Oakley recreation leader Cindy Coelho keeps active

By Roni Gehlke

Name: Cindy Coelho
Occupation: Senior recreation leader, city of Oakley, Recreation Division
Marital status/family: Coelho lives in Oakley with her husband of 19 years, Michael Coelho, and her 12-year-old son, Racin Coelho. Racin is a student at O'Hara Park Middle School in Oakley.
Proudest civic achievement: Aside from her work duties for the city of Oakley, Coelho has been active in the community where she volunteers with the Meals on Wheels program. She also is an active member of the local Cub Scouts of America and the O'Hara Park Middle School PTA. At the city of Oakley's Parks and Recreation Department, Coelho is working hard to bring community activities to local residents. The city has just been getting its feet off the ground with its recreation department projects and, as part of her job, Coelho will create several new projects this year, as well as add new activities to existing programs.
Next week the city will host the Oakley Science Week. Coelho has taken a program that has been around for a few years and added several new events.
"I am also proud to be involved in our annual Oakley Science Week because it's a unique program that has become a tradition in Oakley," Coelho said. "The program sparks an interest in science, and I see future scientists among the children in the audience."
Coelho has set up the program so that there is something for everyone. The program will include familiar activities such as the LMC Planetarium Night, the Mad Science and kite flying day. New activities this year are Marine Mammals, a visit with "Survivor" finalist Yau Man Chan and a walk along the Marsh Creek Trail with naturalist Mike Moran.
Coelho said that a list a times and days for each activity can be found on the city's Web site at www.ci.oakley.ca.us.
Coelho has also been working with the Oakley team for the Relay for Life. This fundraiser for cancer research took place last weekend at Freedom High School.
Future Achievement: "I enjoyed the experience of working with seniors at the Meals on Wheels program and hope to volunteer with a senior program again in the future," Coelho said.
As part of her work, Coelho will be helping to put together the city's 10th anniversary celebration, which will kick off in July with a fireworks display. She will also work on a Harvest Celebration in the fall and the Christmas tree lighting in December.
Groups and organizations involved in: "In my position with the city of Oakley, I get the privilege of working with many local groups and organizations," Coelho said. Those organizations include the Oakley Chamber of Commerce, the Oakley Library, local school districts and many nonprofit organizations.
Hobbies: Coelho said she enjoys reading, spending time in Oakley parks, playing tennis and gardening.
What was the last book you read: "Metro Girl" by Janet Evanovich.
Favorite movie: The 1939 classic movie "The Wizard of Oz."