Column

Practice Time: Drudgery or Enjoyment?

You no doubt have heard the expression “How do you get to Carnegie Hall?” the answer is: Practice! Practice! Practice! But that in itself is not good enough.

Music practice sessions should be well planned and thought out. Most people, especially students, need to know how to plan their practice time. This is where a music teacher or ensemble director comes into play—although they cannot make you a better musician, they can suggest ways for the musician to improve. “The improvement comes from yourself and mostly on your own time,” said Catherine Schmidt-Jones in a Guide to Great Home Music Practice.

How To Practice
Schmidt-Jones has a practice time “laundry list” that should include:

• Set goals
• Set practice times
• Warm-up
• Work on it
• Sight reading
• Cool down
• Evaluate

Each phase of this list should be seriously thought about in consultation with a private teacher, ensemble director or mentor. What you do and accomplish today will, in time, set the stage for where eventually you want to be in the future as a competent musician.

Space does not permit a discussion of each of the above elements. However, I do want to stress the importance of the “Work on it” component of practice time. Don’t practice the piece or passage incorrectly. By that I mean make sure the notes and rhythms are correctly played. If the piece is too difficult to play at the correct tempo, slow it down until you can play it right. Then proceed to pick up the tempo gradually until you reach the correct tempo. In your practice time remember to concentrate on what you need to work on. Sometimes there is a tendency to avoid what really needs work instead of concentrating on the easy sections. Don’t fall into this trap!

Meredith Laing in 9 Steps to Efficient Practicing offers these suggestions for making the most out of your practice time:

1. Have a goal – decide what you want to accomplish and how you will go about it.
2. Break it down – don’t try to tackle everything at once.
3. Take it slow – start out about half speed and slowly increase until up to tempo. Use a metronome.
4. Isolate issues – don’t practice the entire piece from start to finish when learning a new selection. Take it apart first, one section at a time.
5. Repeat, repeat, repeat – practice the section until you can play it at least 10 times correctly.
6. Make it harder than it is – use little tricks to make your music temporarily more difficult to play e.g. change the rhythm.
7. Listen – mindless practicing is a waste of time; always keep your mind and your ears active and engaged on what the piece is supposed to sound like.
8. Get a second opinion – have a teacher, conductor or someone knowledgeable give you some feedback if possible.
9. Time it right – it’s a good idea to practice soon after a lesson or rehearsal when any problems are still fresh in your mind.

These suggestions by Laing are worth following and should be used in your practice sessions.

Make it Fun!
When preparing to practice your music it is important that your practice environment be comfortable. Try to practice the same time each day to form a routine. Practice when you are fresh and relaxed, not tired or stressed. Have a positive attitude going into the session. You will get good results if, and only if, good sounds habits are formed early and repeated often. Good luck and have fun practicing.

Please submit your questions and comments to banddirector01@comcast.net.
Visit our website at www.danvilleband.org for up-to-date information about the Danville Community Band.

MARCH’S TRIVIA ANSWERS:
1. Ian Bannen
2. Lefty O’Doul
3. George Murphy
4. “Galway Bay”
5. William Bendix
6. Bob Crane

MARCH TRIVIA WINNER:
Sue Branagan of Walnut Creek

WIN LUNCH ON BEN!
The first person to email or mail, no calls please, the correct answers to all of the above questions will win a $25 gift certificate at The Uptown Cafe in downtown Danville, compliments of Ben Fernandez!

Entries must be received by April 15, 2010. In the event of a tie, the winner will be drawn at random. Please email your answers to info@aliveeastbay.com, or mail to ALIVE East Bay, 199 East Linda Mesa Avenue, Suite 10, Danville, CA 94526. Employees and family members of employees of ALIVE East Bay are not eligible. Restaurant may be changed without notice.

But with April comes a new feeling; a new attitude—time to brush out the cobwebs and do a little spring cleaning! Yet there’s the age old horsecart question, how does one change direction? Do we feel like moving in a new direction and then go there, or do we just go and then feel better as a result of having moved? It may seem counter-intuitive, but the latter method is one of the best ways to effect meaningful change. Many times, how we feel—our emotions—come from what we do. It is motion that creates our e-motions.

When was the last time you did something to change-up your thinking? When was the last time you did something new? In this issue of ALIVE we have some powerful options that you can use to help you get started in making some changes in your life. How about taking up art, as in “industrial art”—like blacksmithing, glass blowing or woodworking? Dive into Anita Venezia’s article about The Crucible to find out about this extraordinary, hands-on institution right here in our own backyard. This place can definitely bring a little spark into your life, if that’s what you’re looking for.

Or check out our good friend and new ALIVE columnist Ron Kardashian’s advice. Ron will definitely “fire you up,” and give you tips on how to move in new directions.

Changing direction might begin with something simple, yet effective, like changing your décor. When was the last time you really spruced-up your surroundings? Need some help? Look no further than to our friends at Azzulina. For the entire month of April, they are offering incredible discounts on superb quality furniture and accessories. When you visit Azzulina in Livermore, you’ll discover an enormous selection of custom-quality furnishings at warehouse prices.

Come to think of it, visit any of the great businesses advertising in this issue of ALIVE and you’ll find a great resource to help you change your surroundings, your direction, and thereby how you feel.

Remember, motion causes emotion—so change it up. Do something new. Make some changes in what you do and in your surroundings and twelve months from now, you’ll look back and see the warm, pleasant year that followed April 2010!

When we Americans visit foreign countries, it is our hope and desire to experience and be exposed to different and diverse situations. We seek out contrasting cultures, hunt for historic sites, and expose ourselves to an environment different from our own. It is these varied introductions to new surroundings and cultures that make an out-of-country encounter worth having.

Upon occasion I find myself stumbling into some unexpected and unplanned experience which has a positive and lasting influence on me. With discussions of ecology, global warming, and prudent use of our natural resources all around us these days, I shouldn’t have been so surprised to find a pocket of ecology in – of all places – Guatemala. Let me share this encounter with you.

Our choice to visit this nation was based on our hopes of seeing the remnants of the once-powerful Mayan civilization which flourished here. In fact, over fifty percent of the current population is of direct Mayan descent. We were not disappointed in this pursuit, visiting most of the sites at Tikal, one of the largest Mayan sites. But, let’s get back to our story.

The word Guatemala means “land of the trees,” but over the years the slash and burn policy has destroyed well over one half of the beautiful forests and – I was told – has endangered a number of indigenous animals and birds. The quetzal, the national bird, is one of many near-extinct species.

While I was being educated on this travesty, my guide suggested a visit to the Valhalla Experimental Station to view one of the strong possibilities for recovery. Never concerned about deviating from a plan, we decided to go and hired a local guide to take us. What a thrill!

The station is a short one-half hour drive from Antigua on the temperate plateau of the country. Here we met an expatriate named Larry who is in the process of reforesting Guatemala. Larry is from Redwood City, California and was a firefighter. His next calling was serving with the military in Vietnam. Finally, about twenty five years ago, he began this project by looking around for a tree crop which aided the economy, reforested the land, and suited the climate. You’ll never guess what he came up with – the macadamia tree!

Macadamia (Macadamia integrifolia) Flower and Fruit

First of all it grows well here – it produces a product in short supply, and according to Larry, is a great source of Vitamin B17. The nuts fall naturally all year long and are then dried and sold. This nut tree provides a more secure livelihood for the poor farmers of Guatemala. The locals tried to make a living by growing coffee. But the competitive nature of the coffee industry, as well as the temperamental character of the crop itself, proved to be an unsuccessful endeavor for the farmers. There is another advantage over coffee that the macadamia tree gives the farmer. If he can’t sell his crop, unlike the coffee bean, he can eat his surplus. In addition, the macadamia tree does not deplete the soil but actually improves it. Therefore, there is no need to move to new areas to plant trees every decade or so.

The latest information is that Larry has given over two hundred thousand trees to other native farmers – all the trees being from his farm here in Antigua, Guatemala.

Ever since my visit to Larry’s farm I’ve been alert to items connected to the macadamia nut. I’ve found the tree converts sixty three cubic feet of dioxide into oxygen each day – it sends fifty gallons off H2O vapor into the atmosphere – and – if the nut is coated with a sufficient amount of dark chocolate, it tastes delicious.

Studies prove that the human mind has the power to transform our state. Just think, for a moment, of mankind’s accomplishments over the last century. In less than 100 years we have done things considered impossible, little more than a century ago. Today, our day-to-day reality includes; electricity, automobiles, medical miracles, super-sonic flight and the miracle of the internet and cyber-space. We have sent spacecraft to the far reaches of our solar system, and 40 years ago we even landed on the moon. The list seems endless, and it was all done, in large measure, because of the immense power of the mind.

In many ways, the mind is the greatest “muscle” in the human body. Like any muscle, it must be conditioned or it will become weak. The more you use it, the stronger it gets. Yet many of us have not tapped into its unlimited power and ability; indeed, many times, rather than using he creative power of the mind, we have yielded it to forces that actually hinder our progress, especially in the realm of physical health and abundant living.

One of the most basic elements of our mind’s ability has to do with making decisions. In as a little as 30 seconds of thought, we can create a destiny for ourselves that is either empowering or destructive. To illustrate my point, let me tell you the story of one of my clients. I’ll call him, “John”…

The CEO of a prominent company, John sought me out for some life Coaching. As I pulled up to his lavish, sprawling French chateau, to say I was impressed would be an understatement. My eyes were wide open. John’s home was beautiful. It was filled, wall-to-wall, with fine furnishings from all over the world. Among the furnishings was a beautiful family portrait. In it were John, an attractive, blond haired woman and three beautiful children. I asked him, “John, is this your family?”

I could never have imagined that in his answer, during the next 30 seconds, my own life would be changed forever! In those 30 seconds my marriage and my life changed dramatically. “Yes, Ron, it was,” he said, “the first 30 years of my life I spent building my wealth, all the while treating my wife like a water glass—when I should have been holding her like a fine wine glass.” I had to hold back tears as this robust CEO wept like a child, as he described how his marriage was destroyed in 30 seconds.

Now, I know what you’re thinking, “Ron, this did not happen in 30 seconds. His marriage was destroyed over a process of years.” You’re right, however, in the final crisis—an emotional blow-up—it took only 30 seconds for her to say, “That’s it. I’m gone.”

Johns said to me, “Ron, I could have prevented it, if only I could have controlled my mouth!” Sometimes, sobering truth yields amazing fruit! I love this man for his humility and the life lesson he shared. His words that day changed my marriage, as well as my perception as to what can happen in a 30 second decision.

All of the progress and all of the mistakes we have made—as many and as diverse as they are—share one thing in common: It was a 30 second thought leading to a 30 second decision that started the entire process, be it for good or bad.

Over the following months, we will explore specialized information that has transformed individuals into the best physical shape of their lives—empowering the celebrity bodies you see posted on billboards and magazines across America, and the most wonderful medical breakthroughs for getting healthy and fit. We’ll even discuss the secrets of the most powerful catalyst for change known to man.

We have the choice of how to use the precious 30 seconds of decision. We can dwell on the negative or we can focus on the positive impact those 30 seconds can have on things like our health and physical bodies; our emotions, spiritual walk, relationships, mentality, and even our finances. During the next 30 seconds, begin the thought process that will help you create a lifetime of health and longevity.

Over the last decade I have had the honor and privilege of helping thousands of people take what seemed to be the impossibilities of life, and within a very short time, enabled them to turn the impossible into the possible. You’re no exception!

“Anything in life can be achieved successfully, when it’s done repetitiously!”

Be ready in coming months for a life changing fitness plan; one guaranteed to create for you, a more vital and healthy life. The insights and concepts we are going to introduce will be life changing and empowering.

Your focus/short term goal for the week: Take 30 seconds and call or tell someone how much you love him or her. This will begin a healing process that no over-the-counter supplement can produce. If you get that done, then take 30 seconds and write down your goal(s) for 2010. You can list one goal or 100—it doesn’t matter. Just get them down. It should only take you 30 seconds!

2010 is going to be your best year yet!

Special note from Ron:
And speaking of these 30 seconds at hand, I would like to take these to honor Lorrie Sullenberger, ALIVE’s former fitness columnist. “Thank you, Lorrie!” Thank you for setting the pattern of successful thinking and for being such a positive influence for so many over the past several years. And “thank you” again, Lorrie, and to your husband, Sully, not only for preventing drowning in the Hudson, but for helping those who may have been drowning in our own weaknesses in life. You and Sully have been used by God in ways too numerous to articulate.

Considered a “coach’s coach,” he has empowered executives to operate at peak performance; personally, professionally, and most important , spiritually.
Ron also heads a 501 (c) 3 non-profit corporation that is relentless in its efforts to communicate the power of bringing optimal health to all walks of life. This organization’s mission is to fight obesity and all related diseases on a global scale. Across the globe, Kardashian’s integrated, holistic approach has garnered amazing results, making him a powerful, compelling voice of change for professional athletes, CEOs, political leaders, and clergymen of every age, religion, and creed. Ron lives in California with his beautiful wife, Tia, and two children.

For an appointment or bookings you can reach Ron by e-mail at info@kardashian.tv, or call 888.918. HEAL.
WWW.KARDASHIAN.TV
To find out more about Ron Kardashian’s non-profit organization visit: www.kingdomconditioning.org
Follow-us: www.twitter.com/gettinginshape
LIVE radio Show: www.blogtalkradio.com/gettinginshape
TV Station: www.youtube.com/user/KardashianTV

A trip to the tailor can be a like going to the plastic surgeon, or so I’ve heard. A nip here, a tuck there and…voila! You (or in this case, your wardrobe) will look years younger. Transform any garment—slacks, skirts, dresses, jackets and even t-shirts—into custom-fitting perfection. The results will be a taller, leaner and more youthful look. Let’s face it, every fashionista knows the value of having a good tailor in her back pocket—so to speak.

Finding a good tailor is not a mystery. Ask friends for referrals. For simple hems, the seamstress at a dry cleaner should suffice, but for more detailed alterations, ask your favorite boutique owner whom she might recommend. Shop owners know who can handle the big jobs—and who cannot. Some department and chain stores offer simple alterations, sometimes for free or a minimal charge. I suggest always using the in-house alteration service if available, as they have a vested interest in getting the job done correctly. Nordstrom, for example, stands behind their tailoring and if the job is botched, they’ll replace the entire garment and make it right.

Let’s take a look at the most common tailoring projects, and how easily these problems can be remedied:

Slacks: The correct length for slacks is ½ inch from the floor. Take the shoes you’ll be wearing to the tailor with you, so they can be hemmed accordingly. Want to wear your slacks with both flats and heels? Sorry—you’re outta luck. The solution? Purchase two pairs of slacks—one for “flats day,” the other for dressing up. If you’re tall, slacks with cuffs that can be let out are the answer. Jeans should be worn a smidge longer—1/4” off the floor is perfect. When shortening jeans, make sure the tailor gives you a “jean bottom” (reattaching the original stitched hemline) maintaining the intended look.

Do you experience “the curse of the curvy girl?” A simple tuck or two in the waistband will eliminate the gap in the back at your waist. You are not cinching it with a belt so it gets all bunchy, are you? I didn’t think so. Sewing side pockets closed, and removing the pocket lining is another key alteration. Those pockets tend to pull at the hips (not pretty), and you’ll get rid of that unsightly mess on your thighs. And with white slacks, it’s an absolute must!

Skirts and dresses: Taking in the side seems can transform an outdated A-line skirt into a form-fitting pencil skirt for a more slender and current look. A cocktail dress can be custom-fitted in a variety of ways—tapering the side seems under the armhole, shortening the straps at the shoulder to lift the entire dress or shortening the hemline to knee-length can take years off the garment…and you! Ask questions and consider the possibilities, rather than casting off a perfectly fabulous frock.

Jackets: Shoulders should only be altered as a last resort. It’s an extensive (and costly) operation, so consider a smaller size. Sleeves should measure approximately five inches from the tip of your thumb, around the place where your wrist bends. In my experience, this is one of the most overlooked alterations!

Tops and T’s: Taper boxy blouses (and jackets) by taking in the excess fabric down the sides of the garment. When a whole new wardrobe is not an option for someone who has recently lost weight, consider this alteration. For petite figures, shortening a regular-sized top or t-shirt will keep you in proportion, and you’ll have many more choices throughout the store.

Basically, it all comes down to one thing…FIT! Make friends with an experienced tailor who will make certain that your clothing fits you just the way it should. Enjoy the benefits of a custom-fitting wardrobe—a super stylish YOU.

Earth Day was designed to inspire awareness and appreciation for the Earth’s environment. It was founded as an environmental teach-in in 1970 and is now celebrated in many countries.

Now forty years later, the world is at greater risk than ever. That is why I am proud of our staffs’ efforts to ensure that the City of San Ramon continues to implement sustainable policies and programs to promote reduced energy consumption, sustainable development, and recycling in our community.

Earth Day 2010 can be a turning point to enhance environmental policy, energy efficiency, renewable energy, and green jobs. Millions will make personal commitments to sustainability. Earth Day 2010 is an opportunity for individuals, corporations and governments to join together and create a global green economy.

Make a personal commitment to make change. Earth Day is a time for us to reflect on our way of life, our aspirations, and our humanity – an opportunity to improve our environment.

Join us on Saturday, April 17, from 9:00 am-12:00 pm as we take action to make our community and the world cleaner and more sustainable. Come out and help us celebrate the 40th anniversary of Earth Day while helping to spruce up Forest Home Farms Historic Park for spring. There will be projects in the vegetable garden, the wildlife garden and other areas of the farm. Bring your gloves and garden tools. Refreshments will be provided. This is a free, volunteer event, perfect for scout groups and service clubs.

Help promote this awareness with your neighbors and friends. The City Council and staff will continue to implement programs to keep those who live, work and play in the wonderful City of San Ramon – clean & green.

Together we can – maintain our quality of life in San Ramon – together we will – as a community working together – make a difference, – make a better community, – make a better San Ramon, – and make a better world.

You may contact Mayor Wilson by email, at: hawilson@sanramon.ca.gov.

The San Ramon Valley Newcomers Club invites new & established residents to the many & varied activities offered each month. Info: Call Carolyn at 925-485-9803.

Homeowner/Homebuyer Book Club – A place to learn, share, and discuss, First Monday of the Month, 6:00 pm , 3223 Crow Canyon Rd. (@ Camino Ramon), Second Floor conference room, San Ramon. To RSVP: 925-397-2093.

Stay-at-Home MOMS Club – 1st Wednesday of every month. The MOMS Club of San Ramon, Danville, and Dublin are for stay-at-home moms in this area. A number of activity groups are included in the membership. Dues are only $28 a year. Info: Michelle Borrero at 925-639-9556 or minxy7399@yahoo.com.

San Ramon Performing Arts:
Info and tickets: 925-973.ARTS
03/24-25, 03/30 & 05/01 & 02: Active Arts Theater presents You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown
05/07: KC and the Sunshine Band
05/08: San Ramon Symphonic Band
05/14-16, 21-23: SRCT presents Boo for the Villain, Cheer for the Hero
04/17, Saturday, 9.00 am – 12 noon: Earth Day at Forest Home Farms. Info: 925-973-3284.
04/18, Sunday, 5.30pm – 8pm: Sisters in Service presents its 5th Annual Indian Dinner at Valley Christian Center, 7500 Inspiration Dr, Dublin, CA. Ministry partner Mano Vasanthraj, from India will be the special guest speaker. Plus enjoy great music, fellowship and food! Tickets: Adults – $10, Children 12 and under – $3. Info: Call Gloria Gregory at 925-998-3785. www.sistersinservice.org
04/20: Camp Central Parent Information Meeting at the San Ramon Community Center. Info: 925-973-2500
04/24, 10am – 4pm: Civil War Living History Day at the Forest Home Farms Historic Park. Info: 925-973-3284
05/01: Farmer’s Market Opening Day at Forest Home Farms.
Weekly celebration of local food, local farmers and local history! For market events, music schedule & a list of new vendors visit: www.sanramonfarmersmarket.org or call 925-973-3280.
05/02, Sunday, 11am – 3pm: Sheep Shearing Day at the Forest Home Farms Historic Park
05/15, Saturday 1pm – 4pm: David Glass House Grand Opening. Ribbon Cutting at 1.30pm. The Glass House is the City of San Ramon’s historic house museum depicting life in the San Ramon Valley in the late 1800’s and early 1900’s. Guests will have the opportunity to take a mini-tour of the house. There will be hands-on activities for the children including Victorian parlor games and crafts. To schedule a tour of the Glass House, please call (925) 973-3284.

Just in time for Earth Day, April 22nd , I’d like to talk about a few things that Danville is doing to be more green.

I am proud to report that the Town of Danville has made great strides in its effort to become more environmentally sustainable. In 2009, the Town Council approved a Climate Action Plan, setting out to reduce the Town’s Greenhouse Gas Emission (GHG) by at least 15%. The plan also provides a wide range of best practices aimed at achieving that goal. Some of the ways the Town has been proactive in its sustainability efforts include: adding more fuel efficient vehicles, including hybrids, to the Town’s fleet; improving efficiency of heating and air conditioning systems at Town facilities; promoting access for pedestrians and cyclists through the Town’s trail program; promoting recycling, including e-waste recycling; and, lowering building permit fees for residential solar installations. Please visit the Town’s website at www.ci.danville.ca.us to find more ways to conserve energy and to develop new ways to help Danville live up to its goals of making our community both healthier and more sustainable.

Another way we are looking to be more environmentally conscious, while at the same time improving our levels of service to our residents, is by looking at technology and how it can help us in bringing needed services and information to Danville.

The Town Council has endorsed implementation of “Government 2.0” principles, which encompasses the enhanced use of technology to bring government services, processes, and information to the fingertips of its residents around the clock. To that end, the Town will be conducting a Technology Needs Assessment Study to determine both short and long-term technology needs. In addition to adding another dimension to the way in which we provide service and information, the trend towards digital media also means less paper being used and discarded into our landfill. We will continue to keep you apprised of the Town’s efforts in moving forward toward this exciting change in service delivery for Danville residents.

Spring is a time of new beginnings and with our recent Program Expo detailing all of our spring and summer programs and the opening of our natural grass fields to our local sports and athletic groups, Danville is a place where there’s always something going on.

Please e-mail me with comments, questions, or concerns at mdoyle@ci.danville.ca.us or join me at “Mornings with the Mayor,” the First Friday of each month at 7:30 a.m. at Father Nature’s, 172 E. Prospect Avenue. This is an opportunity for Danville residents to get an update on what is happening in the Town and to meet with me informally to discuss any concerns or issues. I hope to see you there.

Danville Farmers’ Market:
Saturdays 9am – 1pm; Year-Round, Thursdays, 4pm – 8pm May10 – Aug 16. Corner of Railroad & Prospect St.

San Ramon Valley Republican Women Federated
meets on the Fourth Tuesday of every month except June-August at Crow Canyon Country Club, Danville at 11:30a.m. – 1:30p.m. Lunches are $23. Please join us to hear informative speakers on important issues! Info: Sonali @ (925) 314-9194.

04/24, Saturday, 7am – 6pm: Lend a Hand Day
The Town of Danville and an estimated 100 volunteers from the community are joining forces to Lend-a-Hand in the community by helping older adults in need who reside in the Danville local area. The annual Lend-a-Hand Day event, now in its seventh year, provides senior citizens no-cost yard cleanup and
minor home repairs. Info: www.ci.danville.ca.us, 925-314-3400/3491.

05/02, Sunday, 8am – 11am: Workday Devil Mountain Run 10K & 5K
Location: Railroad Avenue Municipal Parking Lot. Choose from two flat and fast courses, 5K or 10K, and enjoy the fresh air and scenic beauty of the Iron Horse Trail. 100% of the entry fees will go directly to the Children’s Hospital & Research Center, Oakland-Northern California’s only independent children’s hospital. The event will also host a Kid’s Fun Run with non-competitive 50 and 100-yard dashes for ages 3-8. To learn more and to register, visit www.rhodyco.com or call 415-759-2690.

05/06, Thursday, 6pm – 9pm: Danville Spring Wine Stroll.
Local artists will showcase their works while Napa and Sonoma wineries pour their best vintages-all against the backdrop of music and merriment. Your $25 ticket includes a commemorative glass, wine tasting, food, entertainment, and shuttle service between the event’s two locations, Downtown Danville and the Livery. Tickets sell out quickly so get yours soon. Info: (925) 339-8330 or visit www.discoverdanvilleca.com.

Friday 05/07 & Saturday 05/08 10am – 4pm: 10th Annual Danville-Alamo Branch of AAUW Garden Tour.
Eight Delightful Gardens located in Alamo and Danville. $30 if postmarked by April 30th, $35 thereafter; $25 for seniors 65+. Includes light refreshments.
Call Mary at (925)831-1784 or gardentour@aauw-da.org. No children under 12. All proceeds benefit American Association of University Women’s Educational Foundation which supports aspiring female scholars.

05/27, Thursday, 5pm – 8pm: Doggie Night.
Danville’s Doggie Night offers fun for you and your four-legged friend. Follow the map to Doggie Night businesses for free dog treats and canine couture. Check out the Best Dog Trick contest. And prance through the pet fair where you’ll meet pet sitters, photographers, trainers, veterinarians, and more. It’s sure to be a howl. Doggie Night will begin at Molly’s Pup-purr-ee at 425 Hartz Ave. www.discoverdanvilleca.com.

A Plexiglass case filled with plants, soil and “rain on demand” is giving City Hall visitors a fun lesson on how landscaping can stop pollution from getting into creeks and the Bay. Visitors push a button to activate a sprinkler system simulating rain. The water soaks into the ground, seeps through plant roots and layers of soil, and eventually trickles out via a PVC pipe.

In suburban areas such as Walnut Creek, buildings, streets and pavement now cover much of the land. Rainwater runs off these hard surfaces directly into the storm drain systems, taking pollutants with it. The runoff moves rapidly through the system into creeks, causing flooding, destabilized stream banks and destruction of creek habitat.

Effective landscaping can be used to stop this rapid runoff. As the rain soaks into the ground, pollutants from the atmosphere are absorbed through contact with soils and vegetation.

Under the City ’s Clean Water permit, certain development projects are required to incorporate these landscaping “bio-swales” into their plans.

Managing runoff from a single development site may seem inconsequential, but by changing the way most sites are developed, we may be able to preserve and enhance our stream ecosystem in urbanizing areas.

Dean Lesher Regional Center for the Performing Arts:
Tickets: 925-943-SHOW (7469)
04/01 – 05/01: Noises Off Center REPertory Company
Until 04/25: Oklahoma! Contra Costa Musical Theatre
04/23 & 04/24: And an Angel Came Down Don’t Even Tripp Productions
04/26 – 27: Concert Carondelet High School
04/27: Rethinking Wellness: Relieving Stress Health Medicine Forum
04/30 – 05/01: Footloose Youth Theatre Company
05/02 & 05/04: Visions and Dreams California Symphony
05/07 – 05/09: Pinocchio Fantasy Forum Actors Ensemble
05/14 – 05/15: Spring Program Company C Contemporary Ballet
05/20 – 06/26: A Marvelous Party Center REPertory Company

Walnut Creek Farmers Market
Every Sunday, 8 AM to 1 PM on Civic Dr. by Civic Park.

Bay Area Single Christians (BASC)
Free online social group for Christian singles, all ages. Many events (social, spiritual, sports) throughout the Bay area. Info: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/bascsingles/

04/18, Sunday, 8am – 12noon: Walk MS 2010 at Heather Farm Park. Walk to create a world free of Multiple Sclerosis. Info: 415-230-6678 x2024 www.walkmsconnection.org

4/23 – 47/25, 10am-6pm Fri/Sat · 10am-5pm Sun: 63rd Semi-Annual Sidewalk Pacific Fine Arts and Crafts Festival at North Main, Cypress, and Locust Streets.

05/08, Saturday, 10am – 2pm: Bouquets and Bubbles.
Collect flowers and sip champagne at all participating downtown Walnut Creek stores, the day before Mother’s Day, while supplies last. Cost: $8 in advance, $10 day of the event. Ticket price includes flowers and tasting of champagne throughout the event. Info: 925-933-6778 www.walnutcreekdowntown.com.
05/21, Friday, 11am: Mayor’s Cup Gold Tournament benefiting Walnut Creek Junior Golf at the Boundary Oak golf course. www.playboundaryoak.com

At last! Spring is just around the corner. The birds are chirping and the trees are budding. Also just around the corner are recreation programs for all members of the family. If you live in the R-7A Alamo MAC Parks and Recreation area, you need to be aware of some special recreation prices available to you. The Town of Danville and the Alamo MAC have joint powers agreements in place for the administration of the Monte Vista Community Pool and Hap Magee Ranch Park. This means that under certain circumstances, Alamo R-7A residents pay the same price as Danville residents for recreation programs or facility use. Much of the following information is courtesy of Marcia Somers, Danville Assistant Town Manager.