Taste of Country - Music, Food, & Drinks

Good Morning Tri-Valley! Fall is finally here…and it feels chilly! I miss Summer already!

This is a topic that really hits home for me.

Having gone through estate planning with my in-laws, I can tell you firsthand what a game changer it was for our family. Having everything in place made it so much easier for us to help them when they needed it most. And in our experience, having a trust was far more beneficial than relying on a will alone.

It's one of those things you don't fully appreciate until you're in the middle of it. A little planning ahead can save your family so much stress and uncertainty down the road.

What is estate planning?
Estate planning is the process of organizing your assets, healthcare decisions, and final wishes so they're handled according to your preferences, both during your lifetime and after your passing. It helps protect your loved ones and avoid unnecessary legal complications.

Why do I need an estate plan?
An estate plan helps ensure your assets are distributed according to your wishes and that someone you trust can make financial and healthcare decisions on your behalf if you become incapacitated. It can also provide for your loved ones, name guardians for minor children, and help your family avoid probate. Without a plan, state laws generally determine how your assets are distributed.

What's the difference between a will and a trust?
A will is a legal document that outlines how your assets should be distributed after your death and names guardians for minor children. Depending on your estate, probate may be required. A trust is a legal arrangement where a trustee holds assets for beneficiaries. A properly funded living trust can offer more control, privacy, and help avoid probate, but is generally more complex to set up.

Have Questions? Reach out to Ernest at [email protected]

This one is personal. We’ve known ALS CURE Project founder Mike Piscotty and his family for 25 years, so supporting this cause means a lot to us.

The 3rd Annual A Taste of Country is happening Saturday, November 14, at the Blackhawk Museum, featuring food from 20 Bay Area restaurants, complimentary beer and wine, and live country music from Nashville recording artists Jason Blaine and Josh Melton.

There’s also line dancing with the Carousel Cowboys, special acoustic performances during dinner, and live and silent auctions featuring incredible vacation packages and other prizes.

Tickets are $129 per person and include dinner, drinks, and entertainment.

This event has sold out before, so grab your tickets early and help support the mission to cure ALS. Click here for tickets!

Ghosts of Dublin is back October 23–24, and this year they're adding live actors to make things even spookier!

Grab a flashlight and explore Dublin Pioneer Cemetery, Old St. Raymond Church, and the historic Kolb House while hearing ghost stories and local legends.

One-hour tours begin at 7:30pm. Recommended for ages 8+, with tours at 9pm and later reserved for older teens and adults.

Click here for more details.

Pumpkins After Dark is lighting up the Alameda County Fairgrounds in Pleasanton, and this is such a fun way to celebrate Halloween!

Stroll through thousands of glowing, hand-carved pumpkins, incredible illuminated displays, and photo opportunities around every corner.

There’s also live entertainment, pumpkin carving demonstrations, and plenty of fall treats.

Best of all, it's family-friendly with no jump scares, making it perfect for kids of all ages. Click here for times and ticket prices!

The Pleasanton Harvest Festival is back at the Alameda County Fairgrounds October 23–25, and it’s a great excuse to get a head start on holiday shopping!

Browse hundreds of booths featuring original art, handmade jewelry, clothing, home décor, specialty foods, seasonal favorites, and unique gifts you won't find everywhere else.

There’s also live entertainment and plenty of delicious food, so come hungry and make a day of it. Click here for tickets and more info!

Friday: 10am–4pm
Saturday: 10am–5pm
Sunday: 10am–4pm