Published November 16th, 2016
Business Bites
By Paula King
From left, Wendy Scheck, Pilar Norleen, Brandy Ford, Kevin Reneau. Photo provided
Toffee and Caramels and Chocolates, Oh My!
Just in time for the holiday season, Hofssi Chocolates is setting up a Holiday Store Nov. 25 through Dec. 23 at Lafayette's La Fiesta Square, 3541 Wilkinson Lane. Seasonal shoppers will be able to purchase Hofssi's signature premium confections including chocolates, toffee, caramels and gianduja, a sweet chocolate spread.
The locally made items make an elegant gift and are made with mostly organic, local and sustainable ingredients.
Hofssi founders Linda Hofmeister and Susan Rossi started the Moraga business and they are certified chocolatiers.
The temporary store will be located in the Alicia Klein Studio. Its hours of operation will be weekdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and weekends from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Fitness for All Ages
If you need a new fitness regimen to work off those holiday meals, Karate & Fitness Place USA is open again after a hiatus in operation since February. After closing in Moraga, the long-time karate studio is back in Lafayette at 3413 Mt. Diablo Blvd.
Under the direction of Sensei Thomas Westernoff, Karate & Fitness Place practices traditional Shito-Ryu karate and welcomes people of all ages, levels and abilities. For more information about their classes, program and philosophy, call 925-376-3667 or visit www.kfpusa.com.

New Digs and a Birthday Party
Even the littlest of tykes can find a place to break a sweat! For more than 20 years, children under age five have been hitting developmental milestones and having a blast at the same time inside the walls of Gymboree Play & Music-Lafayette and on Nov. 5 a grand re-opening and 40th birthday for Gymboree Play & Music was held.
The free event featured play, music and art activities in addition to raffle prizes and gift bags. Now located at 3450 Mt. Diablo at Second Street, Gymboree is in Merrill Gardens, an assisted living facility location.
"This is a wonderful pairing between our littlest community members and our oldest. It is retail space meets living space," said owner Katie Bidstrup. "Our location in Lafayette has been a mainstay of local families for more than 20 years and we're excited to move in to this new facility for the next 20, interacting with the community and educating our little ones."
For more information about Gymboree, call 925-283-4896 or visit www.facebook.com/GPM.Lafayette.

October Employee Honoree
Universal banker Pilar Norleen at Mechanics Bank was named Moraga Employee of the Month for October. Working in the Moraga branch since 2009, Norleen handles typical banker duties and also acts as manager when the branch manager is gone.
"Pilar has an amazing attendance record and is always looking for the best interest of our customers," Mechanics Manager Brandy Ford. "Her customers always get great service from Pilar."
As the 57th recipient of this monthly employee honor from the Rotary Club of Moraga and the Moraga Chamber of Commerce, Norleen will receive gift cards from Safeway and Ristorante Amoroma. She will be honored at a Rotary luncheon.






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