and vibrant performances.

Ticket price includes complimentary champagne, a prePM concert talk at 7 , and a reception with the musicians following the performance.

Tickets are available at www.gcplayers.org and by phone at (925) 283-3728.

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Scholastic Photography Contest

Save Mount Diablo is calling for student photo submissions for its third annual scholastic photography contest. Alameda and Contra Costa County students grades Kindergarten through 12, can submit their original photos from one of the Diablo parks, listed on the contest website, that showcase why he or she enjoys Mount Diablo's lands and thinks they should be protected for a chance to win prizes, have their art displayed, and more.

Original student photos can be submitted from one of the Diablo parks listed at www.savemountdiablo.org/photocontest.html. You will also find full details, rules, and contest entry information on the site.

All entries need to be submitted by April 15th in order to be considered.

Winners will be announced May 2nd.

The contest raises awareness about Save Mount Diablo’s work and encourages students to visit their local natural parks, explained Public Relations Manager Beryl Anderson. “This contest is a great way for us to connect with students and for students to connect with the Diablo wilderness.

After all, students are the future generations we are saving these lands for and who we hope will continue to save Mount Diablo.”

Save Mount Diablo is a non-profit 501(c)(3) conservation organization which has been preserving lands on and around Mount Diablo and educating the public to the Diablo wildernesses’ natural values since 1971. Preserved lands have increased from 6,788 acres in one park to more than 110,000 acres in more than 40 parks and preserves. Save Mount Diablo continues to preserve, defend, and restore the remainder of the mountain for people and wildlife to enjoy. For more information, call 925-947-3535 or visit www.SaveMountDiablo.org.

Lafayette Community Garden and Outdoor Learning Center Classes

Join us for the first class of the season! Get Your Garden Growing sessions will be held on Sunday, March 15 at 3932 Mt Diablo Blvd. in Lafayette (across from and just west of the Lafayette Reservoir).

Building Raised Beds ~ 1 -1:30PM

Dudley Braun and the Construction Team from the Community Garden have perfected the art of building raised beds. They will show you what they have learned and send you home with a simple handout so you can build your own.

Prepping Your Edible Garden For Spring ~ 1:30 – 3PM

Get your garden ready for a new season of growing! Join Bay Friendly Landscape Professional, Master Composter, and Garden Educator Lori Caldwell to learn the basics of preparing a productive, healthy vegetable garden. Topics will include healthy soil building, seeds versus starts, crop rotation, transitioning from a fall garden or starting from scratch, plant choice by season, and non-toxic pest control. This is a great class for beginning and intermediate gardeners.

This class is free. However, a $5 donation is appreciated to support our education programs. To register for classes or for more information, please visit www.lafayettecommunitygarden.org.

Spring into Spring!

As the Earth turns to spring, the garden plants all curl toward the sun.

Come explore with us the twists and turns of growing things. On Saturday, March 21 at 1PM, come for storytime, discovery, and crafty curls at the Lafayette Community Garden. For more information, call 925-385-2280.

Montelindo Garden Club

The Montelindo Garden Club will hold its next monthly meeting on Friday, March 20 at 9AM at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, 66 St. Stephens Drive in Orinda. Visitors are welcome The featured speaker for March’s meeting is Howard Arendtson, owner of H. Julien Designs in Berkeley, and his topic will be Floral Designs.

For more information, visit www.montelindogarden.com.

Come Help Zimbabwean Kids by Running for Fun!

JF Kapnek’s 12th Annual Family 5k/1k FUN RUN is Sunday, April 26th at 9am at Miramonte High School in Orinda. There will be face painting, crafts, brunch, Zimbabwean food, an African band, free T-shirt, a FUN RUN, prizes, and more! Go to Active.com (keyword: KAPNEK) to register today!

Lafayette Today ~ March 2015 - Page 5

Lafayette Volunteer Opportunities There are currently openings on the following Commissions and Committees:

• Bicycle Pedestrian Advisory Committee • Community Center Foundation • Capital Projects Assessments Committee (CPAC) • Circulation Commission • Creeks Committee • Crime Prevention Commission • Design Review Commission • Downtown Street Improvement Implementation Committee (DSIMPIC) • Emergency Preparedness Commission • Environmental Task Force • Parks, Trails & Recreation Commission • Planning Commission • Public Art Committee • Senior Services Commission • Youth Services Commission • Lafayette Representative to the Contra Costa County Advisory Council on Aging For additional information visit the city’s website www.lovelafayette.org or call Joanne Robbins, City Clerk 925-284-1968. Application deadline March 31, 2015.

Positions open until filled.

Lafayette Garden Club

The next Lafayette Garden Club meeting, being held on March 12, will feature Katherine Bergman presenting her program, “Spring Floral Arrangements.” Katherine is a local floral designer specializing in the romance and whimsy of “period” design through the ultramodern designs of today.

Coffee time will start at 9:30AM, and the meeting and program will be held from 10AM-noon.

The meeting will take place at the Lafayette Veterans Memorial Hall, 3780 Mt. Diablo Blvd., Lafayette.

Lafayette Garden Club welcomes guests. Email any questions you have to cpoetzsch@gmail.com.

Lafayette Hiking Group

To participate in hikes, meet in the parking lot out from Lafayette BART’s main entrance. We form carpools to the trailhead. Bring lunch or snacks, water, layered clothing, good walking shoes, sun protection, and money to contribute toward gas, bridge tolls, and parking ($3-5).

Saturday, March 21: George Miller Trail, Martinez

Enjoy views of the water, trees, and hills from the road and a paved trail above the Carquinez Strait. This will include the newly constructed George Miller Trail, which was completed and dedicated in November 2014. Listen to birds and the whistle of trains passing along the shoreline.

Meet at 8:30AM. Distance: 6 miles, moderate. Leader: Michael Johnson

Saturday, March 28: Bear Valley to Arch Rock, Point Reyes National Seashore

This hike is in honor of Dick Davis, who last led us on this route in 2010.

We start at the Park Headquarters in Olema and follow a wide shaded trail to the ocean at Arch Rock. Enjoy the lush ferns and green landscape, followed by a picnic with ocean views and breezes. Meet at 8AM. Distance: 8 miles, moderate. Leaders: Chester and Liz Jung Email any questions to LafayetteHiking@comcast.net.

Page 6 - March 2015 ~ Lafayette Today

The Bookworm

By Joan Stevenson

Jessica came running into our house, her treasure gripped in her fist. She handed the paper cup to me, and with a grin she asked me to look at the spindly stem reaching over the rim. “My seed, Nana. It germinated!” “Wow, Jess, that is a big word,” I said. Her eyes sparkled with parental pride! “It means my seed is growing up!” she noted. Twenty years ago Alice Waters introduced the idea of the “Edible Schoolyard” which aimed to involve students in the experience of growing, harvesting, preparing, and sharing food.

And her idea grew. This year kids and adults are invited to celebrate spring by coming to the Lafayette Community Garden (across from the Lafayette Reservoir) on Saturday, March 21st at 1pm. There will be time to discover the emerging seedlings as well as have a story time and construct crafts.

With spring in the air, I want to head out the door, and there’s no better way to do it than with a naturalist to teach me how to be a better observer and even an artist. Join us for a monthly nature journaling workshop with John (Jack) Muir Laws beginning March 12th from 1-2:30pm. Laws; an award winning educator, artist, and wildlife biologist; is a Research Associate of the California Academy of Science in San Francisco. See the possibilities of what a journal can be and how to make journaling and drawing a life-changing habit. In this class you will learn the practices that make journaling a lifelong routine, get tips to help you to set up your journal, test logistics for sketching in the field, and learn a foundational strategy to draw any subject. Mr. Laws will also be our speaker on April 21st at Science Café. His topic will be How to Think Like a Naturalist. He will share his love of the natural world and outline how thinking like a naturalist can improve one’s skills of observation, memory, and appreciation of the natural world.

On Thursday, March 19th at 7PM the Friends of LLLC welcome novelist and poet Elizabeth Rosner to Sweet Thursday. Join us for an evening with Rosner to discuss her recently published works Electric City and Gravity.

Electric City is a story about the author’s hometown long before she lived there. It is a mix of world-changing history makers, Thomas Edison and Charles Steinmetz, coupled against a bewitching love triangle. Elizabeth’s

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love of words shines in this book.

The next half-price book sale at the Friends Corner Book Shop will be held on March 21st from 9am-5pm. I love the snippets of sale days that Gayla Manning shares with me. Gayla noted that there was recently a wonderful customer who purchased $7 of books and paid with a $100 bill but refused any change, and there was also a midday customer who said this was the happiest day of her life because the sale offered (and she bought) so many cat mysteries by Lilian Jackson Braun.

A teenager came in and bought 12 books, paying for them in quarters from her dad’s stash. Isn’t it magical what happens when you are around books?

The Bay Area Storytellers are returning, and if you have never heard a professional storyteller spin a yarn, come to the Community Hall at 6:30pm on Wednesday, March 25th. You will not be disappointed! For kids, the Terrible Two are coming on Thursday, March 26th at 3:30pm. Mac Barnett is back and he’s bringing his friend, Jory John, with him. Meet this terrific team of authors as they present their new book, The Terrible Two. Barnett and John have created a fast paced, laugh-out-loud novel which is sure to appeal to those who appreciate a good prank and have a sense of justice. The Storyteller Bookstore will have copies of the book available for purchase and signing. Be prepared to laugh yourself silly!

Flock of Flutes is the East Bay’s Premiere Flute Choir, and they will be with us on March 28th at 2pm. Susan Sigge began the group ten years ago. It provides an outlet to many Bay Area flutists who are looking for performing opportunities in an innovative environment. They perform a wide repertoire including classical arrangements (of standard orchestral, small ensembles, and band music), jazz arrangements, and new works for flute choirs.

Here’s news for the four-legged members of your household – Dogtown Downtown is back on April 11th. A parade takes off from Lafayette Plaza at 10am, and there will be activities and contests. Remember last year when Golden Gate Way was jammed with canines? Learn more at www.LLLCF.org/downtown.

An exciting new series features good friends and writers, Joyce Maynard and Joe Loya, in conversation with authors-of-note. Joyce and Joe will share the stories of how they came to be writers, their experiences in the literary world, and a discussion of the writing process. This is one you will not want to miss. Stay tuned for future dates.

The theme for national library week is “Unlimited possibilities @ your library®.” Doesn’t that sum up the Lafayette Library and Learning Center?

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Lafayette Today ~ March 2015 - Page 7

Technology Making an Impact in Lafayette…and Across the Nation

By Ruth Bailey, Lafayette Historical Society

Lafayette Motors

50 Years Ago

Independent service and repair for Jaguar

The February 5th, 1965, Lafayette Sun reported on an exciting development in the postal service, CARLOS “KIKO” CAICEDO one that’s still serving through rain, snow, sleet, and hail: “Postmaster L.G. Burnholtz said today he has received word from Postmaster General John A. Gronouski, in Washington, D.C., that a big Shop (925) 284-4852 Cell (925) 285-0783 breakthrough has been made on electronic machines to ‘read’ ZIP-coded addresses on mail. lafayettemotors@gmail.com “The Postmaster General said he expects to begin installing these sophisticated new machines in major post offices starting in about a year. Burnholtz said each machine will be able to sort, as well as 3470 Golden Gate Way , Lafayette, CA 94549 read, at the rate of 35,000 letters an hour.

“The machines will speed incoming mail to smaller offices from major cities. He emphasized that the introduction of the ‘seeing eye’ devices next year doesn’t mean ZIP Code isn’t useful Independent service and repair for Mercedes Benz already. These machines will be just another step to help keep pace with the growing volumes of mail. The machines will not endanger jobs—they will only help us meet mail expansion with minimum manpower expansion.” [And just so you know, your intrepid reporter was taught not to JERRY FIGUEROA use those little quote marks to highlight a pun or unusual word choice, such as ‘seeing eye.’ My Shop (925) 284-4852 instructor called them “apologetic quotes.”]

Cell (510) 754-1942 And then, in the aviation/transportation arena, we had this in the Sun a week later: “Contra Costa lafayettemotors@gmail.com ‘Copters Come Closer. The first heliport in Contra Costa jumped another hurdle when the County 3470 Golden Gate Way , Lafayette, CA 94549 Planning Commission voted 5-1 in favor of amending the county’s precise airport plan.

“April 1 is the proposed target date when San Francisco Oakland Airlines plans to start service at the Hillside Heliport, located between the Hillside Motel and Hwy 24. The planners admitted evidence in a noise test taken by the county industrial health director. He took the noise readings at a home in Sunset Village. It was this residential area which protested the proposed heliport by marching 150-strong on Martinez on February 2.

“The director said the sound level in this test was equal to a jet plane going overhead, and higher than that of trucks and buses. The test was short—the duration of the landing and takeoff of a 12-passenger helicopter.

“Donn Black, a resident of Sunset Village, opposed the heliport. He observed that the helicopter never touched the ground, and it was unknown what would have happened if it unloaded passengers and took off. He stressed that the test was done with a smaller ‘copter than the 26-passenger plane San Francisco Oakland plans to use within a year. One resident said she heard the helicopter over her vacuuming, and the noise awakened her baby.”

The heliport went into operation in April 1965 and operated nine daily flights on weekdays, three on Saturdays and six on Sundays. In July 1968 the whirlybirds were banished to Buchanan Field, due mainly to Lafayette citizens’ continuing protests.

Now we’ll turn from technology to a touching little vignette of a short-term local th resident, headlined in the February 19 Sun: “Junior, the Beloved Chimp of Orinda, Tips his Hat and Strolls off to Zoo.” “Today Junior the chimp leaves for his new home at the St. Louis Zoo. The John Meyers of Orinda have had Junior as a family member since July, and his antics have brought mixed blessings.

“We took him to the San Francisco Zoo to look at the other chimpanzees, but he hid his head. He wouldn’t even look at them,” Mrs. Meyers said. “The family regretfully gave him up because ‘He’s just getting to be too much.’ One of his recent playful tricks was climbing into a neighbor’s car and releasing the parking brake. The car rolled down the hill, narrowly missing a vehicle coming up the hill, and the prank cost about $650. The St. Louis Zoo was chosen because there Junior will be with people, not just other animals. He will be trained for shows the zoo puts on.”

As the article concluded, “The occasionally well-mannered chimp eats with a spoon, and he especially loves ice cream. Cola is another of his favorites, but he isn’t permitted to drink it often. He gets drunk on it and goes wild.” [The writer missed a prime, or primate, opportunity here, not to note that after pausing for a Coke, the chimp goes ape.]

We’re wondering if any of the Meyers’ and/or Junior’s friends could provide a follow-up on this article. We hope that Junior adapted well to life along the Mississippi, and that his career on stage was a source of pleasure for the little guy. At least he was able to fulfill a lifelong dream of driving a car, if only for a few frantic moments.

Lafayette Motors

Vespers: Music for Evening Prayers

The San Ramon Valley Genealogical Society meets at 10am the third Tuesday of every month, except August and December, at the Danville Family History Center, 2949 Stone Valley Road, Alamo. A speaker is at every meeting. Everyone is welcome.

For information, call Ed at (925) 299-0881, or visit http://srvgensoc.org.

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Diablo Choral Artists (formerly Voices of Musica Sacra), directed by Mark Tuning, presents “Vespers: Music for Evening Prayers,” featuring Stanford’s and Byrd’s Magnificat & Nunc Dimittis, Pergolesi’s Magnificat and Handel’s Dixit Dominus with stringed orchestra.

Shows will be held March 13, at 8pm, at St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 1924 Trinity Avenue, Walnut Crrek, and March 15, at 3pm at St. John Vianney Catholic Church, 1650 Ygnacio Valley Rd., Walnut Creek. Details and ticket information are available at www.vmschorus.org, info@dcachorus.org.

Page 8 - March 2015 ~ Lafayette Today

Sustainable Lafayette Tip of the Month Cleaning without Toxic Chemicals

By Pamela Palitz, Sustainable Lafayette

Even though it’s still winter, it looks and feels like spring. Now is the perfect time to talk about spring cleaning – the kind that comes after you’ve decluttered your home. This means getting your house, your patio, and your yard ready for active indoor/outdoor use and entertaining – without producing unnecessary waste or exposing your family to toxins. Try to make your annual scrub-down as green as possible.

Research into relationships between adverse health effects and exposure to toxins in many commercial cleaning products is more convincing than ever. From asthma to cancer to birth defects, the range of maladies linked to cleaning chemicals is alarming. The folks at the Environmental Working Group have compiled and condensed much useful information. Take a look at www.ewg.org/guides/cleaners/content/cleaners_and_health.

Here is a list of spring cleaning supplies – thanks to the folks at sustainablebabysteps.com – that are 100% safe, inexpensive, and easy to find and use.

• A broom...sturdy straw brooms are most eco-friendly.

• A fabric mop...avoid disposable mop heads and opt for one that can be washed many times.

• Plenty of cloth rags...an old flannel sheet cut into squares is the best option for affordability and absorbency. Avoid wasteful paper towels.

• A stiff brush...this will come in handy when scrubbing soiled areas or objects.

• An old toothbrush...good for cracks, crevices, and corners.

• A bucket...be sure to use a clean and sturdy bucket that will be longlasting. Reusing five gallon buckets is great, as long as they are clean.

• A vacuum or wet-vac...this is not only for carpets, but also window and door frames, fireplaces and other hard-to-reach places.

March Wine Madness

By Monica Chappell

Give yourself a spring break every week in March. There are wine events all over California this March. Here are a few to consider.

Wine Road Barrel Tasting Weekend, Healdsburg ~ March 6-8

The Barrel Tasting is not a food pairing or themed event. It’s all about the WINE...many wineries offer “futures” on their barrel samples. The ticket price includes the opportunity to sample wine from the barrel and in most cases also trying a limited number of current release wines.

Family Winemakers of California Tasting, Pomona ~ March 15

Family Winemakers will host its next Southern California tasting on at Fairplex, the site of the LA County Fair. The Sunday tasting is a one day event of award winning small, family-owned wineries from across California. This is an opportunity to Taste California!

In Pursuit of Balance, San Francisco ~ March 16

Join the fifth annual In Pursuit of Balance, an event to celebrate balance in California Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Thirty-three of California's most sought-after wineries will gather to share their wines at a walk-around tasting and seminars. This is an unparalleled opportunity to meet the people behind some of California’s best Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays.

California's Artisan Cheese Festival, Petaluma ~ March 20-22

The 9 Annual California’s Artisan Cheese Festival takes place at the Sheraton Sonoma County in Petaluma. The weekend will be filled with scrumptious cheeses, chef demonstrations and pairings, educational sessions by knowledgeable, and talented chefs, cheese experts, authors, cheesemakers, expert panel discussions and more. th

Vintage Paso: Zinfandel, Paso Robles ~ March 20-22

Create your own zinful itinerary to smell, sip, and savor the heritage of Paso Robles, with events at more than 120 wineries! Join fellow wine enthusiasts for a selection of wine and chocolate pairings, winemaker dinners, vineyard tours, laid-back barbecues, barrel tastings, and live music.

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• All-natural cleaning products...Become a label reader…and then choose from the many new green, natural, and non-toxic cleaning supplies (Diablo Foods, Open Sesame, and Whole Foods have a good selection).

Better yet, mix your own cleaning solutions using vinegar, baking soda, and hot water. There are many recipes on the Internet, including this one for all-purpose cleaner: In a spray bottle, mix 9 parts water and 1 part white vinegar. You can add a few drops of dish soap, as well. Essential oils will minimize the strong smell of the vinegar; melaleuca oil or lavender can be used as an anti-bacterial, antiviral, or antifungal agent.

• Work clothes...don't get your nice shirt filthy.

• Essential oils…will help you to disinfect, detoxify, and energize you through the work.

• A great playlist...cleaning is always more fun when you're listening to The Police or The Beatles. Make sure it’s upbeat and skip anything too slow!

Do you have a spot for a clothesline? Wash those dirty rags and towels in your washing machine, but then save some energy and hang them out to dry.

Baking soda is amazing! Instead of using chemical cleaners, simply sprinkle baking soda onto your carpets for smell reduction. Sweep it around for a bit, let it sit, and then vacuum it up. You can also use baking soda on your mattress to absorb oils and odors. And while you’re at it, flip your mattress if it’s the kind that’s designed to be flipped.

One final suggestion…it’s getting warmer, so open your windows. Good ventilation combats indoor chemical off-gassing, the release of chemicals from things we bring into our homes or from our homes’ construction materials.

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

Cabernet Shootout Challenge, San Francisco ~ March 21

Each year Cabernet fans in the Bay Area have a special opportunity to indulge their passion! Affairs of the Vine convenes a select panel of 40 winemakers, writers, retailers, educators, and consultants to judge the Cabernet Shootout. There will be artisan Cabernet Sauvignons, Cabernet Francs, and Cabernet blends from over 35 different viticultural areas.

Howell Mountain Spring Wine Tasting, San Francisco ~ March 25 Come taste the pinnacle of mountain wines at the Spring Tasting from 5-7pm at the historic Presidio Golden Gate Club, 135 Fisher Loop, San Francisco.

Rhone Rangers Grand Tasting, Richmond ~ March 28

Learn more about your favorite Rhone wines by attending these back-toback seminars. One ticket admits you to both seminars. The first seminar is “Rose made from American Rhone Grape Varieties,” showcasing the new releases of rose, perfectly timed for your summer ahead. The second seminar is “American Grown Rhone Varieties, See How They Age” and will include both new releases and library releases from several winemakers, so that you can see how these varieties age over time Monica Chappell teaches and writes about wine. For the Wine & Food Pairing 101 on March 20th, visit www.backtothetablecookingschool.com.

Lost Dog!

$50 REWARD If you find him and your name is drawn!

He is very small, so you will have to look hard if you want to find him.

Lafayette Luther is Missing He has become lost in this paper.

Send a letter telling us where you found him, along with your name and address to:

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

Michael Ruhman is our winner!

Luther was hiding on page 7 last month.

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Lafayette Today ~ March 2015 - Page 9

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Thinking Outside the Box:

Alternative Treatment Options for Dogs and Cats

By Jennifer Luna-Repose, DVM

What do you do when your veterinarian tells you there is nothing more that can be done for your dog’s arthritis other than bearing the pains? What about your cat with kidney disease who is only offered a prescription low protein diet and subcutaneous fluids? How about a pet that has been diagnosed with cancer, and the treatment options to choose from include possibly surgery, chemotherapy, and/or radiation therapy?

Are there any other options available? YES! Alternative therapies have been gaining popularity over the past several decades not only just for people but also for their pets. Treatment options such as acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, and whole food nutrition therapy are becoming more widely available. These therapies are helping thousands of animals in combination with traditional conventional medicine.

Acupunture

Acupuncture and various other versions of acutherapy are among the oldest medical procedures in recorded history, while animal acupuncture is slightly less ancient. The original theories of traditional Chinese medicine formed the basis of acupuncture - needling certain spots on the body regulated the flow of “Chi” (energy), which flowed through and nourished the tissues and organs. Today, we do not have a full understanding of the neurologic or biochemical basis of acupuncture, but that is changing as the results of studies are published on a regular basis.

In traditional Chinese medicine, “Chi” ran through channels (called meridians), which can be thought of as rivers of energy. These rivers can become blocked like a dam, and needling releases the obstruction. In modern scientific terms, needling specific points leads to the release of chemicals in the muscles, spinal cord, and brain. These chemical mediators can change the perception of pain and lead to release of other chemical mediators that influence organ function.

This improved “chemical communication” stimulates healing. There are many approaches to treatment, but veterinarians are the only acupuncture professionals trained to understand both the traditional Chinese as well as the scientific aspects of acupuncture therapy in animals.

In people and animals, there is good evidence that acupuncture is effective for the treatment of musculoskeletal, gastrointestinal, respiratory, urinary,

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skin, reproductive, neurologic, and behavioral disorders, as well as for stress.

In cancer patients, acupuncture can be extremely effective for alleviating pain and fatigue; treating gastrointestinal disorders such as nausea, vomiting, inappetence; and improving the quality of life.

Chinese Herbal Medicine

Herbal medicine is probably the oldest medicine for people and, by extension, for animals. Herbal medicine can provide benefits that conventional medicine doesn’t yet offer. One crucial advantage Chinese medicine has is that it does not use a strategy of relying on single chemicals or drugs like conventional medicine does. Herbal formulas, and even individual herbs, contain dozens of active ingredients that work synergistically on multiple aspects of a problem simultaneously. Only with multiple compounds can the dynamic and multi-factorial nature of chronic disease be addressed.

In order for Chinese herbal medicine to be effective, the correct Chinese medical diagnosis has to be assigned to the animal’s symptoms, signs, tongue color, and pulse character. Then an appropriate Chinese herbal formula is chosen based not only on the Chinese diagnosis but also the animal’s particular presentation. When accurately prescribed, all drugs and surgeries can be used in addition to herbal medicines to enhance the wellbeing of your pet.

Whole Food Nutrition Therapy

Many veterinarians believe that full, complete nutrition is not available from a bag or a can, in much the same way that humans need fresh fruits and vegetables for the unidentified phytonutrients which are thought to prevent cancer. The use of whole food nutrition as an effective therapeutic tool to treat your pet can result in amazing vitality being restored to your companion animal.

One of the most important things to understand is the difference between synthetic vitamins found in dog food or over-the-counter vitamin supplements and whole vitamin complexes. A fully functioning vitamin is an extremely complex organic compound that is essential for the maintenance of life and health. The vitamin complex contains not only the identified organic vitamin nutrient, but it also consists of enzymes, coenzymes, trace element activators (minerals), and antioxidants in a protein matrix.

In this whole food form, nutrition can be used to treat almost any disease.

Should you wish to find out more information on Holistic options for the treatment of your animal, Dr. Luna-Repose can be contacted at (925) 2836160. She is a veterinarian, veterinary acupuncturist, Chinese herbalist, and practicioner of nutrition response testing at Alternatives for Animals which is located at 919 Moraga Road, Lafayette, CA 94549. 50% off initial consultation if this article is mentioned through March and April.

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Page 10 - March 2015 ~ Lafayette Today

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Teambuilding continued from front page

They recently took a group to Half Moon Bay. “We love to remind people about the beautiful area in which we live and how to take advantage of our open spaces,” says Triner. “We love seeing our participants have such a good time, while appreciating the beauty of nature. Most end up committing to putting nature back into their lives.”

Offsites provide multiple challenges that increase cohesion and support organizational benefits. A typical task consists of Foley teaching teams to use a compass in order to draw treasure maps. Maps are then exchanged, and buried treasure is sought. Learning to read a compass not only helps an individual with wilderness skills, but it also can be a confidence builder in learning a new workplace skill. It helps teams share knowledge, and this can translate into other areas of acquiring and using knowledge to move toward team goals.

Fire building is another typical task that encourages feelings of empowerment and draws on teammates’ skills to complete the task from beginning to end, providing a greater appreciation for teammates’ talents. Ideally, this in turn helps co-workers to feel more comfortable asking for help to accomplish an important work objective. Triner provides the debrief on how teams worked together and communicated, and what they learned about the strengths of their teammates and how this might be applied to everyday work.

Tim O’Keefe, Executive Director of Shelter, Inc. in Martinez (a housing and services non-profit for homeless and extremely low income Contra Costa residents) hired Paleoventures for an offsite for his senior team. “My intention was that we get to know each other better, have some fun, and break down some barriers to interdepartmental cooperation,” says O’Keefe.

“Trudy and Jack met our goals and exceeded our expectations. Every member of our staff enjoyed the challenge of learning something new about themselves and their co-workers. We had a blast!”

Foley and Triner feel extremely fortunate to have forged a path that allows each to utilize their strengths and passions in helping others. “We still can’t believe how lucky we are,” says Triner. “Some people say family members can’t work together successfully, but we are proving that this is not always true! This is a dream come true for both of us.” Learn more at www.paleoventures.org.

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One Size Does Not Fit All

By Evan Corstorphine, Portable CIO

Recent articles I’ve written about solving broadband internet problems in your homes and businesses have been received well. Today I want to help you recognize and avoid another common scenario we have been seeing. If you want a solid and reliable WiFi network, there are key things that must be in place to make it happen.

The best place to start is with some facts. The first fact is that Comcast and AT&T have a huge challenge in providing internet to such a broad variety of customers. The only way to survive that size of support challenge is to standardize as much of their offering as possible.

That means they choose equipment that should be robust enough to handle the overall majority of their installations and deal with any exceptions on a case-by-case basis.

Here is another fact. In this area we live in much larger homes, on average, than your typical homeowner across the Bay Area or the country at large.

Where a typical family home in the U.S. is now 2,700sf, the typical East Bay home size is often in excess of 4,000-5,000sf.

What these facts have in common is that the network gear being provided by our internet vendors is wholly insufficient for the larger homes we typically find in this area. On average, I see a typical wireless device capable of servicing 1,000sf. It varies widely depending on environmental factors such as obstructions, where the device is mounted, and the type of gear used. So, if you have a small home, a condo, a townhouse or an apartment, the offthe-shelf offering from either AT&T or Comcast will probably work fine.

However, if you’re a homeowner in this area who wants WiFi throughout their long, one-story Alamo ranch-style home, or a typical two-story Danville home, or a multi-level Lafayette home, it’s going to take at least two wireless devices, and easily more, to cover the area. And if you had visions of being able to use WiFi on your patio out back, you can plan for another WiFi radio for that, too. This isn’t me trying to sell access points; this is the laws of physics clashing with what you’ve been told by advertisers about what is possible!

Remember, by design, WiFi does not come with a very strong radio signal.

It’s easily disrupted by walls, furniture, and crowds of humans. The best analogy is to think of your WiFi like you would a sprinkler system. It should be as high in the room as possible (mounted on ceiling is best) and should have no obstructions around it, particularly those made of or containing metal. WiFi radios are little stronger than a children’s walkie-talkie, and the closer they are to you, and the fewer the obstructions between you and them, the better.

A good example of this is over in Berkeley, where we have installed WiFi for several sororities in those very old, very thick houses. The houses are constructed using lathe and plaster, and we typically end up with 10 or more access points per house. These houses are huge, and if they were constructed of lighter materials, we could probably cut the number of WiFi devices in half.

If you have a larger home or business that needs great coverage, can you buy gear off the shelf and be successful? Maybe, but you’re probably going to get a lot of what I euphemistically call “retail advice,” and waste a lot of time and money. I do not think an untrained individual earning $10/hour in retail is the person to look to for this sort of guidance! Seriously, the best way to achieve your goal with WiFi is to have a professional help you plan it out, and use the right calibre of gear. When we have identified how many wireless radios are necessary to provide full WiFi coverage for a house, we recommend a competent wiring vendor to run a network cable to each point. You’ll have a solid and trouble-free wireless network.

In an effort to sell computers, the computer industry has done a great job downplaying the technical requirements of implementing computers, software, and networks. While I agree that virtually anyone can be successful using a computer, constructing and managing a successful multi-node network system requires forethought and knowledge that laymen do not possess. To quote an old boss of mine, “If it were that easy, we’d pin a note to a dog and send him instead!”

If this sounds like your situation, home or business, we should chat and see if you can benefit from another set of eyes and some professional help.

Our helpdesk is ready for your call at (925)552-7953, or you can email us at helpdesk@theportablecio.com.

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Walking the Reservoir

By Jim Scala

A Long Walk to Water, by Linda Park. Kim and Linda, two fifth-grade teachers, asked me to read this 133-page book and offer my thoughts for students and parents. It’s excellent. I suggest that after they read it, parents and children walk the reservoir and discuss how two African children’s need for lifesustaining water brought them together. They’ll grasp how fortunate we are and understand our country’s greatness that made the uplifting outcome possible.

Thank a vet. I stopped Frank and asked to read the words on his hat. It showed he’s a Purple Heart Viet Nam Veteran. I said, “Thanks for your service.” Frank gave several of his best years to make things like walking the reservoir possible. When you see a vet, say “Thanks.”

Second fox sighting. Last fall we saw a red female fox where the Rim and Westview trails intersect. I recently spotted her again, and this time she had and a grown cub; with reddish-brown coats, they’re beautiful.

A child’s adventure. Five-year old Mason and I went right at the dam, then left behind the Visitor’s center, and continued up the hill to the open grassy field.

For Mason, walking up the hill was like being in the deep jungle. Geese on the grass typically ignored us as we circled back across the dam to the children’s play area. By doing this course, a third of the paved trail, children get a good walk, with a reward. Mason loved it.

Walk before you eat. Recent research says moderate exercise before a meal makes your metabolism more efficient. Tissues handle insulin better, digestion is faster, and you’re satisfied with fewer calories. Drink a glass of water before any meal.

Walk after work before dinner, in the early morning before breakfast, or late morning before lunch take a Rez-walk for better health. People ask, “What is moderate exercise?” A non-stop, paved trail walk in under 60 minutes, which burns 250 calories, is moderate. Doing this walk three times weekly is good, and four is better. In under two hours, the Rim trail burns over 550 calories.

Jujitsu and karate. After a senior’s walk I saw Kat coaching a tall, slender, young lady through very aggressive exercise using her sophisticated apparatus. Turned out she was a jujitsu champion who was training for a match, which she won.

Another lady, also working out, holds a black belt in karate, is an amateur boxer, and works as a physician’s assistant. Some outstanding athletes use our reservoir to stay in shape.

Brain cells. Doris and I discussed recent research about brain cells. Contrary to old thinking, brain cells reproduce like all our tissues. New cells gain longevity from physical and mental exercise. Combine both! Read books and discuss them with someone while walking the Rez. After you’re done, play a game of chess, work a puzzle, or read another book.

A Rez-Zen Shirt. “Anger is a hot coal. Hold it and you’ll get burned.”

Buddha’s right: anger hurts the person who won’t let it go.

Senior’s Walk Program. Our group, now over 18 strong, enjoys the reservoir’s beauty with good fellowship. Exercise is a bonus. We’re slowly trying options: including more yoga, bringing a sack lunch, and starting a second day each week. I had to pause my walks for a couple of weeks due to an important operation, but I’m back walking again. Dudley stepped up and carried on without me. We walk at our own pace and regroup at the band stand for easy yoga. Join up by calling 925-284-5050 or e-mailing me.

The Evening Star. By March 15th, Venus will set at 8:58PM and, since the Sun sets at 6:16PM, from the dam you should be able to spot it above the western horizon in the twilight. A pair of binoculars can help. Starting Saturday afternoon, April 11th, when it’s clear, I’ll set up a telescope to show Venus’s phases.

Dog Poop. James wrote and asked to remind dog walkers that the Rez provides pooper-scooper bags for free. It’s a good deal, and most people use them. If you see a dog walker without scoopers, show them where they are.

They probably don’t know, and we’re all in this together.

Help infirm folks with walkers. If you know someone who uses a walker, offer them a chance to use our reservoir dam. It’s an ideal, flat, safe walk and takes a short time; you’ll make their day and they will get exercise. It’s an easy way to be generous.

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

Lafayette Today ~ March 2015 - Page 11

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Cinema Classics and Musical Notes

1410127-TSO-ALToday-5x6.25.indd 1

Singin’ in the Rain

By Peggy Horn

10/27/14 12:05 PM

Page 10month’s - MarchCinema 2015 ~Classic Lafayette Todayin the Rain, This is Singin’ (1952) starring Gene Kelly, Donald O’Connor, Debbie Reynolds, and Jean Hagen and directed by Gene Kelly and Stanley Donen. It is the story of one movie studio’s transition from silent films to talkies. Gene Kelly plays the part of a popular Hollywood actor, Don Lockwood, who falls in love with an aspiring actress, Kathy Selden, played

by Debbie Reynolds. Together Don and Kathy work with Cosmo (Donald O’Connor) and Lina Lamont (Jean Hagen) to learn to talk in films.

I do not consider myself a film critic in the ordinary sense of that term. What interests me in a movie is the content: the meaning or significance of a film or any literary work as distinguished from its form. If the form is superb and the cinematography is excellent, so much the better. But I’m not interested in a terrible message or theme, even if it is gorgeously packaged. A primitive or rustic filming of a great story suits me just fine. This movie is gorgeously packaged, and it has a fun, comedic story – one that could actually make you laugh! It contains one of the most famous performances of the song, “Singin’ in the Rain,” by Gene Kelly. The song’s first performance was probably in The Hollywood Music Box Revue, (1929), and it was composed by Nacio Herb Brown with lyrics by Arthur Freed. Mr. Kelly’s rhythmical tap dancing as he sings the words is pure magic!

Can anyone watch that performance without smiling at least once? Apparently, Gene Kelly had a 103o temperature as he sloshed through the rain puddles – poor guy. The sequence took nearly three days to film.

Another famous sequence in the movie is Cosmo trying to cheer Don up with “Make ‘Em Laugh,” in which Donald O’Connor displays his gigantic talent.

Following this sequence, Mr. O’Connor had to be hospitalized! Throughout the film the musical productions provide good and solid entertainment that the whole family can enjoy.

Musical Notes – For a cheerful and enjoyable download, choose the soundtrack for Singin’ in the Rain, (1952 Film Soundtrack). It contains so many songs you will enjoy in addition to the two mentioned above, and it captures the essence of the film nicely.

Page 12 - March 2015 ~ Lafayette Today

Summer Jobs for Youth

By Supervisor Candace Andersen

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Do you remember your first summer job? Mine was at the Farrell’s Ice Cream Parlor in Kahala Mall in Honolulu, where I worked in the kitchen filling ice cream orders. Besides being taught how to scoop a perfectly round ball of ice cream and slice a banana while still in its peel, I learned the importance of being responsible and on time, the satisfaction that came from working hard, and how to appropriately manage the money I earned.

Aside from keeping teenagers out of trouble during the break from school and providing a supplemental income, summer jobs present our youth with so many life lesson opportunities. Summer jobs provide hands-on career and technical skills as well as life skills, such as communication, collaboration, and critical thinking. Summer jobs can create a great environment to learn networking and relationship-building skills, as well as facilitate mentorships with industry professionals. Youth with jobs also gain newfound confidence in their skills and abilities.

However, recent reports show that fewer American teenagers are now engaged in the workforce than before. The numbers have been dropping steadily since 2000, when 45% of 16 to 19-year olds held jobs. In 2013, just 25% of Americans, ages 16 to 19, were in the workforce. These trends apply also to summertime employment, which is unfortunate, because according to research, teenagers who work in high school have wages 10 to 15% higher than their peers after college graduation.

The decline is due to the reality that many teenagers are simply unable to find jobs today. More teens are enrolling in summer school and precollege enrichment programs as well as playing sports year-round. Some teens use their time in the summer to do volunteer work or participate in unpaid internships with the goal of building their resumes.

As our economy rebounds from the Great Recession, unemployment rates are at their lowest level in seven years, and the future is bright. But now more than ever, Americans must compete for jobs in a global economy, and we have to make sure our youth are ready to compete for those jobs. At the same time, many youth are graduating unprepared for the world of work, with some not graduating at all. Employers complain about the skills gap; they can’t find qualified workers to fill available jobs. Meaningful work experiences can bridge this gap – and for youth, summer is the perfect time to gain those essential skills that will set them on a path toward success.

In an effort to create summer youth employment and enrichment experiences, the Workforce Development Board of Contra Costa County, in collaboration with Contra Costa Economic Partnership and the Diablo Gateways to Innovation Consortium, recently introduced “Earn & Learn East Bay.” The goal for Earn & Learn East Bay is to connect hundreds of youth ages 16-21 to summer jobs, internships and other high-quality work-based learning experiences, such as industry-lead summer camps.

To create these opportunities, the Workforce Development Board of Contra Costa County and the Contra Costa Economic Partnership rely largely on the support of local employers and community-based organizations.

Employers and organizations can help by hosting a summer internship or work-based learning opportunity for one or more youth, sponsor a youth for a summer experience at a rate of $1,500 per participant, or encourage colleagues to host a work-based learning opportunity.

Benefits to employer partners include the opportunity to build a future workforce; the chance to showcase their industry and organization, including positive publicity as a partner supporting Earn & Learn East Bay (through publications, website, news media and special events); and the ability to have a direct impact on strengthening communities in the East Bay region.

If you are a youth (age 16-21) or the parent of a youth and are interested in learning more about Earn & Learn East Bay, email wdb@ehsd.cccounty. us. To participate as an employer, or for more information about Earn and Learn East Bay, visit www.wdbccc.com/youth or call (925) 602-6800.

My office serves the residents of Contra Costa County District 2, which includes San Ramon, Danville, Alamo, Walnut Creek, Saranap, Parkmead, Lafayette, Moraga, Canyon, and Orinda. Please contact us if we can provide you with additional information on this topic or on other County issues. I can be reached at SupervisorAndersen@bos.cccounty.us or (925) 957-8860.

Garden continued from page 15

orange. In our area the Monkeyflowers do not like full sun sitting alone in the ground, but they can be planted under oaks or on the north side of a larger plant.

They grow about 18”- 24’ high and 24” across.

I am still cleaning up my beds, getting my tomato bed ready for the “Our Garden” heirloom tomato sale in April. There are weeds that came up after the last rains which are easy to pull now from the still-damp soil.

Always be kind to your neighbors, and never plant invasive species. An adjoining property has noxious morning glories and ferns which creep into my yard, loving my soil better than their home ground. Keep vegetation within the perimeters of your own property. Prune tendrils and don’t let the noxious plants go to seed. I end up with at least two bags of trimmings in my recycle bin after they waltz their way into my yard, and I curse every minute I pull them out of my beds.

As each bed is cleaned, I generally leave at least one rose plant. I spray the rose and bed with horticultural oil to keep down spores from rust, black spot, and mildew. I then plant any new perennials and lay down bark keeping an area of bark away from the base of each plant. Then I spray again. Be sure when you mulch to leave some bare ground like under the banks of hardy geraniums, as our native bees are ground dwellers and have a hard time pushing through inches of bark.

We are at the edge of spring. Soon my peaches will be blooming holding their taste of summer, and my garden will be full of happy hummers, making it a joy to be in.

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Chateau Carolands

Lafayette Today ~ March 2015 - Page 13

By Linda Summers Pirkle

Downton Abbey, the Emmy award winning TV series about the fictional English aristocratic Crawley family in the early 1900’s, is known for great acting, writing, and costumes. I look forward to the weekly installments of the adventures of the Crawley family and their servants; my personal favorite of the “downstairs help” is the hard working Lady’s maid, Anna, who lovingly calls her husband “Mr. Bates.” Besides the great story telling, the show’s mansion, Downton, with its beautiful rooms, art work, and furniture as well as graceful views of the English countryside, is gorgeous. According to a recent documentary (The Heiress and Her Chateau, Carolands of California) Carolands mansion is America’s version of Downton Abbey. I had the good fortune to be on the inaugural tour for the general public, and I agree Carolands is indeed exquisite!

Carolands is an example of American Renaissance and Beaux-Arts design and is a designated California Historical Landmark. It was built by Harriett Pullman Carolan (1869-1956) between the years 1913 and 1915, has 98 rooms, and is 67,000 square feet. The majestic Carolands mansion rises above lovely residential homes in a tony Hillsborough neighborhood.

Expires March 31, 2015

Multiple Offers Revisited

By Art Lehman, Village Associates Realtors

From the moment our tour started, I was drawn into the fascinating story of Carolands as our guide Paul Price wove history and architecture into incredibly interesting stories; his passion was evident. Harriett Pullman Carolan, heiress to the Pullman Railway fortune, had very distinct ideas for Carolands, her California home. In 1912, she purchased 554 acres of land south of San Francisco, hired a renowned French architect, and created a home that today stands the test of time with modern conveniences and timeless beauty. Harriett’s love of light and fresh air is evident in the spacious and bright home. Paul explained, “The fresh air intake, a large oval opening, is both decorative and very important to the mechanical workings of the house. The architect, Ernest Sanson, designed the building with the finest and most modern technology in mind. Air is drawn in through the intake, filtered, and (on most days) heated, and distributed throughout the house. The last private owner of Carolands, Mrs. Johnson, had the entire system replaced, but some of the modern heating units are still using this opening as a source of fresh air.”

Each room we toured (except the library which has low lighting to protect the collection of books) from the magnificent entry way to the two story butler’s pantry is cheery and full of light. The staircase, known as the “Main Staircase,” is a showpiece. Paul explained, “The staircase goes from the first floor to the third floor, and at the top it has an oval skylight which shines soft natural light to the base of the staircase. Each step is made of carved Hauteville limestone, imported from France. The steps are carved to be either convex or concave and are very beautiful in proportion and shape.”

The visit lasted two hours, and our guide Paul jokingly said an eight hour tour would be needed to see the whole house. Unlike many tours in grand homes where ropes cordon off beautiful spaces, we were able to enter each room and rest along the way on comfy couches and chairs; almost each stop had ample seating for our group of twelve. The view from the many windows looking out onto the beautiful lawn and pools of Carolands was delightful. At the end of our stay, in true Downton Abbey style, our wonderful guide Paul, with a smile and slight bow extended his wishes to each one of us for a safe journey home.

Carolands is located at 565 Remillard Drive, Hillsborough. Their website is www.carolands.org. Reservations can be made online and are offered once per week on Wednesday from 2PM-4PM. Tours are free and fill up quickly.

To share your “Quick Trips” ideas email Coverthemap@gmail.com.

Not too long ago I wrote an article about multiple offers being received by sellers on homes being sold. The situation has been so prevalent in the Lafayette market over the past month that I figured I should mention the subject again. I think the only thing that may have changed is that the complete lack of house inventory has forced buyers to take action. Here’s how it goes: Your house goes on the market, and by all accounts from your realtor there is plenty of interest – in fact you might get multiple offers. What does that really mean? Simple put, you may have more than one suitor for your property! You can never be sure whether prices offered will be less than, more than, or at your asking price until offers arrive. However, while having multiple offers is a great situation to be in for sellers, there are plenty of cautions to note before you get too excited.

Buyers are starting to get leery of the way home prices have increased in such a short period of time. The pricing mentality becomes that a house sold down the block for this, another house which is not nice as that home sold for that, and now my house is clearly worth way more than those. In order to create a multiple offer situation, you have to price your home correctly. If you price your house too high, leery buyers may pass and at best leave you stuck with one offer from a buyer who feels like they are in control because they are the only one to show up. Make it seem like buying your home is a ticket to the moon, and the opposite effect may be that buyers get nervous and decide not to make an offer because they think they have no chance.

I say the best strategy is to practice humility. There has definitely been interest in home purchasing, and agents are “cautiously optimistic” that there may be more than one offer on homes for sale--we’ll finally know on judgment day!

Remember, it just takes two to be a multiple offer. Certainly more offers are nice, but be thankful if a multiple offer situation comes your way at all because, trust me, it doesn’t always occur, and for a long time it didn’t happen at all!

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. If you’d like a free automatic email update of current listings and sales, visit my website to sign up www.artlehman.com or call!

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Page 14 - March 2015 ~ Lafayette Today

Life in the Lafayette Garden

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A Garden Experience

By John Montgomery, ASLA, Landscape Architect

We long to connect with nature to rejuvenate, relax, recreate, and redeem ourselves. A garden is one of those places that has the gift to touch all of our human senses: sight, smell, touch, sound, and taste. Wandering through a beautifully designed Lafayette garden allows the senses to be stimulated by the wonderful visuals, fragrances, textures, sounds, and tastes that nature can offer. One of the key elements to creating a gorgeous garden is to intentionally stimulate our human experience through our senses.

Sight is the primary sense in distinguishing the beauties of a garden. All the elements of a garden; plants, paths, structures, water, fire, and lawn; form the visual scenery. Color, texture, balance, form, and composition are the visual scales that our sight measures the landscape with. Sight is the very sense by which a great garden design flourishes. It gives our eyes pleasure by offering interest to spur the imagination, color to dazzle, texture to distinguish, composition to sooth, scale for a sense of place, balance to nurture, and form to define.

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The sense of smell in the garden is such a delight! Remember the delicate fragrances of apple and orange blossoms, irises, and mock orange? The old favorites are the more overwhelming scents of rose, jasmine, gardenia, winter-blooming daphne, and lavender. The scents so often not at the forefront of the nose are newly cultivated soil, tomatoes, decomposing leaves, compost, manure, and sprinkler water when it settles on the dry dirt. Even though these smells add to your experience, they are not very often planned for. Give your garden design a good smattering of fragrances throughout that will dazzle the old sense of smell both day and night.

Touch seems to be the sense we don’t often intentionally think about when planning a garden. We think primarily about our sight, secondarily about our smell, and lastly about sound. Touch adds a whole new world of sensuality to a garden. Hold out the palm of your hand to brush through a clump of wind grass (Nasella tenuissima), dip your hot tired feet into a cooling pond, walk barefoot through the cool grass, feel the warmth of the sun’s rays, and refresh under the shade of a red sunset maple (Acer rubrum ‘Red Sunset’).

Allowing your body to feel the environment gives you a sense of place and reality. Touch brings you to your senses and brings your experience to you. Design elements should beckon your touch. Let the branches hang over the path to reach out and touch you. Provide leaves with texture, flowers with interest, and bark with coarseness to coax the touch.

Go quietly into a well designed garden and listen. What do you hear? The sound of honey bees buzzing, the rustle of leaves in the breeze, the crunch of gravel under your step, and the chirping songs of birds can be deliberate design elements. Plantings provide everything necessary for bird and insect music. The breeze will do its magic in the trees and grasses without effort. Sound brings a sense of rejuvenation to our experience in the garden. Nothing sooths the senses more than the sound of trickling water.

Water elements are the most common way to add the sense of sound to your garden. A water element needs deliberate design. Its placement, size, and particular sound play an important role in a successful garden. The sound of water serves many purposes. Most of us in the area can hear the freeway at one time of the day or another. The sound of water can create “white noise” to veil the road noise. Trickling water will be a much more desired sound than the hectic rush of cars, trucks, and motorcycles.

The sense of taste has to be my favorite. To reap the harvest of what can be grown in our Lafayette sunbelt has to be the most fulfilling of the senses. Vine ripened tomatoes, fresh juicy peaches, sweet red strawberries, apples, pears, lettuce, chard, green beans, corn, onions, peppers, and rosemary are all successful treats grown in Lafayette. Thanks to our wonderfully warm climate and long growing season, an abundance of garden treats can be added in any garden. Not only are the tastes exquisite, but they are attractive. The silver-gray of artichokes among the plantings add pizzazz! The abundance of fruits and vegetables growing in your garden brings an overwhelming feeling of accomplishment. You don’t need a lot, just some. There’s nothing better than stepping out of your kitchen and into your garden for fresh rosemary, tomatoes, or artichokes. Just because you grew it in your garden it tastes better.

Your garden is solely experienced through your five senses. The five senses when intentionally applied to our design process truly add another element of design to your garden experience.

A hot tip from your local Landscape Architect: If you are planning a new garden, make a list of each of the five senses. Under each sense list what you would like to experience in your new garden.

Gardening Quote of the Month: “The greatest gift of the garden is the restoration of the five senses.” ~Hanna Rion If you would like me to write on any particular subject, email your ideas to jmontgomery@jm-la. com. For design ideas, visit www.jm-la.com.

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Spring Pruning

By Blaine Brende & Joe Lamb

Once again, it’s that time of year when the landscape grows lush, beautiful...and out of control. At Brende & Lamb, we prune to balance the practical with the aesthetic. When our clients ask us to restore their views, bring more light into their gardens, and reduce fire hazards, we do our best to keep their screening intact and to protect their privacy. At the same time, we work hard to enhance the natural beauty of their trees. Balancing your tree care needs are skills we’ve developed over decades of caring for trees.

Aesthetic Pruning

Lafayette Today ~ March 2015 - Page 15

11 Critical Home Inspection Traps to be Aware of Weeks Before Listing Your Home for Sale Lafayette - According to industry experts, there are over 33 physical problems that will come under scrutiny during a home inspection when your home is for sale. A new report has been prepared which identifies the 11 most common of these problems, and what you should know about them before you list your home for sale.

Whether you own an old home or a brand new one, there are a number of things that can fall short of requirements during a home inspection. If not identified and dealt with, any of these 11 items could cost you dearly in terms of repair. That's why it's critical that you read this report before you list your home. If you wait until the building inspector flags these issues for you, you will almost certainly experience costly delays in the close of your home

sale or, worse, turn prospective buyers away altogether. In most cases, you can make a reasonable pre-inspection yourself if you know what you're looking for, and knowing what you're looking for can help you prevent little problems from growing into costly and unmanageable ones.

To help home sellers deal with this issue before their homes are listed, a free report entitled "11 Things You Need to Know to Pass Your Home Inspection" has been compiled which explains the issues involved.

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Each plant has a natural growth pattern. Aesthetic pruning accentuates the shape given the plant by nature, and good pruning creates a light and open feeling. A well pruned plant enhances the observer’s experience by accentuating the interplay of light and shadow, open spaces and denser spaces, and the sculptural elements revealed in a tree’s trunk and branch.

The first step in aesthetic pruning is to see the flow of the tree. We begin by looking at the base of the trunk, and then we let our eyes follow the trunk upward into the branches and out to the branch tips. We notice how the flow of the branches determines the tree’s form. The form may be weepThis report is courtesy of J. Rockcliff Realtors #01763819. Not intended to solicit buyers or sellers currently under contract. Copyright © 2013 ing, as with Willows and Chinese Elms. Perhaps, as with Monterey Cypress, the branches form at acute angles to the trunk, giving the tree an upswept look. Or the branches may bend and twist, forming complex arcs, as does the Coast Live Oak. Within these patterns, each tree has its own unique form and flow.

Pruning and Size Reduction

It is important to prune in a manner that does not harm the health of the tree. When thinning a pine, for example, it is important not to strip the major branches of their smaller branches, a practice called “lion-tailing” which leaves a branch denuded except for foliage at the end. Lion-tailing increases the chance of branch failure by concentrating the weight at the branch tips. A healthier tree, and more subtly beautiful look, is achieved by thinning to highlight the spaces or “layers” in a tree’s natural patterns. Removing diseased wood, and removing or reducing crossing branches that interrupt the natural flow, lets in more light and air, encouraging interior growth and overall health. Careful pruning can increase desired screening over time by encouraging interior growth.

Aesthetic View Work

In view work, the beauty of the view and the beauty of the tree often seem to be in conflict. Some tree-workers will sacrifice the tree for the view by “topping” the tree. Topping is almost always a bad idea. “Topping” creates a dense re-growth in “water-sprouts” that is unsightly. But more than the tree’s beauty is at stake here. Topping wounds the tree and promotes disease, including heart rot, and can make the tree dangerous. The water-sprouts on a topped tree are not deeply anchored in the trunk and are subject to failure in high winds. Add in the fact that these sprouts may be anchored onto a rotting trunk, and you have a safety problem that gets worse over time. Responsible arborists do not top trees. Removing a tree, perhaps replacing it with a smaller variety that can be kept out of the view, is usually preferable to beheading it.

Looking at tree and view as two elements that complement each other can often solve view problems. Sometimes, lightly bringing the tree back without cutting into major branches can prevent further encroachment on the view.

To open even more of the view, we create windows by selectively removing branches not essential for the tree’s natural form. We can enlarge these windows by removing branchlets that rise or drop into the view. Thinning above and below the window creates a feeling of openness, rather than a gaping hole. The image formed by Mt. Diablo framed by the trembling leafs of a well-windowed tree proves that nature and civilization can complement each other.

If your trees need a little TLC, please call 510-486-TREE (8733) or email us at bl@brendelamb.com for a free estimate. Additionally, go to our website www. brendelamb.com to see before and after pictures, client testimonials, and work in your neighborhood.

Advertorial is a vertical plant that grows to 4’ by 3’ and has dark blue flowers.

These are great for Gardening with Kate a path boundary, or set them to the side of a flat bed to create a vertical interest. The

By Kathleen Guillaume benefits of rosemary are that bees love them, deer don’t love them, they are evergreen, I picked up Sissinghurst: Vita Sackville West: The and they can be used in cooking as an herb or, with vertical varieties, can be cut to use Creation of a Garden, a wonderful story of romance and the a skewers for the BBQ (strip off leaves and soak overnight before using). love of gardening which brought a very unlikely couple to a Hardy geraniums are the very best fillers which shade the ground to prevent common purpose. Sissinghurst is probably one of the most moisture evaporation and profuse flowering. Cut them back to 2-3 inches after visited gardens in the world. None of us have acres and every massive bloom, and they repeat within weeks. My favorite geraniums are acres or limitless budgets, but for Vita’s philosophy of what Rozanne which has a wonderful blue flower, Johnson Blue which has a deep blue makes a garden and the adventure of the process, this is an that loves to be banked with whites or yellows, Blue Wallace which has violet enjoyable read. The basis of the story is to have abundance, blooms, and Birches Double, which is great for producing pinks. These all spread grouping masses of each plant, and depend on perennials which is what you want to create a wonderful blanket of blooms, easily controlled, and flowering shrubs to minimize effort. The one thing she abhorred was what we often and not liked by either deer or slugs...a win-win. I prune back with ordinary scissors see: a row of snapdragons placed 6-8” apart or a row of anything surrounded by yards by just grabbing handfuls of foliage and spent blooms and cutting. of bark. She noted, “Always exaggerate rather than stint...masses are more effective One of my favorite dry garden flowers is the ‘shrub Monkeyflower,” “Mimulus than mingles...” So, if you want impact group annuals in threes or fives or sevens, for bifidus.” Some classify the drought tolerant species as “diplacus longiflorus,” but perennials group in threes and repeat so that the eye follows along your paths. most nurseries carry it under “mimulus.” It does so well with little water after We are still in a drought, so how do you manage to get effective color? established that it can be planted under oaks (which you never irrigate). There are Rosemary that trails along wall edges or spills down hills can do the job. Irene three major varieties carried by most nurseries; the white, which has 2” azalea rosemary is the most attractive prostrate form. Every garden needs a vertical type blooms; Pamela, which is a lovely butter yellow; and Pumpkin, which is a rich element as well, and nothing is better than the rosemary Sissinghurst Blue, which See Garden continued on page 12

Page 16 - March 2015 ~ Lafayette Today

The New World of “Digital Legacy”

By Robert J. Silverman, Esq.

Social media and other prominent websites are paying more attention to what happens to a user’s account when he or she dies. Service providers are establishing more detailed policies and procedures and even some new legislation has been enacted.

As social media plays a bigger role in the lives of a growing number of people, companies like Facebook and Google are starting to respond to the important, but often sensitive and difficult, aspect of user legacy.

In this very new and rapidly developing arena, applicable law is very sparse, so companies are making up their own rules.

This is not a significant part of the formal estate planning process that clients typically discuss with their estate planning attorneys, and rarely are provisions about digital assets included in documents, such as Wills or Living Trusts. Nevertheless: a) clients have the option of having such provisions included in their documents; and b) clients will undoubtedly choose to do so more often in the future.

Mostly, Internet users who are “planners” will become familiar with the postdeath procedures that apply to the social media and other sites and apps that are most important to them. Then, they will submit the required forms to ensure that their post-death wishes are followed.

Internet services are grappling with tough questions and trying to determine the right balance between respecting a user’s privacy and being responsive to the wishes and requests of grieving loved ones. Google was among the early major Internet companies to deal with digital afterlife matters by enabling users to choose “digital heirs” for its Gmail, cloud storage, and other services. These digital heirs were labeled “inactive account managers.”

Colon Cancer Prevention with Vitamin D By Jewel Johl, MD

www.yourmonthlypaper.com Facebook made a recent, high profile splash by changing its long-time policy of simply freezing the account of a deceased user and leaving up the decedent’s posts and pictures and maintaining the privacy setting that the decedent had established - a process Facebook calls “memorialization.” Facebook announced that users may now designate a “legacy contact” - a person the user chooses to manage certain parts of a deceased user’s account posthumously. Alternatively, members can choose to have their Facebook presence deleted entirely once they have died.

Facebook legacy contacts can turn a deceased person’s Facebook page into what some people refer to as a “digital gravestone” by displaying posts on a memorialized profile picture and even responding to new friend requests on behalf of the deceased user. Many other options are available to the legacy contact as long as the deceased user granted prior permission for such options.

Fortunately, in lieu of a user designating a legacy contact, the user may designate a “digital heir” in his or her Will, and Facebook will honor that Will provision.

It may be a bit mind-boggling that, beyond your existing “to do” list (that’s probably quite long as it is), you now have the burden of thinking about what options you want and who you want in charge of your social media and Internet activity after you die. The good news is that now at least you have more of a choice about the legacy you want for your digital assets – just like you have lots of choices about creating a legacy for your conventional assets in your estate planning documents.

State law will undoubtedly develop rapidly in the area of succession, management, and privacy as they relate to digital assets. Delaware recently passed legislation known as “FiduciaryAccess to DigitalAssets and DigitalAccountsAct,” and about a dozen states are considering Delaware’s statute in view of enacting similar law. Evidently, this legislation was a response to the policy of many large Internet companies who have played things safe by heavily restricting access to a decedent’s online accounts. Under the new Delaware law, unless a decedent instructed otherwise, online accounts can be accessed by an Executor without spending the considerable time, effort, and money to obtain a court order.

While this Delaware law may seem perfectly logical and appropriate, it is somewhat controversial. A significant number of people and Internet companies insist that the law grants power to Executors that is too broad and in violation of privacy rights and existing federal privacy law.

Stay tuned for new legal developments in this interesting area. Meanwhile, give some thought to starting down the new avenue of digital asset planning…but don’t neglect to establish or review and update your traditional legacy (estate) planning as well!

Upon request, I’ll be happy to provide you, on a complimentary basis, any or all of the following: i) an “Estate Planning Primer”; ii) a brochure on alternative methods of holding title to property; iii) an introductory meeting.

Mr. Silverman is an attorney with R. Silverman Law Group, 1855 Olympic Blvd., Suite 125, Walnut Creek, CA 94596; (925) 7054474; rsilverman@rsilvermanlaw.com.

It is well known that an adequate amount of vitamins and minerals are good for your health.

However, recent studies suggest there is a possible association between vitamin D intake and colon cancer prevention.

The role of vitamin D is to assist in calcium absorption, to have healthy teeth and bones, and to boost the immune system. The daily recommendation for individuals 1-70 years of age is 600 IU per day. Over 80% of Americans have adequate intake of vitamin D from exposing the skin to sunshine and This article is intended to provide information of a general nature, and should not be upon as legal, tax and/ or business advice. Readers should obtain specific advice from eating foods containing it, such as fatty fish, eggs and fortified foods like relied their own, qualified professional advisors.

Advertorial milk, juices and cereal. Though it is uncommon for individuals to have a high intake of vitamin D, it is important to note that excess of nutrients of Brainwaves by Betsy Streeter any type have toxic effects.

With colon cancer being the third most common cancer in America, not including skin cancers, it is understandable why researchers have been looking for ways to prevent it, and higher survival rates for individuals who have been diagnosed. The specific cause of colon cancer is unknown, but factors that increase risk are a mix between genetics, age, diet and weight.

Throughout several studies we have seen that individuals with high vitamin D levels have a lower risk for developing colon cancer, and if diagnosed, they have a better survival rate.

When a cancerous tumor develops, it does not contain only cancer cells, but an array of cells.

This includes immune systems cells, also known as T cells, which fight against cancerous cells, limiting their duplication and killing them. Therefore, anything that helps to boost your T cells assists in prevention and a higher survival rate.

While an individual cannot change their age or genetics, one can reduce their risk of cancer by making healthy lifestyle choices that include daily exercise, less red meat and alcohol, a healthy diet, and proper intake of vitamins.

More research is being conducted to determine the level of vitamin D that is essential to decreasing the risk of colon cancer and to improving survival in patients with colon cancer.

What is becoming more clear is the importance and protective role of vitamin D in patients with colon cancer and several other cancers.

Dr. Johl is a Medical Oncologist with Diablo Valley Oncology & Hematology Medical Group. He sees patients in Pleasant Hill and Brentwood. Join Dr. Johl and other medical experts at an educational event focusing on the unique issues of patients with colon cancer. Q & A session to follow. March 25, 2015 6:00 PM at the Cancer Support Community 3276 McNutt Ave Walnut Creek, CA 94597. For more information call 925-677-5041.

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A Physician First

By Dr. Barbara Persons, MD, FACS

Recently, I had a discussion with someone who was considering career choices. They confided in me and asked if they should pursue being an investment banker or a plastic surgeon.

To many, these aspirations might seem similar: two careers, each offering the hope of success and prosperity.

Shouldn’t we all pursue such dreams?

I offered the best advice I could. “I know very little about investment banking,” I said, “but from my perspective as a plastic surgeon, I believe there is another choice you must make first.”

I explained that long before mastering the field of surgery, a person must first choose to become a physician. I explained that this path means caring for people and finding joy in it.

In the field of medicine--increasingly so as the taxonomy of healthcare broadens--we are given many options. We may choose to be a dermatologist or an obstetrician. Some choose radiology, and others, like me, are drawn to surgery.

In the end, however, being a physician comes first. No matter what specialty we choose, we become, and should always remain, doctors.

Any medical student will tell you that the moment they entered training, family and friends began asking for counsel. I am sure that most of my colleagues will remember those first years of medical school: everyone asked us for advice, and we probably gave it, thinking we already knew so much.

That kind of enthusiasm shouldn’t change over the years, but unfortunately it sometimes does. So when I was asked for career advice, I found myself answering a bigger question. Is it possible to dedicate oneself to something truly loved? And does that choice include a commitment to service and compassion?

The answer is yes.

For me, going into medicine was a calling. I became a physician for two reasons.

The first was simple: a sense of duty. The second is one I hold dear: the wonder of forming relationships with people in their time of need. Some might describe it as a sacrifice; holidays, weekends, and nights are dedicated to helping patients.

But it has never felt like a sacrifice to me. Being a physician is honorable, and it

Your Personal Nutritionist

How to Simply Add Fruits and Veggies to your Day

By Linda Michaelis RD,MS

We have heard countless times about the benefits of eating veggies and fruits to reduce obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and cancer. It’s true. Old recommendations are to eat five servings a day of fruits and vegetables, and the newest suggestion is that half the plate should be filled with veggies at each meal. With all of the benefits, you would think the entire population would be chomping on bok choy and snacking on broccoli, but we have not yet built a love affair with the produce department. If you struggle like many of us, here are some painless tips and tricks my clients use that increase their fruit and veggie intake.

1. Eat a vegetable with every meal. If half a plate of vegetables seems like an overwhelming goal for you right now, start by simply adding one veggie to each meal and snack. You can eat them as a side—think of adding spinach, mushrooms, and sundried tomatoes to your eggs in the morning, order a salad at lunch, or have your sandwich piled high with veggies. Enjoy a green smoothie when you come home, and have a cup of green beans with dinner. Don’t feel that you must eat plain, steamed veggies. Sautéing them in olive oil, garlic, and spices will have the whole family enjoying them. Once you start working them in, you’ll welcome the new additions!

2. Eat a fruit with each meal. I actually find my clients often eat too much fruit and not enough veggies. Too much fruit equals lots of sugar. I recommend having two fruits a day and three servings of veggies. Always eat a fruit as part of or after a meal and not in between when it often will make you more hungry.

3. Snack smart. Instead of hitting the vending machine for an afternoon pickme-up, start snacking on fruits and vegetables. Cut up veggies and eat them with hummus or nuts, or have some sliced fruit with Greek yogurt. This will satisfy you more than a candy bar will. Your energy level will be stable, and you will not drop after a large amount of sugar on an empty stomach.

4. Drink up. If you have trouble fitting fruits and vegetables into your busy life, work them into a drink that you can take on the go. Try out green shakes that have

Lafayette Today ~ March 2015 - Page 17 offers me purpose. It gives me great pleasure, and I go home feeling good about what I do. Sometimes my job is challenging, but the most difficult moments pale in comparison to what patients feel when they are in pain or chronically ill.

In my experience, many doctors forget the idea of what it feels like to be a patient. Separating ourselves can be a way to keep an even keel, but this risks alienating the very people we are trying to help. It is tempting to believe that work is better left at the office. “Don’t take your patients home with you,” I have been told. And although it is important to maintain a good balance between my personal and professional life, I do, ultimately, take my patients home with me.

I think about patients in my car as I drive home, and I look forward to seeing them when I wake up in the morning. Medicine is part of who I am, and I don’t think of it as a job or occupation. Rather, it is something I have chosen because I believe in it. This perspective has actually helped me be a more energetic surgeon and a more complete person. It is thus that I think those of us with a stronger sense of calling are more resilient to the challenges of our profession. We enjoy what we do. It informs us, shapes us, and makes us better people.

Becoming a board certified plastic surgeon took more than a decade of training.

But along the way, I was a doctor to my patients. I find comfort in the fact that simply caring for people is something I still do on a daily basis. Over the years, I have watched our healthcare system transform and policies evolve. Many of us feel swept up in the changes; we are not sure what to predict and how it will affect us. I hope that whatever system emerges will allow doctors to follow their calling, as I have done. I hope that if we have been called to serve, we will be able to do it.

How will that happen? Who among us should choose this path? These are difficult questions. In the end, however, I have begun to recognize that even the most complex questions have a simple answer.

For me, the answer is taking care of my patients and finding joy in it. I am so grateful to have found my calling, for it is one that inspires and rewards me in equal measures. I am a surgeon, but I am also a physician; both are roles I am honored to fulfill. I look forward to meeting you at my practice soon.

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 Advertorial 925-283-4012 or drbarb@personsplasticsurgery.com. mostly veggies and added fruit, and work them into your rotation as a breakfast or afternoon snack option. You can easily get several fruit and vegetable servings in a yummy beverage.

5. Enjoy soup more often! Soups and stews can be a nutritious, filling way to get lots of vegetables into a meal. Soup is an easy way to increase the variety of veggies you eat, too, as it can make some of your least favorite options more palatable.

There is always the option to buy fresh soups with lots of veggies at Whole Foods.

6. Be ready at all times. Have cut fruits and vegetables in the fridge ready for munching at all times. Whether you buy the pre-cut options in the produce department or take the time to cut and bag it yourself, you’re more likely to eat it if it’s readily and easily available.

7. Keep them in sight, in mind. Just like you keep sweets out of sight to discourage incessant snacking, keeping fruits and veggies in sight will help you think of them as an option for eating. Stock up at work. I always tell parents to keep a bowl of fruit on the kitchen counter at home, and when the kids come home from school put out veggies on the counter with ranch dressing, and you will see they are more likely to eat it when they are hungry.

8. Easy grab lunch. Next time you’re blanking on a quick, easy place to grab lunch, head to the salad bar at a local grocery store such as Whole Foods, Lunardi’s, or Diablo Foods. With an endless variety of vegetables, cut fruit, and soups, it’s an easy way to make sure you get a meal rich in all the nutrients provided by the multi-colored fruits and veggies.

9. Start smart. Make it a habit to order a salad or vegetable-based soup such as minestrone, garden vegetable, tomato basil, or lentil when you’re out at restaurants.

These fiber-rich starters may keep you from overeating when your meal comes, in addition to helping you add more vegetables into your day.

If you start following my suggestions, you will definitely see how much better you feel. Eating more fruits and veggies will probably take the place of eating too many carbs at meals. Clients tell me that when they add veggies to their meal, they feel that they get an extra hour of fullness which keeps their appetite at bay.

I am glad to inform you that insurance companies will cover nutritional counseling. Please visit LindaRD.com for the list of companies that cover counseling, past articles, and more information about nutritional concerns. Call me at (925) 855-0150 or e-mail me at lifeweight1@gmail.com.

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Page 18 - March 2015 ~ Lafayette Today

Events for Lafayette Seniors

All classes are held at the Lafayette Senior Center (LSC), located at 500 Saint Mary’s Rd in Lafayette, unless otherwise noted. Space is limited. Please call 925284-5050 to reserve a spot. Unless otherwise mentioned, events are free for members and $10 for non-members.

Reservoir Walking Group Thursdays • 10AM – 11:30AM • Meet at reservoir center bench on the dam - Led by Jim Scala, Lafayette Today’s “Walking the Reservoir” Columnist. Join us every Thursday for camaraderie, fresh air, and enjoyable exercise, all in magnificent surroundings. Optional bonus: at the end of the walk, Jim will lead you through easy yoga poses and breathing exercises in the most beautiful outdoor yoga studio: the band stage overlooking the water. Increase your balance and fitness, both physical and mental, and leave each week feeling uplifted and radiating that overall sense of well-being! Jim is an author, nutritional expert, former Air Force pilot, and consultant to the U.S. Olympic Ski Team and Mt. Everest expeditions. Please call (925) 284-5050 to add your name to the email notification list. Bring quarters or a credit card for the parking meter. Annual senior (62+) passes may be purchased at the reservoir visitor center.

Art of Balance Presentation Wednesday, 3/25 • 11:30AM – 12:30PM • Elderberry Room, LSC - Class is led by Anne Randolph, Physical Therapist. If you are worried about falling or are at risk of falling, you should know about activities that improve balance. Learn how to gain increased balance and avoid the risk of falling.

Apple Basics Thursday, 3/19 • 10:30AM - Noon • Cedar Room, LSC This on-going series covers topics such as the technology needed for wireless communication, your Apple ID, iTunes, iCloud, and the basics of iPad and iPhone usage. There will be time for Q&A at the end of each class. Please note: this series deals with Apple devices only.

Free Legal Assistance for Older Adults (60+) Thursday 3/19 • 10AM and 11AM • Alder Room, LCC - NOTE: A $15 deposit, fully-refundable at the time of your appointment, is required to reserve your spot. Refund will be issued if cancellation is made at least 24 hours prior to appointment. In order for legal counseling to take place, both time slots must be filled. Please send check, made payable to Senior Legal Services, to Lafayette Senior Services, 500 St. Mary’s Road, Lafayette, CA 94549.

• Landlord/Tenant Problems • Medi-Cal Issues • Durable Powers of Attorney • SSI Overpayment • Rights of Nursing Home & Long-term Care Residents ‘As The Page Turns’ Book Club Tuesday, 3/17 • 1PM – 2:30PM • Elderberry Room, LSC - Looking for a good book to discuss with others? Join this informal group of booklovers and enjoy enrichment, lively discussion, fellowship, and refreshments. Please call Lafayette Senior Services for the book title and to add your name to the email notification list: 284-5050.

Lafayette Senior Services Commission 4th Thursday of the month from 3:30 – 5:30PM at the LSC - View agendas at the City of Lafayette office or at www.ci.lafayette.ca.us.

Lamorinda Nature Walk and Bird-Watching Every Wednesday • 9AM - Noon • Alder Room, LSC - Experience nature at its finest along our local trails. Delight in the beauty that unfolds around each bend, all the while learning to identify a variety of birds. Bring a water bottle; binoculars will be helpful if you have them. Join us whenever you are able. For more information or to place your name on the route email/phone list, call Lafayette Seniors Services. No charge.

Positive Living Forum (“Happiness Club”) 2nd Thursday monthly • 10:30AM – noon • Elderberry Room, LSC - Brighten your day with Dr. Bob Nozik, MD, Prof. Emeritus UCSF and author of Happy 4 Life: Here’s How to Do It. Brighten your day and take part in this interactive gathering which features speakers on a wide range of topics that guide participants toward a more ideal and positive life experience. Drop-ins welcome!

Document Your Life Story Wednesdays, 3/11 Sequoia Room, LSC & 3/18 Dante Hall, Room 113, St. Mary’s College • 2PM – 3:30PM - If you have wanted to write the stories, memories and experiences of your life but haven’t known where to start, wait no longer. You will be guided through the process of leaving a living history for future generations-what a gift! These are not drop-in classes, but are meant to be taken as a complete course. Two optional meetings will take place at St. Mary’s College for their creative writing reading series, “Afternoon Craft Conversations.” If you have questions or need directions to St. Mary’s, call Lafayette Senior Services, 284-5050.

Words of Wisdom...From the Philosophical to the Lighthearted

Third Tuesday Monthly • 10:30AM–noon • Sequoia Room, LSC - Take part in this free-wheeling exchange of inspiration, information, and humor. Topics will be explored, examined, and discussed by participants. Stories and photographs will stimulate humorous discoveries regarding the benefits of becoming the ‘elders of our tribe.

Come Play Mahjong! Every Tuesday • Noon–3PM • Cedar Room, LSC - Come join us on Tuesdays for a drop-in game of mahjong. Mahjong is a game

Daily Workout – Kegels are Easy!

By Linda Adams, LVN

Everyone knows the old saying, “Kegels every day keep incontinence away,” right? Okay, this may not be the most well known principle, but it’s one for women to live by.

Urinary incontinence – the accidental or involuntary release of urine – affects nearly 25 million Americans. It is caused most often by a weakened or damaged urinary tract. For women, the urethra (urinary control “valve”) lies on a “hammock” of ligaments and muscle. If this hammock is stretched, urethral compression weakens and leaks can occur.

Kegels, also commonly referred to as pelvic floor exercises, consist of repeatedly contracting and relaxing pelvic floor muscles – the structure that supports the uterus, bowel, and bladder.

While noting the difficulty in quantifying improvement in urinary incontinence after Kegel exercise, recent studies have shown that women who correctly and regularly perform the exercises reduce the likelihood of urinary incontinence.

From the occasional sneeze to bending over to pick something up off the floor, mild urinary incontinence can happen when it’s least expected. It also affects women and men of all ages, from college athletes, to postpartum women.

For women suffering from incontinence, there are varying options to correct their condition including bladder training (timed voiding), prescription medication, biofeedback, and surgery. But the first line of treatment and defense against urinary incontinence is the Kegel technique. Kegel exercises can help to strengthen the pelvic floor and create needed tension to avoid to urinary mishaps.

How to do Kegels:

• Finding the pelvic muscle: Without tensing the muscles of your leg, buttocks, or abdomen, imagine that you are trying to control the passing of gas or pinching off a stool.

• Two Types of Exercises: Short/quick contractions (two seconds) and slow/long contractions (10 seconds).

To do the short or quick muscle contractions, contract or tighten your pelvic muscle quickly and hard, and immediately relax it. For the slow or long (sustained) contractions, contract or tighten your pelvic muscle and hold for a count of 10 seconds, then relax the muscle completely for the same amount of time. Kegels consists of both “tightening and relaxing” the muscle. It is equally important to control when your muscle tightens and relaxes. Be sure to relax completely between each muscle tightening.

• Exercise Regimen: Set a goal of doing 15 repetitions of each type of kegel, morning and night. The more often you workout the better the results. Now there are great Kegel apps for your phone that will help remind you to exercise!

• Concentrate and tighten only the pelvic floor muscle. DO NOT tighten thighs, buttocks, or stomach. If you feel your stomach move, than you are also using these muscles. DO NOT hold your breath. Breathe normally and/or count out loud.

After 4 to 6 weeks of daily exercise, you will begin to notice less urine leakage. Make the exercises part of your daily lifestyle. Tighten the muscle when you walk, as you stand up, and on the way to the bathroom.

Linda Adams, LVN has dedicated her career to helping patients take control of their incontinence for the past 20 years. In addition to crafting individualized care for her patients, Linda also works to increase awareness and knowledge of continence through classes held at both Pacific Urology and in the greater community. She sees patients in Walnut Creek and San Ramon and can be reached at (925) 937-7740. Advertorial of skill, strategy, and certain degree of chance. All levels welcome. Bring your card, a mahjong set, and a snack to share (optional). RSVP not required.

Lamorinda Dance Social Wednesdays • 12:30 – 3PM • Live Oak Room, LSC - Enjoy afternoon dancing every Wednesday, and learn some great new dance moves. On the first Wednesday monthly, professional dancers Karen and Michael will provide a dance lesson and live DJ services, playing your favorites and taking requests.

Hearing Screening & Telephone Distribution - 1st Wednesday monthly • 1-2:45pm • Alder Room, LSC. In addition to your hearing screening, if it determined that you are eligible for specialized telephone equipment, a representative from the California Telephone Access Program (CTAP) will provide you with a free adaptive telephone at your appointment. Appointment required. Call Lafayette Senior Services at 284-5050 to sign up for a 20-minute appointments.

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Improving Longevity and Quality of Life

By Mary Bruns, Lamorinda Senior Transportation

What do articles on nutrition, meditation, exercise, and volunteering all have in common? They all suggest that we can lengthen and improve the quality of our life by implementing a Mediterranean diet, meditating regularly for 20-30 minutes a day, exercising 30-60 minutes a day four to five days a week, taking a brisk 30-minute walk each day, or volunteering somewhere in our community.

The Mediterranean diet emphasizes eating lots of fruits and vegetables, eating beans and legumes, eating fish two to three times a week, using olive oil, and eating less meat. Of course there is also the reminder to check in with your doctor and to stay hydrated by drinking more water. Older adults don’t always feel thirsty, and so it’s relatively easy to become dehydrated if we are not paying attention. The old stand-by recommendation is to drink 6-8 glasses of water a day, more if we are overweight.

Meditation involves learning to quiet the mind and tuning into a higher state of consciousness by closing your eyes and anchoring your attention in the heart, on the breath, or on the space you see when your eyes are closed. In the book Quantum Healing, Deepak Chopra states that people who meditate regularly are effective in slowing the aging process. He notes that meditating for five years or longer can reset biological age by as much as 12 years lower than one’s chronological age. He also reported on a 1986 Blue CrossBlue Shield insurance study based on 2,000 meditators in Iowa which showed they were healthier than the American population as a whole in 17 major areas of serious disease, both mental and physical. The meditation group was hospitalized 87% less often than non-meditators for heart disease and 50% less for all kinds of tumors.

Exercise not only helps us to tone up and manage our weight. It also increases our energy, and the endorphins released help us to be in a better mood. At last year’s Lafayette Senior Symposium, Dr. Alan Brast, Ph.D. stated that the fluids in our bodies become stagnant if we don’t move. At Lafayette Senior Services, we still have a few free “Sit and Be Fit” DVDs left which help us with balance and fall prevention if we cannot exercise standing up.

Dr. Brast also reminded us that wellness is improved by gratitude, humor, and positive thinking. He stated that in the case of people with serious illnesses, the upbeat group of patients was found to have a 69% higher survival rate than those who were negative about their condition. This powerful statistic reminds us to stay positive and proactive about every life challenge.

There is a book called The Game of Life and How to Play It by Florence Shinn. Shinn states that treating life as a game which you can plan a strategy to “win,” places you in control of your emotions and reduces anxiety.

Volunteering keeps us engaged in the community and in life, so it is less likely we will become isolated. Statistics have now proven that isolation often leads to depression and illness which can lead to premature death. In the January article,

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Lafayette Today ~ March 2015 - Page 19 we suggested the value of beginning the New Year with purpose, the value of setting goals, and the importance of striving to make those accomplishments and self- improvements. Volunteering takes us to the next step: reaching out to help others which always yields a personal benefit of feeling better. Volunteering is the act that gives back to self.

Some additional stress-release tips include: 1) Accept that people sometime make mistakes, are inconsistent, and act thoughtlessly. 2) Consider the possibility that life is a school, and we are here to learn and grow. 3) Listen to people in your life who value your conversation. Good communication can prevent conflict and stress. 4) Schedule in fun with friends and family; laughter is a great stress reducer. 5) Spend sometime outside in the fresh air and sunshine. 6) Clear clutter from your house.

Lamorinda Senior Transportation An Alliance of Transportation Providers

Lamorinda Spirit Van

283-3534

Takes Lamorinda Seniors to errands, appointments, grocery shopping, special events, and to lunch at the C.C. Café. Reserve your ride at least two business days in advance – sooner or when you make your appointment if possible. WE LOVE TO SAY “YES”!

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

Orinda Seniors Around Town

402-4506

Senior Helpline Services Rides for Seniors

284-6161

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

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

C L A S S I F I E D S FOR SALE

YAMAHA PIANO & BENCH U1 - Studio upright, satin walnut, beautiful, like new. $2,400. (925)283-3071.

Are you planning a remodel and need to move-out? Our 2004 FIFTH WHEEL TRAILER is 34' with two bedrooms. Park it in your driveway and be at home to oversee your remodel, keep your animals onsite, and maintain your landscape!

Resell it when you are done and recoup part of your cost! The trailer has a master bedroom with queen sized bed and a second room with bunk bed. Sofa sleeper too. $14,000 or b/o. For photos or a walk-thru email tkibradley@yahoo.com.

JOB OPENING

JOIN OUR AMAZING TEAM - Looking for a meaningful career working with people with Autism and cognitive disabilities? Locations in Danville & Pleasant Hill. M-F, 9-4. Great benefit package, holidays, & PTO. Call RES Success (925) 229-8228, www.ressuccess.org.

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

Lafayette Today Classifieds

Reach over 12,000 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.

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Page 20 - March 2015 ~ Lafayette Today

PATIO FURNITURE & firepits early bird Special Order sale AN ADDITIONAL 10% OFF & NO SALES TAX

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Page 22 - March 2015 ~ Lafayette Today

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