Father’s Day and the first day of summer are on the same day this year; hence, the choice for our cover photo of Steve Crosetti fly fishing with his daughter. Steve offers fly fishing guided tours, which despite the drought is reported to be quite productive this year. Check him out at mojobella.com.

Over the years, I took my kids fishing. They had little patience for it, but it always meant donuts on the way. We seldom caught fish, but if the kids wanted donuts, they would ask me to take them fishing. This reminds me of another important day in June, National Donut Day. Inside, you will learn of its origins. Let me just say, it’s good to be a Patriot.

I appreciate the kind calls and emails from our new Danville readers. We will

continue to expand distribution each month.

Thanks to the writers and all who contribute and support the creation, production, and distribution of this magazine. Please, visit our Facebook page for daily updates and feeds. www.Facebook.com/diablogazette

One last thought, Congratulations to all our local graduates. May you drive your new future and thrive.

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Android users will soon be part of Microsoft’s grand plan to unify all computing

devices, from existing smart phone to computers not even built yet. Microsoft is well on its way to this grand unifying plan with the introduction of Cortana on Android phones. Cortana is the artificial intelligence inside the Microsoft Windows 10 initiative and she is awaiting a meet with all Android users this June.

Who, or rather what, is Cortana? According to Wikipedia, “Microsoft Cortana is an intelligent personal assistant developed by Microsoft for Windows Phone 8.1, and coming to Windows 10. [She] is named after an artificial intelligence character in Microsoft’s Halo video game series [a holographic artificial intelligence personal guide and advisor in the game], with Jen Taylor, the character’s voice actress, returning to voice the personal

assistant’s US-specific version.”Soon Cortana will be in your Android

device and later this year in the Apple iOS. “Cortana’s features include being able to set reminders, recognize natural voice without the user having to input a predefined series of commands, and answer questions using information from Bing,” according to Wikipedia. Move over Siri.

Microsoft, under its new visionary leader Satya Nadella, wants your love and they have embarked on an all inclusive strategy to work their Windows 10 magic on all sorts of devices including smartphone, tablets, laptops, Xbox game systems, iPhones, Internet of Things control system, auto navigation, etc.

According to my sources Cortana will be a free app and downloads will begin in June. Get ready world, the future just arrived and you are now part of it. This project has been in the works since 2002, and Cortana is fully functional, helpful, smart and cute in a vague Artificial Intelligent way.

See their ad on page 4.

Have You Met Cortana Yet? WILLIAM CLANEY Computers USA

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Have you seen the big electronic signs on westbound Interstate 80 (Eastshore Freeway) between Richmond and the Bay Bridge? These are part of the project, which broke ground in 2011 and is anticipated to be operational in late 2015.

As many as 270,000 vehicles per day use the I-80 corridor, one of the busiest in the Bay Area. The I-80 SMART Corridor Project, representing one of the most sophisticated Intelligent Transportation Systems in the state, is implementing a network of integrated electronic signs, ramp meters and other state-of-the-art elements between the Carquinez Bridge and the Bay Bridge to enhance motorist safety, improve travel time reliability and reduce accidents and associated congestion.

Real-time traffic information, such as variable speed signs and blocked lane signs, will allow drivers to make informed

decisions in the event of an incident. Additional improvements include real-time ramp metering on 44 on-ramps to reduce merging conflicts and manage traffic volumes on I-80. Once activated, these ramp meters and real-time message signs along the corridor will contribute to optimized roadway operations and improved safety, and will be managed from the Traffic Management Center at the CalTrans Bay Area headquarters in Oakland.

Additional information is available at 80smartcorridor.org.

SMART Signs For Westbound I-80 Planned for Late 2015

Happy Father’s Day

Answers on page 13

A local lifesaver is recovering after donating a kidney to her grandma.

Jordan, who is from Clayton, underwent surgery in San Francisco late last week to provide the lifesaving organ.

Jordan’s mom says, “I have an amazing daughter. Jordan is a beautiful selfless young woman. I honestly believe I was blessed with the most perfect daughter ever. She has never caused me grief growing up; no exaggeration. Jordan is a role model student attending DVC, soon to transfer to a San Diego school to earn her degree as a Respiratory Therapist, she volunteers her time to CALL little League, she cares for a family with a special needs child, she ís a sports enthusiast and now she donated her kidney to her Grandma who suffers from Polycystic Kidney Disease. A hereditary disease that has plagued my mom’s siblings, some nephews and nieces.”

“I would love to see her recognized in hopes that other people her age or even adults see how courageous she is and maybe others will donate too. It doesn’t have to be for a loved one, you can register to be a live donor or become

a pink dot donor. I’m a pink dot donor, I’m also very envious that Jordan is able to do what she’s doing. I was that match for my mom, but was denied due to hypertension and risks. Not only am I envious I am the proudest mom ever to one astonishing girl,” Jordan’s mom said.

Jordan is currently home recovering and her grandma had a little set-back and is still at UCSF.

Good luck to both Jordan and her grandma, and we all wish you a very speedy recovery.

Lifesaver! Clayton Woman Donates Kidney to Her Grandma

David KingDavid KingPublisherDiablo Gazette

Organized by Category

HOLIDAYS/CELEBRATIONSNational Candy MonthGay Pride MonthJune 5 National Donut DayJune14 Flag DayJune 21 Fathers Day, 1st Day of Summer

FUNDRAISERS•Buying into Education Day June 3 -The Walnut Creek Education Foundation and Walnut Creek Downtown are partnering to support 5000 students and parents in our community. Help build stronger schools and support programs such as art, music, PE, science, technology and so much more in Walnut Creek Schools and at Las Lomas High School. •June Wine Walk 6P-9P June 17 Walnut Creek Enjoy sipping a variety of hand-selected wines while strolling charming downtown Walnut Creek’s retail shops, artwork and restaurants to live, acoustic music. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the WC Library Foundation & Diablo Regional Arts Association. Tickets: Advance tickets are $30/person; tickets at the door $40/person. Ticket sales end 11 a.m. on June 17. Purchase tickets at www.walnutcreekdowntown.com. Maps of participating businesses and complimentary wine glasses will be available to those 21 and over at the starting location at Walnut Creek City Hall, 1666 N. Main Street.•The Concord Senior Center and the Contra Costa Humane Society (CCHS) invite animal lovers of all ages to the Furry Pet Faire and Maddie’s Pet Adoption Day May 30 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at John Baldwin Park on Parkside Circle in Concord. The event will be held across from the Baldwin dog park. American Cancer Society Relay For Life of Concord When: July 11-12, 2015 10am-10am Todos Santos PlazaSign up TODAY: www.relayforlife.org/concordca Kealoha.pomerantz@cancer.

org or 415-515-8626

OUTDOORS:•MARTINEZ: - See AD PAGE 5•DANVILLE: First Sunday of every •Month: Cars ‘n Coffee, On the First Sunday of every month, automotive enthusiasts gather in the parking lots of the Blackhawk Automotive Museum to share their vehicles and admire the other fabulous classics, exotics, rods and anything else with wheels and a motor. There is no fee for Cars & Coffee. Come when you want, leave when you want, but know that early arrivals do get the parking space they prefer. Also, the Museum opens at 9am on Cars & Coffee Sundays. 8am-10am , Blackhawk Museum • 3700 Blackhawk Plaza Circle • Danville, CA 94506p:925.736.2280 • f:925.736.4818 • museum@blackhawkmuseum.org, http://www.blackhawkmuseum.org/carsncoffee.html•SAN FRANCISCO: Gray Whale Migration Season, Numerous locations along the Pacific coast Thru – 5/31/15, Paid boat tours or Free from shore . Watch some 20,000 gray whales migrating from the Arctic to Baja, Mexico. Tour boats leave San Francisco, Half Moon Bay, Moss Landing and Monterey during this season. Or, watch them from on shore. http://www.hiddensf.com/gray-whale-migration-california.htmlRound the Mountain Hike Sunday, June 7, 10:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.This classic loop features views in all directions as the trail circles the park’s namesake peak (elev. 3849’) via Deer Flat, Murchio Gap, Prospector’s Gap and Oak Knoll. Between Prospector’s Gap and Oak Knoll, the eight-mile hike passes through sections that burned in the September 2013 Morgan Fire. Late season wildflowers should be abundant. Steady relaxed pace with lunch break. Wear good hiking shoes; bring liquids and snacks; dress in layers, apply sunscreen and be prepared for poison oak. Meet: Diablo Valley

Overlook at Juniper Campground. Parking: $10 per vehicle. For more information: jvanakkeren@comcast.netSummer Solstice Saunter Saturday, June 20, 7 – 9:30 p.m. Celebrate the eve of the longest day of the year with a night hike on Mount Diablo. As dusk descends, the three-mile hike includes a search for El Diablo’s elusive night shift—toads, bats, poor wills, owls, wolf spiders, scorpions, and other critters that go bump in the night! Wear good hiking shoes; bring flashlight, binoculars, liquids and snacks; dress in layers, be prepared for poison oak. Meet: Mitchell Canyon Visitor Center Parking: $6 per vehicle; $5 for seniors Reservations required: sweettrails00@gmail.com or mtdiablohiker@aol.com

CLUB/SUPPORT GROUP EVENTS•CONCORD: 4th Friday: Concord Ducati Bike Night, 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. on the fourth Friday of each month at Lazy Dog Café, 1961 Diamond Blvd, Concord. 925/849-1221 http://norcaldoc.com• Clayton Valley Garden Club - 7p.m. June 10, Diamond Terrace 6401 Center St., Clayton. Low Maintenance Vines & Climbers with Patrice Hanlon, accomplished horticulturalist and educator. Contact: www.claytonvalleygardenclub.org

KID/FAMILY EVENTS•Thursday Night Music and Market Series takes place in Todos Santos Plaza Concord when Zydeco Flames opens the season with its authentic re-creation of the sounds and feel of Louisiana’s Mardi Gras. •Meadow Homes Spray Park Now Open at 1351 Detroit Ave., Concord

HOME & GARDEN/FARMERS’ MARKETS•Pacific Coast Farmers Market Association: •Concord Tuesdays, 10am to 2pm, year-round, rain or shine, Todos Santos Plaza. •Concord Thursdays, 4pm to 8pm, Todos Santos Plaza.•Clayton, Saturdays 10am - 2pm •Martinez, Sundays, 10am to 2pm, year-round, Main St. and Estudillo. •Pleasant Hill Saturday, May 3rd through November 15th, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Downtown Plaza (in front of Jack’s Restaurant) http://www.pcfma.com http://www.pcfma.org•Walnut Creek Sundays 9am-1pm North Locust between Giamona and LaCassie St. •Contra Costa Certified Farmers Market Sundays 9 am - 1 pm, Year Round, WalnutCreek, North Locust St between Giamona and Lacassie St. (925) 431-8361 http://www.cccfm.org

VISUAL ARTS/THEATRE/MUSIC•Diablo Choral Artists - "Diablo Valley's

OWN chamber choir” - presents "Love", a concert featuring Johannes Brahms’ lovely Liebeslieder Waltzes, plus works by Whitacre, Stroope, Chatman and Diemer. Mark Tuning, Music Director, John R.S. Walko, Accompanist. June 5, 8:00 pm, Mt. Diablo Unitarian Universalist Church, Walnut Creek;June 7, 3:00 pm, St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, Orinda Details and ticket info on www.vmschorus.org•Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir with 55 singers and a full band, this ‘Celebration of Gospel Music’ is sure to bring everyone to their feet. June 4 •Concord Methodist Church Spring Sing--An Afternoon of Music 1645 West St. 3 pm on Sunday, June 7.Featuring Chancel Choir, Chamber Choir, Community Orchestra, Doug McKeehan & HouseBlend. Light refreshments will follow this free concert. Infant Care is provided during the concert at no charge. A free will offering will be taken benefiting Imagine No Malaria* and the CUMC Music MinistryMountain Shadow Film Society presents “An Honest Liar,” winner of the Newport Beach and Napa Valley Film Festivals. It is a biopic of James Randi, the renowned stage magician turned scientific skeptic of the paranormal. RogerEbert.com says, “[It is an] enthralling exploration of the contest between deception and truth-telling in one singular man’s personality.” MSFS will also show “Hypothetically,” a film that is a spoof on the mob genre. Rich in language, it is a fun little short. The showing of the films will be on Friday, June 12 and Saturday, June 20 at 7:30 in the Oak View Room of the Walnut Creek Library located at 1644 N. Broadway in downtown Walnut Creek. Mountain Shadow Film Society, a non-profit organization, asks for a $12 donation at the door.•Fallen Heroes, Rising Stars: A Juneteenth Dance Celebration honors African American musical artists that have died since the year 2000, but will inspire us for generations to come. Presented by Grown Women Dance Collective and Aspire Pilates Center, this event is a family-friendly, uplifting and inspiring evening of dance, music and American History. info@pittsburgcaliforniatheatre.com•June 13-14, 2015 THE SUMMER SAN FRANCISCO CRYSTAL FAIR at Fort Mason•Walnut Creek Art Exhibitions Here is a round-up of curated art exhibits and events open to the public at locations around Walnut Creek: Until June 17: Walnut Creek Photo Forum exhibit, ‘Local Landscapes,’ City Hall, 2nd FloorSaturday Concerts in The Grove Saturday June 6, June 20; Clayton

The grill is ready to be fired up, the kids are out of school, the smell of freshly-cut grass floats in the air, and the splash of the sprinklers can be heard. The weather is perfect for grilling fresh summer vegetables.

Summer squash tops the list of easy-to-prepare and good-for-you summer fare. They can be prepared in several ways, such as steamed, baked, sautéed and fried, but summer is the time to grill them.

A very prolific vegetable, summer squash is a soft-shelled variety with thin edible skins and edible seeds, as compared to the hard-shelled winter squash with inedible skin. It has a tender flesh that requires only a short cooking time.

Common varieties of summer squash include zucchini, pattypan, and crookneck. There are many varieties coming to the market this year like the

globe or golden zucchini, the pale green English zucchini, and the bright yellow Sunburst squash with its green stem.

Select squash that have a shiny, bright colored skin, are heavy for their size, firm, and free of rust spots, bruises,

and cracks. Avoid squash with a dull appearance, which is an indication that it is not fresh. Do not select squashes that are overly large because they tend to be fibrous and their flavor can be bitter. Too small of squash will lack flavor. Handle summer squash with care because they are damaged

very easily. They can be stored for four to five days if placed in a perforated plastic bag and placed in the refrigerator. Do not wash until ready to use.

Summer squash is very easy to prepare. Wash thoroughly, trim the ends, and you’re ready. Some quick and tasty grilling ideas for preparing squash:

* Cut zucchini in half lengthwise, sprinkle with a little olive oil, salt and a touch of chipotle powder (not too much it's very strong and spicy), and place on the grill for 5 minutes or until soft.

* Cut a variety of summer squash into chunks or slices, place in a bowl, toss with a little olive oil, grated Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and a bit of crushed garlic. Lay a length of aluminum foil on the counter and pour squash mixture onto foil. Fold foil around squash, creating a foil packet, sealing tightly. Place on the grill for about 15 to 20 minutes.

* Cut squash in big chunks and toss with button mushrooms and cherry tomatoes in a favorite marinade, place on skewers and grill for a veggie kabob.

Don’t forget to come out to the farmers’ market this summer and support your small family farmers during this extreme period of drought. They are doing their best to bring you quality produce in very trying times. Thank you for supporting your local farmers’ market.

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If you want

BREAKING NEWSDon’t read a newspaper!

Claycord.comis where you get the news first!

If you want local features, people stories, with photos and videos

from our team on the street, then be sure to read

Diablo Gazettewww.DiabloGazette.com

Summer Squash Provides Options

by Debra Morris, Pacific Coast Farmers Markethttp://www.pcfma.com/concord

farmerfresh

A Walk Through Time

with Misty Bruns, Docent at the Clayton Museum

The year was 1862 when Joel Clayton provided the town with two acres of land to build a public school house. The two room school house was built and opened in 1863. Students would hear the school bell while arriving on horseback, in wagons or on foot. The greatest number of students in attendance was in 1890

with 111 pupils. The school closed in 1947 due to lack of enrollment with only 13 students in attendance.

There is a plaque near the current school track which commemorates the years the old school house stood.

Information from the Clayton museum resource center.

Mt. Diablo School Opened in 1863 - 152 Years Ago

A Photo of Mt. Diablo School taken on March 10, 1953.

The Diablo Gazette’s

continued on page 15

Two new giant inflatables will make their debut. Similar to inflatables used on the TV show Wipe Out, the 60 foot obstacle courses offer fun for all ages. Concord Community Pool, 3501 Cowell Rd.

The opening of Concord's popular Meadow Homes Spray Park, at 1351 Detroit Ave., has been delayed by three weeks this year due to the drought. To conserve water, hours have also been

shortened by two hours a day. Hours will be noon to 6 p.m. daily.

While the City of Concord is very aware of the drought and conserves water whenever possible, the spray park was designed to filter, treat and recycle the water it uses. The later starting time and slightly reduced hours of service will result in the water park using 25 percent less water this year. This is only one of many conservation measures the City will be taking to meet its water reduction goals this summer.

Concord Community Pool Features Giant Inflatables

Spray Park Opens

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

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Ten-year-old Aiden Lopez is the lucky grand prize winner of a deluxe 2-Burner BBQ Grill and tank from Rodie’s Customer Appreciation and Pet Adoption Day event. The grill was donated by Suburban Propane. L-R: Gary Lopez, Aiden Lopez, unknown, Bob and Sarah Rodenberg of Rodie’s Feed and Pet Supply. Looks like Aiden will be grilling for Dad this Father’s Day.

Rodie’s Has a Winner

Y ou can not be everywhere, but Diablo Gazette photographer, Micah Nunez may be. Micah has captured and shared

a few moments of living in the Diablo Valley. All in all, I would say, we live in a family friendly county, bustling with art and activity. Can you match the photo with the event? Classic cars and music on Fridays at Main St. Martinez event, Cruise-in and Music from 6pm-8pm, at 600 & 700 blocks all summer, Kids Fest in Concord, Mothers Day at Concord Royale, Farmers Market, A Nurse Next Door, a stroll in Heather Park, a slow day at Pleasant Hill’s City Hall, Bike to Work Day, Art on Main in Walnut Creek, Clayton Art and Wine Festival, Boy Scout Rummage Sale, picnicking at Todos Santos Plaza.

Photos by Micah Nunez/Diablo Gazette

Photographs by Micah

Having just celebrated the Memorial Day Weekend and with Father’s Day around the corner, I pulled an article from the Diamond Terrace Newsletter Archives that seemed fitting for this time of year. It was an honor to get to know Bill Hamilton and I will never forget the time we got to spend together and all the stories he shared. Bill passed away back in February and I thought it was about time to share his story:

While sitting under the Golden Gate Bridge during Fleet Week 2011, Bill Hamilton, a 21-year service member of the U.S. Navy, recalls his experience of the Guadalcanal Campaign, during World War II. After surviving the attack on Pearl Harbor, Bill found himself as a young, First Class Gunner with a crew of 35 men, in early November, 1942. In an attempt to prevent further advancement of Japanese Forces, Bill’s task group, commanded by Admiral Callaghan, fired upon a squadron of torpedo bombers, bringing down one. As they continued to sustain heavy fire, Admiral Callaghan shouted, “Get the big ones first!” Bill, along with 15 other men, manned the gun turret as 140 projectiles were fired. “We were losing men, left and right,” Hamilton remembers. They were able to severely damage the enemy ship, Hiei, which was later sunk by U.S. Forces. “240 men were shot to hell,” Bill recalls, and another 500 were killed when a carrier was blown up by a torpedo that Bill spotted on deck. When his fleet was finally given the permission to come back to the states, they entered through the Port of San Francisco. Bill remembers seeing “that Golden Gate Bridge,” standing tall and proud, as he became overwhelmed by the sheer joy of finally being safe, at home, within its harbor.

I hope each of us take this time to honor the Veteran heroes in our lives. Their commendable sacrifice should never be taken for granted or forgotten.

resident tales

A Veteran RememberedSponsored by the Diamond Terrace 55+ Retirement Community, Clayton

ELIZABETH SANCHESActivity Director

Diamond Terrace Retirement Community

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Breq is not the woman she pretends to be. She isn’t even human.

She had been an ancillary of the artificial intelligence that operated, and self-identified as, the Justice of Toren. A troop carrier for the mighty Radch Empire. But not anymore.

An act of treachery destroyed her, all her ancillaries, and the human crew she cared for. Now Breq, with only her tiny brain and small body to work with, seeks revenge.

Dare I say that Breq wants to deliver some Ancillary Justice? I do. (And I am sorry for the pun, sort of.) The title of Ann Leckie’s debut novel isn’t the only thing about it that has multiple meanings, though.

The inhabitants of systems that have been annexed by the Radch Empire call ancillaries corpse soldiers. Their reason for doing so is as disturbing as it is justified.

Ancillaries are made from a segment of the population of a newly annexed system. This segment, for one reason or another, is not considered to be a citizen of the empire, and uncivilized populations are not considered fully human.

These people are frozen and placed in storage, for future use. Whenever a new ancillary is needed, a person is thawed

out and a brain implant “quickly” erases, or suppresses, brain activity, giving the artificial intelligence full control of both the body and the brain.

If the implant does not take, because the ancillary’s captive mind rebels, the body is scrapped and another is thawed

out for use. There are plenty of bodies.

So Breq has very good reason for not wanting anyone to figure out she is an ancillary. Some well meaning soul, wishing to free the buried mind of a corpse soldier, might try and remove Breg’s implant.

If that were to happen, it would kill the last remaining piece of the once vast consciousness that was Justice of Toren. Brea might be an ancillary, but that does not make her any less a

person.This back story, which doesn’t touch

on the weightier issues the story wrestles with, informs all of Breq’s behavior and decisions throughout. It also makes her a compelling, fascinating, and unique heroine.

These are also some of the excellent reasons Ann Leckie’s debut novel Ancillary Justice won the Hugo Award, the Nebula Award, the Arthur C. Clarke Award, the Locus Award, and the BSFA Award.

It’s that good.

“Ancillary Justice” by Ann Leckie

Read more of Chad’’s book reviews at http://bit.ly/McHguP

bookends

A T

ale

to T

ell

by Chadwick H Saxelid

The Mt. Diablo Branch of the California Writers Club (CWC) held their annual Young Writers Contest Awards banquet luncheon in May at Zio Fraedo’s Restaurant in Pleasant Hill.

The Young Writers Contest is held for Contra Costa Middle School students in 6th, 7th, and 8th grades. The winners, their teachers and parents were also honored. Co-chairs Jill Hedgecock and Christa Fairfield presented the awards to twenty-eight winners that were selected from over 480 entries in the categories of

poetry, short story, and narrative essays. First, second, and third place winners in each category and grade level received prizes of $100, $50, and $25 respectively. Marissa Moss of Creation Books was the featured speaker. Can you can recognize some of winners in the photo? Congratulations from Diablo Gazette to all the winners.

The California Writers Club Mt. Diablo Branch web address is: http://cwcmtdiablowriters.wordpress.com/

Mt. Diablo Branch California Writer’s Club

George Miller’s return voyage into the imaginative nightmare world of Mad Max Rockatansky is one of the year’s most ingeniously constructed films. With virtually no plot and a minimum of dialogue, Miller and his fellow craftsmen have designed a picture of visceral excitement that brims with innovation and spectacular moments. This is a movie that contains not only the years most bizarre looking characters but also, machinery that looks otherworldly, and some heartfelt acting from it’s well cast actors and actresses.

Serving as a soft reboot and a straight-forward sequel, Fury Road rests just below “The Road Warrior” in the rankings of the “Mad Max” film cannon. The 1981 classic will never be beaten in terms of physical and practical effects, it set the tone for scores of imitators in its wake. Now, 34 years later “Fury Road” rivals the excitement of that picture while carving out a unique tone of its own. Mel Gibson has been replaced by Tom Hardy, while the role doesnít depend on

soft elocution, Hardy brings a physical presence that suits the character and his mental instability in a world gone totally insane.

Describing the plot is an exercise in futility. The story is a clothesline to stage action sequence that appear so dangerous it’s a marvel that people weren’t killed. Charlize Theron nearly walks away with the film in a role that is reminiscent of Ripely in the middle Aliens sequels. I’m sure people will debate the film’s technical credits to the lack of dialogue and narrative execution in the screenplay, but there is no doubt that all involved have crafted something that deserves to be seen, preferably on the biggest screen available. Compared to the CGI-heavy “Furious” movies and its manufactured lame attempts at thrills and heartfelt emotion, “Fury Road” is a brilliantly realized and meticulously edited tour de force.

Director: George MillerStars:Tom Hardy, Charlize Theron,

Nicholas Hoult

by Jason Rugaard, www.moviemavericks.comthemoviemaverick

Mad Max: Fury Road (2015)3.5 Stars

by Robert H. Waldman, D.D.S.A LifeTIME of Smiles

Spring and summer time tends to be very busy with many activates yet is somewhat unstructured at the same time. As you review all of the items on your spring and summer to do list, you find the one thing that didn’t get checked off.

Oops, forgot to make that dental check up and cleaning appointment for you and your family. Summer is the perfect time to go to your dentist. Your children are out of school, so hopefully, anytime is a good time to go see your dentist.

Discuss with your dentist any sports that your child participates in. Many coaches feel mouth guards are optional and don’t force kids to wear one (especially custom fit ones).

Even if your child doesn’t participate in teams sports but does visit the neighborhood bike/skateboard parks they should consider wearing a sports mouth-guard.

I have seen kids injure their teeth in both contact and noncontact sports including swimming, diving, bicycling and baseball. Teeth with braces can cause significant soft tissue damage if not protected by a sports guard.

It’s important to note that all mouth guards are not created equal. You can buy over-the-counter mouth guards that are fitted by softening in hot water and

placing in the mouth to cool and form around the teeth. They are usually large, bulky and difficult to adjust to. It’s also hard to talk while using them. These are some the reasons why your child probably will NOT wear the guard.

Your dentist can provide a custom made mouth-guard that not only protects the teeth but since custom guards fit better and are more comfortable to wear, your child WILL probably wear this guard.

Your first homework assignment for the Spring is to please call your dentist and make your dental hygiene appointments for you and your family. Discuss mouth-guards with your dentist if your child participates in any individual or team athletics.

Wishing you and your family a fabulous spring and summer.

As always don’t forget to swish, floss, brush and swish again at least twice a day, and of course see your dentist regularly for your dental check-ups.

Please visit my website at roberthwaldmandds.com

-Dr. Rob-

Protect Your Child’s Teeth!Spring And Summer Sports Are On The Go!

Ask Robert H. Waldman, D.D.S. your questions at 925-682-6940, DrRob@RobertHWaldmanDDS.com or www.roberthwaldmandds.com.

WhatReallyMattersby Dan Ashley, ABC-7 News Anchor

Watch Dan’s live newscasts at http://abclocal.go.com/kgo/live

Dan’s column will return in the July edition of the Diablo Gazette. Read about his involvement with the organization CASA on page 12.

June 5 is National Donut Day. The first Friday in June is always National Donut Day.

National Donut Day was established in 1938 by Chicago Salvation Army to raise much-needed funds during the Great Depression, and to honor the work of World War I Salvation Army volunteers who prepared donuts and other foods for thousands of soldiers.

National Donut Day honors the Salvation Army “Lassies” of WWI. It is also used as a fund raiser for needy causes of the Salvation Army.

The original Salvation Army donut was first served by Salvation Army in 1917. During WWI, Salvation Army “lassies” were sent to the front lines of Europe. These brave volunteers made home cooked foods, and provided a morale boost to the troops. Often, donuts were cooked in oil inside of the metal helmet of an American soldier. Salvation Army lassies were the only women outside of military personnel allowed t visit the front lines. LT. Colonel Helen Purviance is considered the Salvation Army’s “first donut girl.”

On National Donut Day, look to see if local donut shops are offering free donuts or collecting donations for the Salvation Army or for another needy cause, and then be a patriot and be generous.

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If you aren’t familiar with the organization CASA, this month there is a terrific opportunity to get to know who they are and what they do while having a great time at the Rock the CASA event on June 20th. ABC news anchor Dan Ashley has been a long time supporter of CASA and has conceptualized and worked tirelessly to organize the Rock the CASA event. It is a night of musical entertainment featuring the legendary Eddie Money, Dan Ashley singing with his band PUSH, Dez Money and The Faze, Soul Faiyah and the Breedloves.

Putting this concert event together has been a labor of love for Dan and the other organizers in support of an organization that does truly important work. CASA, which stands for Court Appointed Special Advocates, is an organization that provides mentors to kids who are removed from their homes because of abusive parents, or parents who neglect them and their needs. Thousands of children are taken into the care of the court each year due to parents who can’t or won’t take care of them. And CASA volunteers come into these childrenís lives and provide guidance, stability and love to help them through these incredibly difficult times. These CASA volunteers advocate for the children to make sure they don’t get lost in the legal system. Being a CASA volunteer involves a very significant time commitment, requiring at least two years and 15-20 hours a month of service. And what these volunteers do to help these children is nothing short of heroic.

I have heard first hand from many of the CASA children who have spoken about the difference these volunteers have made in their lives, and listened

to their testimonials saying they would never have survived and gone on to successful lives without them. Listening to these children talk about what they have been through and what the CASA volunteer has meant to them over the years and the love that has developed through it all, will bring you to tears as it has for me many times.

On June 20th, Rock the CASA will provide a night of music to raise money in support of CASA as well as to raise money for Friends of Camp Concord. Established in 1983, Friends of Camp Concord is dedicated to sending underprivileged children to Camp Concord located in South Lake Tahoe. Children who would otherwise not be able to afford to go are given the chance to do what so many other children take for granted. This camp has been described as a “magical place” and something that every child should have the opportunity to experience.

Both CASA and Friends of Camp Concord help hundreds of children every year. If you would like to find out more about either organization, please visit the CASA website at www.cccocasa.org and the camp website at www.friendsofcamp.com. To find out more about Rock the CASA and to purchase tickets for the June 20th event at the Lesher Center in Walnut Creek, visit that website at www.rockthecasa.org.

Rock the CASA!by Deborah AshleyTime for the Arts

Deborah Ashley has 20 years of teaching experience in piano violin and art and teaches ages 5 through adult. She offers private piano and violin lessons as well as private and group art classes. Contact Deborah at deblovesart@aol.com, or 925 588-5226.

Organization Will Host Musical Evening to Sponsor Children

Clayton Theatre Company Offers Creative Solution for Summer

The Clayton Theatre Company is very excited to offer it's first theater camp this June, called "Summer Stage 2015." †The three week camp for 6-16 year old students, will focus on musical theater training and preparation, covering acting, singing, dancing and performance.†In addition, each camper will have a profes-sional head shot taken, create a sample theater resume, learn proper audition techniques and learn an audition song for future theater auditions!

The camp will be taught by CTC's own Artistic Director, La Tonya Watts and Managing Director, Roxanne Pardi. Both instructors have 30+ years of teaching

and coaching experience in theatre, dance and singing. "Summer Stage 2015" runs from June 15-July 1st Mon.-Fri. 10am-1pm. Students will learn scenes from “Aladdin Jr.,” “Matilda,” and “Newsies,” culminating in two performances on July 2nd at 1:00pm & 3:00pm.

"Summer Stage 2015" will be held at Endeavor Hall 6008 Center St., Clayton.

Please visit our website, claytonthe-atrecompany.com for information on how to register. The camp is filling up fast....don't miss out on a wonderful, fun and educational opportunity for your chil-dren.

Standing L-R Ben Botello, Wayne Steffen, Roxanne Pardi (Asst. Director), Michael Wilson, Ron Craven, Bill Oakley, Sean Aten, Jarusha Ariel

Arsenic and Lace

AYSO Regions Clayton’s MDSA, PHMSA of Pleasant Hill, and Concord AYSO are becoming a big hit in the area with its new Elite competitive program. Unlike past competitive AYSO programs, the new Elite program allows players to stay with their competitive team year round, enter in club tournaments, and play other local club and elite teams. Elite players can choose not to play in the recreational leagues. This has allowed the more advanced players to remain

challenged in games against other year- round competitive teams and practice with other advanced players, coaches and trainers.

Even though teams are selected through tryouts, the Elite program follows the philosophies of the nationally recognized AYSO program. Rosters are kept intentionally small to guarantee 50% playing time to all players. The program emphasizes developing their players, rather than prioritizing wins. The teams are led by dedicated, passionate coaches, licensed under AYSO’s National Coaching Program, accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Coaching

Education (NCACE.) Elite teams compete against other

AYSO Elite, CYSA and U.S. Club teams. This past year Elite teams competed in US Club Bronze, Silver and Gold tournaments with great success, having placed in most of the tournaments they participated in.

Each AYSO Region is currently registering for the Fall Season for all kids ages 4-19.

At the end of each fall season, AYSO enters the Select Season. Think of it as the All- Stars of the fall season. They compete with Select teams of the other AYSO Regions and enter many

tournaments. Registration fees vary slightly between local AYSO Regions. MDSA’s fall fees are $140 through June 14. After that, fees will increase to $175 and you may be put on a wait list until a full roster has registered.

One strong reason for AYSO’s success is its low fees. With competitive club soccer fees surpassing $2000 per year with no guarantee of playing time, the AYSO program is arguably the best deal in soccer. Their costs are kept low through the work of many dedicated volunteers who are focused on making soccer a great experience for the kids.

AYSO Starts New Year-long Elite Progam

Take a lesson from that old real estate adage "location, location, location." Many seasoned

homeowners will tell you that the size of your home and the amount of space you have (including extra living rooms, game rooms, or even acreage) becomes far less important to you in short order if the location is wrong.

Ask yourself these questions:* Is it near to my children's schools?

As children progress through school, the number of activities for them to be involved in increases dramatically. If the commute to their school for ball games, drama club, band practice and the like is too long, either you'll spend all of your family life on the road or your children may miss out on things that could be important to them.

* How far away is shopping? Living on rural property or in a newer housing development may seem like the perfect opportunity, but if you run short on milk for breakfast, is it an hour round trip to the nearest market? Or, if you choose an urban condo for its great walk score to restaurants and nightlife, do you have to have a vehicle to drive just to find groceries? The inconvenience of far-away shopping affects the enjoyment of your new home.

* Do I enjoy activities in the nearest community? Whether urban, suburban or rural, your connection to your community affects your satisfaction and contentment with your location. If you prefer the theatre, but live in a community that only celebrates agriculture, your quality of life may suffer. Conversely, if you love the great outdoors, but your city only offers indoor activities, you may need to rethink the location of your home.

Other considerations: Of course, one of the biggest reasons to consider location is the future sale of your home. No matter how lovely your home is, or how perfect in every other way, its location can make or break a future sale.

But, if you're concerned about the environment, the location of your home can leave a larger or smaller carbon footprint. An EPA study points out that a home's location relative to public transportation, energy sources and the actual housing type significantly affect energy consumption.

Before beginning your home search, take time to reflect on what is most important to you. Then, call our office so we can help. I can narrow your search to those locations that fit your needs, wants and desires best!

Contact Jennifer Stojanovich at Better Homes Realty Cal BRE#01446062 email jenstojanovich@yahoo.com direct 925-567-6170

Compliments of Virtual Results.

Why Location Trumps Everything!JENNIFER STOJANOVICH

Clayton Theatre Company

June Holds National Donut Day

Mr. Robert Bass, one our VP’s is retiring after 20 years in education. He had previously served in the USAF for 24 years before embarking on a career in education,

I first met Robert Bass the fall of 2011 when he joined the staff at Concord High as the new Student Services Coordinator. At 6’4” and immaculately dressed in starched and pressed attire (very reminiscent of a retired drill sergeant, a guess not too far wrong) he was an impressive and somewhat intimidating figure. But a ready smile, infectious laugh and easy-going demeanor soon revealed a kind, gentle and talented administrator who was able to quickly develop a close rapport with the students he served.

You could say that Mr. Bass is the poster child for what is successful about foster care. Placed in foster care at the age of ten, he was blessed with an excellent foster dad who happened to be one of the original Tuskegee Airmen. After graduating from Pittsburg High, he was encouraged to consider a career in the military. So, he enlisted in the Air Force. He was stationed in Taiwan

during the Vietnam War and during Operation Desert Storm, was the Chief Master Sergeant in charge of all supplies in and out of America.

During his years in the Air Force Mr. Bass took every opportunity to work with youth wherever he was stationed, often coaching them in basketball. He felt working with youth was a way to give back to his community. So, after 24 years of service in the Air Force, Mr. Bass retired and embarked on a second career, in education. He had earned his Bachelor’s Degree while in the Air Force and so built upon that, earning a Masters Degree and a teaching credential in Liberal Studies. For the next 20 years he would work as a middle school math & science teacher, a 5th grade teacher, V.P. at Pittsburg High,

Principal at Central Junior High, Principal at John Swett High, then SSC and ultimately V.P. at Concord High.

Perhaps it is the challenges he faced as a child and youth that give him that special ability to build relationships with students; he can truly say he’s been there. He genuinely cares about kids and knows nearly every student by name. We are very sad to see this

“gentle giant” retire and leave our campus but we are grateful for the influence he leaves behind and wish him well in his third career, whatever that may be. Thank you and good luck, Mr. Bass.

Into the Wild Blue Yonder: Teacher Retires After 20 YearsCHS School Reportby Rebecca Jensen

Mail in Registration no later than June 24.

The Concord Police Association presents their 6th Annual Stars & Stripes 5K Run & Walk on Saturday, July 4th, benefiting both the Monument Crisis Center and Bay Area Crisis Nursery.

Awards and prizes for 1st through 3rd place male & female finishers in the 5K & Kids Fun Run and medals for second and third place male & female finishers in each age group.

Entry fee for the 5K is $30.00 and must be postmarked by June 24th, delivered in person at RoadRunner Sports in Concord or Sport Basement in Walnut Creek or Online.

Visit their website for registration deadlines, locations and discounts, awards, and other details! www.starsandstripesrun.com.

Stars & Stripes 5K Run & Walk & Kids Fun Run – July 4th

Answers to the Head Games puzzle from page 2.

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WALNUT CREEK -- Two local middle school musicians who study flute with Civic Arts Education have been selected as Junior Finalists for the 2015 Middle School Honors Performance Series, and will play at Carnegie Hall in New York this summer. Taylor Alyssa Lai is a 7th grader at Seven Hills Middle school in Walnut Creek and a longtime student of Flock of Flutes and Music Director Monica Williams at Civic Arts. In addition to the flute, Lai plays the Native American flute, piccolo, piano and harp. Cailee Abesamis, an 8th grade at Palmer School in Walnut Creek, has a passion for flute, piano, drawing and singing.

Lai says of the honor, “I am grateful to be a Junior Finalist and glad to have the opportunity to learn from world-renowned conductors. I can’t wait to get a taste of New York City.” Absamis is also excited to play the world-famous venue: “I can't believe I will be playing at Carnegie Hall! I dreamed of playing there, and now it has come true!” The Carnegie Hall performance will be Saturday, June 27. Tickets will be available for purchase 60 days prior to the performance through the Carnegie Hall box office at www.boxofficeticketsales.com.

Lai and Abesamis will join performers who hail from all 50 states, Canada, and several other countries. They auditioned for the Honors Performance Series in the fall of 2014, and were accepted into the elite group by the Honors Selection Board. According to Honor Performance Series Program Director Nancy Richardson, “Being selected ... is something each Junior Finalist should be extremely proud. Working with these conductors and performing at Carnegie Hall is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that these student musicians never forget.”

For more than 40 years, the City of Walnut Creek's Civic Arts Education program brings high-quality visual and performing arts instruction and educational experiences to participants of all ages. www.arts-ed.org

Local Middle School Students Chosen to Play Carnegie Hall

GOVERNMENT•Concord City Council, 1st, 2nd and 4th Tuesdays, 6:30 pm, Council Chambers, 1950 Parkside Dr, Concord. Or watch online at http://www.ci.concord.ca.us/citygov/agendas/council/•Clayton City Council, 1st and 3rd Tuesdays, 7pm. Hoyer Hall, Clayton Library, 6125 Clayton Rd, Clayton. http://ci.clayton.ca.us•Martinez City Council, 1st and 3rd Wednesdays. City Hall, 7 pm, 525 Henrietta Street, Martinez. Or Listen online at http://www.granicus.com/streamingMediaHelp/minimumSystem.htm, http://www.cityofmartinez.org•Walnut Creek City Council, 1st and 3rd Tuesdays, 7 pm. Or watch online at http://www.walnut-creek.org/services/citizen/granicus.asp •Pleasant Hill City Council, 1st and 3rd Wednesdays, 7:30 pm, Council Chambers of the Pleasant Hill City Hall, 100 Gregory Lane, Pleasant Hill. Or follow online at http://www.ci.pleasant-hill.ca.us/media/

CLUBS•American Association of University Women - Concord Branch www.aauw-concord.org•American Legion Post 171 - 5 p.m. third Tuesdays, Veterans Memorial Hall, Concord. 687-1427.•B2F Business Networking Group - noon first and third Thursdays. 998-8844.•Beachcomber Singles - Social and service activities for active adults age 45 and above. For more information call (510) 799-2207, Or visit our website: www.beachcombersingles.org/•British Club - 11:30 a.m. first Wednesdays, Zio Fraedo’s, Pleasant Hill. 682-7978.•Circle of Friends - second Mondays, Walnut Country Club, Concord. 998-8844.•Clayton Valley Garden Club- 7p.m. second Wednesdays, February-November. Diamond Terrace, 6401 Center St., Clayton. Contact: www.claytonvalleygardenclub.org•Clutch Busters Square Dance Club - 7:30 p.m.-9:30 pm Thursdays, New dancers and those wanting brush-up are welcome. Willow Pass Community Center, 2748 E Olivera Rd, Concord. 686-3774.•Concord Art Association - 12:50 p.m. second Tuesdays, Concord Library. 646-5455.•Concord Diablo Rotary - 12:15 p.m. Wednesdays, Crowne Plaza Hotel, Concord. dirk@wentlingstudio.com 685.7760•Clayton Valley/Concord Sunrise Rotary Club- 7 a.m. Thursdays, Oakhurst Country Club, Clayton. 689-7640 or www.claytonvalley-rotary.org.•Clayton Valley Woman’s Club. For meeting times call Aleta at 925-672-9448 www.claytonvalleywomansclub.org.•Concord Garden Club - 9:30 a.m. third Tuesdays, Bethel Baptist Church, Concord. 687-2334.•Concord Lions Club - 7 p.m. third Tuesdays, La Tapatia Mexican

Restaurant, Concord. 687-3594.•Concord Mystery Book Club - 2:30 p.m. second Sundays, Concord Library, 646-5455.•Concord Senior Club - ballroom dancing, 1 p.m. Tuesdays, 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays and 8 p.m. second Saturdays. 2727 Parkside Circle, Concord. 798-4557.•Contra Costa Genealogical Society - 7 p.m. second Thursdays, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Concord. www.rootsweb.com/~cacccgs.•Contra Costa Mineral & Gem Society - 7:30 p.m. second Mondays, Centre Concord. 429-2748 or www.ccmgs.org.•Creekside Artists Guild Meets 2nd Wed. each month @ 7-8:30pm. Clayton Library Story Room, 6125 Clayton Rd., Clayton. Arlene 673-9777, akiksen@aol.com•Concord United Methodist Women Monthly Meeting 510-758-4837•Diablo Numismatic Society - 7 p.m. third Thursdays, Veterans Memorial Hall, Concord. 825-0649 or xsteamerx@aol.com.•Diablo Toastmasters, every Thursday 7 – 9 p.m., Sizzler Rest., Concord. http://www.diablotoastmasters.org. •Diablo Valley Democratic Club - 7 p.m. third Wednesdays, Ygnacio Valley Library, Walnut Creek. 946-0469 or http://www.dvdems.org. •Diablo Valley Macintosh Users Group - 6:30 p.m. third Tuesdays. Bancroft Elementary School, Walnut Creek. 689-1155 or www.dvmug.org.•Diablo Valley Mustang Assoc meets 7:00 pm second Wednesdays each month at Fuddruckers Concord. All Mustang afficiados invited. Nancy Russell 925-825-5994. www.dvma.org•Diablo Valley Wings, Chapter P of the Gold Wing Touring Association - 12:15 p.m. third Tuesdays, Sizzler, Concord. 686-3774 or http://www.GWTA-CA-DVW.org.•East Bay Prospectors Club - 7 p.m. fourth Wednesday, 1021 Detroit Ave., Unit D, Concord. 672-1863 or www.eastbaygpaa.webs.com.•Ellen’s Guild - 10 a.m second Tuesdays, Family Stress Center, Concord. 672-5409 or www.familystresscenter.org.•Hope Academy Concord Open House, Third Thursday of each month, 9 – 9:45 a.m. Reservations required: Judy Davies 687-7555; 5353 Concord Blvd. www.hopeacademyconcord.org•Kiwanis Club of Greater Concord - 8:15 a.m. Wednesdays, Buttercup Grill and Bar, 4301 Clayton Rd., Concord. 372-5348.

•Knife Throwing Club/Diablo Impalement Arts Group:We throw anything with a point on our 40 foot multiple target range, Wed, Thurs, Sat & Sun-part of the Diablo Rod and Gun Club, 4700 Evora Rd.Concord,(925)709-9199

www.throwzini.com/events.html•Knitting Group - 2 p.m. first Sundays, Concord Library. 646-5455.•Knights Of Columbus, Concord Council 6038•Knights of Pythias, Lodge #162 meets on the 2nd Tuesday and 4th Thursday of each month. For more information and membership call Herb Lederman at (925) 631-0229or email: Herbleder_KOP@Yahoo.comMeets 7:30 p.m. first Tuesday of the month, St.Bonaventure Church, 5562 Clayton Road, Contact Rayce at

683-9717 or rayce@aol.com.•Mt Diablo Metal Detecting Club and have Meets at the Elks Lodge in Walnut Creek. 1475 Creekside Dr. 730 pm www.mdmdc.com meets on the second Wednesday.www.mdmdctreasurehunting.com.•Mt. Diablo Branch, California Writers Club (CWC). Contact jeaniegpops@comcast.net. Novelist Joshua Mohr will present “Plarachterization: Intersection of Plot and Character” at the next luncheon meeting on Saturday, June 13, 2015 at Zio Fraedo’s Restaurant, 611 Gregory Lane, Pleasant Hill. The cost is $20 for CWC members, $25 for guests.Reservations are required, and must be received no later than noon on Wednesday, June 10th. Contact Robin Gigoux at ragig@aol.com, or phone 925-933-9670. •Soroptimist International Diablo Vista - 12:15 p.m. first, second and third Wednesdays, Sizzler, Concord. 672-2727•National Marine Corps Business Network: www.nmcbn.com/ We normally meet the second Tuesday of each month. Contact 925-680-8714.•Odd Fellows - 3 p.m. second and fourth Tuesdays, Pacheco Lodge 117, Concord. 682-7358.•Pleasant Hill Walnut Creek Mothers’ Club, http://www.phwcmothersclub.org•Rising Stars Toastmasters. This group was created for job seekers. For more information, contact Derrick Smith at (925) 381-4551 or go to risingstarstm.toastmastersclubs.org.•Snowchasers Ski Club - Snow skiing and Snowboarding- First and Third Wednesdays of each month. Snowchasers meets 7:30 pm Sizzlers Concord.Contact iSteve and Rosalie Rhodes,925-228-8145.

www.snowchasers.org•Toastmasters International - 7 p.m. Mondays, Montecito of Concord, 682-7211. Also, 7:15 p.m. Tuesdays, John Muir Concord Campus. Toastmasters can help! Our local club, Word Weavers, meets Mondays, 7:00 to 8:15 p.m. at 4756 Clayton Road, Concord 686-1818. www.toastmasters.org. •Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1525 - 9 a.m. second Saturdays, Veterans Memorial Hall, Concord.

SUPPORT GROUPS•Al-Anon Family Group - 7:30 p.m. Mondays, St. Martins of Tours Anglican Church and Preschool, Concord. 932-6770 or www.ncwsa.org.•Alcoholics Anonymous - 939-4155 or www.aa.org.Bereavement Support Group -1st and 3rd Wednesdays of the month, 4:30 - 6:00 pm. pre-registration. Call (925) 887-5681 The Bridge A bi-weekly program that provides support in a safe place where children, teens, adults grieving a death can share their experiences using art, play, journaling, music and conversation. The Bridge program starts and ends with each school year, running for approximately 9 months. pre-registration. Call (925) 887-5681 •Cardiac Care Support Group - 7 p.m. second Thursdays, John Muir Walnut Creek or Concord. 947-5206.•Hearing Loss and Cochlear Implant Wearers Support Group - 7 p.m. first Wednesdays, Walnut Creek United Methodist Church. HLAADV@hearinglossdv.org or 264-1199.•HIV/AIDS Support Group - 7-9 p.m. 2nd & 4th Thursdays, John Muir Concord. 674-2190.•Leukemia Society Family Support Group - 7 p.m. first Thursdays. 947-4466, ext. 32797.•Living with a Mental Illness? Join NAMI Connection Peer-led support group. Saturdays 1:00 - 2:30 pm Held at John Muir Behavioral Health Center 2740 Grant Street Concord. Call 925-942-0767 or www.namicontracosta.org•Nar-Anon - 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays, John Muir Concord. http://naranoncalifornia.org.•Pet Loss Support Group, Second Tuesday of the month, 5:30-7PM. (925) 887-5681. Pre-registration required. •Rainbow Community Center - Check Website for services. 3024 Willow Pass Road, Suite 200, Concord.www.rainbowcc.org.•Retired & Senior Volunteer Program - 472-5777.•The Stroke Support Group of Contra Costa County will hold its monthly meeting on June 8 at the Ball Auditorium at John Muir Medical Center in Walnut Creek from 7-9PM. Speaker is Eileen Nevitt, LCSW. For more details contact Ann Dzuna at 925-376-6218. Meetings are free.Understanding Grief Class Thursday, 6:00 - 8:00 pm June 11

continued from page 5CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Testimonial:“After spending what

seemed like hours today googling for seasonal events in the east bay

area, I discovered at the end of my search that I should have begun

with the Diablo Gazette! Thank you for such a comprehensive list of events and activities!”

~Christine Ondersma

Visit our Website for Full Printable Calendar and Support Group Listings at www.DiabloGazette.com

HAPPY FATHER’S DAY

Diablo Gazette • JUNE 2015 • Page 16 • www.DiabloGazette.com | www.fb.com/DiabloGazette • (925) 303-4779

School is ending and this is the time parents start to panic. According to children, summer does not start on June 21st. It starts the day school lets out, three weeks (or so) earlier. Before your kids settle into a summer of sedentary snacking, video games and TV, or battle boredom with mischievous curiosity, consider a surprisingly affordable alternative offered by the Salvation Army Summer Day Camp.

Salvation Army youth programs serve hundreds of youths and their families all

year round, especially during the summer day camps. The Salvation Army Summer Day Camp, for children ages 6-13, will run from June 15 through July 24. The cost is $100 per week Monday - Friday from 7:30 am to 5:30 pm. That breaks down to about $2 per hour of supervised activities including breakfast and two snacks daily. However, these camps are limited to just twenty kids each week.

This year’s theme is World Tour 2015. Each week the kids will learn about a new country, China, Italy, Africa,

Canada, France and Mexico and enjoy its cuisine. Other activities include breakfast, character development classes, music lessons, snacks, movies, arts and crafts, swimming at Heather Farms, free play and Friday field trips to bowling, museum, Ghost Golf, and Scandia.

The Salvation Army is especially excited about its new collaboration with its very own Pritchard School of Music. These introductory lessons are also included.

“Salvation Army summer youth

programs are a beacon of light in the community and surrounding areas,” says Naa Harper, local author of Living Your Dreams, a Woman’s Guide to Fulfilling Her Destiny.

You can register for all 6 weeks or choose your weeks. However, registration is limited. For more information, camp availability and registration call (925) 676-6180 ext.15. You may also register at the Salvation Army of Concord, 3950 Clayton Road. See their ad below.

Salvation Army of Concord Offers World Tour 2015 Summer Camps