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Exploring Class IV Laser Pain Relief for Injuries and Post-Surgical Healing

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 that our patients were presented with. We have literally watched the healing process occur right before our very eyes. Swelling reduces within minutes, severe bruises dissipate with no visible sign within a day or two and surgical wounds become painless, with minimal scarring and redness. We have had patients that have had knee surgery and hip replacements, shoulder surgery, spinal surgery, breast reconstruction, rhinoplasty, face-lifts and c-sections that heal in a fraction of the time typical without the use of laser therapy. If you are intending on having surgery or have a stubborn 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

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 8-9 inches. When laser light penetrates into the body, 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 they need to function properly they can immediately start the repair process. Laser therapy accelerates the healing of injured areas, decreases inflammation, 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 you each visit to ensure that you are progressing as quickly as possible.

What People Are Saying about K-Laser at Align Healing Center

“I cannot thank you enough for the “miracle healing” of my knee! It was such a bad fall and yet after the first treatment I have never had any more pain and I have been able to be on my feet all day. Thank you so much for your great laser and your caring treatment”.   J. Frank, Walnut Creek

“I’m entirely pain free this morning…You’re a magician!! I’ll encourage my patients to consider laser therapy for their pain. Thanks again.”  Dr. Navolanic, MD

“6 months after my hip replacement I was still in debilitating pain when I walked any distance. After K-Laser therapy I am able to live a normal life, which for me includes hiking and biking without pain!”  J. Franco, Danville

For more information about how laser therapy may be helpful to you contact Align Healing Center to schedule a free consultation (925)362-8283. Visit us on the web at www.AlignHealingCenter.com.

 

It was so long ago that I was a kid, it is hard to remember being scared by Halloween, but we were. Radio shows and movies supplied a regular diet of well written horror stories that kept us awake at night. I can remember seeing a double feature of “Frankenstein” and “Dracula” on Christmas Eve. I wasn’t sure who I heard walking the house late that night—Santa Claus or a Universal Studios monster. I survived. You will too.

1. Who played Dr. Frankenstein in the 1931 classic “The Bride of Frankenstein?”
2.  What Oakland Raider Hall of Famer was famous for the play “Ghost to the Post?”
3.  “Jeepers Creepers” was the name of a horse and a song from a movie “Going Places.” What famous musician sang the song “Jeepers Creepers” in the movie?
4. We were told to turn the lights out before listening to this classic radio show, most of which scripts were written by Arch Oboler. What was the show?
5. Who played Mrs. Muir on the TV series “The Ghost and Mrs. Muir?”
6. What band leader turned singer made a hit of the song “Ghost Riders in the Sky?”

September Answers

1. “Godfather” and Godfather Part II.” Vito Corleone. Marlon Brando and Robert DeNiro
2. Alvin Dark
3. North Carolina
4. Raymond
5. John Sparkman and Estes Kefauver
6. Henry Mancini and Johnny Mercer

SEPTEMBER WINNER: MR. NOBODY!

WIN LUNCH ON BEN!
The first person to email or mail, no calls please, the correct answers to all of the above questions will win a $25 gift certificate for Restaurante Forli in downtown Alamo, compliments of Ben Fernandez! Entries must be received by OCT. 20, 2012. In the event of a tie, the winner will be drawn at random.

Please email your answers to info@aliveeastbay.com, or mail to ALIVE East Bay, 3200 A Danville Blvd., Ste. 204, Alamo, CA 94507. Employees and family members of employees of ALIVE East Bay are not eligible. Restaurant may be changed without notice.

One of the proudest days of a young athlete’s life is the day he or she first pulls on their high school varsity jacket. This wool and leather garment is often a symbol of years of effort in the athlete’s chosen sport and bestows a certain status on campus.

The effort and the status have not changed much over the last 20 years, but according to Valerie Amador, owner of Power Stitch in Alamo, the jackets have undergone a metamorphous since she first began sewing and stitching for local athletes in 1995.

“Jackets are much more creative and more reflective of the individual now,” said Amador, who primarily works with athletes from Monte Vista, San Ramon, Dougherty Valley, Las Lomas, and De La Salle high schools.

“When I began the whole process was far easier. I would just stitch on the athlete’s name and sport, sew on the letter and they would have it within a few days. Now, the varsity jacket has become the story of their high school athletic experience and takes weeks to construct. We add things like playoff appearances, all league recognition, and even academic accomplishments.

“It’s almost like a woman’s charm bracelet. Athletes, both boys and girls, customize their jackets. When I started it was very uniform. Now they customize the trim, the colors, the collars, almost everything. For example, until very recently the traditional Monte Vista jacket was a black wool body and black leather sleeves, that is still a popular choice, but seven of the last 10 Monte Vista jackets I’ve produced have red wool bodies with black or gray leather sleeves.”

For those of us who attended high school in the seventies or eighties the differences are striking. Schools used to have strict style guidelines, names were rarely added to the jacket, and the only patches were for league, regional or state championships. Cheerleaders did not get the same jackets as football players, and the idea of a varsity letterman’s jacket for band or academics would have been blasphemous.

Now, according to Amador, there are no guidelines. “De La Salle was the last to have strict standards and those went away several years ago. I’ve put bible verses on the back of jackets with praying hands, I’ve celebrated the virtues of football linemen with stitched phrases, and I’ve reworked school mascots to the specification of the athlete. Individualizing the jackets is a trend across all campuses, with the only real guidelines good taste and appropriate messaging.”

The trend towards customization even extends to parents. “About six years ago I was working with a mom and her son on a San Ramon jacket,” Amador remembered. “It turns out the dad had also been a varsity athlete at San Ramon but his family could not afford the jacket. The wife brought me his letter and patches and we were able to make up a custom jacket for the dad similar to his son’s that became a 40^th birthday gift and a family treasure.”

Surprisingly, according to Amador, the one thing that has not changed much is the price.  She says a jacket can be completed for $300-$400 out the door, depending on the level of customization. “That’s pretty consistent with the price when I started,” Amador said. “I have more flexibility now with upgrades and discounts, and I pass that on to the athletes and their families.”

Amador will also make special arrangements to meet with groups from any school in the region and will offer discounts on upgrades to everyone in the group. “I’ll even go to a player’s home for a school like Foothill or Livermore, where I don’t work much, and take care of several players on the team and offer a healthy price break.”

Fall is her busy season, especially after the local football banquets with large rosters and several first-time letter winners. “I work 80 hours a week in November because a lot of fall sports families make the jackets Christmas gifts.” If Amador gets too backed up she’ll loan the family a sample and place a card in the box to be redeemed after the holidays.

Once an athlete earns his or her varsity letter it’s much more than just getting it sewn on a standard jacket and transitioning to the new BMOC status. Like seemingly many things today, it is an involved process and a bold statement about the individual and his or her accomplishments.

I am not usually drawn to dysfunctional people. I was 10 years old when this account of Marilyn Monroe’s life was playing out and to tell you the truth I was much more enamored with Elvis Presley. Both Marilyn and Elvis enjoyed or hated their lives depending on who you’re asking.

Having recently graduated from Oxford, Colin Clark sets out to make his way in the Film Industry. After much persistence, he is given the position of 3^rd Assistant to the Director on a Marilyn Monroe film originally called The Sleeping Prince (later The Prince and the Showgirl). He basically follows the director around and does his bidding. The awestruck Colin finds himself so drawn to Marilyn that he becomes her self-appointed protector.

Sir Laurence Olivier, played by the marvelous Kenneth Branagh, is the Director of the film and also the lead actor. Larry is intrigued by Marilyn but finds her extremely difficult to work with. There is some eluding to her drinking and drug habits but for the most part her unpredictability is chalked up to stardom. Judi Dench is wonderful as Dame Sybil Thorndike who seems to always be trying to ease the tension on the set.

As the title implies, Colin (Eddie Redmayne) and Marilyn (Michelle Wiliams) become fast friends and even more for a time. Marilyn is married to playwright, Arthur Miller (Dougrary Scott), but during this week they argue, separate and he goes home, leaving Marilyn with a void in her life. Colin fills that for her.

As I said, dysfunctional doesn’t really work for me, but in this case I look at her life and wonder if she’s dealing with a full deck. I ‘get’ that she has abandonment issues. When Colin asks her about the pictures by her bed she tells him, “That’s my Mommy. She bought me a white piano right before they took her away to the insane asylum.” The other picture was of Abraham Lincoln and she says she never knew her father so Lincoln was as good as anyone.

It may sound like I didn’t like My Week with Marilyn. I actually liked it very much for plethora of reasons. The acting was credible, the scenery enchanting, the characters complex. Simon Curtis did a brilliant job as Director. I even think it was cast well.

I’m still trying to figure out if Marilyn Monroe was delusional, drugged or just plain spoiled. She used people and discarded them. She complained about her life but wouldn’t change it. When Colin asked her to give it all up, be with him and be happy she replied, “I am happy.” Did she have the strength to change or was she so addicted to the worship because of her abandonment issues that she just didn’t want to change her life? We will never really know. What My Week with Marilyn does shows us is glimpse into the private life of the breathtaking Marilyn. Who was the real Marilyn Monroe? Free-spirit? Child? Or the sex-kitten that came out at Oxford when she says to Colin, “Shall I be her?”

Sir Laurence summed up her acting by saying, “She had no training, no craft, just pure instinct and she remained brilliant in spite of me.” I highly recommend you rent or buy My Week with Marilyn and let me know what you think at chastings@rockcliff.com.

 

Around this time last year my friend Sue was sitting in a medical office in Walnut Creek, waiting for an x-ray, when she entered into a lively conversation with another patient. (Sue is like that.) The topic eventually turned to food; and the other woman shared the secret of her favorite almost-instant appetizer.

As luck would have it, Sue was scheduled to come to my house for lunch that afternoon. And she showed up carrying a grocery bag with a container of mascarpone cheese, a pomegranate, a jar of honey, and a bag of pita chips. She then proceeded to assemble the ingredients in less time than it took to polish off a glass of Chardonnay. The three of us “ladies who lunch”—BFF’s since 4^th grade—proceeded to plow right on through it, leaving little more than a few errant pomegranate seeds on the plate. I don’t remember what I served for lunch that day, but I definitely remember the appetizer.

Even though I certainly ate my fill (and then some) and relished every creamy bite, I kept thinking a piece was missing from this puzzle. So with a winning combination of flavors to start with, I set out to improve the recipe. (I’m like that.) And I think I succeeded. Even Sue, who eschews spending any unnecessary time in the kitchen, agrees this glammed-up version is still plenty easy — and tastes even better than the original.

I must have served this a zillion times over the holidays last year. And once again I intend to stock up on pomegranates and honey at the farmers’ market during this busy season, so I’ve always got the makings for a delicious appetizer that’s ready in a flash.

I’m also thinking about giving this a temporary  name-change when I serve it to friends on Halloween, as the glistening pomegranate seeds give a slightly “blood & guts” look fitting for the occasion. Hey, I’m just sayin’…

Meanwhile, I can barely wait until Sue needs another x-ray. Recipes as good as this one are hard to come by.

Sue’s Mascarpone “Sundae”

When not handled properly, fresh pomegranates can make a mess and their airborne seeds can stain everything in sight. Cooking pro Paula Wolfert is credited with discovering the life-changing solution described below.

• 1 (8 ounce) tub mascarpone cheese
• 1 pomegranate
• 1/4 cup finely chopped crystallized (candied) ginger
• 3 to 4 tablespoons Garlic Honey (recipe follows) or plain, locally-produced honey
• Lightly salted Pita Chips for serving

Using a small spatula or a blunt knife, loosen the mascarpone from the edges of its container; then invert the cheese onto a serving plate. (Don’t worry if it doesn’t come out perfectly. Any flaws will soon be hidden.)

1.  Make a slit in the center of the pomegranate, large enough to insert both of your thumbs.  (I also suggest wearing latex gloves, if you have them.) Submerge the pomegranate in a large bowl of cold water. Working underwater, insert your thumbs into the slit and pull the fruit apart into 2 pieces. Use your fingers to loosen the seeds from the white membrane within. The seeds will float to the surface—rinsed and ready to be drained before using. (Pomegranate Arithmetic: 1 medium pomegranate = 1/3 cup pomegranate seeds.)
2. Scatter the pomegranate seeds over the mascarpone, and top with crystallized ginger. Drizzle Garlic Honey over all, and serve with a small knife for spreading onto pita chips. Serves 4 to 6.

Garlic Honey

Years ago I was introduced to garlic honey by L. John Harris, luminary in the Berkeley food scene of the 1970’s and author of The Book of Garlic and The Official Garlic Lovers Handbook. I love the way garlic lends a savory (and semi-addictive) punch to honey. Once you’ve tasted it, you’ll never look back.

•  12 ounces locally-produced honey (about 1 scant cup)
• 5 to 6 garlic cloves, peeled and crushed with the flat side of a knife

In a small saucepan, combine the honey and garlic. Cook over low heat just until warmed through, about 5 minutes. Let cool. Pour the mixture into a jar or other airtight container and let stand 48 hours at room temperature to blend flavors. Use at once, or refrigerate indefinitely and return to room temperature before using. (You can strain out the garlic, if you like—but I prefer to keep it visible.) Makes about 1 cup.

Use Garlic Honey in the above recipe, or as an accompaniment to cornbread or biscuits; drizzled over a wedge of Gorgonzola cheese; or as a last-minute basting glaze for pork, chicken, or duck.

 Oven-Baked Pita Chips

For purists who prefer not to use commercially-made pita chips, here’s an easy way to make a healthier version at home. Pocket bread makes deliciously crispy, low-fat chips to serve with dips and spreads. The pita triangles take on a natural curl as they bake, giving them added character. Serve plain, or seasoned as suggested in the variations below.

4 white or whole wheat pita pocket breads (6- to 7-inches in diameter)

1.  Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Split the pita breads horizontally to make 8 rounds. Stack the rounds on top of each other and cut into 6 pie-shaped wedges.
2. Lay the pita wedges flat in a single layer on one or more baking sheets. Bake until crisp and barely browned at the edges, 7 to 10 minutes. Let cool. If made in advance, store airtight at room temperature for up to 2 days. Makes 48 pita chips.

Variations:

• Golden Pita Chips
  Before baking, lightly brush the rough side of each pita triangle with California olive oil and sprinkle with a few grains of coarse salt.
• Not-Really-Naked Pita Chips
  Before baking, lightly brush the rough side of each pita triangle with plain or flavored California olive oil (such as garlic, basil, or lemon oil), or spray with no-stick cooking spray.
•  Cheesy Pita Chips
  Before baking, sprinkle the rough side of each pita triangle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
•  Herbed Pita Chips
  Before baking, lightly brush the rough side of each pita triangle with California olive oil and sprinkle with a dash of dried herbs, such as dill weed or crushed fennel seed.
•  Spiced Pita Chips
  Before baking, lightly brush the rough side of each pita triangle with California olive oil and sprinkle lightly with a spice, such as ground cumin, smoked paprika, or zahtar, a Middle Eastern blend of sesame seeds, powdered sumac, and dried thyme.

 

A timely reminder: The Danville Certified Farmers’ Market is made possible through the generous support of the Town of Danville. Show your appreciation by supporting the many fine shops and restaurants located in downtown Danville. Buy fresh. Buy local. Live well.

The Danville Certified Farmers’ Market, located at Railroad and 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.com.

It is so easy for car designs to blend together. If we are going to spend somewhere north of $50,000 we expect more in the way of style, features, and individuality. I find that more luxury cars are chasing the magical combination of blending elegance with sportiness. For 2013, Lexus mixes things up in its GS series with the introduction of the F Sport.

The Lexus GS is all new for 2013 with beautiful changes to its exterior and interior. The 2013 GS is the 4th generation of Lexus’ mid-size sport-luxury sedan. The changes are reflective of the bold, crafted, chiseled lines especially in the vehicle front. The new F Sport is fired up with an aggressive front end that cries for long straightaways where you can let the throttle run free.

The GS comes in two models: GS350 ($47,775) and the hybrid version – GS450h ($59,825). The GS is available in both rear-wheel and all-wheel drive ($50,325). The GS350 has three main packages: F Sport ($5,690), Luxury ($5,750), and Premium ($1,400).

The 2013 Lexus GS350 is equipped with a 3.5-liter V6 that generates a 306 horsepower rating. Let me tell you there is no hesitation with this cool-running machine. The GS450h carries a 3.5-liter V6 (286 horses) and a 180hp electric motor that increases the horsepower up to 338. It delivers the power of a V8 while achieving 31 combined city/highway miles per gallon.

The focal point of the new styling lines is in the heavily chiseled front end. The front grill flares out to each side creating strong diagonal lines seeming as though it would pounce on anyone approaching in your direction. The fenders are slightly bulged and the hood gently slopes down to the trunk providing ample headroom. The rear tail lights are large with heavy diagonal lines.

The interior comes standard with an 8-inch screen; however, has an option for one of the largest, if not the largest information screens I have ever seen – 12.3-inch. The cabin is dressed to kill in beautiful leather and wood paneling on the doors. The F Sport adds chrome pedals and a driver’s foot rest. The seats – comfortable, and supportive, are equipped with a 3-person memory system. The steering column is power adjustable and leather wrapped. The large rear seats are just as comfortable as the front. The car is stated 5 passenger; however, the center passenger in the rear should be limited to a young person.

The 2013 GS drives and rides the way you would expect from Lexus. The GS delivers a smooth and confident ride with plenty of power and control. The steering was tight and the interior was quiet. My test vehicle was the F Sport which included the Luxury package. It produced a great experience while hugging the corners.

Room for improvement:

• It would be even more fun with a manual transmission

Cool Features:

• 12.3-inch screen is larger than an iPad
• LED Daytime Running Lamps
• Optional drive eye monitor

The standard safety equipment for the 2013 Lexus GS includes front, front side, front knee, side curtain, and rear side airbags, rearview camera, electronic stability control, daytime running lights, security system and Lexus Safety Connect with automatic collision notification, and stolen vehicle location. Optional safety items are night vision, lane keeping assist and departure warning, blind sport warning, adaptive cruise control with collision mitigation, driver eye monitor, and heads up display.

In Summary – The 2013 GS is loaded with technology features and the desire to cruise up the windy coastal highways. It elegantly combines luxury, technology, sport-car feel, and power. The interior is beautiful, comfortable, and well-equipped. It doesn’t come with a V8 and doesn’t need to.

Specifications
2013 Lexus GS350 AWD F Sport

Base price: $49,450 as driven: $60,924 (including destination and optional packages)
Engine: 3.5-Liter 6 cylinder
Horsepower: 306 @ 6,400
Torque: 277 foot pounds @ 4,800
Transmission: 6-Speed Automatic
Drive: All-Wheel Drive
Seating: 5-passenger
Turning circle: 34.8 feet
Cargo space: 14.3 cubic feet
Curb weight: 3,795 pounds
Fuel capacity: 17.4 gallons
EPA mileage: City 19 / Highway 26
Wheel Base: 4 years/50,000 miles bumper to bumper
Also consider: Audi A7, BMW 5 Series, Cadillac CTS, and Mercedes-Benz E-Class

It is surprising how many times I am asked about where to go to buy certain musical items. The questions range from where can I buy musical instruments? Who rents instruments? And how can I find a private teacher to teach my son saxophone?

Music stores in our local area are generally multi-service establishments. They carry a multitude of all things musical. Some specialize in guitars and portable keyboards; others carry a full range of band instruments and some also carry the string family of violin, viola, cello and string bass.

You can also find sheet music, not only for piano, but for other instruments as well. Almost all stores carry method books for most instruments. Method books contain musical studies and exercises consisting of scales, technical exercises, etudes, solo pieces and duets that a student can play with a teacher. All private teachers use some kind of method book when teaching instruments.

Repairs
The repair department is an important component of many music stores. Not all stores do repairs of instruments but it is not hard to find a good repair department by asking a few questions. A good repair department will not only repair woodwind and brass instruments but many will repair percussion equipment as well. Some stores do on-site repairs and others send out the instruments to qualified repair technicians. The repair of expensive musical instruments should not be entrusted to anyone but a professional, qualified repairman with a good “track record.”

Danville Music
“My goal is to get music in people’s heads, hands, and hearts,” said Greg Kennedy, owner of Danville Music. Kennedy has owned Danville Music since 1989 and is also an excellent guitar teacher. They have a working relationship with the San Ramon Valley School District and have instigated the “Working with Dollars” discount program. Danville Music is a full-line store carrying all instruments including woodwinds, brass, percussion and strings and offers music instruction for all ages and levels. They have an extensive inventory of sheet music and instrument method books. Rental instruments with purchase options are also available. “We also do instrument repair on site,” Kennedy said. “The teachers are experienced professionals – not fresh out of college.” Danville Music’s website is wwww.danvillemusic.com and they are located at 3 Railroad Avenue in Danville, their phone number is 925-743-0898.
House of Woodwinds

“Our store is a complete music store selling instruments, repair services, instrument rentals and lessons,” said Dave Otteson, manager of House of Woodwinds in San Ramon. They also stock sheet music and method books. Don’t be deceived by the name, they carry all instruments, not just woodwind instruments. The store started in Oakland many years ago. “The local store can’t be replaced,” Otteson said. “We have lots of stock at competitive prices.” Private teachers are listed at houseofwoodwinds@gmail.com. They are located at 2205-C San Ramon Valley Blvd. in San Ramon. Phone: 925-831-8341.

Runzo’s Music World
Dean Runzo, owner of Runzo’s Music World in Dublin, said, “We have a complete music store that services what we sell.” They sell all instruments including pianos, keyboards, guitars and percussion. “We do extensive work with the Dublin School District helping to inspire young musicians,” said Runzo. The store does repair work and has eighteen music instructors that teach virtually all the instruments. Runzo’s Music World has been a family business for over forty years and is located at 7017 Village Parkway, Dublin. Website is www.runzosmusicworld.com/ Phone: 925-829-4333.

Reeder Music Academy
“We are dedicated to offering the best music instruction possible,” said Douglas Christman, piano instructor at Reeder Music Academy. Their goal is to make learning an enjoyable and rewarding experience for all ages, 4 through 74.They offer instruction in all instruments and vocal training. Approximately eighty percent of their students are of school age and the rest are adults. They have twelve teachers that are all professional musicians and the academy presents multiple recitals during the year. They are located at 3482 Camino Tassajara in Danville at the Tassajara Crossing Shopping Center. Website: www.reedermusicacademy.com/Phone: 925-964-0571.

These are just a sample of the music store resources in our area. Whether it is learning to play an instrument, exposing your child to the joys of playing music or just listening to others play – the Tri-Valley area offers many opportunities to be involved in the world of music. Music is a wonderful, enriching endeavor that one can enjoy for a lifetime.

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.

At one time or another, most everyone encounters a well known person; a sports star, Hollywood celebrity or even a bona fide American hero. In ALIVE humor columnist Mike Copeland’s book, ALIVE & Kickin’, Mike devotes an entire chapter to his encounters over the years with famous people. When then ALIVE fitness columnist Lorrie Sullenberger’s husband famously landed his plane in the Hudson River to become miraculously transformed into a celebrity, Lorrie and Sully found themselves on a first name basis with the likes of “recognizable” folks like President Barack and Michelle Obama, Harrison Ford and Sean Penn.

This month we have two stories that tell of personal encounters with well known individuals. In the first article by author Bob Fish, you’ll read about his personal relationship with one of America’s — indeed, one of the world’s—most notable people, the first human being to walk on the Moon, astronaut Neil Armstrong. Then, in our second feature, you’ll learn about ALIVE retired Marketing Director Joe Redmond’s “up close
and personal” relationships with Hollywood notables like Shirley MacLaine, Natalie Wood, Debbie Reynolds and even Marilyn Monroe!

It is exciting to meet other people who are well known. I suppose it has to do with the fact that we all appreciate accomplishment, and by connecting with others who have done things that are highly valued by many, perhaps a bit of their celebrity status will rub off. It’s why most of us cannot resist name dropping when the opportunity presents itself.

Even so, and although it is a well worn cliché, we might all do well to remember that even famous people “put their pants on one leg at a time.” In the end, what makes a person great is not how many people know of them (or follow them on Twitter), but by what their actions say about their character.

That said, there are individuals who, while they may not have yet garnered an invitation to the red carpet, I deeply admire and respect just the same. The two authors of our features this month, Bob Fish and Joe Redmond, are prime examples. Those who know Bob and Joe know that they both have accomplished much in service to others and to their communities. They may not be celebrities, but because I know their character, in my eyes they are every bit as deserving of recognition as any of the aforementioned individuals.

As much as we fawn over Hollywood celebrities and pay fitting tribute to genuine heroes like Neil Armstrong, we can all recognize admirable character traits—even greatness—in those closest to us, if we will but make the effort to see it.