March 2010

Good Theatre “Marches” On in March at Lesher

March 4, 2010 by Scott Denison

The most famous groundhog of all, Punxsutawney Phil, informed us this year that we would have six extra weeks of winter, but by mid-March spring should be upon us! So here we are, heading into the third month of this New Year and the Lesher Center for the Arts is busier than ever bursting forth with great events for people of all ages in each of the LCA’s three theatres.

With Fantasy Forum Actors Ensemble presenting their classic family treat, The Wizard of Oz (Mar.5-7) and Ken Bergmann back with his smashing spectacle of drums, cowbells, chairs and a cymbal clanging monkey, Percussion Discussion (Mar. 9-13); family entertainment at it’s best will ring true for the young and young at heart all month long. Both of these productions will bring inspiration and joy to you and your children! March also brings great artists to the Center presenting several evening shows that will awaken your winter spirits and usher you gloriously into spring. Beginning with California Symphony’s Virtuosity (March 7-9) and In The Mood (Mar16) celebrating the 1940’s Big Band music in a rip roaring theatrical review, you will have much to look forward to in the days ahead.

Mark your calendars for a very special guest to arrive on March 19th! George Komsky from America’s Got Talent and Riverdance fame will return home from Hollywood to perform a live solo concert for the first time before his hometown audience. A night of opera, pop-opera, and musical surprises including classics such as Barber of Seville, The Elixir of Love and selections from Tosca will color your evening and pull you into a grand celebration of life, and timeless music. A portion of all proceeds from this show will be donated to the Wheelchair Foundation.

In the Knight Stage 3, Onstage Theatre will present a new play by Dean Harris, Glorious Sunset (Mar.5-28). Helen Means will direct this tale of love, betrayal and murder and it is a century old mystery only you can solve! On March 26th, CCMT will open with the great American musical, Oklahoma! (Mar. 26-Apr.25) The Rodgers and Hammerstein score includes such favorites as “Oh What a Beautiful Morning”, “People Will Say We’re in Love”, and “The Surrey with the Fringe on the Top.”

Again, vibrant family entertainment reminding us just how life enhancing live theatre can be! Be sure to stop by Center Tickets to pick up the new 2010-2011 season brochures for all of the producing organizations that call the LCA their home. Purchasing season tickets offer many benefits including a guarantee of great seating in all three of our venues at the LCA in the months and year ahead.

For more information about any of the productions mentioned above or about the arts in general at the Lesher Center for the Arts go to www.lesherartscenter.org or call Center Tickets at (925) 943-SHOW. See you at the theatre!

Celtic Music: Saint Patrick’s Day

March 4, 2010 by Lawrence E. Anderson

Every year on March 17th many “Irish Eyes Are Smiling,” as people of Irish descent – and others who claim to be Irish—celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day. It is a day to make merry with singing, dancing, drinking and, of course, eating the traditional feast of corned beef and cabbage.

Saint Patrick’s Day
Saint Patrick (circa 385-461) is one of the most famous patron saints of Ireland. Mythology credits him with banishing snakes from the island of Ireland. And legend also credits Patrick with teaching the Irish about the concept of the Trinity by showing people the shamrock, a three-leaf clover, using it to highlight the Christian dogma of “three divine persons in the one God.” Saint Patrick’s feast day is a holy day of obligation for Roman Catholics in Ireland. The celebration of this holiday is not confined to Ireland but is also observed in many countries around the world. In the United States it is widely celebrated but is not an official national holiday.

Origins of Celtic Music
Music is an important part of celebrating Saint Patrick’s Day, along with the frivolity, fun, good cheer, feasting and drinking. Not just any kind of music, but traditional Celtic and Irish music specifically. Celtic music is the traditional music of Ireland, Scotland, Wales and Brittany.

Traditional Irish music traces its roots to a genre of folk music of various regions of Ireland. Traditional music is widely played in both urban and rural communities. The Irish music of today sounds very similar to what was heard over 200 years ago and not much has changed through the decades. Much of this music is designed for dancing hence it is more instrumental in character.

Renewed interest in Irish music was coincidental with the Irish nationalistic movement of the late 19th Century. Another revival came about with the American folk music interest in the late 1960’s.

A discussion of Celtic music would not be complete without mentioning Scottish traditional music. The music of Scotland has many unique and traditional phases that are still alive and well today.

Instruments
The instrumentation of early Celtic and Irish music has not changed a great deal over the centuries. Instruments, however, have been added to the original set of harp, bagpipe and fiddle.

The Irish Harp, invented in Ireland, became their national instrument. It is smaller than the large harps we see today. The harp, that is common in all Celtic areas, is used both as a solo instrument and for accompaniment.

Bagpipes are a staple in Celtic societies. The pipes are of different construction in Scotland, Ireland and Brittany.

The fiddle, or violin, is a newer member of a traditional Celtic ensemble. It was added in the late 17th Century and is to this day a mainstay. Scottish fiddling became very popular in the 18th Century and is ever present in modern times as evidenced by many fiddling contests. This type of fiddling influenced much of American folk music, especially in Appalachia. Other instruments used in traditional ensembles may include: wooden flute, tin whistle, accordion or concertina, guitar, banjo and bouzouki, a large mandolin.

It is said there are more people of Irish descent in America than in Ireland and Irish music and merriment on Saint Patrick’s Day is widely celebrated throughout the states but none more so than in New York City. Every year for 247 years New Yorkers have marched in the Saint Patrick’s Day Parade. New Yorkers have their own unique way of celebrating Saint Patrick’s Day. The “Wearing of the Green,” green clothes, green flowers, and green hats are standard, but you’ll also find unique green beers, green bagels, green water fountains, and even a green Empire State Building.

So here’s to a great celebration in 2010, with lots of food, fun and good Irish music.
Erin Go Bragh! Ireland Forever!

The Danville Community Band will present “Wine, Women & Song,” at their traditional gala dinner concert, Blackhawk Country Club, Sunday, April 25, 2010. Call for reservations 925-736-6500.

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.

Change: More Style. More Tech. More Places.

March 4, 2010 by Eric Johnson

With March comes springtime—and that means change. If you’re familiar with ALIVE, you know we’re not shy when it comes to change; always looking for ways to improve. This month is no exception, as we have a number of exciting announcements.

First off, we have our editorial lineup. Our good friend, monthly fitness columnist Lorrie Sullenberger, has moved on to handle her increasingly demanding schedule of national-level media commitments. (In my last meeting with Lorrie and her husband, pilot, “Sully” Sullenberger, I believe I coined a new phrase—their family has been “Sullified”). She’ll continue with ALIVE on an occasional basis, as a feature writer. Thank you, Lorrie, for doing such a great job over the past three years as our “fitness expert.” We look forward to reading about the exciting changes that surely lie ahead for you and Sully.

While Lorrie is irreplaceable, we do have someone new joining the ALIVE team in April. The column itself will change a bit as our new contributor will be writing not only as a fitness expert, but in the larger context of a Life Coach. And in keeping with having a recognizable name like “Sullenberger” on our masthead, while I won’t reveal it yet, I will say that our new contributor’s last name rhymes with “Barbashian.”

We’ve made some big changes in our fashion and style department, too. Fashion Editor, Marissa Sullivan, is now ALIVE’s “Trends Tracker.” She’ll be keeping you up-to-date on what’s hot in her Fashionably Yours, Trendy Eats, and Local EntrepeNEWr columns. Along with that change, we are excited to announce the addition of Carolyn Rovner to our fashion editorial staff. Carolyn is a professional image and personal style consultant. Her column, called Everyday Style, will be the place to go for practical, useful advice on “what to wear.”

Aside from our editorial improvements, we are constantly working to improve our value and effectiveness for both readers and advertisers. This is where the “tech” comes in. As part of ALIVE Mediaworks, we are developing ever-improving, cutting-edge tools, like: ALIVE TV ads and streaming video; our soon-to-be-launched ALIVE Marketplace mobile app, and an ALIVE cable television show.

And, last of all, let’s talk about places. “Where can I pick up a copy of ALIVE Magazine?” Up until this month, the only way your fingers could enjoy the amiable sensation of holding a crisp, new issue of the East Bay’s finest magazine was to receive one in the mail. Besides our mailed circulation, ALIVE is now available in racks located in scores of high traffic locations, throughout the Diablo Valley, Lamorinda, and Tri Valley areas. You asked for it—you now have it!

Whew! I’d say that’s probably enough change… for this month at least!

The Exchange Club of the San Ramon Valley

March 4, 2010 by Steve Mick

The Exchange Club is an energetic member of the Valley community with many members from Alamo. Exchange offers opportunities for residents to support a number of activities that promote citizenship, leadership and service.

The Exchange Club recently celebrated the dedication of new Freedom Shrines at Dougherty Valley High School and Diablo Vista Middle School. There are now 12 Freedom Shrines in the Valley, most of them prominently on display at area schools. Developed by the National Exchange Club, the Freedom Shrine project originated from the Freedom Train that toured the nation shortly after World War Two carrying an exhibit of historic documents. The purpose of the Freedom Shrine is twofold. It puts before young Americans proof that the freedom and greatness we enjoy today were not purchased easily and reminds them that these gifts must be cherished and protected. The Shrine consists of replicas of 30 historic documents which were carefully chosen to exemplify the beginnings of our nation and those subsequent turning points of importance which shaped our national character.

Exchange also promotes America’s history to our youth in other ways. We sponsor a Heritage Speaker’s Series each year which is combined with a scholarship essay competition. High school students attend a total of four presentations by local leaders over a period of few weeks. This year’s topic is “The Balance of Power: The Dynamic Tension between the Branches of Government.” Participants then submit an essay that demonstrates their understanding of how our government is affected by the balance of power. Freedom Shrine documents are referenced as part of the essay. The essays are evaluated and scholarships are awarded. 1st place receives a $1500 scholarship, 2nd place receives $1000 and 3rd place receives $500.

Each year, Exchange organizes a September 11 remembrance ceremony at Oak Hill Park. Last year, as part of this observance, students were encouraged to attend the ceremony and then submit an essay on the subject, “Tell Your Story – What if You Were There on 9-11?” Students were asked to imagine that they were news reporters on 9-11 and were covering the story. The response by our local students was immensely gratifying and a significant number of excellent essays were submitted.

Child abuse prevention is a commitment of the National Exchange Foundation and is an important project of the Exchange Club of the San Ramon Valley. On April 17, Exchange will sponsor a child abuse prevention effort in the local area. Exchange Club members will distribute information at several locations. Recognition of child abuse as well as parenting tips such as KidCode and Time-out Teddy will be available. Please visit our website at www.SRVexchangeclub.org for details and locations. Exchange Club meeting information is also available there.

Contact Steve Mick at steve@alamore.org.
Comments are the author’s and do not represent the opinion of the Alamo MAC.

Alamo Community Council
Meets at 5:00 p.m. the 2nd Thursday of the month at Hap Magee Ranch Park – Swain House

Alamo-Danville Artists’ Society
Meets at 7:30 p.m. the second Tuesday of the month At Danville Congregational’s Social Hall, 989 San Ramon Valley Boulevard, Danville

Alamo Improvement Association Board of Directors Meeting
Meets at 7:00 p.m. the Thursday after the 2nd Wednesday of the month at Creekside Community Church

Alamo Chamber of Commerce Monthly Social & Networking Mixers
are held the 4th Wednesday of every month, 5:30pm at various members locations. Visit www.alamochamberofcommerce.com for details!

03/24, Wednesday, 5pm – 8pm: Alamo Chamber of Commerce presents “Business After Hours” Trade Show Mixer at the Round Hill Country Club, 3169 Round Hill Rd. Alamo. Exhibitor applications are available at the chamber website www.AlamoChamberofCommerce.com. Questions? Call Sharon Schuyler 510.499.4229.

Alamo Roads Advisory Committee
Meets at 3:30 p.m. the 2nd Thursday of the month at Hap Magee Ranch Park – Swain House

Alamo Rotary
Meets Wednesdays at 12:15 p.m. Round Hill Golf and Country Club. For more information call (925) 820-6847.

Alamo Women’s Club
Meets the 4th Wednesday of the month 1401 Danville Boulevard. For more information call Nancy P. Combs at (925) 351-6999.

Delta Nu Psi Service Sorority
Sends donated goods to our military people. For more information: deltanupsi@comcast.net

Hap Magee Ranch Park Joint Planning and Operations Committee (JPOC)
Meets at 5:00 p.m. – Please visit www.alamore.org for date; Hap Magee Ranch Park – The Cottage

Danville Priorities

March 4, 2010 by Mike Doyle

Danville’s unique small town atmosphere is a vision held by all who have served on the Town Council. Maintaining this vision requires concerted effort, careful decision-making and cautious implementation. Most of all though, it requires planning. Each January, the Town Council holds its Annual Planning and Goal Setting Workshop. This day-long meeting provides council members an opportunity to meet with key staff, set priorities and make decisions for the upcoming year. It also provides an opportunity to highlight the accomplishments of the past year.

In March, the Town Council approved a Retail Retention and Promotion Incentives Program designed to enhance support of Danville’s retail sector during these challenging economic times. To date, the program has awarded 36 marketing grants, totaling $72,000, 15 facade improvement grants, totaling $145,500, and eight cooperative advertising grants for retail areas, totaling $30,000. Also, as a result of this program, the “Danville in Style” campaign was launched, tying together all the retail business interests under one umbrella. It currently features 681 businesses including retailers, restaurants, spa, salons, and other services. I encourage you to log on to this exciting and rich website at www.danvilleinstyle.com.

In August, yellow TRAFFIX school buses began rolling throughout the San Ramon Valley for the 2009/10 school year. What this means for residents is less congestion and more green lights. In November, the doors to the renovated Village Theatre were re-opened to the public. Part of the renovation plan was to create additional space in the entrance lobby for the Village Theatre Art Gallery. The art gallery will present a wide variety of shows, historically-grounded exhibitions, and traveling art exhibits.

On a more regional and national level, I, along with other Mayors from the Tri-Valley area, attended the 78th Winter Meeting of the United States Conference of Mayors, in Washington, D.C. While there, we met with members of the California Congressional delegation to discuss the FY 2011 Federal Agenda for the Tri-Valley. Meetings were held with Senator Barbara Boxer, staff from Senator Dianne Feinstein’s office, and Congressional Representatives Jerry McNerney and John Garamendi. Topics of discussion included transportation, affordable housing, and telecommunications.

On January 16, I had the honor of being a presenter at the 31st Annual Shellie Awards at the Lesher Center for the Arts in Walnut Creek. I would like to take this opportunity to extend my congratulations to all the award recipients.

One of my goals as Mayor this year is to continue to have an open and frank dialogue with the great citizens of Danville. I value your input. 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 May 10 – Aug 16. Corner of Railroad & Prospect St.

Danville Tennis Club (DTC): Tue/Wed/Thurs Nights. Sat/Sun AM. 3.5 – 5.0 level players. Adults. Coed. http://groups.yahoo.com/group/danvilletennisclub

Until 03/28: 33rd Annual ADAS Spring Art Show featuring works by exceptional artists in the East Bay. Judge’s and People’ Choice awards will be announced at the Opening Reception on Saturday March 28 from 5 pm to 7 pm. Blackhawk Gallery, 3461 Blackhawk Plaza Circle. Gallery hours are Monday -Saturday 10 to 8 PM, Sunday 11 to 6 PM. The art show is free and open to the public.

03/13, Saturday, 10:00am: The Always Provocative Martin Swig presents a Talk: The State of the Automobile Industry – After the Crunch of Last Year, Who Came Out Ahead? Who Lost? And What Does the Future Hold? Martin Swig is a San Francisco Bay Area-based car collector, vintage racer, founder and chief organizer of the California Mille, La Carrera Nevada, and other notable U.S. vintage car rallies and events.Info: 925.736.2277 www.blackhawkmuseum.org

03/20, Saturday, 9.30am – 12noon: Danville-Alamo Branch of AAUW presents a Wellness Panel Presentation discussing women’s health issues in the second half of life with a focus on women over 50. Sondra Altman, MD presents a talk titled “Hormones: The Good, The Bad and The Confusing.” She will be joined by Linda Michaelis, RD, Nutritionist who will discuss ideas about eating correctly and Asha Bajaj, DPT, Physical Therapist discussing “Bone up on Bone Health”. Fee is $8 /person. Info: Loretta at 765-0895.

03/27 – 04/27: 2010 Save Mount Diablo Art Exhibition hosted by the Kevin Milligan Gallery & Wine Bar of Danville. The opening reception is Saturday March 27th from 5:00-10:00pm and is open to the public. The show will feature painting, mixed media, photography, ceramics, sculpture and furniture by artists inspired by Mount Diablo. Dine for Diablo is March 24 thru 27. Proceeds of art sales will go to the local East Bay citizens non-profit, Save Mount Diablo. Info: (925) 309-4648

04/03, Saturday, 9.30 – 11am: Eggstravaganza at the Danville Community Center. A fun-filled morning of Easter egg hunt, arts and crafts, face painting, and more. Hunts are organized by age so every child has equal opportunity to find treasure-filled eggs. Bring your camera and take your little one’s picture with the Spring Bunny. Pre-registration is required. Info: www.ci.danville.ca.us (925) 314-3400

The World Needs Play

March 4, 2010 by H. Abram Wilson

Recognizing that “play is a fundamental need,” San Ramon has always been in the forefront by placing parks next to schools. We know that play is essential for healthy development and that free, spontaneous play, the kind that occurs on playgrounds, is the most valuable.

San Ramon parks serve as a social and recreational focal point for our neighborhoods. Therefore, we are continually working on projects to improve safety and to enhance the appearance of our park sites that user groups and the public can enjoy.

One recent project is the Central Park Playground and Participatory Fountain Renovation. The installation of the new play equipment is nearing completion. The new equipment provides a tot lot for ages 2-5 connected by a bridge to an area suitable for ages 5-12. The play area will accommodate 240 children. Phase two of this project will include the installation of a new playing surface with the participatory fountain renovation to follow. Completion is expected by the end of April.

I take pride in knowing that the renovations at Central Park will prove to be another example of why San Ramon is a great place to live, work, and raise a family. We have worked hard over the past quarter century to establish a wonderful community committed to our residents and a quality of life that is second to none.

Together we can – Together we will – Make a difference – Make a better community, and be proud that we’ve MADE a Better San Ramon.

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

San Ramon Valley Newcomers Club Hiking group meets every Friday at 8:30 am. Hikes are usually 2 hours and within 30 minutes of San Ramon. Info: Sharon, 925-735-8960.

Toastmasters Diablo View Chapter meets every Tuesday morning at 7:55 am San Ramon Community Center 2501 Alcosta Blvd. Info: Todd Westerlund, 925-242-0600.

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.

East Bay FIT is part of USA FIT, which prepares people of all fitness levels to RUN or WALK a marathon or half marathon using a proven 6-month training plan. Long group runs are done together on Saturday mornings, and weekday runs are left to individual members. For more information, please visit www.eastbayfit.net or call 1-866-333-9828.

San Ramon Performing Arts: Info and tickets: 925-973. ARTS
03/14: Forbidden Broadway
03/19: Cabaret
03/19 &03/20: Night at the Improv

03/15: Camp Central Parent Information Night at the San Ramon Community Center at Central Park

03/20, Saturday, 1-4pm: Teen Job Fair at the Senior & Community Center www.srteen.org

03/26, Friday, 6-9pm: Cioppino & Pasta Dinner at the Alcosta Senior & Community Center
03/27, Saturday, 8.30am -10.00am & 10.30am -12noon: Breakfast With The Bunny at the Community Center at Central Park. Info: www.SanRamonRecGuide.com, 925-973-3200
04/03, Saturday, 10am -12noon: Eggciting Eggstravaganza at the San Ramon Central Park. Pre-registration is required. Info: www.SanRamonRecGuide.com or call (925) 973-3200
04/17, Saturday, 9.00am -12 noon: Earth Day at Forest Home Farms. Info: 925-973-3284