Lafayette_Today_October_2015

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October 2015

Serving the Lafayette Community

Diablo View Rotary - A Club for a New Generation

By Fran Miller

Pass by Walnut Creek’s Buon Vino on Locust St. on a Tuesday night, and you will likely see a happy group enjoying the tasting room’s varied products. But this isn’t just a random group, and this isn’t just a wine tasting event. From 5:30 to 6:30pm each Tuesday, the Diablo View Rotary Club of Walnut Creek meets at this location to socialize, plan their volunteer projects, and yes, to enjoy a little wine.

The Youth Commission’s Haunted House

Self-dubbed as the ‘Happy Hour Club,’ Diablo View Rotary, established in 2008, is the newest of the area’s many Rotary Clubs. Their leadership strives to move beyond the traditional old-school perception of Rotary as a male-dominated organization and caters to a diverse younger crowd, mostly those in their mid

See Rotary continued on page 18

Building a Pedestal

By Fran Miller

When Campolindo woodshop teacher Don Dupont presented to his furniture design class the challenge of creating a book pedestal for the Lafayette Library, he wasn’t sure what might transpire. The request came from Dupont’s friend, former LLLCF board member Ron Olowin, who knew the caliber of Dupont’s students’ work.

“I loved the idea,” said Dupont, who has been teaching woodworking and design at Campolindo for 15 years.

“One student, a very creative lad named Matin Amanat, came up with the basic idea of a stack of books, echoing the bronze ‘Speechless’ out on the lower patio. I worked with him on refining the design and the technique for creating the books, and soon, other students became involved in its construction. This was in the spring of 2013 when Matin was a senior. Work was picked up the following year and last academic year, 2014-15, it finally came to fruition.”

Several students had a hand in making the stand, and their names and graduation years are engraved on the binding of the uppermost volume of the

See Pedestal continued on page 20

Local Postal Customer

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Get ready for spooks and scares at the Lafayette Youth Commission’s 12th annual Haunted House on Friday October 23rd and Sunday, October 25th, at the Lafayette Community Center, located at 500 St. Mary’s Road in Lafayette. This is a special year for the Haunted House as it will be one of the first ever events held in the newly built Jennifer Russell Building.

Youth Commission leaders worked with the new building’s design team during early planning phases to specifically create a series of mounting loops for easy installation of the vast Haunted House maze.

The result promises to be the biggest and best maze in Haunted House history, with Halloween tricks and treats at every turn.

A not-so-scary version of the ghoulishly fun Haunted House takes place from 5-7pm, and the very scary version will be held from 7:30-9:30pm both nights. The cost for ages 7 and under is $3, and ages 8 and over is $5.

All proceeds are donated to various causes supported by the Lafayette Youth Commission. The Commission advises the City Council on issues

Children’s Book Festival

See House continued on page 19

The Lafayette Library’s Children’s Book Festival will be held Saturday, October 24th from 11am-2pm. This is a free event with five outstanding well known children’s authors and illustrators.

There will be readings by each author, books available for sale, book signing, and other activities.

Gennifer Choldenko, best known for Al Capone Does My Shirts, will introduce her newest book, Chasing Secrets. Once again, San Francisco is the back drop for her novel, this time in the early 1900’s.

Thacher Hurd (thacherhurd.com) has written and illustrated more than 25 books for children, including his NY Times Best Illustrated Book of the Year, Zoom City.

Jordan Jacobs (www.j-jacobs. com) brings his passion for mummies, castles and Indiana Jones into his writing, including his popular Samantha Sutton series.

Elisa Kleven (elisakleven.com) is a

See Festival continued on page 14

Volume IX - Number 10 3000F Danville Blvd #117 Alamo, CA 94507 Telephone (925) 405-6397 Fax (925) 406-0547 editor@yourmonthlypaper.com Alisa Corstorphine ~ Publisher

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

Page 2 - October 2015 ~ Lafayette Today

Trick or Treat Street Friday, October 30 at 4 th

pm

Please arrive in costume and enjoy a free, fun, safe, Halloween event presented by the Lafayette Chamber of Commerce. Children and their parents are invited to Trick-or-Treat at participating merchants along Mt. Diablo Blvd. from First Street to Dewing Ave, and also around Lafayette Circle, La Fiesta Square, and the Shops at Plaza Center. All participating businesses will display a Trick-or-Treat poster and balloons on their door.

Start your walk at the Lafayette Library & Learning Center where parking is available. Don’t forget to bring your Trick-or-Treat bag. Check the Chamber website (www. lafayettechamber.org) after October 28th for a complete list of participating businesses.

Lafayette School District

LCF Garage Tour

Tired of that boring, cluttered old garage? Your Lafayette Community General law practice with a Foundation (LCF) Garage Tour concentration on ticket opens doors, “garage doors,” Estate Planning andLandlord/TenantLaw allowing you to check out how some Lamorinda neighbors have 925.283.2500 | 925.451.6679 created their dream garages. derek@wagleylaw.com www.WagleyLaw.com On Sunday, November 1st, 3433 Golden Gate Way, Suite B | Lafayette the registration and kickoff event AM starts at 11:30 at Blodgett’s Flooring, located at 3291 Mt. Diablo Blvd. in Lafayette. Then from 1PM to 4PM the tour will take place. At check-in, enjoy classic cars, and live music, and purchase a bite to eat before heading out on the Tour. Proceeds benefit LCF programs.

For more information, visit www.lafayettecf.org, call 925-284-8214 or email info@ lafayettecf.org.

Facilities Master Planning Community Meetings

High quality, modern school facilities are essential to continuing the excellent teaching and learning that makes our neighborhood schools among the best in the state. This is why Facilities Master Planning is becoming more important than ever for our school district.

An essential part of the Facilities Master Planning process involves reaching out to parents and community members to share information, listen, and gather input about facility needs.

Community Engagement Meetings will be held at the following locations on the following dates: • Lafayette Elementary Library 6:30PM, Thursday, October 15th • Burton Valley Elementary Multi-Use 6:30PM, Monday, October 19th • Stanley Middle Library 6:30PM, Thursday, October 22nd • Springhill Elementary Library 5:30PM, Monday, October 26th • Happy Valley Elementary Library 6:30PM, Tuesday, October 27th For more information about the Facilities Master Planning process or other District meetings, please visit www.lafsd.k12.ca.us.

All meetings are open to the public, and community input is welcome. The District appreciates Lafayette’s continuing interest in its local public schools. .

Volunteer with AARP Tax-Aide for 2016 Tax Season

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

Contra Costa County AARP Tax-Aide is looking for volunteers to become members of a team providing free tax preparation for individuals of all ages.

Tax-Aide volunteer positions include Tax Counselors who are trained by TaxAide and certified by IRS and Client Facilitators who schedule appointment and assist clients at tax sites. Orientation is in November 2015, and classes for tax counselors start in January 2016. Service is from February through April 15, 2016.

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

Ensuring Quality Higher Education for our Children The Impact of Funding Cuts

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The California legislature has cut funding to higher education dramatically; how does this affect the quality of public education? Should we redirect our taxpayer dollars to better fund public education? Will the University of California and California State University turn to private funding? What about California Community Colleges? How do we make our opinions heard?

The League of Women Voters of Diablo Valley is sponsoring a presentation with Joan Buchanan outlining how funding is determined for higher education in California and how it has changed over the recent past. Ms. Buchanan’s expertise comes from her years of experience on the California State Assembly [2008-2014] where she served as Chair of the Education Committee as well as her past service as San Ramon Valley School Board President and member.

The presentation will take place at the Meeting Room at Pleasant Hill CoHousing, located at 2200 Lisa Lane in Pleasant Hill, on Saturday ,October 17th from 3pm – 4:30pm. The presentation is free and open to the public.

Saturday, October 17th is your opportunity to hear Ms. Buchanan speak on this complex subject and answer your questions.

AAUW Presents the Honorable Ellen Tauscher

The Orinda-Moraga-Lafayette (OML) Branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) will feature the Honorable Ellen Tauscher, the U.S. Representative for California’s 10th congressional district from 19972009, on Tuesday, October 20th at the Holy Trinity Serbian Cultural Center, 1700 School Street, Moraga. Coffee will be served at 9AM. Ellen has been asked to address how we, as individuals, can advocate for AAUW’s priorities such as public education, women in the workforce/equal pay, affordable health care, the right to privacy, freedom from violence, and choice in determination of one’s reproductive life. Drawing on her unique experiences and background, Tauscher will share insights from her time of government service and her current endeavors.

Please join us! For membership information, visit the Branch website http://oml-ca.aauw.net.

Fall Harvest Celebration

The Lafayette Community Garden and Outdoor Learning Center will hold their forth annual Fall Harvest Celebration on Sunday, October 18 from 11am-3pm. We hope you will join us at the garden to share in the celebration. There will be garden tours, games, displays, refreshments, music, raffle, a Native American dwelling and artifacts, a scarecrow and apple doll making. Admission is free.

The garden is located at 3932 Mount Diablo Boulevard, Lafayette - across from the Lafayette Reservoir. For more information visit www. lafayettecommunitygarden.org.

Mobility Challenges

Meals on Wheels and other partners are offering presentations relating to senior mobility on October 23 from 10AM to 2:30PM at John Muir Medical Center, located at 1601 Ygnacio Valley Road in Walnut Creek.

The first presentation will be “Mature Drivers and the Healthy Brain,” led by Dr. Patrick Arbore, Jefferson award winner and founder of the Center for Elderly Suicide Prevention. The second presentation will be “Take Control of Your Driving Future,” led by Rosemary Robles, DMV Senior Driver Ombudsman.

Free box lunches will be provided, and parking is available. Space is limited, so please RSVP by October 15 to clouisell@mowsos.org or (925) 954-8736.

Family Bike Rides

Every Sunday – 9-11:30AM

Join BikeLafayette for its weekly Family Bike Ride from Stanley Middle School to Moraga Commons and back. The ride is recommended for people 7 years and up. Younger children are welcome in a bike trailer or on your bike. The children will have fun playing at the Commons. Riders are usually back at Stanley by 11:15AM. You are encouraged to bring snacks and water.

For more information about BikeLafayette, visit www.facebook.com/ bikelafayette.ca.

Lamorinda Peace and Justice

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

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Boulevard View

Lafayette Today ~ October 2015 - Page 3

By Alisa Corstorphine, Editor

Last month, after three years of planning, I was N able to get away for a few weeks with a wonderful ET NTOW D O W E AT S T R E M E R T CO L R E O trip to France and Spain. I saw and experienced W K T R I C FA M I L I E S R 3 0 T H & BE many fun, interesting, and exciting things. One of K I D S AY, O C T O 4 : 0 0 P M F R I D N I N G AT U M E T N many observations I made was the large number of BEGI E IN COS COM stores and sidewalk vendors selling books, comic books, trading cards, postcards and letters, ephemera, and writing supplies. Some of the material was new, and much of it was old but timeless.

Here in the U.S. stores like these have become a rarity, replaced by the fast moving digital age. It’s not as if the residents of Europe don’t experience the digital age - they do, but I witnessed more interaction between people, fewer electronic devices overall, and a greater use of paper and pen, and paper and print mediums. It’s as if they have struck a balance that thus far has seemed to elude us here at home.

Maybe I was drawn to these places as they reminded me of the foundation of this paper. Many people comment that they still enjoy reading The Club Fitness Doorstep Farm Peacock Construct Shops At Plaza Center their stories, news, and letters via paper: a material that is more tactile and The Club Fitness Doorstep Farmers Solar Technologie permanent. People can feel and smell the texture of paper they hold in their Peacock Construction, Inc. Dudum Real Estate G Shops At Plaza Center hands and it’s a completely different experience than reading a story elecIllustration by Maia Buchman tronically. I find the reading experience is slower, in the best possible way.

In Barcelona, the Sunday Vintage Book Market pops up each week in 8:00AM DOWNTOWN LAFAYETTE the middle of a busy street. It is a huge event with people both young and NEW DOWNTOWN LOCATION (MT. DIABLO & OAK HILL RD.) The Club Fitness Doorstep Fa old in attendance. You can buy new and vintage books, coins, postcards, Peacock Constru Shops At Plaza Center Lafayette vinyl records, magazines, trading cards, and photographs. I just wish I read 2 MILE FUN RUN 8:00AM and wrote Spanish and French fluently so that I could enjoy some of the Minuteman 5K RUN 8:30AM The Club Fitness Doorstep Farmers Solar Technologie Press Lafayette amazing materials I ran across on this trip. What a bounty!

Peacock Construction, Inc. Dudum Real Estate G Shops At Plaza Center 10K RUN 8:45AM En route to the Vintage Book Market, there were several sidewalk corFAMILY BICYCLE RIDE 9:30AM ners filled with kids and their parents who were buying and trading sports cards. There must have been a hundred people on one corner alone; they KID ZONE • LIVE MUSIC • BIKE RODEO • HEALTHY LIFESTYLES FAIR had lists in hand and were mingling with each other to find elusive player The Club Fitness Doorstep Farmers Solar Technologies SUPPORTING LOCAL EDUCATION Peacock Construction, Inc. Dudum Real Estate Group Shops At Plaza Center cards to fill their sets. It was as if old hobbies were in vogue again, and it was really refreshing.

ONLINE REGISTRATION: WWW.LAFAYETTECHAMBER.ORG I’ve always been drawn to keeping lists and notes on paper. Typically I’ll use a yellow lined note pad and write with an assortment of pens. In my mind I believe the act of writing down my lists and transcribing them from list to list helps me to clarify and reinforce the things I wish to accomplish.

While my “uber-digital” friends often make fun of my scraps of paper, this pen and paper method works great for me.

I recently received a letter from a reader whose son is in the Marines. She noted, “The only communication we have had is the lost art of writing which has been a blessing!” In her correspondence she asked if I could reach out to my readers to help support her son who is currently in boot camp, in San Diego. As he enters the final phase of boot camp they complete what is known as the “Crucible,” a strenuous 54 hour event that culminates Boot camp and which tests everything they learned over the last three months. Her request (unfortunately too late for this issue) was to have porch lights left on over the nights of September 29th to October 1st to symbolize the “guiding light” for the Marine’s journey through the Crucible. Pictures that were taken of the lit up community are being sent to this class of Marine’s to symbolize the hometown support for their accomplishment and future deployments.

I received another communication asking for support for an ill friend. They noted that they felt texting and email don’t have the same ability to convey the gravitas of love our ill friend needs so much. As such, they asked the network of friends to reach out by mailing a hand-written card, prayer, note, photograph, memory, or cartoon to our sick friend. I think they’re right, and our beloved friend deserves nothing less.

Experience the richness of New Meaning and Color with the Alex and Ani Fall Collection. Inspired by the As the fall becomes busier with holidays and gathermystery and thrill of exploring the wild, this collection embodies Ancient Mysteries, Rich Colors, ings, I urge you to slow down. Pick an up an old book and Raw Energy inspired by nature. that has been sitting on your shelf for ages. Write a letter by hand, pick out a beautiful stamp, and post it Danville in the mail. Start or restart an old hobby or collection.

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Page 4 - October 2015 ~ Lafayette Today

An Evening with the Stars

By Jim Scala

Drive up Mt. Diablo on October 17th, and arrive at the lower summit parking lot by about 5:30PM for an inspiring evening with the stars. The program will begin at 6PM. You’ll see the universe as never before. Members of the Mt. Diablo Astronomical society (MDAS) will be standing by their telescopes to show you celestial objects. The views will capture your imagination, and the night sky will never be the same again. Every visitor says, “Wow!” many times during a viewing.

Astronomy is called the “gateway science” because many scientists, engineers, and medical doctors say their scientific curiosity was sparked and nurtured by looking through an amateur’s telescope. MDAS’s main mission is outreach. Any member will say, “We like to show everyone what’s out there.” The program will inspire anyone and cause many young people to think about science.

By about 9PM you’ll leave on an escorted drive down the mountain with much to discuss. Return on one or all of the dates shown below for more inspiring evenings.

The program is titled Search for Alien Worlds. What will the first alien life we discover likely look like? Explore where weird life exists on Earth. What does that tell us about life elsewhere in the galaxy? Which stars have planets where life might exist?

For more information, visit www.mdas.net. Click on “Public Program” for a link to the 2015 Event Calendar and also a link for directions to Mt. Diablo and the Lower Summit Parking Lot. Plan to enter the park before sunset, and allow 30 minutes for the drive to the lower summit lot. Better yet, arrive early, bring a sandwich, and watch astronomers set up telescopes. Even that will be a learning experience.

Assistance League Way Side Inn Thrift Shop Cashmere Sweaters, Knits, and Fine Jewelry Event

While the dedicated member volunteers at Assistance League® Way Side Inn Thrift Shop avoid the practice of dropping names, they take great pride in preparing for the Cashmere Sweaters, St. John and Misook Knits event that will begin on Tuesday, October 13. Located at 3521 Golden Gate Way, in Lafayette, the well-known landmark will transform to a virtual garment district with racks and shelves bulging with previously owned, but many times infrequently worn, high-end items that will flutter out the door and into the homes of the most discerning of shoppers. An added facet this year, pieces of fine jewelry worn with the above mentioned items will convert a daytime career classic look into an evening chic nuance.

Defined as a wool, cashmere is actually a fine textured hair that is light and soft, yet stronger than wool. As important, cashmere has three times the insulating capacity that wool has. You’ll appreciate these attributes now that lower temperatures loom on the horizon. No doubt, you’ll certainly delight in the palette of colors, styles, and the “this has to be a mistake” low prices.

As for the approaching holiday season, the timeless, classic, and more recently sporty, trendsetting St. John Knits will prepare you for all occasions. Likewise, Misook’s “Work, Travel, Live” fashions remain ageless for the very good reason that today’s garments boast the same black, white, red, and blue colors used since 1995.

The St. John and Misook inventory will include such items as jackets, tops, a few skirts and pants, most of them black.

The event will obviously offer wise investments for you. As significant, your donations to, and support of, the Way Side Inn Thrift Shop will help fund ten hands-on philanthropic programs that will improve the lives of those in our community who are vulnerable. To learn about Assistance League of Diablo Valley’s philanthropic programs, please visit diablovalley.assistanceleague.org.

Lost Dog!

$50 REWARD

If you find him and your name is drawn!

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

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

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

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

Jack Champlin is our winner!

Luther was hiding on page 3 last month!

23 Annual Lafayette Reservoir Run rd

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October 25th

The Lafayette Reservoir Run is the city’s most popular “family affair,” involving kids, parents, Gopher/Mole Removal grandparents and hundreds of No Poison serious runners from all over the Bay Area. Fondly referred to as 925-765-4209 “The fastest 5K and the toughest 10K in the land,” over 2,500 participants compete in a 10K, 5K or 2 mile race through the heart of downtown Lafayette, around the reservoir and back. Sprinters, walkers, the “stroller brigade” and many of Lafayette’s top four legged residents share the streets on Sunday, October 25th. Race times begin at 8am and “day of” registration begins at 6:30am. Enjoy music provided by Stanley Middle School and a pancake breakfast provided by the Lafayette Rotary Club.

This year the festivities have moved about a block and a half west to the corner of Mt. Diablo Blvd. and Oak Hill Rd. Registration, activities, breakfast, and vendors will all be set up around the intersection.

Healthy Lifestyles Fair

Lamorinda’s health and wellness providers will assemble to meet and serve the community in a free public information and service health fair which will take place as part of this year’s Reservoir Run. This is a perfect opportunity for community members to talk about their health concerns and meet providers that truly care and can assist them in their quest for a healthier life! The fair will be located next to registration and the Start-Finish line.

Parking will be available at the BART parking lot. Walk down to Mt. Diablo Blvd. and Oak Hill Rd. where all the fun is taking place. Or ride your bike and use the free Bike Valet Parking.

Pre-register for the race at http://bit.ly/resrun2015. To volunteer, sign-up online at http://bit.ly/res-run-volunteer-2015.

Beneficiaries of the event are the local schools and the services and programs of the Chamber. There will be medals for all top participants in the 5K and 10K. The two mile fun run is a non-timed event.

Also new this year will be a relaxing family bike ride. It has been added as another fun family activity with help from our friends at bikelafayette and Sustainable Lafayette. There will also be a bike safety rodeo.

There are many ways to participate, so come join the fun!

Dropping Bricks to Fight the Drought - Free Workshop

Potty humor can help fight the drought – at least if it means people use less water when flushing the toilet. Rising Sun Energy Center, a local nonprofit that provides communities with no-cost water and energy saving services, has teamed up with Project: Drop-A-Brick™ to provide free water displacement devises for toilet tanks. Rising Sun will be handing these water-savers out for free at a workshop co-hosted with the East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD) in Walnut Creek on Wednesday, October 14th from 7-8PM. Drop-A-Bricks save about half a gallon of water per flush, but alone won’t be the solution to the state’s severe drought. Experts from EBMUD and Rising Sun will lead an hour-long workshop to educate the public about additional actions they can take to save water both inside their homes and in their yards. EBMUD will provide free kits with other water-saving measures.

Everyone is invited to attend the free workshop which will be held at the Walnut Creek City Council Chambers located at 1666 North Main St., 1st floor. Please RSVP to reserve your space by emailing Beth at gunston@ risingsunenergy.org.

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Lafayette Today ~ October 2015 - Page 5

Lafayette Juniors Rummage Sale

The Lafayette Juniors will hold their 22nd annual rummage sale on Saturday, November 7th, from 8 am – 2pm. There is a special early bird entrance fee of $5 per adult from 7am – 8am.

Pre-loved designer clothes, baby and kid clothes, toys, furniture, household goods, and much more will be available at rock bottom prices!

All sale proceeds benefit local non-profits that serve seniors, families, and children in need. Please bring cash to purchase all items.

The event is being held at a new location this year - Our Saviors Lutheran Church, located at 1035 Carol Lane in Lafayette.

For more information visit www.lafayettejuniors.org.

Ensuring Quality Higher Education for our Children The Impact of Funding Cuts

The California legislature has cut funding to higher education dramatically; how does this affect the quality of public education? Should we redirect our taxpayer dollars to better fund public education? Will the University of California and California State University turn to private funding? What about California Community Colleges? How do we make our opinions heard?

The League of Women Voters of Diablo Valley is sponsoring a presentation with Joan Buchanan outlining how funding is determined for higher education in California and how it has changed over the recent past. Ms. Buchanan’s expertise comes from her years of experience on the California State Assembly [2008-2014] where she served as Chair of the Education Committee as well as her past service as San Ramon Valley School Board President and member.

The presentation will take place at the Meeting Room at Pleasant Hill Co-Housing, located at 2200 Lisa Lane in Pleasant Hill, on Saturday ,October 17th from 3pm – 4:30pm. The presentation is free and open to the public.

Saturday, October 17th is your opportunity to hear Ms. Buchanan speak on this complex subject and answer your questions.

Lafayette Hiking Group Fall Hikes

Meet in the parking lot out from Lafayette BART’s main entrance at 8:30am. We form carpools to the trailhead. Bring snacks, water, layered clothing, good walking shoes, sun protection and money to contribute toward gas ($3).

Lafayette Ridge Loop, Saturday, October 10

Discover some of Lafayette’s local trails which take you from downtown to the Lafayette Ridge and back. Enjoy great views of Lafayette, Mount Diablo, and Contra Costa County. We will go up the Elizabeth Street Trail to the Ridge Trail, then down the Petar Jakovina Trail. The hike is strenuous and steep with stairs. A hiking stick will be helpful for this 4 mile outing. The hike leader will be Alison Hill.

Sibley Volcanic Regional Preserve, Saturday, October 17

Enjoy great views, geologic history from volcanic action 10 million years ago, and walk stone labyrinths in old quarries. There will be exposed areas so be sure to wear a hat. Hiking poles are recommended for this moderate, 3 - 4 mile hike. The hike leader will be Donna Ryan.

For questions please email LafayetteHiking@comcast.net.

Saturday, October 24, 2015 Please join us as we celebrate the annual “Many Faces of Breast Cancer” Come and experience a special event focusing on the unique needs and issues of breast cancer survivors. Join an engaging panel of medical experts as they speak to issues that directly affect over 2.5 million survivors in the US today. The program will provide insights into imaging follow-up, lymph node surgery, lymphedema, latest research, pyscho-social issues and benefits of targeted physical activity. Q & A session to follow the presentation.

Lesher Center for the Arts Stage 3, Knight Theatre 1601 Civic Drive Walnut Creek, CA 94596 Saturday, October 24, 2015 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Space is limited. Advanced registration required. Admission, parking and refreshments are free.

Parking available in the North Locust Garage, adjacent to the theatre. Please mention you are with The Many Faces of Breast Cancer.

Tiffany Svahn, MD - Moderator Vivian Wing, MD Radiologist Cynthia Grace, Psy.D Clinical Psychologist

Leslie Jerge Certified Pilates Instructor

RSVP: 925-677-5041

Lamorinda Idol 2015 Finals Winners

The tenth annual Lamorinda Idol Finals took place on Sunday, September 6th at the Orinda Theatre. Winners were: • K-2 soloists ~ Sisi Roggensack • 3-5 soloists ~ Ava Jacuzzi • 6-8 soloists ~ Kate Gross • 9-12 soloists ~ Leah Dobson • K-5 groups ~ Happy Harmonies (Natalie Schroeder & Katie Welch) • 6-8 groups ~ ABC (Lleyton Allen, Elizabeth Becker & Jenni Coletta) • 9-12 groups ~ Michaela and Jen (Michaela Sasner & Jennifer McFarlane) • Audience Award ~ Leah Woodcox Thirty-three soloists and 12 groups performed in the finals in grade-level categories. Awards were given to the winner in each category: K-2 solo, 3-5 solo, middle school solo, high school solo; and groups for K-5, middle school and high school.

Winners were selected by a panel of distinguished judges who are musical professionals in the Bay Area combined with audience votes. One winner was selected for the category of overall Audience Award. Cash prizes were awarded to each winner.

For questions or further details, please contact Lamorinda Idol Chairman, Steve Harwood, at zzz9@comcast.net or see Lamorinda Arts Council’s website at http://lamorindaarts.org/lamorinda-idol.

Page 6 - October 2015 ~ Lafayette Today

The Bookworm

By Joan Stevenson

On Sunday, October 11 from 1-6PM, the Lafayette Library and Learning Center will host the first East Bay Litquake with a program entitled “Braving the Elements.” What is Litquake? It is an effort to foster interest in literature, encourage a sense of literary community, and provide a forum for Bay Area writing and beyond. Four panel discussions moderated by Mary Ellen Hannibal will address the subject of “wilderness.” Each panelist will talk about how they connect with wilderness in original and unique ways. At 1PM the subject is “Wilderness is Where You Find It,” with writers Jason Mark, Novella Carpenter, and Tom Turner. Malcolm Margolin and Kim Bancroft will look at Publishing California at 2:30PM, followed by The Art and Science of the Tidepool at 3:45PM with Josie Iselin and Rebecca Johnson. The discussion will wrap up at 4:45 with artists Tom Killion, John Muir Laws, and Laura Cunningham discussing Rendering Landscapes. Wilderness is personal, political, historic, and threatened.

Join us for an afternoon of provocative discussion in the Community Hall.

While you are enjoying your coffee or tea, either Panache Coffee and Tea shop or Peet’s Coffee and Tea shop, you might notice a unique addition. The Friends of the Lafayette Library are giving away books. There are no strings attached; the books are free. Inside each book is a bookplate saying that the book is courtesy of the Friends Corner Book Shop. Special thanks to the managers at the coffee shops who joined us in this project.

St. Mary’s College Art Museum just unveiled the Maurice A. Alberti Print Collection and Art Library established through a bequest by alumnus Dr. Maurice A. Alberti, class of 1951, who amassed a vast print collection of museum quality American and European Prints. Opening on October 4th, part of his private collection will be on view in the museum. This program WOW (Wonders of the World) comes to you from the Friends.

The Friends of the Lafayette Library and the Distinguished Speaker Series will welcome Ayelet Waldman to a special Sweet Thursday on October 15th at 7PM. The author will discuss her latest novel, Love & Treasure, and the history and fate of the Jewish community of Hungary between World Wars I and II. For tickets, call 2836513 x 102. Tickets are $10 for current donor members, $15 general admission, and

www.yourmonthlypaper.com $25 for reserved seating and a copy of Love & Treasure.

Here is an important Battle of the Bands reminder - the audition deadline is 11:59pm Sunday, October 18th. For more details, contact pbrogan@ccclib.org.

Budding teen writers have a special literary opportunity this month. Write a story that gives everyone the creeps, and you have the chance to win a prize and read your story at the end of the month costume contest/creation! Deadline for submission to pbrogan@ccclib.org is October 16. (500 word min. 1000 word max.) The teen monthly makers will celebrate Halloween by making masks using the library’s 2D printer on Thursday October 29 from 3:30 - 5PM. Roll out the red carpet because Sweet Thursday favorite, Linda Peterson, is returning to the Lafayette Library on Sunday, October 18 from 3– 4:30PM. She will return to Lafayette to discuss her latest mystery, The Spy on the Tennessee Walker. Through old letters, flashbacks, and the modern-day investigations of the San Francisco based Fiori family, amateur sleuth Maggie Fiori unravels the 150 year old secrets of Civil War nurse Victoria Alma Cardworthy.

Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night keeps Book Shop volunteers from their appointed rounds. Technically, there wasn’t snow but there was rain and heat and even that did not hinder the Vintage/Antique used book sale effort.

The return for two days was $3,744.35. That’s incredible!

The performers from Town Hall Theatre’s Seussical the Musical will kickoff the festivities Children’s Book Festival, Saturday, October 24th, from 11AM – 2PM at the Lafayette Library Community Hall with a musical performance at 11AM. Please join in as we welcome five well known, award-winning authors and illustrators. This is a free event.

The end of the month brings two more important authors to our library. On Wednesday, October 28 from 7:30-8:30PM, in partnership with St. Mary’s, we welcome Cristina Garcia, author of six novels, including the timely King of Cuba, a darkly comic novel featuring a fictionalized Fidel Castro. Tickets are $10 for current donor member, $15 for general admission, and $25 for reserved seating and a copy of King of Cuba. Admission is FREE for students with ID On October 29 at 7PM Joyce Maynard will talk on The Art of Authentic Memoir. She will address the dilemma of how a writer can tell the truth without laying waste to the privacy of others? If you’ve ever thought about writing about your life, you don’t want to miss what is sure to be an inspiring evening for writers and readers alike. This is a free event.

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Lamorinda’s Been Making Wine Since Before the Civil War

By Ruth Bailey, Lafayette Historical Society

Lafayette Today ~ October 2015 - Page 7

11 Critical Home Inspection Traps to be Aware of Weeks Before Listing Your Home for Sale

The history of commercial wine grape growing in the Lamorinda area dates back more than 150 years. An early Lafayette - According to industry ex- sale or, worse, turn prospective buyers directory of California wine makers shows local growers perts, there are over 33 physical prob- away altogether. In most cases, you can lems that will come under scrutiny during make a reasonable pre-inspection yourself John Grinnell, Daniel and Isaac Hunsaker, and William B. a home inspection when your home is if you know what you're looking for, and Rodgers collectively had 623 gallons of wine on hand in for sale. A new report has been prepared knowing what you're looking for can help 1860. which identifies the 11 most common you prevent little problems from growing Since the third quarter of the nineteenth century, Contra of these problems, and what you should into costly and unmanageable ones.

Costa County has been home to an active wine industry. know about them before you list your home To help home sellers deal with this issue One of the first ranchers to grow wine grapes was John for sale. before their homes are listed, a free report Swett, San Francisco superintendent of schools, called Whether you own an old home or a brand entitled "11 Things You Need to Know to “father of education in California.” According to the new one, there are a number of things Pass Your Home Inspection" has been Contra Costa County Historical Society, the Swett Ranch that can fall short of requirements during a compiled which explains the issues involved. grew many fruit and nut crops, with wine grapes being home inspection. If not identified and dealt To hear a brief recorded message about the most important until 1916. At that time, two things with, any of these 11 items could cost you how to order your FREE copy of this report, happened that caused the whole Valley to shift from grape dearly in terms of repair. That's why it's call toll-free 1-866-265-1682 and enter culture to fruit orchards. critical that you read this report before 2003. You can call any time, 24 hours a day, The first was the Phylloxera, a tiny insect that destroyed you list your home. If you wait until the 7 days a week. the vines' roots. The infestation struck the Valley at building inspector flags these issues for Get your free special report NOW to learn about the same time it was ruining French vineyards. All you, you will almost certainly experience how to ensure a home inspection doesn't growers who could afford it had to replant their vineyards costly delays in the close of your home cost you the sale of your home. by grafting Muskat, Tokay, and other European stocks This report is courtesy of J. Rockcliff Realtors CalBRE #01763819. Not intended to solicit buyers or sellers currently under contract. Copyright © 2015 onto native American Phylloxera-resistant vines.

The second disaster to wine production was the Prohibition Act of 1916. But we’re getting ahead of the story.

During the same period, Joseph Napthaly, a native of Prussia, had a considerable planting of wine grapes to the west of Walnut Creek in the area that is now Rossmoor. Napthaly helped finance construction of the Oakland, Antioch & Eastern Electric Railway, which traversed his estate. His “Station Saranap” was named for his wife. Both winery and distillery were operated until Prohibition.

His winemaker for many years was Peter Crenna, owner of the Concord Winery. The Napthaly ranch, is now Rossmoor and only rows of olive trees are left to indicate the former vineyard boundaries.

There was also a wine-making operation in Moraga owned by the Trelut brothers: Ernest, Frank and Etienne. They arrived in Moraga in August 1880 and promptly took up squatters’ rights on two parcels at the end of Bollinger Canyon Road; they’re acknowledged as likely being the first large-scale winemakers in the area.

By 1897, Theodore Wagner [Wagner Ranch] was commercially growing grapes in the Orinda area. While some grapes were made into wine locally, most were shipped out of the area, with much of the production sold to immigrant Italians in San Francisco's North Beach. A decade later, Serafino Rossi grew wine grapes commercially at a site now occupied by Reliez Valley Vineyards in Lafayette. None of these early vineyards survive today, other than the new vineyard and winery on the site of the original Rossi property.

Coming up to the present, a petition has been prepared to establish a New American Viticultural Area (AVA) to be named “Lamorinda.” “Viticulture” is the science, production and study of grapes. The area described includes nearly 139 acres of planted vines and planned plantings. In writing the petition on behalf of the Lamorinda Winegrowers Association and its 46 local growers, the following unique characteristics of the area were cited: All viticulture limited to moderately steep slopes carved from uplifted sedimentary rock.

• Soils in Lamorinda have higher clay content, a result of weathered claystone. The topography allows for shallow soils and good runoff, reducing moisture held in the soil.

• Lamorinda is protected from coastal cooling influences.

• Slope, orientation and exposure contribute to a large number of microclimates.

• Suburban landscape with low-density housing leading to a large number of small vineyards.

• All vineyards require use of hand pruning and harvesting.

If you’re thinking about planting a few vines in the backyard and want to talk to a real live vintner, you’re in luck! The Lafayette Historical Society's Speaker Series will present Leslie Ward, owner of Los Arabis Vineyards, on Sunday, October 25th, 1:30PM in the Community Hall at the Lafayette Library and Learning Center. Her topic is “The History and Present of Wine Making in Lamorinda.”

There is a requested donation of $10 for LHS members and $15 for non-members. No reservation is required.

Come and learn how Lamorinda may be turning into the Napa Valley of tomorrow.

Page 8 - October 2015 ~ Lafayette Today

What is the Role of Code Enforcement in Our Communities?

By Candace Andersen, Contra Costa County District 2

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ˆ‰ � � � Š ‹ �

October 12

- Dec Periodically my office receives inquiries about code enforcement ember 18 in both the cities and unincorporated areas of District 2 of the County.

Join THE WRITING STUDIO this fall as your children enter a world There might be questions about the placement of realtors’ signs, the of CREATIVE NARRATIVE AND ESSAY-BASED EXPOSITORY WRITING parking of an RV or boat, an inoperable vehicle in someone’s yard, or PROJECTS. Through grade appropriate classes and one-on-one construction being done without a building permit. ƒ„…†‡ˆ‰Š‹„…†ŒŽ†‰‡‘’…‰†Žˆ’Š“…Ž”“„”’“Ž†’…‰’…ƒ’Ž†‰“‡ƒ‰‡“’ŒŽ „“•Š…–—Š‹„…ŠˆŽ†˜–ˆˆ†ŒŽ‰™’Ž’ˆ’š’…‰†Ž„›Žœ’ˆˆžœ“–Â&#x;Â’Â…ÂŽÂ’Â†Â†ÂŠÂĄÂ†ÂŒÂŽÂƒÂ“Â’ÂŠÂ‹Â˘Â’ÂŽ Most cities and the County do not have the manpower to actively patrol Â‡Â†Â’ÂŽÂ„Â›ÂŽÂ‘Â’Â†ÂƒÂ“Â–Â”Â‹Â˘Â’ÂŽÂœÂ„Â“Â‘Â†ÂŒÂŽÂƒÂ„Â“Â“Â’ÂƒÂ‰ÂŽÂ•Â“ÂŠÂšÂšÂŠÂ“ÂŒÂŽÂ‡Â†ÂŠÂ•Â’ÂŒÂŽÂŠÂ…Â‘ÂŽÂ†Â„ÂŽÂšÂ‡ÂƒÂ™ÂŽÂšÂ„Â“Â’ÂŁ neighborhoods looking for code violations. They rely upon citizens to report problems. Deciding whether to complain about violations observed may be a difficult decision.

THE WRITING STUDIOÂŽÂ–Â†ÂŽÂ„Â”Â’Â…ÂŽÂ‰Â„ÂŽÂ’ÂˆÂ’ÂšÂ’Â…Â‰ÂŠÂ“ÂĄÂŒÂŽÂšÂ–Â‘Â‘ÂˆÂ’ÂŽÂŠÂ…Â‘ÂŽÂ™Â–Â•Â™ÂŽÂ†ÂƒÂ™Â„Â„ÂˆÂŽ Most of us want to be kind neighbors, but we also want to maintain the quality of our community. Â†Â‰Â‡Â‘Â’Â…Â‰Â†ÂŽÂœÂ™Â„ÂŽÂ†Â‰Â“Â–Â˘Â’ÂŽÂ‰Â„ÂŽÂ–ÂšÂ”Â“Â„Â˘Â’ÂŽÂ‰Â™Â’Â–Â“ÂŽÂœÂ“Â–Â‹Â…Â•ÂŽÂ†Â˜Â–ÂˆÂˆÂ†ÂŁÂŽÂ¤Â“Â„ÂĽÂ’ÂƒÂ‰Â†ÂŽÂƒÂ„Â…Â†Â–Â†Â‰ÂŽ Â„Â›ÂŽÂŠÂŚÂ†Â„Â“ÂŚÂ–Â…Â•ÂŽÂœÂ“Â–Â‹Â…Â•ÂŽÂŠÂ†Â†Â–Â•Â…ÂšÂ’Â…Â‰Â†ÂŒÂŽÂ›Â“Â„ÂšÂŽÂ§Â“Â†Â‰ÂŽÂ”Â’Â“Â†Â„Â…ÂŽÂ…ÂŠÂ“Â“ÂŠÂ‹Â˘Â’Â†ÂŽÂŠÂ…Â‘ÂŽ Code Enforcement’s role is to improve the safety, health, and welfare of all citizens living within Â”Â’Â“Â†Â‡ÂŠÂ†Â–Â˘Â’ÂŽÂ’Â†Â†ÂŠÂĄÂ†ÂŽÂ‰Â„ÂŽÂŚÂ–Â„Â•Â“ÂŠÂ”Â™Â–Â’Â†ÂŽÂŠÂ…Â‘ÂŽÂ“Â’Â†Â’ÂŠÂ“ÂƒÂ™ÂŽÂ”Â“Â„ÂĽÂ’ÂƒÂ‰Â†ÂŁÂŽÂŽÂ¨Â‡Â“ÂŽ local governmental jurisdictions. Cities, and the County for unincorporated areas, have the authority October 12 - December 18. Â‰Â’Â…ÂžÂœÂ’Â’Â˜ÂŽÂ”Â“Â„Â•Â“ÂŠÂšÂŽÂœÂ–ÂˆÂˆÂŽÂ‰ÂŠÂ˜Â’ÂŽÂ”ÂˆÂŠÂƒÂ’ÂŽÂŠÂ„Â˘Â’ÂšÂŚÂ’Â“ÂŽÂŞÂŞÂžÂŤÂ’ÂŚÂ“Â‡ÂŠÂ“ÂĄÂŽÂŹÂŁÂŽ to impose administrative fines when a code violation presents itself. While every governing body has ÂŤÂ„Â“ÂŽÂ›Â‡Â“Â‰Â™Â’Â“ÂŽÂ–Â…Â›Â„Â“ÂšÂŠÂ‹Â„Â…ÂŒÂŽvisitÂŽ its own procedures for addressing noncompliance, it is common to issue notices of violation to the of or call 925-385-0 11. fending property owner. If the property owner does not correct the violation or obtain a permit where THE WRITING STUDIO necessary within a given time frame, fines are imposed and a lien can be recorded against the property.

Where Words Come to Life How Does the Code Enforcement process work after a complaint is received? An inspection of the property is conducted to see if the complaint is valid. In most cases, if a violation is found,   � � � ��  ­€‚ ƒ „ …†‚‡‡ a letter is prepared and mailed to the property owner with time enough to correct the violation. If there is a hazardous or unsafe condition, immediate action may take place and the property owner issued a “stop work order.�

Meals on Wheels Another area where the preservation of community standards is addressed is Seniors in our community need your support! Meals on Wheels through Home Owners Associations (HOAs). Many neighborhoods have HOAs and Senior Outreach Services have been supporting seniors in YOUR that have their own established covenants, conditions, and restrictions (CC&Rs). neighborhood since 1968. Two of the programs, Meals on Wheels and These are contractual obligations that “run with the land,� so anyone who purchases Friendly Visitors, rely on the support of volunteers, and we need your a home within the neighborhood is bound by these obligations. These CC&Rs may help now more than ever. restrict what you can do with your property. They cover a wide variety of matters Meals on Wheels volunteer drivers deliver meals to local homebound and might dictate what color you can paint your home, what you can plant or keep seniors through regular two hour shifts once per week or as substitute in your yard, where you can park your cars, or whether you can even own a pet. drivers. Friendly Visitors volunteers provide weekly one-hour companEnforcement of the CC&R’s is not something done by Code Enforcement inspectors. ionship visits to isolated seniors. To volunteer for either program, please It is a private, civil matter and should be taken up with Homeowners Associations. call (925) 937-8311.

If you are concerned about a potential code violation within your community, below is the contact information for local agencies Code Enforcement Teams: Contra Costa County (925) 674-7210 Town of Danville (925) 314-3335 City of Lafayette (925) 299-3207 My office is here to serve the residents of Contra Costa County District 2, reply to: email: ads@lamorindaweekly.com Please which includes San Ramon, Danville, Alamo, Walnut Creek, Saranap, Parkmead, date Lafayette, Moraga, Canyon and Orinda. Please don't hesitate to contact usPhone: if we 925 - 377 - 0977 • Fax: 800 - 690 - 8136 Artwork can provide you with additional information on this topic or on other County is- designed by Lamorinda Weekly is subject to copyright sues. I can be reached at SupervisorAndersen@bos.cccounty.us or 925-957-8860.

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Sons in Retirement Las Trampas Branch welcomes guests to our monthly luncheon beginning at 11am on Monday, October 19th to be held at the Walnut Creek Elks Lodge, 1475 Creekside Drive. Leigh Kjeldsen, Au.D. Audiologist, will be the guest speaker. Leigh is with Valley Audiology, and will be presenting information regarding hearing loss causes and remedies and information on the latest in hearing and balance research. Lunch is $15. Please call 925-322-1160 for reservations.

If you are retired or semi-retired and want to make new friends, participate in fun activities, and better enjoy your leisure time, we welcome you to join with us.

Our member activities include book discussions, bridge, computers, dine-outs, dominoes, fishing, golf, hiking/walking, investments, poker, travel, wine tastings and more fun things. In addition we have special golf events and bridge tournaments where wives, partners, and guests are welcome. If these are activities you like to do, then you may find even greater enjoyment in doing them with the friendly group of retirees in the SIRs organization. For information visit www.Branch116.org.

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We are a social organization of retired and semi-retired men who enjoy our leisure time with friends and activities. Our activities include golf, bowling, bocce ball, table pool, travel, fishing, computers & technology, bridge, poker, pinochle, investing, wine tasting, walking, astronomy, stamp collecting, and more. We meet for lunch at 11am the second Wednesday of each month at Holy Trinity Culture Center located at 1700 School Street, Moraga. Our guest speaker on October 14th will be Chris Lardge with a “Rack the Ripper� presentation. For attendance and membership info, call Tyler at (925) 284-5561. For more information, visit www.branch174.sirinc2.org.

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Interest Rates & What’s to Come in 2016

Lafayette Today ~ October 2015 - Page 9

By Erin Martin, Village Associates Real Estate

When I first purchased a home in 2006, mortgage rates were around 6%, which was dramatically different from the 10% interest rate my parents remember when they bought in Lafayette 35 years ago. This year with rates hovering at 4% the news is filled with articles and predictions on when the Fed will raise rates and if we are in another real estate bubble similar to the one we saw burst in 2007.

While an increase in interest rates appears to be inevitable, Federal Reserve Chairwoman Janet Yellen stated in July that she wanted to raise rates “in a prudent and gradual manner,” and Vice Chairman Stanley Fischer said the Fed “will most likely need to proceed cautiously.” John Burns, a well-known national real estate advisor believes “with mortgage rates today below 4%, and the bond market projecting that rates will rise less than 1% over the next three years, there is no reason to panic.” In addition, in addressing rising rates Lawrence Yun, Chief Economist for the National Association of Realtors (“NAR”), indicated that “fortunately, there are other economic variables along with the fact that consumers are not tapped out to the maximum in borrowing capacity to suggest home prices will not fall.” This all supports that we still have a ways to go before increasing rates will impact home prices.

In regard to where prices might go in 2016, it is important to remember that market fundamentals are much different compared to 2007. Zero-down mortgages are no longer available, supply continues to be tight, and many investors today are all cash buyers, which suggests strong investor demand. Most economists and forecasts expect 2016 prices to grow over 2015 levels. In a recent August forecast, the NAR expects 2016 national home price appreciation of 3-5%, and locally Zillow is predicting Contra Costa 2016 price appreciation of 4.3%. According to a recent San Francisco Chronicle article, Ken Rosen, chairman of the Fisher Center for Real Estate at UC Berkeley, predicts 2016 East Bay prices will grow by 7%. In the same article Mark Schniepp, director of the California Economic Forecast, believes prices in San Francisco will be 6% higher in 2016, and another economist agreed that “there is no question that a year from now, prices will be higher.” While we all know nothing is for certain, 2016 appears to be shaping up to be a strong year.

I want to thank those of you who have emailed or called to give feedback on my articles. It has been wonderful to hear from you. I also want to thank the Friends of the Lafayette Library for the Corner Bookshop. Did you know that all the proceeds go to supporting the Lafayette Library and Learning Center? Stop in and buy a book and support our incredible library.

Please feel free to call or email me with your real estate questions or for a free home evaluation. I can be reached at (925) 951-3817 or by email at Advertorial erin@erinmartinhomes.com.

Energy Matters

The Burden

By Mark Becker, GoSimpleSolar

In mid-September, on Capitol Hill in Washington DC, a diverse group of people and industry released a documentary called The Burden which tells the story about America’s dependence on fossil fuels and the implications of that dependence. The United States Military is taking the initiative to lead our nation away from dependence on foreign sources of fossil fuels from nations, many of which are not our allies.

The mission of the US Military is to protect our nation against all enemies “foreign and domestic.” By developing reliable, renewable, and local fuel sources, the US Military is less likely to be subjected to execute a foreign policy that may put our nation’s service members and domestic security at risk to secure these foreign fuels.

Forward thinking: Our military has become the largest purchaser of solar energy and alternative fuels in the world. In our democracy, the military takes orders from the elected civilian government, but the US Military is taking this initiative on its own, without orders, which ultimately contributes to our domestic security through peaceful means. A policy of energy independence can pay the dividend of peace. A trailer for The Burden can be seen at www.Facebook.com/OperationFREE. The future is now: With the imminent expiration of the Renewable Energy Federal Tax Credit on December 31, 2016, the solar PV industry is booming. GoSimpleSolar is booked for the remainder of the calendar year.

It would be wise, if you’re considering solar PV, to take the following steps: Do your research now to confirm that solar PV is right for you. Find a high quality installer, and get into their installation queue. At this rate, by May, our installation schedule may very well be booked for the remainder of 2016.

No more competition for roof space: Fafco USA, the largest manufacturer of swimming pool heating panels, has partnered with the largest US manufacturer of solar PV products, SolarWorld, to create a “CoolPV” panel.

The principle is simple and unique. Cool water pumped from a swimming pool circulates through solar pool heat panels, which are mounted behind solar PV panels, and a heat exchange results. The heat from the solar PV panel on the roof is transferred to the solar thermal panel, allowing the solar PV panel to operate at a lower and more efficient temperature, resulting in greater electric output from the solar PV panel. Conversely, the heat trans-

ferred from the solar PV panel is circulated back to the pool, which increases the temperature of the swimming pool. What’s the cost? Unfortunately, it’s more expensive than a traditional solar thermal system, but in contrast, this system qualifies for the Renewable Energy Tax Credit since it’s primarily a PV system with a secondary duty of warming a swimming pool. Because of the lesser total roof space required, solar customers will no longer have to choose between the financial returns solar PV can provide or the luxury returns of a warmer swimming pool; they can have both.

Although not known for their abundant sunshine, Germany’s solar output was greater than their nuclear electric output in July.

PGE update: About a year ago, PGE lost a lawsuit to the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), which contended that non-solar ratepayers were bearing greater electric costs than solar ratepayers. PGE lost that lawsuit, and as a result, the current beneficial solar regulations were extended for 20 plus years. These solar rights are transferable with each solar system; if you sell your home, the solar PV system is grandfathered into the solar regulations in place when it was commissioned. Even though PGE resells the excess electricity that is sent to the grid from solar systems, they are still out to get their pound of flesh from solar customers. Solar customers recently received a notification that their minimum monthly PGE charge is increasing from $5 to $10 per month.

With well over a quarter million solar projects in California, this additional $5/ month will indeed generate revenue for the utilities. Ultimately it’s less than 1/3 of a month of my solar credits, and simply reinforces the decision I made to go solar years ago. The utilities should focus on more policies that make them relevant versus trying to roadblock progress.

Mark Becker is the President and business owner of GoSimpleSolar, by Semper Fidelis Construction Inc, CSLB 948715. GoSimpleSolar is one of the very few solar PV installers utilizing both licensed roofers and licensed electricians for installation work, project managed by a solar PV NABCEP professional. For more information visit www.GoSimpleSolar.com. Advertorial

Search and Rescue

The Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue Team needs volunteer members to respond to missing person incidents, disasters, and other critical incidents. Team members are on call 24/7 year-round. The program provides required training; including wilderness traveling, first aid, map and compass usage, tracking disaster response, and search skills; and may also include special training for canine, equestrian, technical, mountain bike, or other rescue skills.

For information and applications, visit www.contracostasar.org or call 925-646-4461.

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Page 10 - October 2015 ~ Lafayette Today

Cinema Classics Dan in Real Life

By Peggy Horn

This month’s Cinema Classic from 2007 is Dan in Real Life, starring Juliette Binoche and Steve Carell. It is a more recent release than others featured in this column, but because it is charming, funny, uplifting, and totally enjoyable, it has the lasting significance or recognized worth common to all ‘Cinema Classics’ – in my opinion.

The movie begins with a brief review of Dan’s (Steve Carell) life: father of three daughters, widower, and journalist who writes an advice column for a local newspaper. Dan is taking all three girls to a family reunion at his parents’ home. Just before the four of them leave, Dan is alerted that his column is being considered for syndication. After arriving at his parents’ home, he greets the whole family. Dan goes into town for a little alone time and ends up in a bookstore where he meets a young woman named Marie (Juliette Binoche). Marie mistakes him for a bookstore employee and consults him for a book recommendation. Dan provides her with several options, including a book of poetry by Pablo Neruda and what he promises is a real page-turner, The Life of Ghandi. Dan and Marie have coffee, and they go their separate ways, so they think. When Dan returns to his parents’ home, he is introduced to a new guest, his younger brother’s girlfriend: Marie! So begins their bumpy road to love.

As promised above, the movie is funny and uplifting and has captured a real family feel that makes it believable. The comedy in the movie is actually humorous and not of the offensive variety so popular today. In spite of our present society’s huge emphasis on the dark side of life, this movie is happy and good-natured and dare I say it? ... sweet! If you can tolerate some wholesomeness unaccompanied by bipolar depression, alcoholism, or gratuitous sex, you will probably enjoy this film.

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Wines to Pair with Tailgating Classics

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Lafayette Downtown Creeks Plan

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The movie soundtrack for Dan in Real Life is very nice. It contains vocals as well as instrumentals and is the download recommendation for this month. Most of the music is composed by Norwegian singer songwriter, Sondre Lerche.

The City of Lafayette has awarded a contract to Gates and Associates to generate a Downtown Creeks Preservation, Restoration, and Development Plan. Producing a Downtown Creeks Preservation, Restoration, and Development Plan fulfills one of the programs of Lafayette’s Downtown Specific Plan (DSP) adopted in September of 2012.

Some of the objectives of the Plan include: • Identifying creek preservation and restoration opportunities.

• Clarifying creek setback requirements for the downtown.

• Preserving existing trees and riparian corridors, and identifying future restoration areas.

• Developing relationship criteria with adjacent development.

• Producing strategies and methods for creek stewardship.

• Developing public access opportunities.

• Preventing property damage by creek processes (flooding, erosion).

• Identifying public safety and environmental concerns.

Gates and Associates in collaboration with ENGEO and Environmental Collaborative began their initial geological assessment in August 2015, and anticipate substantial completion in October 2015.

Following the field work, the City will host a community workshop inviting your input to help steer the direction of the Plan. The workshop is scheduled for October 6 and will be held at the Veterans Memorial Building from 7 to 9pm.

For more information, contact Steven Goetz via email at sgoetz@ ci.lafayette.ca.us and visit our website at www.lovelafayette.org/creeksplan.

`

LUBE, OIL & FILTER

Salty Snacks

Celebrate football season with tailgating classics, and stock up on wines perfect for a pre-coin toss party.

Tailgating season is off and running, and it is usually a time filled with ice chests of beer. However, tailgating has grown more sophisticated than it was in the past. Today, sophisticated dishes show up in addition to simple burgers and dogs, and in many people’s glasses are -- yes, wines.

Early in the day, opt for light, refreshing, low alcohol, white wines and rosés. These are a nice match for chips, dips, and salty snacks. It also helps when the wines are twist-off in case you happen to forget the wine opener.

Sausages

Once the grills get hot and the meat goes on, a crisp riesling works well to pair with your sausages and brats due to its high acidity and peppery spice notes.

With plenty of fruit but no sweetness, riesling delivers a honeyed aroma and flavors of almond and peach which perfect to go with the seasoning in the brats.

Game Day Chili

As the season evolves and the temperatures begin to drop, hearty comfort dishes like chili come out, and so do the bolder red wines to keep you warm; try Cabernet, Syrah, or Zinfandel.

Burgers

The best way to match wine to burgers is not by the burger itself but what goes on top of it. So if your burger comes with a sharp cheddar, tomato, pickle, and ketchup – plenty of vinegar in those last two items – you’ll want a light refresher. In contrast, a good red will bring out the flavor in the condiments. If you’ve got a burger with, say, blue cheese, caramelized onions, and mayo, go for a big jammy red.

We wine drinkers have great options to toss in the cooler this football season too! What teams are you rooting for this year?

Monica Chappell, wine writer and educator, teaches wine appreciation classes. For an upcoming list, contact us at wineappreciation101@gmail.com.

editor@yourmonthlypaper.com

You Made the Team, Now What?

Three Habits of High Performing Teen Athletes

By Sheryl Kline, M.A.

There are a couple things you can do to play your best come game time, to make your coach take notice, and to develop as efficiently as possible throughout the season. Consistent high performers typically exemplify these three habits to secure their place and excel on their team:

1. Attitude

Positions and playing time in team sports are at the discretion of your coach. Sometimes you feel decisions are fair, sometimes you don’t. That is irrelevant to how you choose to support your teammates and the amount of effort you give when you are called upon. Whether in the game or on the bench, your attitude matters.

• Encourage teammates.

• Stay laser focused on what’s happening in the game.

• Be ready when your number is called.

2. Resiliency

Being resilient doesn’t mean forgetting about your frustrations and disappointments as if they didn’t happen. If you make an error, aren’t getting the playing time you expected, or a teammate isn’t giving 100%, do the following.

• Recognize how it makes you feel, for a second or two. Feel it.

• Get back to one or two things you have control over that will get you back on track. For example, think, “I’m frustrated about that error I made. I need to dribble lower and harder.”

Lafayette Today ~ October 2015 - Page 11 something simple that will get you back in the moment.

It’s a huge accomplishment to make it onto a team in high school! Now the real work begins, though. Concentrate on your attitude, be resilient and have a high level of focus, and you’ll be on your way to a season you’ll be proud of.

My office is in Orinda. I work with teen athletes and sports teams locally and across the country via Skype. Please visit my Facebook page at www.

Facebook.com/SherylKlineMA. Testimonials from clients and coaches can be found at www.SherylKline.com/#!testimonials/cfvg. View my website at www.SherylKline.com or email Sheryl@SherylKline.com. You can also Advertorial reach me by phone at 925-285-0526.

Gold Coast Welcomes Amati Ensemble Members for Mozart and Mendelssohn

The Gold Coast Chamber Players perform the music of Mozart and Mendelssohn in Prodigies, which features Gil Sharon and Rebecca Jackson, violins, Ron Ephrat and Pamela Freund, violas, and Jennifer Culp on cello. The concert will be held on Friday, October 30 at 7:30PM at the Lafayette Library Community Hall, 3491 Mt. Diablo Blvd. in Lafayette. A pre-concert talk will start the evening at 7PM. The Gold Coast Chamber Players are known for their engaging and vibrant performances. Ticket price includes complimentary champagne, a pre-concert talk at 7PM, and a reception with the musicians following the performance. Tickets are available at www.gcplayers.org and by phone at (925) 283-3728. Limited seating, please reserve early.

3. Focus

Losing focus will throw off your timing and ultimately cause errors.

These are vital to focus control during competition.

• Get enough rest. For teens, it’s 8+ hours a night. Any less, you are compromised.

• Put away your cell phone a minimum of 30 minutes prior to bedtime. I cannot emphasize this enough. If you don’t, your sleep will not be as deep or restorative as it could be, and you will not be able to play your best.

• Have a ritual. If you’re not in the game, touch the ground or tap your leg every five points. If you are in, say ‘let’s go’ after every point. Think of

The Diablo Symphony Orchestra kicks off its 53rd Season

‘Hidden Treasures’ on Sunday, October 11th at the Lesher Center

The Diablo Symphony Orchestra will open its 53 concert season on Sunday, October 11th at 2pm at the Lesher Center for the Arts with a sparkling program of hidden classical music gems, featuring guest conductor Bryan Nies.

These little-known classical selections are brought together to create a fulfilling musical palate. “Four Scottish Dances” is a collection of tuneful, evocative melodies originally composed in 1957 for the BBC Light Music Festival by British composer Sir Malcolm Arnold. Lovers of the symphonic genre will find much familiar about the “Symphony in D” by Juan Crisóstomo Arriaga, the “Spanish Mozart.” The “Fantastic Scherzo” by Czech composer and violinist Josef Suk is a brilliant, good-spirited orchestral work.

Additionally, cellist Daniel Reiter will perform Ottorino Respigi’s “Adagio con Variazioni” a piece in which Respighi brings together the form and complexity of the classical and the baroque periods, with the sweeping emotionality of the romantic period.

The Diablo Symphony Orchestra is a central Contra Costa based community orchestra celebrating its 53rd season. The orchestra performs five concert sets a year, as well as additional concerts and events through its Outreach Program. Tickets to the Lesher Center concert can be ordered through the DSO website (www.diablosymphony.org), by calling the Lesher Box Office at 925-943-SHOW (7469), by going onlineat www.LesherArts.org, or at the Lesher Center Box Office. For more information about the DSO, please visit www.diablosymphy.org. rd

Chromatica Sings Women Composers

Chromatica, a regional chorus, will perform three concerts of music by women composers. The program includes music by Monte Vista High School graduate and commissioned composer Stacy Garrop, and the North American premier of music by UK composer of the year Cecilia McDowall.

Shows will be held November 1st at 7pm at Clayton Valley Presbyterian Church, 1578 Kirker Pass Road, Clayton, November 7 at 7pm at Resurrection Lutheran Church in Dublin at 7557 Amador Valley Boulevard, Dublin, and November 8 at 7pm at Peace Lutheran Church, 3301 Camino Tassajara, Danville (a reception follows this concert).

Building on its tradition of innovative and compelling programs, the Chromatica program of women composers will include works as early as the 12th century Hildegard von Bingen’s“O Virtus Sapientiae” to Cecilia McDowall’s haunting tribute to Edith Cavell, an English nurse executed during World War 1. Titled “Standing as I do before God.” Add to this song cycles by Clara Schumann and Fanny Mendelssohn Hensel, Shakespeare songs by Mary Jeanne van Appledorn, and a very different take on nursery rhymes by Libby Larsen (and much more), and you have a compelling take on women composers over the centuries.

Tickets can be purchased through the Chromatica website at www.chromaticachorale.org, from any member of Chromatica, or at the event. Ticket prices are $20 for adults, $10 for students and free to children 5 to 10.

Chromatica, a classical and contemporary chorus founded in 2011 and located in the San Ramon Valley, includes men and women singing soprano, alto, tenor, and bass. Chromatica performs high quality, challenging vocal music from classical and contemporary genres for presentation to regional audiences. To learn more visit www.chromaticachorale.org.

Page 12 - October 2015 ~ Lafayette Today

Travelling Smart(phone)

By Evan Corstorphine, Portable CIO

Some people leave all of their technology at home when they leave on holiday. They park their phone on their dresser, set an ‘out of office’ message on their email, then hit the road! I’m a little different. I bring my smartphone with me, and I use it like crazy. The difference is, I don’t use it for work; I use it as a tool to get the very best from my trip. It’s an amazing resource to have.

For example, last month my family travelled to France. My wife and daughter put together a wonderful agenda of sights to see across the country. When we arrived in Paris, we bought new SIM cards for our un-locked smartphones at the local Orange store. (“Orange” to the European is like AT&T or Verizon to us.) The new SIM cards included 2Gb of internet data for 40-Euro, a new local French phone number, and an ample amount of local telephone calls and SMS (text) messages. It’s the internet data that I was looking for. When you run out, data can be re-filled in 1Gb increments for 10-Euro, which is about $11 at current exchange rates. Easy and cheap.

Before I go further, let me just say I didn’t read my work email. I’m not interested in ruining my trip by worrying about work. I wanted the internet data so I could use the Maps app on my phone, or to look up restaurants in TripAdvisor or Yelp, or to research an interesting location we were talking about. Twice I used email to receive tickets for an attraction. My phone was our tour-guide, not our ball and chain.

Some locations, such as the Louvre in Paris and several of the cathedrals, will sell an app you may download from the AppStore (Android or iPhone) which helps finance their site. The app takes you on a personal walking tour of the site, providing interesting information while guiding you around the building. It’s a great way to get the most from a visit when there isn’t a tour available or if you simply prefer to move at your own pace.

After a few days in Paris, we picked up a rental car and drove to Versailles, Etretat, Normandy, Cognac, Bordeaux, Carcassonne, and finally into Beziers.

It was over 1,200 miles of driving, and I don’t think we would have fared so well without our smartphones. In days of old, we would have visited AAA

www.yourmonthlypaper.com and brought home a handful of maps covering our route from Paris to each of our destinations. The AAA Trip Planner would have yellow-highlighted the route, and whomever wasn’t driving would have navigated from this folded up map, trying to decipher the tiny road names and numbers, turns, obstacles and detours. This is how we used to do it in the past. Thankfully, times have changed and “GPS” is a much easier way to navigate!

When we rented our car, the man asked if we wanted to use the car’s GPS. Since we already planned on using our smartphones with GPS, and already had the data plans in place, we declined the 13-Euro/day additional charge, as it would have been redundant and added a full 25% onto the daily rental rate.

If you’ve ever used the Apple Map, Google Map, Bing Map or MapQuest programs, you know how easy it is to navigate with them. The map apps give you choices of routes to take, direct you around traffic, and tell you exactly when and where to turn, including advanced notice when you’re getting close. When I saw the map my wife had brought just in case we needed a backup, I felt a huge wave of relief that I didn’t have to use it. I think we would have been quite lost, given the number of roads and the byzantine routing required to get through many of these old Roman cities. Navigating a French town is completely different than navigating a US town. I’m sure we would have skipped many side-trips simply because we wouldn’t have been able to figure out how to get to our destinations. Considering my French language skills stop somewhere in the region of “Je m’appelle Evan,” asking for directions would probably not have gone well!

There is so much more to tell you, and no space! If you are getting ready to travel abroad, whether for business or pleasure, please come see us. With just a little technical forethought, you can make your trip much more enjoyable. Consult with your friends at Portable CIO through email at info@ theportablecio.com or phone, (925) 552-7953.

Advertorial

Four Puppies Needing Homes By Margy Lyman, White Kitty Foundation

THE WHITE KITTY FOUNDATION PRESENTS THE WHITE KITTY FOUNDATION PRESENTS

April, a 7 year old Chihuahua mix dog, was found by an Animal Control Officer in Stanislaus BARKTOBER WINE TASTING BARKTOBER WINE TASTING County with her four puppies abandoned in a ditch. The puppies were barely a week old and severely malnourished. The Officer brought the little family to a local shelter.

That’s when the White Kitty Foundation stepped in. Known for rescuing all breeds of dogs and cats, the shelter in Stanislaus County knew WhiteKitty could come to the mom and puppies’ aid as they were all scheduled to be euthanized the next day.

“We were grateful we had the room to take the mom and her pups,” said Cris Tarozzi, Director of White Kitty.

Pre-sale ticket price is $50.00.

Ticket prices at the doorisare $55.00.

“We have them in a separate, quiet room where they are safe and can Pre-sale ticket price $50.00.

Ticket prices at the door are $55.00. play and rest together. They are being socialized by our volunteers and staff Please join us on Saturday, with hours of playing and hugs. Mom is given frequent breaks by going on Please join on 6:30 Saturday, from pm to October 24 us walks with one of the staff members. When the pups first arrived they were October 24 from 6:30 pm 10:30 pm at the Veterans to a bit lethargic, and Mom was thin. After a few days of healthy food and 10:30 pm at the Veterans Memorial Building vitamins for Mom, the pups were no longer afraid when someone walked Memorial Building 400 Hartz Avenue 400 for Hartz Avenue wine into the room. Now they greet everyone at the door and love all the attenDanville appetizers, Danville forand appetizers, tasting desserts.wine tion they’re getting. Now they’re chubby pups and mom is gaining weight tasting and desserts. and looks much healthier.

Just a month old now, the pups are all males. There are two white and two black pups. The black pups have little white feet. Cris explained that they will be small dogs, probably no more than 10 pounds, and are a mix of chihuahua and “who knows what!”

Despite being an “older” mom, April is wonderful with her litter, ensuring that the puppies will be well-adjusted and make great companions for a family.

The puppies will be available for adoption in about a month. If you are interested in opening your heart and home to these adorable little boys and/or their mom, please contact Cris at cris@whitekittyfoundation.org. *The White Kitty Foundation (www.whitekittyfoundation.org) is a non-profit 501(c) (3) organization dedicated to the care, nurturing, and quality of life of the domestic animals in our community.

Through donations and fundraising, the Foundation shelters, rehabilitates, and cares for animals, regardless of condition, to ultimately find them a home where they can flourish.

Showcasing wines from Crooked Vine Winery, Flora

Springs Winery, andfrom Boisset Wine Vine Living presented by Showcasing wines Crooked Winery, Flora Elizabeth Regan.

Springs Winery, and BoissetJ.Wine Living presented by Elizabeth J. Regan.

There will be a silent auction featuring amazing items donated local artistsfeaturing and businesses.

There will be a by silent auction amazing items donated by local artists and businesses.

Food provided by area restaurants.

Food provided by area restaurants.

Tickets can be purchased by visiting

th th

www.whitekittyfoundation.org Tickets can be purchasedand by clicking visiting on the “Donate” button or by contacting www.whitekittyfoundation.org and clicking on the Cris Tarozzi at (925) 837-2411 “Donate” button or by contacting Cris Tarozzi at (925) 837-2411

Please no guests under the age of 21

Please no guests under the age of 21 *The White Kitty Foundation (www.whitekittyfoundation.org) is a non-profit 501(c) *The White Kitty Foundation (3) organization dedicated to the care, nurturing, and (www.whitekittyfoundation.org) is animals a non-profit 501(c) quality of life of the domestic in our (3) organization dedicated to the and care,fundraising, nurturing, and community.

Through donations the qualityshelters, of life ofrehabilitates the domestic animals in our Foundation and cares for animals, community.

Through donations andfind fundraising, the regardless of condition, to ultimately them a home Foundation shelters, and cares for animals, whererehabilitates they can flourish. regardless of condition, to ultimately find them a home where they can flourish.

editor@yourmonthlypaper.com

Walking the Reservoir

By Jim Scala

Lafayette Today ~ October 2015 - Page 13

Learn. Connect. Stay Sharp.

I’ve jogged and walked the reservoir since 1978. Its tranquility and natural beauty has helped clear my mind and find solutions to seemingly impossible problems.

Reservoir people illustrate what the Buddha said of us humans: “We are all gifted – open yours.”

A Res-family jogs together.

Akili Calhoun, an ex-Raiders lineman, jogs twice around the paved trail four or more times weekly. He and his wife Kathy often jog with their children, son Zaire, daughter Yasmin and oldest son Akili who, at age 13, is already six feet tall. When jogging together they set a pleasant pace and have interesting conversations. You’ll know Akili when you see him because he’s 250 pounds of muscle, down from his highest playing weight at over 350 pounds.

Recruited from the University of Hawaii, he kept studying and received a doctorate in psychology. Leaving football in 1996, he became a counselor in the prison system. Kathy convinced him to “give back,” and he started working in the school systems to help youths get onto a college-career track.

The Calhoun’s letterman project empowers young people to excel in athletics and education.

Akili’s spirituality emerged when I asked what the Reservoir does for him. “It’s a peaceful place. I release my anxieties and think things through. It helps make me a better person and understand the higher power.” Res-walkers say “Amen” to that.

Forty years of res-walking. At our 9AM Tuesday-Thursday seniors group, Lillian introduced us to her daughter Audrey SM whose smile can melt glacial ice. This accomplished film producer is visiting mom from London with her 13-monthold twins and husband Chris.

Lillian started res-walking with her children 40 years ago.

Whenever her children are home they walk the reservoir and often bring a friend. Audrey studied Cultural Anthropology, Call today to schedule and followed in her dad’s footsteps by working in Africa. A side trip led to London where her creative talent and people your personal visit. skills started her successful film producing career. She said, “Walking the Lafayette Reservoir has a special place in my heart. It makes a visit home complete.”

A beautiful sparkling hat. On early morning walks I often encountered a lady who always wears a sparkling hat (925) 854-1858 that effectively shades her face and eyes against the sun. After 1010 Second Street I helped the Lafayette Senior Center get the walking program AM Lafayette, CA 94549 started, I saw the same sparkling hat during our 9 walk. If that wasn’t enough, I saw her again several afternoons later.

Lic #079200358 merrillgardens.com So, I stopped her walk one day and we talked.

Becci, serious about fitness, walks the reservoir three times Retirement Living • Assisted Living • Memory Care daily. She’s been following this routine since 1978 when she was running marathons and won the Lake Del Valle Triathlon.

091815g_Lafayette_Today_Active_Living_CMYK_U_A.indd 1 9/22/15 3:00 PM As we spoke of many things, I learned that Becci’s as serious about diet as she is about fitness. When you see the sparkling hat give a wave.

Socks. My eyes were drawn to the colorful overlapping checkerboard designed socks topped with a bright orange stripe worn by the young man walking alone. I asked, “Who are you and can you tell me about those socks?” Mike Pfeifer’s, visiting from Florida. He then told me the Zing Socks story.

Autistic and learning-disabled young people of the Dan Marino foundation design socks based on Mike’s challenges. The bright checkerboard socks I saw started when he showed the kids a checkerboard and they took his challenge from there. They’re a best seller.

Dan and Mike’s objective is to help these challenged young people get an education. Their sock designs bring out, and help build, their innate creativity. It leads to the income that helps them achieve Dan’s academic objective. Most men wear socks and we can help these kids by using them and giving them as a gift. It’s easy, visit www.zingsockclub.com.

Mike gave me a pair with bright blue polka-dots against a grey background. I wear them with slacks or jeans, and they always start a creative conversation.

Senior res-walkers. Our group of res-walkers has grown. It’s interesting to see how we spread into small groups according to pace – Lynn walks fast and always leads.

Bode, a friendly dog, always brings Myron. We enjoy the fellowship and encourage others to join. Bode needs some company; he’s tired of walking only with humans.

Thoughts on the drought. No question, the drought has been tough, especially on the res-birds. However, we’re fortunate it’s a reserve reservoir because it’s still over 80% of capacity and down less than nine feet.

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

Retirement is no time to slow down.

That’s why Merrill Gardens at Lafayette offers an Active Living lifestyle. Everyday, you can find ways to keep your whole self happy.

Page 14 - October 2015 ~ Lafayette Today

Fall Pruning

By Blaine Brende & Joe Lamb

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Now is a great time to prune your trees to protect them against winter storms. There are three kinds of tree failure: branch, column, and entire tree. Judicious pruning reduces the likelihood of all three kinds of failure. Selective removal of weight from leggy branches makes it much less likely that a branch would fall, causing injury or damage to property. It takes a lot of “in tree” experience to identify branches with weak crotches and/or with unsafe weight distribution. Thinning the canopy to reduce friction from the wind greatly reduces the odds of a column breaking, or of the entire tree falling over. When done correctly, a tree pruned for safety should still look natural, even after 30% of its foliage is removed.

Many evergreens, such as cedars, cypresses, and redwoods, and many species of deciduous trees, such as valley oaks, can be pruned in this time of year. Monterey Pines should only be pruned between October 15th and February 15th unless compelling safety reasons dictate otherwise.. The timing for pruning is restricted because sap from pruning cuts attracts bark beetles that are destructive to pines. These beetles become dormant during the fall and winter months. Some species of beetles carry pine pitch canker, an increasingly common fungal disease that disfigures pine trees, sometimes killing them. If your tree has dead tips scattered throughout the canopy it probably suffers from pine pitch canker. To prolong the aesthetic life of a diseased tree, prune out the infected tips before February 15th.

October is also a good time, if you haven’t already, to make your landscape more fire safe. It is not uncommon for the East Bay to experience hot, dry, and gusty winds in the fall due to sinking air from the bay combining with inland high-pressure systems. The Oakland Hills fire of 1991 occurred on October 20th, its precursor, the 1923 Berkeley Fire, started on September 27th. Removing dead wood, breaking up fire ladders, and limbing vegetation back from your home can greatly improve the chances of your home surviving a wildfire. Brende & Lamb knows how to fire prune your landscape in a way that improves fire safety, without sacrificing the natural aesthetic. Clearing some under-story trees and removing dead wood usually enhances the natural feel of a landscape by making it look more like a mature forest.

Pruning trees for safety is a craft requiring study and experience. A well-pruned tree should not only be safer, but it should look beautiful. At Brende & Lamb we take great pride in both the science and the art of pruning. Each plant has a natural growth pattern, and our trimmers are expert at accentuating the shape given the plant by nature. Our trimmers are well practiced in aesthetic pruning and are attuned to the artistic flow inherent in tree forms.

One form is weeping, as with Willows and Chinese Elms. In some species, such as the Monterey Cypress, branches ascend at acute angles to the trunk, giving the tree an upswept look. Branches in the Coast Live Oak bend and twist, forming complex arcs. Each tree species has a unique form and flow.

When necessary, trees and shrubs can be reduced in size, but crown reduction requires a good eye: a poorly reduced tree looks like a thicket of stubs. Topping is almost always a bad idea. However, the crown of many trees can be reduced by cutting back long branches to the crotches formed by shorter branches growing in the same direction. If the branch doesn’t fork, we cut back to the lowest growth point that will neither create a thick stub nor undermine the arching quality of the branch. When a tree or shrub has been reduced in this way, it’s difficult to detect the cuts or tell that the branches have been shortened.

If your trees need a little TLC to protect them against winter winds, or if your property could use a little fire protection, 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 Lil’ Ditty Viburnum is a wonderful dwarf variety with large fragrant ball Gardening with Kate shaped lacey white blooms with wonderful berries for fall and winter that

By Kathleen Guillaume provide food for early spring songbirds. It grows in an 18” ball and is considered There are some wonderful newer plant hybrids that deer resistant like the spireas. you should be able to find in your local nurseries, or So plan now for your spring blooming pots; fall is a perfect time to plant to you can ask when they might be coming in or can be get things established. It is also time to shop for clematis that flowering vines special ordered. that make such a statement. My favorite supplier is Bushwood Nursery (www.

During our drought we need a little pleasure in our gardenvines.com). Two varieties that are perfect for container plantings are C. stressed out gardens, so showy pots can lift our spirit Bees Jubilee, which is a 6-7” large flowered mauve with deep pink rib, and a and are easily watered by placing a pitcher in your sink small only 3’ high C. Chelsea with bountiful rounded soft white blooms which as you let water run until hot...which we all do. Using abound spring through fall. I plant my clematis high to allow for good drainage. this method will allow you to keep a series of potted plants watered without However, remember they like to have cool roots, so plant lime thyme at the base increasing you water-use footprint. Every pot needs an anchor plant, one whose to keep the root area shaded. It is important to order these plants in early fall as foliage is beautiful year round and whose growth habit fills about 1/3 of the pot. some varieties sell out quickly. I love clematis at the base of climbing roses or Loropetalum, also known as the Chinese Fringe Flower, has long been a the base of my fruit trees as their thin vines climb and blend with the foliage of garden favorite mostly seen in the pink flowering burgundy leaf varieties. They their support plants...just glorious. Brushwood also has excellent planting and love moist acid leaning soil. They are great contrast and foundation plants, pruning instructions for this easy-to-grow plant that gives so much each year. and in the last few years they have become available in dwarf varieties. These I, like all of you, am hoping and praying for decent fall rains which use dwarf varieties are a perfect anchor plant in large pots with something tall and to start like clockwork two days before any elementary school outing to the something trailing. One of my favorites is Jazz Hands Dwarf White 2’ x 3’ with pumpkin farms, ensuring a muddy romp through the fields, which at one time dark green foliage and very large fringe snow white flowers. These plants prefer I found so annoying. How I would love to see those muddy fields again...and a morning sun location. have our trees get that long deep watering they so need.

I like Japanese Holly Ilex Brass Buckle which has glossy clear yellow burn Happy gardening. resistant foliage. It grows typically in an 18” mound, is used along morning sun garden paths, and becomes a perfect contrast anchor plant in containers. In fall Festival continued from front page you can mix it with orange flowering annuals or perennials, like mums which children’s writer and illustrator of 30 picture books including collaborations will be dormant in the spring, and in spring plant blue flowering annuals to with Thacher Hurd. create a contrast.

Michael Slack (michaelslack.com) is an artist, illustrator, and character A new variety of spirea is out. Many of us have used S. Gold Mound as a designer. Michael is adored for his children’s books including Waz Dot? and contrast plant in our gardens with its wonderful chartreuse foliage as a sharp Elecopter. Michael designed the Festival poster. contrast in filtered light areas. It makes a great anchor plant, but the new Candy The festival will be held at the library, located at 3491 Mt. Diablo Blvd.

Corn Spirea is a knockout with its candy apple red foliage which mellows to in Lafayette. Come join the fun! oranges and pineapple yellow. Both of these varieties are really eye-catching.

editor@yourmonthlypaper.com

Life in the Lafayette Garden

The Night Garden

By John Montgomery, ASLA, Landscape Architect

Lafayette Today ~ October 2015 - Page 15

What if the glory of your Lafayette garden could come to life at night? There is so much to be enjoyed after the sun goes down. When designing a successful garden the night garden must be considered. Many Lafayette families enjoy evening entertaining, sitting on the patio drinking wine and iced tea, playing games, swimming, or kids playing hide-n-seek until midnight. The essentials of a great night garden are sound, scent, light, and fire.

There’s nothing more soothing than the sound of trickling or babbling water echoing through the landscape. Waterfalls, streams, and fountains are an important attraction to all gardens, whether it is day or night. Water masks the “unwanted” sounds of traffic and noisy neighbors. The night garden becomes so much more romantic with the sound of water soothing the night.

Designing-in essential night-blooming plants that add fragrance and scent enhance the night garden ten-fold. Fragrance adds another dimension of pleasure to your garden, especially at night. It also heightens your outdoor experience by encompassing the most powerful of our senses, Call for details the sense of smell. Just as perfume induces the senses, fragrant plants 925.939.8300 intoxicate and romanticize any setting. White and pastel flowers are the solartechnologies.com most fragrant, pale pinks are the most potent pastels, moving through the Lic. #932914 color wheel to the mauves and yellows, and to the less scented purples and blues. Vibrant colors such as oranges and crimsons will provide dramatic color in the garden but little or no fragrance to the night garden. Fragrance becomes intensified in enclosed areas, so plant your most fragrant selections in a courtyard or trellised patio, or surround your garden with hedges and windbreaks to encourage the fragrance of plants to linger. Some of my favorites include jasmines (jasminum polyanthum, jasminum officinale, and jasminum sambac), gardenias (Gardenia jasminoides), Mexican orange (Choisya ternata), Daphne (Daphne x burkwoodii), Sweet Olive (Osmanthus fragrans), and Citrus (oranges, lemons, tangerines, and blood oranges) to enhance the sense of fragrance of the night garden.

Lighting your garden at night touches our visual sensibilities. Creating a “lighting portrait” is another essential to the night garden. From mood and ambiance to functionality, lighting brings life to the night garden. A “lighting portrait” is not just plunking Malibu lights into your landscape, but it is a creative approach that paints a landscape for night-time enjoyment. Downlighting, moonlighting, uplighting, silhouetting, shadowing, and washing create moods and ambiance. Lighting to feature sculpture, accents, and structures create visual focal points in the dark which in-turn brings drama to the night garden.

Lighting water features produce very dramatic effects. Watching the illuminated diamonds bounce off the glowing surface becomes a mesmerizing effect at night. Underwater lighting for pools, waterfalls, fountains and ponds makes the water glow, giving emphasis to water’s natural attraction.

Another major mood maker and important feature in the night garden is fire. There is nothing like fire on either a summer evening or a cozy winter’s night to bring drama, function, and romance. I find the fire element to be very important to my clients. Fire can be implemented from the very simple to the more complicated. The simple and least expensive approach is a portable firepit from Target to a Mexican pottery “chiminea.” Built-in firepits to full blown outdoor fireplaces can add hours of evening pleasure as well. Fire elements have become very popular in the last several years because they add yet another element to make your outdoor environment more inviting and useful, especially the night garden.

A hot tip from your local Landscape Architect: For you garden tour fundraiser enthusiasts, I am disappointed to announce that we have cancelled our garden tour fundraiser for spring 2016 due to the drought. We expect to reconvene in spring 2017. Meanwhile, let’s hope we get some rain this winter!

Gardening Quote of the Month: I often think that the night is more alive and more richly colored than the day. ~Vincent Van Gogh If you would like me to write on any particular subject, email your ideas to jmontgomery@jm-la.com or visit www.jm-la.com.

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Page 16 - October 2015 ~ Lafayette Today

Sustainable Lafayette Tip of the Month

By Pam Palitz, Sustainable Lafayette

Fall is a great time to start composting. Leaf drop in autumn provides plenty of material to give compost a great start. Composting will transform leaves and other yard waste into a high-quality soil amendment that will invigorate your landscaping and help your garden bloom next spring.

In Lamorinda we are lucky to have “green bins” for yard waste and food scraps, but a significant amount of energy is still required to collect the incredible volume and mass of green waste from our yards and kitchens, deliver it to a processing center, grind and process it, and then truck the resulting compost out to farms in the Central Valley. It is far more energyefficient to compost green waste right in our own backyards. When we compost, we are simply replicating a natural process that is going on all around us. Soils are continually replenished by nutrient-rich debris, like fallen leaves, as they decompose on their own.

Many residents assume it is too much work to do their own composting.

Home composters will tell you that the process takes less than 15 minutes of time every two weeks and will yield finished compost in as little as four months.

Here is a simple, low effort method for composting using a compost bin. When building a compost pile, use equal amounts of fresh yard and kitchen waste like grass clippings or wilted lettuce (the “Greens”) and old, dry yard waste like leaves (the “Browns”). Mix these materials together as they go into your bin and add water. The brown materials provide carbon for your compost, and the green materials provide nitrogen, while the water provides moisture to help breakdown the organic matter. Once composting has started, the material in your bin will begin to get warm or even hot! This is a positive sign that aerobic decomposition has started. Turn or agitate

Brainwaves by Betsy Streeter

www.yourmonthlypaper.com the composting yard waste once every 10 to 14 days to maintain faster decomposition. The water content should be moist, not wet. Go ahead and add fresh yard waste when needed. After a few months most of what has been added will look like dark brown, fluffy soil. This indicates that the compost process is done and the finished compost is ready to be distributed around your yard.

Most people know they can compost leaves and grass clippings, but that’s just the beginning. Have you tried adding tea bags, shredded bills and newspaper, or hair from a dog brush? There’s a list of 163 items you didn’t know you could compost at www.plantea.com/compost-materials.htm.

One caveat: While you can throw all your food scraps in your green bin, you should separate out meat bones and skin and gristle for your compost because you will attract undesirables…rodents. For other composting nonos visit www.mnn.com/lifestyle/recycling/stories/30-things-you-shouldnever-compost-or-recycle.

For more information on composting, visit recyclesmart.org and click on the “Composting” menu. They offer lots of information, videos, coupons for composters, and free workshops. In fact, the next workshop in Lafayette is at Mt. Diablo Nursery on Saturday, October 24, 12:30-2pm. You can register online or call (925) 906-1801 x306.

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

Walnut Creek Garden Club October Meeting

The Walnut Creek Garden Club (WCGC) will hold its general meeting on Monday, October 12 at 9:30AM at the Gardens at Heather Farm, located at 1540 Marchbanks Road in Walnut Creek.

The topic of the program is Keeping Your Garden Habitat Friendly in the Drought. Andrea Hurd, horticulturist and stonemason of Mariposa Gardening & Design, will present a rich visual presentation for garden habitats. A business meeting will start at 9:30AM, social time will run from 10:30-11AM, and the program will follow from 11AM-noon.

All are invited to attend a meeting and consider being a member. You do not need to be a gardener to join the WCGC. For more information, e-mail mslittle44@gmail.com.

Montelindo Garden Club

The Montelindo Garden Club will hold its next meeting (third Friday, September thru May) on Friday, October 16 at 9AM at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, located at 66 St. Stephens Drive in Orinda. Visitors are welcome.

The topic of October’s meeting will be Water Wisdom - Drip by Drip, and the speaker will be Roxy Wolosenko, landscape designer and owner of Roxy Designs in Moraga.

For more information about the club, visit www.montelindogarden.com.

Lafayette Garden Club

Meeting and Program October 8th

The Lafayette Oktoberfest and tour of the Master Gardeners’ “Our Garden,” led by Master Gardeners Janet Miller and Helen Erickson, will be held at North Wiget Lane and Shadelands Dr., in Walnut Creek on October 8th. The meeting begins at 10AM and a tour will be held at 11AM. If you are interested in attending, please email Carolyn Poetzsch at cpoetzsch@gmail.com.

Diablo Choral Artists Seeks Singers

Do you have a story idea, photo, or sporting news to share?

Contact us at 925.405.6397, or Editor@YourMonthlyPaper.com.

Love to sing? Come join Diablo Choral Artists as they begin an exciting new season! The group has openings for all voice parts (especially tenors/basses). Rehearsals are held on Mondays at 7PM at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, located at 1924 Trinity Ave. in Walnut Creek. Call (925) 670-7089, e-mail info@vmschorus.org, or visit www.vmschorus.org for additional information.

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Oakland Treasures

Lafayette Today ~ October 2015 - Page 17

By Linda Summers Pirkle

My friend Barb is the kind of traveler who brings home a list of “Barb’s Best” cafes, unusual walks, and deli cious local treats to try. I always pass along her tips to my other friends.

When she is not traveling to far off places, Dr. Barbara Thomas, Senior Director of Counseling Services at U.S.F. is busy with her many interests: Ikebana, hiking, and exploring her adopted city, Oakland.

She has been a passionate Oakland promoter for many years, even before the city became “the” place to live in.

You’re Holiday Headquarters Barb and I visited the Mt. View Cemetery which recently th celebrated its 150 anniversary. Located on Piedmont Avenue in Oakland, it is one of her favorite walking spots. The extensive See our wide selection of grounds were designed by the renowned landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted who also designed Central Park in Cookware Bakeware Table top New York City.

On any day, walkers are out enjoying the 223-acre historic Espresso Coffee Gadgets Gifts & more location. “I enjoy a peaceful walk to the crest that overlooks Oakland and San Francisco. The view is exceptional. Then I traverse the southern edge which also runs along a rise. My favorite areas are the Jewish and Chinese sections because of the poignant mementos that folks leave at the grave sites,” Barbara says. Some of the historical figures buried in the cemetery are Charles Crocker; Domingo Ghirardelli, the chocolate maker; Walnut Creek Invaded by Zombies!

Anthony Chabot, the hydraulic engineer; and Julia Morgan, the famous architect.

Improv comedy company Synergy Theater is invading the Chapel of the Chimes is an inside cemetery, crematorium, and funeral home located just steps away from the entrance to Mt. View Cemetery. It began in 1909 as a small chapel Lesher Center for the Arts, located at 1601 Civic Drive in Walnut for funeral services. Today this beautiful architectural treasure is a “masterpiece mash up,” Creek, with its annual improvised horror spoof, Z is for…Zombie: says Allison Rodman, End of Life Pre Planning Specialist at the Chapel. Julia Morgan, the An Improvised Zombie Apocalypse! on Friday, October 16 and architect who designed Hearst Castle and modernist Aaron Green (protégé of Frank Lloyd Saturday, October 17 at 8:15PM. This marks the Lafayette-based Wright) contributed to the design of this gor- company’s first performance in the high-profile regional arts center. geous Moorish, Gothic, and Romanesque “In Z is for…Zombie,” explains Synergy Theater’s Artistic historic landmark. Barb and I toured the Director, Kenn many enclaves, chapels, and rooms in the Adams, “Some of Chapel of the Chimes. We saw lush green the characters are gardens, beautiful fountains, and exotic and regular townsfolk, tropical plants and trees. There is even a and others are shapeprimitive Boar fountain dating back to 1550. zombies My favorite area of the Chapel is the Garden shifting of Revelation, with its luxuriant planters, from space who individually lit glass niches, and a gorgeous have killed, eaten, fountain in the center. The view from the and taken the form window in the Garden of Revelation is of their unsuspecting spectacular. Don’t miss the beautiful Lapis victims. When the Lazuli Fleur de Lis inlaid table brought from story begins, nobody Europe by Ms. Morgan for the Chapel of the knows who is still Chimes. As Ms. Rodman says, “Traipsing human and who has up and down the three floors through all the been turned into a different design eras is a sensory pleasure zombie--not even balanced by the reason for the building’s the cast! So, all Entrance corridor of the historic Chapel of the Chimes. existence.”

Ben Weddell (left) is shocked to discover that his sweet, • Mt. View Cemetery is located at 5000 Piedmont Avenue in Oakland. Free cemetery through the show, the little sister Gretchen Salter (right) is really a bloodtours are offered every second Saturday. This docent led tour highlights the people, archi- characters are trying thirsty, brain-eating zombie in Z is for…Zombie: An tecture, beauty, and history of Mountain View Cemetery. Tours begin at 10AM and lasts two to stay alive when, Improvised Zombie Apocalypse! at any moment, the person they trust the most might suddenly go and a half hours.

• Every fourth Saturday of the month a free tour of the cemetery focuses on more special- zombie and suck out their brains.” ized topics. Check out their website at www.mountainviewcemetery.org. A self guided tour “It’s really a kick,” says long-time company member Lynn map is available in the cemetery office. Dogs are allowed on cemetery grounds provided Shields, “because the cast and the audience are all playing the game they are on a leash at all times. at the same time: trying to figure out who’s telling the truth and • Chapel of the Chimes is located at 4499 Piedmont Avenue, Oakland. Their website is who’s really a zombie.” chapelofthechimes.com. The venue is used for concerts, speaker series, and weddings.

“It’s incredibly funny,” adds Synergy veteran Ben Weddell. “It’s • No trip to Piedmont Avenue in Oakland is complete without a stop at the famous Fenton’s part horror movie spoof, part improv comedy show, and part reality Creamery located at 4226 Piedmont Avenue which has the best ice cream around.

Travel consultant Linda Summers Pirkle is inspired by the many wonderful places to television. Who will be the last human improviser standing!?”

Tickets costing $15 are available online at www.lesherartscenter. visit in the Bay Area, she organizes day trips, either for groups or for friends and family. To org or by phone at (925) 943-7469. share your “Quick Trips” ideas email Coverthemap@gmail.com.

3211 Danville Blvd. Alamo CA 94507

Page 18 - October 2015 ~ Lafayette Today

Procrastination – Science and Remedy

By Robert J. Silverman, Attorney at Law

During the course of my 22 years of practicing law in the estate planning arena, a large percentage of my clients communicate that they: i) are uncomfortable about having procrastinated – some for years and others for decades – in establishing and/or reviewing and updating their estate plans; ii) feel relieved and pleased about having completed the project; and iii) indicate that the process was much easier and less stressful than they expected.

Why do people procrastinate and how can one overcome the tendency to procrastinate - both in general and in connection with something as important as estate planning? I read with a keen interest an article in the Wall Street Journal, captioned “Never Procrastinate Again.” Below, I’ll outline some interesting points raised in that article and highlight what I believe to be the key “take aways.”

The article states that procrastination is defined by scientists as “the intentional delay of an action despite foreseeable negative future consequences.” The author, Shirley S. Wang, points out that procrastination is not synonymous with laziness nor simply poor time management. We know procrastinators – even chronic ones – whom we would be hard-pressed to label “lazy” or even bad time managers.

Most of my clients (and those who live in this community) are widely viewed as successful. It would therefore be logical to think that many of them procrastinate on certain projects because: a) they are perfectionists; b) they are somewhat paralyzed by their desire to do everything perfectly; and c) their associated anxiety causes them to avoid getting started.

Interestingly, however, studies indicate that it is not perfectionism or anxiety that prevents people from getting started. The article reflects that procrastinators “often seem unable to see clearly into the future about their choices and behaviors” – a phenomenon she [Dr. Sirois] calls “temporal myopia.” In other words, “[T]heir vision of their future selves is often more abstract and impersonal, and they are less connected emotionally to these future selves.” Understandably, the high levels of stress experienced by procrastinators causes them to shift focus to immediate rather than distant matters.

Fascinating studies are being conducted in many countries with therapy and even software being developed for habitual procrastinators. Fortunately, some scientists believe the following represent constructive tools to remedy - break the cycle of - procrastination: 1) Break down the project goal into concrete sub-goals and commit to the exact time you will start to work on the task; Rotary continued from front page 20’s to late 40’s. “But we welcome anyone young at heart,” clarifies club president Andrea Ward. “We are what is called a ‘new generations’ club.”

Ward herself is a third generation Rotarian. Her grandfather was a Rotarian, as is her father. Service is in her blood. She is a believer in the classic Gandhi quote, “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service to others,” and has the phrase posted on the Club’s Facebook page. “I love community service,” says the energetic Ward, who, in addition to her duties as Rotary president, works fulltime in San Francisco, is planning a wedding, and just moved to a new home. “For me, Rotary is the perfect catalyst for giving back. This group of Diablo View Rotarians, currently about 40 of us, knows how to plan a successful service event and have fun while doing it.”

Rotary’s three aspects include its many clubs, Rotary International which supports the clubs worldwide by coordinating global programs and initiatives, and The Rotary Foundation which funds Rotarian projects via voluntary contributions. Rotary’s main objective is service — in the community, in the workplace, and around the globe. The 1.2 million Rotarians who make up more than 34,000 Rotary clubs in nearly every country in the world share a dedication to the ideal of ‘Service Above Self.’ Rotary clubs are open to people of all cultures and ethnicities, and they are not affiliated with any political or religious organizations.

The Diablo View club primarily services the local community. Members

www.yourmonthlypaper.com 2) “Just get started!” - don’t get overwhelmed by a long list of tasks or intermediate steps that may be required to complete the project; 3) Remind yourself that completing a task now will help you in the future (and putting it off won’t make it more enjoyable); 4) Give yourself a reward for not only completing the whole project, but also for finishing each sub-goal.

Examples of the kinds of foreseeable negative future consequences you and your loved ones could suffer by procrastinating about estate planning are tens of thousands of dollars in unnecessary probate fees and costs; substantial time and inconvenience in estate administration; unnecessary and stressful court intervention; causing your estate affairs to be open to the public instead of being handled privately; no control over distribution of assets to young adults or beneficiaries with special needs; and court appointment of people authorized to manage your finances, health care and/or minor children whom you would not want to do so.

On a more positive and constructive note, what tools would the above-referenced studies suggest to help you break the procrastination cycle and thus avoid such negative future consequences?

In estate planning, the process is typically broken down into concrete sub-goals or steps: i) contact an experienced estate planning attorney to discuss your situation, obtain a fee quote, and answer your preliminary questions; ii) complete the attorney’s Confidential Client Questionnaire; iii) schedule a meeting to discuss and decide upon key provisions of each estate planning document, with the attorney’s guidance and support; iv) review the documents prepared by your attorney; v) schedule an appointment to discuss and sign the documents, and vi) (assuming you establish a Living Trust) retitle assets into your Trust with the attorney’s instructions and advice.

Forgive yourself for procrastinating. Just get started and reward yourself each step of the way!

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 specializing in estate planning, trust administration and probate, real estate, and business taxes. They are located at 1855 Olympic Blvd., Suite 125, Walnut Creek, CA 94596; (925) 705-4474; rsilverman@rsilvermanlaw.com.

This article is intended to provide information of a general nature, and should not be relied upon as legal, tax and/ or business advice. Readers should obtain specific advice from their own, qualified professional advisors.

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organize beach cleaning outings, sort food at local food banks, serve meals to those in need, package reading materials for local tutors to use in the area’s schools, and assist with anything else that members can do to help in the community. Upcoming events include a 5K-scavenger hunt, a poker tournament, and day-after-Thanksgiving photos with Santa.

When member Stephanie Shaterian was seeking a local Rotary to join (there are eleven within a ten mile radius of Lafayette), she visited several and immediately felt at home with the Diablo View group. “Everyone was so friendly and welcoming,” says Shaterian who lives in Lafayette and owns a creative agency. “This group has fun while doing good. And members come from a variety of professions, which is great when I need a referral for anything from insurance to home repair.”

“When I know someone is a Rotarian, I feel I can trust them,” says Ward who has also used fellow club members for various referrals. “Please come join us on a Tuesday night in Walnut Creek, and see for yourself what a great group of people we have. This is a great place to connect with local professionals, make friends with people that live in the area, and most importantly, fill that gap in your Tuesday night schedule.”

Diablo View Rotary meets every Tuesday evening, 5:30 – 6:30 at 1545 Locust St., Walnut Creek. Drop-ins are welcome. For more information, visit www.diabloviewrotary.org.

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Retirement Savings Options for the Self-Employed

Lafayette Today ~ October 2015 - Page 19

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

As a self-employed individual, you have access to several types of retirement plans. As is the case for large plans, a plan-of-one allows you to put away large amounts of money on a tax-deferred basis while deducting your contributions from your income.

Among your options as a self-employed individual are IRAs, defined contribution, and defined benefit plans.

IRA Options

The two main types of IRAs for self-employed individuals are the Simplified Employee Pension (SEP) and Savings Incentive Match Plan for Employees (SIMPLE). A key benefit of both is the ability to contribute tax deferred amounts greater than that of a traditional IRA. A SEP allows you to make tax-deferred contributions of 20% of net earnings from self-employment (25% of compensation for incorporated businesses), to a maximum contribution that is set annually by the IRS. (For 2015, the earnings limit is $265,000 and the maximum contribution is $53,000). Generally, it is up to you as to whether to contribute in a given year, allowing for fluctuations in your business’s cash flow.

A SIMPLE IRA is designed for employers with 100 or fewer employees; self-employed individuals make contributions as both employee and employer. For 2015, you may contribute 100% of compensation but not more than $12,500 through salary reduction as an employee. In addition, you may make catch-up contributions of $3,000 if you are at least age 50. As your own “employer,” you must make an employer contribution, matching (up to a maximum of 3% of compensation) or a nonelective contribution of 2% of compensation (for purposes of the 2% nonelective contribution, compensation is limited to $265,000 for 2015).

Defined Contribution Options

Self-employed individuals may also operate a 401(k), profit sharing or money purchase plan. These are more complex to implement and maintain, even for a sole proprietor. Among the requirements is the annual filing of IRS Form 5500, Annual Return/Report of Employee Benefit Plan, or, if eligible, Form 5500-SF for small employee plans or Form 5500-EZ for sole proprietors Although 401(k)s are associated with larger companies, they are also available to self-employed individuals. Often referred to as a solo 401(k), it has the same rules and limits as traditional 401(k)s other than it is, by design, exempt from discrimination testing. Elective deferrals for 2015 top out at $18,000 (plus $6,000 in catch-up contributions if applicable). Additional contributions of up to 25% of net earnings from self-employment are also permitted, up to a maximum of $53,000 for combined total contributions (including elective deferrals).

A profit sharing plan allows discretionary contributions up to the smaller of 25% of compensation or the annual IRS limit ($53,000 in 2015). Money purchase plans have the same limits, yet contributions are required.

Defined Benefit Option

If you prefer a plan that will promise a monthly income at retirement, you might consider a solo defined benefit (DB) plan. The monthly benefit is determined by a formula based on salary history and years of service. Your contribution amount is not fixed--it is calculated each year by an actuary based on reasonable actuarial assumptions, and there is no upper limit. However, the annual maximum benefit you may receive at retirement is limited ($210,000 in 2015).

Sources: Internal Revenue Service and U.S. Department of Labor, “Choosing a Retirement Solution for Your Small Business,” December 2012 (most recent revision), retrieved October 21, 2014| Internal Revenue Service “Retirement Plans for Self-Employed People,” March 19, 2014, retrieved October 21, 2014. | Internal Revenue Service “IRS Announces 2015 Pension Plan Limitations,” October 23, 2014.

For further information, as well as a complimentary Medicare Review, Social Security Review, and Financial Plan Review, please contact us at George M. Noceti, CRPS® -Wealth Advisor at (925)746-2982, via email at george. noceti@morganstanley.com, or visit our website at www.ms.com/fa/theintegragroup. Connect LinkedIn: George M. Noceti, CRPS® Follow me on Twitter: @GNocetiMS.

The opinions expressed by the authors are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Morgan Stanley. The information and data in the article or publication has been obtained from sources outside of Morgan Stanley and Morgan Stanley makes no representations or guarantees as to the accuracy or completeness of information or data from sources outside of Morgan Stanley. Neither the information provided nor any opinion expressed constitutes a solicitation by Morgan Stanley with respect to the purchase or sale of any security, investment, strategy or product that may be mentionedMorgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC (“Morgan Stanley”), its affiliates and Morgan Stanley Smith Barney Financial Advisors or Private Wealth Advisors do not provide tax or legal advice. Clients should consult their tax advisor for matters involving taxation and tax planning and their attorney for matters involving trust and estate planning and other legal matters. Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC offers insurance products in conjunction with its licensed insurance agency affiliates. 2These examples are hypothetical and for illustrative purposes only. Your results will vary. Indicated returns cannot be guaranteed.

They do not reflect the performance of any actual investment and do not allow for the fees and expenses incurred with investing. Calculations use monthly compounding at an annual rate of 6%, however actual investment returns may vary from year to year, which could impact projected values. © 2015 Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC. Member SIPC.

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House continued from front page pertaining to teens in Lafayette, and coordinates activities and functions that benefit both youth and the community at large.

Past donation recipients include The American Cancer Society, the Lafayette Library, Stanley Middle School, the Lafayette Community Center Foundation, Child Abuse Prevention, the Jennifer Russell Building, and many more.

The Lafayette Youth Commission meets the second Monday of each month at 6pm in the Sequoia Room at the Community Center located at 500 St. Mary’s Road.

Page 20 - October 2015 ~ Lafayette Today

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month

By Dr. Barbara Persons

On the three to four days a week that I am in the operating room, my attire is comfortably predictable - scrubs and my favorite pair of clogs. The clogs happen to be pink, and I am often asked, “Why the pink shoes?” I usually respond by simply tugging up my pant leg a bit to reveal the familiar pink ribbon logo used by so many worthy causes that support breast cancer research and education. I don’t think about breast cancer for one month out of the year--I think about it every day. As I have mentioned in previous articles, my breast cancer patients hold a very special place in my heart and in my practice.

Like most cancers, early detection is key to a successful outcome in breast cancer patients, and I urge everyone to become educated on breast selfexamination and regular mammogram screening. All too often breast cancer is discovered in advanced stages, requiring surgery and breast reconstruction along with radiation and chemotherapy. The physical toll of breast cancer is costly enough, but the emotional toll of losing our breasts can be devastating.

Unlike earlier courses of breast cancer treatment in which tissue removal and reconstruction were done in separate surgeries, sometimes months or years apart, breast reconstruction can often be performed in conjunction with a mastectomy. Breast reconstruction surgery can drastically improve a patient’s emotional and mental recovery. In fact, many national studies support immediate reconstruction to preserve the patient’s sense of womanhood. Women who opt for immediate reconstruction can keep their physical form closer to what it was, never wake up without any breast form, and can feel more whole during their recovery. In addition, many patients find that it is easier to face additional cancer treatments including chemotherapy or radiation with their breasts more intact. While not every patient is a candidate for reconstruction

www.yourmonthlypaper.com at the time of a mastectomy, my personal experience and recent studies agree that first stage reconstruction at the time of mastectomy should be the standard of care in treating this cancer. The patient’s breast cancer team can provide her with the information she needs to make the decision that’s right for her.

After an initial breast cancer diagnosis, there is usually an initial consultation with a general surgeon, who will perform the lumpectomy or mastectomy.

This surgeon then assembles and coordinates the team of other doctors needed to treat the cancer, including the oncologist, the radiation oncologist, the genetic counselor, the radiologist, and the plastic surgeon. We are very fortunate in the greater East Bay and Bay Areas to have several very talented and caring general surgeons who I regularly team-up with to provide exceptional and leading-edge results for our patients.

While the breast reconstruction process is just that, a process that can take three to twelve months and three surgeries to complete (including one major and two minor procedures for implant placement and nipple reconstruction), the patient can should consider this process as early as the timing of the mastectomy.

I am so fortunate to be part of the team of people to make a positive impact in my breast cancer patients’ lives by giving back to them something they thought was lost. Through advances and innovations in technique as well as new surgical materials, artful reconstruction of the breast post-mastectomy has become a reality.

The theme behind the Breast Cancer Awareness Month campaign is education and awareness. Realize that breast cancer affects us all. I encourage you to support the efforts of wonderful organizations like Susan G. Komen or the Avon Foundation. Join me in wearing your pink shoes proudly every day and feel free to contact my office any time with questions or if you have the need for a consultation.

Barbara L. Persons, MD is a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and owns Persons Plastic Surgery, Inc. located at 911 Moraga Rd, Suite 205 in Lafayette. She may be reached at 925.283.4012 or Advertorial drbarb@personsplasticsurgery.com.

Are You Getting Up at Night to Pee?

By Jeremy Lieb, MD

Night time urination, also called nocturia, is a very common problem as we get older. I’ll start off with an anecdotal patient visit. A few years ago a fellow came to my office for a new patient appointment because he was getting up at night to urinate 4-5 times. After further questioning I determined he drinks four beers every evening. When I told him that my first recommendation was to reduce evening beer intake, he just looked up and said, “Well doc, I guess that I’ll be getting up to pee at night.”

I share this story to explain that there is no magic pill to reduce night time urination. The most important information is to determine why someone is getting up too many times and try to reduce risk factors.

For example, the most simple and first recommendation is to reduce evening fluid intake. Obviously, less drinking after dinner means less urine production overnight. Always remember to have a glass of water in the morning to start your day so you do not get dehydrated.

The next bit of advice is to lower your salt intake. Salt allows the body to retain more fluids, sometimes leading you to feel bloated. This will store water in your body and the water is released when you lay down. Another recommendation is to elevate your legs during the daytime or wear compression stockings or long tight socks. Most fluid is retained in our legs and the above helps to squeeze out fluid during the daytime.

If you take several medications it’s helpful to determine which ones can be taken in the morning vs night. For example, taking vitamins or safe medications (such as cholesterol pills) at night may lead to more urine because of the glass of water used to wash down the pills. Talk with your primary care doctor and determine which medications can be taken in the morning to reduce night time fluid intake. Occasionally, I’ll have a patient come into my office who is taking a diuretic water pill at night. Obviously, this leads to tons of urine production at night.

There is a medication called desmopressin which is commonly used with children to reduce bedwetting. This medication will reduce urine production overnight, but unfortunately the FDA recently voted against approval for the indication of nocturia because it can lead to diluted body salt level. That being said, there are plenty of studies that show in a low dose it can safely be used to reduce nocturia.

Dr. Lieb is a Board Certified Urologist with Pacific Urology. Pacific Urology has offices in Walnut Creek, Concord, San Ramon, Brentwood, Livermore, Fremont, and Antioch. For more information, call 925-937-7740 or visit www.PacificUrology.com.

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Pedestal continued from front page

stack. Martin Amanat ’13, Conner McNally ’15, Emily Lyall ’15, Chris Hansen ’15, Anthony Yee ’16, Justin Velek ’16 and Zack Duffy ’17 each selected the names for the featured books, with Dupont taking credit for the Iliad and Hounds of Lafayette.

The “pages” are made up of an imported (from Finland) solid birch plywood with thin veneers, glued together and mitered at the corners (the books are hollow). The covers and bindings are solid woods of various species, mostly domestic (ash, oak, cherry, maple) and some exotics (sapele, Peruvian walnut, padauk). All lettering was done with a LASER engraver prior to assembly. It is all held together with a large threaded rod which runs down the center of the stack.

It is finished with three coats of nitrocellulose lacquer.

The stand received first prize at the California State Fair in the category ‘Industrial and Technology Education.”

“The students are thrilled to have their work displayed in the library,” says Dupont. “We are all pleased it has been so well received, both at the State Fair and especially at the library.”

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Preventing Sports Injuries By Dr. Lisa Hudson

Lafayette Today ~ October 2015 - Page 21

The key to preventing sports injuries is to choose the right sport for your body type. If you are a few pounds overweight, or are over the age of 25, I don’t recommend running. Swimming or bicycling would be better choices to avoid long-term wear and tear on the joints that can lead to arthritis later. There is a reason championship runners average 5’8 inches and 145 pounds!

However, a study done with runners in our area over the age of 55 showed that those without joint pains after running did not have any more arthritis than others of the same age. But those with mechanical abnormalities (that led to pain) had significantly more joint degeneration. Every millimeter of cartilage in the knees counts later!

Over-the-counter or custom made orthotics can correct over-pronation which can lead to shin splints, and they help with high arches, which are predisposed to plantar fasciitis. I also recommend to avoid running downhill as there is twice the joint stress! Walking burns 80% of the calories of running, so if you walk 20% more, you will burn the same calories and avoid the injuries common to runners.

Female soccer players disproportionately injure their knees because the female pelvis has a wider “Q” (quadriceps angle), aligning the femur (thigh bone) to the knee, predisposing them to tearing the ACL ligament. This can be a career-ending injury. Core strengthening can help prevent this injury. It is also important to stretch the structures on the outside thigh (a foam roller can help with this) and to strengthen the inner thigh muscles to keep the kneecap tracking correctly in its groove.

Golfers need a strong core to prevent back injuries. Stretching hamstrings before golf helps prevent injury, while stretching afterward increases flexibility for the next time.

Tennis players can prevent elbow injuries by stretching and strengthening the forearm muscles and (this is controversial) by reducing racquet head size and increasing grip size. Ice, a brace, and some time off when the elbow first becomes sore can get you back to play sooner.

Swimmers and water polo and volleyball players should do intensive pre-season, sport-specific strength training of the small muscles of the rotator cuff to avoid shoulder injuries. This is especially true for young swimmers as they begin to add more laps. And I also recommend to avoid overhead lifting – sorry Cross-Fit buffs! The shoulder is not designed to put weights overhead. Just avoiding this motion can prevent the most common shoulder complaint I see in my office.

If you need help with these or other sports injuries, my office offers same day appointments to help evaluate you and get you back to play!

Dr. Hudson is a board certified internal medicine physician and owner of Danville Sports Medicine and Primary Care, 913 San Ramon Valley Blvd, Advertorial Suite 186, Danville, CA, 94526. She is accepting new patients. Please call (925) 984-2622.

Your Personal Nutritionist

Reasons We Eat When We Are not Hungry

By Linda Michaelis RD, MS

We all eat when we are not hungry and often do not realize when it happens. Maybe you graze when you are bored or pass by a bowl of candy or nuts and mindlessly eat them. You may feel sluggish in the afternoon and food calls your name. While this is OK from time to time, too much eating without thinking can derail your weight loss plan.

Here are some typical situations:

Emotional Eating

You may indulge in a treat to celebrate or eat to soothe yourself because you are upset. I encourage my clients to track the emotional triggers that cause their eating rollercoaster. Together we work at understanding why it happens.

Because You Are Tired

I can easily tell when my clients eat improperly when they are tired. By looking at their food diary I can see it is full of sweets to pick them up. As I get to know my client I stress the importance of getting a good night sleep and taking naps. When you are tired it is very difficult to know whether you are truly hungry or not. Sleep loss increases impulsivity and stimulates the reward center of your brain, making you prone to eat foods high in calories, sugar, and fat. The body is driven to eat more after a night of poor sleep to compensate for energy expended being awake.

Because it’s a Special Occasion

If you work in a large office or have a big family, it seems like there is always some type of celebration. Remember that celebrations are about getting people together, and the food doesn’t need to be the centerpiece. I love to help my clients devise a food plan to navigate these parties as they happen.

Because the Clock Says So

Do you pull out your lunch or go to lunch when it is your scheduled time? I teach my clients to listen to their body and not eat lunch until they are hungry. Please use the time to take a walk, and then wait for the hunger to come. Your food is always more tasty when you feel hungry.

Because Other People are Eating

This can be a difficult time because you want to feel a part of the gang.

I encourage people to fill up their plate with some food, move it around on the plate, and throw it away as soon as possible. You always think you are being watched, but this is not true. Grab a beverage for security, get through the event, and feel comfortable when you leave.

Because it is Free or Cheap

Everyone, including myself, loves a deal. But please stop eating just because it is free. If you are hungry at the time and it is healthy food, then it makes sense. When I see people at the store buying day old bakery goods, I cringe and want to tell them to take that money and buy something healthy and yummy.

Because You Cannot Say No to Food Pushers

If you are a people pleaser and find it hard to say no, when someone says, “You really need to try this.” You must kindly say to them, “No thank you,” or, “I am not hungry.” If you must take a piece of cake that the hostess spent hours making, then take a bite and get rid of it gracefully. Also, tell your neighbor when she comes in with fresh baked cookies that you will enjoy them later. Save them for dessert when it fits your food plan.

Because You Suffer from Clean Plate Syndrome

Yes, most of us grew up with orders to clean our plate because there are starving kids in (you name the country). It is unfortunate that we cannot benefit them, but we have to help ourselves by putting less food on our plate.

My job is to teach my clients how little food our body needs when they eat the right combination of foods.

I am thrilled to have the pleasure of working with clients that do well in the beginning with their personal weight loss journey but just cannot keep the motivation going and get sidetracked by life. It is my job to keep them on track, show them the areas that are preventing success, and give them the steps to finally achieve their weight loss goals. Give yourself the gift of allowing yourself to hire a nutritionist to hold your hand and get you to your goal before the holidays are upon us.

NUTRITIONAL COUNSELING CAN BE COVERED BY MEDICAL INSURANCE - Aetna, Hill Physicians, Sutter, Health Net, Blue Cross, Contra Costa Health and other insurances. Please refer to my website www.

LindaRD.com for past articles and information about services. Feel free to call me at (925)855-0150 or email lifeweight1@yahoo.com. Advertorial

To advertise in Lafayette Today,

Call us at 925.405.6397 or email editor@yourmonthlypaper.com

Page 22 - October 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 925-284-5050 to reserve a spot. Unless otherwise mentioned, events are free for members and $10 for non-members.

About Jane Eyre…Monday, 10/19 and 11/2 • 1PM – 2:30PM • Elderberry Room, LSC - Charlotte Bronte’s Jane Eyre has excited the imagination of readers, film makers, scholars, and literary critics for more than 150 years. The novel launched an obscure author into worldwide fame, and the public’s fascination with her life and work has not diminished in the twentyfirst century. This two-part presentation will explore the novel from many perspectives, some of which are quite provocative. We will learn biographical facts which may provide insight into what helped inspire this acclaimed work of fiction. Familiarity with the novel would be helpful but is not required to participate in what will be a lively, thought-provoking gathering.

Reservoir Walking Group Tuesdays and Thursdays • 9AM – 10:30AM • Meet at reservoir center bench on the dam - Led by Jim Scala, Lafayette Today’s “Walking the Reservoir” columnist. Join us for camaraderie, fresh air, and enjoyable exercise, 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! Please call (925) 284-5050 or email seniors@lovelafayette.org to add your name to the email notification list. Bring quarters or a credit card for the parking meter.

Annual senior (62+) passes may be purchased at the reservoir visitor center.

‘As The Page Turns’ Book Club 3rd Tuesday • 1PM - 2:30PM • Elderberry Room 10/20, LSC - Looking for a good book to discuss with others? Join this informal group of book lovers 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.

Lamorinda Nature Walk and Bird-Watching Wednesdays • 9AM - noon • Alder Room, LSC - Experience nature at its finest along our local trails. Delight in the beauty that unfolds around each bend, all the while learning to identify a variety of birds. Bring a water bottle; binoculars will be helpful if you have them. Join us every Wednesday or whenever you are able. For more information or to place your name on the route email/phone list, call Lafayette Seniors Services, 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 10/8, 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!

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

3rd Tuesday Monthly • 10:30AM–noon • Elderberry Room 10/20, 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.

Hearing Screening & Telephone Distribution 1st Wednesday Monthly • 1PM –2:45PM • Alder Room, LSC - As a service 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. Minimum of two sign-ups required in

www.yourmonthlypaper.com order for screenings to take place. Please call Lafayette Senior Services at 284-5050 to sign up for one of the 20-minute appointments.

Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Programs (HICAP) 1st Wednesday/3rd Tuesday appts: 10AM, 11AM, noon • Alder

Room, LSC - HICAP provides free and objective counseling and advocacy services to Contra Costa Medicare beneficiaries and their families who need assistance with Medicare enrollment and issues involving Medicare and associated insurance programs, including prescription drug coverage.

HICAP does not endorse or sell insurance products. For appointments, call Lafayette Senior Services: 284-5050.

Drop-In Mah Jongg! Every Tuesday • Noon–3PM • Cedar Room, LSC - Calling all Mah Jongg players! Bring your card and mah jongg set, and join us every Tuesday afternoon. This group is for all levels. No need to RSVP – just show up and pay at the door.

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. **Skip 10/21, 11/11, 11/25, 12/23, 12/30 Free Peer Counseling - Contra Costa Health Services offers free one-onone counseling with senior (55+) counselors who use their life experiences to help other older adults cope with life changes, problems, crises, and challenges.

Confidentiality is strictly observed. Appointment required. Please call Lafayette Senior Services to sign up for one of the 60-minute appointments: 284-5050.

Anne Randolph Physical Therapy Presentation - Therabands

Wednesday, 10/28 11:30 – 12:30 • Cedar Room, LSC - You’ve probably seen people using those stretchy, multi-colored exercise bands. Come learn how to use them yourself to easily maintain and increase strength and feel your best! Anne Randolph, RPT, has been practicing physical therapy since 1977. She provides outpatient therapy in Lafayette and specializes in the care of those 55 and over.

Apple Basics 1st & 3rd Thursdays, 10/15, 11/5 11AM – 12:30 • 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. Topics for future sessions will be determined by participants’ input and needs. There will be time for Q&A at the end of each class. Please note: this series deals with Apple devices only.

Lic# 1100014354; Bay Area Entertainment

925.934.3743 • 925.934.1515

www.dumploadsonus.com • www.erecycleonus.com 1271 Boulevard Way, Walnut Creek Monday-Friday, 8-5 • Saturday 9-1, Sunday, closed

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Senior Mobility Action Council News

By Mary Bruns, Lamorinda Senior Transportation

The Senior Mobility Action Council (SMAC), a workgroup of the Advisory Council on Aging, works to educate and inform the public about the transportation needs of older adults in Contra Costa County.

SMAC’s mission is “To address transportation barriers and gaps in service experienced by Contra Costa older adults through education, advocacy, and the promotion of effective coordination of services and mobility management that enhances the autonomy and independence of older adults in Contra Costa County.” Informative articles are published in its newsletter which is posted at ehsd.org/elderly-disabled/advisory-council-on-aging/ senior-mobility-action-council.

SMAC members supported Measure J at the Board of Supervisors Meeting. Several members of the Senior Mobility Action Council (SMAC) attended a recent Contra Costa Board of Supervisors meeting to request that the Board of Supervisors approve staff report recommendations on the development of an expenditure plan for a potential new transportation sales tax. The staff report recommends additional funds to support better coordination and accessible services for senior and disabled transportation.

Debbie Toth and Elaine Welch gave high praise to Members of SMAC Ray Zenoni and Elaine Welch the Transportation, Water & Infrastructure Committee’s Report, citing the need for infrastructure development of an integrated plan that breaks down transportation silos and meets the growing need. Mary Bruns spoke to the need to keep senior transportation programs funded continuously to solve the challenges of gaps between grant cycles and limitations in available funds.

Mobility Challenges. On Friday, October 23, SMAC is sponsoring a special event titled “Mobility Challenges.” The event will be held from 10AM to 2:30PM at John Muir Medical Center, 1601 Ygnacio Valley Blvd., Walnut Creek.

Renowned speaker, Dr. Patrick Arbore, Jefferson Award Winner, and Founder/ Director of the Center for Elderly Suicide Prevention will speak on the topic: “Mature Drivers and the Healthy Brain.” DMV Senior Driver Ombudsman, Rosemary Robles, will follow with: “Take Control of Your Driving Future.”

Space is limited. RSVP by emailing clouisell@mowsos.org or calling 925-9548736. Free box lunches will be provided. Parking is available.

35th Anniversary for California Senior Legislature (CSL) Retired Senior Assemblymember at California Senior Legislature, Shirley Krohn notes, “We are working on ways to inform the public about our organization and hopefully in 2016 we will meet our goal of bringing in $250,000 via the state tax form. In the meantime, we are going to produce a 35th Anniversary Commemorative Booklet telling the story of the CSL. This booklet is traditionally published every year as our Program Book used for our annual session in Sacramento. But because we are not having this session, we are putting this Commemorative Book together. You are invited to consider purchasing an ad for this special publication. The California Senior Legislature is a state agency not funded by the State...we depend on tax deductible donations for 100% for our funding! You can make a donation to the California Senior Legislature Fund under Contributions on CA State

Lamorinda Senior Transportation An Alliance of Transportation Providers

Volunteer Drivers – Needed, Valued, and Appreciated We will accommodate your schedule, travels, and vacations.

You will be helping your friends, family, and community!

Lamorinda Spirit Van

283-3534

Takes Lamorinda older adults to errands, appointments, grocery shopping, special events, and to lunch at the C.C. Café. Call early to reserve your ride. WE LOVE TO SAY “YES!” Wheelchair and walker accessible.

Lafayette Today ~ October 2015 - Page 23 Income Tax form 540. Code 427 is where this donation can be made!”

This organization is active in researching, writing and seeking legislators to sponsor legislation benefitting older adults. Email skrohn9520@aol.com for information on supporting the CSL. Alan Seale: “Stepping Out Onto New Ground.” “As I travel, work with, and coach so many different people from different countries and cultures, a common theme keeps showing up. People tell me that they are feeling called to take another big step forward, to make a shift, to follow their hearts to a new level of making a difference. There’s something that won’t let go of them, and they can’t ignore it any longer.”

You can make a difference. Become informed and involved: a contributor. Give the gift of your knowledge, service, and treasure.

TM TM

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C L A S S I F I E D S 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.

P L AC E YO U R CLASSIFIED HERE! 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.

FallenHeroes2x3_11-27-13.indd Contra Costa Yellow Cab and DeSoto Company

284-1234

Orinda Seniors Around Town

402-4506

Senior Helpline Services Rides for Seniors

284-6161

County Connection LINK Reservation Line

938-7433

20% discount for Lamorinda seniors.

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

FallenHeroes2x3_11-27-13.indd Volunteer drivers serving Contra Costa seniors with free rides to doctors appointments during the week. Grocery shopping on Saturdays.

Older adults often have “age-based” disabilities. By describing your disability, you can become eligible for this service – providing you with additional transportation options.

Page 24 - October 2015 ~ Lafayette Today

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