November, 2016 - Lafayette Today

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November 2016 Blue Star Moms – Proud Parents Providing Support By Jody Morgan

Serving the Lafayette Community Pet Co-op By Fran Miller

Pet sitting fees can surely add up quickly. Whether Fido is boarded or a sitter comes to the home, dog and cat owners know that vacation Blue Star Moms (BSM), Chapter 101, was established in 2001 shortly after the Twin plans often include a hefty budget appropriation for pet care. Lafayette Towers fell. The Moms honor the achievements of their own offspring who are serving residents Kristina McCann and her friend and neighbor Christine in the United States Military, Veterans, or Fallen Heroes through an ever-increasing Bhatkar think there is a better, more affordable way for local pet owners variety of missions from carefully coordinated care packages to programs for Gold Star Parents and events supporting Veterans as well as active duty military personnel. Once a month members from across the East Bay gather at Danville’s Veterans Memorial Building to commune with others who understand what it means to spend every day with their hearts on the line.

The Blue Star emblem originated with a service flag designed by Army Captain Robert L. Queisser to display his pride in his two sons engaged at the front during World War I. In 1918, President Woodrow Wilson approved the request by the Women’s Committee of the Council of National Defenses that mothers who had lost a child serving in the war be permitted to wear a gold star on their black mourning armband. Eventually, the gold star was also placed over the blue on banners displayed by parents across the nation whose children had died in combat. Blue Star Mothers of America, of which BSM is an official chapter, was founded during World War II. Care packages from home are always appreciated by those with boots on the ground around the globe. BSM assembles and ships at least 1,500 boxes each year. Travel-size toiletries are packed in quart bags. Snack size treats and similarly sized protein products are also separately bagged. Socks are important, especially in areas where sand and grit chew through fibers and can’t be washed out. Warm hats are good in cold climates. Asked by an embarrassed Captain with all women under his command if they did special packages for ladies, the Moms answered, “Absolutely!” The next major shipment, Holiday Hugs, to find pet sitting that replicates the warm, hospitable vibes of home.

“Whether it’s a vacation, a longer than normal day at work, or a short weekend trip, wouldn’t it be nice to have a resource for trading pet care that was mutually beneficial to you, your pet, and the person you task with the ‘favor’ of pet-sitting?” asks McCann, who, with Bhatkar,

See Co-op continued on page 15

Blue Star Moms pack and ship 1,500 care packages a year. (photo courtesy of BSM)

will be sorted and sent December 3rd. Other major shipments are made for Valentine’s Day and the 4th of July. Better Homes and Gardens Realty, 630 Danville Boulevard in Danville, offers space year round for collection of appropriate items.

Special requests are honored as they are received. Jana Clark, 1st Vice President, says, “As Moms we can’t hear about a soldier who’s cold or hasn’t had a package from home without doing something about it.” Responding to a call from a Special Forces unit serving in Afghanistan, BSM vacuum-sealed two blankets to a care package. Seventy-two boxes were air dropped to the unit. Jana has spoken to some of the grateful recipients who still cherish their blankets.

Christine McCracken, Recording Secretary and Care Package Co-Chair, relates: “While my son was at boot camp, there was one young man whose family did not approve of his choice in serving our country. They refused to provide him support through

See Moms continued on page 14

Local Postal Customer

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

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The Acalanes High School students pictured above are starring in Youth Musical Theater Company’s Into the Woods November 11-19. The students are doggedly pursuing musical theater for college and career. They have been very involved in the local theater scene at Town Hall and school and other companies. Pictured left to right are Fiona Warburton, Grace Guichard, Michaela Sasner, and Joel Braunstein.

To purchase tickets to the show at El Cerrito High School, visit www. ymtcbayarea.org.

Volume X - Number 11 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.

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Page 2 - November 2016 ~ Lafayette Today

COMMUNITY THANKSGIVING BREAKFAST

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 18TH, 2016 @ 7:00 am 284-7404 or www.lafayettechamber.org AAUW Presents Assemblywoman Catharine Baker

The American Association of University Women (AAUW) Orinda-Moraga-Lafayette branch is fortunate to have Catharine B. Baker as their keynote speaker on November 15th, 9:30AM, at Orinda Community Church Hall, 10 Irwin Way in Orinda. Come and hear Assemblywoman Baker discuss how the AAUW Fund impacts the lives of women and girls throughout the world through education, research, advocacy, and philanthropy. You’ll also be able to enjoy Marketplace -- your once-a-year chance to see handcrafted creations by our local members and get an early start on holiday shopping.

For more information, visit www.oml-ca.aauw.net.

Assistance League Thrift Shop Pairs Celebrating Thanksgiving with Sierra Skiing

Member volunteers at Assistance League® Way Side Inn Thrift Shop, located at 3521 Golden Gate Way in Lafayette, happily remind you that Thanksgiving Day will fall on November 28, which still allows enough time to prepare for your annual traditions. A one-stop shopping spree at this wellknown landmark will begin on Tuesday, November 8 and will last as long as inventory will allow. As in previous years, you will look forward to an assortment of such harvest-themed decor items as pumpkins, After supporting our thrift shop while saving significant dollars, how could you not enjoy the journey? turkeys, festive dinnerware, decorative candles, floral centerpieces, place cards resting on crisp linens, as well as autumnal home décor.

While your Thanksgiving celebration may offer a sumptuous feast, a fitness regimen might offer a much needed balance. When you venture further into the thrift shop, you will discover a “ski chalet” that will equip you for not necessarily conquering the snow-capped Sierra but for appreciating its grandeur. You’ll find items for men, women, and children including snowboard and ski jackets, vests, ski pants, bibs, gloves, socks, scarves, hats, goggles, as well as other miscellaneous items. What a glorious adventure for the entire family to enjoy at such “rock bottom” prices!

When you support Assistance League Way Side Inn Thrift Shop with your donations and purchases, you help fund its ten philanthropic programs.

To learn more, please visit diablovalley.assistanceleague.org.

“It’s a Wonderful Life in Lafayette” Holiday Celebration December 2, 4pm -6:30pm

Please join with the community at a fun, family-friendly celebration that includes a tree lighting, live music, community sing-a-long, crafts, and of course, Santa!

The fourth annual “It’s a Wonderful Life in Lafayette” community celebration to kick off the holiday season will be held in Lafayette's Plaza Park, located in downtown Lafayette. The event is free. Arrive early and plan to stay!

Festivities begin at 4pm, and Santa’s arrival at 4:30pm is a must-not-miss for the little ones! There will be lots of photo opportunities, including posing with Santa.

The official lighting of the Lafayette holiday tree is planned for 5:30pm, immediately followed by a community sing-a-long lead by Rena Wilson of the Lafayette Theatre Academy.

There will be live entertainment including local student musicians and singers from Stanley Middle School, Contra Costa Children’s Chorus, the Bradley School of Music, Lamorinda Theatre Academy, and Town Hall Theatre.

Already a popular Lafayette holiday tradition, the “It’s a Wonderful Life in Lafayette” holiday event is designed as a time to share holiday cheer as we celebrate this wonderful community we live in.

Complimentary hot chocolate and treats will be provided.

The “It’s a Wonderful Life in Lafayette” event is presented by the Lafayette Chamber of Commerce, and sponsored by local Lafayette Realtor Dana Green and Branagh Development, who together are also hosting the environmentally-friendly downtown Lafayette twinkle lights for the 2016 Holiday Season.

For more details and the entertainment schedule, please visit www. lafayettechamber.org.

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Lafayette Today ~ November 2016 - Page 3

We endorse Measure C!

Boulevard View

By Alisa Corstorphine, Editor

As I sit typing this music plays in the background and the song that comes on is Michael Jackson’s “Man in the Mirror.” The lyrics echo the story I am in the process of writing. I hear the chorus: I’m starting with the man in the mirror I’m asking him to change his ways And no message could have been any clearer If you wanna make the world a better place Take a look at yourself, and then make a change.

While contemplating what to write this month, I was reflecting on a recent get-away my husband and I took to the island of Grand Cayman. We were able to do many unique things like kayaking in a bioluminescent bay and horseback riding in the ocean.

While the tides were fairly kind in keeping an area known as Seven Mile Beach free of washed ashore debris, unfortunately the other beaches on the island were a magnet for our consumer waste. Washed ashore on several of the beaches were a multitude of pearlescent pink-lined conch shells to be picked up by the dozen. However, for every beautiful shell, there were water and soda bottles too numerous to count, along with motor oil and shampoo bottles and a plethora of lost flip-flops and other footwear dotting the coastline. Realizing Grand Cayman is but a tiny island on this planet, the reality of our global waste problem, especially plastic discards, became even more clear to me.

We’ve heard the stats before: many of our material things and single-use items can take years, even decades, or generations to decompose. A plastic bottle of water or soda is often consumed in several min-

utes. However, that vessel won’t decompose for an estimated 450 years. Have you ever wondered how man has been able to live for thousands of years and stay hydrated without the use of a disposable plastic bottle?

Since mainstream introduction of a single-use disposable water bottle about 25 years ago, close to 50 billion bottles of water are now consumed in the United States each year, with close to 200 billion consumed annually throughout the world. In the U.S. only 23% of those bottles are recycled, and my guess is worldwide the percentage is much lower.

The realty of the problem was hammered home to me on those beaches. I realize a beverage in a plastic bottle can be convenient, but at what long-term cost? The equation of resource consumption and environmental damage just doesn’t add up to me.

To make an impact on this problem, humans have to change behavior. By nature most of us resist change. All change efforts have something in common.

In One Small Step Can Change Your Life by Robert Maurer, Ph.D. the author notes, “For anything to change, someone has to start acting differently...” The book, which explains the Japanese Kaizen approach to continuous improvement, involves taking BABY STEPS to enact a desired change.

We don’t have to be on a pretty beach to see the effects of our waste. Look along our local trails, roads, and waterways. We can all take baby steps to make a difference. We can start by drinking one less bottled beverage a week, then one less every other day, and so on until the new habit becomes using zero plastic bottled beverages. We can always say “no” when offered a “free” water bottle. We can buy reusable containers. If you are a sports team parent, consider having team reusable water bottles passed out at the beginning of the season.

We can also pick-up and sort trash along our paths and properly dispose of it.

The Chinese classic text the Tao Te Ching notes, “The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” With our busy lives sometimes this seems difficult, but if we don’t take a step now, then when?

Page 4 - November 2016 ~ Lafayette Today

Lafayette Hiking Group

For all hikes the Lafayette Hiking Group meets in the parking lot out from Lafayette BART’s main entrance at 8am. From there, the group forms carpools to the trailhead. Bring snacks, water, layered clothing, good walking shoes, sun protection, and money to contribute toward gas and parking ($3).

Saturday, November 19, Stream Trail, Redwood Park

Enjoy an easy stroll in Redwood Park, check if the stream is flowing again, and look to see if all of the ferns have returned to life. The group will do a “there and back” hike on the main trail which should not be too muddy.

The hike is an easy four miles with some uphill terrain. The hike leader is Alison Hill.

For questions, email LafayetteHiking@comcast.net.

Sons in Retirement

Sons in Retirement Lamorinda Branch 174 is a social organization of retired and semi-retired men who enjoy spending leisure time with friends and activities. Activities include golf, bowling, bocce ball, table pool, travel, fishing, computers and technology, bridge, poker, pinochle, investing, wine tasting, walking, astronomy, stamp collecting, etc.

The group meets for lunch at 11AM the second Wednesday monthly at Holy Trinity Culture Center, 1700 School Street, Moraga. The guest speaker on November 9th will be Chris Lardge. The title of his talk is “The Secret War—Part 2” which gives an overview of the Allies Deception Operations and gets into some detail on three of them including Operations Copperhead, Mincemeat, and Fortitude. He will also talk about the Double-cross Committee and System and how German spies in the UK were captured and executed or turned into double agents.

For attendance and membership information, call Tyler at (925) 2845561 or visit www.branch174.sirinc2.org.

Volunteer with AARP Tax-Aide for 2017 Tax Season

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

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

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

Meals on Wheels

Seniors in our community need your support! Meals on Wheels and Senior Outreach Services have been supporting seniors in YOUR neighborhood since 1968. Two of the programs, Meals on Wheels and Friendly Visitors, rely on the support of volunteers, and we need your help now more than ever.

Meals on Wheels volunteer drivers deliver meals to local homebound seniors through regular two hour shifts once per week or as substitute drivers.

Friendly Visitors volunteers provide weekly one-hour companionship visits to isolated seniors. To volunteer for either program, please call (925) 937-8311.

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

Cheryl Schmidt is our winner!

Luther was hiding on page 9 last month!

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Lafayette’s Community Thanksgiving Breakfast

The Lafayette Chamber invites you to join city leaders, residents and the business community for breakfast as they have done for 36 years. The 37th Annual Community Thanksgiving Breakfast will be held on Friday, November 18, from 7am – 8:30am at Lafayette United Methodist Church, 955 Moraga Rd. Breakfast will be graciously provided by Rick Green (Lantern Catering). This event is the Chamber’s way of bringing the community together before we all get too busy with the holidays. Dick Callahan is this year’s keynote speaker. The topic will be “Are You Enjoying the Journey?”

Music will be provided by harpist Wendy Tamis.

This event is held each year in the loving memory of Barbara Bupp, who organized the first breakfast 36 years ago.

Begin the holiday season in a significant and meaningful way.

Reservations can be made by calling the Lafayette Chamber of Commerce at 925-284-7404 or by visiting www.lafayettechamber.org. The cost is $20 per person.

Lamorinda Sunrise Rotary Club

The Lamorinda Sunrise Rotary Club meets on Friday mornings at 7AM at The Lafayette Park Hotel & Spa, Mt. Diablo Blvd. in Lafayette. Everyone is invited to join the group. For more information, please email lamorindasunrise@gmail.com.

• November 11: Young Professionals at the Institute of Santa Barbara • December 2: Breakthrough Nutrition at Any Age; nutritionist Jill West will talk about the six best foods for robust, lasting health.

Jill is a registered dietitian, nutrition expert. a certified health coach, a columnist for Bay Area Parent magazine, and author of the book, 400 Moms.

Don’t miss this chance to learn the fiction and facts behind the foods we eat and get a healthy start to a fabulous active year!

Operation Christmas Child

During November, North Creek Church of Walnut Creek will serve as a collection site for Operation Christmas Child, the world’s largest Christmas project of its kind. The annual Samaritan’s Purse project is a favorite of many individuals, families, churches, and groups who spread joy to millions of children around the world by filling shoeboxes with fun toys, dolls, soccer balls, school supplies, hygiene items, and notes of encouragement.

Please drop off a gift-filled shoebox to send to a child overseas at North Creek Church located at 23038 Ygnacio Valley Road in Walnut Creek.

Donations will be accepted November 14, 15, 16, 17, 18: 4PM. - 6PM, NEW YEAR November 19: 9AM - 1PM, November 20: 8:30AM – • CARPET NEW FLOORS! 1:15PM, and November. 21: 9AM. - 12PM • HARDWOOD Since 1993, Operation Christmas Child has RUGS delivered gift-filled shoeboxes to more than 135 • CARPET million children in more than 150 countries and • HARDWOOD CUSTOM RUGS territories. For many of these children, a gift-filled • RUGS LINOLEUM shoebox is the first gift they have ever received.

With a computer or mobile device, anyone can • LINOLEUM TILE conveniently pack a personalized Operation Christmas Child shoebox gift on the Samaritan’s Purse website.

Go to samaritanspurse.org/occ to select toys and gift Family Owned Business Since 1989 items, write a note of encouragement, and pack them in a shoebox. These gifts of hope will go to children 3344 Mt. Diablo Blvd. in some of the hardest-to-reach countries.

Lafayette, CA Using special tracking technology, participants 925.284.4440 can follow their box to discover where in the world their gift is delivered by using the donation www.LamorindaFloors.com License# 708486 form found at samaritanspurse.org/occ.

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Diablo Choral Artists Presents Christmas Pudding

Diablo Choral Artists Presents Christmas Pudding, a concert of traditional English songs featuring works by Rutter, Tavener, Vaughan Williams, Byrd, Holst, and more. The concerts feature a Christmas carol sing-along.

Shows will be held Friday, December 2 at 8pm, at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, located at 66 St. Stephen’s Drive, Orinda, and on Sunday, December 4 at 3pm, at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, 1601 Mary Drive, Pleasant Hill.

Details and tickets are available at www.dcachorus.org or by calling 925-680-7089.

Church Provides Community Care

Lafayette-Orinda Presbyterian’s Stephen Ministry has 25 trained lay people who provide ongoing, one-on-one Christian care to those in our congregation and in the community who are experiencing transitions in their lives. LOPC Stephen Ministry is confidential and is provided at no cost. A Stephen Minister is...

• A congregation member with a gift for listening, • A lay person who has received 50 hours training in providing emotional and spiritual care, • A committed caregiver who listens, cares, prays, supports, and encourages those who are hurting, and • Someone who will “be there” for his or her care receiver, meeting faithfully for about an hour each week, for as long as there’s a need.

Stephen Ministers are available for those who are dealing with illness or hospitalization, loneliness, aging, being shut-in, separation due to military deployment, death or serious loss, separation or divorce, disabilities, or grief and anxiety.

If you know of someone who would benefit from the ongoing confidential, no cost, spiritual, and emotional support of a Stephen Minister, contact Jean Lee at (925) 943-2237, or visit www.lopc.org/care_stephen_ministry.asp.

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Lafayette Today ~ November 2016 - Page 5

THE LAFAYETTE CHAMBER PRESENTS

A HOLIDAY CELEBRATION

ful Lif e r e d on in Lafayette Friday, December 2 • 4pm-6:30pm • Lafayette Plaza W Sponsored byThe Dana Green Team and Branagh Development

It’s a

Come celebrate the holidays with tree lighting, food, drinks, music & entertainment, children’s activities, and Santa!

LOVE LAFAYETTE !

...a time for gathering, giving & gratitude.

try lafayette first!

Visit www.lafayettechamber.org | Support Local Businesses. Try Lafayette First.

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever at Town Hall Theatre

After a successful acting career in New York and touring Europe as an actress, Lynda Divito rooted herself in the East Bay in the mid 2000’s and quickly established herself as a powerhouse professional actor in both plays and musicals in the East Bay. In addition to her acting roles, she is a Walnut Creek resident, a successful realtor, and the parent of two school age children.

With two coveted back-to-back lead roles under her belt last season at The Lesher Arts Center, Divito will be competing against herself Lynda Divito for the Best Female Actor in a Leading Role award at the 2017 Shellie Awards event in January. While earning Shellie Award accolades in not a first for Divito, Town Hall Theatre of Lafayette can claim a first for this well-rounded thespian: it has hired Divito to make her directing debut in Town Hall Theatre’s production of The Best Christmas Pageant Ever this December.

Based on the best-selling young adult book of the same name, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever features a couple struggling to put on a Christmas pageant who are faced with casting the Herdman kids – probably the most inventively awful kinds in history. “I love this play, and I’m so excited to get to help tell this unconventional Christmas story,” says Divito, who noted that she especially enjoyed working with the large cast of child actors.

When asked about directing at Town Hall, Divito says, “I love Town Hall and have been a big fan for several years now. It’s everything that a community theatre should be and fosters an amazing feeling of home, family, and community. What better show than a Christmas show to really feel that spirit?”

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever runs December 3-17 and promises to be fun for the entire family from ages 2-102 years. Purchase tickets at www.

TownHallTheatre.com or (925) 283-1557.

Page 6 - November 2016 ~ Lafayette Today

The Bookworm

By Joan Stevenson

Last month the Bookworm thought about very big libraries and very small libraries. This month I looked at the very oldest library. Believe it or not, the oldest library was founded by a Muslim woman, at the University of Al Qarawiyyin in Fez, Morocco and opened its doors in 859. Its library has been restored during the last three years by another woman, CanadianMoroccan architect Aziza Chaouni. It has been a working library for over a thousand years. However, I think our Lafayette Library and Leaning Center might qualify as the busiest! Let’s see what is going on these days.

The month begins with a Wonders of the World presentation from the Asian Art Museum on Wednesday, November 9 at 2PM in the Community Hall. The museum exhibition titled “The Rama Epic: Hero, Heroine, Ally, Foe” brings us a saga that teems with excitement. The story of Prince Rama’s quest to defeat a powerful demonic king, rescue his abducted wife, and re-establish order in the world is also, for many, a sacred tradition. For centuries, this beloved tale has been told again and again through visual and performing arts, literature and religious teachings in India, Southeast Asia, and beyond. Spanning the ancient to the contemporary, this major international survey of 135 artworks captures the epic in a new light.

California Highway Patrol will present “Age Well, Drive Smart” on Wednesday, November 9th at 12:30PM. This is a free and interactive program to help senior drivers and their families continue to drive safely. It will include tips for safe driving, DMV requirements for senior drivers, helpful resources, and opportunities to ask questions of a CHP officer. Of interest to drivers and their families, it will address that sensitive questions “When is it time to stop driving?”

October 19th was a very special day at the Friends Corner Book Shop because 23 teachers from Happy Valley School came with their orange bookbags. The bags were a gift from the Friends that allow teachers to purchase books for their classrooms at half price. Principal Shayna Peeff had been shopping at the Saturday Half Price Sale and stopped to inquire if the shop could accommodate the teachers after their Wednesday staff meeting. The Book Shop volunteers rolled out the red carpet as they do for everybody who comes by. The parents’

www.yourmonthlypaper.com organization had given Ms. Peeff some discretionary funds which she could use.

As a result a thousand books were tucked in the orange bags to find a new home in a classroom. What a priceless community collaboration to make this happen.

When the leftover turkey from Thanksgiving has been enjoyed, the reality of holiday shopping is front and center. The Lafayette Library and Learning Center has a few suggestions. Join us on Tuesday, November 29 at 6PM when Johanna Silver, Garden Editor of Sunset Magazine will present her new book, The Bold Dry Garden. The book is about the Ruth Bancroft Garden Walnut Creek. It is a gorgeous book! The Bold Dry Garden offers unparalleled access to the garden and the extraordinary woman responsible for it. In its stunningly photographed pages, you’ll discover the history of the garden and the design principles and plant palette that make it unique. The book would certainly be a very special gift.

Katie Sullivan Morford, author of Rise & Shine: Better Breakfasts for Busy Mornings, joins us for Sweet Thursday on Thursday, December 1 at 6:30 - 8PM. Katie; a registered dietician, mom of three, and a blogger; was raised in Lafayette. Attendees will be able to sample a few dishes from her new cookbook and enjoy a sparkling cocktail. Katie’s books make excellent holiday gifts for busy parents. Tickets are $15 and include recipe sampling and a sparkling cocktail.

And now here’s something for the kids. The Children’s Book Festival will take place Saturday, December 3 from 11-noon. With us that day will be three beloved authors! Michael Slack (Pirasaurs), Elisa Klevens (The Horribly Hungry Gingerbread Boy), and Muon Van (In a Village by the Sea). This is a free program.

Children will have the opportunity to do a craft specific to each author’s book. For example, Muon Van will be making origami. Authors will read from their latest books, and Bel and Bunna’s Books (a new children’s book shop in town, located at 3581 Mt Diablo Blvd) will be at the program selling books.

On my way to work when I lived in Philadelphia, I passed a sign that read “Franklin Public Library First Public Library, in the United States.” On July 1, 1731, Franklin and a group of members from the Junto, a philosophical association, drew up “Articles of Agreement” to form a library. Fifty subscribers invested 40 shillings each to start a library. Members also promised to invest 10 shillings more every year to buy additional books and to help maintain the library. They chose as their motto a Latin phrase which translates as “To support the common good is divine.” Thank You, Ben!

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El Nido Motel Becomes “La Nada” (or Something Like That)

By Ruth Bailey, Lafayette Historical Society

“It breaks our hearts.” That's how the woman who opened the glittering El Nido Motel-Restaurant in the 1940s describes the 1966 demolition of the landmark [which had by then become the Lafayette Inn].

“The Inn at the western entry to Lafayette was only a shadow of its razzle-dazzle beginnings, even before the wrecking crews came to clear the way for Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART). The old motel saw many changes in these suburbs from the days when it was the ‘most going place on the Strip’ to its unceremonious demise.” [Or, as the Sun article put it, “It has seen a lot of living since its glittering opening to the public December 19, 1946.”]

But it was actually Highway 24 and not BART that did the deed. The freeway sped past the entrance to the El Nido, and by leaving it off the main drag, it put a stake in the heart of the old nightspot.

“In the motel’s heyday, there were 40 employees, along with plenty of champagne and celebrities. The Sunday morning breakfasts with bartender Ray Tatum’s famed fizzes attracted as many as 600 people to the Lafayette bistro. These gatherings featured broadcasts with appearances by such stars as Bob Hope, Jimmy Durante, Jerry Cologna, Betty Grable, and Harpo Marx.” [Harpo was the silent Marx brother, which must have generated a memorable “broadcast.”]

“Manager Mrs. Marge Knappenberger, now Mrs. O’Brien, kept the dining room open seven days a week from 7AM to 2PM. [I guess it was an early-to-bed crowd, or was that a typo that should have read 2AM? We’ll never know.] Her formula was “Romance your customers. Give them good food, service, and good atmosphere.”

“The atmosphere of the El Nido was Spanish-Western. The waitresses wore culottes with white silk fringe. The dishes were four-colored pottery, and the tablecloths had the map of California on them.”

“There was dancing to the band of Buddy Webber and other name bands of the era, as well as fashion shows to benefit the Children’s Hospital of the East Bay. All of the local service clubs met and entertained at the El Nido. ‘There were hundreds of social events and high school parties with no behavior problems,’ Mrs. O'Brien remembers.

“During those early years, the El Nido was known as a boy-meets-girl road house. Out in the country, Bay Area executives often came with their dates for a one-night stopover. While there was no backroom gambling, as found at other spots on the Strip, as well as found at the Orinda Crossroads, it was known that registration at the El Nido was easy for men who wanted to ‘hide away’ for a night or two.”The word “nido” means “nest.” [The Spanish dictionary I referred to helpfully added, “nido amor means 'lovenest'”.]

But a sad ending befell the El Nido after the highway bypassed the Boulevard. In conclusion, the piece noted, “All that remains of it is a

Lafayette Today ~ November 2016 - Page 7 skeleton—roofless and windowless—saturated by the rain. Unnoticed by the commuters passing by on the sleek freeway, ‘the swinging spot’ will soon become a part of rapid transit.”

As you speed towards San Francisco on a packed BART train, think about those swingin’ parties and ‘one-night stopovers’ at the El Nido and the big names (as well as little names) who entertained there, and reflect upon a time gone by.

2016 Design Trends in Review

By Erin Martin, Village Associates Real Estate

One of the many perks of being in the real estate business is that I get a front row seat when it comes to new trends in home design. It is exciting to see what home owners are doing in terms of remodeling and updating, and it is just as interesting to see what trends buyers are paying a premium for.

There is no question that the open floor plan is in and that the formal dining room is out. Home owners are sacrificing the separate formal dining space to create more open spaces, even if this means that the only dining space is incorporated into the kitchen. Buyers like more informal dining areas as long as they feel there is plenty of room for guests and family to dine during holidays and special occasions.

The oversized island has also dominated kitchen design. Room to sit around the island is key for buyers, and when it comes to countertops, manufactured surfaces are increasingly popular. The newest product is called Neolith, and it has many wonderful characteristics such as: being resistant to high and low temperatures, scratch resistant, easy to clean, hygienic, waterproof, and 100% recyclable. There are many styles and finishes to choose from. Keep a look out for this new material.

When it comes to flooring, I am partial to solid wood but engineered wide plank floors are everywhere. A range of colors are popular from very light to very dark. Often these products are prefinished, so the installation is quicker and leaves less of a mess behind.

Mixing of styles is also en vogue. For example, while many homes may look very traditional on the outside, the interior has a more modern feel or a mixture of both. An example of this is the modern farmhouse.

It is a perfect mixture of rustic and new. Modern materials are used like metal roofing, prefabricated wood flooring and stainless steel appliances.

These modern features are juxtaposed to sliding barn doors, large farm tables and reclaimed wood accents.

White is the new grey when it comes to exterior and interior paint.

Picking the right shade of grey that is not too blue or too green has led homeowners to go with white. Different shades of white – and there are many – make rooms appear bigger, cleaner, and lighter.

If you are thinking about making changes to your home, it is important to keep in mind what buyers like if you think you will be selling in the near future. It is better to go with more neutral colors and styles than go to the extreme when it comes to trends. If you are interested in checking out what is new in home and kitchen design and at the same time support local charities, the Lafayette Kitchen Tour, organized by the Lafayette Juniors, is scheduled for May 20, 2017.

I wish you and your family a wonderful Holiday season Please feel free to contact me with your real estate questions, or for a free home evaluation. I can be reached at (925) 951-3817 or by email at erin@ Advertorial erinmartinhomes.com.

Toastmasters

Develop Your Presentation Skills!

Postcard of the pool patio at El Nido Rancho

Goal Achievers Toastmasters meetings are held every Monday from 7:15 - 8:15pm at Atria Park Lafayette, located at 1545 Pleasant Hill Road.

Become the speaker and leader you want to be. The group is open to everyone aged 18 and up. For more information, visit http://goalachievers. toastmastersclubs.org.

Page 8 - November 2016 ~ Lafayette Today

‘Tis the Season of Giving

By Candace Andersen, Contra Costa County, District 2 Supervisor

As the mother of six and now a grandmother of three, I am very aware of how the stresses and commitments of Christmas and the holiday season can be overwhelming on family life. It is also the perfect time to focus on what is most important and extend the great spirit of giving beyond our homes, together as families. There is no better way to teach generosity to our children than to donate or volunteer our time.

Many living in our community are struggling to make ends meet, and for them the holidays can be one of the more difficult times of the year. Buying gifts and extra food is not within their budget. Some families are worrying more about essential things, such as where they will sleep that night or where they will get their next meal.

Here are a few simple ways you can help if you would like to assist local families and individuals in need.

Donate to the Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano in the 2016 “County Cares Holiday Food Fight.” This is the 13th anniversary of the challenge between Contra Costa and Solano counties. The Food Fight benefits the Food Bank in several ways. This drive has raised over one million dollars in the past 12 years and provides the Food Bank more than $120,000 each year to help families in need. Aside from the gift of food to the needy, this drive is also valued for the sense of community it brings. No one in our community should have to go hungry.

Please join this Food Fight by mailing or dropping off a check made out to “The Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano” at my office or by visiting www. foodbankccs.org and clicking on the link to the Counties Care Holiday Food Fight.

The link will be available for donations to the “Food Fight” from November 23rd through December 31st. Be sure to note where appropriate that you are giving as a “friend of CC County employees” and indicate Board of Supervisors, District 2, and Candace Andersen as the department designee.

Another way to help support some of the struggling families in Contra Costa County is by donating to the Holiday Helpers Warehouse. The Holiday Helpers Warehouse has been a program of VESTIA (Volunteers and Emergency Services Team in Action) in Contra Costa County for the past 25 years. VESTIA provides gifts of warm clothing, toys, books and food to families in need throughout Contra Costa County, all through referral from county social workers. Many of the families are in the process of starting their lives over, building new careers, and establishing financial stability and do not have additional resources to provide gifts and new clothing at the holidays.

The dates for the Holiday Helpers Warehouse 2016 are Central County (to be held in Pleasant Hill) on December 12th and 13th from 8am to 3pm, and West County (to be held in Richmond) on December 15th from 9am to 3pm. If you, your company, or organization would like to donate directly or volunteer for a two-hour time to act as a “shopper” at the warehouse, please contact Alvaro Florez, Program Manager for HHW at aflorez@ehsd.cccounty.us with “HHW” in the subject line.

Suggested donation items to support the Holiday Helpers Warehouse include new toys, clothing, blankets, footballs, basketballs, books, and gift cards. The basic rule of thumb is if your child would want to have the item, a child in need would, too. While all donations are gratefully accepted, they especially need gifts for teens. I will have collection boxes in my Lafayette office (3338 Mt. Diablo Bl.) and Danville office (309 Diablo Road) through December 9th for your convenience.

This time of year, many look forward to celebrating the holiday season with their community. In this spirit, there are local tree lighting festivities taking place.

The Town of Danville Tree Lighting will be held on Friday, November 27th.

If you attend, please stop by my office for some hot cocoa and a holiday treat.

The office, located just west of the tree at 309 Diablo Road, will be open from 5:30pm - 8pm .

The Alamo Tree Lighting at Andrew H. Young Park will be held on Sunday, December 4th from 4:40pm – 6:30pm .

The Bishop Ranch Tree Lighting in San Ramon will take place on Friday, December 2nd at 5:30pm .

My office is here to serve the residents of Contra Costa County District 2, which includes San Ramon, Danville, Alamo, Walnut Creek, Saranap, Parkmead, Lafayette, Moraga, Canyon, and Orinda. Please don’t hesitate to contact us if we can provide you with additional information on this topic or on other County issues. I can be reached at SupervisorAndersen@bos.cccounty.us or 925-957-8860.

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Hospice East Bay's Tree of Lights

For thirty years, Tree of Lights ceremonies have offered members of the communities we serve a way to honor the lives of their friends and loved ones. This year, Hospice will be presenting eleven Tree Lighting Ceremonies listed below.

• Moraga & Lafayette - Sunday, November 20, 5:30pm Moraga Country Club, 1600 St. Andrews Drive • Rossmoor - Tuesday, November 29, 4:30pm Creekside Clubhouse, 1010 Stanley Dollar Drive, Walnut Creek Dedicated to Jerry McConnell • Orinda -Saturday, December 3, 4:30pm Orinda Village by Bank of America.

This ceremony is part of Orinda's community holiday celebration. Memorial names are not read at this ceremony.

• Walnut Creek - Wednesday, December 7, 5pm New Location - John Muir Medical Center, Main Entrance, 1601 Ygnacio Valley Road, Walnut Creek. Dedicated to Jim Hazard, former mayor of Walnut Creek.

Hospice East Bay provides compassionate end-of-life care to terminally ill patients, while offering emotional, spiritual, and grief support for the entire family. As a not-for-profit organization, we accept all medically qualified patients, regardless of their insurance status or ability to pay. Since 1977, Hospice East Bay has served over 23,000 patients and their families. Proceeds from our thrift shoppes benefit our patients and their families.

Elevate Thanksgiving Dessert

By Monica Chappell

You could end Thanksgiving with pumpkin pie and coffee. You could also go to bed early on Thursday night. But, hello, it’s Thanksgiving. This is no time for underachievement.

With Thanksgiving’s top pie, I have two wine ideas that will take the humble pumpkin pie to a whole new level. In fact, I’ve watched it happen many times. The right wine can elevate the flavor of a dish; 1 + 1 = 3, so to speak, with my kind of wine math.

The first is the famous Sauternes. Sauternes (pronounced saw-turn) might be the most expensive wine you ever order. The Sauternes region of Bordeaux is famous for this sweet, botrytized wine. This Noble rot (that’s the botrytized part) affected wine is one of the lushest, most delectable sweet wines available. So just how does Sauternes taste? Like heaven. Full sweetness is balanced with a touch of acidity and golden fruit like peaches and apricots drizzled in honey. The wine is pure magic paired with the rich pumpkin and nutmeg flavors in pumpkin pie I also love Vin Santo, a must-try for any wine lover. To make this wine the grapes are picked and laid out on mats in the hot, bright sun of Tuscany.

The grapes shrivel and turn brown like raisins, concentrating the sugar inside. The wine that results is mahogany-colored, syrupy in texture, and oozing with decadently rich flavors reminiscent of dried apricots. Vin Santo goes very well with the pumpkin spice flavors, and its acidity balances the richness and creamy texture of the pie.

There you have them: two wines to end Thanksgiving with a bang, not a whisper.

Monica Chappell is a wine writer and educator and can be reached at wineappreciation101@gmail.com.

Hair Care Professionals and Massage Therapists Needed Hospice of the East Bay provides care to terminally ill patients and their families in their homes or facilities throughout Contra Costa County. Many of our patients benefit greatly from a haircut or hair set or from the gentle and compassionate touch of a massage therapist. Would you be interested in volunteering a few hours a month to provide comfort to our patients? If so, please call the Volunteer Department at Hospice of the East Bay, (925) 887-5678. (License/Massage Certification Required).

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Lafayette Today ~ November 2016 - Page 9

Serving the Bay Area with honesty and integrity since 1973

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In Loehmann’s Shopping Center (next to Lucky’s)

Walking the Reservoir

By Jim Scala

Res-otters are social animals. You seldom see reservoir otters alone. From the stage one afternoon my friend Maynard and I spotted three of them swimming together. Other folks have reported them walking up the hill in a tight group. Occasionally though, a lone otter will jump on the dock, steal a fish, and run into the reeds. In the scientific journal Behavioral Ecology, scientists who study otters reported that otters, like us, have a social order and work together in feeding strategies. In addition, they cooperate in keeping their habitat usable and safe. The Reservoir fish stocking program gives our otters a habitat that must exceed their wildest dreams.

A 90-year age gap on the bandstand. I had just finished my yoga session after our Tuesday morning senior walking program when a lady sat on the grass looking out at the beautiful view. She asked if I had been doing yoga. I stopped to talk and in a short time I learned that she is 95 years young. She walks partway around the reservoir at least once weekly. As we spoke, a mother and her young son came on the stage to enjoy the view, so I asked him, “How old are you?” The boy said he was five. I commented, “You realize we have a 90-year age gap right before us. Proves you’re never too old or too young to enjoy our reservoir.”

An 80% water level. As I write this the water level has fallen to 80% of normal capacity. Though that seems high, its greatest effect is in the many areas where the reeds provide shelter and a habitat for shore birds, especially the herons and egrets. Their absence proves that this persistent drought has been a disaster for our beautiful wildlife. We all hope the forecasters are correct in predicting that our rainfall will be normal this year and the drought is ending. This water level is the lowest in over 38 years.

Reservoir tragedies. On January 3, 1953, a Beech Debonaire’s engine quit as it flew low over Moraga’s hills. The pilot tried for a crash landing

2395 Monument Blvd., Suite J Concord (925) 680-4433 (Across from Costco Gas Station, next to Harvest House)

at the reservoir’s shallow west end. Unfortunately, the plane had too much airspeed, and after hitting the water it skimmed right up to the dam. Both pilot and passenger went down with the plane. It took Navy diver Whitney Rand two days to find the plane in the 100-foot water and a third day for them to bring it up and recover the bodies.

On October 19, 1975, park police spotted an alligator swimming near the dam. They were concerned because it was over five feet long and that’s dangerous. Other people spotted the interloper and the Lafayette Sun carried an article entitled “The Gator Caper.” A search of the historical archives indicates the gator apparently faded away. It was suggested someone gave it a good home. How is that done for an alligator? One lady said that it became a pair of shoes. It apparently didn’t survive the cold 1975 winter.

On November 14, 1978, Armita Wiltsey, a reservoir jogger, didn’t pick her son up from school which prompted serious concern. Sheriff’s deputies found her body in a wooded area not far from the paved trail. She had been molested and murdered. It took 24 years for a DNA sample to link Darryl Kemp to the murder. In ’78, Kemp was questioned but couldn’t be linked to the crime. At the time he was on parole because his sentence for a similar crime was vacated by the vote to abolish the death sentence. He will die in prison.

Start thinking about gift giving. Steve Hobbs’ coffee-table book entitled A Visual Celebration, about the Lafayette reservoir is a gift that doesn’t age and shows every aspect of the reservoir’s beauty. It’s a gift that helps everyone enjoy the Lafayette reservoir’s beauty and its wonderful wildlife. It can be purchased at the Visitor’s Center and other places in town.

Walking groups flourish and provide a service. Recent studies on walking’s effect on physical and mental health show a bonus we seldom realize. Conversation while walking helps us get to know others in a relaxed way. And, when you walk for over 47 minutes, a typical res-circuit, your body uses 50% of the calories – about 250 – from body fat. That’s as good as it gets for physical and mental health. Do it three times weekly, and you meet all the health recommendations.

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

Page 10 - November 2016 ~ Lafayette Today

Quick Trips

Guillermo del Toro Exhibit

By Linda Summers Pirkle

Who likes to drive to Los Angeles from the Bay Area and then deal with the notoriously congested freeways?

No one I know does! Low cost flights to L.A. and the ease of hiring an Uber driver to navigate the busy streets of SoCal qualifies the entertainment capitol as a “Quick Trip.”

If you watch the FX series The Strain, a super natural adventure horror show with flashbacks to Nazi Germany, you most likely are familiar with Guillermo del Toro. He co-wrote the books on which the series is based and is the executive producer of the show and director of the blockbuster films Hellboy, Pan’s Labyrinth, and Pacific Rim. The Los Angeles County Museum is hosting a special exhibit through November 27 highlighting the 51-yearold Mexican-born filmmaker. My husband is a del Toro fan, and he loves the horror film genre, so for his birthday I suggested a quick trip to Los Angeles to visit the Guillermo del Toro: At Home with Monsters exhibit.

The exhibit did not disappoint. Deep maroon colored walls, a dark and stormy night projected on the ceiling along with dozens of drawings, artifacts, paintings, photographs, and items from del Toro’s wildly popular (and gory) films and personal collection were on display. I was most interested in the unique and varied pieces del Toro drew inspiration from—Disneyland’s attraction the Haunted Mansion (one of del Toro’s favorite Filmmaker Guillermo del Toro and Frankenstein’s places), etchings from Francisco Goya y Lucientes (Spain, 1746-1828) who is the artist whom del Toro connects with “most viscerally,” and even a large lobster suspended from the ceiling which the director acquired while in Prague while making Hellboy II. My husband liked the exhibit and commented that there was so much to take in.

The life size rendition of the Pale Man from Pan’s Labyrinth was a crowd favorite.

Our next destination was another favorite for my husband— a bookstore. It wasn’t just any bookstore. The Last Bookstore is a 22,000 square foot space in Guillermo del Toro: At Home with Monsters exhibit downtown L.A. and home to 250,000 new and used books. With dark wood floors, reading nooks, a labyrinth made of stacks of books, and a walk thru tunnel also made of books, The Last Bookstore is defying odds in the bookstore market. Opened eight years ago, it is the largest independent bookstore in California. What a fun place to spend an afternoon.

My oldest daughter, a frequent visitor to L.A., suggested that I make an appointment at the “best blow dry bar.” While my husband answered emails and explored a bit on his own, I spent an hour at The DryBar. To the uninitiated, blow dry bars are salons that specialize in shampooing and styling—no cuts. For me, it’s the ultimate in pampering. The Drybar (TheDrybar.com) chain located all over L.A. (and now in San Francisco and Palo Alto) is attributed to being the first in the blow dry field, and in my daughter’s and my opinion it is the best. The element that sets them apart from other blow dry bars is that they use their own products (shampoo, conditioner, all kinds of elixirs), and they are exceptional.

Los Angeles County Museum of Art is located at 5905 Wilshire Blvd, L.A., (323) 857-6000; lacma.org. The Guillermo del Toro: At Home with Monsters exhibit runs through November 27. Hours are Monday, Tuesday, Thursday:11AM5PM; Friday: 11AM- 8PM; Saturday and Sunday: 10AM-7PM; and closed Wednesday.

The Last Bookstore is located at 453 S. Spring Street, Los Angeles; (213) 488-0599; Lastbookstorela.com.

Linda Summers Pirkle, travel consultant and long term Danville resident, has arranged and led tours for the Town of Danville for several years. Inspired by the many wonderful places to visit in the Bay Area, she organizes day trips, either for groups or for friends and family. “What a great place to live, so much to see, so much to do.” To share your “Quick Trips” ideas email Coverthemap@gmail.com.

What’s Up

www.yourmonthlypaper.com

By Jim Scala

Our two brightest planets will grace the early evening and morning sky by November 15 and be even higher by mid-December. At magnitude minus-4, Venus will always appear as the brightest star in the sky. Since magnitudes are measured in whole numbers starting at zero, a minus number is unusually bright.

Venus is the size of the earth, often called our twin, and is shrouded in white clouds making it very bright at magnitude minus four. On the same evening, Vega, one of the brightest stars at 0.3, doesn’t rival Venus.

Venus is in the early evening sky and is easily seen as a small disk in good binoculars, and through a telescope looks like a miniature moon just past first quarter. On December fourth, Venus and the crescent moon will be at the same height above the horizon and will make a beautiful view when it’s dark at about 6PM and for a while after. Be sure to get a clear western view and during twilight, when you can see the crescent moon, look left and search for Venus.

A pair of binoculars can be a big help.

Jupiter is our largest and second brightest planet. At magnitude minus-1.8 it dominates the early morning sky. By 6AM it’s quite high and in the sky. Look at it through binoculars, and you can easily see some of its four Galilean moons and its disk. A small telescope shows more.

On November 13 a full moon will dominate the sky, and its brightness makes viewing stars difficult. However, one of the brightest stars, Vega, at magnitude 0.3, will be visible high in the western sky. Colonial Americans named the November Full Moon the Beaver Moon, and the Indians had named it the Frosty or Snow Moon. Full Moons were named by what was important at the time. And, since both societies were focused on agricultural and trapping, that’s what the names depict.

There are no public star nights atop Mt. Diablo in November because the weather is seldom cooperative. However, on November 15th at 7:15PM in Walnut Creek’s Lindsey Wildlife Museum there will be a stirring lecture about the planning and building of the 200-inch Hale Telescope on Mt. Palomar in Southern California. It was one of the 20th century’s greatest scientific accomplishments, and the images it produced are awe-inspiring.

Winter Native Plant Gardening Workshops

Fall and winter are the spring of native plant gardens. Learn about these plants in a new Winter Workshop series and this month’s Native Plant Extravaganza, when seven native plant nurseries will be open, and their friendly staff will be ready to help you select native plants for your garden.

Winter Workshops

• How to select California native plants for your garden: Saturdays, November 5, December 10, January 14 • California native plant propagation: How to create native plants from seeds, cuttings, and divisions: Saturdays, January 14 and 21 • Gardening with nature in mind: Saturday, January 28 These workshops will fill; for more information and to register, visit http:// www.bringingbackthenatives.net/winter-2016-2017-workshops.

Bringing Back the Natives Tour

Follow and “like” the Bringing Back the Natives Tour on Facebook to see a changing gallery of native plant garden photos, read about what to do in your native plant garden each month, stay informed about Bringing Back the Natives Garden Tour events, and more. The most recent post will link you to a fabulous new database that will let you know what plants are native to the place you live.

There is an opportunity to volunteer, learn, make new friends, and have fun doing restoration in the East Bay Hills. Volunteers are need on Wednesdays 4PM-7PM, and Sundays 9:30AM-1PM. You can read more about this on the Garden Tour’s Facebook page, on the September 7 post. Contact Glen Schneider at glennyfrank@gmail.com if you would like to attend. Limit 15 people for each outing.

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Make Thanksgiving a Sustainable Celebration

Lafayette Today ~ November 2016 - Page 11

By Pam Palitz, Sustainable Lafayette

Let’s face it … from a literal sense, Thanksgiving is all about conspicuous consumption. Consumption of turkey, consumption of stuffing, consumption of pumpkin pie -it’s a holiday with a giant meal as its centerpiece.

But Thanksgiving is also a time to celebrate the earth and all it provides for us. With that in mind, it makes sense to try to make your holiday as sustainable as possible.

Here are a few ideas.

• Travel light: Heading home for the holidays? If you have the time, why not take a train, which produces less carbon than planes or cars? If your destination requires you to fly or drive, consider purchasing carbon offsets from The Nature Conservancy or Carbonfund.org. If you're driving, check your air filter and make sure your tires are fully inflated to reduce your carbon emissions and get better gas mileage.

• Feast on local, seasonal foods: Fruits and vegetables in season for the late fall don’t need to be trucked around the country, and your purchases support your community.

Sign up for a CSA box, or shop at one of the many Farmer’s Markets in the area. Several local supermarkets source their produce from local farmers. Shopping locally reduces carbon emissions two ways, saving miles traveled both by the shopper and the food!

• Try to go organic from start to finish — and don't forget to include organic wines and other beverages on your menu! Organic agriculture is better for the earth with fewer pesticides and other toxic chemicals seeping into soil and running off into rivers and lakes.

• Use natural decorations: Forgo craft store supplies for beautiful, biodegradable decorations you can find in nature. Pinecones, gourds, leaves, and acorns are just some

of the materials that can add seasonal ambience to your dining room. Make sure you burn candles made from soy or beeswax rather than paraffin candles, which are made from petroleum and produce more soot than these alternatives.

• Purchase a heritage turkey: Most industrialized turkeys are raised with hormones to force them to gain weight very quickly – so quickly they can hardly move. Heritage turkeys, in contrast, are similar to their wild cousins: they’re slower growing, smaller, tastier, and treated more humanely.

1 9/23/16 10:52 AM • …or go meatless: Most of your Thanksgiving feast is 092116d_Lafayette_Lafayette_Today_Active_Living_A.indd meatless anyway. Why not try some of the countless vegetarian and vegan alternatives to classic Thanksgiving recipes? Conventional meat production is a major cause of deforestation and global greenhouse gas emissions — even more than the transportation sector, according to a 2006 study from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations.

• Compost kitchen scraps: All those squash peels and carrot tops could be working to enrich your potting soil. Invest in a compost bin and turn your kitchen scraps into something useful instead of throwing them away. Or just put your food scraps in your green bin and let Republic Services haul them away.

• Don’t forget about the leftovers: Americans waste almost 40% of all edible food, much of it through improper storage. Divide leftovers among all the dinner guests to make sure everything gets eaten.

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

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Page 12 - November 2016 ~ Lafayette Today

Boy Scout Troop 219 Eagle Court of Honor

Boy Scout troop 219, led by Scoutmaster Tyler Higgins, awarded the Rank of Eagle Scout to five scouts in October.

Cole Brant is a junior at Acalanes High School. For his Eagle project, Cole constructed a 320-foot fence for the yard of the parsonage house at the Lafayette church that sponsors the troop.

Joey Gladden is a student at Acalanes High School. For his Eagle project, Joey completely refurbished the physical education numbers on the Stanley Middle School asphalt.

Eli Olson attends Bentley High School.

For his Eagle project, Eli built sensory tables for the George Miller Center that serves children with intellectual and physical disabilities.

Will Watson is a senior at Acalanes High School. Will’s project was to build bat boxes, which serve as a natural pest control, housing up to 1,000 bats. They were installed at Las Trampas Creek under the bridges.

Bennett Winther is a junior at Acalanes High School. Ben’s Eagle project focused on landscape renovation for Shelter Inc., a homeless shelter in Antioch.

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. The group is 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.

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.

L-R: Joey Gladden, Will Watson, Eli Olson, Cole Brant and Ben Winther

Lic# 1100014354; Bay Area Entertainment

The following girls have bridged and received Bronze Awards in Girl Scout Troop 33077: Havana Wesley, Jiselle Sicilia, Molly Strohmeyer, Laura Bea, Sofia Vezzali, Skylar Thomas, Katie Fink, Adriana Medina, Mehrunisa Kam, Helen O’Neal. Also pictured is CC Café manager, Kenny Lin.

Lafayette Today ~ November 2016 - Page 13

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Technology Matters

By Evan Corstorphine

There’s been a revolution happening around us.

However, being mindful that we’re in an election year, I should clarify that I don’t mean in politics!

The revolution has been about how we are making technology available to help you do your work. By ‘work,’ I mean any productive thing we do with technology, whether it’s sending an email, looking up information on Google, or printing a map.

At the home level, we’ve noticed most homes have at least one smartphone user and at least one tablet such as an iPad. Old desktop computers are not being replaced at the same rate as before. In fact, desktop computer sales have been down every quarter since 2012, which is not surprising, and we see a lot fewer desktop computers in our office for repairs these days.

What this means is that people are accomplishing their computing tasks in other ways. When the iPad was introduced in 2009, it turned the consumer electronics world on its ear. Suddenly, people found they could do everything they needed with this 6x9 glass and aluminum tablet, and they found that it was fun to use, too. Not only that, the tablet hasn’t been nearly as susceptible to viruses, so we’re not always having to rebuild or fix them. Its best feature is that it always seems to work, and with the 3G models you can bring them on vacation with you like a book. Why would I buy another desktop computer given this choice? It would seem that the market feels exactly the same way.

In fact, the only personal computer sector that is hanging on in any way is laptop sales. People still need computers for some tasks, but they’re “tabletspoiled” and they want mobility.

What about your workplace? The office of tomorrow is a very cool place, and we’re seeing this shift already. In fact, PCIO is blazing the way with all of the technologies I’ll mention here. Most clients we service have some sort of a file server acting as a data repository and security hub. As we’ve become a more mobile workforce, we need to distribute access to the files on our server, and the technology is now here to make it easy. We are implement-

ing a product called Autotask Workplace to enable global access to all of the files we use internally, and it’s HIPAA compliant so the medical offices we support are going to be taking a hard look at it, as well. Think of Autotask Workplace like OneDrive or DropBox, but with all the features, security, and usability they’ve been lacking. As we move PCIOs infrastructure to Autotask Workplace, I’m preparing to cut my air-conditioning bill because I will be turning off at least one, possibly both, of my heat-generating and energy-guzzling servers.

If my file server is now cloud-based, what does that mean for my security and for my ability to validate my end-user’s access to important files? The answer comes from Microsoft, and the product is called “Azure.” Using this product, we will duplicate the security and authentication functions we used to perform from a local server. The difference is now we’re doing it from the cloud so that our workforce can authenticate and access everything they need, from anywhere, and Microsoft is maintaining the server (and air conditioning) instead of us.

The next part of the revolution is with telephony. We’ve just implemented a new cloud-based VOIP telephone system called RingCentral. If you’ve called our Helpdesk (option 4) you’ve spoken with Jennifer, who works from Arizona. She’s connected to our phone system over the internet, just like she was sitting in our office, and you’d never know the difference. The new system has given us the ability to grow our company while improving client access to important services like the Helpdesk, or the Bench, or Sales.

It enables us to take advantage of sophisticated functions we would have paid $20,000 to implement just 10 years ago. And it’s somewhat future-proof, as the system will continue to improve as the company releases new functions and updates for us to use.

When we’re finished implementing these new systems, our office will be a model for any company to follow; we can do anything from anywhere, securely and quickly. That truly is revolutionary!

Would you like to learn how we can begin your migration to a more mobile and flexible workforce? Please contact us and let’s chat. We’re excited about what the future holds and would love to bring you along with us.

You can reach us at info@pcioit.com, or 925-552-7953, option 3. Advertorial

Page 14 - November 2016 ~ Lafayette Today

Your Annual Review Checklist

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

Preparing for an annual financial review may be easier than you think. With a checklist in hand and your Financial Advisor by your side, you can review key considerations and together discuss any potential corrective actions to ensure you are on track to meeting your goals.

Do I need to rebalance my asset allocation?

Depending on the performance of your investments, you may want to examine whether your mix of stocks, bonds, cash, and other assets is close to your target.

If you have not reviewed your portfolio lately, you may be surprised at what you find. It’s possible that your current asset allocation has changed quite a bit since the last time you checked, due to the different performance of the various investments in your portfolio.1 If that’s the case, or if your outlook has changed, it may be time to readjust.

Rebalancing can be accomplished in two ways: You can sell existing assets and use the proceeds to bring your portfolio closer to your desired mix. Or you can leave your portfolio as is and allocate new investments to the areas that you want to increase. Rebalancing may involve tax consequences, especially for non-tax-deferred accounts.

Am I on track to fund my retirement? Making sure you are on track to amass the assets you will need for your later years should be one of your key concerns. If you participate in an employer-sponsored retirement plan, consider investing as much as you can afford. If you do not have access to an employersponsored plan, or if you do and can afford to contribute even more, consider funding an individual retirement account (IRA).

What were my yearly capital gains and losses? If your year-end planning entails selling certain assets, be aware of rules regarding capital gains and losses.

Gains on investments held less than one year – known as short-term capital gains – are taxed as ordinary income, while those on investments held for one year or longer, or long-term capital gains, are taxed at a maximum rate of 20%, for federal income tax purposes. State tax rules may differ. On the federal level, capital losses offset capital gains and are netted against each other. If net capital losses still remain,

Moms continued from front page

letters, so a few BSMs stepped up to write to him and show our support and appreciation of his service.”

Wearing her BSM Service Pin, Chris has been approached more than once by mothers who don’t know about Blue Star Moms but want to get a care package to a deployed son or daughter. Following one such encounter in a Pleasant Hill Starbucks, McCracken personally packed the Holiday Hugs box for the woman’s son.

Postcards created for Operation Post Card are included in care packages, bundled for distribution. The Moms have a postcard table with all necessary supplies at the Alameda Fair each year. In 2016, the Moms were invited to set up a table at the Grand National Rodeo at the Cow Palace on October 22nd. School groups, youth groups, adult organizations, and individuals all contribute to this project.

Eagle Scout Projects have also supported BSM missions. The latest involves collecting baseball gloves and baseballs to ship to troops overseas for muchneeded recreational breaks practicing the US National Sport.

Going well beyond what other chapters offer, BSM brings California’s Gold Star Parents together annually in San Francisco with the aid of Marines’ Memorial. The totally private three-day gathering permits parents whose sons and daughters have sacrificed their lives for our country to acknowledge their grief, honor their children and share fond, happy memories. Asked by some of the Gold Star parents about the possibility of holding a less solemn get-together, BSM staged a delightfully social High Tea and organized an entertaining Jelly Belly tour with wine tasting.

BSMs’ annual golf tournament helps to fund the filling and shipping of Care Packages and brings Gold Star Parents together. On June 18 and 19, 2016, the European Train Enthusiasts donated their time and talent to display their model train layouts in Veterans Memorial Building for Danville Summerfest. Contributions received from over 600 visitors will help the Moms with all of their missions.

From distributing clothing at East Bay Stand Down to “Momming” rest stops with food and drink for Cycling 4 Veterans, BSM supports related organizations in many ways. Helping at the Valor Games held on Coast Guard Island

www.yourmonthlypaper.com up to $3,000 may be used to offset ordinary income. Capital losses not used in a given year can be carried forward to future years. Note that different rules apply for gains on the sale of collectibles or qualified small-business stock.

Am I taking full advantage of tax-advantaged accounts? Remember that certain types of investments receive favorable tax treatment. Employee contributions to a traditional 401(k), for example, are deducted from your paycheck before taxes are assessed, which lessens taxable income during the year the contribution is made.

Contributions may potentially grow free of federal income taxes until qualified withdrawals are made during retirement. If you are age 59 1/2 or older and have maintained the account for a minimum of five years, qualified withdrawals from a Roth IRA are tax free.2 (To contribute to a Roth IRA, investors must meet income thresholds established by the Internal Revenue Service. Learn more at www.irs.gov.)

Is my insurance coverage sufficient? You may want to conduct an insurance needs analysis. There are many forms of insurance, but, unfortunately, there is no one-size-fits-all policy. Life insurance, for example, may be a vital necessity if you have a spouse and children, but perhaps is less important for a single person. But disability insurance, which provides an income stream if you are unable to work, may be important for everyone.

Is my estate plan current? If you have not already made an estate plan, your annual review may be a good time to start. Even if you already have a plan in place, it is good to revisit it yearly to make sure your beneficiary designations are up to date and that your plan still reflects your current wishes. This is also a good time to consider tax-efficient gifting strategies, so you can potentially minimize gift and estate taxes and keep more of your assets for those you care about.

A year-end review is an excellent time to think about where you are at in achieving your long-term goals and where you would like to be. Take a close look at your dayto-day finances to uncover hidden opportunities, and then commit to meeting them.

Contact us for further information on how our advice can better help you plan financially. Also contact us for a complimentary Financial Review, Medicare Review, or Social Security Review at (925)746-2982, via email at george.noceti@morganstanley.com, or visit our website at www.ms.com/fa/ theintegragroup. Connect on LinkedIn: George M. Noceti, CRPS®. Follow me on Twitter: @GNocetiMS.

1 Asset allocation and rebalancing do not assure a profit or protect against loss in a declining market. There may be a potential tax implication with a rebalancing strategy. Please consult your tax advisor before implementing such a strategy.© 2For nonqualified withdrawals, restrictions, penalties and taxes may apply. 2016 Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC. Member SIPC. Advertorial

is an especially moving experience. Clark relates, “The Valor Games are so inspiring that volunteers often end up in tears. A triple amputee was still swimming after everyone else finished. The other swimmers made the effort to get back into the pool in lanes beside him to urge him to the finish line.”

The list of events in which BSM participates keeps growing. McCracken notes, “There is a lot of work to be done, so we all jump in and help Jana Clark left and Chris McCracken right with photos of their sons whenever and wherever who are deployed in the US Army and US Marines respectively. we can.” Examples include: Welcome Home and Fallen Hero events with Warriors Watch and others, Delta Stand Down in alternating years with East Bay Stand Down, Sentinels of Freedom Scholarship Fund, Wounded Warriors, Wreaths Across America, Concord Veterans Center Holiday Party, Oath for new recruits at Danville Veterans Memorial Building, Veterans Job Fair at Concord Hilton, making desserts for Vietnam Veterans of Diablo Valley Crab Feast and Corned Beef and Cabbage Dinners and Ruck Marches (marches over rough terrain carrying a backpack weighing at least 45 pounds) at Travis Air Force Base.

The Moms parade their pride annually by carrying portraits of their sons and daughters in Danville on July 4th and Pleasanton on Veterans Day. Some photographs are formal poses in uniform. Others, like Jana’s of her son Josh holding an injured baby come with action stories. Often children stop Clark during the

See Moms continued on page 20

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“Outlaw” Protection

By Robert J. Silverman, Esq.

A growing number of clients want to explore how the future inheritance by any of their children may be affected by a subsequent divorce of such children. Concern may stem from any number of things, including simple caution or perhaps a fragile relationship between one’s child and his or her spouse. Occasionally, clients may question the possible motives of a daughter-in-law or son-in-law. It is in this context that I sometimes facetiously refer to in-laws as “outlaws”!

Let’s take an example. John and Jane Doe have a daughter, Betty. Betty has been married to Bill for eight years. John and Jane are working with their estate planning attorney to establish a Living Trust under which they want Betty to inherit all of their assets.

Jane and John ask their attorney, “How do we ensure that no part of Betty’s inheritance goes to Bill if Betty and Bill get divorced?” It’s an important question but not a quick, easy one to answer.

First, when a married person receives a gift or inheritance, California law renders it that person’s separate property. So, generally speaking, if Betty inherits from her parents and then she and Bill divorce, Bill will have no claim over the assets Betty inherited. Since Betty’s inheritance constitutes her separate property, can John and Jane set aside their worries? Unfortunately, John and Jane may still have reason to be concerned.

Here’s an instructive hypothetical. Betty, like many married people, believes in the strength and longevity of her marriage. After Betty inherits from her parents, Bill says to Betty: “We love each other; what’s yours is mine and mine is yours, and our marriage is forever, right?” Betty answers, “Yes, of course, Bill.”

Following a brief discussion (or, possibly, no discussion), Betty decides to title all of her inherited assets in her name and Bill’s name.

Many years go by, during which Betty and Bill deposit various sources of income into, and pay many expenses out of, their “inheritance” account. Bill and Betty then get divorced. At that point, it is extraordinarily difficult to trace

Lafayette Today ~ November 2016 - Page 15 which funds are, or were derived from, Betty’s inheritance (and thus, are her separate property) and which constitute community property. So, Bill ends up with a substantial portion of Betty’s inheritance, which John and Jane would never have wanted.

John and Jane may, in an effort to protect Betty against the above scenario, have a delicate talk with Betty to warn her about the importance of keeping her future inheritance segregated – just in case she ever divorces. John and Jane may also or alternatively include any number of provisions in their Living Trust.

One is a “spendthrift trust” under which, upon her parents’ death, the funds stay in trust for Betty’s lifetime, during which she has access for her needs (instead of Betty receiving all of the inheritance outright). I offer my clients another alternative: Betty is to receive her inheritance outright, but the Trust expressly states that it is John and Jane’s strong desire that Betty keep the inherited assets as her separate property. I call this my “outlaw protection” clause.

The spendthrift trust offers very strong protection; however, it’s more costly and inconvenient to administer, and many clients want their mature adult children to have the inherited assets outright, with no strings attached. So, without handcuffing their children, the “outlaw protection” clause gives their children (like Betty) a valuable tool to use upon receiving their inheritance. Betty can explain to Bill that it is important to her to keep the inherited assets in her name only so as to honor her parents’ express wishes – rather than appearing to do so because she doesn’t trust Bill or has doubts about their marriage.

Pros and cons of such alternatives should be discussed with an estate planning attorney so that your Living Trust can be drafted and/or revised thoughtfully and carefully in accordance with your wishes. * Estate Planning * Trust Administration & Probate * Real Estate * Business Please contact the author to request a complimentary: i) “Estate Planning Primer”; ii) Real Estate titling brochure; iii) introductory meeting. Mr. Silverman is an attorney with R. Silverman Law Group which is located at 1855 Olympic Blvd., Suite 125, Walnut Creek, CA 94596; (925) 705-4474; rsilverman@rsilvermanlaw.com.

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

Advertorial

Co-op continued from front page

recently initiated the Lamorinda Pet Care Co-op, a service that facilitates pet-sitting exchanges and play dates between pet owners.

Pet owners throughout Lamorinda are invited to register on the Co-op website (www.lmopetcarecoop.com), and join an ‘Interest List’ for their pet.

Big dogs are matched with other big dogs, for instance, and cat breeds are coordinated. There are no pet restrictions – rabbits and turtles can be ‘clients’ - and there are no fees. Once registered, members can email or phone each other to make pet-sitting or play-date arrangements. Registrants appear only on the list for the city in which they reside, unless a request is made to be listed on additional lists (for residents who live along a border, for instance).

Lists are updated monthly, as is a list of events such as reservoir walks, pack walks and the ‘Yappy Hours’ that McCann and Bhatkar have launched to facilitate matches. This series of Yappy Hour meet-and-greets allows pet owners and their pets to gather to sniff out compatible hosts. Part social hour, part dating-game, Yappy Hour allows pets to interact, revealing either swift affinities or equally as swift aversions, both important reveals when seeking the right host home. Originally held at the Fourth Bore Tap Room and Grill in Orinda, McCann and Bhatkar are looking to move the Yappy Hours to a larger facility this spring. Keep an eye on the co-op’s Facebook page for details: www.facebook.com/lmopetcarecoop.

Orinda resident Martine Niejadlik has successfully utilized the co-op, finding a neighbor with whom she regularly trades dog sitting. “Our pups have become best of friends,” says Niejadlik. “They love being together.

We’ve met a couple of nice folks at the Yappy Hours and hope to continue attending to find more doggie friends – and nice neighbors.”

Cyndi Berck has two small dogs and is registered with the co-op where she has met other small dog owners with whom she has organized puppy play dates in anticipation of future pet sitting. “I’ve also met some great people through the co-op,” says Berck.

“This is a very organic, informal system,” says McCann. “People are making the connections themselves; Christine and I have simply provided the platform.”

Lic# 1100014354; Bay Area Entertainment

Walnut Creek Garden Club

The Walnut Creek Garden Club’s monthly meeting will be held on Monday, November 14 at 10AM in the Camellia Room at Heather Farm located at 1540 Marchbanks Road in Walnut Creek.

Hollie Homegrown owns a small organic family farm in Moraga where she grows herbs, vegetables, and edible flowers.

The November meeting begins with business at 10AM, a social from 10:30-11AM, and then the program at 11AM. You are invited to attend a meeting and consider becoming a member.

To share a story inquire about advertising, contact us at 925.405.6397 or editor@yourmonthlypaper.com

Page 16 - November 2016 ~ Lafayette Today

The Tree of the Season

Coast Live Oak, Quercus agrifolia

By Blaine Brende & Joe Lamb

If you have a coast live oak in your yard, you will understand that its Latin name, Quercus agrifolia, is appropriate. Agrifolia means spiny leaves. And though the tree retains green leaves throughout the year, it also sheds dead leaves, many dead leaves, and they are less than friendly on bare feet. If you are lucky enough to have a mature coast live oak in your garden, you are well aware that its sculptural qualities more than compensate for the ongoing maintenance this big beast requires. I find comfort in the manner wherein old trees twist into their strangely beautiful form, their rugged bark accentuating, in counterpoint, their grace and openness. The generous shade offered by their broad crowns seems to invite one to lounge against their trunks and think about things that are never on TV. Agrifolia became the dominant tree of the costal plain, not because it’s beautiful, but because it’s tough. Though plagued by several diseases and pests, the continuing ubiquity of live oaks over the millennia is testament to their ability to resist diseases and fight off pests. Several fungal diseases, with the generic names “twig blights” and “oak branch dieback,” attack the crowns of live oaks. Brown patches in your oak’s canopy are most likely from these fungal diseases. An aesthetic debit, they rarely pose a serious threat to the life of the tree. Unsightly deadwood can be pruned out. Though these diseases come from water-borne fungi, they often occur in oaks weakened by drought stress.

It is common knowledge that over-watering coast live oaks is a good way to kill the tree. Too much summer water promotes the growth of oak root fungus, a common soil fungus that can turn lethal in soggy soils. Less widely appreciated is that summer watering of oaks can make them more disease- and insect-resistant IF, and it is a big IF, they are watered correctly. Correct summer watering of coast live oaks requires placing a soaker hose in a circle around the tree at least ten feet from the trunk and running the water for about two hours–sunset is a good time. It is important to water the tree not more than once a month: once in July, once in August, once in September, and once in October. Over-watering

Gardening with Kate

By Kathleen Guillaume

With October closing out with warm weather and our first decent rains, it’s the first time I’ve had my tomatoes roaring along with heavy production into November. I am digging out my tomato jam recipes and getting ready to start some fried green tomato side dishes. The gardenia by my back door thinks it is spring, and it is loaded with blooms and buds that will keep my side garden fragrant for

another month.

Autumn is my quiet time to thumb through catalogs and go online to see what plants are new, and which old standards are being reintroduced.

Annie’s Annuals ‘Currently Available List’ was my first choice for browsing. I am especially looking for very tall plants -- those 8 to 15’ feet tall. Of course these are plants that only work in certain areas: along fence lines, along slopes, and in corners.

In my old garden I had an Iochroma cyanea tucked under the eaves by my front porch which was on the morning side of my property. This plant is a perennial and a little frost tender which is why it sat under the eaves. It grows to about 8-10’ tall. It can be kept lower and pruned to any shape at any time. These plants are not seen in many gardens and always surprise people who walk by with their clusters of 3” long narrow bells which are a hummingbird’s favorite plant. The one I had was loaded down with swags of blue flowers. I noticed Annie’s had one called ‘Mr. Plum’ with deep plum clusters that bloom heavily March through November. It is a real statement plant.

Another fall perennial that blooms September through November and is planted in the fall is the Aster carolinanus (Carolina Climbing Aster).

This plant likes rich loamy moist soil, is deer resistant, and will take light frost. Having mostly clay soil, I was thinking how well this would work in a large pot where I can create the perfect soil mix to keep it happy. This

www.yourmonthlypaper.com can kill oaks by stimulating parasitic fungi. Judicious watering during dry summers gives the tree a boost but doesn’t encourage root diseases. It’s better not to water oaks at all than to over-water them; and lawns, grown under the canopy of the oaks, are a common cause of over-watering. One way to make your oak (and the many creatures it supports) happy is to turn lawn under the canopy over to native, drought-tolerant plants. This saves water and reduces the likelihood your oak will get a root disease. Oaks also appreciate a layer of mulch. Mulch helps aerate the soil and improves the environment for beneficial soil creatures.

Given that the current stewards of the coastal plain seldom burn the woodlands, most of our oak forests have built up a significant load of dead wood.

To prevent a crown fire, like the one that ravaged the East Bay in 1991, it is important to make all landscape trees and shrubs more fire safe. At Brende and Lamb it is our fervent hope that all current players in the ongoing drama of the oak woodlands act to maintain a healthy ecosystem in which coast live oaks, and the many creatures that depend on them, continue to appear center stage.

Unfortunately, we are starting to see a few cases of Sudden Oak Death (SOD) in the East Bay, concentrated mostly in forested parklands. The SOD pathogen infects susceptible oaks during spring rainstorms. It is difficult to prevent an oak from being infected, but there are steps to reduce the probability of infection, such as the application of Agrifos in autumn. Furthermore, California bay trees can be a host to SOD, where it occurs as a leaf disease. Infected bays don’t die, but they can spread the spores to oaks as water drips from the bay leaves onto the trunk of an oak. Studies show that pruning back bay trees to give a 10 foot separation from your oaks can significantly lower the infection rate. At this time, preventative action is the only way of treating the disease.

It takes two years for an infected tree to show any sign of infection, and once infected there is no way to cure the disease.

The best place to find current information on SOD is the California Sudden Oak Task Force at www.suddenoakdeath.org.

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 Advertorial work in your neighborhood. aster grows 6 – 8’ tall and is loaded in season with pink blooms that fade to lavender.

One of my all-time favorites that grows perfectly along fences or by garden gates is the most wonderfully fragrant Philadelphus mexicanus ‘Flora Plena’ or Mexican Mock Orange which is an old fashioned shrub that is coming back in vogue. It has white spicy orange fragrant blooms that will fill any garden area with a wonderful scent. It is evergreen so it looks great in all seasons, grows 10’ tall, and is easy to shape. I had a single variety tucked in the corner by my back garden gate. It created an area of shade below its branches that gave me a small shade garden at its base. This plant likes a rich soil, so amend the soil before planting, and keep it 3-4’ away from fences to accommodate its width. This is a spring bloomer and an excellent cut flower.

Rosa ‘Felicia’ Hybrid Musk Rose is one of my favorite blooms-itshead-off, total show stopper, perfect fence rose. It is very fragrant with old fashioned blooms that come in long sprays. The plant grows naturally 6-8’ tall and almost as wide in the full sun. When you look this flower up and see the photos, it will become a “must have” rose for your garden.

Of course I have sweet peas on my mind in anticipation of spring.

They are the perfect cut flower. Annie’s has two perennial sweet peas that have unusually long stems. These will also be must-have additions for my garden. Lathyrus odoratus ‘Blue Shift’ starts off with deep violet/purple blooms that shift into a soft blue held aloft on 8” stems. The other variety that has perfect painterly color combination is Lathrus ordoratus ‘Blue Vein,’ an orange to peachy bloom with blue veins which must be seen to appreciate. These two are stunning when combined in an arrangement.

November is usually a time to put your garden to bed and prepare for winter, but in the last several years we have a strange warmth that fills many of our days which has pushed the dormant season for most gardens more toward January. So enjoy a balmy autumn, knowing most pre-winter garden tasks can be pushed past the holidays.

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving.

Happy Gardening

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Life in the Lafayette Garden Outdoor Living

By John Montgomery, ASLA, Landscape Architect #4059

Imagine your outside space to be like your home, having different functions and places for varied activities, perhaps, laid out in a similar fashion as the floor plan of your home. There are rooms for activities, food preparation and dining, relaxation and contemplation, and work spaces that can all be a part of the intended vision of an outdoor living design.

Particularly in Lafayette, we are blessed to live in such a favorable environment which supports the idea of living outside. Current trends over the last decade have been moving towards using the outside space as an extension of living space. It’s fascinating to see homes built in the 1950 – 1980’s era and the way the land was used. For instance, take my home in Alamo, built in 1948 on half an acre. The landscape entailed a small concrete patio (square), a small patch of turf, a few fruit trees, and the rest was left to go to seed. I find a lot of homes of this area like that. Today, I develop those unused spaces into usable outdoor living space.

As a home has a heart, so does a garden. Generally the kitchen and family room are the center of activity in a home. It is the same for outdoor space.

Most folks in Lafayette enjoy the outdoors all-year-round, making food preparation and dining outdoors desirable. I design a wide range of outdoor kitchens equipped with everything from 48” stainless steel grills, refrigerators, sinks, dish washers, lobster pots, woks, pizza ovens, keg-a-rators, and wine closets. Pretty much anything in the indoor kitchen can be recreated outdoors.

The living space shaded by a cabana, pavilion, or pergola becomes the central room of the outdoors supporting activities such as eating and dining, having conversations with friends and family, entertaining, playing games, simply sitting quietly reading a book, or watching TV. At night, the fireplace, fire pit, or heaters can take away the night chill for late-night entertaining.

For more rambunctious activities like swimming, soccer, croquet, hiden-seek, and tag, swimming pools and spas, large turf areas, and sport courts become the activity room or even the sports arena. For the avid golfer, imagine your own putting green!

There is a big trend for outdoor living spaces like cabanas, pavilions, and pergolas. These are outdoor living rooms to house cooking, dining, lounging, games, conversations, and watching the “big game.” These spaces are a wonderful and comfortable extension of the home.

Lately, I find many of my clients working from home which gives the outdoor living space a completely different potential for use. With wireless capabilities for almost everything, imagine taking care of business poolside while on a conference call with associates scattered halfway around the globe or sitting with your laptop hammering out year-end financials.

There are no limits to the ways you can use your outside space. Outdoor

Lafayette Today ~ November 2016 - Page 17

Lafayette Garden Club

The Lafayette Garden Club is excited to present “You Can Garden for Life” on Thursday, November 10th at 9:45AM. The presenter will be Toni Garonne, gardener and educator. Toni teaches gardeners how to modify their gardens, adapt their tools, and re-think how and when they garden, enabling them to comfortably and safely garden for life, without pain and with joy.

Lafayette Garden Club meetings are held at the Lafayette Veteran’s Building located at 3780 Mt. Diablo Blvd., Lafayette from 9:45AM to noon.

Visitors are welcome! Please email Carolyn Poetzsch at cpoetzsch@ gmail.com for more information.

Montelindo Garden Club

The Montelindo Garden Club Meeting will hold their next meeting on Friday, November 18th at 9AM, at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, 66 St. Stephens Drive in Orinda. Everyone is welcome.

The November presentation will feature speaker Janet Sluis, Director of the Sunset Western Garden Collection and Berkeley-based horticulturist, and cover how she searches the world for new plants to include in Sunset’s list of recommended plants.

For more information, visit www.montelindogarden.com.

living space need not be overdone or complicated. Creating “Outdoor Living” is one approach to effectively design the “floor-plan” of your outside environment.

A hot tip from your local Landscape Architect: Building outdoor living space adds to your property value and is a great investment into the quality of home life.

Gardening Quote of the Month: “I do not understand how anyone can live without one small place of enchantment to turn to.” - Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings If you would like me to write on any particular subject, email your ideas to jmontgomery@jm-la.com or for design ideas visit www.jm-la.com or www.

Advertorial houzz.com/pro/jmla/john-montgomery-landscape-architects.

Page 18 - November 2016 ~ Lafayette Today

Recent Advances in Lung Cancer

By Gigi Chen, MD

In the United States, lung cancer occurs in about 225,000 patients and causes over 160,000 deaths per year. It is the most common cause of cancer death in both men and women. There can be a number of risk factors including history of radiation exposure, environmental toxins, lung condition such as pulmonary fibrosis, and genetic factors. However, smoking is the most important and controllable risk factor of any.

Screening for lung cancer has not been widely used until recently. The National Lung Screening Trial compared a CT screening with a chest x-ray for individuals who are heavy smokers. It was found that CT screening annually for three years can detect lung cancer early and as a result decrease the risk of lung cancer death by 20%. Now, the Center for Medicare and Medicaid services has agreed to cover the cost of CT screening in patients ages 55-77 who have had a 30 ‘pack year’ smoking history and have quit within 15 years. This is an exciting advance in early detection and prevention of death from lung cancer.

Lung cancer treatment involves a team approach including the patient, primary care physician, pulmonologist, thoracic surgeon, medical oncologist, as well as a radiation oncologist. We have made great strides in the treatment of lung cancer. For example, previously chemotherapy was the only approach for treatment of advanced lung cancer. Now, we have an improved understanding of what drives cancer growth. Some patients may have a ‘driver mutation’ in their cancer which is a molecular pathway that stimulates cancer growth.

As a result of knowing that information, we can use targeted drugs to treat the cancer, yielding safer and more effective treatments. Examples of these oral targeted medications that have been approved by FDA in lung cancer includes Gefitinib, Erlotinib or Afatinib for patients with EGFR mutation and Crizotinib for patients with ALK rearrangement. We are also learning the resistant pathways, which is when these medications stop working. As a result, new medicines that fight the resistant pathways have emerged, which includes Osimertinib for patients with T790m EGFR mutation.

Cancer immunotherapy is used to stimulate our own immune responsiveness to treat cancer. It helps our immune system to detect cancer as foreign and works to eradicate it. Immunotherapy drugs Nivolumab and Pembrolizumab have been recently FDA approved in treatment of advanced lung cancer. When Nivolumab was compared with docetaxel (chemotherapy) in squamous cell patients, one year survival rate was 42% vs. 24% favoring Nivolumab. Multiple other immunotherapy drugs are currently in clinical development. There are also clinical trials looking at immunotherapy combined with other immunotherapy drugs, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, or radiation. We eagerly await the results of these trials and hope they will greatly improve our treatment of patients with lung cancer.

Gigi Chen, MD is a Medical Oncologist and Hematologist with Diablo Valley Oncology. She has extensive experience in treating lung and gynecologic cancers and sees patients in Pleasant Hill, Rossmoor, and San Ramon.

Many Faces of Lung Cancer - Join Dr. Chen and other medical experts on November 17 from 6:30-8:30 at the Lafayette Library, Community Room. Panel discussion with Q&A. For more information or to register for Advertorial the program, please call (925) 677-504, x272.

Hearing Loss Association

Come to meetings of the Diablo Valley Chapter of Hearing Loss Association of America at 7pm on the 1st Wednesday of the month at the Walnut Creek United Methodist Church located at 1543 Sunnyvale Ave., Walnut Creek Education Bldg., Wesley Room. Meeting room and parking are at back of church. All are welcome. Donations are accepted.

An assistive listening system is available for T-coils, and most meetings are captioned. Contact HLAADV@hearinglossdv.org or (925) 264-1199 or www.hearinglossdv.org for more information.

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Breast Augmentation

By Dr. Barbara Persons, Persons Plastic Surgery

While breast augmentation surgery remains one of the most popular procedures performed in my practice, recent data from the American Society of Plastic Surgery indicates the number of women having breast augmentations has decreased slightly (2%) since 2014. A total of 279,000 women in the US had breast augmentation using implants in 2015.

Breast surgery has always been one of my passions, as it feeds my inner artistic side. It is critical that any augmentation is approached from an artistic perspective, as everyone's shape and proportion are different.

It is definitely NOT “one-size fits all,” and exceptional results require not only an artist’s eye but also a doctor who understands trends and lifestyles that are unique to women. My initial general surgery residency consisted of five years at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas... a unique place to learn about breasts. We performed thousands of breast augmentations, and at that time bigger was often thought to be better. Humorously, a male plastic surgeon in town actually drove a yellow Hummer with the license plate saying CME4DD. Having now returned to my childhood home, I am happily in Northern California where bigger is not necessarily better...where athletics and healthy lifestyles typically prevail. With approximately one-third of women in our area having breast implants, there is a trend towards going smaller for a more natural look along with an increasing trend of utilizing fat grafting for breast augmentation.

Fat grafting is extremely useful for women who want half a cup size increase in their breasts. In this procedure, excess fat is removed from an area such the flanks or “love handles” and then is grafted into the breast to create the desired shape and size. While this procedure can be less invasive and less expensive than a traditional augmentation with implants, the downside is that in the long-term fat can and often is naturally re-absorbed by the body, creating the need for more frequent touch-ups.

Another popular procedure I perform is what I call a “contour” breast augmentation. I place the implants slightly more toward the center of the chest while suctioning away the excess fat on the sides and in the arm crease. This creates an augmentation that makes one look more shapely, but not heavier or wider.

Many women with implants started out by having larger implants when we were younger. What I have noticed with my patients is that there is a trend toward removing larger implants that are made from early generation saline or silicone and replacing them with the new fourth generation silicone implants that provide a more natural shape. Many first-time patients are just starting with smaller implants and a more natural looking size. While the early data on this next generation of implants is still incoming, initial indications are that there are fewer instances of complications and need for replacement or revision surgery.

My own breast implants have been exchanged every 8-10 years. Beginning with the first pair in my 20s, followed by a lift (mastopexy) after children, I recently just changed to small fourth generation silicone implants.

With October’s Breast Cancer Awareness month in our review mirror, it is important to mention that women with breast implants actually have a lower incidence of breast cancer. This may be because there is less breast tissue to start with or because lumps can be more easily felt over the firmer implant. Indications also show it may be due to some very small immune response related to the implant.

All in all, when it comes to breasts, it is great to be a girl! We nurse our children, feel good about our bodies, and we alone get to decide the right size for us as we dance through our lives. When the decision to have a breast augmentation is made, do your homework and be skeptical of anyone offering a one-size, one-price fits all approach to this surgery. I encourage you to visit my website at personsplasticsurgery.com to see a gallery of before-and-after photos of many beautiful shapes and sizes. I look forward to meeting you soon during a consult to determine what is truly the best fit for you.

Dr. Barbara Persons is a plastic, cosmetic and reconstructive surgeon and is Board Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, Inc. Persons Plastic Surgery, Inc. is her cosmetic & reconstructive surgery center, conveniently located at 911 Moraga Road, suite 205 in Lafayette. She may be reached at 925-283-4012 or drbarb@personsplasticsurgery.

Advertorial com.

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Bariatric Surgery Celebration Fashion Show

Lafayette Today ~ November 2016 - Page 19

By Dr. Irene Lo, MD

Struggling to achieve a healthy weight can be overwhelming and frustrating. Obesity is a complex problem and on the rise in the United States. Obesity worsens many medical conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, joint pain, and acid reflux. We all know that the ideal way to maintain a healthy body and lifestyle is through diet and exercise. But sometimes it is difficult to lose the weight – sometimes willpower is not enough.

Bariatric (weight loss) surgery may be the solution for those who are overweight and have been unable to lose those excess pounds through diet and exercise. Bariatric surgery is not a cosmetic procedure or a weight-loss scheme. It involves altering the stomach or gastrointestinal tract, in conjunction with life-style modification, resulting in major metabolic and physical changes. There are several bariatric procedures which either restrict the amount of food the stomach can hold, reduce the body’s ability to absorb nutrients and calories from food, or do both.

680 Bariatrics is the division of West Coast Surgical Associates that promotes weight loss. At 680 Bariatrics, obesity is treated as a complex disease process. We strive to provide our patients with advice and care that is multidisciplinary, comprehensive, and, above all, compassionate.

Our team is composed of individuals from various health care disciplines, and all our surgeons are fellowship trained and have received specialized training in bariatric surgery, metabolic surgery, and gastrointestinal surgery.

On September 20th, 680 Bariatrics, in partnership with J.Crew and West Coast Surgical Associates, held their first annual celebration fashion show. The event spotlighted the accomplishments of men and women who have lost significant weight through surgical weight loss procedures and gave them the chance to display their healthy, new physiques as they modeled the latest fall fashions from J.Crew.

Eight men and women who have had bariatric surgery participated in the event. Over 800 pounds were lost. As participants walked up and down the runway, they were met with enthusiastic cheers from the audience, which included their family, friends, and members of their health care team. During the event, the personal story of each model was highlighted. Audience members learned about why each participant pursued bariatric surgery and how bariatric surgery has changed their lives. You can view this event at http://www.wcsurgeons.com/join-usat-our-first-annual-bariatric-fashion-show/ .

I found this event to be extremely rewarding and inspiring as one of the surgeons of 680 Bariatrics who contributed to their lifestyle improvement. We are immensely proud of our patients and their weight loss accomplishments. We are honored to be able to share in their weight loss journeys and successes. The decision to have bariatric surgery is not an easy decision to make. At 680 Bariatrics, we strive to provide our patients with the help that they need to achieve their weight loss goals and make lasting improvements in their health care.

The first step in seeking weight loss is to obtain more education about various options to weight reduction. Prospective surgery patients need to attend a Weight Loss Surgery informational seminar, which is led by our bariatric surgeon. This provides information about different types of bariatric surgeries and will allow you to have the opportunity to ask any questions that you may have regarding bariatric surgery. Through these seminars, you will determine if bariatric surgery is right for you. Prospective patients also need to attend a weight loss surgery support group. Through these support groups, you will be able to interact with patients who have undergone bariatric surgery and learn more about their experiences.

Our team at 680 Bariatrics is dedicated to helping you achieve your weight loss goals. We have a commitment to improving the health and quality of life for our patients.

Dr Irene Lo is a Board Certified General Surgeon who has completed a fellowship in Advanced Minimally Invasive and Bariatric Surgery, a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, and is part of the 680Bariatrics Team at Walnut Creek Surgical Associates. offices in Walnut Creek, San Ramon, and Concord. Call (925) 933-0984 to schedule an appointment Advertorial or find more information at www.wcsurgeons.com.

Is Food a Problem for You?

Overeaters Anonymous offers a fellowship of individuals who, through shared experience and mutual support, are recovering from compulsive overeating.

This is a 12-step program. The free meetings are for anyone suffering from a food addiction including overeating, under-eating, and bulimia. The group meets Wednesdays at 6PM at Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Lafayette. Visit www.how-oa.org for more information.

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

Page 20 - November 2016 ~ Lafayette Today

Your Personal Nutritionist Why am I not Losing Weight with all this Exercise?

By Linda Michaelis RD, MS

www.yourmonthlypaper.com

Blackhawk TMS

Now is the right time to embark on a weight Cutting Edge Treatment loss regimen so you will not gain excess for Depression Without pounds over the holiday season.

During the winter months we require more Medications food for fuel to keep us warm. I see many clients confusing hunger with feeling cold. My ArE You Doing ThE SAME Thing favorite client to work with is one that is tracking calories, exercising, ovEr AnD ovEr ExpECTing and not losing weight.

A DiffErEnT ouTCoME? When a new client calls me and says they are doing all the right things to lose weight and not making progress, a list of scenarios runs ThE onLY SErviCE offEring through my mind. Those scenarios include: DEEp TMS in ThE Tri-vALLEY You are eating back all the calories you burn. Exercise is important in the weight-loss equation. But a lot of people overestimate how much they burn—and even use the “I exercised today” excuse Call for a to later overeat. How many times have you faced a food temptation free consultation and thought, “Well, I worked out today, so it’s OK this time.” If that sounds all-too-familiar, this is one major reason why you’re not losFDA ing weight. This type of making up the next day by eating less can be 4185 Blackhawk Plaza Circle maddening. What do you eat and what do you not eat that next day?

Approved Danville, CA 94506 We overestimate how many calories we actually burned and underestimate how many calories we’re actually eating. Trainers even tell Several insurances accepted me that they think weight loss is 80% nutrition and 20% exercise.

You’re relying on exercise alone to do the trick. The real truth VISIT OUR WEBSITE OR FACEBOOK PAGE is exercise alone will not help you lose weight. A full hour of intense www.blackhawktms.com exercise may only burn 400-500 calories for a lot of people. On the flipside, it’s easy to eat hundreds of calories in even a few minutes. But it would Moms continued from page 20 take hours of exercise to offset those calories. If you are not changing your diet and parades to ask about the picture. She tells them, “This is my son in Iraq reducing your calorie intake, exercise alone won’t help your weight-loss results. where he and his men saved this baby and his family. A big family came You are not eating as healthy as you think. We all think we eat pretty well. No and asked for Josh’s help to get across the water because the bridge had one really wants to admit that their diet might be pretty unhealthy. Often I see that been blown up. When they said they would help, the Mommy came and my exercise people skimp on eating during the day after exercise and eat heavier at handed her little baby to Josh so he would be safely carried across the night. It should be the other way around. After exercise your metabolism speeds up water.” and calories are burned off at three times the rate compared to many hours later. We The speakers committee offers speakers for service organization tend to eat late night meals because of schedules which also can prevent weight loss. programs, school assemblies, scout meetings, and similar occasions.

Many of us also enjoy alcohol, but having these drinks adds on hundreds of Often following a school assembly, students make postcards to include calories. A large glass of wine can easily be 200 calories. I see many clients eating in care packages. too much cheese, nuts, olives, and avocados which of course can be considered Monthly general meetings give members time to voice their anxihealthy fats. However, they are just eating too much of them. eties and share information. McCracken says, “Blue Star Moms has You are doing the wrong kinds of exercise. When it comes to exercising, provided me a support group of people who understand how I feel and there is a lot of confusion. One day you hear that strength training is the best way the concerns and fears I deal with on a day to day basis. It is this supto lose weight. The next day you’re told to focus on cardio. To my clients that portive ear we desperately need, and we have difficulty sharing with walk for exercise, I tell them they must step it up and do interval training that will friends and family and neighbors who don’t experience first hand these shock the metabolism. Cardio is the key for weight loss. Strength training keeps emotions and concerns.” muscles looking toned and you feeling strong.

Clark adds, “Sometimes some sons and daughters are more open and You are not being consistent enough. When you’re struggling to lose those communicate what they are allowed to say and how they are feeling final 5-10 pounds or trying to overcome a plateau, consistent efforts are most about things. There are others who really don’t communicate much at important. Trying to eat “perfectly” and exercising for a whole week, only to step all about anything. Our more experienced Moms are able to help anon the scale on the weekend to see that you haven’t lost an ounce you may think, swer questions when someone’s son or daughter isn’t communicating.

“What is the point?” and go on an all-out eating feast and skip the gym for a couple Answers to questions such as ‘what happens during jump training’ are days. This is when I get calls from clients saying they are having an “emergency.” really helpful.”

It is my job to teach you how to enjoy birthday cake, drinks, and social times You don’t have to be a military mom to get involved. Individual with friends. You need a plan that includes your favorite foods that are enjoyable volunteers and workplace groups collect items for care packages and and do not make you feel deprived. work with the Moms on packing day. Corporations like Southwest AirMy eight-week Royal Treatment Program is my most popular for successful lines help make bringing Gold Star Parents together possible. Contact weight loss. It includes a weekly visit as well as my coaching you by text, phone, information can be found at www.bluestarmoms.org. For care package or email and a visit to the supermarket of your choice. Call me and I will tell you items: carepkgdonations@bluestarmoms.org; Volunteering: beavolunabout the program and how it can work for you. teer@bluestarmoms.org; Postcards: OpPostcard@bluestarmoms.org.

All Insurance Companies Pay For Nutritional Counselling.

Call me at (925) 855-0150 about your nutritional concerns or email me at Lifeweight1@gmail.com. Visit my website at www.LindaRD.com for past articles Advertorial in my blog section and nutrition tips.

925-648-2650

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Menopause Matters

Osteoporosis

By Timothy Leach, MD, FACOG, CNMP

Osteoporosis is a disorder characterized by low bone mass and micro-architectural deterioration of bone tissue, leading to enhanced bone fragility and a consequent increase in fracture risk.

In the last few columns I looked at Vitamin D’s role in bone health, morbidity, and mortality associated with fracture and also risk reduction strategies by looking at fall prevention in your home. In this column I will look at how osteoporosis is diagnosed and proven pharmacologic interventions considered standard of care to reduce fracture risk.

DEXA scan (or bone scan), a low dose x-ray used in assessing bone mineral density (BMD) typically of the lumbar spine and hip, is the only test on which to base treatment. Results from other technologies or scans from other body sites (wrist or ankle), cannot be used according to the World Health Organization (WHO) diagnostic classification because they are not equivalent to results derived from DEXA. A normal DEXA result is within one standard deviation of a young adult reference population (T score at -1.0 and above). Low bone mass

Group Helps People Cope with Death of Pets

When you lose your pet, you often feel like a part of you is lost. The death of your beloved animal companion is one of the most difficult losses you may ever feel. This loss is sometimes made more painful by society’s seeming lack of support for pet grief.

Hospice of the East Bay and the Tony La Russa Animal Rescue Foundation is offering a support group where participants can share memories and feelings and talk to others who truly understand and care. Meetings will be held the second Tuesday of each month from 5:30-7PM at the Tony La Russa Animal Rescue Foundation, 2890 Mitchell Drive, Walnut Creek.

For further information and/or to register, please call Bereavement Services at Hospice of the East Bay (925) 887-5681.

Hospice of the East Bay Bereavement Services are provided free of charge to all community members in need. However, donations are greatly appreciated.

Brainwaves by Betsy Streeter

Lafayette Today ~ November 2016 - Page 21 (osteopenia) is between 1.0 and 2.5 standard deviations of a young adult reference population (T score between -1.0 and -2.5). Severe bone loss (osteoporosis) is more than 2.5 standard deviations below that of a young reference population (T score greater then -2.5). Any person who has osteoporosis (T greater than -2.5) or has sustained a hip or vertebral fracture in the absence of major trauma, (such as MVA or multiple story fall) regardless of bone mineral density, deserves medical therapy according to the National Osteoporosis Foundation (www.nof.org).

The National Osteoporosis Foundation (NOF) recommends that all women over 65 years old and post-menopausal women aged 50- 64 years old with 1) fracture during adulthood, 2) condition (i.e. rheumatoid arthritis) or medication (chronic steroid use) associated with low bone mass or 3) women less then 65 years old whose 10-year risk of osteoporotic fracture is equal or greater than that of a 65-year-old white woman who has no additional risk factors get a bone scan.

FRAX is the WHO fracture risk assessment tool that can be used with and without DEXA results to calculate that 10-year risk. The FRAX website (https://www. shef.ac.uk/FRAX/) can help calculate the 10-year risk for both major vertebral fracture and hip fracture. If your risk for a major fracture is 20% or greater or hip fracture is 3% or greater, you should be offered medicine proven to reduce your risk for fracture. A previous column reviewed the morbidity and mortality within one year of a fracture, explaining why you should know if you are at risk.

If you have osteoporosis or a FRAX score greater than 20% or 3%, simply taking Vitamin D and getting regular weight bearing exercise is not enough. You will continue to lose bone which will only increase your fracture risk over time. There are several medicines used in the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis. Bisphosphonates are considered the first line of defense to reduce your risk for fracture. These medicines reduce bone loss by inhibiting the cells that are responsible for bone resorption.

Bisphosphonates come in oral and injectable forms, and some are dosed weekly, monthly, or annually. They are considered safe to use for between 3-5 years after which many patients take a drug holiday for a few years. Their use is responsible for an 80% reduction in risk for fracture. They are not without side-effects, most common being indigestion. The most talked-about fear and reason cited for not taking a bisphosphonate is osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ), a rare complication which typically occurs in cancer patients on very high bisphosphonate doses greater than that recommended for fracture prevention. Over 90% of the reported cases of ONJ have been in cancer patients receiving bisphosphonate doses 10 times higher then used to treat osteoporosis. Estimated incidences of ONJ in patients with osteoporosis is between 1:10,000 – 1:100,000.

The less talked about fear and second reason patients are reluctant to take a bisphosphonate has been their association with atypical femur shaft fractures.

These are thought to occur from over-suppression of bone turnover in patients exposed to bisphosphonates for longer the 3-5 years. A drug-free period may be considered after three years of IV zoledronic acid or five years of oral alendronate.

The absolute risk increase in femur fractures from bisphosphonate therapy is five fractures in 10,000 patients over the course of a year.

What is often not known is that other than reducing the risk of hip and vertebral fracture, bisphosphonates “SIDE BENEFITS” are decreased risk of breast cancer, colorectal cancer, stroke, myocardial infarction, gastric cancer, and overall mortality in users compared to non-users. This is why it is important to talk with your doctor about your bone health and know that there are safe medicines that can be prescribed to reduce your risk for fracture. That is why bone health matters.

Visit my website at www.leachobgyn.com for links to resources and our Facebook page, Timothy Leach MD, for more information. My office is located at 110 Tampico, Suite 210 in Walnut Creek. Please call us at 925-935-6952. Advertorial

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Page 22 - November 2016 ~ Lafayette Today

Events for Lafayette Seniors

All classes are held at the Lafayette Senior Center (LSC), located at 500 Saint Mary’s Rd in Lafayette, unless otherwise noted. Space is limited.

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

Let’s Do Lunch! 1st Tuesday monthly • 11:30AM- Discover and explore the various dining experiences in the Lamorinda area. Relax, dine, meet new people, socialize, and enjoy lively conversation! Space is limited. Contact Lafayette Senior Services for the schedule of restaurants and to make your reservations: Seniors@LoveLafayette.org or 284-5050. Individuals will pay for their own lunches; the restaurants will provide separate checks. This interest group is offered in conjunction with Lamorinda Village.

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

Lamorinda Tea Dance Wednesdays • 1 – 3:30PM • Live Oak Room, LSC - Enjoy afternoon dancing every Wednesday, and learn some great new dance moves. On the first Wednesday monthly, professional dancers Karen and Michael will provide a dance lesson and live DJ services, playing your favorites and taking requests.

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

3rd Tuesday Monthly • 10:30AM–noon • Toyon Room, LSC Share your opinions with us in a freewheeling exchange of ideas: from current events to philosophy to the inspirational. There may be agreement or there may be different opinions -- it’s all in the spirit of learning, sharing, enrichment, and good humor. Our “elder perspective” frequently sounds a lot like wisdom!

Reservoir Walking Group Tuesdays and Thursdays • 9AM – 10:30AM • Meet at reservoir at 8:45AM center bench on the dam - Led by Jim Scala, Lafayette Today’s “Walking the Reservoir” columnist. Join us for camaraderie, fresh air, and enjoyable exercise. Optional bonus: at the end of the walk, Jim will lead you through easy yoga poses and breathing exercises in the most beautiful outdoor yoga studio: the band stage overlooking the water. Increase your balance and fitness, both physical and mental, and leave each week feeling uplifted and radiating that overall sense of well-being! Please call (925) 284-5050 or email seniors@lovelafayette.org to add your name to the email notification list. Bring quarters or a credit card for the parking meter.

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

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

Free Peer Counseling 2nd Tuesday monthly • 10AM - noon • Alder Room, LSC - Contra Costa Health Services offers free one-on-one counseling with senior (55+) counselors who use their life experiences to help other older adults cope with life changes, problems, crises, and challenges. Confidentiality is strictly observed. Appointment required. Please call Lafayette Senior Services to sign up for one of the 60-minute appointments.

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

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

Smart Driver 8-Hour Course November 8 & 10 • 9AM-1PM • Elderberry Room, LSC - Refine your driving skills, develop safe and defensive techniques, and possibly lower your insurance premium. Max: 25 paid registrants. First come, first served, by date check is received. Send check, made payable to

Caring Hands

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Reaching Out to Seniors One at a Time

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The next training session in Walnut Creek will be held on Friday, November 18 from 9AM -2:30PM, at the John Muir Health Medical Center. For a volunteer application or for more information about Caring Hands please contact Stacy Appel, Volunteer Coordinator, at (925) 952-2999.

AARP, to Lafayette Senior Services, 500 Saint Mary’s Rd., Lafayette, CA 94549. Important: Prior to sending a check, please call 284-5050 to determine space availability. $15 AARP Members • $20 Non-Members of AARP. ‘As The Page Turns’ Book Club 3rd Tuesday Monthly • 1PM - 2:30PM • Tiny Tots Red Room, LSC - Looking for a good book to discuss with others? Join this informal group of booklovers and enjoy enrichment, lively discussion, fellowship, and refreshments. The group is of mixed gender, and everyone gets to participate in the discussions as well as the selection of books to read. Please call Lafayette Senior Services for the book title of the month.

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In Thanksgiving for our Community

By Mary Bruns, Program Coordinator, Lamorinda Senior Transportation

As we approach Thanksgiving, we often think about all that we appreciate in life: family, friends, neighbors, health, resources to meet our personal needs, and opportunities to learn, grow, and contribute.

It was a joy to bring the Lamorinda Spirit volunteer drivers and staff together for a recent Sunday Brunch to say “Thank you for giving your time and energy to make this transportation service work.” These dedicated people inspire me with their commitment to work things out for our passengers and to drive an extra shift or two to make sure we don’t have to cancel rides when a driver is on vacation. At the brunch we were joined by retired drivers, spouses, and members of the Senior Commission. There’s nothing quite like bringing a committed group of people together in the same room for a little celebration and camaraderie.

We appreciate our private donors and funders whose resources make it possible for older adults in Lafayette, Moraga, and Orinda to have transportation to medical appointments, shopping, errands, and lunch at the C.C. Café. Some of those donors and funders include the City of Lafayette, Town of Moraga, Orinda Community Foundation, Lafayette Juniors, Lafayette Community Foundation, Moraga Juniors, Orinda Woman’s Club, 5310 Federal Grant, Contra Costa Community Development Block Grant, County Connection, and Lamorinda Spirit Van fans. If you would like to join this illustrious group of private donors, we invite you to make your tax-deductible check payable to the City of Lafayette, writing Spirit Van on the memo line, and mailing it to Lamorinda Spirit Van Program, Lafayette Community Center, 500 St. Mary’s Road, Lafayette, CA 94549.

Thank you to the Lamorinda Spirit Van passengers who are flexible and willing to go a little early to their appointment or be picked up a little late in order to make this shared ride schedule work out for everyone involved.

Our passengers recently shared some of their feelings with us. Passenger Claire noted, “I was so happy when my plans changed, and I could go on the outing to the Oakland Museum and lunch afterwards. I have been to most of the outings, and it’s always fun. I also love going to the C.C. Café four days a week. I wish more people would make use of these opportunities.”

Passengers Gloria and Gino stated, “The Oakland Museum was a great place to visit, and the lunch afterward was delicious.” Helper Liz shared, “I love assisting the seniors…The trips are always a fun adventure, and I get to meet some wonderful people along the way! I especially enjoy the lunch after our excursion; it really gives me a chance to sit down and get to know the awesome people who come with us.”

We appreciate the Advisory Council on Aging (ACOA) for bringing

Lafayette Today ~ November 2016 - Page 23 people together who want to make sure older adults have the resources they need as they age. This group approved a letter of support for Measure X which, if passed, will provide financial support for Contra Costa transportation projects including funding for accessible transportation for seniors and people with disabilities.

Hats off to the California Senior Legislature (CSL) which works diligently to “identify priority senior concerns, develop legislative proposals in response to those concerns, advocate for the inclusion of those concerns in legislative proposals of the State Legislature, and influence others to be more effective in public policy on behalf of seniors.”

And last, but not least, thank you to the “Aging Imperative” Leaders in our community who are bringing agencies together to have a more collaborative and cohesive plan for helping seniors remain healthy and independent, and have the resources that they need to age in place with dignity.

Lamorinda Senior Transportation An Alliance of Transportation Providers

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

Call one of the programs below to volunteer.

Lamorinda Spirit Van

283-3534

Takes Lamorinda older adults, age 60 and up, to errands, appointments, shopping, classes, and to lunch at the C.C. Café. Wheelchair and walker accessible. WE LOVE TO SAY YES, so call early to make your reservation. ‘LIKE” us at www.facebook.com/lamorindaspiritvan.

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

Orinda Seniors Around Town

402-4506

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

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

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

County Connection LINK Reservation Line

938-7433

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

Mobility Matters Information and Referral Line 284-6109 Gogograndparents.com 855-464-6872

A way to use UBER or LYFT without an iPhone. Press “0” to speak to an operator.

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ITkid Computer Help Assistance with any tech related issue for a low price.

Help with Email•Wifi•Computer•Smartphone•Tablet•Etc. $40/hr. Contact Max Nunan, local ITkid consultant. (925) 482-5488, maxnunan@gmail.com

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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.

Page 24 - November 2016 ~ Lafayette Today

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