November - Alamo Today
Transcription
November - Alamo Today
[email protected] 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 [email protected] Alisa Corstorphine ~ Publisher Page 2 - November 2007 www.lafayettetodaynews.com America’s Glass Centers Serving All Your Glass and Window Needs Update and beautify your home while saving energy with affordable new retrofit windows. Patio Doors Skylights Table Tops Window & Picture Glass Mirrored Walls/Doors Greenhouse Windows Custom Mirrors Insulated Thermal Glass Shower Doors & Tub Enclosures Failed Insulated Unit Glass Replacement Competitive Whole House Packages Free Estimates• 24 Hour Emergency Service• Rapid Insurance Claim Processing• On-Staff Designer• 925-314-9777 Monday - Saturday 8am-6pm - After Hours Calls OK Serving Contra Costa and Bay Area for 27 Years Alamo, Blackhawk, Canyon, Clayton, Concord, Danville, Diablo, Lafayette, Martinez, Moraga, Orinda, Pleasant Hill, Walnut Creek [email protected] 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 www.lafayettetodaynews.com Page 4 - November 2007 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: [email protected]. 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 [email protected]. 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. [email protected] 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.” November 2007 - Page 5 We specialize in carefully planned and executed: Custom remodels and construction Additions, kitchens, baths and more Consulting, Planning and Construction from foundation to roof Restoration of water and fire damaged homes Rough carpentry, Exterior finish, Plumbing, Interior finish, Painting, & Electrical...projects big and small! A family owned construction business with your best insterests in mind. Serving All of the East Bay 925-588-4202 www.cannadayconstruction.com [email protected] “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.” Isaac and Terrie Cannaday License #849740 Family Owned Since 1974 Over 32 years of Quality Service you can Trust 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 3329 Mount Diablo Blvd • Lafayette Monday-Friday 8-5 • Closed Saturday and Sunday Free Shuttle www.lafayettetodaynews.com Page 6 - November 2007 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 [email protected] 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 Serving the Bay Area with honesty and integrity for over 35 years QUALITY FLOORING FROM MOST MAJOR BRANDS Come visit our showrooms which feature over 100 types of hardwood, laminate, tile, stone and carpet. No pay, no interest until 2009 financing available. Free estimates. Fall Sale - Hardwood as low as $1.99/sft. Laminate as low as 89c/sft. / / Bamboo as low as $2.95/sft. Carpet as low as $1.79/sqyd installed. Porcelain tiles as low as 99c/sft. Carpets, Hardwood, Laminate & Stone Since 1973 www.MacFloor.com 3191-M Crow Canyon Pl San Ramon (925) 866-2200 2395 Monument Blvd. Concord (925) 680-4433 In Loehmann’s Shopping Center (next to Albertson’s) (Across from Costco Gas Station, next to Harvest House) [email protected] November 2007 - Page 7 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. • Consultation with a professional Geriatric Care Manager • High quality in-home assistance for older adults • Personalized matching of client and companion • Transportation for doctor appointments, shopping and outings • Short-term and respite care available. 3732 Mt. Diablo Blvd., Suite 286, Lafayette, CA 94549 Companion Care is an insured and bonded professional business. 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 [email protected] 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 Page 8 - November 2007 www.lafayettetodaynews.com 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 [email protected] 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 [email protected] [email protected] 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. November 2007 - Page 9 Page 10 - November 2007 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 www.lafayettetodaynews.com 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 [email protected] 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) [email protected] November 2007 - Page 11 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 www.lafayettetodaynews.com Page 12 - November 2007 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 Expires 1/30/08 Expires 1/30/08 Expires 1/30/08 LAFAYETTE LOCATION OFFERS FREE, PROMPT PICK-UP & DELIVERY TO BART 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 [email protected] November 2007 - Page 13 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: [email protected] 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. www.lafayettetodaynews.com Page 14 - November 2007 “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: [email protected] Note: Printing of your reply is on a space available basis. [email protected] November 2007 - Page 15 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 GENERATIONS TRAVEL care insurance Make home improvements Pay off debt WHAT IS EQUITYKEYTM? The EquityKeyTM program gives you the opportunity to receive debt-free cash, based on the value of your home. If you are 65 years or older, discover an easy way to convert the unknown and volatile future appreciation of your real estate into dependable income today...without going into debt. EQUITYKEYTM IS NOT A REVERSE MORTGAGE! BENEFITS OF EQUITYKEYTM : • Owner receives debt free cash equal to 12-15% of initial home value • No closing costs - just a simple application fee • Property can go to your heirs • Eligible properties: primary residence, rental, commercial, or second home For more information please contact: Robert Myers, Equity Access (925) 838-4820 | email: [email protected] www.lafayettetodaynews.com 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 [email protected]. 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 [email protected] www.lamorindahomerepair.com Mention this ad for $25 OFF work of $150-$249 $50 OFF work of $250-$499 $100 OFF work of $500 or more In today’s busy world, it’s difficult to find the time to do everything. Trust your beautiful home to the home repair experts. Lic. # 578751 Page 16 - November 2007 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 www.lafayettetodaynews.com 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 [email protected] 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 [email protected]. [email protected] 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 November 2007 - Page 17 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: [email protected] or visit www.jm-la.com Advertorial I lov e love Laf ayette! Lafayette! It’ s so easy to sell, because it is a It’s gr eat place to liv e! great live! Listing and selling rreal eal estate in Laf ayette ffor or mor e than 20 year s. Lafayette more years. 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 Page 18 - November 2007 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 www.lafayettetodaynews.com 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 [email protected]. 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: [email protected] 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 [email protected] November 2007 - Page 19 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: [email protected]. Dinner For Six - Take the Challenge! If you are chosen, we will give you $50 to throw a dinner party for six people. Your shopping list, recipes and photos of your Wow! I made all of $50 Dinner Party will be this for only I never knew featured in a future issue you could $50! of Lafayette Today. cook! To sign up, e-mail [email protected] or write us at Lafayette Today, P.O. Box 1335 Lafayette, CA 94549 Page 20 - November 2007 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 www.lafayettetodaynews.com 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, [email protected], 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: [email protected]) Advertise in your community! Lafayette Today is delivered exclusively to the Lafayette, 94549 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. [email protected] 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. November 2007 - Page 21 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 DISTINCTIVE KITCHENS & BATHS Your complete source for Kitchen & Bath Design and Remodeling Solutions Competitively priced to meet every budget / Large selection of cabinetry Certified Kitchen Design Services / Contractor Owned / Complete Service Program SHOWROOM LOCATION: 550 Hartz Avenue / Danville 925-837-3929 marleycompany.com License #B756153 Page 22 - November 2007 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. www.lafayettetodaynews.com 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 [email protected] 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. [email protected] Save Mount Diablo Hike Schedule November 17th, Saturday, 10:00 am Wright Canyon Leader: Dave Sargent, 925 933-9402, [email protected] 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 [email protected] 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, [email protected]. 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. November 2007 - Page 23 Computer Trouble? Since 2001, Portable CIO has been quickly solving PC and Mac computer problems for small business and individuals. How can we help you? • Repairs & Upgrades • Data Recovery Solutions • • Back-up Solutions • Office Moves • Maintenance • • Networking/ Internet • Email Solutions • • Remote Phone Support • Free Recycling • • Virus/Spyware/Adware Removal • 925.552.7953 www.ThePortableCIO.com mention this ad for $10 off your next service 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. www.lafayettetodaynews.com Page 24 - November 2007 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. [email protected] November 2007 - Page 25 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 [email protected]. Page 26 - November 2007 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. www.lafayettetodaynews.com 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. [email protected] November 2007 - Page 27 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 [email protected] and 1:30 p.m. Monday, Tuesday and Thursday. For more informa31 Beta Ct, Suite C tion on the drive contact [email protected] , 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! Lafayette Today Classifieds Reach over 11,500 homes and businesses in Lafayette - Help Wanted, For Sale, Services, Lessons, Pets, Rentals, Wanted, Freebies... $35 for up to 45 words. $5 for each additional 15 words. Send or email submissions to: PO Box 1335, Lafayette, CA 94549 or [email protected]. Payment by check made out to “The Editors” must be received before ad will print. Your cancelled check is your receipt. We reserve the right to reject any ad. _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ Name_________________________________________ Address___________________________________________ # of Words_______________ Page 28 - November 2007 www.lafayettetodaynews.com