LAMORINDA WEEKLY | business briefs


A plaque commemorating 50 years of membership. Pictured (left to right): Matt Toth, Tim Walker, Jay Lifson, Stanley Pedder and Wally Hesseltine. Photo provided

Heaven Sent Eats and Treats Replaces the Orinda Deli

19 Orinda Way, Orinda

A few weeks ago Heaven Sent Eats and Treats moved into the space formerly occupied by the Orinda Deli. Owners Carole Heath and her niece Michelle Meyn make and sell "everything that grandma use to make." Along with their jams, jellies, pickles and fresh-baked goods, they continue to offer sandwiches like the Deli used to have, "just a tad more sophisticated," said Heath. The pair has been in business together for many years, opening the first drive-through coffee shop in Pleasanton, then a restaurant/bakery in San Diego. But since their children and grandchildren are here, they decided to come back to the East Bay. They chose Orinda because it's "a small community with sophistication." Since opening, they've had a very nice welcome from residents. "People come in, try our baked goods and come back for more," said Heath. They hope that the recently re-opened farmers' market two blocks from their store will bring in curious customers. Hours: 7 to 4 p.m., Monday through Saturday.

Hamlin Cleaners Goes "Green"

3516 Golden Gate Way, Lafayette

One of the things that sets Hamlin Cleaners apart - aside from the high-caliber service at its Lafayette shop - is the cheerful holiday decorations that adorn the shop counters and walls each month. St. Patrick's Day will be no exception. The current festive atmosphere includes a Guinness tap that delivers green beer, leprechauns, Irish angels atop green clovers, and rainbows galore. Owner Jeanne Hamlin, who began working in the dry cleaning business at age seven, ironing handkerchiefs with a steam iron at her parents' dry cleaning establishment on Clement Street in San Francisco's Richmond District, will be greeting customers every morning at 6 a.m. this month, her fingernails painted bright green. If you miss the whimsical St. Patrick's decorations this month, don't fret. You can always check out the bunnies, ducks and Easter motifs that are just around the corner.

Gryko Hardwood Flooring Gives Back to the Schools

www.grykohardwoodflooring.com

Gryko Flooring is now donating 10 percent of its proceeds from any new job in the Lamorinda area to local schools. "We moved to Moraga in 2000 to provide our kids with the right environment which includes great, challenging schools," says Eva Gryko, the wife of business owner Jarek Gryko, "We came from a small community in Poland where everyone knew each other; Moraga has a similar feel. We want to support the sense of community and supporting our schools will do that. The idea of "it takes a village to raise a child" is very idealistic, but Lamorinda seems to be the right place to attempt it," Gryko said.

News from the three

Chambers of Commerce

Lafayette

- Pedder, Hesseltine, Walker & Toth, LLC celebrated 50 years of membership with the Lafayette Chamber of Commerce at the beginning of the month with a ribbon-cutting party. The law practice that boasts being the longest-serving law partnership in Contra Costa County, brings together a wealth of experience in a range of legal practice areas, with strengths in complex estate litigation and criminal defense. Collectively, the four attorneys have over 120 years of experience. They're located at 3445 Golden Gate Way, Lafayette. Phone: 925-297-6179, www.pedderlaw.com.

- Chamber Mixer at the Round Up Saloon, March 14, 5:30 to 7 p.m., 3553 Mt. Diablo Blvd.

- Social Media Workshop, March 21, 8 a.m., Lafayette Library and Learning Center. Social Media Coach Robin Fox teaches how to improve your online image. RSVP

workshops@lafayettechamber.org.

- Celebration Dinner for 2012 Lafayette Citizen of the Year Gayle Uilkema, March 23, Lafayette Park Hotel. Contact the Chamber at 284-7404 for reservation details.

Moraga

- Moraga Selects First Employee of the Month. The Moraga Rotary Club and the Moraga Chamber of Commerce named Al Pyne, who has served as the Director of Transportation for the Moraga Royale retirement community since 2004, as March's Moraga Employee of the Month. "Al always goes above and beyond the call of duty for our senior residents," said Moraga Royale executive director Dianne Wilson. "He is truly loved by our residents, their families and the entire staff." The Rotary and Chamber presented Pyne with a $50 gift card to Safeway as well as a $50 gift certificate to Pennini's in Moraga.

- Registration now open for the 6th Annual Moraga Community Faire (schedule for May 12). To register and reserve a booth, go to the Chamber's website: Moragachamber.com or contact Ellen Beans at ellen.beans@gmail.com. Businesses and individuals are invited to sponsor a colorful 96-inch banner that will hang on Moraga street light poles for three weeks before the Faire opens. Download the flyer online or contact Jane Russell at JaneRussell57@aol.com.

Orinda

- Ribbon Cutting for Visual Entree Optometry, March 30, 4 p.m., 2 Theatre Square # 114, Orinda.

- Save the date for the big April Mixer at Wilder on April 17, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. with cooking demonstration by Charles Vollmar Chef Instructor / Culinary Health Educator / Wellness and Lifestyle Consultant, Epicurean Exchange.