The Monthly Grapevine™
420 Beatrice Ct., Ste G1 Brentwood, CA 94513
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Home Under Water? You have Options!
People downsize for a variety of reasons, from the “empty nest” syndrome to convenience or even hardship. As you contemplate moving to a smaller home, it’s important to consider several factors that can help facilitate a smoother transition.
The first step is to decide how you want to live. Many people don’t think enough about why they’re moving. Various motivating factors lead to downsizing, such as exchanging the worry and expense of maintaining a larger property for the conveniences of low maintenance homes. This shift not only frees up your time but also allows for more leisure activities.
Emotional ties to a family home often emerge as a significant barrier to downsizing. The memories associated with rooms and spaces can make it
challenging to let go. Additionally, parting with excess furniture, clothing, and other possessions can be daunting. You might find yourself surprised at how attached you’ve become to certain items, making the decision to keep or discard them feel overwhelming.
To ease the downsizing process, consider starting to declutter a few months before your move. Donating, recycling, or selling items through platforms like eBay can lighten your load. Parting with possessions you may no longer have room for, or even need can make your move simpler and your new space feel less cluttered.
A practical tip is to sketch a floor plan for your new home, incorporating furniture placement. This strategy allows you to visualize where your current furniture will fit, helping you avoid the disappointment of discovering that your beloved armoire won’t make the transition. Deciding where to move and what style of property suits your needs can pose its own set of challenges. Whether you prefer a cozy cottage, independent living, manageable
townhouse or an Active Adult Community, take time to explore options that align with your lifestyle. Consider neighborhoods that provide amenities enhancing your daily life while also allowing you to maintain connections with family and friends.
For many who have already climbed to the top of the property ladder, it may be time to consider reversing course. A small, low-maintenance home could be the right fit, freeing you to enjoy what truly matters in life without the burdens of excessive space and upkeep.
Downsizing can serve as a liberating experience, paving the way for a simpler, more fulfilling life. By reflecting on your motivations, managing emotional attachments, and strategically planning your move, you can transform this transition into an opportunity for growth and renewal.
Patrick McCarran is a local Realtor and Broker. Call/text 925-899-5536 • pmccarran@yahoo.com • CallPatrick.com Independently owned and operated. Equal Housing Opportunity. In association with Realty One Group Elite DRE#0193160.
262300331, 262300330, 262300329, 262300328, 262300318, 262300173, MN
218294.
Ongoing Events
AFTER SCHOOL ACADEMY
Tuesdays-Thursdays, 1:30-6:30pm, Village Community Resource Center, 633 Village Drive, Brentwood or Byron Community Library Club, 3926 Main St., Byron. Literacy and homework support for K-5th Grade. Info 925-626-7892 or jose@vcrcbrentwoodca.org.
AL-ANON MEETING - BRENTWOOD
Friday, 8pm, Brentwood United Methodist Church, 809 2nd Street, Brentwood. Support Group for families and friends of Alcoholics. No need to register, info call Trisha 510 910-1389
AL-ANON MEETING - DISCOVERY BAY
Monday, 12:15pm, Delta Community Presbyterian Church, 1900 Willow Lake Rd., Discovery Bay. Support Group for families and friends of Alcoholics. No need to register, info call Charlie (925) 858-5382.
AMERICAN LEGION AUXILIARY
1st Tuesday, 5pm, Legion Hall, Basement, 757 First St., Brentwood. Info Dolly 925-890-7357.
AMERICAN LEGION POST 202 MEETING
2nd Wednesday, 6:30pm, Veterans Hall, 757 First St., Brentwood. Info AML202.org or 925-516-2141.
ANIMAL RESCUE RECON DOG ADOPTIONS
Saturdays, 10am-1pm, Pet Food Express, 5829 Lone Tree Way, Antioch. Info 925-392-7654 or animalrescuerecon.com.
BETHEL ISLAND LIONS CLUB
1st and 3rd Wednesday, 7pm, Scout Hall, 3090 Ranch Ln., Bethel Island. Info Dave 925-595-1451.
BRENTWOOD ALZHEIMER’S CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUP
2nd Thursday, 7-8:30pm, Brentwood. Please call 800.272.3900 to register for the meeting.
BRENTWOOD LIONS CLUB
1st Wednesday, 6:30pm, BW Community Center., 35 Oak St., Brentwood. Call for more info 925-587-3783. www.lcobw.com
BYRON DELTA LIONS CLUB
1st Friday, 10am, St. Anne’s Catholic Church, 2800 Camino Diablo Rd., Byron. Info Kathy 925-980-6696.
CANCER SUPPORT COMMUNITY
Tuesdays, 1-3pm, 3505 Lone Tree Way., Suite 3, Antioch.
DASH ADOPTIONS
Fridays, 5-8pm at Petsmart, 5879 Lone Tree Way, Antioch. 1st & 3rd Sunday, 12-3pm, Petco, 5481 Lone Tree Way, Brentwood. Info 925-219-0151 or deltaanimalssafehaven.org.
DELTA SHADOW BOXERS PARKINSON’S SUPPORT GROUP
1st Wednesday, 2-5pm. Merrill Gardens., 2600 Balfour Rd., Brentwood. Info Sue 925-550-2756
DISCOVERY BAY CORVETTE CLUB
1st Thursday, 7:30pm. Discovery Bay Yacht Club, Bilge Room Info Bill Montgomery 925-462-3674.
DISCOVERY BAY LIONS CLUB
1st Tuesday, 6:30pm, Discovery Bay Yacht Club. Info Rita Caruso 925-640-5746, www.discoverybaylions.com.
DISCOVERY BAY PICKLEBALL CLUB FREE TRAINING
1st Saturday, 11:00am, (weather permitting) Discovery Bay Community Center 1601 Discovery Bay Blvd, Discovery Bay.
DELTA GROUP SIERRA CLUB
2nd Friday, 5pm, Oakley Tavern, 3685 Main St., Oakley. Covers Antioch, Pittsburgh, Bay Point, Oakley, Brentwood, Bethel Island, Discovery Bay, and unincorporated areas of ECCC. Info Joeandlu@comcast.net.
DELTA WOMEN’S SOCIAL CLUB
2nd Thursday, 11:30am. Info Gloria 925-513-8731.
DIG - DELTA INFORMAL GARDNERS
4th Monday, 7:30pm, Brentwood Methodist Church, 809 Second St., Brentwood. Info Bob 925-642-0080 or deltainformalgardners.org.
DELTA QUILTERS GUILD
For information REGARDING meetings & events, go to deltaquilters.org
DOFBWOW (Daughter’s of Faith Becoming Women of Wisdom) 2nd & 4th Thursday, 6:45pm, via Zoom. Contact True Free Love Ministry via email truefreeloveministries@gmail.com.
GFWC - BRENTWOOD WOMENS CLUB
3rd Wednesday, 11:30am,Contact Sedar for more Info 925-550-4486.
GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP
Thursday, 5pm, Immaculate Heart of Mary Library, 500 Fairview Avenue, Brentwood. Info Mary Ann Smith 925-240-1706 or Linda Quilici 925-308-7799.
HELPING ONE WOMAN
3rd Tuesday’s, 6-8pm, Brentwood Community Center 35 Oak St., Brentwood. Email: howdiscoverybay@gmail.com
HALO ADOPTIONS
Saturdays & Sundays, 12-1:30pm, Antioch Pet Food Express, 5879 Lone Tree Way, Antioch (excludes the 3rd Sat).
HOSPICE OF THE EAST BAY
Informational Session and Training. Info 925-887-5678 or volunteers@hospiceeastbay.org.
HOW OVER-EATERS ANONYMOUS MEETING
Thursdays, 10-11am, Brentwood Professional Plaza, Fellowship Hall, 8385 Brentwood Blvd., Suite B, Brentwood. AA Big Book Discussion. Info Peggy 925-200-2281
MINISTRY OF CARING ( Summer Schedule 6/4-8/27)
Wednesday, 10:30-11:30am, will be changing meeting location during summer, Veterans Park, Balfour Rd., Brentwood. Widow/widower Grief Support Group. Info Mary Ann Smith 925-240-1706 or Connie Conover 925-392-8037
