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I was a sophomore in high school the first time I went skiing. I went to Echo Summit with my best friend and his family—it was in 1971. Echo had a rope tow and a poma lift (aka platter lift), both of which required considerable skill to master just going up the hill, as I remember it! I still have my first lift ticket—a thin strip of red and white paper with a hole in it that cost all of six dollars and fifty cents. That same year, my friend Keith and I also skied a time or two more just down the road from Echo, at Sierra Ski Ranch—what is today Sierra at Tahoe, a first class ski resort near the summit on Highway 50 (see their ad in ALIVE Magazine).

I fell in love with skiing—so much so, I started a business in 1976 with a goal of being able to earn enough money to pay for my lift tickets and gas. I chartered buses and took groups of skiers up to a variety of ski areas. My company was called BASA—the Bay Area Ski Association. People seemed to like what we were doing, and by 1990, along with my wife, Peggy and an amazing team, we were running a fleet of seven of our own buses, running trips five days per week to six different ski areas in the Sierras.

BASA was like an airline (the way they used to be) on wheels—we had hostesses on each trip who served breakfast on the way up and dinner during the ride home. And where today most lift tickets alone cost over $100, in the late 1980s a BASA trip cost just $49—and that included round trip transportation, a full day lift ticket, breakfast, and dinner.

The recent Winter Olympics inspired me to write about my love of skiing, share a bit of skiing history about “hotdogging,” and of a serendipitous experience I had years ago involving one the sport’s most decorated champions (see page 26).

And immediately following that article, be sure to check out the information about the upcoming U.S. Ski and Snowboard Hall of Fame Induction event, to be held at Squaw Valley USA, this coming April 12-15, 2018. If you’d like to meet some of the top skiers and snowborders of all time, this is your chance. And in case you already miss seeing him on TV during the Olympics, the induction ceremony emcee will be none other than Olympic Medal Winner Johnny Mosely.

I hope you enjoy this issue of ALIVE as much as we enjoyed putting it together. Until next month… keep your edges sharp!

For tickets to the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Hall of Fame event, go to https://snowsporthistory.com/event/

By Dr. Lawrence E. Anderson, Founding Director Danville Community BandOf all the non-western music in the world, one of the most unknown, misunderstood and unappreciated is African music. African music is usually classified as North African, which is more Islamic in nature, and Sub-Saharan, considered more traditional tribal and native to the continent. It is, however, rapidly giving way to a more urban and citified style of music.

Prior to 1950 recorded examples of authentic tribal music were woefully absent, as it is today. As more and more anthropologists, ethnomusicologists and historians investigate and uncover unknown facts and traditions, we will gain a better understanding and knowledge of traditional African music.

Music has been a driving force in the lives of people through the ages. This is true, not only in Africa but in virtually all societies and civilization in recorded history. Music and dance permeate nearly all aspects of African tribal life. Music is a vital component in rituals of birth, puberty, secret society initiations, marriage, jobs, hunting and farming.

Tribal people use music to express their joys, sorrows, hopes, fears, anticipations and longings. In parts of Africa, everyday life is lived in the most basic and simplest terms. Music is important in life’s daily existence. Music is also prevalent in legal, political and historical celebrations and ceremonies. It pervades almost all aspects of everyday life occurrences and happenings—it is all encompassing. 

Ceremonial music with costumes, masks and instruments can take on an aura of sacredness. An example of this is the Watutsi tribe’s royal drums. They have been known to possess a “soul.” The soul is represented by a small stone or pebble inside the head of the drum. It is believed that the stone, or soul, can get rid of evil spirits.

Along with the more formal aspects of African music there are many examples of music and dance for entertainment purposes. Through the ceremonies of song and dance, the tribe itself grows strong. Interestingly, Western composers have used elements of primitive music in their varied compositions.

Instruments: African instruments are many and varied. Some are quite foreign compared to western instruments. They fall into four main categories:

Aerophones are instruments whose tones are produced by air causing vibrations that generate sound. They include wooden or bamboo flutes, whistles, trumpets and ivory horns, panpipes and nose flutes.

Chordophones are instruments that use strings as the tone-producing elements. They are: Zither, Sanzu, Lute, Lyre and the Musical Bow.
Idiophones are struck shaken or plucked. They include Rattles, Xylophones, Triangles, Iron Bells and Slit Drums. Slit Drums are important for communication and signaling and some say has magical powers and is often used in magical rites. The Sanza, indigenous to Central Africa, is a small plucked idiophone. This should not be confused with the Sanzu mentioned earlier.

Membranophones are primarily drums. These instruments have either a single or double-head skins. Sound is produced by vibration of a stretched membrane that is struck by a stick, hand or friction (rubbing.) Pitch differences can be achieved by tightening or loosening the skin heads. These drums are used for major ceremonial purposes and also secular events. There are other types of drums that are un-pitched.

Musical Characteristics: Rhythm and tempo in African music are very complex. The sound of African music scales are different to Western ears. The most common form in African music is the repetition of a musical idea that occurs throughout the song. Dynamics or volume, are generally at a high level. Musical motion is constant and complex as melody and rhythm converge. Locally their music has occasional shouts and screams. Excessive breathiness is often present. Humming, yodeling and some animal imitations are common. Singing is mostly straight without vibrato; it is often acapella or accompanied by instruments.

Hocket is both a vocal and instrumental technique where one voice or instrument will stop and another will come in, usually for one note or a short phrase, creating a hiccupping effect.

There is a decline of traditional music, due to the mingling of Sub-Saharan music with western and eastern civilizations. Today there is much evidence of a global view of African music emerging as an art.

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. Join the Danville Community Band as they present their annual concert, “A Day at the Museum,” Sunday, April 2, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. 3700 Blackhawk Plaza Circle. Free concert with admission to the Blackhawk Museums. Free parking. 

March is a transitional month at the farmers’ market, when spring crops slowly find their way back into our weekly meals. Few can resist the lure of early strawberries—and, to my way of thinking, no one should.

But we’re also presented with a glorious proliferation of green, with artichokes; avocados; fava beans; tiny spring lettuces; baby spinach; and tender young peas of all persuasions—from common peas-in-the-pod to crunchy sugar-snaps. We’ll also want to stock up on crisp green cabbage and the numerous potato varieties so integral to St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. In the non-edible category, fresh-cut flowers abound. Always the perfect antidote to a gloomy day!

Unlike the cases of stuff that are floor-stacked year ‘round at the warehouse store, spring asparagus is oh-so-tender with an incomparably delicate, sweet taste. Fortunately, much of our nation’s supply is grown locally, so freshness is a given. What we find at the farmers’ market is not only top-quality, it has been harvested within the past 24 hours. Never shipped half-way around the country. Or world.

Following its initial arrival at the market, I am perfectly content with a big platter of au natural oven-roasted asparagus spears at suppertime. Other times I will garnish it with a couple of softly-boiled egg halves, or a shower of toasted artisan breadcrumbs, almonds, finely shredded Parmesan cheese, finely grated lemon or zest, or chopped fresh chives. Other times, I’ll share the love by incorporating those sexy spears into a crowd-pleasing dish for friends.

This month’s recipe is an upscale take on pasta salad, starring some of my favorite flavors. I may be Irish-American by birth, but always Italian at heart.

Roasted Asparagus Salad with Tortellini

2 pounds farm-fresh asparagus
2 tablespoons plus 1/4 cup California extra virgin olive oil
Fine sea salt
About 1 pound fresh or frozen cheese-filled tortellini or other filled pasta
1 garlic clove, minced or crushed through a press
2 tablespoons sherry wine vinegar or white wine vinegar
1/4 cup coarsely chopped pitted kalamata olives
1 green onion (scallion), white and green parts thinly sliced on the diagonal
2 to 3 tablespoons chopped oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes
2 large handfuls baby arugula or spinach leaves
A small chunk of Pecorino Romano, Parmesan, or other hard cheese

1. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees. Cut off and discard the tough ends from the asparagus spears; then cut the stalks diagonally into 2-inch pieces. On a large baking sheet, combine the asparagus and 2 tablespoons olive oil. Toss to coat with oil and spread in an even layer. Season lightly with salt. Bake until the asparagus is barely tender when pierced with the tip of a sharp knife, 5 to 10 minutes, depending upon thickness. Set aside to cool.

2. In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the tortellini as the package directs. Drain in a colander, rinse under cold running water to cool, and drain well.

3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the garlic, vinegar, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Whisk in the remaining 1/4 cup olive oil until well blended. Add the roasted asparagus, tortellini, olives, green onion, and sun-dried tomatoes. Toss gently to coat with the dressing. Mix in the arugula. Arrange the salad on a large rimmed platter. Use a vegetable peeler to shave cheese over the top. Serves 8.

To keep the colors, textures, and flavors at their peak, it is best to assemble this salad shortly before serving. All the various components, however, can be prepared up to 1 day in advance. To do this:

-Roast the asparagus; let cool; and refrigerate in a covered bowl.
-Cook the tortellini as directed; toss with a bit of olive oil and refrigerate in a covered bowl. The tortellini will stick together, so—just before using—rinse again in a colander to separate.
-Mix the vinaigrette in a small jar and refrigerate.
-Slice the green onion and chop the olives and sun-dried tomatoes and refrigerate.

ASPARAGUS TIPS

• When buying asparagus, select firm, bright green stalks with little or no white and tight, dry tips. Asparagus breaks down quickly after harvesting, losing sugar and moisture, so check the ends; if they are shriveled and dry, the stalks are old.

• If your taste leans toward the exotic, remember that white asparagus is comparatively bland; and that purple asparagus turns green when cooked.

• White asparagus is the very same vegetable; it’s just grown differently. The stalks are covered with soil during the growing period to block out the sun, so they never produce chlorophyll—and therefore never turn green.

• To ensure even cooking time, choose asparagus spears that are all about the same thickness.

• Thick or thin? Like people, it’s often the luck of the draw. Asparagus plants live 8 to 10 years. Young plants produce thin asparagus; mature plants tend to produce thicker spears. It’s as simple as that.

• To store, wrap unwashed asparagus in a damp paper towel and refrigerate in an open plastic bag for up to 4 days. If the spears begin to go limp after 2 or 3 days, rehydrate by cutting a bit off the ends and standing them upright in a container filled with about an inch of water; cover loosely with a plastic bag and refrigerate for an hour or two.

• To remove tough ends from asparagus before cooking: Hold a spear near the middle with one hand and near the bottom-end with the other hand. Gently bend the asparagus; it will snap apart at the spot where it begins to get tough. (If you’re a neat-nik, go ahead and trim off the ends with a knife.) Discard the tough ends…or freeze them for stock, or toss them in the compost pile.

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

I can’t exactly figure out why, but there is some controversy concerning Peter Rabbit. Mr. McGregor is allergic to berries and one of the rabbits try to slingshot one into his mouth, otherwise known as bullying. Hmm, draw your own conclusions to that one!

Having gotten that out of the way, I want to say I loved this movie. It was sweet, it was funny, it was an amazing feat of technology! I do “get” how some of the sci-fi and superhero movies are technological masterpieces but this lovable film blends the real with the unreal. You have the Mr. McGregor’s, uncle (Sam Neill) and nephew, (Domhnall Gleeson) and the lovely Rose Byrne, friend to all things cute and cuddly, along with this amazing English Countryside scene and then you have all the animated characters. They are so beautifully drawn that even Miss Potter would have been impressed!

Speaking of Miss Potter, I wanted to mention the movie by the same name. I reviewed it over ten years ago but with this new Peter Rabbit creation, it warrants revisiting. Miss Potter (Rene Zellweger) is about Beatrix Potter, her life and adventures. Mildly eccentric but resolute, Beatrix whose passion was drawing woodland creatures and inventing simple, humorous tales to go with them, was a strong willed woman who doesn’t so much rebel against the conventions of Victorian England but is self-contained to the point of not needing the approval of others. She chose not to marry because she simply could not see herself married to the trail of suitors presented to her. She has her animal friends who are very real to her and they become real to us as Director, Chris Noonan whimsically animates them.

Beatrix’s very first book, The Tale of Peter Rabbit was published in 1902, costing just one shilling, and became one of the most famous books ever written. More than 40 million copies of this book have been sold worldwide in more than 35 languages. When she finally realized she was a wealthy woman (her solicitor informed her) she started buying up pieces of land in the very place she had spent her childhood summers and created her friends. Upon her death in 1943, she bequeathed all her 4,000 acres of farmland to the National Trust so that it should remain undeveloped and unspoiled forever.

Back to Peter Rabbit, the movie. It is irreverent, contemporary and just plain fun. I am finally thrilled to view a children’s (?) movie that isn’t totally filled with bathroom humor. I loved it all, from the rabbit with an “attitude” to the Conga line of bunnies. There is a war, mostly just a food fight, and there is a love story, but the crux of the story is about love and the world needs more love!

Whether you go for the CGI animation, the evolvement of an historical icon or just a fun time with the family, go! I took two of my teenage granddaughters and they loved it! When you get back home, get your hands on Miss Potter, the movie and it will make you appreciate the experience even more.

As always, I love your comments so email me at Carolyn@CarolynHastings.com.

Q. Is there a way I can eliminate snails and slugs from being a problem, before I plant?

A. Yes, snails and slugs will be a huge threat to plants this year. Unfortunately, your chances of eliminating or eradicating them from any garden are nil as they’re a permanent pest. Snails feed at night on herbaceous plants rather than on woody ornamentals. As the sun comes up, snails look to hide in cool, dark areas. They also hide in the canopy of ornamentals like citrus, camellias, and others where they feed on the leaves. Each adult snail lays less than a hundred eggs. A young snail takes four months to two years to mature depending on the availability of food and moisture. Because of our climatic conditions, it’s sooner rather than later. After the rainy season concludes, an adult snail retracts into their shell in dry, non-irrigated areas. They close off the opening with a mucus seal that hardens. Snails can remain dormant in this condition for up to four years. Hence, snails are a year-round problem. Watering in the evening hours contribute to their activity while a soil surface that is dry, limits their movement. We control snails and slugs with a variety of organic methods such as hand picking, stale beer, egg shells, copper tape and organic baits. Sluggo is the organic bait safe to use around edibles and non-edibles along with kids and pets. Copper tape is recommended for controlling snails in ornamentals. The tape is attached to the main trunk about two feet off the ground. It prevents the snails from advancing into the canopy. In addition, bait the area under the canopy for an additional layer of protection. There is no advantage to bait ahead of planting as there is nothing to attract the snails unless you’re applying it to a ground cover. So, I’d wait until planting and spread the bait over a wide area and repeat baiting monthly. During the summer and fall, you reduce the size of the application area to those areas under irrigation.

Q. I planted primroses last fall, and they have done wonderfully through the winter. The flower cluster uses to be just above the foliage, but now, they’re much taller and flopping over. Why does this happen?

A. This is a common complaint with Pacific Hybrid English Primroses. The stretching is a genetic characteristic that occurs as the days get longer, so it can’t be prevented. You avoid the problem by planting the dwarf or Acaulis varieties. With dwarf primroses, the flowers are not borne in a cluster on a single stem. Instead, each flowering floret is supported by an individual stem that isn’t affected by the day length, so they’ll always stay just above the foliage. Dwarf primroses are subject to a gray mold called Botrytis during wet, damp periods. The disease discolors and wilts the new shoots and leaves, usually covering them with fuzzy mats of gray or brown spores as they decay and drop. You can’t prevent the disease but dry condition and good air circulation along with grooming the plants after each wet period halts the spread.

Q. What kitchen scraps should go into a compost pile? My mom says only uncooked fruit and vegetable scraps while I think anything is fair game including chicken soup.

A. Most kitchen wastes are fair game for a compost pile. So cooked and uncooked fruits and vegetables, and yes, even chicken soup that is the solid portion, not the liquid along with coffee grounds and filter could be added. The items that are always excluded are animal feces from meat-eating animals, grease, other fats, and meats. Some kitchen wastes are better disposed of with a disposal unit. With garden trimmings, lawn clippings and solid kitchen wastes, I’d use the active(hot/heat) or passive (cold) composting technique or method. If you’re composting with worms, then use the wet and dry kitchen wastes only. And finally, to avoid having a mess on your hands let common sense rule when deciding which of the kitchen waste you use.

March represents a special season of change at The Rouge. With spring just around the corner it brings softer colors in cosmetics. There is a sense of transformation and awareness; a time of renewal and an opportunity to reinvent yourself with a new palette of cosmetic colors. When thinking about Spring this season, try new colors that will bring new freshness and softness to your beauty wardrobe.

Welcome to the season of self-expression. Customize like never before with multiple new ways to showcase your creativity by mixing and matching soft shades. Spark your imagination with a relaxed mauve tone followed by a fresh navy liner or use a balmy soft pink with an impressive army green liner. Play with colors using soft iridescent peach eye shadow colors with a hint of a spicy olive-green accent, followed by a scrumptious peachy pink lip color. Blend in by using a soft pink highlighter sheen on the cheeks accenting with a shimmery peach fusion blusher. It’s make-up made your way and we can help you take advantage of your best assets and enhance your best features with new colors by Fleur Visage Cosmetics. Fleur Visage offers an exceptional, modern, edgy vibe that works for teens and beyond to give everyone that youthful current freshness we as women deserve.

Meet Your Favorite Mate. Our poreless, perfected and impeccably superior custom foundation by Fleur Visage with flex guard goes on effortlessly, leaving the skin looking beautiful and smooth with instant coverage, giving the complexion a second skin look, while blending to perfection. It’s like you don’t look like you have anything on at all, only your skin looks more youthful and flawless. Blend in and love your complexion by using our state of the art custom blended foundations, blended to give you exactly what you need and want.

The Rouge Cosmetics is offering Complimentary spring Trend Make-overs through April 15th. You will discover the new trends for spring, while amping-up your fashion wattage. Please call for an appointment or drop by to sample their Custom Blended Foundations to discover a more flawless, beautiful, and smoother complexion.

Does your baby or child have trouble sleeping? Are you running on empty because you are only getting a few hours of sleep at night? A rested child is a happy child and a rested parent is a patient parent. Trust me, I know! My son had the hardest time sleeping until we started implementing these six quick, simple changes around the house. It will be life changing for not only your child, but for YOU as well!!

1. Stop their screen time at least 2 hours before bedtime. Blue light emitted from electronic screens can delay the release of melatonin (which helps to induce sleep) and can throw off your child’s internal clock to a later schedule. Create a new bedtime routine that doesn’t include TV, tablets, or cell phones. Instead try a warm bubble bath and family story time.

2. Hang blackout curtains for their room. Light entering a child’s room can also decrease melatonin production. The darker the child’s room, the deeper they will sleep.

3. Turn off your computers, routers, and Wi-Fi at night. The radiofrequencies from these devices will also impair melatonin production and could possibly cause other sleep related issues. My 13-month-old son finally started sleeping through the night as soon as we started turning our Wi-Fi off at night. Go to my website www.emf-detox.com to see my video on this topic and learn the EASIEST way to do this!

4. Make sure your child’s bed is as far away from gas and electric meters, power lines and breaker boxes. Kids absorb and are affected by electromagnetic radiation at a much greater rate than adults. Check the surroundings of their bedroom to be sure that there isn’t a smart meter or any other electronic wiring that could be impacting your child’s brain and therefore their sleep.

5. Move all of the electronics in your child’s room to at least 3 to 4 feet from their bed. This includes baby monitors, sound machines, humidifiers, plug in alarm clocks, lamps, night lights, or any other electronic devices. The electromagnetic frequencies from these items become much less concentrated at a distance of around 3 to 4 feet. Therefore, helping your child to sleep with less electrical disruption.

6. Get your child checked by a gentle chiropractor. If there is tension in your baby or child’s spine or neck, they will often toss, turn, and be restless throughout the night. Just as us adults can when we are uncomfortable. A well-adjusted spine will promote relaxation and therefore better sleep.

Sleep deprived kids have trouble with memory, attention, and ability to learn new things. Give your child the best leg up possible and give these six quick tips a shot! Trust me, you’ll start sleeping like a baby too.

If you are curious to see if I can help your family to sleep better, I offer complimentary 15-minute consultations. Give my office a call and schedule a time to chat.

To work together, go to: www.alignhealingcenter.com

For more information about how to minimize the harmful effects of electromagnetic frequencies, go to: www.emf-detox.com

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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.

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. We have treated scars that are 18 years old that are bright red and have never healed properly begin to flatten and become less noticeable after the first treatment. 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 augmentation and 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 and Reduces Scaring

Injuries and surgery cause tissue damage and inflammation, which reduces the circulation to the injured tissue thereby impeding the nutrition and energy available to the damaged area. Laser therapy is the application of low levels of laser light to areas of the body that have been injured or damaged. Therapeutic lasers do not cut or burn, but instead, supply energy to the body in the form of photons of light. Light is transmitted through the skin’s layers (the dermis, epidermis and the subcutaneous tissue under the skin). The wavelength of the Class IV Laser allows these photons to travel deep into the body up to 8-9 inches. When laser light penetrates 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 tissue, decreases inflammation, minimizes scarring and eliminates pain, allowing patients to quickly return to normal activities.

How long does it take to work?

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

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