Alameda Sangha-Deepening One's Practice Sat Nov 23 2013

Deepening One's Practice
Sat Nov 23 2013
9am-4:30pm
Taught by Pauletta Chanco and Baruch Golden
Register at https://sites.google.com/site/alamedasangha/
Email alamedasagha@gmail.com
Donation
Bring a bag lunch
United Methodist Church, 2311 Buena Vista Ave., 
Alameda, CA 94501

Rynerson O’Brien Architecture: Historically Appropriate Additions & Alterations to Period Structures

Alameda Architectural Preservation Society Presents

Rynerson O’Brien Architecture:

Historically Appropriate Additions and Alterations to Period Structures

Sunday, November 3, 2013 at 7:00 pm

Immanuel Lutheran Church: 1420 Lafayette Street, Alameda, CA 94501
(Parking available at the corner of Chestnut Street and Santa Clara Avenue.)
Free for AAPS members; $5 for non-members
http://www.alameda-preservation.org/

While designing façade restorations at San Francisco Victoriana in the late '70s, Stephen Rynerson conceived a plan to add a turret over the front entry on a Queen Anne cottage in Ashbury Heights, San Francisco, as well as for restoring character-defining ornament and shingles to a façade that had been completely stripped.

Project in Alameda

Already an impressive home on beautiful Franklin Park, 1417 San Antonio Avenue in Alameda has been returned to its Queen Anne beginnings. Design details and gingerbread elements lost in an early remodel have been replaced or added in the style of the builder, A. W. Pattiani. Rynerson O'Brien Architecture was recognized by the Alameda Architectural Preservation Society in 2013 for a historical interpretation of the home.

                                                       1417 San Antonio Avenue

For a consultation on your project contact: rynerson o’brien Architecture
1512 Franklin Street, 3rd Floor
Oakland, CA 94612-2804

510-452-9152
www.rynersonobrien.com 

http://www.rynersonobrien.com/

Spirituality Meets Fetish -- Art by Pauletta M Chanco & Dan Weber

Pauletta M Chanco & Dan Weber
Art Show opens on October 4th, First Friday, for Art Murmur at Manna Gallery

Manna Gallery
473 25th St.
Oakland, CA 94612  Meet Pauletta Chanco from 6-8pm or Saturday the 5th from 1-3 pm

PAULETTA M CHANCO

Chanco's current work is about cultivating the relationship between both paths of painting and spiritual practice. There are a number of similarities in the cultivation process of both realms. Both need an environment of solitude. It is difficult to paint or create in the studio if others are present. Likewise, setting out on a path of spiritual practice is a solitary endeavor in which it is the individual's responsibility to do the actual inner work of transformation.

Second, is to resolve any baggage from our past or current relations with those in our lives. This liberates the mind so we can proceed without fetters to hinder our progress in painting or spiritual practice. 

To convey these ideas abstractly, Chanco uses visual metaphors. In order to cultivate a path,she stated recently, it is necessary to cleanse it first - a metaphor for resolving baggage. "In the Buddhist teachings which shape my spiritual practice, there is a beautiful metaphor of clearing the path by sweeping the leaves off it. Hence, the abstracted leaf forms in the work. Layered veils of colors and forms continue to allude to moving between the sacred and profane in both areas of practice. Areas of darkness with softly modulated forms that are sometimes barely discernible speak to making our way through challenging interior landscapes in order to arrive at moments of insight. Insight is represented by the areas of light coming through".

DAN WEBER

Years ago I shifted from play writing to sculpture, yet my work is still informed by my association with the set designers, those wonderful artists (and sculptors). 

Both set designer and sculptor have to consider the three dimensional world, the 360 degree perspective, and how to imbue each piece with that subtle and difficult to explain bit of 'magic' that resides within every good set and every good piece of sculpture.

The Alameda Architectural Preservation Society-Sixteenth Annual Preservation Awards

The Winner Is...

The Alameda Architectural Preservation Society is throwing a festive gala
recognizing the best preservation, restoration, and adaptive reuse of historic
structures in the city of Alameda. Plus, AAPS will announce the winners of AAPS
 Kids Preservation Contest at the ceremony for Individual and classroom projects.

Sixteenth Annual Preservation Awards
Thursday, May 23, 2013
6:30 pm

To be held in the grand Art Deco venue
Auctions by the Bay Theater
2700 Saratoga Street, Alameda, California 94501
Free and open to the public.
http://www.alameda-preservation.org/

The ceremony begins with refreshments from 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Musical entertainment throughout the evening will be provided by Alameda favorite The Franz – Nichols Band.

Mistress of Ceremonies Felicity Hesed, circus artist and comedienne, will present the awards on the main stage accompanied by a visual show on the silver screen.
7:30 pm – 9:00 pm.

For more information call AAPS at 510-479-6489 or visit www.alameda-preservation.org
______
The Franz-Nichols Band
Jim Franz and Jan Nichols–Franz have been making music together in Alameda for over 15 years. They have appeared as a duo at Angela’s Restaurant and in homes on the Holiday Home Tour. Their Band has performed at the Park Street Wine & Art Faire, on the U.S.S. Hornet, in the Alameda Mayor’s 4th of July Parade, and at the opening of the Alameda Theatre.
Felicity Hesed is delighted to be emceeing the Alameda Architectural Society’s Annual Awards Event.  Her performance credits include Emcee for the Clown Cabaret (San Francisco), Lysistrata (St. Louis), The Tangerine Family Circus (Chicago), The Pickle Family Circus (San Francisco), and Cabaret Lunatique with Teatro ZinZanni (San Francisco). Felicity received her BA in Theatre Arts from Kalamazoo College (Michigan), completed the Clown Conservatory Program (San Francisco), and has trained in acrobatic and aerial arts at the Actors Gymnasium (Chicago) and the Circus Center (San Francisco).  Look for Felicity this summer in Bay Area Children Theatre’s Circus Adventure.
In 2002 preservation-minded theater renovator, Allen Michaan took an interest in this building left vacant when the Naval Air Station closed in 1992 and transformed it into what is known as the “Auctions by the Bay Theater”. It is now a beautiful, luxurious and opulent movie theater facility—perfect for events such as corporate meetings, seminars, sales presentations, weddings, private film screenings, and a wide variety of other uses.
Allen Michaan was presented with an Alameda Architectural Preservation Society Preservation Award in 2009 for rehabilitation of the building located at 2700 Saratoga Street, Alameda, California. He has graciously donated the venue for this year’s ceremony and festivities.

About The Alameda Architectural Preservation Society
Dedicated to the Architectural Preservation of Historic Structures in the City of Alameda
The Alameda Architectural Preservation Society (AAPS), previously known as the Alameda Victorian Preservation Society (AVPS), was founded in 1972 and incorporated in 1975. At the time AAPS was founded, Victorian homes were being routinely demolished and replaced with apartment buildings. The Society was a vocal supporter of Measure A, which was enacted into law as Article XXVI of the city charter. This law is still in effect and helps prevent the further destruction of historically significant homes by prohibiting their replacement with large multiple unit buildings. The continuing goal of AAPS is to increase public awareness and appreciation of historic architecture in Alameda.

Alameda Architectural Preservation Society
P.O. Box 1677
Alameda, California 94501
510-479-6489
http://www.alameda-preservation.org

Death, Dying, and Meditation - Daylong Workshop on May 18th in Alameda

Death, Dying, and Meditation
Daylong Workshop 

Alameda Sangha 

This daylong workshop will be held at the United Methodist Church in Alameda on Thursday evenings from 9 am  to 5pm. on Saturday, May 18, 2013.

United Methodist Church, 2311 Buena Vista Ave. in Alameda, CA 94501

We will explore The Five Contemplations offered to us by the Buddha. 

    The Five Contemplations

    1) I am subject to aging. Aging is unavoidable.
    2) I am subject to illness. Illness is unavoidable.
    3) I am subject to death. Death is unavoidable.
    4) I will grow different, separate from all that is dear and appealing to me.
    5) I am the owner of my actions, heir to my actions, born of my actions, related through

        my actions and live dependent on my actions. Whatever I do, for good or for ill, to

                                             that will I fall heir.

The course is offered by Baruch Golden and Pauletta Chanco.

Use the form at website to register or to send us your questions.  

https://sites.google.com/site/alamedasangha/coming-events/death-dying-and-meditation

Drop-ins welcome.

Courses are offered on a donation basis to encourage the ancient practice of "dana" or generosity

Pauletta M. Chanco is a long-time student and practitioner of meditation in the Theravada Buddhist tradition. She was recently nominated to the Community Dharma Leadership Program at Spirit Rock Meditation Center in Woodacre and hopes to begin in 2012. She has taught beginning and ongoing meditation classes since 2007. Pauletta has a daily meditation practice and incorporates spiritual practice in her daily life. In her teachings she shares her insights with real life examples.  She is a mother of 3 children and one grandchild. so far. 

Pauletta has completed the Zen Hospice Project program in San Francisco and intend to be a hospice volunteer for one year. Pauletta was recently accepted into the Buddhist Chaplaincy Training Program at the Sati Center for Buddhist Studies in Redwood City. She will be studying with Gil Fronsdal, Pali scholar, amazing Buddhadharma teacher and founder of the Insight Meditation at Redwood City, Paul Haller, former abbot of the SF Zen Center, and Jennifer Block, hospital chaplain.

 

 

Baruch Golden started insight meditation practice in 2000. He teaches mindfulness in elementary schools in SF and Oakland with the Mindful Schools Program and teaches in the Family Program at Spirit Rock Medication Center. In addition, he volunteers in the SF County Jail teaching meditation and yoga. He is currently in the Community Dharma Leaders Program, a 2 year Spirit Rock program to help develop community dharma leaders. He has been doing hospice nursing for the past 12 years

 

Uncovering an Architectural Treasure in Alameda California

before

after

Uncovering an Architectural Treasure
The Restoration of 1837 Clinton Avenue

Thursday, January 31, 2013 at 7:00 pm

Immanuel Lutheran Church: 1420 Lafayette Street, Alameda, CA 94501
(Parking available at the corner of Chestnut Street and Santa Clara Avenue.)
Free for AAPS members; $5 for non-members

http://www.alameda-preservation.org/rs
510-479-6489

Long-time Alameda restorer and preservationist, Jim Smallman, will share his experiences in the marvelous rebirth of an extraordinary Joseph A. Leonard mansion-scale home.
This two year project included new foundation, structural upgrading, new electrical service and interior rewiring, all new plumbing, major interior repairs, a tasteful new kitchen that blends well with its historic setting, and simply beautiful color treatments, inside and out.
The most unusual aspect of this project may also be the most obvious to passersby.  For nearly fifty years the house was entombed in stucco.  The conventional wisdom might suggest that such a treatment condemns a house to permanent ugliness.  However, there were intriguing bulges and patterns that hinted that much of the original exterior ornamentation might have survived underneath.

Jim will show how the stucco was efficiently removed, and how the underlying Queen Anne ornamentation was brought back to life. He will share his experience identifying obstacles and opportunities in assessing a home’s potential for restoration. Also, highlights relating to costs and strategies, and some tricks that saved money and improved the final result will be revealed.

Jim shares his practical experience acting as his own general contractor, performing project management with the many subcontractors.  He will be available to answer questions, and will distribute a contact list of the craftspeople who worked on this extraordinary project. This is a meeting not to be missed!

Jim Smallman bio

Jim Smallman has been active in Alameda preservation and restoration for more than forty years.  He bought his first Victorian here (2242 San Antonio) in 1971.  This neglected house had been divided into five units and for the next decade he restored it as a single family house.

 Along the way, he became President of the then named, Alameda Victorian Preservation Society, and in that role was instrumental in saving a circa 1880 Stick-style house slated for demolition.  (The Society bought the house for $1 and moved it.)  As an investment, Jim also bought 2246 San Antonio, a much altered Italianate cottage, and restored it.

1833 and 1837 Clinton Avenue were acquired in 1978 but waited until Jim’s retirement for their restoration. 1837 was restored over a two-year period, 2009-2010; 1833 is being restored now.

Jim is a University of California, Berkeley graduate.  He worked fourteen years developing construction management software for Kaiser Engineers, part of the forty years he spent developing industrial computer applications.  After retiring from the industry, he taught mathematics in high school for ten years in Southern California.

Finally returning home to Alameda in 2008, he reconnected with Alameda’s preservation movement and is active today. Jim Smallman and the craftsmen involved with the restoration of 1837 Clinton Avenue received an AAPS Preservation Award in 2010.

Dharma Talk by the Nuns of Aloka Vihara

Dharma Talk by the Nuns of Aloka Vihara
On Sunday, December 2nd, Alameda Sangha will be hosting and welcoming
two Theravada Buddhist nuns from San Francisco. 7-9pm

Ayya Santacitta and Ayya Anandabodhi will speak to us on the Dharma.
These nuns practice in the traditions of the Thai Forest Monastery and offer regular opportunities
 to hear the dharma and practice at their monastaryin the Sunset District. 
They are very important in the local Bay area Theravada Buddhist world. 

For more information about their order please visit their website http://www.saranaloka.org
Buena Vista United Methodist
2311 Buena Vista Ave
Alameda, CA 94501
alamedasangha@gmail.com
https://sites.google.com/site/alamedasangha/home

November 2012 Daylong Meditation
Saturday, November 10, from 9am to 5pm 














The sangha's regular teachers. Rebecca Dixon, Anthony Rodgers, and Paulette Chanco, will lead this
day of continuous, silent practice with alternating periods of sitting, walking, and dharma talks.

This retreat is suitable for people at all levels of experience, who feel ready to practice for eight hours.
Register online.
Saturday, November 10, from 9am to 5pm
United Methodist Church,
2311 Buena Vista Ave, Alameda, CA 94501

The church has comfortable chairs, and you may bring any sitting supplies you want.
 Also bring a bag lunch to eat in silence. Please come 15 minutes early to settle in.
To make this event available to all, and to provide an opportunity to practice generosity,
 this event is provided on a donation basis.

alamedasangha@gmail.com
https://sites.google.com/site/alamedasangha/home

Toby Tover is Artist-in-Residence at C'era Una Volta

Bette Davis Eyes 

by Toby Tover

C'era Una Volta Restaurant announced recently that Toby Tover is their Artist-in-Residence. A perfect pairing-delicious Italian food and wonderful art! Toby is well known, and is a prolific exhibtor throughout the entire Bay Area famous for her colorful acrylic paintings of various subjects from 'divas' to waitresses, to children, to boats and more. She also creates intricate abstracts. Tover's art will be exhibited on the walls throughout beautiful C'era Una Volta.

If That's All There Is 

by Toby Tover

C'era Una Volta is a very popular restaurant in Alameda, California, famous for its Tuscan cuisine.  C'era Una Volta also has many unique events and is a perfect venue for exhibiting works of art. Chef Rudy and Cheryl Principato both run "Cer'a" as their regular diners affectionately call it. From his early lessons in his nonna’s Elba Island kitchen, to the recipes perfected as he studied the culinary arts in Italy, 

Dinner at C'era Una Volta

Chef Rudy prepares the historic flavors of Tuscany for your enjoyment today. C’era Una Volta opened in 2004, and each year since, they have been honored to be recognized by the Accademia Italiana della Cucina, an official organization of the Italian government, as an authentic Italian restaurant.
Cer'a Una Volta is located at 1332 Park Street, Alameda, CA 94501.

Go to Toby's website to view her art, see her exhibit schedule and read her impressive curriculum vitae.She has an upcoming show at Gallery 621 In Benicia in September.
Visit the website for "C'era" to read their history, see their upcoming events and read their enticing menus.

http://www.mesart.com/indexps.jsp?artist=582
http://www.ceraunavolta.us/v2/index.php

Directions to C'era Una Volta-C'era Una Volta is located at 1332 #D, Park St., Alameda, CA 94501 down the historic Redwood Square walkway, between Park Street and the Post Office in downtown Alameda.

Contact Toby Tover-

707 742-4125 or 925 998-3651
email: takmak2000@yahoo.com

Artist Statement-
Everyday life 'clip shots' have held a fascination for me. Satire, humor and personal isolation are strong threads that weave themselves throughout the figurative work. The images have been processed through my own personal visual filter. I paint the genre of "human/social condition narratives" which come from my absorbing interest in movies, theater and personal or documentary photography.

Nostalgia is a component of the vintage-based work. Nostalgia in Greek literally means "the pain from an old wound". It's a twinge in your heart far more powerful than memory alone. I paint what I feel: you do not have to feel as I do..that you get some emotional reaction from what I create is all that matters... whether it be laughter or a knowing connectedness.

The Divas, painted in acrylic, have one characteristic in common--they all are women with attitude. Displaying a fierce boldness with an undercurrent of intrigue that often turns introspective, they cannot be overlooked, or ignored. The Divas are in our face and we, as viewers have to confront them. Once seen, these images are hard to forget, perpetuating the ultimate diva feminine mystique. I try to capture my subjects in a moment to ensure that this moment will become timeless.

  

Lucky Ladies Launch Party

Lucky Ladies Launch Party 

Saturday April 28, 2012

1-5pm 

http://www.shopluckyladies.com/
Hey, we're having a party!
RSVP and more info: http://www.facebook.com/events/382294165129307/
Postcard by Gwen Harlow Design
Photo by Sarabek Cross

Location-

Rhythmix Cultural Works 

2513 Blanding,

Alameda, CA 94501

www.rhythmix.org

• Schedule- 1:00pm - We are Open - Let's Party 1:30pm - Ahimsa Community Yoga Class 2:00pm - Welcome Announcement by Host Mel Waldorf 2:30pm - Mini Crochet Class by Enchanted Square (Ruth Tillman) 3:00pm - First Raffle 3:30pm - Ruby "Baby" Bennett Performs! 4:00pm - Lucky Ladies Fashion Show 4:30pm - Final Raffle - Don't Miss it - this is the biggie! 5:00pm - Farewell - thank you for joining us! ***Activities*** A Fashion show on the main stage featuring Desiree Salas vintage inspired attire, Gwen Harlow Design Jewelry, accessories from the Enchanted Square and Calliope. Professional photos at our photo booth, a raffle to win awesome Lucky Ladies swag and plenty of opportunities to get to know the Lucky Ladies themselves. Our health and wellness specialists will be on hand to answer your questions, MC Mel Waldorf and Hostess Ruby “Baby” Bennett will provide lively music and merriment! Enjoy light refreshment provided by your hostesses, beer and wine for sale to benefit Rhythmix Cultural Works, and Cole Coffee’s cart will be parked out front! ***Little Dresses for Africa*** http://www.facebook.com/pages/Little-Dresses-For-Africa/108242519205102 Jennifer Serr will be hosting a Little Dresses for Africa sewing event in the Rhythmix classroom. You are invited to join her in sewing sweet little dresses that will be donated to the organization that brings them to girls in need in Africa. Questions about Jennifer’s sewing event jennifer@jenniferserr.com ***Shop*** Bring your cash or credit card and wander our marketplace sampling lush and local all natural body care, hand crafted artisanal housewares, sweet vintage style dresses, adorable hair accessories, playful jewelry, wacky wonderful kitschy collectibles and more! ***Bonus Beats*** We'll be giving out RAFFLE TICKETS to those who dress in their Lucky Ladies Best! Don your Calliope Headband, Desiree Salas Dress, Enchanted Square hat and show your Lucky Ladies Love! ***Who*** The Lucky Ladies are over 12 self-made creative small business owners from Oakland and Alameda. We do: music, skin care, fashion design, sewing instruction, interior/architectural design, felted artisanal products, yoga, web design, estate liquidation, vintage collectibles, nutritional counseling, and photography. Learn more about the Lucky Ladies at http://www.shopluckyladies.com/

Art You Can Drink-and Look At

 "Sunset Beer Garden"

 by Erik Niemann

Unless you have been asleep like Rip van Winkle, you must have noticed all the new cocktails available to the imbiber. All colors of the rainbow, crazy concoctions, ancient liqueurs revived, and more. No one could try every alcohol option unless their liver is cast iron. I have been involved with some local distillers' ADI events at Hangar One in Alameda and at one conference I was fortunate to taste at least 50 different vodkas--one was even made from maple syrup. ADI -- The American Distilling Institute was founded by famous photographer Bill Owens. ADI's mission is to disseminate essential information regarding the art and science of distilling and is the place if you want to learn how to craft artisan whisky, brandy, rum, and more. Personally, I just like the drinking part and will leave the creation of alcohol to the experts!

http://www.distilling.com/

 

  "Smooth Champagne"

    by Erik Niemann

       "Summer Condensation"

        by Erik Niemann

Years ago my brother in law invented two cocktails at a sailor's bar in Alameda, but he was ahead of his time, Now everyone is hopping on the bar bandwagon competing to create the newest drink. It is really crazy and I am enjoying it. Last year there was not enough organic wormwood, a key ingredient in absinthe, and the distillers were panicking. Closet moonshiners have stills in their backyards and combine secret ingredients--even milk or marshmallows. Why there is such an uptick in alcohol consumption is a topic I won't tackle here, Instead I shall plop down on my red bar stool at the Lemon Tree in Alameda where there are no frills and order a vodka cran on the rocks with a side of extra cranberry juice. 

      "The Birth of Beer"

       by Erik Niemann

A few astute artists have realized that cocktails not only are great to drink, but also can make a great subject. A stand out talent in capturing this liquid world artistically is Erik Niemann. Drink Space Beverage Photography was founded by Niemann, who is an abstract painter with a background in architecture. Erik is captivated with the internal space of drinks; how light, glass and liquid interact. ”I love taking up-close and abstract photos of wine, beer and cocktails. I am intrigued by the space of the liquid itself and unique perspectives, such as capturing the underside of the drink’s surface. I look for the beauty that is there, yet rarely experienced.” - Erik Niemann

     "Whisky Isotherms"

        by Erik Niemann

          "Boardwalk Manhattan"

        by Erik Niemann

Just looking at Erik's beautiful work is making me thirsty so I am off to my local dive. Cheers! 

Erik Niemann's Website:  htttp://www.drinkspacephoto.com

       "Champagne over London"

     by Erik Niemann