Column

In the summer of 1986, my wife and I went on vacation to Scandinavia that included a week-long visit with some friends in Helsinki, Finland. Several days of that visit included a trip into what was then the Soviet Union, staying in the city of Saint Petersburg (then called Leningrad).

Traveling as the only Americans as part of a Finnish tour group, we were accorded “special” considerations that included having our passports held until our departure from the country and a hotel room assignment in an otherwise deserted wing of the building, well separated from the rest of the group.

While the architecture throughout the city was beautiful, much like other cities in Europe, the fact that this one was in a communist country was obvious. There were no signs of commercialism to be found anywhere—no signs, no franchises or shopping centers, no variety of automobiles.

It is hard to imagine living in a country where freedom as we know it does not exist—where you are severely restricted in every area of life, even to the point where even leaving is forbidden. This fact became very real to us when we were leaving the U.S.S.R. and headed back to Helsinki on a Soviet train.

The region the train line traversed was then solidly forested, with the exception of what was about a half mile wide clear-cut strip of land on the Soviet side, just prior to the border with Finland. The train stopped dead-center in this strip and was soon surrounded on all sides by Soviet soldiers with machine guns. Soldiers boarded the train and for the next hour or so, proceeded to search every square inch of that train, looking for possible defectors.

We were ordered to wait outside our compartment as two soldiers interrogated the two men who shared it with us. As we waited outside in the aisleway with our friends, Eva And Jari, and knowing that I am prone to making ‘wise cracks,’ Jari became quite serious and cautioned me, “Don’t joke with these guys Eric—this is real and they are serious.” As we stood there listing to the interrogation, we could also hear the banging and clanging of soldiers beneath the train, using mallets to dislodge anyone who might be hiding in the train’s undercarriage.

There isn’t room here to tell of all the other differences we noticed between a communist country and what we are familiar with, here in the U.S., but suffice it to say that there is not a gnat’s whisker of a chance that I would ever want to trade places. The fact was, millions of people were living in bondage in Soviet Russia, and it is still that way in many communist countries today—especially North Korea.

That said, in looking at all that has changed in the world since 1986, fortunately, it appears as though freedom and capitalism are steadily transforming the world for the better. Let’s all hope the recent news about a possible “breakthrough” with Kim Jong Un bears fruit, leading to freedom for the people of North Korea.

Photos right:

Top: Outside the train station in Vyborg, USSR, soon after crossing the border. Note the ubiquitous image of Lenin, the Soviet idea of “advertising.”

Center: My wife, Peggy (right) with our friends, Eeva and Jari, waiting in the train aisle as Soviet soldiers search our compartment.

Bottom: The “clearcut” zone at the Soviet border. Note the guard tower in the background.

The 38th Annual Kings X Trivia Tournament was held April 25 at Magoo’s Restaurant in Pleasant Hill. The team named It’s Neither Ceased Nor Salmon captained by John Prokofiev won a hotly contested battle. John’s reward is he gets to do the questions next year. The moderator for the tournament was Darrell Garrison, a longtime Trivia stalwart, who unsurprisingly, did a fabulous job of offering interesting, but challenging questions to the assembled experts. He has been kind enough to share a few of them with you, dear reader.

1. His number 14 jersey has been retired by the Warriors and he played for them in Philadelphia and San Francisco. Who was he?

2. Now age 97, she sang at halftime in Super Bowl IV and VI. Who was she?

3. She just recorded a top selling British recording of her hits at her 100th birthday. She received one of the highest honors that Britain grants. Who is she?

4. Abraham Lincoln’s son, Robert Todd, was once saved from a serious accident on a train by what man?

5. What CBS TV show appeared 547 times, which is second to Gunsmoke in CBS history?

6. What is considered to be the oldest fast food chain in American history? It started in 1921.

We’ve all heard of The Lone Ranger but have you heard of the Rhone Rangers?

In the world of California wine, the Rhone Rangers, fearlessly led by the likes of wine savant, Randall Grahm, founder of Bonny Doon Vineyard, are legendary. In the 1980s, the Rhone Rangers endeavored to produce the famous wines of France’s hallowed Rhone Valley on California soil, in regions such as Santa Cruz and the Central Coast. Before the advent of the Rhone Rangers, California was mostly planted with the hugely popular chardonnay and cabernet sauvignon grapes.

The Rhone Rangers were upstarts. They went against the flow. Most wine producers at the time clung to the most popular grapes, even if the climates and soils of their production areas were not suitable to the grapes’ best growth. Producers were only able to create mediocre wines, in spite of their efforts.

The Rhone Rangers took the bull by the horns, threw convention to the wind, and planted some of the most magnificent grapes of the Rhone Valley. The grapes included (among others) syrah, grenache, mourvedre (also known as mataro), and cinsault, as well as viognier, marsanne, rousanne, and grenache blanc. Not a drop of cabernet sauvignon or chardonnay as far as the eye could see.

The rebel winemakers found great success as slowly but surely the American public began to embrace the deliciously different wines coming out of California. “GSM” wines (or grenache-syrah-mourvedre red blend, the foundation of the famed Chateauneuf-du Pape of France’s southern Rhone Valley) became fashionable and established an enthusiastic following.

White wine aficionados, especially those suffering from palate fatigue from far too much oaky, buttery chardonnay, were enamored with the floral yet sophisticated and food-friendly white Rhone Valley blends. Even die-hard chardonnay fans fell in love with the elegant, aromatic, and full-bodied viognier.

Today, winemakers across the state produce fine Rhone Valley style wines. The original Rhone Rangers are still at it, creating perfumed and nuanced wines with their hearts in the Rhone Valley but their roots firmly planted in California. A few of Randall Grahm’s fine wines, including the decadent “Cigare Volant,” have achieved cult status.

Just north of Santa Barbara, winemaker Chris Keller of Emanuel Tres follows in the footsteps of the Rhone Rangers, bucking the trend of local pinot noir and cabernet sauvignon planting and growing what he likes. As he says almost apologetically, “I don’t really like cabernet sauvignon. It’s a fine wine, but not to my taste. I’d take a good syrah over a cab any day.” Keller prefers to focus his winemaking efforts on many of the Rhone Valley varieties as well as several Spanish grapes.

Keller’s wines are carefully crafted wines that speak of the land where the grapes are grown. He calls them “California wines with a European sensibility.” Keller has been making wine for 23 years and has years of experience as a sommelier and wine director. As a result, the wines of Emanuel Tres are specifically created to be paired with food. “It’s all about acid, freshness, and a sense of liveliness,” Keller insists. “They should enhance the flavors of the food.”

It is said that the difference between a meal and a feast is a glass of wine. The wines of Emanuel Tres prove that point.

Emanuel Tres wines can be found across California in fine restaurants and shops. Look for them online at: www.emanueltres.com.

Cheers!

Jay Wilkerson, Staff Sergeant U.S. Army, was severely wounded in Iraq when two rocket-propelled grenades killed his best friend and left him with a traumatic brain injury. After being in a coma for 39 days, Jay came back to a world that was unfamiliar to him. He had to relearn to walk, talk and eat. Through the support he received from his family and friends, and Sentinels of Freedom, he was able to successfully re-enter society.

Recently, Brian Olin, the Vice President of Operations of Lennar Homes, visited Mike Conklin. He told him he wanted to help a veteran, and did Mike know of anyone. Immediately Mike thought of Jay. “I know just the guy,” Mike answered. “He deserves something like this.”
Within a few weeks, the plans to completely redo Jay’s home with his fiancée Heather, were underway. Unbeknownst to Jay and Heather, Lennar wasn’t just going freshen up the paint on the walls and change out some old flooring. They were planning a much bigger surprise!

Two weeks after demolition began, Jay and Heather were waiting at their brand new front door. The moment they entered their new home, Jay collapsed to the floor with disbelief in his voice: “Look at this place! It’s so beautiful!” Lennar’s team was able to transform Jay’s house into a modern home with new furnishings, lighting, appliances, electronics, bedding, and more.

Thanks to the collaborative effort of Lennar Homes and Sentinels of Freedom, Jay and Heather can begin the next chapter of their lives together in a beautiful new home. We are so proud that we were able to be a part of this amazing life-changing event for Jay!

For more information about our programs and to learn how you can help, please visit: sentinelsoffreedom.org

At Align Healing Center, I see a wide range of developmental and pain conditions. Out of every condition that I treat, there is nothing more rewarding than helping a child to reduce their degree of their scoliotic curve. All ages can suffer from the negative effects of scoliosis; however, children who are diagnosed and treated between the ages of 8-14 years of age have the best capability to reduce their curve. Adults can certainly suffer from the effects of scoliosis as well, however, since their spines are mature, they are much less likely to have a structural improvement.

What is scoliosis?
Scoliosis is a diagnosis, which is used to describe a lateral curve of the spine in either a C-shape or an S-shape. At this moment, we do not know what causes it, yet signs have shown that genetics may be a factor. There are many different types of scoliosis but they can all be put in two major categories.

1. Structural: the bones are actually physically shaped in a manor that causes the spine to curve. Typically this is congenital, however, traumas to the spine, or degeneration of the spine can also cause this as well.
2. Functional: muscles and ligaments have shortened and weakened causing the spine to curve unnecessarily. Most often this develops over time and is not something that a child is born with but it can develop over the first 8 to 14 years. There are many theories as to what causes functional scoliosis, however, at this point it is still unknown.

Why is scoliosis an issue?
The spine houses the spinal cord. If there are abnormal curves in the spine, it may cause pinching or pulling on the spinal cord and affect spinal nerve roots. This can impair the function of the nerve and cause pain as well as dysfunction to whatever muscle or organ that nerve innervates.

How do I know if my child has scoliosis?
The determination of scoliosis can most often be done through a physical examination but in some cases, x-rays may be required in order to measure the degree of spinal curvature or to determine if there are any malformations in the vertebrae themselves that could be causing the scoliosis.

What are the signs and symptoms I should look out for in my child?
If you notice abnormal posture in your child or teen, there may be a possibility that they have scoliosis. Here are some things to look out for:

• One shoulder is higher than another
• One hip is higher than another
• One side of the ribcage protrudes more than the other
• Lower back hump when bending forward

What are the treatment options?
Treatment varies greatly depending on the type of scoliosis. Structural scoliosis will most likely need more invasive treatments whereas functional scoliosis can have a reduction of curvature with gentle chiropractic care and class IV laser therapy. The earlier that scoliosis is diagnosed, the better the overall outcome will be. As spines grow and mature, it becomes much harder to treat.

If you suspect that your child may have scoliosis, feel free to call my office and schedule a complimentary 15-minute consultation and a visual scoliosis check. This will help to determine if more investigation is necessary. For more information, visit us at www.alignhealingcenter.com.

Dr. Kristin Moore, DC is a prenatal and pediatric chiropractor at Align Healing Center in Danville, CA. She offers a complimentary 15-minute consultation to the readers of ALIVE magazine. Call Dr. Kristin at (925) 362-8283 to schedule your appointment.

It’s All Muscle!

The first Ford Mustang rolled off the assembly line on March 9, 1964 as a 1964 ½ at the base price of $2,368. Don’t we miss the days when prices were that low? A year later, over 400,000 Mustangs had sold. In 1965, the GT was born, as Ford introduced the Shelby GT350 with a 360-hp 289-cu. in. V-8.

Bring it forward and the 2018 Mustang GT is a state-of-the-art muscle car with more power, cool hi-tech features and a rumbling exhaust that screams pedal-to-the-metal! With an aggressive refresh for the 2018 model, the Mustang is skinned with a modern exterior design that drives home the spirit of the Pony car.

Also, just announced by Ford, they will stop selling all car models in North America (at the end of the vehicles life cycle) except for the Mustang, which is the most popular vehicle in the sports coupe segment. Thank God that the Mustang lives on.

Pricing and Trims
For 2018, the Mustang is available in both fastback and convertible body styles. The fastback comes in the following trim levels: EcoBoost($26,580), EcoBoostPremium ($31,595), GT ($36,090), GT Premium ($40,090), Shelby GT350 ($58,140), and Shelby GT350R ($65,640). The convertible arrives in the following three trim levels: EcoBoost ($32,080), EcoBoost Premium ($37,095), and GT ($45,590).

What’s new for 2018?
For 2018, the Mustang features a more athletic exterior with a freshly redesigned front and rear-end that includes a lower, remodeled hood and grille, for a meaner, leaner image, as well as design changes to the rear end. The performance enhancements include a more powerful V8 engine with an all-new automatic transmission and an improved suspension. Available advanced technologies consist of a customizable 12-inch LCD digital instrument cluster, Pre-Collision Assist with Pedestrian Detection, Active Valve Performance Exhaust system and SYNC® Connect.

Interior Highpoints
The Mustang interior has always been labeled a 2+2, which translates loosely into plenty of room in the front seats, but not much in the rear. No matter how you slice it, the rear seating room is very limited—a bit cramped for only two people. Otherwise, the front seats are very comfortable. My vehicle was the GT Premium which included leather-lined seats. There is enough room for even tall drivers to fit comfortably. A tilt/telescopic steering wheel complements the driver’s ability to customize their driving position. The center stack sports a pleasant design with an infotainment screen that allows for easy access to vehicle functions like radio, climate control, phone, navigation and more. The new carbon-fiber dash adds both an upscale flair and a $1,195 price tag.

Exterior Highlights
As noted earlier, the refresh of the exterior is sharp and with an aggressive frontend. I rate this as the best-looking Mustang ever. Ford paired the new hood with cat-like stare-down LED headlamps. The taillights are new and C-shaped. The rear spoiler lifts just enough to highlight the rear hatch.

Performance Specs
Performance is at the core of the Mustang DNA, offering drivers the thrill of acceleration and handling. For 2018, you have two engine options: 2.3L EcoBoost 4-cylinder (310 horses) and the 5.0-liter V-8 that manifest 460 wild ponies. There are two transmission options: an upgraded manual 6-speed and a 10-speed SelectShift® (yes that is correct) automatic tranny. MagneRide® active suspension is a new option with the Performance Pack. The active damping system uses sensors positioned around the vehicle to adjust the suspension based on various inputs, including speed, steering angle, brake pressure, lateral and longitudinal acceleration, engine torque, drive mode selection, and even outside air temperature.

Cool Features:
• 12-inch all-digital cluster

• Active Valve Performance Exhaust System

• Ford SYNC® Connect

• Illuminated entry system beaming the Mustang symbol on the ground

Safety Integrity
The 2018 Ford Mustang has a long check list of safety features. Starting with a Pre-Collision Assist with pedestrian detection including distance indication and automatic emergency braking, lane keeping system, and driver alert system. The driver assist systems use radar and cameras to recognize objects in the road, and may take autonomous emergency action – such as braking – to mitigate or avoid a collision. Other safety features include: AdvanceTrac® electronic stability control, Airbags – Driver’s knee, glove-box-door integrated knee and front-seat side, Airbags – Side-curtain (fastback), four-wheel Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) with power-assisted four-wheel disc, MyKey®, Perimeter alarm, Rearview camera, SecuriLock® Passive Anti-Theft System, SOS Post-Crash Alert System™

In Summary The 2018 Ford Mustang regenerates the spirit of a muscle car and coerces the pleasure of the open road. My first Mustang was a 1966 coupe and to say that I would love my next Mustang to be a 2018 GT Premium Fastback wouldn’t be a stretch. The redesign continues to make it one of the sharpest looking sport coupes and the 5.0-liter V8 adds to the thrill of the Pony legend. Ford continues to boost the technology in their vehicles to enhance the driving experience and improve fuel economy. If you want to have some fun, take the 2018 Mustang out for a spin!

Specifications
2018 Ford Mustang GT Premium Fastback

Base price: $39,095as driven: $46,970(including destination & optional
features)
Engine: 5.0-liter V-8
Horsepower: 460hp
Torque: 420 lb.-ft.
Transmission: 10-speed automatic
Drive: Rear-Wheel Drive
Seating: 4-passenger
Cargo space: 13.5 cubic feet
Curb weight: 3,706pounds
EPA mileage: City 15/Hwy 25/Comb 18 MPG
Fuel Capacity: 16 gallons
Turning Circle: 37.8 ft.
Wheel Base: 107.1inches
Warranty: 3 years/36,000-miles
Also consider: Chevrolet Camaro, Nissan 370Z, Dodge Challenger

Everyone knows what a composer does – he or she writes the music and often the lyrics. But the question remains: What part of the music do they actually create? Some composers write all the music and do their own arranging, writing for all the instruments or the voices in a choral piece. Some composers only write melodies, and some add musical sketches or ideas of what they want to hear and express in their work.
Enter the arranger. This is the person who takes the original work of the composer and arranges or orchestrates the ideas into a new and comprehensible, total composition. Some works wouldn’t be in existence without the talent of a music arranger.

Arrangers are also called orchestrators, transcribers, or rarely, instrumentation adapters. They are all essentially the same. The Harvard Dictionary of Music defines orchestration as: “The art of employing, in an instrumental composition, the various instruments in accordance with their individual properties and the composer’s concept of the sonorous effect of his work.”

Arranging involves a detailed knowledge of each instrument. It also considers the range, tone quality in various registers, loudness, and physical and acoustical limitations. The arranger writes each part for all the instruments and their various combinations in a musical composition. The purpose is to capture the composer’s original intent and concept.

Robert Russell Bennett was born in 1894 in Kansas City, Missouri. He was mentioned in a previous article as a gifted, master of the art of arranging. For over three decades his arrangements of Broadway shows have represented the best and most noteworthy of this genre.
Bennett inherited some of his musical aptitude from his father who was a professional musician as well as a baseball player. He grew up on a farm and later he studied harmony and counterpoint. Bennett conducted army bands and also arranged and composed music in New York City. After six years of study in Europe, beginning in 1920, he returned to commissions and successes in New York and Hollywood.
Bennett was an inspired and talented arranger, as well as a brilliant composer of original music. He composed in every medium including chamber music and opera. He arranged many scores for movie, television, and other numerous programs.

Richard Rodgers used Bennett for most of his Broadway shows for several reasons. First, Rodgers himself acknowledged that his forte was not arranging music. He was truly a gifted melodist but never really studied the art of arranging music. Second, Bennett was considered the best when it came to setting Rodgers music for full orchestra.

Yes, it is truly an art to figure out what combination of instruments can express what the composer was trying to accomplish. Bennett was a master at this. In his lifetime he received many highly deserved awards, commissions and prizes. Among these are an Oscar, Emmy, an honorary doctorate and the highest musical award the city of New York offers, the Handel Medallion.

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.

Spring is in the air—an opportunity for many to work on their spring cleaning projects. Clean out closets, do minor or major repairs around the house, spruce up the yard and get it in tip top shape for backyard fun! And with this season SPRINGing you into action to clean and organize, why not take the time to clean up and organize your financial house too?

Spring is all about new beginnings, making changes, and getting on track. And with just finishing tax season, this is the perfect time to organize your important documents, review outstanding debt, and get into a position to plant a fantastic financial plan that will blossom for years to come. Use the following steps:

Step 1: Box or shred documents from 2017.

It is recommended that you keep documents for seven years. Be sure to place 2017 documents in a large envelope or box and mark it “2017.” Documents that should be saved include: Federal and state tax returns, property tax bills, mortgage-related documents, earned interest forms from bank accounts, capital gains statements, and any credit card statements or receipts that were used as expenses on tax returns.

Step 2: Create an organized filing system for documents.

With tax season behind you, this is the perfect time to start an organized filing system. Documents can be organized in a filing cabinet using hanging folders, a filing box with hanging folders, or even an accordion file. Simply label each folder by account. For example, Mortgage/Rent; Electricity/Gas; Cell Phone; Water; Credit Cards; Medical Bills; Bank Statements; Paycheck Stubs; Auto Loan; Insurance, etc. Have a separate folder for each and every account. If you receive statements online, simply create individual separate folders in your inbox, then print and file the statements away monthly.

Having an organized filing system allows you to easily access documents when needed. You can also use the documents to prepare a budget and identify areas where expenses could be cut, debts paid down (and eventually eliminated) and savings built.

Step 3: Review credit card and student loan debt statements.

If you carry a balance on credit cards or have student loan debt, take the time to gather the monthly statements and document the total outstanding debt. Items to note include:

-Creditor Account
-Balance
-Minimum Payment
-Actual Payment
-Interest rate

Knowing the above information will help you prepare a plan to pay off debt efficiently.

Step 4: Determine if spring is a time to refinance or purchase a home.

Home prices in the Bay Area have risen over the last few years which has resulted in increased equity positions for homeowners. With interest rates still at historically low levels, now may be the perfect time to access the equity in your home and do home improvements, lock-in a fixed rate loan (if you currently have an adjustable rate mortgage), or purchase a home for the first time, to start building your equity now.

Spring offers so many great opportunities to improve your financial health. A healthy tax return can provide funds for a down payment, funds to pay off debt, or funds to build a savings account. Regardless of your goal, use this time of year to determine your unique financial path.

Jodee Brydges has been in the financial industry for over 25 years. She is an Industry Speaker and loan officer with RPM Mortgage in Alamo. She is passionate about helping clients achieve their dream of home ownership and educating individuals nationally/ locally on a variety of financial literacy topics. She is the author of the upcoming book “Digging Out” (Summer 2018). For questions or comments, you can reach Jodee at jbrydges@rpm-mtg.com or 925-552-3863.

 

Merle Streep is coming back with yet another Mama Mia, the movie version of the Broadway musical. Now it hasn’t hit the theaters yet but this is pretty much the same cast and they haven’t gotten any younger and in my opinion were pretty dismal to start with in the first movie. The first time around, I took the bait because of Pierce Brosnon but this time I’m more than likely going to pass. Having said that, I recently saw the amazing one woman play, Shirley Valentine in our local Regional Theater and it was absolutely wonderful. So, I’m here to say, don’t spend your movie money on Mama Mia, rent, stream or buy the movie version of Shirley Valentine, you’ll be glad you did.

Shirley Valentine is about a 45-year-old Liverpool matron who decides it’s finally time to do what she wants to do for a change. Trapped in a humdrum existence, Shirley Valentine (British actress, Pauline Collins) wonders when she lost her hopeful, youthful self. Isolated and lonely, she talks to the wall in her kitchen. No one seems to really notice her including her well meaning but demanding husband (Bernard Hill), her snooty neighbor (Julia McKenzie), or her self-absorbed grown children (Tracie Bennett and Gareth Jefferson). About now, you are thinking, “I’ve never heard of any of these actors,” but that’s okay, go with me here because the film was made across the pond in 1989 and it’s good.

Jane (Alison Steadman), a divorced friend, wins a two-week vacation to Greece in a magazine contest and asks Shirley to accompany her. After much soul searching, Shirley leaves her husband behind with a post-it note on a Greece travel poster behind the pantry door (next to the wall she talks to) that simply says, “Gone to Greece be back in 2 weeks.” Her vacation gets off to a rocky start when Jane meets a man on the flight over and doesn’t show back up for several days and Shirley finds herself talking to a rock on the beach. The sun-drenched islands are all she dreamed and although she does have a romantic “fling” with a Greek tavern owner (Tom Conti), the real surprise of the trip is her inward journey towards finding the Old Shirley.

As always, producer/director Lewis Gilbert has done an amazing job transforming this award winning one woman (also played by Collins) stage play into an exotic and heartfelt film. He impresses us with his unique fly-by cinematography, beautifully displaying the lidos and sandbars of the Aegean Sea, but the major triumph of this warm, witty, and buoyant comedy is Pauline Collins’s depiction of Shirley Valentine.

This story was award winning back in the 80s and I found it timeless today. Shirley Valentine’s irrepressible spunk will win you over whether she’s squaring off against the master of the house, responding to her daughter’s put-downs, experiencing the dizziness of sex, or telling off some boorish British tourists. In the end, you will cheer Shirley as she learns to love just being Shirley Valentine once again.

Meryl Streep, move over, Shirley Valentine is back and she’s not trying to carry a tune! This movie, or even the stage play for that matter, will make your heart sing, but unlike most of the movies I review it’s probably not kid friendly, so watch it when the kids or grandkids are tucked in bed—just don’t wake them with your laughter!

As always, I welcome your comments at Carolyn@carolynhastings.com.

It is said that April showers bring May flowers, but we know that’s just the beginning of nature’s bounty. Many signs of spring are cropping up at the farmers’ market, but most significant of all is the arrival of cherries.

Cherry season starts off slowly with the Black Tartarian and Burlat; followed by the blushing yellow Royal Anne and Rainier. (Sour cherries, like the Montmorency and Morello are less common, as they are primarily grown outside of California.) Most agree the West’s dark, meaty Bing is the quintessential cherry, with Lamberts, Sweethearts, and Vans the runners-up in popularity.

Few things are sweeter than eating Bing cherries out of hand, one after another. Day after day. But once I’ve stained my fingers red—and made endless fruit salads and brandied cherries and cherry pie and cherry chutney and cherry clafoutis and cherry-studded rice pudding and cherry ice cream—I often explore unpaved territory for unique ways to make the most of their short season. Enter this easily-made condiment to add a taste of spring to any occasion.

Cherry-Apple Relish

1 1/2 teaspoons cider or balsamic vinegar
1 1/2 teaspoons local honey
2 cups Bing cherries (about 12 ounces), stemmed, pitted and coarsely chopped, juices reserved
1 small Granny Smith or other tart apple, skin-on, cored and cut into 1/4-inch dice (about 1 cup)
2 green onions (scallions), thinly sliced
1 1/2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint leaves
1 small garlic clove, minced or crushed through a press
1/8 teaspoon fine sea salt
Freshly ground black pepper

In a bowl, mix together the vinegar and honey until blended. Add the cherries and their accumulated juices, the apple, green onions, mint, garlic, salt, and a few grindings of pepper. Toss gently to mix well. Taste, adding more salt, pepper, or vinegar if needed. Makes about 2 1/2 cups.

Relish This!
–Serve Cherry-Apple Relish alongside grilled or roasted chicken, duck, pork, tofu—or even a gooey Jack cheese quesadilla. It’s also delish spooned over plain or vanilla yogurt.
–You may want to switch things up by changing the herb in the relish. Instead of mint, try a bit of chopped fresh thyme, rosemary, or parsley.
–Mound Cherry-Apple Relish on top of a wheel of baked or room-temperature brie and drizzle a bit more honey over all.
–For individual appetizers, arrange California endive leaves on a serving platter and place about 1 1/2 teaspoons of soft goat cheese on the cut end of each leaf. Just before serving, spoon a bit of Cherry-Apple Relish over the cheese.
–Include a small bowl of Cherry-Apple Relish on cheese and/or charcuterie boards, surrounded by crackers or crostini.

Cherry Trivia

The Bing cherry was cultivated in Oregon in 1875 by horticulturist Seth Lewelling and named after his longtime Manchurian orchard foreman, Ah Bing.

Before you balk at the price of organic cherries, consider that organic crops yield about 25 percent fewer cherries than those grown with conventional farming methods. Such is the price of healthy eating.

When shopping, look for cherries that are shiny, plump, and firm.

A pliable green stem is the sign of a just-picked cherry. Cherries-on-the-stem also tend to last longer.

Refrigerate cherries, unwashed and with stems intact, in an open plastic bag. It’s best to eat them within 5 days of purchase.

Cherries weigh in at about 80 calories per cup, with 3 grams of fiber and 1 gram of protein. They are high in anti-oxidants and a good source of vitamin C.

Cherry Arithmetic: 1 pound cherries = about 3 cups pitted cherries

To preserve stemmed pitted cherries for baking year ‘round, flash-freeze them on a rimmed baking sheet until solid; then pack into freezer-safe bags or airtight plastic containers. Use frozen, not thawed.

A cherry-pitter is an inexpensive kitchen tool that makes the job a breeze. (It works a bit like a paper punch, forcing the pit out of the cherry.) Lacking one, just remove the pit with the tip of a small, sharp knife or the pointed end of a swivel-bladed vegetable peeler.

Cherry juice can stain your hands, so you may want to wear latex gloves—and an apron—while pitting them. To prevent the juice from splattering you or your kitchen, try pitting them inside of a gallon-size plastic bag.

For a casually delicious ending to any meal, rinse picture-perfect ripe cherries and pat them dry. Working one at a time and holding each by the stem, dip the cherries in melted dark or white chocolate and transfer to a parchment-lined baking sheet; then refrigerate until the chocolate coating is firm. (This is an especially charming presentation for “twins”—2 cherries joined at the stem.) Just be sure to warn your guests these cherry-chocolate bonbons contain pits.) The same effect can be had (with a lot less labor on your part) by serving a big mound of cherries with a warm pot of creamy chocolate fondue.

Eschew those scary iridescent cherries sold in jars, and make your own boozy ones to garnish cocktails and desserts. For each pint jar you’ll need about 1 pound of fresh cherries. Rinse them well and pat dry; pit them or not, as you like. (If you don’t pit them, prick each cherry 2 or 3 times so the liquor will penetrate the fruit.) Pack cherries into the sterilized jar, cover with bourbon, rye, brandy, kirsch, or Maraschino liqueur, and refrigerate. When all the cherries have been eaten, mix the remaining alcohol into Manhattans or other cocktails.

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 our appreciation by patronizing the many fine shops and restaurants located in downtown Danville. Buy fresh. Buy local. Live well!