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5 Council City

By SALLY HOGARTY SALLY By

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News IN THIS ISSUE THIS IN

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trailer, all handcrafted, the club went went club the handcrafted, all trailer, tickets in hopes of winning the Beetle, Beetle, the winning of hopes in tickets Club of Lamorinda Sunrise raffled off a a off raffled Sunrise Lamorinda of Club RTR ae10] page ROTARY S [ EE

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funds from the raffle going toward their their toward going raffle the from funds wooden canoes and a wooden teardrop teardrop wooden a and canoes wooden thousands of people who purchased raffle raffle purchased who people of thousands ful Life” holiday celebration, Rotary Rotary celebration, holiday Life” ful

fourth “We build stuff” project, with with project, stuff” build “We fourth After successfully raffling off two two off raffling successfully After after 22 years of service. He was one of of one was He service. of years 22 after n Dec. 7, at Lafayette’s “It’s a Wonder- a “It’s Lafayette’s at 7, Dec. n

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Assistant Editor Editor Assistant the vintage car in member Hays Engle- Hays member in car vintage the orinda Sunrise’s many community service service community many Sunrise’s orinda Steve Falk. A fellow Rotarian, Falk re- Falk Rotarian, fellow A Falk. Steve

By LYNN KALMAR LYNN By in a new direction this year, restoring restoring year, this direction new a in while also helping to raise funds for Lam- for funds raise to helping also while fully restored 1961 VW Beetle to winner winner to Beetle VW 1961 restored fully

Nancy Falk Steve stand with their big prize, a beautifully restored 1961 VW Beetle, joined by members of the Rotary Club of Lamorinda Sunrise. Lamorinda of Club Rotary the of members by joined Beetle, VW 1961 restored beautifully a prize, big their with stand wife his and winner Raffle

SALLY HOGARTY SALLY

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January 2019 January Volume 34, Number 1 1 Number 34, Volume Delivered to 9,000 Households and Businesses in Orinda Orinda in Businesses and Households 9,000 to Delivered

Published by The Orinda Association Orinda The by Published Gratis 12 Issues Annually Issues 12

N O T EWS RINDA HE 2 n THE ORINDA NEWS n JANUARY 2019 THE ORINDA ASSOCIATION

Warm Coat Drive Exceeds Expectations

By KEN HOGARTY noted that Dick Burkhalter promoted the Staff Writer drive at weekly Orinda Rotary meetings. But, one of the biggest local supporters ponsored by The Orinda Association was Sleepy Hollow Elementary School, S(OA), the third annual One Warm which asked families to donate new or gen- Coat (OWC) drive concluded with 374 tly used child-size coats in bins outside the coats donated for this good cause. OWC school office. Fifteen fourth and fifth grade is a national non-profit organization that student council volunteers at Sleepy Hol- works to provide a free, warm coat to any low, with Crystal D’Amato coordinating, person in need. helped sort, count and bundle coats in the “This was an amazing year. The gen- multi-purpose room after classes on Dec. erosity of our local residents and our 12. “The kids really took the job seriously,” partnerships with Sleepy Hollow School says OA staff member Cathy Goshorn. and Orinda Rotary resulted in this sizable “They were very focused on the task and jump from last year’s 165 donated coats,” understood who the recipients would be.” said Orinda Association member and OWC Sleepy Hollow also embarked upon a Drive Coordinator Kate Wiley. food collection drive to the Monument CONTRIBUTED PHOTO Wiley related how one Orinda resident Crisis Center benefiting low-income in- Sleepy Hollow students (L-R) Back Row: Haley Hoskins, Eve Copeland, Annarose Smith; Front row: Sofia Blore, Emma Stokes help sort donations for the One Warm Coat Drive. The Orinda Association, really stepped up personally. Stephanie dividuals and families in Central and East in partnership with Sleepy Hollow Elementary and Rotary Club Orinda, collected 374 coats this year for Rhoads-Bickham, the senior account man- Contra Costa County, those in need. ager of Performa Marketing Agency in Wal- The coats garnered from this community- nut Creek, had seen an article about the coat wide effort went to White Pony Express drive in The Orinda News. She stopped by (WPX) and some will be distributed to Lots of Joy at SAT Luncheon The Orinda Association office and donated Camp Fire victims and residents of Contra over 30 new coats from Performa. She also [SEE COAT page 4]

SALLY HOGARTY Lucia and Anthony Steger not only enjoyed the SAT luncheon but also the attentions of therapy dog George, owned by Bill and Marie Waterman. By LYNN KALMAR residents utilizing volunteer drivers from Assistant Editor the community. Both drivers and riders as well as Orinda Association board members n Dec. 11, Seniors Around Town enjoyed the event which began with wel- O(SAT) held their annual holiday coming words from emcee Steve Harwood. luncheon at the Orinda Library’s Garden While enjoying lavish sandwiches and Room. A program of The Orinda Asso- sweet treats, attendees had the opportunity ciation, SAT provides free rides to Orinda [SEE SENIORS page 14]

Nominations for Citizen of Year and Mott Environmental Awards he Orinda Community Foundation and The Orinda Association (OA) are looking Tfor local residents or organizations that have contributed substantially to the Orinda community for consideration as the 2018 Citizen of the Year or the 2018 William Penn Mott Jr. Environmental Award winner. The winners will be feted at a gala dinner on March 10 at the Orinda Country Club. If you know of such worthy individuals or group, send your nomination to the OA at [email protected] or by mail to P.O. Box 97, Orinda, CA 94563. For more information, call the OA office at 925-254-0800. THE ORINDA NEWS n JANUARY 2019 n 3 THE ORINDA ASSOCIATION

A Message From the OA President The Orinda Association

Wishing You a Healthy The Orinda Association is a not-for-profit corporation dedicated to: Happy 2019! • Maintaining and improving the quality of life in Orinda; Cindy Powell • Promoting awareness and discussion of issues that are important to the community; et’s start off the year on Jan. 1 with Po- enjoy costumes. And if they stay in costume • Encouraging and recognizing volunteer efforts to enhance the Llar Bear Swim Day. We have so many overnight, add a hat the following day for beauty, character and security of Orinda. swimmers in our town that surely someone National Hat Day. And put on your hat. is starting the year off with a freezing swim. Make a fashion statement, protect your A less traumatic way to start the year noggin from sun or rain, or protect your P.O. Box 97 26 Orinda Way (Lower Level Library) would be to make a New Year resolution to head with a helmet if you ride your bike Orinda, California 94563 continue helping others, yourself and your – always! Phone: 254-0800 community. The Camino Pablo Medians Remember a few weeks ago you made www.OrindaAssociation.org Landscape project finishes in the begin- some resolutions that were a bit far reach- ning of January, and we are thankful for the ing? Jan. 17 is Ditch New Year’s Resolu- OFFICERS BOARD MEMBERS Orinda Garden Club’s major financing and tions Day, when most people give up on President Carlos Baltodano Jeremy Conescu Vice President Joe Garvey Anil Comelo that organization’s plant and design help. their resolutions. Almost 80 percent of all Secretary Sally Hogarty Joe Haughin – Board Member Emeritus And welcome to Inga Miller, our new people who make New Year’s resolutions Treasurer Bill Waterman Chris Laszcz-Davis mayor. She is also a driver for the Seniors abandon them some time during the year, City Council Liaison Inga Miller Diane Lautz Jim Luini – Board Member Emeritus Around Town program. but how did the folks in the know decide Cindy Powell The Golden Globe Awards are on Jan. this date? Kate Wiley 6, when the Hollywood Foreign Press As- Jan. 19 is Popcorn Day. Popcorn makes sociation recognizes the best of film and a healthy treat with light butter and salt and television, both domestic and foreign. On a fun treat as sticky popcorn balls. Or you Jan. 9, the movie A Star Is Born will play can string kernels together on garlands for at the Rheem Theatre – not the current ver- your local birds. Pop some corn and enjoy sion, or the 2013, or the 1976, or the 1954 your Saturday night! version – but the original 1937 version. The Fun At Work Day, on Jan. 25, is all free movie at the Orinda Theatre is Jan. 10, about enjoying yourself: Dress up silly, the same as Bittersweet Chocolate Day, so partake in an office-based contest, or just eat some at the movie to celebrate because crank the music up loud while you work. you can never get enough dark chocolate You’re lucky if you can get work done and says our editor, Sally. have fun doing it while loving your job. Dress Up Your Pet Day on Jan. 14, Humans have been swapping seeds gives your pets a bit more attention if they [SEE PRESIDENT page 4] Orinda Association’s New Board of Directors Takes the Reins t its Dec. 10 meeting, The Orinda As- Asociation elected Carlos Baltodano as its new president. Baltodano will be joined by returning Vice President Joe Garvey, Secretary Sally Hogarty and returning Treasurer Bill Waterman. The Events Com- mittee, which oversees such activities as the annual Fourth of July parade and the Clas- sic Car Show among others, is comprised of Diane Lautz and Bill Waterman. “It is an honor and a privilege to be the OA’s new president,” says Baltodano. “I joined the board three years ago, and it has been a wonderful experience. I just love the work and the people involved. We had a great year with the most successful ever Fourth of July celebration and Classic Car Show and The Orinda News is a gem for the city. I look forward to continuing to

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO work on these OA programs to ensure their New OA President Carlos Baltodano. success for our community.” 4 n THE ORINDA NEWS n JANUARY 2019 EDITORIAL

Editorial... Make Being Prepared Your New Year’s Resolution n a rather ironic coincidence, Orinda resi- Police Department staged the first-ever Idents started 2018 by taking donations evacuation drill in the East Bay (not count- to the North Bay to help the victims of the ing Canyon’s much smaller exercise). Tubb’s fires in Santa Rosa, and we started Moraga Way was closed for an hour in the 2019 by doing the same for the victims of early morning, so police could learn how the Camp fire. Unfortunately, these horrific to prevent the traffic nightmare seen on fires are no longer an infrequent event as Skyway in Paradise, CA. Orinda’s Police our weather becomes warmer and the fuel Chief Mark Nagel hopes to hold a similar in our forests increases. evacuation drill in Orinda sometime in Living in a Redwood forest myself (Can- January. yon), I’m constantly aware of how vulner- While better maintenance of PG&E able we are and the many precautions that equipment and improved forest man- need to be taken should the hills around agement by the Department of Forestry Canyon, Moraga and Orinda turn to a wall would lessen the possibility of a cata- of flames. I still remember packing up what strophic fire, they are certainly not the I could, grabbing the animals and dealing only contributors. We must all do what with frightened teenagers, one with smoke we can as well. Keeping property clear of inhalation, as the 1991 Oakland Hills Fire brush, cutting back trees, having working jumped to Canyon. smoke alarms, practicing family fire- From that experience, I learned to scan escape drills and having a pre-determined photos and important papers and put them meeting area are just a few things we can List of The Orinda News Advertisers on the Cloud and put other items in a safety do. Page Page deposit box at my bank. Here in Canyon, With the various emergency agencies, Automotive Professional Property Management 19 we also have a phone tree and sirens to help utilities and community residents work- Orinda Motors 6 State Farm Insurance – Bryan Silveira 20 Travel Adventures Unlimited 8 alert people and have practiced evacuation ing together, let’s hope that we won’t start Orinda Shell Auto Care 20 Beauty and Fitness Real Estate procedures, with mixed results. 2019 with another plea to help victims of Anytime Fitness 1 Coldwell Banker On Dec. 15, the Moraga Police Depart- a devastating fire. CoreKinetics 8 Laura Abrams 11 ment with the cooperation of the Orinda – Sally Hogarty, Editor Living Lean Exercise & Eating Program 19 Suzanne Toner Geoffrion 3 Sleepy Hollow Swim & Tennis Club 18 Shellie Kirby 7 Yoga with Elaine 12 Compass t COAT from page 2 Cleaning Services The Beaubelle Group 10 in local motels to determine specific needs. Kirby Carpet Cleaning 14 Holly Henkel 6 Costa County in need. WPX clearly has a great record of service Dental Virginia and Paul Ratto 14 Leila Schlein 7 White Pony Express is a charitable orga- since FEMA and Red Cross allow only Dr. Amin Samadian DDS 2 Dr. Mary Smith DDS 13 Prime Vintage Realty nization that has, according to its website sanctioned, viable groups to come to the Educational Rodney Lal 19 (www.whiteponyexpress.org), served over area to deliver goods. Old Firehouse School 15 Village Associates 70,000 people and distributed over 500,000 “We would like to thank all the people Orinda Ballet Academy & Company 13 Dexter Honens II 17 April Matthews 15 clothing items to needy Contra Costa resi- who so generously contributed to One Orinda Parks & Rec 3 Garden/Landscaping Karen & Hillary Murphy 2 dents in its five years of existence. WPX Warm Coat,” Wiley adds. “They have Blue Ridge Landscaping 2 Ann Sharf 7 has been going daily to deliver food to made a significant impact to many in McDonnell Nursery 18 Molly Smith 9 Camp Fire victims and going door to door need.” Tree Sculpture 14 Steve Stahle 5 Medical Clark Thompson 5 Dr. Brian Clark, Psy.D. 11 Restaurants/Catering Medicine Shoppe 15 Baan Thai 5 Non-Profits Casa Orinda 5 Orinda Community Foundation 8 La Mediterranée 7 The Orinda Association 3 Piccolo Napoli 19 Pet Service Siam Orchid 15 Animal House Pet Sitting 20 Village Inn Cafe 17 Professional Service Zamboni’s Pizza Company 13 5A Rent-A-Space 12 Retail Capital Advantage 11 McCaulou’s 14 Home Expo ‘19 12 Rechic 101 15

grabbing both ends and twisting as hard as we can to invite a torrent of pops to come Do you know someone who is an forth. Glad I saved some from the holidays. outstanding volunteer in the Orinda CONTRIBUTED PHOTO Jan. 29 is the next Downtown Streetscape community or who has worked tirelessly Sleepy Hollow students (L-R) Ryan Davalos, Rishi Haldar and August Hance help sort donations for the One Warm Coat Drive. Master Plan Workshop. Follow Connect- to preserve or enhance the environment? Orinda projects and give your feedback on If so, nominate that person for the 2018 New Year’s resolutions are well in the rear- the City of Orinda website. Ironically, it is Citizen of the Year or the 2018 William t PRESIDENT from page 3 view mirror, and we’re bored. Right then, also Puzzle Day. Penn Mott, Jr. Environmental Award. since the beginning of agriculture. On Blue Monday pops up on the calendar on This month marks the conclusion of my The event to honor the winners will be Jan. 26, Seed Swap Day is your chance to Jan. 28. Instead, I’m going to celebrate three years as OA President. I am happy to held on March 10, 2019. get together with other gardeners or your Bubble Wrap Appreciation Day by taking announce that our board has elected Carlos neighbors and swap from the best plants to a chunk of bubble wrap and popping every Baltodano as our new president. He will Our board will continue to work very hard improve the biodiversity in Orinda. single bubble in the sheet. Poppin’ with my do an excellent job and will be supported to serve Orinda along with our wonderful Okay, toward the end of the month it’s friends who need a bit of stress relief by by VP Joe Garvey, and the rest of our OA supporters! Wishing you a Healthy dark outside with no more holiday parties. dancing on each sheet, or rolling it in a tube, energetic board members and office staff. Happy 2019!

The Orinda News prints 9,000 copies and is published 12 times a Opinions of The Orinda News are expressed on the year by The Orinda Association. The office is located at 26 Orinda The Orinda News editorial page. Views of writers and letters to the editor are Way (lower level of the Library). All rights reserved. The publication is A Publication of their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of The sent out by direct mail (Permit #4, Orinda Post Office) and distributed The Orinda Association Orinda Association or of The Orinda News. Advertisements to key locations throughout the city. Mailing Address P.O. Box 97 appearing in The Orinda News are not to be construed as Orinda, California 94563 endorsements by The Orinda Association or The Orinda News. Editor ...... Sally Hogarty Telephone: 925 254-0800 Assistant Editor ...... David Dierks Letters to the Editor are printed on a space-available Assistant Editor ...... Lynn Kalmar basis and should be no longer than 400 words. They must in- Copy Editor ...... Ken Hogarty www.theorindanews.com clude the writer’s first and last name, signature and telephone Advertising Representatives ...... Jill Gelster, Elana O’Loskey number. Editorial Committee ...... Kathy Enzerink, Jill Gelster, Sally Hogarty, Send letters to: Editor, The Orinda News, P.O. Box 97, Lynn Kalmar, Elana O’Loskey, Orinda, CA 94563, or email to [email protected]. Cindy Powell, Mark Roberts, Kate Wiley Letters to Editor for the February issue are due January Staff Writers ...... Janine de Boisblanc, Bobbie Dodson, Ken Hogarty, Kathryn G. McCarty, Elana O’Loskey, Cindy Powell, 8, 2019. John Vanek, Tom Westlake Graphics ...... Aspen Consulting: Jill Gelster & David Dierks For display advertising rates, call Jill Gelster at 925-528- Printing ...... Folger Graphics 9225 ([email protected]) or Elana O’Loskey at 925-984- 1751 ([email protected]). The deadline for the February issue The OA is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization. is January 8, 2019. THE ORINDA NEWS n JANUARY 2019 n 5 POLICE / CITY COUNCIL

New City Councilmembers Take Office

my Worth stepped down from her Worth, who was reelected to a sixth term Afourth term as mayor of Orinda at the in November, joined newly elected City Dec. 11 City Council meeting. Her last Councilmembers Dennis Fay and Nick official duty as mayor was to present the Kosla who were sworn into office. Mayor’s Awards of Excellence to: Maggie – David Dierks, Assistant Editor Boscoe for her service to the community as volunteer curator of the Orinda Library t FACADE from page 1 Art Gallery; Steve Harwood for faithfully providing amplification and serving as with window boxes. master of ceremonies at countless com- While there were no public speakers at munity and school events; and the Friends the Dec. Planning Commission meeting, of the Orinda Library for their sustained speakers at the Dec. 4 meeting spoke in volunteer dedication to the Orinda Library favor of the improvements. Spokespersons for nearly 60 years. for Salon Elegante, located on the second DAVID DIERKS City Councilmember Inga Miller was floor of the building, however, did express City Clerk Sheri Smith swears in returning City Councilmember Amy Worth and new City Councilmembers Nick Kosla and Dennis Fay at the Dec. 11 City Council meeting. then sworn in as Orinda’s new mayor and concern about how the renovations might Darlene Gee as vice major. Also acknowl- affect customers. edged were Dean Orr and Eve Phillips for The exterior modifications of 37 Moraga their years of service as city councilmem- Way are the first phase in a two-phase bers. Both received recognition from the project. The second phase includes interior, POLICE BLOTTER Orinda City Council, Supervisor Candace mechanical and electrical modifications as November 4 through December 8, 2018 Anderson and Senator Steve Glazer’s rep- well as outside landscaping and a potential resentative Teresa Gerringer. outdoor seating area.

Calls for Service Public Nuisance: 4 incidents. 911 Hangup: 20 incidents. Reckless Driving: 18 incidents. Abandoned Vehicle:1 incident. School Check: 9 incidents. Accident Injury: 1 incident. Security Check: 25 incidents. Accident Property: 8 incidents. Service to Citizen: 104 incidents. Alarm, False: 117 incidents. Shots Heard: 2 incidents. Barking Dog: 1 incident. Suspicious Circumstances: 15 inci- Battery: 3 incidents. dents. Burglary, Auto: 2 incidents. Suspicious Person Stop: 19 incidents. Burglary, Commercial: 2 incidents. Suspicious Subject: 8 incidents. Burglary, Residential: 4 incidents. Suspicious Vehicle: 9 incidents. Civil Matter: 18 incidents. Suspicious Vehicle Stop: 17 incidents. CVC Moving Violation: 105 inci- Tow: 5 incidents. dents. Traffic Collision/Property Damage: CVC Non-Moving Violation: 73 2 incidents. incidents. Traffic Hazard: 14 incidents. Disturbing the Peace: 3 incidents. Trespass: 1 incident. Drunk in Public: 1 incident. Uncontrollable Juvenile: 2 incidents. Fire/EMS Response Info: 1 incident. Vacation House Check: 51 incidents. Found Property: 2 incidents. Vandalism: 3 incidents. Fraud Credit Card: 1 incident. Vehicle Theft: 1 incident. Grand Theft: 2 incidents. Verbal Dispute: 3 incidents. Hazmat: 1 incident. Walk Through: 5 incidents. Health & Safety Violation: 1 incident. Welfare Check: 17 incidents. Hit & Run Misdemeanor: 10 inci- dents. Arrest Identity Theft: 1 incident. Juvenile Disturbance: 2 incidents. Battery: 3 arrests. Loud Music: 1 incident. Burglary, Commercial: 3 arrests. Loud Noise: 2 incidents. Drunk in Public: 2 arrests. Loud Party: 1 incident. Marijuana Sale: 1 arrest. Medical Hospital: 5 incidents. Possession of Burglary Tools: 1 arrest. Medical Police Needed: 1 incident. Warrant Arrest: 6 arrests. Missing Adult: 2 incidents. Motorist Assist: 1 incident. BART Statistics Occupied Stalled Vehicle: 2 incidents. Grand Theft: 2 arrests. Ordinance Violation: 7 incidents. Violation of Probation: 2 arrests. Outside Assist: 26 incidents. Panhandling: 1 incident. – Compiled by David Dierks Parking Detail: 100 incidents. Assistant Editor Patrol Request: 33 incidents. Petty Theft from Vehicle: 1 incident. For more incidents details, visit Public Assembly Check: 6 incidents. www.crimereports.com 6 n THE ORINDA NEWS n JANUARY 2019 CARS / LIBRARY County Library says Goodbye to Fines Car Time n Jan. 1, the Contra Costa County period, circulation of e-books and other OLibrary will eliminate overdue fines digital resources has increased 128 percent. The Driver Is the Key: Advice for When You on all library materials, including books, These types of electronic resources are magazines, DVDs and other materials. The already fine-free and benefit those with Have a Young Driver in the Family Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors greater access to technology, an imbalance By JOHN VANEK voted in favor of the proposal on Dec. 11, the Library is hoping to correct with this with the goal of removing barriers and mak- new policy. t is common for families to own or ac- out even when it seems to be operating fine. ing access easy, equitable and enjoyable Eliminating overdue fines will also result Iquire a spare vehicle for the new driver Silent failures are often just around the cor- for all patrons. in more positive customer interactions of the household to drive. Sometimes the ner. They surely need to learn how to pay “Our libraries are open for the entire and allow staff to focus on creativity and new driver will be able to buy a vehicle or attention to the vehicle when driving. Are community to take advantage of all they exceptional service. “We have so many acquire one from a relative or neighbor. Of there warning lights present? Which ones? have to offer,” said Contra Costa County outstanding and enthusiastic staff mem- course, the parental units often take on any All dash warning lights are described in the Supervisor Karen Mitchoff. “Saying bers who would much rather spend their financial burden that may arise. As a father owner’s manual. Does the car make noises? goodbye to fines gives everyone an op- time helping someone find the next great of two adult kids, I can say that it was very Does it have unusual odors? portunity to restart their relationship with read or learn how to use one of our online handy having my kids driving themselves As drivers/operators, youngsters need the library.” Of more than 650,000 card- resources,” said Deputy County Librarian to their activities in this modern busy fam- to pay attention to these considerations. If holders county wide, 118,450 (18 percent) Nancy Kreiser. “They can spend more time ily world. they report a problem, you should take care currently have their cards blocked due to making people smile.” So now in your case, your family’s new of it, as that is better than waiting until a fines and 43 percent of youth accounts The Contra Costa County Library is the drivers have a vehicle, and you will handle breakdown. The whole point of maintain- currently owe a balance. “Families are first county library in California and the the cost of maintenance and repairs. What ing a car is to stay away from breakdowns. staying away from the library because largest in the state to eliminate fines for about tracking the needs of the car? Who Unexpected car problems upset our sched- it’s simply too expensive for them,” said everyone. Patrons will still be expected to pays attention to when maintenance is ule and cause chaos. Paying attention to County Librarian Melinda Cervantes. return library materials on time. Checkout required or when a warning light stays on car maintenance and understanding when “We don’t want people to have to choose periods on materials will remain the same that won’t go away? something is not right will help avoid be- between putting food on the table and and patrons will incur a replacement charge It is normally what I call the driver/ ing towed. reading.” if materials are not returned 30 days after owner, but in this case, we will call it the Operation and maintenance is only part Overdue material fines and material re- the due date. driver/operator. Young individuals should of the learning requirement for young driv- placement charges make up approximately For questions about the policy, contact learn to take responsibility for vehicles even ers. What do they do if the vehicle does two percent of the Library’s revenue. Since Library Administration at libadmin@ if they do not own them. They are lucky break down? Do you have a family break- 2013, revenue from fines and charges has ccclib.org or call 925-608-7700. enough to have a car to drive and probably down plan? Does your young driver know decreased by 31 percent. During this same – Lynn Kalmar, Assistant Editor are not paying for insurance or gas for that how to use an insurance card? These are all matter. They need to take the time to learn things teenagers need to learn before they about the vehicle. When is the next oil are actual grown- ups taking responsibility change due? When is the next major ser- for their own family’s vehicles. We want to vice required? What is a TPMS light? It is raise good kids that are good citizens and always good to understand these fundamen- know how to maintain a car. tal things anyway, but new drivers should By the way, if you are going to buy them learn the responsibility that will last a a used vehicle, please have it checked out lifetime. first and get advice before the purchase. It is never too early to learn to be a good Also, don’t forget to be a good consumer of consumer of auto repair. Encourage new auto repair yourself. I am always available drivers to be involved when you take the for automotive consultation. car in for repairs or maintenance. They need John Vanek can be reached at john@ to understand that cars need to be checked orindamotors.com. THE ORINDA NEWS n JANUARY 2019 n 7 OBITUARIES Luca Katalin Ger˝o Brought Joy to Many During Her Brief Life (Dec. 13, 2001 – Choir. She also sang in the children’s of the San Francisco Bay Area. She was a choir of the Church of St. Anthony of natural leader of the younger scouts in her Nov. 18, 2018) Padua, where she received her First Holy charge. Among her scout peers, it was often uca Katalin Ger˝o was born December Communion. Luca who set the tone, came up with the L13, 2001, at St. Luke’s Roosevelt In 2012, Luca moved with her family skits, wrote the songs, and rattled off zany Hospital in New York, overlooking the to Orinda (her mother’s childhood home). ideas in her signature mile-a-minute chatter. smoldering rubble of Ground Zero – the Within months, Luca had made herself Luca’s natural magnetism drew many aftermath of the terrorist attacks of 9-11. comfortable with a brand new circle of friends from her many communities, but She was born a survivor: her mother, Réka friends at Del Rey Elementary School. she knew her essential home was her fam- Pigniczky, was six months pregnant with Before she even spoke English properly, ily. Only a few weeks ago, Luca defied her Luca as she covered the attacks for the As- she captivated the school talent show with parents’ wishes and got herself a small tat- sociated Press. Dodging the crashing WTC a song about Hungary and the friends she’d too. Just four discreet letters on the inside of towers, it was a miracle that Luca and her left behind. one finger: rblj—representing her mother, mother survived. Luca enjoyed rock climbing, read vo- father, brother and sister, whom she loved That rough beginning and the war-like raciously in both English and Hungarian, indelibly and permanently. aftermath of living in New York did nothing and liked to write. She played volleyball Luca lived life as it was meant to be lived, to dim the light Luca emanated from the competitively until her sophomore year. full of love and inquiry and the yearning for day she was born. Her very name: Luca, She loved to travel, hike and ski with her justice. Love is what drove her and gave an archaic Hungarian version of Lucia, family; she was planning a trip to Bhutan her the ability to not fall prey to pettiness, means light. And her light shone from the with her mother as a high school graduation insecurity, or hatred. Even as she argued day she blessed this world to the day it was gift in 2020. and sought the truth, she remained respect- extinguished all too soon in a horrendous As she became a teenager, her childhood ful and tolerant. fire that destroyed her family’s home on chattiness sharpened into a sophisticated Now, that powerful love is all we have CONTRIBUTED PHOTO Nov. 18. verbal ability she deployed to defend her left of Luca. Though her loss and our grief Orinda teen Luca Katalin Gerő was a bright light to those who knew and loved her. Luca was the beloved first child of Barn- opinion on any issue at hand. Her mother’s are infinite, we can still cling to that love. abás Ger˝o and Réka Pigniczky. When Luca suggestion that she join the Debate Team at As we return to our everyday lives in a ness to our families and communities. was six months old, the family moved to Miramonte High School was inspired. De- world marked by brutality, intolerance and Those left to cherish Luca’s memory Budapest, Hungary (her father’s childhood bate was not an academic exercise for Luca; injustice, we honor Luca best by following include: parents Réka Pigniczky and Barn- home and her mother’s ancestral home). For it was how she made sense of the chaotic her example, by radiating love and forgive- [SEE LUCA page 10] her doting grandparents there, Luca was the post-terror world into which she was born. first of 11 grandchildren, including Luca’s She learned to use analysis and criticism to siblings Jolán and Lukács. take a stand and defend it, with eloquence The Ger˝o household was always burst- and wit. She planned to become a lawyer. ing with children and activity, with Luca She had an incredible sense of humor, the ringleader. She was an impetuous and empathy toward those in trouble, and fierce joyful child who met the world head-on. loyalty to her friends. Even in her teenage Even as a toddler, Luca befriended every- years, she was open and honest with her one she met and climbed every tree she parents, much more likely to spill the beans saw. Together with her sister Jolán, Luca than to tell a lie. attended the Zoltán Kodály Music School Since childhood, Luca was an enthusias- and sang in the Hungarian Radio Children’s tic member of the Hungarian Scout Troop Gary John McCosker Will Be Missed by Family and Friends ary John McCosker passed away Dec. G9 from a heart attack. Gary was born on Nov. 28, 1946 in Albany, CA, and was raised in Orinda. Athletic in his youth, he participated in track and field at Miramonte High School, graduating in 1964. Gary went on to U.C. Berkeley where he enjoyed chemistry and mathematics. He loved to travel the country and had a particular love for New Orleans where he often went to spend time with family and friends. He also loved the John McCosker family ranch in Canyon, CA, where he had many lifelong friends. After the sale of the ranch in 2014, Gary moved to Vista in Southern California to be closer to his two sons. Gary is survived by his sons, John and Kirk McCosker, his sister Vicki Saputo

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO and brother Roger McCosker. He will be Gary John McCosker truly missed. 8 n THE ORINDA NEWS n JANUARY 2019 ARTISTS / OCF UC Berkeley Botanical Gardens Exhibit: Celebrating Ethnobotany Features Orinda Artists

By ELANA O’LOSKEY plants while others obtained plants else- Staff Writer where. Each illustration will have a de- scription of how the plant is used for food, rindans Catherine Watters and co- fiber, medicine, shelter, cultural or religious Ochair Laura Sawczuk invite you to purposes,” explains Watters. To learn more attend the 10th Annual Plants Illustrated about NCalSBA, visit www.ncalsba.org. Exhibit: Celebrating Ethnobotany show- If you are a lover of botanical art, you casing botanical art by members of the are in for a few surprises. Several of the Northern California Society of Botani- 48 paintings in the exhibit are much larger cal Artists (NCalSBA). Held in the UC than usual because the chosen subjects are Berkeley Botanical Garden’s (Garden) large. For example, Sally Petru of Oakland lovely Julia Morgan Hall, it runs Jan. 18 is showing Papyrus – Cyperus papyrus, a to Feb. 6. Admission to the exhibit is free 15” x 37” watercolor. Papyrus often grows with Garden admission. Watters promises, up to 16 feet in tropical rain forests, its “The Exhibition will be stimulating, both natural habitat. The exacting process of visually and educationally.” botanical paintings belies the grace and Deepa Natarajan, program and event beauty of works such as Orindan Gina Bar- coordinator at the Garden suggested the retta’s Grapes – Vitis vinifera, a 19” x 20” theme, “Plants + People” to the members watercolor. Both paintings concern vener- of NCalSBA. “Deepa gave us a list of the able botanicals whose cultivation and uses plants growing in the Garden that worked reach far back into history – papyrus back with our theme. Some artists chose those [SEE GARDENS page 16]

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO Grapes – Vitis vinifera, a 19” x 20” watercolor by Orinda artist Gina Barretta, perfectly captures the “Plants + People” theme of this year’s Plants Illustrated exhibition. Anonymous Donor Matching OCF Funds

By KATHY G. MCCARTY ways to raise private dollars to sustain com- Staff Writer munity vibrancy through the recession, she joined with fellow Orinda residents Richard rinda Community Foundation Co- Westin, Carol Penskar, Dick Burkhalter and Ofounder and Board Member Sue Paula Goodwin to co-found the 501(c)(3) Severson is excited by the generosity of an OCF. Mark Roberts, Ted Urban, Richard anonymous donor who will match all dona- Stanaro, Sean Sabarese, Annette Linney, tions to the organization through Jan. 15. Carlos Baltodano and Bob Burt have joined “OCF has the unique ability to bring the OCF board over the years as the pro- our citizens and local nonprofits together gram expanded. in a synergy to benefit our community Severson emphasizes OCF’s birth came and ourselves,” says Severson. The group at a critical time in 2010 when many cher- raises donations throughout the year, and ished community events and programs (like then gives every dollar to the community the Fourth of July Parade and Celebra- to support a variety of programs. tion) were at risk of being lost. The group Severson was Orinda’s mayor in stepped up to rescue events, expand com- 2009 when the city faced severe budget munity programs and beautify downtown cuts. Asked by the City Council to explore [SEE OCF page 18] THE ORINDA NEWS n JANUARY 2019 n 9 ADVERTISEMENT??? 10 n THE ORINDA NEWS n JANUARY 2019 ORINDA WOMAN’S CLUB / TREE LIGHTING

OWC Festival of Trees Serves Those Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony for Hospice in Need in Contra Costa County

By ELANA O’LOSKEY San Ramon Marriott. The Festival of Trees Staff Writer event benefits many needy causes in Contra Costa County. n Nov. 15, event co-chairs Suzanne Adeline McClatchie introduced the OMurillo and Janet Nelson welcomed master of ceremonies, Dan Ashley, news 400 guests to the 32nd Annual Orinda anchor of ABC Channel 7, who took the Woman’s Club (OWC) fundraiser at the podium after silent auction winners were announced and before lunch was served. Ashley explained the funds raised by the event will benefit the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Contra Costa Coun- ty, the Contra Costa County Crisis Center and OWC community service committees. SALLY HOGARTY Ron Pickett and Christina Holling lead the singers from Wagner Ranch, Glorietta and Del Rey The OWC donates funds to nonprofit Elementary schools at the Hospice Tree Lighting on Dec. 1 in front of Bank of America in Orinda groups locally, nationally and internation- Village. Pickett and Holling referred to one of their songs as “gangster jazz.” ally, and awards education grants to im- prove the lives of women and families and those aging out of the foster care system. Members of the Orinda Woman’s Club also donated gifts to VESTIA (Volunteer & Emergency Services In Action) as part of the organization’s Angel Tree Program for Foster Children in Contra Costa Coun- ty. Wrapped gifts were delivered on Dec. 3 to the Grace Episcopal Church in Martinez by member Suzanne Murillo. As the more than 30 wreath, basket, tree and destination raffle winners were an- nounced, whole tables joined in cheering on the winners. Next, Helen Lyall, of Helen Lyall Clothes for Women at Riverfront in downtown Napa, opened the fashion show. Profes- SALLY HOGARTY sional models on the runway were joined SALLY HOGARTY OWC member and volunteer model Sue Farmer More than one hundred people braved the cold to enjoy the music, the tree lighting and, of course, sparkles on the runway and helps to raise funds by OWC volunteers, including Sue Farmer to see Santa, who arrived in a big red fire truck. Refreshments courtesy of Orinda Rotary. at the Festival of Trees fashion show. [SEE FESTIVAL page 16]

t ROTARY from page 1 Rotary Home Team program, which pro- vides home maintenance to seniors free of charge, the Garden Park apartments program which provides affordable hous- ing to families in need, Family Harvest Farms and the Contra Costa Food Bank, among others. Englehart sums up the project stating, “Peoples’ lives were im- pacted by the money raised and families are better off. Members of the Rotary Club of Lamorinda Sunrise continue to show that Rotarians’ efforts are there to help their communities and make a difference in the world.” The club is already working on a new “We build stuff” project for its next big raffle, a 1964 Glastron cuddy cabin boat, motor and trailer. Englehart promises, “This one is going to be incredible. Keep an eye out for it!” For more information on Rotary Club of Lamorinda Sunrise, go to www.lamorindasunrise.com.

t LUCA from page 7

abás Ger˝o ; sister Jolán; brother Lukács; grandparents Katalin Vörös (Wayne Phil- lips), Dr. László Ger˝o and Dr. Eszter Jánossy; great-aunt Elizabeth Vörös; aunt Eszti Pigniczky (Endre Szentkirályi); cous- ins Keve, Bendegúz, Vajk, and Enese; uncle Andrew Udvarnoki; aunt Vill˝o Ger˝o (Zsolt Andrasek) and cousins Sára, Samu and Emma; aunt Borbála Ger˝o (Ákos Pogány) and cousins Áron, Emese, and Vera; uncle Dr. Domokos Ger˝o (Dr. Eszter Simon) and cousins Anna and Blanka; and numerous loving relatives, friends, classmates, scouts, and their parents and teachers in the U.S. and in Hungary. Luca is preceded in death by her grand- father, László Pigniczky. A standing room only memorial service for Luca was held at Saint Mary’s College Chapel on Dec. 9. THE ORINDA NEWS n JANUARY 2019 n 11 SCHOOLS

National Charity League Supports SCHOOL CALENDAR JANUARY Monument Crisis Center 1-4 All Schools. No School -Winter Break 4 Holden High School, New Student Orientation 7 Miramonte High School, 6 p.m. Sports Boosters’ meeting 8 Miramonte High School, 7:30 p.m. Freshman Parent Group 9 Holden High School, Alumni Panel - Rejection Day Field Trip 11 Wagner Ranch Elementary School, PC Executive Board Meeting 14 Miramonte High School, 1st Semester Finals Orinda Union School District, 6 p.m. Board Meeting 15 Miramonte High School, 7:30 p.m. Sophomore Parent Group 16 Orinda Academy, 6:30 p.m. College Night Acalanes Union High School District, 7 p.m., Board Meeting, Miramonte High School 17 Miramonte High School, 7 p.m. Drama Showcase open to the public and free of charge. Come see Miramonte Drama students showcase their final exam projects. Wagner Ranch Elementary School, Site Council Meeting 18 Miramonte High School, No School - Staff Development Day 21 All Schools. No School. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day 22 Miramonte High School, 7:30 p.m. Junior Parent Group 23 Holden High School, Graduation 24 Glorietta Elementary School, Coordinating Council Meetings Sleepy Hollow Elementary School, School Site Council Meeting 29 Del Rey Elementary School, 9 a.m. Grades 1-4: Author visit Miramonte High School, 7:30 p.m. Senior Parent Group

Send calendar items to Jill Gelster at [email protected]

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO Over 100 Ticktockers from the Lamorinda Chapter of National Charity League (NCL) came together on Sunday, December 2 for their annual Holiday Giving event in support of Monument Crisis Center. The young women assembled 85 large boxes of non-perishable food, 400 toiletry bags for teens and 18 fleece blankets. Members of the Lamorinda NCL chapter graciously donated all of the thousands of items that filled the food box and toiletry bag donations for Monument Crisis Center. Miramonte Boosters Launch New Sponsorship Program

his year the Miramonte Boosters Club representatives point to the organiza- TClub is introducing a new sponsor- tion’s many achievements and the result- ship program and reaching out to local ing benefit to Miramonte’s sports teams, businesses to invite them to participate. In crediting the hard work of their volunteers return for a sponsorship, the Boosters Club for those contributions. will list a business as a key supporter on Miramonte High School was founded in their website and in all club communica- 1955 and sports have played an important tions. In addition, a participating business role in the student experience ever since. will receive a “Proud Supporter” window There are over 25 teams at Miramonte and cling to display at their storefront. The cost nearly 800 students play at least one sport of an annual business sponsorship is $500. each year. Miramonte receives very little The Miramonte Boosters Club is a non- funding from the district for their athletic profit organization that helps support the program so the school relies heavily on needs of every Miramonte sports team by donations from parents, alumni and com- purchasing equipment and large capital munity members and the support of orga- items such as sound systems, bleachers, nizations like the Booster Club. weights and scoreboards. In addition, the For more information on the Booster club funds an athletic trainer to help ensure Club’s business sponsorship program, the safety of the athletes and a strength please visit: www.miramonteboostersclub. coach to develop and monitor workouts. com/business. 12 n THE ORINDA NEWS n JANUARY 2019 BOOKS Between the Lines True Stories by Real People. Memoir Suggestions from Orinda Books.

Janine de Boisblanc, Orinda Books

eading a great memoir is like listening profile ABC television executive Ed Sche- Rto a friend share hopes and dreams. At rick, along with her three brothers, survived best, we go on a journey, learning about living in a household teeming with control obstacles in life and how they changed the in which their mother forced a liquid diet author. At their very best, the second we regimen upon them. It’s a powerful story of put the memoir down we tell all our friends survival and transformation, which is not an they have to read it. easy route for O’Brien. She is a gorgeous Celebrity memoirs have always been writer with sentences that light up even the popular, and Sally Field’s In Pieces pulled darkest of moments, page after page. me in immediately. Her storytelling is Dani Shapiro is a master memoirist, direct, warm and honest. She gives the continually exploring vast themes from reader a backstage pass into the world of the perspective of a grounded observer. CONTRIBUTED PHOTOS film and television, where she developed Her newest work, Inheritance: A Memoir Two memoir suggestions from Orinda Books: Karl Ove Knausgaard’s Winter and Sally Field’s In Pieces. savvy, humility and grace. Just like her of Genealogy, Paternity and Love reads at famous Academy Award speech, You like top speed when Shapiro discovers (through Hold: An American Journey is a hybrid of Orinda Books, we keep in the Inspiration me, right now, you like me, you will not only Ancestry.com!), that her origin story is memoir and current affairs, skillfully blend- section. Corrigan’s laugh-out-loud funny like getting to know Field, you’ll admire much different than the story her parents ing the Senator’s personal story, beginning when writing about family life and she’s her sharp-witted perseverance even more. told her. Inheritance makes you want to with her early life in Oakland through candid about her struggles with pain and Another memoir set against the back- jump to the end to see if she’s able to get the her current work in the Senate, all while grief. It’s the perfect book for a wide audi- drop of film and television is Christine S. answers she desperately needs to integrate encouraging us as readers to consider our ence and fitting for many occasions. O’Brien’s debut Crave: A Memoir of Food her new identity. own opportunities for activism and leader- Noteworthy new paperbacks: Sticky Fin- and Longing. O’Brien, daughter of high- Senator Kamala Harris’ The Truths We ship. We, too, can be vigilant in pursuit of gers: The Life and Times of Jann Wenner our own truths. and Rolling Stone Magazine by Joe Hagan I recently discovered Karl Ove Knaus- (controversial unauthorized biography). gaard’s four-part essay series which begins Happiness: A Memoir: The Crooked with Autumn and ends with the newly re- Little Road to Semi-Ever After by Heather leased Winter. His short autobiographical Harpham (beautiful story of parenthood essays contemplate the mundane and bat under the harshest of circumstances). around fanciful abstractions—all in the Enjoy a memoir in the new year! name of cataloguing the world before his baby’s arrival. Knausgaard writes letters addressed to his Unborn Daughter and they are dazzling—simultaneously heartwarm- Mardi Gras Gala Feb. 23 ing and heartbreaking. If you’re looking for an edgy book (also ave the date to attend a fun-filled set against the backdrop of Hollywood), Sevening including a delicious I recommend Jill Soloway’s memoir She French meal, live music and fantastic Wants It. When Soloway, a successful tele- auction items all vision showrunner, learns that her father is benefiting research transgender, her family must adjust to the leading to a cure new normal. To cope, understand and give for Crohn’s Dis- voice to the transgender community, Solo- ease. way created the award-winning television For more in- show Transparent. Entertainment mirroring formation, go to life makes for a gripping read. www.propelacure. Tell Me More And 11 Other Important org/events. Things I’m Learning To Say by Kelly Cor- rigan is a collection of essays that here at THE ORINDA NEWS n JANUARY 2019 n 13 LIBRARY GALLERY Three Painters Usher in the New Year at the Orinda Library Gallery

By ELANA O’LOSKEY showing, “Now and Then,” is just that – Staff Writer current work mixed in with earlier work. “It’s an example of when the ‘C’ word he Lamorinda Arts Council is proud – change – can be a good thing,” quips Tto present the paintings of Francesca McCauley. Expect portraiture, still lifes Saveri, Pam McCauley and Joan Yao during and more. She wants to share the feel- the month of January at the Art Gallery in ings she tries to capture when painting the Orinda Library. The first three lines of a person or even an orange and wants to Bei Dao’s poem “New Year” read: “a child convey that feeling to the viewer. This carrying flowers walks toward the new year may take a little imagination for viewers. / a conductor tattooing darkness / listens to McCauley reminds us about Einstein’s the shortest pause” (1-3). endorsement of imagination: “The true The exhibiting artists ask you to take sign of intelligence is not knowledge but these lines as an invitation to treat January imagination.” with the innocence it deserves by gazing The title for her 36” x 36” oil painting on at an entire gallery of their paintings. To gesso board, A Thousand Words, befits the encourage your enjoyment of the artwork, enigmatic expression on the subject’s face. light refreshments will be served at their Indeed, either too few or too many words artist reception on Sun., Jan. 6, from 2:30 come to mind when viewing it. She always to 4:30 p.m. paints from actual scenes and people. Visit Artist Francesca Saveri is a native Cali- www.pammccauley.com for more of her fornian and divides her time between Studio artwork. To find out more about Main Street Wildcat in Berkeley and Salvador, Brazil. Art, go to www.mainstreetarts.net. She is showing 20 abstract paintings, all Joan Yao of Moraga, a native of Shang- done with encaustics which she describes hai, came to America in 1980. As a young as “a delicious mixture of beeswax, damar artist in Shanghai, she studied calligraphy resin and raw pigment.” and Chinese brush painting with sev- Damar resin is a natural tree resin ex- eral prestigious masters. After arriving in tracted from the Southeast Asian Damar America, she built a life with her husband CONTRIBUTED PHOTO Artist Francesca Saveri used a mixture of beeswax, resin and pigment to create vivid colors in her Pine tree. It is used for hardening beeswax TJ and their son Andrew. “I feel called to encaustic painting on panel Bay of All Saints, on display in the Library Gallery. and raising its melting temperature for show Chinese culture and traditional art use in encaustic applications. It allows to people in America. Traditional Chinese wax to be buffed to a higher, more trans- Brush Painting (TCBP) uses techniques lucent sheen and helps prevent bloom- and principles that are not part of Western ing (clouding on the surface). Bay of All art,” explains Yao. Saints (a 36” x 36” encaustic painting on A TCBP teacher at the Contra Costa panel) invites you to dive into a pool of Chinese School at Diablo Valley College color. (DVC) for the last 19 years, she feels that Recently she was interviewed as part of her own work displays techniques she Voyage LA’s “Thought Provoker Series,” learned from Master Chang Dai-Chien and she has exhibited in the SF Bay Area, (1899-1983) and others. Master Chien was New York, New Jersey, New Mexico and reputed to be the most renowned Chinese more. “I don’t think we value color enough; brush painter and calligrapher in five gen- it can be nourishment. I threw away all my erations. black clothing and don’t use black in my The 40 artworks on display are all re- paintings. Color is another tool for well- lated to nature and exemplify the grace being,” enthuses Saveri. She challenges us and power she imbues in the genre. This to put on a pair of red pants to see if our unique Chinese tradition challenges the conversations with people change based on painter to work from the inside out – always color. Go to www.francescasaveri.com to painting the ‘spirit’ of the subject first – learn more about her artwork. never a photograph. Viewing these lyrical Pam McCauley of Lafayette grew up works becomes a meditative experience, in a home filled with art because both her drawing the viewer into the heart of the mom and uncle were painters. A graduate of paintings. Occidental College with a BA in Fine Arts, Nature’s Harmony, an 11.5” x 17.5” she taught art in the Los Angeles school [SEE GALLERY page 16] system before she had children. McCauley is a board member of the Lamorinda Arts Alliance, part owner of Main Street Arts in Martinez and exhibits extensively around the SF Bay Area. Her theme for the dozen works she is 14 n THE ORINDA NEWS n JANUARY 2019 PERFORMING ARTS / FILM

Cal Shakes Selected as Recipient of The Reel Less Traveled Prestigious Hewlett 50 Arts Commission

alifornia Shakespeare Theater (Cal Director Eric Ting. “Since the launch of First in a Series (Collect ‘em Shakes) announced it has been se- Cal Shakes’ New Classics Initiative (NCI) all!) C Tom Westlake lected as a recipient of a Hewlett 50 Arts with Marcus Gardley’s black odyssey in Commission, a program of the William 2017, we’ve sought to elevate classic works and Flora Hewlett Foundation. Cal Shakes through the voices of writers living.” is among a group of 10 Bay Area-based The money will be used to commission non-profit organizations that will receive Gardley to write A Thousand Ships, based am writing this column very softly so as are making absolutely sure you don’t miss $150,000 to create important and unique on the women of the Richmond Shipyards. Inot to exacerbate the hangover you might what they have to offer this month. In an work that facilitates discussions around the “To have the opportunity to create anoth- be feeling this beginning of the New Year. unprecedented move, their chosen film will most pressing local issues. er play with Cal Shakes and to tell another There’s a paucity of news on the film front, have a one week run in both the Orinda and “We are thrilled to have been selected Bay Area story is truly an incredible gift,” but what we have is all good. Rheem theatres. Though solid dates are not for this significant and meaningful com- says Gardley. “I do not take it lightly.” I am delighted that The Moraga Movers yet available, I cannot stress how important mission,” commented Cal Shakes Artistic With A Thousand Ships, Gardley returns is back! For too long, this organization has is will be to keep tabs on what is going on to a subject he first explored more than a been absent from the cinematic landscape. with the IFS by checking in frequently at decade ago in This World in a Woman’s Its selection of films has always been top- http://internationalshowcase.org/. Hands, the lives of the women like his two notch and, for me at least, informative. In This month, they will be featuring great-grandmothers who came to the Bay an age where only the newest and latest get Becoming Astrid, the true story of Astrid Area during World War II to work in the attention, it is gratifying indeed to see older Lindgren, the author of such famous chil- Richmond Shipyards. Eager to revisit these films get screen time. After all, where do dren’s classics as The Children of Noisy “Rosie the Riveters” and their stories, he you think some of that which we now take Village, The Brothers Lionheart and, most plans to integrate their friendships, trag- for granted comes from, more often than famously, Pippi Longstocking. Represented edies, loves and enduring spirit into a larger not in a purer form? here as a wild free spirit, Lindgren gets narrative of the region’s history, fused with This month, in particular, you will have depicted as someone whose very unconven- Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night. the opportunity to see an original that tionality places her at the heart of a personal A Thousand Ships will explore themes you might not have known even existed. I scandal that throws her life into a chaotic of migration, community and the notion of speak of A Star is Born – the 1937 version! holding pattern of sorts. Forced to make a making home and family among strangers Starring Janet Gaynor and Fredric March. heart-rending decision, she finds herself in a new land. Along with choreography, This is the one that started it all. In view- shamed and filled with self-loathing. What media design and special effects, the music ing it, you have a chance to watch history. follows calls to mind the concept of what of the period such as Ella Fitzgerald, the You think you know this show-biz story? to do when given a bunch of lemons. The Andrew Sisters, and blues and folk songs Think again. The later versions may have lemonade that results is quenching. The [SEE CAL SHAKES page 15] more notable music and flashier produc- one to watch here in this 2018 Swedish tion values, but here you’ll be able to see film would be Alba August. In the title role, something closer to the source. This is she dominates the film and fully fleshes out the one that you should compare with all the character she plays. It will be here in others. Also featuring such luminaries as the Lamorinda community for two weeks: Adolphe Menjou and Andy Devine, it will one week at the Orinda and the next at the show at the Rheem on Jan. 9 at 4 p.m. For Rheem. Check out the IFS website and/or updated information, be sure to go to http:// the Lamorinda theatre website mentioned lamorindatheatres.com/. above for details as the showing gets near. Another welcome staple of the Lamor- January is, of course, a dark month. Fit- inda community is the International Film ting then that I suggest you stay in the dark Showcase (IFS). This time Jo Alice and Efi for that’s where the reel magic lies.

t SENIORS from page 2 crown. With the guests now properly adorned, Harwood led a sing-along of old to learn more about the program and how favorites like “Five Foot Two, Eyes Of it has grown in recent years – in 2018, the Blue” and “Ain’t She Sweet.” program’s staff coordinated over 1,200 As the event came to a close, SAT riders rides for Orinda’s seniors. and drivers were able to rest their voices SAT staff member Pamela Manning and enjoy a holiday concert by the Mira- handed out “Chrismas crackers” with help monte Choir. The vocal group impressed from the Mindful Littles. The cardboard the crowd with acapella versions of holi- tubes were wrapped in festive paper to day classics, including “Hark The Herald look like large candies and are a popular Angels Sing” and a delightful rendition of tradition in the UK where Manning grew “The Grinch” featuring Miramonte student up. She instructed guests on how to work Aaron Collins that was memorably faithful together to pull them open and make to the original. A merry time was had by them pop, revealing a prize and paper all! THE ORINDA NEWS n JANUARY 2019 n 15 AUTHOR

Local Author Chronicles Experiences in Medical Services in Iraq in New Book

By KATHRYN G. MCCARTY ceptions people had of the war and wanted 2nd Medical Brigade and subordinate units Staff Writer to write about the experience. The book was who cared for the injured in the Iraqi War. “something that nobody, not even I, really While researching his book, Donnelly rinda Rotary Club President John wanted to read, and I abandoned that effort discovered different perspectives others in ODonnelly, Ph.D., has led many mis- very quickly.” his unit had. Some experiences were new to sions in life. Donnelly is president of Glob- even him. “I feel like I have told a story that al Healing, a Berkeley nonprofit that works nobody would have heard about otherwise.” to improve standards of medical care in low “Everyone there worked Center of Mercy: Caring for the Wound- resource countries. He has more than 25 hard, every day, to take ed in Operation Iraqi is available in both years experience in vaccine research and paperback and kindle form on Amazon. development. He served as interim direc- care of our soldiers and tor of the Vaccine Development Global reduce the pain of war. Program at a leading NGO specializing in global health innovation. Sometimes they got of- A retired U.S. Army Reserve Brigadier General, Donnelly began his military ca- ficial recognition, but a reer in 1984 when he was commissioned lot of their work just fad- as First Lieutenant in the Medical Service Corps. In 1987, he served as Commander ed into the background,” of the 379th Medical Detachment which says John Donnelly. was mobilized for Operation Desert Shield and deployed to Saudi Arabia in December 1990. He served for 30 years as an officer, CONTRIBUTED PHOTO Donnelly did not return to his story until John Donnelly’s new book, Center of Mercy, with deployments to Saudi Arabia and recounts his experiences in Iraq. 10 years later when he realized his own Iraq and has written a book about his Iraq recollections were fading. Donnelly’s hope experiences Center of Mercy: Caring for with anyone before. “It felt good to be able is that his book demonstrates the challenges the Wounded in Operation Iraqi Freedom. to shape them into a coherent narrative,” and rewards of life in a part of Operation The proceeds from its sales will benefit he adds. Iraqi Freedom, while documenting the the USO. In writing the book, Donnelley enjoyed efforts of some of the 3,600 people in the Donnelly says the experience of writing recognizing the contributions of his fellow the book stirred up a lot of emotions, both soldiers. “Everyone there worked hard, happy and sad. “When I was writing, I had every day, to take care of our soldiers and the feeling of actually being back there reduce the pain of war. Sometimes they got again. Sometimes, it took me a while to official recognition, but a lot of their work complete the journey back to the present just faded into the background.” day after a writing session.” After his yearlong tour of duty in Iraq, He had never shared some of the stories Donnelly found himself amazed at the per-

t CAL SHAKES from page 14 OUSD Kinder/TK will be integral to evoking the world of Registration in February the shipyards. The play will also spotlight the Bay Area’s role in gospel music. The ransitional Kindergarten and Kin- project reunites key artistic collaborators Tdergarten registration for children from both black odyssey and This World in entering an Orinda public school in a Woman’s Hands, Linda Tillery and Molly August 2019 will be open Feb. 4 – 7. Holm, to create a vocal score that weaves On those dates, parents can register their this musical heritage into the story’s tell- child online at www.orindaschools.org ing. A Thousand Ships is slated to premiere or can register in person at their child’s at Cal Shakes’ Bruns Amphitheater as part school site between 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. of the 2021 season. Kindergarten students must be at For more information, go to www. least five years of age on or before Sep- calshakes.org. tember 1, 2019. A child is eligible for – Sally Hogarty, Editor Transitional Kindergarten if their fifth birthday is between Sept. 2, 2019 and Dec. 2, 2019. Additional information regarding registration is available at the district website: www.orindaschools.org. 16 n THE ORINDA NEWS n JANUARY 2019 CLASSIFIEDS t FESTIVAL from page 10 Tom Tamura, the executive director of the Contra Costa Crisis Center, the second ben- AAUW-Orinda-Moraga-Lafayette and Patti Camras. The upbeat playlist re- eficiary designated by OWC, painted the verberated throughout the banquet room as broad strokes of his organization’s mission: Hosts Talk on STEM for Girls Junoesque models sashayed up and down “The mission of the Contra Costa Crisis n Jan. 15, the Orinda-Moraga-Lafay- opportunity to learn about other AAUW the catwalk in the latest fashions. Male Center is to keep people alive and safe, help Oette branch of the American Associa- programs geared toward the next generation models wearing men’s fashions provided by them through crises, and provide or connect tion of University Women (AAUW-OML) of innovators. Scott Lyall Clothes for Men at Riverfront them with culturally relevant resources in will host Bunmi Esho, California executive The STEAM (science, technology, in Napa and Clothes for Men in Sonoma the community. By providing crisis and director of Techbridge Girls, who will engineering, arts, mathematics) Confer- closed out the fashion show. suicide prevention, grief counseling, and speak on how to prepare girls for a career in ence for middle school girls is March 23 NAMI Contra Costa is the first beneficia- 211 information and referral services, our STEM (science, technology, engineering, at Saint Mary’s College and AAUW’s ry named for this fundraiser. NAMI’s mis- critical work ensures that Contra Costa mathematics). The event will take place Tech Trek Camp for seventh grade girls sion statement views its goal as providing women and their families have the support at the Lafayette Library Community Hall will be held in Summer 2019 at Stanford support, outreach, education and advocacy they need to live, grow and thrive in the face from 6:30-8 p.m. University. to individuals living with and families af- of immense challenges such as trauma, loss, Techbridge Girls is a nonprofit launched Young women graduating from Lam- fected by mental illness. Gigi R. Crowder, depression, poverty or illness.” in 2000 with the goal of educating and orinda public high schools can apply for executive administrator, says, “NAMI Con- Tamura also spoke directly to how fund- equipping girls from low-income commu- AAUW-OML college scholarships and tra Costa is thrilled to be selected as one of ing from this event will make a difference: nities with high-quality STEM programs Saint Mary’s College undergraduates can the beneficiaries of the OWC spectacular “With the generous donation from the that empower them to achieve economic apply for scholarships to attend AAUW’s Festival of Trees Fundraising event.” Orinda Woman’s Club, we will expand our freedom. The organization also works to National Conference for College Women She continues, “Since all our services outreach and training in the community, support educators with training and STEM Student Leaders in May of this year. are offered free of charge and NAMI CC’s while also strengthening our grief and post- resources. Admission to the speaking event is free mission is to support, educate and advo- vention programs which mobilize a team of Representatives for Techbridge Girls and open to the public. Parents and teach- cate, any funds we receive will be used to our staff and volunteers to any school in the note that, “It is hard to overestimate the ers of girls interested in a STEM career are implement a NAMI Signature educational county in response to suicide and other un- need for programs that help girls foster encouraged to attend. program, ‘Ending the Silence.’ This im- expected, traumatic loss of life.” For more a love for science and technology. Given AAUW is a nonprofit organization of portant program is for young people and information visit www.crisis-center.org. the barriers and challenges, it is critical to more than 170,000 members nation-wide designed to promote healthy conversation OWC President Caroline Callaway ex- provide support to girls in the steps they seeking to empower women and girls about recognizing and offering support to pressed her gratitude for the many volun- need to reach a STEM career.” Esho, who through research, education and advocacy. peers experiencing signs of depression. Our teers who made the afternoon so enjoyable calls herself “an eternal STEM advocate” For more information, visit AAUW- goal at NAMI CC is to reduce suicide rates and for the generosity of all the guests who and has a background in science education OML’s website at: https://oml-ca.aauw.net/ for youth here in Contra Costa County.” attended. For more information about the and hands-on learning, plans to address or email Marty Schimbor at mgschimbor@ For more information, visit www.nami- Orinda Woman’s Club, go to www.orinda- these steps in her lecture. comcast.net. contracosta.org. womansclub.org. The event will also give attendees the – Lynn Kalmar, Assistant Editor

you can get people to stop for just a mo- from page 13 t GARDENS from page 8 t GALLERY ment to look at art, it transports them to traditional Chinese watercolor on rice somewhere else.” Yao explains what she is to ancient Egypt and the common grape paper, depicts the synergistic relation- contributing as a teacher of Chinese brush vine (Vitis vinifera) to the Neolithic period. ship between the avian world, flora painting: “There must be a thirst in the The Julia Morgan Hall (Hall), part of the and other creatures. To explore Yao’s Chinese-American community to learn the Julia Morgan Building (circa 1911) was classes at Contra Costa Chinese School, techniques I was taught from prestigious moved to the site in 2014. It is a Berkeley part of DVC in Pleasant Hill, go to artists in China. Otherwise, I wouldn’t Landmark, listed on the National Historical www.cococs.org. have multiple classes with 80 students, Registry, and also recently received a 2015 As to the importance of art in the com- aged 5 to 94. Along with this kind of teach- “Preservation Award” from the Berkeley munity, Saveri says, “I love exhibiting in ing comes tranquility and peacefulness of Architectural Heritage Association. Be- this community because when I read The spirit.” cause the Hall overlooks the broad vista Orinda News I can see how youth and art Visit the gallery at 26 Orinda Way during of lush greenery from the Garden’s native are supported. This allows people to grow normal library hours – Monday through plant collection, exhibiting botanical art and change.” McCauley points out that “If Thursday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Friday and inside the Hall seems apt. Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Sunday, The UC Berkeley Botanical Garden is 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. The library is closed on located at 200 Centennial Drive, Berkeley. Jan.1, New Year’s Day and Jan. 21, Dr. Go to www.botanicalgarden.berkeley. ...classified ads CONTRIBUTED PHOTO Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Call 925- edu for more information. The Gar - Sally Petru’s Papyrus – Cyperus papyrus,” a 15” Help Wanted 254-2184 for more information or visit den is closed Mon., Jan. 21 and Tues., x 37” watercolor, features the reed-like plant used http://ccclib.org. Feb. 5. for paper-making by ancient civilizations. Get First Look at Incoming Book Donations. Sort books with Friends of the Orinda Library 254-1358. 2019 The City of Orinda seeks a responsible, courte- ous individual for a part-time parking and traffic Publication Schedule Orinda News classified ads ... specialist position. Visit www.cityoforinda.org for Issue Deadline a full description and how to apply. An excellent February 2019 January 8, 2019 Your ad in The Orinda News reaches 9,000 households and businesses in Orinda! opportunity for a local resident or student. March 2019 February 8, 2019 Household Service Ad rates are $5 per Total Clean. Serving Lamorinda homes since 1985. Insured and bonded employees. 376-1004. line - $10 minimum There are 32 spaces per line. Count each letter, punctuation mark, and space between words. Professional Services Categories Name ______Category ______Chemistry Tutor in Orinda Contact Kendall Sandy, PhD at 925-255-3233. • For Sale Address ______Number of Lines ______Spousal Grief Support Group in Orinda Contact: Cars Elizabeth Rae Walker, MFT 31203 at 510-325- Musical Instruments City ______Zip ______Phone ______Email ______6060. Sports Equipment Write your ad in the boxes below with one letter, space or punctuation mark in each box. Cost is Services Miscellaneous $5 per line: $10 minimum. • Help Wanted Christmas Lights taken down. Charles 925- 254-5533 • Household Services Caregivers Rain Gutter Cleaning. Roof Cleaning, overhanging branches trimmed. Charles (h) 925-254-5533 or Domestics (c) 925-528-9385 House-Sitting • Instruction Wanted Music Lessons Tutors I buy 1950’s Furniture. Danish modern, Herman Miller, Knoll wanted. 1 item or entire estate! Call Miscellaneous Rick at 510-219-9644. Courteous house calls. • Pets The Senior Bridge Group is looking for players! • Pet Care Games take place on Thursday afternoons in the • Rentals Community Center. Call Gretchen Dabel for details • Services Enclose your check payable to The Orinda Association and mail to Orinda News, P.O. Box 97, Orinda, at 925-254-5532. • Vacation Rentals/ CA 94563. We reserve the right to reject any ad. Classified ads must be prepaid. Your cancelled check is Unwanted Eye Glasses are collected for Lions Home Exchanges your receipt. Club at The Orinda Association office, 26 Orinda • Wanted Way, Orinda. THE ORINDA NEWS n JANUARY 2019 n 17 CALENDAR

Executive Director of Techbridge Girls, who will speak on how to prepare girls for a career in STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics). Lafayette Library Community ON THE CALENDAR Hall. See article p. 16. JANUARY Diablo Star Chapter #214, Order of the Eastern Star. Second Monday, 7:30 p.m. 9 Altarinda 3 Orinda Books, 10 - 11 a.m. Story Time with Cathy G. Join Cathy for a lively hour of books and Road, Orinda Masonic Center, Karen Seaborn, 925-689-0995. fun for kids of all ages. Also, Jan. 10, 17, 24 and 31.* Friends of the Joaquin Moraga Adobe. Third Monday, 7:30 p.m., Garden Room, Orinda Li- 4 First Friday Forum, 1:30 p.m. “The Future of Hospitals,” in the Sanctuary of Lafayette- brary, www.moragaadobe.org. Orinda Presbyterian Church, 49 Knox Drive, Lafayette. See article p. 19. Friends of the Orinda Creeks. Fourth Wednesday, 5 p.m., May Room, Orinda Library, 510- 6 Art Gallery at the Orinda Library, 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. Three Painters Usher in the New 919-4765. Year. Light refreshments will be served at their artist reception. See article p. 13. Guided Meditation. Wednesdays, 9 a.m. St. Mark’s United Methodist Church, 451 Moraga Way, 7 Orinda Books, 2 p.m. The Poetry Circle will read and discussEye Level by Jennie Xie. They meet Orinda, focuses on health, harmony and wholeness, 925-254-5965. monthly at Orinda Books and welcome anyone interested in poetry. Lamorinda Alcohol Policy Coalition. Third Wednesday, 10 a.m., Orinda City Hall, Sarge 8 Mindful Littles, 1:30 p.m. Team up with our Special Friends at Las Trampas to help prepare Littlehale Room, 925-687-8844, ext. 227. around 200 blankets for Trevor’s Eagle Project Foundation. These blankets will be finished Lamorinda Meditation Community. Mondays and Thursdays, 10:30 a.m., Career Wisdom’s by local Scouts and donated to Children’s Hospitals to help keep their patients warm this Institute, 1036 Country Club Drive, Moraga. All levels and philosophies welcome! $5 dona- winter. Las Trampas, 3460 Lana Lane, Lafayette. Register at www.flipcause.com/secure/ tion for the use of our beautiful space. Contact Gaby for more details: [email protected]. event_step2/NDYyNjg=/37314. Lamorinda Nature Walk and Bird Watching for seniors. Wednesdays, 9 a.m., free. Call 925- 9 Moraga Movers Classic Movie Day, 4 p.m. A Star is Born (1937) starring Janet Gaynor 254-2445 for weekly meeting place. and Frederic March, Rheem Theatre. Lamorinda Republican Women Federated. Third Thursday every month. For more informa- Orinda Books, 3 p.m. The 2nd Wednesday Book Group will read and discuss Pachinko by tion www.facebook.com/Lamorinda-Republican-Women-Federated-136134033113066 Min Jin Lee. They meet monthly at Orinda Books and welcome new members.* or www.lamorindarepublicanwomen.org. Contact Elsie Euing at [email protected] or 10 Orinda Books, 6 p.m. Katya Cengel will introduce and discuss her timely book,Exiled: From the 925-254-8614. Killing Fields of Cambodia to California and Back—a book that confronts resettlement in the U.S. Lamorinda Sirs for retired men. Second Wednesday, 11 a.m. Holy Trinity Cultural Center, 1700 and subsequent possible deportation.* School St., Moraga, Pete Giers, 925-254-4667. Orinda Theatre, 6:30 p.m. Free Movie Night, Orinda Theatre, lamorindatheatres.com. Lamorinda Sunrise Rotary. Breakfast, Fridays, 7 a.m. at The Lafayette Park Hotel & Spa, 328 12 Mindful Littles, 10:30 a.m. Kindness Book Club. Orinda Library (Garden Room), 26 Orinda Mt. Diablo Blvd., Lafayette, www.lamorindasunrise.com or [email protected]. Way. Register at www.flipcause.com/secure/cause_pdetails/NDMwMDU=. Lamorinda Toastmasters. Every Tuesday, 7:30 p.m., Temple Isaiah, 945 Risa Road, Lafayette. 18 UC Berkeley Botanical Garden’s 10th Annual Plants Illustrated Exhibit: Celebrating http://lamorinda.toastmastersclubs.org. Ethnobotany showcasing botanical art featuring Orinda artists. Through Feb. 6. 200 Centen- Meditative Gentle Yoga. Mondays and Thursdays, 9 a.m. at St. Mark’s United Methodist Church, nial Drive, Berkeley. For more information www.botanicalgarden.berkeley.edu. See article 451 Moraga Way. All levels are welcome! Also Tuesday and Friday 6 p.m. $5 donation. For p. 8. more details, contact [email protected]. 15 The World Affairs Book Group, 3 p.m. will discuss TROPIC OF CHAOS, Climate Change Montelindo Garden Club Third Friday, 9:30 a.m., September through May. The Lafayette and the New Geography of Violence, by Christian Parenti. The discussion will be led by Library and Learning Center, Community Hall, 3491 Mt. Diablo Blvd., Lafayette. www. Rob Strong. Orinda Books.* montelindogarden.com. Jan. 18, Presentation: Pruning Tips, Speaker: Scott Paris owner 23 Orinda Books, 2 p.m. The Random Readers will read and discussBeneath a Scarlet Sky by Mark of Maple Rock Gardens, a landscaping gem and year-round farm which is opened to the Sullivan. They meet monthly at Orinda Books and welcome new members.* public a few times a year. 24 Orinda Books, 11 a.m. Maria’s Book Group will read and discuss Edgar and Lucy by Victor Orinda Association. Second Monday, 7 p.m., Orinda Library, May Room, 925-254-0800. Lodato. They meet monthly at Orinda Books and welcome new members.* Orinda Garden Club, 315 Camino Sobrante, Orinda 925-257-0668, www.orindagc.org. 25 Women of Spirit Gathering, 7 p.m. Women seeking connection, shared learning and growth Orinda Hiking Club. Every weekend and first Wednesday, www.orindahiking.org or Ian at with other women of diverse faith traditions. Inspiring speakers, discussion at table groups. 925-254-1465. We are not affiliated with any religious institution, and are open to all. For more information, Orinda Historical Society. Call 925-254-1353 for times and location of meetings. see www.facebook.com/womenofspiritlamorinda. Orinda Job’s Daughters. First and third Monday, 7 p.m., 9 Altarinda Road, 925-283-7176. 26 Orinda Books, 4 p.m. YARC (Young Adult Reading Critic meeting).* Orinda Junior Women’s Club Community service group. First Tuesday, September through 27 Live Poets Society, 1-3 p.m. Monthly Readers Series with Poet Laureate Amy Glynn, featuring June, 7 p.m., www.orindajuniors.org. Dani Gabriel, Jeremy Jensen and Lisa Rosenberg. Orinda Books.* Orinda Masonic Lodge #122 F&AM. First Thursday every month, except holidays. Family * Orinda Books is located at 276 Village Square, Orinda, [email protected], 925-254-7606. Dinner at 6:30 p.m., meeting at 8 p.m., at 9 Altarinda Road, Orinda Masonic Center. 925- 254-5211, www.orindalodge.org. AT THE LIBRARY Orinda Rotary. Every Wednesday, noon, Orinda Community Center, 28 Orinda Way, 925-254- All events are free unless otherwise specified. For more information, call 925-254-2184 or visit 2222, www.orindarotary.org. www.ccclib.org/locations/Orinda.html. The Library will be closed on Jan. 1 for New Year’s Orinda Satellite Rotary Club. Second Wed. of month. Call Sylvia at 510-224-8548. and on Jan. 21 for MLK Jr. Day. Orinda/Tábor (Czech Republic) Sister City Foundation. Fourth Thursday, 7 p.m., social, 7:30 2 Toddler Stay and Play. 10- 11 a.m. Enjoy gentle play in the Gallery Room. p.m., meeting. For more information 925-254-8260. 3 Yappy New Year! A Paws to Read Open House. 3 - 4 p.m. in the Gallery Room. Unwind Orinda Teen Advisory Council. Second Wednesday, 4 p.m., Community Center, 28 Orinda from holiday stress with our certified therapy dogs. You can read a story to them or make a Way, email [email protected]. craft. Geared for ages 5 to 12. No reservations necessary. Sponsored by the Friends of the Orinda Woman’s Club. Second Tuesday, 9:30 a.m., call Jean Barnhart, 925-254-3881, or www. Orinda Library orindawomansclub.org. 7 Maker Monday. 2:30 - 3:30 p.m. Whether it’s Legos, a craft, or Minecraft, something is Sons in Retirement Lamorinda Branch 174. Second Wednesday, 11 a.m. lunch. Holy Trinity always happening on Monday. Suitable for elementary school children. Also, Jan. 14, and Culture Center 1700 School Street, Moraga. We are a social organization of retired and 28. semi-retired men who enjoy our leisure time with friends and activities. For info., call Tyler 8 Toddler Storytime. 10 a.m., repeats at 10:30 a.m. Stories and songs for 1 to 3 year olds and at 925-963-5741, www.branch174.sirinc2.org. their caregivers. Drop in, but please do not attend more than one storytime a week. Also Jan. 9, 15, 16, 22, 23, 29, 30. CITY/FIRE/MEETING SCHEDULE Baby Storytime. 11:30 a.m. - noon. Lapsit storytime for newborns & pre-walkers (0 to City Council. First and third Tuesdays, 7 p.m., Library Auditorium, www.cityoforinda.org. roughly 18 months) and their caregivers. Early literacy advice. Families with older siblings Historic Landmarks Committee. Fourth Tuesday, 3 – 5 p.m., Library Garden Room. Call please attend Toddler Storytime. No registration required. In Gallery Room. Also, Jan. 9, 925-788-7323. 15, 16, 22, 23, 29 and 30. Moraga-Orinda Fire District. First and third Wednesday of the month, 7 p.m. Visit 10 ESL Conversation Group. Local volunteer ESL teachers lead group discussions with ESL www.mofd.org/board/meetings; meeting location will be posted on the agenda. learners. Free and open to all. Come talk and learn English with us! Library Study Room Planning Commission. Second and fourth Tuesdays, 7 p.m., Orinda Library Auditorium, www. A 1 - 2:30 p.m. Also Jan. 17, 24, 31. cityoforinda.org. 11 Mindful Littles. 10:30 a.m - noon. Join us for a special book-centered event with Mindful Send calendar items to Jill Gelster at [email protected] Littles. For families with kids ages 4-11. Please register at mindfullittles.org/upcoming events. 12 Introduction to Personal Safety. 2 - 3 p.m. This 1-hour training introduces students to IMPACT Bay Area’s approach to personal safety. For ages 12+. Space limited registration required. Sponsored by the Friends of the Orinda Library. 14 Introduction to Chinese Brush Painting. 11a.m. - 12:30 p.m. A four part series for beginners as well as intermediate learners. Art materials will be provided. Registration is required, space is limited. 16 Paws to Read. 3:30 - 4:30 p.m. Children in grades 1- 5 can practice reading skills with a friendly dog. To sign up for a session please call or visit the library. Also Jan. 24 and 30. Sponsored by the Friends of the Orinda Library. Celtic Sands: A Fireside Performance. 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. A mix of traditional Irish reels and jigs, airs and ballads, Scottish strathspeys, and even a little Celtic rock. 18 Mystery Book Club. 3 - 4:30 p.m. Join the Orinda Mystery Book Club to discuss this month’s choice: Someone Always Knows by Marcia Muller. Library Study Room A.

CLUB MEETINGS American Association of University Women (AAUW). General meetings third Tues., http:// oml-ca.aauw.net or email Marty Schimbor at [email protected]. Orinda Com- munity Church, 10 Irwin Way. Jan. 14, 6:30-8 p.m. AAUW will host Bunmi Esho, Calif. 18 n THE ORINDA NEWS n JANUARY 2019 CHAMBER OF COMMERCE / VETERANS

Chamber of Commerce Holiday Mixer Local Veterans Pay Tribute to Those Who Made the Ultimate Sacrifice

By SALLY HOGARTY wreath on the monument while Ted Parker Editor played the bugle. The ceremony ended with the Pledge of Allegiance and the playing n Dec. 15, a group of veterans from of taps. OVeterans of Foreign Wars Post 8063 “Today at more than 1,000 cemeteries both placed a wreath at the monument to fallen military and non-military, tens of thousands soldiers located at the Veteran’s Memorial of wreaths are being placed on the graves Building, 3780 Mt. Diablo Blvd., in La- of our fallen heroes,” said Isely. “We were fayette. The monument lists by name and inspired by this to place a wreath here to town each service man and woman who has honor those from Contra Costa County who

ELANA O’LOSKEY (L-R) Ally Fattore of Mechanics Bank, Chamber Executive Director Cindy Powell, Chamber City Liaison Holly Henkel, outgoing Chamber President Roy Hodgkinson, and Barbara Hodgkinson are all smiles at the Orinda Chamber of Commerce Holiday Mixer at Hilton House on Dec. 6. SALLY HOGARTY VFW Post 8063 members (L-R) Bill Lew (Lafayette), Ted Parker (Orinda), Bill Charles (Orinda), Ed Isely (Moraga) and Terry Murphy (Orinda).

died in the service of their country since have died in our country’s service since Sept. 11, 2001. the vicious attack on our nation in 2001. The ceremony began with VFW Post It is but a small token of our understand- 8063 Commander Ed Isely reading each ing and appreciation of their sacrifice. name followed by the tolling of a bell by They gave up all their holidays so that Bill Charles. After the names were read, we can have ours. We must remember Bill Lew and Terry Murphy placed the them.”

the Year award. t OCF from page 8 “There is collaboration and synergy among local nonprofits to maximize ben- Orinda. efits to our community,” Severson enthuses According to Severson, events sponsored before continuing: “OCF’s success depends by OCF affect the community in many on the generosity of our citizens. I envision ways: “OCF enhances the quality of life OCF continuing its mission to enhance in Orinda by promoting community spirit the quality of life in Orinda by fostering and providing opportunities for all ages to community spirit and citizen engagement, learn, volunteer and serve.” The Foundation building partnerships, and providing fi- partners with many organizations to benefit nancial assistance to support community the community. Among other collaborative activities, beautification and the arts long projects, OCF partners with the City of into the future.” Orinda for Orinda Action Day of Com- Donations can be made at OrindaFoun- munity Service; the Parks and Recreation dation.org, or by mailing a check to P.O. Department to provide Concerts and Mov- Box 21, Orinda, CA 94563. Other ways ies in the Park; Miramonte High School to contribute are through www.PayPal.me/ for NorCal Kids Triathlon; Lamorinda Art orindaFoundation, donations of stock, or Council for Lamorinda Idol and The Orinda designating OCF as your charity partner Association to sponsor Orinda Citizen of on Amazon Smile. THE ORINDA NEWS n JANUARY 2019 n 19 FIRST FRIDAY FORUM / FITNESS

Future of Hospitals Will Be Discussed Fitness Tip of the Month at First Friday Forum This Could Be Your Year Your fitness at the end of each year is the average of what you have done (eating and exercising). By BOBBIE DODSON As you work towards your goal, every minus negates a plus.... and the Staff Writer end result can be nothing or negative. Design a plan at the beginning of the year that you know will work First Friday Forum (FFF) opens the new and try to average mostly plus’s all year long! year on Jan. 4 with Dr. Thomas Rundall, For more information, contact Sheena with Living Lean personal training and eating for elite who will discuss “The Future of Hospitals” fitness, at 925-360-7051 or www.livingleanprogram.com. at 1:30 p.m. in the Sanctuary of Lafayette- Orinda Presbyterian Church, 49 Knox Drive, Lafayette. Refreshments will be patients to the risks of hospital acquired tus at the University of California, Berkeley. served in Fellowship Hall at 1 p.m. infections, medical errors and other types He received his B.A. and Ph.D. degrees Dr. Rundall will take on the good and of harm,” says Dr. Rundall. in sociology from Stanford University. A the bad of hospitals as he speaks on what He continues, “Hospitals are facing teacher at Cornell University in the Sloan lies ahead. “The care provided in United enormous challenges. Healthcare orga- Program of Health Services Administration States hospitals saves lives and improves nizations are increasingly investing in for four years, he then joined the faculty of the quality of life for hundreds of thou- outpatient clinics, same-day surgery cen- the School of Public Health at UC Berke- sands of patients every year. But hospitals ters, free-standing emergency rooms and ley in 1980 where he held many positions CONTRIBUTED PHOTO Dr. Thomas Rundall kicks off this year’s First are expensive to operate, and they expose micro-hospitals. Medicare and other pay- including executive associate dean of the Friday Forum lecture series. ers are incentivizing hospitals and doctors School of Public Health. to keep patients out of hospitals if at all Professor Rundall has published across a chapters. Both events provide an opportu- possible and to reduce the length of stay broad array of topics and has been awarded from page 20 t BUZZ nity to meet fellow members. At PWRG’s if they are admitted while simultaneously the Filerman Prize from the Association Lamorinda Professional Women’s Refer- recent holiday luncheon, $800 was raised pressuring hospitals to improve patient of University Programs in Health Admin- ral Group (PWRG) Founded by Holly for CASA – Court Appointed Special outcomes.” istration along with the Berkeley Citation Henkel and Ally Fattore Advocates. Dr. Rundall, however, points out that for distinguished achievement and notable A year ago Holly Henkel and Ally Fat- Lamorinda PWRG meets the first and hospitals are an important healthcare re- service to UC Berkeley. He currently serves tore were having lunch to discuss how third Thursdays of the month from 9 – source uniquely suited to care for patients on the board of directors, and is past chair they could help each other build and grow 10:15 a.m. at 51 Moraga Way, Suite 6, with complex illnesses and injuries. Given of the board for John Muir Health. their businesses through referrals. “Holly Orinda. Find out more about Lamorinda this conundrum, Dr. Rundall will address “Since health care issues appear to be shared her positive experience with PWRG, PWRG at www.pwrg.net. Contact Holly the question: How will hospitals change in at the top of the list of the public’s con- which encourages working with ‘power Henkel at 925-360-2390 or holly@holly- the face of this turbulent environment and cerns, this is a most timely topic,” adds partners,’” explains Fattore. henkel.com and Ally Fattore at 925-253- what are the keys to future success?” Nancy Holtzapple, chair of FFF. “Please It was a no-brainer for the two to take 2802 or ally_fattor [email protected]. Dr. Rundall is the Henry J. Kaiser Pro- come, and bring friends, to this free the next step and approach the PWRG fessor of Organized Health Systems Emeri- lecture.” Advisory Board to establish a Lamorinda chapter. As founding members, Henkel serves as president and Fattore as secretary/ treasurer. Currently there are 14 members; they are looking for about 10 more. A power partner is a member of the group whose business is complementary to another woman’s business. Henkel says, “For example, a realtor’s power partner PWRGProfessional Women’s Referral Group would be a mortgage broker.” Annual dues are affordable at $50 per year with quarterly dues of $25. There are chapters in Concord, CONTRIBUTED GRAPHIC Danville, Lamorinda, Pleasant Hill and Holly Henkel and Ally Fattore founded the Lamor- Walnut Creek. Each chapter has one mem- inda Professional Women’’s Referal Group. ber represented for each industry. Both agree that if you like working with women, this is the networking group for you. PWRG holds two annual luncheons for all chapters in June and December. Quarterly mixers are hosted by rotating 20 n THE ORINDA NEWS n JANUARY 2019 BUSINESS BUZZ

around town on many levels. She is a board member of the Orinda Chamber of Business Buzz Commerce, former board member of the Educational Foundation of Orinda and the Putting a Personal Face Miramonte Parents Club and chairperson for Orinda Action Day (recipients of the on Local Business 2013 William Penn Jr. Mott Environmental Elana O’Loskey award presented by The Orinda Associa- tion). Navigating first-time buyers through the home ownerships process means communi- To send items for consideration, email management services throughout Cali- cating by email and text messaging. Since O’Loskey at [email protected]. fornia since its founding in 1905. Fattore these buyers are often close to her adult admires its mission, which has always been children’s ages, she’s already developed Ally Fattore, VP/Bank Manager, to enrich the community, cultivate lasting those skills. As a volunteer for the Seniors Mechanics Bank, 77 Moraga Way relationships, and provide over-the-top per- Around Town program, she’s learned lots To say that Ally Fattore is an experienced sonal service. The Orinda branch opened in ELANA O’LOSKEY about working at the pace of seniors and banker is an understatement. She has 2008. Ally Fattore is proud of the personal service that helping them adapt to change. No stranger worked at “big box banks” as well as com- “We support the communities we serve she and the other bankers provide at Mechanics to Rossmoor, she’s had many purchases Bank, as well as the bank’s support of community munity banks in the areas of private bank- with time, talent and treasure,” says Fat- events and programs. and sales of condos and co-ops in that ing, commercial and real estate lending, and tore. Local activities and organizations MB premier active retirement community in retail banking over the last 30 years. Two supports include: Orinda Fourth of July work, Fattore applies brush to canvas and Walnut Creek. years ago she had the opportunity to work parade; Lamorinda Idol; Orinda Intermedi- paints watercolors. Stop by to meet your Outside of work and volunteering, in Orinda rather than traveling from Alamo ate School activities; Friends of the Wagner hometown banker at Mechanics Bank, 77 Henkel loves spending time several days through the Caldecott Tunnel to Oakland; Ranch Nature Area; Women Sing, The Moraga Way in Orinda. Hours are Mon. – she did not hesitate. Fattore says, “The Orinda Association, Holden High School, Thurs. 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., Fri. 9 a.m. – 6 p.m., team I work with are seasoned bankers Little Leagues, Lamorinda Arts Council, Sat. 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. You can get in touch who’ve held managerial positions at their Orinda Rotary, Seniors Around Town and by phone at 925-253-2802, 800-797-6324 prior postings; I am fortunate to work with Dancing with the Cars. The list is even or email at ally_fattore@mechanicsbank. them.” longer but suffice it to say the effect of all com. Learn more online at www.mechan- Mechanics Bank (MB) has provided this support enriches local lives and drives icsbank.com. personal and business banking, trust and local economic growth. estate services, brokerage and wealth When not working or doing volunteer Holly Henkel, Realtor at Compass, 51 Moraga Way Holly Henkel has been a realtor for 15 years and has been with Pacific Union since 2012. Compass recently bought Pacific Union to enlarge its presence in California. Pacific Union was the number eight independent real estate company in California. Pacific Union President Mark McLaughlin will remain in charge of its branches for the near future. Compass is a national company working to become international. New branding and signs were STEVEN GREGORY PHOTOGRAPHY recently put in place. Realtor and community volunteer Holly Henkel The core of Henkel’s business model is enjoys helping clients find a home that’s the per- believing people deserve to own a home fect fit, whether they are first-time home buyers or where they feel comfortable, safe and part experienced homeowners starting a new chapter. of the community. Since she’s experienced a week with her 16-month-old grandson. that in her life, she works hard to allow An inveterate movie-goer, she also belongs others that opportunity. Knowing how to to Oscar Chatter, a group that attends red- find the best fit for a new home comes carpet events in Hollywood. naturally to Henkel. In the past she’s Contact Henkel at Compass, 51 Moraga lived in New York/New Jersey, Boston, Way, #1 in Orinda by phone at 925-360- Atlanta, Ft. Lauderdale and Palm Beach, 2390 or via email at holly@hollyhenkel. Florida. com and visit her website at www.hol- Through her commitment to community lyhenkel.com. service, she keeps up on what’s going on [SEE BUZZ page 19]