Contra Costa Times
Name of Business: Stained Glass Instruction and Design
Type of business: Stained glass
Owners: Kathie Godfrey and Richard Masadas
Founded: November 2006
Address: 613 W. 9th St., Antioch
Phone number: 925-755-7443
Hours: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday; closed Monday through Friday
Number of employees: 2
Products and services: Large selection of stained glass supplies. Stained Glass Instruction also offers stained glass repair services, classes, workshops and gifts, and free pattern resizing. Kathie Godfrey has been certified to teach by national glass work instructor and television host Vicki Payne.
How did you get into the business: "My mother wanted to take a stained glass class and talked me into going with her. I taught Richard, and the rest is history," Kathie Godfrey said.
Godfrey opened her store with her friend, Richard Masadas, whom she instructed in stained glass. When opening her storefront, Godfrey decided to share a business space with her son, who opened a silk screening business called T-Shirts and More INK, or TSaM as many know it.
Best part about the business?: "Meeting new people who also enjoy creating stained glass," Godfrey said. "Teaching the art of stained glass and watching how excited the students are when they finish their first project and how skillful they become over time."
Worst part about the business? Godfrey said she hasn't found anything about the business she doesn't enjoy.
Key to success: "Enjoying what you do," she said.
Biggest misperception about the business: "People thinking that they could never make a stained glass project," Godfrey said. She explained that stained glass is an art people can be taught.
Future plans: "To offer more classes and workshops," she said. She has a beginner class that started Saturday and runs Saturdays through Jan. 22. The class is from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. for the eight weeks, with the exception of Christmas and New Year's Day, which both fall on Saturdays. Godfrey said she supplies all the glass and tools needed for the class.
-- Roni Gehlke
This blog is dedicated to articles that have run in the East Bay Times (East Contra Costa County, California), Brentwood News, Oakley News, Antioch News, Pittsburg News written by community columnist and correspondent, Roni Gehlke.
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Oakley resident sets sights on Miss California title
By Roni Gehlke
For the Contra Costa Times
OAKLEY -- In a few weeks, Oakley resident Victoria Leanna White will represent Contra Costa County in the 2011 Miss California USA Pageant. While there, she is hoping to draw attention to the World Vision organization.
White, 22, has been busy over the past several months working to promote the Christian humanitarian group that works with children, families and communities on issues of poverty and injustice.
During the pageant Nov. 20-21, White will take part in an interview and a question-and-answer session where she can speak about herself and the organization. The pageant, which will take place in Palm Springs, will be televised.
White has participated in pageants in the past but none as big as Miss California USA. This pageant is the middle step to the Miss USA title, the first being the Miss Contra Costa County.
Unlike some of pageants, Miss California USA doesn't host a talent show but bases its competition on a personal interview, swimsuit and evening gown competition, and a question-and-answer period. The judges base their scores on character, poise, confidence and personality.
White recently graduated from UC Berkeley. With her bachelor's degree in legal studies, she plans to attend law school at Columbia or New York University.
She also decided to participate in the pageant because she could win a scholarship that would be a big help with law school tuition.
White has always been interested in becoming a lawyer like her mother. She remembers when she was in the third grade and decided she wanted to follow in her mother's footsteps.
While attending elementary school in Berkeley, she was elected and served as conflict manager in third and fourth grade. She also attended the Math Olympics at Holy Names College while in elementary school, winning a silver medal.
As a student at Deer Valley High School, she competed on the varsity track team all four years and made it to the state meet every year. She also was a member of the gospel choir and acting club, and participated in several dance shows.
She was an honor roll student all four years of high school, and in her spare time she volunteered with children's youth track meets.
In her senior year, White was offered several track scholarships but decided to focus strictly on academic scholarships. She attended San Francisco State University before moving to UC Berkeley.
White plans to start law school in the coming year, and her dream is to obtain her Juris Doctor and practice International Human Rights Law.
"After receiving my law degree, I want to work within the United Nations and eventually start up a nonprofit that works with underprivileged children locally and around the world," White said.
White has already started working with the underprivileged by volunteering with the San Francisco chapter of the National Legal Guild, working on committees for international human rights. She also served on the Human Rights Committee and the 9/11 Committee, did work with the Innocence Project, and worked on the Grand Jury Indictment Project.
As part of the Miss California USA pageant, White has chosen to promote and donate part of the sponsorships she collected to the World Vision organization.
"It is a very dedicated organization that does good work," she said.
For the Contra Costa Times
OAKLEY -- In a few weeks, Oakley resident Victoria Leanna White will represent Contra Costa County in the 2011 Miss California USA Pageant. While there, she is hoping to draw attention to the World Vision organization.
White, 22, has been busy over the past several months working to promote the Christian humanitarian group that works with children, families and communities on issues of poverty and injustice.
During the pageant Nov. 20-21, White will take part in an interview and a question-and-answer session where she can speak about herself and the organization. The pageant, which will take place in Palm Springs, will be televised.
White has participated in pageants in the past but none as big as Miss California USA. This pageant is the middle step to the Miss USA title, the first being the Miss Contra Costa County.
Unlike some of pageants, Miss California USA doesn't host a talent show but bases its competition on a personal interview, swimsuit and evening gown competition, and a question-and-answer period. The judges base their scores on character, poise, confidence and personality.
White recently graduated from UC Berkeley. With her bachelor's degree in legal studies, she plans to attend law school at Columbia or New York University.
She also decided to participate in the pageant because she could win a scholarship that would be a big help with law school tuition.
White has always been interested in becoming a lawyer like her mother. She remembers when she was in the third grade and decided she wanted to follow in her mother's footsteps.
While attending elementary school in Berkeley, she was elected and served as conflict manager in third and fourth grade. She also attended the Math Olympics at Holy Names College while in elementary school, winning a silver medal.
As a student at Deer Valley High School, she competed on the varsity track team all four years and made it to the state meet every year. She also was a member of the gospel choir and acting club, and participated in several dance shows.
She was an honor roll student all four years of high school, and in her spare time she volunteered with children's youth track meets.
In her senior year, White was offered several track scholarships but decided to focus strictly on academic scholarships. She attended San Francisco State University before moving to UC Berkeley.
White plans to start law school in the coming year, and her dream is to obtain her Juris Doctor and practice International Human Rights Law.
"After receiving my law degree, I want to work within the United Nations and eventually start up a nonprofit that works with underprivileged children locally and around the world," White said.
White has already started working with the underprivileged by volunteering with the San Francisco chapter of the National Legal Guild, working on committees for international human rights. She also served on the Human Rights Committee and the 9/11 Committee, did work with the Innocence Project, and worked on the Grand Jury Indictment Project.
As part of the Miss California USA pageant, White has chosen to promote and donate part of the sponsorships she collected to the World Vision organization.
"It is a very dedicated organization that does good work," she said.
Daugherty's art is more than an illusion
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.
For Brentwood artist Augustus "Gus" Daugherty, it was a natural transition from art collector to artist. For more than 20 years the retired computer systems consultant attended art shows and collected pieces that he liked.
"One day I saw something and said, 'I can do that,'" Daugherty said, recalling the time 12 years ago when he decided to switch from art collector to artist.
In his spare time Daugherty took art classes and learned different techniques in painting. Since then he has worked on various styles until he found his current art form: optical illusion art.
"About six years ago I was in Florida and saw this optical illusion art that really intrigued me," he said.
"So when I came home I started my own."
Daugherty describes optical illusion art as a painting or drawing that appears to move when you walk by it. His first piece, a 6-by-3-foot painting, took nearly a year and a half to complete.
Over the past several years, Daugherty has completed a series he calls the "Optical Illusion Series."
Each of the five paintings features cabanas on white sandy beaches with various people in bathing suits enjoying the sun.
His artwork will be featured at Brentwood's Fridley Art Gallery and Museum this weekend, both Saturday and Sunday. The gallery will host a reception for the artist on both days from 4 to 7 p.m. Wine and food will be served at the reception.
This will be the first time that the whole series will be seen together in a gallery setting, Daugherty said. One of the pieces was shown at an art gallery in Stockton earlier this year, and Daugherty participated the Brentwood home art tour last year where some of the paintings were displayed.
Having some carpentry experience, Daugherty taught himself optical illusion art. He uses wood to create the illusion of the art moving.
"I'm intrigued by watching people walk by the art and stop to look again," he said.
Daugherty explained that people catch a movement that they don't expect as they walk by, but really what they are seeing is the three-dimensional aspect in the artwork.
He also said that at different times of the day the lighting around the art can play tricks on the painting, leaving shadows like you would see on a real beach.
Retiring 10 years ago after a long career in the computer programming industry, Daugherty spends most of his days working on his art. In the mid-1960s, when computers were still considered science fiction, Daugherty was working for NCR Corp. and had the opportunity to move from his home in the San Francisco Bay Area to Dayton, Ohio, where he was trained with a group of people from all over the world to learn computer programming.
The program featured was geared specifically for hotel reservations and became the pilot system for the Hyatt Regency Hotels.
"When I came back to San Francisco to help the Hyatt install the program, they made me an offer I couldn't refuse," he said.
Daugherty was happy to come back home and worked for several years for the Hyatt Corp. before moving on to work for Bank of America and retiring.
WHAT: Augustus Daugherty solo show
WHEN: 4 to 7 p.m. reception Nov. 13-14; gallery opens on Saturday at 11 a.m., on Sunday at 4 p.m.
WHERE: Fridley Art Gallery and Museum, 1185 Second St., Suite J, Brentwood
COST: Free wine and hors d'oeuvres reception
INFO: 925-783-2853
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.
For Brentwood artist Augustus "Gus" Daugherty, it was a natural transition from art collector to artist. For more than 20 years the retired computer systems consultant attended art shows and collected pieces that he liked.
"One day I saw something and said, 'I can do that,'" Daugherty said, recalling the time 12 years ago when he decided to switch from art collector to artist.
In his spare time Daugherty took art classes and learned different techniques in painting. Since then he has worked on various styles until he found his current art form: optical illusion art.
"About six years ago I was in Florida and saw this optical illusion art that really intrigued me," he said.
"So when I came home I started my own."
Daugherty describes optical illusion art as a painting or drawing that appears to move when you walk by it. His first piece, a 6-by-3-foot painting, took nearly a year and a half to complete.
Over the past several years, Daugherty has completed a series he calls the "Optical Illusion Series."
Each of the five paintings features cabanas on white sandy beaches with various people in bathing suits enjoying the sun.
His artwork will be featured at Brentwood's Fridley Art Gallery and Museum this weekend, both Saturday and Sunday. The gallery will host a reception for the artist on both days from 4 to 7 p.m. Wine and food will be served at the reception.
This will be the first time that the whole series will be seen together in a gallery setting, Daugherty said. One of the pieces was shown at an art gallery in Stockton earlier this year, and Daugherty participated the Brentwood home art tour last year where some of the paintings were displayed.
Having some carpentry experience, Daugherty taught himself optical illusion art. He uses wood to create the illusion of the art moving.
"I'm intrigued by watching people walk by the art and stop to look again," he said.
Daugherty explained that people catch a movement that they don't expect as they walk by, but really what they are seeing is the three-dimensional aspect in the artwork.
He also said that at different times of the day the lighting around the art can play tricks on the painting, leaving shadows like you would see on a real beach.
Retiring 10 years ago after a long career in the computer programming industry, Daugherty spends most of his days working on his art. In the mid-1960s, when computers were still considered science fiction, Daugherty was working for NCR Corp. and had the opportunity to move from his home in the San Francisco Bay Area to Dayton, Ohio, where he was trained with a group of people from all over the world to learn computer programming.
The program featured was geared specifically for hotel reservations and became the pilot system for the Hyatt Regency Hotels.
"When I came back to San Francisco to help the Hyatt install the program, they made me an offer I couldn't refuse," he said.
Daugherty was happy to come back home and worked for several years for the Hyatt Corp. before moving on to work for Bank of America and retiring.
WHAT: Augustus Daugherty solo show
WHEN: 4 to 7 p.m. reception Nov. 13-14; gallery opens on Saturday at 11 a.m., on Sunday at 4 p.m.
WHERE: Fridley Art Gallery and Museum, 1185 Second St., Suite J, Brentwood
COST: Free wine and hors d'oeuvres reception
INFO: 925-783-2853
Holiday home tours on tap in East County
By Roni Gehlke
For the Contra Costa Times
Luetta Spencer of Discovery Bay can get very festive during the holiday season, but this year she has an even better reason to go all out with her decorating. That's because she has agreed to open her home to the general public to get a look at how she celebrates the holidays.
Spencer is one of six Discovery Bay residents who will part of the Discovery Bay Holiday Home Tour.
Now in its 10th year, this tour is sponsored by the Discovery Bay Community Presbyterian Church and takes place on Dec. 5.
Other local oraginzations are also hosting holiday house tours, with the Liberty Union High School Educational Foundation hosting a tour Dec. 4 and Antioch Woman's Club on Dec. 12.
Last year, Spencer and her husband were away before the holiday, but she was quick to put up a few things when they came back. So this year she is going no-holds barred decorating nearly every room in her house for the tour.
"We were involved in the boat tour this year and the ladies of the holiday show asked me to do this and I said, 'I love the holidays,' so why not?" Spencer said.
Spencer has selected a theme for each of the rooms decorated in her house. Each room holds a tree with family mementos that she and her family collected over the years. She also has rooms where her grandchildren stay when they visit.
"The boys are into sports, so the room is filled with football, soccer and tennis items and a tree decorated in the theme," she said. "My granddaughter's room is filled with Geisha girls and a Japanese theme."
Spencer said she didn't purchase a lot of new items for the tour, but she did make up some new floral arrangements to display.
Discovery Bay Holiday Home Tour begins and ends at the church from 1 to 4 p.m. At the beginning of the tour, participants will be given a map of the homes in the tour and sent on their way to explore. The tour will be followed by musical entertainment, refreshments, door prizes and drawings.
Earliest arrival time at the church is 12:30 p.m. The church is at 1900 Willow Lake Road, Discovery Bay. Tickets are available in advance and at the door for $20. For tickets call Alice, 925-634-8470, Bev, 925-513-1939, or 925-634-0184. Proceeds from the event benefit the church's community projects.
Brentwood tour
Looking for a way to not only raise from for the Liberty Union High School District Educational Foundation, but also boost awareness of its programs, the group has decided to host its first Holiday Home Tour this year and offer a look at some very festively decorated Brentwood locations.
The Foundation was able to put together a tour with four homes and two businesses in the Brentwood area. The Dec. 4 tour starts at noon and goes on until 4 p.m. The event begins and ends at Hannah Nicole Vineyards, where attendees can pick up a Holiday Home Tour map.
"After the tour, attendees return to the winery for libations, refreshments, door prize drawings, live entertainment from our local high schools and a silent auction," said event coordinator and tour home participant Karen Rarey.
One of the homeowners on the tour, Kelli Nunn, will be showing her professionally decorated home by local home stagers Trish Dohren and Dana Mace of Staging Strategies.
Also involved in the tour is Exclusively Yours, a store dedicated to Christmas items this time of year.
All money raised will benefit the LUHSD Educational Foundation whose main mission is to enhance and enrich the educational programs within LUHSD. Rarey said that the foundation provides grants to teachers for new innovative programs and scholarships to students.
Tour-goers can purchase their tickets in advance or on the day of the event at Hannah Nicole Vineyards at 6700 Balfour Road. Tickets are $25 in advance (includes a glass of wine), $30 day of the event.
Tickets can be purchased in advance online at http://EducationWins.org/ or by mail at LUHSDEF, 20 Oak St., Brentwood, CA 94513.
Antioch's home tour
Antioch's Holiday Home Tour, which is sponsored by the Antioch Woman's Club, will be held Dec. 12. The Rivertown event will feature five homes and three businesses and include some of downtown's Victorian homes.
The tour will be from noon to 3:30 p.m. A reception will be held at the Veterans Memorial Hall on the corner of Sixth and E streets from 2:30 until 5 p.m. Tickets are available for $25 per person by calling Liese McCause at 925-777-1831 or Connie Komar at 925-522-8663 or at the following Antioch businesses: Teazz, 606 W. Second St., Boutique la Bellisima at 2220 A. St., Secured RV Storage at 6313 Bridgehead Road.
The event will also include a silent auction. Money raised will go toward local charities and scholarships for local high school students.
For the Contra Costa Times
Luetta Spencer of Discovery Bay can get very festive during the holiday season, but this year she has an even better reason to go all out with her decorating. That's because she has agreed to open her home to the general public to get a look at how she celebrates the holidays.
Spencer is one of six Discovery Bay residents who will part of the Discovery Bay Holiday Home Tour.
Now in its 10th year, this tour is sponsored by the Discovery Bay Community Presbyterian Church and takes place on Dec. 5.
Other local oraginzations are also hosting holiday house tours, with the Liberty Union High School Educational Foundation hosting a tour Dec. 4 and Antioch Woman's Club on Dec. 12.
Last year, Spencer and her husband were away before the holiday, but she was quick to put up a few things when they came back. So this year she is going no-holds barred decorating nearly every room in her house for the tour.
"We were involved in the boat tour this year and the ladies of the holiday show asked me to do this and I said, 'I love the holidays,' so why not?" Spencer said.
Spencer has selected a theme for each of the rooms decorated in her house. Each room holds a tree with family mementos that she and her family collected over the years. She also has rooms where her grandchildren stay when they visit.
"The boys are into sports, so the room is filled with football, soccer and tennis items and a tree decorated in the theme," she said. "My granddaughter's room is filled with Geisha girls and a Japanese theme."
Spencer said she didn't purchase a lot of new items for the tour, but she did make up some new floral arrangements to display.
Discovery Bay Holiday Home Tour begins and ends at the church from 1 to 4 p.m. At the beginning of the tour, participants will be given a map of the homes in the tour and sent on their way to explore. The tour will be followed by musical entertainment, refreshments, door prizes and drawings.
Earliest arrival time at the church is 12:30 p.m. The church is at 1900 Willow Lake Road, Discovery Bay. Tickets are available in advance and at the door for $20. For tickets call Alice, 925-634-8470, Bev, 925-513-1939, or 925-634-0184. Proceeds from the event benefit the church's community projects.
Brentwood tour
Looking for a way to not only raise from for the Liberty Union High School District Educational Foundation, but also boost awareness of its programs, the group has decided to host its first Holiday Home Tour this year and offer a look at some very festively decorated Brentwood locations.
The Foundation was able to put together a tour with four homes and two businesses in the Brentwood area. The Dec. 4 tour starts at noon and goes on until 4 p.m. The event begins and ends at Hannah Nicole Vineyards, where attendees can pick up a Holiday Home Tour map.
"After the tour, attendees return to the winery for libations, refreshments, door prize drawings, live entertainment from our local high schools and a silent auction," said event coordinator and tour home participant Karen Rarey.
One of the homeowners on the tour, Kelli Nunn, will be showing her professionally decorated home by local home stagers Trish Dohren and Dana Mace of Staging Strategies.
Also involved in the tour is Exclusively Yours, a store dedicated to Christmas items this time of year.
All money raised will benefit the LUHSD Educational Foundation whose main mission is to enhance and enrich the educational programs within LUHSD. Rarey said that the foundation provides grants to teachers for new innovative programs and scholarships to students.
Tour-goers can purchase their tickets in advance or on the day of the event at Hannah Nicole Vineyards at 6700 Balfour Road. Tickets are $25 in advance (includes a glass of wine), $30 day of the event.
Tickets can be purchased in advance online at http://EducationWins.org/ or by mail at LUHSDEF, 20 Oak St., Brentwood, CA 94513.
Antioch's home tour
Antioch's Holiday Home Tour, which is sponsored by the Antioch Woman's Club, will be held Dec. 12. The Rivertown event will feature five homes and three businesses and include some of downtown's Victorian homes.
The tour will be from noon to 3:30 p.m. A reception will be held at the Veterans Memorial Hall on the corner of Sixth and E streets from 2:30 until 5 p.m. Tickets are available for $25 per person by calling Liese McCause at 925-777-1831 or Connie Komar at 925-522-8663 or at the following Antioch businesses: Teazz, 606 W. Second St., Boutique la Bellisima at 2220 A. St., Secured RV Storage at 6313 Bridgehead Road.
The event will also include a silent auction. Money raised will go toward local charities and scholarships for local high school students.
Sheriff's deputy writes inspirational novel
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.
More than 22 years of experience as a San Francisco sheriff's deputy went into the development of the main character in the novel "Mutual Combat/Mutual Respect." Written by Antioch resident Clarence Lewis III, this fictional story explores the life of a young troubled boy and the life-changing circumstances that bring him positive changes as an adult.
In 1993 Lewis began writing down his experiences in hopes to one day publish a novel that could help people understand the life of teenagers growing up in low-income urban neighborhoods. After 10 years of making notes, a friend convinced Lewis it was time to get to work on writing his novel.
"The book is about growing up in a 10-block world neighborhood in the 1970s," Lewis said.
The main character isn't really one individual, Lewis said but rather a type of person much like the street kids whom Lewis saw every day in his line of work.
When Lewis completed the book in 2009, he had created a work of fiction that featured Emmanuel Charles Harris, a young man born in San Francisco to immature parents, who grows up a product of his surroundings. In his story, Emmanuel crashes with another kid, "Little Mack," in a fight for life with both opponents determined to win. Neither can afford to lose, but over time they realize they need each other.
In the end, Emmanuel has to decide if he wants to end this fight so that the next generation in his neighborhood doesn't have to fight the same war he has been fighting.
Lewis said that he worked hard to "develop the right kind of street creed and authenticity" into the book. Along with the book, he has created a discussion guide that has already been used in prisons and juvenile detention centers.
Lewis spent several months at the San Francisco County Jail working with the inmates involved with Project Rebound.
"We read the entire book and went through the attached discussion book," he said. "The inmates read the book to each other."
Lewis' book has also been used in an administration of justice class at San Francisco City College in a similar manner with the students. He has also sold the book to several prisons and individuals in other areas around the world.
Lewis would like to see "Mutual Combat/Mutual Respect" made available in more high schools and colleges throughout the country.
"Someone who knows a young person who needs to be encouraged through bad times would be interested in purchasing this book," Lewis said. "This book shows how someone's life can go from bad to good."
When his is not working as a sheriff's deputy, Lewis is a pastor for the Bayview Hunter's Point Church in San Francisco. He also spends time with his own children here in Antioch.
The book is available for $18.95 at www.dunieboy.com or $15 if purchased before Christmas. The discount is his way of giving back to those who are supporting him, he said.
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.
More than 22 years of experience as a San Francisco sheriff's deputy went into the development of the main character in the novel "Mutual Combat/Mutual Respect." Written by Antioch resident Clarence Lewis III, this fictional story explores the life of a young troubled boy and the life-changing circumstances that bring him positive changes as an adult.
In 1993 Lewis began writing down his experiences in hopes to one day publish a novel that could help people understand the life of teenagers growing up in low-income urban neighborhoods. After 10 years of making notes, a friend convinced Lewis it was time to get to work on writing his novel.
"The book is about growing up in a 10-block world neighborhood in the 1970s," Lewis said.
The main character isn't really one individual, Lewis said but rather a type of person much like the street kids whom Lewis saw every day in his line of work.
When Lewis completed the book in 2009, he had created a work of fiction that featured Emmanuel Charles Harris, a young man born in San Francisco to immature parents, who grows up a product of his surroundings. In his story, Emmanuel crashes with another kid, "Little Mack," in a fight for life with both opponents determined to win. Neither can afford to lose, but over time they realize they need each other.
In the end, Emmanuel has to decide if he wants to end this fight so that the next generation in his neighborhood doesn't have to fight the same war he has been fighting.
Lewis said that he worked hard to "develop the right kind of street creed and authenticity" into the book. Along with the book, he has created a discussion guide that has already been used in prisons and juvenile detention centers.
Lewis spent several months at the San Francisco County Jail working with the inmates involved with Project Rebound.
"We read the entire book and went through the attached discussion book," he said. "The inmates read the book to each other."
Lewis' book has also been used in an administration of justice class at San Francisco City College in a similar manner with the students. He has also sold the book to several prisons and individuals in other areas around the world.
Lewis would like to see "Mutual Combat/Mutual Respect" made available in more high schools and colleges throughout the country.
"Someone who knows a young person who needs to be encouraged through bad times would be interested in purchasing this book," Lewis said. "This book shows how someone's life can go from bad to good."
When his is not working as a sheriff's deputy, Lewis is a pastor for the Bayview Hunter's Point Church in San Francisco. He also spends time with his own children here in Antioch.
The book is available for $18.95 at www.dunieboy.com or $15 if purchased before Christmas. The discount is his way of giving back to those who are supporting him, he said.
Business Spotlight: New Brentwood scrapbook store offers variety of classes, craft styles
By Roni Gehlke
For the Contra Costa Times
Name of business: Art Inspired Studios
Type of business: Scrapbook store
Owners: Patti Snyder and Diana Daijogo
Founded: June 2010
Address: 3860 Balfour Road, Suite F, Brentwood
Phone number: 925-684-7056
Hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday
Number of employees: two
Products and services: Scrapbook and altered art supplies. Scrapbook, card making and paper arts classes. Classes offered for beginners to advanced, in shabby chic, vintage or simple styles. They also offer a kid camps and private parties.
How did you get into the business: "Being scrapbookers and card makers, this was the next step for us. We started out as an online kit club," Snyder said.
For three years Snyder and Daijogo's club was called Scrap for a Cure.
"After many of our favorite stores closed, we found that there was a demand for a store that mixed scrapbooking, card making and altered art together. We became Art Inspired Studios," she said.
Best part about the business?: "We love meeting people. Photos are a cherished part of every family and often times they are stuck in boxes or stashed away on a computer hard drive," Snyder said. "We help people get their photos organized and put in albums."
She said she also likes teaching beginning scrapbooking classes as well as classes helping people use their supplies in other ways. She said that Art Inspired Studios offers mixed-media classes such as working with canvas and paints, card classes and more.
Worst part about the business?: "I can't say there is a worst part. The challenge with any business is to carry or offer everything," Snyder said. "Sometime we don't have that specific piece of paper or a certain sticker our customers are looking for. But there are always ways to work through those challenges."
Key to success: "Customer service is the key to any business," she said.
Biggest misperception about the business: "Scrapbooking is too hard or takes up too much time," Snyder said.
She explained that scrapbooking is only as hard as people make it. "We are here to help guide you in the right direction," she said.
Future plans: Snyder and Daijogo are very excited to be here in Brentwood and plan on being her a long time.
-- Roni Gehlke
For the Contra Costa Times
Name of business: Art Inspired Studios
Type of business: Scrapbook store
Owners: Patti Snyder and Diana Daijogo
Founded: June 2010
Address: 3860 Balfour Road, Suite F, Brentwood
Phone number: 925-684-7056
Hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday
Number of employees: two
Products and services: Scrapbook and altered art supplies. Scrapbook, card making and paper arts classes. Classes offered for beginners to advanced, in shabby chic, vintage or simple styles. They also offer a kid camps and private parties.
How did you get into the business: "Being scrapbookers and card makers, this was the next step for us. We started out as an online kit club," Snyder said.
For three years Snyder and Daijogo's club was called Scrap for a Cure.
"After many of our favorite stores closed, we found that there was a demand for a store that mixed scrapbooking, card making and altered art together. We became Art Inspired Studios," she said.
Best part about the business?: "We love meeting people. Photos are a cherished part of every family and often times they are stuck in boxes or stashed away on a computer hard drive," Snyder said. "We help people get their photos organized and put in albums."
She said she also likes teaching beginning scrapbooking classes as well as classes helping people use their supplies in other ways. She said that Art Inspired Studios offers mixed-media classes such as working with canvas and paints, card classes and more.
Worst part about the business?: "I can't say there is a worst part. The challenge with any business is to carry or offer everything," Snyder said. "Sometime we don't have that specific piece of paper or a certain sticker our customers are looking for. But there are always ways to work through those challenges."
Key to success: "Customer service is the key to any business," she said.
Biggest misperception about the business: "Scrapbooking is too hard or takes up too much time," Snyder said.
She explained that scrapbooking is only as hard as people make it. "We are here to help guide you in the right direction," she said.
Future plans: Snyder and Daijogo are very excited to be here in Brentwood and plan on being her a long time.
-- Roni Gehlke
Orthopedic surgeon helps prevent injuries on the field
By Roni Gehlke
For the Contra Costa Times
By Roni Gehlke
ANTIOCH -- Football is the top scorer when it comes to racking up sport-related injuries, according to the study by the American Journal of Sports Medicine. That is one of the reasons why Antioch orthopedic surgeon Benjamin Busfield takes to the field on Friday afternoons and evenings during football season to lend a hand.
"Football is a high-contact sport more than any other, and kids get hurt," Busfield explains.
During the football season Busfield attends both Antioch and Deer Valley high school's football games. He works on the sidelines attending to players who might be injured during the games.
Busfield said he always had a passion for sports and participated in a sports fellowship in Los Angeles. During that time, he worked with professional athletes who played for the Dodgers, Lakers and the Los Angeles Kings.
"I know what these injuries look like, so if I can help a young athlete on the field to prevent further injury, then I am putting my training to good use," Busfield said.
Busfield specializes in sports medicine in his medical practice at Sutter East Bay Medical Foundation in Antioch. He believes that "taking his profession to the players before they have to become patients" is the best way to give back to his community."I know because of economic cutbacks, many high school sports can no longer afford to have a paid medical trainer sitting on the sidelines," Busfield said.
"Football is a full-contact sport and can be dangerous, especially when it comes to concussions."
"So I want to help these young athletes in any way I can, and volunteering to be on the sidelines allows me a front row view to assess injuries that may occur, and provide the coaching staff and parents a professional medical opinion about the injury in real time."
Busfield hopes that having a local professional in the front line who knows the complexity of football injuries will bring peace of mind to coaches and parents.
Busfield said that while football does have a reputation for injuries, cheerleaders actually have the most injuries on the field. Since he has been volunteering this season, though, there haven't been a lot of injuries at either Antioch or Deer Valley high schools.
While his practice is in East County, Busfield lives in Lafayette with his family. He was raised in Benicia, and although he spent some time in Southern California, he said he enjoys living and working in this area.
For the Contra Costa Times
By Roni Gehlke
ANTIOCH -- Football is the top scorer when it comes to racking up sport-related injuries, according to the study by the American Journal of Sports Medicine. That is one of the reasons why Antioch orthopedic surgeon Benjamin Busfield takes to the field on Friday afternoons and evenings during football season to lend a hand.
"Football is a high-contact sport more than any other, and kids get hurt," Busfield explains.
During the football season Busfield attends both Antioch and Deer Valley high school's football games. He works on the sidelines attending to players who might be injured during the games.
Busfield said he always had a passion for sports and participated in a sports fellowship in Los Angeles. During that time, he worked with professional athletes who played for the Dodgers, Lakers and the Los Angeles Kings.
"I know what these injuries look like, so if I can help a young athlete on the field to prevent further injury, then I am putting my training to good use," Busfield said.
Busfield specializes in sports medicine in his medical practice at Sutter East Bay Medical Foundation in Antioch. He believes that "taking his profession to the players before they have to become patients" is the best way to give back to his community."I know because of economic cutbacks, many high school sports can no longer afford to have a paid medical trainer sitting on the sidelines," Busfield said.
"Football is a full-contact sport and can be dangerous, especially when it comes to concussions."
"So I want to help these young athletes in any way I can, and volunteering to be on the sidelines allows me a front row view to assess injuries that may occur, and provide the coaching staff and parents a professional medical opinion about the injury in real time."
Busfield hopes that having a local professional in the front line who knows the complexity of football injuries will bring peace of mind to coaches and parents.
Busfield said that while football does have a reputation for injuries, cheerleaders actually have the most injuries on the field. Since he has been volunteering this season, though, there haven't been a lot of injuries at either Antioch or Deer Valley high schools.
While his practice is in East County, Busfield lives in Lafayette with his family. He was raised in Benicia, and although he spent some time in Southern California, he said he enjoys living and working in this area.
Around Oakley: Outside artists paint their own view of downtown Oakley
By Roni Gehlke
For the Contra Costa Times
Sometimes it is interesting to take a look at your town from another's perspective. Last week while driving down Main Street in downtown Oakley, passing cars had a chance to see a group of artists lined up with painting easels and brushes honing their craft. Their goal was to paint a view of Oakley's downtown curve.
"This is really a great view for an artist," said Francis Palermo, the instructor for the Open Plein Air class sponsored by Pittsburg Adult Education.
The general concept for the class is that members travel throughout East County each week finding the best views of each area and painting the general landscape.
Curiosity got the better of me on my way back from the post office, and I decided to stop and see how they viewed my hometown. The group consisted of eight artists, all at different levels of expertise.
Palmero, who was substituting for the class for a friend last week, is best known for mural art projects throughout Pittsburg, including the mural at Heritage Plaza. Palmero commented that one of the most interesting aspects of downtown Oakley is at the curve that begins on Second Street heading toward O'Hara Avenue.
"It is interesting to see the lines of the telephone poles heading down the street," Palmero said. "You don't see that very often anymore."
Several of the artists centered their paintings of watercolor, oils or pastels on the building the old-timers in Oakley call the Old Hotel. In 1910 the Dal Porto family, which consisted of patriarch Salvadore, his wife, Maria, and their five children, Anthony, Frank, Ben and twin daughters, Lena and Edith, opened the Oakley Hotel.
The original hotel, was destroyed in a fire in 1924, but a new building was quickly erected in its place and reopened in 1926. That building still stands on the corner of Second and Main streets. The building has since been refurbished with stucco walls and two-toned paint. New businesses have opened inside, and while the second floor remains vacant, a few years back the owner was interested in filling the building with suites to house small office firms.
The double-door entrance to the building still stands where in the early 1900s businessmen would stop to register for a room for the night. The old wooden doors have been replaced with glass and metal.
The front building now operates a small ethnic grocery store, but it didn't seem like any of the artists were getting too technical about the current actual inhabitants of the building.
As a matter of fact, if one were to see through the eyes of the painters, the buildings could be in any small town and drawn from any era. As Palmero pointed out, the above-ground telephone poles do tend to date the view.
Salvadore Dal Porto and his family were responsible for a good amount of business growth in downtown Oakley for his time. He not only built the hotel, but his son, Bernard, built the locally famous "Ben's Place" on the first floor of the hotel. It was known as a soft drink parlor and pool hall.
The Dal Portos also built the original post office building that is still located on Main Street across from the Old Hotel, the Oakley Garage and the Oakley Theater.
It would be interesting to know what Salvadore might think of Oakley today. He certainly didn't view those telephone poles when he first opened his hotel. Perhaps someday future Oakley residents will see one of these paintings of downtown Oakley and say, "Hey, wow, look at those telephone poles down Main Street. You don't see anything like that these days."
Roni Gehlke is an Oakley resident. Reach her at ourbackyard@comcast.net.
For the Contra Costa Times
Sometimes it is interesting to take a look at your town from another's perspective. Last week while driving down Main Street in downtown Oakley, passing cars had a chance to see a group of artists lined up with painting easels and brushes honing their craft. Their goal was to paint a view of Oakley's downtown curve.
"This is really a great view for an artist," said Francis Palermo, the instructor for the Open Plein Air class sponsored by Pittsburg Adult Education.
The general concept for the class is that members travel throughout East County each week finding the best views of each area and painting the general landscape.
Curiosity got the better of me on my way back from the post office, and I decided to stop and see how they viewed my hometown. The group consisted of eight artists, all at different levels of expertise.
Palmero, who was substituting for the class for a friend last week, is best known for mural art projects throughout Pittsburg, including the mural at Heritage Plaza. Palmero commented that one of the most interesting aspects of downtown Oakley is at the curve that begins on Second Street heading toward O'Hara Avenue.
"It is interesting to see the lines of the telephone poles heading down the street," Palmero said. "You don't see that very often anymore."
Several of the artists centered their paintings of watercolor, oils or pastels on the building the old-timers in Oakley call the Old Hotel. In 1910 the Dal Porto family, which consisted of patriarch Salvadore, his wife, Maria, and their five children, Anthony, Frank, Ben and twin daughters, Lena and Edith, opened the Oakley Hotel.
The original hotel, was destroyed in a fire in 1924, but a new building was quickly erected in its place and reopened in 1926. That building still stands on the corner of Second and Main streets. The building has since been refurbished with stucco walls and two-toned paint. New businesses have opened inside, and while the second floor remains vacant, a few years back the owner was interested in filling the building with suites to house small office firms.
The double-door entrance to the building still stands where in the early 1900s businessmen would stop to register for a room for the night. The old wooden doors have been replaced with glass and metal.
The front building now operates a small ethnic grocery store, but it didn't seem like any of the artists were getting too technical about the current actual inhabitants of the building.
As a matter of fact, if one were to see through the eyes of the painters, the buildings could be in any small town and drawn from any era. As Palmero pointed out, the above-ground telephone poles do tend to date the view.
Salvadore Dal Porto and his family were responsible for a good amount of business growth in downtown Oakley for his time. He not only built the hotel, but his son, Bernard, built the locally famous "Ben's Place" on the first floor of the hotel. It was known as a soft drink parlor and pool hall.
The Dal Portos also built the original post office building that is still located on Main Street across from the Old Hotel, the Oakley Garage and the Oakley Theater.
It would be interesting to know what Salvadore might think of Oakley today. He certainly didn't view those telephone poles when he first opened his hotel. Perhaps someday future Oakley residents will see one of these paintings of downtown Oakley and say, "Hey, wow, look at those telephone poles down Main Street. You don't see anything like that these days."
Roni Gehlke is an Oakley resident. Reach her at ourbackyard@comcast.net.
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Longtime Oakley volunteer Lenny Byer honored at dinner
 |
| Lenny Byer and Board Member Doug Hardcastle |
For the Contra Costa Times
Last Sunday Red Man-Pocahontas Hall was packed to the gills with Oakley's old guard attending a dinner in honor of Lenny Byer. The event was in celebration of 40 years of volunteer service to the Oakley community as a member of the sanitary district board of directors.
Those in attendance included former members of the Ironhouse Sanitary District board, neighbors, family and friends.
"Lenny is a very talented person and that talent built the sanitary district," said former sanitary district board member Dave Michelson. "He got me involved with the fire department. He changed my life in 1974."
Byer became a director of the Oakley Sanitary District in 1970 -- he was unseated this fall by challenger David Huerta -- but his list of accomplishments as a volunteer to this community starts earlier than that. Byer and his wife of more than 50 years, Joanne, have been a driving force in building Oakley into the community it is today.
In 1957 he became an Oakley volunteer firefighter and served in until he retired in 1997. I first met Byer at a fire in 1989, where he and Oakley's volunteer firefighters were helping the Brentwood Fire Department extinguish a fire in the hills outside Brentwood.
While the fire was moving up the hill, being helped along by the windy day, Byer was a calming force helping to direct those around him and put the fire out as quickly as possible.
Over the years, Byer has been a member of the Brentwood Rotary Club, Brentwood Mosaic Lodge, the Oakley-Knightsen Fire Commission and the Oakley Municipal Advisory Council. He was the owner of Byer Auto Body in Brentwood and as such became an advocate for all the businesses in Brentwood and Oakley.
"Lenny's service to the community started before he was involved in Oakley," reminded Doug Hardcastle of the Ironhouse board of directors. "He was a member of the military before he started volunteering in Oakley."
Several dinner guests stood in front of the audience and Byer remembering years gone by, thanking Byer for the good times and his calming influence, as well as his mentorship over the years.
When it was time for Byer to speak, his words were heartfelt as he remembered former sanitary district general manager Dave Bauer and his wife Sinde. Dave Bauer passed away earlier this year. Byer remembered Bauer for his leadership, saying "he will be missed."
He also thanked the 32-member staff of the district. "I'd put them up against any other sanitary workers in Contra Costa County," he said.
I think Painter said it best when he asked: "Where else have you heard of someone volunteering and having the fortitude and personality to put in 40 years for their community the way Lenny has?"
Byer's wife, Joanne who has been on the Board of Directors for the Liberty Union School District for many years said, "I am very proud of Lenny and his time on this board. Without the sanitary district Oakley wouldn't be what it is today," she said. "Oakley has paved roads and so much more, because of the sanitary district."
The sanitary district has certainly come a long way since Byer started when all there was a redwood septic tank on the river. Today, of course, there's a new state-of-the-art plant, which is expected to be completed next year.
Roni Gehlke is an Oakley resident. Reach her at ourbackyard@comcast.net.
Sunday, October 24, 2010
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.
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