Name of business: Smiles: Creative Imaging
Type of business: Photography
Owners: Julie and Luke Munana
Founded: 2005
Address: Home-based studio, Discovery Bay
Phone number: 925-766-5773
Hours: By appointment
Number of employees: two, as well as independent contactors when needed.
Products and services: Smiles: Creative Imaging offers portrait photography, specializing in maternity and newborn photos. They also offer photography services for family photos, seniors, weddings and special occasions.
How did you get into this business?: When Julie Munana's grandfather died in the late 1990s he left a camera that no one knew how to use. At the time Munana was a nursing student and needed a few more credits and decided to take a photography class.
"I just loved it and I started taking pictures of friends and family and got a lot of positive reactions," she said.
Before long she had decided to make her hobby into a business.
Best part about the business?: "Getting to meet new people and being apart of some of the most special moments in life," Julie Munana said. "We are in the business of preserving memories."
Munana said they love to capture individual family dynamics. That includes "the amazing beauty of each pregnancy, the innocence of a child, the connection and passion between a bride and groom, and the personality and spunk of seniors," she said.
Worst part about the business?: "I don't think there are any downsides to the business," she said. She went on to say that she loves every aspect of the business, from meeting clients, brainstorming locations and creative poses, shooting the pictures, post processing and delivery of photos to her clients.
Key to success: "Always going the extra mile to please our clients so they will want to come back again and again, and in turn, send us referrals," Munana said.
Biggest misconception about the business: "I believe the biggest misconception in this business is that people tend to think that anyone with a good camera can take a good picture," Munana said.
She explained that to some extent this is true; however, having the ability to manipulate the camera and its functions, know lighting techniques, and have those personal connections with people to draw out emotions and capture them, that is when "art" is born.
"I have found that when first time clients hire us, we have always exceeded their expectations," she said.
Future plans: "We both work full-time jobs in addition to having this business. I would personally love to make my photography business my primary job," Munana said. "I love it, and to do this would be a dream come true."
-- Roni Gehlke
This blog is dedicated to articles that have run in the East Bay Times (East Contra Costa County, California), Brentwood News, Oakley News, Antioch News, Pittsburg News written by community columnist and correspondent, Roni Gehlke.
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Delta Science Center works on raising profile
By Rowena Coetsee
Contra Costa Times
OAKLEY -- Delta Science Center is trying to raise its profile.
The organization, that is -- not the building, which doesn't yet exist.
"It's a little confusing," said Roni Gehlke, executive director of the nonprofit group that will be sharing its name with an educational site East Bay Regional Park District has planned for Big Break Regional Shoreline in Oakley.
And one where Delta Science Center might find a new home.
Its namesake is an approximately 5,500-foot structure that also will acquaint the public with the Delta's ecosystem when it opens, which Gehlke said will be either late this year or in early 2012.
Once that happens, the Delta Science Center -- the organization -- which currently operates out of a sanitary district's office, hopes to move into part of Delta Science Center -- the building.
In the meantime, the organization has designed a new logo to reinforce its identity and has set up a new phone number to ensure the public can reach it.
In addition, Gehlke, along with board President Mike Painter, have spent the past six months reintroducing the center to the public.
They've been speaking to a variety of groups around East County, giving presentations to Antioch, Pittsburg and Oakley city councils, as well as to service clubs, local water districts and educators.
Delta Science Center isn't a physical place, per se, but an organization that evolved from discussions Ironhouse Sanitary District initiated with a couple other entities nearly two decades ago.
Its mission is to foster an appreciation for the approximately 700 miles of waterways that supply a huge portion of the state's drinking water and nurture a rich array of plants and wildlife.
In that vein, the center has gotten young people involved in its projects; Gehlke noted that it once arranged for 500 Freedom High School students to gauge the health of Marsh Creek by analyzing water and soil samples.
Another activity called for teen volunteers to collect water from the Delta at different times of the day and year to test the concentrations of salt and toxins.
For the past several years Delta Science Center has been publishing and distributing free calendars containing facts about the Delta to fifth-grade classrooms around East County.
Now Gehlke and an Oakley schools administrator are meeting with teachers to come up with a curriculum that builds on topics highlighted in the calendars such as the region's endangered species and the crops that farmers grow on some of the 57 islands in the Delta.
The goal is to incorporate these lessons into not just science classes, but English, math and history as well, Gehlke said.
Delta Science Center is aiming to have them on DVDs by September so it can give them to fifth-grade teachers at the same time it distributes approximately 10,000 calendars to classes from Martinez to Rio Vista and everywhere in between.
The organization also plans to put more youngsters on the water this year.
Last year, Delta Science Center paid for two Oakley fifth-grade classes to explore the Delta aboard the Robert G. Brownlee, a research vessel used for educational cruises during which youngsters can fish or observe some of the water's microorganisms through microscopes.
This year Gehkle said the organization is trying to drum up the thousands of dollars needed to send 20 East County classes on the half-day excursions.
Reach the Delta Science Center at 925-289-5711.
Rowena Coetsee covers Oakley. Reach her at 925-779-7141.
Contra Costa Times
OAKLEY -- Delta Science Center is trying to raise its profile.
The organization, that is -- not the building, which doesn't yet exist.
"It's a little confusing," said Roni Gehlke, executive director of the nonprofit group that will be sharing its name with an educational site East Bay Regional Park District has planned for Big Break Regional Shoreline in Oakley.
And one where Delta Science Center might find a new home.
Its namesake is an approximately 5,500-foot structure that also will acquaint the public with the Delta's ecosystem when it opens, which Gehlke said will be either late this year or in early 2012.
Once that happens, the Delta Science Center -- the organization -- which currently operates out of a sanitary district's office, hopes to move into part of Delta Science Center -- the building.
In the meantime, the organization has designed a new logo to reinforce its identity and has set up a new phone number to ensure the public can reach it.
In addition, Gehlke, along with board President Mike Painter, have spent the past six months reintroducing the center to the public.
They've been speaking to a variety of groups around East County, giving presentations to Antioch, Pittsburg and Oakley city councils, as well as to service clubs, local water districts and educators.
Delta Science Center isn't a physical place, per se, but an organization that evolved from discussions Ironhouse Sanitary District initiated with a couple other entities nearly two decades ago.
Its mission is to foster an appreciation for the approximately 700 miles of waterways that supply a huge portion of the state's drinking water and nurture a rich array of plants and wildlife.
In that vein, the center has gotten young people involved in its projects; Gehlke noted that it once arranged for 500 Freedom High School students to gauge the health of Marsh Creek by analyzing water and soil samples.
Another activity called for teen volunteers to collect water from the Delta at different times of the day and year to test the concentrations of salt and toxins.
For the past several years Delta Science Center has been publishing and distributing free calendars containing facts about the Delta to fifth-grade classrooms around East County.
Now Gehlke and an Oakley schools administrator are meeting with teachers to come up with a curriculum that builds on topics highlighted in the calendars such as the region's endangered species and the crops that farmers grow on some of the 57 islands in the Delta.
The goal is to incorporate these lessons into not just science classes, but English, math and history as well, Gehlke said.
Delta Science Center is aiming to have them on DVDs by September so it can give them to fifth-grade teachers at the same time it distributes approximately 10,000 calendars to classes from Martinez to Rio Vista and everywhere in between.
The organization also plans to put more youngsters on the water this year.
Last year, Delta Science Center paid for two Oakley fifth-grade classes to explore the Delta aboard the Robert G. Brownlee, a research vessel used for educational cruises during which youngsters can fish or observe some of the water's microorganisms through microscopes.
This year Gehkle said the organization is trying to drum up the thousands of dollars needed to send 20 East County classes on the half-day excursions.
Reach the Delta Science Center at 925-289-5711.
Rowena Coetsee covers Oakley. Reach her at 925-779-7141.
Business Spotlight: Clothes boutique sells Southern Asian wear
By Roni Gehlke
For the Contra Costa Times
Name of business: K Styles
Type of business: Women's clothing and accessories studio
Owner: Shalendra Sharma
Founded: February 2011
Address: Antioch
Phone number: 925-757-4429
Hours: By appointment only
Number of employees: one
Products and services: K Styles features authentic Southern Asian wear, including women's blouses, tunics, leggings and tops. They also carry necklaces, bracelets and earrings, including pieces made of sterling silver, cubic zirconium and gemstones. In addition, K Styles sells purses, pillbox's, business card holders and fashion accessories.
How did you get into the business?: At one point Shalendra Sharma and his wife, Kajal, were talking about the lack of local boutiques that carry Southern Asian clothing and thought it was something that's needed. Shalendra looked into what it would take to open a store and K Styles was the outcome.
Best part about the business?: K Styles premiered in February at a show at the Fremont Hilton. The idea is to display their clothing and accessories in exhibition settings to get the word out.
"This gives us the added advantage of being able to move our inventory quickly and not just in our own community but outside as well," Kajal Sharma said.
She said she likes the fact that they can keep their in-home studio and also move their business to various events.
Worst part about the business?: Sharma said that they haven't encountered a downside so far. She did say that while many of their items come from within the United States, some are purchased overseas. In those cases, it's an involved process returning them to the manufacturer if product arrives damaged.
Key to success: "Keeping our product line fresh and unique," Sharma said.
She said that K Styles is working hard to vary merchandise and ensure that it isn't the same thing that can be found at local department stores. They are keeping their setting much like a boutique that features one-of-a-kind items.
Biggest misperception about the business: Sharma said that usually the only source of the Southern Asian fashions is from major department stores and there isn't a large selection.
"It wouldn't be uncommon to go to an event and find someone who is wearing the same outfit or one that is just in a slightly different color," Sharma said. "K Styles offers unique clothing."
She said that everything is so unusual that you know if you are wearing something from their selection you won't be seeing someone else in the area with the same outfit.
Future plans: "Get out there and spread the word," she said.
K Styles has been at several Bay Area events and plans to continue marketing itself this way. They will be attending a show in Berkeley and then a large show at Cal-State East Bay over the July 4 weekend.
For the Contra Costa Times
Name of business: K Styles
Type of business: Women's clothing and accessories studio
Owner: Shalendra Sharma
Founded: February 2011
Address: Antioch
Phone number: 925-757-4429
Hours: By appointment only
Number of employees: one
Products and services: K Styles features authentic Southern Asian wear, including women's blouses, tunics, leggings and tops. They also carry necklaces, bracelets and earrings, including pieces made of sterling silver, cubic zirconium and gemstones. In addition, K Styles sells purses, pillbox's, business card holders and fashion accessories.
How did you get into the business?: At one point Shalendra Sharma and his wife, Kajal, were talking about the lack of local boutiques that carry Southern Asian clothing and thought it was something that's needed. Shalendra looked into what it would take to open a store and K Styles was the outcome.
Best part about the business?: K Styles premiered in February at a show at the Fremont Hilton. The idea is to display their clothing and accessories in exhibition settings to get the word out.
"This gives us the added advantage of being able to move our inventory quickly and not just in our own community but outside as well," Kajal Sharma said.
She said she likes the fact that they can keep their in-home studio and also move their business to various events.
Worst part about the business?: Sharma said that they haven't encountered a downside so far. She did say that while many of their items come from within the United States, some are purchased overseas. In those cases, it's an involved process returning them to the manufacturer if product arrives damaged.
Key to success: "Keeping our product line fresh and unique," Sharma said.
She said that K Styles is working hard to vary merchandise and ensure that it isn't the same thing that can be found at local department stores. They are keeping their setting much like a boutique that features one-of-a-kind items.
Biggest misperception about the business: Sharma said that usually the only source of the Southern Asian fashions is from major department stores and there isn't a large selection.
"It wouldn't be uncommon to go to an event and find someone who is wearing the same outfit or one that is just in a slightly different color," Sharma said. "K Styles offers unique clothing."
She said that everything is so unusual that you know if you are wearing something from their selection you won't be seeing someone else in the area with the same outfit.
Future plans: "Get out there and spread the word," she said.
K Styles has been at several Bay Area events and plans to continue marketing itself this way. They will be attending a show in Berkeley and then a large show at Cal-State East Bay over the July 4 weekend.
Around Oakley: Friends of Oakley to host car show, kids festival fundraiser
By Roni Gehlke
For the Contra Costa Times
Car show enthusiasts looking for fun, local family entertainment will want to check out the Friends of Oakley's "Fun In The Sun 2011" event Saturday at O'Hara Park. All of the proceeds from the car show will go to the Friends of Oakley's Christmas Basket Program for this coming holiday season.
While the show-and-shine-style car show will be a big part of the event, the coordinators have added some new attractions to make this event a lot of fun for children as well.
"We still have the jumps and clowns, but this year we've added spin arts and a Party Line train to the show as well," Pat Anderson, Friends of Oakley board member and event coordinator, said.
For even more fun, Anderson said there will also be face painting, crafts, a story time corner, bubble corner and game garden. Local business Pompei Nursery will be on hand to offer a "Green Thumb Zone" and kids will also want to head over to the "Make a Guess Grove" to have a chance to win a prize. The kids festival will be open 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., the same hours as the car show.
The event will also feature a hot dog lunch with beans, chips and a drink from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Children also will have a chance to pick out their favorite cars in a kids' choice award.
For the past few years, the Oakley organization has been sponsoring the event and helping out other Oakley causes, but Anderson said this year the group has decided to keep the funds for its own Christmas Basket Program. Their hope is to increase the number of families that they help throughout the holidays from 200 to 300 this year.
The group started just a few years back, primarily by Oakley City Council members and a few other Oakley residents, as a way to give back to the community. One of its first goals was to provide a holiday food drive similar to that of the Brentwood Community Chest. As a matter of fact, the Brentwood organization helped the Friends of Oakley kick off their fundraiser in the first year to secure a way for Oakley to take care of their own. Now the Friends of Oakley take care of Oakley residents in need under this program.
Over the years, the group has gone from helping 150 families to 200. Now, if support goes well this year, kicking it up to 300 served will be a large help to those in need in Oakley.
The group is raising money through the car show entries and ticket sales for games and food at the events. Gaming tickets can be purchased per game, but keep in mind that this is an excellent cause, so even if you purchase a few extras, know that you are really helping someone in need.
O'Hara Park is at the corner of O'Hara Avenue and Cypress Road.
Everyone is welcome to attend, not just Oakley residents. What a great idea for some local fun in the sun.
Roni Gehlke is an Oakley resident. Reach her at ourbackyard@comcast.net.
For the Contra Costa Times
Car show enthusiasts looking for fun, local family entertainment will want to check out the Friends of Oakley's "Fun In The Sun 2011" event Saturday at O'Hara Park. All of the proceeds from the car show will go to the Friends of Oakley's Christmas Basket Program for this coming holiday season.
While the show-and-shine-style car show will be a big part of the event, the coordinators have added some new attractions to make this event a lot of fun for children as well.
"We still have the jumps and clowns, but this year we've added spin arts and a Party Line train to the show as well," Pat Anderson, Friends of Oakley board member and event coordinator, said.
For even more fun, Anderson said there will also be face painting, crafts, a story time corner, bubble corner and game garden. Local business Pompei Nursery will be on hand to offer a "Green Thumb Zone" and kids will also want to head over to the "Make a Guess Grove" to have a chance to win a prize. The kids festival will be open 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., the same hours as the car show.
The event will also feature a hot dog lunch with beans, chips and a drink from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Children also will have a chance to pick out their favorite cars in a kids' choice award.
For the past few years, the Oakley organization has been sponsoring the event and helping out other Oakley causes, but Anderson said this year the group has decided to keep the funds for its own Christmas Basket Program. Their hope is to increase the number of families that they help throughout the holidays from 200 to 300 this year.
The group started just a few years back, primarily by Oakley City Council members and a few other Oakley residents, as a way to give back to the community. One of its first goals was to provide a holiday food drive similar to that of the Brentwood Community Chest. As a matter of fact, the Brentwood organization helped the Friends of Oakley kick off their fundraiser in the first year to secure a way for Oakley to take care of their own. Now the Friends of Oakley take care of Oakley residents in need under this program.
Over the years, the group has gone from helping 150 families to 200. Now, if support goes well this year, kicking it up to 300 served will be a large help to those in need in Oakley.
The group is raising money through the car show entries and ticket sales for games and food at the events. Gaming tickets can be purchased per game, but keep in mind that this is an excellent cause, so even if you purchase a few extras, know that you are really helping someone in need.
O'Hara Park is at the corner of O'Hara Avenue and Cypress Road.
Everyone is welcome to attend, not just Oakley residents. What a great idea for some local fun in the sun.
Roni Gehlke is an Oakley resident. Reach her at ourbackyard@comcast.net.
Saturday, June 11, 2011
Around Oakley: Train crossing means delays for certain neighborhoods
By Roni Gehlke
For the Contra Costa Times
Living in a community with a major railroad running through the center of it, one can get used to a lot of things. For instance, there is the noise factor. On a summer evening with the doors and windows open it isn't unusual to hear the train whistle at least two or three times before one train leaves town. It doesn't matter if you live by the tracks or a mile away.
Depending where you are located it is even possible to hear the clanging of the crossing bells. For someone like me who lives right behind the crossing, it is even possible to become so accustomed to the noise that sometimes a train can go by and you would completely miss the noise altogether.
However, that said, it's still bothersome that the Burlington-Northern-Santa Fe seems to take liberties with the amount of time it keeps the crossing closed on the Big Break Road. For those who aren't familiar, there is a side track to the railroad crossing adjacent to the DuPont property where BNSF stores train cars. For quite a few months now the railroad company has been picking up cars in the middle of the day, about 2 p.m. or so, a couple of days a week. While doing so they must close the gates and stop train traffic while the train backs up onto the side track and picks up the new cars.
California State Law says this is permissible under Cal. [Pub. Util.] Code § 1225.2 (1999). The law states that in this instance it must be completed with its intrusion in 10 minutes.
During the past month I've been monitoring the wait time since this is a crossing I frequent, and it seems that I'm always coming or going just when the workers are out shifting trains. On three separate occasions the wait time was 15 minutes or more.
Many people who live in the Vintage Parkway subdivision complain that it takes even longer to get through the crossing. Many times there are at least five or more cars waiting on each side of the tracks. Many who wait on the side closest to Vintage Parkway side make illegal three-point turns to go around the other direction to get away from the train wait.
The big question is what can be done about it? Not much really. It is really just a misdemeanor to hold up traffic. It would require the Oakley police to be stationed at the tracks with a time clock each time the railroad drops off or picks up a load of cars on those tracks. That is probably a waste of time for the precious few officers Oakley has.
Those interested in complaining can go straight to the source and contact BNSF by writing a letter and letting them know there is a concern. Or, check the website at www.bnsf.com/communities/contact-us. Good luck. Maybe if enough people complain they can speed up the process of picking up and dropping off the cars or move it away from this crossing altogether.
Roni Gehlke is an Oakley resident. Reach her at ourbackyard@comcast.net.
For the Contra Costa Times
Living in a community with a major railroad running through the center of it, one can get used to a lot of things. For instance, there is the noise factor. On a summer evening with the doors and windows open it isn't unusual to hear the train whistle at least two or three times before one train leaves town. It doesn't matter if you live by the tracks or a mile away.
Depending where you are located it is even possible to hear the clanging of the crossing bells. For someone like me who lives right behind the crossing, it is even possible to become so accustomed to the noise that sometimes a train can go by and you would completely miss the noise altogether.
However, that said, it's still bothersome that the Burlington-Northern-Santa Fe seems to take liberties with the amount of time it keeps the crossing closed on the Big Break Road. For those who aren't familiar, there is a side track to the railroad crossing adjacent to the DuPont property where BNSF stores train cars. For quite a few months now the railroad company has been picking up cars in the middle of the day, about 2 p.m. or so, a couple of days a week. While doing so they must close the gates and stop train traffic while the train backs up onto the side track and picks up the new cars.
California State Law says this is permissible under Cal. [Pub. Util.] Code § 1225.2 (1999). The law states that in this instance it must be completed with its intrusion in 10 minutes.
During the past month I've been monitoring the wait time since this is a crossing I frequent, and it seems that I'm always coming or going just when the workers are out shifting trains. On three separate occasions the wait time was 15 minutes or more.
Many people who live in the Vintage Parkway subdivision complain that it takes even longer to get through the crossing. Many times there are at least five or more cars waiting on each side of the tracks. Many who wait on the side closest to Vintage Parkway side make illegal three-point turns to go around the other direction to get away from the train wait.
The big question is what can be done about it? Not much really. It is really just a misdemeanor to hold up traffic. It would require the Oakley police to be stationed at the tracks with a time clock each time the railroad drops off or picks up a load of cars on those tracks. That is probably a waste of time for the precious few officers Oakley has.
Those interested in complaining can go straight to the source and contact BNSF by writing a letter and letting them know there is a concern. Or, check the website at www.bnsf.com/communities/contact-us. Good luck. Maybe if enough people complain they can speed up the process of picking up and dropping off the cars or move it away from this crossing altogether.
Roni Gehlke is an Oakley resident. Reach her at ourbackyard@comcast.net.
Around Oakley: Community service program could be on chopping block
By Roni Gehlke
For the Contra Costa Times
A rumor is going around that the Liberty Union High School District, which includes Oakley's Freedom High School, will cut the Community Service Hours for seniors program next year.
This kind of rumor has hit the school waves every few years since the program started more than 20 years ago. Unfortunately, with the current educational cuts, who knows whether it will actually happen this time around.
Since its inception, the community service program has been controversial among students, their parents and the district. Although most students just grimly grin and bear it, others think the program lacks the ability to convince students, who are not already of that frame of mind, to become active volunteers and civic-minded.
"It really isn't volunteering if I'm forced to participate or not graduate," said Marco, a senior at Freedom High School who did not want his last name published.
As part of the American Government standards and benchmarks program, all seniors are required to volunteer their time working for a not-for-profit community group, such as their church or a local festival, or come up with a project that consists of a community service project that would qualify under the school's requirements.
This is not just a program Liberty Union High School District thought up on its own. The program is run in most high schools throughout the country, and if kids from East County think they have it bad, watch out because some districts are requiring much more.
San Francisco's school district reportedly is requiring 100 total hours that students begin their freshman year, completing 25 hours every year.
In Washington, the school district requires 60 hours of community service during students' senior year.
Back when the Liberty program started, I was in charge of the Oakley Almond Festival and for years used anywhere from 50 to 100 students to help with odd jobs for the weekend-long event.
For the most part, students were enthusiastic to have the chance to work with their friends and spend the warm weekend outdoor, but that wasn't everyone.
Added to that was the fact the festival was a simple program to get involved in and could fill all 20 hours in one short weekend, making it a quick fix for the students.
Some students hoped that with a big event like the festival, officials really wouldn't notice whether they clocked in and then disappeared for the day, only to sneak back in hoping no one noticed so that they could get credit. Obviously, those students weren't really understanding or learning anything from the concept.
The general premise of the program is well-intended. Learning the value of community service is sorely needed by today's youth. If the program stays, my own son will have to participate next year.
Some communities have changed the program to where local businesses and organizations, such as Good Will, actually have the students work and learn skills such as how to use computers, cash registers and the like in exchange for the hours. This changes the general premise of the program from community service to life skills.
If this rumor about Liberty's program is true, perhaps that might be an exchange in the program rather than giving it up.
Roni Gehlke is an Oakley resident. Reach her at ourbackyard@comcast.net.
For the Contra Costa Times
A rumor is going around that the Liberty Union High School District, which includes Oakley's Freedom High School, will cut the Community Service Hours for seniors program next year.
This kind of rumor has hit the school waves every few years since the program started more than 20 years ago. Unfortunately, with the current educational cuts, who knows whether it will actually happen this time around.
Since its inception, the community service program has been controversial among students, their parents and the district. Although most students just grimly grin and bear it, others think the program lacks the ability to convince students, who are not already of that frame of mind, to become active volunteers and civic-minded.
"It really isn't volunteering if I'm forced to participate or not graduate," said Marco, a senior at Freedom High School who did not want his last name published.
As part of the American Government standards and benchmarks program, all seniors are required to volunteer their time working for a not-for-profit community group, such as their church or a local festival, or come up with a project that consists of a community service project that would qualify under the school's requirements.
This is not just a program Liberty Union High School District thought up on its own. The program is run in most high schools throughout the country, and if kids from East County think they have it bad, watch out because some districts are requiring much more.
San Francisco's school district reportedly is requiring 100 total hours that students begin their freshman year, completing 25 hours every year.
In Washington, the school district requires 60 hours of community service during students' senior year.
Back when the Liberty program started, I was in charge of the Oakley Almond Festival and for years used anywhere from 50 to 100 students to help with odd jobs for the weekend-long event.
For the most part, students were enthusiastic to have the chance to work with their friends and spend the warm weekend outdoor, but that wasn't everyone.
Added to that was the fact the festival was a simple program to get involved in and could fill all 20 hours in one short weekend, making it a quick fix for the students.
Some students hoped that with a big event like the festival, officials really wouldn't notice whether they clocked in and then disappeared for the day, only to sneak back in hoping no one noticed so that they could get credit. Obviously, those students weren't really understanding or learning anything from the concept.
The general premise of the program is well-intended. Learning the value of community service is sorely needed by today's youth. If the program stays, my own son will have to participate next year.
Some communities have changed the program to where local businesses and organizations, such as Good Will, actually have the students work and learn skills such as how to use computers, cash registers and the like in exchange for the hours. This changes the general premise of the program from community service to life skills.
If this rumor about Liberty's program is true, perhaps that might be an exchange in the program rather than giving it up.
Roni Gehlke is an Oakley resident. Reach her at ourbackyard@comcast.net.
Exotic woods are award-winning artist's medium
By Roni Gehlke
Contra Costa Times
In our "Neighbors" series, we give you a personal look at the people in your community. If you would like to nominate someone for this column, contact Judy Prieve at 925-779-7178 or email jprieve@bayareanewsgroup.com.
With zebra, Bolivian, cocobolo and so many other varieties of exotic woods to choose from, woodworking artist Victor Habib has no shortage of ideas for future projects for his favorite hobby. His eclectic creations have been featured in local galleries and businesses throughout the area, and one of his pieces just won first prize at the Discovery Art League's Annual Show at the Weber Gallery in Brentwood.
"You won't find any of the wood I use at Lowe's and Home Depot," Habib said.
In fact, there are times when Habib will take a trip to Berkeley or one of the other exotic wood suppliers he uses and not find a single piece that suits his needs.
For most of his life Habib has enjoyed woodworking. According to his wife, Toni, he has made 800 birdhouses and sold every one. His art, however, stretches much further than the simple birdhouse. The style that won him the award at the Discovery Art League competition is based on a series of musical instruments that Habib has produced.
"The contra bass combines two instruments," Habib said describing the piece. "The neck of the bass is wavy and there is also a piano attached."
Habib describes himself as a "green artist" and said that the woodwork in his pieces is intricately cut to use the various exotic woods' natural beauty. In one design of a guitar he made 67 cuts in the neck alone, numbered each piece and offset the wood putting each piece back giving a linier-line affect.
Habib is a self-taught artist who has worked with wood all his life as a hobby. He built his first clubhouse when he was 6, later he built everything from entertainment centers to cabinetry. He also worked on building trophy cases for local high schools.
"I started getting tired of that kind of work and went looking for something different," he said.
One of his unique creations turned out to be a 3-D city, which included 15 buildings and ended up being 4-by-6 feet. The whole project took 250 hours to complete.
The style he chooses to work with allows him the chance to place his creations on a wood canvas, or to frame it, keep it unframed or even keep it free-standing. One of his first creations in this style was a set of piano keys that seem to come out of a wall.
Habib has several pieces on display at the Weber Galley in Brentwood at the Discovery Art League's annual exhibit. Those pieces will be on display until the end of the month. He also has work on display at the Fridley Art Gallery in Brentwood and a couple of pieces on the walls at the CoCo County Wine Co., also in Brentwood.
Contra Costa Times
In our "Neighbors" series, we give you a personal look at the people in your community. If you would like to nominate someone for this column, contact Judy Prieve at 925-779-7178 or email jprieve@bayareanewsgroup.com.
With zebra, Bolivian, cocobolo and so many other varieties of exotic woods to choose from, woodworking artist Victor Habib has no shortage of ideas for future projects for his favorite hobby. His eclectic creations have been featured in local galleries and businesses throughout the area, and one of his pieces just won first prize at the Discovery Art League's Annual Show at the Weber Gallery in Brentwood.
"You won't find any of the wood I use at Lowe's and Home Depot," Habib said.
In fact, there are times when Habib will take a trip to Berkeley or one of the other exotic wood suppliers he uses and not find a single piece that suits his needs.
For most of his life Habib has enjoyed woodworking. According to his wife, Toni, he has made 800 birdhouses and sold every one. His art, however, stretches much further than the simple birdhouse. The style that won him the award at the Discovery Art League competition is based on a series of musical instruments that Habib has produced.
"The contra bass combines two instruments," Habib said describing the piece. "The neck of the bass is wavy and there is also a piano attached."
Habib describes himself as a "green artist" and said that the woodwork in his pieces is intricately cut to use the various exotic woods' natural beauty. In one design of a guitar he made 67 cuts in the neck alone, numbered each piece and offset the wood putting each piece back giving a linier-line affect.
Habib is a self-taught artist who has worked with wood all his life as a hobby. He built his first clubhouse when he was 6, later he built everything from entertainment centers to cabinetry. He also worked on building trophy cases for local high schools.
"I started getting tired of that kind of work and went looking for something different," he said.
One of his unique creations turned out to be a 3-D city, which included 15 buildings and ended up being 4-by-6 feet. The whole project took 250 hours to complete.
The style he chooses to work with allows him the chance to place his creations on a wood canvas, or to frame it, keep it unframed or even keep it free-standing. One of his first creations in this style was a set of piano keys that seem to come out of a wall.
Habib has several pieces on display at the Weber Galley in Brentwood at the Discovery Art League's annual exhibit. Those pieces will be on display until the end of the month. He also has work on display at the Fridley Art Gallery in Brentwood and a couple of pieces on the walls at the CoCo County Wine Co., also in Brentwood.
Business spotlight: Antioch's Eco Business Centers offer low-cost facilities for small businesses
By Roni Gehlke
For the Contra Costa Times
Name of business: ECO Business Centers
Type of business: Executive Office Suites
Owners: Glen Laughton and Joe Reano
Founded: January 2011
Address: 505 W. Second St., Antioch
Phone number: 925-526-4465
Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday
Number of employees: two
Products and services: ECO Business Centers offers three major programs an education center, office suites and incubation services. The location is designed as a place where home businesses can host business meetings or just have a site to do their work in peace and quiet.
The building site helps local business people by providing low-cost cubicles and offices, a shared administrative services, conference rooms, phone system, kitchenette, copy and print center, file servers and Internet access.
"We provide an eco-friendly instant office so entrepreneurs can pick up their laptops, walk-in, sit-down and plug in to an entire office infrastructure they'd have in a mid- to large-size company," ECO Business Centers owner Glen Laughton said.
ECO Business Centers also offers classes for businessowners. One of their current successful classes involved learning about social media marketing for small business.
How did you get into the business: Laughton said he previously owned his own global business out of his home. He found that he was running a lot of meetings out of the local Starbucks and that just wasn't conducive to a good working environment.
At the time his now business partner Joe Reano was working for him. Reano had some property with a building in downtown Antioch that he thought would make a good place from which to operate Laughton's business.
With the building more than 6,000 square feet, the idea for ECO Business Centers was born, Laughton said. It became an idea that would encompass other businesses with the same needs as Laughton's company.
Best part about the business: "Rather than opening a new business in another location and upping the startup cost, we offer businesses a place where they can host business meetings and have shared administrative help," Laughton said.
"In most cases people don't realize all the cost of opening a new business until they actually start putting all the money into it. More than half the businesses fail in the first year."
Laughton said that ECO Business Centers provide new business owners, and business owners ready to take that next step in growing their business an alternative.
Worst part about the business: It's not necessarily the worst part, but Laughton said a challenge for him is making new business owners understand the true cost of opening a business.
"People don't know what it truly costs to open a business until they do it and start paying," he said.
Key to success: To help people and himself in making ECO Business Centers a success Laughton applied for nonprofit status. This will allow him to keep his costs down by accepting donations and allow others to take advantage of the services offered.
Biggest misperception about the business: Laughton said that the biggest misperception in starting a new business is that the cost of startup is more than just the cost per square foot of a business property and the merchandise it sells.
"This is really a good solution for home-based businesses and new startup businesses. It is a way to really keep the costs down," he said.
Future plans: ECO Business Centers is always working on providing new educational opportunities, including online and in-person classes. On June 6, the business will host Social Media Marketing 101: Understand the power of Twitter, Bitly, and TweetDeck.
-- Roni Gehlke
For the Contra Costa Times
Name of business: ECO Business Centers
Type of business: Executive Office Suites
Owners: Glen Laughton and Joe Reano
Founded: January 2011
Address: 505 W. Second St., Antioch
Phone number: 925-526-4465
Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday
Number of employees: two
Products and services: ECO Business Centers offers three major programs an education center, office suites and incubation services. The location is designed as a place where home businesses can host business meetings or just have a site to do their work in peace and quiet.
The building site helps local business people by providing low-cost cubicles and offices, a shared administrative services, conference rooms, phone system, kitchenette, copy and print center, file servers and Internet access.
"We provide an eco-friendly instant office so entrepreneurs can pick up their laptops, walk-in, sit-down and plug in to an entire office infrastructure they'd have in a mid- to large-size company," ECO Business Centers owner Glen Laughton said.
ECO Business Centers also offers classes for businessowners. One of their current successful classes involved learning about social media marketing for small business.
How did you get into the business: Laughton said he previously owned his own global business out of his home. He found that he was running a lot of meetings out of the local Starbucks and that just wasn't conducive to a good working environment.
At the time his now business partner Joe Reano was working for him. Reano had some property with a building in downtown Antioch that he thought would make a good place from which to operate Laughton's business.
With the building more than 6,000 square feet, the idea for ECO Business Centers was born, Laughton said. It became an idea that would encompass other businesses with the same needs as Laughton's company.
Best part about the business: "Rather than opening a new business in another location and upping the startup cost, we offer businesses a place where they can host business meetings and have shared administrative help," Laughton said.
"In most cases people don't realize all the cost of opening a new business until they actually start putting all the money into it. More than half the businesses fail in the first year."
Laughton said that ECO Business Centers provide new business owners, and business owners ready to take that next step in growing their business an alternative.
Worst part about the business: It's not necessarily the worst part, but Laughton said a challenge for him is making new business owners understand the true cost of opening a business.
"People don't know what it truly costs to open a business until they do it and start paying," he said.
Key to success: To help people and himself in making ECO Business Centers a success Laughton applied for nonprofit status. This will allow him to keep his costs down by accepting donations and allow others to take advantage of the services offered.
Biggest misperception about the business: Laughton said that the biggest misperception in starting a new business is that the cost of startup is more than just the cost per square foot of a business property and the merchandise it sells.
"This is really a good solution for home-based businesses and new startup businesses. It is a way to really keep the costs down," he said.
Future plans: ECO Business Centers is always working on providing new educational opportunities, including online and in-person classes. On June 6, the business will host Social Media Marketing 101: Understand the power of Twitter, Bitly, and TweetDeck.
-- Roni Gehlke
Plenty of volunteer opportunities for Oakley teens
By Roni Gehlke
For the Contra Costa Times
A first-time summer job is usually an opportunity for a teen to make some of his own spending money or even the chance to save for college or a car. It is also the opportunity to learn how to take on the responsibility of a job and gain important experience needed to pursue future jobs.
Unfortunately, between the current job market and the reduced summer vacation schedules for Freedom High School, Oakley students who want to find a summer job may not find it an easy task.
Part of the problem is that these days there are adults with more work experience who are able to keep a job past the summer who are also looking for jobs. That leaves teens with less experience fewer options.
As with many things these days, perhaps it would be best for teens to be creative and think toward the future. There are various opportunities for volunteering during the summer throughout East County.
Of course, a volunteer position doesn't help with the money needs that everyone seems to have these days, but the idea has merit if one is thinking to the future. Working for local nonprofit groups in designated jobs can offer job experience that can be used on a resume. That may not mean much to a teen who doesn't quite understand how the job market works, but most parents should understand the importance of getting some work experience under one's belt.
Two organizations in Oakley are calling out to teens in hopes of bringing in the needed help to run their programs this summer.
The Oakley Library is looking for "enthusiastic and energetic" teens to help with the Summer Reading Program. This year's theme is "One World, Many Stories."
The library is hoping that the students will volunteer for two-hour shifts per week for June 14 to July 23. The program is open for those entering eighth grade and up. Their job would be to help spruce up the library, track supplies and prizes, explain the Summer Reading Program to participants of all ages and assist with record keeping.
A position like this will teach teens responsibility of coming in at assigned times, learning about the work necessary, working under supervision and completing tasks.
Those interested are asked to fill out an application, which is available at the library. The students then attend a half-hour orientation meeting, at the Oakley Library, which is at Freedom High School.
For more information, call the Oakley Library at 925-625-2400 or email afreyler@ccclib.org.
The city of Oakley offers a similar volunteer program. It is looking for Junior Recreation leaders who will help run the city's summer camp programs. This city is looking for teens ages 13 to 16.
Those interested in this position will be working with the children. While experience working with children is preferred, it is not necessary. Those who are interested are encouraged to apply at the city offices. For details, call the city at 925-625-7044 or email coelho@ci.oakley.ca.us.
Roni Gehlke is an Oakley resident. Reach her at ourbackyard@comcast.net.
For the Contra Costa Times
A first-time summer job is usually an opportunity for a teen to make some of his own spending money or even the chance to save for college or a car. It is also the opportunity to learn how to take on the responsibility of a job and gain important experience needed to pursue future jobs.
Unfortunately, between the current job market and the reduced summer vacation schedules for Freedom High School, Oakley students who want to find a summer job may not find it an easy task.
Part of the problem is that these days there are adults with more work experience who are able to keep a job past the summer who are also looking for jobs. That leaves teens with less experience fewer options.
As with many things these days, perhaps it would be best for teens to be creative and think toward the future. There are various opportunities for volunteering during the summer throughout East County.
Of course, a volunteer position doesn't help with the money needs that everyone seems to have these days, but the idea has merit if one is thinking to the future. Working for local nonprofit groups in designated jobs can offer job experience that can be used on a resume. That may not mean much to a teen who doesn't quite understand how the job market works, but most parents should understand the importance of getting some work experience under one's belt.
Two organizations in Oakley are calling out to teens in hopes of bringing in the needed help to run their programs this summer.
The Oakley Library is looking for "enthusiastic and energetic" teens to help with the Summer Reading Program. This year's theme is "One World, Many Stories."
The library is hoping that the students will volunteer for two-hour shifts per week for June 14 to July 23. The program is open for those entering eighth grade and up. Their job would be to help spruce up the library, track supplies and prizes, explain the Summer Reading Program to participants of all ages and assist with record keeping.
A position like this will teach teens responsibility of coming in at assigned times, learning about the work necessary, working under supervision and completing tasks.
Those interested are asked to fill out an application, which is available at the library. The students then attend a half-hour orientation meeting, at the Oakley Library, which is at Freedom High School.
For more information, call the Oakley Library at 925-625-2400 or email afreyler@ccclib.org.
The city of Oakley offers a similar volunteer program. It is looking for Junior Recreation leaders who will help run the city's summer camp programs. This city is looking for teens ages 13 to 16.
Those interested in this position will be working with the children. While experience working with children is preferred, it is not necessary. Those who are interested are encouraged to apply at the city offices. For details, call the city at 925-625-7044 or email coelho@ci.oakley.ca.us.
Roni Gehlke is an Oakley resident. Reach her at ourbackyard@comcast.net.
Around Oakley: Demolition of Round Table building brings back memories
By Roni Gehlke
Contra Costa Times
Without much fanfare or excitement demolition crews came out and leveled the former Round Table Pizza building last week, leaving nothing but a blank slab where the building used to be. Most people would say, good riddance, the building was considered an eyesore. To some, however, the building meant a lot of childhood memories.
For nearly 40 years the corner of Main Street and Vintage Parkway building was as close to a community center as Oakley ever had. It was not unusual on any night to stop in to pick up a pizza and find scores of children running around playing with the toys in one of the side rooms or the video game machines in the front.
It also wasn't unheard of to hear the sounds of off-key renditions of "Happy Birthday" coming from the backroom while enjoying a slice of pizza with your own family in one of the front rooms.
The backroom in the former Round Table Pizza restaurant also hosted weekly and monthly meetings from many of the local service clubs and organizations over the years. For many years it was the home of the Oakley Chamber of Commerce meetings. The first public meeting for the Oakley Almond Festival was held there. The Oakley Incorporating Committee even held fundraisers at the location.
Shy of restaurants in town with enough space to hold a dinner, Round Table Pizza became one of the prime spots to host an event. I'm sure even the owners can't tell you how many birthday parties
were hosted on-site over the years.
Of course the added appeal was always that the owners of the restaurant would throw in discounts and give prizes of free pizza to just about anyone who would ask, but that was just icing on the cake.
A few years back, with help from the city of Oakley, Round Table Pizza relocated its restaurant to the corner of Main Street and Carol Lane next to Starbucks. They still have the space to host a party now and again, but their location is much more compact than the older place.
Things change, that much is true. We can't always keep the old buildings in town just because of the fond memories attached to them. There are always new locations to make new memories. It was just sad that the building didn't seem to get a proper goodbye, that was all.
Over the past several months the city has acquired the old Round Table Pizza property, as well as CentroMart, Oakley Plaza (the buildings behind CentroMart) and the complex next door to CentroMart, which is owned by Pompeii Properties. This is all part of the plan of redeveloping downtown Oakley, allowing for a median in the center of Main Street, adding in more parking in that area and updating the storefront buildings along that corridor.
This will give downtown Oakley a much fresher look. That is important so the city can start attracting sorely needed business to the area. The old Round Table Pizza property is being set up to invite a restaurant to the space.
While I miss the former Round Table Pizza that once was, I hope the new improvements will help encourage more businesses to come to town.
It is often sad to see the amount of growth that has been happening in Brentwood and Antioch, while Oakley, in need of the tax dollars that the new businesses can bring, is still struggling.
Roni Gehlke is an Oakley resident. Reach her at ourbackyard@comcast.net.
Contra Costa Times
Without much fanfare or excitement demolition crews came out and leveled the former Round Table Pizza building last week, leaving nothing but a blank slab where the building used to be. Most people would say, good riddance, the building was considered an eyesore. To some, however, the building meant a lot of childhood memories.
For nearly 40 years the corner of Main Street and Vintage Parkway building was as close to a community center as Oakley ever had. It was not unusual on any night to stop in to pick up a pizza and find scores of children running around playing with the toys in one of the side rooms or the video game machines in the front.
It also wasn't unheard of to hear the sounds of off-key renditions of "Happy Birthday" coming from the backroom while enjoying a slice of pizza with your own family in one of the front rooms.
The backroom in the former Round Table Pizza restaurant also hosted weekly and monthly meetings from many of the local service clubs and organizations over the years. For many years it was the home of the Oakley Chamber of Commerce meetings. The first public meeting for the Oakley Almond Festival was held there. The Oakley Incorporating Committee even held fundraisers at the location.
Shy of restaurants in town with enough space to hold a dinner, Round Table Pizza became one of the prime spots to host an event. I'm sure even the owners can't tell you how many birthday parties
were hosted on-site over the years.
Of course the added appeal was always that the owners of the restaurant would throw in discounts and give prizes of free pizza to just about anyone who would ask, but that was just icing on the cake.
A few years back, with help from the city of Oakley, Round Table Pizza relocated its restaurant to the corner of Main Street and Carol Lane next to Starbucks. They still have the space to host a party now and again, but their location is much more compact than the older place.
Things change, that much is true. We can't always keep the old buildings in town just because of the fond memories attached to them. There are always new locations to make new memories. It was just sad that the building didn't seem to get a proper goodbye, that was all.
Over the past several months the city has acquired the old Round Table Pizza property, as well as CentroMart, Oakley Plaza (the buildings behind CentroMart) and the complex next door to CentroMart, which is owned by Pompeii Properties. This is all part of the plan of redeveloping downtown Oakley, allowing for a median in the center of Main Street, adding in more parking in that area and updating the storefront buildings along that corridor.
This will give downtown Oakley a much fresher look. That is important so the city can start attracting sorely needed business to the area. The old Round Table Pizza property is being set up to invite a restaurant to the space.
While I miss the former Round Table Pizza that once was, I hope the new improvements will help encourage more businesses to come to town.
It is often sad to see the amount of growth that has been happening in Brentwood and Antioch, while Oakley, in need of the tax dollars that the new businesses can bring, is still struggling.
Roni Gehlke is an Oakley resident. Reach her at ourbackyard@comcast.net.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)