Hercules Business Of The Year: Little Munchkins Academy

Transcript

Hercules Hercules Chamber of Commerce Quarterly Newsletter 235 LINUS PAULING DRIVE, SUITE B • HERCULES, CA 94547 • T (510) 741-7945 • F (510) 741-8965 • WWW.HERCULESCHAMBER.COM Director’s Dialogue Sylvia Villa-Serrano 2010 is in full swing, and at the Hercules Chamber of Commerce we’re enjoying the fresh start it brings. We have settled into our new office at 235 #B Linus Pauling Drive in Hercules North Shore Business Park. Our staffing at the Chamber of Commerce office is also going through a transition. Shirley Gotelli who served many years as our Executive Director has retired from the Chamber. The Chamber of Commerce and directors would like to thank Shirley for her many years of service, dedication and value that she brought to the Chamber. The Chamber of Commerce would like to welcome Deanna Million as its new Executive Director. Deanna and I will be working in partnership to reach our 2010 goals. One of our top objectives for 2010 is to determine how to better serve our business community. Even though we have our own ideas, the Chamber of Commerce would like your input. If you are an owner, employee, or local resident, we would like to hear from you. Please feel free to contact the Chamber, myself or any of our Board Members listed on page 2. On January 1st, we launched our new web site with advanced search features giving better exposure to our members, while making it easier for the general public to find the businesses and services they are interested in. It is our goal to make the Hercules Chamber of Commerce the “First Choice Resource” for our residents. Thank you for supporting the Hercules Chamber of Commerce. We look forward to your feedback. n Q1: February 2010 Business of the Year: Little Munchkins Academy “Sing, play, learn and grow!” In 1991, Sarah Kazmi obtained her license to run a child care out of her home in Hercules and created this as her business logo. A single mother of three herself (her girls are now in high school and her eldest attends UC Berkeley), Ms. Kazmi has materialized her passion for nurturing and teaching young children into a quality preschool and haven for learning. In 2008, she was awarded national accreditation by the NAFCC as Little Munchkins Academy exceeded national standards in the following key areas of quality: relationships, environment, activities, developmental learning goals, safety and health, and professional business practices. The longest licensed facility in Hercules, Little Munchkins guarantees children engage in activities designed to promote their individual development. Meanwhile, parents enjoy open communication through an open-door policy, daily discussion with staff , and a careful system of notes sent home regarding children’s needs and accomplishments. Visiting the immaculate facility is a delight: the children happily interact in a spacious, colorful play room, in which all toys and learning materials are arranged neatly by category. A variety of multicultural, non stereotyping materials and activities are offered to celebrate sociocultural diversity and to foster each child’s self concept and self-esteem. “We use our training and experience to carefully plan activities that enable children at different ages and developmental levels to participate with equal success,” says Ms. Kazmi. The children excel by being in a noncrowded, comfortable environment with a low adult/child ratio. Ms. Kazmi says, “Studies have shown that children mimic each other to learn new words, self-help skills and appropriate social behavior.” Academic learning isn’t the only focus, also taught are basic manners, good citizenship, and respect for self and others. Further, Little Munchkins recognizes that language development is the key to success in all other subjects. The children are provided with a “print-rich environment” and thus develop a love of books early. The enviable vocabulary of the littlest munchkins is the result of consistent verbal communication between the staff and the children. Parent testimonials attest to the eagerness their children show for learning, as well as the skills they acquire in how to be inquisitive students. Throughout the day, Ms. Kazmi and her staff actively discuss the children’s progress and ways to strengthen their teaching methods. Ms. Kazmi minimizes staff turnover by maintaining staff who have a genu(See Munchkins on Page 10) 1 E-mails: Before You Click the “Send” Button by Jojo Soriano, Realtor DIRECTORS Victor Kerenyi Hercules Wellness Center Deborah Morris Coldwell Banker Bartels Realtors Robert Polacchi Gigi Reloj The Powder Keg Pub Michael Sailor Conoco Phillips Have you ever received an e-mail from a friend asking you for emergency funds, or e-mails asking you to forward it to your friends to help out a heart-wrenching cause? Chances are, these e-mails are mere hoaxes. Once in awhile, I receive suspicious e-mails, some with attachments most likely containing a virus. So before I open or forward it to my sphere, I habitually check the legitimacy of these suspicious e-mails. Here’s how: simply google it and add the word “Hoax” at the end of the word or phrase that describes the e-mail, and instantly web pages pop up with warnings not to open it, to discard it and let you know that the e-mail is indeed just another hoax. So do yourself a favor, check before you open or forward that e-mail, AND don’t forget to back-up all your files regularly! n Featured Chamber Ambassadors AMBASSADORS Michelle Harrington “Chief Ambassador” City of Hercules Sylvia Villa-Serrano Elegant Memories Cheri Soriano-Escalante D’Lorenza Florals & Events b jAXON A Muse Muzick Victor Kerenyi Hercules Wellness Center Viktor Manrique Realty World Regency Deborah Morris Coldwell Banker Bartels Realtors Christopher Myers Todd Risby Lori Risby & Associates, CPA STAFF Sylvia Villa-Serrano Marketing Director Deanna Million Executive Director Jojo Soriano Creative Director 2 Deborah Morris has been a Hercules Chamber Ambassador since 2008 and was installed as a Chamber Director in March 2009. She is a certified Realtor and proud business owner of Deborah Morris Homes. Her husband of 26 years, Darren Morris is the VP of International Sales for a Los Angeles based marketing and consulting company. She also has one daughter and a 13-month old granddaughter, who is the love of her life. Prior to becoming a Realtor, she was the Program Director for a non-profit that sponsored the CryBabies Program in seven school districts. The three things she says she is most passionate about are real estate, interior design and world traveling. “At the end of every journey, I have always returned to the Bay Area convinced that this is the best place in the world to live.” Her and her husband love the area so much, that they purchased their third home in Hercules, just one year ago. Deborah has found the Chamber to be an excellent way for her to give back to the Hercules community and promote her business. “It also enables me to stay informed on the progress of the ongoing development in Hercules.” Over the next year, she looks forward to seeing more get involved and realize the wonderful benefits of the Hercules Chamber. n Michelle Harrington began working with the Hercules Chamber of Commerce in 2008 and currently serves as the Hercules Chamber of Commerce Chief Ambassador. Her role as a City employee gives her a unique perspective when it comes to working with the Chamber. Before moving to her current position of Community Relations Officer in 2008, she worked in the City’s Finance Department for four years. Michelle enjoys meeting local business owners and learning about their issues and concerns. “Talking with local leaders is so important in my job and really challenges me to do my best.” She also loves collaborating with other Ambassadors. “They are creative, committed, and really care about our community.” Thru her connections with the Chamber and local leaders, she has helped implement the Annual Photo Contest and One Warm Coat Drive. When she is not busy at work, Michelle enjoys spending time with her family and reading classic literature. Michelle has one dog and one cat and lives in Rodeo with her husband of four years. She can’t wait to see more businesses (and restaurants) come to Hercules and join the Chamber as they learn about the many benefits of our community. n HERCULES CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Jazz Appreciation Month Coming to Hercules This coming April, the City of Hercules and Hercules Rotary Club will be co-hosting JAM in Tha’ Park, an annual event to celebrate Jazz Appreciation Month. JAM in Tha’ Park will feature jazz music of all types, every Saturday in April from 4:00PM to dusk at Refugio Valley Park under the Gazebo. The entire community is invited to this unique event. Whether you are a jazz aficionado or just looking for a relaxing evening in the park, this event is for you. Enjoy the sounds of elegant jazz disc jockey programming while you picnic, barbecue, play games or simply kick back. Bring the family, friends, or that special someone and we will provide the sound track for your enjoyment. “JAM in Tha’ Park is going to become a main stay for Hercules and West County,” says Michelle Harrington, Community Relations Officer for the City of Hercules. “We will continue to grow the event every year and hope to keep building on every year’s success.” Music programming will be provided by A Muze Music which specializes in bringing upscale event music to businesses and individuals. “I am dedicated to exposing new generations to the jazz experience, its history and the influences the genre has on today’s popular music and the JAM in Tha’ Park event is one opportunity for me to do just that,” adds b jAXON, Director and Executive Master Programmer of A Muze Music. Each Saturday in April (the 3rd, 10th, 17th and 24th), weather permitting, come join us at the park for great Jazz!. For more information, please visit www. ci.hercules.ca.us or call 510-799-8200. If you are a business owner and interested in learning how you can be a part of JAM in Tha’ Park, please visit: www.muzikproductions.com. n Hercules Welcomes New Businesses: Grand Openings Dynamic City Skate Shop Grand Opening: Mayor Kris Valstad and council memberJoanne Ward, Hercules Chamber Representatives Todd Risby & Bob Polacchi with owners Nathaniel, Danielle & Dominic Serrano. Lori A. Risby CPA and Associates Grand Opening: Council Members Don Kuehne, Mayor Kris Valstad, Joe Eddy McDonald, Hercules Chamber Representatives Todd Risby & Michael Sailor with owner Lori Risby. 17th Annual Awards Dinner March 27th • 6 p.m. Hercules Senior Center • 111 Civic Dr. • $35 Tickets (510) 741-7945 or e-mail sylvia@HerculesChamber .com CITIZEN of the YEAR Carolyn Willing SPECIAL RECOGNITION Myrna De Vera BUSINESS of the YEAR Little Munchkins Academy YOUTHS of the YEAR Carla Bernal Tracy Chan EDUCATOR of the YEAR Janet Headington Q1: February 2010 Tiera Yoga Grand Opening: Council Member Don Kuehne, Hercules Chamber Representatives Sylvia Villa-Serrano, Viktor Manrique and Bob Polacchi with owner Ilia Jimenez. Welcome New Members A Muse Muzick AAA Travel Agency Aloha Health & Fitness Bella Vista @ Hilltop Dynamic City Skate Shop Fil-Ams of Hercules 44 Sports Lounge Lori A. Risby CPA & Associates Massage by Michelle Maximum Security Alarm Shaw’s Texas Style BBQ Tierra Yoga 3 New Sudio your life your strength your mind our potential lentine San Vacial Spe ou r Enjoy y lass st C Fir Free st your 4 commitment to health, New Studio offering daily classes Yoga - Pilates - Tai Chi www.tierrayoga.com 510-799-6991 Creekside Center 1581 Sycamore Ave Hercules CA 94547 HERCULES CHAMBER OF COMMERCE • Personable, professional and passionate about Real Estate • Committed to getting the HIGHEST price for your home • Proven Short Sale Negotiator • New Hercules office • Director, Hercules Chamber of Commerce Q1: February 2010 5 6 HERCULES CHAMBER OF COMMERCE SIGN A RAMA visit us @ www.SIGNARAMA-PINOLE.com WINDOW LETTERING BANNERS DIGITAL GRAPHICS VEHICLE WRAP BOX SIGNS MENU BOARD CHANNEL LETTERS TRADE SHOW DISPLAY MONUMENT SIGNS MAGNETIC SIGNS REAL ESTATE SIGNS INDIVIDUAL LETTERS CUSTOM LOGOS & DESIGNS ADA SIGNS YOUR FULL SERVICE SIGN CENTER 510.758.7001 / 510.517.7150 CROCKETTS PREMIER AUTO BODY Providing ”Quality Service and Attention to Detail” since 1979 A Bay Area Green Business 900 San Pablo Avenue, Pinole, CA. 94564 510.741.9001 www.crockettspremierautobody.com Q1: February 2010 7 Hercules Chamber’s New Marketing Campaign As part of the Hercules Chamber of Commerce’s enhanced marketing effort, it will introduce a new marketing campaign: “Hercules Chamber of Commerce- A First Choice Resource: www.herculeschamber.com.” You will start to see this theme in nearterm advertising. The Chamber is upgrading its website, and this theme will ask resi- 8 dents of the area to visit the site when they need to find businesses or services that are not in their day to day routine. One goal of the theme is to educate the public that the Chamber is an excellent resource to find these businesses. In the Fall edition of the Herculean, the first article that mentioned this theme, was published. The article cited a few examples: a notary, a dentist, a smog check, and a heater repair. There are numerous other examples: child care, catering, insurance agents, real estate agents, etc. This new theme will also give our home-based businesses a cost effective method to advertise their business or service and will allow resi- dents to learn about these businesses. In other cities, you may see “Shop Hercules-type” advertising. The Chamber has chosen not to be too specific, mainly because we have members in Rodeo, Crockett, Pinole, and other cities. Thus a regional approach better serves our total membership. However, the endpoint goal is the same. As was stated in the Herculean article; Businesses need residents; residents want local businesses. To all of the residents of the area…you are invited to visit: www.herculeschamber.com and learn about your local businesses and services. n HERCULES CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Chamber and Journalism Class Partnership Over the last few years, the Hercules Chamber of Commerce and the Hercules High School Journalism Class have been working together diligently on creating a partnership. Three years ago, Chamber member Bob Polacchi and Journalism teacher, John Brown began this partnership. Polacchi developed and gave a presentation to Brown’s classes on “An Introduction to the Resume”. Last year, this program was expanded to include a second presentation on “An Introduction to Interviewing”. A Mock Interview Program was developed and during the last school year, over 40 students practiced interviewing, with Chamber members and friends serving as the interviewers. In June 2009, John Brown retired and Natalie Wojinski took over the journalism classes. The resume and interview programs are continuing. In addition, the Chamber has asked that journalism students, under Wojinski’s supervision, begin to write articles for the Chamber’s newsletters. This will allow some of the students to have their work published in an offsite media and help them gain valuable journalism experience. The first of these articles appears in this edition. In the future, you will see additional articles from these students. One theme will highlight excellence at the high school, and another will address Chamber items. Welcome to the Hercules High School Journalism classes and its students. n 7 Seven Ways 1. Gather your records in advance. Make sure you have all the records you need, including W-2s and 1099s. Don’t forget to save a copy for your files. 2. Get the right forms. They’re available around the clock on the IRS Web site, www.IRS.gov. 3. Take your time. Don’t forget to leave room for a coffee break when filling out your tax return as rushing can mean making a mistake. 4. Double-check your math and verify all Social Security numbers. These to Get a Jump Start on Your Taxes Earlier is better when it comes to working on your taxes. You are encouraged to get a head start on tax preparation, especially since early filers avoid the last minute rush and get their refunds sooner. Here are seven easy ways to get a good jump on your taxes long before the April deadline is here: are among the most common errors found on tax returns. Taking care will reduce your chance of hearing from the IRS and speed up your refund. 5. E-filing is easy. E-filing catches math errors and provides confirmation your return has been received and gives you a faster refund. 6. Get the fastest refund. When you efile file early, you receive your refund faster. When you choose direct deposit, you receive your refund sooner than waiting for a check. This year, electronic filing options will speed the payment of refunds to millions of taxpayers. Taxpayers who e-file and choose direct deposit for their refunds, for example, will get their refunds in as few as 10 days. That compares to approximately six weeks for people who file a paper return and get a traditional paper check. 7. Don’t panic. If you have a problem or a question, call us. Also, remember the IRS is there to help. Try the IRS Web site at www.IRS.gov or call the IRS customer service number at 800-829-1040. n For more information please contact Lori A. Risby, Risby CPA & Associates at (510) 343-5160 Q1: February 2010 9 Ivy League Returns to Hercules with Strong Start By Darlena Chiem, Hercules High School Journalism student Hercules High is making the big league - the Ivy League, that is. As of Dec. 16, eight HHS students have been chosen for the Ivy League Connection, a program of the West Contra Costa Unified School District funded by generous sponsors of the community. It allows qualified students to participate in enrichment programs at Ivy League institutions. Juniors Christopher Habash, Jacqueline Lares, and sophomore Beilul Naizghi will fly to Ithaca, New York and participate in Cornell University’s Hotel Operations and Management course, while juniors Stephanie Chan and Andrew Gabriel will take part in Brown University’s Economics program in Providence, Rhode Island. Junior Yueming Wang has been invited to apply for the “Government: from George Washington to Barack Obama” course at Columbia University in New York. Also, sophomore Terilyn Chen has been invited to apply for the “Management and Technology” course at the University of Pennsylvania. All of these students will be attending their respec- tive institutions in the summer of 2010. “At first, I was a little overwhelmed,” Lares said. “I really didn’t expect to be accepted into the program, so when they announced the names, I was in a partial state of shock. It’s hard to believe I’ll really be leaving to go to Cornell over the summer. I think it won’t actually hit me until our departure date is closer.” Applicants for both schools had to submit an essay stating why they were eligible to attend the program. A handful of students were then selected to be interviewed the following week. The students applying for both Cornell and Brown were interviewed by a panel of three or four people varying from a Brown alumnus to former Hercules mayor Herman Blackmon and former HHS assistant principal Cheryl Lilhanand. “Of course I was feeling a bit nervous, but overall I went [into the interview] calm and prepared,” Chan said. “I was the first among the six to be interviewed, so I knew that it was my chance to give a good first impression.” Interview questions varied from ones about the program itself to the individual’s opinion on specific current events. After the interviews and about half an hour of deliberation, the students were called into the library to hear the final decision. “I think it’s a great opportunity for everyone, whether they tried or were selected,” Terri Ishmael, HHS assistant vice principal said. “Looking at everything, these students are taking advantage of a program that amounts to a $7000 scholarship.” Those in the ILC have the chance to meet students from across the globe, test their skills in rigorous classes and experience life on a college campus. “I was able to experience college in all of its aspects,” senior Ramiah Davis, who attended Cornell’s Freedom and Justice program last summer for three weeks, said. “It was up to me to do the homework, to go to office hours if I was struggling and to study with my classmates.” The five students must now wait for further details from district board member Charles Ramsey, co-founder of the ILC. Essay prompts for Yale University are to be announced. n Munchkins (Con’t from Pg. 1) ine interest in young children. “I am fortunate to work with such a unique group of children,” says Ms. Saeteurn, who has been with the Academy for over three years. “Circle time is especially rewarding – even the very youngest is able to participate!” Ms. Piperdi adds, “Being a teacher at Little Munchkins has definitely taught me that giving children a head start is vital in these early years.” Having obtained their B.A.’s, both teachers are continuing to further their education in early childhood education. Ms. Kazmi shares her expertise by being a Peer Mentor for the Child Care Council and an accreditation observer for the NAFCC. For 10 facilities of all stages seeking to set up environments, develop professional business practices and procedures, and/or create contracts, Ms. Kazmi also offers individual consulting services. Besides being a demonstration site, Little Munchkins is also now participating in Preschool Makes a Difference, a new First 5, Contra Costa program which offers scholarships to children to attend highquality preschools. The little munchkins are very honored to accept this award and invite their fellow Herculeans to be the future of America with them. n HERCULES CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Q1: February 2010 11 Citizen of the Year: Carolyn J. Willing Carolyn J. Willing is being recognized as the Hercules Chamber of Commerce 2010 Citizen of the Year for her dedicated volunteer service at Ohlone Elementary School and then at Hercules Middle High School. Carolyn has been an active volunteer for over 15 years and has worked “under the radar” to accomplish a great deal of good at both schools. Her activities have greatly benefited the schools and the students who have attended these schools. Carolyn and her husband, Michael, moved to Hercules in 1992. Shortly after her arrival, Carolyn started to volunteer at Ohlone Elementary School. She has held numerous positions in the Ohlone PTA and has served as President, Vice President, Secretary, and Fund-raising Chair. She served as the coordinator of Hot Dog Day for many years. She coordinated, shopped, and ran the Christmas Boutique for the students for several years. She assisted with the newsletter, The Drumbeat, by running off copies and distributing it to the teachers and students. After Hercules Middle High School opened in 2001, Carolyn joined the Hercules Community Partnership, and over the years she has held numerous board positions such as President, Vice President and many others. Through the HCP, she has helped the school staff coordinate and organize the annual walk thru registration. She has assisted with student and teacher recognitions. As a member of the school safety committee, she helps coordinate and organize the food for volunteers, local police and fire departments for the “Every 15 Minutes Program,” which is presented every other year. She helps produce the Hercules Community Partnership newsletter. As a member of HCP she participates in community events such as the Annual Cultural Faire and the Hercules Clean Up Day. In 2008, Carolyn was honored as the “Outstanding Public Education Advocate” by the Contra Costa College and the West Contra Costa Branch of the American Association of University Women at their Annual CCC National Women’s History Month Program. Michael and Carolyn have three children. Two have completed their 12 years of local schooling, and the youngest is still attending the local high school. Please join the Chamber in extending a big “Thank you” to Carolyn for her years of service to the community! n Events Line-Up MARCH 12 Networking Business Mixer The Dental Center of Hercules 844 Willow Avenue, Hercules 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. March 27 Awards Dinner Join the Hercules Chamber of Commerce in honoring the Business of the Year, Citizen of the Year and other awardees. Hercules Senior Center 6:00 p.m. 111 Civic Drive Ticket information 510.741.7945 April 3,10,17 and 24 JAM in Tha’ Park Refugio Valley Park, Hercules 4:00 p.m. to dusk April 22 Hercules Chamber Luncheon Guest Speaker: Nelson Oliva 11:30 a.m – 1:00 p.m. La Strada Restaurant 2215 Church Lane, San Pablo $15/$20 for non-members R.S.V.P. (510) 741-7945, or e-mail: [email protected] May 1 Powder Keg Pub 1st Annual Golf Tournament Proceeds to benefit Breast Cancer Research For player and sponsorship information, call (510) 741-7945 May 5 235 LINUS PAULING DRIVE, SUITE B • HERCULES 94547 • WWW.HERCULESCHAMBER.COM Networking Business Mixer D’Lorenza Floral & Event Décor First Year Anniversary 2138 Railroad Avenue, Hercules 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Visit our web site to view our 2010 Event Calendar www.HerculesChamber.com 12 HERCULES CHAMBER OF COMMERCE