Alamo Tree Lighting

Children Getting into the Spirit of Christmas

Alamo, CA - On location report by: Frank Thornburgh

Cold weather didn't dampen the festive spirit at Alamo's tree lighting. The annual tree lighting festivities Sunday evening was attended by well over 200 people, including little wide-eyed youngsters anxious to tell Santa their Christmas wishes. One little girl was overheard to tell Santa her desires for computer equipment.

After the officials thanked dozens and dozens of volunteer workers and merchants that supplied all the free food and refreshments, high school and grade school choral groups sparked a lot of smiles and support from the crowd. Individual lady singers also presented Christmas carols to an appreciative audience.

Several local and county police officers along with three fire units managed traffic control for the large amount of pedestrian traffic crossing Danville Boulevard.

All during the festivities, people manning the twenty some tables were busy handing out food and drink, along with two tables dedicated to entertaining youngsters with craft activities.

This was a fun time for all.

PG&E Offers Safe and Better Way to Light up Your Holidays

SAN FRANCISCO – Thanksgiving Day weekend signaled the time when people began to decorate homes and trees for the holidays. Holiday lights bring joy to the season, but they can also bring hazards and added costs to your energy bill. Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) encourages customers to stay safe and save energy this holiday season by offering the following tips.

Holiday Lighting Safety and Energy Efficiency Tips

• Look up and live! Before stringing outdoor lights, check for overhead power lines. Never place yourself or any object in a position where you or it may come in contact with a power line—the result can be fatal. Look up before raising ladders or other objects. Keep at least 10 feet away from overhead lines.
• Before stringing lights on outdoor trees, make sure tree limbs haven't grown into or near power lines. Branches, entire trees and even the ground adjacent to a tree can become energized when trees contact power lines.
• Make sure lights used to decorate the outside of the house are approved for outdoor use. Never use indoor lights outdoors.
• Follow the manufacturer's limits for the number of light strings that can safely be connected together.
• Check all light strands for cracked or broken plugs, frayed insulation, or bare wires. Worn cords can cause fires. Discard damaged sets of lights.
• Route cords inside your home so they won't trip anyone. Don't place them under rugs, furniture, or other appliances. If covered, cords can overheat or become frayed, increasing the risk of fire.
• Always turn off decorative lights—indoors and outdoors—when leaving the house and before going to bed.
• Do not place your tree near a heat source such as a fireplace or heat vent. The heat will dry out the tree, making it more susceptible to fires caused by heat, flame or sparks.
• Purchase energy-efficient LED (light-emitting diode) holiday lights. LED lights can reduce energy consumption as much as 90% over traditional holiday lights and can burn brightly for over 100,000 hours.
• In addition to being shatterproof and shock resistant, LED lights produce almost no heat, making them safe to touch and greatly reducing the risk of fire.

Pacific Gas and Electric Company, a subsidiary of PG&E Corporation (NYSE: PCG), is one of the largest combined natural gas and electric utilities in the United States. Based in San Francisco, with 20,000 employees, the company delivers some of the nation’s cleanest energy to 15 million people in northern and central California. For more information, please visit www.pge.com.

Holiday Hugs Care Package Donation Drive Pleasanton

Help Support the Troops

The East Bay Blue Star Moms will be holding a Holiday Hugs Care Package donation drive on Saturday, November 15, at the Pleasanton Wal-Mart from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. They will be collecting items to include in their annual holiday care packages, which they will mail to troops on Saturday, December 6, as well as cash donations to help offset mailing costs.

For more information, please contact Nan Fuchs at bluestarnan@gmail.com or 925-648-1549.

Nan Fuchs
Air Force Mom
Care Package Co-Chairmom
San Francisco East Bay Blue Star Moms
925-648-1549

Gallery Event to Help Fund School Arts Programs

One goal of the Alamo Danville Artists Society (ADAS) is to create art and make it available to the community through the Pioneer Art Gallery in downtown Danville.

Another objective is to help fund arts education in the schools. Now the gallery's members have combined these two objectives by providing an opportunity for the community to purchase original art without breaking the bank.

For three days in late November, more than 20 local artists will be offering at least 100 original works to the public for $100 per work or less. This event represents a great opportunity to find gifts for the art-lovers in your life, or to supplement your own collection.

Ten percent of all sales will go directly to the San Ramon Valley Unified School District for the schools' art programs.

The "100 for $100" event will take place at the Pioneer Art Gallery, 524 Hartz Avenue, Danville, at the following times:

November 28, noon-9:00 P.M.

November 29, 9:00 A.M.-8:00 P.M.

November 30 noon-5:00 P.M.

Gallery members invite the community to come to the event, enjoy art, music, and refreshments, and best of all, help support school arts programs.

For more information, contact www.adas4art.org

Alamo Danville Artist Society
522 Hartz Avenue
Danville, California

Regular Gallery Hours:
Friday 5–9 PM, Saturday 11 AM—7 PM, Sunday 1-5 PM


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Hats Off America 10K Run 5K Run/Walk

13th Hats Off America Red T-Shirt 10K Run/5K Run or Walk

--Founder Sparky George of San Ramon has run 10,500 miles since September 2002 to honor memory of fallen soldiers--

Come and join Sparky George, the Bear Flag Runner and an old Marine, at the 13th Hats Off America Red T-Shirt 10K Run/5K Walk on Saturday, November 8 beginning at 10 a.m. at Sycamore Valley Park, 2101 Holbrook Drive, Danville, rain or shine. Entry fee is $35 per person. There is no entry fee for volunteers. All runners and volunteers will receive a red t-shirt, and lunch donated by El Balazo Restaurant.

Hats Off America will send a check for $3,000 to the Gold Star Arroyave family, bringing the total to $11,100. See their story at www.hatsoffamerica.us.

Founder Sparky George, owner of Classic Auto Restoraton and Repair in San Ramon, has run 10,500 miles since September 2002 to honor the memory of fallen soldiers. Sparky has been running six miles a night, five nights a week, with a five-pound weight pack since September 15, 2002 and has run 10,500 miles (by the run date)and counting for Hats Off America, a non-profit organization that raises money and awareness for the families of soldiers who have paid the ultimate price for our freedom.

El Balazo, four years, Domenico's and Danville Advertising are HOA sponsors.

Ten Hats Off America fundraising events are held each year and include Hats Off America 10K Run/5K Walk on September 6, 2008, November 8, 2008, February 7, 2009 and June 6, 2009; 6th Annual Casino Night, March 21, 2009 and the 6th Annual Car Show, May 16/17, 2009.

For information or to register or volunteer, contact Sparky George at (925) 855-1950 or thebearflagrunner@yahoo.com The site includes links to other organizations that support our troops. Hats Off America is a nonprofit, tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization.

Hats Off America, Americans taking care of American families.

Tri-Valley Clay Figure Sculpting Classes

Adam Reeder, an accomplished Bay Area Figure Sculptor, will be teaching clay figure sculpting classes to members of the Tri-Valley community.

Adam, who has a studio in San Francisco, but lives in San Ramon, has been a figure sculptor for 10 years.

His recent accomplishments include:

• 1st Place Figure Sculpture in the Academy of Art 2008 Spring Show


• Juried into the National Sculpture Societies 2008 Figure Sculpture Competition


• Juried into the Loveland Colorado Annual Sculpture Invitational 2008

"There are very few people who teach figure sculpting, and I want to be able to share my love of sculpting with others," Adam said. Adam focuses on sculpting people, both male and female. He specializes in sculpting realistic form with accurate anatomy and proportions.

Adam has been asked by many to teach classes and share his love of figure sculpting with the community. He has decided to start a few classes in the East Bay.

Adam's recent sculpting work can be viewed at www.adamreeder.com

The classes will be held on:

Monday nights from 6-8:30 starting Oct. 20th at the Bothwell Arts Center in Livermore. Located at: 2466 Eighth St., Livermore, CA, 94551

And

Tuesdays from 6-8:30 starting Oct. 14th at Tri Valley Monart in Pleasanton. Located at: 3015 Hopyard Rd # I, Pleasanton, CA

The classes will continue indefinitely. The cost of the classes are $30 per class.
For now, the classes are for adults 18 and older.

Adam is also working on setting up classes in Danville and San Ramon beginning in the spring and winter of 2009.

If you are interested in learning more about clay figure sculpting and taking a hands-on class, but don't see the times or locations that would work for your schedule, please contact Adam for more information.

Times and locations are subject to change, so please call or email Adam ahead of time to register for the class.

His number is 801-671-6994

Learn The ABCs of Starting a Business

SBDC Presents Pre- Venture Training - For those who are thinking of Starting a Business. Learn the ABCs before you begin . . .

What: The Contra Costa Small Business Development Center presents "Pre-Venture Training" - a 3-week entrepreneurial training program that helps you gather your thoughts and organize your ideas before you start.

Pre-Venture Training focuses on what it takes to be an entrepreneur and to be your own boss. Classes are hands-on with real world instruction that includes presentations, individual and group work sessions, group discussions.

The goals of the Pre-Venture Training Program are to:

• Assist you in developing your business idea.
• Introduce you to the business plan and the planning process.
• Provide you with a collaborative and interactive learning environment.
• Present business education as it applies to your small businesses.
• Encourage networking opportunities
• Facilitate the start of your profitable business.

Where: Concord

When: Three Wednesdays: November 5th, 12th & 19th; 1:30 pm – 3:30 pm

Cost: $59 for all three sessions.

For more information, please call the Contra Costa Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at 925-646-5377

The Contra Costa Small Business Development Center is a partnership program with the U.S Small Business Administration (SBA) and is co-sponsored by the Workforce Development Board of Contra Costa County, City of Pittsburg, Antioch, Contra Costa County and Walnut Creek Community Development Block Grants.

Website: www.ContraCostaSBDC.com

Asante Africa Foundation Hosts Maasai in Pleasanton

Pleasanton, CA - On October 11th, a “Meet the Maasai” family-oriented interactive event will be held at the Masonic Center on Hopyard Road.

Perhaps she’s raised chump change compared to Oprah, but Livermore resident Erna Grasz is making her mark by helping to shape the future of an African village one child at a time. In a few weeks, Grasz and her organization, which includes Pleasanton board member, will build a cultural bridge between the Maasai and the east bay, as many of Asante Africa’s projects benefit the Maasai community.

Erna founded Asante Africa Foundation in the fall of 2006 after returning from a safari in Tanzania. There, in the soaring heat, she met a woman teaching class under a tree to girls who couldn’t afford to attend school – and Erna walked away determined to help in any way she could. Today, Asante Africa Foundation has funded more than $150,000 towards projects dedicated to building quality education in Tanzania and Kenya.

On October 11th, a “Meet the Maasai” family-oriented interactive event will be held at the Masonic Center on Hopyard Road. Maasai tribal warrior and elder advisor Sabore Ole Oyie and tribeswoman Hellen Nkuraiya, former school principal and current teacher, will be featured with Maasai and Swahili singing, dancing, vertical leaping, learning to apply traditional red ocher war paint, vocalizations of animal calls, bow and arrow techniques, and native crafts and jewelry. This event is open to the public. Several bay area schools are also sponsoring Maasai assemblies during the Kenyans visit as a cultural exchange which focuses on the value of education in our community and across the ocean.

To learn more about Asante Africa, please visit www.asanteafrica.org. If you would be interested in meeting Erna and our Maasai visitors, please contact me at 925-998-3869 or k.yolton@comcast.net.

Best,

Karen Yolton

Asante is the Swahili word for thank you.

Celebrating Danville, 150 Years of History

The "City of Danville" is celebrating its 150 years of History.
Exhibit and reception in the ADAS Pioneer Art Gallery & Studios on October 4th from 5 to 8 PM and run until November 16th.
Address: 524 Hartz Ave in Danville CA

Danville, often referred to as the "Heart of San Ramon Valley," has its 150 year journey filled with change and growth. Turning from miners into farmers, the land was transformed to raising cattle and sheep and growing wheat, barley and onions. Later the farms produced hay, a wide variety of fruit crops (apples, plums, and pears), walnuts and almonds. Churches, schools, farmers unions and fraternal lodges began as the community evolved.

To this day, a remarkable number of early Danville buildings remain such as the houses belonging to the Boone, Osborn, Young, Spilker, Podva, Vecki, Root, Elliott and Hartz families. The Danville Hotel and original 1874 Grange Hall exists as well. Many of the early pioneer names appear on the streets and schools, including Baldwin, Harlan, Wood, Love, Hemme, Boone, Bettencourt and Meese.

This town's unique identity has been maintained by retaining its history. To commemorate the celebration of 150 years of Danville, Pioneer Art Gallery artists are showing their respect and appreciation of the town by creating artworks that depict the historic landmarks around town. This exhibit will open with a reception in the ADAS Pioneer Art Gallery & Studios on October 4th from 5 to 8 PM and run until November 16th. Over 22 local artists have signed up to make works of art that make an historic building or location of Danville the central theme of the work. These buildings will be depicted in all manner of styles and points of view.

The Danville Oak Tree, symbol of the community, is the featured image on the ADAS Pioneer Art Gallery's T-shirt by noted artist Leroy Parker. This T-shirt is at the center of the Gallery promotional efforts for show.

Danville Oak Tree

Mark your calendar to visit and support the gallery and to encourage the artists striving to showcase the History of Danville to bring out the memories of the past and to celebrate the specialty of the town retaining its sheen and luster even to this day. This town is special, and the artworks demonstrate how special it is.

October 4th from 5 to 8 PM and run until November 16th.
ADAS - Pioneer Art Gallery & Studios
524 Hartz Avenue, Danville, CA 94526

Tackling Retirement Planning

Football Season is Upon Us

It wasn't all that long ago when New York Giants' quarterback Eli Manning led his team to victory against the New England Patriots 17-14 and was named Superbowl MVP. The secret to a successful football season? A savvy quarterback and great play calling.

The same is true for a successful retirement – except that you are the quarterback and you call the plays — for example, when to retire and how much to save.

Even Eli’s older brother, Super Bowl winning quarterback Peyton Manning can tell you that the most talented quarterback can’t rack up a Super Bowl winning performance without excellent coaching and a playbook. Social Security understands that the same is true when it comes to retirement planning. While you will have to call your own financial plays, we can help you decide what ‘play options’ might be successful in any given situation.

For example, how much can you expect to get from Social Security? How much more could you get if you worked a year longer? Two years? What about your spouse, if you are married? And how much should you be saving in addition to your expected Social Security benefits?

All of these questions can be answered simply by visiting our Social Security website at www.socialsecurity.gov. It’s like training camp for financial planning. There you will find several financial planning tools, including our new, easy-to-use Retirement Estimator. You can use it to get quick retirement estimates based upon your own earnings record.

All you have to do is provide some very basic information about yourself – your name, Social Security number, date and place of birth, your mother’s maiden name, and your last year’s earnings. The Retirement Estimator will then create Social Security benefit estimates instantly.

The Estimator shows what you would receive in Social Security benefits if you retired at age 62, what you would receive at your full retirement age and what you would receive if you worked until age 70.

Interested in other play options, such as what would happen if you made more money in the future? Or if you want to stop work at a different age than the three we show you? You can try out alternate game plans using the screens on the Retirement Estimator page, in case you change your mind about your initial retirement plans.

Remember what one of football's most accomplished and respected coaches, Vince Lombardi, said: “There's only one way to succeed in anything, and that is to give it everything.” So give everything you have to creating a playbook for your retirement. And the best place to begin your game plan for a successful retirement is at www.socialsecurity.gov.

Linda Zamfino
Bay Area Public Affairs Specialist
Social Security Administration
1301 Clay Street, Ste 410N
Oakland, California 94612
(510) 637-4020

Pleasanton, CA Street Party

Pleasanton, CA Street Party
Steven Ashley Wilson, Freelance Photographer (925) 556-1570

Pleasanton celebrated its last “1st Wednesday Street Party” of the year. It was a perfect, warm, summer evening for the five-month run of the celebration to end. Men, women, boys, girls, babies in strollers, and an occasional canine, enjoyed strolling down the center of Main Street, which was blocked off from traffic. Interesting booths from various vendors ran down the center of the street with many unique shops, businesses, and restaurants open along the perimeter of the historic downtown district. The local band, Magic Moments, performed their “50’s Legends Review” which got many people up out of their seats and dancing. those seeking more mellow tunes were entertained by members of the local, all-woman Harmony Fusion Chorus. Food ranged from snow cones to kettle corn to Teriyaki Chicken. Beer, from major brands and micro-brews were on tap as well as wines from the Livermore Valley.

Be sure to mark May 6th on your 2009 calendar for the festivities to start up again next year. It’s a great way to enjoy a warm, summer evening.

Send in your pictures and stories today to the San Ramon Tribune.

Lady Hustle Fastpitch Softball of Pleasanton Try-Outs

Lady Hustle Fastpitch of Pleasanton will be holding try-outs for the A travel program starting in the fall. Tournaments will start Sept. 6th. Go to www.ladyhustlefastpitch.com for more information.

Try-Outs Age's 14, 16 AND 18:

Session 1
Sunday, August 10th
9:30-10:00am Pitchers and catchers @ Robertson Field
10am-12pm Fielding/Running @ Robertson Park
1pm-3pm Hitting @ Double Diamond

Session 2
Saturday, August 16th
9:30-10:00am pitchers and catchers @ Robertson Field
10am-12pm Fielding/Running @ Robertson Park
1pm-3pm Hitting @ Double Diamond

Session 3
Sunday, August 17th:
9:30-10:00am Pitchers and catchers @ Robertson Field
10am-12pm Fielding/Running @ Robertson Park
1pm-3pm Hitting @ Double Diamond

Teresa Borchard
www.ladyhustlefastpitch.com

Pop Culture Influences Baby Names, Jacob and Emily Rank #1

Pop Culture Makes Mark on Social Security's Most Popular Baby Names List

Elvis Rises to Number 676

Continuing a popular Mother’s Day tradition, the federal government’s top official for baby names, Michael J. Astrue, Commissioner of Social Security, today jointly announced with Parade magazine the most popular baby names for 2007.

Click on the Most Popular Baby Names link at Social Security’s website -- www.socialsecurity.gov -- to see the top baby names for 2007.

The top ten boys and girls names for 2007 are:

Boys: 1) Jacob 2) Michael 3) Ethan 4) Joshua 5) Daniel 6) Christopher 7) Anthony 8) William 9) Matthew 10) Andrew

Girls: 1) Emily 2) Isabella 3) Emma 4) Ava 5) Madison 6) Sophia 7) Olivia 8) Abigail 9) Hannah 10) Elizabeth

Emily has topped the list since 1996. Jacob has done so since 1999. Elizabeth returns to the top ten after a two year absence.

In addition to a list of the 1,000 most popular boys’ and girls’ names for 2007, the website has a list of the top 100 names for twins born in 2007. Jacob and Joshua are again the most popular twin’s names.

The Social Security website offers lists of baby names for each year since 1880. Social Security started compiling baby name lists in 1997.

Although “American Idol’s” Sanjaya did not influence this year’s list, other young celebrities influenced the naming of American children. The 2007 success of popular race car driver Danica Patrick undoubtedly inspired her first name moving from number 352 to number 307. Similarly, the name of the first pick in the 2007 NFL draft, Oakland Raiders’ quarterback JaMarcus Russell, rose from number 914 to number 743 on the boys’ list.

Shiloh, the youngest daughter of Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, debuted on the list at number 804. Maddox, the name of their oldest child, has seen steady gains since first appearing on the list in 2003 at number 583 and now ranking at number 226. Suri, the name of Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes' daughter, did not make the list. But Britney Spears' second son is named Jayden, which ranked at number 18. Miley is new to the girls’ list this year, entering fairly high at number 278, attributable to the popularity of teen sensation Miley Cyrus.

Experts may be surprised by the extent to which American parents are naming their daughters after spiritual and philosophical concepts. One of the most popular names for girls (rising this year to number 31) is Nevaeh, which is “Heaven” spelled backwards. The variant Neveah came in this year at number 891 and Heaven is number 263. Also represented were: Destiny (No. 41); Trinity (No. 72); Serenity (No. 126); Harmony (No. 315); Miracle (No. 461); Charity (No. 673); Journey (No. 692); Destini (No. 914); and Essence (No. 930). Cutting against this trend was Armani (No. 971).

American parents were far less likely to name their sons in this way, although the 2007 boys’ list does include Sincere (No. 622) and Messiah (No. 723).

Finally, Commissioner Astrue expressed his approval that Elvis has risen 85 spots from number 761 to number 676 and noted, “It is further proof that Elvis is not dead.” He further urged everyone celebrating Mother’s Day to “please go to www.socialsecurity.gov to find out more about prescription drug extra help, direct deposit and our easy-to-use online applications.”

# # #

What are the Most Popular Baby Names in California for 2007?

WWW.SOCIALSECURITY.GOV has the List!

Peter D. Spencer, Social Security Regional Commissioner, today revealed the most popular baby names in California for 2007. Continuing a popular Mother’s Day tradition, last week the federal government’s top official for baby names, Michael J. Astrue, Commissioner of Social Security, announced the nation’s most popular baby names.

How does California compare to the rest of the country? Emily and Daniel topped the list. Nationally, Emily and Jacob were the most popular baby names.

Please click on the Most Popular Baby Names link at Social Security’s website -- www.socialsecurity.gov -- to see the top baby names for 2007. The top five boys and girls names for 2007 in California were:

Boys: 1) Daniel 2) Anthony 3) Angel 4) Jacob 5) David

Girls: 1) Emily 2) Isabella 3) Sophia 4) Ashley 5) Samantha

In addition to each state’s top baby names, Social Security’s website has a list of the 1,000 most popular boys’ and girls’ names for 2007 and a list of the top 100 names for twins born in 2007. Jacob and Joshua are the most popular twin’s names. The website also offers lists of baby names for each year since 1880. Social Security started compiling baby name lists in 1997.

To read more about pop culture’s influence on the nation’s most popular baby names go to www.socialsecurity.gov/pressoffice/pr/baby-names2007-pr.htm.

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Please feel free to submit your news and press releases to the San Ramon Tribune Editor.

San Ramon Finalist Selected for Figurative Sculpture Competition

One of Adam Reeder's new pieces is called "Pan with his Ipod". The thesis behind it is "how technology has changed the way in which western culture interacts with it's world." View more of Adam Reeder's work at www.AdamReeder.com

Adam Reeder of San Ramon, California has been selected as one of 13 finalists nationwide to compete in the National Competition for Figurative Sculpture, which will be held at Lyme Academy College of Fine Arts in Old Lyme, CT in June.

COMPETITORS FOR THE 29TH ANNUAL NATIONAL COMPETITION FOR FIGURATIVE SCULPTURE ANNOUNCED

Nationwide competition to be held in June at

Lyme Academy College of Fine Arts, Old Lyme, Connecticut

(Note to editors and reporters: The National Sculpture Society has secured permission from 3 preeminent figurative sculptors, Stanley Bleifeld, Neil Estern and Kirsten Kokkin, former jurors for the National Competition for Figurative Sculpture, to be interviewed in connection with the role of representational art to art and culture).

Old Lyme, CT ─ Competitors for the 29th Annual National Competition for Figurative Sculpture, which will be held from June 16 to 20, 2008 at Lyme Academy College of Fine Arts in Old Lyme, CT, were announced today.

Thirteen competitors and one alternate were selected from a nationwide applicant pool of emerging figurative sculptors. They are:

Joo Hee Bae of San Francisco, California.

Darren Beistle of Old Lyme, Connecticut.

Casey Cohoon of Blackville, South Carolina.

Matthew Collins of Oak Park, Illinois.

Karen Cope of Glendale, California.

Chad Fisher of Moorestown, New Jersey.

Madhu Jalli of San Francisco, California.

Remy Jambor of Seattle, Washington.

Adam Matano of Exeter, Rhode Island, alternate.

Julia Levitina McGeehan of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Lisa Nonken of Hebron, Connecticut.

Adam Reeder of San Ramon, California.

Patrick Stephenson of Niantic, Connecticut.

Melinda Whitmore of Oak Park, Illinois.

Prominent sculptors Gwen Marcus, Aldo Casanova, Tuck Langland and Dan Ostermiller, all members of the National Sculpture Society’s Education Committee, made the selections. Note that individuals directly connected with any of the applicants are ineligible to serve as jurors.

The competition has two parts: The first is the Figure Modeling Competition in which competitors must successfully model a full-length figure from life, 30 to 36 inches tall. This competition is time limited; sculpting must be completed in 28 hours over a five-day period.

The late Walker Hancock, the distinguished sculptor, set the criteria for the competition when it was established in 1978:

Each sculpture is judged on mastery of the human figure in sculptural form as well as each competitor’s comprehension of the action, unity and rhythm of the pose. Emphasis is placed on encouraging the analytic observation of the human figure, including proportion, stance, solidity and continuity of line. Of secondary importance is surface finish and detail.

Three prizes will be awarded to the winners of the Figure Modeling Competition: The Walker Hancock prize for $1,000; the Walter & Michael Lantz Prize for $750; and the Elisabeth Gordon Chandler Prize, named for the founder of Lyme Academy College of Fine Arts, for $300.

The Young Sculptors’ Awards Competition is sponsored by the National Sculpture Society and dates back to 1959. Members of the Education Committee of the National Sculpture Society serve as the jury for the Young Sculptors’ Competition and base their decisions solely on the images submitted.

Young Sculptors’ Awards include The Dexter Jones Award for $1,000 for a young sculptor for the best work of sculpture in bas relief; the Roger T. Williams Prize for $750 for a young sculptor who reaches excellence in representational sculpture; the Edward Fenno Hoffman Prize of $350 for young sculptor who strives to uplift the human spirit through the medium of his or her art; and the Gloria Medal, given in memory of C. Paul Jennewein, for a meritorious body of work.

All prizes will be presented at an Awards Ceremony on Friday, June 20, 2008, at 2:30 pm at the Foundation Studio, Administrative Center, Lyme Academy College of Fine Arts, Old Lyme, CT. The public is welcome to attend. The ceremony will be preceded at 2:00 pm by the dedication of Exuberance, a sculpture donated to the College by noted American sculptor, the late Richard McDermott Miller.

The National Competition for Figurative Sculpture was established in 1978 by Barry Johnston in memory of his father, James Wilbur Johnston, to reassert the importance and value of figure study in contemporary Sculpture. It is now co-sponsored by Brookgreen Gardens, Lyme Academy College of Fine Arts, The National Sculpture Society and the New York Academy of Art.

Brookgreen Gardens. In 1931, Archer and Anna Hyatt Huntington founded Brookgreen Gardens, a 501(c) (3) non-profit corporation, to preserve the native flora and fauna and display objects of art within that natural setting. Brookgreen Gardens was America's first public sculpture garden. In 2003, the sculpture garden was named the Archer and Anna Hyatt Huntington Sculpture Garden in honor of the founders. The collection currently contains over 900 works spanning the entire period of American sculpture ─ from the early 1800s to the present. Its placement in more than 50 acres of beautifully landscaped settings creates an extraordinary blending of art and nature. In addition to the sculpture collection in the gardens there are two indoor sculpture exhibition galleries.

Lyme Academy College of Fine Arts. Founded in 1976 by distinguished sculptor Elisabeth Gordon Chandler, the College provides a four-year degree education through a commitment to traditional concepts and methodologies and develops both intellect and skill through a strong emphasis on figuration. The sculpture curriculum of the College includes portrait sculpture, relief, figure sculpture and advanced sculpture concepts. The major includes three years o f courses in anatomy including scientific anatomy, sculptural écorché plus substantial life drawing. Accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD), the State of Connecticut and the New England Association of College and Schools (NEASC), the Lyme Academy offers a four-year Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Painting, Sculpture, and Illustration (to be introduced Fall 2008), a three-year Certificate, and a one–year Post-Baccalaureate Certificate.

The National Sculpture Society (NSS). Founded in 1893, NSS is the oldest organization of professional sculptors in the United States. The purpose of the NSS is to promote excellence in figurative sculpture throughout the United States, to which end its programs are directed. Scholarships and youth awards help young aspiring sculptors. NSS collects and maintains source materials of America’s most important sculptors, past and present. Archives are open to art historians, students and other interested researchers. Video cassettes on various topics are available to universities and other organizations free of charge. Sculpture Review magazine, a quarterly publication, is entirely devoted to sculpture. NSS holds exhibitions open to all American sculptors which showcase the best in current figurative sculpture in the nation, as well as being represented in museum, corporate, and private collections around the world.

New York Academy of Art. Located in the heart of TriBeCa, the New York Academy of Art is dedicated to the advancement of figurative painting, sculpture and drawing. A not-for-profit educational and cultural institution, the New York Academy is the only graduate school in the United States devoted exclusively to the study of the human figure, and fosters values and skills intrinsic to the creation of significant contemporary art.

Alamo Jewelry, Fine Art, & Craft Show

Painters, jewelers, sculptors and other artisans will be gathering at Alamo Plaza Shopping Center for the annual “Alamo Jewelry, Fine Art and Craft Show”.

This popular two-day event will be held Saturday, and Sunday, May 10 & 11 from 10 AM to 6 PM.

This year’s show features original works of art including paintings, sculpture, pottery, jewelry, fiber art, glass, woodwork, mixed media, photography and more.

The fine jewelry of artisans Fran & Jerry Harr represents the exceptional quality of artistry presented at the Alamo festival. This husband and wife team has been designing, fabricating and selling their original 14K gold and silver jewelry for 23 years. Each piece of jewelry is one-of-a-kind and is completely hand constructed. Clean lines, pleasing abstracts and careful attention to detail are characteristic of their work.

Also featured will be the pottery of David Yager. Collectors from throughout Europe and the United States have purchased his work. His pottery is known for its classic shapes and high-fire cobalt blue glazes. David studied glazing techniques for two years with New York ceramic artist, Michael Lucero, whose work is shown in the Smithsonian.

“This celebration of Art offers a great opportunity for collectors to meet with and purchase directly from some of the West Coast’s most talented artists and artisans,” said festival director John Holland.

To reach the Alamo Plaza take the Stone Valley Rd.West Exit from Hwy. 680, then turn right 1 block on Danville Blvd.

Admission to the festival is free.

Additional show information and maps are available online at:
www.jhfestivals.com

This Mother's Day Help Your Mom Save $3,000!

By Linda Zamfino
Social Security Bay Area Public Affairs Specialist

People all over the country are helping their moms save as much as $3,600 per year on the cost of prescription drugs. You can too!

We all know the high cost of medicine can be a burden on mothers who have limited income and resources. But there is extra help — available through Social Security — that could pay part of her monthly premiums, annual deductibles and prescription co-payments. The extra help could be worth up of $3,600 per year.

To figure out whether your mother is eligible, Social Security needs to know her income and the value of her savings, investments and real estate (other than the home she lives in). To qualify for the extra help, she must be receiving Medicare and also have:

* Income limited to $15,600 for an individual or $21,000 for a married couple living together. Even if her annual income is higher, she still may be able to get some help with monthly premiums, annual deductibles and prescription co-payments. Some examples where income may be higher include if she or her spouse:

—Support other family members who live with them;
—Have earnings from work; or
—Live in Alaska or Hawaii; and

* Resources limited to $11,990 for an individual or $23,970 for a married couple living together. Resources include such things as bank accounts, stocks and bonds. We do not count her house and car as resources.

Social Security has an easy-to-use online application that you can help complete for your mom. You can find it at www.socialsecurity.gov. To apply by phone or have an application mailed to you, call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) and ask for the Application for Help with Medicare Prescription Drug Plan Costs (SSA-1020). Or go to the nearest Social Security office.

To learn more about the Medicare prescription drug plans and special enrollment periods, visit www.medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227; TTY 1-877-486-2048).

So this Mother’s Day, help your mom save up to $3,600 a year on her prescription drugs. Long after the candy and flowers are gone, the extra help through Social Security will keep on giving.

Go Green -- Go Online -- Social Security Dot Gov

By Linda Zamfino
Social Security Bay Area Public Affairs Specialist


With Earth Day recently behind us, many people have stepped up their efforts to go green. And there are a number of things you can do, including planting a tree and recycling your plastic, glass and paper.

But what’s even better than recycling your paper is not having any paper to begin with.

Going green is yet another of the many reasons to complete your business transactions with Social Security online. You can complete all of your paperwork with a lot less paper.

Whether you want to apply for retirement benefits, request a replacement Medicare card, report a change of address or direct deposit if you are currently receiving benefits, or take charge of your retirement planning, you can do it on our website.

There’s no need to drive to your local Social Security office. Don’t wait in traffic when your Social Security business can be done from the comfort of your home or office Save a trip and go to www.socialsecurity.gov/onlineservices to get started.

Many of these services can be completed online without taking another step. Some services require you to mail in documents and information. Regardless, you’ll be ahead of the pack by using our online services.

You can rest assured that doing business with Social Security online is fast, easy and secure. And it is environmentally the cleanest, greenest way to do your Social Security business.

Many of our online services are available as automated phone services as well. Just call 1-800-772-1213 to take advantage of them.

Earth Day is a great time to step up your efforts to go green, but you can go green any time during the year. Save a tree, save some gas and cut back on pollution by visiting us online instead of at an office. For more information, visit www.socialsecurity.gov or call us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778).

Mobile Blood Drives – Open to the Public

American Red Cross, Northern California Region

Mobile Blood Drives – Open to the Public

March 2008

Updated on 2/19/2008 and subject to change.

For further information, phone 1-800-GIVE-LIFE or visit www.BeADonor.com


Walnut Creek
Tuesday, March 4, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Rossmoor Lions
1001 Goldenrain Rd., Walnut Creek

Call 1-800-GIVE-LIFE or go to www.BeADonor.com
(Code: ROSSMOORLIONS) to schedule an appointment.



Walnut Creek
Wednesday, March 12, noon – 6 p.m.

John Muir Medical Center
Ball Auditorium, 1601 Ygnacio Valley Road, Walnut Creek

Please call John Muir's Health Management dept. at:
(925) 947-5355 to schedule an appointment.

Tara L. Weekes
Communications

American Red Cross Northern California Blood Services Region
Phone: 510.594-5204
Fax: 510.601.7954

Pinole Recall Wins Landslide Victory

Alegria and Tilton swept out of office!

PINOLE, February 5, 2008 - In a landslide referendum on the politics and policies of two members of Pinole's city government, 15-year Councilwoman Maria Alegria and first-term Councilman Stephen Tilton were swept out of office Tuesday in a landslide recall vote, and three new council members were elected.

The final vote to recall Maria Alegria stood at 3,083 YES (58.73%), and 2,166 NO (41.27%). Roy Swearingen, a former councilman in 1986-90, won the election to replace Alegria with 1,838 votes (45.06%), followed by Steve Denlis with 1,215 votes (29.79%), John Bender with 887 votes (21.75%), and 139 write-in votes (3.41%).

Alegria had served on the council since 1992, and was in the last year of her fourth term.
Stephen Tilton, elected to the council in November 2006, was also voted out of office by a wide margin. The number of YES votes to recall Tilton was 2,957 (57.68%), with 2,170 NO votes (42.32%) cast. Virginia Fujita, a retired City of Pinole personnel specialist, won Tilton's seat with 3,420 votes (92.78%). She ran unopposed. There were 266 write-in votes (7.22%).

In the race for the council seat vacated when David Cole resigned last August, long-time planning commissioner Debbie Long trounced former Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Ivette Ricco. Long had 3,201 votes (67.21%), while Ricco garnered 1,496 votes (31.41%). There were 66 write-in votes (1.39%).

For more information, please visit www.PinoleRecall.com.

JEFF RUBIN
Spokesperson
Concerned Citizens of Pinole for the Recall of
Maria Alegria and Stephen Tilton
(510) 724-9507, office and home (try this first)
(510) 303-2700, cell
jeff@thenewsletterguy.com
www.PinoleRecall.com

ADAS Pioneer Art Gallery & Studios Reception

ADAS Pioneer Art Gallery & Studios
"SURF-N-TURF" EXHIBIT




Alan Ryall & Catherine Lindberg

Meet these two talented oil painters at our reception
on Saturday, January 19th (4-7pm)

Weekly Hours: Fri 3-7 pm, Sat 11 am - 7 pm, Sun 1-5 pm

This is Danville's newest and largest fine art gallery that will be open for your enjoyment through Spring 2008. All sales support local arts and art education grants.

Alamo Danville Artists Society
Pioneer Art Gallery & Studios
524 Hartz Ave, Danville CA

Submit your announcements to San Ramon Tribune

High School Artists & Musicians are Showcased in Downtown Danville

January 25-27, 2008 -- High School Artists & Musicians are Showcased in Downtown Danville

The Pioneer Art Gallery in downtown Danville (sponsored by the Alamo Danville Artists Society (ADAS)) is hosting an exhibit of students' work from the six San Ramon Valley High Schools: California, Del Amigo, Dougherty, Monte Vista, San Ramon and Venture. Musical entertainment will be provided by San Ramon High School.

This is a unique opportunity for young artists to publicly display their work, win awards and gain recognition in our local press. And folks who attend the exhibit can gain further appreciation for:

* The importance of encouraging our young people to develop their creative talents.
* How the arts are an integral part of all professions that students are encouraged to pursue these days.
* And that art can be a viable career path, too!

Each school's art department will do an initial jurying of their students' work, and then submit up to two 3-D and four 2-D pieces per school; show could have up to twelve 3-D and twenty-four 2-D works. The Danville Arts Commission will judge the finalists and award ribbons.

There are so few opportunities and venues for artists (of all ages & abilities) to be showcased along the I-680 corridor, so this is a very important event. We have invited the Mayors, Council members and city staff of both Danville and San Ramon to attend the reception to help us bring attention to the creative achievements of these students.

The exhibit will be at the ADAS Pioneer Art Gallery from January 25-27, with a reception on Sunday, Jan. 27 (3-6pm) for the artists and their families -- public is welcome, FREE!

The ADAS Pioneer Art Gallery is Danville's newest and largest fine art gallery; open for your enjoyment through Spring 2008. All sales support local artists and arts education grants in the San Ramon Valley Schools. 524 Hartz Ave, Danville. Weekly gallery hours: Fri 3-7p, Sat 11a-7p, Sun 1-5p. For more info, email artpromoter@sbcglobal.net or visit www.adas4art.org

Submit your articles for publication to San Ramon Tribune.

January 10 Pinole recall debate will be held despite Councilman Tilton's defection

PINOLE, January 5, 2008 - Despite Council Stephen Tilton's announcement that he is pulling out of participating in the January 10 recall debate and candidates' night at the Pinole Senior Center, the event will he held as scheduled.

Former mayor and current councilwoman Maria Alegria, at the 11th hour on Friday, accepted the challenge of a debate against Concerned Citizens of Pinole (CCOP) advocate Cindy Trego. Alegria and Tilton are the targets of a recall by the CCOP, which collected 2,700 signatures on petitions last summer to place the recall on the February 5 ballot.

As recently as Thursday, Alegria had said she was not participating. She sent an e-mail to open-government watchdog group and debate sponsor Common Cause that said, "I have many reservations about your organization providing a forum for a political action committee that has conducted a vile, slanderous, and disingenuous campaign over the last seven months."

However, moderator Lisa Vorderbrueggen, political editor of the Contra Costa Times, which is co-sponsoring the event with Common Cause and the League of Women Voters, responded by saying the event would go on, with or without Alegria or Tilton.

"As a moderator, I will attempt to bring up all the relevant issues, but we will not be held hostage by elected officials who decline to participate in a public forum for the voters."

Alegria will debate Trego at 6 p.m. If Tilton decides to change his mind again and participate, Jeff Rubin, spokesman for the CCOP, will join the mix as the second recall proponent.

"You never know what Tilton will do, because he changes his mind every few minutes," Rubin said. "I am prepared right now, so even if he shows up at one minute to six, I'll be ready."

A candidates' debate, featuring Alegria, Tilton, and recall replacement candidates Virginia Fujita, Roy Swearingen, and Steve Denlis, will follow at 7 p.m. Debbie Long and Ivette Ricco, who are running in a special election for the vacant seat created when David Cole resigned from the council last August, will also participate in the candidates' debate.

In backing out, Tilton sent Common Cause an e-mail that said he "cannot be a part of the 'spectacle' they (Trego and Rubin) are attempting to have you help them create."

Tilton said in late November that he would not attend the January 10 forum, explaining that to do so would set a bad precedent, a point Alegria also alluded to in her e-mail last week.

In a November e-mail, Tilton wrote that Trego and Rubin "have shown they can do nothing more than intimidate, harass and lie to Pinole citizens. I would not be serving the citizens of Pinole by giving them a sanctioned forum to spread more lies, half-truths and innuendoes."

But in an apparent turnaround in an e-mail last month to Rubin that was forwarded to Vorderbrueggen, Tilton wrote: "(I) look forward to answering any and all questions Lisa brings forward and I would never miss the event."

**************************************************

JEFF RUBIN
Spokesperson
Concerned Citizens of Pinole for the Recall of
Maria Alegria and Stephen Tilton
(510) 724-9507, office and home (try this first)
(510) 303-2700, cell
jeff@thenewsletterguy.com
www.PinoleRecall.com