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.
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Birds released to the Delta behind Vintage Parkway School in Oakley
Second Graders from Vintage Parkway School in Oakley had the chance to see two birds released into the Delta last week. The birds, a black heron and a green heron, were rescued by the International Bird Rescue Research Center out of Fairfield and were released with the help of East Bay Regional Park District.
Oakley Almond Festival offered chance to catch up with old friends
By Roni Gehlke
LAST WEEKEND Oakley celebrated the 20th Oakley Almond Festival. While some cities work to make their festivals the biggest in the area, Oakley has remained firm about bringing the people a hometown show that offers a place where kids can play while their parents enjoy the music, crafts and the opportunity to see old friends.
Just like previous years, my husband, son and I arrived at O'Hara Park Saturday morning ready to enjoy a few hours of catching up with old friends and soaking up the atmosphere. Immediately we lost our son in the maze of booths as he found some of his own friends to spend the morning with.
While there were out-of-town food and craft vendors, the nicest part for me was just spending time with old friends. Granted I have been active in the community for years, so it wasn't hard to find someone to talk to, but I wasn't the only one enjoying the morning with friends. Many times I heard yells from across the field to catch someone's attention or noticed as one neighbor slapped another on the back or give a hug to someone he hadn't seen in a while. That is what the Oakley Almond Festival has always been about.
During the day I stopped and chatted with several of the city council members as they walked along the booths or sat at the city booth. Council member Jim Frazier even took his turn in the dunk tank to help raise money for 4-year-old Aaron Tanner, who is in need of a heart and kidney transplant.
Three of those council members also took their turn sitting in the Friends of Oakley booth. The group is working on helping those in need in Oakley. They were sporting a sign for their latest fundraiser to help raise money for their holiday food drive. The Wine, Cheese & Children's Art Show will take place Oct. 10 at the Hanoum Estates in Oakley. For more information check out their Web site at friendsofoakley.webs.com.
Every town has its nonprofit groups such as the Friends of Oakley that work to help those in need. In Oakley we also have some really great residents who go out of their way when one of their own is in need. One of the booths at the festival was dedicated to supporting Oakley teenager Ally Jenkins. Ally is a Freedom High School student who received a lung transplant this summer. Friends of the family and many Oakley nonprofits are supporting the family by offering fundraisers. At the festival visitors could purchase a T-shirt in Ally's honor.
The shirts were designed by family friend Susie Gullbranson and are for sale for $15 each. T-shirts can still be purchased by calling Gullbranson at 584-2507.
A golf tournament is also set at Roddy Ranch on Oct. 4. All the proceeds for the tournament will go to Ally and her family to help pay for the many medical expenses that insurance is not paying for. The tournament includes a 7 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. shotgun start. The $125 entry fee includes green fees, cart, range balls, meals and "goody bags." For more information on the event, contact Michelle Hendricks at 584-1441 or Bill Grady at 813-0841.
There is also a 5K-fitness walk/run scheduled to support Ally and her family. They are calling it the "Rally for Ally Round Oakley." The event is set for Oct. 17 at 9 a.m. The course that has been set up for the walk is just over three miles or what is referred to as 5K. All those registered for the event will receive a specially designed T-shirt. Supporters of the event say that the goal is for each participant to get sponsors for the 5K to support Ally. Entry fees are $20 by Oct. 10 or $22 afterward. Those 19 and under will get a $5 discount. For more information, see www.rallyforally.com.
For the first 15 years of the festival I was an active participant. I was the chair of the event for seven of those years and then helped on the committee for the rest of that time. So take it from me, it is an incredibly time-consuming weekend to organize. It is not necessary to be a member of the Oakley Chamber, which sponsors the event, to help. There are never enough people and everyone gets burned out after awhile. If you would like to see this festival continue, think about getting involved. Even a small contribution of your time can help.
LAST WEEKEND Oakley celebrated the 20th Oakley Almond Festival. While some cities work to make their festivals the biggest in the area, Oakley has remained firm about bringing the people a hometown show that offers a place where kids can play while their parents enjoy the music, crafts and the opportunity to see old friends.
Just like previous years, my husband, son and I arrived at O'Hara Park Saturday morning ready to enjoy a few hours of catching up with old friends and soaking up the atmosphere. Immediately we lost our son in the maze of booths as he found some of his own friends to spend the morning with.
While there were out-of-town food and craft vendors, the nicest part for me was just spending time with old friends. Granted I have been active in the community for years, so it wasn't hard to find someone to talk to, but I wasn't the only one enjoying the morning with friends. Many times I heard yells from across the field to catch someone's attention or noticed as one neighbor slapped another on the back or give a hug to someone he hadn't seen in a while. That is what the Oakley Almond Festival has always been about.
During the day I stopped and chatted with several of the city council members as they walked along the booths or sat at the city booth. Council member Jim Frazier even took his turn in the dunk tank to help raise money for 4-year-old Aaron Tanner, who is in need of a heart and kidney transplant.
Three of those council members also took their turn sitting in the Friends of Oakley booth. The group is working on helping those in need in Oakley. They were sporting a sign for their latest fundraiser to help raise money for their holiday food drive. The Wine, Cheese & Children's Art Show will take place Oct. 10 at the Hanoum Estates in Oakley. For more information check out their Web site at friendsofoakley.webs.com.
Every town has its nonprofit groups such as the Friends of Oakley that work to help those in need. In Oakley we also have some really great residents who go out of their way when one of their own is in need. One of the booths at the festival was dedicated to supporting Oakley teenager Ally Jenkins. Ally is a Freedom High School student who received a lung transplant this summer. Friends of the family and many Oakley nonprofits are supporting the family by offering fundraisers. At the festival visitors could purchase a T-shirt in Ally's honor.
The shirts were designed by family friend Susie Gullbranson and are for sale for $15 each. T-shirts can still be purchased by calling Gullbranson at 584-2507.
A golf tournament is also set at Roddy Ranch on Oct. 4. All the proceeds for the tournament will go to Ally and her family to help pay for the many medical expenses that insurance is not paying for. The tournament includes a 7 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. shotgun start. The $125 entry fee includes green fees, cart, range balls, meals and "goody bags." For more information on the event, contact Michelle Hendricks at 584-1441 or Bill Grady at 813-0841.
There is also a 5K-fitness walk/run scheduled to support Ally and her family. They are calling it the "Rally for Ally Round Oakley." The event is set for Oct. 17 at 9 a.m. The course that has been set up for the walk is just over three miles or what is referred to as 5K. All those registered for the event will receive a specially designed T-shirt. Supporters of the event say that the goal is for each participant to get sponsors for the 5K to support Ally. Entry fees are $20 by Oct. 10 or $22 afterward. Those 19 and under will get a $5 discount. For more information, see www.rallyforally.com.
For the first 15 years of the festival I was an active participant. I was the chair of the event for seven of those years and then helped on the committee for the rest of that time. So take it from me, it is an incredibly time-consuming weekend to organize. It is not necessary to be a member of the Oakley Chamber, which sponsors the event, to help. There are never enough people and everyone gets burned out after awhile. If you would like to see this festival continue, think about getting involved. Even a small contribution of your time can help.
Around Oakley: East Bay Regional Parks studying raptors in East County
By Roni Gehlke
LOOK UP IN THE sky during the early morning hours over Oakley and you're bound to see some kind of bird searching for its morning meal. There's a good chance that bird will even be a raptor or bird of prey.
"Bird of Prey." Sounds kind of ominous, doesn't it? Like any minute some huge bird out of a sci-fi movie is going to swoop down and grab you by its talons and ... sorry, I got a little carried away there for a minute.
Actually raptors, or birds of prey, in their own little world are pretty fierce creatures. They "prey" on live animals smaller than themselves. Raptors are equipped with strong feet and needle-sharp talons. They have excellent vision, some seeing up to three times as sharp as humans. They also have very powerful hooks on their bills to catch, immobilize and cut into their prey before settling down for their meal.
All that said, though, raptors are some of the most graceful and majestic creatures that we share the earth with. There are many raptor species, but our area is host to hawks, eagles, kestrels, kites, harrier and owls. Interestingly enough, the very common turkey vulture is not considered part of the raptor family.
Over the past few months, the East Bay Regional Park District has been working on a staff study to count the various raptors within the Contra Costa and Alameda County areas. Last Thursday the group was in Oakley counting raptors along the Marsh Creek Trail off Cypress Road that runs down behind the Emerson Farm and the back of the Contra Costa Water District and the Ironhouse Sanitary District properties. The park district is working on determining a total of the various raptor species and their migration, nesting and general living patterns in the area.
Oakley, because of its proximity to the Delta and the winds coming off the waters, is an area with a good amount of raptors. While the District is allocating the last Thursday of each month as a day for counting at different locations throughout the counties, it is hoping that bird-watchers will help keep a running total of raptors they see while out walking.
In my neck of the woods in Oakley, I can easily see what I believe to be four or five hawks each morning doing their morning tour for food around the Kline Vineyard and railroad tracks. I saw "hawks" but after spending last Thursday morning with EBRPD's naturalist Mike Moran I realize that just saying something looks like a hawk doesn't mean it is one.
For instance the common turkey vulture looks very much like a hawk when it sways through the sky above you, but a close-up view will show the very red face of the vulture. They wouldn't be in this particular study. Then there are the various species of hawks. Many of the bird watchers who attended last week's walk could tell right away what the different varieties were.
Moran noted one bird from afar that looked very much like the endangered red-shouldered hawk. Knowing the specific variety of hawk is important to the district's study, but not necessary for those who just want to help out with the study.
Moran said that the district is hoping that anyone who is a bird fan, or even those who like to walk the trails will keep a tally of what they see while walking. The important thing is to note, date, time of day and how many. Simply saying a hawk or harrier or whatever type of raptor you see is enough. It will give them an overall idea of the migration habits of the birds in the area.
The district has a great brochure with information about the "Common Raptors of the East Bay Regional Parks" or check out its Web site at www.ebparks.org for more information.
Roni Gehlke is an Oakley resident. Reach her at ourbackyard@comcast.net.
LOOK UP IN THE sky during the early morning hours over Oakley and you're bound to see some kind of bird searching for its morning meal. There's a good chance that bird will even be a raptor or bird of prey.
"Bird of Prey." Sounds kind of ominous, doesn't it? Like any minute some huge bird out of a sci-fi movie is going to swoop down and grab you by its talons and ... sorry, I got a little carried away there for a minute.
Actually raptors, or birds of prey, in their own little world are pretty fierce creatures. They "prey" on live animals smaller than themselves. Raptors are equipped with strong feet and needle-sharp talons. They have excellent vision, some seeing up to three times as sharp as humans. They also have very powerful hooks on their bills to catch, immobilize and cut into their prey before settling down for their meal.
All that said, though, raptors are some of the most graceful and majestic creatures that we share the earth with. There are many raptor species, but our area is host to hawks, eagles, kestrels, kites, harrier and owls. Interestingly enough, the very common turkey vulture is not considered part of the raptor family.
Over the past few months, the East Bay Regional Park District has been working on a staff study to count the various raptors within the Contra Costa and Alameda County areas. Last Thursday the group was in Oakley counting raptors along the Marsh Creek Trail off Cypress Road that runs down behind the Emerson Farm and the back of the Contra Costa Water District and the Ironhouse Sanitary District properties. The park district is working on determining a total of the various raptor species and their migration, nesting and general living patterns in the area.
Oakley, because of its proximity to the Delta and the winds coming off the waters, is an area with a good amount of raptors. While the District is allocating the last Thursday of each month as a day for counting at different locations throughout the counties, it is hoping that bird-watchers will help keep a running total of raptors they see while out walking.
In my neck of the woods in Oakley, I can easily see what I believe to be four or five hawks each morning doing their morning tour for food around the Kline Vineyard and railroad tracks. I saw "hawks" but after spending last Thursday morning with EBRPD's naturalist Mike Moran I realize that just saying something looks like a hawk doesn't mean it is one.
For instance the common turkey vulture looks very much like a hawk when it sways through the sky above you, but a close-up view will show the very red face of the vulture. They wouldn't be in this particular study. Then there are the various species of hawks. Many of the bird watchers who attended last week's walk could tell right away what the different varieties were.
Moran noted one bird from afar that looked very much like the endangered red-shouldered hawk. Knowing the specific variety of hawk is important to the district's study, but not necessary for those who just want to help out with the study.
Moran said that the district is hoping that anyone who is a bird fan, or even those who like to walk the trails will keep a tally of what they see while walking. The important thing is to note, date, time of day and how many. Simply saying a hawk or harrier or whatever type of raptor you see is enough. It will give them an overall idea of the migration habits of the birds in the area.
The district has a great brochure with information about the "Common Raptors of the East Bay Regional Parks" or check out its Web site at www.ebparks.org for more information.
Roni Gehlke is an Oakley resident. Reach her at ourbackyard@comcast.net.
Holy Angels offers books, religious items
By Roni Gehlke
Name of business: Holy Angels Books and Religious Articles
Type of business: book, religious items store
Owner: Andrea Vitalie
Founded: 2006 in Antioch. She had a smiliar store in Bay Point for seven years before that.
Address: 702 W. Second St., Antioch
Phone number: 925-778-7575
Hours: Monday and Tuesday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Wednesday and Thursday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Friday 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday noon to 5 p.m.; closed Sunday
Number of employees: one
Products and services: Catholic and Orthodox books and religious items. Products include rosaries, statues, books, orthodox icons, confirmation and baptism dresses. They also carry a wide variety of gift and related items for baptisms, confirmations and weddings.
How did you get into the business: "By the grace of God," Vitalie said.
She said she had been working for a company that had been downsizing and knew she was going to have to find another line of work. She had always been interested in opening a similar business and decided to give this idea a try out of her home while still working her regular job.
Then one of her friends from church told her about a place in Bay Point where she could open a storefront of her business. She had opened other temporary stores in Pittsburg during Christmas in the past and thought the idea had merit, so she followed her prayers and opened her store.
Then when she decided to move to Antioch, she found a location that she had thought would be perfect with just a few minor adjustments. The building was larger and was in a great location. The cost of the rent was a bit high, but she worked out a deal with the owner of the building and was able to move in.
"The lord sent so many helpers to set my stores up it must have been his will," she said.
Best part about the business?: "Being able to evangelize and being able to help people with their faith," Vitalie said. "This way I am helping them to be closer to God."
Worst part about the business?: "I can't really think of anything," Vitalie said. "Everyone has had hard times. I'm just happy to be here and to provide the bookstore."
Key to success: "God and my faith in God," Vitalie said.
Biggest misperception about the business: Vitalie said that when people walk into the store they can't believe how many books she has inside. "I do have a very large assortment and there are just so many sources out there with information for people to learn from," she said.
Future plans: Vitalie said on Sept. 26 she will host a Mariologist speaker at the store from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
— Roni Gehlke
Name of business: Holy Angels Books and Religious Articles
Type of business: book, religious items store
Owner: Andrea Vitalie
Founded: 2006 in Antioch. She had a smiliar store in Bay Point for seven years before that.
Address: 702 W. Second St., Antioch
Phone number: 925-778-7575
Hours: Monday and Tuesday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Wednesday and Thursday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Friday 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday noon to 5 p.m.; closed Sunday
Number of employees: one
Products and services: Catholic and Orthodox books and religious items. Products include rosaries, statues, books, orthodox icons, confirmation and baptism dresses. They also carry a wide variety of gift and related items for baptisms, confirmations and weddings.
How did you get into the business: "By the grace of God," Vitalie said.
She said she had been working for a company that had been downsizing and knew she was going to have to find another line of work. She had always been interested in opening a similar business and decided to give this idea a try out of her home while still working her regular job.
Then one of her friends from church told her about a place in Bay Point where she could open a storefront of her business. She had opened other temporary stores in Pittsburg during Christmas in the past and thought the idea had merit, so she followed her prayers and opened her store.
Then when she decided to move to Antioch, she found a location that she had thought would be perfect with just a few minor adjustments. The building was larger and was in a great location. The cost of the rent was a bit high, but she worked out a deal with the owner of the building and was able to move in.
"The lord sent so many helpers to set my stores up it must have been his will," she said.
Best part about the business?: "Being able to evangelize and being able to help people with their faith," Vitalie said. "This way I am helping them to be closer to God."
Worst part about the business?: "I can't really think of anything," Vitalie said. "Everyone has had hard times. I'm just happy to be here and to provide the bookstore."
Key to success: "God and my faith in God," Vitalie said.
Biggest misperception about the business: Vitalie said that when people walk into the store they can't believe how many books she has inside. "I do have a very large assortment and there are just so many sources out there with information for people to learn from," she said.
Future plans: Vitalie said on Sept. 26 she will host a Mariologist speaker at the store from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
— Roni Gehlke
Business spotlight: Family-owned Antioch marital arts center offers variety of private and group lessons
By Roni Gehlke
Name of business: CLAW Martial Arts
Type of business: Martial Arts
Owners: Sifu Craig Lawrence and Sibak Cathie Lawrence
Founded: September 2006
Address: The classes are held at the Antioch United Methodist Church on the Rock, 50 Walton Lane, Antioch
Phone number: 706-1006
Web Site: www.clawmartialarts.50megs.com
Hours: Classes run Thursday 6:45 p.m. to 8:15 p.m.; Sunday 2:45 p.m. to 4:15 p.m.; Other times by appointment.
Number of employees: It's family-owned.
Products and services: Small group and private lessons in the martial arts systems Kajukenbo and Shotokan. Classes include traditional Kata, sparring and self-defense training by awarding-winning team Sifu Craig Lawrence (third-degree black belt), Kajukenbo Martial Arts System Shodan (black belt), Shotokan Karate System and Sibak Cathie Lawrence (black belt), Kajukenbo Martial Arts System.
Free introductory classes are offered to all family members just by stopping in and donating nonperishable food for the Church On The Rock Food Pantry or the Antioch Ministerial Fellowship Food Closet.
"Our mission and vision to develop the spirit, mind and body of our students through the teaching and practice of martial arts," Craig Lawrence said. "To go beyond just developing the technical skills of accomplished martial artists by imparting philosophy students can apply in daily life. To create a black belt excellence in all students."
How did you get into the business?: "Our Church, the Antioch United Methodist Church better known as the Church On the Rock, was interested in establishing a Martial Arts Community Outreach Program," Lawrence said. "My wife and I, who having been training in martial arts for years happened to be in the right place at the right time."
The Lawrences worked closely with their pastor to establish the program as another open door or pathway to the church for community members.
Best part about the business?: "Seeing our students set and achieve goals as they grow toward excellence in all that they do," Lawrence said.
He said the benefits of training at CLAW Martial Arts are increased confidence, discipline, respect and self-esteem. He also said that those who participate in marital arts have increased focus and concentration for academics and life's goals, as well as increased coordination and flexibility for all ages.
"I also believe it gives great stress relief for greater peace of mind and increased cardiovascular strength for more energy," he said.
Worst part about the business?: "Paperwork," Lawrence said.
Key to success: "Always focusing on the student to help him or her achieve his or her highest skill level and potential," Lawrence said.
Biggest misperception about the business: "Many people look at martial arts and just see punching and kicking," Lawrence said. "Martial arts really focus on the development of the mind, body and spirit."
He said that students leaning the values of respect, integrity, self discipline, and setting and achieving goals are as much a part of martial arts as is learning how to defend themselves and their loved ones.
Future plans: "Continue our community outreach through teaching effective martial arts and widen the pathway for community members to reach our church," he said.
— Roni Gehlke
Name of business: CLAW Martial Arts
Type of business: Martial Arts
Owners: Sifu Craig Lawrence and Sibak Cathie Lawrence
Founded: September 2006
Address: The classes are held at the Antioch United Methodist Church on the Rock, 50 Walton Lane, Antioch
Phone number: 706-1006
Web Site: www.clawmartialarts.50megs.com
Hours: Classes run Thursday 6:45 p.m. to 8:15 p.m.; Sunday 2:45 p.m. to 4:15 p.m.; Other times by appointment.
Number of employees: It's family-owned.
Products and services: Small group and private lessons in the martial arts systems Kajukenbo and Shotokan. Classes include traditional Kata, sparring and self-defense training by awarding-winning team Sifu Craig Lawrence (third-degree black belt), Kajukenbo Martial Arts System Shodan (black belt), Shotokan Karate System and Sibak Cathie Lawrence (black belt), Kajukenbo Martial Arts System.
Free introductory classes are offered to all family members just by stopping in and donating nonperishable food for the Church On The Rock Food Pantry or the Antioch Ministerial Fellowship Food Closet.
"Our mission and vision to develop the spirit, mind and body of our students through the teaching and practice of martial arts," Craig Lawrence said. "To go beyond just developing the technical skills of accomplished martial artists by imparting philosophy students can apply in daily life. To create a black belt excellence in all students."
How did you get into the business?: "Our Church, the Antioch United Methodist Church better known as the Church On the Rock, was interested in establishing a Martial Arts Community Outreach Program," Lawrence said. "My wife and I, who having been training in martial arts for years happened to be in the right place at the right time."
The Lawrences worked closely with their pastor to establish the program as another open door or pathway to the church for community members.
Best part about the business?: "Seeing our students set and achieve goals as they grow toward excellence in all that they do," Lawrence said.
He said the benefits of training at CLAW Martial Arts are increased confidence, discipline, respect and self-esteem. He also said that those who participate in marital arts have increased focus and concentration for academics and life's goals, as well as increased coordination and flexibility for all ages.
"I also believe it gives great stress relief for greater peace of mind and increased cardiovascular strength for more energy," he said.
Worst part about the business?: "Paperwork," Lawrence said.
Key to success: "Always focusing on the student to help him or her achieve his or her highest skill level and potential," Lawrence said.
Biggest misperception about the business: "Many people look at martial arts and just see punching and kicking," Lawrence said. "Martial arts really focus on the development of the mind, body and spirit."
He said that students leaning the values of respect, integrity, self discipline, and setting and achieving goals are as much a part of martial arts as is learning how to defend themselves and their loved ones.
Future plans: "Continue our community outreach through teaching effective martial arts and widen the pathway for community members to reach our church," he said.
— Roni Gehlke
Delta Blues Festival on tap in Antioch this weekend
By Roni Gehlke
While a number of events, including the Isleton Crawdad Festival and Rivertown Jamboree, have been canceled in recent years, Delta Blues Festival organizers in Antioch will open their gates free to the public again this year.
"Despite the poor economy all of our sponsors came back and donated again this year," Delta Blues Festival event coordinator Frank Giovanni — better known as Frankie G. — said.
For 11 years Frankie G. and his committee have been hosting the Delta Blues Festival in Antioch. The event is scheduled for Saturday in the Rivertown area at Waldie Park. It offers a day of music, food and crafts. Giovanni said that he believes this will be the festival's best year ever.
"Antioch has gotten a bad rap," Giovanni said. "It is time to come and celebrate and show what good people live in Antioch."
With the help of his sponsors, Giovanni said that he has been able to set up a "first-class" lineup of blues performers. Of the best-known performers this weekend will be Memphis Gold, which Giovanni calls "a true blues master." The performer hales out of McLean, Va., where for 50 years Memphis Gold has worked to build a strong blues singing career. He has released four full-length albums to date and has shared the stage with blues greats like Bernard Allison, James Brown, R.L. Burnside, Otis Rush, The Temptations and Jimmy Vaughn.
Born in Memphis, and named Memphis Gold Chester, he was the 13th child of 14. His father was a musician and introduced Memphis Gold to the guitar at the age of 4. By the age of 8, he was a regular on historic Beale Street in Memphis where he played the guitar and danced for pocket change.
Memphis Gold has been on nine international tours and received much acclaim throughout the world for his music.
Also performing will be the Delgado Brothers. According to Giovanni the Delgado Brothers have long been considered Los Angeles' best secret. For more than 30 years they have been music makers and collaborators.
The band says that its life experiences may explain "their flare for illuminating every man's joys, sorrows, triumphs and losses." They have four self-released CDs, the latest called "Learn to Fly."
Other bands set to perform include blues guitarist Daniel Castro, authentic Louisiana Creole-style blues band Bonne Musique Zydeco, Bay Area blues singer Annie Sampson and blues artist Wing nut Adams.
Waldie Park offers plenty of shade, but Giovanni reminds visitors to remember to bring chairs and blankets to sit on. He would also like to remind guest that there is no alcohol or pets allowed at this event. The event takes place Saturday from noon to 7:30 p.m. Waldie Park is located in downtown Antioch off Second Street between G and I streets.
"There is something here for the young and old," Giovanni said. "You'll always find all ages dancing to the sounds or tapping their feet."
If you go
WHAT: Delta Blues Festival
WHEN: Noon to 7:30 p.m.
WHERE: Second Street between G and I streets, Antioch
INFO: 925-698-0824 or www.deltabluesfestival.net
COST: free
While a number of events, including the Isleton Crawdad Festival and Rivertown Jamboree, have been canceled in recent years, Delta Blues Festival organizers in Antioch will open their gates free to the public again this year.
"Despite the poor economy all of our sponsors came back and donated again this year," Delta Blues Festival event coordinator Frank Giovanni — better known as Frankie G. — said.
For 11 years Frankie G. and his committee have been hosting the Delta Blues Festival in Antioch. The event is scheduled for Saturday in the Rivertown area at Waldie Park. It offers a day of music, food and crafts. Giovanni said that he believes this will be the festival's best year ever.
"Antioch has gotten a bad rap," Giovanni said. "It is time to come and celebrate and show what good people live in Antioch."
With the help of his sponsors, Giovanni said that he has been able to set up a "first-class" lineup of blues performers. Of the best-known performers this weekend will be Memphis Gold, which Giovanni calls "a true blues master." The performer hales out of McLean, Va., where for 50 years Memphis Gold has worked to build a strong blues singing career. He has released four full-length albums to date and has shared the stage with blues greats like Bernard Allison, James Brown, R.L. Burnside, Otis Rush, The Temptations and Jimmy Vaughn.
Born in Memphis, and named Memphis Gold Chester, he was the 13th child of 14. His father was a musician and introduced Memphis Gold to the guitar at the age of 4. By the age of 8, he was a regular on historic Beale Street in Memphis where he played the guitar and danced for pocket change.
Memphis Gold has been on nine international tours and received much acclaim throughout the world for his music.
Also performing will be the Delgado Brothers. According to Giovanni the Delgado Brothers have long been considered Los Angeles' best secret. For more than 30 years they have been music makers and collaborators.
The band says that its life experiences may explain "their flare for illuminating every man's joys, sorrows, triumphs and losses." They have four self-released CDs, the latest called "Learn to Fly."
Other bands set to perform include blues guitarist Daniel Castro, authentic Louisiana Creole-style blues band Bonne Musique Zydeco, Bay Area blues singer Annie Sampson and blues artist Wing nut Adams.
Waldie Park offers plenty of shade, but Giovanni reminds visitors to remember to bring chairs and blankets to sit on. He would also like to remind guest that there is no alcohol or pets allowed at this event. The event takes place Saturday from noon to 7:30 p.m. Waldie Park is located in downtown Antioch off Second Street between G and I streets.
"There is something here for the young and old," Giovanni said. "You'll always find all ages dancing to the sounds or tapping their feet."
If you go
WHAT: Delta Blues Festival
WHEN: Noon to 7:30 p.m.
WHERE: Second Street between G and I streets, Antioch
INFO: 925-698-0824 or www.deltabluesfestival.net
COST: free
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Bill Weber to be honord at Brentwood's Art, Wine and Jazz Festival on Saturday
By Roni Gehlke
Local artist Bill Weber will be honored as the "Brentwood Artist of the Year" during the Art, Wine and Jazz Festival festivities on Saturday at Brentwood City Park.
The Brentwood Art Society chose Weber for the honor. He has been an active member of the Brentwood art community for 15 years. He currently operates his own gallery in Brentwood, and through his gallery and several other past projects, has been responsible for bringing many successful art shows to the area.
Before opening The Bill Weber Gallery last March, Weber was the curator for the city of Brentwood-run art gallery for seven years. During that time he presented shows that included both nationally and locally famous artists.
"It was an honor when the city came to me and said that they had a space they would like to make into a gallery and wanted to know if I would come look at it," Weber said. "I ran with it and invited friends to bring their art."
As curator, Weber hosted four major shows a year, and featured the artwork of famed artists such as Diego Rivera, Frank Lloyd Wright, Lawrence Ferlinghetti and Stanley Mouse. Weber said that he has a lot of contacts in the art field and he enjoyed bringing the art to the people of Brentwood.
After seven years of supporting the gallery, the city decided that it needed the building that the art gallery was being hosted in for other purposes and closed it down. Weber said that the building is now being used as part of the new Brentwood City Hall.
Still interested in bringing art to the residents of Brentwood, Weber decided to open a new gallery. "When the city closed their building that the previous gallery was in, I knew I had to find another location," Weber said.
The Weber Gallery, partnered with MCM Framing on Harvest Park Drive, opened its doors with a successful show in the spring with multiple artists, including featured artist Bill Sala of Castro Valley, as well as some works from Stanley Mouse, Frank Lloyd Wright, Maxfield Parish, Geoff Allen and Albrecht Durer.
While Weber was working with the city gallery, he started a program to help students who were interested in becoming artists. During that time he ran an annual student art show. Not wanting to give up on that endeavor, he worked out another location for the student show earlier this year. Now that he has his own gallery, he plans to continue in his efforts to help students with shows. "I've really tried to keep students interested in art and I want to keep that up," he said.
To that goal Weber started hosting art classes at his gallery this summer. Currently he is hosting a drawing class. In the future he will have all different medias of art represented. He isn't limiting the classes to children, but he wants to encourage children to learn about art.
"Anything I can do for the kids in the art field," Weber said.
Weber is a painter and muralist by trade. Several of his murals can be seen in Brentwood and throughout the Bay Area. Locally he has a mural in front of Gabby's Grind and inside Grazie An Italian Cafe, both on First Street in downtown Brentwood, and inside Sun N Stuff on Oak Street.
"I'm very honored to get the award," Weber said of the Brentwood Artist of the Year award. "It is nice to know that I'm appreciated for the things I do. I just tried to help the arts in any way I can."
Local artist Bill Weber will be honored as the "Brentwood Artist of the Year" during the Art, Wine and Jazz Festival festivities on Saturday at Brentwood City Park.
The Brentwood Art Society chose Weber for the honor. He has been an active member of the Brentwood art community for 15 years. He currently operates his own gallery in Brentwood, and through his gallery and several other past projects, has been responsible for bringing many successful art shows to the area.
Before opening The Bill Weber Gallery last March, Weber was the curator for the city of Brentwood-run art gallery for seven years. During that time he presented shows that included both nationally and locally famous artists.
"It was an honor when the city came to me and said that they had a space they would like to make into a gallery and wanted to know if I would come look at it," Weber said. "I ran with it and invited friends to bring their art."
As curator, Weber hosted four major shows a year, and featured the artwork of famed artists such as Diego Rivera, Frank Lloyd Wright, Lawrence Ferlinghetti and Stanley Mouse. Weber said that he has a lot of contacts in the art field and he enjoyed bringing the art to the people of Brentwood.
After seven years of supporting the gallery, the city decided that it needed the building that the art gallery was being hosted in for other purposes and closed it down. Weber said that the building is now being used as part of the new Brentwood City Hall.
Still interested in bringing art to the residents of Brentwood, Weber decided to open a new gallery. "When the city closed their building that the previous gallery was in, I knew I had to find another location," Weber said.
The Weber Gallery, partnered with MCM Framing on Harvest Park Drive, opened its doors with a successful show in the spring with multiple artists, including featured artist Bill Sala of Castro Valley, as well as some works from Stanley Mouse, Frank Lloyd Wright, Maxfield Parish, Geoff Allen and Albrecht Durer.
While Weber was working with the city gallery, he started a program to help students who were interested in becoming artists. During that time he ran an annual student art show. Not wanting to give up on that endeavor, he worked out another location for the student show earlier this year. Now that he has his own gallery, he plans to continue in his efforts to help students with shows. "I've really tried to keep students interested in art and I want to keep that up," he said.
To that goal Weber started hosting art classes at his gallery this summer. Currently he is hosting a drawing class. In the future he will have all different medias of art represented. He isn't limiting the classes to children, but he wants to encourage children to learn about art.
"Anything I can do for the kids in the art field," Weber said.
Weber is a painter and muralist by trade. Several of his murals can be seen in Brentwood and throughout the Bay Area. Locally he has a mural in front of Gabby's Grind and inside Grazie An Italian Cafe, both on First Street in downtown Brentwood, and inside Sun N Stuff on Oak Street.
"I'm very honored to get the award," Weber said of the Brentwood Artist of the Year award. "It is nice to know that I'm appreciated for the things I do. I just tried to help the arts in any way I can."
Business Spotlight: A Child's Place focuses on play-based learning
Name of business: A Child's Place Preschool and Daycare
Type of business: Preschool and day care
Owner: Carolyn Hays
Founded: August 1987
Address: 3405 W. Main St., Oakley
Phone number: 625-9795
Hours: 6 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Number of employees: four
Products and services: A Child's Place Preschool offers a well-rounded preschool program-serving children from 2 to 5. Hays says her philosophy applies a play-based approach to learning and school readiness. They offer seasonal and literary themes, activities and materials are used to develop intellectual, social/emotional, motor, self-help and communications skills that correspond to each child's developmental level.
A Child's Place Preschool is state-licensed and inspected by the California State Licensing Board. They offer a loving environment, providing individual attention to all the children with a low child-to-teacher ratio.
Hays said the teachers are experienced, state-qualified, personal and caring. They are all CPR and first aid-certified, fingerprinted. Each teacher's background is checked through the Department of Justice before being employed. The school offers full day care, part day care and morning preschool, before- and after-school care for school age children.
How did you get into the business: "My aunt had an in-home child-care center and she need someone to sub for her while she wason vacation. I had been taking classes in child development and it all fell together," Hays said.
Best part about the business?: "The children. The giggles, the laughs in their play, the look of astonishment when they discover something new or master a skill," Hays said.
Worst part about the business?: "Seeing children leave us when they are all grown up and go off to kindergarten," she said."That's the hardest part. Our job is done."
Key to success: "Offering flexible hours and flexible day schedules," she said.
She also said that it is important to offer transportation for school-age children.
"Working with parents and trying help with their child care needs is also very important," she said.
Biggest misperception about the business: "That it's so easy, anybody can do it," Hays said. She often hears that people say that opening a day care is as easy as opening your home to children, but she says there is a lot more to offering a quality day care than just that. She said that they offer well-rounded services with programs developed to aide in a child's healthy growth in mind and body.
Future plans: "We keep introducing new ideas all the time," she said.
For example, recently Hays introduced Zoo-phonics to the preschoolers.
Type of business: Preschool and day care
Owner: Carolyn Hays
Founded: August 1987
Address: 3405 W. Main St., Oakley
Phone number: 625-9795
Hours: 6 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Number of employees: four
Products and services: A Child's Place Preschool offers a well-rounded preschool program-serving children from 2 to 5. Hays says her philosophy applies a play-based approach to learning and school readiness. They offer seasonal and literary themes, activities and materials are used to develop intellectual, social/emotional, motor, self-help and communications skills that correspond to each child's developmental level.
A Child's Place Preschool is state-licensed and inspected by the California State Licensing Board. They offer a loving environment, providing individual attention to all the children with a low child-to-teacher ratio.
Hays said the teachers are experienced, state-qualified, personal and caring. They are all CPR and first aid-certified, fingerprinted. Each teacher's background is checked through the Department of Justice before being employed. The school offers full day care, part day care and morning preschool, before- and after-school care for school age children.
How did you get into the business: "My aunt had an in-home child-care center and she need someone to sub for her while she wason vacation. I had been taking classes in child development and it all fell together," Hays said.
Best part about the business?: "The children. The giggles, the laughs in their play, the look of astonishment when they discover something new or master a skill," Hays said.
Worst part about the business?: "Seeing children leave us when they are all grown up and go off to kindergarten," she said."That's the hardest part. Our job is done."
Key to success: "Offering flexible hours and flexible day schedules," she said.
She also said that it is important to offer transportation for school-age children.
"Working with parents and trying help with their child care needs is also very important," she said.
Biggest misperception about the business: "That it's so easy, anybody can do it," Hays said. She often hears that people say that opening a day care is as easy as opening your home to children, but she says there is a lot more to offering a quality day care than just that. She said that they offer well-rounded services with programs developed to aide in a child's healthy growth in mind and body.
Future plans: "We keep introducing new ideas all the time," she said.
For example, recently Hays introduced Zoo-phonics to the preschoolers.
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