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valleysentinel.com
March 2012
VOL 17, NO 3
SEVENTY-FIVE CENTS
spotlight
12-year-old joins Israeli school children for charity read-a-thon By StaffWriter
Cayla Quinn (12) from Walnut Creek is marking her Bat Mitzvah celebrations by becoming a guest participant in a charity read-a-thon promoting English literacy to school children in Israel. The annual read-athon is the flagship event of Israeli NGO A.H.A.V.A and attracts hundreds of local school children who are sponsored to read as many English books as they can over the course of a month. 7th grader Cayla, who attends Stone Valley Middle School in Alamo and the Congregation B’nai Shalom in Walnut Creek, will be the first ever participant in the read-a-thon to take part from abroad. Cayla who will celebrate her Bat Mitzvah on June 16, has already convinced three other friends to join the initiative. She said: “One if the reasons I chose to support
ECRWSS
PRESORTED STANDARD US POSTAGE PAID DANVILLE, CA PERMIT NO. 70
See READ-A-THON page 11
FREE RAIN: Practical Actions to Public Policy A homeowner’s perspective By Judy Adler
Postmaster: Dated Material
In Judy Adler’s garden, 3-3000 gallon tanks store recuperated rainwater allowing her to sustain her garden and pond without using treated drinking water. In this year of scarce rainfall, more thought can be given to ways of preserving water resources. Also: Completed ballots for the Clean Water Initiative can be mailed OR hand-delivered to 651 Pine Street, 1st Floor, Room 106, Martinez, California before April 6, 2012 at 5:00 p.m. See cccleanwater.org/cleanwaterinitiative.
The sky is blue again today. I am lounging on the deck at the warm southern end of my house contemplating how little rain we have had this year in contrast to last year’s deluge. It is winter in name alone, for it feels like spring in terms of the air temperature and the fragrant blossoming of my fruit trees. I observe the avian denizens of my backyard pond and appreciate the serenity of this water feature. Three jumbo (3000 gallons each) rain tanks face me and I am feeling a bit smug knowing that they are already 2/3 full despite the limited precipitation. The two images are very much entwined. Water is life. I think about how we, as Americans, think of water. Author, farmer and visionary, Joel Salatin described it this way.
“If we made a list of resources Americans take for granted, the top spot would go to water. Water is so essential for life that throughout history its availability dominated decisionmaking and community planning. Its acquisition required a heavy investment. For most of human history, people have toted water, dug cisterns, bored wooden water conduits. They have invested, viscerally and personally in their own water issues. They didn’t have a phone to call the utility company. They had to understand access, gravity – since they didn’t have pumps – and domicile location relative to available water. Even if you located your
house near a spring or stream or dug a well, you still had to carry the water to the house. “Indoor plumbing” is a fairly recent invention. When you have to carry all your water, it becomes precious. You don’t waste it.”—Joel Salatin, Folks, This Just Aint Normal So how was it that I began to harvest rainwater? Saving water from a rainy day is not a new idea. It actually is quite an ancient concept for insuring water security. My experiment with it actually began with a broken gutter and much of toting of water. Not being particularly handy when it comes to home maintenance, I knew I would soon be consulting with a gutter company to do the repair. “But wait….I am
an environmental educator,” I say to myself. “I need to do something more responsible and sustainable. Since I had to fix the gutter anyway, why not start harvesting rainwater.” I‘d been reading about global water issues and knew that California was a state of particular concern in this regard. Water was to be the new oil. Ac c o rd i n g t o re l i a b l e sources one third of the world’s population is living without access to adequate supplies of freshwater. By 2025 up to two-thirds of people in the world may be facing serious water shortages, including people in 35 percent of cities in the United States. Arizona, California, New Mexico, and See RAIN page 8
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valleysentinel.com
March 2012
Find a more peaceful, balanced life through the gentle healing energy of Reiki. Chellie Kammermeyer, Reiki Master Danville • 510.499.4332 www.innercompassreiki.com Relax and Rejuvenate Your Body, Mind & Spirit Massage Therapy
Now-April 28 Wild, Weird and Wonderful Exhibit Exhibit hours Tues-Fri 1-4pm, Sat 10am-1pm. A distinctive and eclectic variety of over fifty collections from local hunters and gatherers, both young and old, are on display at the San Ramon Valley in the Museum’s newest exhibit. Admission: $3 for guests, free for Museum members. 205 Railroad Avenue, Danville. Information: (925)837-3750 or museumsrv.org.
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March 1-April 13 Branching Out Exhibit This unique art exhibit refers to the creative push an artist makes while staying grounded to a universally re c o g n i z e d a n d a d m i re d subject: the tree. Village Theatre Art Gallery, 233 Front Street, Danville. Information: 9 2 5 - 31 4 - 3 4 6 0 o r w w w. ci.danville.ca.us. March 10-18 Pinkalicious Being in the pink isn’t always what it’s cracked up to be! In this glittering musical, Pinkalicious and her brother, Peter, learn that a little bit of what you love can go a long way. Presented by Bay Area Children’s Theater. Tickets:
$15-20. Front Row Theater, 17011 Bollinger Canyon Rd, San Ramon. Information: 925829-7813 or www.sanramon. ca.gov. March 15 Civic Arts Education’s Jazz Band Concert 7:30pm. Join the Civic Arts Education’s Jazz Band for their quarterly concert. Listen as the band grooves to the music of such luminaries as Benny Goodman, Tommy Dorsey and more. Tickets: $10. Shadelands Auditorium, 111 North Wiget Lane, Walnut Creek. Information: 925-9435846. March 15-24 Grease Amador and Foothill High Schools present the musical “Grease.” The students of Rydell High’s senior class of 1959 are back with the fun look and sound that defined the 1950s. Amador Theater, 1155 Santa Rita Road, Pleasanton. Information: www.firehousearts.org. March16 Diablo Symphony 2pm. Matilda Hofman joins the symphony as a guest conductor. The symphony will play Polovstian Dances by Borodin and Symphony N o . 1 b y Tc h a i k o v s k y. Tickets: $12-20. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Drive, Walnut Creek. Information: 925-943-7469 or www.lesherartscenter.org.
March 16-25 The Wiz! While similar in plot to The Wizard of Oz, The Wiz transforms the show into a more fun, funky, modern version. Performed by St. Joan of Arc’s Youth Ministry Program. Tickets: $15. St. Joan of Arc Church Gymnasium, 2601 San Ramon Valley Boulevard, San Ramon. Information/tickets: 925-2345514. March 16-April 15 Sunset Boulevard Silent movie star Norma Desmond longs for a return to the big screen. When she meets struggling Hollywood screenwriter Joe Gillis in dramatic circumstances, their volatile relationship leads to an unforeseen and tragic conclusion. Music by Andrew Lloyd Webber. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Drive, Walnut Creek. Information: 9 2 5 - 9 4 3 - 7 4 6 9 o r w w w. lesherartscenter.org. March 21-25 High When Sister Jamison Connolly agrees to sponsor a 19-year-old drug user in an effort to help him combat his addiction, her own faith is ultimately tested. “High” explores the universal themes of truth, forgiveness, redemption and human fallibility. Curran Theatre, 445 Geary Street, San Francisco. Information: 888746-1799 or www.shnsf.com. March 23-31 Oklahoma! Presented by the Danville Children’s Musical Theatre. Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “Oklahoma!” is the classic musical that entertains us with the story of Curly, Laurey, Aunt Em, and the villain Jud - when the ranchers and the cowhands of the Oklahoma territory were “a fixin’” to become a state. Village Theater, 233 Front Street, Danville. Tickets: www. villagetheatreshows.com. Information: 925-314-3466 or www.ci.danville.ca.us March 23-April 1 Babes in Arms The beloved Rodgers and Hart musical comes alive at the Lesher Center for the Arts with this delightful youth performing company. This 1937 standard sizzles with one of the alltime great musical scores and remains surprisingly topical in the intimate Stage 3 Theatre. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601
valleysentinel.com Civic Drive, Walnut Creek. Information: 925-943-7469 or www.lesherartscenter.org.
March 24 Autumn Gem 11am to 2pm. Nicknamed “Autumn Gem,” one woman became the Joan of Arc of China, helping lift her sisters from subservient roles by bringing them education and independence in the early 19th century. Celebrate Women’s History and International month with the DanvilleAlamo-Walnut Creek branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW.) The event, which is open to the public, will be held at historic Diablo Country Club, 1700 Clubhouse Road, Diablo. The 50- minute video of “Autumn Gem” will be followed with a brief talk by
March 2012 producer Rae Chang about this national heroine and Chinese feminist who led the early women’s movement in China. Reservations for lunch $27. $30 after March 19. Mail checks to “Danville Alamo Walnut Creek AAUW,” PO Box 996, Alamo, CA 94507. Include entrée choice of Chicken Piccata, Grilled Atlantic Salmon or Vegetarian pasta. March 24 Night at the Improv 8pm. Join San Ramon Improv U for an interactive evening of improvisational comedy. The show is created on the spot with the help of audience participation and suggestions. Not suitable for children under the age of 18. Tickets: $10. Front Row Theater, 17011 Bollinger Canyon Rd, San Ramon. Information: 925-829-7813 or www.sanramon.ca.gov March 30-April 1 C i v i c A r t s E d u c a t i o n ’s Artists’ Market The semi-annual sale opens with a reception on March 30 from 5–9pm and continues March 31 from
Town of DERMATOLOGY MEDICAL Danville seeks Advanced Dermatology Care communityminded Most Major residents to PPO Insurances andvacancies Medicare fill Accepted for: on four Town Dermatolog committees/ • Psoriasis y fo r the entire • Skin Cancer commissions fa mily!
• Mohs SurgeryYouth Arts Commission, • Phototherapy Representative – 2 year term•beginning July 1, • Impetigo Acne 2012 • Warts • Moles Pa r k s a n d L e i s u re • Cysts • Rashes Services Commission, Youth Representative –• 2Dermatitus • Eczema year• term July Skin beginning Tags • Hair & Nail Disease 1, 2012 •County Rosacea • Pediatric Connection C i t i• zVitiligo e n s A d v i s o r yDermatology Committee – 2 year term beginning immediately. CCTA Citizens Advisory Committee – 2 year term beginning May 1, 2012. Applications are available on the Town’s MEDICAL GROUP, INC. website, www.danville. ca.gov. They are due Michael on J. Tomcik, MD March 29, 2012 no later William Ting, MD than 4:00 p.m. Board Certifi Interviews will take ed Dermatologists with years combined experience place on April over 10 &40 17, 2012 or May 1, 2012. The Town Council will appoint 101 Park Place • San Ramon, CA 94583 commissioners atAdvancedDermCare.com their May 1, 2012 meeting. For more information, Financing Available contact City Clerk Marie Sunseri at (925) 314-3401 or msunseri@danville. ca.gov.
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10am–8 pm and April 1 from 10 am–6pm. Paintings, photography, jewelry, wearable art, textiles and more will be available for that perfect gift. Shadelands Art Center, 111 North Wiget Lane, Walnut Creek. Information: www. walnut-creek.org. March 31 and April 1 Transgenre Contra Costa Chamber Orchestra performs a mix of New York’s 1920s nightclub soundtracks and Europe’s sophisticated classical music scene. Included will be La Creation du Monde by Darius Milhaud, For Aaron by Lukas Foss, An American in Paris by George Gershwin, and Piano Concerto No. 1 in G by Maurice Ravel, featuring internationally-renowned piano soloist Lino Rivera. Saturday, 3/31, 7:30 p.m. Los Medanos College Recital Hall, Pittsburg, Tickets: $5 $10 at the door Sunday, 4/1, 7:30 p.m. Lesher Center for the Arts, Walnut Creek, Tickets: $10 - $30 at the door, by phone (925-943-SHOW), or online at www.LesherArtsCenter.org.
The valley Sentinel
Monte Vista Choir Pops Concert
The award winning Monte Vista High School Choral department, celebrating its thirtieth year under the outstanding direction of Bruce Koliha, presents its annual Pops Concert series Thursday, March 15th and Friday, March 16th at 7:00PM at the Al Gentile Theatre at Monte Vista High School, 3131 Stone Valley Road, Danville. Tickets will be available at www.mvchoir.org (email - mvchoral@gmail.com) from March 5th through March 10th. Make sure to secure your tickets early (only $10.00) These concerts always sell out! Come celebrate another fun POPS Concert with us. For more information contact Michele Sbrana at 925.270.7185.
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The Valley Sentinel
March 2012
valleysentinel.com
Healthy Hikes, Tours, Birding, and More By Beverly Lane, East Bay Regional Park District Board of Directors
There are so many ways to enjoy our East Bay Regional Parks, and the benefits to people of outdoor recreation are many. Studies show that connecting with nature is beneficial to our well-being, physically and mentally. About a year ago, in the spring of 2011, the East Bay Regional Park District began a Healthy Parks Healthy People (HPHP) campaign to encourage people to use the parks for physical and mental health benefits. We modeled it on the successful Healthy Parks Healthy People initiative from Parks Victoria in Australia, which focuses on ways people can use the Regional Parks’ recreation,
interpretive and stewardship programs to get healthy. We also urge people to acknowledge how important national, state, regional, and local parks and open space are to all of us. Here are several ways to use your parks in March: O b s e r v e Va s c o ’ s spectacular rock outcrops and vernal pools – seasonal home of endangered amphibians and fairy shrimp. Learn about the restored grasslands and the geology. Archaeological sites contain Indian rock art, part of a complex dating back nearly 10,000 years. Accessible through guided tours only, staging from Brushy Peak Regional Preserve aboard District-provided bus transportation, the next Vasco Caves Regional Preserves Tours are March 3, 10 and 24. Registration is required and the reservation fee is $30 ($34
for non-residents). To register, phone 888-327-2757 and select option 2. The morning (eastern) side of Mount Diablo hosts a magnificent array of birds for prey: hawks, falcons and eagles. Help our naturalists document their variety and numbers in this fun, citizenscience research project. No experience is necessary. Meet at a different park on the last Thursday of each month. On March 29, the free Raptor Baseline activity is in Morgan Territory. To register, phone 888-327-2757. Select option 2 and refer to program 28511. For young people with artistic talents, the East Bay Regional Park District has a creative outlet. The district has just announced a “Get Active! Youth Art Contest” for youngsters ages 12 through
18. The idea is to showcase art that shows you and your family getting active outdoors in the Regional Parks. Poster art, rap/spoken word, and video skits are all acceptable media. Entrants must be residents of Alameda or Contra Costa county. Entries must be submitted by May 15, either by mail or online. Winners, selected by a panel of judges, will be featured in an exhibit at the Park District’s Healthy Parks Healthy People Festival in June, and in print and online publications of the Park District. For complete contest rules and registration, visit www.getactivecontest.com. The East Bay Regional Park District parks and trails are open to the public every day of the year for healthy outdoor activities. Enjoy them! For other organized activities,
Bird watching is one of many activities led by East Bay Regional Park District naturalists.
including the Trails Challenge, go to our web site at www. ebparks.org. Beverly Lane is a member of the East Bay Regional Park District Board of Directors. Her ward includes Central Contra Costa County from San Ramon through Concord and Pleasant Hill through Clayton.
Health reform law saves $2.1 billion for 3.6 million Americans with Medicare
People identify birds at Big Break Regional Shoreline with Naturalist Mike Moran. Photos by Emily Hopkins, January 2012.
New data show average American with Medicare to save nearly $4,200 through 2021 thanks to health reform 3.6 million people with Medicare saved $2.1 billion on their prescription drugs in 2011 thanks to the Affordable Care Act, according to data issued today by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Savings for people with Medicare will increase over time. According to today’s new report (www.aspe.hhs.gov/) from HHS, the average person with Medicare will save nearly $4,200 by 2021 because of the new law. “The Affordable Care Act is already saving money for millions of Americans with Medicare,” said HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius. “As we move forward, we will close the donut hole completely and save even more money for everyone with Medicare.” The Affordable Care Act provides a 50 percent discount on brand-name prescription drugs and this year, a 14 percent discount on generics. Last year, it provided a seven
percent discount on covered generic medications for people who hit the prescription drug coverage gap known as the donut hole last year, with 2,814,646 beneficiaries receiving $32.1 million in savings on generics. In 2011, the 3.6 million Americans who hit the donut hole saved an average of $604 on the cost of their prescription drugs. D a t a a l s o s h ow t h a t women especially benefitted from the law, with 2.05 million women saving $1.2 billion on their prescription drugs. By 2020, the donut hole will be closed completely. The new report released today by the Department of Health and Human Services finds that this provision and other features of the health reform law will generate substantial savings for people with Medicare. Typical Medicare beneficiaries will save an average of nearly $4,200 from 2011 to 2021. People with high prescription drug costs could save as much as $16,000. The savings are a product
of provisions in the Affordable Care Act and other cost trends that: Decrease prescription d r u g c o s t s f o r s e n i o rs ; Make preventive services like mammograms free for everyone in Medicare; Reduce growth in Part B premiums (for physician services); Reduce growth in cost-sharing under both Parts A (hospital care) and Part B. These announcements come one day after HHS announced that in 2012, Medicare Advantage premiums have fallen by seven percent on average and enrollment has risen by about 10 percent since last year. For more details on that announcement, visit www.hhs.gov/news/ press/2012pres/02/20120201a. html. For state-by-state savings figures for today’s donut hole announcement, visit: www. cms.gov/Plan-Payment/. For more information about donut hole savings, visit www.cms. gov/apps/media/fact_sheets. asp. For the report regarding savings those with Medicare will see over time, visit www. aspe.hhs.gov/_/index.cfm.
CANCER SURVIVORSHIP 101 This is an introduction to post-treatment recovery and beyond. Learn how to create a summary of your treatment and map out a care plan for your recovery. You will leave empowered with the tools to improve your quality of life and achieve a greater sense of well-being. Patients and support people are welcome. With Shell Portner, RN, Survivorship Nurse Navigator at John Muir Cancer Institute and also a cancer survivor. Saturday, April 21st from 10 AM – Noon at Cancer Support Community, 3276 McNutt Avenue, Walnut Creek. FREE. Reservations are required. For information call (925) 933-0107.
valleysentinel.com
March 2012
The Valley Sentinel
Advertorial
Your Plantar Fasciitis can be kicked! Using laser therapy to heal foot pain By Dr. Niele Maimone, DC
What is Plantar Fasciitis? Plantar fasciitis is an irritation and swelling of the thick tissue (plantar fascia) on the bottom of the foot. The plantar fascia is a thick fibrous band of connective tissue originating on the bottom surface of the calcaneus (heel bone) and extending along the sole of the foot toward the five toes. The plantar fascia helps hold up the bones on the bottom of the foot, creating the arch. When this fascia becomes inflamed it makes walking painful and difficult. The pain is usually felt on the underside of the heel and is often most intense with the first steps of the day. Plantar
fasciitis is commonly thought of as being caused by a heel spur, but research has found that this is not the case. On x-ray, heel spurs are seen in people with and without plantar fasciitis. Risk factors for plantar fasciitis include: • Foot arch problems (both flat foot and high arches) • History of low back pain or sciatica • Tight Achilles tendon (the tendon connecting the calf muscles to the heel) • Obesity • Running • Sudden weight gain What treatments are available for Plantar Fasciitis? We s t e r n m e d i c i n e typically treats Plantar Fasciitis
with oral and/or injectable anti-inflammatories. These may temporarily reduce the pain associated with Plantar Fasciitis but they do not treat the cause of the problem, and by no means heal it. Long term correction of Plantar Fasciitis is a two step process. First: Heal the Damaged Fascia Ending the pain caused by Plantar Fasciitis requires stopping the cycle of inflammation. Class IV laser therapy is an excellent method for this, because it is presently the only modality that can both reduce inflammation and heal tissue simultaneously. Laser treatments at Align Healing Center are done with the K-laser 1200 a Class IV Laser. This laser does not cut or burn but is gently absorbed by the
tissue. During Laser Therapy the infrared laser light interacts with tissues at the cellular level, increasing metabolic activity and improving the transport of nutrients across the cell membrane. This initiates the production of cellular energy (ATP) that leads to a cascade of beneficial effects, increasing cellular function and health. This creates an optimal healing environment that reduces inflammation, swelling, muscle spasms, stiffness and pain. As the injured area returns to normal, function is restored and pain is relieved. Second: Correct the Foot and Gait Mechanics This involves rehabilitation of spine as well as the arch of the foot. Arch rehabilitation is achieved by utilizing specific insoles and/or specific taping of the foot in order to reestablish proper motion of
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the arch while walking, then specific strengthening and stretching exercises are used to rehabilitate the musculature of the foot and lower leg to ensure lasting results. At Align Healing Center we are having great success treating plantar fasciitis, sciatica, shoulder and neck pain, migraines, arthritis, tendonitis, carpal tunnel, post surgical pain, sports injuries and more; even if it’s long-term residual pain. Even ar¬thritis and degenerative disc disease sufferers can see long term benefits from this treatment without any of the negative side effects experienced with the long term use of medications. D r. N i e l e M a i m o n e , DC is the founder of Align Healing Center in Danville, CA. She has been active in our natural health & wellness community since 1999. To set up a complimentary consult call 925.362.8283 or visit www. alignhealingcenter.com for more information.
Town co-sponsors upcoming Cancer Syndromes and Importance recycling event of Family History why testing is needed. There list of accepted recyclables expanded Advertorial
Dr. Shoba Kankipati
The majority of Cancers are sporadic, which means that they occur without known family history. However there are specific cancer syndromes that can occur in multiple family members at an early age and can be related to a genetic mutation. Only 8-10% of cancers are g e n e t i c a l l y p re d i s p o s e d . Both affected and unaffected individuals can benefit from knowing their detailed family history. This includes both paternal and maternal family history. Specific cancer syndromes that are commonly identified include cancer of the breast, ovary, uterus, colon, and thyroid. For example: A woman has an 11% chance of developing breast cancer, but if she has a strong family history that number may increase her risk up to 80%. Genes called BRCA1 and BRCA2 are implicated in 8 - 9 % o f b re a s t c a n c e rs. These genes are passed on to a woman or a man from either the mother or father. Which makes knowing both paternal and maternal history very important in cancer risk assessment. These genes are also implicated in ovarian cancer. BRCA2
gene can cause male breast cancer, pancreatic cancer and prostate cancer. An Ashkanzie Jewish woman has a 1 in 40 chance of carrying a BRCA1 or 2 mutation. If a gene is not identified there are other familial syndromes where a specific pattern of increased breast cancer is seen among the women of the family. These women also need to be identified so appropriate risk reduction and surveillance can be offered. Colon cancer can also have genetic or familial disposition. Syndromes called HNPCC (Hereditary Non-Polypsis Colon Cancer), FAP (Familiail Adenomatosis Polyposis of syndrome) can be identified with detailed family history and appropriate testing. Patients with HNPCC are at an increased risk for u t e r i n e c a n c e r, ova r i a n cancer, and cancers in the stomach and small bowel. Pa t i e n t s a n d f a m i l y members are usually reluctant to undergo genetic testing due to concerns about cost and insurance coverage. What they may not know is most health insurance companies will cover most of the costs. Your doctor or genetic counselor might need to write a letter to explain
are also specific assistance programs that can help in cost coverage. Another concern is how the results of genetic testing will affect the chance of getting health or life insurance in the future. In the United States, a federal law known as the Genetic Information N o n d i s c r i m i n a t i o n Ac t prohibits health insurers and employers from using your genetic information. This law is intended to encourage Americans to take advantage of genetic testing if needed. The important message h e re i s t o b e awa re o f your family history, which includes your 1st, 2nd and 3rd generation relatives. If multiple cancers are observed in family members it is important to bring it to your physicians attention so they can guide you in regards to genetic testing for you and your family members. As new information is added to your family history remember to keep updating your primary care doctor about it, as one day you may not qualify for genetic testing and the next day you may. Dr. Kankipati is a board certified Medical Oncologist and Hematologist with Epic Care, a group of experts in the diagnosis and comprehensive treatment of cancer and blood disorders. www.epic-care. com.
Danville residents will have a chance to get rid of their e-waste and other items at a pair of upcoming events. The Town of Danville is co-sponsoring the upcoming UnWaste event to be held at the Danville Park and Ride, Sycamore Valley Road and Camino Ramon. The event will be held April 21-22, 2012 from 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. While all the usual items, such as clothing, accessories, electronics and small household appliances will be accepted, they have expanded their list of allowable items to include wine corks and mattresses. Smaller items can be recycled for free, while large appliances and mattresses will be accepted for a fee. Fees range from $5.00 for microwave ovens to $50.00 for a King mattress. For further information on the UnWaste event, contact Cleanwater Program Coordinator Chris McCann at (925) 3143342 or cmccann@danville.ca.gov.
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Kids’ Camps page 6
The valley Sentinel
March 2012
How to Choose Between ACT and SAT By Jeanie Lerner
By junior year in high school, students start thinking about college. Most students are aware of SAT, but ACT is now also universally recognized and can be used instead. These test
scores can make the difference between receiving college acceptance or rejection letters in the mail. This article will help students determine which test is the better option, based on their strong points.
SAT includes Writing, Reading, and Math tested in ten sections: seven of 25 minutes, two of 20 minutes, and one of 10 minutes. Subjects of sections are random, except the first, which is always an essay, and the last, which is always multiple choice Writing. The test lasts 3 hours 45 minutes, plus breaks. ACT comprises one section each for English (45 minutes), Math (60 minutes), Reading, and Science (35 minutes each), in this order, followed by an optional 30-minute essay. (To determine if a specific school requires the ACT essay, see https://actapps.act.org/ writPrefRM/goSearchInst.do). The test (with the essay) lasts two hours 55 minutes, plus breaks. Both tests primarily use multiple choice format. SAT requires write-in answers for half of one math section. All SAT multiple-choice questions offer five choices, while ACT offers only four (except math, which is five), giving guessers better odds with ACT. In addition, ACT does not penalize wrong answers, while SAT deducts 1/4 point for each wrong answer. T h e S AT “ W r i t i n g ” section is called “English” on ACT. While both include grammar questions, SAT also tests idiomatic expressions and knowledge of forbidden constructions, such as passive and misplaced modifiers. ACT assesses punctuation usage more heavily than SAT and also tests the student’s knowledge of rhetorical strategies in the context of a passage, e.g., “If
valleysentinel.com the writer’s goal was X, did he achieve that goal?” The Math sections are the most similar: both test geometry and algebra. ACT includes a few trigonometry questions, while SAT only goes through algebra II. SAT questions can be tricky, and some require no math skills or knowledge to solve. ACT’s math questions are more straightforward. B o t h t e s t s ’ Re a d i n g sections include questions on long passages. SAT has three features entirely missing on ACT: short passages; comparisons of two passages (of both lengths); and sentence completions, which primarily test vocabulary. SAT questions tend to be abstract and require analogous thinking and interpretation: how might the author respond to X? ACT does not test vocabulary at all, and all four passages are roughly the same length, each with exactly ten questions. AC T p a s s a g e t o p i c s a re Prose Fiction, Social Science, Humanities, and Natural Science. Questions tend to be straightforward and contentbased, e.g., what happened to the character? Finally, ACT has a sevenpassage Science section, which has no SAT equivalent. While this section may scare some students who find science challenging, it’s really just another reading section, focusing primarily on the student’s ability to interpret charts, tables, graphs, and figures. The Science section subject matter draws from many fields, including some rarely offered in high school, such as meteorology, astronomy,
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or zoology. However, all information needed to answer the questions is in the passage, so no prior scientific knowledge is necessary. The essay prompts differ c o n s i d e ra b l y. SAT t e n d s to ask large, philosophical questions on which a typical high schooler may have never reflected, such as, “Does every achievement bring with it new challenges?” An advantage to SAT’s questions is their overarching themes. Diligent students can be ready to respond by preparing specific examples in advance. ACT essay prompts are more oriented toward average high school experience, such as, “Should high school be extended to five years?” The basic scoring is the same for both tests; however, the SAT essay score comprises one third of the Writing score. Students who write the ACT essay get two additional scores: the essay score itself plus a combination score, essay+English. The number range of the ACT and SAT scores are quite different, but this should not affect a student’s test choice. There are also differences in registration fees and payment due dates, but these are so minor they too should not matter. H ow d o e s a s t u d e n t decide? If you like to finish each subject as you go, you prefer straightforward questions, and you’re good at applying and interpreting data and concepts, ACT is the test for you. If you prefer shorter individual sections in a slightly longer test, and you excel in vocabulary and testtaking strategies, take SAT. Many students don’t decide until they’ve had a “taste” of each test. You can do this online: www.actstudent.org/ sampletest/index.html for ACT and sat.collegeboard. org/practice/sat-practice-test for SAT. If you decide to take a real test of each, you can then compare the scores (and experience), choose one, and then focus on raising the scores on that test. Regardless of the test, every student can excel with preparation. Jeanie Lerner has been tutoring high school students for seven years. She holds CA teaching credentials in English, Math, and Multiple Subject. You can reach her at wordwizard@sbcglobal.net or 925-997-9642.
Kids’ Camps valleysentinel.com
March 2012
The valley Sentinel
page 7
Summer camps provide opportunities for growth
AAUW taking scholarship applications
By Nora Heston
The Danville-Alamo-Walnut Creek branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) is offering scholarships to local women. Last year 12 deserving recipients received $1,000 each and one received $1250. This year, awards will be granted for $2000. A special grant will go to the Jane Trittipo scholarship winner. Applicants must be college juniors or higher as of September 2012 at an accredited college or
Parents may send their children to summer camp for a variety of reasons but not all may consider the potential social benefits camp can have for kids, and the world around them. Summer camp may be used as a way to keep your child away from the television all summer, get them interested in new activities or even to hone their skills at a favorite pastime, but there may be added benefits you aren’t considering. Many sources cite social benefits as a major positive to sending your child to summer camp. According to an article on bhg.com, or Better Homes and Gardens, summer camps, especially overnight camps, can help children gain independence, achieve personal growth and learn to accept new, different types of people. While away from home, children are often faced with challenges and new experiences that they are forced to face on their own, without the help of their parents. Learning that they are able to overcome new challenges by themselves can build confidence while helping them realize their independence. Children may even learn something new about their environment and their parents by spending a few weeks away, states bhg. com. Campparents.com credits camps for building self-identity, self-worth, selfesteem, leadership and selfrespect, building personal competencies. “ Fo r ye a rs, c a m p e rs ’ parents have reported that when their children return home from camp they are more caring, understand the importance of giving, are more equipped to stand up for what they know is right and are willing to be more responsible,” states campparents.com, citing the above qualities as those that will help build a successful nation and a civil society. While learning to take care of themselves is a given, University Center for the Performing Arts stated campers often learn to take care of
younger campers as well, building their self esteem and teaching them responsibility while the younger campers may benefit from a newfound independence and an ability to build new friendships with different children. “ K i d s l e a r n t o wo r k together for a common goal and find their place within the team. When they complete their task successfully, each team member is rewarded and they learn to respect each other for their hard work,” according to the University Center for the Performing Arts website. “Regardless of race, religion or beliefs, kids work and play together and forget their differences and feel they are all the same. Through these accepted differences, tolerance becomes part of
their life, a skill that is much needed in today’s world.” The benefits listed above are just some of the social skills said to be developed through camp. While these new attributes and skills can help your child individually, your child’s participation in summer camp could be part of something bigger, potentially adding to the experiences of other campers or benefitting their community as a whole through personal growth. With spring break around the corner, parents can take advantage of upcoming spring break camps in Danville and San Ramon to get their children prepared for longer summer camps and start reaping the benefits of a camp environment early.
university. Graduate and post graduate students can also apply. Applicants will be accepted from Walnut Creek and the San Ramon Valley–please see the website for more specific requirements. Applications are online at www.aauw-daw.org. They must be postmarked by April 1, 2012 and will be evaluated on the basis of scholarship, educational goals and campus or community involvement.
Summer is just around the corner! Saint Mary’s Athletic Summer Camps
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Call now for fun Birthday parties!
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ion Start Spring Sess
Spring Home & Garden page 8
The valley Sentinel
March 2012
Over 25 years experience!
Careful Garden Planning Simplifies By Calvin Craig
“Low maintenance” is the criteria most requested when people approach me for a new or revised landscape. How much maintenance your property will need is largely a result of its design. If carefully planned, landscapes can be designed to require little maintenance. Design can affect how much water and electricity you will use and thus your home utility costs; for example, the placement of trees can provide passive cooling for your home and lower your bill in the summer. As well as increasing your enjoyment, a well designed landscape can save costs to you and the environment. Plant choice and placement is a primary concern when planning for maintenance. It’s amazing how often I see properties designed by landscape architects with shrubs whose mature size aught to be 18 feet tall being kept at 3’ tall. This requires constant shearing most of the year, which means increased labor, gasoline, and hauling off of debris, which is costly to the environment and to the owner. A plant
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that grows naturally to 3 feet could have been used, requiring minimal care. These sorts of problems happen far too often, owing to the arrogance of some landscape professionals, who value architecture or construction over horticulture, and fail to consider the owner’s long term needs. The first thing a landscape design professional should do is a customer interview and site analysis to find out what the client needs and what will be appropriate for the site. Choosing plants that are well adapted to the setting and require minimal human intervention can make a huge difference, although the tradeoff for a higher maintenance plant like tea roses or lawns may be worth it in some cases. Generally I recommend, if the client wants some thirsty, highmaintenance plants, that they be placed close to your home where they will receive more attention and can be properly enjoyed. Lawns take a great deal of resources in terms or water, labor, and negative environmental impact. On the other hand, they are an important space for children of all ages to play and can improve resale value. Most i n f o r m e d d e s i g n e rs n ow recommend only as much turf area as you actually need, instead of using lawn as a default to fill space. Lawns can be made more water efficient and sustainable through intelligent irrigation management and the use of organic fertilizers. Privacy is often a big concern and is usually best achieved with a combination of small to medium trees, large shrubs and informal hedges that require minimal pruning. Hardscape solutions include walls, planted walls, arbors, and fences. Homeowners often go overboard by planting what will become a 90 foot tall redwood tree in their small backyard to screen off the neighbors’ two story house, when all they needed was that shrub that would grow to 18 feet tall and stop. Eventually the redwood will lose its lower limbs and you will need that tall shrub anyway. We e d s a r e a l s o a major annoyance for many
gardeners. Good design and installation practices can greatly reduce many weed problems. Applying a layer of cardboard under 3 inches of mulch at planting time and spacing the plants to fill in within the first few years to cover the soil will minimize weed growth. Permanent plastic weed barriers cause more problems than they solve, except in non-planted gravel areas. Cleaning up leaves, even with a gas blower, is a noisy, smelly chore. We can use good design and maintenance practices to minimize the leaves that have to be picked up. Designing with smaller leaved trees or small largeleaved trees makes the job a lot easier. If the leaves can fall in between the plants, they are creating mulch and improve the soil, feeding the plants and trees, which is how good soil is maintained in nature. Many people are now getting accustomed to seeing oak leaves under their oak trees forming healthy, natural mulch instead of insisting on the scorched-earth aesthetic of past decades. Now we try to use the leaves as mulch in the landscape or on the lawn, where a mulching mower can chop them into tiny pieces that fall between the blades of grass and enrich the soil as the leaves are decomposed by earthworms, beneficial bacteria, and fungi. So, leave the leaves if you can. The design of hardscape elements can affect maintenance by using longlasting materials that do not need constant cleaning, sealing, and repainting. Good hardscape design can also reduce maintenance demands by planning paths for access, ramps for mowers, edging to retain invasive groundcovers, and situating patios, pools, water features in such a way as not to impede long-term maintenance. I admit: there is no such thing as a no-maintenance garden. A well-planned landscape can require minimal maintenance, yet have highquality visual impact, and be less demanding on your wallet and the earth. Calvin Craig has been practicing landscape design, installation and maintenance locally for the past 25 years.
Spring Home & Garden valleysentinel.com RAIN from page 1
Nevada are already facing water shortages. (Source: Water Consciousness edited by Tara Lohan) Going with the Flow I tried several practical measures to deal with the flow of water off my roof near my front door. First, I used buckets to collect the water cascading from the hole in the gutter. I soon realized just how much water comes off the roof in a rainstorm. My method was clearly inadequate. So I brought in bigger containers. This time I used 25 gallon plastic garbage cans. These held more water, but were too heavy to drag to my pond where I intended to use the water. (It should be noted here that rainwater is the ideal choice for replenishing water lost to evaporation from a natural pond. Treated water is toxic to fish, amphibians and aquatic invertebrates.) As I was transferring water in 5 gallon containers from the garbage cans to the pond, I began to feel the absurdity of it all. “Was it really that important to conserve water?” I thought to myself. The answer for one opposed to waste in any form, “Unequivocally, yes!” But, this was time-consuming and backbreaking work! The water flow was considerable and I literally could not keep up with it. I was sure that had anyone been watching this dance from a distance, they would find it highly amusing. Doing the Math I learned when I began researching rainwater
March 2012 harvesting that there is, indeed, a formula for determining the amount of rain that falls off a certain size roof during a typical rainy season in our area and I did the math. (see side box) It convinced me that this was the time for a system to harvest as much as possible of the 25,000 gallons of water coming off of my roof annually, filter it, convey it and let it come to rest in dark-colored storage devices. I will save you the part about finding a contractor and getting a design, ordering the materials and installing the system. That story will be told with visual enhancement at the Lafayette Library on Earth Day, April 22nd (www. lllcb.org) So why do rainharvesting? In my case it was an opportunity to be true to myself while dealing with a necessary repair and solve many of my outside water needs, namely irrigation and pond water replacement, with the best water possible for such purposes. I could reduce my purchase of treated water (treated at great energy expense) for irrigation purposes in a fairly arid region on a good size suburban lot. I would be on a path to water self-reliance. Given that I did a portion of the labor and directly purchased many of the system components, I determined that the payback period would be about 5 years. But this is not just about economics. It is about protecting the 1% of the earth’s water that is available to us for biological purposes, a g r i c u l t u r e, r e c r e a t i o n , industry, energy and for the
other living things with whom we share the planet. Rainwater harvesting has the benefit of reducing flooding, restoring groundwater supplies, providing the best water for irrigation purposes, and reducing the demand for high-energy treated water. With population expected to grow in California, existing treated water supplies can be spread more broadly for drinking water would not have to be used for irrigation p u r p o s e s. I n a d d i t i o n i t preserves water quality in creeks. When water drains from our streets, parking lots and lawns, dangerous pollutants are picked up reducing water quality. This water runoff also contains toxic waste, bacteria and trash harmful to humans, fish and wildlife. (Contra Costa Clean Water Program) I have written this article from the perspective of a homeowner trying t o m a ke l e m o n a d e f ro m lemons. Sometimes there are serendipitous results when one is open to change. Who would have thought that dealing with a broken gutter would have led me to a whole new See MORE RAIN page 11
The valley Sentinel
page 9
The Formula 1. Find out how much rain falls in your area each month at http://water.weather.gov 2. Determine the square footage of your roof 3. Convert inches of rain to gallons of water: (catchment comes in square feet) x rainfall (inches) x 0.623 = gallons of water. This is the maximum potential for collected rainfall 4. Multiply the total by 75 to 90 percent for a more conservative estimate. 5. Compare available rainwater to your monthly water use for irrigation purposes 6. Consider how much rainwater you need/want to save and space for storage.
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page 10
The valley Sentinel
March 2012
Student from Danville achieves college basketball success UC Irvine sophomore guard Chris McNealy from Danville, California, is currently a member of the UC Irvine basketball team. He has started all 21 games this season for the Anteaters and is showing how much he has improved since his freshman season. McNealy leads the team with 65 assists, good for eighth in the Big West Conference. He is also the team’s best free throw shooter, averaging 79 percent from the charity stripe this season. Chris hopes to be an all Big West conference player like his father, also named Chris, who earned the honor while at San Jose State.
valleysentinel.com
Applications for grand jury service sought The Contra Costa County Superior Court is accepting applications for Civil Grand Jury Service for the fiscal year 2012-2013 term. The Civil Grand Jury is made up of 19 members who serve for one year, July through June, to monitor, review and report on city and county governments, special districts and school districts. “Grand Juries are the citizen watchdogs of civic functions,” says current Grand Jury Foreperson Lloyd Bell. “All county citizens have the authority to call the juries’ attention to issues within their governmental agencies that they think should be reviewed.” Every effort is made to ensure that the Grand Jury reflects the makeup of the residents of the county. Approximately 60 applicants will be selected to be interviewed by ‘the Grand Jury Selection Committee, which is composed of Superior Court Judges. After interviews, the judges will nominate approximately 30 applicants to constitute a grand jury pool from which the final panel of 19 will be selected by random drawing. Individuals selected for service will be expected to be available during the last two weeks of June to meet with outgoing jurors, tour county facilities, meet with department h e a d s, b e c o m e f a m i l i a r
with their colleagues, learn about juror responsibilities and procedures, and select committees on which they will serve. Grand jurors must be United States citizens, 18 years of age or older, who have been a resident of Contra Costa County for at least one year prior to selection. They cannot currently hold any elected position within the county. Applicants should have reliable transportation to Martinez, and must be prepared to devote at least 20 hours per week to Civil Grand Jury service. Citizens who work should apply only if they can be released from their jobs to perform the jury duties. Applicants selected as one of the 30 nominees will be fingerprinted before the drawing. Jurors receive a stipend for attending full jury and committee meetings and are reimbursed for allowable jury travel. Parking permits are provided to park in the City of Martinez while performing Grand Jury duties.Persons interested in applying may contact the Office of the Civil Grand Jury at (925) 957-5638, or visit the website at www. cc-courts.orq/qrandiury to receive additional information regarding service on the Civil Grand Jury and to obtain an application. Application deadline is Friday, April 13.2012.
Young Returning Veteran is Grateful for Local Programs U S A r my S g t . Te re s a Somoza was recently honored with a Welcome Home Celebration by her a p p re c i a t i ve S a n Ra m o n Valley neighbors. She came home on leave to Alamo after serving in Kandahar, Afghanistan. That was her second deployment to Afghanistan, following a tour in Iraq. Te r e s a h a s h a d experiences that many of us cannot even imagine. She deserves the best when she returns to her hometown. Many new programs are envisioned at the renovated a n d e x p a n d e d Ve t e r a n s Memorial Building of San Ramon Valley. Some of the line up to support our local population of younger Ve t e r a n s i n c l u d e : S t a t e Employment Development Department Outreach; Family Outreach Services; Vocational Rehabilitation
Training and Counseling; plus Support Groups for E m p l oy m e n t A s s i s t a n c e, Current Veterans Issues, and Social Interaction. “I appreciate that these opportunities will be available right in our Valley. Returning to civilian life can be a huge adjustment for many, and it will be great to have these resources,” said Teresa. “Thank you to our community for providing a place for Veterans of all ages.” N ow h e l p i s n e e d e d to complete this exciting project for Veterans, for our seniors, for non-profit groups, businesses, those wishing to have party or wedding, and generations of our neighbors. You can make a donation and/or learn more about this building at srvVeteransHall.org or call the Veterans office at (925) 362-9806.
valleysentinel.com MORE RAIN from page 9
way of thinking about water and be able to offer public policy recommendations to our district’s state senator. Imagine the energy savings if there were tax incentives or rebates for reducing our use of treated water as there have been for solar energy installations. What if we did as Joel Salatin has suggested in his new book with an eye to making every home water self-sufficient and preserving our precious water: 1) encourage water barrels, 2) give 100% tax credits for rerouting plumbing to take graywater into flush toilets, 3) no recreational water from public sources, 4) alternative toilets, 5) encourage farm ponds. We would be making a huge difference in protecting fresh water supplies, healthy fish populations, and meeting drinking water requirements for a growing population. Think, too, of the green jobs that would be created in a state desperate for tax revenue and of the community enhancement that could take place as well. Rainharvesting is not
March 2012 rocket science. It is fairly low cost and uses simple, readily available materials. Sites vary. Storage tanks vary in size, color and shape and some are even collapsible to accommodate available spaces and topography. We are, quite simply, coupling ancient technological ideas with modern equipment. The technique need not, in fact, should not, be applied only to residences. Those of us residing in Contra Costa County have received ballots to be returned by April 6th for the 2012 Clean Water Initiative. The stated goals of the Contra Costa Clean Water Program are as follows: • P ro t e c t s o u rc e s o f clean drinking water from contamination and pollution • Ke e p t ra s h a n d pollution out of local lakes, creeks, rivers, the Delta and Bay • Prevent illegal or toxic discharges of pollution into water and last but not least • Catch, treat and use rainwater -Harvest and use rainwater for landscape irrigation, to conserve clean drinking water and to eliminate pollutant discharges.
Yes, we are on the same page! Rainharvesting is not a panacea and may not work for everybody. There are other low cost solutions for reducing our impact on precious freshwater supplies outside of our homes. Consider incorporating a raingarden in your landscape. Install a waterbar in your driveway or use pervious pavers when renovating your patio. My system has given me water security for the extensive garden that sustains me. There was an additional benefit in that the entire effort also became a community engaging activity. We all have to start the process somewhere. In the words of author, Oberlin College professor and Bioneer, David Orr; “It makes better sense to reshape ourselves to fit a finite planet than to attempt to reshape the planet to fit our infinite wants.: Judy Adler is a Contra Costa County environmental educator and sustainable gardener. Visit www.diablonature. com for information about her field trips for school groups and other activities. To learn more about her rainharvesting system go to www.lllcf.org
Salutes and Salutations - Chamber Installation, Community Awards evening also benefits Veterans Memorial Building has consistently exhibited By StaffWriter
O n Fe b r u a r y 2 3 , t h e Danville Area Chamber of Commerce celebrated its swearing in of the new 2012 Chairman of the Board and new Chamber Board members. Kim Lindeberg steps down and Jonathan Watts , Attorney at Law steps up to lead in this new year. A dinner of small plates from ten local restaurants provided a delicious backdrop to the wonderful raffle and the awards ceremony. Dee Thompson, from the Law Office of Terry L. Thompson, received the chairman’s award.
The Citizen of the year award went to San Ramon Valley Fire Chief Richard Price for his commitment to public service and citizenhelping-citizen outreach with the PulsePoint foundation and CPR application for smartphone devices. The Business Person of the Year award was presented to Marcia Harmon, owner of Cottage Jewel and chairman of the Discover Danville Association. Presented by The Valley Sentinel, the Educator of the Year Award was given t o S a n R a m o n Va l l e y High’s Janet Willford. She
Under 14 boys win again
The East Bay Rays U14 AAA Travel Ball team has chalked up another Tournament Title in the “Mistlin Madness” event in Ripon California on March 3rd and 4th. The East Bay Rays won 4 straight behind the coaching of Tony Braden and Henry Nunez. The weekend culminated on March 4th with a Championship game victory, where the Rays beat the North Bay Redbirds 8-5. MVP of the Tourney was Zach Scherman who pitched a complete game in
the Championship Showdown with 4 RBI’s. “We won this Tourney with a team effort. Everyone hit and everyone had their hearts in the game and no one ever gave up”, said Coach Braden. Team Members: Tony Raya, Jacob Hord, Zach Scherman, Jordan Mann, Daniel Walsh, Alex Nunez,
motivation and guidance of her leadership students. She has been a teacher for more than 15 years and has been a champion for the “It Happens” teen driving safety campaign and more. The Charitable Organization of the Year award was presented to The W h e e l c h a i r Fo u n d a t i o n , founded by Kenneth Behring in 2000. the Foundation has delivered or committed almost 900,000 wheelchairs to over 156 countries throughout the world. Money was also raised for the new Veterans Memorial Building. Beto Dieste, Michael Gallager, James Colyer, Dillon Ponce, Ajay John, James Maldonado, Nate Lira, Drew Davidson, Jack Large, and Nolan Legan.
The valley Sentinel READ-A-THON from page 1
join the initiative. She said: “One if the reasons I chose to support A.H.A.V.A. is because reading makes me happy, and I want to share my happiness with everyone else. This project seems like the perfect way for me to give back to the Jewish community.” Her mother Caryn added: “This project is perfect for Cayla because she is such an avid reader and she really loves the opportunity to work with children. It’s also great to promote literacy in all languages.” Director of A.H.A.V.A Gaila Cohen Morrison said: “I think that it is marvellous that someone so young is willing to spend her time and effort to help kids who love so far away. The money Cayla raises will go towards our Scholarship Fund for children who can’t afford the extra English tuition that would help them so much.” She added: “English is crucial for children to learn well at school. It opens up a world of wider reading and opens up opportunities for them later on in life. ”In 2009, of the total number of Israelis in the 12th grade age group just 39% matriculated at a
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level that would enable them to be accepted to university. This year A.H.A.V.A is also hoping to raise awareness about the issue of English literacy by creating what is expected to be the biggest book ever made in Israel. “The Giant’s Book” stands two metres tall by one metre wide and is about a giant who can’t find a book big enough to read. Children’s author and illustrator Netanel Epstein has made the front cover for the book. School children participating in this year’s read-a-thon have all been given words to write and design. Cayla has also been given a word to design which will also feature in the giant book which will be displayed in schools after the read-a-thon is completed. The Ma’aleh Adumim Municipality sponsors the A.H.A.V.A. Read-a-thon along with the local branches of Bank Hapoalim, Steimatsky, Re/Max, Burgers Bar and Aroma as well as Janis Design, Midbar Yehuda Ranch, the Castel Museum Cafe and the Nof Hayarden Event Hall. For more information about the Read-a-thon or A.H.A.V.A please contact ahava.org@ gmail.com or take a look at www.ahava-english.org.
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Don’t Drink & Drive on St. Patrick’s Day! (or any day!) St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Festival March 17 10am-5pm. Join the West Coast’s largest Irish event celebrating Irish history and culture! The Parade is set to begin at 11:30am at the corner of Market and Second Streets where over a hundred colorful floats, Irish dance troupes and marching bands will wind there way to Civic Center Plaza. Civic Center Plaza Park, San Francisco. Information: www. sresproductions.com. Learn to Paint Marble, Granite, and Stone Faux Finishes March 19 & 26 Roxana Santos De Hayden is a master at creating beautiful Italian and European-styled art. She is holding classes to teach the public how to paint marble, granite, and stone faux finishes. San Ramon. Information: 551-3788 and RoxanaSantosDeHayden.com. March Wine Walk March 21 6-9pm. Presented by the Walnut Creek Downtown Business Association and features boutique wineries from the greater East Bay region. Guests are invited to stroll through the many unique retail shops and restaurants of Downtown Walnut Creek, while enjoying some of the finest local wines. Tickets: $30 in advance and $35 the day of the event. Guests must be 21 or over to participate. Information/tickets: www. walnutcreekdowntown.com. “Building an Iconic Bridge” Special Presentation March 27 2pm. Sarah Len, representative for the Bay Bridge public information office, will give presentation about the rebuilding of the Bay Bridge after the 1989 Loma Prieta Earthquake. Tickets: at the door are $10 for sponsor members and $15 for guests. Danville at the Village Theater, 233 Front Street, Danville. Information: 925-837-3750 or www.museumsrv.org. Safe Senior Driving March 27 10-11am. Rosemary Robles, one of four ombudsmen statewide for the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), will inform seniors on what they need to know to keep driving for as long as they can do so safely. Danville Library Mt. Diablo Room, 400 Front Street, Danville. Information: www.danville.ca.gov or 925-314-3400. The Brahms Requiem April 1 7pm. On Palm Sunday, the Walnut Creek Presbyterian Church will be presenting The Brahms Requiem. It features the WCPC Sanctuary Choir and Orchestra with a reception following the concert. It is open to the public and free. WCPC, 1801 Lacassie Avenue, Walnut Creek. Information: 925-935-1574. Easter Eggstravaganza April 7 9am-1:30pm. Hop down to the Danville Community Center for our Eggstravaganza, a fun-filled morning of Easter egg hunts, arts and crafts, face painting, and more. Hunts are organized by age so every child has equal opportunity to find treasurefilled eggs. Pre-registration is required. Danville Community Center, 420 Front Street, Danville. Registration: 925-314-3400. Information: www.danville.ca.gov. Trail Mixer: Remington Road Trail, Las Trampas Park April 7 9am-12pm. Whether you’re an avid outdoorsman or a casual hiker, come explore the trails at Danville’s Trail Mixers. Each month we’ll visit the regional parks in your own backyard and
spend the day off the beaten path staying fit and making new friends. Pre-registration is required. Register online: www. danvillerecguide.com. Information: Sheena Wellman-Miner at swellman-miner@danville.ca.gov.
SENIORS Danville Seniors Sneaker Trips: All trips meet at the Danville Park & Ride lot unless otherwise noted in the trip details. Reserve your spot at the Danville Community Center, 420 Front Street, on or before the registration date beginning at 8:30am. Information: 314-3400. Buzz Sessions: Get the buzz on topics and issues facing today’s older adults and talk with the experts. Buzz Sessions are always free! Information: 314-3400. San Ramon Seniors The following events are held at the Alcosta Senior & Community Center, 9300 Alcosta Blvd., San Ramon. Information: 973-3250 Wisdom Wednesdays: Free Workshops geared towards informational sessions that benefit your needs. They will give you free access to coffee, knowledge and a better understanding of important issues. Information: 973-3250.
members and prospective members. This meeting offers an overview of the Chamber, programs and events, public policy initiatives and activities, sponsorship opportunities, networking, and ways to get involved. Chamber Conference Room, 1777 Botelho Drive, Suite 103 Walnut Creek. Information: walnutcreek.com or 925-934-2007.
CLUBS and ORGANIZATIONS Mt. Diablo Branch of the California Writers Club March 10 11:15am. Sean Hazlett presents “Blogging to Build an Audience 101.” Reservations are required. $20 for CWC members, $25 for guests. Zio Fraedo’s Restaurant, 611 Gregory Lane, Pleasant Hill. Reserve: Jean at jeaniegpops@comcast.net or phone 925934-5677. Information: cwcmtdiablowriters.wordpress.com. Alamo-Danville Newcomers Club March 13 For new or long-time of Alamo, Danville, and surrounding areas. Monthly luncheons usually 2nd Tuesdays of each month. This will be our ‘sweetest’ luncheon ever as we are lucky to have Danville Chocolates speaking to us about everything you ever wanted to know about chocolate...who can resist? Reservations required: alamodanvillenewcomers@yahoo.com or 925-775-3233. Information: alamodanvillenewcomers.com.
Trips Trip Desk is open Tuesday & Thursday, 10am-1pm. Information: 973-3250. Sign up for Casino Trips and Van Trips at the travel desk or by depositing payment with registration form in the gold drop box found at the main entryway.
Cancer Support Community March 13, 20, 24 Various workshops throughout the month are offered by the Cancer Support Community to be of help to those with cancer or those who are supporting someone with cancer. Free. Cancer Support Community, 3276 McNutt Avenue, Walnut Creek; reservations required. Information/reserve: 925-933-0107.
Monday Lunch Trips - Taste of the Tri-Valley Explore local restaurants with others from the Senior Center. Larry Rossi will pick up San Ramon residents from their homes at approximately 11:00am. Non-residents will have to find their own way to the Senior Center to be picked up there at 10:30am. Each lunch trip will be approximately 2 ½ hours. The fee pays for the transportation. All participants will be required to pay for their own meal. $5 (R)/$6 (N).
Catholics@Work March 13 7-8:15am. Lydia Fisher, “The Cinderella of Wall Street,” will be the March Speaker. Fisher, founder/President of Galyda Media will speak on “Humanistic Capitalism- A Fantasy Tale or A Real Solution.” $20 for members, $25 for non-members. Crow Canyon Country Club, 711 Silver Lake Drive, Danville. Information: 925-525-0272 or www.CatholicsAtWork.org.
BUSINESS Danville Area Chamber of Commerce March 8 Mixer 5:30pm. East Bay Gas Lines, 85A Front Street, Danville. Information: danvilleareachamber.com or call 925-837-4400.
San Ramon Valley Newcomers Club March 15 New and long-time residents of San Ramon are welcome to the monthly luncheon. The speaker will be Harry Hubinger, an author of a monthly column “Stamps on my Passport.” $21. Faz Restaurant, 600 Hartz Avenue, Danville. Informations/reserve: Grace at 925-828-8554.
San Ramon Chamber of Commerce March 13 Third Thursday Mixer 5:30-7:30pm. Food Service Technology Center is co-hosting the Mixer and is funded through PG&E. Meet other business owners for an opportunity to network and make your business more visible. $5 for members and $20 for non-members. Yiping Chinese Cuisine, 2416 San Ramon Valley Blvd., Suite 140, San Ramon. Information: sanramon.org.
Montelindo Garden Club March 16 10:30am with social hour before. Jill Appenzeller is a landscape designer and member of numerous garden related organizations including the American Society of Landscape Gardeners and the Royal Horticulture Society. Her first book, “Postcards from the Hedge” was published in 2010. Public welcome. Orinda Community Church, 10 Irwin Way, Orinda. Information: montelindogarden.com.
Danville Area Chamber of Commerce March 22 State of the Town with Mayor Candace Anderson 11:30am. Crow Canyon Country Club, 711 Silver Lake Drive, Danville. Information: danvilleareachamber.com or call 925837-4400.
The Parkinson Network of Mt. Diablo Support Group March 17 10am-12pm. After refreshments and a time of sharing general information, we will divide into discussion/sharing groups: Parkinsonian women, PD men, and caregivers. All are welcome. Free. Grace Presbyterian Church, 2100 Tice Valley Blvd., Walnut Creek. Information: Ronalee Spear at 925-284-2189 or Ronnie Wanetick at 925-933-6357. A group for Young-Onset Parkinson’s (20’s - 50’s) will meet at 9 am at the same location. Information: Krystin Radke at 925-336-9554.
San Ramon Chamber of Commerce March 27 New and Future Member Orientation 4-5pm. Please come and learn about the various Chamber services that can benefit your business. No RSVP is needed. Free. Bishop Ranch 6, 2400 Camino Ramon Conference Room 158/K, San Ramon. Information: sanramon.org. Walnut Creek Chamber of Commerce March 28 New Members Orientation 4-5pm. Join us at our orientation for new members, existing
San Ramon Valley Genealogical Society March 20 10am-12pm. The program will be Getting Ready for the 1940 Census with speaker Stephen P. Morse. The program will be of interest to both beginner and the more advanced genealogist. Library of the LDS Church, 2949 Stone Valley Road, Alamo. Information: Ed O’Donnell 925-299-0881, srvgensoc.org, or e-mail SRVGS@SRVGenSoc.org.
Please email or fax your Calendar Events to the Sentinel by 5pm on the 20th of the month proceeding publication month. Fax No. 925-820-6048,info@valleysentinel.com or go to valleysentinel.com to enter your event online. Inclusion in the calendar pages is at the sole discretion of Sentinel Newspapers, Inc.
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Recurring: Mondays Walnut Creek Garden Club 9:30am. Every second Monday of the month. The Gardens at Heather Farm, 1540 Marchbanks Road, Walnut Creek. Information: email jadmd3@sbcglobal.net. Danville Rotary 12-1:30pm. Meets every Monday. Faz Restaurant, Danville Information: danvillerotary.org or call Victor at 838-8721. Strike a Chord 7-9pm. Strike a Chord, a recently formed woman’s chorus, has openings for new members. The ensemble is under the direction of Suzie Peterson, and performs music from Bach to Broadway with a little jazz thrown in. Auditions will be set up accordingly. Information: strikeacord@gmail.com or call Benedikte at 925-935-4313. Tuesdays Danville/Sycamore Valley Rotary 7am. Join us at the Crow Canyon Country Club every Tuesday morning for a good breakfast and great company. Information: dsvrotary. com of call Scott Sampson at 7438449. Danville AM Toastmasters Club 7-8:30am. Meets every Tuesday. New members welcome. Father Nature’s Restaurant, Danville. Information: danvilleam.freetoasthost.org. Diablo View Toastmasters 8:15-9:15am. Meets every Tuesday. CMG Mortgage - 4th Floor Conference Room, 3160 Crow Canyon
March 2012
Community Calendar Road, San Ramon. Information: 4160.toastmastersclubs.org. Alamo-Danville Newcomers Club For new or long-time residents of Alamo, Danville, and surrounding areas. Monthly luncheons usually 2nd Tuesdays of each month. Reservations required: alamodanvillenewcomers@yahoo.com or (925) 775-3233. Information: alamodanvillenewcomers.com. Walnut Creek Kiwanis Club 12:10-1:30pm. Meets every Tuesday. Massimo’s Ristorante, 1604 Locust Street, Walnut Creek. Information: kiwanisofwalnutcreek.org. Walnut Creek Rotary Club 12:15-1:30. Meets every Tuesday. Heather Farms Garden Center, 1540 Marchbanks Drive, Walnut Creek. Information: rotarywc.org. Wednesdays Alamo Rotary Noon. Meets every Wednesday at Round Hill Country Club, Alamo. Information: alamorotary.org or call Mark Kahn at 837-3262. Walnut Creek Host Lion’s Club 12:15pm. Meets the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Wednesdays of each month. Black Bear Diner, 700 Bancroft Road, Walnut Creek. Information: walnutcreeklions.org. Hospice Drop-In Bereavement Support Group Drop-in support 4:30-6pm. 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of the month. Hospice of the East Bay, 3470 Buskirk Avenue, Pleasant Hill. Information: 887-5681.
San Ramon Valley Rotary Club 7pm. Meets every Wednesday. Crow Canyon Country Club, 711 Silver Lake Drive, Danville. Information: sanramonvalleyrotary.com or call 365-1435. D a n v i l l e To a s t m a s t e r s C l u b #1785 7:30-9pm. Meets every Wednesday. Room W204 at Diablo Valley College. 1690 Watermill Road, San Ramon. Information: danvilletoastmasters1785.com. Walnut Creek Toastmasters 7-8:15pm. Meets every Wednesday. 1660 Oak Park Blvd, Pleasant Hill. Information: walnutcreek.freetoasthost.net. Blue Star Moms 7-9pm. The second Wednesday of every month. Hap Magee Ranch Park Swain House, 1025 La Gonda Way, D anville. Information: bluestarmoms.org. Exchange Club of the San Ramon Valley 2nd Wednesdays lunch at FAZ. 600 Hartz, Danville. Information: 275-2412 or email coachstepper@ yahoo.com.
The Valley Sentinel
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continued Clutterer’s Anonymous: 7 to 8pm. Too much stuff? Join us every Thursday evening in Room 7 of the Ed Building at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church, 1491 San Miguel Dr., Walnut Creek. Free.Iinformation contact Sharon at 285-7165.
Brazilian Dimensional Embroidery International Guild 10am-2pm. Enjoy dimensional stitching and a potluck lunch on the fourth Saturday of each month in Walnut Creek. For more information, call Carolyn at (925) 827-2881.
Diablo Valley Lions Club 7:30pm. Meets every 1st, 3rd, and 4th Thursday. 1400 Montego Drive, Walnut Creek. Information: diablovalleyca.lionwap.org. Veterans of Foreign Wars of United States 7:30pm. Every second Thursday of the month. Swain House at Hap Magee Ranch Park, 1025 La Gonda Way, Danville. Information: 925875-1747 or www.vfwpost75.org. Saturdays: Diablo Region of the Porsche Club of America 7:30-9am. Meets every Saturday. Buttercup Bar and Grill, 660 Ygnacio Valley Road,Walnut Creek. Information: diablo-pca.org.
Be kind to the Environment – Please recycle this newSpaper
Thursdays Kiwanis of San Ramon Noon. Meets every Thursday at Round Hill Country Club, 3169 Round Hill Rd., Alamo. Information: 648-4800. Rotary Club of San Ramon 12:00 -1:30pm. Meets every Thursday at the Crow Canyon Country Club, San Ramon. Information: sanramonrotary.org or call Bill Harlan at 457-6589.
Classifieds FOR SALE Madame Alexander Doll Collection 31 Madame Alexander dolls (8 inch) in great condition with original boxes Call for list of Dolls. (925) 595-4148 $1200 OBO. Blue Victorian Dollhouse Kit Assembled with Furniture Call for price. (925) 595-4148
SERVICES (K-12) Tutoring by California State Certificated Teacher Reasonable rates, flexible tutoring schedule to meet the student’s needs. Contact information: mkelleysanramon@ comcast.net or (925) 339-8943.
Pool Service–If your pool looks like a pond, call John at 925-584-6333. It’s the last pool maintenance call you will have to make.
HELP WANTED S a l e s E x e c u t i v e : T h e Va l l e y Sentinel Newspaper has immediate openings for two sales positions. No sales experience necessary, we will train. Must have an outgoing personality and a positive attitude. Compensation based on performance. The Valley Sentinel covers the most desirable areas of the Bay Area–Alamo, Danville, Blackhawk, Diablo and San Ramon. Please email your resume and r e q u e s t fo r i n te r v i e w to u s a t drousset@valleysentinel.com.
The Valley Sentinel is seeking interns with web experience and interest in journalism, and marketing, and community outreach. Please email us at drousset@valleysentinel.com, with your qualifications and interests. We’re developing various outreach projects in several departments and would love an interested person along who wants to learn and be part of the team.
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Danville • Blackhawk • Alamo • Diablo • San Ramon
Community News & Information
Publisher/Editor – Denise Rousset Chief Financial Officer – Jeff Gummere Writer, Auto – David & Judy Colman Contributing Writer – Joan Trezek Graphic Designer – Laurie Prindle Intern – Stephanie Steinbrecher 390 Diablo Road, Suite 145 Danville, CA 94526
925-820-6047
Website: www.valleysentinel.com
AUTO
page 14
maintenance • new cars • used cars • after market • safety March 2009 March 2012 The valley Sentinel
2012 TOYOTA PRIUS c By David and Judy Colman
The Prius is the Japanese version of the Swiss Army Knife. You can buy a lot of different versions to fit your needs. There’s original Prius, which Toyota now terms the “liftback” model in order to distinguish it from the recently introduced “V” version, a stretched model with roomier interior. Now a third version is coming on line called “c” for city transport. The Prius c is a smaller and significantly lighter offspring of the world’s most successful hybrid vehicle. It weighs nearly 600 pounds less than any other Prius, and
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costs significantly less as well. The c model will be offered in 4 levels of trim, with the base model retailing for just $18,950. If you bump all the way up to level 4, you’ll still lay out only $23,230. Of course, nothing comes free when you cut size and substance, and the Prius c is no exception. It is the only current Prius with drum rear brakes instead of discs at all 4 corners. The tires fitted to the level 1 Prius c are small enough to work on any number of motorcycles. These R400 Bridgestone Turanzas measure just 175/65R15, and do not offer much in the way of adhesion. But of course, such low rolling resistance tires are an integral part of the Prius mileage equation because their hard tread blocks reduce contact patch resistance and promote extraordinary mileage. The base Prius c fulfills those expectations by returning 53 MPG in city driving, 46 MPG in highway mode, and 50 MPG combined fuel economy. These are the highest figures yet recorded for a passenger car without plug-in capability. Many of you will stop reading right here and get yourself on the March, 2012 delivery list for the Prius c based on mileage figures alone. But the newest Prius offers reasons for purchase beyond operating economy. The front seats are among the best in the automotive business, regardless of price class. To save weight, they are thin framed, but foamed in all the right places to provide exceptional comfort. Unfortunately, the rear seats, while passable for short trips, are too upright for long term comfort. If you order the Level 1 model, your interior seating surfaces will be covered with a breathable, handsome fabric lightly patterned with embossed graphics. Level 2 ups interior furnishings by adding contrasting bolsters to the seating surfaces. If you pop for level 4, you’ll find yourself nestled in Toyota’s effective leather substitute called SofTex, with heated front seats included. On the central tunnel, you’ll find a couple of buttons for selecting either “EV” mode or “Eco” operation. The EV setting is useful when you’re looping through an enclosed garage structure looking for a parking place. Now you can
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do so quietly, without spewing fumes indoors. The EV setting works only when you’re traveling under 25mph, and is good for just 1 mile of travel at that speed. The Eco setting can be selected for normal driving chores. When engaged, Eco cuts throttle opening by up to 12 percent, making the Prius react like its been drugged. If you’re a dedicated mileage greenie, you’ll be content to drive routinely in Eco mode. The rest of us will leave the Prius c in Normal mode, since even there 0-60mph takes a leisurely 11.2 seconds. The latest iteration of the Prius shape is the most visually stimulating yet. With dozens of aero tweaks stolen from aeronautical drafting boards, the c model cuts a startlingly low drag coefficient (Cd) of 0.28. Ridges molded into the turn signal lenses and brake light housings channel air so effectively that the Prius c is virtually free of wind noise at freeway speed. The superior aerodynamics also explain why the Prius c returns 50 MPG, and why a sedan with just 73hp and 82 lb.-ft. of torque can top out at 105mph. Of course the extra boost provided by the 60hp electric motor helps in that regard too. There’s a lot to love about the new, lighter, decontented Prius c. Number one, of course, is its stellar fuel conservation. But its interior comfort, natty appearance, and reduced price range all make it an appealing buy. This newest variant of Toyota’s Japanese Army Knife will appeal to a wider audience than ever before. It’s the perfect first car for your child, as well as being the most sensible adult city car you can find for under $20,000. 2012 TOYOTA PRIUS c ENGINE: 1.5 liter aluminum DOHC, 16 valve inline 4 HORSEPOWER: 73 at 4,800rpm TORQUE: 82 lb.-ft. at 4,000rpm MOTOR GENERATOR TWO: 60hp/125 lb.-ft FUEL CONSUMPTION: 53 MPG City/46 MPG Highway BASE PRICE (Level 1): $18,950 FOR: Ultra Efficient, Handsome, Comfy Front Seats AGAINST: Nervous Electric Steering, Tiny Base Model Tires STAR RATING: 10 Stars out of 10
valleysentinel.com
March 2012
The valley Sentinel
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Seniors Reducing Your Risk of Heart Disease and Stroke By David Sayen
Heart disease and stroke have reached epidemic levels in our country. Heart disease is the leading killer of Americans; stroke is the fourth leading killer. One of every three deaths in this county is caused by cardiovascular disease. That’s why Medicare is helping to lead the Million Hearts campaign, a national initiative that aims to prevent 1 million heart attacks and strokes over the next five years. Heart disease refers to several types of heart conditions. The most common one in the United States is coronary artery disease, which can trigger heart attack, severe chest pain, heart failure, and irregular heartbeat. Genetics, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and lifestyle factors such as smoking, unhealthy diet, and lack of exercise can contribute to heart disease. Stroke is a brain attack that occurs when blood flow to the brain becomes blocked. This can be caused either by a blood clot or by a burst blood vessel in or around the brain. Lack of blood flow during stroke can
cause portions of the brain to become damaged, often beyond repair. Thanks to the Affordable Care Act, Medicare recently began covering new preventive health services to help people with Medicare reduce their risk of heart disease and stroke. Starting this year, Medicare will pay for one face-to-face visit each year so that Medicare beneficiaries can discuss with their care providers the best ways to help prevent cardiovascular disease. The visit must be with your primary care provider, such as your family practice doctor, internal medicine doctor, or a nurse practitioner. And it has to take place in settings such as your primary care provider’s office. During the visit, your doctor can screen you for high blood pressure and give you advice on how to eat a healthy diet. The idea is to empower people with Medicare to make heart-healthy lifestyle changes. Medicare also now covers counseling to help people with Medicare lose weight if they’re obese. An estimated 30 percent of the men and women with Medicare are obese. If you’re obese based on your body mass index, you’re eligible for face-to-face counseling sessions with your
primary-care provider for up to a year. In addition to the above services, Medicare pays for counseling to help people with Medicare stop smoking and to manage diabetes, which is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease. The good news is that most major risk factors for heart disease and stroke are preventable and controllable. These factors include inactivity, obesity, high blood pressure, cigarette smoking, and high cholesterol. What can you do to reduce your risk? A good first step is talking to your doctor about your heart health and getting your blood pressure and cholesterol checked. Many other lifestyle choices—including eating healthy, exercising regularly, and following your doctor’s instructions about your medications—can help protect your heart and brain health. Ask your doctor, too, if taking an aspirin each day is right for you. For more information about the Million Hearts campaign, and about Medicare’s healthyheart and other preventive health benefits, go to www. Medicare.gov. If you’d like to check your 10-year risk of heart attack or dying from coronary heart disease -- and what you can do
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about it – go to the American Heart Association’s website, at www.heart.org. In the search box, type “heart attack risk calculator.”
David Sayen is Medicare’s regional administrator for California, Arizona, Nevada, Hawaii, and the Pacific Trust Territories. You can always get answers to your Medicare questions by calling 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).
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