Column

Do you believe everything you see, hear, or read? Where is the line between news and opinion? I’m sure we’d all like to believe that independent, unbiased journalism truly exists, but does it?

Even in what are considered eye witness situationsthere are often debates—even legal battles—about what is “true.” From politics, immigration policy, and foreign affairs, to law enforcement and race relations, it seems that where and how onereceives information has a lot to do with one’s understanding and opinions. And to a large degree, I’d say Marshall McCluhan’s assertion that “The Medium is the Message,” is correct.

As information technology has advanced, freedom of expression is increasingly threatened, yet many Americans seem unaware or unconcerned about the problem. One’s opinion is appropriate, but only so long as popular culture deems it so. This problem exists even in the realm of science and so-called “hard facts.” When some scientists raise legitimate questions about whether human activity is the driving force in today’s weather for example, they are mocked and labeled “deniers” of today’s culturally-accepted climate change model. This harkens back to the time when “settled science” proclaimed Earth as being the center of the universe and heretics like Galileo were imprisoned for their theories.

We’re all aware—or should be—about the limits of free speech. One can be charged with a crime by yelling the word “fire” in a crowded theater, for example. But that does not mean the word “fire,” is an illegal word. And yet, today, apparently, there are words and even ideas that are verboten. Case in point: last years’ anarchist mob that rioted at the U.C. Berkeley campus, all to prevent a controversial speaker from sharing his thoughts. This tendency toward censorship poses a genuine danger to our republic and way of life.

Ask a dozen people where they go for unbiased information and you might get a dozen different sources. That said, I’d guess many believe the “purest” information source to be the internet—and that means Google. Are Google and our other information gatekeepers unbiased? They claim to be, but then in the same breath say they filter out “hate speech”—a purely subjective notion guided largely by what is politically correct at any given moment.

Regardless of algorithms and claims of fact or fake, whether on the delivering or receiving end of information, our perception of reality is colored by our own experience. Sometimes this means we cannot help but be biased to some degree. By just being aware of this, we can be more reasonable in considering other points of view.

Part of being Americans is accepting the responsibility to dig a bit deeper into matters of great importance, and to defend freedom of speech, even if don’t agree with what’s being said.

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Recently there have been numerous studies that indicate that sleep problems increase radically in those who spend excessive time on social media, especially at night. One study of 467 students at Glasgow University showed that social media use was related to poorer sleep quality, lower self-esteem, higher anxiety, and depression. Those of us practicing in the field of sleep medicine are aware of the domino effect of these problems from weight gain to higher blood pressure and susceptibility to many illnesses.

Another study at the University of Pittsburg Medical School found many who suffer from sleep disturbance used social media when they could not sleep, further compounding the problem. This study also found that those who use social media more only during the day had more sleep disturbance. In addition to being a poor way to spend sleepless times at night, the light emissions upset our normal circadian rhythms as well as prevent melatonin production. There was no mention of the excessive EMF exposure experienced in the study, but I find it to be another factor to consider.

We should all be aware of how important good sleep is to our total health and mental alertness, but are we all aware of what it takes to promote an optimal quality of sleep allowing our body and brain to have the opportunity to regenerate? One very important factor in getting quality sleep, besides limiting social media exposure, is a clear airway. Most qualified medical and dental sleep specialists are very knowledgeable in these areas and may refer their patients to have airway obstructions removed, such a tonsils, adenoids, and sinus polyps, etc. There are many beneficial effects realized from these corrections, not to mention the pleasure one receives from a clear airway.

When it comes to social media, it has been well established that there are some health problems that can arise from its abuse. I know this is problem well worth studying, but from another perspective, is it interfering with your happiness and ability to enjoy your family and friends? When I am in a coffee shop and see everyone studying their phones or laptops, I see people not getting to know one another and avoiding the opportunity to build relationships and friendships or just learning something about how interesting another person can be. On a personal note, I just returned from a fishing trip where there was no social media and I was able to form great new friendships with very interesting people.

At AODTC (the Advanced Oral Diagnosis and Treatment Center) we treat pain without drugs and sleep apnea without air pressure. Getting to know our patients, more than just in and out, makes the experience far more positive and rewarding.

The majority of our public and private schools have a music department, or at least some classes in music – instrumental, choral or general classroom music. The schools that have individuals performing or ensemble groups are eligible to enter local or regional music festivals that are not part of the regular school curriculum. It is up to the discretion of the music teacher whether they consider the festival experience worthwhile for their students.

The California Music Educators Association (CMEA) states, “The major purpose of the festival is to afford groups, their directors and individual students, an opportunity to listen to one another in an atmosphere of mutual involvement with the art of music. Every student and director should therefore make the attempt to do so.”

This is another important element that is an addition to the regular school classes and the teacher. It is a learning situation that is very different from their daily experience in the local classroom. One of the great advantages is the students hear other groups of the same age and grade level.

The school may enter a festival by filling out an application form and sending in an entrance fee. All participating students must be enrolled in their respective school music programs. The festivals are usually held on Saturdays, with some starting on Friday and extending into the weekend. Festivals are divided into categories based on the type, size, and grade level of the performing groups.

Large Group Festivals
These include band, orchestra and choral. There can be an orchestra-only festival, but usually they are with the same festivals for bands. Three adjudicators, or judges, listen to each performance and either write or tape comments. The festival requires that art music, rather than pop music, be used in all festivals. There is no restriction regarding the difficulty of the music performed. However, the adjudicator may comment if the grade level of the music—too easy or too difficult—does not reflect the level of the group.
Sight-reading or a clinic regarding their performance is then held after the performances. Elementary, junior high/middle schools, and high school groups have the option to sight-read or have a clinic. Most high school groups elect to sight-read.

Solo & Ensemble Festivals
This is where either a soloist or small ensemble performs before one adjudicator for written or verbal comments. A small group is two or more parts with no doubling (one player per part) that play art music. All students in small ensembles must be from the same school. With the exception of a large percussion ensemble, no ensemble may be conducted by the director or anyone else. In this festival, the time limit from entry to exit is ten minutes. Some time should be left so the adjudicator can make comments on the performance.

Jazz Festivals
These groups have at least nine players with a minimum of three woodwinds, three brass, and a rhythm section. There are rules and regulations regarding soloists and improvisation. Jazz combos are encouraged to stay within a total time of 20 minutes, including comments after their performance.

Adjudication and the Adjudicator
This process is an integral part of the whole festival experience. It is meant to be helpful, instructive, and positive. The purpose is to help the students achieve a better concept of how to improve their ensemble or solo performance.

Adjudicators are chosen from CMEA members who have demonstrated their expertise and musical skills consistently over a number of years. The adjudicator is considered to be a master teacher and a person who is knowledgeable in the field of their expertise.

A good adjudicator listens for tone, intonation, blend, balance, precision, articulation, dynamics, rhythm, and interpretation. That is a lot to take in while writing comments as the music is played. After the performance, if there is time, they meet with the group and verbally explain what he has heard, makes comments on how to improve, and leaves with a positive statement on the group and the performance. Above all, the verbal comments must be consistent with the written comments and the eventual rating. The importance of listening carefully by the students cannot be exaggerated. Listening is the key to fine ensemble playing.

The ratings that the adjudicator awards are in five categories: Superior or outstanding, excellent or above average, good or average, fair or below average and needs improvement. The needs improvement rating is rarely given for a number of reasons. Usually groups at this level do not participate in these festivals as it means a lack of preparation and musical understanding. Judges must use caution when assigning this rating. Strong comments regarding how bad a group played would be very discouraging and demeaning. Sarcastic comments should never be used. One must exercise tact when commenting on a performance, if there is anything that could be considered positive, it should be emphasized. The students should go away with something rather than total defeat. Comments on how to improve should be helpful.
Having been an adjudicator for large groups and solo and ensemble festivals for many years, I have seen and experienced the joy and heartache of successful and below average student musicians.

An important consideration is groups always have the option to ask for comments only and not receive a rating. This option relieves a lot of anxiety and embarrassment for the group and the director.

These festivals are a great learning tool for school groups. They hear other groups and learn from people who are not their teacher. They get a different viewpoint from the one they hear every day. Not only do students learn but the teacher can also learn new and perhaps different ways of teaching and directing. Hopefully the experience is a win-win situation for all concerned.

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.

It’s the experiences in life that truly identifies what is beneath the surface. Some of these experiences have made me stronger. Just when I think I am not capable to handle the next circumstance, I am somehow led through it to the other side. That’s when I discover capabilities that I never imagined I had. For the most part I have found that the harder I am thrown on my backside, the harder I bounce back up.

I am the mother of a pediatric stroke survivor. In 2009, she came into this world via emergency c-section and immediately endured multiple seizures and asphyxiations per hour. The doctors immediately placed her in the Neo-natal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) to save her life. When my daughter was born she was attached to more tubes and monitoring wires than I could count. A short time later, the doctors sat at the end of my hospital bed to advise my husband and I about the extent of her brain trauma. As they provided us with dire options, one of which was to take her off life support, we immediately told them “hell no.” The news had hit me like a brick and I felt my brain shatter like glass. I was officially in the numb stage of grief.

If you are reading this and you are new to the special needs world, your backside may still feel a bit bruised—okay, a lot bruised. Trust me when I say that it will get easier. It will get easier not because the diagnosis will miraculously disappear but because a new outlook will appear. The visions you had for the future have been taken away and grief is not limited to saying good-bye to a person. Grief can also include saying good-bye to the dreams you had before the crush of a setback. However, let me vouch for the fact that there always will be new options. You must give yourself permission to create new dreams that are based on personal growth and not the worldly standards.

If the news is regarding yourself or a loved one, it is now a race of a different method and track. There are new goals at the end of that daily finish line. For me, as I went through the ebbs and flows of grief, I was intensely steadfast to not give up on my child. I was not striving to deny what had happened but striving for her to simply survive. That was the first step up my mountain. I was just putting one foot in front of the other. However, don’t picture me as a woman who is all that courageous. Don’t assume I am a role model of toughness, because there are still times that I am quite the opposite. If there is already a comparison chart in your head, erase it right now. No one is without the frustrations and despair that periodically need to get flushed out with some tears (or a sturdy punching bag at the gym). The point is to allow oneself that moment and then immediately get back into the circle of solutions. Stay with the flock that will help you stay in the healing journey and not in the downtrodden clouds.

No one knows exactly what their future has in store. That sharp turn can be very bumpy as we have moments where we think we see the light at the end of a tunnel, only to allow fears consume us. Fears for someone we love very deeply can be even more intense. Each bump is a new chapter. Remember that perfection is the enemy and your story, or your loved one’s story, is not done being written. You have been introduced to a new world, a new community of people that will be a cushion for when you feel pushed beyond your limits. You will bounce back and face the new day with more wisdom than what you had yesterday. I promise.

Stefanie Boggs-Johnson is the author of I See You, Little Naomi and soon to be released I See You, Little Andrew, published by ALIVE Book Publishing. Her educational children’s books promote special needs awareness and compassion. She is also a licensed cosmetologist and the owner of For Every Season, a mobile beauty service for the special needs community. For more information, you may visit her website ForEverySeasonServices.com or her Facebook page @ItTakesASpecialVillage.

Sentinel Peter James Kiernan joined the United States Marine Corps as a result of the events of 9/11. While in service, Peter was reviewed through the arduous and highly selective Marine Special Operations Command (MARSOC). He was selected and became the youngest Marine Raider in the history of MARSOC. Unfortunately, frost bite damage to both feet from cold weather training, and knee and back injuries from parachute jumping forced Peter to leave the military.

After receiving an honorable discharge, Peter’s quest for excellence led him to pursue a rigorous education at Columbia University where he was awarded a bachelor’s degree in political science. In addition to remaining on the Dean’s list at Columbia, Peter was a division 1 varsity athlete (rowing), and Founder/President/CEO of the Ivy League Veterans Council Inc., a non-profit dedicated to dissolving the barriers preventing veterans from admission to selective institutions.

Peter’s decision to pursue a Master’s degree in International Studies at Colombia University began his relationship with Sentinels of Freedom. Peter is completing his final year by studying abroad at Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland. Living within the culture has been an incredible experience for him, but not without its own set of hurdles. Sentinels of Freedom was there for Peter throughout his two-year journey to help him ease the financial burdens as well as providing him with mentoring and hugely beneficial networking connections.

Peter has been involved in multiple organizations and has had several public speaking engagements, including several appearances on MSNBC. His goal is to work on the National Security Council and implement reforms and revolutionize the process of democratic, strategic decision-making with regard to national security and American foreign policy. Peter hopes to affect change for veterans nationwide.

You can affect change for veterans today! Please visit our website at www.sentinelsoffreedom.org to find out how.

Fire. It’s been in the headlines far too often in the past few years. The world is hot, dry, and vulnerable. We’ve seen fires both on the earth and in the earth. Everything is in a constant state of change. Fire is terrifying and fascinating, brutal and beautiful. Fire takes away and fire gives back. From the lava of a volcano springs new land, from the char of a forest fire springs new life. It’s the circle of life, colored in dramatic, smoky hues and watered with abundant tears.

But where is the intersection between fire and wine? What is a “volcanic wine”?

In short, a volcanic wine is a wine produced from grapes grown in volcanic soil or “andisol.” Andisol is very fertile, highly acidic, and full of ash. Volcanic soil can be thousands of years old or just a few years, depending on the location.

Grapevines thrive on this scorched earth and some of the world’s most interesting wines are harvested in black, volcanic soil. Famous winegrowing terrains with volcanic soil include our own Mount Konocti in California, the Greek island of Santorini, Italy’s famous Mount Vesuvius, Spain’s Canary Islands, Portugal’s Azores, and Hungary’s Somlo Hill.

One noteworthy region is Sicily’s Mount Etna, where grapevines grow on the slopes of a very active volcano. Mount Etna is an imposing mountain and the highest peak in Italy, south of the Italian Alps. The high altitude of the upper slopes allow for extreme sunlight for ripening as well as chilly temperatures to preserve the precious acidity of the grapes. Some of the vines on Etna are more than 100 years old. Growers believe the organic minerality of the lava-based soil enhances the flavor and ultimate quality of their grapes.

Wine producers of Mount Etna have a tremendous respect for the earth, similar to the reverence expressed by Hawaiians for “Pele,” the Hawaiian volcano goddess. Etna producers wax existential about growing grapes on a live volcano. Their love for the land far outweighs their fear of the volcano. They’ve experienced vineyards swept away by rogue flows of lava. They are used to frequent tremors beneath their feet. They are not frightened off the mountain by sudden jets of hot steam bursting from the ground. The magic of the volcano seeps into their souls.

With every love comes a certain degree of blind acceptance. The wine producers of Etna are willing to take the risk to reap the reward, understanding that they can’t change something over which they have no control. The producers accept the volcano, and for now, the volcano accepts the winemakers.

Most volcanic wines are made from indigenous grape varieties. Mount Etna is celebrated for its powerful red wines made from Nerello Mascalese grapes. You won’t find any chardonnay or cabernet sauvignon here. Volcanic wines offer deliciously different flavors that bring a whole new dimension to wine enjoyment.

Volcanic wines are intense. They tend to have deep, earthy flavors and a certain briny quality. They are known for their mouthwateringly high acid, which makes the wines eminently refreshing and perfect to enjoy on a warm afternoon. Although each volcanic wine is deliciously different, depending on the origin and grape, volcanic wines are on the whole more savory than sweet, more powerful than pretty.

Volcanic wines are capturing the world’s attention. 2018 marks the first year of The International Volcanic Wine Conference in New York City. Other events for volcanic wine have been celebrated in France and Germany. The excitement is contagious which means more of these fabulous wines will be imported to the USA.

Seek out a volcanic wine today. Be prepared for an explosive new flavor in your glass.

Cheers!

I have been toying with the idea of replacing my sedan with a crossover SUV. I do have a few vehicles at the top of my list, yet, after driving the all-new GMC 2018 Terrain, I find that my favorites have changed. The areas important to me are reliability, power, space, technology features, comfort, gas mileage, and price, however, not always in that order.

The 2018 GMC Terrain is all-new and addresses the issues of the last generation that weren’t measuring up with the technology features and interior quality of its competitor vehicles. The folks at GMC took note and redesigned and restructured the Terrain to elevate it to a compelling small five passenger compact crossover SUV.

Interestingly, GMC managed to shrink the 2018 Terrain by over 3-inches in length without sacrificing much head and legroom. The weight also dropped by 400 pounds which contributes to its improved fuel MPG. The new sheet metal allows the Terrain to finally standout and turn heads.

Pricing and Trims
For 2018, the GMC Terrain is available in four trim levels, but I will break it up into six to share some Diesel engine prices. The base is the SL FWD ($25,990), followed by the SLE FWD ($28,815) and AWD ($30,565), SLT FWD ($32,315) and AWD ($34,065). The top of the line Denali is priced at FWD ($38,515) and AWD ($40,265), The SLE and SLT are also available with a Diesel engine and priced at FWD ($32,585) and AWD ($34,335), and FWD ($35,160) and AWD ($36,910) respectively.

What’s new for 2018?
The 2018 GMC Terrain has been completely redesigned for its 2nd generation. It offers a new turbo-diesel engine and new 9-speed transmission. Stop/Start technology is featured on all systems. The 2018 Terrain is dressed in an all-new interior including an expanded center console with pass-through storage. A new fold-flat front passenger seat with flat-folding rear seat offers more loading options. Additional active safety technologies are designed to assist the driver.

Interior Highpoints
The base Terrain comes with cloth seats. Our model, the Denali, had leather seats that were very comfortable. Both front and rear seats were enjoyable to ride in. The dash is clean, and the center console was easy to operate. GM upped the game with its IntelliLink infotainment system that includes a 7-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. The Terrain Denali model has an upgrade 8-inch touchscreen with two additional USB ports. A wireless charging system is also available. The front passenger’s seat folding flat creates a notable 81 cubic feet of storage. More and more manufactures are getting away from the typical gear shifter. The Terrain elected to go with a push-button shifting system on the console that I must admit did take a little time to get used to. I do appreciate the extra storage space created due to the lack of a center shifter.

Exterior Highlights
The exterior is bold with sharp-edged lines and flat fender wheel wells. The Terrain has a unique look that manages to scream tough, yet, sophisticated. As noted earlier, the 2018 Terrain is shorter and lighter than Gen One. Improved handling was conceived by pushing the wheels a bit more towards the corners of the vehicle. At the front is a big, powerful grille with wishbone-gazing headlamps. The rear quarter panels raise high into the rear-side glass making an impactful look, while, at the same time, manifesting a challenge to see through.

Performance Specs
The 2018 Terrain is offered with three engine choices. The SL, SLE, and SLT come with a 4-cylinder 1.5-liter gas engine. The Denali is equipped with a more powerful 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinderwith 252 hp and 260 lb.-ft of torque. All gas engines are mated to a 9-speed automatic transmission. The SLE and SLT are also available with a 1.6-liter 4-cylinder Turbo Diesel (137 hp, 240 lb.-ft of torque) and paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission.

Cool Features
• OnStar 4G LTE Wi-Fi Hotspot (requires membership after a 3-month trial)

• Seat vibratinglane warning system (optional feature)

• Multiple USB outlets

Safety Integrity
The 2018 Terrain filled the safety option list with blind-spot monitoring system, lane-departure warning, and rear parking sensors. Six standard air bags, including frontal driver and passenger, roof rail-mounted head curtain and thorax side-impact air bags, collapsible pedal assembly, standard rear-vision camera, Rear Seat Reminder alerts when the second-row doors are opened before the vehicle isstarted, Driver Alert Package I is available on SLE and SLT and standard on Denali. Content includes Side Blind Zone Alert with Lane Change Alert, Rear Park Assist, Rear Cross Traffic Alert and Safety Alert Driver Seat. Driver Alert Package II is available on SLT and Denali. Content includes LowSpeed Forward Automatic Braking, Forward Collision Alert, Lane Keep Assist with Lane DepartureWarning, Following Distance Indicator and IntelliBeam headlamps. The Advanced Safety Package is available on Denali and includes Automatic Parking Assist and Surround Vision.

In Summary The All-New 2018 GMC Terrain is an impressive generation change. All areas of improvement were made, and the Terrain stands out in the crowd. Its size and category might have shrunk, but its overall quality and functionality has increased. It is a fun-to-drive vehicle that is capable and has style. The 2018 Terrain is the right size for families looking to seat 5 and have a flexible amount of cargo options. Its price maybe higher than others, but in most cases, it’s worth it. Take it out for a test drive and see if the Terrain will entice you to take it home.

Specifications.
2018 GMC Terrain Denali AWD

Base price: $39,270 as driven:$44,370 (including destination & optional features)
Engine: 4-clyinder, 2.0 Liter Turbo Charged
Horsepower: 252hp@ 5500 RPM
Torque: 260 lb.-ft.@ 2500 RPM
Transmission: 9-speed automatic
Drive: All-Wheel Drive
Seating: 5-passenger
Cargo space: 63.3 cubic feet
Curb weight: 3,636 pounds
EPA mileage: City 21/Hwy 26/Comb 23 MPG
Fuel Capacity: 14.9 gallons
Turning Circle: 41.6 ft.
Wheel Base: 107.3inches
Warranty: 3 years/36,000-miles
Also consider: Ford Escape, Chevrolet Equinox, Honda CR-V, Subaru Forester, Toyota Rav-4

I read this week that “The Academy” is going to have a new award. They are calling it, “Outstanding Achievement in Popular Film.” Interesting.

How long has it been since you actually watched The Oscars from beginning to end? I used to throw an Oscar Party every year. I’d send out invitations and spend hours shopping for decorations, usually some form of black, white and gold or silver. The food and drinks overflowed the table. I couldn’t wait to find the nominations (usually listed in the newspaper—yes, print on paper at your doorstep every morning). Somewhere over time, it got to the point where I had to start making a list because I hadn’t seen most of the nominations. Most of them, my friends hadn’t even seen or they weren’t playing at my neighborhood theater. Eventually, I just started watching to see the dresses on the Red Carpet. Now, I’m proud to say, I don’t watch at all! I look up the winners the next morning just to see if they had truly picked any winners—the patron’s favorites.

The nominees are now picked by Boards and Corporations. How is that for real world? We’ve let politics infiltrate fun. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has increasingly been criticized for a lack of diversity in their nominees. Last year, many were shocked when Wonder Woman received zero nominees, a movie that received high praise, both critically and from audiences. Instead, The Academy nominated independent movies, most of which were edgier or outright perverse. Unsurprisingly, the telecasts rating recorded an all-time low.

Answering the call to include movies that are more crowd pleasers and hopefully increase their ratings, The Academy has created the new category. This raised all sorts of questions, however. Is The Academy admitting they rarely nominate “popular films” for Best Picture? Also, what is a popular film? What happened to the days when popular meant crowd pleasing. Isn’t that what “Best” means? There are plenty of other categories that would perfectly single out amazing talent such as editing, writing, costumes and enough to make up a three hour show. Best Picture should be judged by us, the Box Office. In fact, if you look at the top grossing movies of all time, domestically, adjusted by inflation, nine out of ten were either nominated or won Best Picture. Gone with the Wind (1939) made almost 200 million (inflation adjusted, almost two billion). Then there was Star Wars, The Sound of Music, E.T.; The Extra Terrestrial, Titanic, The Ten Commandments, Jaws, Doctor Zhivago. These were mostly family-friendly and real crowd pleasers.

The last two years the Best Picture category has brought us The Shape of Water and Moonlight, attacking family values, ethics and morals to the point of even displaying bestiality and homosexual agendas. No wonder the ratings have been so low. In the past five years out of 43 nominees for Best Picture they had only one family-friendly movie, Hidden Figures. Like so many other areas of life today, The Academy talks inclusivity but seems to practice exclusivity.

After reading Alive’s fantastic interview with the talented Robert Wagner, I think it’s time we take back our entertainment choices! There are many family films in the theaters now, support them. There are many subscription services that give you more family-friendly choices on your devices. Find them and subscribe. Vote with your wallet.

We can make a difference. Take up the challenge. And, of course, my email is always open to you. I would love to hear from you at carolyn@carolynhastings.com.

September always brings wonderful memories of a new school year; the excitement of fresh new beginnings, new teachers, and new adventures. It is the time of year where routines and schedules fall back into place, homework begins, and new calendars get cracked open and marked up with goals, commitments, and to-dos in the year ahead. The start of a school year is not just for students, it also provides an excellent opportunity for adults to purchase new annual calendars, sync family schedules, and set new goals, months in advance of the traditional New Year.

While your children are hitting the books, take the time to set your own goals for the year and think of September as “Savings September.” Jumpstart your goals by making a phone call to each of the following service providers and perform an annual review with each. Doing so, will put money back into your pocket. Let’s get started:

Cell phone service: Cell phone providers have been forced to reduce their monthly charges to their subscribers to keep up with the competitive marketplace. Call and review your cell phone statement with your provider. During the review, you may discover that you can obtain the same plan at a lower rate or even a better plan with an additional usage allowance (great for family plans). Reviewing your bill with your provider may also uncover costly overage charges that you may be incurring if you or a family member is exceeding the monthly allowable minutes or data usage.

Cable / Internet Package: Similar to cell phone providers, cable, Internet, and phone companies have also had to lower their monthly charges to subscribers to remain competitive. Research a bundle package that combines your home phone, Internet, cable, and security system. Having a bundle package provides discounts that reduce your overall monthly bill. Additionally, evaluate whether or not you really need a landline and make certain that all of the channels that you are paying for, you are watching. With the increased use of cell phones and streaming TV, landlines can be eliminated along with loads of extra channels that may be watched via a cell phone or a computer.

Gym memberships: Fitness is extremely important on so many levels, but it can become very costly depending on the gym that you join. If your fitness goal is to jump on an elliptical, run on a treadmill, or pump a few weights, you can join any gym at a relatively low membership rate and obtain your fitness goal. If your goal is to train with a trainer, attend a spin class, or stretch and relax at a Yoga studio, take the time to track how many days per month you actually go and make certain that the monthly fee is worth it. You may find that you can adjust your workout by walking or running outdoor (for free) and supplement spin classes, yoga classes, or strength training by purchasing a punch card. Punch cards can cost significantly less than monthly dues. Additionally, check your benefits package with your employer as many large corporations are paying portions of gym dues as part of their wellness programs.

Homeowner’s / Auto Policy: Have your agent(s) review your policies annually. You may find that your mileage allowance on your car is too high, your deductible can be adjusted, or just combining home and auto policies with one provider can make a significant difference to the overall amount you pay annually.

Mortgage: If you have a mortgage loan, equity line of credit, or both, be sure to take the time to review annually. There are several things to consider with an annual review. First of all, if interest rates are lower, refinancing to a lower rate can save you money on a monthly basis as well as save interest over the life of the loan. Secondly, if you have a first mortgage and an equity line of credit, credit card debt, or student loans, consolidating these loans could provide a lower overall interest rate and allow for substantial monthly savings. Thirdly, if you purchased a home and put less than twenty percent down, you likely have mortgage insurance. With home values increasing in the Bay Area, this may be an ideal time to review your mortgage, eliminate costly mortgage insurance, and save a substantial amount on your monthly payment. For a complimentary mortgage review, feel free to contact me at the number below.

Let’s face it, the majority of your service providers are rarely going to pick up the phone, call you, and suggest that you obtain a new and improved plan at a lower rate. Being proactive and taking the time to review each plan can create substantial savings over a year. Make this annual update plan part of your September goals and start saving money today!

For these and many more financial tips and money saving strategies, look for my new book Digging Out, published by ALIVE Book Publishing, that will be available for purchase this fall.

Days may be shorter and the evenings a bit cooler, but here in California, September is merely a gentle transition into fall.
Along with the arrival of figs, grapes, apples and pears, the September farmers’ market is loaded with end-of-summer produce bargains. This may be your last opportunity to savor 2018’s sweet berries, stone fruits, corn-on-the-cob, and vine-ripened tomatoes. Don’t miss out. When premier produce is cheap, smart cooks head to the kitchen.

When I was first learning to cook, making Eggplant Parmigiana was A Big Production. Back then—when dinosaurs roamed the earth—there were no farmers’ markets in the California suburbs. Supermarkets were less than super. The process started with a trip to an urban Italian deli to find imported olive oil and cheese that didn’t come in a green cardboard can. Once I was able to locate an (inevitably) old, spongey eggplant someplace, then began the long process of peeling, slicing, and salting the eggplant to draw out the bitter juices. An hour later I was rinsing off the salt and squeezing the eggplant pieces dry… before dipping them in a beaten egg, breading, and dodging hot oil spatters while deep-frying. Then it was time to make a long-simmering sauce out of canned tomatoes. And take a nap.

Life is easier now, at least when it comes to shopping and cooking. Farmers’ market eggplants are harvested and sold while still young, so they are not encased in tough skin and filled with bitter seeds. Good oil and cheese are readily available. And at this time of year, ripe, flavorful tomatoes abound. No peeling, seeding, or pureeing required. Just add a little fresh basil for a chunky, rustic sauce, sure to appease your inner nonna.

End-of-Summer Eggplant Parmesan
This simplified version of eggplant parmesan was inspired by Mark Bittman’s recipe in the New York Times.

California olive oil
2 firm, medium eggplants (about 2 pounds total)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 medium onion, chopped
2 pounds plum or other assorted vine-ripened tomatoes, cored and cut into small chunks
1/2 to 3/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
About 1/4 cup coarsely torn fresh basil leaves, plus extra for garnish

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Slice the eggplants crosswise into 1/2-inch thick slices. Arrange the slices in a single layer on a foil-lined rimmed baking sheet. Thoroughly coat both sides of each slice with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Bake until the eggplant is lightly browned and very tender, 12 to 15 minutes. (If you are baking the casserole soon-ish, do not turn off the oven.)

2. Meanwhile, place a large skillet or sauté pan over medium heat. Add about 2 tablespoons of olive oil, swirling until hot. Add the onion and cook, stirring, until softened but not browned, 5 to 7 minutes. Add the tomatoes and their juices and cook, stirring occasionally, until the tomato chunks have broken down and the juices have thickened slightly, 10 to 15 minutes. Taste, adding salt as needed. Stir in the basil.

3. In a 2- to 2 1/2 quart gratin or other shallow baking dish, arrange a single layer of eggplant. Spoon some tomato sauce over the top and sprinkle liberally with cheese. Repeat the layers, ending with tomato sauce and parmesan. Bake uncovered until the cheese has melted and the sauce is bubbly-hot, about 15 minutes. Sprinkle with additional basil, if desired. Serves 4 to 6.

Cook’s Tips
Like most casserole-style dishes, it’s perfectly fine to assemble this in advance. Refrigerate, tightly covered, and bring to room temperature before baking. If it’s cold, it will require more time in the oven.

To make the dish more substantial (and satisfy a craving for cheesy goodness) add shredded whole-milk mozzarella between the eggplant layers.

Serve hot from the oven as a side dish, or with a crisp green salad and warm artisan bread for a vegetarian entree. It is also surprisingly good at room temperature, making it ideal for supper on a balmy evening. Should you be lucky enough to have leftovers, it makes a terrific hot or cold sandwich.

When you find a great farmers’ market deal on tomatoes—ones that are super-ripe or less than beautiful—by all means snatch them up.

Double or triple this sauce recipe to freeze for winter pasta dinners.

There’s no law that tomato sauce needs to be red. Try using yellow or green tomatoes, or a combination of colors and varieties. Flavor is key.
If you are so inclined, when making the sauce add a minced clove or two of garlic along with the onion. And if you like a little heat, sprinkle in some crushed hot red pepper flakes. Instead of basil, try flat-leaf parsley or a tablespoon of chopped fresh marjoram or oregano. It’s all good.

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