Atherton resident Sheri Sobrato Brisson, a long-term survivor of brain cancer and numerous operations and hospitalizations as a child, has co-authored a book, “Digging Deep: A Journal for Young People Facing Health Challenges,” with accomplished creative journal writer Rose Offner, of Castro Valley.
“You don’t have to ACT strong — you can BE strong” is the favorite motto of Brisson, a youth counselor, youth advocate, and philanthropist. She is making it her life’s work to support the “healing process” for youth dealing with a health crisis; not just cancer, but kids in outpatient treatment, at special medical camps, in palliative care, in remission, undergoing physical rehabilitation, on dialysis, and more.
“Emotional needs of sick kids often go unmet because kids themselves feel they need to ‘be brave’ and ‘act strong’ for themselves and their families,” says Brisson in an email.
Prior to Digging Deep being officially released on Oct. 15, Brisson has already donated thousands of books to hospitals and organizations such as: Make-a-Wish Greater Bay Area, Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford, Ronald McDonald House at Stanford, UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital, St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, American Cancer Society San Jose, and others through her publishing company, Resonance House LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Community Foundation Silicon Valley.
“Digging Deep is a remarkable resource for children and teens living with serious illness,” wrote Barbara Sourkes, Ph.D., director palliative care, Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford, and professor of pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, in an email statement. “The simple — yet powerful — words and the vibrant images gently guide them through their experiences. By ‘digging deep,’ these young people will, in fact emerge into clarity and light.”
Brisson, who discovered the importance of self-reflection during her own recovery from a brain tumor, has started and facilitated support groups for children with illness, and their families, for more than 20 years. She has also served as a board member for many health nonprofit organizations such as American Cancer Society, BraveKids, UCSF/Mt. Zion Auxiliary, and Creighton Health Institute, and as an advisor to Okizu Foundation and Parents Helping Parents.
After receiving her undergraduate degree in human biology from Stanford University, Brisson earned a master’s degree in counseling from Santa Clara University. She and her husband are the parents of two young children.
To learn more Brisson and the book, go to www.diggingdeep.org or www.facebook.com/DiggingDeepJournal.
The 140-page Digging Deep is available for purchase through ipgbook.com and amazon.com. To inquire about bulk orders or books sponsored through donation, email info@diggingdeep.org.
San Bruno Coats for Kids Giveaway Day to be held Nov. 20 in San Bruno
The 18th annual San Bruno Coats for Kids Giveaway Day will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Nov. 20 in San Bruno to help someone in San Mateo County stay warm this winter.
The location of distribution is still to be determined. Watch Channel 1, Patch.com or go to www.recologysanbruno.com/index.php/community-events regularly for updates about the night of distribution.
Sponsored by Recology San Bruno and the City of San Bruno, the event is held in recognition of the annual America Recycles Day on Nov. 15.
All are welcome. The limit is one coat per person. Children must be present to receive a coat. A Spanish translator will be available.
New and gently used coats — from infants to adult sizes — may be brought from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday (Oct. 25) to the American Youth Soccer Organization soccer fields at the former Crestmoor High School on Courtland Drive in San Bruno in recognition of Make a Difference Day.
From now through Oct. 31, coats may also be dropped off at one of the 13 collection sites throughout San Bruno, which are listed at www.recologysanbruno.com/index.php/community-events.
If San Bruno residents have coats they would like picked up curbside, from now until Nov. 15 they can call the Recology San Bruno customer service department at 650-583-8536 and request a pickup. Questions about Coats for Kids can also be asked at this phone number.
Health and safety fair to be held in San Bruno Saturday
A health and safety fair, hosted by Assemblyman Kevin Mullin, will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at The Shops at Tanforan, 1150 El Camino Real, 2nd level near J.C. Penney, in San Bruno.
Open to the public, the free event will feature health screenings; information on family wellness, nutrition, and fitness; safety tips on fire, poison, toys, and much more; CPR demonstration (hands only); and disaster readiness: prepare your home, car and family for emergencies.
This is an opportunity to share your thoughts on legislative issues and to bring your ideas, questions and concerns affecting the community.
For questions, call the Office of Assemblyman Kevin Mullin at 650-349-2200 or go to http://asmdc.org/members/a22/.
San Mateo County Mosquito and Vector Control District to hold a public session on West Nile
San Mateo County Mosquito and Vector Control District will hold a public information session on the threat of West Nile virus in San Mateo County, and the steps being taken to protect residents’ health, from 7 to 9 p.m. Monday in the San Mateo City Council Chambers, 332 W. 20th Ave., in San Mateo.
The speakers will include Brian Weber, assistant manager, San Mateo County Mosquito and Vector Control District; Dr. Scott Smith, vector-borne disease specialist, Stanford School of Medicine; and a representative from Central Life Sciences, which supplies many of the mosquito control products used in the U.S.
The event is free and open to the public.
For more information, call San Mateo County Mosquito and Vector Control District at 650-344-8592 or go to www.smcmad.org.
One Great City to perform at the Peninsula Guitar Series concert
One Great City — featuring guitarist and soprano Alexandra Iranfar with guitarist Timothy Sherren — will perform at the Peninsula Guitar Series’ first event of the season starting at 7 p.m. Nov. 1 at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, 1600 Santa Lucia Ave., in San Bruno.
One Great City is praised by renowned artist Sergio Assad as a “unique guitar duo … beautiful blending of voice, guitars, and creative repertoire,” said a statement in an email from Peninsula Guitar Series.
Formed in 2011, the duo immediately began building their repertoire, combining Iranfar’s abilities as both a guitarist and soprano with their love and dedication to chamber music.
A finalist of the San Francisco Conservatory of Music’s 2012-2013 Concerto Competition, One Great City has also been named Artist in Residence of the Chamber Music in Marin Concert Series. Iranfar recently performed the world premiere of two-time Grammy Award-winning artist Christopher Tin’s new song written for her in the fall of 2013.
In 2013, both Iranfar and Sherren completed their Master of Music degrees from San Francisco Conservatory of Music, studying privately and as a duo with scholarship under Grammy-winning artist Sergio Assad. In May 2014, they were awarded Professional Studies diplomas from the San Francisco Conservatory, where they were teaching assistants to the guitar department.
Tickets cost $12 for general admission and $8 for students if bought at http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/893226 or $15, general, and $10, students, at the door.
To learn more about Peninsula Guitar Series, go to www.peninsulaguitar.com.
Author Sarah Stark to discuss new novel, “Out There,” in Daly City
Author Sarah Stark will talk about her new novel, “Out There,” which was inspired by the story of the late Iraq veteran and Daly City resident Ruben Santos, from 2 to 4 p.m. Nov. 2 at Doelger Center, 111 Lake Merced Blvd., in Daly City.
After growing up in the Austin, Texas, area and graduating cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in Foreign Service from Baylor University, Stark then earned a master’s degree in Foreign Affairs from the University of Virginia. As a foreign policy analyst in Washington, D.C., she wrote about international security issues, including nuclear nonproliferation and peacekeeping.
A Santa Fe, N.M. resident for the past 14 years, Stark now teaches literature and creative writing at the Institute of American Indian Arts. She and her husband are the parents of four children.
Daly City Public Library Associates, Jefferson Council of PTAs, and NATURE (Native American Tribes Uniting and Regrouping for Education) are co-sponsoring the free event, at which Stark’s novel will be available for purchase.
Light refreshments will be served courtesy of NATURE. As space is limited, RSVPs are required; either email info@dcpla.org or call 650-755-7188.
Daly City Public Library Associates is also pleased to announce that they presented $5,000 to the City Council of Daly City on Oct. 13 for the purchase of children’s books. “In light of the materials budget cuts, this money will help the City Council supplement that collection, and help all of our youngsters as they read for enjoyment and enrichment,” wrote DCPLA Executive Director Susan Brissenden-Smith in an email. “This donation is thanks to a grant from the Danford Foundation, fundraising on Silicon Valley Gives Day, and our membership donations.”
Veteran’s Community Resource & Job Fair being held for veterans, their dependents
A Veteran’s Community Resource & Job Fair is being held for veterans and their dependents from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 5 at Skyline College, 3300 College Drive, Student and Community Center (Bldg. 6), in San Bruno.
The Veterans Resource Center and the Career Services Center at Skyline College, in collaboration with the Veteran’s Services Department at the California Employment Development Department, are sponsoring the event.
This is a great opportunity to:
* Learn about Veterans Affairs benefits
* Meet with VA representatives
* Register for VA health care benefits
* Meet other community veteran service providers
* Meet more than 20 local employers hiring veterans
* Learn about several job sectors represented
* Learn how to pay for school using VA education benefits
* Learn about certificate and degree programs at Skyline College In order to enroll in the San Francisco VA Medical Center Health Care, be sure to bring the following:
* Your DD214
* Veteran identification card
* Two other forms of identification
For questions, call Jorge Murillo, interim program services coordinator at the Skyline College Veterans Resource Center, at 650-738-7060.
Broadway By the Bay to present ‘Anything Goes’ at Fox Theatre in Redwood City
Broadway By the Bay will present “Anything Goes,” music and lyrics by Cole Porter, from Nov. 7 through Nov. 23 at the historic Fox Theatre, 2215 Broadway St., in Redwood City.
Featuring Porter’s hits such as “It’s De-Lovely” and “I Get a Kick out of You,” Reno Sweeney jumps on board the S.S. American and heads out to sea with a cast of singing sailors and criminals in disguise. A case of mistaken identities and broken hearts adds to this classic romantic comedy and its ultimate happy ending.
“Anything Goes” (Beaumont 1987 version) played 784 performances on Broadway at the Vivian Beaumont Theatre starring Patty LuPone, Howard McGillin, and Bill McCutcheon. It won three Tony awards for Revival, Leading Actress, and Choreography. In 2011, it was revived at the Stephen Sondheim Theatre with Sutton Foster and Joel Gray.
“In 1934, Cole Porter’s “Anything Goes” opened on Broadway starring Ethel Merman,” Director Michael Ryken wrote in an email. “Since then, the show has had three Broadway revivals, two films, a televised movie, and countless professional and amateur productions mounted across the globe.
“In all these renditions of “Anything Goes,” two things remain constant: a glorious score of Cole Porter tunes and pure, unabashed fun. The orchestrations and vocal arrangements are full and fabulous.” The Fox Theatre performances begin at 8 p.m. Nov. 7, 8, 15, and 22 and at 2 p.m. on Nov. 9, 15, 16, and 23. Arrive 45 minutes before curtain time on Nov. 8 and 15 for a special question and answer session with Artistic Director Amanda Folena.
The cast features Katie Jaime (Reno Sweeney), Adam Cotugno (Billy Crocker), Samantha Cardenas (Hope Harcourt), Ray D’Ambrosio (Moonface Martin), and Tomas Theriot (Evelyn Oakleigh).
Tickets range from $42 to $64 and may be purchased in person at the Fox Theatre Box Office, 2219 Broadway St., in Redwood City, from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and 3 to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Friday or call 650-579-5565 or go to www.broadwaybythebay.org. The box office is open 90 minutes prior to the start of each show, and remains open for 30 minutes following the start of the show.
Broadway By the Bay will also feature “Anything Goes” at the Golden State Theatre in Monterey from Nov. 29 through Dec. 7.
Veterans Memorial Senior Center holding dinner, show
The Veterans Memorial Senior Center at 1455 Madison Ave. in Redwood City is hosting a Veterans Day Dinner and Show starting at 6 p.m. on Nov. 7.
All veterans wearing full military uniforms will receive a special prize. An open mike will be available for anyone wishing to share “sea stories” with friends and guests.
A full course dinner with several entrees will be served along with appetizers, desserts, and drinks, prepared by Chef Gavin Gonzado. A local band will provide entertainment, and winners of raffles and door prizes will be announced throughout the dinner.
The event cost is $15 per person. For reservations, call 650-780-7259 or 650-780-7320 or visit the lunch desk at the VMSC from 9 a.m. to noon Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday.
For inquiries, call Dick Bond, VMSC facility leader, at 650-780-7320.
South San Francisco Scavenger Co. recognized for innovation
South San Francisco Scavenger Company recently received a certificate of recognition from the South San Francisco Mayor Karyl Matsumoto and City Council members commemorating the company’s achievement in converting food scraps and yard waste into transportation fuel and compost.
Called a dry anaerobic digester, the company unveiled the innovative new system during a recent commissioning event.
The new closed-loop system will process more than 11,200 tons of biodegradable material per year, which will reduce the amount of waste put into landfills, and will produce up to 500 diesel gallon equivalents per day of renewable compressed natural gas fuel used to power the company’s collection fleet.
In addition to producing clean-burning fuel, the system will also yield a nutrient-rich substance called digestate, which when matured, will become certified organic compost. Compared to traditional composting the new process generates much less greenhouse gas emissions and other air pollutants.
“This system is truly remarkable,” said Matsumoto in an email statement. “Our communities and the environment stand to benefit deeply from this state-of-the-art green technology. We are honored to have such a forward-thinking, green business in our city.”
South San Francisco Scavenger will next test their food scrap collection system within commercial settings first by working with the business community in recycling food scraps and food-soiled papers. In the near future, the company plans to expand the program to all the city’s residents.
To learn more, call South San Francisco Scavenger Company at 650-589-7385, ext. 103.
San Mateo County Supervisor Don Horsley was featured speaker at Basque Cultural Center dinner
San Mateo County Supervisor Don Horsley was the featured speaker at the San Mateo County Association of Grand Jurors luncheon held Oct. 3 at the Basque Cultural Center in South San Francisco.
Barbara Arietta, SMCAGJ president, welcomed about 40 people to the event.
Horsley talked about the history and significance of the Grand Jury, which he traced back to Saxon and Norman eras of about 1066 and earlier.
“Almost 600 years later, when colonists came to the New World, they also brought the Grand Jury system with them,” said Horsley. “There are records of the Massachusetts Bay Colony impaneling the first Grand Jury in 1635. Here in California, we have the unique honor or responsibility of being the only state with a Grand Jury system that is specifically tasked to be a watchdog of government.
“In 1880, the California Penal Codes were approved with statutes that mandated a singular Grand Jury requirement: the investigation of corruption charges and proper functioning of the county government. Only Nevada has a similar requirement of its Grand Jury system.
“The Civil Grand Jury, a volunteer, fact-finding body that serves one year, monitors the performance of the county, its 20 cities, special districts, agencies, and other public entities in order to facilitate positive change. To accomplish this, the Grand Jury conducts research, interviews public officials, employees, customers, experts, and citizens; and visits public facilities.”
The Grand Jury then issues a report that contains findings and recommendations that can increase the efficiency and effectiveness of government services. Some recommendations are not always pursued and acted upon, as a Grand Jury does not initiate prosecution. Responses to the Grand Jury report are required from governing bodies and elected officials within 90 days of issuance.
The statutory requirements to serve on the 19-member Grand Jury are:
* Be a citizen of the United States.
* Be at least 18 years of age.
* Reside in San Mateo County for a least one year before being selected.
* Have ordinary intelligence and good character.
* Possess a working knowledge of the English language.
* Not presently serving as a trial juror.
* Not having been a Grand Juror within one year of being selected (jurors may be held over for a second year.)
* Not having been convicted of a felony or malfeasance in office.
* Not presently serving as an elected official.
To apply to serve on the Civil Grand Jury, write to Grand Jury Judge, c/o Court Executive Office, 400 County Center, Redwood City, Calif., 94063 or go to www.co.sanmateo.ca/us, click on Civil Grand Jury and then click on Who Can Serve?
The San Mateo County Association of Grand Jurors, a nonprofit organization founded in 1982, is composed of former civil grand jurors. Its mission is to enhance public awareness, to promote the effectiveness of the grand jury system, and to encourage San Mateo County residents to apply for civil grand jury duty.
The members give training guidelines and information regarding the functions and structure of grand jury systems to citizens interested in serving on county and federal grand juries. They also provide teachers and students with informational materials and resources on the contributions made by the grand jury system.
For more SMCAGJ details, go to www.co.sanmateo.ca.us/smcagj.
$9,000 raised for the Alisa Ann Ruch Burn Foundation
The Junior League of Palo Alto-Mid Peninsula, Menlo Park Fire District, Stanford Park Hotel, and Menlo Grill Bistro raised $9,000 for the Alisa Ann Ruch Burn Foundation when they partnered to host the 14th annual Pancake Breakfast on Oct. 4 at the Fire District headquarters on Middlefield Road in Menlo Park.
More than 800 people enjoyed the pancakes cooked by the Menlo Park firefighters and served by the Junior League volunteers. Fire safety demonstrations, a silent auction, and fun children’s activities also highlighted the event.
The Alisa Ann Ruch Burn Foundation, a California-based nonprofit formed in 1971, is dedicated to preventing burns and fires and providing services to those who have been affected by a burn injury. The organization unites health care providers, firefighters, emergency workers, burn care professionals, burn survivors, and others to enhance the quality of life for burn survivors and to make burn injuries a thing of the past.
Alisa Ann Ruch was eight years old when she was fatally injured in a backyard barbecue accident in Southern California. Her parents, local firefighters, and medical professionals partnered to create the Foundation with the goal of preventing burn injuries by teaching Stop, Drop and Roll. The staff and volunteers work with the community to host prevention programs, raise funds and provide services to burn survivors.
To learn more about or to donate to the burn foundation, go to www.aarbf.org, email info@aarbf.org, or call 415-495-7223.
About 200 people attend Tastes of San Bruno fundraiser
The seventh annual Tastes of San Bruno appeased the appetites of about 200 people when the San Bruno Chamber of Commerce hosted the fundraiser on Oct. 7 at the Veterans Memorial Recreation Center in San Bruno.
The food was provided by Big Mouth Burgers, BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse, Capuchino High School FEAST (Food Education and Service Training) culinary class, Carroll’s Meat & Deli, Celia’s Mexican Restaurant, Dickey’s Barbecue Pit, Don Pico’s Mexican Bistro & Cevicheria, Extreme Pizza, Grand Leader Deli, Jack’s Restaurant & Bar, Nikken Water, Noori-Pakistani and Indian Cuisine, Nothing Bundt Cakes, Nueve Mexican Restaurant, Pasquale’s Pizza, Shari’s Restaurant & Pies, Tastebuds Filipino Restaurant, and West Coast Café.
The Mill-Peninsula Health Services; City of San Bruno; San Bruno Chamber of Commerce; Skyline College; Corey, Luzaich, de Ghetaldi, Nastari & Riddle LLP; YouTube; Google; Ram Jaj Enterprises LLC; First National Bank of Northern California; The Shops at Tanforan; Pacific Gas & Electric; San Mateo Credit Union; and SkyPark were sponsors of the event.
“This was the most spectacular Tastes of San Bruno ever and the food was amazing,” said Chamber Executive Director Jamie Monozon. “Thank you to all the restaurants who participated and especially to the Chamber board of directors who put on the event.”
Mission Hospice Auxiliary nets $150,000 for development of San Mateo County’s first hospice house
Mission Hospice Auxiliary netted $150,000 for the development of San Mateo County’s first hospice house at its annual Fall Gala, “Rock Around the Clock,” which was held Oct. 11 at the Peninsula Golf and Country Club in San Mateo.
Due to the generosity and support from 240 attendees and the community, Mission Hospice & Home Care is moving closer to its goal of providing a peaceful, homelike setting for patients whose end-of-life comfort cannot be managed in their own homes.
The 1950s-inspired evening, led by Honorary Chair Senator Jerry Hill and event chairwoman Martha Melton, featured dinner, dancing, live and silent auctions, a Fund-a-Need, as well as music and entertainment by Joe Mag Music.
Mission Hospice Auxiliary is a group of volunteers that raises funds to support Mission Hospice and helps increase public awareness about end-of-life care. Last year, the Auxiliary raised nearly $200,000 to support the hospice house project and to provide needed care for local patients and families.
Founded in 1979, Mission Hospice & Home Care provides quality, compassionate end-of-life care to patients and families in the San Mateo County area. Committed to serving all patients — regardless of their ability to pay — the nonprofit relies on donations from the community to support its programs.
For more information or to donate to the hospice house project, go to www.missionhospice.org.
Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA’s Pick of the Litter hold successful tea, fashion show
The Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA’s Pick of the Litter, a resale store in Burlingame, held a delightful afternoon tea and fashion show, — aptly named Secondhand Chic — on Oct. 12 at the Lantos Center for Compassion in Burlingame.
Champagne and hors d’oeuvres as well as live and silent auctions and a raffle also highlighted the afternoon activities.
PHS/SPCA Executive Director Ken White welcomed about 70 guests to the event, which was dedicated in memory of Burlingame resident Prudy Laipenieks, a longtime, invaluable Pick of the Litter volunteer who died in June.
“Each year, the store earns approximately $100,000 to benefit the animals in the Hope program,” said White, who also narrated the fashion show. “The net revenue in 2013 was $102,855.
“Last year’s tea and fashion show made $4,500 and we’re hopeful to top that amount today. Proceeds from the show also help the Hope Program, which gives injured, ill, unweaned and behaviorally challenged animals an opportunity to be made well and ready for adoption.”
The models — Sheri Boles, Marion Emmett, Mona Vimal, and Debra Weingarten, all of San Mateo; Susan Cress and Shelly Obwald, both of San Carlos; Vickie Ferguson, of Phoenix, Ariz.; Katie Lannin, of Portola Valley; Carole Matteri, of Redwood City; mother and daughter Janet and Greer McGhee, of Burlingame; and Erica Wang, of Hillsborough — wore fashions from Pick of the Litter, which were available for purchase after the show.
Shelter dogs that were up for adoption also walked the runway with Halloween-costumed Mobile Adoption volunteers: Barbra <cm-cq> Losel, of Foster City; husband and wife Rick and Shelley Obwald, and Lauren Rosen, of Burlingame.
The live and silent auction and raffle items were also from the thrift shop, which features various secondhand treasures including a children’s department, art, books, clothing, electronics, furniture, household items, jewelry, and vintage and costume clothing.
The store, at 1127 Chula Vista, is open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and from noon to 4 p.m. Sunday.
Even the lovely teacup, saucer, and plate that each attendee was given to take home came from Pick of the Litter.
The resale shop originally opened on B Street in San Mateo in 1982, and moved twice before finding its home in Burlingame 11 years ago. In 1984, Pick of the Litter held one other fashion show, with a 1920s flapper theme, around the pool at the Hillsborough home of Melba Riley.
Last year, Carole Matteri suggested that the fashion show be revived. It was so successful that this year was the second annual fashion show.
“Because of Carole Matteri’s inspiration and leadership, special recognition is being given to her today to thank her,” said Brian Probst, director of PHS-SPCA Volunteer and Retail Services.
To donate to the Hope Program, go to www.phs-spca.org/hope or donations can be applied to the program by phone, mail, or over-the-counter as long as the Hope Program is mentioned.
If you have any news tips about our county communities, call or fax Carolyn Livengood at 650-355-5533 or e-mail her at carolynlivengood@sanbrunocable.com.
