June 2014

For decades Americans have been thrilled by bands marching smartly down the street to a stirring Sousa march. A band, more specifically a community band, is an important part of the American fabric of tradition, lore and history.
For over 200 years Americans have enjoyed being entertained by bands in bandstands in the park, parades, supporting athletic teams on the field and in concert halls in towns and cities. George Weissman wrote in his book Oom Pah Pah—The Great American Band, “Band music makes the pulse surge, the heart pound and is music for the ear as well as the eye.”

Origins
The early colonists brought with them many of the musical traditions they enjoyed while playing, singing and listening to music in their European homelands. These were quickly adopted into the genre of American music. Bands in their fledging years in colonial America took on the persona of established military bands in organization and instrumentation—basically brass bands. Woodwinds did not join bands until later.

Military Bands
Our first military band was patterned after these early bands. The United States Marine Band came into existence in 1798. “It was also our first organized band, military or otherwise that has functioned without interruption since this early date in American history,” wrote Frederick Fennell in Time and The Winds. Today this band is, without question, one of the finest bands in the country.
Ironically, bands flourish in wartime. Music for military troops has always been a rallying point for leading armies into battle. Music serves a twofold purpose of striking fear and confusion in the foe and strengthening the morale, courage and bravery of their own soldiers.
Bands from the Revolutionary War and all the wars that followed, contributed music to rally the troops on to victory. These bands ranged from a simple fife and drum to bagpipes and drums for the British regiments and fully instrumented concert bands of modern times.

Community Bands
A community band is an instrumental ensemble made up of woodwinds, brass and percussion instruments. Bands may include a string bass or harp when needed; unlike an orchestra that is primarily made up of string instruments.
When joining a community band, musicians need previous experience playing in bands or orchestras and should, at least, have an intermediate skill level.

American community bands date back almost 200 years to 1828 with the birth of the Allentown Band, of Allentown, Pennsylvania. This band has functioned without a hiatus since its inception—a record that will never be broken as long as the band is in existence.

Today there are over 2,500 community bands in the United States. They are made up of primarily amateur, volunteer musicians. On holidays there is without a doubt, more band concerts played than any other time of year, especially on July 4th.

Pleasanton Community Concert Band
Among the many local bands in the Tri-Valley Area is the Pleasanton Community Concert Band, conducted by Robert Williams. “Community Bands are one of the most effective ways for adults to revisit the joys of making music they had as school musicians in high school and college,” said Williams.
The city fathers of Pleasanton suggested that a community band be formed to commemorate the Bi-Centennial of the founding of our country. The idea was to recreate an old fashioned community band concert in the park in July 4th, 1976. Williams played French horn in the band from its inception as was appointed director in 1978.

Danville Community Band
After my retirement as Director of Bands at University of California, Davis, my wife, Jan, and I decided to form a community band in Danville. Surrounding towns had established bands and we wondered if there were enough musicians in the area to form a new band. We soon grew to not only be the newest band in the Bay Area but also the largest. I was music director and conductor, and Jan took on the roles of business manager and media/public relations. Over 54 musicians showed up for our first rehearsal on September 20th, just nine days after 9-11. The rest is history, as they say. After nine years we decided to take a lesser role in the band and are very pleased that Robert Calonico, director of bands at the University of California, Berkeley stepped up as director. “Community bands are a vibrant example that participation in music can be for life,” Calonico said.

A quote from Oom Pah Pah—the Great American Band sums it up nicely, “…tens of thousands of just plain Americans who, with their clarinets and tubas and big bass drums have for generations played their hearts out in the streets, gazebos, auditoriums and ballparks of the land.”

Unlike many activities one did in their youth, making music with like-minded people can be enjoyed for an entire lifetime. Our goal is to enhance the cultural life of the community by providing the general public with opportunities to enjoy band music and to allow band members to grow musically.

Don’t miss the Danville Community Band’s Annual Spring Concert, Sunday, June 8, 2014, 3 p.m. at Community Presbyterian Church, 222 West El Pintado Rd, Danville. Free concert and parking

 

 

That is a shortened version of a common street saying. However, I think you folks will know most of the Jacks I know. Let’s see if you really know Jack.

1. He was the ace of the Giants staff in their World Series year of 1962 (they lost to the Yanks in 7). He won 20 plus games. Who was this Jack?

2. He played the wistful tin man in “Wizard of Oz.” Who was Jack?

3. HBO presented an excellent film “You Don’t Know Jack” in 2012. Al Pacino starred as whom?

4. He was a singer of standards 25-30 years ago and his father made the “Donkey Serenade” famous. Who was this Jack?

5. Who was the All American boy of old radio?

6. This Jack played a great Western badman in my favorite Western “Shane.” Who played him and what was the character’s name?

 

 

No one ever told me that being a wife was a job, well at least not directly. I’ve heard from a select few that it’s a lot of work, although not back breaking, vacationless, “better not clock-in late,” 24/7, kind of work. It’s only been three months since the honeymoon and already I’m his personal chef, counselor, maid, and sex slave, amongst other things. I’m not complaining, it’s just I wasn’t prepared for this.

I remember a couple of years ago I had made a list of what I felt would be the perfect husband: he would be handsome and charming, he would cook and clean, he would be romantic and affectionate, strong but open with his emotions. He wouldn’t have an issue with communication, would be extremely loyal, could make me laugh, and kept God first. My husband was exactly what I had prayed for; at first, but then I started to realize how many versions of these qualities one can have.

Now, there isn’t anyone in the world that I’d rather spend my life with, but I got played. Everything I asked for I received, just not how I thought I would receive it. This was truly a lesson well learned. You see, my husband is very handsome and charming on paper and in photographs, but the private itching, belching, gassy guy who I see everyday, is a long way from Disney charming. But he is handsome. He cooks too, but he’s no gourmet chef. He’s not even a Pinterest chef, because he only knows how to make eggs, toast, frozen waffles, and chicken Top Ramen.

He cleans his sneaker collection all the time but just doesn’t do much of anything else outside of himself, his wardrobe, and his accessories. He is very romantic on special occasions like our anniversary and Valentines Day, considers a slap on the butt the most endearing display of affection, and makes sure to show me this kind of love at least five times a day. He is very strong and open with his emotions pertaining to sports, and has no problem communicating his beliefs regarding who got voted off of NBC’s The Voice when the results are in. He’s extremely loyal to his online videogame crew, and makes me laugh every time he thinks he knows more than I do about… well, everything.

He loves God, and puts Him first, so there’s no complaint there, but listening, hearing, and doing are all totally separate things. So you see, I got what I asked for: a great guy whose elevator doesn’t go all the way to the top just yet, because the building is undergoing new management and some construction; hence my 24/7 job, but overall shows great promise.

On the way home the other day I was talking to my husband and we had a small disagreement pertaining to the roles we play as husband and wife in our marriage. Of course like most Christian men, he knows he is the head of the household, but he took me by sincere surprise when he dubbed himself the president and told me I was the governor. I mean a sistah couldn’t even make Vice President. What is that about? I thought I had more than enough credentials to make it into the White House, but no, I got stuck with being the governor of a rural land with nothing and no one to rule over; we don’t have children yet, or even a dog, so what did I get really?

I remember before I got married my husband told me I never had to cook for him, that he wasn’t high maintenance at all. He said, “Babe, seriously, you never have to cook if you don’t want to. As long as I can make a sandwich or some Top Ramen, I’m good.” The first problem with this statement is that I believed it; the second thing wrong is that I never got this in writing.

Let this be a lesson to engaged women everywhere. Don’t believe the hype, because where am I at this very moment; standing at a hot stove roasting potatoes in the oven and frying chicken in a skillet in 100 degree heat, because my husband came home and said, “Babe whatcha cooking for dinner? I’m craving some fried chicken.”

Marriage is the most wonderfully rewarding job you will ever have in your life where the “Boss” is annoyingly frustrating, but great to look at; the pay is non-existent, the benefits are few and far between, you get no sick or vacation days, but everyday you choose to be there over any other place in the world. Cheers to being a married woman in the 21st century!

 

Pack your bags girls and enjoy the Island heat wave this summer with some incredible tips on making your Tropical Vacation Beautilicious!

Check List

1st: Sunscreen

Sorry to say it girls but you need to wear it! It must have titanium dioxide in it as this important ingredient deflects the sun, protecting both the skin’s top layers and under the skin. It’s like wearing a sweatshirt on the skin. When using a chemical sunscreen (sold in most pharmacies) it will protect only the top layer of skin. This only prevents sunburn and it does not protect the cells underneath the skin that ultimately cause sun damage.

2nd: Self Tanners

Why spray tan before a trip when you can bring your sunshine-in-a-bottle with you! This is a simple, and more importantly, safer way to go from pale to Bronzed Tropical Goddess in less than two hours. For your face use Fleur Visage Bronze Liquid Illuminator. No one wants to put on a heavy foundation on vacation so to guarantee a shimmering glow with medium coverage use a bronze liquid illuminator. A sure Must-have!!

3rd: Face Bronzers

“But I need to have that Island glow!” I hear your say. Be sure to pack a bronzer to guarantee you have that healthy, sunkissed glow to your face. Psssst little inside beachy tip for you, dust some on your shoulders and chest for that ultimate-smoldering look.

4th: After Sun Moisturizer by Hampton Sun

This vitamin-rich lotion will improve the health of the skin by repairing and nourishing the surface. It’s for smart, serious, sunbathing. Apply after sun exposure to ensure your skin is ready for another day on the beach. Store it in the fridge to add the extra cooling sensation for your skin.

5th: Vitamin C with Vitamin E Lip Treatments

These treatments are perfect for those summer days basking in the sun on some deserted tropical island. It cures and hydrates chapped lips instantly. If you’re feeling flirty why not try a lip treatment with a hint of color. A head turner for sure!

6th: Premier Ultra Firming Eye Cream

This cream will reduce puffiness around the eye area and super hydrate the skin when you go to those late night island parties. So enjoy yourself and have those four margaritas with salt!

7th: A Skinny Dip Lip Gloss

You will look Oh-So Natural and give your make-up that sought after dewy look with this lip gloss. Get into the island fever and make your lips sizzle and shine!

8th: Eye Shadow Trios

Simple and fast. Who wants to wear make-up on a trip? You may ask, but if you are going out to that late night beach party you need to up your game. Simple one-two-three eye shadow trios will take your eyes from dull to dreamy in seconds. Get island points for being pretty!

9th: Waterproof Eye Liner Gels

The perfect beauty accessory for any occasion. Wear them at the beach in the water, or swimming. They will not run, smear or smudge. Be a tropical beauty any time of the day; leave those panda eyes at home with these gorgeous automatic slim line pencils.

10th: Stephanie Johnson Cosmetic Train bags

Organize your trip with these amazing beauty bags from Stephanie Johnson, so you can have the time to spruce up fast and trouble-free. Brushes and pencils on one side with holders, (genius) and make-up essentials on the other (aloha!). It makes a trip fun and easy, spending less time searching for your cosmetics in your everything-but-the-kitchen-sink make-up bag. You don’t want to be late for that big island Luau!

Do you hear that? It’s last call…now lets GO!

Q. I recently purchased a red leaf Bloodgood Japanese Maple. My son says it should be planted in a shady area and it will grow to twenty feet unless it’s kept in a container. I want to plant it in a sunny location. Where should it be planted?

A. Your son is correct about the size of a Bloodgood Japanese Maple as they grow to twenty plus feet with a ten to twelve foot spread. A container does limit the ultimate height but so does an annual pruning for those planted in the landscape. However, he’s incorrect about the exposure. In the Bay Area, Japanese Maples are grown in full sun or part shade. It is typical for the red leaf maples, particularly Bloodgood, to loose their red color and turn green during the summer months. A sunny location extends the red coloring. In the fall, the Bloodgood foliage reverts to a reddish green color but they defoliate before they turn completely red. Red-leaved varieties get their color from a pigment called anthocyanin. Anthocyanin is often displayed in the fall and winter months in other plants as the green pigment, chlorophyll, breaks down. The red pigment in maples disappears with warm temperatures and long days. The initial site selection is a key in maintaining the long-term foliage color. They shouldn’t be crowded into a corner and factor in how much more the landscape around it is going to mature in the next ten years. The location should provide some protection from hot dry winds or salt carried by the afternoon marine influence. The hot dry conditions cause the leaves to burn along the margins and tips particularly in the lace-leaf varieties. Another cause of tip burn is synthetic type fertilizers. A slow release organic fertilizer or one specifically for Japanese Maples is desirable. You can protect the foliage from the hot conditions with Bonide Wilt Stop. Wilt Stop will protect the foliage from the hot conditions just as it protects plants from freezing temperatures. Now is a good time to apply it before the really hot weather arrives.

Q. I recently dug up three dead bushes and noticed the soil had a lot of white stuff mixed in with it. Is it safe to plant in that area again?

A. It is common for a white fungus type growth to develop in our clay soils that are amended with organic matter. The white stuff has a stringy texture that can be matted or it looks like its weaving it way through the soil particles. It’s Mother Nature at work breaking down or composting the chunky pieces of organic matter in the soil. There is no need to be concerned although it is a bit of a surprise or for some a shock when noticed for the first time. You can replant whenever you like without any reservations.

Buzz Bertolero is Executive Vice President of Navlet’s Garden Centers and a California Certified Nursery Professional. His web address is www.dirtgardener.com and you can send questions by email at dirtgarden@aol.com or to 360 Civic Drive Ste. ‘D’, Pleasant Hill, Calif. 94523 and on Facebook at Facebook.com/Buzz.Bertolero

 

 

 

Exploring class IV laser therapy for shoulder rehab

The Rotator Cuff muscles (four muscles in total) are the primary support structures for the shoulder. Therefore, even minor dysfunction associated with these muscles can create pain and decreased performance of everyday tasks. A Rotator Cuff injury can be caused by many everyday activities. These activities include traumatic events (e.g. fall on an outstretched arm, “yanking” of the arm), repetitive motion (e.g. throwing a ball, carrying children) and chronic improper posture (e.g. operating a computer, driving).

There are three major types of Rotator Cuff injuries that we treat successfully:

1. Rotator Cuff Muscle Tears: This is a partial tear of one or more of the four Rotator Cuff muscles. Rotator Cuff muscle tears are often accompanied by deep achy pain in the shoulder and arm weakness.

2. Tendonitis: Tendons are at the ends of each muscle and attach the muscles to the bones they move. When there is inflammation of these tendons it is called Tendonitis. The symptoms of Rotator Cuff Tendonitis are often trigger point pain over the tendon accompanied by deep, achy pain in the shoulder and arm weakness.

3. Rotator Cuff Impingement Syndrome: Chronic injury of the Rotator Cuff can lead to a “pinching” of the nerves passing through the shoulder. This is commonly referred to as a Shoulder Impingement or Rotator Cuff Impingement. Symptoms often include numbness, tingling or sharp, shooting pain into the arm or hand.

HOW DO I HEAL MY SHOULDER PAIN?

The most common forms of medical treatment for Rotator Cuff injuries are anti-inflammatory medications, cortisone injections and surgery. Although meds and injections may reduce the severity of pain associated with rotator cuff dysfunction, they are not a long term solution and may do more bodily harm than good in the long run. Surgery is a last resort and should only be used if there is irreparable damage to the shoulder that cannot be handled with proper rehabilitation.

THE NATURAL APPROACH

First: Heal the Damaged Tissue
Ending the pain caused by a Rotator Cuff injury requires stopping the cycle of inflammation that is creating the pain. Class IV laser therapy is an excellent method for this, because it is presently the only modality that can both reduce inflammation and heal tissue simultaneously. During Laser Therapy, the infrared laser light interacts with tissues at the cellular level, increasing metabolic activity and improving the transport of nutrients across the cell membrane. This creates an optimal healing environment that reduces inflammation, swelling, muscle spasms, stiffness and pain. As the injured area returns to normal, pain is relieved and function is restored.

Second: Correct the Shoulder and Postural Mechanics
Long term pain relief of shoulder injuries involves rehabilitation of the shoulder, neck, and thoracic spine. Shoulder rehabilitation is achieved by utilizing specific postural adjustments, exercises and specific posture stabilizing methods in order to re-establish proper motion and strength of the shoulder joint. Ongoing strengthening and stretching exercises are used to rehabilitate the musculature of the shoulder to ensure lasting results.

If you suffer from chronic pain, it is worth your while to spend some time figuring out which of any number of factors are contributing to your pain — and we will help you explore which combination of therapies will help you heal it. The good news is — you can do it without drugs, and you can get back to the activities you love!

Dr. Niele Maimone, DC is the owner and founder of Align Healing Center in Danville, CA. For more information or to set up a consult call 925.362.8283 or visit www.alignhealingcenter.com.

 

I have great news. I just finished writing a book about what it takes to achieve optimal health and how to demand optimal healthcare. The book entitled WHY, The Question that Could Save Your Life, is now available on Amazon. In it I spend some time describing two factors that interfere with the above goals of optimal health/healthcare, the legal demand that doctors must follow the “Standard of Care,” and the institutional demand that a doctor is expected to use “Evidence Based” procedures in his/her practice. If these rules were used universally we would still be living in caves and could never consider the everyday conveniences that we enjoy.

Headaches are a significant portion of what I help to resolve at my TMJ and myofacial pain practice. One of the problems with the current accepted methods of treatment is the overdependence on drugs, not only to treat the symptoms, but as a diagnostic tool.

In a course on headache diagnosis that I recently completed, the protocols for interviewing the patient were quite thorough with over 40 questions to ask the patient regarding everything from family history to social history, associated symptoms, etc. A key factor that was left out was a description of the patient’s eating and exercise habits

The proposed blood tests were extensive, but left out the C-Reactive protein test, a test that detects the existence of systemic inflammation. The test for low Vitamin D was left out as well. There were also no suggestions for saliva or urine tests for hormone imbalance and/or heavy metals.

One of the chief concerns I wrote about in my book is that giving a medication to take away a symptom can actually result in allowing the underlying cause of that symptom to continue, thus possibly resulting in a potentially easily cured disease to become incurable or to cause irreparable damage.

What is vitally important is that chronic inflammation must not be allowed to persist. When the body is crying out for attention using a symptom such as a headache, a rash, excessive fatigue, etc., never say ‘shut up’ and ‘take this’. Instead, listen to your body’s plea and look for why it is crying out. Once the disease is diagnosed, for the ultimate treatment, a lot more WHY’s must be answered if the disease is to be permanently eliminated and the damage to be repaired. Too often, once the symptoms are gone, the patient then thinks they are “home free.” However, the real cure finds the root of the cause: what was wrong in the first place that made this malady occur.

When I hear a patient say, “my arthritis” or “my headaches,” it makes me wonder if the patient has accepted these ailments as an unchangeable part of their life. I myself used to have arthritis and was given several drugs like Celebrex to mask it. It wasn’t until I fought back by correcting my diet and adopting a regular exercise program that I eliminated this form of inflammation completely.

Many rheumatologists are taught in their training that arthritis is incurable and diet has little to do with it. My patients relate this belief to me regularly. The pharmaceutical industry wants everyone to think this way. Take some time to look up the side effects of many of their wonderful drugs for arthritis. It’s not a pretty picture.

I am aware that this article is on headaches, not arthritis, but in my practice many patients are suffering from both and the same holistic approach is necessary to end these problems. You must get to the very root of the cause. Most of the time this requires changes in lifestyles, habits and diet along with nutritional, and sometimes hormonal, supplementation to make up for the damage.

 

 

A good laugh and a long sleep are the two best cures for anything.

—  Irish proverb

We all know that sleep is important, but few of us realize just how damaging loss of sleep can be. Not getting the required 7-9 hours of sleep per night can increase your stress, increase the risk of many chronic diseases and falls, reduce brain functions like memory and cognition, and significantly increase weight gain. I always ask my patients about their sleep. Even after stating that they get 8 or so hours of sleep per night, they will often admit that their sleep is unrestful or not very deep. One recent study stated that 63% of Americans say their sleep needs are not being met during the week. This certainly moves sleep problems into the forefront of medical conditions.

Great sleep is regulated by several factors like cortisol (from the adrenal gland), blood sugar surge control, cell energy function (mitochondrial injury), and brain neurotransmitter and hormone production. All of these can be helped with our metabolic treatment protocols, but in this article we’ll focus on Melatonin.

Melatonin is one of those substances that gets a lot of “air time.” It is mentioned everywhere in articles that are discussing insomnia, inflammation, chronic pain, weight gain, stress control, jet lag, falls in the elderly and dementia. That’s because it is implicated in many of the complex pathways that control sleep.

Melatonin is a hormone that is produced in the pineal gland (in the center of the brain) and plays a major role in the control of day/night cycles (along with the suprachiasmatic nuclei (SCN)) in response to darkness. The pineal doesn’t receive the light information directly; instead the SCN receives the light stimulated nerves from the retina in the eye. In fact, the neurons go to the upper neck where they can be affected by neck injury. That is why after whiplash injuries, sleep cycles can be disturbed. The SCN then sends information back to modulate body temperature and production of cortisol (the stress hormone) and melatonin.

Natural melatonin levels slowly drop with age, with some older adults making very small amounts  or none at all. Melatonin levels decrease dramatically with exposure to blue light. Artificial light can drop levels by 60%. Until recently, humans were only exposed to blue light a few hours during winter daylight. Unfortunately, several modern conveniences like fluorescent fixtures and especially smart phones, iPads and computers produce the wrong light frequencies (blue) that inhibit melatonin production. As you can imagine, a rural/agrarian lifestyle would be helpful here because the days and evenings spent outside would let your brain know when it’s light or dark.

HOW CAN WE INCREASE MELATONIN LEVELS

1) Glasses that block blue light (orange lenses) can increase melatonin during sessions with electronic devices. Read with an orange light on the iPad and use blue blockers at home 3 hours before bed.

2) Supplementing with melatonin can be effective, but it must be the sub-lingual form (dissolved under the tongue) because 90% of the melatonin is removed by the liver if it is swallowed. Melatonin supplements need to be taken at the same time every evening, ideally an hour before bedtime.

3) Have your levels of melatonin, cortisol and inflammatory markers tested by a doctor knowledgeable in the natural treatment of sleep disorders.

4) Limit exposure to unnatural light sources (computers, TV, videos, fluorescent lights) after 8:30 PM, and increase exposure to natural light at mid day.

Because of the far reaching effects on our entire body, melatonin levels and improving sleep should be a high priority when outlining one’s health plan. If this makes sense to you, let me know if I can help.

Dr. Don Davis, D.C., DACNB is a BOARD CERTIFIED CHIROPRACTIC NEUROLOGIST in Walnut Creek. He has been serving individuals with chronic pain for 30 years. For information about how you can get a free consultation with Dr. Davis, call (925) 279-4324 (HEAL). Visit us at WalnutCreekHealth.com or WalnutCreekThyroidInstitute.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

When it comes to taking care of your skin, there seems to be a general thought that as long as you wash your face at least once a day, you’re good to go. What we find in the spa industry is that many people view skin care treatments as a luxury versus a form maintenance and upkeep. Of course we like to pamper ourselves with the occasional facial or massage, but how many of us really understand the benefits that come from regular treatments?

Skin care is something that everyone can benefit from. Recent studies show European women spend more money on regular skincare treatments to help maintain a healthy, regular routine instead of spending money on cosmetics to cover up their problem areas. They use a combination of spa skin care treatments with at home treatments such as night cream, day cream, eye cream and masks. When we make the time to care for our skin the way it needs to be taken care of, we are in turn protecting and improving our skin long term. Covering up blemishes or skin inadequacies is only temporary, and while many cosmetic companies are now creating make-up with ingredients to help or improve skin issues, effort needs to be made in both areas.

In regards to product, we all have different skin types: some are fair with sensitive skin, some produce more oil on the face, and some have issues with dry, flaky skin. With each different type of skin come different ways and products to treat and maintain its health. The basis of good skin care is to cleanse properly with the right type of product for your skin. If you’re not sure, the best thing to do is ask! Consulting with an esthetician regarding the type of care necessary is always best and we are happy to answer any questions you have.

If you were to ask, “What’s the most basic rule that applies to proper skin care (aside from daily cleansing)?” our consulting esthetician Hannah says: use sunscreen daily! We cannot stress enough how important this rule is. Sunscreen not only helps protect your skin from sun damage, but with the proper formulation is can also provide antioxidants and vitamin-c that protects you from free radical damage like pollution. Using sunscreen on a daily basis is good for your skin regardless of the weather; you just need to make sure that the formula you choose to use is right for you.

Overall, the execution of your skin care routine is what really matters. Of course you want to make sure you’re using the right products, but making the time and following the directions from your skin care specialist as well. Give us a call at 925-362-9892 – we’ll be happy to assist you with all of your skincare concerns and needs!