Best in local quilting featured at fairgrounds this weekend

By Roni Gehlke
For the Contra Costa Times

More than 200 quilts will be displayed at the Contra Costa County Fairgrounds in Antioch this weekend as part of the annual Delta Quilters Guild Quilt Show. Each year, local quilters display their new creations, and visitors get the chance to see the latest in quilt merchandise and designs.
"Those interested will even get the chance to vote on their favorite quilt displayed at the show," one of the show's organizers and Delta Quilters Guild members said.
The Delta Quilters Guild has been hosting the quilt show for nearly two decades in an effort to help raise money for the many causes the group supports. "Just a few of those organizations includes Shepherds' Gate in Brentwood, Aspira foster children, neonatal care at John Muir and Kaiser and more," Beck said.
The group also makes quilted bibs for babies and toddlers, and quilts are sold to help with cancer research.
"One of the highlights of the show this year is a raffle where the grand prize is the most spectacular quilt," Beck said
Each year, a committee within the guild puts together an "Opportunity Quilt," which is raffled off, and the money raised goes toward several of the group's charitable causes, plus quilt education and quilts that are donated. This year, the quilt features a Maggie Walker "Roseville" design.
The quilt being raffled was made by seven members of the Delta Quilters Guild, including one who added the custom quilt work.
"The design is inspired by Roseville Pottery," Opportunity Quilt coordinator Ellie Conley said of the 60-inch-by-60-inch quilt. "There are 1,100 hand-sewn appliqués designed within the quilt. The whole project took a lot of work and time."
More than one cash offer was made on the quilt for $2,500, Conley said. The group hopes that it will raise more than that in raffle funds. The raffle will end on March 14.
Also featured at this year's quilt show will be the renowned "Mr. Quilt." Don Linn will offer demonstrations on his specialty of long arm quilting and quilt designing.
Linn is the author of "Sophisticated Stitches" and "Art Deco Design Quilts." He also hosts regular classes on quilting in his hometown of Redding.
He has been quilting for 15 years with a goal of putting together what he says is the finest machine quilting possible. Linn will speak Saturday and Sunday.
This weekend's quilt show will take up two buildings at the fairgrounds featuring one full building of quilts and a second building offering vendors, a general store that will feature quilts and fabric, slightly used items such as "gently" read quilt magazines and a boutique with holiday items and more.
Lunch will be available for purchase and provided by downtown Antioch's Harvest Bounty.
The show hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. Tickets are available at the door for $7 each.
Those under 8 and over 80 are free. Raffle tickets are available for Opportunity Quilt at the show or from guild Members for $1 each or six for $5. For more information, see the guild's website at www.deltaquilters.org.

East County women walk to raise breast-cancer awareness

By Roni Gehlke
For the Contra Costa Times

Thousands of people will participate in the walk-a-thon in an effort to help raise money for breast cancer research. "Each one of those people walking has their own personal reason," Tesler, 54, said. "It is hard to find someone who hasn't been affected by cancer in some way."
For Tesler it all started because four of her aunts were diagnosed with cancer. Of the four sisters, three died before the age of 40.
"Two of the sisters had breast cancer," she said. "When Avon came up with this walk, I had to do it."
Tesler's first walk was 12 years ago when she walked from Santa Barbara to Malibu. That walk lasted for three days.
The next walk she took was 10 years ago in San Francisco. At the time she not only walked for her aunts but for a friend who died from cancer three days before the walk.
"This is something we can do to bring awareness to the cause. Everywhere someone has a daughter or a niece who was hurt by this disease. We are doing something," Tesler said.
Before each of these walks each of the participants is asked to raise money to donate to breast cancer research. As a team, Tesler and Kohler, otherwise known as the California Dreamin' team, have made a goal to raise $5,000 from friends and family who supported their efforts. Last week they were nearly there with Tesler raising $2,130 and Kohler raising $2,300.
Tesler has already walked in the New York marathon once and is excited about getting the chance to complete the walk again. Despite having foot surgery earlier this year, she has been able to walk every other day or so. As of last week she and Kohler were up to walking 18 miles in one day.
This time Tesler isn't only walking in the memory of her aunts and friend, but another friend who died in January. Antioch's Renee Mercado was well-known to the Antioch community, having worked at Deer Valley High School. Tesler and Mercado went to high school together in Antioch and remained friends over the years.
Kohler was also a friend of Mercado. She has walked with Tesler in the past and is happy to help the cause in New York. She also walked in the Avon Walks for Breast Cancer in 2000 and in 2006.
"This year, I will be walking in memory of an old friend, Linda Dupree, who fought breast cancer for many years and ultimately lost her battle in 2006 on the very weekend we were walking in New York," Kohler said.
Kohler said that she would also be walking in memory of her longtime friend Jimmy Matejeck, who passed away after a battle with cancer in August 2009.
"During my training and walk, I will also be honoring my friend Tami and my cousin Stephanie, two strong women survivors and warriors in the fight against breast cancer," Kohler said.
Kohler said that the Avon Foundation funds both local and national organizations in five key areas: medical research, education and early detection programs, clinical care and support services, all with a focus on the medically underserved.
To help the California Dreamin' team make its goal, donations can be sent directly to www.avonwalk.org. Go to "donate," enter either Betsy Kohler or Annette Tesler where indicated and follow the prompts.

Work continues toward bringing health care clinic to Oakley

By Roni Gehlke
For the Contra Costa Times

OAKLEY -- For 25 years, Maria Juanita Fernandez has lived with diabetes, which she said requires significant care that is difficult to afford without insurance.
"Diabetes is like cancer. It starts damaging parts of your body a little bit at a time," Fernandez told a standing-room-only audience Sept. 15 to discuss plans to bring a health care clinic to the city.
Three years ago, Fernandez said she had a wound on her foot because of complications from diabetes. Because she could not afford the treatment, she didn't immediately seek medical attention for the injury, and had to have her toe amputated.
With no insurance, Fernandez was given a $34,000 bill for her treatment. She was able to pay $6,000 before she had to stop working because of health reasons.
Only six months later, she had another lesion on her toe that would not heal. This time, she went to Mexico and was charged $100 for treatment. Three months ago, she had another toe amputated.
"We need a clinic here in Oakley," she said through a translator. "Many of the people my age can't drive and can't get to other clinics out of town. We deserve to have preventive care in this situation."
Stories like Fernandez's inspired a group at St. Anthony Church to look into why the city, home to more than 36,000 residents, does not have a doctor's office, much less a clinic to help the uninsured.
Over the past five years, Contra Costa Interfaith Supporting Community Organization (CCISCO) has worked with city leaders and several local legislators to open a clinic in Oakley with the help of an Oakland-based organization, La Clinica. La Clinica is preparing to sign a lease on a space in Cypress Square Plaza off Main Street by Big Break Road.
At last week's forum, CCISCO representatives honored several contributors and volunteers for their effort to bring the clinic to Oakley. They also said they are $163,562 from reaching their fundraising goal.
"We have received many generous donations," CCISCO co-chairwoman Iris Gomez said.
So far, the group has racked up $915,000 through several large contributors, including John Muir Health Foundations ($450,000), Sutter Delta Medical Center ($200,000) and Kaiser Permanente ($40,000).
Gomez said the group is waiting for Kaiser's national board of directors to sign off on an additional $500,000 grant that will not only help the clinic open its doors but also provide the needed funds to sustain the operation for the next three years.
"Kaiser is the key," Oakley City Manager Bryan Montgomery said.
He said that if the grant comes through, the clinic could open its doors early next year.
Additional funding would be necessary for the clinic to stay open. One option for funding could be the federal health care bill signed into law in March.
The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act allows for money to support clinics in communities throughout the nation. Supporters of the Oakley clinic hope that their community will be one of them. The federal grants will not be decided until next summer.
Help from local leaders would be needed to obtain the funding, Montgomery said. Gomez encouraged residents to continue writing letters to let legislators know of the need for a clinic in Oakley.
The clinic will offer an array of medical services, including prenatal care and referrals to specialists. Most important to organizers here, La Clinica will make special efforts to accommodate low-income residents. The clinic will help new patients access state and federal health care funds, and offer services on a sliding-fee scale.

Neighbor: Carlile is honored for her work at Knightsen Elementary

By Roni Gehlke
For the Contra Costa Times

When Kay Carlile first heard that she had been named Knightsen School District's teacher of the year she was surprised and honored to receive the award. Although she has worked with the district for many years she started working as a full time teacher in 2005.
Carlile first came to the district in 1997 watching over students as a yard duty worker. For many years she also worked as a substitute teacher, including taking over one teacher's class every Friday.
It wasn't until 2005 that she decided to work for her credential and teach full-time for the school district.
"In 2005 I spent half day teaching kindergarten and working on my credential," she said.
In 2006 Carlile was hired on full time, teaching a combination classroom that was set up to teach kindergartners and first-graders. During the past few years she has been working on a character program. The program is devised to help teach children good character traits starting at a young age.
"Most schools have a character program like this of some kind," she said. "It kind of went away for a while, but it is needed more and more now. A program like this needs to be in the kids' language."
Carlile studied a program called "The Leader in Me" through UC San Diego. The program features "The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People." Carlile said essentially the idea is to help students develop skills and self-confidence to succeed as leaders in the 21st century. By doing that it decreases discipline referrals, teaches and develops character and leadership, improves academic achievement and raises levels of accountability.
Carlile said that she loves working with children this age and seeing the changes they make in just one year.
"When these children come to me they don't really even know how to hold a book," she said. "By the end of the year they are reading and seeing that is exciting."
Carlile raised her own two boys, who are now off at college. She worked in the Knightsen 4-H with her sons and was a leader and camp director for two years.
Now that her children are grown and out of the house, she feels she is starting a new stage in her life and she is working on ideas of what to do next.
"It's an odd feeling not having them in the house all the time anymore," she said.
In the meantime, she is enjoying the new school year and getting to know the new children who are now having their first experiences in elementary school.

Five years later, little girl's memory lives on

By Roni Gehlke
For the Contra Costa Times

You won't find a memorial plaque on a new sandbox at the school where 5-year-old Sophia Favalora previously attended. Instead, you will see dozens of kindergartners laughing, playing and building sand castles at Laurel School and only a small heart-shaped tile with her name inscribed.
When a car accident claimed the life of Sophia in August 2005, donations poured in from family, friends and strangers. Her grief-stricken parents were grateful, but had no idea what to do with the money.

They wanted to do something that would be a fitting way to honor Sophia's memory. Remembering a conversation with Sophia before her death, her parents turned to her elementary school for help.
"At first we didn't know what to do with the money," Sophia's father, Frank Favalora, said. The donations equaled $16,000.
"I remembered Sophia telling me that there wasn't anything she liked about the school playground," Favalora said.
When Favalora went to the school to see for himself, the school principal told him that there was a new rule that the sand that used to be under the swings had to be replaced with a special foam material.
"The kids loved playing with the sand, but safety codes said we couldn't have the sand anymore," said Mimi Curran, principal of Laurel School.
With the decision made, Favalora set out to make a structure that was more than just a simple square sandbox. The end result is approximately 45-by-20 feet with a igure-eight shape.
"Sophia loved animals, so there are animal structures where the children can climb," Curran said, talking about an oversized sculpture of a frog and a turtle.
The said box is lined with two-foot walls where the children can sit or line sand trucks up and drive around the structure.

"The kids just love driving the cars around," kindergarten teacher Lisa Odum said. "The sandbox keeps the kids busy. It has been a blessing having it here."
Odum said that it is more than just something to keep the kids occupied during a break. The children don't even realize that they are learning while playing.
The sandbox holds a water feature that is similar to a water fountain. The children have to push a button and water pours along a wooden grade the sends a little water fall down into the dirt area.
"The children take turns. One has to push the button while another collects the water at the end of the trail. This provides socializing skills, learning to take turns, sharing tasks and teamwork," Odum said.

"The wet sand makes the best castles," said 5 year-old Ronald Martinez-Leon, who says he always plays in the sandbox rather than on the climbing structure provided for the children.
The walls of the sandbox are painted with child-friendly art, including lots of greenery and animals. The outside wall, which is seen from the street, holds several mosaic designs featuring turtles and butterflies.
At first there was opposition and delays in the project because of the worry that the sand and water would track too much dirt back into the classroom, but both Curran and Odum said that it hasn't been an issue at all.
"The kids are very good about cleaning themselves off before they come inside," Curran said. "It is really a fabulous feature to have for the children."
The sandbox project was finally completed last year and the water feature was added later. After a little tweaking, the project is finally finished.
"We didn't want to put a plaque on the sandbox because we didn't want it to be a sad place for the children," Favalora said. "We do want to let everyone who donated the money know that it went to a good cause."

Neighbor: Top Antioch teacher Kasey Graham keeps her classes creative

By Roni Gehlke
For the Contra Costa Times

Keeping her classes creative is just part of the reason why Graham was not only chosen as this year's Antioch Teacher of the Year, but also the recipient of Antioch's Mary Allan Fellows Award.
"When we read the classics, the students get to do projects that have some medical relationship to them," Graham said. "When we read 'Of Mice and Men,' the students write a story on the medical condition of one of the lead characters."
When the students read "Romeo and Juliet," the students were assigned a report on teenage hormones and finding love a first sight. Graham said that the students generally read the same books as the other high schools within the district, with the exception of a book called "Chew on This," which relates to information related to eating fast food.
"We don't add medical every day," she said. "The point is to keep the students well-rounded."
Graham has been teaching for 17 years, coming to the Antioch Unified School District in 1999. Her first assignment was at the Black Diamond Middle School where she taught special education. In 2002 she began teaching eighth-grade English at Park Middle School. During the 2006 school year she worked as the interim vice principal at Park.
When Dozier-Libbey opened in 2008, Graham transferred to the school with the English department. She was able to come to the school with many of her former eighth-graders. At first she taught ninth-grade English. Last year she moved with those students to teach 10th grade, and this year she teaches that same level.
Graham said she is always involved in extra activities at school. This year she is working with the leadership students, as well as volunteering with the yearbook committee.
When she was working in the middle school she implemented both the Washington, D.C., and Europe trips for students. Those programs are still available today.
Graham said that she is a tough teacher and the students respect her for that.
"My strength is connecting well with the students," she said. "I have high standards and a tough curriculum and still have a good rapport with my students."
While Dozier-Libbey is a pathway school with an emphasis on the sciences, Graham said that the program isn't limited to students who will continue on in science or a medical profession.
Not all the students have to have a high grade point average or high IQ, and some students need help with motivation and their studies, Graham said. Even so, Graham said she has seen many of them become more motivated over time.
"The fun part is watching them realize their own potential," she said.
At the end of last month, Graham was surprised to be the winner of the Mary Allan Fellows Award. The award is given by the Antioch's Schools Education Foundation to recognize outstanding teachers who demonstrated innovation and dedication to the teaching profession.
The award is named after Mary Allan, who was the 1991 California Teacher of the year. Allan taught third and fourth grades at Antioch schools for 20 years before retiring.
"It was a nice award," Graham said. "Along with the award comes with some money to dedicate to the classroom. That is always welcome."
Graham is an Antioch resident and the mother of five. She is a fitness fanatic and enjoys taking her own children hiking and to sporting activities. All of her children are involved in local sports.
Graham said that she enjoys being a good role model for her students.
"I like being a person that lets them see they have an amazing potential," she said.

Neighbor: Top BUSD teacher believes in all-inclusive approach

By Roni Gehlke
For the Contra Costa Times

Brentwood teacher Lori Leach believes that teaching well-rounded students is a team effort. As a special education teacher at R. Paul Krey Elementary School and Brentwood Elementary School District's Teacher of the Year, she knows that all stages of education are important and that using as team approach and working diligently is the only way to prepare students for middle school.

"One of the best parts about teaching at Krey is that we work in a collaborative environment," Leach said.
As part of the special education department at Krey, Leach works with fourth- and fifth-grade students. The special education program at Krey works with an all-inclusive approach. Instead of having special education students leave the classroom to get special instruction, the students are kept in the regular classrooms and the special education teachers go to them.
Leach likes this approach much better than having the children taken out of the classroom.
"When singled out and having them leave the classroom the message can say 'I'm not held accountable, and then as an adult they aren't ready to be accountable. Our way shows children they are accountable," Leach said.
Leach said the team at Krey really believes in this approach to learning. "The students are very successful here," she said. "We are very blessed at this school. The students are amazing and work hard."
Leach has been working at Krey since it opened in 2001. Before that she worked in the special education department for the Byron Union School District.
When she first moved to Krey she was asked to start up the inclusive program for the school. She developed the model for the program and trained the instructional advisers. She spent time investigating components from several other successful programs.
Over the years she has also worked on several other programs

Teacher of year enjoys helping children grow

By Roni Gehlke
For the Contra Costa Times

As far back as Kerry Flaherty can remember, she wanted to be an elementary school teacher. Her dream finally came true nine years ago when she began working for the Byron school district at Discovery Bay Elementary.
Since then, she has moved on to Timber Point Elementary School in Discovery Bay.
"I have always wanted to teach early elementary school," Flaherty said.
This year, she was named the district's teacher of the year.
Flaherty teaches second grade at Timber Point, and also has taught kindergarten and first grade. She said she was honored to be chosen for the award by her peers.
Flaherty has been instrumental in implementing the Early Intervention for School Success (EISS) program at Timber Point. She explained that the EISS program offers teachers and support staff tips for providing students with successful learning experiences.
The program is designed to help students' development through collaboration among the child's family, school and community.
"The program is essential by intervening with struggling readers and getting them help when they are young," Flaherty said.
Flaherty said second grade is such an important time in a child's education, as they are learning to read. She enjoys working with children and helping them grow and learn.
"Whether they are struggling or advanced, it is always an exciting process watching them improve their reading," she said.
While she likes teaching students how to read, she also enjoys teaching children all subjects at this age.
Flaherty said that many people think of Byron as a small school district with small classroom sizes, but that isn't the case. This year, the number of students in each classroom increased, but Flaherty believes the staff will excel nonetheless.
"We have a great staff at Timber Point," Flaherty said. "We have a wonderful, collaborative teaching community."
and activities for the elementary school. She said that involvement in a variety of programs is what makes the team approach work at Krey.
"There have been so many opportunities and experiences with students that have enriched my life," she said.
Leach was one of the three finalists in the Contra Costa County School District's Teacher of the Year Award competition. At the dinner two weeks ago she gave a speech where she told fellow colleagues and guests that it is important to focus on the students. (Michele Lamons, a Pinole Valley High School English and sign language teacher, was named the Contra Costa County teacher of the year.)
"Investing in relationships with the students makes the best effort for the children," she said.
Leach said working with students for the past nine years at Krey has provided many valuable lessons.
"So many stories we share as teachers every day. Sometimes there are big, important things we learn from students here and there, sometimes they are small milestones, still just as important," she said. "All of them make up a complete professional package."

Antioch family florist blossoms with new generation of owners

By Roni Gehlke
For the Contra Costa Times

Name of Business: Paula's Family Florist
Type of business: Florist
Owners: Christopher Trotta and Paula Franchetto-Trotta
Founded: March 2006
Address: 1412 A St., Antioch. The business is located in the "little, yellow house" on the corner of A and 15th streets.
Phone number: 925-756-6000
Website: www.paulasfamilyflorist.com
Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday; 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday; closed Sunday
Number of employees: family-owned and operated
Products and services: Paula's Family Florist features custom floral arrangements and plants for all occasions. The company specializes in wedding and sympathy work.
How did you get into the business?: The couple is the third generation in the florist business. It started with Paula's grandparents. "We are in the same building that my parents had their florist for over 30 years," Franchetto-Trotta said. "Combined, we have over 50 years in business."
Best part about the business: "Interacting with customers and creating floral designs that meet their visions," Franchetto-Trotta said.
Worst part about the business: Like many self-employed people, Paula Franchetto-Trotta says long hours are the worst part to a business.
Key to success: "Quality products, affordable pricing and superior customer service," she said.
Biggest misperception about the business: "People think that because the flowers are coming from a florist that they are too expensive. That is why a lot of people buy flowers from the grocery store," she said. "Really, that isn't true. We work hard to keep our prices competitive and economical."
Future plans: Fresh seasonal flowers come to the store on a regular basis. On Fridays, Paula's Family Florist sells a special bouquet of seasonal flowers for just $5 each.
-- Roni Gehlke

Business spotlight: Oakley's Styled Home Consignment focuses on furniture

By Roni Gehlke
For the Contra Costa Times

Name of business: Styled Home Consignment
Type of business: Home decor and furnishings
Owners: Wagma and Frank Safi
Founded: July 2010
Address: 3330 Main St., Oakley
Phone number: 925-679-3700
Hours: Monday through Friday 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Saturday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sunday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Number of employees: two
Products and services: Home furnishings, furniture, dining tables, gallery consignments, art imported from Europe and home decor. Styled Home Consignment offers a wide selection of new and gently used items.
"We have a lot of unique pieces that you aren't going to find in other local stores," Wagma Safi said. "Some of the pieces come from galleries that only had one item left and brought it to us."
How did you get into the business: "We never really planned to get into this business," Safi said. "I was going through a short sale on my house and had to sell off five bedrooms full of furniture and realized after I was done that I could have sold it for more with a little time on consignment somewhere."
One day the Safis were driving through Oakley from Brentwood and saw the store space for lease and decided to stop in and ask about it. In a matter of days the business idea was off the ground.
"There are so many people who are in the position I was in," she said. "I want to help them get the best price for their stuff."
Best part about the business?: "Meeting all the different people who come in looking to buy or not buying. I like talking to them and getting ideas from them," Safi said.
She also said that she is happy when she hears that her business is just what Oakley has needed.
Worst part about the business?: "All business has its ups and downs," Safi said. "It is hard to say that there is a bad thing about the business. Really it has been a blessing."
Key to success: "Customer service, making sure whoever walks in and walks out of the store is happy," she said. "People talk. A good reference from someone can mean a lot."
Biggest misperception about the business: The concept of a consignment store is hard for some people to understand, Safi said. She said that people are always interested in how the business works. She also said that people are surprised at some of the fine quality merchandise that is available.
Future plans: Safi is working with the local schools to help raise money for them. On certain days, schools will be able to earn 15 percent of sales. "I've lived in Oakley for six years and my children go to school here. I know how badly the schools need support and this is a way I can help," she said.
In the future she hopes to expand here business and even branch out into making it a chain store.
-- Roni Gehlke

Henry uses connections for festival lineup

By Roni Gehlke
For the Contra Costa Times

In our "Neighbors" series, we give you a personal look at the people who are serving your community. If you would like to nominate someone for this column, contact Judy Prieve at 925-779-7178 or e-mail jprieve@bayareanewsgroup.com.

By Roni Gehlke
Correspondent
One of Chris Henry's first introductions to Oakley's Almond Festival was nearly 20 years ago when he was playing drums with a band named Express. Today his new band not only performs at the festival but he has taken over as entertainment coordinator for the festival's main stage.
"I can't believe it was that long ago," Henry said remembering all the times he played at the festival over the years.
His current band, Crosstown 5, will perform Friday on the festival's Main Stage before well-known Bay Area band Evolution comes on with its Journey tribute.
Henry said that over the years he has been involved with several bands. About four years ago he was asked by then Main Stage coordinator, John Robertson, to get involved in volunteering for the festival and he agreed.
"Over the years I've made a lot of associations with other bands," Henry said.
Now he uses those associations to find other bands to perform at the three-day show at Oakley's O'Hara Park.
"Evolution's lead singer John Singer and I used to be in a band together," Henry said. "When I found out he was in this tribute band, I knew they would be good for this festival."
Henry said that he wanted to open the festival with a really good show. For the last three years he has worked to make this time slot a concert-type environment.
"The carnival is going on for the kids, and the adults can take the time to sit back and enjoy some good music," he said.
Other entertainment this weekend will include a tribute band to Tom Petty called Petty Theft, as well as, Zebop, Ralph Woodson Experience, The Billy Martini Show, The Edwins Brothers, Rodeo House, Biernacki and The Illusions, and Red Light Mind.
Henry lives in Bethel Island with his wife, Teena. He has four children, Courtney, 22, and Josh, 19, Ethan, 6, and Chloe, 3.
The festival offers another reason to celebrate for him. Sept. 12 is daughter Chloe's birthday. Three years ago she was born just days before he was to set up the main stage for the festival.

Around Oakley: Fishing derby, cleanup day set in Oakley

By Roni Gehlke
For the Contra Costa Times

Since there aren't a lot of places where one can view the water in Oakley it is easy to forget that so much shoreline is to be found in the small city. There is even a creek that runs perpendicular to Main Street that offers water views in the area.
In the coming week residents will have the chance to spend some time along Oakley's waterways. First up, on Saturday, the city of Oakley and Oakley business Hook, Line and Sinker will offer a free fishing day on the Delta for children 15 and under.
This is the seventh year the city has offered the Kids Fishing Derby, which takes place at the Antioch-Oakley Regional Shoreline pier at the end of Bridgehead Road. While it is called the Antioch-Oakley Regional Shoreline Park, most of the actual park and the pier are on the Oakley side of the property. For those who haven't had a chance to see the park, it is open to the public from sunrise to sunset free of charge.
The pier used to be the original Antioch Bridge that connected East County to Highway 160. The original 1.8-mile bridge was built in 1926 and served the area until it was torn down in 1978. That first bridge had quite a history. It was a lift-span bridge, much like the bridges that can be found on Highway 160.
Over the years the bridge had several boat collisions. After the last one in 1970 a new bridge was built.
Shoreline Park today sports a view of the Sen. John A. Nejedly Bridge, or what many commonly refer to as the new Antioch Bridge. There is also a small trail around the shoreline that gives views of the Delta. The pier is used by many local fishermen in the area.
The Kids Fishing Derby is a catch-and-release program. Awards and prizes will be given out for the biggest fish by length, smallest fish by length and most fish caught in the day.
Although the event is free, the organizers ask that you preregister at Hook, Line and Sinker at 3100 Main St., Suite 260, behind Centr-O-Mart, or at City Hall. They will offer a free hot dog lunch, and the organizers want to be prepared with enough food. If you can't register, however, there will be on-site registration the day of the event.
Registration for the event starts at 8 a.m.; the derby starts at 9. A fishing pole is required to participate, but bait will be provided. For more information, call 625-7041 or check out the city's website at www.oakleyinfo.com.
 n n
On Sept. 25, the Friends of the Marsh Creek Watershed will host its annual Marsh Creek Creek Cleanup from 9 a.m. to noon. It is amazing just how much garbage blows around in the wind and gets stuck along the shores of the Marsh Creek Trail.
Last year 640 volunteers came out to clean up more than two tons of trash from the creek, which runs through both Oakley and Brentwood. Volunteers are needed from both cities to help.
For details on the cleanup efforts, call 925-325-2908. There is also information on the friends' website at www.fomcw.org.

Roni Gehlke is an Oakley resident. Reach her at ourbackyard@comcast.net.

Oakley shop focuses on custom motorcycles, accessories

By Roni Gehlke
For the Contra Costa Times

Name of business: Rockin Rebel Customs
Type of business: Motorcycles and accessories
Owner: Tony Ghiselli
Founded: May 2010
Address: 3100 Main St., Oakley
Phone number: 510-931-7625
Website: www.rockinrebelcustoms.com
Hours: Noon to 7 p.m. Thursday through Monday; Closed Tuesday and Wednesday.
Number of employees: three
Products and services: Rockin Rebel features a full line of motorcycle accessories and custom- built motorcycles. The accessories include vests, jackets, helmets, and apparel for men and women. Merchandise lines include Vega helmets, Rock House and Road House apparel. Rockin Rebel also offers some custom painting work.
How did you get into the business: "We aren't people who have been riding forever," Ghiselli said.
When Ghiselli and his wife started dating she was concerned that they had nothing in common and decided they needed to come up with something to do together.
"She decided she wanted to ride motorcycles together," he said, noting that he knew nothing whatso ever about motorcycles when he purchased his first two. "I was literally looking up how to ride a motorcycle on the Internet when the guys were dropping them off on my driveway."
A few years back, after suffering from job stress, Ghiselli took up an offer from a friend to work with him at a motorcycle shop. After working at the shop for awhile, Ghiselli decided to try his luck on fixing up a motorcycle in his own garage. After he had fixed up and sold a few, his wife suggested he open his own place.
"It was like when she gave me the green light to go with it and I went for it," he said.
His first shop was in San Leandro. When they moved to Oakley Ghiselli decided to open his store here. It also gave him a chance to expand the size of his shop, so he could increase his merchandise.
Best part about the business?: "People in the biking community are very nice and very supportive people," Ghiselli said. "I've really enjoyed getting to know them."
Ghiselli said he also likes to shop and having this business gives him a chance to buy what he likes and to see what is out there.
Worst part about the business?: So far he is happy with everything about this business. He loves working on motorcycles and being involved in the industry.
Key to success: "Keeping everything very affordable," Ghiselli said.
He knows that right now the tough economy means less money for everyone and that to be successful he has to keep his prices low. That means selling his custom motorcycles for under $4,000 and maybe offering non-logo but good quality apparel.
Biggest misperception about the business: "The motorcycle industry is expensive," Ghiselli said.
"Keeping the cost down, sometimes by half, helps everybody," he said.
The other misperception is that only motorcycle riders wear motorcycle-style clothing. "We have something for everyone here. A lot of people just like the clothes and don't ride. There is nothing wrong with that," he said.
Future plans: Ghiselli said that he is already getting ready for his first expansion at this shop. He has already put in an order to double the merchandise he carries. Because of that he will be hosting a big sale in the coming weeks to get rid of some of the old inventory.

-- Roni Gehlke

Business spotlight: Brentwood's Glamora by Sadia offers high-end women's accessories and more

By Roni Gehlke
For the Contra Costa Times

Name of business: Glamora by Sadia
Type of business: Men's clothing, women's purses and accessories
Owner: Sadia Barrameda
Founded: 2010
Address: The Streets of Brentwood, 2475 Sand Creek Road, Suite 112, Brentwood
Phone number: 925-516-4760
Hours: Monday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Number of employees: three
Products and services: Glamora by Sadia is a high-end fashion boutique featuring authentic designer purses and handbags, wallets and other leather goods, fashion accessories, jewelry, shoes, men and women's apparel and exclusive couture created and designed with Sadia Barrameda label using the designer name Sadia Ross.
The store features high-end brand names like Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Prada, Gucci, Christian Dior and Hermes.
How did you get into the business: Having traveled to extensively around the world, Barrameda has seen high-end fashion stores in many cities, but not anywhere in East County. She decided that she would provide a place where local residents can shop in their own community for accessories from high-end designers.
Born in Mindanao, Philippines, where her grandfather rules as Sultanate, Barrameda acquired an appreciation for fine art and high fashion. Her mother, a Mindanaoan princess, was her chief inspiration. She began to cultivate her fashion work through her hobbyas a seamstress and clothing designer, eventually developing her own line of clothing, the Sadia Ross label.
"Glamora by Sadia is an extension of my personality, and of my closet," Barrameda said.
Best part about the business: "Glamora give me a place to showcase genuinely fine products that people don't usually find here in East County," Barrameda said. "Plus, offering my own designs gives people a chance to find one-of-a-kind items here."
Worst part about the business: Like with many businesses, Barrameda said that economy makes it hard for people to indulge in purchasing their favorite designer items.
Key to success: "Finding the right market and letting the community know about our upscale merchandise," she said.
Biggest misperception about the business: "It is always a challenge because people come in and ask if the merchandise is authentic," Barrameda said. "Like they don't think that a store in Brentwood would carry the real name brands."
Future plans: Barrameda is hoping to make Glamora by Sadia a chain store and open new branches in other areas.

-- Roni Gehlke

Around Oakley: Helping children learn to read is Snider's passion

By Roni Gehlke
For the Contra Costa Times

Reading didn't come easy for Joy Snider when she was young. By the time she graduated high school she was only able to read at a sixth-grade level. That didn't stop her from becoming one of Oakley's finest teachers. This year she has even been awarded the Oakley Elementary School District's highest honor as Teacher of the Year.
A lot has happened since her high school days. In college she had decided to study business even though that wasn't what she really wanted to do. It wasn't until she had met someone at college who helped her that she realized, like so many people, she was not a visual reader.
"I was able to learn to read better by using the phonics method," Snider said.
Then the rest, as they say, is history.
Working her way through college at a preschool, she knew she loved being with kids. What better way to work with them then as a teacher? She soon changed her major to teaching, Not long after receiving her degree, she began teaching a second- and third-grade combination class in Bakersfield.
During her career -- which 24 years ago brought her to Gehringer Elementary School -- Snider has concentrated on working with children who have reading problems.
"I was one of those children, so I understand where they are coming from," Snider said. "It makes it easier to teach them reading and coping skills."
For the first 17 years at Gehringer, Snider taught first grade. Then forthree years she worked with third-graders. She also worked a couple of years at the school reading facility and then moved back to the classroom this year to teach second grade.
Snider thinks that part of the reason why she was chosen as the elementary district's Teacher of the Year is because she is generally seen as the school's "go-to" girl. Teachers and the administration often come to her when they need questions answered. She said that over the years she has been involved in many programs throughout the school system as well as at the school.
"My favorite is creative writing," she said. "Make them love it now and they will love it forever."
 n n
Another Oakley teacher was also named Teacher of the Year, this time with the Liberty High School District. Freedom High School's athletic director, tennis coach and English teacher Steve Amaro.
Amaro also started his college education considering a degree in business, but quickly changed to a teaching career when he was encouraged by one of his professors.
Amaro is working on his doctoral degree in educational leadership.
He began at Freedom in 1998. When he isn't teaching English, which he loves, he is working as head of the athletic department on the Freedom campus. He started as an assistant coach of the girls tennis team when he first started teaching at Freedom and moved up from there.
In an interview with the East County Times last month, Amaro said that "Any graduate from here can go out and change the world. I am lucky to have this job and have a chance to make a difference with these students."

Roni Gehlke is an Oakley resident. Reach her at ourbackyard@comcast.net.

Business Spotlight: Brentwood dance studio prepares to open up second site in Antioch

By Roni Gehlke
For the Contra Costa Times

Name of business: East County Performing Arts Center
Type of business: Dance and Performing Arts School
Owners: Nina and David Koch
Founded: 2002
Address: 700 Harvest Park Drive, Suite P, Brentwood, and new location at 5865 Lone Tree Way, Suite N, Antioch
Phone number: 925-240-5556, Brentwood; 925-756-7096, Antioch
Hours: Main Brentwood office holds office hours Monday through Thursday 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Fridays 2:30 p.m. 6:30 p.m. and Saturday mornings
Number of employees: 12

Products and services: Dance and performing arts classes. Classes for all ages, including Boogie Babies (for ages 2 to 3 years old), pre-jazz, tap, ballet and jazz combination classes, ballet classes, including pre-ballet to ballet 5, pre-pointe and pointe classes. They also provide hip-hop, modern, tap, dance for cheer and Mommy and Me classes. In addition, East County Performing Arts Center offers a Children's Ballet Theater.

The business is in the process of opening its new location in Antioch. Class registration is open for that location. East County Performing Arts Center will soon be offering dancewear and shoes at both locations.

How did you get into the business: "I have been teaching for 20-plus years and dancing for 30- plus years," Nina Koch said. "Before I lived in Brentwood I was the director of a studio in San Jose."

When Koch and her husband moved to Brentwood, she had the opportunity to open a studio there. Now she is expanding the business and opening a new location in Antioch.

Best part about the business?: "Working with the kids," Koch said. "There is something very special about working with children. They give me such great gifts every day."
Koch said children have the best stories and enthusiasm for everything they do and that joy rubs off on her and all of her staff.

Worst part about the business?: "As with any business, the worst thing is the times it keeps me away from my family," Koch said.

Key to success: "No excuses," she said. "I refuse to sit on my laurels and blame the economy for 'tough times.' "

She said she believes that people are keeping their kids in extracurricular activities. "As a business owner it is my job to convince parents to bring their child to me and not another studio or activity."

Biggest misperception about the business: "I don't think a lot of people think of a dance studio as a 'real' business," she said. "This is not just a fun little hobby for me. I take it very seriously and it is a very well run business like any other."

Koch explained that she has a business plan, marketing plan, customer service staff, policies and procedures and everything is very well-spelled out and organized.

"Our website is updated constantly and right now anyone can go on and view our studio calendar, policies and procedures, recital information and class information. We also have a 24-hour studio hotline for parents to call for round-the-clock information," she said.

Future plans: "Now that we are opening up our second location in Antioch, which I am very excited for, we plan on incorporating this year," she said.

Within the next five years she hopes to be able to buy land and build a studio from the ground up.

"We have many plans to grow the company with other relatable businesses so we will be able to continue to provide opportunities for kids," she said.

She said that they also have a free dance program that was recently started at Gehringer School in Oakley in conjunction with Brentwood Children's Ballet Theater. Koch said she would love to see that program grow to more schools in Oakley, Antioch and Brentwood.

"It is very important to offer dance to all children in the community. Our first family dance night at Gehringer school was so successful we had over 200 students and family members participate," Koch said.

-- Roni Gehlke

Business Spotlight: Antioch's Devon Almarinez is not your typical clothing designer

By Roni Gehlke
For the Contra Costa Times

Name of business: Heroics Design Studios/Screen Printing
Type of business: Design and screen printing
Owner: Devon Almarinez
Founded: 2006
Address: 608 W. Second St., Antioch
Phone number: 925-207-8974
Hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday
Number of employees: one

Products and services: Screen printing designing for clothing and apparel items and promotional merchandise. Heroics Design Studio and Screen Printing produces items for businesses, sport team and personal use. Heroics provides T-shirt designs, screen printing, mix-tapes and posters.

How did you get into the business: "I got into the business from designing my own clothing," Almarinez said. "I learned how to screen print from a friend. Years down the line, I decided to have my own print shop for my personal and artist collaboration clothing projects."

For the past five years Almarinez has traveled back and forth from Los Angeles and all over the country for work purposes. He moved back from Los Angeles to the East Bay to be near family but still commutes to Los Angeles for special projects.

"I opened up a shop and working office, but it turned out to be a design studio, screen printing and store," he said.

Best part about the business?: "I'm doing what I love to do. If I can be around my hometown and guide any others in my field, I'm happy to help," he said.

Worst part about the business?: "I've been lucky not to see the worst," Almarinez said.

Key to success: "The key to success is to believe in yourself and progress," Almarinez said.

Biggest misperception about the business: "You are not alone. There are many business owners near you. They frequently talk to you about future goals, collaborations or simply how you are doing," he said.

Future plans: Almarinez said his future plans are to have Heroics stores in every major city. "Each store, design studio and screen printing will have my own unique designs for sale. So, they can be purchased only at that store. They will all have different themes," he said.

His hope is to work with all the artists that he does now and travel on tour and design new clothing and art. Then he plans to bring different designs back to his stores.

-- Roni Gehlke

Around Oakley: Pocahontas club celebrates diamond anniversary

By Roni Gehlke
For the Contra Costa Times

For 75 years, the Degree of Pocahontas has hosted a chapter in Oakley. In recognition of its diamond anniversary, the local club will host an open house Saturday and unveil its new historical museum at the Red Men-Pocahontas Hall.

The idea for the museum started after longtime member Bill Mullen passed away and his family donated his collection of Red Men-Pocahontas memorabilia to the club.
Mullen was a former president of the local and state chapters of the Order of Red Men.

"We are all going to be surprised when we open the boxes that Bill left with the historical items," said Jane Crocket, secretary of the Oakley group.

Crocket said the boxes will be opened and displayed right before the open house.

As president of the state club, Mullen had collected items from various Red Men clubs throughout the state. Crocket suspects that there will be some programs, pamphlets, artifacts and headdresses.

Along with Mullen's collection, Pocahontas member Shirley Darling will donate some of her Degree of Pocahontas collection to the museum.

Members of the club spent the past few months building cabinets to hold the memorabilia.

When the Pocahontas started its Oakley chapter in 1935, the group didn't have its own building and met at the sheriff's annex on O'Hara Avenue. Later, it met at the Flor Do Oakley Hall and St. Anthony Church. The Red Men and Pocahontas clubs finally purchased what is now the Red Men-Pocahontas Hall at 1403 Main St. in 1962.

The hall has several rooms, including a full kitchen. The museum will be located in the back room, where those who attend meetings and rent the hall will be able to see the items.

The Pocahontas is the women's affiliate club of The Improved Order of Red Men, which started its group in Oakley the year before the Pocahontas. The national organization began in 1885. The organization takes its name from Pocahontas, daughter of the Native American Chief Powhatan of the Algonquian Indian Tribe.

The Degree of Pocahontas engages in fraternal and social affairs. The national group, in conjunction with the local clubs, works to raise money for several nonprofit groups, including Alzheimer's disease research.

Some of the upcoming events include the ninth annual Halloween Festival, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Oct. 22-23. The festival will feature a haunted house, games and activities for children of all ages. For more information, call Irene Martinez at 925-625-1102.

On Nov. 6, the group will take a bus trip to Black Oak casino for the day. Everyone over age 21 is invited to attend. The fee is $29, and the ride includes refreshments for the drive home.

The bus leaves at 7:30 a.m. and returns around 6:30 p.m. Call Shirley Darling at 925-625-0596 for more information.

The group's annual Holiday Boutique takes place Nov. 27-28 and Dec. 5. Spaces are still available for vendors interested in selling crafts, collectibles, baked goods, scrapbooking, beauty and hobby products. Call Martinez for details.

The group will also host a pork chop dinner fundraiser for Alzheimer's research in early December.

Roni Gehlke is an Oakley resident. Reach her at ourbackyard@comcast.net.

Business spotlight: Much more to Bethel Island's Sugar Barge than banquet facilities

By Roni Gehlke
For the Contra Costa Times

Name of business: Sugar Barge RV Resort and Marina
Type of business: RV Park and Boat Marina
Owners: Earl and Dave Riggs, father and son
Founded: 1995
Address: 1440 Sugar Barge Road, Bethel Island
Phone number: 925-684-9075
Website: www.sugarbarge.com
Hours: Open 24 hours (various seasonal hours for store and restaurant)

Number of employees: family-run, with number of employees varied depending on season

Products and services: Sugar Barge is a full-service RV Park and Marina with a banquet facility overlooking the Delta, 114 full-hook-up RV sites with Free Wi-Fi, tent camp sites, full- service marina and launch ramp. Sugar Barge also offers a tractor launching service, 24-hour fuel dock, fish cleaning station, covered berths.

For those interested in boating on the Delta, but don't own a boat, Sugar Barge has a wide selection of boat rentals available. They have patio boats, fishing boats, Waverunners, ski boats, kayaks and pedal boats.

Other services include an enclosed and covered boat and RV storage area and travel trailer rentals. The Sugar Barge Outdoor Bar and Grill is open during the summer season Friday, Saturday and Sunday through Labor Day Weekend. The restaurant is available for banquets all year long.

How did you get into the business: "RVing and boating have always played an important role
in Earl and Dave's lives," said manager Tracy Venable. "When they purchased the land 15 years ago, it was nothing more than a shut down membership RV Park."

The Riggs remodeled the RV park, built the entire marina, launch ramp, including boat slips. They also added the restaurant facility, boat and RV storage area and created the Sugar Barge Boat and RV Rental division.

Best part about the business?: "Owning a business that is in such a great location on the beautiful Delta and the friends that we've made along the way," Venable said. "It's so wonderful to start your workday in an outdoor environment where you're able to say 'Good morning' to the RVers that are out walking their dog with a fresh cup of coffee or chatting it up with the fisherman to see how the Bass and Striper are biting."

Venable went on to say that the beauty of the Delta is amazing with it's wildlife and beautiful sunsets.
"It's so much fun to watch the herons, river otters, hoot owls and other wildlife that are out here," she said. "Our motto at Sugar Barge is relax, enjoy and have fun. That's exactly what our guests do."
Worst part about the business?: Venable said she couldn't think of anything worse, especially in light of what the best part is.

Key to success: "Surrounding ourselves with a great friendly staff that help us to be successful," she said.

Biggest misperception about the business: Venable said that many people think that the Sugar Barge is only a restaurant. "Sugar Barge has so much to offer to so many people, young and old alike," she said.

She explained that Sugar Barge can offer a weekend camping with family, or gathering the neighbors to rent a patio boat together, taking a day off to go fishing or finding the perfect location with a view of the water for a wedding or private party.

Future plans: "We've just opened our banquet facility and are busy getting the word out," Venable said.
They are spending their time promoting their locations at festivals and events.

"We will continue to promote the Delta area," she said. "It's amazing how many people have no idea that the beautiful Delta is in their own backyard and ready for them to come out and have a great time."

-- Roni Gehlke

Around Oakley: Freedom Band Boosters play mom to all the school's musicians

By Roni Gehlke
For the Contra Costa Times

Last weekend while football players practiced skirmishes out on the field, Freedom High School marching band and color guard students dedicated long hours to practicing their routines at its annual March-a-thon. Each year the bands get together for a weekend of workouts and practices to get ready for the fall marching band competitions, parades and home football games.

The students dedicate a lot of time in learning their instruments and choreographed routines, but behind every talented student on the field or in the parade are the booster clubs that help them get to games, raise funds and supply them with uniforms.

For the Freedom Band Boosters, that includes helping nearly 100 students in getting organized for not only this season, but also for a full year's worth of activities.

"Basically, we're a team of parent volunteers checking to make sure students are dressed, hydrated and fed," Annette Lewis, treasurer for the band boosters said. "In other words, we're a group of parents who parent the whole group."

One of the most recognizable bands in a high school is usually the marching band. This is the band you see at parades like the Oakley Almond Festival in September or the one that is out performing during football games. Along with the marching band, the Freedom High School Band Boosters also work with the concert, symphonic, jazz and orchestra bands, as well as the color guard throughout the year.

Just like everyone else who seems to be in need this year, the band boosters work throughout the year to raise money to help offset the cost of uniform repairs, transportation costs and feeding the students when they go to away parades and activities.

"We haven't done a lot of fundraising because there are so many groups on campus that do fundraising," Lewis said.

Last weekend the group did a small fundraiser at the March-a-thon. Since they were feeding the kids anyway, which they do for free, they invited families and friends to pay a small fee and enjoy the barbecue and a little entertainment by watching the kids run through their drills.

"We don't make that much on this, but it is fun for the families and friends to see what the kids are doing," Lewis said.

During the year the group also hosts bake sales, sometimes sells items at football games and maybe holds a silent auction or two.

While fundraising is important to the group, the primary concern of the boosters is to support the kids. For Lewis, one of the most important jobs of the group is to supply water for the band members through the performances.

"Shows like the Almond Festival can be very hot, and the kids can get dehydrated quickly so we make sure they get their fill of bottled water throughout the parade," she said.

The boosters are just one support team for each Freedom band and color guard. There are also separate student councils for the band and the color guard.

For Freedom Band Booster Vice President Lisa Harvard Brizendine, being a "band groupie" for the past four years while her son Brandon has been playing trumpet in the marching band and guitar in the jazz band, has been a great experience. She is impressed with the talent and dedication of all the students.

"The Freedom High School band is a great resource in the community," Harvard Brizendine said. "The kids in band really work together to learn new songs and perfect their sections. "

Reach Roni Gehlke at ourbackyard@comcast.net.