Things to do in Alameda on November 16, 2013     Things to do in Alameda:  The Little Ice Rink is back for the winter at South Shore Center in Alameda through January 20, 2014. The rink will be open Mondays through Thursdays, 3 to 10 p.m., and Fridays through Sundays, noon to 10 p.m. It's closed for a private event on opening night.  Admission is $15 for ages 9 and up, $10 for ages 8 and under, with a discount if you furnish your own skates.  For more information please call 510-629-1432.          Things to do in Alameda:  Saturday, November 16 from 11:30 am to 1:00 pm “Fall and winter gardening” will be presented by Ploughshares at 2701 Main Street in Alameda.  Topics include planting California wildflower seeds, protecting cold-sensitive plants and seasonally appropriate vegetables.... 11/15/2013

  Senior Living in Alameda Successful Aging Orientation Workshop sponsored by Elders Village on Wednesday, November 20, 2013 at 6:30 to 8:30 pm at the Elders Village Community Room at 1723 Webster Street for Senior Living in Alameda.   Boomers are retiring in huge numbers. They know that retirement planning is essential. They want to know about financial planning, planning for a move to other living accommodation or staying in place and their health care options.       Elder’s Village has developed a 10 interactive course to help you explore what would be the best course for you. “The Orientation Workshop is presented by Elders Village, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing educational resources to older adults, and sponsored by Phoenix Commons, the first senior cooperative li... 11/14/2013

  Alameda Live @ the Library 2013 Concert Series   Alameda Live @ the Library 2013 Concert Series will feature Paula West on Saturday, November 16, 2013.  Paula West is known for her rich contralto renditions of jazz standards.  Dinah Washington and Sarah Vaughn have been influential in the development of her vocal styling.       The library doors will open at 7:00 pm and the concert will begin at 8:00 pm at 1550 Oak Street in Alameda.  Enter from the rear parking lot. Please call 510.464.1099 for more information.     Tickets are $35.00 and are available at these Alameda locations: Books Inc. at 1344 Park Street and Dewey's Friends Cafe at the Alameda Main Library at 1550 Oak Street.     Live @ the Library sponsors: Alameda Free Library Foundation; Alameda Free Library Board; the Libra... 11/13/2013

    USS Hornet Museum Anniversary Gala November 16, 2013   The USS Hornets will celebrate 70 years of the ship and 15 years as a  Museum on Saturday, November 16, 2013 on the Hornet which is docked at 707 W Hornet Ave, Pier 3  in Alameda.       The goal of the celebration is to raise funds to support the USS Hornet Museum’s education mission and to continue the restoration project.   Dick Gordon, Apollo 12 Astronaut will be the special guest for the event.  There will be a live auction and music by the Sun Kings, an Alameda Beatles tribute band.       Dancing will be on the top deck among Vintage Aircraft and Authentic Space Artifacts.  A special exhibit entitle Hornet:  Reflections Through Time will also be presented.   Tickets range in price from $2,500 to $175.  Please call 510-521-8... 11/12/2013

    Snap Shot of Alameda real estate market activity for the week of November 11, 2013   This is a snapshot of the Alameda real estate marketactivity for the week of November 11, 2013:   Last week’s totals from November 4, 2013 to…………………….11/11/2013 New homes on the market...........................................................13 Price changes.................................................................................2 Homes that sold...........................................................................24 Pending activity - all not just last week..........................................99 All properties currently on the market............................................37 Condos currently on the market......................................................4              Tow... 11/11/2013

  New Permit Center Opens for the City of Alameda   New Permit Center for the City of Alameda opens for business Tuesday, November 12 from 7:30 am to 3:30 am at Room 190 of Alameda City Hall, 2263 Santa Clara Avenue. On Mondays and Wednesdays the Center will be open from 3:30 pm to 4:30 pm for appointment with Planning and Building staff to expedite the permit process.     Mayor Gilmore cut the ribbon for the new permit center on November 6th. “I am pleased that the Permit Center has been redesigned to be more accommodating for Alameda’s residents, businesses, contractors, and architects,” said the Mayor.       The center has been renovate to make it more user friendly for its customers along with a new initiative to improve services for customers.  There is a larger counter, a more com... 11/10/2013

  2015 books by 2015 is the Goal of the Alameda Free Library Foundation 2015 books by 2015 is the goal the Alameda Free Library Foundation has set. They plan to accomplish the goal of purchasing books, e-books, videos and other materials by 2015 by raising $50,000.         The Alameda Free Library Foundation launched the 2015 books by 2015 campaign in the spring and have already raised $33,000 in gifts and pledges through the support of generous donors and each of the foundation’s board members.   Budgets cuts have affected the Library’s ability to replace lost and worn items and to purchase new books. That is primary reason the Alameda Free Library Foundation launched the 2015 books by 2015 campaign   To that end, Foundation President Eileen Bitten said. “Now we’re reaching out to the ... 11/09/2013

  Alameda Architectural Preservation Society 2013 Preservation Awards Winners. Every year the Alameda Architectural Preservation Society gives out awards to building owners who have renovated their properties to preservationist's standards.   Nominated building in Alameda with historic or architectural significance which were built in the 19th Century through the 1940’s including commercial properties, churches, government structures, single family home and apartment houses are eligible for the awards.   And the winners are:     1417 San Antonio Avenue       A-7 Corsair II, W Atlantic Avenue     1206 Ninth Street       1715 Schiller Street       The Alameda Architectural Preservation Society (AAPS), previously known as the Alameda Victorian Preservation Society (AVPS), was founded in 19... 11/07/2013

    The City of Alameda unveils its new Permit Center   The City of Alameda Community Development Department will unveil their new Permit Center on Wednesday, November 6 from 2:00 to 5:00 pm on the ground floor of City Hall.  Mayor Marie Gilmore will cut the ribbon on the newly renovated Center at 2:30 pm at City Hall, 2263 Santa Clara Avenue in Alameda.       “I am pleased that the Permit Center has been redesigned to be more accommodating for Alameda’s residents, businesses, contractors, and architects,” said Mayor Gilmore.   The center has been renovate to make it more user friendly for its customers.  There is a larger, new counter, a more comfortable waiting area, public wi-fi and a dedicated workstation for self-help permit histories and online permits.   The opening of the improv... 11/06/2013

    Senior Living in Alameda and Senior Safety   Elder’s Village will present a seminar on Senior Safety on Wednesday, November 6 at 6:30 pm at the Alameda Elks Lodge at 2255 Santa Clara Avenue in Alameda.   A common topic of discussion among Seniors living in Alameda is safety, in the home and in their financial condition.  The panel of experts includes Dena Aindow from the Alameda County District Attorney’s office, Captain Michael DiGrano from the City of Alameda Fire Department and Dale Woolley, Elders Village DPT.        Captain Michael DeGrano   Ms. Aindow will discuss common scams and fraud directed at Seniors. While Captain DiGrano will speak about disaster preparedness. Mr. Woolley will speak about home and personal safety.     If you plan on attending, or have general questions... 11/05/2013

    Snap Shot of Alameda real estate activity for the week of November 4, 2013   This is a snapshot of the Alameda real estate market activity for the week of November 4, 2013:           Eleven homes were sold during the week.  Of the eleven homes sold, 6 were single family, 1 was a condo, 3 were townhouses and one was a triplex.  Sales prices ranged from $411,000 for a Willow’s condo to $1,316,250 for a gorgeous three bedroom, 3206 square foot home on the water at Ballena Bay. Large home are still in demand.  Of the three homes that sold in the East End last week they ranged in size from 2487 to 2920 square feet and all had 4 bedrooms.       My snap shot of the Alameda real estate market reports are important and provide valuable information over the long run.  But, if you want to know... 11/04/2013

  popUp Gallery will exhibit works on the theme of “Abundance”   popUp Gallery will exhibit works on the theme of “Abundance” on Friday, November 8, from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm.  The works include a scene of adventures with donuts, wonderful pastries and microscopic organisms.  According to the curators of the show, “there are also reminders of our throwaway mentality, maps that chart the global vastness of self-indulgence and haunting reminders of those who do not share in the wealth - those for whom abundance is just a dream and hunger is their reality.  These artists pose questions about how - and, perhaps more importantly, by whom - "abundance" is defined.”  Sounds like a thought provoking show.  The popUp Gallery is at 1517 Park Street in Alameda. Features artists include Gabriele Bung... 11/03/2013

  Things to do in Alameda on November 1, 2 and 3, 2013   If you are curious about the development at the old Navy base, the city is offering a touIr of Alameda Point on your bike  These are some of the events I like to attend.  I hope you will too.   Things to do in Alameda:  The 35th annual Alameda Holiday Boutique is back on Friday, November 1, from noon to 8:00 pm and on Saturday, November 2 from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm at the Veterans Memorial Building at 2203 Central Avenue in Alameda.  You can shop for a variety of holiday gifts.  Admission is free however a donation is accepted for Alameda Meals on Wheels.   Things to do in Alameda:  Family Bird Walk on Saturday, November 2 at 10:00 am at Crab Cove, 1252 McKay Avenue in Alameda.  Get close up and personal with some beautiful shorebir... 11/01/2013

  Senior Living in Alameda Mastick Center Events in November 2013   Here are some important events to remember at Mastick Senior Center in November     Daylight Savings Time Ends on Sunday November 3.  Don’t forget to turn your clocks back one hour.  Hooray, we get more time to sleep.       Medicare and the Annual Enrollment Period.  So many people are overwhelmed by all the health care options.   You might be one of those people.  If so,  representatives from the Health Insurance Counseling Advocacy Program (HICAP) will be at Mastick, Room D, on Tuesday, November 5 at 1:00 pm to learn more about Medicare.  Have all your questions about eligibility, costs, benefits Medicare Supplement Plans (Medigaps) and prescription drug benefits.  Register for the program at 510-747-7500.     Alzheim... 10/31/2013

  Alameda Haunt Your House Contest Part 2   The Alameda Haunt Your House! contest and canned food drive has announced the 18 participants in the contest.  I have taken pictures of some of the spooky homes.  Most look their best at night.  See as many of the contestants as you can and don’t forget they are collecting canned foods for the Alameda Food Bank so please bring a donation.        Alameda Haunt Your House organizers have three goals: “to celebrate the uniqueness of all the great houses in our town, to participate in a community effort in support of the Alameda Food Bank; and to have fun.  It is not some serious competition or about winning prizes (although, we do give out some cool ones!)  We hope that everyone can enjoy the contest in the whimsical manner it is intended.”   Ala... 10/30/2013

  Is your Alameda home energy efficient?   Now that winter is approaching it is a good time to evaluate your Alameda home for energy efficiency.  Alameda Municipal Power can help you.   The first thing you should do is an energy audit to see how you are using energy.   Alameda Municipal Power allows you to go online and complete an audit with AMP’s Home Energy Calculation.         The calculator provides you with estimates of energy use costs based on your input and allows you to perform energy saving scenarios.  There are more than 50 electronic devices covered in the calculator including TV’s, refrigerators to sleep apnea machines.   The second step is measuring the energy usage of each of your appliances and electronics devices through a “Kill A Watt Monitor”.  You can borrow the mon... 10/30/2013

  Snap Shot of Alameda real estate market - for the week of October 21, 2013   This is a snapshot of the Alameda real estate market activity for the week of October 21, 2013:         For Week of October 7, 2013 Average Sales Price $680,000 Average List Price $652,028 Average Days on Market 17 Number of Homes On Market 49 Number of Homes Pending 99 New Homes on the Market 13     Fourteen homes were sold during the week.  Of the fourteen homes sold, 8 were single family, 3 were condos and 3 were townhouses.  Sales prices ranged from $235,000 for a small condo in original condition to $1,800,000 for a gorgeous five bedroom home on the fringes of the Gold Coast.         My snap shot of the Alameda real estate market reports are important and provide valuable information over the long run.  ... 10/28/2013

  Things to do in Alameda on October 25, 26 and 27, 2013     Things to do in Alameda - there are oodles of Halloween events this weekend. These are some of the events I like to attend.  I hope you will too.     Things to Do in Alameda:  The Teen Haunted House on Friday, October 25 from 5:00 to 9:00 pm, Saturday, October 26 and Sunday, October 27 from 4 to 9 pm is sponsor by the Alameda Recreation and Park Department at South Shore Center at the Neptune Court, Park Street and Otis Drive in Alameda  Admission for ages 5 to 17 $5 per person.  Over 18 admission is $7 per person. For more information please call 510-521-1515.     Things to do in Alameda:  The Alameda’s Farmer’s Market is open to the public Saturday, October 26 and Tuesday, October 29 morning from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm, rain or ... 10/25/2013

  Senior Living in Alameda Successful Aging Orientation Workshop at Elders Village   Elders Village is presenting its Successful Aging Orientation Workshop on October 24, 2013 at 6:30 to 8:30 pm at the Elders Village Community Room at 1723 Webster Street for Seniors Living in Alameda.         Everyone knows that we are living longer.  Boomers now expect to live well into their 80’s and beyond.  That is why retirement planning is essential.  Not only should those approaching retirement be concerned about their financial planning, but they should also address other aspects of aging including their physical condition, emotional and mental health.  Boomers should be exploring where they will live, how will they pay for it and what health care they may need.     The Successful Aging Orientat... 10/24/2013

  Halloween Carnivals in Alameda in October 2013   Looking for some fun and kinda scary events for the family this weekend.  Here are a sampling of events that fit the bill.  If you have lived in Alameda a few years, you have likely attended some of these events.  If you are new to the area, or just visiting, you absolutely want to take some time to join in the fun at one or all of these area attractions.   Hometown Halloween Carnival   This is one of those annual family events which feature carnival games, face painting, dunk tank, costume parade, a haunted house and more.  There is even a silent auction and dinner with spooky desserts.  Who could resist?  A great Halloween event.   When:       Saturday, October 26                   3:30 to 8:30 pm. Where:      First Congregational Chu... 10/23/2013