“Without donations to the SCEF, music would have been cut from the schools of San Carlos six years ago,” says Joe Murphy, Band Director at Tierra Linda Middle School. “More than 50 percent of the student body is enrolled in band alone. Combine that with orchestra and music is a daily part of close to 70 percent of the students lives at Tierra Linda.”

The San Carlos elementary and middle school music program provides students with a well-rounded education in music. Students not only learn about music theory and its history, but they also learn to play an instrument and have the opportunity to perform in a concert band, an orchestra or a choir. Many middle school students go on to join ensembles outside of school such as Peninsula Youth Orchestra and Latin Jazz Youth Ensemble.

“Music changes kids’ lives,” says Kristin Kunzelman, Central Middle School Band Director. “Parents tell me how much their students enjoy band and that it has filtered into their student’s success in other academic areas. A former student was accepted to School of the Arts in San Francisco. Another student regularly composes music at home and continues to impress me every trimester with new compositions.”

Students who study music score higher on SATs and are more likely to graduate from high school and go on to college, experts say.

“I believe that music is one of the essential elements in a student’s education,” Joe says. “The amount of brain activity required to play in a music program is tremendous. In a musical classroom setting, students are prepared to work as a group, think independently, think critically and think analytically.”

Music can also have a dramatic effect on students.

“One of my students was having a difficult time making friends,” Joe says. “I was also told that he needed complete organization and structure in the classroom in order to succeed. After working with this student, I found he was an incredible musician. He has become one of the best musicians in band. He has not only grown as a student in his ability to adapt to a varied classroom environment, but I see him making friends in class. Band has really done wonders for this kid.”

What Parents Say

Jane Scolieri, a parent of a former Central Middle School student, says the music program made a crucial difference in her child’s life.“I think the wonderful thing about the Central Middle School’s music program was that it provided a consistency to my son’s musical education, nicely balanced with fun and belonging to a group,” Jane says. “I think it was a huge contribution to his happiness in middle school.”

Music Program Benefit Teachers

Teachers say the music program is a big help to them as well.

“Music for Minors brings music to the kids in a way I’m unable to,” says Joan Schlinkert, K/1 educator at Charter Learning Center. “These programs help round our kids as human beings with many interests. They introduce the idea in action that there are many ways to be ‘smart.’ It helps our kids see that we are a group, that they aren’t in this world alone and that there is fun to be had in learning about a variety of interesting things.”

Help keep quality programs at San Carlos schools by making a contributiontoday. If you have questions, please contact your SCEF school representative. Thank you for your support!

Cafe Borrone – 1010 El Camino Real, Menlo Park/ 650-327-0830

Popular Drink: The Mexican Hot Chocolate is a delight. This divine drink is rich and creamy with a perfect splash of cinnamon.

Unique Drink: The Frosted Mocha… a “god shot,” or in other words, the perfect ice-blended espresso drink. A heavenly fusion of espresso and chocolate with a heaping dollop of home made whip cream.

Food: Fresh-baked scones, Belgian waffles, specialty egg scrambles, gourmet sandwiches, salads, cheese plates and lasagna are all available.

Seating: If you are a party of one, indoor seating is manageable. The best seat in the house is outside. Outdoor patio seating is ample with sounds from the water fountain that relax and soothe its harried patrons.

Ambience/Clientele: Just down the road from Stanford University nestled in downtown Menlo Park is where you’ll find an eclectic blend of bohemian wait staff, Silicon Valley professionals, grad students and young families enjoying their favorite beverage.

Extra/Notes: This neighborhood café offers live Dixieland jazz and soulful blues on Friday nights from 8:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. The owner, an accomplished painter himself, exhibits art from local painters and photographers each month. Make sure you allow time to stop by the locally owned bookstore, Keplers, located next door.

The Refuge – 963 Laurel Street, San Carlos/650-598-9813

Popular Drink: The Tripel Karmeliet is fit for a king. This Belgian beer is served up in a royal stem glass and goes down easy with a hint of orange peel and spice.

Unique Drink: If you’re looking for a refreshing soda, look no further. Try the Black Cherry Wishniak. It’s house-made and thirst-quenching!

Food: Burgers, pastrami sandwiches and charcuterie are all available.

Seating: If you want comfy, the leather booths are calling your name. It’s the best seat in the house after an evening of pastrami and beer. If you plan to order conversation with your meal, a table outside is a must.

Ambience/Clientele: Deep salmon-colored walls lend well to the upscale pub’s eclectic art and sleek copper bar. The buzz from young Silicon Valley types, families and singles is effervescent.

Extra/Notes: The word on the street is that their Belgian beer selection is second to none and the house-cured pastrami sandwich rivals those of New York City.

Skinny Sippin – 1295 Laurel St, San Carlos/650-593-8025

Popular Drink: The POG, a little known Hawaiian drink, is a staple at this smoothie shop. A mixture of passion fruit, orange sherbet and guava, (hence the P.O.G.).

Unique Drink: Witches, goblins and ghosts, oh my! The pumpkin smoothie is a year-round favorite. The secret ingredient? Pumpkin ice cream, of course.

Food: pastries, bagels, salads, assorted “grab-and-go” sandwiches all available.

Seating: Indoor/outdoor seating.

Ambience/Clientele: This quirky little smoothie shop welcomes customers with tropical tunes from Arby and Rica, two singing parakeets. The tropical island décor and life-size Hawaiian mural make for a refreshing adventure.

Extra/Notes: Smoothie fanatics rate this the best smoothie shop on the Peninsula. With 24 flavors of frozen yogurt, it’s worth a taste!

Vitamins and minerals can play a vital role in healthy bone formation including magnesium, zinc, copper and vitamins: B6, B12 and C. However, studies show that vitamin D and vitamin K play an even greater role in maximizing healthy bones. As people continue to eat highly processed foods with lower nutritional value, the body is not getting enough vitamins and minerals to prevent, among other things, bone loss.

Quality Supplements Can Make A Difference

It’s a common misconception that bones stop developing once an individual becomes an adult. As individuals age, bones go through a process of deterioration and re-growth, known as bone metabolism. The body not only needs an appropriate amount of vitamins and minerals, but it also needs to metabolize them efficiently to continue healthy bone development.

One way to attain this is through a professional-grade nutritional supplement, which uses true chelated minerals. Chelated supplements excel in allowing for absorption and assimilation of minerals to benefit the body.

Calcium And Strong Bones: Fact or Fiction?

According to one study, Fractures, Calcium, And The Modern Diet, higher amounts of calcium may not reduce risk of osteoporosis. It has been reported that in countries where daily calcium intake is low, bone fracture rates are also low compared to the U.S. and other western societies who have high-calcium diets. Studies also show that the appropriate amount of vitamin D and vitamin K can be more beneficial to bone health than calcium.

Vanilla Moon Bakery – 872 Laurel St, San Carlos/650-593-3015

Who needs a bowl of cheerios for breakfast when cupcakes and coffee are suweet!

Popular Drink: If you’re in a hurry grab their traditional latte made with Caffe del Doge Italian coffee. It’s a classic.

Unique Drink: Calling all chocoholics. The café mocha is made with fresh ground chocolate shavings and Italian espresso. The rich and creamy flavors from this cup of joe would make even Willy Wonka lick his lips.

Food: Pastries, cupcakes, cookies, scones are all available.

Seating: Indoor/outdoor seating.

Ambience/Clientele: A great place to catch up with friends over a latte and pastry or take your little one for a special treat. The warmth from the rich purple walls, bursting hydrangeas on counter tops and soft Italian music make this a delish environment.

Extra/Notes: The cupcake menu may vary depending on the season and the whims of the pastry chefs. You never know what new creation they will unveil. If you’re in downtown San Carlos on a Thursday, be sure to drop by this family-owned café and enjoy a chocolate-covered hi hat with an espresso. The hi hat is an old-fashioned bakery specialty. You’ll understand why once you take a bite. Free Wi-Fi available.

TOWN – 716 Laurel Street, San Carlos/650-595-3003

This local hot spot gives its sleepy suburb a jolt

Popular Drink: Get ready to pucker for a mouth-watering Lemon Drop. Fresh ingredients mixed with hand-squeezed Meyer lemons makes this cocktail ripe for drinking.

Unique Drink: Looking for romance? The Passion Fruit Martini is a mixture of fresh squeezed juices and fresh fruit puree that drives the natives wild.

Food: Chops, steak and seafood

Seating: indoor/outdoor seating. Traditional steak house with sophisticated leather booths, chef’s-counter seating and circular bar.

Ambience/Clientele: Sophisticated diners mixed with local hipsters make for a high-energy and fun social scene. The place is loud, but no one seems to mind. The energy, décor, smiles and cheers from happy employees make it worthwhile.

Extra/Notes: This is the only restaurant in sleepy San Carlos that will be hoppin’ past 10:30pm. Oh and men, watch out! You might get cougared.

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LISA’S TEA TREASURES – 1175 Merrill Street, MPK/650-322-5544

Pirates beware. Lisa’s Tea Treasures is a girly girl’s fantasy

Popular Drink: The traditionalist will want to try a cup of Royal Wedding tea. Marry it with a lemon-buttered tea biscuit and you have a perfect romance.

Unique Drink: On a diet? Enjoy a backlash with the Butter Truffle tea. The locals say it’s like eating a box of cookies.

Food: Scones, tea sandwiches, petite fours are all available.

Seating: Do I hear tinker bell? Guests are seated in elegant armchairs at linen-clothed tables dressed with china, silverware and a small silver bell to ring for service.

Ambience/Clientele: Soft glow of vintage lamps along with warm and friendly smiles make this a magical place. You’ll find guests both young and old at this quaint and cozy tea salon.

Extra/Notes: For a special treat, consider taking your favorite little one for their first tea. The menu will peak their interests. The cherished friend may find a trip to Lisa’s the perfect gift as she enjoys teas from far corners of the world and meanders through their gift parlour.

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TOKIE’S – 1058 Shell Blvd, Foster City/650-570-6609

Japanese restaurant has a face behind its name dating back to 1955

Popular Drink: What would fresh sushi be without a maverick sake? Ask for the Kurosawa, an unfiltered cold sake.

Unique Drink: Try Hana Awaka for a unique twist on sake. It’s sweet, bursting with bubbles and tastes like sparkling champagne.

Food: Traditional Japanese cuisine, appetizers, fresh sushi and homemade desserts.

Seating: Indoor seating, sushi bar and Tatami room.

Ambience/Clientele: Authentic décor, warm smiles and a relaxed atmosphere make this restaurant a hidden gem. Don’t be surprised if you bump into local talent or diners who come from far and wide.

Extra/Notes: The mild-mannered owner, Tokie, has been perfecting her dream for more than 50 years. Her homemade desserts are mouthwatering. Her sushi chefs are friendly, conversational and can recommend the best sake. They’ll even make their own creative sushi dishes, if you ask!

Millions of Americans experience injuries at some point in their lives, whether they are professional athletes, weekend warriors or couch potatoes. Health professionals can play a vital role in healing the injured. Many devote their careers to providing their patients with the best possible care. Erica Gould stands out among them.

Gould is a seasoned Physical Therapist and owner of Studio Physical Therapy located in downtown San Carlos. With more than 24 years of experience, Erica utilizes manual therapy, specially designed exercises and equipment to rehabilitate and to help patients regain or improve their physical abilities.

“I have suffered with back pain for over seven years,” said Cindy Gallagher, patient of Studio Physical Therapy. “After working with Erica, my back pain is gone. She has compassion, intelligence and a real love for her work. She is a true healer and extremely educated on spinal problems,” explains Cindy.

With a Master’s Degree in Physical Therapy from Stanford University, Erica’s formal training began at St. Mary’s Medical Center. During her 15-year-tenure at St. Marys she specialized in orthopedics with a primary emphasis in treating patients with complex spinal problems.

“My training as a spine therapist has made me more detailed oriented with how I approach my patients and their injuries,” says Gould.

Her rehabilitation program includes utilizing the reformer, a pilates-based exercise machine, as well as state-of-the-art exercise equipment: elliptical trainer, upright bike, arm bike, treadmill, free weights, bosu and exercise balls.

“The key elements to physical therapy are reducing inflammation, stretching and strengthening,” says Gould. “If all these are done correctly a patient can recover more quickly,” adds Gould.

An individualized approach to each patient, a depth of knowledge and an understanding of injuries make Erica Gould a star among physical therapy professionals.