FANS OF THE popular "Survivor" television series may be interested in taking part in this year's annual Oakley Science Week. As a feature to the program, the city has invited "Survivor: Fiji" star Yau-Man Chan to speak at the Oakley Library on May 14.
Chan, 56, was a fourth-place finisher in the reality television show's Fiji episodes in 2007, and he participated in some of the 2008 series as well. He was considered the most popular contestant on the show during the 2007 series, according to the show's Web site voting poll.
During his speaking engagement at the library, Chan will speak on the history of science. The Martinez resident has titled his program "From Copernicus to GPS: Highlights of the Development of Modern Science."
"He is a very interesting speaker," said Cindy Coehlo, coordinator of Oakley Science Week. "This program is geared toward teens and adults, but anyone interested in attending is welcome to come."
Chan is a chemistry professor at UC Berkeley. He is currently a chief technology officer for computing services, network services and telecommunications, and holds a bachelor of science degree in physics from MIT and a master's from UC Santa Barbara.
Chan, who was born in Malaysia, is described as having a charming personality, and usually draws large crowds at his speaking engagements. Coehlo said Chan has a" nontech" way of speaking that makes the presentation interesting and enjoyable.
"He reviews different aspects of the sciences," she said. "It is a very fun presentation."
The program will take place at the Oakley Library, which is located at Freedom High School on Neroly Road, at 7 p.m.
Coehlo said a few new activities can be found at this year's Oakley Science Week. "We've tried to pack in a lot of stuff during the short time we have available to us," she said.
One of the new features will be "Marine Mammals," which is scheduled to take place Wednesday. Unfortunately, the event will not feature any real marine wildlife, only the stuffed and photographed variety, but Coehlo assures that the kids will have a great time learning about this fun topic.
"The speaker uses a lot of fun handouts and visual aides," Coehlo said. "There will also be some environmental information, a lot of stuffed animals, and perhaps a slide show."
As with many of the activities during Science Week, this event will take place after school. The 3:30 p.m. event will be at Geheringer School. For those who can't make the weekday activities, the program will be held over two weekends with several activities that include hikes and kite flying.
A passport to all activities is free and available at the city offices. Some of the events need advanced reservations because they are so popular, and there isn't always enough space to accommodate everyone.
Oakley Science Week begins Friday and continues until May 16. It is open to the public, and offers something for all ages.
"We have a good mix this year," Coehlo said. "We're hoping that everyone comes out and enjoys as many of the events as they can get to."
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.
Friday, May 8, 2009
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."
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."
New Oakley store offers women's fashions, accessories
New Oakley store offers women's fashions, accessories
By Roni Gehlke
Name of Business: The Clothesline
Type of business: retail women's clothing
Owners: Walter and Lat Pompei, owners; Ricky Crum manager
Founded: February 2009
Address: 3330 Main St., Oakley
Phone number: 925-625-4400
Hours: Tuesday through Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Number of employees: five
Products and services: The Clothesline offers women's clothing and fashion accessories from a multitude of suppliers, including the "big three" department stores, at 70 percent off of their retail prices. Their selections include everything from casual, everyday wear to evening dresses.
How did you get into the business: "Fashion has always been a hot market with the caveat that it is constantly changing and fluid," Crum said. "We noticed this market was not being served in Oakley, namely there was no quality clothing available at affordable prices. With a little research and a few business contacts we were able to secure first-quality clothing from a major department store."
Best part about the business: "The compliments we get on the quality and pricing of our clothes," Crum said.
Worst part about the business: Crum said that there is a constant change in the current trends and keeping up with them can be challenging at times, but they work to find exactly what the local market is looking for. "It is also hard finding effective advertising to let our customers know we are here," Crum said.
Key to success: "Offering quality clothing at affordable prices and carrying the hottest styles for the current and upcoming seasons," he said.
Crum also said that they listen to their customers' requests and make every effort to consider their comments and suggestions when they make new inventory purchases.
Biggest misperception about the business: "People sometimes think that because of our affordable prices that we have inferior products," Crum said. "To the contrary, our products are all major label, first-quality clothing."
Future plans: Crum said that they would continue to bring quality products, increase their customer base and possibly open a new store in Brentwood.
— Roni Gehlke
By Roni Gehlke
Name of Business: The Clothesline
Type of business: retail women's clothing
Owners: Walter and Lat Pompei, owners; Ricky Crum manager
Founded: February 2009
Address: 3330 Main St., Oakley
Phone number: 925-625-4400
Hours: Tuesday through Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Number of employees: five
Products and services: The Clothesline offers women's clothing and fashion accessories from a multitude of suppliers, including the "big three" department stores, at 70 percent off of their retail prices. Their selections include everything from casual, everyday wear to evening dresses.
How did you get into the business: "Fashion has always been a hot market with the caveat that it is constantly changing and fluid," Crum said. "We noticed this market was not being served in Oakley, namely there was no quality clothing available at affordable prices. With a little research and a few business contacts we were able to secure first-quality clothing from a major department store."
Best part about the business: "The compliments we get on the quality and pricing of our clothes," Crum said.
Worst part about the business: Crum said that there is a constant change in the current trends and keeping up with them can be challenging at times, but they work to find exactly what the local market is looking for. "It is also hard finding effective advertising to let our customers know we are here," Crum said.
Key to success: "Offering quality clothing at affordable prices and carrying the hottest styles for the current and upcoming seasons," he said.
Crum also said that they listen to their customers' requests and make every effort to consider their comments and suggestions when they make new inventory purchases.
Biggest misperception about the business: "People sometimes think that because of our affordable prices that we have inferior products," Crum said. "To the contrary, our products are all major label, first-quality clothing."
Future plans: Crum said that they would continue to bring quality products, increase their customer base and possibly open a new store in Brentwood.
— Roni Gehlke
Brentwood's Contra Co Co Wine Company offers best of local wines
Name of Business: Brentwood's Co. Co. County Wine Company
Type of business: Tasting room and wine bar
Owners: Tom and Rebecca Bloomfield and Brett and Dafne Swisher
Founded: November 2007
Address: 633 First St., Brentwood
Phone number: 925-634-WINE (9463)
Hours: Wednesday and Thursday 4 to 8 p.m.; Friday 4 to 11 p.m.; Saturday 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 4 to 11 p.m. Private tastings by appointment.
Number of employees: four
Products and services: "We carry the best of Contra Costa and California wines, beer, complimentary cheese and fruit," Bloomfield said. They also offer live music and wine tasting.
How did you get into the business: Dafne, being the property manager of the site, approached Rebecca, a local vintner, Bloomfield Vineyards, to research the possibilities of leasing to a co-op wine group.
"Most local vintners do not have a tasting room to feature their wine, so our goal was to create a venue to showcase local wines," Bloomfield said.
Best part about the business: "The best part of the business is that we own and operate it," she said. "From the very beginning we worked together, painting, decorating, you name it we did it. We transformed the building to become a reflection of what we thought would be an inviting place to come and enjoy wine."
Worst part about the business: "Managing our time to balance between our professional life and home life," Bloomfield said.
Key to success: Bloomfield said that they believe that the key to success is to value the opinion of others, and to strive to bring the best possible service to their guests.
Biggest misperception about the business: "The biggest misperception is that experiencing wine and all that it brings is preconceived as pretentious. We are all about sharing our wines and the story that they bring," she said.
Future plans: "We are constantly engaged in the process of growing, and are planning to add tapas (appetizers) to our venue," Bloomfield said.
— Roni Gehlke
Type of business: Tasting room and wine bar
Owners: Tom and Rebecca Bloomfield and Brett and Dafne Swisher
Founded: November 2007
Address: 633 First St., Brentwood
Phone number: 925-634-WINE (9463)
Hours: Wednesday and Thursday 4 to 8 p.m.; Friday 4 to 11 p.m.; Saturday 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 4 to 11 p.m. Private tastings by appointment.
Number of employees: four
Products and services: "We carry the best of Contra Costa and California wines, beer, complimentary cheese and fruit," Bloomfield said. They also offer live music and wine tasting.
How did you get into the business: Dafne, being the property manager of the site, approached Rebecca, a local vintner, Bloomfield Vineyards, to research the possibilities of leasing to a co-op wine group.
"Most local vintners do not have a tasting room to feature their wine, so our goal was to create a venue to showcase local wines," Bloomfield said.
Best part about the business: "The best part of the business is that we own and operate it," she said. "From the very beginning we worked together, painting, decorating, you name it we did it. We transformed the building to become a reflection of what we thought would be an inviting place to come and enjoy wine."
Worst part about the business: "Managing our time to balance between our professional life and home life," Bloomfield said.
Key to success: Bloomfield said that they believe that the key to success is to value the opinion of others, and to strive to bring the best possible service to their guests.
Biggest misperception about the business: "The biggest misperception is that experiencing wine and all that it brings is preconceived as pretentious. We are all about sharing our wines and the story that they bring," she said.
Future plans: "We are constantly engaged in the process of growing, and are planning to add tapas (appetizers) to our venue," Bloomfield said.
— Roni Gehlke
Seniors bring their Follies to Antioch next month
By Roni Gehlke
By day, four East County women are your ordinary active seniors. They go to work, take care of their family, and spend time with friends.
But twice a week, they exchange their everyday clothes for leotards and tap shoes, and show the world that you don't have to be young to kick up your feet and dance.
Cindy Leong, Angela deVictoria, Kate Belback and Cathy Romo are just a small part of the senior dancing group, the Golden Follies, that will perform at the El Campanil Theatre on May 3.
"People hear that we are a group of seniors and say, 'How boring, how slow," Leong said. "A lot of people are surprised when they see the show. It is refreshing to know as you get older, you don't have to sit in the background."
Leong and her friends have been active in the well-known Bay Area Golden Follies group for several years. They are the only East County residents in the group that travels throughout the Bay Area putting on their Follies at theaters, for nonprofit benefits, and even senior centers.
"Usually, we have to go at least an hour's drive to get to the places where we perform and where we practice two days a week," Leong said.
The ladies travel together, not only sharing expenses but also spending their extra time in the car having fun chatting about family, dancing or any subject that comes up.
"We are happy, though, that we get to be doing a show in Antioch where we are right here," she said.
The Golden Follies program is the conception of two sisters, Susan Bostwick and Diane Tembey-Stawicki. The sisters act as teachers, choreographers and directors of each production that the group stages. At the El Campanil, there will be a total of 20 dancers, all women except for one man, Leong said.
The sisters started the Golden Follies 18 years ago, and have been working together producing shows throughout the country and the world ever since. Leong said that most of the songs that are presented through the approximately 1-hour, 45-minute production are recognizable show tunes from Broadway productions.
"The songs are recognizable oldies but goodies, but the sisters add a different spin on the songs, making them lively and fun," Leong said.
Leong explained that being part of the production is incredible. She said that when the dancers start out, they each put all of their costumes neatly in a suitcase at the beginning of the show. There are several costume changes throughout the show.
"The sisters made all the different hats for the production themselves so they look just so," she said.
As the production continues, the suitcases quickly turn into a mess. "There are always different shoes to wear and different hats, and you have to have the right hat so that it all looks right during the production," she said.
Leong said the ladies have had some great laughs over missing clothing and losing everything from one shoe to underwear.
"This is a continuum of a little girl's dream for me," Leong said. "All of my children are grown-up, and now I'm doing this just for myself because it is something I've always wanted to do."
Leong said that it is good for people to see that as seniors these ladies aren't just sitting home alone knitting. "We make room in our busy schedule to have this time. It has become a great bonding experience for the four East County ladies," she said.
The Golden Follies is described as a fast-paced, high-energy, Las Vegas-style revue featuring senior performers ages 55 to 85, strutting their stuff as they tap, kick and smile to musical sounds from Latin, vintage movies, nostalgia and Broadway.
If you go
WHAT: Golden Follies
WHEN: 2 p.m. May 3
WHERE: El Campanil Theatre, 602 W. Second St., Antioch
TICKETS: Reserved seating is $22 for adults, $20 for seniors, and $15 for youths under 18. Tickets may be purchased in advance at the ticket office at 604 W. Second Street, next door to the theater. The ticket office is open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday and one hour before show time. For tickets by phone, call 925-757-9500.
By day, four East County women are your ordinary active seniors. They go to work, take care of their family, and spend time with friends.
But twice a week, they exchange their everyday clothes for leotards and tap shoes, and show the world that you don't have to be young to kick up your feet and dance.
Cindy Leong, Angela deVictoria, Kate Belback and Cathy Romo are just a small part of the senior dancing group, the Golden Follies, that will perform at the El Campanil Theatre on May 3.
"People hear that we are a group of seniors and say, 'How boring, how slow," Leong said. "A lot of people are surprised when they see the show. It is refreshing to know as you get older, you don't have to sit in the background."
Leong and her friends have been active in the well-known Bay Area Golden Follies group for several years. They are the only East County residents in the group that travels throughout the Bay Area putting on their Follies at theaters, for nonprofit benefits, and even senior centers.
"Usually, we have to go at least an hour's drive to get to the places where we perform and where we practice two days a week," Leong said.
The ladies travel together, not only sharing expenses but also spending their extra time in the car having fun chatting about family, dancing or any subject that comes up.
"We are happy, though, that we get to be doing a show in Antioch where we are right here," she said.
The Golden Follies program is the conception of two sisters, Susan Bostwick and Diane Tembey-Stawicki. The sisters act as teachers, choreographers and directors of each production that the group stages. At the El Campanil, there will be a total of 20 dancers, all women except for one man, Leong said.
The sisters started the Golden Follies 18 years ago, and have been working together producing shows throughout the country and the world ever since. Leong said that most of the songs that are presented through the approximately 1-hour, 45-minute production are recognizable show tunes from Broadway productions.
"The songs are recognizable oldies but goodies, but the sisters add a different spin on the songs, making them lively and fun," Leong said.
Leong explained that being part of the production is incredible. She said that when the dancers start out, they each put all of their costumes neatly in a suitcase at the beginning of the show. There are several costume changes throughout the show.
"The sisters made all the different hats for the production themselves so they look just so," she said.
As the production continues, the suitcases quickly turn into a mess. "There are always different shoes to wear and different hats, and you have to have the right hat so that it all looks right during the production," she said.
Leong said the ladies have had some great laughs over missing clothing and losing everything from one shoe to underwear.
"This is a continuum of a little girl's dream for me," Leong said. "All of my children are grown-up, and now I'm doing this just for myself because it is something I've always wanted to do."
Leong said that it is good for people to see that as seniors these ladies aren't just sitting home alone knitting. "We make room in our busy schedule to have this time. It has become a great bonding experience for the four East County ladies," she said.
The Golden Follies is described as a fast-paced, high-energy, Las Vegas-style revue featuring senior performers ages 55 to 85, strutting their stuff as they tap, kick and smile to musical sounds from Latin, vintage movies, nostalgia and Broadway.
If you go
WHAT: Golden Follies
WHEN: 2 p.m. May 3
WHERE: El Campanil Theatre, 602 W. Second St., Antioch
TICKETS: Reserved seating is $22 for adults, $20 for seniors, and $15 for youths under 18. Tickets may be purchased in advance at the ticket office at 604 W. Second Street, next door to the theater. The ticket office is open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday and one hour before show time. For tickets by phone, call 925-757-9500.
Former music teacher stays busier than ever
By Roni Gehlke
Antioch's Romano Marchetti my have retired several years ago from the Antioch Unified School District, but no one would ever know it by looking at his daily schedule. During his retirement, the former music teacher, works with his own band, is president of a local nonprofit organization, is a charter member of another organization, helps friends whenever necessary, is a tour guide in San Francisco and still substitute teaches.
Marchetti takes great pride in his Italian heritage and has been an active member of the Order of Sons of Italy in Antioch for many years. This year he has taken on the role as president of the club.
"I really like what the group does and getting together with all the others involved in the group," Marchetti said.
As the name suggests the Sons of Italy is a national organization of Italians in the United States. The group is open to both men and woman, and Marchetti said that the Antioch chapter has a membership of more than 100 with a wide range of ages up to 107.
"You don't have to be Italian to be a member of this club, but you do have to like Italian food," Marchetti said.
He explained that the group raises money for several different causes, mostly ones that the state charter of the group works with such as educational programs and scholarships, cultural preservation and advancement, medical research and disaster relief funds.
Marchetti said that the group starts off every meeting with a lesson in the Italian language and ends each meeting with Italian food. It also invites people to come and speak on a variety of subjects that include everything from issues of interest to the group to preservation of the Delta.
Marchetti is also a charter member of the Antioch Kiwanis Club. He has been with the group for more than 30 years. He said he hasn't held an office in the club, but he helps out whenever it needs him.
Marchetti is a lifelong member of the Antioch community and a graduate of Antioch High School. He later went on to teach for the school district for 40 years. During his time there he taught elementary, middle and high school level music classes. He left the area only two times — once to teach for two years in Japan at an American school as a music director and another to teach for two years in Iran at another American school.
"I think every teacher should have the experience of teaching outside of America. It is a very rewarding experience," he said.
He also taught music at Saint Mary's College. Several times a month Marchetti still spends time teaching for the school district. "I help out whenever they need me. I teach whatever they need," he said.
Marchetti said that he loves socializing and meeting new people all of the time, which is part of the reason he took on the position of being a tour guide in San Francisco even though he is supposed to be retired. "I like to keep active," he says.
In 1981, Marchetti started the Romano Marchetti Orchestra. The band is still popular in the area today, offering their services to every kind of event from anniversary parties to local fundraising projects. Two members of the band are his former students.
Marchetti's other interests include playing tennis, classic cars, traveling, watching college and professional football and reading historical books and magazines.
Antioch's Romano Marchetti my have retired several years ago from the Antioch Unified School District, but no one would ever know it by looking at his daily schedule. During his retirement, the former music teacher, works with his own band, is president of a local nonprofit organization, is a charter member of another organization, helps friends whenever necessary, is a tour guide in San Francisco and still substitute teaches.
Marchetti takes great pride in his Italian heritage and has been an active member of the Order of Sons of Italy in Antioch for many years. This year he has taken on the role as president of the club.
"I really like what the group does and getting together with all the others involved in the group," Marchetti said.
As the name suggests the Sons of Italy is a national organization of Italians in the United States. The group is open to both men and woman, and Marchetti said that the Antioch chapter has a membership of more than 100 with a wide range of ages up to 107.
"You don't have to be Italian to be a member of this club, but you do have to like Italian food," Marchetti said.
He explained that the group raises money for several different causes, mostly ones that the state charter of the group works with such as educational programs and scholarships, cultural preservation and advancement, medical research and disaster relief funds.
Marchetti said that the group starts off every meeting with a lesson in the Italian language and ends each meeting with Italian food. It also invites people to come and speak on a variety of subjects that include everything from issues of interest to the group to preservation of the Delta.
Marchetti is also a charter member of the Antioch Kiwanis Club. He has been with the group for more than 30 years. He said he hasn't held an office in the club, but he helps out whenever it needs him.
Marchetti is a lifelong member of the Antioch community and a graduate of Antioch High School. He later went on to teach for the school district for 40 years. During his time there he taught elementary, middle and high school level music classes. He left the area only two times — once to teach for two years in Japan at an American school as a music director and another to teach for two years in Iran at another American school.
"I think every teacher should have the experience of teaching outside of America. It is a very rewarding experience," he said.
He also taught music at Saint Mary's College. Several times a month Marchetti still spends time teaching for the school district. "I help out whenever they need me. I teach whatever they need," he said.
Marchetti said that he loves socializing and meeting new people all of the time, which is part of the reason he took on the position of being a tour guide in San Francisco even though he is supposed to be retired. "I like to keep active," he says.
In 1981, Marchetti started the Romano Marchetti Orchestra. The band is still popular in the area today, offering their services to every kind of event from anniversary parties to local fundraising projects. Two members of the band are his former students.
Marchetti's other interests include playing tennis, classic cars, traveling, watching college and professional football and reading historical books and magazines.
Swan named Oakley's Teacher of the Year
By Roni Gehlke
Even after 18 years as a teacher for the Oakley Union Elementary School District, second-grade teacher Julie Swan loves getting up and going to school every day. She credits that to the children in her classroom whom she says are a joy to teach because they are like sponges just waiting to soak up knowledge. Her positive attitude toward her work is just one of the reasons why Swan was named Oakley's Teacher of the Year.
"I'm really enjoying this year's group of students. They are fun to teach. They make it fun to come to work every day," she said. "I really want to thank them for being such a fun group."
Swan was hired by Oakley in 1990 and has taught with both middle and elementary school age students. During her time with the school district, she has taught sixth grade at O'Hara Park Middle School, fourth grade at Gehringer Elementary School and second grade at Vintage Parkway Elementary School.
For the past nine years she has worked at Vintage Parkway School. During that time she has also been involved with the school's leadership club for fourth and fifth grades at the school. She has also worked extensively on a program that does an annual scarf sale to raise money for families in need at Vintage Parkway School.
Swan says that she has a high expectation of all of her students.
"We do a lot of group work and I try to make the curriculum as interesting as I can to keep the children excited," she said. "They are just so enthusiastic at this age and are like sponges soaking up all kinds of information."
She explained that because of the young age of the children she teaches everything is new for them. She said she can't pick one subject that she likes to teach the best, because just watching them learn everything is exciting to her.
"I enjoy it all — the sciences and watching them learn about the world around them, literature and seeing their faces as I read to them. It is all so exciting and keeps me here," she said.
Swan said that she likes teaching second grade, but she has found something positive in teaching each of the grades she has taught over the years.
She wanted to be a teacher all her life, she said. Swan attended Cal-State Chico to receive her teaching credential. Several years back, Swan studied for and received a National Board Certification Program credential.
"The school district gave me a special recognition award for completing that certificate," she said. Swan said her future goal is to just keep working with her students and to keep up her high standards for them. "Their enthusiasm keeps me going," she said.
Even after 18 years as a teacher for the Oakley Union Elementary School District, second-grade teacher Julie Swan loves getting up and going to school every day. She credits that to the children in her classroom whom she says are a joy to teach because they are like sponges just waiting to soak up knowledge. Her positive attitude toward her work is just one of the reasons why Swan was named Oakley's Teacher of the Year.
"I'm really enjoying this year's group of students. They are fun to teach. They make it fun to come to work every day," she said. "I really want to thank them for being such a fun group."
Swan was hired by Oakley in 1990 and has taught with both middle and elementary school age students. During her time with the school district, she has taught sixth grade at O'Hara Park Middle School, fourth grade at Gehringer Elementary School and second grade at Vintage Parkway Elementary School.
For the past nine years she has worked at Vintage Parkway School. During that time she has also been involved with the school's leadership club for fourth and fifth grades at the school. She has also worked extensively on a program that does an annual scarf sale to raise money for families in need at Vintage Parkway School.
Swan says that she has a high expectation of all of her students.
"We do a lot of group work and I try to make the curriculum as interesting as I can to keep the children excited," she said. "They are just so enthusiastic at this age and are like sponges soaking up all kinds of information."
She explained that because of the young age of the children she teaches everything is new for them. She said she can't pick one subject that she likes to teach the best, because just watching them learn everything is exciting to her.
"I enjoy it all — the sciences and watching them learn about the world around them, literature and seeing their faces as I read to them. It is all so exciting and keeps me here," she said.
Swan said that she likes teaching second grade, but she has found something positive in teaching each of the grades she has taught over the years.
She wanted to be a teacher all her life, she said. Swan attended Cal-State Chico to receive her teaching credential. Several years back, Swan studied for and received a National Board Certification Program credential.
"The school district gave me a special recognition award for completing that certificate," she said. Swan said her future goal is to just keep working with her students and to keep up her high standards for them. "Their enthusiasm keeps me going," she said.
Ironhouse breaks ground
Roni Gehlke
Groundbreaking for new plant
MEMBERS OF THE Iron House Sanitary District board of directors and staff recently broke ground for the new wastewater plant: from left, Jenny Skrel, ISD engineer; Chris Lauritzen, board member; Tom Williams, ISD general manager; Lenny Byer, board chairman; Don Lew, board member, and Doug Hardcastle, board member. The plant is expected to be completed by October 2011.
Native gardens on display on Sunday
By Roni Gehlke
When Frances Dahlquist first moved to her Pittsburg home in 2001 she had an empty canvas in her front yard that she could do anything she wanted with.
After reading a book on native gardens, she was inspired to do some research on what the native plant life in East Contra County looked like. She found many great sources in the area on the subject, and after preparing the space for planting, she was on her way.
This Sunday Dahlquist will feature her garden in the Bringing Back the Natives Garden Tour. The tour includes dozens of other gardens throughout Contra Costa and Alameda counties as well.
"I found through my research that native life greatly prefers native plants," Dahlquist said.
"Native insects and the bird population in the area thrive on the native plants that are already here. I like to support the wildlife in the area."
One example of the wildlife thriving on native plants would be the bee population, she said, noting that there are many varieties of bees in the area.
"The bumble bees are beautiful this time of year," Dahlquist said, explaining that she can support the ecosystem and make a little oasis in her area for all the wildlife.
Although this is the first time Dahlquist has participated in the garden tour, the tour itself has been around for five years. Those from East County who wish to tour the gardens this Sunday can start at Dahlquist's home and then make their way from there.
"People can go to the Web site to see the walk-in registration site nearest to them," said Kathy Kramer of the Bringing Back the Natives Garden Tour committee.
The garden tours are free and registration covers passes to 60 gardens and native plant nurseries. The tours come with a tour booklet that gives information on each of the gardens on the tour. Some garden talks also are scheduled throughout the day. Kramer said that the tour is a great place to learn about caring for native plants, attracting butterflies, birds and bees to your garden and ways to lower your water bill.
The tours take place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday only, and advance registration is required. Kramer request that no one go to the gardens earlier for view as the gardeners will still be working on their gardens to the day of the event. For more information visit www.bringingbackthenatives.net.
If you go
WHAT: Bringing Back the Natives Garden Tour
WHEN: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday
WHERE: Gardens through Alameda and Contra Costa counties
INFO: 925-516-9009 or www.bringingbackthenatives.net
COST: free
When Frances Dahlquist first moved to her Pittsburg home in 2001 she had an empty canvas in her front yard that she could do anything she wanted with.
After reading a book on native gardens, she was inspired to do some research on what the native plant life in East Contra County looked like. She found many great sources in the area on the subject, and after preparing the space for planting, she was on her way.
This Sunday Dahlquist will feature her garden in the Bringing Back the Natives Garden Tour. The tour includes dozens of other gardens throughout Contra Costa and Alameda counties as well.
"I found through my research that native life greatly prefers native plants," Dahlquist said.
"Native insects and the bird population in the area thrive on the native plants that are already here. I like to support the wildlife in the area."
One example of the wildlife thriving on native plants would be the bee population, she said, noting that there are many varieties of bees in the area.
"The bumble bees are beautiful this time of year," Dahlquist said, explaining that she can support the ecosystem and make a little oasis in her area for all the wildlife.
Although this is the first time Dahlquist has participated in the garden tour, the tour itself has been around for five years. Those from East County who wish to tour the gardens this Sunday can start at Dahlquist's home and then make their way from there.
"People can go to the Web site to see the walk-in registration site nearest to them," said Kathy Kramer of the Bringing Back the Natives Garden Tour committee.
The garden tours are free and registration covers passes to 60 gardens and native plant nurseries. The tours come with a tour booklet that gives information on each of the gardens on the tour. Some garden talks also are scheduled throughout the day. Kramer said that the tour is a great place to learn about caring for native plants, attracting butterflies, birds and bees to your garden and ways to lower your water bill.
The tours take place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday only, and advance registration is required. Kramer request that no one go to the gardens earlier for view as the gardeners will still be working on their gardens to the day of the event. For more information visit www.bringingbackthenatives.net.
If you go
WHAT: Bringing Back the Natives Garden Tour
WHEN: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday
WHERE: Gardens through Alameda and Contra Costa counties
INFO: 925-516-9009 or www.bringingbackthenatives.net
COST: free
Lattimore to headline LMC Gospel Celebration
By Roni Gehlke
As a professor at Los Medanos College, Silvester Henderson has worked hard to develop a presence for the college's gospel choir. For the past 15 years, with the help of former students, Henderson has worked to produce an annual concert that shows the best in up-and-coming African-American and Christian music artist from throughout the state. Despite budget constraints, this year will be no different, as Henderson promises the annual Gospel Celebration will offer a wide variety of talent.
At the concert, which takes place May 2 at LMC, Henderson promises various categories of musicians, including the famous to the college's own gospel choir.
"This isn't only an opportunity for the public to see gospel at its best, but it is also a chance to let the kids work with professionals on a variety of arrangements," Henderson said.
Included in this year's guest performers is pop artist Kenny Lattimore. Some may recognize Lattimore for his pop charts hit single "For You," which is from his "Timeless" album.
Henderson said that he has been lucky to have the help of his former students in putting the LMC concert together.
"I've made a lot of contacts by keeping in touch with my former students who have gone on in the music industry and are working with famous musicians. They recommend me as their mentor and the artists are kind enough to come and perform," Henderson said.
"It is pretty rare to get someone of Lattimore's magnitude to come to this kind of venue, but one of my former students from when I taught at UC Berkeley works with Lattimore and convinced him to come out and perform for us," he said.
Although Henderson said that he was forced to downsize this year due to budget issues, he has in no way sacrificed talent. Instead, he did things like move the concert from a bigger location and bring it back to the college. Henderson said that he moved the concert to a bigger auditorium a few years ago because the concerts were getting popular. But being back at the college would not inconvenience those attending the event, he said.
Henderson said that budget constraints have also forced him to ask for donations for the choir department this year. He hopes that there will be proceeds from the concert so that he can put money into the department and programs for the rest of the year.
Appearing along with Lattimore will be featured guests Carlena Henderson and Mount Calvary Baptist Church Choir. Carlena Henderson is not only Henderson's daughter and a graduate of Deer Valley High School, but she is also a member of the cast of San Francisco's "Beach Blanket Babylon." Carlena has performed in several vocal performances throughout the Bay Area. She studied music and performance arts at Diablo Valley College and is currently attending UC Davis. She has been performing with "Beach Blanket Babylon" in San Francisco for nearly two years.
The Mount Calvary Baptist Church Choir is from Suisun City. Henderson said that the church is one of the prominent churches in Suisun County. He said that the music director is world-renowned and that the choir is making quite a name for themselves in their field of music.
Another of his former students helped Henderson bring to the concert a new group from Pittsburg called Seed of Faith Christian Fellowship Choir. Also performing will be Celebrations Choir from the Abundant Life Christian Fellowship Church, Mary Williams from the Word Assembly Church and gospel singer Angelo Luster from Oakland.
The LMC Choir students will also be performing throughout the concert.
If you go
WHAT: LMC Gospel
Celebration
WHEN: 7 p.m. May 2
WHERE: Los Medanos College, 2700 E. Leland Road, Pittsburg
INFO: 925-439-0200
COST: $14 in advance;
$16 at the door
As a professor at Los Medanos College, Silvester Henderson has worked hard to develop a presence for the college's gospel choir. For the past 15 years, with the help of former students, Henderson has worked to produce an annual concert that shows the best in up-and-coming African-American and Christian music artist from throughout the state. Despite budget constraints, this year will be no different, as Henderson promises the annual Gospel Celebration will offer a wide variety of talent.
At the concert, which takes place May 2 at LMC, Henderson promises various categories of musicians, including the famous to the college's own gospel choir.
"This isn't only an opportunity for the public to see gospel at its best, but it is also a chance to let the kids work with professionals on a variety of arrangements," Henderson said.
Included in this year's guest performers is pop artist Kenny Lattimore. Some may recognize Lattimore for his pop charts hit single "For You," which is from his "Timeless" album.
Henderson said that he has been lucky to have the help of his former students in putting the LMC concert together.
"I've made a lot of contacts by keeping in touch with my former students who have gone on in the music industry and are working with famous musicians. They recommend me as their mentor and the artists are kind enough to come and perform," Henderson said.
"It is pretty rare to get someone of Lattimore's magnitude to come to this kind of venue, but one of my former students from when I taught at UC Berkeley works with Lattimore and convinced him to come out and perform for us," he said.
Although Henderson said that he was forced to downsize this year due to budget issues, he has in no way sacrificed talent. Instead, he did things like move the concert from a bigger location and bring it back to the college. Henderson said that he moved the concert to a bigger auditorium a few years ago because the concerts were getting popular. But being back at the college would not inconvenience those attending the event, he said.
Henderson said that budget constraints have also forced him to ask for donations for the choir department this year. He hopes that there will be proceeds from the concert so that he can put money into the department and programs for the rest of the year.
Appearing along with Lattimore will be featured guests Carlena Henderson and Mount Calvary Baptist Church Choir. Carlena Henderson is not only Henderson's daughter and a graduate of Deer Valley High School, but she is also a member of the cast of San Francisco's "Beach Blanket Babylon." Carlena has performed in several vocal performances throughout the Bay Area. She studied music and performance arts at Diablo Valley College and is currently attending UC Davis. She has been performing with "Beach Blanket Babylon" in San Francisco for nearly two years.
The Mount Calvary Baptist Church Choir is from Suisun City. Henderson said that the church is one of the prominent churches in Suisun County. He said that the music director is world-renowned and that the choir is making quite a name for themselves in their field of music.
Another of his former students helped Henderson bring to the concert a new group from Pittsburg called Seed of Faith Christian Fellowship Choir. Also performing will be Celebrations Choir from the Abundant Life Christian Fellowship Church, Mary Williams from the Word Assembly Church and gospel singer Angelo Luster from Oakland.
The LMC Choir students will also be performing throughout the concert.
If you go
WHAT: LMC Gospel
Celebration
WHEN: 7 p.m. May 2
WHERE: Los Medanos College, 2700 E. Leland Road, Pittsburg
INFO: 925-439-0200
COST: $14 in advance;
$16 at the door
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