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Alamo • Danville • Blackhawk • Diablo • San Ramon

VOL 16, NO 9 September 2011 SEVENTY-FIVE CENTSalways for the community valleysentinel.com SENTINELTHE ALLEYV

SPOTLIGHT

Ryan Sykes works in a well-appointed San Ramon offi ce where he does internet research, makes reports and works hard with a special cognitive tool called Posit Science. What makes him stand out is the fact that after he nearly died fi ghting for the United States in Afghanistan, he came home with severe brain injuries, and in a wheel chair.

In spite of his injures, Sykes is one of the seriously disabled veterans that is getting back on track to a full, self-suffi cient civilian life because of the non-profi t organization Sentinels of Freedom.

Sykes is eager to demonstrate his newly re-acquired skills. ”When I fi rst started, it was much harder,” he says.

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Women in BusinessHome & Garden

Pages 7-9

Girls in sync at the Azuri Summer Classic. Girls U-9 Newark United coached by Marlene Rosa defeated the Mustang Sambas, coached by Brian Resendiz and Hannah & Mark Westgate. From left to right Newark United Kayla Serpa, Mustang Reyna Reseniz, and Newark United Lydia Bouza. Score was 7-0. Photo by Jeffery Weil.

From an early age it was easy to see that Junell Starr Watson was destined to become, well, a star. The 25 year-old Monte Vista High School graduate and Danville resident has been gaining respect in the fi eld of cooking for the past 11 years and shows no signs of slowing down.

As long as she could remember, Junell’s passion was in the kitchen.

“When I as a kid, I didn’t watch cartoons. I watched Julia Child,” she said.

Following this love, she began working at Danville’s H o u s e o f Bread at the ripe age of 14. She also began to study under Chef Kelly Jo in Monte Vista’s c u l i n a r y

Danville native returns to bake

Pages 10-11

Danville native a world class bakerBy Alex Hicks

Aid from Sentinels of Freedom provides better futureBy Dana Guzzetti

In between work assignments, Sykes uses Posit’s game-like cognitive tools to retrain and increase memory function and speech recognition skills.

In an adjacent office, Sentinels of Freedom founder and CEO Mike Conklin studies colored pin points scattered across a wall-sized map of the United States. Every pin point represents a town where local business and community leaders have taken a severely wounded veteran under their wing. Success in Northern California is the prototype for the others.

Sentinels of Freedom was founded on an appreciation for the sacrifi ces that military

service personnel have made on behalf of all American citizens since 1998.

“We want them (enlistees) to know that we were grateful for their service,” Conklin said. “They are doing the fighting for us.”

After 9/11, the group began providing housing assistance, education, job training and retention, and mentoring so that the seriously wounded veteran can concentrate on building the foundation for long-term success in civilian life.

“They (similar groups in other localities) were all here, but working independently before 9/11,” Conklin remarks. After 9/11, Conklin began building

the national organization to help other grateful communities reach out to more Iraq and Afghanistan veterans.

Conklin talks about each veteran in the program as if he was one of his sons. Conklin’s three sons joined the Ranger’s, two are still active. The other is back in the U. S. and in college. Travis Fugate served as a member of the Kentucky National Guard and was mobilized on active duty in December of 2004, deployed to Iraq in February of 2005. He was severely injured in May of 2005 while on patrol on a routine mission just south of Baghdad where he had been in the turret of their vehicle. An

• ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT • dining out • music • art • theater • fun eventspage 2 valleysentinel.com

September 2011Now - September 10 Evil Dead The Musical This hilarious live stage show takes a l l the elements of the cult classic horror films, Evil Dead 1, Evil Dead 2, & Army of Darkness, then combines them to make one of the craziest theatrical experiences of all time. Tickets: $30-$35. Campbell Theatre, 636 Ward St., Martinez. Information: 798-1300.

Now – September 11 The Dixie Swim Club

The Dixie Swim Club is the story of five southern women who spend a weekend together each year in August to recharge their friendship, laugh and meddle in each other’s lives. A friendship which began when they were all in college and on the swim team. Call for show

times. Knight Stage 3 at Lesher Center, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. Information: 943-7469.

Now – September 25Quirkology of Quilts: Warmth to Whimsy

Tues-Fri: 1am-4pm. Sat: Quilt Demos, 10am-1pm. Grab a Danville strolling map to help you locate a premier quilter’s resource, a treasure trove of button embellishments and eight colorful art-quilts displayed within our unique boutiques & bistros.

Now through October 9 Smokey Joe’s Café

Smokey Joe’s Cafe is the hottest joint in town. The tribute to songwriters Leiber and Stoller is a fast-paced nostalgic trip through 39 of rock-and-roll’s greatest hits from “Stand by Me” and “Yakety Yak.” Call for tickets & show times. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. Information: 925-1400

September 3-4 Scottish Highland Gathering & Games

Sat: 9am - 6:30pm, Sun: 9am - 6pm. One of the world’s largest Celtic Festivals. 24 pipe bands, World Championship Heavy Events (Athletics), Wes te rn U .S . H igh land Dancing Championships, Irish Pavilion Step Dancing & the U.S. Marine Band. More than 100 vendors with wares and services from the British Isles - Scotland, England, Ireland and Wales. Adult: 1 day $20, 2 day $27; Child (12 - 17) $12; Seniors (65+) $12; Handicap $12; 11 & under Free. Parking: $8. Alameda County Fairgrounds, 4501 Pleasanton Ave, Pleasanton. Information: 800-713-3160

September 9 House of Floyd

8pm. The Pink Floyd Concert Experience. Enjoy the House Of Floyd performing the music of Pink Floyd. They capture the essence of each

of the various Pink Floyd eras from the formative Syd Barrett days, through the 70’s and the final post-Waters era with sound effects, moving lights, lasers and video projection - including many of the original, legendary backing films used by Pink Floyd. Tickets: $28-$35 Bankhead Theater, 2400 First St., Livermore. Information: 373-6800.

September 9 & October 7. Trapped in a Rumor

8 p m . E n j o y t h e unrehearsed, unpredictable, unprepared shows. Fast-paced, funny, energetic and rated PG-13. No two shows are the same. Tickets: $8 for students/seniors, $10 for adults. Village Theater, 233 Front St., Danville. Information: 314-3400.

September 10 – October 1 The Wizard of Oz

Take the entire family down the Yellow Brick Road and beyond with Dorothy, Toto and their friends, the Scarecrow, Tin Man and Cowardly Lion, in one of the greatest musicals of all time. Call for tickets & show times. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. Information: 925-1400

September 12 One City, One Book presents Jacqueline Winspear

7 : 30 p m . J a c q u e l i n e Winspear is the author of the popular “Maisie Dobbs” series, and her 7th novel, The Mapp ing of Life and Death, is this year’s select ion f o r O n e City, One B o o k : W a l n u t C r e e k R e a d s . E n j o y a special visit and presentation by Winspear. Tickets $10. Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. Information: 943-7469.

September 15 National Acrobats of China

7:30pm. A combination of Chinese martial arts, illusion and acrobatics set to traditional music. The troupe magically transforms a host of ordinary objects – from tables and chairs, to flags, hats and bowls – into a magnificent

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redefining the very essence of slide guitar playing. His unique style combines the slide with fretted notes and chords, adding masterful finger picking to create a complex and multi-layered sound. Tickets: $14-$62. Bankhead Theater, 2400 First St., Livermore. Information: 373-6800.

September 17 & 18 LVPAC Guitar Fest LIVE!

A rare opportunity to get up-close and personal with world class guitarists as they share their techniques and talents. Enjoy concerts at the intimate Bankhead Theater starring a variety of legendary guitarists, attend a free clinic taught by your favorite guitar guru, check out the hottest new guitar gear, or kick back at the outdoor stages for free live concerts and hoist a pint o’ IPA or sip a glass of award winning wine. Bankhead Theater, 2400 First St., Livermore. Information: 373-6800

September 20 Love Story

8pm. Let Chanticleer into your heart to share this enchanting and disturbing emotion. Love Story includes music by de Victoria, Vivanco, R. Strauss, Whitacre, Paulus, Tavener, Ellington and more. Tickets: $20-$39. Hofmann Theatre at Lesher Center, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. Information: 925-1400.

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display of visual wonder and excitement. Tickets: $14-$62. Bankhead Theater, 2400 First St., Livermore. Information: 373-6800.

September 16 Lee Ritenour

8 p m . Pe r f o r m i n g a cross-section of jazz, rock and Brazilian music. Often called “Captain Fingers” for his distinctive sound and fl uid improvisation. Tickets: $14-$62. Bankhead Theater, 2400 First St., Livermore. Information: 373-6800.

September 16 – October 1 Mourning Becomes Electra

A sweeping epic. Betrayal, murder, revenge, honor and fate dominate Eugene O’Neill’s Mourning Becomes Electra, an adaptation of the Greek myth of Oresteia set in New England at the end of the American Civil War. The story is presented as a trilogy The Homecoming, The Hunted, and The Haunted. The Village Theatre, 233 Front St., Danville. Call for tickets and show times: 820 1278.

September 17 Sonny Landreth

8pm. Legendary guitarist Sonny Landreth is credited as

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September 22-25 & 30, October 1 & 2 Wake Up Your Weird

Jo in S e s ame S t re e t puppeteer Leslie Carrara-Rudolph and her pal Lolly Lardpop for storytelling, music, art, puppets, movement and improvisation celebrating creativity and individuality! Call for tickets & show times. Knight Stage 3 Theatre at Lesher Center, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. Information: 925-1400

September 24 Romeo Opening Night Gala

5pm. Opening night galas will include dinner at Uncle Yu’s at the Vinyard and dessert at the Bankhead Theater. Tickets: $75 Gala only. Separate opera ticket required to attend Romeo et Juliette. Bankhead Theater, 2400 First St., Livermore. Information: 373-6800.

September 24 & 25, October 1 & 2 Romeo et Juliette

Sept. 24 & Oct. 2: 2pm. Sept. 25 & Oct. 2: 8pm. Two young innocents fall profoundly in love despite the long, bitter feud between their proud families, and the result is a timeless tragedy. Tickets:

$29-$74. Bankhead Theater, 2400 First St., Livermore. Information: 373-6800.

September 29 MOJO and The Bayou Gypsies

7:30pm. Enjoy original Cajun and Zydeco dance beats in the Southwest Louisiana tradition, pulling audiences right onto their feet. Two receptions to be held in the theater lobby. included in the price of admission. Come early, 6pm., for the “Taste of New Orleans” welcome party and extend the party after the show with complimentary champagne, tea and coffee, plus a Southern-style dessert buffet. And if you’re really adventurous, s i t on the Bankhead stage with MOJO

and the band to truly celebrate a little Mardi Gras in September! Tickets $35-$65. Stage seating at $80. Bankhead Theater, 2400 First St., Livermore. Information: 373-6800.

Anita F. Venezia, local author of “Crosswinds At Campo Carcasso,” lives in Danville and is Senior Staff writer for ALIVE East Bay Magazine. Her sensational novel was recently launched with it’s 4-star rating on Amazon. It is offered on global internet sites and nationwide book stores.

The recent premier book signing event at Robertsville Corners in San Jose was celebrated with the presence of renowned artist, designer and award-winning vineyard-owner Marilyn Dorsa, whose painting is on the book’s cover. Anita Venezia was recently featured at the First Annual Local Authors Festival sponsored by Rakestraw Books, drawing a good crowd for her presentation.

Reviewers rave about the quasi-historiographical novel; “If you enjoy a sophisticated plot with complex characters, this is the best summertime read. ‘Crosswinds at Campo Carcasso’ is a journey through history set in Italy…I was transfi xed, with all the twists and turns along the way….”— “I could not put the book down….”— “My copy arrived from Amazon today…I am dancing!” and “I liked it so

Book signing event for local Danville authormuch I bought ten books as gifts so my friends and I can then discuss the story…I love the characters, they seem real to me and I visualize them on the big screen, an epic story…I thrive on controversy and there’s plenty in this book. A real good read and surprises…do not divulge the ending…it is a stunner!”

Venezia’s debut novel draws from years of research and extensive travel on five continents. She was raised in Cape Town and married and lived in Italy. Her life experiences gave her a unique perspective to write about classical history and patrimonial treasures that never appear in museums. She is an art and antiques appraiser, was longtime docent at the San Jose Museum of Art and docent at Blackhawk Museum (presently inactive), served as period consultant on the movie “Whiskey Slide” for Almaden Films, and volunteers for public relations for Police and Fire: The Fallen Heroes. She lives in Danville near her grown son and daughters and cherishes time with her grandchildren.

“Crosswinds At Campo Carcasso” is a riveting novel set against the backdrop of

wartime Sicily and 1960s Italy when Charlotte, who becomes the erotic Carlotta, and her older lover Clarence, an archaeologist, get trapped in the web of illicit black market antiquities trading of cultural treasures leading to duplicity, greed and revenge. The compelling journey of a thousand tales tells about collectors of looted artifacts who possess and hoard the history of the past for their eyes only.

The public is invited to a book signing and to meet the author at the Diablo Country Club on Saturday, September 17 from 4pm – 7pm. The event will take place in the Oak Room, located at 1700 Club House Rd. in Diablo. Complimentary light hors d’oeuvres will be served and a no-host bar will be available.

For more A & E, visit our website

at www.valleysentinel.com

page 4 The Valley SenTinel September 2011 valleysentinel.com

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One of the most historically significant East Bay regional parks is Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve in Antioch.

From the 1850s to the early 1900s, the area that includes the park was the site of California’s most extensive coal mining operation. Based in the now-vanished coal mining towns of Nortonville, Somersville, Stewartville, Judsonville and West Hartley, miners extracted nearly four million tons of coal from the Mt. Diablo foothills. Somersville and Nortonville were the two most populous towns in Contra Costa County.

The coal essent ia l ly fueled California’s industrial revolution. It was used as the energy source for homes,

New book features Rose Hill CemeteryBy Beverly Lane, East Bay Regional Park District Board Member

factories, and the steamboats that plied the Sacramento River. As many as 900 miners, both men and boys, worked underground. Altogether there were about 200 miles of coal mine workings.

Coal mining ceased in the early 1900s due to rising costs of extraction and discovery of a better grade of coal out of state. But mining enjoyed a renaissance of sorts from the 1920s to the mid-1940s, when silica was extracted from the same hills for use in glass manufacture and foundries. The park district has established an underground mining museum in the old silica mine workings.

At the end of the mining days, the land reverted to cattle ranching. In 1973, East Bay Regional Park District began acquiring the property for parklands.

Among its acquisitions was Rose Hill Cemetery, the Protestant cemetery established in the 1860s for miners and their families who lived and worked in the mining towns. It’s estimated that nearly 250 people are buried there, possibly more whose names are unknown and records lost. The last person to be interred at Rose Hill was William Davis, in 1954.

T h e c e m e t e r y h a d been subject to neglect and vandalism in the years after mining was discontinued. Since acquisition by the park district, the Black Diamond Mines staff has worked to restore and protect the site.

Now, Tra c i Pa ren t , supervising naturalist at Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve in Antioch, has compiled a book on the cemetery entitled “Rose Hill: A Comprehensive History of a

Pioneer Cemetery,” published by the East Bay Regional Park District. Traci is also active in the Contra Costa County Historical Society.

Relying on a variety of sources including old newspape r s to r i e s and in terv iews wi th former residents and descendants, Traci has gathered as much information as possible on every known person buried at Rose Hill.

At more than 1,000 pages, Traci’s book is a remarkable achievement. It’s a detailed account of the people interred in the cemetery, cross-referenced and illustrated with photos and diagrams. As far as is known, it’s the most comprehensive book ever written about an entire cemetery.

The book reveals the stories behind the names on the headstones. Reading about these people brings home how difficult their lives

were and how great were the dangers they faced from mining accidents and disease. It’s a tribute to their endurance in the face of adversity. And it’s food for thought the next time you visit the park and stroll past the silent marble monuments.

Traci’s book is available for sale at Black Diamond Mines’ Sidney Flat Visitor Center just past the park entrance on Somersville Road. The cost is $65.

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Two ways to get your medicare benefitsBy David Sayen

Some folks may not realize it, but there are actually two ways to get Medicare benefits.

The best-known way is Original Medicare. With Original Medicare, you can choose any doctor, hospital, or other

healthcare provider you want, as long as they accept Medicare. When you receive medical services or goods, Medicare pays the provider directly.

The other way is Medicare Advantage, which is a form of managed care, like an HMO. Medicare Advantage is provided by private insurance companies approved by Medicare. If you’re in Medicare Advantage, you generally must go to doctors and other providers in the company’s network.

If you go outside the network, you may have to pay more.

On the o ther hand, Medicare Advantage companies may offer some services – such a dental, hearing, and vision – that Original Medicare doesn’t.

Most people with Original Medicare pay a monthly premium. If you’re in Medicare Advantage, you pay an additional monthly premium to the private insurance company that covers you.

With Original Medicare, you or your supplemental insurance must pay deductibles, co-pays, and coinsurance.

To cover these “gaps” in Medicare, some people buy a type of supplemental insurance called Medigap. If you have a Medigap policy, Medicare pays its share of the covered costs, and then your Medigap policy pays its share.

Medigap policies are sold through private companies.

All plans offer the same basic benefits, but some offer additional benefits. The costs vary between insurance companies, and often cost is the only difference between pol ic ies. Some Medigap policies also offer benefits that Original Medicare doesn’t, such as medical care when you travel outside the U.S.

O r i g i n a l M e d i c a r e general ly doesn’ t cover prescription drugs. If you want drug coverage, you can get it through Medicare Part D. Part D policies are sold through private companies approved by Medicare. You have to pay an additional monthly premium for Part D.

M o s t M e d i c a r e beneficiaries choose Original Medicare, but about one-fourth of all beneficiaries are now covered through Medicare Advantage.

Medicare Advantage companies must cover all of the services that Original Medicare covers, except hospice care. (Original Medicare covers hospice care even if you’re in a Medicare Advantage plan.) In all types of Medicare Advantage plans, you’re always covered for emergency and urgent care.

You can join a Medicare Advantage plan even if you have a pre-existing condition – except for End-Stage Renal Disease. People with ESRD usually are covered through Original Medicare.

Most Medicare Advantage plans include prescription

drug coverage. But the plans can charge different out-of-pocket amounts and they have different rules for how you get service.

For example, you may need a referral to see a specialist. And you may need to stay in their provider network, unless you’re willing to pay more to go outside the network.

You should always check with the plan before you get a service to find out whether they’ll cover it and what your costs may be. If the plan decides to stop participating in Medicare, you’ll have to join another Medicare health plan or return to Original Medicare.

How can you decide whether Original Medicare or Medicare Advantage is better for you?

There’s a very good compar ison of Or ig ina l Medicare and Medicare Advantage in the “Medicare & You” handbook. An updated version of “Medicare & You” is mailed to all Medicare beneficiaries every fall.

You can also find “Medicare & You” on our website, www.Medicare.gov. If you have any questions, you can always call Medicare’s toll-free number, which is 1-800-MEDICARE.

David Sayen is Medicare’s regional administrator for Arizona, California, Hawaii, and Nevada, and the Pacific Trust Territories. You can get answers to your Medicare questions 24/7 by calling 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) or online at www.Medicare.gov.

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In 2004, Align Healing Center began using laser therapy to help patients relieve their muscle, joint and nerve pain. Due to the near miraculous results that laser can provide to a sprain, strain or chronic pain, our patients began to ask, “What else can laser help heal?” Wondering the same thing, we began to branch out and use laser on any and all injuries and wounds that our patients were presented with. We have literally watched the healing process occur right before our very eyes. Swelling reduces within minutes, severe bruises dissipate with no visible sign within a day or two and surgical wounds become painless, with minimal

Poof! You’re healed! Exploring Class IV Laser for injuries and post-surgical healingBy Dr. Niele Maimone, DC

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scarring and redness. We have had patients that have had knee surgery and hip replacements, shoulder surgery, spinal surgery, breast augmentation and reconstruction, rhinoplasty, face-lifts and c-sections that heal in a fraction of the time typical without the use of laser therapy. If you are intending on having surgery or have a stubborn injury that has taken longer to heal than you would have expected, it is worth your while to explore the benefits of Class IV K-Laser therapy.

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Injuries and surgery cause tissue damage and inflammation which reduces the circulation to the injured tissue, thereby impeding the nutrition and energy available to

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Cancer Screening Tests Can Save Your LifeBy Gautam Prasad, M.D., Ph.D.

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As a cancer doctor, I often see patients who are diagnosed with cancer in advanced stages where treatment options can be limited. They often ask me, “What could I have done differently in my life to avoid getting cancer?” Sadly, there are no easy answers but there are ways to minimize the risk, including regular screenings for cancer. As our screening technology ever improves, we are catching cancer at earlier

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Colon CancerFor men and women,

starting at the age of 50, it is recommended to receive a colonoscopy every ten years. Alternatively, your provider may test your stool for blood annually or have you undergo a procedure called flexible sigmoidoscopy every five years. If you notice new symptoms in your bowel habits such as presence of blood or “pencil-

thin” stools, you should consult your provider. If you have a strong history of colon cancer in your family or if you have an inflammatory bowel disease (like ulcerative colitis), then your provider may recommend more frequent screening.

Prostate CancerFor men, screening for

prostate cancer should happen once at age 40, again at age 45, and then once per year starting at age 50. Screening consists of two tests called a digital rectal exam (where the provider feels your prostate for abnormalities) and a PSA blood test. Symptoms which you should additional bring to your provider’s attention include

difficulty, pain or bleeding while urinating. If you have a strong history of prostate cancer or are African-American, your provider may recommend more frequent tests.

Cervical CancerFor women, screening

should begin at age 21 and be repeated every two years. Once you reach age 30, your doctor may reduce the frequency of screening or discontinue it based on your age and risk factors.

Dr. Gautam Prasad is a radiation oncologist with Epic Care, a group of experts in the diagnosis and comprehensive treatment of cancer and blood disorders. www.epic-care.com

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from page 1

IED blast hit him in the face. He sustained severe facial injuries and traumatic brain injury with loss of eyesight.

“Travis Fugate is using his scholarship (Sentinels of Freedom) to transfer to California State University, Monterey Bay with a 4.0 GPA after completing studies at Monterey Peninsula College,” Conklin commented.

With his backpack of study materials and his guide dog Fess, Fugate is headed for a degree in computer science and information systems. Fugate also finds time to represent veterans and speak to regional advocates such as Congressman Sam Farr.

Pe rsona l , nu r tu r ing guidance and the individual veteran’s dedication are

reasons for the Sentinels of Freedom program’s nearly 100 percent success rate. Local business and community leaders in every location give more than money. In fact, most of the funding, material contributions and guidance/mentoring have not been from major corporations.

“Sometimes we can get a corporation interested in them, and them interested in the corporation, so that they each can see the possibilities,” Conklin said about finding employers who will hire a wounded veteran for a career path position, not just a temporary job.

M e n t o r i n g a n d contributions from individuals, small and large businesses and from events such as the Sept. 3 Sentinels of Freedom Cycling Ride and the upcoming Oct. 3 Diablo Valley Veterans

Foundation Golf Tournament at Diablo Country Club make Sentinels of Freedom possible.

Essentially, wounded veterans begin to heal and thrive because of Sentinels of Freedom’s extended, well-connected family of experts. The whole organizat ion operates with only three paid employees.

About 70 wounded veterans in 28 cities have been set on the path to personal success in civilian life.

Whether on the phone finding funding and jobs, or introducing a seriously wounded veteran in recovery, or talking about his three sons that serve in the U. S. Rangers, Mike Conklin’s respect for veterans makes one stop and think about the historical perspective of what these service members and veterans bring home to our nation and community.

page 6 The Valley SenTinel September 2011 valleysentinel.com

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San Ramon Valley Unified School District announced its policy for providing free and reduced-priced meals for children served under the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program. Each school and the central office has a copy of the policy, which may be reviewed by any interested party.

San Ramon Valley District’s free lunch programA household size and

income criteria will be used to determine eligibility for free, reduced-price, or full-price meal benefits. Children from households whose income is at or below the following levels are eligible for free or reduced-price meals; Children who receive Food Stamps (FS), California Work Opportunity

and Responsibility to Kids (CalWORKs) benefits, Kinship Guardianship Assistance payments (Kin-GAP), or Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR) benefits are automatically eligible for free meals regardless of the income of the household in which they reside. Eligibility for a foster child is based on a separate application and solely on the amount of the child’s “personal use” income.

Application forms are being distributed to all households wi th a le t ter informing them of the availabi l i ty of free and reduced-price meals for enrolled children. Applications are also available at the principal’s office in each school. To apply for free or reduced-price meal benefits, households must complete an application and return it to the school for processing. Applications may be submitted at any time during the school year. The information households provide on the application will be used to determine meal eligibility and may be verified at any time during the school year by school or program officials.

Requirements for school officials to determine eligibility for free and reduced-price benefits are as follows: For households receiving Food Stamp, CalWORKs, Kin-

GAP, or FDPIR benefits – applications need only include the enrolled child(ren)’s name, Food Stamp, CalWORKs, Kin-GAP, or FDPIR case number, and the signature of an adult household member. For households who do not list a Food Stamp, CalWORKs, Kin-GAP, or FDPIR case number, the application must include the names of all household m e m b e r s , t h e a m o u n t and source of the income received by each household member, and the signature and corresponding Social Security number of an adult household member. If the household member who signs the application does not have a Social Security number, the household member must indicate on the application that a Social Security number is not available.

Under the provisions of the free and reduced-price meal policy, the determining official(s), as designated by the sponsor/agency, shall review applications and determine eligibility. Parents or guardians dissatisfied with the eligibility ru l ing may d iscuss the decision with the determining official on an informal basis. Parents may also make a formal request for an appeal hearing of the decision and may do so orally or in writing with the sponsor/agency’s hearing official. Parents or

guardians should contact their child(ren)’s school(s) for specific information regarding the name of the determining official and/or hearing official for a specific school, agency, or district.

If a household member becomes unemployed or if the household size increases, the household should contact the school. Such changes may make the children of the household eligible for benefits if the household’s income falls at or below the levels shown above.

Households that receive Food Stamp, CalWORKs, Kin-GAP, or FDPIR benefits may not have to complete an application for free or reduced-price meals or free milk. School officials will determine eligibility for free meals based on documentation obtained directly from the Food Stamp, CalWORKs, Kin-GAP, or FDPIR office. School officials will notify households of their eligibility, but those who do not want their child(ren) to receive free meals must contact the school. Food Stamp, CalWORKs, Kin-GAP, and FDPIR households should complete an application if they are not notified of their eligibility by September 30, 2011.

For more information or to download the application form, visit: www.srvusd.net/parents/free_reduced_lunch.

In an ef for t to help reduce lunchtime waste, ECOlunchboxes kicked off a campaign this week to raise funds to make a smart phone game teaching kids how to green their habits.

“Lunchtime waste is a mounting problem,” said Sandra Ann Harris, a Lafayette mother of two who in 2008 founded ECOlunchboxes which specializes in no-waste and no-plastic lunchware. “But learning to reduce waste and recycle can be a fun challenge. If kids can play our game and win – they’ll know enough to green their habits at lunchtime and in real life, too.”

Fundraising campaign for fun eco-educational game appBy Staff Writer The San Francisco Bay

Area green business has developed a concept for a fun eco game for kids to sort flying lunch trash into recycling, compost and trash bins. Working against the clock with colorful lunchtime waste zipping across the screen, children will be entertained by the playful game and educated at the same time.

“Kids and adults love to play, and most of us also love to learn. Connecting them produces the optimal neurological and emotional pleasure needed to reinforce t h e r i g h t b e h a v i o r s , ” explained gamification expert

Gabe Zichermann, who called the ECOlunchboxes game “a cool concept.”

Z ichermann, who i s chair of the Gamification Summit slated for New York City in September, pointed out people often learn their “greatest lessons in life on the playground. The extension of this concept to digital games should come as no surprise.”

E C O l u n c h b o x e s i s reaching out for support from the eco-community to help fund development of the app game, which it’s calling Green Trash Ninja. For more information, visit www.ecolunchboxes.com or call (925) 298-9220.

Donations Needed“Farmers” at San Ramon High School (students in the E2 Environmental Engineering Program) are looking for donations of your used garden hand tools. Please email us at sustainabledanville@gmail.com and arrangements will be made for convenient drop off or pick up.

page 6 The Valley SenTinel September 2011 valleysentinel.com

valleysentinel.com September 2011 The Valley SenTinel page 7

See CEIDpage 9

Women in Business

Gayler Construction is a 50 year old design/build fi rm that specializes in residential and commercial remodeling and new construction projects. By performing both the design and construction, we provide the most beautiful, long-lasting and highest value construction projects in the industry. Our planning process is extremely thorough, which results in “no surprises” and a rapid and real timeline. Finally, we communi-cate constantly with the client, our partners and the city and other regulatory organizations so our timelines are optimized. 100% on-time and on-budget over the past 14 years.

390 Diablo Road #110Danville, CA 94526

(925) 820-0185www.gaylerconstruction.comoffi ce@gaylerconstruction.com

Gayler Construction

Darlene Gayler

A professional real estate bro-ker, Jane has experience in real estate mortgage brokerage and residential sales and has the business savvy, dedication and care it takes to help you make the most of your real estate op-portunities. She has served on the faculty of John F. Kennedy University and is a published author of “The Art of Manag-ing…How to Build a Better Workplace and Relationships.”

Coldwell Banker

Jane Macken, MBA, MARealtor / Author

(925) 683-8766

www.janemacken.com

671 San Ramon Valley Blvd.Danville, CA

In 2001 Laurie founded Blue Heron Graphics, a full service graphic design studio specializing in branding and marketing solutions for local businesses. Her specialties include logo design and design for print. With her background in art, project management and adult literacy, Laurie brings her special blend of creative talents as well as communication and organizational skills to her work as a designer. Laurie has been committed to sustainability for many years. Blue Heron Graphics became a Contra Costa Certified Green Business in 2004. In 2008, Laurie founded the Green Business Network of Contra Costa.

(925) 942-0897www.BlueHeronGraphics.biz

Blue Heron Graphics

Laurie Prindle

Cottage Jewel

Marcia Harmon proprietor

Danville’s treasure trove of one-of-a-kind mementos is the vision of award-winning jew-elry designer and antiques spe-cialist Marcia Harmon. From vintage couture buttons to Victorian rose-cut diamonds, this unique antiques boutique features a timeless range of budget-friendly embellish-ments for you and your home. Colorful vignettes of decorative porcelains and vintage bling make gift shopping a pleasure. This month Marcia celebrates six years in business and com-munity service by hosting an-other huge antiques & art sale on Labor Day. Join the fun!

100 Prospect AveDowntown Danville

Open Daily

(925) 837-2664

www.CottageJewel.com

If Betsy Ross had charged George Wash ing ton fo r sewing the first flag, how much would she have gotten paid? Would it have been 20% less than Francis Hopkinson, (a member of the Continental Congress) who asked to be paid, “a Quarter of a Cask of the Public Wine?” Or is the question, “How did Betsy’s name come up in the fi rst place?” Her family pew located adjacent to George Washington’s pew in Christ Church made networking easy.

Remember the phrase, “location, location, location” when the market was an actual place with a street address? Now the global market , wi th an onl ine address has changed the refrain to “network, network, network.” Finally, a market place where women are equal? Not by a long shot. The glass ceiling is still there. Only twelve women have crashed

Women in BusinessBy Judy Delaney

through and made it to CEO (of Fortune 500 companies) even though women make up 60% of the work force. Why?

J i l l E l l i s , Fo u n d e r of CEID (Center for Early Infant Deafness) in Berkeley, who started her non-profit organizat ion in the late seventies, has some answers. “I had no idea how to penetrate the good ol’ boy network,” she said. “My naiveté saved me.” Jill was working as a teacher for the deaf in the late seventies when Proposition 13 passed and cut the funding for her job. It became imperative to start her own school for the deaf or there wouldn’t be one.

Funding was the only way to keep the project going, so Jill researched Washington D.C. to fi nd out who was in charge of the purse for federally funded programs. It wasn’t l ike today where anyone can Google the information. She worked at night and on

weekends to write a 70-page proposal, fl ew to Washington as a neophyte, and managed to get a government grant for her program.

I asked her if being a woman was ever an asset instead of a detriment during the early years. Surprisingly, i t did help because two infl uential women in the Bay Area took up her cause. Valerie Coleman (author and former Channel 4 news reporter) helped her work through the web of resistance in San Francisco when CEID started out in the City. Three years

Jill Ellis

Align Healing Center

Niele MaimoneDr. of Chiropractic

125 G Railroad Ave.Danville, CA 94526

(925) 362-8283www.alignhealingcenter.com

Dr. Niele Maimone, chiroprac-tor and owner of Align Healing Center has been serving the Tri-Valley community for over 12 years, providing gentle chi-ropractic care, Class IV Laser Pain Relief and natural medi-cine with amazing results. Dr. Maimone addresses the whole body - physically, chemically and emotionally. Her passion for chiropractic as well her holistic approach to restoring health has provided relief for many people burdened with long-term pain and stubborn medical conditions. Dr. Mai-mone has recently added a new doctor, Dr. Sarah Hyre, DC to her wellness team who is also an expert in the health and wellness field. Together, they assist the community in finding drug-free solutions to their healthcare needs.

Please see advertorial on page 5

page 8 The Valley SenTinel September 2011 valleysentinel.com

plan,” Junell said.In and out of town since

2008, Junell had been operating Cakes by Junell, a specialty cake and pastry business, for two years. When she decided to come back to Danville and go at it full force, she created JuneBug’s Bakery.

JuneBug’s Bakery focuses on creating specialty cakes and desserts for various occasions such as weddings, graduations, birthdays and baby showers. It has already gained respect in the industry working with many local charities, including Danville D’ Elegance, the National Charity League, Susan G. Komen and St. Luke’s Junior Auxiliary. The bakery also works with local schools and many other top event planners and caterers.

Though Junell currently operates out of her home, JuneBug’s wi l l open in Downtown Danville at 122 East Prospect Avenue in the fall. It will have outdoor seating and coffee and pastries will be served in the shop. Junell’s ultimate goal is to implement children’s parties and classes to combine her two loves, children and food, as well as expand to other locations.

But for now, opening her own business is a dream come true.

Koko FitClub

Val Rogers

Val Rogers, owner of Koko Fit-Club Danville, says, “Koko is the place where people who hate gyms love to work out.” With its Smartraining technol-ogy and fi tness oasis atmo-sphere, Koko offers an entirely new way to get in shape that’s nothing like the typical gym scene. Rogers is a mother of two who left a career in real estate appraisal to raise her children 12 years ago. She has always been passionate about health and fi tness, and equally passionate about helping peo-ple improve their lives.

499-B San Ramon Valley Blvd.

Danville 94526(925) 743-0802

danville.kokofi tclub.com

• Relationships • Life Transitions • Marriage & Family • Life Coaching

Estee Goren, M.A., is a thera-pist and coach working with adults, teens, and couples. Her goal is to help others gain a new perspective, overcome personal challenges, and im-prove their overall well-being.

If you are going through a chal-lenging situation and looking for support and guidance, or are ready to move into a new direction in your life, I look forward to working with you to define and achieve your most desired goals.

For your Free initial consultation call:

(925) 399-1177

822 Hartz Way, Ste. 205ADanville, CA 94526

www.EsteeCounseling.com

Estee CounselingTherapy and Coachingfor Couples, Teens, Adults

Estee Goren, M.A., MFT,MFC 50146 When Didi Reed graduated

from Stanford, becoming an entrepreneur was the furthest thing from her mind. The Alamo mother of four became active volunteering in the schools, serving as PTA Presi-dent and as SRVEF VP. Didi followed her own sweet dream when she bought Sweet Street in December. Sweet Street, a fun, interactive candy store located in the Danville Clock Tower, carries an assortment of candy that will satisfy the kid in everyone.

301 Hartz Ave.Danville, CA 94526

(925) 837-9338 (925) 83-SWEET

Sweet Street

Didi Justin-Reed

www.sweetstreet.biz

Women in BusinessBAKERfrom page 1

department.“It was there that I realized

I could make a career out of my love for the kitchen,” Junell said.

After graduating from Monte Vista, Junell moved to San Diego to study elementary education. However, she worked as a cake decorator outside of school. She ultimately found that she couldn’t leave her true

passion behind. She packed up her things to study patisserie in London at the prestigious culinary institute Le Cordon Bleu.

Despite the seemingly intimidating prestige of the school, Junell felt right at home.

“I would go back in a heartbeat. It was great to be around people who shared that instant common interest,” she says.

Junell studied under such great chefs as Julie Walsh, Bidault Christophe, and Claire Clark, the former pastry chef at Napa’s French Laundry. Most of the chefs were French speaking and had their share of entertaining quirks.

“French chefs talk to their food,” Junell recalls. “When we would ask Christophe if a dish was done, he would say ‘I don’t know, ask it!’”

After a rigorous schedule of lectures, practicals and six-hour final exams, Junell finally graduated top of her class with a degree in Patisserie Arts.

Still hungry to learn from the best chefs and expand her knowledge, Junell began working in all of the major food cities in California. She has worked as a pastry chef for such prominent restaurants as Brix and Tulocay in Napa, Pres a Vi and the Ritz Carlton in San Francisco, and Sideboard and Mangia Mi in Danville.

In May 2010, she decided to “eat [her] way through another city” in Chicago. It was there that she was inspired to embark upon her most recent endeavor – to open her own bakery.

“I spent the next few months sitting in bakeries and coffee shops writing my business

Dr. Sandy Block has been serv-ing our pets of the Tri-Valley area since 1990. In 2008, she founded Bollinger Canyon Ani-mal Hospital in San Ramon, a national award winning hospi-tal providing compassionate, competent veterinary care. Dr. Block is actively involved in the community, including Scouts, PTA, St. Joan of Arc, and presides on the board of ARF. She also speaks at local schools about her career and implemented “Vet for a Day” program for the elementary schools. “It’s simple; the kind of personal care you wish you could find for your family is available here at Bollinger Canyon Animal Hospital.”

400 Montgomery St.(corner of Bollinger Canyon

Rd. & Alcosta Blvd.)

San Ramon(925) 866-8500

www.MyCaringVet.com

Bollinger Canyon Animal Hospital

Sandy Block, DVM

Design Elements

Judith Clark, FIFDA,CID 878

With over 30 years of interior design experience, Judith Clark has been creating beautiful spaces for clientele throughout the Bay Area. Judith is one of the few Certifi ed Interior Designers in the San Ramon Valley. Certifi cation requires education, testing and continuing education not accomplished by many. With a large entourage of artisans and product, she creates environments that exemplify the clients’ superb taste. Rely on Judith Clark for sources and know-how.

409 Sycamore Valley Rd. WestDanville, CA 94526

(925) 837-5839www.delements.com

Empire Real Estate

Jill Fusari

What sets Jill Fusari apart from the rest in her field? Jill has spent her entire business career focusing on developing concrete business relationships to last a lifetime. She is pas-sionate about her chosen ca-reer. Having closely monitored the changing real estate market conditions, she knows prop-erty values intimately. She has extensive contract negotiating experience and is committed to helping buyers and sellers at-tain the most fair and competi-tive price through persistent analysis. Her goal is to provide each client with outstanding service, clear communication and follow up that exceeds their expectations. Give her a

call today!

380 Diablo RoadDanville, CA 94526

925-817-7818

wwwjillfusari.com

page 8 The Valley SenTinel September 2011 valleysentinel.com valleysentinel.com September 2011 The Valley SenTinel page 9

Women in Business

ehCreative

Elizabeth Hodson

Elizabeth Hodson is the cre-ative force behind ehCreative, a design studio in Danville spe-cializing in affordable, profes-sional graphic design for small businesses and organizations. ehCreative's portfolio of clients include retail, industrial, and service-oriented businesses as well as schools, non-profits, and professional organiza-tions. Whether you are a new business looking to brand your image or an established busi-ness that's just in need of a little “facelift,” ehCreative can help while working within your budget. Catering to small business owners and organiza-tions, ehCreative provides pro-fessional results for a reason-able price. See how a whole new look can attract a whole new crowd.

(732) 406-6770www.ehcreative.net

Bay Celebrations

Sharon Schuyler

Sharon Schuyler is your hostess along with her husband, Greg aboard “Bay Celebrations.” They founded Celebrations On The Bay in the mid 1990s. They operate their vessels out of the Oakland/Alameda Estu-ary and provide cruises on San Francisco Bay and Delta.She enjoys sharing her love of the San Francisco area with all of the passengers who come out with them. She has a back-ground in event planning and food service. She says she is full of ideas for fundraisers, anniversaries, birthdays, re-hearsal dinners, weddings, and more. Sharon serves on the board of directors of the Alamo Chamber of Commerce. She is also active in the Cham-bers of Commerce of Alameda, Danville, and Oakland.

(877) 499-4229celebrationsonthebay.com

later, when her grant was not renewed and Jill was forced to rethink how CEID could go on, she told me, “One of the parents called me and said she’d give us her garage as a classroom for the summer. I taught out of her house for the summer for free. We gathered tables, chairs, desks and fi ling cabinets from our homes and set up school.” Wendy Tokuda (Channel 5 Eyewitness News) found out about the school for the deaf being taught out of a garage in the East Bay and brought her camera crew along to fi lm the story for the evening news. By fall of that year, Jill had secured private and public funding to carry on.

I t was hard to ho ld Ms. Ellis down when her mission in life was to create a curriculum for deaf children that inc luded educat ing parents on the importance of having their infants examined as early as possible after birth. Getting a child to an audiologist early and making sure the parent was present in the examining room was

a revolutionary concept in the 70’s and 80’s. Studies in child development, with the hearing impaired, had not progressed to include the affect of parental interaction. People didn’t know that family participation was vital.

Jill navigated a labyrinth of red tape to gain further funding for a non-profi t. It was hard to start a business back in the early eighties, a non-profit even harder. “Superv isors were on ly interested in the bottom line,” she said. Jill found a way to make federal and local governments understand that having the parents of hearing impaired children on their side would save them money. Funding a school whose curriculum was designed to enable deaf children to matriculate into public schools at the elementary school level would save taxpayers money in the long run. It worked. She was fi nally in the market for a building. Berkeley fi t the plan. Jill aligned herself with audiologists, partnered with Children’s Hospital in Oakland and networked with local government and

the community to establish the thriving center CEID is today.

CEID employs 30 people. It’s a small business owned by a woman.

If you’re a woman with a vision, the path to owning your own business is paved with organizations created to help you. Resources are available on the Internet and in your communities including: EBWN

(East Bay Women’s Network): www.ebwn.org; Office of Women’s Business Ownership under the SBA: www.sba.gov/about-offi ces-content/1/2895; S.C.O.R.E. (Service Corps of Retired Executives), who help entrepreneurs set up businesses with free advice and guidance to write business plans, apply for grants etc: www.score.org; and many others.

CEIDfrom page 7

Ten years as a professional buyer for women’s and ju-nior’s contemporary apparel gave Rosenberg a savvy eye for the best fashion finds. The Sav-vy Shopaholic is her upscale boutique for style-conscious women and teens who believe fashion is essential. Her store carries new and consigned clothing, jewelry, accessories and purses at 50% or more off retail. The Savvy Shopaholic is passionate about fashionable clothing that make women look their very best without clean-ing out their bank account.

411 Hartz Ave. #GDanville, CA 94526

(925) 362-3677

www.thesavvyshopaholic.com

The Savvy Shopaholic

Deb Rosenberg

Please see ad on page 16

JuneBug’s Bakery

Junelle Starr Watson

Junell Starr Watson is the owner of the new JuneBug’s Bakery. Opening this fall in Danville, it will focus on creating specialty cakes and desserts for all oc-casions. Junell studied under such great chefs as Julie Walsh, Bidault Christophe, and Claire Clark, the former pastry chef at Napa’s French Laundry. She works with local schools, and charities including Danville’s Concours d’Elegance.. She is excited to open her own business where coffee and pastries will be served in the shop, and says that this is a dream come true!

JuneBug’s will be located at 122 East Prospect Ave. down the lane.

(925)269-7271www.junebugsbakery.com

Olive

Kristy Crowell

The Rose Garden730 Camino Ramon #130

Danville, CA 94526

925.362.0767 www.thesavvyshopaholic.com

Kristy Crowell opened Olive, the first eco boutique this side of the tunnel, three years ago and continues daily, to push her main vision; “I wanted to show people that keeping the envi-ronment in mind, never ever has to mean sacrificing style – the true meaning of an eco-fashionista.” With a marketing and journalism background, she dove into a somewhat trou-bled economy with excitement and hopefulness in showing people the way to their inner ecofashionista through amaz-ing clothing and jewelry they never knew existed!

Jackie has been in the fashion eyewear industry for 30 years. During that time she has gar-nered clients from all over the Bay Area. Her expertise in color and facial structure has been an asset to her clients. She believes in taking each cli-ent as an individual and works to achieve the proper design specific to that person. She feels that the most important accessory a person wears is that which is worn on the face. After all, when you meaning-fully communicate with some-one, it’s always with direct eye contact. Over the years she has been involved with helping to empower less fortunate women in seeking new career opportu-nities. She is a true giver.

Jackie Pardini

Eyes on Hartz

334 Hartz Ave.Danville, CA 94526

(925) 406-4887

defining eyewear

JILL FUSARI | Realtor®Providing unparalleled expertise, service, and results.

JILL FUSARI |

Thinking about buying or selling a home?Call me for your FREE market analysisto find out if the time is right for you!

925.817.7818www.JillFusari.com | JFusari@EmpireRA.comDRE# 01775608

page 10 The Valley SenTinel September 2011 valleysentinel.com

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There is nothing like the beauty of a hardwood floor. With the proper care, it can remain beautiful for years. Here are some tips to help you keep your floors looking like new!

Daily care – To prevent abrasion and premature wear, remove dust, dirt, and food crumbs from the floor with a broom, dust mop, hardwood floor sweeper with micro fiber dusting pad, or vacuum cleaner set on “hard wood floors”—never use a vacuum cleaner with a beater bar.

Cleaning – 1. Start by removing dust,

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dirt, and food crumbs with a dust mop, hardwood floor sweeper with micro fiber pad, or vacuum cleaner

2. Use Bona Professional Hardwood Floor Cleaner, spraying a three or four foot square section of the floor

3. Use the micro fiber pad on the hardwood floor sweeper

Cleaners –Never use oil soap, spray

wax, or acrylic wax! Never use a mop, water and vinegar or household dust treatment sprays and oils – they can cause damage to the floor surface.

Water is the enemy – the

Hardwood floor maintenance: What to do/what not to do to keep them looking like new!

best cleaners are those designed for hardwood floors – we recommend Bona Professional Hardwood Floor Cleaner because it contains a drying agent and it dries in seconds.

Common problems and easy solutions:

· Prevent dents and scratches: Use walk off mats to clean feet and prevent the abrasive wear caused by dirt

· Food spills – Wipe up spill, use Bona Professional Hardwood Floor Cleaner

· Shoe marks – Scuff marks can be rubbed off with a white grade pad

· Furniture dents – Use felt pads under furniture

· Pet scratches – Keeping your dog’s nails trimmed can prevent or minimize scratching

· Shoe marks – High heel dents should be prevented – check to ensure heels have a protective, plastic cover.

• Water damage, squeaking, splintering, staining – consult a hardwood floor expert.

For additional information, go to our website and click on “resources” at www.DanvilleHardwood.com

Danville Hardwood is a Member of the National Wood Floor Association

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1105095-NAV-SNT-0603-5.75x4.indd 1 5/25/11 11:55 AM

Home & GardenIn our previous article,

we addressed some core ideas of sustainable landscaping: to consider the function of all parts of your garden ecosystem, to be aware of the relationship of your garden to the future (both the future of the garden and the future of the planet), and to work in harmony with place, both the site of the garden and the climate and ecosystem that surrounds it. What are some practical ways that a gardener or homeowner can apply them in the real world?

Waste not, want not: Plan, build, and maintain your garden so that you minimize waste. This will save you money and be immensely better for the world. This is where considering function comes in: much waste comes from garden features that don’t actually serve any of the homeowner’s needs. In addition to eliminating the dysfunctional, there are many other ways to minimize waste: from using recycled or local materials for construction, to installing and programming your irrigation correctly, to choosing site-appropriate plants that don’t need constant babying or hacking.

N u r t u r e y o u r s o i l biology: Soil is the foundation of a healthy, environmentally sound, low-maintenance garden Most plants need a lot less water, fertilizer, and coddling than we think, but they need good soil to perform well. What is good

What is sustainable landscaping? Part II: By Jonathan Espalin soil? Most gardens have far

too little organic matter and biological activity in their soil. The construction of homes and roads, as well as many outdated gardening practices, leave the soil lifeless and unproductive. Organic matter, in a natural ecosystem, holds water and nutrients in the soil, maintains an open texture that makes root growth easier, and stabilizes soil temperatures and chemistry. Proper soil preparation is essential when installing or renovating a garden. Repairing lifeless soil with the addition of compost and mulch is the foundation of long-term soil and plant health. In a healthy garden, soil grows. Plants help build the soil as they grow, stabilize the soil with their roots, and shed leaves and flowers. Earthworms and other benefi cial animals prosper and give back to the plants. For most plants, synthetic fertilizers do more harm than good. Spraying salt-based fertilizers on lifeless clay soil does not make it any better, in fact, it does harm by killing the biology needed to keep plants healthy. As important as soil is, in a mature garden, you shouldn’t see the soil. Any bare areas are a place for weeds to grow, for roots to overheat, for water to evaporate wastefully.

A sustainably planned and managed garden will increase in stability every year, becoming easier to maintain and more rewarding to live in. Take time to enjoy your

garden, to pause and see what you have achieved, and see what you are giving back to the world.

Next time: “But how’s it going to look? Framing your ecosystem.”

–Jonathan Espalin, Garden Designer and Horticulturist, Calvin Craig Landscaping

Master Gardeners Fall EventSeptember 10 from 9am–2pm

Tour of the Garden of Learning. Plant Sale - Native & Drought tolerant plants,

fl owers & winter vegetable starts. Garden Art Sale - New and gently used garden items. Help desk and Sick Plant Clinic Free demonstrations: Composting & Vermiculture – 9:30am & 12:30pm.

Plant Propagation from Cuttings – 10am & 1pm. Raising Chickens – 10:30am & 1:30pm. Drip Irrigation – 11am. St. Perpetua School, 3445 Hamlin Rd., Lafayette.

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September • September • September • September • September

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

Please email or fax your Calendar Events to the Sentinel by 5 pm on the 15th of the month proceeding publication month. Fax No. 925-820-6048,info@valleysentinel.com or go to valleysentinel.com to enter your event online.

Inclusion in the calendar pages is at the sole discretion of Sentinel Newspapers, Inc.

For additional Community Events visit:www.ValleySentinel.comIf your event is not listed... Please do so by clicking on CALENDAR and Post an Event

We hope to see you there!

ANNOUNCEMENTS

August 25 – September 25Quirkology of Quilts: Warmth to WhimsyTues-Fri: 1-4pm. Sat: Quilt Demos, 10am-1pm. Grab a Danville strolling map to help you locate a premier quil-ter’s resource, a treasure trove of button embellishments and eight colorful Art-Quilts displayed within our unique boutiques & bistros.

September 5 Antique & Art Faire9am-3pm. Railroad Ave. Parking Lot and Railroad Centre Shopping Center. Sponsored by Discover Danville Associa-tion. Information: 339-8330.

September 7 Inside the Dancer’s Life: Black Swan and Beyond 6-7pm. Diablo Ballet presents an inside look at the lives and careers of ballet dancers. Learn what it takes to make it in this demanding profession. Dancers from Diablo Ballet will provide a behind-the-scenes talk about their work and lives in the company and as professional dancers. Did the movie “Black Swan” get it right? Walnut Creek Library, Oak View Room, 1644 N. Broadway, Walnut Creek. Advance registration is suggested: 977-3340.

September 7 Glass House Museum, Orientation and Training 1-4pm. The 1877 Italianate style Victorian home is open for tours, educational programs and special events. 1-2pm will be an informal session. 2-4pm will be training. Call 829-4654.

September 9 Preschool Performance Series: Dan Chan the Magic Man 10am. No other show like it, weaving magic, comedy, pick-pocketing, mind-reading, juggling, escapes, dog tricks, and acrobatics to create the ultimate variety show. The Village Theatre, 233 Front St, Danville. Information: 820-1278.

September 10 San Ramon Valley Emergency Preparedness Fair9am-2pm. Have you ever wondered what measures your local, state and federal government have taken to prepare our community for a disaster? Come to the fair and fi nd out. 655 Old Orchard Rd., Danville.

September 10 How To Write a Great College Application Essay 11am-12pm. Attend this free seminar and learn: What colleges want to see in your essay, how to write a winning essay, how the essay factors in to your college application. Free. Ygnacio Valley Library, 2661 Oak Grove Rd., Walnut Creek. Sign up by calling 800-527-8378 or the library: 938-1481. September 10 & 24 Chef Demo with Faz!11am. Learn simple recipes with ingredients from the market followed by questions and answers. San Ramon Farmers Market, Bishop Ranch 2, Bollinger Canyon Rd/Sunset Drive across from Whole Foods Market and Peet’s Coffee.

September 10 – October 29 Works of Text and Image Pieces of work will include works of text and image, abstract painting, artist books, mixed media, comics, photography, sculpture and handmade postcards. Special Opening Night Reception: September 10, 4:15pm – 7:15pm. This Opening Night Reception is free and light refreshments will be served. This reception is for mature audiences only. Danville Community Center, 420 Front Street, Danville. Information: 341-3400.

September 11 Annual Victorian Tea honoring Ruth Quayle Boone1-4pm. $35.00 per person. Your cancelled check guaran-tees your reservation. To guarantee seating together, all payments must be submitted with the same reservation form. Each table seats 10 guests. San Ramon Community Center, 12501 Alcosta Blvd., San Ramon.,September 11 Tenth Anniversary 9-11 Ceremony;“Our Community Remembers” 5:50pm-6:40pm. This event will feature prominent guest speakers, hundreds of scouts with an array of American ffl ags, joint police and fi re dept. honor guard and fi fe & drum corps., a bagpiper, a fl ight of doves, renowned tenor George Komsky and many other patriotic contributions. Immediately following the ceremony there will be a free community “American picnic” featuring hot dogs and ice cream. All Wars Memorial, Oak Hill Park, 3005 Stone Val-ley Rd., Danville.

September 15 Forest Home Farms Historic Park Fall Docent Training9:30-12pm. Make a difference for 3rd graders in the San Ramon Valley. Meeting will be held in the Boone House, Apt. B, at Forest Home Farms Historic Park, 19953 San Ramon Valley Blvd., San Ramon. This training is open to the public and is for anyone who is interested in becoming a volunteer at the farm.You are not required to volunteer after attending the meeting. Information: 973-3282.

September 16-18 Harvest Festival Original Art & Craft Show Fri: 10am - 6pm, Sat: 10am - 6pm, Sun: 10am - 5pm. Hundreds of booths featuring handmade art, photography, ceramics, blown glass, toys, jewelry, food, and more. All day stage and strolling entertainment. Adults: $9, Child: $4 (13 - 17), Seniors: $7 (62+), Handicap: $7, Military: $2. Parking: $8. Alameda County Fairgrounds, 1400 Pleasan-ton Ave., Pleasanton. Information: 415-447-3205.

September 17 Parks Make A Difference 9am-12pm. Join the professional park maintenance staff for the fi rst of several clean up events to maintain the San Ramon Parks. Open to all ages, children 13 and under must have an adult. Bring work gloves. Register by calling 973-3222.

September 17 Dedication for O’Neill Sculpture at Tao House 2:30pm. Join in for a dedication of a bronze bust of O’Neill by the noted sculptor Jon Hair. Shuttle service to the event at the Museum of the San Ramon Valley, 205 Railroad Avenue in downtown Danville, beginning at 2pm

September 19 - October 24“Two Cities, One Tale”: Danville & San Ramon Joint City Read Join residents of Danville and San Ramon for a fi ve-week book-sharing event to read one book together. This book is a story about love, family, and friendship during WWII America. Explore the strengths and strains of human rela-tionships through the eyes of a young Chinese Boy and a Japanese Girl. Contact the Danville Library at 837-4889 or San Ramon Library at 973-2850 for more information.

September 27 Art and History of the Japanese Tea Ceremony7pm. Discover the history, culture, and elegant art form of the Japanese tea ceremony. Free. No registration required. Seating is limited. Danville Library, Mt. Diablo Room, 400 Front St., Danville. Information: 837-4889.

September 30 – October 2 Alameda County Home & Garden Shows Fri: 12pm - 6pm, Sat: 10am - 6pm, Sun: 10am - 6pm. Everything you need all in one great location. Skylights, ceramic tile, kitchen and bath renovations and more. Outdoor landscaping, wood decking, sunroom enclosures and heated spas. Adult $6, Child 12 & under free. Parking: $8. Alameda County Fairgrounds, 1400 Pleasanton Ave., Pleasanton. Information: 682-7227. September 30 Jazz at the Library – San Ramon 8pm. Kenny Washington Trio. Enjoy gospel, blues and jazz. Tickets: $20, Students and Seniors: $15. San Ramon Library, 100 Montgomery St., San Ramon. Information: 973-2850. October 1 Tri-Valley Mothers of Twins Club–Used Clothing & Equipment Sale 9am - 2:45pm (1/2-off sale 1:45-2:45). If you’re looking for maternity wear, clothing for newborns to teen, car seats, single and double strollers, swings, bouncy seats, baby carriers, cribs, high chairs, toys, books and DVD’s, this is your sale. Adults: $2, Children: $1. Parking: Free. Information: 899-3837.

SENIORS

DanvilleBuzz Sessions are the buzz on topics and issues facing today’s older adults with the experts. Buzz Sessions are always free! The following sessions are all held at the Town Meeting Hall, 201 Front St., Danville.September 6 Love the Skin you’re in–At Any Age! 10-11am. Taking care of your skin at any age is important. Your home regimen can be very simple or many steps. Ses-sion will cover common skin and how stress affects your skin.September 13 Good Shoes Make Happy Feet 12pm-1pm. What you have under your feet can affect many parts of your body. Proper footwear is essential to contin-ued exercise and getting around each and every day. September 20 How to Save a Small Fortune in Home Care Costs 1-2pm. Preventative and proactive measures seniors can take in order empower yourself to stay vital, independent and delay the need for care in the home. September 29 How to Handle Dogs and Grandchildren; Exercising Alternatives for your Dog 10-11am. Discussion on how to deal with an excitable dog and young children, as well as alternatives to walking in order to exercise your dog. This is a human only presenta-tion; please leave your dogs at home. San Ramon All events listed are held or go through the Alcosta Senior & Community Center, 9300 Alcosta Blvd., San Ramon. Information: 973-3250.September 7 Personal Safety 10:30-12pm. Darlene Kittredge, Crime Prevention Spe-cialist with the City of San Ramon Police Department, will discuss ways to stay safe both at home and away.September 11 Sunday Family Breakfast 9am-11am. Breakfast includes pancakes, scrambled eggs, fresh fruit and sausage. No reservations required. $4 Adults, $2 Children 12 and under.

Continued onpage 7

valleysentinel.com September 2011 The Valley SenTinel page 13

mon, Mayor H. Abram Wilson. Seating is limited and reservations must be prepaid. Contact the Livermore Chamber of Commerce this year’s host at www.livermorechamber.org. Chamber Members Fee: $40. Non-Member Fee: $50. Held at Wente Vineyards, 5050 Arroyo Road, Livermore.

CLUBS

September 14Exchange Club of San Ramon Valley12:00 pm (11:30 Sign In) “New Trails, Shrinking Budgets, Keeping Our Regional Parks Open!” a presentation by Beverly Lane, President, East Bay Regional Park District. FAZ, 600 Hartz Ave., Danville. $16 Members/ $20 returning guests. For info, call 275-2412 or email coachstepper@yahoo.com.

September 15 San Ramon Valley Newcomers Club 11:30-2pm. New & long-time residents are invited to the Crow Canyon Country Club, 711 Silver Lake Dr., Danville. Cost is $21. Our program will be a fashion show presented by Draper’s & Damon’s Ladies Fashion Store. Information & reservations: 560-0656.

MondaysDanville Rotary12:15-1:30pm. Meets every Monday. Faz Restau-rant, Danville Info: Victor, 838-8721.

TuesdaysDanville/Sycamore Valley Rotary7am. Join us at the Crow Canyon Country Club ev-ery Tuesday morning for a good breakfast and great company. Info: Scott Sampson, 743-8449.

WednesdaysAlamo RotaryNoon. Meets every Wednesday at Round Hill Coun-try Club, Alamo. Info: Mark Kahn, 837-3262.

San Ramon Valley Rotary Club7pm. Guests welcome. Join us at the Crow Canyon Country Club every Wednesday for dinner. This is a great way to make new friends. Info: 838-9110.

Blue Star Moms6:30pm. Chapter 101 meets every second Wednes-day of the month at the Danville Veterans Memorial Building at 400 Hartz Avenue in Danville.

ThursdaysRotary Club of San Ramon12:15-1:30pm. Meets every Thursday at the Crow Canyon Coun-try Club, San Ramon Info: Bill Nethercott, 337-3311.

K iwa n is o f San RamonNoon. Meets every Thursday at Round Hill Country Club, 3169 Round

Danville • Blackhawk • Alamo • Diablo • San Ramon

Website: valleysentinel.com

390 Diablo Road, Suite 145Danville, CA 94526

925-820-6047

Community News & Information

Publisher/Editor – Denise Rousset Chief Financial Offi cer – Jeff GummereWriter, Auto – David & Judy ColmanGraphic Designer – Laurie PrindleAssistant Editor – Jason BelliniInterns – Stephanie Steinbrecher and Alex Hicks

Community News & Information

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FOR SALE

’94 Electra Glide Custom Black on Black. 21” front wheel. Thunder header, etc. $8500.00.Contact Marc 925-639-4474.

2011 Entertainment Coupon Books for Greater East Bay Area available NOW! Only $30 each. Support California High School Choral Boosters. Call Cam Reed at 925-829-0628. Free delivery San Ramon/Danville/Alamo/Dublin area.

Beautiful Minolta Camera hardly used, in box. Must see, one year old. Paid $550, will sell for $200. Call (925) 735-3895.

JVC Movie Camera, digital, almost new. Paid over $600, will sell for $250. Call (925) 735-3895.

BUILDING MATERIALS

Steel Buildings Discounted factory inventory. 24x36, 38x50, 48x96, 60x150. Misc. sizes, limited availability. Source# 0EN. Call (530) 884-1920. www.sunwardsteel.com.

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Sales Executive Position: The Valley Sentinel Newspaper has immediate openings for two sales positions. No sales experience necessary, we will train. Must have an outgoing personality and a positive

attitude. Compensation based on performance. The Valley Sentinel covers the most desirable areas of the Bay Area. Alamo, Danville, Blackhawk, Diablo and San Ramon. Please email your resume and request for interview to us at drousset@valleysentinel.com.

Proof Reader: Must be available for deadlines and special publications, usually a few hours per month. We have a good team and have fun together. We will need to fi nd someone to help starting with the November issue. Please email your resume and request for interview to us at drousset@valleysentinel.com.

SERVICES

Pool Service -If your pool looks like a pond, call John at 925-584-6333. It’s the last pool maintenance call you will have to make.

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Lunch Brunch Trips Sign up for the lunch bunch trips at the front desk.September 10: Vallejo Ferry to Ferry Bldg. Mar-ketplace September 14: Sam’s Anchor Café, Tiburon September 26: Elephant Bar, DublinSeptember 28: Chopin Café, Pleasant Hill Mar-ketplace

Casino Trips Sign up at the front desk.September 12: Thunder Valley, Lincoln. $28/per-son.

BUSINESS

Alamo Chamber of Commerce EventsSeptember 21: Welcome Supervisor Gayle Uilkema. Luncheon 11:30-1pm. Round Hill Country Club, 3169 Round Hill Rd., Alamo. Cost: $25.

September 27: Alamo & Danville Chamber Joint Mixer. 5:30-7pm. Diablo Country Club, 1700 Club House Rd., Diablo. September 28: Alamo Chamber of Commerce Mixer. 5:30-7pm. Sweet Celebrations, 170 Alamo Plz # C, Alamo.

Danville Chamber of Commerce Events:September 8: Business After Hours Mixer. 5:30pm. Fastsigns, 2551 San Ramon Valley Blvd., Suite 113, San Ramon.

September 21: Welcome Supervisor Gayle Uilkema. Luncheon 11:30-1pm. Round Hill Country Club, 3169 Round Hill Rd., Alamo. Cost: $25.

September 22: Danville’s Going Places 2011. Busi-ness Showcase - Travel and Culinary Event. 5-8pm. Sample the best that 20 area restaurants have to offer, taste the wines of California, visit 10 different cruise lines and the treasures of the world by sea, meet over 40 Danville Area Businesses and their key staff and fi nd out how they can help you and your business.

September 27: Alamo & Danville Chamber Joint Mixer. 5:30-7pm. Diablo Country Club, 1700 Club House Rd., Diablo.

September 29: Tri-Valley Mayors Summit. 11:30am. Danville, Mayor Karen Stepper, Dublin, Mayor Tim Sbranti, Livermore, Mayor Marshall Kamena, Pleasanton, Mayor Jennifer Hosterman, San Ra-mon, Mayor H. Abram Wilson. Seating is limited and reservations must be prepaid. Contact the Livermore Chamber of Commerce this year’s host at www.livermorechamber.org. Chamber Members Fee: $40. Non-Member Fee: $50. Held at Wente Vineyards, 5050 Arroyo Road, Livermore

San Ramon Chamber of Commerce EventsSeptember 15: Third Thursday Mixer - Blackhawk Gallery, in Blackhawk Plaza. 5:30 – 7:30pm. A night of great food, wine and fun at the Alamo Danville Artists’ Society’s Blackhawk Gallery in Blackhawk Plaza. $5 for Members and $20 for Non-Members. No RSVP required. Cash and Checks only please. Blackhawk Gallery in Blackhawk Plaza, 3461 Black-hawk Plaza Circle. Danville.

September 29: Tri-Valley Mayors Summit. 11:30am. Danville, Mayor Karen Stepper, Dublin, Mayor Tim Sbranti, Livermore, Mayor Marshall Kamena, Pleasanton, Mayor Jennifer Hosterman, San Ra-

COMMUNITY CALENDAR CONTINUEDFrompage 12

page 14 The Valley SenTinel September 2011 valleysentinel.com

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Boy Scout Troop 36 based at St. Timothy’s Church on Diablo Road in Danvil le recently bicycled from Half Moon Bay along Highway 1 to Ventura County in Southern California, covering almost 400 miles and 19,500 feet of vertical elevation during this seven-day ride. Beginning on

Itinerary Day 1: Half Moon Bay to

Santa Cruz–58 miles bicycling.Camping at Manresa State Campground.

Day 2: Santa Cruz to Monterey–35 miles bicycling Camping at Veterans Memorial Park, Monterey.

Day 3: Monterey to Big Sur–70 miles bicycling.Camping at Limekiln state Park Campground.

Boy Scout Troop 36 bikes to Southern CaliforniaAugust 6, the 14 Boy Scouts and 12 adult volunteers rode between 35 and 72 miles daily, camping out at scenic beachfront campgrounds at the end of each day. Led by former Scoutmaster Dr. Stephen Krome and assisted by Assistant Scoutmaster James Kocins, this bike trek was the culmination of both

Photos by Jeffery Weil

By StaffWritera full year of careful planning as well as six months of intensive training rides. All riders were required to ride a minimum of six to nine prior bike rides, including a 50 miler, an overnight ride and a 3,000 foot elevation ride. All participants took bike safety and bicycle repair courses as part of their preparation for the trip. Bicyclist enthusiast Geo f f Landon was t he resident bike expert, and Greg Landon his son was the Troop Senior Patrol Leader at the head of the riders. Support vehicles hauled the camping equipment and shopped daily for fresh food. At Ventura the bicycles were dismantled and packed into a trailer for the ride back to Danville, and the Boy Scouts and adult volunteers boarded a bus to Disneyland, where they spent 14 glorious hours maxing out on rides. On the last day, they all boarded the Amtrak Coast Starlight train for a very scenic 12 hour coastal ride back to Danville.

Troop 36 finally, after seven straight days of bicycle riding, arrive at Ventura McGrath State Park

Morro Bay

Day 4: Big Sur to San Simeon–42 miles bicycling.Camping at San Simeon State Beach Campground.

Day 5: San Simeon to Pismo Beach–53 miles bicycling. Camping at Oceana State Beach Campground

Day 6: Pismo Beach to Solvang–69 miles bicycling.Camping at Lake Cachuma Campground.

Day 7 : So lvang to Ventura–52 miles bicycling.Camping at McGrath State Beach Campground.

D ay 8 : Ve n t u r a t o Disneyland. Bus to Disneyland with Deluxe Limosine service, overnight at the Quality Inn hotel.

Day 9: Disneyland to San Jose. Travel by Anaheim regional transit to Amtrak station in Anaheim, Amtrak to Los Angeles station, change train to the Coast Starlight from LA to the San Jose Amtrak Station for the trip home.

Breakfast at Monterey’s famed Le Normandie

(formerely in Blackhawk)

Troop 36 on 17 Mile Drive

page 14 The Valley SenTinel September 2011 valleysentinel.com AUTOmaintenance • new cars • used cars • after market • safety

March 2009

September 2011valleysentinel.com page 15

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Ten hut you army wannabes! Fall in you Hummer chums! Toyota has a new dog tag for camouflaged ammo fans. It’s called the Upgrade Package 3 ($3,650) on the $26,880 FJ Cruiser. Check the box for “Army Green Exterior Color” and Toyota will send you packing with an FJ that looks like a five gallon Jerry can. Instead of the usual white roof, yours will be olive drab, just like the rest of the body, the interior door trim, the seat fabric inserts, and the face of the dashboard. Items that would normally be silver or chrome, like bumpers, exterior mirrors, grill, door handles and even wheels, are all matte black on this special FJ. Only the six lug nuts holding each steel wheel in place are chrome. The subdued colorless combo transforms the FJ from a pastel Lego brick into an MP bulldog.

Although looks can be deceiving, the FJ’s military dress tells no lies. This Cruiser is fully capable of performing off- road maneuvers that would leave some tanks dead in their tracks. The makings of a ferocious outback attacker are apparent the moment you step tall into the FJ’s cab. Directly in front of the gated 5-speed automatic shift console is another stubby lever in charge of the FJ’s 2 speed transfer case. This mechanism allows you to select Low Range 4 wheel drive, or High Range 2 and 4 wheel drive. If you need special traction assistance in Low Range 4WD, you can lock the rear differential by simply depressing a button on the dash. Likewise, you can push the “A-Trac” button on the center console to activate traction control at creeper speeds. If you anticipate special circumstances which might tip the FJ over while crawling through rocks, you can even disable the side curtain airbags by depressing the RSCA (Roll Sensing Curtain Airbag) button to the left of

2011 TOYOTA FJ CRUISERBy David and Judy Colman the steering column. In other

words, Toyota has covered all the angles in tailoring the FJ for wilderness travel.

Yet the camouflage Cruiser also works well as a means of everyday civilian transport. Its 240hp V6 is sophisticated enough to produce a welcome wallop of power when called on to dart through holes in traffic. Since it displaces a hefty 4 liters, the 24 valve engine also makes 271 lb.-ft. of torque, more than enough to tow 5,000 pounds of trailer. The optional $349 tow hitch and wiring harness thus make good sense. The downside of asking a V6 to power a 4,350 pound SUV is middling fuel mileage of 17/21MPG. The good news is that the FJ’s sizeable 20 gallon tank will take you 340-420 miles between refills.

In a pinch, the FJ will carry four adults, with decent access to the rear seats through a pair of small suicide back doors that swing out via fat latches located on the inside of the B pillars. If you flip the 60/40 fold down rear seats flat, you’ve got 34 cubic feet of storage space to fill. The thoughtful addition of no less than seven tie-down eyelets allows you to secure any cargo with certainty. The hatchback door opens to one side, so access to the cargo bed is unimpeded, although the bed floor itself is not flat. The FJ’s full size spare (265/70R17 Bridgestone Dueler) is appended to the swinging back door. The tire mount contains a waterproof back-up camera, so you’ll want to be careful to protect it when reversing. The provision of a bottle jack in a side panel near the tailgate is poorly thought out. I was unable to remove the jack or toolkit after several minutes of fiddling – not the experience you need when changing tires in an emergency. It’s a curious failing in a vehicle that is otherwise as practical as a GI-issue knife.

The FJ is an iconic vehicle that looks like nothing else on the road. Dressing it in military fatigues just heightens the visual drama. If you need practical, stable transport for four, the FJ fills the bill at a reasonable base price of $26,880. Add $3,650 for the Upgrade Package 3 and you’ve still got a bottom line that would make the Pentagon military green with envy. Unlike more pedestrian forms of daily transit, the Cruiser will take you into the harshest outback with nary a care. Please do not attempt such forays in your economy sedan.

2011 TOYOTA FJ CRUISERENGINE: 4.0 Liter DOHC,

24 valve V-6 with VVT-i

HORSEPOWER: 240hpTORQUE: 271 lb.-ft.FUEL CONSUMPTION: 17

City MPG/21 Highway MPGPR ICE AS TESTED :

$31,775

PROS: Go anywhere rig, startling appearance, huge HVAC dash knobs

CONS: Droning exhaust note, cheesy jack, impeded rear vision

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