By Roni Gehlke
By day, four East County women are your ordinary active seniors. They go to work, take care of their family, and spend time with friends.
But twice a week, they exchange their everyday clothes for leotards and tap shoes, and show the world that you don't have to be young to kick up your feet and dance.
Cindy Leong, Angela deVictoria, Kate Belback and Cathy Romo are just a small part of the senior dancing group, the Golden Follies, that will perform at the El Campanil Theatre on May 3.
"People hear that we are a group of seniors and say, 'How boring, how slow," Leong said. "A lot of people are surprised when they see the show. It is refreshing to know as you get older, you don't have to sit in the background."
Leong and her friends have been active in the well-known Bay Area Golden Follies group for several years. They are the only East County residents in the group that travels throughout the Bay Area putting on their Follies at theaters, for nonprofit benefits, and even senior centers.
"Usually, we have to go at least an hour's drive to get to the places where we perform and where we practice two days a week," Leong said.
The ladies travel together, not only sharing expenses but also spending their extra time in the car having fun chatting about family, dancing or any subject that comes up.
"We are happy, though, that we get to be doing a show in Antioch where we are right here," she said.
The Golden Follies program is the conception of two sisters, Susan Bostwick and Diane Tembey-Stawicki. The sisters act as teachers, choreographers and directors of each production that the group stages. At the El Campanil, there will be a total of 20 dancers, all women except for one man, Leong said.
The sisters started the Golden Follies 18 years ago, and have been working together producing shows throughout the country and the world ever since. Leong said that most of the songs that are presented through the approximately 1-hour, 45-minute production are recognizable show tunes from Broadway productions.
"The songs are recognizable oldies but goodies, but the sisters add a different spin on the songs, making them lively and fun," Leong said.
Leong explained that being part of the production is incredible. She said that when the dancers start out, they each put all of their costumes neatly in a suitcase at the beginning of the show. There are several costume changes throughout the show.
"The sisters made all the different hats for the production themselves so they look just so," she said.
As the production continues, the suitcases quickly turn into a mess. "There are always different shoes to wear and different hats, and you have to have the right hat so that it all looks right during the production," she said.
Leong said the ladies have had some great laughs over missing clothing and losing everything from one shoe to underwear.
"This is a continuum of a little girl's dream for me," Leong said. "All of my children are grown-up, and now I'm doing this just for myself because it is something I've always wanted to do."
Leong said that it is good for people to see that as seniors these ladies aren't just sitting home alone knitting. "We make room in our busy schedule to have this time. It has become a great bonding experience for the four East County ladies," she said.
The Golden Follies is described as a fast-paced, high-energy, Las Vegas-style revue featuring senior performers ages 55 to 85, strutting their stuff as they tap, kick and smile to musical sounds from Latin, vintage movies, nostalgia and Broadway.
If you go
WHAT: Golden Follies
WHEN: 2 p.m. May 3
WHERE: El Campanil Theatre, 602 W. Second St., Antioch
TICKETS: Reserved seating is $22 for adults, $20 for seniors, and $15 for youths under 18. Tickets may be purchased in advance at the ticket office at 604 W. Second Street, next door to the theater. The ticket office is open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday and one hour before show time. For tickets by phone, call 925-757-9500.
This blog is dedicated to articles that have run in the East Bay Times (East Contra Costa County, California), Brentwood News, Oakley News, Antioch News, Pittsburg News written by community columnist and correspondent, Roni Gehlke.
Friday, May 8, 2009
Former music teacher stays busier than ever
By Roni Gehlke
Antioch's Romano Marchetti my have retired several years ago from the Antioch Unified School District, but no one would ever know it by looking at his daily schedule. During his retirement, the former music teacher, works with his own band, is president of a local nonprofit organization, is a charter member of another organization, helps friends whenever necessary, is a tour guide in San Francisco and still substitute teaches.
Marchetti takes great pride in his Italian heritage and has been an active member of the Order of Sons of Italy in Antioch for many years. This year he has taken on the role as president of the club.
"I really like what the group does and getting together with all the others involved in the group," Marchetti said.
As the name suggests the Sons of Italy is a national organization of Italians in the United States. The group is open to both men and woman, and Marchetti said that the Antioch chapter has a membership of more than 100 with a wide range of ages up to 107.
"You don't have to be Italian to be a member of this club, but you do have to like Italian food," Marchetti said.
He explained that the group raises money for several different causes, mostly ones that the state charter of the group works with such as educational programs and scholarships, cultural preservation and advancement, medical research and disaster relief funds.
Marchetti said that the group starts off every meeting with a lesson in the Italian language and ends each meeting with Italian food. It also invites people to come and speak on a variety of subjects that include everything from issues of interest to the group to preservation of the Delta.
Marchetti is also a charter member of the Antioch Kiwanis Club. He has been with the group for more than 30 years. He said he hasn't held an office in the club, but he helps out whenever it needs him.
Marchetti is a lifelong member of the Antioch community and a graduate of Antioch High School. He later went on to teach for the school district for 40 years. During his time there he taught elementary, middle and high school level music classes. He left the area only two times — once to teach for two years in Japan at an American school as a music director and another to teach for two years in Iran at another American school.
"I think every teacher should have the experience of teaching outside of America. It is a very rewarding experience," he said.
He also taught music at Saint Mary's College. Several times a month Marchetti still spends time teaching for the school district. "I help out whenever they need me. I teach whatever they need," he said.
Marchetti said that he loves socializing and meeting new people all of the time, which is part of the reason he took on the position of being a tour guide in San Francisco even though he is supposed to be retired. "I like to keep active," he says.
In 1981, Marchetti started the Romano Marchetti Orchestra. The band is still popular in the area today, offering their services to every kind of event from anniversary parties to local fundraising projects. Two members of the band are his former students.
Marchetti's other interests include playing tennis, classic cars, traveling, watching college and professional football and reading historical books and magazines.
Antioch's Romano Marchetti my have retired several years ago from the Antioch Unified School District, but no one would ever know it by looking at his daily schedule. During his retirement, the former music teacher, works with his own band, is president of a local nonprofit organization, is a charter member of another organization, helps friends whenever necessary, is a tour guide in San Francisco and still substitute teaches.
Marchetti takes great pride in his Italian heritage and has been an active member of the Order of Sons of Italy in Antioch for many years. This year he has taken on the role as president of the club.
"I really like what the group does and getting together with all the others involved in the group," Marchetti said.
As the name suggests the Sons of Italy is a national organization of Italians in the United States. The group is open to both men and woman, and Marchetti said that the Antioch chapter has a membership of more than 100 with a wide range of ages up to 107.
"You don't have to be Italian to be a member of this club, but you do have to like Italian food," Marchetti said.
He explained that the group raises money for several different causes, mostly ones that the state charter of the group works with such as educational programs and scholarships, cultural preservation and advancement, medical research and disaster relief funds.
Marchetti said that the group starts off every meeting with a lesson in the Italian language and ends each meeting with Italian food. It also invites people to come and speak on a variety of subjects that include everything from issues of interest to the group to preservation of the Delta.
Marchetti is also a charter member of the Antioch Kiwanis Club. He has been with the group for more than 30 years. He said he hasn't held an office in the club, but he helps out whenever it needs him.
Marchetti is a lifelong member of the Antioch community and a graduate of Antioch High School. He later went on to teach for the school district for 40 years. During his time there he taught elementary, middle and high school level music classes. He left the area only two times — once to teach for two years in Japan at an American school as a music director and another to teach for two years in Iran at another American school.
"I think every teacher should have the experience of teaching outside of America. It is a very rewarding experience," he said.
He also taught music at Saint Mary's College. Several times a month Marchetti still spends time teaching for the school district. "I help out whenever they need me. I teach whatever they need," he said.
Marchetti said that he loves socializing and meeting new people all of the time, which is part of the reason he took on the position of being a tour guide in San Francisco even though he is supposed to be retired. "I like to keep active," he says.
In 1981, Marchetti started the Romano Marchetti Orchestra. The band is still popular in the area today, offering their services to every kind of event from anniversary parties to local fundraising projects. Two members of the band are his former students.
Marchetti's other interests include playing tennis, classic cars, traveling, watching college and professional football and reading historical books and magazines.
Swan named Oakley's Teacher of the Year
By Roni Gehlke
Even after 18 years as a teacher for the Oakley Union Elementary School District, second-grade teacher Julie Swan loves getting up and going to school every day. She credits that to the children in her classroom whom she says are a joy to teach because they are like sponges just waiting to soak up knowledge. Her positive attitude toward her work is just one of the reasons why Swan was named Oakley's Teacher of the Year.
"I'm really enjoying this year's group of students. They are fun to teach. They make it fun to come to work every day," she said. "I really want to thank them for being such a fun group."
Swan was hired by Oakley in 1990 and has taught with both middle and elementary school age students. During her time with the school district, she has taught sixth grade at O'Hara Park Middle School, fourth grade at Gehringer Elementary School and second grade at Vintage Parkway Elementary School.
For the past nine years she has worked at Vintage Parkway School. During that time she has also been involved with the school's leadership club for fourth and fifth grades at the school. She has also worked extensively on a program that does an annual scarf sale to raise money for families in need at Vintage Parkway School.
Swan says that she has a high expectation of all of her students.
"We do a lot of group work and I try to make the curriculum as interesting as I can to keep the children excited," she said. "They are just so enthusiastic at this age and are like sponges soaking up all kinds of information."
She explained that because of the young age of the children she teaches everything is new for them. She said she can't pick one subject that she likes to teach the best, because just watching them learn everything is exciting to her.
"I enjoy it all — the sciences and watching them learn about the world around them, literature and seeing their faces as I read to them. It is all so exciting and keeps me here," she said.
Swan said that she likes teaching second grade, but she has found something positive in teaching each of the grades she has taught over the years.
She wanted to be a teacher all her life, she said. Swan attended Cal-State Chico to receive her teaching credential. Several years back, Swan studied for and received a National Board Certification Program credential.
"The school district gave me a special recognition award for completing that certificate," she said. Swan said her future goal is to just keep working with her students and to keep up her high standards for them. "Their enthusiasm keeps me going," she said.
Even after 18 years as a teacher for the Oakley Union Elementary School District, second-grade teacher Julie Swan loves getting up and going to school every day. She credits that to the children in her classroom whom she says are a joy to teach because they are like sponges just waiting to soak up knowledge. Her positive attitude toward her work is just one of the reasons why Swan was named Oakley's Teacher of the Year.
"I'm really enjoying this year's group of students. They are fun to teach. They make it fun to come to work every day," she said. "I really want to thank them for being such a fun group."
Swan was hired by Oakley in 1990 and has taught with both middle and elementary school age students. During her time with the school district, she has taught sixth grade at O'Hara Park Middle School, fourth grade at Gehringer Elementary School and second grade at Vintage Parkway Elementary School.
For the past nine years she has worked at Vintage Parkway School. During that time she has also been involved with the school's leadership club for fourth and fifth grades at the school. She has also worked extensively on a program that does an annual scarf sale to raise money for families in need at Vintage Parkway School.
Swan says that she has a high expectation of all of her students.
"We do a lot of group work and I try to make the curriculum as interesting as I can to keep the children excited," she said. "They are just so enthusiastic at this age and are like sponges soaking up all kinds of information."
She explained that because of the young age of the children she teaches everything is new for them. She said she can't pick one subject that she likes to teach the best, because just watching them learn everything is exciting to her.
"I enjoy it all — the sciences and watching them learn about the world around them, literature and seeing their faces as I read to them. It is all so exciting and keeps me here," she said.
Swan said that she likes teaching second grade, but she has found something positive in teaching each of the grades she has taught over the years.
She wanted to be a teacher all her life, she said. Swan attended Cal-State Chico to receive her teaching credential. Several years back, Swan studied for and received a National Board Certification Program credential.
"The school district gave me a special recognition award for completing that certificate," she said. Swan said her future goal is to just keep working with her students and to keep up her high standards for them. "Their enthusiasm keeps me going," she said.
Ironhouse breaks ground
Roni Gehlke
Groundbreaking for new plant
MEMBERS OF THE Iron House Sanitary District board of directors and staff recently broke ground for the new wastewater plant: from left, Jenny Skrel, ISD engineer; Chris Lauritzen, board member; Tom Williams, ISD general manager; Lenny Byer, board chairman; Don Lew, board member, and Doug Hardcastle, board member. The plant is expected to be completed by October 2011.
Native gardens on display on Sunday
By Roni Gehlke
When Frances Dahlquist first moved to her Pittsburg home in 2001 she had an empty canvas in her front yard that she could do anything she wanted with.
After reading a book on native gardens, she was inspired to do some research on what the native plant life in East Contra County looked like. She found many great sources in the area on the subject, and after preparing the space for planting, she was on her way.
This Sunday Dahlquist will feature her garden in the Bringing Back the Natives Garden Tour. The tour includes dozens of other gardens throughout Contra Costa and Alameda counties as well.
"I found through my research that native life greatly prefers native plants," Dahlquist said.
"Native insects and the bird population in the area thrive on the native plants that are already here. I like to support the wildlife in the area."
One example of the wildlife thriving on native plants would be the bee population, she said, noting that there are many varieties of bees in the area.
"The bumble bees are beautiful this time of year," Dahlquist said, explaining that she can support the ecosystem and make a little oasis in her area for all the wildlife.
Although this is the first time Dahlquist has participated in the garden tour, the tour itself has been around for five years. Those from East County who wish to tour the gardens this Sunday can start at Dahlquist's home and then make their way from there.
"People can go to the Web site to see the walk-in registration site nearest to them," said Kathy Kramer of the Bringing Back the Natives Garden Tour committee.
The garden tours are free and registration covers passes to 60 gardens and native plant nurseries. The tours come with a tour booklet that gives information on each of the gardens on the tour. Some garden talks also are scheduled throughout the day. Kramer said that the tour is a great place to learn about caring for native plants, attracting butterflies, birds and bees to your garden and ways to lower your water bill.
The tours take place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday only, and advance registration is required. Kramer request that no one go to the gardens earlier for view as the gardeners will still be working on their gardens to the day of the event. For more information visit www.bringingbackthenatives.net.
If you go
WHAT: Bringing Back the Natives Garden Tour
WHEN: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday
WHERE: Gardens through Alameda and Contra Costa counties
INFO: 925-516-9009 or www.bringingbackthenatives.net
COST: free
When Frances Dahlquist first moved to her Pittsburg home in 2001 she had an empty canvas in her front yard that she could do anything she wanted with.
After reading a book on native gardens, she was inspired to do some research on what the native plant life in East Contra County looked like. She found many great sources in the area on the subject, and after preparing the space for planting, she was on her way.
This Sunday Dahlquist will feature her garden in the Bringing Back the Natives Garden Tour. The tour includes dozens of other gardens throughout Contra Costa and Alameda counties as well.
"I found through my research that native life greatly prefers native plants," Dahlquist said.
"Native insects and the bird population in the area thrive on the native plants that are already here. I like to support the wildlife in the area."
One example of the wildlife thriving on native plants would be the bee population, she said, noting that there are many varieties of bees in the area.
"The bumble bees are beautiful this time of year," Dahlquist said, explaining that she can support the ecosystem and make a little oasis in her area for all the wildlife.
Although this is the first time Dahlquist has participated in the garden tour, the tour itself has been around for five years. Those from East County who wish to tour the gardens this Sunday can start at Dahlquist's home and then make their way from there.
"People can go to the Web site to see the walk-in registration site nearest to them," said Kathy Kramer of the Bringing Back the Natives Garden Tour committee.
The garden tours are free and registration covers passes to 60 gardens and native plant nurseries. The tours come with a tour booklet that gives information on each of the gardens on the tour. Some garden talks also are scheduled throughout the day. Kramer said that the tour is a great place to learn about caring for native plants, attracting butterflies, birds and bees to your garden and ways to lower your water bill.
The tours take place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday only, and advance registration is required. Kramer request that no one go to the gardens earlier for view as the gardeners will still be working on their gardens to the day of the event. For more information visit www.bringingbackthenatives.net.
If you go
WHAT: Bringing Back the Natives Garden Tour
WHEN: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday
WHERE: Gardens through Alameda and Contra Costa counties
INFO: 925-516-9009 or www.bringingbackthenatives.net
COST: free
Lattimore to headline LMC Gospel Celebration
By Roni Gehlke
As a professor at Los Medanos College, Silvester Henderson has worked hard to develop a presence for the college's gospel choir. For the past 15 years, with the help of former students, Henderson has worked to produce an annual concert that shows the best in up-and-coming African-American and Christian music artist from throughout the state. Despite budget constraints, this year will be no different, as Henderson promises the annual Gospel Celebration will offer a wide variety of talent.
At the concert, which takes place May 2 at LMC, Henderson promises various categories of musicians, including the famous to the college's own gospel choir.
"This isn't only an opportunity for the public to see gospel at its best, but it is also a chance to let the kids work with professionals on a variety of arrangements," Henderson said.
Included in this year's guest performers is pop artist Kenny Lattimore. Some may recognize Lattimore for his pop charts hit single "For You," which is from his "Timeless" album.
Henderson said that he has been lucky to have the help of his former students in putting the LMC concert together.
"I've made a lot of contacts by keeping in touch with my former students who have gone on in the music industry and are working with famous musicians. They recommend me as their mentor and the artists are kind enough to come and perform," Henderson said.
"It is pretty rare to get someone of Lattimore's magnitude to come to this kind of venue, but one of my former students from when I taught at UC Berkeley works with Lattimore and convinced him to come out and perform for us," he said.
Although Henderson said that he was forced to downsize this year due to budget issues, he has in no way sacrificed talent. Instead, he did things like move the concert from a bigger location and bring it back to the college. Henderson said that he moved the concert to a bigger auditorium a few years ago because the concerts were getting popular. But being back at the college would not inconvenience those attending the event, he said.
Henderson said that budget constraints have also forced him to ask for donations for the choir department this year. He hopes that there will be proceeds from the concert so that he can put money into the department and programs for the rest of the year.
Appearing along with Lattimore will be featured guests Carlena Henderson and Mount Calvary Baptist Church Choir. Carlena Henderson is not only Henderson's daughter and a graduate of Deer Valley High School, but she is also a member of the cast of San Francisco's "Beach Blanket Babylon." Carlena has performed in several vocal performances throughout the Bay Area. She studied music and performance arts at Diablo Valley College and is currently attending UC Davis. She has been performing with "Beach Blanket Babylon" in San Francisco for nearly two years.
The Mount Calvary Baptist Church Choir is from Suisun City. Henderson said that the church is one of the prominent churches in Suisun County. He said that the music director is world-renowned and that the choir is making quite a name for themselves in their field of music.
Another of his former students helped Henderson bring to the concert a new group from Pittsburg called Seed of Faith Christian Fellowship Choir. Also performing will be Celebrations Choir from the Abundant Life Christian Fellowship Church, Mary Williams from the Word Assembly Church and gospel singer Angelo Luster from Oakland.
The LMC Choir students will also be performing throughout the concert.
If you go
WHAT: LMC Gospel
Celebration
WHEN: 7 p.m. May 2
WHERE: Los Medanos College, 2700 E. Leland Road, Pittsburg
INFO: 925-439-0200
COST: $14 in advance;
$16 at the door
As a professor at Los Medanos College, Silvester Henderson has worked hard to develop a presence for the college's gospel choir. For the past 15 years, with the help of former students, Henderson has worked to produce an annual concert that shows the best in up-and-coming African-American and Christian music artist from throughout the state. Despite budget constraints, this year will be no different, as Henderson promises the annual Gospel Celebration will offer a wide variety of talent.
At the concert, which takes place May 2 at LMC, Henderson promises various categories of musicians, including the famous to the college's own gospel choir.
"This isn't only an opportunity for the public to see gospel at its best, but it is also a chance to let the kids work with professionals on a variety of arrangements," Henderson said.
Included in this year's guest performers is pop artist Kenny Lattimore. Some may recognize Lattimore for his pop charts hit single "For You," which is from his "Timeless" album.
Henderson said that he has been lucky to have the help of his former students in putting the LMC concert together.
"I've made a lot of contacts by keeping in touch with my former students who have gone on in the music industry and are working with famous musicians. They recommend me as their mentor and the artists are kind enough to come and perform," Henderson said.
"It is pretty rare to get someone of Lattimore's magnitude to come to this kind of venue, but one of my former students from when I taught at UC Berkeley works with Lattimore and convinced him to come out and perform for us," he said.
Although Henderson said that he was forced to downsize this year due to budget issues, he has in no way sacrificed talent. Instead, he did things like move the concert from a bigger location and bring it back to the college. Henderson said that he moved the concert to a bigger auditorium a few years ago because the concerts were getting popular. But being back at the college would not inconvenience those attending the event, he said.
Henderson said that budget constraints have also forced him to ask for donations for the choir department this year. He hopes that there will be proceeds from the concert so that he can put money into the department and programs for the rest of the year.
Appearing along with Lattimore will be featured guests Carlena Henderson and Mount Calvary Baptist Church Choir. Carlena Henderson is not only Henderson's daughter and a graduate of Deer Valley High School, but she is also a member of the cast of San Francisco's "Beach Blanket Babylon." Carlena has performed in several vocal performances throughout the Bay Area. She studied music and performance arts at Diablo Valley College and is currently attending UC Davis. She has been performing with "Beach Blanket Babylon" in San Francisco for nearly two years.
The Mount Calvary Baptist Church Choir is from Suisun City. Henderson said that the church is one of the prominent churches in Suisun County. He said that the music director is world-renowned and that the choir is making quite a name for themselves in their field of music.
Another of his former students helped Henderson bring to the concert a new group from Pittsburg called Seed of Faith Christian Fellowship Choir. Also performing will be Celebrations Choir from the Abundant Life Christian Fellowship Church, Mary Williams from the Word Assembly Church and gospel singer Angelo Luster from Oakland.
The LMC Choir students will also be performing throughout the concert.
If you go
WHAT: LMC Gospel
Celebration
WHEN: 7 p.m. May 2
WHERE: Los Medanos College, 2700 E. Leland Road, Pittsburg
INFO: 925-439-0200
COST: $14 in advance;
$16 at the door
Friday, April 17, 2009
Ironhouse to break ground on new wastewater plant
By Roni Gehlke
The Ironhouse Sanitary District will break ground on its new wastewater management facility on Wednesday.
The long-awaited ground breaking comes after years of planning a new plant that would handle the needs of both Oakley and Bethel Island, according to district engineer Jenny Skrel. It will be located on Walnut Meadows Drive near the Ironhouse Sanitary District office.
After receiving several bids for the construction of the facility, many of which came in under the district engineers' initial estimates for construction, the district finally made its decision of which company they would contract with. On April 7 it awarded the project to Western Water Constructors Inc. of Santa Rosa.
Skrel said that the bid price came in at just over $54 million.
"That is $12 million less than the engineers had originally estimated," he said.
Western Water Constructors Inc. has worked on several wastewater improvement projects throughout Northern California, including the recent Marin Wet Weather Improvement Project in San Rafael and the White Slough WPCF improvements in Lodi.
The sanitary district began working on the plans for a new wastewater plant several years ago while the area was experiencing rapid growth. Even though growth in the area has slowed down in the past few years, the district still needs to complete construction on the new plant as soon as possible. Recent new state regulations require the plant to be upgraded. Since the cost of upgrades would outweigh the cost of a new plant, ISD chose to start from scratch.
The district recently received special low-interest financing from a State Revolving Fund Program (SRF) that allowed it to put the project out to bid and get the ball rolling.
The district said that the ground breaking on Wednesday will be very low-key with no public invited. There will be a bigger event some time in the future.
The Ironhouse Sanitary District will break ground on its new wastewater management facility on Wednesday.
The long-awaited ground breaking comes after years of planning a new plant that would handle the needs of both Oakley and Bethel Island, according to district engineer Jenny Skrel. It will be located on Walnut Meadows Drive near the Ironhouse Sanitary District office.
After receiving several bids for the construction of the facility, many of which came in under the district engineers' initial estimates for construction, the district finally made its decision of which company they would contract with. On April 7 it awarded the project to Western Water Constructors Inc. of Santa Rosa.
Skrel said that the bid price came in at just over $54 million.
"That is $12 million less than the engineers had originally estimated," he said.
Western Water Constructors Inc. has worked on several wastewater improvement projects throughout Northern California, including the recent Marin Wet Weather Improvement Project in San Rafael and the White Slough WPCF improvements in Lodi.
The sanitary district began working on the plans for a new wastewater plant several years ago while the area was experiencing rapid growth. Even though growth in the area has slowed down in the past few years, the district still needs to complete construction on the new plant as soon as possible. Recent new state regulations require the plant to be upgraded. Since the cost of upgrades would outweigh the cost of a new plant, ISD chose to start from scratch.
The district recently received special low-interest financing from a State Revolving Fund Program (SRF) that allowed it to put the project out to bid and get the ball rolling.
The district said that the ground breaking on Wednesday will be very low-key with no public invited. There will be a bigger event some time in the future.
Chivers named Contra Costa County fair queen
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
Lifelong Oakley resident Jennifer Chivers has been attending the Contra Costa County Fair longer than she can remember. When she was 7 she entered her first animal, a salamander, in a fair competition and then continued for years with different animals. When she heard that the fair was looking for the next queen she decided to apply for the position and was excited when she was given the honor last week.
"I've been active in the fair for a long time," Chivers, 19, said.
When she was a child growing up she and her family lived on a one-acre parcel in Oakley that had room enough for a barn and several farm animals. "My brother was entering animals into the fair long before I was. When I joined the Knightsen 4-H I became really involved," she said.
Over the years Chivers said she has entered everything from steers to pigs to goats and a lambs. "I've done the best with the steers and pigs."
No longer an active member of the 4-H, Chivers still is involved by helping other kids with their animals and their fair entries. Her parents still have several animals at home, including some goats and pigs.
When she was younger, Chivers said she also entered other contests in the fair, including "Theme of the Fair" decorations contests, outdoor landscaping theme table set-ups and Table Setting contests.
"I've really enjoyed being part of the fair and participating," she said.
Chivers is a graduate of Freedom High School and attends Los Medanos College where she's studying general education classes while she prepares to transfer to California State University East Bay, to pursue a degree in biological sciences. When she graduates from college she hopes to work in a lab. She says she hopes she will be lucky enough to work in a children's hospital. In her free time she enjoys spending time with her animals, reading and studying anything related to biology and science.
The fair queen competition is not a pageant. The queen is chosen by a board panel based on an interview process to determine which applicant will best represent the youth of the county. The contest is countywide. Besides having to be a Contra Costa County resident, the queen must be between the ages of 18 and 25 and not married.
Aside from holding the title as Queen of the Fair, the winner accepts the role as fair ambassador and is on hand for the fair to help with different aspects of the show.
"Her duties will include helping out with kid's contests, the livestock auction, opening ceremonies and interacting with customers during the fair. She will also make special appearances at community events as an overall spokesperson for the duration of her yearlong reign," said Fair representative Wendee Williamson.
In addition to the Queen's tiara, sash and cash award, Chivers will receive a gift donated by the Antioch Lion's Club. This year's fair theme is "It's a Blast" and takes place from May 28 to May 31.
By Roni Gehlke
Lifelong Oakley resident Jennifer Chivers has been attending the Contra Costa County Fair longer than she can remember. When she was 7 she entered her first animal, a salamander, in a fair competition and then continued for years with different animals. When she heard that the fair was looking for the next queen she decided to apply for the position and was excited when she was given the honor last week.
"I've been active in the fair for a long time," Chivers, 19, said.
When she was a child growing up she and her family lived on a one-acre parcel in Oakley that had room enough for a barn and several farm animals. "My brother was entering animals into the fair long before I was. When I joined the Knightsen 4-H I became really involved," she said.
Over the years Chivers said she has entered everything from steers to pigs to goats and a lambs. "I've done the best with the steers and pigs."
No longer an active member of the 4-H, Chivers still is involved by helping other kids with their animals and their fair entries. Her parents still have several animals at home, including some goats and pigs.
When she was younger, Chivers said she also entered other contests in the fair, including "Theme of the Fair" decorations contests, outdoor landscaping theme table set-ups and Table Setting contests.
"I've really enjoyed being part of the fair and participating," she said.
Chivers is a graduate of Freedom High School and attends Los Medanos College where she's studying general education classes while she prepares to transfer to California State University East Bay, to pursue a degree in biological sciences. When she graduates from college she hopes to work in a lab. She says she hopes she will be lucky enough to work in a children's hospital. In her free time she enjoys spending time with her animals, reading and studying anything related to biology and science.
The fair queen competition is not a pageant. The queen is chosen by a board panel based on an interview process to determine which applicant will best represent the youth of the county. The contest is countywide. Besides having to be a Contra Costa County resident, the queen must be between the ages of 18 and 25 and not married.
Aside from holding the title as Queen of the Fair, the winner accepts the role as fair ambassador and is on hand for the fair to help with different aspects of the show.
"Her duties will include helping out with kid's contests, the livestock auction, opening ceremonies and interacting with customers during the fair. She will also make special appearances at community events as an overall spokesperson for the duration of her yearlong reign," said Fair representative Wendee Williamson.
In addition to the Queen's tiara, sash and cash award, Chivers will receive a gift donated by the Antioch Lion's Club. This year's fair theme is "It's a Blast" and takes place from May 28 to May 31.
Trinity offers complete event planning in Brentwood
By Roni Gehlke
Correspondent
Name of business: Trinity Media Inc.: A Trinity Event
Type of business: Full-service social and corporate event planning company
Owners: Tim Ewell; Kristin Frost is the local event coordinator and wedding designer
Founded: 2008
Address: 1277 Prominent Drive, Brentwood
Phone number: 925-513-2672
Hours: Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Event times vary depending on customers' needs
Number of employees: three
Products and services: Trinity Media Inc. offers everything necessary for planning and
implementing of any kind of special event. The company offers services that include day-of-event and wedding and quinceañera coordination, milestone events, corporate galas, press conferences, full-service event planning, partial event planning, corporate video production, audio and visual support and staging design.
How did you get into the business?: Kristin Frost graduated from Cal Poly State University in San Luis Obispo with a degree in recreation, parks and tourism administration with a focus on special event and tourism management.
"I chose this major because in my personal life I was always volunteering to run fundraisers, auctions and dinners and I enjoyed the planning process," she said. After receiving her degree she worked at hotels on the Central Coast getting involved with the banquet and event planning process. When she moved to the area in July with her husband and met Ewell, he offered her a job with Trinity Media Inc. to start helping with their planning on corporate events. In November the company decided to launch A Trinity Event to encompass both corporate and social event planning productions.
Best part about the business: "Making the client's visions come to life," Frost said. "It is such a joy when at the end of an event, some of which started over a year ago in planning, and the client looks at our staff and smiles and says thank you for making their event even better than what they were imagining."
Worst part about the business: "I am a creative person, so the everyday business aspects are not as much fun as the planning and event parts," she said.
Key to success: "Showing up and coming through," Frost said. "In today's society if you can keep your promises and come through on your word, show up on time and dress professionally, you can be successful."
She also said she treats each event as though it was her own or for her own friends and family. She also works to portray herself and the company in a good light.
Biggest misperception about the business: "Event planners are only for celebrities," Frost said. "Event planners are for everyone. We like to plan, we have experience at it and have relationships with many vendors."
She said that an event planner for any wedding or any event, could take the stress out of the event and let the client actually be a guest and enjoy the event.
Future plans: "We hope to expand into a store front and expand our staff so we can encompass even more service offerings," she said.
Correspondent
Name of business: Trinity Media Inc.: A Trinity Event
Type of business: Full-service social and corporate event planning company
Owners: Tim Ewell; Kristin Frost is the local event coordinator and wedding designer
Founded: 2008
Address: 1277 Prominent Drive, Brentwood
Phone number: 925-513-2672
Hours: Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Event times vary depending on customers' needs
Number of employees: three
Products and services: Trinity Media Inc. offers everything necessary for planning and
implementing of any kind of special event. The company offers services that include day-of-event and wedding and quinceañera coordination, milestone events, corporate galas, press conferences, full-service event planning, partial event planning, corporate video production, audio and visual support and staging design.
How did you get into the business?: Kristin Frost graduated from Cal Poly State University in San Luis Obispo with a degree in recreation, parks and tourism administration with a focus on special event and tourism management.
"I chose this major because in my personal life I was always volunteering to run fundraisers, auctions and dinners and I enjoyed the planning process," she said. After receiving her degree she worked at hotels on the Central Coast getting involved with the banquet and event planning process. When she moved to the area in July with her husband and met Ewell, he offered her a job with Trinity Media Inc. to start helping with their planning on corporate events. In November the company decided to launch A Trinity Event to encompass both corporate and social event planning productions.
Best part about the business: "Making the client's visions come to life," Frost said. "It is such a joy when at the end of an event, some of which started over a year ago in planning, and the client looks at our staff and smiles and says thank you for making their event even better than what they were imagining."
Worst part about the business: "I am a creative person, so the everyday business aspects are not as much fun as the planning and event parts," she said.
Key to success: "Showing up and coming through," Frost said. "In today's society if you can keep your promises and come through on your word, show up on time and dress professionally, you can be successful."
She also said she treats each event as though it was her own or for her own friends and family. She also works to portray herself and the company in a good light.
Biggest misperception about the business: "Event planners are only for celebrities," Frost said. "Event planners are for everyone. We like to plan, we have experience at it and have relationships with many vendors."
She said that an event planner for any wedding or any event, could take the stress out of the event and let the client actually be a guest and enjoy the event.
Future plans: "We hope to expand into a store front and expand our staff so we can encompass even more service offerings," she said.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)