January 2019

Q. Please tell me the best time to control Crabgrass. I treat it every year and it always comes back. Is there anything I can do without replacing my lawn? 

A. Now is the time of the year to control the dormant seeds of Crabgrass. It is also the time of the year to make your first application of a lawn food. There are several combination turf products available. They include a fertilizer along with a pre-emergent herbicide for Crabgrass and other weeds such as Scott’s Super Turf Builder plus Halts. It’s the pre-emergent herbicide that prevents the dormant seeds on the ground from germinating. For the actively growing Crabgrass, you would apply a different herbicide later in the year. I’m going to assume that you are applying the right product at the right time. Your lack of success can only be from one other thing. You have some other weed other than Crabgrass. Today, Crabgrass has been used as the universal label for all the unwanted vegetation that shows up in a grass lawn. The primary suspect that isn’t controlled by a Crabgrass herbicide is a perennial weed called Bermuda Grass. Bermuda Grass is a mass of wiry stems that goes dormant or turns brown in mid-November through mid-March. It spreads rapidly with warm temperatures. These brown stems are very visible today. On the other hand, Crabgrass is an annual that dies out in cool temperatures. It disappears during the winter leaving behind bare ground or spots where it was. This is a distinguishing characteristic that separates it from all the other suspects. Your first step is to determine what the problem is. The nursery professional at your favorite garden center is an excellent resource in sorting through possible solutions. There is more than one right answer.

Q. My roses are still blooming should I prune them now or wait?  Also, after pruning, which of the following dormant sprays should I use; Volck Oil Spray, Sun Spray Ultra Fine Oil, or the lime sulfur fungicide?  Is there anything else, I should be doing?

A. I wouldn’t delay pruning my roses just because they’re in bloom. However, it is early enough in the pruning season not to be in any great rush so you can wait if you so choose. You could apply any one of the three products, but my preference of dormant spray would be the lime sulfur fungicide. I’d save the Volck and Sun Spray Oil for use during the spring and summer months. They are excellent organic controls for the pests and diseases of roses. Before spraying, clean up all the debris around and under the bushes and be sure to strip off any of the foliage on the canes that remain from the previous year. Finally, loosen or relocate the metal name tag. All too often the wire griddles the stem causing it to die. I’d attach it to a nail at the top of a wooden stake placed in front of the plant(s). a

Musical programs on television were a great form of entertainment in the recent past. They often featured vocalists, with a backup provided by a pianist, small or large ensemble, or an orchestra or band. Some of the most famous popular singers were: Perry Como, Dinah Shore, Dean Martin, Bing Crosby, and Frank Sinatra, among many others.

   Variety shows became popular on television, presenting different musical styles only heard on radio or stage before television. Variety shows had big name recognition by well-known music directors, interesting hosts and talented stars. These names will surely bring back memories for those who lived in this era: Skitch Henderson, Mitch Miller, Liberace, Doc Severinsen and Lawrence Welk, were just a few. These were all great musicians during the 1950s through the 1970s and 1980s.

Skitch Henderson (1918-2005) His place of birth has been disputed for years. Some say a small town in Minnesota and some claim England was his true birthplace. Regardless of where he was born, he left a legacy of musical excellence in whatever capacity he was engaged. Henderson was a pianist, conductor, arranger and composer. He was raised on a farm by his aunt who taught him piano.

     After World War II he worked for NBC Radio. Henderson was the music director for Frank Sinatra’s “Lucky Strike Show” and also Sinatra’s “Light-Up Time.” He was also on the “Philco Hour” with Bing Crosby. Arturo Toscanini, the great Italian maestro, invited Henderson to conduct the famous NBC Symphony.

    Henderson was the original conductor for both “The Tonight Show,” with founding host, Steve Allen. During Henderson’s life he received three honorary degrees. He was also given New York City’s highest award—The Handel Medallion. Henderson died in 2005 at the age of 87.

Mitch Miller (1911-2010) was an oboist, conductor, producer and recording industry executive. Miller was a classically trained musician and in 1932 graduated from the Eastman School of Music with honors. He played with the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra.  

     In 1938, Miller played in the orchestra that provided the music for Orson Wells’ classic radio production of “The War of the Worlds.” His television program “Sing Along with Mitch,” was on NBC from 1961 to 1964. On this show he directed a choral group singing old standards and encouraged the audience to sing-along. Prior to his television show he was on radio with a show called, “Mitch Miller and the Gang.” This was also a sing-along. Leslie Uggams was a regular singer on Miller’s television show that featured old-time favorites as an alternative to Rock-n-Roll.

     Miller’s career had many facets, as he was a classic music producer for Mercury Records and later joined Columbia Records doing the same type of work. He helped the careers of Doris Day, Dinah Shore and Jo Stafford. Miller discovered Aretha Franklin.

     He did not like Rock-n-Roll and described it as the “Gettysburg of music.” Miller favored emotional expression over vocal perfection. He conducted many orchestras and was guest conductor of the famed Boston Pops Orchestra.

    Miller’s own medley from the movie, Bridge on the River Kwai featured The River Kwai March and the Colonel Bogey March. These songs were so popular, they were on the Billboard Charts for 29 weeks in 1958. Miller died in 2010 at the age of 99.

Doc Severinsen (1927-2018) was born in Arlington, Oregon. His father was a dentist and that is how his son got his nick-name, Doc. Severinsen became very proficient on the trumpet at an early age and later, won a state trumpet contest. He became known as one of the greatest jazz and pop trumpeters in the country.

    In 1949 Severinsen got a job as a studio musician working with Steve Allen, Eddie Fisher, Dinah Shore and Kate Smith. Skitch Henderson, leader of The Tonight Show Band, asked Severinsen to be first chair trumpet. Five years later he became the band’s leader. The Tonight Band became one of the most famous and well-known “Big Bands” in the United States. Severinsen and Johnny Carson became close and he often substituted for Ed McMahon as Johnny’s side-kick. He continued as leader of the band until Carson retired in 1992.

    Severinsen was a Pops conductor for several orchestras including the Phoenix Symphony, Buffalo Philharmonic and the Minnesota Orchestra. Severinsen retired from conducting in 2007. During his career he played with Charlie Barnet, Tommy Dorsey and Benny Goodman.

Liberace (1919-1987) was born in Wisconsin to a musical family and became a child prodigy on the piano. Later he became a pianist, singer and actor. By far his forte was as a pianist. He won a scholarship to the Wisconsin Conservatory of Music.

    Liberace’s career spanned four decades. As a teenager he played at movie theaters and speakeasys. He debuted with the Chicago Symphony at the age of 17. Later, when he became famous and had his own television show, he lived a life of luxury and excess. He often dressed in elaborate sequined suits and costumes and wore lots of jewelry. From the 1950s through the 1970s he was the highest payed entertainer in the world.          

     Liberace not only gave concerts and made recordings but appeared in several movies and later had a popular television show. His television shows featured composers, musicians and many styles of music. On television he played classical and popular favorites. He always had his “trademark candelabra” on his piano and often featured his brother, George, on violin.

    The Liberace Show was on from 1952 to 1969. He wrote an autobiography in 1972 that became a bestseller. “One of Liberace’s biggest accomplishments was his ability to turn a recital into a show full of music, glitter and personality,” wrote Gilbert Lee in an article about Liberace. In the 1970s it was reported that he spent $100,000 on his costumes yearly.

    He was diagnosed with AIDS in 1985 – this was kept secret until his death. His final performance was in Radio City Music Hall in New York, November 2, 1986. He closed his show with the song “I’ll Be Seeing You.”

Lawrence Welk (1903-1992) was a musician who played accordion, a band leader, and a television personality. Welk was born in Strasburg, North Dakota to a German – American family. He grew up speaking German and English. Welk asked his father to buy a mail-order accordion and that started his musical career. At 21 he left the family farm to work in the music industry. In 1927 he graduated from the MacPhail School of Music in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

    The term, “Champagne Music” came from an early job at the William Penn Hotel in Pittsburg. Here his music was termed “light and bubbly” as champagne. From 1949 to 1951 Welk had a national program on radio sponsored by Miller High Life–The Champagne of Bottled Beer.

    From 1955 to 1982 he hosted one of the longest running shows on television–27 years. The show was a tremendous success and had a huge following. He featured singers, soloists, dancers and small ensembles as well as his famous orchestra. The Lennon Sisters were often featured as well as the “Champagne Lady,” Norma Zimmer. People made fun of Welk’s accent, but he didn’t care as he made his way happily to the bank.

Please submit your questions and comments to banddirector01@comcast.net

Visit our website at danvilleband.org for up-to-date information about the Danville Community Band.      f

The holiday whirlwind has finally passed, and life is gradually getting back to normal. Whatever normal might be.

Most of us are spent—in more ways than one. January is a time to ease off the frantic social circuit and reflect upon the things that matter most. Festive restaurant meals with friends are now replaced by cozy dinners at home.

Instead of loading up on extravagant purchases, we get back to basics. Throughout the seasons the Saturday farmers’ market remains a constant, always there to provide fresh and healthy foods to see us through the coming week. The relaxed shopping experience at the market is perfectly in step with these reflective times. There may not be the kaleidoscope of colors we see during other times of the year, but there are still plenty of opportunities to pamper your body and feed your soul.

When locally grown and picked at the peak of perfection, produce we might normally take for granted warrants special attention. Dozens of varieties of crunchy apples, pears, and juicy citrus fruits are a healthy way to satisfy the sweet tooth most of us have nurtured over the past couple of months. Now is the ideal time to explore the best of farm-fresh spinach, Asian greens, numerous varieties of lettuce, broccoli and cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, parsnips, and winter squash.

Once scorned by children of all ages, cauliflower is now considered one of the sexy vegetables. Who knew?

No longer faced with the old, tough heads of strong-flavored cauliflower that so many of us grew up on, we have learned to appreciate its mild—dare I say, sweet—flavor that makes it so versatile and the perfect backdrop for a wide range of spices and aromatics. Dieters snack guilt-free on raw cauliflower florets; and count on creamy cooked cauliflower as a reasonable substitute for starches like rice and mashed potatoes; and the star element of everything from pizza crust to risotto.

This month, celebrate the simple life with a luxurious soup made from economical cauliflower. Paired with a crisp green salad and a crusty loaf of artisan bread, 2019 will be off to a delicious start.

­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­                                    Heads Up on Cauliflower

Like broccoli, cabbage, and kale, cauliflower is a member of the healthful cruciferous family.

Select heads that are firm and compact; and in the case of cauliflower, size doesn’t matter. Look for leaves that are bright green, and not wilted.

Yellow spots on the florets are perfectly safe to eat; they simply indicate a bit of “sunburn”—when the outer green leaves did not completely cover the florets from sunlight during the growing period. Brown or grayish spots indicate mold, and should just be cut away before cooking.

Traditionally white to pale yellow in color, it is now not uncommon to see purple or deep-gold-to-orange varieties. There is also the lime green Romanesco variety, with conical, spiral florets that look like cauliflower from outer space. Despite their different appearances, all boast a similar flavor profile.

Cauliflower is low in calories and carbohydrates; high in antioxidants; an excellent source of Vitamin C, Vitamin K, and dietary fiber.

Cauliflower is nothing but cabbage with a college education. ~ Mark Twain

                                         CREAMY CAULIFLOWER SOUP

1 medium head cauliflower (about 2 pounds)

2 tablespoons California olive oil

1 onion, chopped

1 garlic clove, minced

4 cups low-salt chicken or vegetable broth

1 cup heavy (whipping) cream

Fine sea salt

1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice

1/2 cup freshly grated dry Jack, Asiago, or parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving

Optional garnish (see below)

1. Trim away and discard the outer leaves and stem from the head of cauliflower. Place stem-side up on a cutting board. Use a small, sharp knife to cut the florets off of the central stem. Chop the florets into 1-inch pieces for faster cooking.

• Heat the oil in a soup pot or other large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened but not browned, 5 to 7 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook until fragrant, 30 seconds to 1 minute.

• Stir in the cauliflower; then pour in the chicken broth. Increase the heat to high and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low and cook, covered, until the cauliflower is very tender when pierced with the tip of a sharp knife, 10 to 15 minutes.

• Using an immersion blender, puree the soup until smooth. (Alternatively, let cool at least 10 minutes; then, working in batches, puree in a blender. Return the pureed soup to the soup pot.)

• Stir in the cream, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and the paprika. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through, about 5 minutes. Stir in the lemon juice and cheese. Taste, adding more salt if needed. Serves 4 to 6. Garnish as desired, and pass additional cheese at the table.

                                                        Cook’s Tips

Each bowl of soup can be garnished with anything as simple as a few chopped chives; a drizzle of olive oil; or a light sprinkling of smoked paprika. But since creamy soups benefit from a bit of crunch, consider topping with crisp, crumbled bacon to play off the smokiness of the paprika; or maybe a few cheesy croutons.

Naturally creamy cauliflower gives body to the soup, so reduce or omit the cream if you prefer. Add more broth to reach the desired consistency, or substitute half-and-half, whole or low-fat milk, or unsweetened coconut milk.

The Danville Certified Farmers’ Market, located at Railroad & Prospect, is open every Saturday, rain or shine, from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. For specific crop information call the Pacific Coast Farmers’ Market Association at 1-800-949-FARM, or visit their web site at www.pcfma.org. This market is made possible through the generous support of the Town of Danville. Please show your appreciation by patronizing the many fine shops and restaurants located in downtown Danville. Buy fresh. Buy local. Live well!

Choosing the right makeup for your wedding is crucial, and for the best results, it’s a good idea to use a makeup professional who knows something about wedding photography.

Weddings are so very special and planning one can take months with all the details involved. One detail you don’t want to overlook is makeup. When choosing the style of makeup style for your wedding you want to make sure you look updated and use the right colors.

Beauty and the Bride

The ultimate makeup application for a bride should be polished and formal without taking away from her natural beauty. The right makeup for wedding photography creates refinement and pushes a look forward with natural simplicity and a bridal-trendy look. Using soft colors and warm undertones are key to complimenting the bride’s own style and skin tones, which will photograph beautifully. Makeup professionals have a keen eye to detail, color balance and can help the bride and her wedding party look their best in photographs.  

When a bride comes in to our studio for a consultation, we always ask them what they want to look like and what they are looking for.  Usually girls know what they want but just don’t know how to achieve it; the consultation should be a collaboration of what the bride truly wants and what the artist suggests. A wedding is a formal event so being finished, flawless, and a little above natural should be the goal, all while looking like one’s self, albeit “soft and glowing.”

Plan as we might, unforeseen wedding day crises may pop up—from unwanted blemishes to under-eye circles. Luckily, the bride-to-be can seek out beauty professionals who will assist her in looking her best and making her special day effortless.

Too many bridal pictures are ruined by making simple mistakes, like by wearing the wrong color foundation or purple colored eye shadow, instead of soft and natural tones that enhance the beauty of the bride.

Remember, a lot of pictures will be taken on this special day, so wearing the correct makeup colors is of vital importance.       

At The Rouge we specialize in wedding make-up and have been doing so for over 20 years.  Our brow and Beauty Experts stay current with the latest trends and styles, giving the bride and wedding party the best and the utmost updated looks that are formal yet polished. We do pre-bridal consultations Tuesday through Saturday by appointment only. Please come by and enjoy our gorgeous line of cosmetics by Fleur Visage. Starting the year off right and choosing the right wedding make-up artist is just one more thing off the bridal checklist! 

Exploring Class IV Laser: Pain relief for wounds, injuries, post-surgical healing, and scar tissue.

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. We have literally watched the healing process occur right before our very eyes. We have treated bright red scars that were 18 years old that never healed properly, yet within a couple of visits those scars began to thin, flatten and become less noticeable.

Swelling reduces within minutes, severe bruises dissipate with no visible sign within a day or two, and surgical wounds become pain free, with minimal scarring and redness. We have had patients who have had knee surgery and hip replacements, shoulder surgery, spinal surgery, breast augmentation and reconstruction, rhinoplasty, face-lifts and c-sections who healed in a fraction of the time normally required. If you are intending on having surgery or have a stubborn wound or 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.

How Laser Therapy Speeds Tissue Healing and Reduces Pain and Scaring

Injuries and surgery cause tissue damage and inflammation which reduces the circulation to the injured tissue, thereby impeding the nutrition and energy available to the damaged area. Laser therapy is the application of low levels of laser light to areas of the body that have been injured or damaged. Therapeutic lasers do not cut or burn, but instead, supply energy to the body in the form of photons of light. Light is transmitted through the skin’s layers (the dermis, epidermis and the subcutaneous tissue under the skin). The wavelength of the Class IV Laser allows these photons to travel deep into the body, up to 8 or 9 inches.  When laser light penetrates the tissue, it stimulates damaged cells to start producing ATP. ATP is the “fuel” or energy source that all cells need to function and repair. When damaged cells have the energy needed to function properly they can immediately start the repair process. Laser therapy accelerates the healing of injured tissue, decreases inflammation, minimizes scarring, and eliminates pain, allowing patients to quickly return to normal activities.

How long does it take to work?

95% of our patients notice improvement after the very first treatment, however, some conditions may take a few treatments to respond. Each laser treatment is cumulative, meaning that each successive treatment builds on the previous. The doctors at Align personally work with patients at each visit to ensure they are progressing as quickly as possible.

For more information about laser therapy, contact Align Healing Center to schedule a free consultation with Dr. Niele Maimone (925)362-8283 and visit us on the web at AlignHealingCenter.com. 

Super Bowl Sunday is now part of the American holiday schedule. It didn’t get its trademarked moniker until Super Bowl III in 1969. After Thanksgiving, it’s the highest food-consumption day in the U.S.  Eight of the most-watched TV shows have been Super Bowls. Here are some Big Game questions.

(1)  All but four current NFL teams have played in a Super Bowl. What team, that originated in 1930, has never played in one?

(2)  Coach Vince Lombardi of the Green Bay Packers won five NFL Championships during the 1960s.  After Lombardi’s death in 1970, the Super Bowl trophy was named in his honor. What team was the first to receive the Vince Lombardi Trophy after their Super Bowl win?

(3)  While Timmy Smith of the Redskins holds the single-game rushing record with 204 yards, what Hall of Famer holds the record for most career rushing yards in the Super Bowl with 354?  He retired in 1984.

(4)  What still-active player won the Super Bowl MVP sixteen years ago?

(5)  What still-going educational organization performed during five Super Bowl halftime shows from 1976 to 1986?  

(6)  Considered one of the greatest drives in Super Bowl history, Joe Montana threw a touchdown with 34 seconds on the clock to win the game in Super Bowl XXIII against the Bengals. It was an 11-play, 92-yard drive.  Wearing # 82, who caught the game-winning touchdown pass?

A new year is upon us. Happy New Year friends! With the season of giving at an end, it’s time to invest in yourself.

I strongly believe when you look your best, you feel your best, and thus you can be your best. Truly, my passion for style comes from the confidence I feel when I put on a great outfit and feel my best. It’s amazing how the clothes you wear can affect your outlook, mood, and overall sense of self.

Of course, what truly matters in life is who you are as a person. How you treat others. How your treat yourself. Nonetheless, investing in your appearance, hands down, provides an instant boost of self-esteem. Who doesn’t want that?

While I love dressing myself, the joy I derive in helping style someone else is immeasurable—which is why I am so excited to share with you a styling company, Millie and Main.

Millie and Main’s goal is to make getting dressed each day enjoyable and quick. Did you know that most women only wear 20% of the clothes in their closet and spend at least 17 minutes per day figuring out what to wear? Millie and Main give you the tools to dress your best while saving time and money.

During a four-week online session at Millie and Main you will find ways to wear things you already own, make smart purchases on only the items you actually need (the client sets the budget), and finally have at least 30 pictures of complete looks that you can replicated from day to night, all season long. The process makes getting dressed each day, effortless!

As I continue to learn my own style it has become increasingly apparent; it’s not about how big your closet is, it’s about having certain pieces; pieces you’re able to mix and match. It’s about having great basics and a few awesome statement pieces.

I was chatting with the co-founder of Millie and Main and she shared a great observation: most women walk into a store and leave having purchased tops. After all, tops are so much easier to buy than anything else, since you don’t think you need to try them on, right? This doesn’t work! Instead, we end up with a closet full of clothes (or tops) thinking, “I have nothing to wear!”

Start the year off by investing in you. This will help you spend more time on the things you enjoy and not getting dressed! How fun would it be to open your closet and know there are awesome, complete looks waiting for the entire season?

Let’s shop smart and only buy the necessities. This will help you look your best, feel your best, and be your best!

Our next session starts February 11, 2019. Join us at  millieandmain.com

Thanks so much for reading, dear ones!

            A new year is upon us which brings the gift of new beginnings, goals, and resolutions. It is the time of year when we reflect on the previous year and determine what goals we want to achieve in 2019. With each new year we strive to make this year better than the last. As mentioned in last month’s article, the top two resolutions and goals each year include: 1) Living a healthier lifestyle by eating well and exercising more and 2) improving financially by getting out of debt and saving for the future.

This month we are going to kick off 2019 with a goal to “Get Your Financial House in Order.” For some, reviewing finances can be overwhelming and can leave you feeling like you are the only one not on the right financial track. I am here to tell you, you are not alone.

The National Retail Foundation expected retail sales in November and December to total between $717 to $720 billion in 2018. That retail sales figure, along with the outstanding credit card debt figure, have been rising consistently since 2009 when our economy suffered the greatest financial crisis since the Great Depression. Since the financial crisis, revolving debt has exceeded the all-time high set in 2008 and is now in excess of $1.023 trillion. An online survey by Nerdwallet found that almost 73% of respondents said the bulk of their holiday spending would be on credit card and found that over 39 million Americans haven’t yet paid off their holiday bills from 2017. 

That said, it is no wonder that improving financially is one of the top resolutions. Millions have turned to credit cards to pay to deck the halls, make their list and check it twice, and ring in the new year in Rockstar style. Consumers nationwide are suffering from a holiday spending hangover that can’t magically go away with a dose of Alka-Seltzer.

Although it was the most wonderful time of the year, and everyone deserves to enjoy the holidays, the credit card statements are starting to arrive in the mail (or inbox) and Americans are going to need a little bit more than a little “drop, drop, fizz, fizz” to take this headache away. Having a solid plan in place is the only cure that will start the year off with a financial bang!

As you ponder ideas of what you really want to achieve in 2019, make your financial goals a top priority. Start by gathering every statement that arrives in the mail (or in your inbox) and face your current financial facts. When each statement arrives, whether it is a credit card or student loan statement, take the time to review the statement in detail, document the findings, and set financial goals.

Step 1, Review Each Statement: As statements arrive in mail, don’t just tear off the coupon with the amount due and shred the evidence. Grab your highlighter, take the time to review each statement, and highlight the following findings:

Step 2, Document the Findings: Once you have highlighted the above items for credit cards/loans, document each on one page using the following chart:

Step 3, Face the Facts: Total and review the amount that you owe on all credit cards/loans and make a commitment to pay all, or a portion of, the debt in 2019. For example, if you owe a total of $10,000 in credit cards, write down an amount you want to pay off in 2019.

Step 4, Breakdown the Goal: Once you have determined the payoff amount, take the amount, divide by 12 and set your monthly goal. For example, if the goal is to payoff $5,000 in 2019. Take the $5,000, divide by 12, and set a goal to payoff $416 per month. Breaking the goal down into monthly bite size chunks will give you monthly results that will help build the momentum needed to achieve the annual goal.

The hardest step is always the first one. Take that step today and use the above steps to make 2019 your best financial year yet. By getting your financial house in order in January, all your other goals will fall into place.

For these and many more financial ideas, be sure to visit my website jodeebrydges.com and pick up a copy of my new book Digging Out, which is full of practical advice to help you obtain your financial goals in 2019.

Wishing you a new year filled with a wealth of financial success!