November - Alamo Today

Transcription

editor@lafayettetodaynews.com
November 2007
Serving the Lafayette Community
You’ve Got to Have Faith
Mary worked full-time at night as a counselor. She was a single mother
raising two teenage children. Despite her best efforts, Mary (not her real name)
could not afford housing for herself and her children in the inflated Contra Costa
housing market. The family of three instead found shelter in an abandoned building without heat in the winter or air conditioning in the hot East Bay summers, a
roof that leaked and the
sound of gunshots outside. The building had
a sign posted on it that
read “Not fit for habitation”.
In December of
2004, Mary and her
children were finally
able to move into a
home actually fit for
human occupancy: an
apartment in a gated
complex in Pleasant Al Sevilla, a member of Lamorinda Sunrise Rotary, supervises pumpkin
Hill. In 2005, the me- carving at Garden Park Apartments. This is the third year that LSR has
supplied pumpkins, and member volunteers to assist, to the complex.
dian rent in Contra In all, 60 pumpkins were donated to the 35 children, aged preschool
Costa County was just into teen years, who live there. Once carved, every pumpkin was entered
over $1,000 per into a contest and every child received a prize. Remarked LSR event
month. Mary’s rent at coordinator Brad Davis, “It gives us, as a community-oriented service
the Garden Park organization, immense satisfaction to help make Halloween brighter
for children who otherwise might not have a jack o’ lantern of their
Apartments is 30% of own. To see the smiles on their faces as they do the carving and collect
her gross income – their prizes, generates huge smiles for us as well. It’s a program
whatever that income we love sponsoring.”
is. And the average income of residents of the Garden Park Apartments is
$9,000 per year.
The Garden Park Apartments are run by Contra
Costa Interfaith Housing
(CCIH), a non-prof it
agency made up of over 20
inter-denominational faithbased communities such as
Congregation Beth Chaim
and the Danville Congregational Church, both in
Danville, and the San Ramon
Valley United Methodist
Church in Alamo. Other
A young Garden Park resident gets homework help.
communities involved are
located throughout the county in cities such as Moraga, Concord and Clayton.
CCIH’s goal is to enable individuals and families to stabilize their health,
enhance self-sufficiency, and break the cycle of homelessness. They reach
See Faith continued on page 10
PRSRT STD
U.S.Postage
PAID
Permit 21
Lafayette CA
The end of the rainbow is always in Lafayette! Photo taken by Shay Kurtz
5,334 Miles and Many More to Go (Part 2)
The following are excerpts from Lafayette resident Len Holmes’ blog about his
cross-country cycling trip. These excerpts cover the second half of his trip. The first
half of his trip was covered in the October issue of Lafayette Today. The full text of
Len’s blog can be viewed at www.crazyguyonabike.com/lenh.
Day 53 - Ellington, MO to Chester, IL: East of the
Mississippi at last!
Wednesday July 4, 2007, 109 miles - Total so far: 2,735 miles
This was to be my last day in
the Ozarks and with the motivation to cross the Mississippi
River. I made 109 miles despite
the need to take shelter from three
separate thunderstorms during
the day.
Chester, Illinois was the home
of Elzie Segar, and by proxy is
the home of Popeye. I had gotten
a pickup truck ride across the
narrow bridge over the river and
was dropped off at Popeye Park,
right at the end of the bridge. I
took some time to reattach my
panniers to the bike and then took a photo with Popeye. Just as I was ready to remount,
the dark skies opened up and it started to pour. With still dry shoes, I did not want to
ride for the next two days with them wet or damp, so I promptly took shelter in the only
available protection I could find: a large double wide, made for the handicapped,
Porta-Potty which adequately held both me and my bike.
Day 55 - Marion, IL to Sebree,
KY: Across the Ohio River
Friday July 6, 2007, 88 miles Total so far: 2,891 miles
Coming in to Morganfield, KY, I passed two
farms where the farmers were mowing their
farmhouse grass, each on a rider mower. As a
child, I had to mow our family’s grass with a
pusher mower. As an adult in California, our
See Bike continued on page 12
Volume 1— Number 11
PO BOX 1335
Lafayette, CA 94549
Telephone (925) 820-8662
FAX (925) 406-0737
Alisa Corstorphine ~ Publisher
Page 2 - November 2007
www.lafayettetodaynews.com
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Alamo, Blackhawk, Canyon, Clayton, Concord, Danville, Diablo, Lafayette, Martinez, Moraga, Orinda, Pleasant Hill, Walnut Creek
The View From Here
By Jennifer Lopez and Alisa Corstorphine
When Alisa was a young girl in Scouts, her troop had a
holiday project to make plates as gifts. The leader ordered
a plate making kit which came with 50 round sheets of
paper and a set of special pens. Alisa made a few plates
and gave the “masterpieces” to our parents. Our mother was
so excited about this permanent and practical art that she ordered kits for our family to create more dishes.
Over the years we drew (and drew) on the circles. Our
mother, being one to treasure all of our artwork, not only had them
all made into plates but she saved all of them as well.
We remember over the years the delivery man bringing large boxes
stacked with plates, each separated by a thin sheet of cardboard. All
f ive of the girls in our family would excitedly stand over the open
box awaiting the next new creation below. It is fair to say we created
hundreds of plates. However, we all took what seemed like an excessive number of plates at the time with us as we moved into our own
homes.
The
beauty of these
melamine plates
is they lasted and
each carried a
special memor y
of an age, event or
a r t i s t i c a b i l i t y.
(Alisa is sad to
note her ar tistic
ability
h a s n ’t
changed much
over time!)
When our children were young,
we continued the
tradition. While
we did not order
quite as many kits as our mother did, our children created many of
their own plates which are now great memories of events and things
that were important to them at different ages. We still use the plates
daily and each one brings a smile to our face.
As Alisa’s children got older and more into teasing their parents,
they realized she never graduated from stick figures and single dimension drawings. They love poking fun at her drawings of “lions”,
“zebras” and a “clown” which, in actuality, look nothing like the real
thing but bring a lot of laughs.
The company that transforms the papers into plates, Makit Products, has been in existence for almost four decades. According to the
company’s website (www.makit.com), actor Cary Grant was so enthralled with the idea of putting children’s drawings on plates that at
one time he once offered to buy the company! Lady Bird Johnson
cherished the more than 500 plates of her own, created by her daughters and friends over the years. They go on to note many celebrities
have created and signed Make-A-Plate plates for charity auctions.
While the plates are not microwave friendly, they are dishwasher safe.
Many of our plates were made in the 70s and have likely been used
and washed thousands of times.
The company has expanded their offerings from the original plate
to bowls, cups, trays and more. Additionally, they now offer the same
items created from uploaded photographs. The original “Classroom
Kit” of 50 templates and markers is still offered for $5.95 which is
what we believe mom paid almost 40 years ago! There is also a nominal charge to process each item. Alisa just ordered a kit for our family Thanksgiving party...little do the guests know they will be creating their own Christmas presents!
November 2007 - Page 3
Huge Holiday Sale! SInhuTtters
Wee wo
ks!
Alamo Shades and Shutters
Measuring
925-837-2010 Free
and Installation
The Right Look For A Lot Less
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.
To be eligible send a letter telling us where you found him,
along with your name and address to:
Lost Dog! Lafayette Today, PO Box 1335 • Lafayette, CA 94549
Mary Baran is our winner!
Mary found Luther hiding in the Dutch Girl Cleaners ad on page 15 last month.
Lafayette Luther contest and image Copyright Lafayette Today 2007. All rights reserved.
Parking and Transportation Survey
City Plans to Improve Parking, Reduce Traffic Congestion
In the recent survey about Downtown Lafayette, more than half of the
respondents were dissatisfied with parking and felt that more parking is
needed. The City of Lafayette has heard from its business community
that employee parking crowds out available spaces for patrons. Merchants
have approached the City with a suggestion that one way to ease any
perceived parking shortage is to address parking for employees, especially in the downtown area.
The City of Lafayette is now conducting a follow-up survey among
Lafayette employers and employees to determine how parking can be improved. The survey will also ask about the awareness and use of ridesharing
incentives. Discouraging solo driving will help to improve parking availability and traffic congestion.
Large employers and employers in the downtown area will be asked to
complete a survey and to encourage their employees to complete similar
surveys. Additional copies of the survey will also be available in English
and Spanish on the city website at http://www.ci.lafayette.ca.us/. The survey will close on November 16, 2007.
To encourage employees to respond, several Lafayette businesses have
offered prizes. Diablo Foods is contributing a $125 gift card; the Oakwood
Athletic Club is offering a package of passes, a bag and apparel worth
$250; and the Lafayette Park Hotel is offering a one night stay in the
hotel. The Chamber of Commerce and the City of Lafayette are also contributing cash prizes to bring the total prize value to over $1,000. To advertise their commitment to the Lafayette community, each employer who
participates will be thanked in the local newspaper. For more information, contact the survey consultant, Valerie Brock, at 510-595-1510 or
email: Valerie@valeriebrock.com.
Medical School Scholarships Available
Applications for the 2007 Richard B. Irvine, M.D., Memorial Scholarship Award are currently being accepted by the Clinical Education Committee at John Muir Medical Center, Concord Campus. Students of accredited medical schools who reside or graduated high school in the following cities are eligible: Concord, Clayton, Antioch, Pittsburg, Benicia,
Vallejo, Walnut Creek, Pacheco, Pleasant Hill, Martinez or Lafayette.
This scholarship award was created in 1976 to honor the late Dr. Irvine,
a family practitioner who was a well-respected member of our community and served on the medical staff for many years. The scholarship is
funded through personal donations made by the medical staff.
Completed applications, along with a copy of a high school diploma
or proof of residence in one of the cities listed above, and a letter of
recommendation from the Dean of the applicant’s medical school, must
be received by January 31, 2008. Applications may be obtained through
the Medical Staff Off ice at (925) 674-2188 or by e-mailing
patti.grcina@johnmmuirhealth.com.
Hospice Tree of Lights
Hospice of the East Bay (formerly Hospice and Palliative Care of
Contra Costa) invites the public to participate in its 21st annual Tree of
Lights ceremonies to be held in 16 cities throughout Contra Costa in
November and December. Every light on each tree is symbolic of a life
and will shine in honor or memory of a friend or family member. Please
join any of the commemorative ceremonies to enjoy music, poetry, talks
by local dignitaries, and the special moment when the tree is lit.
A suggested donation of $20 per light can be made by sending a taxdeductible check to Hospice Foundation of the East Bay at 3470 Buskirk
Avenue, Pleasant Hill, CA 94523. Credit card donations may be made by
calling Joy at the Foundation office at (925) 887-5678. Please note which
tree you choose to buy a light for and the name of the person being remembered or honored.
Proceeds from Tree of Lights ceremonies benefit patients and families in the care of Hospice of the East Bay .
• Moraga: Sunday, December 2nd, 5:30p.m.
Moraga Commons
• Orinda: Saturday, December 8th, 4:30p.m.
Orinda Village by Bank of America
• Pleasant Hill: Saturday, December 1st, 5:30p.m.
Gregory Lane near Cleaveland Rd.
• Walnut Creek: Friday, November 23rd, 6:00p.m.
Civic Park - North Broadway and Civic Dr.
• Children’s Tree: Sunday, November 18th, 5:00p.m. Oak Alley behind
Va de Vi Restaurant at - 1151 Mt. Diablo Blvd., Walnut Creek
Emeritus College Presents “The Afterlife”
From the wisdom found in Tibetan and Egyptian “Books of the
Dead,” plus Greco-Roman notions of the underworld, class participants will explore the views of the ancients and compare them with
today’s Western society. Emeritus College Instructor Isabella Price
also teaches at JFK University. Meets 1-3 p.m. on Thursday, November 29 and December 6 at 1250 Arroyo Way in Walnut Creek.
$20 per person ($18 for members).
JLOEB Community Events
The Junior League of Oakland-East Bay, Inc. (JLOEB) will host several
holiday events:
Crate and Barrel Holiday Party
The third annual private holiday shopping event at the Walnut Creek Crate
& Barrel, located at 1115 Broadway Plaza, will be held December 2nd from
6pm - 8:30pm. Proceeds from the evening support the charitable endeavors
of the JLEOB. The evening will be catered by Rob Lam, chef and owner of
Butterfly Restaurant in San Francisco. The cost is $25 in advance/$30 at the
door. Tickets may be purchased by calling the JLOEB office (925) 2847340 or online www.jloeb.org.
Culinary Experiences Auction
Going once, going twice...JLOEB launched its inaugural “Culinary Experiences” online auction in September. This new offering will benefit the
League’s annual campaign. To make a purchase and make a difference, visit:
www.jloeb.cmarket.com.
Each month, new and exciting items are added to the auction. Among the
offerings in this month’s auction phase include a private tour and tasting for
eight at Clos Pegese in Calistoga. You will be privy to strolling amidst worldrecognized architecture, sculpture and art-laden caves of Clos Pegase,
America’s first monument to wine as art. After an informative and humorous tour, you will be guided to a private tasting of our award-winning wines.
Come experience the beauty and style of this “temple to wine.”
Live bidding can occur 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Each month
several new auction experiences will be unveiled. So check back regularly
and tell your friends, family and co-workers to join to help the League turn
up this heat and make a difference in the community.
Lafayette Library Invites You To Warm Up
America and More!
This winter, the Lafayette Library invites you to participate in a very special donation drive. We are joining Warm Up America!, a nationwide organization that brings communities together through knitting for charity. If you
knit or crochet, or would like to learn how, come to our Knitting Night,
November 20th from 6:30-7:30pm, where we’ll work on squares that will
eventually be joined together as an afghan to donate in our community. All
ages and abilities encouraged to come! If you can’t make it but would still
like to help, you can drop off 7” by 9” swatches (any color, pattern, or stitch)
at the library through December 21st. RSVP to Rebekah in person or by
phone at (925) 283-3872
Warm Up America! is an organization made up of volunteers who create
handmade afghan blankets, clothing and accessories to help those in need.
These items provide warmth and comfort to people who have lost their homes,
fled abusive relationships, or are being cared for in hospices, shelters, hospitals, and nursing home.
On Monday, December 3rd at 10:15a.m. we will welcome Jessica Salaam, a parent educator and sign language coach for parents who want to
teach their hearing infant/child how to sign. She will show us how to incorporate signing through songs and fingerplays at this special interactive
“Mother Goose Circle Time.”
Finally, join us when we “Get Crafty” on Tuesday, December 11th from
6:00p.m.-7:30p.m. This will be the third annual holiday trim the tree. Glue,
cut and color as we listen to holiday music and enjoy refreshments. Meet
the Girl Scouts from Troop 1883 who will assist “little hands.”
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“Toys for Tots” Drive
The Cotton Patch is spreading holiday spirit this year by teaming up
with the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve’s “Toys for Tots” program.
Begun in 1947, the primary goal of “Toys for Tots” is to deliver,
through a shiny new toy at Christmas, a message of hope to needy
youngsters that will motivate them to grow into responsible, productive, patriotic citizens and community leaders. In the last 59
years, “Toys for Tots” has distributed over 370 million toys to more
than 173 million needy children in the United States.
In 2007, The Cotton Patch, along with other Bernina Dealers across
the country, has volunteered to become a community drop-off center
where people can drop off new toys for collection and distribution by
the “Toy for Tots” program. In addition, Bernina of America will make
a cash donation to “Toys for Tots” for every Artista sewing machine
sold in November and December of this year. The Cotton Patch, located
at 1025 Brown Avenue in Lafayette will accept donations of new, unwrapped toys now through December 15th, during normal store hours,
Monday through Friday 9:30am-5:30pm, Thursdays 9:30-9pm, Saturday 10am-5pm and Sundays Noon to 4pm.
“We’re so glad we and Bernina are able to participate in this program,” said Carolie Hensley, The Cotton Patch owner. “The holidays should always be a time of joy and giving, and it’s a wonderful
opportunity for us to share in a season of giving.”
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Santa’s Bag Boutique
The Lafayette Community Center Foundation’s 17th Annual Santa’s Bag
Boutique will be held November 30th from 11a.m. - 7p.m., December 1st
from 9a.m. -5p.m., and December 2nd from 9a.m. -5pm, at the Lafayette
Community Center located at 500 St. Marys Rd. in Lafayette.
Along with Lafayette Community Center Foundation’s Gift Baskets from
Lafayette’s Business Community, the event will include: 50+ local artists
featuring: Christmas, soft sculpture, jewelry(beaded,forged, fused and vintage), stained glass, wood items, mosaics, paintings, photography, yard art,
clothing (knitted, woven) children and pet gifts, floral, antiques, vintage linens, gifts from and for the kitchen, and much more. New this year- Build
your personal gift baskets and we will put them together Proceeds raise money
for the Lafayette Community Center.
Oil and Filter Service
Brakes Tune-Ups
4-Wheel Alignment
Batteries Tires
Shocks and Struts
Radiators Water Pumps
Belts and Hoses
Air Conditioning R12, R134
Mufflers Timing Belts
Exhaust Systems
Catalytic Converters
Starters Alternators
Clutches Axles
Fuel Injection Service
30/60/90k Maintenance
We accept most extended
warranties
Oil & Filter Special
•Oil, Filter & Lube Service •Up to 5 Quarts of Oil
•22 Point Safety Inspection •Antifreeze & Fluids Check
•Tire Rotation as Needed •Inspect Belts & Hoses
•Visual Brake Inspection •Test Battery & Charging System
•Consultation on Problems With Your Vehicle
$29.95
Reg. $79.95, you save $50. Cartridge filters & diesel extra.
Hazardous Waste Fee $3
925-283-0323
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Monday-Friday 8-5 • Closed Saturday and Sunday
Free Shuttle
Town Hall Kids Registration — Now Open
Do you want your kid on stage at Town Hall? If so, join us this winter for Town Hall
Kids — theater arts classes for kids and teens. Our classes are fun, and run by experienced instructors who are all professional actors. Here’s our fabulous Winter/Spring
line up, open to all interested kids, no audition necessary to participate.
For ages 4 to 7: Rising Stars presents “It’s Magic!” Classes on Tuesday,
Wednesday, and Thursday
For ages 7 to 11: Bravo presents “Of Mice and Mozart”. This is the tale of
Mozart’s life, as told by the mice who live in his house. Lot of fun songs, set
to Mozart’s music, of course.
For ages 11-14: Encore presents “Bugsy Malone Jr”. Join Bugsy and all of
this friends, for this wacky pie-slinging story of gangsters and their adventures.
For ages 14-18: Ovation presents “Annie Get Your Gun”. This classic story
of of Annie Oakley and Buffalo Bill, with all the fun of a rodeo, and a bit of
romance too.
Audition announcement for Teen Actors Guild: Auditions for teens interested
in being in Shakespeare’s “As You Like It” will take place on January 10th and
11th. This is an advanced acting class, by audition only. Town Hall is proud to
announce that this class will be directed by guest instructor and superb
Shakespearean actor, Clive Worsley.
For more information on all of the Town Hall Kids classes, visit
www.townhallkids.com or call 925-262-1159 or email townhallkids@yahoo.com
Camp Awesome: Thanksgiving Break
Looking for something fun for the kids to do during Thanksgiving Break?
Look no further…Lafayette Recreation presents Camp Awesome: Thanksgiving Break for ages 5-14 yrs. Camp Awesome offers loads of activities
including arts and crafts, cooking, sports and games, hikes, and tons of Awesome fun! Wear sporty clothing, bring a water bottle and a lunch daily. Snacks
will be provided. Campers will be divided into groups based on age. Camp
Awesome runs Monday-Wednesday 9:00am-2:00pm in the Manzanita Room
at the Lafayette Community Center.
Town Hall Theatre Company Presents Miracle
on 34th Street
Town Hall Theatre presents the
classic holiday tale, Miracle on
34th Street. In 1947, Macy’s employee Doris Walker, a single
mother, has to hire a new Santa
Claus for the famous Macy’s
Thanksgiving Day Parade. Her
choice turns out to be the best
Santa the store has ever had. However, Doris has reservations when
Mr. Kringle insists that he actually is Santa Claus. Even Doris’
young daughter Susan, a firm Olivia Hytha and Arthur Atlas in Miracle on 34th
Street.
Photo by Stu Stelland
nonbeliever in fantastical phenomenon, starts to believe that Mr. Kringle is the real Santa. When a fellow
Macy’s employee fears that Mr. Kringle’s belief could be hazardous to children, Doris’ boyfriend Fred decides to defend Mr. Kringle in a high-profile
trial that challenges the city’s holiday spirit. This delightful and tender show
is a must-see for the entire family this holiday season.
“While Miracle on 34th Street is well known as a movie, live theatre amplifies the experience for the audience,” says Eric Neiman, Director. “The
story of believing in Santa Claus is more relevant now than it was 50 years
ago when the movie debuted. If anything, the commercialism of Christmas
has become even more rampant and a message of a true belief in the spirit of
Christmas is a very important one.”
The show will run November 17th – December 29th on Thursday, Friday,
Saturday, evenings at 8:00 p.m. and a Sunday Matinees at 2:00 p.m. Additional Matinees Fri. 12/21, Sat. 12/22, and Thurs. 12/27. Sunday 7:00 – 11/
25 and 12/2. The show runs two hours and is appropriate for all ages.
Town Hall Theatre Company is located at 3535 School Street at Moraga
Road in Lafayette.
For tickets and information call 925-283-1557 or visit www.thtc.org
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In Loehmann’s Shopping Center (next to Albertson’s)
(Across from Costco Gas Station, next to Harvest House)
Preschool Kids Hold “Funds for Fadi” Walk-a-Thon
On November 7th and 8th Seedlings Preschool held at the Lafayette Orinda Presbyterian
Church (LOPC) worked together to raise funds for the Atfaluna Society for deaf children in
Gaza City, Palestine –
a school specif ically
designed to educate
poverty stricken deaf
children in the city.
This wonderful opportunity to promote
peace in the world and
to transcend borders
has been incredibly
fulfilling over the past
f ive ye a r s f o r b o t h
LOPC and for the
Seedlings families.
The M/W/F Sunflowers Class with Teacher Amanda Fitzpatrick gets ready for their walk
It takes just $600 to
sponsor one deaf child’s schooling for an entire year at Atfaluna and every little bit that
Seedlings can provide is appreciated.
For the past f ive years, the funds
raised by Seedlings have specifically
gone towards the annual tuition for
a young Palestinian boy, Fadi Ismali
Al-Thalatheeni, one of f ive deaf
children in a family of nine children.
Until he entered Atfaluna, Fadi had
never attended school and was therefore unable to “talk” to his siblings.
Today, Fadi continues to thrive in
school and at home.
The Seedlings children all participated in a “Funds for Fadi” Walk-aThon around
t h e S e e d - Amy Van Buren (L) and Jan Pinkham (R) with the M/W Snapdragons
lings campus. Together they raised enough to cover Fadi’s tuition for an entire year on our their own little legs! The kids
walked, ran, strollered, and “Bye Bye Buggied” their way around the
course and most of the kids understood (at least generally) why it
was important to do this.
The three and four year old kids have learned about Fadi, his
school, deafness, and why money was being raised for him. It’s a
wonderful opportunity for the children to actively participate in a
fundraising activity and to learn compassion for another child.
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Greater Tuna...Final Week!
What do Arles Struvie, Thurston Wheelis,
Aunt Pearl, Petey Fisk, Phineas Blye and Rev.
Spikes have in common? They are among the
upstanding citizens of Tuna, Texas’ third smallest town, in this hilarious send up of small town
mores. They are all played by two actors! In this
Off Broadway hit, two actors create the entire
population of Tuna in a tour de farce of quick
change artistry, both of costumes and of comic
characterizations.
Act Now! Presents Greater Tuna by Jaston
Williams, Joe Sears, and Ed Howard from November 9th – 17th on Fridays and Saturdays at
8 pm. and on Sunday, November 17 at 2 pm
and 8 pm. The show is being held at the Del
Valle Theatre loctated at 1963 Tice Valley Blvd.
in Walnut Creek.
Tickets may be purchased at the box office
or by telephone at 925-943-7469 . Adults $28,
Seniors/Rossmoor $20, 17 and under $20
Fadi
An Author Trifecta: Crime, Book Reviews, and Performance
Fran Wojnar, Miles Knapp, and Frank Thornburgh will speak to the Mt. Diablo Branch of the California Writers Club at their luncheon
meeting, Saturday, December 8th, at the Hungry Hunter Restaurant in Lafayette, at 11:30 AM.
Fran Wojnar, a member of the Sisters in Crime, has published two novels, Eliza, An Iowa Pioneer, and Magdalena’s Conflict . Fran will
discuss the process of researching murder for a crime novel. She has an M.A. in Music, taught in the California Public School System, then
took creative writing classes and joined a weekly writing group. Her current writing project is a collection of non-f iction pieces, The Back
Stairs Epoch.
Miles Knapp writes the monthly “Grit Lit” column for the Contra Costa Times and its Bay Area News Group affiliates. He’ll share “5
Proven Techniques to Get Your Book Reviewed” and “5 Rootin’ Tootin’ Ways Not to Get Your Book Reviewed in the Local Newspaper.” Miles
has written advertising copy for major corporations including Select Comfort, Bank of America, Hewlett Packard, and Chevron, as well as a
number of high tech companies. He’ll give insider tips to writers and promises to be funny, enlightening and entertaining!
Frank Thornburgh will discuss his writing life, and how it evolved to doing stories and poems in costume on stage and recording them
on CD’s. His fascinating biography includes a broad range of experience, including a B.A. in physics, teaching, service in FEMA, military
service, and general contracting.
Please join the Writers Club at the Hungry Hunter Restaurant, located at 3201 Mt. Diablo Blvd. in Lafayette, on Saturday, December 8th.
The cost is $20 for CWC members, and $25 for non-members. E-mail Betty Iverson at bjiverson@comcast.net or phone her at (925) 3763631 for required reservations no later than Wednesday, November 28th at noon. Expect conf irmation only if you e-mail your reservation. All
are welcome to come, learn, and network with local writers. The California Writers Club Mt. Diablo Branch web address is: http://
www.mtdiablowriters.org
The Nutcracker
Class Rank and College Admissions
Presented by the California Academy of Performing Arts
By Angela Horine
The snow falls onstage and the Christmas tree magically grows in the presentation
of a full-length Nutcracker at the Rheem Theater in Moraga. This production is huge,
with more than 100 performers and extra characters and surprises. Ballet students of
all ages, add to the spirit of the performances. Professional sets and a live narration
give this show an edge among the adults and children in the audience. Leslie Brinkley,
reporter with ABC 7 News, is the voice and storyteller, guiding young viewers through
the beautiful ballet as it unfolds. 5-year olds are enchanting as the spun-sugar Christmas angels and high school students take on the classic roles of the Snow Queen,
Rose Queen, Sugar Plum Fairy and Dream Fairy.
For more information and tickets, please contact: www.capadance.net or call 925376-2454. Nutcracker Public Performances will be held December 14th at 7PM (with
Concerto), December 15th at 2PM and 7PM (with Concerto), and December 16th at 2PM.
Student matinees will be held Decmber 12th and 13th. contact Nancy Falk at
nancy.falk@gmail.com for information.
Teen Programs at Lafayette Library
Teen Coloring Club
Come relax for an hour long return to those golden days of your youth,
those stress-free times when parents and teachers were easily impressed by
your ability to spell your name and to color in the lines. Join us for the
monthly Teen Coloring Club, a chance to unwind after school with the “allimportant three Cs”: chatting, coloring, and cookies! Lafayette Teen Coloring Club First Monday of every month at 3:30 p.m. For 6th - 12th graders
Mother - Daughter Book Group
First
Wednesdays
of
the
month
at
6:00
p.m.
For High School Girls and their Mothers Call the Library to register for this
program: 925-283-4592 Please Note: Readers may encounter mature subject matter in selected titles.
Chess Instruction - Beginner’s and Intermediate
Farhad Azimzadeh, Instructor. Free Drop-In Program Open to all ages
Improve Your Chess Game. Every third Saturday 4p.m. - 5p.m.
Brainwaves by Betsy Streeter
Recently I received a letter from a reader with a daughter who is a junior at a local high school, and he expressed
concern about high school class rank and its influence on
college admission decisions. Here is my answer to him:
I appreciate your concern regarding whether students
who attend a competitive high school might be penalized
because their class rank may not indicate their achievement
and academic potential. Since there are so many students
who excel at our local schools, even very bright and high achieving students may have
less than stellar class rankings. Some of us recall that, many years ago, class rank was
considered in admission decisions. So this is a valid concern, but I think the answer is
that today students are typically not evaluated by class rank nor are those with lower
class rank necessarily penalized during the admission process. Almost all of the private college representatives to whom I’ve spoken (and we have approximately 120
college representatives come to speak with our students every year at the public high
school where I worked as career and college counselor) are aware of each high school’s
competitiveness. When selecting students, the admission staff will look much more at
the difficulty of classes taken, the grades in those classes, the student’s test scores and
other interests and activities outside the classroom. So, for private institutions, I don’t
think you need to worry. They do have extensive knowledge about the students at each
school, most don’t rely on “class rank”, and the evaluation is more fair and more savvy
than if class rank were seriously taken into consideration. The UC and CSU schools
usually do not even consider class rank at all, but, since their goal is to recruit a diverse
student body, admissions sometimes will favor the top, but actually less qualified
students, from less academically rigorous high schools. In fact, this is now built into
the UC admissions policy, and I do think that this disadvantages some students from
the more competitive high schools. Therefore, if your daughter were attending a lower
ranking high school, and if she were achieving at her current level, her chances of
admission to a UC would probably be greater. But, on the other hand, by attending an
excellent competitive high school, she will benefit tremendously and will be much
better prepared for the rigorous college classes ahead. So I’d advise you not to worry
about “class rank”. The transcript and test scores will be scrutinized, and they will
speak for themselves.
I have a grandson who is also a high school junior. Here is some advice I recently
gave him: If you play your cards right this year (meaning study diligently, do your
homework, get mostly A grades), you will probably be admitted to a good UC school
like UC Davis, UC San Diego, etc. as well as to a lot of private colleges. Be sure you
are signed up to take the PSAT in October and for the SAT reasoning test in May and
the SAT subject tests in June (sign up now, so you can reserve a spot to take these tests
at your school and without a late registration fee).You may also want to sign up for the
SAT reasoning test when it’s given in late winter or early spring, but, even if you don’t
do this, the PSAT will be great practice and will provide feedback on what you need to
study for the SAT Reasoning test in May. Take the Subject Tests in June when you are
studying for your finals and the subject matter is, hopefully, fresh in your mind.
Also, you can now download the UC application (meant for this year’s seniors
primarily). Download it, and fill it out for practice. By doing this now, you can see
exactly what is expected, what grades and classes you’ll need to qualify for UC admission, what sorts of activities you can list and what the essay question will probably be
when it’s your turn next year to apply. The essay question is usually about the same
from year to year, from my observation. This summer, when you have lots of free time,
you can write your UC essay. Then, when you are a senior in the fall of 2008, you can
download the application for UC for the freshman class of 2009, and it should be very
similar to the one you already completed during the summer. The priority filing period
for submitting your application will be November 1 - November 30, 2008. The earlier
you submit your application online...I’d recommend November 1), the better chance
you have of being admitted to the school of your choice. Actually, now is a good time
to think about some schools to which you’d like to apply. If you ask for their application and viewbook (if they have hard copies, otherwise download this info from online),
you can study these during school breaks or summer, and, like the UC application, you
can get a head-start on filling out the information, since, as with the UCs, the applications don’t change much from year to year. Plus, many colleges are now using the
Common Application, with some schools, like Stanford, also requiring a supplemental section. So, if you print out this year’s common application, and fill it out, along
with filling out the UC application, you’ll be about half done with your college applications, since you can just transcribe most of the information onto the 2008 forms.
Angela Horine is a retired public high school college and career counselor. If you
have any questions, please email editor@lafayettetodaynews.com
Reservoir Run Draws a Crowd
T h e 2 0 0 7 R e s e r vo i r R u n b r o u g h t o u t
t h o u s a n d s o f r u n n e r s , wa l ke r s , a d u l t s ,
children, and dogs to participate in one of the
city’s premier events. On a gorgeous fall
morning participants gathered at the starting
line for a 2K, 5K, or 10K walk or run. The
event was highlighted by the Stanley Middle
School band playing for those gathered, and
the Lafayette Rotary providing a pancake
breakfast. Revenues from the race benef it
local schools and service programs of the
Chamber. Next year’s run is slated for Sunday,
October 26th, 2008. Race results can be
v i ewe d f r o m a l i n k o n t h e C h a m b e r ’s
(www.lafayettechamber.org) website.
Faith...continued from front page
this goal by developing affordable permanent housing and providing quality support services to their tenants.
CCIH began in a different form when, in 1991, the Lafayette-Orinda Presbyterian Church wanted to combat homelessness in the area by providing
transitional housing to families in need. When the church members realized
that the homeless problem in Contra Costa County was too big for them to
handle alone, they enlisted the help of other local faith-based communities.
A few years later the group was asked by the County to change their mission
to providing permanent housing and end homelessness for some families.
Today, 27 families are housed at the Garden Park Apartments and they
are allowed to lease their apartments as long as they wish and need to, providing they adhere to the rules put forth in their leases. Homeless families
can qualify to lease an apartment if they have a very low income and at least
one adult member of the family has a mental or physical disability. Apartments can house three to four people, depending on the number of bedrooms.
As mentioned, tenants pay 30% of their gross income as rent. They pay for
electricity and phone service while CCIH covers water and gas costs.
A number of on-site support services are provided at no cost to the residents of the apartments. Louise Bourassa, the Executive Director of CCIH,
noted that “it’s really the social services that make the difference.” Social
services provided at the apartment complex include a homework club which
provides one-on-one tutoring help and a healthy snack four days a week, an
emerging reading program for younger children, parenting classes, nutrition
classes, and a full-time director of support services, Sara Marsh, who works
with each family to create individualized action plans and goals.
The apartment dwellers, together, make a community and there are many
activities organized to help foster that community. There is a community
garden that was recently home to tomatoes, zucchini and large pumpkins.
Barbeques, holiday parties and the apartment swimming pool all help to
bring the residents together. The residents also initiate some group activities
on their own. The tenants participate in a food bank co-op. Every other
week, some of the members collect money from the other co-op members, pick
up the large quantity of food from the food bank and distribute it to the membership. A group of female residents exchange babysitting to help one another
make appointments and take
classes. Recently, an early
morning coffee “klatch” of
women began meeting to talk
about their kids, their sobriety
and other issues. The support
group became so important to
the participants that they pooled
their money together to buy a
gazebo so the meetings could
continue in the colder weather.
The more than 100 volunteers at the apartments, coordinated by CCIH volunteer coordinator Julie
Mason, also help make the support services and activities possible. High
school students tutor younger kids at the homework club. Lamorinda Sunrise Rotary brought pumpkins recently for kids to carve. Each fall, every
school-age child at the apartments is supplied with new backpacks and school
supplies by local faith-based communities. Before a new family moves into
the apartments, volunteers stock the pantry, bring in new furniture, supply
linens, and bring kitchen supplies.
Of course, the Garden Park Apartments costs a lot of money to run. While
CCIH receives some public funding, as well as the rent from the tenants, the
group still must raise $25,000 each month to keep the operation going. And
they hope to replicate their success by providing permanent apartment housing at another setting in the future. “The need for affordable, permanent
housing in Contra Costa County is tremendous,” said Bourassa. Financial
donations are critical to ensure the long term sustainability of the current
projects of CCIH as well as to support future projects.
If you are interested in supporting the work of CCIH, donations can be sent to
978 Second Street, Ste. 240, Lafayette, CA 94549. If you would like to volunteer please visit www.ccinterfaithhousing.org and click on “I Want to Volunteer”
on the left hand side of the page. And if you would like to help give the residents
of the Garden Park Apartments very happy holidays, please send gift cards ($15$25) for stores like Sears and Target (so parents can buy holiday gifts for their
children) and Safeway and Albertsons (so parents can serve a nice holiday meal
to their families) to the attention of Louise Bourassa at the address above.
An exceptional neighborhood
deserves exceptional service.
Jim Black, MBA
Custom Construction
Lending Team
Countrywide Bank
925-285-4898
james_black@countrywide.com
www.meetjimblack.com
7 Railroad Ave, Danville, CA 94526
Countrywide Financial Corporation is America’s #1 residential lender and a member of the prestigious
Standard & Poor’s 500 and Fortune 500.*
Equal Housing Lender O
c 2005, Countrywide Home Loans, Inc. 4500 Park Granada, Calabasas, CA 91302. Trade/servicemarks are the property of Countrywide Financial
Corporation and/or its subsidaries. Arizona Mortgage Banker License Number BK8805; Licensend by the Department of Corporations under the California Residential
Mortgage Lending Act; Georgia Reg #5929; Illinois Residential Mortgage License; Massachusetts Mortgage Lender License No. ML 1623; this is not an offer to enter into
an interest rate lock-in agreement under Minnesota Law; Licensed by the New Hampshire Banking Department; New Jersey (818) 313-6526. Licensed Mortgage Broker, NJ
Department of Banking and Insurance; Licensed Mortgage Banker, NYS Banking Department; Registered with the Pennsylvania Banking Department; Rhode Island
Lender’s License. Some products may not be available in all states. This is not a commitment to lend. Restrictions apply. All rights reserved. *Source: As ranked for 2004 by
Inside Mortgage Finance (Jan. 28, 2005). Copyright 2005 050717 (05/05)
Boys Awarded Eagle Scout Rank
Troop 241 held its National Court of Honor in October to recognize Matthew Chernin and
Gregory Anthony Panero for achieving the rank of Eagle Scout.
Matt started his Scouting career in the fourth grade. After joining troop 241, Matthew went
on many outings such as urban orienteering, delta fishing, hikes and overnights, a trip to the
USS Hornet, Order of the Arrow, ski trips, scavenger hunts in San Francisco, paddling a canoe in
the Boundary Waters, Camp Wolfeboro, and the troop camp. He learned to make fire and properly use a knife. He also learned to rock climb, shoot a rifle and camp.
The summer of his third year, he was an Assistant Senior Patrol Leader and was then elected Senior
Patrol Leader. He participated in his first 50 mile hike climbing to the top of Mt. Whitney. One night he
woke to the yells of a scoutmaster who had a bear inside his tent. Summiting passes, helping one another,
and sharing stories and jokes at a campfire created real camaraderie between the troop members.
Matt’s Eagle project involved planning and teamwork as he worked to repair a peaceful
overlook of the Las Trampas Creek. Our Savior’s Lutheran Church funded the project.
When he and his team were finished, Matt had installed railroad tie stairs, a new path,
gravel surface, flower border, and a new bench. The completion of this project marked a
milestone. After six years of scouting, badges, activities working with his troop, Matt had
finally completed the last requirement of his Eagle, and he had learned teamwork, independence, planning, and to love the outdoors, and he also made lifelong friendships.
Matt is a Senior at Acalanes High School, loves music and volleyball and plans to attend college in the fall.
Greg began his Scouting career in the fifth grade. His father was his main source of encouragement and inspiration, as
he had been a Boy Scout himself.
Greg was active with another troop for one year, advancing to 2nd Class rank, and participated in that troop’s 50 mile hike as
a 12 year old. This trip was very exciting, and in the end proved to be a life
changing experience in many ways. The trip taught Greg that no matter
what, when you get knocked down, you must get back on the horse and keep
Where in Lafayette was this photo taken?
riding. And that if life gets you down, you make the best of what you have,
and make it to better days. It also taught Greg to respect others as he wishes
If you answer correctly and
to be respected.
your name is drawn you will
Later joining Troop 241 provided the environment Greg was looking for.
win a gift certificate to
Many of his good friends were in the troop and it had a great reputation.
Amarin Thai
Greg made new friends, and better old friends, with both Scouts and adults.
Send your answer to:
In less than one year Greg advanced three ranks and earned many merit badges.
Greg attended Wolfeboro, a Boy Scout camp, and went on most of the trips
Hidden Picture
offered by the troop. Greg also hiked 50 miles to the top of Mt. Whitney.
Lafayette Today, PO Box 1335
The trip transformed Greg and gave him a much greater understanding of the
Lafayette, CA 94549
outdoors. Since that time, Greg completed another 50 mile hike on the John
Photo by Lafayette resident Linda Flower
Muir Trail, and also canoed 50 miles on Boundary Waters.
Congratulations to last month’s winner, Joan Hughey, who correctly identiGreg’s Eagle project was to benefit his (Acalanes) high school. Greg
fied the photo taken of the sword on the statue of General Lafayette.
planned, engineered, and supervised the construction of the stage set for the
musical “Anything Goes”, along with being in the musical himself. The
project was the most fun Greg ever had and it gave hima great deal of expe- Cubs and Scouts Help Communities
rience and personal satisfaction. The show was a success and Greg felt that
On Saturday, November 17th, thousands of Scouts, from first grade Tiger Cubs
the set was one of his greatest accomplishments.
to teenage Scouts, and volunteers will be going house to house to collect food for
Scouting has been not only a series of stepping stones in Greg’s life, but a
families who are less fortunate. Residents are being asked to donate canned and
school of survival. Greg learned self confidence, leadership, commitment, and nonperishable food that will be delivered by the Scouts to the Food Banks of Contra
gained courage and the ability to trust himself. The skills Greg achieved through
Costa and Solano counties which supply food to over 200 agencies. Door hangers
Scouting are life long, and without a doubt, Scouting will continue to impact
donated by Clorox, will be delivered to households the prior week.
Greg forever.
The annual “Scouting for Food Drive” is under way and once again there is a
Greg is a Senior
great need for food. Over the past few years the number of people needing help
at Acalanes High
with the basic essentials of life, food, continues to increase and, sadly, the majorSchool and plans to
ity of these people are children. Bay Area food banks distributed 90.3 million
study Construction
pounds of food to adults and children in need last year through 1,560 food panManagement at CSU
tries, children’s programs, shelters, soup kitchens, residential programs, and other
Chico in the fall.
Troop 241 was emergency food providers. Each month, Bay Area food banks serve more than
chartered in 1961 half a million people, 48 percent of whom are children.
Last year, the Mt. Diablo Silverado Council, Boy Scouts of America colunder the sponsorship of the Lafayette lected 209,088 lbs of food but Chairman, Jeff Hart, and Marketing Chair,
Kiwanis Club. The Mark Curtis, announced that the Mt. Diablo Silverado Council will be tarParents Club of geting 220,000lbs this year. Other Boy Scout Councils of the Greater Bay
Troop 241 now Area will also be participating in the drive resulting in approximately one
Greg Panero and Matt Chernin
sponsors the troop. million lbs of food drive being collected.
129 Scouts from Troop 241 have achieved the Eagle Award. The troop takes
The Scouting for Food Good Turn evolved in 1988 as an effort to combat
pride that the percentage of its Scouts attaining the rank of Eagle is well hunger and malnutrition in the United States. Through this project the BSA
above the national average of almost 4%. One of the most important factors
directly helps meet the needs of the hungry, while exposing its members,
in the boys’ achievements is the active participation of their parents. With
particularly youth, to the highest ideals of the Scouting movement through
their support, the boys best gain the benefits of Scouting.
practical and dramatic experiences in the principle of the daily Good Turn.
Hidden in Lafayette
ACURA HONDA LEXUS TOYOTA
THE SERVICE OUTLET
“Factory Recommended Services at Outlet Prices”
The Service Outlet brings you factory-recommended service
and all needed repair work using ONLY genuine ACURA,
HONDA, LEXUS & TOYOTA parts. Our factory-trained
technicians perform the same procedures that are available
to you at the dealer and save you time and money.
Lafayette
3340 Mount Diablo Blvd.
925-283-3133
Bike...continued from front page
postage sized lot did not justify a power mower, and completely disqualified a rider
mower. But I’ve always wondered about the task and potential “get-away-from-it-all’
experience of mowing a large lawn on a rider. Matt Hagan gave me my chance, and
then I allowed him to realize one of his fantasies (trying out my bike).
Day 61 - Alexandria, KY to Maineville, OH:
Thursday July 12, 2007, 50 miles - Total so far: 3,235 miles
I made a stop at the Ohio Book Store on Main at 8th Street in downtown Cincinnati. This is one of my favorite book stores in the entire country, comparable to Powells
in Portland on a much, much smaller scale. It’s no wonder that this independent bookstore has survived because they have a marvelous collection of new and used books
and, by way of the bindery in the basement, provide a special service to book lovers
around the world. Every reader owes themselves a trip to this store if within any reasonable distance of Cincinnati.
Day 68 - North Kingsville to Westfield, NY
San Ramon
2151 San Ramon Valley Blvd.
925-837-3000
Monday July 23, 2007, 65 miles - Total so far: 3,664 miles
I headed straight on up to Erie where I stopped at both the library and at the Maritime Museum which contains a collection of displays on the War of 1812 and the Brig
Niagara, a combatant in that battle. The current Niagara is a replica of the original US
Brig Niagara, which played a pivotal role in the Battle of Lake Erie and the victory of
Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry during the War of 1812.
Day 82 - Bethel, VT to Lyme, NH
Expires 1/30/08
FREE
ROUND-TRIP
SHUTTLE
TO HOME
OR OFFICE
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ACURA HONDA LEXUS TOYOTA
Thursday August 9, 2007, 36 miles - Total so far: 4,408 miles
This was a short riding day to Lyme, NH where I picked up a car to drive south for
a visit with my sister in Temple, NH.
Day 85 - Lincoln to Tamworth, NH
Sunday August 12, 2007, 53 miles - Total so far: 4,497 miles
At dawn, I heard rumbling at the dumpster, and soon enough I saw the bear sauntering off, on a path about 40 feet from my tent. I chose not to take a photo in that I had
no idea how a black bear would react to a flash, so off into the woods he went.
Day 86 - Tamworth, NH to Yarmouth, ME: The salt air of
the Atlantic indicates that success is near
Quarry Lane Open House
November 29th, 9-11am
High Quality College
Preparatory High School,
Middle School &
Elementary
• AP Courses
• IB Program
• International Academy
• Small class sizes
• Science, music, art,
sports, technology
The Quarry Lane School
Call today for a personal tour (925) 829-8000
6363 Tassajara Rd, Dublin • www.quarrylane.org
Accredited by WASC and NIPSA
Monday August 13, 2007, 75 miles - Total so far: 4,572 miles
Yarmouth is the home of Delorme, the mapping company whose software I used to
create the elevation profiles shown on my “Routes and Maps” section in this journal.
Just for the fun of it I went to visit their large map store and observed current versions
of their software.
I crossed the Maine state line just before noon, and was lucky enough to be in
rain-free weather all day. While stopped at an ice cream stand near Cornish, a car
traveler warned me that five miles ahead it was raining cats-and-dogs. Luck stayed
with me all day and I was always either in front of or behind the rain. There is a
satisfactory feeling whenever you ride over pavement that is wet indicating rain
just a short while ago, but when you never feel a drop in your location.
Day 96 - Machias, ME to St. George, New Brunswick: via
Lubec, ME
Thursday August 23,
2007, 54 miles - Total
so far: 5,021 miles
The eastern-most
point in the U.S., a visit
to Campobello Island
and the FDR summer
cottage, two ferry rides
and 54 miles got me to
St. George, New
Brunswick.
Day 101 - Cabano to Trois Pistoles, PQ: Only the ceremonial
dip in the water remains
Tuesday August 28, 2007, 43 miles - Total so far: 5,332 miles
After a filling hot breakfast in Cabano with Louiselle, I left for St. Cyprien, which
See Bike continued on page 25
The Brief Life of Brown’s Mill
By Ruth Dyer, Lafayette Historical Society member, from material from
the Dorothy Mutnick Collection at the Contra Costa History Center
As we know from the story of John Stuart’s lumber mill at Coloma,
lumber mills were rare in early California. So too were flourmills. Thus,
enterprising men seeking to fulfill local needs and seizing the economic
opportunity, went into the milling business.
One such man was “Mr. Wetmore,” who brought with him to California, two horse-powered gristmills, but his plans were thwarted. One mill
was destroyed in the San Francisco fire of 1849, while he took the other
“with the horse powers” to Benicia, and in 1853, sold its millstones to
“Esp. Elam Brown of Lafayette.”
Wetmore sold the railway horsepower to Bethnel Phelps and Dr. Robert Semple, founder of Benicia. This was a great improvement over their
scow-ferry, which had been sailing across Carquinez Strait to Martinez.
This improved ferry was employed for about a year until a small steamer
replaced it.
Having acquired the millstones, Brown set up his flour mill, the first in
Contra Costa County, by the creek about 132 feet from the Eastern boundary of Rancho Acalanes, not far from the remaining millstone now seen in
Lafayette’s Plaza. Thus, local farmers could avoid the lengthy trip to
Sansevain mill in San Jose. At his new mill, Brown sold flour for fourteen
dollars a barrel, or at a reduced price if mud and dirt on the grain made it
less desirable. Brown’s Flour Mill operated until one night in March 1865
when fire completely destroyed the mill and all its contents, including all
the wheat and flour. Only” by the greatest exertion” was Benjamin Shreve’s
store and home saved. The cause of this fire remained a mystery.
Now the history of succeeding mills accelerates. In 1866, Philander H.
Standish, using new equipment, established the Lafayette Flour and Grist
Mills and opened a Walnut Creek Depot at The Corners, to receive grain
and grist destined for the Lafayette operation.
Less that a year later, Standish and Captain Oliver C. Coffin of Martinez
announced their “co-partnership.” They bought and sold grain and flour
Tip of the
Month
Fall is a great time to start composting! Autumn leaf drop provides plenty of material to give composting a great start! Composting
will transform leaves and other yard waste into a high quality soil
amendment that will invigorate your landscaping.
In Lamorinda we are lucky to have “green bins” for yard waste, but
a signif icant amount of energy is still used to collect the incredible
volume and mass of green waste from our yards, deliver it to a processing center, grind and process it, and then truck the resulting compost out to farms in the Central Valley. It is far more energy eff icient
to compost yard waste right in our own backyards. When we compost, we are simply replicating a natural process that is going on all
around us. Soils are continually replenished by nutrient-rich dead
grasses and leaves as they decompose on their own.
Many residents assume it is too much work
to do their own composting. Nothing
could be further from the truth! Typically composting requires less than 15
minutes of time every two weeks and
will yield f inished compost in as little
as four months.
Here is a simple, low effort method
for composting using a compost bin.
When building a compost pile, use
equal amounts of fresh yard waste (high
nitrogen content) and old, dry yard
waste (high carbon content). Mix these
materials together as they go into your bin,
and operated a Walnut Creek warehouse. Within a few years, a defective crown sheet of the boiler firebox at the mill gave way. Fortunately, the workmen were not injured, and the auxiliary safety valve
put out the fire in the firebox. However, in 1870, Warren Brown took
over “the Flour Mills at Lafayette,”
since Coffin and Standish could not
meet the mortgage payments.
Next, Frank Hammett entered
the picture, reporting in 1878 that
he had leased the Lafayette Flour The grist mill stone is located in Margaret
Mill. He intended to hire a “first and Elam Brown Plaza Park.
class miller” and would guarantee satisfaction. All must not have been
satisfactory for Hammet because within a year Warren Brown leased the
mill and all its equipment to C.F. Leavenworth for $400 a year in gold
coin with right of purchase for $1500 in gold coin, less previous lease
payments. Leavenworth, it was reported, would move the operation to
Walnut Creek at the end of the milling season; but the saga was not quite
over. In 1889, he moved the entire operation, including equipment, to
Modesto.
As Frank Hough wrote to his brother George at Hough’s Spring, “Warren Brown has sold the mill to a man by the name of Leavenworth he is
going to get another boiler. He has taken the old one out and has got it
on a wagon and Papa and Mr. L are going to take the boiler down tomorrow. He is going to run it here this season but he is going to move it
down to Walnut Creek”.
More information about Lafayette and the Lafayette Historical Society can be found on the web at www.LafayetteHistory.org. Order the
new pictorial history of Lafayette online as well. Questions about our
organization may be sent to P.O. Box 133, Lafayette, CA 94549 or asked
on the website. Membership in the organization is $10 per year.
and add lots of water! Once composting has started, the material in
your bin will begin to get warm or even hot! This is a positive sign
that aerobic decomposition has star ted. Tur n or agitate the
composting yard waste once every ten to fourteen days to maintain
faster decomposition. The water content should be moist, not wet.
Go ahead and add fresh yard waste when needed. After a few months
most of what has been added will look like dark brown, fluffy soil.
This indicates that the compost process is done and the finished compost is ready to be distributed around your yard.
For more information on composting, the Home Composting For
Busy People! program offers free local compost workshops. If you
can’t make a workshop, request the free DVD entitled “Home
Composting-It’s Second Nature”. For additional information on easy
a n d e ff i c i e n t m e t h o d s o f h o m e c o m p o s t i n g , c o n t a c t H o m e
Composting For Busy People! by calling 925-906-1806 or visit
www.wastediversion.org.
To read success stories about how residents in Lafayette are red u c i n g t h e i r wa s t e a n d l iv i n g m o r e s u s t a i n a bly : h t t p : / /
www.sustainablelafayette.net/
What’s going on with your group
or sports team? Send stories
and Pictures to:
editor@lafayettetodaynews.com or
PO Box 1335, Lafayette, CA 94549
Articles are published at the descretion of the editors. Articles may be altered to meet
space requirements. All rights reserved.
“The cell phone - I love text
messaging.” ~ Erin
“Air travel. It allows us
to visit other places.”
~Ryan (left)
Work or Play... Night & D
ay
Day
Color, Cut , Style & Mak
e-up by
Make-up
Jennif
er Sherborn & T
ami Berk
ey
Jennifer
Tami
Berkey
Bobbie F
Frreitas Hair Salon
Before
925-283-1808 • 3361 Mt. Diablo Blvd, Lafayette
Come put your tootsies in
any of our 400+ tubs!
“The wheel. Because we still
use it. It’s in the center of
modern times.” ~ Andre (right)
Heard on the Street asks:
“What the best invention of all time?”
“Dora the Explorer. Dora
books, Dora kitties, Dora board
games.” ~ Maggie (age 3, left)
“Automatic van doors. We don’t
have to worry about opening and
closing the doors with kids. And the
trampoline. It keeps the kids occupied and they get exercise.” ~ Anne
“The iPod - I like to listen
to music.” ~ Emily
Engineer
ed ffor
or ther
apy. D
esigned ffor
or luxury. P
riced ffor
or comf
or
t.
Engineered
therapy.
Designed
Priced
comfor
ort.
• Bathtubs • Whirlpools • Showers • Faucets •
• Toilets • Steam • Demand Heaters •
510.770.8686 • 4840 D
av
enpor
Dav
avenpor
enportt Pl. • F
Frremont
916.575.9100 • Sacramento •209.845.9115 • Oakdale
ri & Sat
M-Th 10-5, Sun 11-4 • Closed F
Fri
www.tubz.net
“Cell phones and computers. If
there’s a day I don’t have them I feel
like I’m back in the Stone Age. I’m
lost! My cell phone just died because
I didn’t charge it. I had to write down
a phone number from the cell phone
address book before it died. Nobody
knows anyone’s phone number anymore!” ~ Danielle at Bobbie Freitas
Participate in our December question: “What is your all-time favorite toy?” Email
a photo of yourself along with your reponse to: editor@lafayettetodaynews.com
Note: Printing of your reply is on a space available basis.
Where’s the Bottom?
By Art Lehman,
Village Associates Real Estate
The real question is…who has the crystal ball?
Listen to the economists, Wall Street, the trade associations, and the media and they all have varied
opinions on the real estate market and what is going to happen.
So who should we believe? I’ll dodge the question
for a moment and go back to the fundamentals and the micro view of our area
and see where we end up.
So why did we move to Lafayette? Great location...top-rated schools...semirural environment...get out of the City...smaller community...close to BART...
a diverse housing stock...and that’s the short version. When we play this list
back, Lafayette sounds like a terrific place to live. Yes, many of the homes are
mid-century but just as many have been remodeled. Yes, we have our share of
estates and also entry level homes. No one would argue that the prices are
inexpensive relative to many areas but try Marin, San Francisco and areas of
San Mateo and we are still looking real good.
I guess it is all relative. But here lies the problem with knowing where the
bottom is. Overpriced homes in our area will continue to fall some by definition of it being overpriced. Who decides on what is overpriced? Make no
mistake about it– the Buyers right now have a pretty good say! During boom
time Buyers were just happy to get into anything they could afford (or maybe
not afford given the lending problems these days) just to enjoy our great place
to live. Now prices have gotten to a point that our buyers are pickier. So if
they don’t buy everything out there, it sits...which is a nightmare for Sellers
and real estate agents. Eventually Sellers either take their homes off the market and then low supply and prices stay solid or they reduce the price and it
looks like prices are continuing to tumble when we see certain homes have
sold for 3%-20% less than asking. At the same time there are homes that sell
the first week and sell for more. So in this crazy market some homes are
going toward bottom and others are moving in a better direction.
So where is the bottom? I think it is a relative term. Homes that arguably
are in better condition, in a better location, have upside potential, and attract a greater traditional buyer may not see
bottom. The opposite types are seeing softening and it feels
like near the bottom.
PLAN FOR FUTURE
Buy long-term
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For more information please contact:
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a division of LaBrie Construction Co. Inc
So what’s the bottom? It is what a Buyer is willing to pay
for the home based on their circumstances and a Seller is
willing to sell it to them for based on theirs. If the Seller
doesn’t get the price they want, they don’t sell it or, if the
Buyer doesn’t believe the home is worth it, they move on to
something else. Eventually it all works itself out. The thing
to remember is that the fundamentals about Lafayette have
not changed: it’s still a great place to live.
We specialize in:
• Kitchens • Plumbing
• Bathrooms • Retaining Walls
• Fences
• Tile
• Skylights
• Doors
• General Repairs
• Dry Rot
• Handyman Service
• Decks
• Electrical
And by the way, now we are left with another opinion • Concrete
(mine!) because for some reason my crystal ball isn’t re- • Drywall
sponding to the question.
• Windows
If you have any questions on selling or buying a home in
the area, please contact me at 925 200-2591 or by email at
art@artlehman.com. Please feel free to email a topic for the
next article too.
If you’d like a free automatic email update of current listings and sales visit my website to sign up www.
Advertorial
artlehman.com or call!
925-313-8956
info@lamorindahomerepair.com
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Winter Pruning
By Blaine Brende and Joe Lamb
Now is a great time to prune
your trees to protect them against
winter storms. A judicious pruning
can reduce the likelihood of
branches falling and causing damage to person or property. Evergreens, such as cedars, and many species
of deciduous trees, such as valley oaks, can be pruned in the late fall and
early winter, and now is by far the best time to prune pines. Monterey
pines can only be pruned between October 1 and February 15 without
attracting pine beetles. These potentially lethal beetles, which can smell
sap from long distances, go dormant in the winter. Some species of beetles
carry pine pitch canker, an increasingly common fungal disease that disfigures pine trees, and sometimes kills them. If your tree has dead tips
scattered throughout the canopy it probably suffers from pine pitch canker. To prolong the aesthetic life of the diseased tree, prune out the infected tips when the beetles are dormant.
Even healthy trees require occasional pruning to keep them safe and
beautiful. Many trees are subject to branch and column failure. Thinning
the crown reduces the wind-sail effect of the canopy and thereby reduces
the risk of the tree failing in a windstorm. Removing weight from the ends of
heavy branches reduces the likelihood that those branches will break.
Pruning trees for safety is a craft requiring study and experience. A
well-pruned tree should not only be safer, it should look beautiful. At
Brende & Lamb we take great pride in both the science and the art of
pruning. Each plant has a natural growth pattern. Our trimmers are expert at accentuating the shape given the plant by nature. Within the bounds
of what is healthy for each species, Brende and Lamb works to make trees
as beautiful as possible. Our trimmers are well practiced in aesthetic pruning and are attuned to the artistic flow inherent in tree forms. The form
may be weeping, as with Willows and Chinese Elms. In some species,
such as Monterey Cypress, branches ascend at acute angles to the trunk, giv-
The Seed Sisters
Gardening with
Kate Guillaume and Carrie Bybee
Members of the Lafayette Garden Club
We recently received this question from a
reader: “Uck, it’s almost winter the dead time in
most peoples gardens when the beds look tired
and it is not as much fun as spring and summer. But what can you do in these
bleaker months to create that glorious garden that others will be envious of?”
What to plant:
Carrie: I like to plant spring blooming annuals. I recommend planting spring
blooming annuals now! They will outperform the spring planted annuals. Expect
to get five months of blooms from fall planted spring annuals as compared to two
to three months if planted in the spring. Last year my violets (which I planted in
the fall) bloomed through June!
Kate: Well I am not a big annual person other than using them to fill edges of
pots or to fill in spaces in the garden…so I didn’t know that…guess I will be
doing some winter annual planting myself this year. I’ve always waited until
spring was pushing me in that direction.
Carrie: Another winner for this time of the year is Camellia Sasanqua. This Camilla
blooms profusely in fall and early winter. Its blooms have a strong scent and light up
the winter gloom. I like “Setsugekka”which has large white flowers with fluted petals.
This Camilla is much more drought tolerant than the Camellia Japonica and has a more
carefree, graceful shape. Other favorites are “Yuletide” and “Rainbow”.
Kate: I always use this time of year to plant perennials (being a perennial kind of
gal). It does not seem as much fun, because most of them are not blooming. This
requires a few moments to search things out. I take notes whenever I see “must haves”
in other people’s gardens, and plants at nurseries that are “must haves”. I know they
will be healthier it I put them in the ground in the fall when the soil is still warm. Our
winter rains (if they ever come) and time will let them establish healthy root systems
ing the tree an upswept look. Branches in the coast live oak bend and twist,
forming complex arcs. Each tree species has a unique form and flow.
When necessary, trees and shrubs can be reduced in size, but crown
reduction requires a good eye: a poorly reduced tree looks like a thicket
of stubs. Topping is almost always a bad idea. However, the crown of
many trees can be reduced by cutting back long branches to the crotches
formed by shorter branches growing in the same direction. If the branch
doesn’t fork, we cut back to the lowest growth point that will neither
create a thick stub nor undermine the arching quality of the branch. When
a tree or shrub has been reduced in this way, it’s difficult to detect the
cuts or tell that the branches have been shortened.
Sometimes the form of trees needs to be modified to capture or accentuate views. View pruning requires restraint, and a willingness to compromise. In view work, the beauty of the view and the beauty of the tree
often seem to be in conflict. Many pruners focus solely on the view and
simply hack back the tree. However, more than the tree’s beauty is at
stake. Topping stimulates production of water sprouts, and it also causes
disease and rot-––all of which make the tree more, not less, dangerous.
However, view problems can often be solved by looking at tree-and-view
as an aesthetic unity, as two elements that complement and frame each
other. Sometimes, lightly bringing the tree back without cutting into major
branches can prevent further encroachment on the view.
To recover even more of the view, we create “windows” by selectively
removing branches not essential for the tree’s natural form. We can enlarge
these by removing small branches that rise or drop into the view. Thinning
above and below the window creates an overall feeling of openness, rather
than an abrupt gaping hole. The image of Mount Diablo framed by the trembling needles of a well-windowed Redwood proves that nature and civilization can complement each other - as can aesthetics and practicality.
If your trees and shrubs need a little TLC - call us at 510-486-TREE
(8733) or email us at bl@brendelamb.com to schedule a free estimate.
Additionally, go to our website: www.brendelamb.com to see before and
after pictures, client testamonials, and work in your neighborhood.
Advertorial
before the warmer days of spring and summer. It is just so much kinder to plant them
now: Penstemons, Foxglove, Delphiniums, and Lion’s Tail are some suggestions.
Carrie: I also love to plant lettuce and snowpeas. Since the snowpeas just establish roots right now you can interplant lettuce in the vegetable bed. I use my tomatoes
cages around the snowpeas so that in the spring they can have growth support. I will
be eating delicious, succulent peas in the early spring for about two months.
Kate: Because our soil is still warm, everybody has a nice little window
where they can plant sweet peas, which will be glad to climb tomato cages,
trellises or just string nailed along fence boards. There are so many luscious
varieties available today, in every color imaginable. To give them a good start,
soak them in water for a day before planting in the soil. They are large enough
to handle easily, and a guaranteed success.
Carrie: I am often asked what to do with all those leaves falling over paths,
driveways and everything else. I like to pile them into black bags and throw
them in a back area of my garden where they will be not noticed. I poke holes to
allow some air circulation. In the spring I rake them around my vegetable garden and dig in! Great soil conditioner!
Kate: Great idea. And, if you have acid loving plants, go bag up your
neighbor’s pine needles and oak leaves…they will love you and by spring those
acid loving plants will love you.
Composting is a layer of brown (dead leaves) and a layer of green (clippings and
pruning stuff), followed by a layer of brown, then green, and so on and so on, (requiring turning and attention). But as Carrie points out, brown (dead leaves) in a bag in a
corner will get you to the same product and contribute to your soil in the spring.
Things to think about, and plan for:
Our own Diablo Valley College in Pleasant Hill, has a wonderful Horticulture Department, and in the blink of an eye it will be time to register for Spring
classes…it is great fun and a fantastic learning experience. Check it out.
If you haven’t joined a Garden Club, check it out. They are filled with
people who love plants, gardening, people and sharing. For questions or
comments email us at cbybee1@mac.com.
Life In the Lafayette Garden
Autumn Color Ablaze in Lafayette
By John Montgomery, ASLA, Landscape
Architect, Garden Architecture
The autumn months of September, October, and November bring a joyful change to the gardens of Lafayette.
Autumn marks the change from the growing season to
the cycle of rest and rejuvenation. As your plants prepare for a period of rest and rejuvenation a whole new
life cycle brings vibrant colors, scent, texture and calmness to your garden environment. Creating garden environments that take advantage of the seasons can enhance the all-year-around pleasure of your garden.
Autumn can
be a wonderful
time in a garden.
Trees, shrubs,
ground covers,
and grasses bring
a whole new dimension of color,
scent and texture
as they prepare
themselves to
rest. As I work
with my clients in
creating their
landscape, I think
about how we can have the garden be active all year around. So I select a plant
palette that takes advantage of the seasons. The characteristics that can be used in
the palette include color, texture, structure, scent, and movement. A good allyear-around plant palette has a diverse mix of trees, shrubs, perennials ground
covers, and ornamental grasses.
Color can be provided either by flower or leaf. Great colorful trees like Liquidambar, Red Sunset Maple, and Pistachio are vibrant as the evening snap of
chill fills the air. Red-twig Dogwood or Sango Kaku Japanese Maple has vibrant
bark color. As winter approaches Autumn and Mexican Sage bloom profusely.
Texture can be found in leaves, flowers, and bark. As plants prepare for rejuvenation during the winter, they begin a last spurt of growth, bloom, and seed
head expenditure. Crape Myrtle wonderfully flowers and turns to spent seed heads
and bark peel. Other shrubs bloom and seed in a last ditch effort to propagate.
Structure is an element of design that can really be taken advantage of during
the fall. Multi-branching trees and shrubs with intricate or bold branching can
provide a dramatic accent that will add pizzazz to any garden. Multi-branching
trees like Crape Myrtle, Japanese Maple, Star Magnolia, Red-twig Dogwood,
and Buckeye can accent the drama of an autumn garden. As leaves drop and
begin to expose the bold and intricate branching new garden accents are created
for new focal interest.
Autumn is a wonderful time to take in the wonderful aromas your garden can
create. The heat of our Indian summer bring the strong scent of California Bay,
sage, rose, and forest floor as leaves drop and begin the decay cycle. Often times
you will see roses springing to bloom as fall daytime temperatures sore. Most
sages bloom during the autumn. I like to take advantage of deciduous trees and
shrubs (the ones that lose their leaves during winter) when they begin to drop their
leaves. Besides the vibrant leaf colors they can dapple the landscape floor adding
texture and scent as the leaves begin to decay. When the first rains of fall arrive the
aroma of the forest floor can fill the air.
Autumn often times brings soft warm Nor-easterly breezes through Lafayette.
Movement is an element I like to take advantage of in your garden environment.
Ornamental grasses such as fountain grass, California fescue, and New Zealand
wind grass are profuse by now with seed heads that gracefully sway and add
gentle movement to your landscape. Perennials that are spent and dying back can
also provide interesting movement if left uncut as they move into winter.
Planning for seasonal change is an important aspect to our design philosophy.
Lafayette’s unique climate allows for a long growing season yet brings forth a good
autumn and winter for
rejuvenation. When
planning your garden,
approach the design of
the plant palette with
the idea to have allyear-around enjoyment.
A hot tip from
your local Landscape
Architect:
Fa l l
and winter is a great
time to start the design
process for your garden. To develop a beautiful landscape design generally takes three to six months.
Gardening Quote of the Month: “There is no season when such pleasant and
sunny spots may be lighted on, and produce so pleasant an effect on the feelings,
as now in October.”- Nathaniel Hawthorne
If you would like me to write on any particular subject email your ideas to:
jmontgomery@jm-la.com or visit www.jm-la.com
Advertorial
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Important Factors when Planning a Retirement Move
Boomers considering a retirement move shouldn’t be in a big hurry, says
David Savageau, author of Retirement Places Rated: What You Need to
Know to Plan the Retirement You Deserve.
· Health Care. Early retires are usually in good health, for this factor may not
seem too important, but it may later on.
· Jobs. Some very attractive places have lousy job markets because there are so
many people willing to take positions at low wages.
· Taxes. Retirees shouldn’t get so hung up on taxes that they reject some very
attractive places out of hand.
· Culture Clash. Moving from a blue state to a red state could make a retiree feel
like a fish out of water.
· Crime. Prudent selection of a neighborhood can make almost any area a safe one.
Source: Business Week Online 11/6/07, REALTOR Magazine online
Pamela Hallor
an
Halloran
Real Estate Br
ok
er Associate
Brok
oker
Villag
e Associates
illage
(925) 323-4100
Pamela
PamelaHallor
an.com
amela@P
amelaHalloran.com
Visit me at my website - www.P
amelaHallor
an.com
www.PamelaHallor
amelaHalloran.com
Three Letters Changing Our World
By Evan Corstorphine, Portable CIO
Ten years ago many of us didn’t know about “www”.
Today these three letters seem to define a large part of
my existence. A lot has happened to our technology
since November, 1997.
Although it’s impossible to arrive at an exact figure,
there are folks who have estimated the growth in number of websites and web-pages published for the past
several years. The figures are staggering. The most current estimate I’ve found is
from February, 2007. Based on domain registrations and search-engine tallies,
they estimate there were 10,879,120 websites as of February, with a total of
2,970,000,000 web pages currently available. They could be off by a billion and
it’s still an amazing figure.
Have you considered the societal changes brought by the computer in general, and
more specifically the World Wide Web? Where do you get your information from? Do
you still read the daily newspaper every day, or is it becoming any less relevant? Do
you still use the Yellow Pages? When you need directions, do you pull out an AAA
map, do you plug the address into the GPS on your dashboard, or do you get a map
from Google Maps with accompanying satellite imagery?
In countless ways my life has been facilitated by the World Wide Web. Every
morning when I go to my office, I check www.Foxnews.com to find out what’s
been happening in the world. Then I may drop by www.CNN.com to cross reference a story, and usually spend a few minutes perusing other top stories of the
day. When the weather is changing, I visit www.weather.com to see just what the
week has in store for me. After I get another annoying telemarketing call, I doublecheck the Do Not Call Registry https://www.donotcall.gov/ and re-register my
phone numbers since they now expire after five years.
As the day progresses, I visit several different vendors websites to purchase
products for customers. I visit www.Amazon.com, and also www.Newegg.com
and look at several other sites searching for the deal I need for my client. I don’t
have to talk to clingy sales people trying to up-sell me, and I pick and choose my
“Real Property Owner” - A Very
Important Title...How Does Your
Title Read?
By Robert J. Silverman, Esquire
Title to real estate can be held in many different forms.
Unfortunately, most people don’t realize that the manner in
which one holds title to real estate has important legal and
tax consequences. Thus, many are very casual about how
they take title to their home and/or investment property.
How one holds title impacts many things, particularly upon a sale or transfer of
property (e.g. on the death of a property owner). Consequences may include: income
tax liability; rights and obligations in relation to co-owners; federal estate tax liability;
who will own the property on an owner’s death; property tax reassessment; exposure
of the property to claims by co-owners and/or third parties (e.g. creditors); and whether
the property will be subject to probate.
The primary purpose of this article is to identify what forms of title will guarantee
a probate (court supervised estate administration proceeding); why a probate is worth
avoiding; and what form of title offers a compelling alternative.
The most common forms of holding title for an unmarried individual are: a) if the
individual owns 100% of the property, in one’s own name; and b) if the individual
owns only a partial interest in the property, as a “tenant-in-common” with other coowner(s). Married couples routinely take title: a) as joint tenants; or b) as community
property.
For married couples, joint tenancy is often recommended because it includes the
“right of survivorship” – the surviving joint tenant (i.e. surviving spouse) is entitled to
the deceased spouse’s 50% interest in the property, automatically, without probate.
Community property (or a newer form “Community Property with the right of survivorship” is sometime recommended because it affords the surviving spouse a potentially valuable income tax benefit known as a full “step-up” in tax basis when the first
spouse dies. Notwithstanding the popularity of these two most common titling forms
for married couples, the critical feature lacking in both is the ability to avoid probate on
vendor based on price, availability, shipping and tax. I’m the ultimate picky consumer and I know how to get a great deal.
During the afternoon my son calls from Brazil where he’s an exchange student. We
ask how he’s getting along, and he’s fine except our packages aren’t getting through.
He explains that they’re having a postal strike across Brazil, but he’s not too bothered.
It’s probably because he’s exchanging email with his friends, and posting comments to
their www.Myspace.com pages from the internet café down the street from where he
lives. He’s four time zones, 25 hours of travel and 9,000 miles away, and he keeps in
touch with his friends and family thanks to the World Wide Web.
When I need to work with a customer on their problem, I use a website to open a
connection to their computer, and I remotely control their machine until the problem is
solved. During that visit I open another web browser window on their computer to
renew their antivirus subscription and another to download a special tool for cleaning
up their system. What used to take hours on the telephone working with harried technical support personnel now takes me about an hour. Let’s face it: we work and live in
a world defined by the speed of our broadband connection.
Later on as I’m finishing my paperwork, I’m listening to music from
ww.Pandora.com, my favorite online radio station. As I’m working, I get an email
from a friend with a link to a hilarious (and clean) video found at www.youtube.com/
watch?v=Z4Y4keqTV6w. Watching the video reminds me about an amusement park
I used to visit as a child (Frontier Village, San Jose), so I open a web page and use
Google to find out what happened to it (it’s now a park).
As the day closes, my wife and I are discussing the TV Series “Lost” (to
which I admit I’m addicted). She had heard somewhere the season wasn’t starting until February, and I use the laptop in the kitchen to visit ABC’s website to
get the scoop. While there, I notice you can actually view past episodes directly
from the ABC website, and waste about five minutes watching an old episode
before realizing I’m completely off track!
Ten years ago this was a week of work. But in 2007 it was just another work
day. Oh, how the times have changed!
I’m always grateful for your feedback and thoughts (it shows your paying
attention!). If you have a system issue at work or at home and would appreciate
professional advice, call 925-552-7953 or email us at info@theportablecio.com.
Advertorial
the death of the surviving spouse.
The problem with a probate is that it is a long (typically about a year or longer),
inconvenient, public, and expensive court process (statutory attorney’s fees and executor’s
fees are based on the gross value of one’s assets) - it commonly costs tens of thousands
of dollars. By establishing a Revocable Living Trust, and transferring title to your
property into your trust:
1) the property is exempt from probate (for married couples, no probate is required
on the death of either spouse); and 2) the property receives a full “step-up” in tax basis
(for married couples, the step-up in basis occurs on the death of the first spouse, and
again on the death of the surviving spouse).
Even though probate avoidance is, in most cases, more than sufficient justification
to establish a Revocable Living Trust, there are many other extremely valuable benefits of a trust. Many of these benefits are not well publicized. These can include:
providing for the seamless transition of management/control of the property to someone you trust in the event you become incapacitated; structuring that can produce tens
or hundreds of thousands of dollars in estate tax savings; protecting your children/
loved ones against claims by their creditors and/or spouse; and ensuring that the property is distributed to loved ones precisely when you wish (rather than when the beneficiary might sell or encumber the property unwisely).
So, despite the fact that the vast majority of people hold title to property in another
form, holding title in a Revocable Living Trust is almost always the optimal titling choice. Establishing a Revocable Living Trust can represent a meaningful gift to
your loved ones.
Mr. Silverman is a licensed attorney whose practice emphasizes Estate Planning
(Trusts, Wills, Powers of Attorney, Healthcare Directives, etc.) & Probate, Real Estate,
and Business.
Upon request, Mr. Silverman would be pleased to mail you a complimentary brochure on real estate titling, and an estate planning “primer”. Please forward your
request to: Robert J. Silverman, Esq., Berding & Weil LLP, 3240 Stone Valley Road
W., Alamo, CA 94507; W) 925 838-2090; Fax) 925 820-5592; email:
rsilverman@berding-weil.com
This article is not intended to constitute legal or tax advice, and its contents should not be relied
upon without obtaining specific legal and tax advice from appropriate professional advisors.
Advertorial
The Porcupine
Caring for Peripheral Neuropathy with
Chinese Medicine
By Elliot Wagner, O.M.D., L.Ac.
Doctor of Oriental Medicine,
Lafayette Acupuncture Center
Do you have foot or hand numbness? Do you
f ind walking more difficult than you used to?
Or, do you f ind you have trouble feeling and holding on to ordinary
small objects? You may have the beginnings of peripheral neuropathy. Peripheral neuropathy is a condition of the nerves of the extremities. It often shows up initially as numbness of the hands or
feet (or “nulliness” which is a sensation of numbness without a loss
of feeling). Because this condition often affects the proprioceptive
nerves that have to do with position sense, manipulating and grasping small objects; even drinking a cup of tea, may become more diff icult. When it affects the feet and legs, walking – even standing –
can produce unsteadiness and vertigo.
Acupuncturists see many people with neuropathy, usually one of
two types. The variety that we see most often is known as peripheral
sensory neuropathy. Most patients with this condition have a sensation of numbness in their feet or hands, and may feel as though they
are wearing socks or gloves, even when they are not. Sensori-motor neuropathy is the other type we tend to see. This condition causes, in addition to sensory symptoms, muscle weakness and a loss of position sense.
Peripheral neuropathy is generally a slow-developing condition that
is predominantly caused by injury to the covering of sensory or motor nerves. The patients I have seen over the years have either been
diabetic, pre-diabetic, had viral problems such as HIV, were taking
certain medication which produced neuropathy as a side effect, or
developed the problem late in life, often in their seventies and eighties. In Chinese medicine, it is treated as a circulatory problem, because it is understood that this problem develops when circulation is
compromised, often by one of the causes just mentioned.
In traditional medicine it is accepted and understood that there is
no cure for peripheral neuropathy, and treatment is symptomatic.
Anti-epileptic drugs, such as Neurontin and Dilantin, and antidepressants – Elavil is most commonly prescribed – are the medications of
choice for the constellation of neuropathic symptoms; and analgesics are prescribed when there is neuropathic pain. Sometimes topical capsaicin is used to reduce symptoms. It also can help, particularly if used consistently.
In Chinese medicine we use acupuncture and herbs to Move the
Blood (stimulate circulation), Tonify the Blood (increase oxygenation
and alleviate anemia), Tonify the Chi (increase vitality), and disperse
Cold or Heat (increase metabolic activity or reduce inflammation) as
needed. Neuropathy is a challenging problem, but people improve
with treatment. Many people suffer with this condition not knowing
that they can improve with alternative treatment; Chinese medicine
in particular.
If you have neuropathy, or suspect you have, and have tried medications or other remedies without signif icant help, I urge you to try
acupuncture and Chinese herbs. One patient of mine, a man in his
f ifties, began noticing the problem ten years before he was diagnosed
with diabetes. He found relief using acupuncture alone – he doesn’t
like to take pills, including herbs. Although he had the condition for
ten years, nothing gave him relief until he tried acupuncture, and even
though he is much better than before treatment, he still gets acupuncture once a week, just to be sure it stays that way.
Dr. Wagner is happy to hear from you. He can be reached at the
Lafayette Acupuncture Center, 919 Moraga Road, Lafayette, CA
94549. Phone 925-962-2287. Visit www.lafayetteacupuncture.com
Advertorial
or e-mail: elliot@lafayetteacupuncture.com.
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Commonly Asked Questions
By Kelly Hood, MD
At the ball field where my 10 year old boys were
playing football, it was suggested that I answer some
commonly asked questions, particularly theirs and their
coaches, so here goes.
What causes skin tags? Is it a virus, obesity, etc.?
Skin tags are caused by genetics and rubbing. They are
not related to bowel polyps or viruses. They commonly
occur around the neck, under the breasts, under the arms, and in the groin. Removal involves a simple excision or freezing the lesion. They do not have malignant potential.
What causes warts? Warts are caused by the papilloma virus. The reason
they persist so long and are so hard to treat is the capsule around the wart virus.
It makes the virus escape the body’s immune surveillance system which detects
and attacks foreign contaminants. 60% of warts resolve spontaneously within 23 years. I recommend starting treatment with the over the counter salicylic acid
treatment as this works 73% of the time.
What causes molluscum? Molluscum contagiosum is caused by a pox virus. It is very common in children and usually resolves on its own in 4-6 weeks.
If the child has eczema, they may last longer. As the lesions start to resolve, they
may become swollen and tender. This is normal and signals that the defense
system of the body is attacking the virus.
What causes cold sores? Cold sores or fever blisters are caused by a herpes
virus. They typically begins as grouped blisters on a red base. Illness, stress or
excessive sun exposure can trigger an outbreak. Topical treatments are of modest benefit. Oral antiviral therapy is the best treatment to reduce duration and
severity of an outbreak.
What causes dry eyes? Dry eyes can be caused by an imbalance in the tear
flow system of the eye. When the eyes are dry, too much natural lubricant is
drained from the eyes. Dry air or heat aggravates dry eyes. It can be part of the
natural aging process including menopause. It can be a side effect of the birth
control pill. Treatment options include artificial tears or ointments. Persistent
dry eyes need a medical evaluation.
What causes toe jam? The sticky material between unwashed toes results
from build up of dead skin and moisture or sweat. The smell results from bacteria attacking the wet skin cells. Treatment includes washing and drying the feet.
Pitted keratolysis results from persistent moisture on the feet, such as wearing
the same pair of socks for many days in a row. This results in the entire sole
becoming macerated, stinky and stinky. This takes several days of good hygiene
to heal.
What causes these brown and white spots on my face? Pigment cells,
melanocytes, begin to over respond and under respond to stimulation. Over the
years, as our melanocytes accumulate damage they hyper-respond or hypo-respond to ultraviolet light. This results in the blotchy appearance. Hormones in
women can aggravate this tendency. Broad spectrum sunscreen helps. When
the insult ( the UV light) is removed, the body can often times repair itself.
Prescription hydroquinone and coffee berry creams often dramatically even out
the pigment. Laser treatments can remove the persistent dark spots.
What causes the white bumps on my face? The small white bumps that
appear on the face are usually milium cysts. Skin grows over them, so they can
not be pressed out. These are collections of skin cells trapped under the skin.
Sometimes make up and excessive prolonged sun exposure can cause these to
develop. They are removed by actually nicking the skin and expressing them. I
recommend treatment by a trained professional.
Are the brown spots on my arms and chest liver spots? Are they caused by a
liver problem? The brown spots are not caused by any abnormality of the liver. Some
people call them “old age spots”. I prefer to call them sun spots. They result from
genetics and sun exposure. Treatment involves freezing or use of laser.
If you would like to discuss skin care, please contact me at 925-283-5500,
khoodderm@yahoo.com, or visit my office at 970 Dewing, Suite 301 in Lafayette.
Advertorial
Ask Dr. Happy
By Bob Nozik, MD
Dear Dr. Happy,
Everything in my life is very good. My husband
and I are happy together but we are getting older and
I know one of us will pre-decease the other. This
makes me worry. Of course, I can’t do anything about
it. How can I handle this?
Worried
Dear Worried,
Your question is one that concerns many of us, especially those who
enjoy the longest, closest, and best relationships. I see this same concern with my parents who are now in their 90s. Over the years, things
have evolved between them such that should my father die first, my mother
would be incapable of paying bills, dealing with health insurance, arranging for transportation to the grocery or for medical exams, or sending out e-mail. Of course, should her death precede his, he would struggle
with things like a social calendar, meals, cleaning, and emotional support. Look, it would be ridiculous and wrong to tell you that when one of
you dies, the other won’t be in pain; of course you will. But beyond that,
much of the fear and worry is there because neither partner feels complete and both fear that they won’t be able to do what the other now
provides. I would suggest that on occasion you help each other switch
roles so that your husband do the cooking and cleaning, that he arranges
the social calendar and does the shopping, at least until he sees that he
can do them. And likewise, you take on his tasks until you know that you
can manage them. Yes, losing your beloved spouse is bad enough, you
don’t need to add to your grief the fear that you can’t function in the
world alone.
Dear Dr. Happy,
How do you handle disappointment when you feel you are highly
qualif ied for a position and don’t get the job? This just happened to
me and I’m so upset that I don’t even want to try again.
Disappointed and disillusioned
Dear DAD,
One thing you don’t do is let your disappointment discourage you or
degrade your self esteem. What I would do in you position is contact the
company representative who interviewed you. Thank her for the interview and ask for her help. Most people will respond favorably to a sincere request for help. Ask what caused her/the company to not choose
you for the job and what you could have done to increase your chances
for being selected. Then listen and learn. This will help you spot any
blind spots in your interviewing preparation and execution. What you
hear can be pure gold for your next opportunity. At first she may hesitate
out of fear of having an angry confrontation with you. Be prepared to
ask specific questions about the strength of your resume, your background,
past experience, and even your demeanor, or any other qualifications.
Using this ‘miss’ as a learning opportunity could dramatically increase
your chances for success the next time you apply for a job.
(Readers may send their questions to: Dr. Happy at:
PollyannaN@aol.com)
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zip code. Reach out to local consumers via targeted advertising.
For more information visit our website:
www.lafayettetodaynews.com or call us at 925.820.8662.
The Path of Life
By Tim Hill, Contra Costa Adventure Boot
Camps
We all have a “path” through life. Some people’s “paths”
wind apparently aimless, others appear straight as an arrow. Our paths may change subtly or dramatically through
our lives as we adjust our goals beliefs and habits.
Are you in charge of your “path”? Are you directing it
with goals, guiding principles or some decisive process?
Observing many people on their paths to health, fitness
and performance goals, I have noticed a trend to veer a little (or a lot) off target at times.
How this variance from your “path” is handled determines the outcome of
your goals. A guiding principal of staying disciplined and always returning to
your path with your next step rather than overcompensating for a misstep will
help you make the best choices.
Imagine you are on a cross country journey in your car, the “path” is defined by
your map and you find that you have taken a wrong turn. You are faced with choices.
Do you forget the map and continue driving “I’ve already messed up what’s the difference now?” Do you speed back from where you came without checking the map,
only to find you have traveled well past your “path” in the other direction? Do you stop
and fume about how stupid you are to have left the “path”? Or do you pull to the side
of the road, calmly check the map, and determine the shortest route back to your path,
learn from your mistake and continue on back to your “path”?
This principle of checking in with your goal and reviewing the best path to get you
there from where you are at any given moment can be applied to all your goals,
whether they be related to diet, fitness, relationships, finances etc…
As an example, assume you have a goal to eat healthy. You have chosen this goal
because you realize it will give you more energy, boost your immune system, and
ensure your body is getting the best fuel possible to run with maximum efficiency.
Faced with a choice of a cookie, an apple or potato chips; how will you choose? You
know the apple is the healthiest choice and with discipline you will choose the apple.
Without discipline you will consider taste and emotions and will pick that which
pleases your senses at that moment. You may end up choosing any one.
If you have a “sweet tooth” or sugar addiction, even with the best of intentions you
may find yourself making the wrong choice all too often. The key to changing this
pattern is to change your intention (or lack of it) from “I eat to satisfy my cravings” to
“I eat to be healthy and to feel good”. Focus on what is best for your body as opposed
to what your desire of the moment is and the choice of what to eat will become
easier. Consider food and drink as fuel for the body and your decisions become
based on what food will make you feel good physically. Eating food that improves your physical well being becomes an indulgence. The apple is now “the
treat” and makes you feel good emotionally as well as physically.
Overcompensation is another destructive pattern. If, in the example above, you
chose the chips instead of the apple and they tasted sooo good that you emptied the
whole bag, what do you do? Don’t panic, feel guilty and decide to skip the next meal
to make up for the bad choice. This will only slow your metabolism by sending your
body into a starvation mode and increase the desire to overdo it again. This time
having a slowed metabolism the food will have more negative effect than the bag of
chips. The healthy choice for your body and your soul is to simply sit down at the next
meal with a good, well proportioned, balanced plate of food, thereby satisfying your
body, and getting back on the path which follows your goal.
Realize that each day and with every action you are creating your pattern of
success.
By focusing on your chosen “paths” you learn to correct your direction back
to where you want to be in a healthy way. Your choices become clear and meaningful as the reasons for your choices become more consistent.
Viewing life as a journey with a distinct path helps make these choices more clear.
If we find ourselves off of our chosen path we must simply get back on it. If our path
is unclear then our goals or our guiding principles are not well defined.
I challenge you to make your next step onto your chosen “path” while fully
aware that someday you will find yourself off your path again. Decide now not to
chastise yourself, overcompensate, or give up. Just get back to the path. Get back
to the path. Get back to the path.
Tim Hill and Liesbet Bickett own and operate Contra Costa Adventure Boot
Camp, offering adult outdoor exercise classes, nutritional and motivational coaching in Danville, Walnut Creek, Lafayette, and Moraga. Visit
www.ContraCostaBootCamp.com or call 925-457-4587.
Advertorial
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2007 Year-End Tax Planning
Considerations
By Rob Regan, Regan Financial Group
2007 is almost over. Where does time go? I am still
getting over Y2K. Give thanks this November for being
able to live in our great country but don’t give our politicians any more tax dollars than you have to. Take time to do
some year end tax planning.
For the most part, the window of opportunity for 2007
tax year planning closes on December 31. Here are a few points to consider as you
contemplate any 2007 year-end tax moves.
My favorites for 2007
Retirement plan design – retirement plan options have changed drastically in the
last few years. Most business owners have not taken advantage of new IRS rules that
can allow for greater contributions for business owners without an increased obligation to fund employees.
The task is daunting as your choices include 401(k), 457(b), 457(e), 457(f), 403(b),
SEP IRA, SARSEP IRA, Simple IRA, Simple 401(k), 412(i), ESOP, Profit Sharing,
Money Purchase, Keogh, Cash Balance and Defined Benefit plans. To make it more
complicated you can blend two or more of these plans to achieve your goals.
Audit your retirement plan now (especially if you made a lot of money this year). If
any changes are warranted they must be made by the end of the year.
HSA health insurance plans – switch to an HSA insurance plan and get an
above-line deduction of up to $7,250 by the end of the 2007. Contributions to HSA
accounts are tax-deductible, your money grows tax-deferred, and provided it is used to
pay for healthcare expenses — even after you retire — it can be withdrawn tax-free.
The IRA Charitable Rollover – this provision is set to end in 2007. For the
remainder of 2007 an IRA owner, age 70 ½ or over, can directly transfer tax-free, up to
$100,000 to an eligible charitable organization.
New zero percent tax rate
Currently, the maximum federal income tax rate for most long-term capital gains
‘Tis the Season To Be Jolly?
By David Birdsall, Medical Director
John Muir Concord Campus ER Department
After many years in the Emergency Department I have
concluded that the holidays are bad for your health. Why
such sacrilegious words, you may ask? Check out my
case below and my recommendations.
Fact: On average, people gain 5 lbs each holiday season and most never lose that weight.
Explanation: Very simple, two See’s caramel and
chews hold 172 calories, 1 slice of pumpkin pie with whipped cream 500 calories, ¾
cup candied sweet potatoes 365 calories, and 1 cup stuffing 340 calories (that one kills
me). It all adds up fast.
Recommendations: Watch what you eat and exercise.
Fact: Many chronic medical conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, and
congestive heart failure worsen during the holidays.
Explanation: This is mainly due to the fact that people eat poorly during this time
of year. Folks think that they can splurge during the holidays. This is not true. Your
body doesn’t know it’s Christmas. All it knows is that there is a big salt load it has to
deal with and now you are retaining fluid. Another reason for worsening of medical
conditions is that often during the holidays people travel to see relatives and they forget
their medications or run out of their medications. Thus they experience diabetic crisis,
they get fluid on their lungs, their high blood pressure goes through the roof, etc.
Recommendations: Watch what you eat (most foods, canned and prepared, have
a lot of salt in them) and make sure that you have enough of your medicines.
Fact: There is a large increase in home injuries during the holidays.
Explanation: 7,465 persons are treated in US Emergency Departments each
holiday season for falls while putting up decorations. Forty two percent of folks fall
from ladders, but people also fall from roofs, furniture, and stairs. Other injuries occur
when folks trip over tree skirts, cords, and ornaments. I have seen adults injure themselves after they enjoy a nice cocktail and try out their kids new skateboard or scooter.
Recommendations: Pay attention and before doing something ask yourself “What
would Dr. Birdsall do?”
Fact: People come down with more cold and flu illnesses during the holidays.
and qualifying dividend income is 15%. Individuals in the lowest two tax brackets
(less than $63,700 taxable income for couples and $31,850 for individuals) receive the
benefit of an even lower 5% maximum rate. Beginning January 1, 2008, however (and
continuing through 2010), the maximum rate drops all the way to zero for individuals
in the lowest two tax brackets.
This presents an important planning opportunity. Make year-end gifts (up to $12,000
per individual gift tax free) of appreciated assets to family members currently in the
lowest two tax brackets, who would then be able to sell the assets after January 1, 2008
without any resulting federal income tax. There’s one big catch, though: the new “kiddie
tax” rules.
New “kiddie tax” rules
For the remainder of 2007 a child who will reach age 18 by year end is able to sell
appreciated assets and potentially pay tax on the resulting income at the 5% rate. Next
year the age increases to age 19 and to full time students up to age 24.
Bottom line, you have until years end to gift large amounts of appreciated assets to
your dependent children ages 18 to 24 so they can sell them and pay tax at the 5% rate.
Next year any capital gains over $1,700 for dependents in this age group will be taxed
at your rate.
Other important considerations
• Harvest tax losses in your portfolio if appropriate
• 2007 is also the last year for other deductions, including the option to deduct state
and local general sales tax (instead of state and local income tax).
• For small businesses, legislation this year increased the Section 179 expensing
limits.
Talk to a professional
A financial professional can explain how these issues, and others, might affect
your 2007 tax situation.
Rob manages investments, pensions and insurance for families and businesses.
Rob can be reached at 55 Oak Court Suite 100, Danville, CA 94526 (925) 820-0640
rob@reganfinancialgroup.com www.reganfg.com
Rob Regan CFP®, a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional.
Securities offered through Registered Representatives of NFP Securities, Inc., A Broker/Dealer and Member FINRA/
SIPC. Investment Advisory Services offered through Investment Advisory Representatives of NFP Securities, Inc. a Federally Registered Investment Advisor. NFP Securities, Inc. is not affiliated with Regan Financial Services. CA insurance
Advertorial
license 0B07171. NFP does not provide tax advice. Rob only works in the states in which he is licensed.
Explanation: During the holidays people get together with many other folks. This
increases their chance to pass on or contract a bug. They also travel more to visit others
and this exposes them to new germs on airplanes and in far away cities.
Recommendations: Wash your hands, don’t touch your face until after you have
washed your hands, and get plenty of rest. Also, always carry some hand cleaner with
you and use it. You just never know.
Fact: There is a sharp rise in the rate of fatal and non-fatal automobile accidents
during the holidays: Thanksgiving through New Years.
Explanation: Many folks imbibe during the holidays and then drive. This is not
a good idea. People also travel more during this time of year and, because they just
have to get to grandma’s house no matter what, they travel in weather conditions that
are not always the best.
Recommendation: Don’t drink and drive and don’t drive in inclement weather.
Fact: There is increased stress during the holidays.
Explanation: People try to do too many things during the holidays. They worry
about what presents to buy, what meals to prepare, how they are going to entertain
large groups, etc. Some also have financial strains that worsen during this time of year.
As well, other folks have misgivings about going to their family’s or in-law’s house.
(For the record I love my family and my in-laws). This all leads to increased stress and
that stress can result in elevated high blood pressure, depression and more.
Recommendations: Don’t over book yourself. Allow for some down time to
enjoy the season. Also, set a budget and stick to it. Remember it is the thought that
counts. Check out www.thelaboroflove.com/forum/dollar/22.html and
www.budget101.com/christmas.htm for some inexpensive and thoughtful gift ideas.
Though the holidays are unhealthy, my suggestion is not to pack up and go to the
Caribbean, although that would be nice. Rather, I recommend two simple things:
moderation and consideration. Moderation means not drinking, eating, or buying too
much. Likewise, it means not filling your schedule with too many obligations, but
rather giving yourself some breathing room. Consideration means driving responsibly. It means thinking before you decorate, taking time to be safe, and planning ahead
when you travel by making sure you pack hand cleaner and extra medications
If you heed my advice you might get through the holidays unscathed and you
might even enjoy them. Otherwise, we will see you down the road at John Muir
Concord Emergency Department.
Save Mount Diablo Hike Schedule
November 17th, Saturday, 10:00 am Wright Canyon
Leader: Dave Sargent, 925 933-9402, earlyrider@earthlink.net Join
Dave, a member of SMD’s board, for interesting history and spectacular
Diablo peak views on this moderate two mile walk up a riparian canyon to
“the Gathering Place” a Wright family monument. SMD preserved Wright
Canyon with the help of the Wright family in 2001. The property is not yet
open to the public so this is a special opportunity. Heavy rain cancels.
Meeting Place: Clayton Library, 6125 Clayton Rd.
Saturday, December 1st, 9am-1pm Black Point Trail/Olofson Ridge Loop
Leader: Helene Crowley, 415-974-2209 crowh_8558@yahoo.com
Moderately fast paced, strenuous hike (8 miles with 1010 ft elevation gain)
to Black Point Trail, White Canyon, and Olofson Ridge via Mitchell Canyon. Experienced Hikers Only. Rain Cancels. Meeting Place: Mitchell
Canyon Staging Area, south end of Mitchell Canyon Rd., Clayton
Friday, December 7th, 3:45 pm Beacon Lighting on Museum at Summit of Mt. Diablo
Since 1964, the pearl Harbor Survivors Association has memorialized
Pearl Harbor Day by turning on the summit Beacon atop Mt. Diablo. The
“Eye of Diablo” as it’s known, is lit at sunset and shines all night on this
single night each year. Meeting Place: Summit Museum in Mt. Diablo
State Park.
December date to be determined – check www.savemountdiablo.org/
Hike_Schedule.htm for updated info- Cowell Ranch State Park
Leader: Ken Dyleski 925-522-8872, kendyleski@msn.com.
Join Ken Dyleski for a preview of this new 4000 acre State Park, not yet
open to the public. Hike through Briones Valley and learn about John Marsh,
Contra Costa County’s first U.S. settler, and the interesting history of Rancho
Los Meganos. Incredible birding.
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Measure J Wins Support
With an almost 73% approval rate, Measure J, a seven-year school tax of $313 per parcel on homeowners that will grow by 3 percent each year, passed.
The tax will replace the existing $132 annual tax which expires in June. Homeowners over age 65 may opt out of the tax by filing exemption form available
by mail or in person at the Lafayette School District Business Office located at 3477 School Street in Lafayette.
The new money is expected to stave off a $700,000 operating deficit due to inflation and falling enrollment. The tax will allow the district to preserve
small class sizes, avoid budget cuts, provide up-to-date textbooks, instructional materials and technology and keep teachers salaries competitive. A separate
Acalanes Union High School District’s $189 annual parcel tax remains and must also be paid by Lafayette residents.
Police Blotter
GRAND THEFT
July 28th (reported October 24th)
1000 block of Hunsaker Canyon Road
The victims were married on July 28th in Lafayette. When the bride was
writing thank you notes for the wedding presents, she realized that some
gifts did not have cards on them. The bride contacted all of her guests to
determine who gave the couple which gift. Through talking to her guests
the bride discovered that several wedding gifts had been stolen at the
wedding. One stolen envelope contained a $300 Macy’s gift card which
was subsequently used by an unknown suspect, on three different occasions,
at Macy’s in Walnut Creek.
RESIDENTIAL BURGLARY
October 22nd
800 block of Ava Court
Unknown suspect(s) forced open the front bedroom window of the residence,
entered, and took games and cash.
COMMERCIAL BURGLARY
October 22nd
3500 block Mt. Diablo Blvd.
An unknown suspect arrived at Safeway in a taxi, went into the store and
directly to the hygiene products aisle. The suspect took 15 packs of Gillette
razors and razor blades, put them into a Border’s plastic bag that he’d had in
his pocket, and then exited the store without paying. The suspect was
confronted outside the store by a store employee. All of the items were
recovered but the suspect fled the area.
RESIDENTIAL BURGLARY
October 26th
600 block of Sweet Drive
The homeowner’s doorbell rang twice. When she went to the door, no one
was there. She then saw the suspect, a 5’ 10" bald white male in his 20s, on
the side of her house with his hand on and open bedroom window. The
suspect saw the homeowner and fled.
OTHER FELONY
October 28th
900 block of Dewing Avenue
A window in back of Lamorinda Pediatrics was broken by an unknown
suspect. The damage estimate is $600.
PETTY THEFT
November 1st
3700 block of Mt. Diablo Blvd.
A woman reported that her wallet was stolen (between midnight and 2:00am)
from her unattended purse while she was at a bar.
Selection compiled from the crime blotter at the Lafayette Police Department.
Turkey Wreath
Dynamic Dinner
By Suzanne Summer
By Sarah Alvarez
Photos by David Horine
Have some fun decorating your
front door for Thanksgiving with this
whimsical turkey wreath. The only
tools you will need are a glue gun (I
recommend a low temperature glue
gun, especially if you’ll be working
with a child) and scissors. A sewing
machine is optional
Supplies list:
• 12 inch diameter extruded foam wreath
• 0.5 ounce bag of short feathers - Try either a brown/tan/rust “turkey”
assortment or red/orange/brown shades for a brighter decoration.
• 2 wiggle eyes - 15mm or smaller
• Orange or red, plus brown fabric or tissue
paper If you’re using fabric, you’ll need 1/4 yard
of the orange or red and 1/8 yard of the brown or 2
pieces of orange or red felt and one of brown.
Remnants or patterned fabric will work fine.
• Glue sticks, scrap of yellow or orange
paper or felt, scrap of red paper or felt, scrap
of ribbon or string, pins, one brown or orange
pipecleaner. If you’re not sewing, you’ll need some cardboard; if you are sewing,
you’ll need some cotton balls, fiberfill or tissues.
Step 1. Measure the circumference of the wreath
on the outer edge. Also measure how far around a
side of the wreath is, (Approx 38” and 5” for mine).
Cut a strip of the red or orange fabric or tissue just
larger than this. It is OK if you need to piece the
long part from several strips. I cut mine 6” by 40”.
Step 2. Glue the fabric, or tissue, to the wreath
with the seam in the back. I hot melt glue first one
side, bringing the fabric around the outer edge of the
wreath. Then I wrap it around to the back. Notice that
you’ll need to crinkle the fabric a bit on the back and the inner curve to make it lie flat.
I fold in the end of the strip of fabric so no raveling edge shows.
Step 3. If you’re not sewing, cut a bowling-pin shaped piece of stiff cardboard
about 8” high and 3” wide, and cut some
brown fabric or tissue about 1” bigger than
this all around. Glue it over the cardboard,
gathering and hiding the edges behind. To add
dimension, you can stick batting, cotton balls,
foam or crumpled tissue over the cardboard
before you cover it to give it depth.
If you are sewing, cut 2 pieces of fabric to
this shape and dimension plus a seam
allowance. With the nice sides of fabric
together, sew it closed. Then, cut a two-inch slash through one side at the bottom
of the bowling-pin fabric and turn it right side out. Stuff it so it is stiff and glue
the slash closed.
Step 4. Glue the brown piece to the right side of the wreath so the bowling-pin
bottom sits at the bottom of the outer edge of the wreath and the top extends into the
middle. If it isn’t sturdy, reinforce it with pins or strips of cardboard from behind.
Step 5. Glue feathers to the outer back of the wreath from about 8 o’clock to about
4 o’clock. They should stick out from the outer edge. Save a few and glue them to the
top of the bowling-pin shape.
Step 6. Glue two wiggle eyes to the mid top of the brown shape to make eyes. Cut
scraps of orange and red to make a beak and wattle and glue them on. Make legs from
colored paper scraps or pipe cleaners and
glue them to the back bottom of the brown
piece. You can also add felt feet.
Step 7. Pin and glue a loop of ribbon
or string (cut about 3 inches and make a
loop) to the top of the wreath for hanging.
The wreath can be assembled in about
30 minutes for less than $7.00. For a
twist on the turkey, try using blues and
greens and making a peacock wreath.
Food brings people together. Unfortunately, there
is always the chance that some of those people will
drive you nuts. Thanksgiving is particularly risky. It
is a time for thanks and a time for Great-Aunt Sally
to ask, “When are you going to get a real job? Don’t
you think those mushrooms will ruin the stuffing?
Why isn’t Tim coming to dinner?” Yet, most of us
still look forward to this hallowed, all-American, tryptophan-filled feast.
Writer-director Gurinder Chadha’s 2000 film “What’s Cooking?” brings
family turmoil to the table. She amplifies the Thanksgiving experience by
sharing the day of four different families, all living in LA. There is a Mexican-American family, a Vietnamese
family, a Jewish family, and an African-American family. By portraying
distinct cultural traditions, Chadha
makes the movie more entertaining.
On one table, the turkey is accompanied by tamales, tortillas, and
guacamole. For the Vietnamese family, there are shrimp spring rolls,
vermicelli, and fried fish. Another family serves canned yams with marshmallows and pecans; yet another has
nouveau shitake mushroom dressing.
There is no doubt that Chadha is
enthusiastic about multiculturalism.
She herself is of East Indian descent,
born in Kenya, and raised in England. She is best known in the U.S. for another
multicultural flick, “Bend it like Beckham.” However, Chadha’s message in
“What’s Cooking?” is not primarily about cultural identity. Instead, it is about the
universality of family dynamics.
SPINACH AND POMEGRANATE SALAD
1/2 lb. spinach leaves
1 bosc pear
3/4 cup (3 oz.) crumbled feta cheese
3 T. pomegranate seeds
1 cup candied walnuts
For the vinaigrette:
1 cup pomegranate juice
2 T. honey
3 T. red wine vinegar
2 T. walnut oil
1/4 cup light in flavor olive oil
To make the vinaigrette, boil
the pomegranate juice until reduced to 1/4 cup. Let cool completely. In a medium-sized
bowl, whisk pomegranate reduction with honey and vinegar.
While whisking, slowly pour in
walnut and olive oils. Refrigerate until ready to use.
Thoroughly wash and dry
spinach. Immediately prior to
serving the salad, core the pear and cut into thin slices. Assemble the salad
on a tray or on individual plates. Place the spinach leaves first and top with
feta cheese, pomegranate seeds, walnuts, and pear slices. Serve pomegranate vinaigrette on the side. Makes 6 servings.
Which Wine with Turkey?
Bike...continued from page 12
By Monica Chappell , Wine Appreciation 101
is the home of Louiselle’s cousin with whom we were to have lunch.
The first half of the ride was pleasantly along the lake on Highway 232.
At the northerly turn onto Highway 293, the road started a climb which continued, with some respites here and there all the way to St. Cyprien. With
clear skies, some of the views just outside of town were picture perfect.
Our two hour lunch was over just before 2:00pm, at which point I set off
for the next to last leg of the trip, mostly downhill to Trois Pistoles. The very
last leg will be taken on Friday after the arrival of my remaining extraterrestrial (see day 3 to find out where that moniker came from) support team on
Thursday. I will ride the final two kilometers from Grandma’s house to the St
Lawrence River where my bike’s front wheel will be properly baptized.
Just after 4:00pm, I turned into the driveway of my mother-in-law’s house
where Louiselle and her mother applauded with affection.
Wine adds a perfect festive touch to holiday meals, but
selecting what to drink on Thanksgiving can be daunting.
So how do you choose the right wine for the big dinner?
Here’s an easy answer: No single wine will work perfectly
with your meal so serve a few. Matching wine with roast
turkey is pretty easy. But the side dishes are another story.
These dishes usually range from sweet to savory. Think
about what is usually served in addition to the turkey. The
meal might include sweet potatoes, tart cranberries, buttery carrots, earthy mushroom stuffing, and more. These dishes all have different tastes that make selecting
one wine near impossible. So, what to do?
Some Pointers:
• Serve several types of wine with the meal. Try at least two, preferably a red
and a white.
• Serve approachable wines - wines that are ready to drink now.
• Serve all wines for the meal at the same time so guests can choose what they
want.
• And in honor of the uniquely American holiday, serve wines from the
United States. With all 50 States producing wine (yes all 50 make wine!) it
shouldn’t be too difficult to find something you like.
Some Favorites:
• Riesling - Look for a dry or semi-dry style for Thanksgiving dinner. These
wines have a perfect balance of fruit and acidity that will complement sweeter foods.
• Sauvignon Blanc - These wines work well due to their medium fruit and citrusy
finish making them a very versatile food wine, and they won’t overpower mild
turkey.
• Chardonnay - I’d leave this one off my list, but I still want to be invited to
Thanksgiving, so all I can say is, stay away from the big, oaky, high-alcohol
Chardonnays. They can easily overpower what should be the star of the show....the
Turkey. Repeat this to yourself.....Chardonnay with more fruit and less oak.
• Pinot Noir - My first choice for a red wine on Thanksgiving. With most Pinot’s,
fruit is the dominant flavor, but there are enough acids and tannins to give the wine a
nice friendly balance.
• Merlot - It’s easy to pronounce, has a medium fruit and acid balance, and has
just enough tannin to make it complementary but not overwhelming to many dishes.
• Zinfandel - This is the All-American grape and can be made into wines of
varying style. Go with a lighter, fruitier style of red Zinfandel.
• Cabernet Sauvignon - For the Thanksgiving table, look for a lighter version of
this bold and often expensive wine, (I’d put it in the Chardonnay category...see above).
Regardless of which wine you choose, remember, the style to look for is
medium-bodied, fruity, and without a lot of oak aging. A few of my favorite
wine and food pairing books include:
• The Wine Lover’s Cookbook; Great recipes for the perfect glass of wine
by Sid Goldstein
• Great Tastes Made Simple; Extraordinary food and wine pairing for
every palate by Andrea Immer
• Perfect Pairings; A Master Sommelier’s Practical Advice for Partnering
Wine and Food by Evan Goldstein with recipes by Joyce Goldstein
Love wine but still need a bit more help in choosing a few bottles for the
holiday table? Join us for an informative evening on Thursday, November 15th
from 6:30-9pm at the Lafayette Community Center where we’ll discover some
new and fun wines suitable for the holidays. During class, we’ll also sample a
few traditional holiday foods; tasting menu includes roast turkey, sausage stuffing, glazed carrots, creamed spinach and pumpkin pie. You’ll have one week
until the big Thanksgiving meal so join us and pick up a few tricks before the
big gathering. Register online at www.LafMor-Recreation.org
Day 102 - Trois Pistoles to the St. Lawrence River: The Fat
Lady has sung
Friday August 31, 2007, 2 miles - Total so far: 5,334 miles
The support team left the house in three travel modes: car, foot, and cycle.
Destination: the pier and the beach at the St. Lawrence River, less than two
miles to the north.
In that it was low tide, we rode to the end of the pier to find the closest
water, which turned out to be in a tide pool just to the west of the pier itself.
So now that my front tire is wet, what will I do tomorrow? I’ll start packing my bike, so riding is not an option. So I guess I’ll start writing the recap
and review of all the interesting things I have seen and done, and the kind
people I’ve met who have helped and encouraged me all along the way.
Once Len reached his destination on the St. Lawrence River and returned
to Lafayette, he spoke to Lafayette Today:
“The high point of the trip is obvious. On day 86, just after turning northbound on US Highway 1 northeast of Portland Maine, I remember smelling
the distinct salt air of the Atlantic Ocean wafting across my route. At that
point, the pleasant odor triggered the euphoria of a successful trip, which
was at that moment
was pronounced a
smashing success.
“The mental low
point of the trip came
a few days later when
I realized that I had
only ten days to go and
was forced to recognize that the trip was
almost over. That was
a real downer. The superb scenery, weather,
warm and welcoming
people, and extremely
supportive wife, family and friends made the journey worth writing home about and far outweighed
the somewhat repetitive and mediocre mini-mart food.
“The physical low point was on the morning of day four. After a day of
hard climbing on day two up to Pioneer, and the ongoing climb up Highway
88 to Silver Lake on day three at altitude for the first time, on the morning of
day four I was walking like an exhausted zombie.
“Never once did I have to wrestle with the question as to what I was doing out
there and should I change plans. I count that as a major blessing and an invitation to do more tours in the future.
“While I still have my health and enthusiasm, I hope to do at least one additional tour every year, with New Zealand, the Lewis and Clark Trail, and a National Parks tour from New Mexico to Alberta all high on the priority list.”
Len is interested in sharing information and encouraging anyone who has
an interest in doing an escorted or self-supported tour themselves. You can
contact him by sending an email to lenstour@mindspring.com.
Lafayette Senior Services Center Events
There is nothing more notable in Socrates than that he found time,
when he was an old man, to learn music and dancing, and thought it
time well spent. Michel de Montaigne (16 th Century)
Haydn and Holiday Harmonies - Huzzah !
On Friday December 7 th, stoke up with good cheer and the blessed
serenity of lovely music by taking respite at our special chamber
music afternoon concert featuring the CMW Quartet. This event is
hosted by the Lafayette Senior Services Center and the Lamorinda
Spirit Van program at the Lafayette Community Center from 1:00 to
3:00 PM. All funds raised will help to assure the continuation of the
senior van program initiated a year and a half ago (See facing article).
The music program will highlight Joseph Haydn’s lovely string
Quartet Opus 77 No. 1, the first of Haydn’s last two complete string
quartets composed before he died ten years later in 1809. Other music performed during the two hour concert will cover a range of sounds
including seasonal holiday pieces and maybe even some ragtime.
Violinist Christiana Carr brought the nucleus of this group together over 10 years ago. She earned a BA in music at Vassar College and an MBA in f inance at the Wharton School. She studied
violin in Portland, OR and at Vassar with Boris Koutzen, performing
frequently in recitals and as soloist with the Vassar and Chappaqua
Orchestras. Ms. Carr in recent years has been the concertmaster of
the Contra Costa Chamber Orchestra and is active in chamber music
in the Bay Area.
Julie Athayde, violin, Beth Birnbaum, viola, and Alan Copeland,
cello, make up the remainder of the string quartet who have volunteered their talents to the holiday event and fundraiser.
We also thank Companion Care of Lafayette, The Stratford at
Countrywood, the Lafayette Chamber of Commerce, Kensington
Place, the Chateau in Pleasant Hill, Nightingale Home Care, and
Berkeley Repertory Theater for their support. Light refreshments will
be served and a grand prize of a pair of Berkeley Rep theater tickets
will be raffled off!
Concert Tickets: $5.00, Raffle Tickets $1.00 For tickets or information call 925-284-5050.
Mo Burgess - A Vibrant Man – An Extended Family
By Mary Bruns, Lamorinda Senior Transportation Program
Coordinator, A Personal Reflection
One of our very special Lamorinda Spirit Van passengers, Mo Burgess,
who has been riding the van almost daily to lunch at the Walnut Creek Senior Center for the last 1 ½ years, has recently passed on to the great hereafter, joining his beloved wife who he never stopped missing. He has been
part of what I consider to be a very special extended family, affectionately
known as “The Lunch Bunch.” Fortunately, they had time to stop in to see
him before his transition.
At 84 years young, Mo was still flirting with the ladies when he entered
Kaiser hospital a few days ago. When I saw him last week at our office, I was
struck by the sharp intelligence that lit up his eyes. In spite of increasing
problems with balance and memory, everyone who spoke to Mo remembered the intellectual quality of his conversation. We have pictures of Mo on
every special outing that Program Driver, Eddie Caravalho, took our passengers to – a picnic at Mt. Diablo, a visit to the Alexander Lindsay Wild Life
Museum, and a day at the Oakland Zoo. Only last spring, Mo was dancing at
our Senior Sock Hop Fund Raiser, learning the new steps that professional
ballroom dancer, Adrian Flores was demonstrating.
Prior to retirement, Mo was an electrical engineer. He helped to design
BART as well as a similar transportation system, Metro Rail, in the Los
Angeles area. Some months ago when asked about the Lamorinda Spirit
Van Program, he said: “Riding the van has been a great experience for me.
It’s tempting for people like me to just get along without seeking out other
people….I have a wonderful son, but he goes to work. So I appreciate that I
sought out this lunch program rather than continuing a life of isolation, where
I just sit home and read….Eddie, our driver, is very kind and patient, quite
an exceptional guy who shows he really cares about us….We feel like we are
a group with some connection, a kinship, a kind of family. Our driver is the
heart of all that. And I appreciate the leadership of the program without
which I don’t think it would be possible.”
Mo will be sorely missed by those of us who knew him. It is people like
Mo that remind me how critical the Lamorinda Senior Transportation Program is. It is vital to do everything possible to ensure a high quality of life,
from beginning to end, and transportation is one of the key components.
Lamorinda Senior Transportation Program
An Alliance of Transportation Providers Serving Lamorinda
Whichever program below that you choose to access, you will become
part of an extended family that cares about your well-being.
·The Lamorinda Spirit Van Program (283-3534) can take you to a
nutritious and tasty lunch at the C.C. Café where you will meet new friends
or on errands to local stores and businesses where you will also meet new
friends. You can even advertise your business on the back or side panels of
the van. Ask about our three newly scheduled Friday holiday shopping trips
to Broadway Plaza and Sun Valley Mall.
·Senior Helpline Services Rides for Seniors (284-6161 – serving Contra Costa County) can take you to doctor’s appointments and Saturday grocery shopping – one-on-one with a volunteer driver.
·Orinda Seniors Around Town (254-0800 serving Orinda seniors) can
take you to appointments, the store, and even to the movies – also one-onone with a volunteer driver.
·Contra Costa Yellow Cab and DeSoto Company (284-1234) can take
you just about anywhere and generously provides our Lamorinda seniors
with a 20% discount.
We invite you to use our services…or refer a loved one…become a volunteer driver…or financially support the program of your choice. You can
help make this extended family a reality through your participation.
It’s all about enhancing the quality of life, nourishing friendships, staying
independent as long as possible and getting out of the house now and then.
Drive for Bay Area Crisis Nursery
FREE
The Junior League of Oakland-East Bay, Inc. (JLOEB) will
collect baby essentials for the Bay Area Crisis Nursery during the
month of November and at the JLOEB Area Meetings. The League
is collecting items such as large and extra large diapers, overnight
diapers, training diapers or “pull-ups” as well as infant formula.
The Bay Area Crisis Nursery, located in Concord, provides a
Help protect the environment and support a worthy cause.
home away from home for infants through children five years of
Don’t throw out your old or broken electronics; recycle them!
age by offering daily residential care. Their goal is to provide a • Desktop Computers • Laptops • Servers • iPods • Palm Pilots • Calculators •
warm and loving homelike environment to children of families who
are in stress or crisis. For the child, the center is a home away from
home. Their 24-hour residence provides a warm, safe, loving environment for children whose parents are temporarily unable to care
for them. In times of stress or crisis, if a safe place exists for their
children, parents will admit their children in order to have the time
to alleviate the crisis, to reduce the stress. When the children are
safe, the parents are able to seek the help they need.
“These children are at a tremendous risk when families are in
crisis. If we can help them get through the immediate stress by
providing simple items such as diapers and formula, then we truly • TVs • VCRs • Cell Phones • Power Adapters • Stereos • TiVos • Scanners •
have helped the families in need”, said JLOEB President Beth
• Monitors• Radios • Printers & Print Cartridges • Cameras • And More!
Gebhardt.
Open 7 days a week 9:30am- 4:30pm
Requested items can be brought to the League office located at
3730 Mt. Diablo Blvd., Ste. 325, in Lafayette between 10:00am
info@recycleforbreastcancer.org
and 1:30 p.m. Monday, Tuesday and Thursday. For more informa31 Beta Ct, Suite C
tion on the drive contact diad@jloeb.org , For information on the
www.RecycleForBreastCancer.org
San Ramon, CA 94583
Bay Area Crisis Nursery, visit www.bach.jkmas.com.
Electronics and E-Waste Recycling
800-315-9580
C
L
A
S
S
PERSONAL SERVICES
I
F
I
E
D
MEETINGS
WE HELP OLDER ADULTS MOVE. Reduce the stress
and fatigue of sorting, packing, moving, unpacking
and resettling. We can also assist you to sell,
donate, ship or store household items. Don’t be overwhelmed. Visit www.easyMoveforSeniors.com or call
925-348-0812
925-348-0812. We also act on behalf of trustees and
executors. easyMoveLLC is locally owned, licensed,
bonded, insured, and we accept credit cards.
OUTDOOR FITNESS
CONTRA COSTA ADVENTURE BOOT CAMP - Outdoor Fitness
Classes for Women.Helping you meet your fitness
goals.1 hour/day, 3, 4 or 5 days a week.Join these
fast paced fun and supportive classes.You can’t get
this
kind
of
workout
in
a
gym!
www.ContraCostaBootCamp.com
925-457-4587
Are the holidays difficult because you’re concerned or
upset about someone else’s drinking? Al-Anon Family
Groups can help. Confidential meetings are held weekly:
Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, 1035 Carol Lane, Room 27
– Mondays (men only) 6:00pm and Tuesdays at 7:30pm
(men and women)
Calvary Baptist Church, 3201 Stanley Blvd, Fellowship
Hall – Tuesdays and Fridays at noon.(men and women)
For more information call 925-932-6770 or http://
www.ncwsa.org/district-14.html
PLACE YOUR CLASSIFIED HERE!
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November - Alamo Today

Transcription

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