LAFAYETTE HISTORY
Lamorinda Village Auxiliary — Supporting Our Older Adult Community
BY KATHRYN ISHIZU, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF LAMORINDA VILLAGE, PHOTO PROVIDED
Flavio’s opened in 1973 at 3604 Mt. Diablo Boulevard, now home to Batch & Brine and FedEx. Pictured left is Lafayette Sea Food Grotto, with Petar’s on the right.
"When it has to be Done Right!"
Defensible Space: Protection from Wildfires
Special thanks to Aegis Living Moraga for sponsoring our Lafayette History section.
Defensible Space: Protection from Wildfires
Living in wildfire country means creating a safety bu er around your property. Defensible space is a cleared zone free of dead trees, dry brush, and flammable vegetation. What We Do: • Conduct property evaluations to identify fire hazards • Trim overgrown trees and shrubs • Remove dead, diseased, or high-risk vegetation • Create proper spacing between plants and structures
REMEMBERING FLAVIO’S: A Taste of Lafayette’s Past
F or the past 10 years, Lamorinda Village has supported older adults in Lafayette, Moraga, and Orinda by providing services, classes, and activities to help them remain healthy and engaged in our community. Chaired by Beth Brown and Meredith Meade, the Auxiliary meets monthly. Their October 2024 fundraiser was a huge success, raising proceeds for two Strength and Balance classes. “Falls are a major risk for older adults and often result in injuries. Working on balance and core strength helps prevent these accidents,” said Executive Director Kathryn Ishizu. “We’re grateful to our Auxiliary. Our seniors absolutely love the Strength and Balance classes.” The Auxiliary is currently planning its 2nd Annual Sip and Savor event for Friday, Oct. 3 at the Lafayette Community Center. This fundraiser will feature local vendor tastings, a silent auction, raffle, and wine toss to support expanded Village services. Many Auxiliary members previously volunteered in their children’s schools and are seeking new ways to give back. “I’ve loved volunteering and interacting with Lamorinda Village members,” said Andrea Appleton. “It’s a great way to connect with our broader community, and I cherish the relationships and wisdom from members I’ve worked with.” To purchase tickets for Sip and Savor, learn about sponsorship opportunities for this popular event, or for more information about Lamorinda Village, email us at info@lamorindavillage.org, call (925) 283-3500, or visit lamorindavillage.org. Auxiliary members in attendance (l to r): Julie Chinn, Elizabeth Lewis, Suzy Pak, Meredith Meade, Laura-Kate Rurka, Karen Coane, Siobhan Foy, and Mary Beth Towery
it in 1980 to Karen Draper and her husband, Antonio Copene, then moved to Reno, where Fred ran an Italian restaurant at the MGM Grand before retiring in Sun City, Arizona. Karen, Antonio, and Bobby carried on the magic until Flavio’s closed in 1999. The old building gave way to Lafayette’s Town Center, which now houses Batch & Brine and FedEx. But for those who remember, Flavio’s still lives — warm, noisy, and full of heart.
BY JOHN KENNETT, LAFAYETTE HISTORICAL SOCIETY, PHOTO COURTESY OF KAREN DRAPER
E very town should have a Flavio’s — a place where the scent of garlic bread welcomes you like an old friend, where red wine flows freely and laughter fills the air. It was the kind of place where Friday nights felt like a reward for surviving the week. Flavio’s didn’t just serve Italian food — it served comfort. Housed in a slightly crooked building that had once been the Smokehouse, then The Hound Dog, it was unpolished, a little off- kilter — perfect. Orders were shouted through a tiny kitchen window, the kind you’d find in South Philly joints like Geno’s or Pat’s. Kids ran wild. No one minded. It was a place to be together. The inside was a quirky mix of charm and kitsch. The slanted floor helped rainwater drain — Lafayette ingenuity at its finest. Tables wore red-and-white checkered cloths, candle wax dripped down wine bottles, and faux plants peeked out from corners. A palm tree grew straight through the roof, and a cement squirrel clung to it like a mascot. And then there was Bobby Draper. Bobby wasn’t just a waiter. He was the soul of the place. He zipped from table to table with a wink, a joke, or a wisecrack. You didn’t just get dinner — you got a show. Bobby made you feel like you belonged. The menu was simple and unforgettable. Spaghetti. Linguini with clams. Lasagna. Eggplant parmigiana. Minestrone with melted cheese. And that garlic bread — crispy, buttery, unforgettable. It could turn the worst day into something good. By the end of the night, the kids were full and sleepy, the wine bottles were empty, and Mom and Dad had shared a quiet moment. Bobby earned his tip, and everyone went home a little happier. Fred Ferrazzano opened Flavio’s in 1973 with his wife, Marilyn, pouring their hearts into it for seven years. They sold
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18 August 2025
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