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September 2022
Vol 6: Issue 9
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The Shadelands Scene
Your place for community news, updates, and insights
Visit Shadelands.org
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HELPING STROKE PATIENTS, WHATEVER IT TAKES
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Mistie Glass and Jennifer Lazarev have been friends since high school, growing that early bond into a variety of business adventures that feed their souls and fuel their friendship. For 20 years, Mistie and Jennifer, who is a certified American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter, have operated Beyond the Words, a leader in ASL interpreting services, matching interpreters with corporate, academic, and government clients.
Then, in December 2020, Jennifer had a stroke that left her with paralysis and without the full use and range of her right side, including her speaking hand.
While the interpreting agency continues to thrive, Mistie and Jennifer saw this health crisis as an opportunity to help others in need, and The WIT Method, a nonprofit stroke recovery community center, was born.
Still under construction with move-in planned for September, The WIT Method will open its doors at 402 N. Wiget Lane to stroke patients and their families in early October, offering post-stroke therapies and resources for stroke recovery that complement medical treatments and rehabilitation plans in a wellness environment.
“We’re all about positivity,” says Mistie. “The moment you walk in or wheel in the door—talking or silent— you discover how much you can take control of your recovery.”
The WIT Method offers soft, non-medical therapies that are critical to post-stroke health and wellness, such as massage, acupuncture, chair yoga, hypnotherapy, meditation, and music, art, and pet therapies—all provided by certified licensed therapists—in a warm and welcoming community of others who are experiencing similar feelings and struggles to get well.
“These are powerful therapies that have helped my recovery significantly, and there's not just one central place in the East Bay where you can get these services. That's how we landed on doing this—helping others who feel frustrated and isolated," says Jennifer.
"I needed what Mistie and I are offering to others. I have two teens—I can’t stop. They’re like, 'Mom, we’ve got to get to school. Okay, let me learn to drive,'” Jennifer says with a smile. “All of this has helped me move my body in ways that I couldn’t before.”
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402 N. Wiget Lane
Walnut Creek
925.977.1993
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Mistie (r) shows off the 2,200-SF offices with roomy, multi-use spaces for events, guest speakers, and group interactions, and smaller rooms for targeted therapies. |
Mistie Glass (l) and Jennifer Lazarev (r) at The WIT Method offices, under construction, with plans to open the doors to stroke patients in early October. |
“Stroke patients are capable of doing so much to help themselves,” says Mistie. “Every person who comes through the door is going to have a different story, different post-stroke abilities.
"We treat each person as an individual—not a group of stroke patients—meeting them where they are in their recovery.”
With compassion and positive energy, Mistie and Jennifer look forward to putting out the Welcome mat at The WIT Method and helping stroke patients recover, whatever it takes.
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BASS CANCER CENTER WELCOMES DR. BERTONI |
The state-of-the-art BASS Cancer Center, which opened on Lennon Lane in early 2022, has welcomed fellowship-trained breast surgical oncologist Danielle Bertoni, MD, MPH, to its esteemed group of physicians and medical care providers.
After completing five years of general surgery residency at Stanford University, Dr Bertoni elected to pursue the additional fellowship year of training in treating diseases of the breast, also at Stanford.
“We spent one half of the time learning about breast oncology and the sub-specialties that go into breast cancer treatment,” says Dr. Bertoni.
“We spent the second half in actual surgical procedures, techniques, and management of breast disease—cancers and non-cancers.”
Hers was an intensive and well-rounded education with a significant focus on working with large, multi-disciplinary treatment teams of medical and radiation oncologists, plastic surgeons, nurse navigators, physical therapists, and genetic counselors.
“The fellowship allowed us to learn everything about breast cancer, prevention, and treatment," says Dr. Bertoni. "And how to collaborate effectively with teams of physicians and specialists on behalf of our patients so we can collectively develop the best treatment plan—whole treatment plan, not just surgery—for each individual patient, from diagnosis through survivorship.”
With her extensive training and experience in the field, Dr. Bertoni chose to join BASS “because I believe in the organization's vision, which aligns with what I see a breast cancer center and program should be,” says Dr. Bertoni.
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Dr. Danielle Bertoni is a fellowship-trained breast surgical oncologist and head of the BASS Cancer Center's Breast Cancer Program. |
575 Lennon Lane, Suite 153
Walnut Creek
925.433.6005
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Dr. Bertoni shares a moment with Victoria at the front desk of the BASS Cancer Center. |
"BASS leadership is passionate about providing the highest quality, most up-to-date standard of care throughout Contra Costa. Their attitude is, ‘What do we need? Let’s make this happen.’ And it's committed to making sure that we provide that level of care to all people, from all backgrounds. That’s important to me—to be able to serve a wide demographic of people in need of medical services and resources.” |
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THE KEBAB SHOP'S GRAND OPENING & RIBBON CUTTING |
The Kebab Shop, a modern, family-owned Mediterranean fast casual restaurant held its official grand opening on August 9, cutting the red ribbon with the big scissors in front of an enthusiastic crowd of community leaders and hungry customers.
With stores in California, Texas, and Florida, this is The Kebab Shop's 28th location, and a cause for celebration among the brand's co-owners and brothers-in-law, Wally Sadat, AJ Akbar, and Fred Rajab.
After sharing humorous stories about the history of the brand, Wally expressed thanks to Walnut Creek and the crowd for "coming out and for showing us love and support."
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The Orchards at Walnut Creek
2359 Oak Grove Road
Walnut Creek
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The Kebab Shop is open for lunch and dinner, 10:30am to 9pm, seven days a week, serving up its signature kebabs, wraps, salads, and fries,
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Celebrating The Kebab Shop's ribbon cutting are TKS's Fred Rajab, David Aslami (holding the scissors), and Wally Sadat, flanked by Walnut Creek City Council members Loella Haskew (l) and Kevin Wilk (r) and Walnut Creek Chamber Ambassadors. |
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SOME THINGS IN LIFE ARE FREE |
Did you know that you and your family, friends, and customers can travel for free by bus between the Pleasant Hill BART station and Shadelands? Not much in life is free, but the County Connection #7 bus is, and it has been since 2014 when Shadelands and County Connection, Central Contra Costa's local bus provider, entered into a partnership to offer free shuttle service to employees, customers, visitors, and neighbors of Shadelands and the surrounding communities.
Look for the custom-wrapped buses that sport the Shadelands logo, Work Place. Life Space. Buses run every 20 minutes between Shadelands and BART via Treat Blvd. and Oak Grove Road—with seven Shadelands stops and more than ten stops along Treat and Oak Grove—Monday through Friday, 6:30–10:30am, and 3–8pm.
The free shuttle benefits people who commute to work in Shadelands, and for those who visit for shopping, dining, doctors' appointments, business meetings, sporting events, and meeting with friends who live and work in neighboring areas. The bus also serves schools in Shadelands and along Treat and Oak Grove as free public transit to get students to and from school.
While ridership has dropped during the protracted pandemic, "We are seeing a trend toward increased ridership on #7 as employees are returning to their offices," says County Connection Director of Planning, Marketing & Innovation Melody Reebs, who notes that the free service lowers the barrier to taking transit.
"It doesn't take a lot of planning to ride the free bus. You don't need cash or a Clipper card—you just hop on."
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The free Shadelands/BART shuttle is one of the most recognizable amenities of the Shadelands business and lifestyle center. |
In response to the pandemic, safety measures were put in place: Buses are deep cleaned and fogged daily; rear boarding is an option; ventilation systems were upgraded; filtration systems were installed. |
The #7 free bus runs on clean diesel and is equipped with bike racks and free WiFi. |
Additionally, the free bus offers a cost-saving alternative to traveling by car and paying today's high gas prices. Stops are clearly marked in Shadelands and along the route to and from the BART station.
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PEAK PERFORMANCE FLOAT IS GROWING BY SHRINKING |
We first met Rebecca Sgambati (pronounced sam-BETTY ) and Peak Performance Float and Wellness Center in the November 2017 issue of The Shadelands Scene when she opened her float therapy center—the first and only center in Walnut Creek—in Shadelands at 311 Lennon Lane, Suite A.
Now Peak Performance has added something new: non-invasive, FDA-cleared Contour Light therapy, aimed at helping people lose inches in targeted areas, generally hips, waist, and thighs, with the use of red and near-infrared light, which emulsifies fat cells, flushing out the fat and shrinking cell size.
Six red light-emitting pads are placed on the areas to be treated. Sessions are 25 minutes long, two to three times per week. Depending on a client’s goals, eight to twelve sessions are standard for seeing results. A face mask with red light simultaneously treats the face, boosting collagen production and reducing the appearance of fine lines.
“I chose this technology and this application because I am already a strong advocate for the benefits of red light therapies,” says Rebecca. “I have personally been using red light for more than four years for stress, pain, and insomnia relief. Contour Light uses the same healing and rejuvenating red light, but with a different application."
One of the silver linings Rebecca sees coming out of COVID is that "people are more aware of their health, more interested in their health, and more willing to invest in their health. People are more open to new ways to achieve their wellness goals."
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311 Lennon Lane, Suite A
Walnut Creek
925.899.8776
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Rebecca Sgambati, owner of Peak Performance Float and Wellness Center, demonstrates the Contour Light therapy room, which uses red and near-infrared light for body contouring. |
Rebecca Sgambati welcomes a client to Peak Performance Float. |
“Here we are at our 5th anniversary," says Rebecca, who exudes energy and enthusiasm. "I'm thankful to be here and grateful to be serving our community and providing services that are all designed to help people feel and be their best every day.”
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Saturday, September 17
5:30–8:00pm
2890 Mitchell Drive
Walnut Creek
Guests will enjoy fruits of the vine from local wineries, vegetarian appetizers from local eateries, live music, and distinctive auction items while mingling with ARF's four-legged furry friends.
All proceeds benefit ARF's life-saving programs for pets and people, which include animal rescues and adoptions, veterinary care for low-income families, disaster relief, service dog training for veterans, and more.
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2890 Mitchell Drive
Walnut Creek
925.256.1ARF
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CENTER FOR COMMUNITY ARTS FALL CLASSES BEGIN |
Jump online and sign up to join Center for Community Arts in the studio this fall. Classes begin Sunday, September 11 in drawing, painting, printmaking, dance, theater, music, and more. View all classes.
Featured classes:
Tuesdays | 1-4pm
September 13–November 1
Exciting possibilities for creating glass art with color and form using new and innovative techniques.
Wednesdays | 6–9 pm
September 14–November 16
Learn core skills with exposure to a variety of techniques and mediums, including charcoal, pastels, acrylics, oils, and watercolor.
Mondays | 7–10pm
September 12–November 14
Create pottery for sodium-based kiln firings; emphasis on vases, lidded vessels, cups, and pitchers.
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Community Arts Studio
111 N. Wiget Lane
Walnut Creek
925.943.5846
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CELEBRATING WALNUT CREEK, OKTOBERFEST & THE HOLIDAYS |
Saturday, October 1 | 4–9pm
[21+ years only]
Final Saturday tours of 2022
September 10 & October 8 | 9:30am
Meet at the Liberty Plaza fountain
November 26–December 11
Cost | Reservations required
• Luncheon Teas
11am & 1:30pm
• Champagne Teas
December 3 & 10 | 4pm
Reservations for all teas begin on
October 1, 9am | Call 925.935.7871
• Santa & Mrs. Claus return!
November 26 | 10am–4pm
$5/person | Tickets required
Tickets go on sale October 1.
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Shadelands Ranch Museum
2660 Ygnacio Valley Road
Walnut Creek
925.935.7871
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CIVIC AFFAIRS FORUM TACKLES CRIME TRENDS & PREVENTION |
Civic Affairs Forum
Tuesday, September 13 | 9–10am
Free | Virtual
Special guests
Chief Jamie Knox
Walnut Creek Police Department
Simon O'Connell
Chief Assistant District Attorney
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The September Civic Affairs Forum will look at issues related to regional trends in crime prevention and the importance of situational awareness.
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Zoom link will be sent to registrants the day before the forum. |
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ROADWAY IMPROVEMENTS ON LENNON LANE AND N. VIA MONTE ARE UNDERWAY |
The City of Walnut Creek has begun a long-planned paving and re-striping project in Shadelands, beginning with roadwork on Lennon Lane. Paving was completed on Wednesday, August 31, with re-striping and creation of one-way protected bike lanes to follow. Next up, repaving on a portion of N. Via Monte.
Drivers may experience delays during roadway improvements, and some streets may be closed to traffic at night. In preparation of any street closure, barricade signs will be posted in advance. During the street closure, no parking will be allowed on the streets.
Watch for updates from the City of Walnut Creek and in future issues of The Shadelands Scene.
The funding for the project comes from reserves established by Shadelands property owners and which can only be spent within the business center.
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Drivers may experience delays on Lennon Lane and N. Via Monte during the City's pavement rehabilitation project. |
Freshly paved Lennon Lane ready for re-striping and creation of protected bike lanes (pilot project). |
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