'Tis the Season 12.10.2021 by Brentwood Press & Publishing

‘ Tis the Season THE PRESS

December 10, 2021

‘TIS THE SEASON

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DECEMBER 10, 2021

Happy New Year!

Tomorrow is the first blank page of a 365-page book. Write a good one.

– Brad Paisley

ere we are again. Another year. Another circle around the sun. Another opportunity to do it better, get it right.

A part of me feels like not getting it perfect, and therefore having that drive to continue to try to live a better life, gives me a sense of ‘job security’. The duality of this time of year is obvious. Endings and beginnings. A toast to a year well lived and cheers to all the new and fresh possibilities. I am excited thinking about all that has happened this past year, and giddy about what is to come in 2022. One of the common threads of this year has been helping people to overcome the continuing losses they have experienced due to Covid. Just having the opportunity to help people through this fiasco has been rewarding, and to make truly life altering changes for them has felt like a gift. The interesting thing about those wounded by Covid is their resilience. They are fighters, not willing to give up in the face of unbelievable on-going adversity. It was truly our privilege to work with them to set a new reality for their future. Because the world was turned upside down, we couldn’t just follow the normal path as we tried to help. We had to triage the many different situations that arose and figure out a new path to loan approval. The most obvious initial hurdle was documenting income for people who had lost their jobs due to C19. We could not use historical income because the future was so uncertain. Even for people who worked for the same company for 20 years or owned the same restaurant for the last 15 years, we had to figure out the new normal for income verification. Some had taken on new jobs to try to make ends meet, some had taken in roommates, some decided to go ahead and bite the bullet and take Social Security income earlier than they had hoped, for others, we dissipated what was left of their retirement assets. One way or another, we figured out how to make things work. Theoretical dissipation of retirement assets is something we do often. The difficulty was that many people were using their retirement assets to try to squeak through until they could re-open their business or go back to their jobs. What that meant was the available assets were much less than they once were. As a side note, this all felt much like de ja vu. It was 2008 all over again. It was eerie to watch the same kinds of desperate actions while also seeing the unwavering hope and courage in people’s eyes. The really fabulous news is that we helped so many people to not only get back on their feet but to set a new normal. People who had been working all along, not thinking twice about doing anything less than what they had “always done”, were suddenly intrigued with the idea of not “having to go to work every day”. It was truly an entirely new concept for them. They were not throwing in the towel at all. They were considering what “could be”. This potential new reality was something they had never considered. They thought they would work “forever” or at least until it

was their choice. But once they were forced into this new space it seemed so intriguing. By eliminating their mortgage payment, we were able to set them up to make their own life choices. They could certainly go back to work or re-open their business if they wanted to do so, or they could choose a different path. What is so amazing about the reverse mortgage program is that it gives them total flexibility. With this new reality, no mortgage payment, not because they chose to go down that road but because they were forced, they now have opportunities to make different choices. Yes, going back to work is a great choice. If they do decide to do that, they can start making payments on the reverse mortgage just like they used to make payments on their old mortgage. Or, they can go back to work, and not make payments on the new mortgage. They could make partial payments. They could pay every other month. Or pay nothing at all, except property taxes, insurance, and HOA, if any. Or, they could not go back to work and decide to travel, or remodel, or just enjoy financial security without the stress of going off to work every day. Then the question about whether to begin drawing Social Security comes up. Again, and I cannot emphasize this enough, the reverse mortgage gives them the opportunity to “choose” whether to take it now or wait until later. In some cases, it absolutely makes sense to go ahead and take Social Security at the earliest time available, and in other cases, it makes sense to wait. Because we have eliminated the mortgage payment from the household budget, the monthly cash flow may be sufficient without taking Social Security earlier than planned. The reverse allows you to choose rather than be forced into one decision or another. Another group that we are so excited to have been able to help this past year are the ones who have been sitting on our “maybe one day” board. Up until now they owed too much on their homes for us to be able to help them. This year, with values way up, and many people working hard to pay down their mortgage in order to qualify for a reverse, the stars aligned. We called them nuggets. As we went through the board and found nuggets that we had been talking to for 2 years, 3 years, sometimes 4 years, and now suddenly, a reverse mortgage is going to work for them! It was exciting for us and for them. When we called them and said ‘we think a reverse mortgage can work for you now and if so, we can eliminate your mortgage payment now’. After so much conversation and so much time, oh my goodness, there was so much excitement on their part, and ours. The best story of 2021 was realizing that we are now able to do loans for the kids of our previous clients. Earlier this year the son of one of my previous clients called. When he retired, his mom, said call Beth, she did our reverse mortgage loan for your dad and me about 8 years ago. It has provided financial security for us as well as the ability to have a little more fun than we otherwise would have been able to enjoy. It was so gratifying to know that his parents were super happy with how the reverse mortgage worked out for them and that they suggested their own child

Beth Miller-Rowe has been in the mortgage industry for 38 years specializing in reverse mortgages for the past 12 years. Beth has degrees in economics and business administration. call us. When someone will recommend us to their child that is the ultimate compliment. Since then, we have done 3 more loans for the “kids” of our original clients. And more to come, for sure. There are lots of exciting changes for 2022. The loan amounts we can offer are much higher. We can now lend to people 55+ years old. We can do a refinance with 12 months seasoning rather than 18 months. 2022 is full of possibilities. We are looking forward to helping our clients to enjoy all that retirement has to offer through-out this coming year, and in many more to come. Give me a call. Let’s chat. Happy Holidays to one and all. Cheers to a healthy, fun, interesting, exciting 2022! – Advertorial

Let’s take a look and see if we can Make Your Retirement Dreams Come True.

Beth Miller-Rowe NMLS: 294774

Branch Manager and Reverse Mortgage Specialist

The Reverse Mortgage Group • A Division of American Pacific Mortgage Corp.

Office: 925-969-0380 Cell: 925-381-8264 Beth@YourReverse.com

3478 Buskirk Ave., Ste. 1000 Pleasant Hill, CA 94523

Your Retirement Dreams Can Come True! A Division of American Pacific Mortgage Corporation NMLS 1850

DRE: 00950759/01215943 • NMLS: 294774/831612/1850 Licensed by the Dept of Business Oversight under the California Residential Mortgage Lending Act

*Reverse mortgages are loans offered to homeowners who are 62 or older who have equity in their homes. The loan programs allow borrowers to defer payment on the loans until they pass away, sell the home, or move out. Homeowners, however, remain responsible for the payment of taxes, insurance, maintenance, and other items. Nonpayment of these items can lead to a default under the loan terms and ultimate loss of the home. FHA insured reverse mortgages have an up front and ongoing cost; ask your loan officer for details. These materials are not from, nor approved by HUD, FHA, or any governing agency. **American Pacific Mortgage Corporation is not financial service company or licensed tax advisors; the material provided is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be construed as investment, tax and/or mortgage advice. Although the material is deemed to be accurate and reliable, there is no guarantee it is without errors. We are not financial or tax advisors, please contact your financial professional for your personal financial situation.

‘TIS THE SEASON

DECEMBER 10, 2021

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Pantell’s Music Box celebrates 70 years in the community DAWNMARIE FEHR

antell’s Music Box in Antioch has been bringing the noise to East County for over

seven decades. The family-owned and -operated business began as a full-service Texaco station established by George Pantell, Sr., in 1950. In the 1960s, his son, George Pantell, Jr., took over the business, making it the area’s first car stereo shop. Now, the family’s fourth generation of management – Alex and Tyler Pantell – are running things. “We are in our 71st year of business,” Alex said. “It’s always been family-run and Pantells have pretty much always worked there. We began with record players, eight tracks and four tracks, then advanced to cassettes and CDs. Now it’s all Bluetooth. Everyone wants to do everything on their phone through their car stereo.” From classic and custom cars to sedans, trucks and minivans, Pantell’s Music Box upgrades and installs sound systems according to their customer’s specifications. Alex has seen a wide range of vehicles come through the shop, including motorcycles, boats, scooters and even tractors. Alex has been working for the business full-time for 15 years, and his brother

Pantell’s Music Box in Antioch has been in business since the 1960s

Photo by Alex Pantell

Tyler for 21. The pair started helping their fathers and uncles early on, tidying the shop and painting the curbs. Tyler said the work kept them busy and out of trouble. “I started helping out in high school,” Tyler recalled. “I worked there on the weekends and after school and started fulltime after I graduated. I worked there until my father and uncles all retired, and now we have taken over the business.” Though the products Pantell’s installs have changed through the years, the fami-

ly’s commitment to their customers and the community have remained constant. “When you put your name on something, you really stand behind your work,” Alex said. “I think now you don’t see many service-driven businesses. We are all about the customer and always willing to take care of the customer’s needs.” Tyler and Alex both enjoy putting their own marks on the business, offering the exemplary service for which their fathers, uncles and grandfathers were known

while installing systems from the simple to the elaborate. They are active community participants, supporting local sports leagues and city programs. They both live in East County and have begun raising the next generation of Pantells to one day take over the family business. Pantell’s Music Box is located at 407 G St. in Antioch. Call 925-757-6618 or visit www.pantellsmusicbox.com for more information. To comment, visit www.thepress.net.

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‘TIS THE SEASON

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Carriage business conveys the spirit of the holidays

K A I T LY N G L E E S O N

DECEMBER 10, 2021

Say hello to friendly Darwin the Dinosaur

K A I T LY N G L E E S O N

he day after Thanksgiving, crowds

arwin the Dinosaur is a 12-foot-tall, 14-foot-

gathered in Downtown Brentwood to

long animatronic that is new to Brentwood.

watch the holiday parade and — with

He visits businesses and schools to provide

much excitement — the arrival of Santa Claus.

educational knowledge and fun to locals.

The carriage that Santa rolled up in was provided by a company known as Fancy Ferriage, which has provided carriage services in the Bay Area for over 25 years. “For us, it’s a labor of love,” explained Dave Travers, the owner of Fancy Ferriage. “There are only a few people who still know how to harness and drive a team of horses. To me, it’s keeping history and keeping that art alive so that it doesn’t die and we can pass it down to other generations.” The traditional service serves weddings, quinceañeras, funerals, birthday parties and holiday events and celebrations. In addition to horsedrawn services, there are also options for individuals to book carriages for photo purposes, such as engagement photos, baby bump photos and other announcement photos. “My favorite parts are the holiday events where we have children around — particularly when we

Photo courtesy of Dave Travers

Fancy Ferriage, which has provided carriage services in the Bay Area for over 25 years, was Santa’s ride during the recent Brentwood holiday parade. have Santa involved,” Travers continued, mentioning the sounds of joy and happiness that come from children as his carriages carry Santa during holiday events. Travers emphasized the importance of lightening and uplifting the community, as he talked about the company. “This is designed to put smiles on peoples’ faces and help them make memories.” Anyone interested in hiring Fancy Ferriage’s services can do so through their website at www. fancyferriage.com. To view more photos of Fancy Ferriage, visit www. thepress.net/multimedia/slideshows

“We are trying to put something together like programs for schools,” said operator Greg Jacobs in an interview. “Since the kids are trying to get out of their houses, we are trying to promote the community.” Darwin is a friendly creature that aims to bring people together in an educational manner. Jacobs works with his daughter to develop scripts and skits for the sake of those who book Darwin. “Our plan is to get plugged into the schools and local municipalities,” Jacobs said about his hopes for Darwin as he builds his reputation. “We do a giveaway where, every quarter, we give away a free hour with Darwin.” According to Jacobs, it took 12-15 years to get Darwin where he is today, making the dinosaur a long-awaited, friendly addition to Contra Costa County cities. To book Darwin the Dinosaur, visit www.Darwinthedino. com for rates, scheduling and further information. To view a video, visit www.thepress.net/multimedia

From

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DECEMBER 10, 2021

‘TIS THE SEASON

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How to survive the holidays – Chapter 2 C H R I S T I N A D A LT O N

he turkey has been carved and the Thanksgiving dishes have been stored away. You

survived Chapter 1 of the holiday season? Reflected on your triggers and had those important conversations we talked about last month? Ah, but you know as well as I do that the fun is only starting. From now through the New Year, the commercials that invade all electronic devices, to the holiday songs and merchandise in every store, it becomes impossible to escape the expectations of the season. In this Part 2 of our “Being our best self during the holidays,” consider exploring more tools and techniques that I promised to tell you about last month. Let’s focus on the opportunities of self-awareness and “right sizing” this holiday season to help you rise above expected and also unpredictable challenges you may face that pull you under from being your best self. As I explore what this holiday season will mean to me in all the hats I will wear - from wife, mother, sister, granddaughter,

friend,…. you know the list, I need to explore how to reframe the demands created by me and by others. I can’t change those around me. However, I can be more self aware of what my trigger points are and what I need. The following are suggestions of how to create joy in the holiday season. Self-awareness is a powerful tool. This means that we are aware how we feel when stressful moments erupt. It also recognizes the tools we have within ourselves to control those moments. How do you handle yourself when things are not going smoothly? This can be prompted by just about anything from preparing for guests, maneuvering uncomfortable conversations, transitions that have happened over the last year such as the loss of a loved one, to divorce or a falling out of relationships. It could even be about navigating the schedules of a blended family. To start, recognize how your body and mind feel when stress takes over who you are. Practice simple relaxation exercises to allow the stress to dissipate. In coaching, my clients and I develop uncomplicated physical and mental relaxation devices to manage their stress levels. Front load your safety plan now to create support for yourself. Who can be on your team to “catch” you when the overwhelming sensations occur? It could be your spouse, an adult child, or even a good friend. Converse ahead of time what you are anticipating and what you may need from them to support

you in these difficult moments. With the help of your support person, you may consider taking a short pause and leaving for a quieter room or even taking a walk. The goal is to have the opportunity to refocus, reframe, and regroup. As little as 15 minutes may be all you need to reframe what is causing you stress. If, in the past, the holidays have been suffocating for you, consider “right sizing” what your holiday should look like. Create your holidays to fit your best self. This may mean pacing your entertainment, or keeping your gatherings smaller. Revisiting the part of the holiday that invites the biggest anxiety may be valuable to reframe it. Then contemplate how you can change that tradition to meet your needs without compromising the true reason for this tradition. Consider delegating some of the responsibilities on to other members of the gatherings. It’s OK if you are recognizing that you don’t have to be a superhero. What if an unexpected comment is made or something you looked forward to “flops”? How can you find humor in that moment to relieve the unnecessary feelings you may be experiencing? The opportunities to find shades of gray in how you react to the situation can make the difference between an amazing holiday gathering versus one you wish you could erase from your memory. Occasionally the holidays might be a time

to let go of some of your favorite traditions because of a change in your family, friends or circumstances. By keeping your perspective open as you define new traditions may offer new possibilities for this holiday season. For instance, my son in law, as a firefighter, had to work this Thanksgiving. As a family, we agreed on a different day to fully celebrate the holiday. Adult children may have to split the holidays with parents and in-laws. And of course, if a family member had experienced a divorce, compromises may need to happen between the families. To have a less stressed and more joyous holiday celebration, recognize the challenging moments early. A common theme in a coaching session is “If you can name it, you can manage it.” Plan early to manage best who you want to be this holiday. Create possibilities to allow yourself to let go. And of course, allow forgiveness for yourself. You don’t have to achieve perfection, but you are supposed to have fun. You want to do more than just survive the holidays. You want to thrive! May these coaching suggestions help to make for a magical holiday season and a safe and healthy 2022. After all, it is about you first so that you can be your best for others. Christina Dalton is the principal of EYHLifeCoach; EYH stands for Expand Your Horizons. Dalton is Executive Coach, Life Coach, Relationship Coach, and has a Masters in Counseling.

WE OFFER A WIDE VARIETY OF MORTGAGE PRODUCTS INCLUDING: REVERSE MORTGAGES (PURCHASE & REFINANCE), FHA, CONVENTIONAL, VA, USDA, JUMBO, HIGH BALANCE AND DOWN PAYMENT ASSISTANCE

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© 2021 Preferred Rate - Partnered with American Pacific Mortgage (NMLS# 1850) • 141 Sand Creek Rd., Suite C • Brentwood, CA 94513 • Branch NMLS# 2085568 • For informational purposes only. • No guarantee of accuracy is expressed or implied. • Programs shown may not include all options or pricing structures. • Rates, terms, programs and underwriting policies subject to change without notice. • This is not an offer to extend credit or a commitment to lend. All loans subject to underwriting approval. • Some products may not be available in all states and restrictions may apply. • Equal Housing Opportunity. • Licensed by the Dept. of Business Oversight under the CRMLA. • For licensing information, visit NMLSConsumerAccess.org

TIS THE SEASON

DECEMBER 10, 2021

The ABCs of gift giving A is for All in One Limousine

All in One Limousine has the best transportation for all your travel needs, including airports, winery tours, weddings, dinners and holiday parties. Gift certificates are available. Our fleet includes stretch limos, sedans, SUV, party bus and passenger vans. Call Cindy at 925-513-4175 or visit www.allinonelimos.com (TCP# 24869)

B is for Baskets

Are you looking for a custom gift basket for that unique person? Boujee Baskets and Beyond in Oakley will work with you to create that custom gift basket and keep you on budget! For assistance, call Rhonda at 925-503-707.

C is for Cakes

The holidays are filled with desserts, and MJ’s Café and Bakery in downtown Brentwood is open to take your holiday orders. Cakes and pies are available to satisfy your sweet tooth. You can order online at www. mjsdowntowncafe.com or call at 925-684-7242. They are open seven days a week.

D is for Dance

Give the Gift of Dance this Holiday Season from East County Performing Arts Center! 8 Class session, Dance Costume, Certificate, Tutu and Wand – All packaged under the Tree for $140! www.Brentwooddance.com or call 925-240-5556.

E is for Eyeglasses

Whether you need a prescription or want fashionable frames, eye glasses can make a unique gift. At Vision Optix Optometry, they will help with all of your vision needs, including eye exams, glasses and contact lenses. Located at 3840 Balfour Road in Brentwood. Call 925-5130323 or visit www.visionoptix.com.

F is for Family & Fairview Heating and Air

Ensure the comfort of your family over the frosty winter months. Call Fairview Heating and Air at 925-6254963 for all your heating needs and get 15% off repairs and installations. Offer expires Jan 31, 2022. “From our family to yours, have a safe and festive holiday!”

G is for Gift Baskets Find a great collection of fruit, nut and gourmet food gift baskets at Gursky Ranch. Give a unique, handcrafted gift basket themed for the holiday season this year. All baskets are hand-processed in the Gursky Ranch store, located at 1921 Apricot Way, in Brentwood. The store is open daily through Dec. 24, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Call 925-634-4913 with any questions.

H is for Hamburger

Snag a gift card and give the gift of a juicy, all-American burger at Digger’s Diner, located at 2261 Balfour Road, in Brentwood. The restaurant is open Monday through Saturday, 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Sunday, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information, visit www.diggersdiners.com or call 925-240-8958.

I is for Ice Cream

Family-Owned and -operated, Sip and Scoop California is located at 234 Oak St in Brentwood. This cute downtown business is a great place to meet up with friends and get a delicious hot or ice beverage, a scoop of Ice Cream, yummy bubble waffle, toast, or breakfast sandwich. Mention this ad to get $1 off your order of $10 or more. You can follow Sip and Scoop on Facebook and Instagram.

J is for Jam

Coo Moo Jams is a local artisanal jams business. Currently Coo Moo Jams has two delicious flavors available, Apricot Habanero and Peachy Mango Madness with a third flavor, Triple Berry Moogartia coming soon! All flavors come with a warning of “may become addicting.“ Also added to our lineup is our Wooster Sauce. Jams are available at Alluv Place, Brentwood Craft Beer and Cider, Gursky Ranch, McCauleys Olive Oil Store and Urban Edge Farms. Visit www. coomoojams.com for details.

For all of you last-minute shoppers out there, The Press has you covered with some great gift ideas and fun thing to do. Below you will find local selections from A to Z, to complete your shopping list!

K is for Karaoke

Do you like to sing? Come out to Tailgaters Sports Bar and Grill for Karaoke Fridays! Where you can be the star every Friday night from 9pm til closing. Enjoy some wonderful food & a large selection of adult beverages! It’s always a good time to be had by all at Tailgaters locatated at 8065 Brentwood Blvd. 925-513-8281.

L is for Loans

With continued competitive interest rates, now could be the time to consider becoming a homeowner or refinancing. At Preferred Rate, it is our goal to make the dream of homeownership possible. We strive to do this by offering a wide-variety of solutions including, first-time homebuyer programs, FHA, VA, Conventional, Jumbo, Reverse, Fixed-Rate and Adjustable-Rate mortgages. Have questions? Reach out to Peggy Ann Valley, Sr. Mortgage Advisor, NMLS# 221369/DRE# 01000599, at peggy.valley@preferredrate. com or by calling 925.890.5255!

M is for Music

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Give the joy of music to fill the holiday season. Geddes Music provides new and used instruments with services and supplies to keep the music going. We are also offering a holiday special of 10% off all Christmas related collection sheet music and song books in stock! Geddes Music can be found at their new location, 625 First St. downtown Brentwood or call 925-634-6684.

N is for Nutcracker

For the last 17 years, The Ballet Company of East County has offered local audiences “The Nutcracker” each December, and this holiday season is no exception. Experience the magic and make “The Nutcracker” part of your family’s holiday tradition. Dancers from The Ballet Company of East County will offer five separate performances at the El Campanil Theatre in Antioch, Dec 17-19. For more information, go to www.brentwooddance.com or call 925-240-5556.

O is for Online Subscription

Give the gift of your local hometown news, the gift that lasts the whole year. We make it simple for you to go online at www.thepress. net/subscribe for yourself and your loved ones.

P is for Pets

Brentwood Family Pet Care offers all their clients and patients the highest level of veterinary medicine along with friendly, compassionate service. The best gift for your pets is good health exams, vaccines, antiparasites, spay/neuter - good food and lots of love. Let them help keep your pets (young or old) healthy and happy. Located at 4421-A Balfour Road in Brentwood. Visit www. BrentwoodFamilyPetCare.com, or call 925-240-7387.

Q is for QuikStop

Convenience is a gift in itself, and QuikStop offers many convenient options for holiday shopping. Pick up a gift card, or lottery tickets to stuff in a stocking or put under the tree. Having a party? Stop in to see our newest selections of hard liquor! Grab some snacks or gas up for holiday travel. Located at 3940A Walnut Blvd. in Brentwood. Call 925-634-0369. Open 24 hours.

R is for Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory

Caramel apples, truffles, toffees, cocoa bombs, clusters and more. Gift boxes, gift baskets and gift sets galore. Sugarfree, glutenfree and vegan-friendly, too. Gift Rocky this season to your friends and family. Locally ownedand-operated, Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory is located in The Streets of Brentwood, 2485 Sand Creek Road. For more information, call 925-513-3384 or visit www. BrentwoodChocolates.com.

S is for Soaps

All our soaps are handmade from scratch using fresh and organic ingredients sourced locally. The addition of fruit juices and organic milks give our soap a luscious silky feel to the skin and hence the name “ The S “ where S stands for Silky Smooth Skin. We now make a variety of skincare and haircare products, customized gift boxes, wedding favors, party favors and more. Shop online at www.TheSSoaps.com or call 925-322-5703

T is for Trees

Perez Nursery has a large selection of shade trees, palm trees and ornamental trees. Stop by Perez Nursery to choose the perfect tree for your yard. Gift Certificates also available. Perez also has a full garden center and offers landscape design and installation services. Open Monday through Saturday located at 2601 Walnut Blvd in Brentwood 925-516-1052.

U is for Ukulele

You don’t have to live in Hawaii to enjoy the lighthearted sounds of the ukulele, especially when one local group the Delta Strummers - is dedicated to this particular instrument. If someone you know is looking to learn a new skill while enjoying the social aspect of practicing and performing with a group, consider this stringed instrument. Contact Ernie Macintyre, music director, at www.deltastrummers.org.

V is for Vintage

A Vintage Wonderland has lots of treasures to put in your hands. The store is a cooperative of artisans who are standing by to greet you with treasures galore. Located at 609 First St. in downtown Brentwood, 925-390-5903.

W is for Wine

Head down to Hannah Nicole Vineyards & Winery for all your wine gift giving needs. They are open daily from Noon to 5 p.m. Shop online at www. hnwines.com and have your order delivered or pick up is also available at 6700 Balfour Road, Brentwood or call 925-3923189.

X is Galaxy Kids Code Club

Give the gift of coding for the holidays! Coding is quickly becoming one of the most important job skills. Gift Certificates are available now for our Coding Classes as well as our in-store games and puzzles. Turn your child’s love of technology into skill building for their future success! Visit our website at www. galaxykidscodeclub.com to see the latest games our students have created or contact us at 925-4642766. GalaxyKids <Code Club> 312 Oak St. Brentwood.

Y is for Frozen Yogurt.

Head over to Cool Spot in Brentwood where you can enjoy some amazing yogurt gourmet cookies, great slushy’s & now breakfast burritos. Buy a $25 gift card and get $5 extra for free! Stop in Friday nights from 8 to 9 pm for $5.00 fill ups. Open Sun. - Thur. 8 AM to 8 PM Fri. and Sat. 8 AM to 9 PM. 390 W. Country Club Dr. 925-626-714.

Z is for Zephyr

Treat your friends and family to a gourmet dining experience at Zephyr Grill & Bar at 613 First St, in Brentwood. Zephyr gift cards make great presents! For every $100 in gift cards purchased, receive a $20 bonus card. Open Wednesday and Thursday 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. , Friday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. For more information call 925-418-4708 or visit https://www. zephyrgrillbrentwood.com.

TIS THE SEASON

DECEMBER 10, 2021

The ABCs of gift giving A is for All in One Limousine

B is for Baskets

C is for Cakes

D is for Dance

E is for Eyeglasses

F is for Family & Fairview Heating and Air

H is for Hamburger

I is for Ice Cream

J is for Jam

K is for Karaoke

L is for Loans

M is for Music

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N is for Nutcracker

O is for Online Subscription

Give the gift of your local hometown news, the gift that lasts the whole year. We make it simple for you to go online at www.thepress. net/subscribe for yourself and your loved ones.

P is for Pets

Q is for QuikStop

R is for Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory

S is for Soaps

T is for Trees

U is for Ukulele

V is for Vintage

W is for Wine

X is Galaxy Kids Code Club

Y is for Frozen Yogurt.

Z is for Zephyr

‘TIS THE SEASON

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How one Brentwood artist found her way Contra Costa County woman made it her goal to inspire students C H R I S T I N A D A LT O N

ast Contra Costa County is rich in diverse artists. But some residents may not be aware

of many of them. Susan Burkhardt – artist, educator and local contributor Art by Susan Burkhardt

to the Delta Art Gallery at The Streets of Brentwood – is one such artist. Burkhardt started her journey to artistic expression on Long Island, New York. From first through sixth grade, the New York elementary schools hired art specialists who taught their skills to wide-eyed children ready to explore their capabilities. Burkhardt was thrilled to imitate her much older sister in releasing her art potential. She also appreciated having the same art instructor all six years to guide her skills at this young age, as that teacher already admired her talent and encouraged her work. For Burkhardt, however, art was more than a class for exploration. She used her love of art to cope with her parents’ divorce when she was young, and it was also her outlet as her mother became involved in another toxic relationship. Her art nourished

East County resident Susan Burkhardt, a retired educator, used art to inspire students to see the world differently. Her work is currently on display at the Delta Art Gallery in the Streets of Brentwood. safety from a world of uncertainty, she said. Through this escape, she developed both her artistic and her vocal skills. With few elective choices in junior high school, Burkhardt advanced her singing capabilities and art took a pause since it was not offered in the seventh and eighth grades. With her dad’s transfer to California, Burkhardt continued her freshman year in Moraga at Campolindo High School. Here, she expanded her talents in art and choir. Like many teenagers, however, Burkhardt was unsure what journey to take in college or career. Diablo Valley College (DVC) offered her the opportunity to continue to develop her talents and explore her choices. At DVC,

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she discovered that the use of oil paints allowed her to release her pure emotions in her work. Through her exploration and travels, she realized much later that education was her calling and art, her true passion. One day, Burkhardt showed her students the beauty of the trees around the Deer Valley High campus where she was employed teaching art. The students had not noticed. At that moment, she said she realized how much is around us that we do not appreciate. She had each student collect leaves that day and for their art project they painted the different shapes, colors, and dimensions of the leaves. “Those students never looked at a leaf the same way again,” she said.

As a retired educator who inspired hundreds of students at Deer Valley High School in Antioch and later, Heritage High School in Brentwood, Burkhardt came to realize the passions she was striving towards: to inspire students to see the world differently. As she reflects on her own artwork, she said she understands her passion for light and capturing light in her drawings. She views her art as an invitation for people to envision nature, buildings, and the power of light as inspiration. Her greatest joy is the opportunity to capture light in her artwork. Whether with students or patrons, she said she thrives on people thanking her for the opportunity to see the world differently as her paintings capture the beauty of her subjects. What does Burkhardt want her students and patrons to take away from her paintings? “Thank you for showing me this. I want people to see art in a new way,” she said. She wants people to view art differently – perhaps explore it at a new angle or turn it to fully take away what the painting means for them. Art lovers can visit some of Burkhardt’s work at the Delta Art Gallery in the Streets of Brentwood. You can also discover other artists who express their talents through paintings, jewelry and sculptures. To comment, visit www.thepress.net.

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Debbie Patterson helps out as Operation Creekside volunteers gathered in Brentwood last year to pack boxes of snacks and gifts for U.S. troops stationed both stateside and overseas. This year’s event is planned for Dec. 14.

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Holiday Pack for the Troops event set for Dec. 14

rentwood Auto Parts, Operation Creekside and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post

#10789 are preparing for their ninth annual Holiday Pack for the Troops. The event will be held Tuesday, Dec. 14 at 6 p.m. at Veterans Memorial Hall, 757 First St., in Brentwood. People of all ages are invited to come volunteer and help pack donation items to send to troops and K-9 units overseas for the holidays. In 2018, the community packed more than 350 boxes. Donations for boxes are also needed. Some suggested items include: nuts (peanuts, almonds, pistachios); granola

bars, fruit bars and energy bars; powdered mix drinks; fruit snacks; beef jerky and slim jims; gum; sunflower seeds; dried fruit; baby wipes; socks, T-shirts and gloves; hand warmers; non-perishable dog treats; and handwritten “thank you” notes. Items can be dropped off at Brentwood Auto Parts, 7881 Brentwood Blvd., or at a tent that will be set up the night of the event in front of the Veterans Memorial Hall to accept curbside drop-offs. Monetary donations for shipping costs are also being accepted — it costs about $20 to ship one package. Check donations can be made out to Operation Creekside (EIN #27-4120860). For more information, call Brentwood Auto Parts at 925-634-3952,or email naparick@sbcglobal.net.

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Deck the halls with easy DIY holiday decor

ecorating is one of the joys of the holiday season. Families often decorate together, and such traditions may

include dressing the Christmas tree and hanging holiday lights around the house. ♦ Snowmen: The holiday season simply wouldn’t be the same without snowmen. Homemade snowmen can be made out of ping pong balls, which are the ideal size when making ornaments for the Christmas tree. Those who want to go a little bigger can glue wiffle balls or

large polystyrene balls together or create their own papier-mache snowmen to display on mantles or on console tables in a foyer or hallway. ♦ Santa Claus: Another staple of holiday decor, Santa Claus has inspired many a DIY holiday ornament over the years. A paper plate Santa Claus with a cotton ball beard glued on can make for a fun Christmas craft, especially for young children who can’t wait for the big guy to appear on Christmas Eve. ♦ Reindeer: Santa would not be able to get the job done each Christmas Eve without his trustworthy team of reindeer. Popsicle stick reindeer projects can be fun for kids of all ages and a great way for youngsters to recog-

nize the efforts of Dasher, Dancer, Comet, Cupid, and, of course, Rudolph, among others. ♦ Cookie cutters: Family baking sessions are a holiday tradition for millions of people. Though that often leads to batches upon batches of tasty cookies, it also means families tend to have a surplus of holiday cookie cutters around the house. Surplus cookie cutters tend to be discarded or relegated to the ‘miscellaneous items’ drawer in kitchens, but a more awe-inspiring fate can await them. A coat of paint, some glitter and a little bit of string or twine is all families need to transform their extra cookie cutters into colorful tree ornaments. – Courtesy of Metro Creative

Classic Christmas films families can enjoy together

he holiday season is steeped in tradition. Few traditions may elicit more collective

belly laughs than holiday movie night, a tradition in millions of households across the globe. Families can consider these classic holiday films as they plan family movie night this holiday season. ♦ ‘Miracle on 34th Street’ (1947): This classic revolves around a man named ‘Kris Kringle’ (Edmund Gwenn) who claims to be the real Santa Claus after a successful stint as a

department store Santa in Midtown Manhattan. A trial to determine if Mr. Kringle is telling the truth soon follows. This version of the tale has earned a 96% rating on the popular film review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes. ♦ ‘A Christmas Story’ (1983): Though it airs all day long on Christmas on the cable television network TBS, families can get a head-start on that marathon and watch the film uninterrupted whenever they choose. Families can laugh together as 9-year-old Ralphie (Peter Billingsley) hopes to unwrap his official Red Ryder BB gun on Christmas morning. The film, which boasts an 89% on Rotten Tomatoes, includes a memorable performance by Darren McGavin, who plays Ralphie’s father.

♦ ‘Babes In Toyland’ (1934): Also known as ‘March of the Wooden Soldiers,’ this nearly century-old classic stars the legendary comedy duo Laurel and Hardy as two helpful tenants living in Mother Peep’s shoe in Toyland. ♦ ‘How the Grinch Stole Christmas’ (1967): An animated version of the Dr. Seuss classic, this film has entertained scores of children since it was first released more than 50 years ago. ♦ ‘Holiday Inn’ (1942): Hollywood legends Bing Crosby and Fred Astaire star in this classic that is perhaps most remembered for introducing the Irving Berlin class ‘White Christmas’ to the masses. The film boasts a 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and has something for fans of song, dance and romance. ♦ ‘Arthur Christmas’ (2011): Not all

Christmas films date to the 20th century. This animated tale tells the story of Arthur (voiced by James McAvoy), Santa’s youngest son who is thrust into the Christmas Eve business of delivering presents when his father fails to deliver a present to one child out of the hundreds of millions of kids on his list. ♦ ‘A Christmas Carol’ (1951): Many holiday season celebrants cannot imagine letting a season go by without watching at least one adaptation of Charles Dickens’ classic tale. The 1951 version is widely considered the most faithful to Dickens’ 1843 novella that recounts the story of Ebenezer Scrooge. Alastair Sim stars as Scrooge, and many consider his performance the best of any actor to take a turn as the notorious 19th-century miser.

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Selecting a tree is a yearly ritual, and each person has his or her own idea for what makes the ideal Christmas tree.

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A guide to picking out the perfect fresh Christmas tree ome the holiday season, perhaps no tradition evokes a warm and fuzzy feeling

more than a family outing to pick a Christmas tree. Whether it’s a trip to a live Christmas tree farm or a short drive to the nearest pre-cut tree lot, the process of selecting a tree that will serve as the crown jewel of the entire season is a great way to make lasting memories. Each person has his or her set of criteria for what makes the ideal Christmas tree. These tips can help families find the right tree. Choose your species Do some homework on the type of tree you want prior to buying the tree. Balsam fir and fraser fir are popular Christmas tree varieties, but there are many others, such as noble fir and Norway spruce. Balsams are known for having the most fragrant smell, but frasers tend to keep their needles the longest. For those who prefer a douglas fir, they sometimes drop their needles prematurely due to foliar diseases like needle-cast fungus. Space for ornaments In addition to aroma and needle longevity, look for trees that have a desirable shape and allow for adequate space between branches, advises the home and garden website The Spruce. Trees groomed to be lush and full will look

beautiful unadorned, but once ornaments are added, full branches may cause those ornaments to hang low or even fall off. Trees with sparse branches allow for ornaments to hang straight. Measure your space Trees in the field or in a lot may look much smaller than they do when brought into the living room. Don’t make the mistake of selecting a tree that is too large for your home. The agricultural firm Ragan & Masey says to measure the room from floor to ceiling and subtract the height of the tree stand and tree topper. It’s equally important to measure the width of the area where the tree will stand and allow for ample space for people to walk around the tree. Perform a needle check Every tree will drop some needles, and most evergreens hold their foliage. Modest needle loss is not an indicator of a poor tree. However, Decker’s Nursery in Greenlawn, N.Y. says if 50% of the needles are lost when you swipe your hand down three to five different branches around the tree, the tree likely is not a good choice. In addition, don’t pick a tree that has glaring defects in the trunk as it can impede water flow through the tree. Heavier is better A heavy pre-cut tree means it is full of water and has been cut more recently. A healthy, fresh tree is going to require an effort to lift. Older, dried out trees will not be heavy. Upon arriving home, make a fresh cut off the tree trunk and get it in water as soon as possible -- even if that’s a bucket until the tree stand can be set up. – Courtesy of Metro Creative

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Tips to prevent last-minute holiday shopping stress

ome people thrive by doing all of their tasks early. Others seem to do their best work when faced

with a time crunch. The methods individuals use to manage their time at work and play may extend to the ways they approach holiday shopping as well. There’s no right or wrong way to handle holiday shopping tasks, though Christmas Eve crowds at malls and throughout shopping districts suggest that there’s more late comers than there are early birds. The following tips can help those who typically wait until the last minute to check names off their lists. ♦ Use free shipping services. Shoppers who look for gifts online at the last minute run the risk of gifts not arriving on time. Many online retailers charge a premium for expedited shipping. Try to stick to shopping at online retailers that offer free shipping even in the eleventh hour. ♦ Create a budget. When rushing around from store to store, it may be easy to spend more than you want to. Make a list of how much you want to spend on each person, and stick to that limit for each person. Move on to the next store if you didn’t find what you need in your price range.

♦ Establish a time limit. Stores have strategies in place to keep shoppers in their establishments longer, hoping you’ll make impulse buys. These tricks include scenting the air with inviting aromas, putting necessities at the rear of the store, failing to display the time, and putting discounted items by the registers or door to attract shoppers. Set an alarm on your watch or phone for each store so you get what you need and get out on time. ♦ Subdivide bulk gifts. Think about purchasing bulk gifts like gift baskets from wholesale clubs and then breaking them down into individual gifts. This way, you can take care of several people with one purchase and save time in the process. ♦ Choose one-size-fits-all gifts. Think about a gift that can be purchased for multiple people so you can save time shopping for individualized gifts for everyone. For example, print a personalized photo calendar for several members of your family. You also can purchase multiple subscriptions or memberships to zoos or magazines for people on your list. Streamlining gifting in this way may save money as well as time. ♦ Choose in-store pickup. Rather than scouring various aisles, you can shop a retailer’s website and then pick up items in the store. You’ll save on potential shipping fees but still benefit by avoiding crowds. – Courtesy of Metro Creative

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How people manage their time during the rest of the year may extend to the ways they approach holiday shopping as well.

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