LAMORINDA WEEKLY | business briefs


Servers at Si Si surround Ally Weber (center, white sweater): Cynthia Corsi, Carlos Bermudez, Renee Gomer, Cara Freccero, Megan Verries and Alex Friedman. Photo Mina Lucacher

Servers at Si Si Cafe Collect Tips for Sandy Hook

910 Country Club Drive, Moraga

(925) 277-1908

A sign went up Dec. 18 at Si Si Cafe in Moraga informing customers that 100 percent of all tips received that day would go to Newtown, Conn., to provide services to families and the community following the tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary School. "It was Ally Weber's idea," said Si Si owner Cathy Corsi. "I just felt like doing something, and this was the least we could do," explained Weber, who is a local student heading for DVC while working part time at the cafe. "When some patrons saw the sign they left $20 bills," said Corsi; together they raised more than $350. According to United Way, the fund established at Newton Savings Bank had received $3.5 million in donations as of Dec. 26. For more information, go to www.uwwesternct.org.

Moraga's Employee of the Month for December

Keisha Iwayemi has been a care manager at Aegis of Moraga for the past three years. "Keisha (Iwayemi) is a tremendous employee and goes out of her way to make every resident and every visitor feel like they are part of our family," said Bill Phelps, Executive Director of Aegis. "She just brightens everybody's day and all of our residents love her." Sponsors Moraga Rotary and Chamber of Commerce presented Iwayemi with the award, along with a $50 Safeway gift card and a $50 gift certificate to Chef Chao Restaurant, at the Moraga Rotary luncheon Dec. 18.

News from the three Chambers of Commerce

Lafayette Chamber

Business Person of the Year

Congratulations to Lamorinda Music's Colleen McCormick, Marquis Business Person of the Year. McCormick and her husband, John, opened their family business a few years ago with the simple philosophy that music is fun and a music store should be fun, too. Lamorinda Music is now one of the cornerstones of Lafayette Circle. The annual Business Person of the Year/Mayor's State of the City address/Installation of the 2013 Chamber Board of Directors Dinner will be held Feb. 1. Details coming soon.

Moraga Chamber

The Chamber is accepting nominations for Business Person of the Year. Names can be emailed to Kathe Nelson at kathe@moragachamber.org. A vote to select among the nominees is scheduled for January and the awards dinner will be in February.

Orinda Chamber

Mark your calendar for the luncheon tribute to Dick Heggie, first mayor of Orinda, Jan. 16 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Orinda Country Club. Cost: $25 per person, reservations online at www.orindachamber.org.