| | Published January 16th, 2013
| business briefs
| |  | | Eileen Alford motivates a group of clients on a frosty Moraga morning next to Si Si Caffe. Photo Sophie Braccini
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Studio E: Fitness for Moragans
1605 School Street (entrance on Country Club Drive)
(925) 388-6799
www.studio-e-moraga.com
Eileen Alford opened a new personal training studio Jan. 14 in Moraga, near Si Si Caffe on Country Club Drive. The Moraga mother of three is a certified trainer who's worked many years in that field, for other clubs and for individual clients, and decided it was time to have her own place. "There was a niche for this kind of place in Moraga," she says, "something centrally located, convenient and friendly, where people can come for individual training or group classes and that does not require a membership." Alford teaches personal training and some of the classes; she is also partnering with other professionals for specific classes such as yoga. Her highlight classes are Tabata, high-impact interval training that involves 20 seconds of quick intense movements followed by 10 seconds of rest - an excellent way to improve cardio and strength, according to Alford - Body Sculpt that blends pilates and barre work, a boot camp, and a TRX/cycle combination class. Classes start at 5:30 a.m. for those who want to train before work, the last group classes start at 6 p.m., and the gym closes at 8 p.m. Her clients range in age from 30 to over 70.
Barbacoa Adds Standard Fare to Menu
2 Theatre Square, #30, Orinda
(925) 254-1183
barbacoaorinda.com
Barbacoa, the new Mexican restaurant that opened at Theatre Square last year, started with a very innovative menu for Lamorinda. Centered around authentic Mexican cuisine and techniques, it did not offer what many Californians equate with Mexican food. Recently, restaurant owners Michael and Victor Ivry decided to add standard "Mexican" fare like quesadillas, burritos, enchiladas and fajitas to the menu. Patrons can still find Barbacoa's authentic food on the menu under "Mexican Specialties." The duo also introduced Littles and Middles menus for kids and teens.
Buckley Joins Coldwell Banker's Orinda Office
5 Moraga Way, Orinda
(925) 253-4600
Kirsten Buckley has joined Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage as a sales associate in its Orinda office. "Kirsten is bright, energetic and works tremendously hard to meet and exceed the expectations of homebuyers and sellers," said Valerie Cook-Watkins, manager of the company's Orinda office. Prior to joining Coldwell Banker, Buckley worked as a marketing coordinator for the Elena Hood Real Estate Group. Buckley is an active member of the Moraga community and has served on many boards, including Moraga Education Foundation, Camino Pablo PTA and the Campolindo High School Sports Boosters. Buckley may be reached directly at (510) 612-6173 and via e-mail at Kirsten@Orinda.com.
Home Expo
The second annual Home Expo is scheduled for Sunday, Jan. 27 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Veterans Memorial Building, 3780 Mt. Diablo Blvd. in Lafayette. The event is free and open to the public. For information, visit www.lamorindawebhomeexpo.com.
News from the three Chambers of Commerce
Lafayette
During the holiday season the Chamber and the Try Lafayette First committee encouraged residents to shop locally and take a chance at winning cash prizes. "Many of our neighbors participated by spending at least $150 at three different kinds of businesses," said Chamber's Executive Director Jay Lifson. "They turned in their receipts that came from over 175 different local merchants. Congratulations to our winners!" Kathy Korpell was the winner and received a $500 visa card to be used in Lafayette. Over the holiday season, Korpell shopped at Open Sesame, McCaulou's, Clocks Etc., Tulip, Bedazzled, Wine Thieves, Sharp Bicycle, Hank and Frank Bicycles, Papillon, Storyteller, Way Side Inn Thrift Shop, Trader Joe's, Elmwood Stationers, Artisan Bistro, Pizza Antica, Amarin Thai, Postino and Chow. Lea Mason won second prize and a $250 card, Rebecca Ayverdi took third place and left with a $100 card. "Shopping local supports the culture of a vibrant downtown filled with a wide variety of unique businesses and boutiques," added Lifson. 'It creates local jobs, keeps our tax-base strong by circulating money in our town versus sending it elsewhere, supports businesses that generously donate to local schools and non-profits, and reduces the carbon footprint."
Moraga
Congratulations to Bill Snider, owner of Moraga Hardware and Lumber, the newly-elected Business Person of the Year. A celebratory dinner will be held in February.
General membership meeting at the Hacienda at 7:30 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 26, starting with breakfast in the Mosaic Room. Meeting starts at 8 a.m. and will feature Assemblyperson Joan Buchanan. Buchanan will also meet with interested residents at 10 a.m. that day at Terzetto, by reservation only. For reservations, contact Assemblymember.Buchanan@assembly.ca.gov.
Orinda
Orinda In-Home Business Owners Reception
The first Orinda In-Home Business Owners Reception will be held from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Feb. 5 at Citibank, 37 Orinda Way in Orinda. "This is the first time we are focusing on business people who work from their home," said Sue Breedlove, former Chamber president. "It is a new year and we want to involve different kinds of people, getting to know them, understand what they need and hear their ideas about moving businesses forward in Orinda." The Chamber is partnering with Rotary for outreach and with Citibank to host the meeting. Breedlove said the hardest part was identifying the business owners; a license is not required in Orinda, but the Chamber managed to put together an invitation list of 75 people. Anyone who fits the category of in-home business owner is invited to join this free meeting. "I hope everyone will get the opportunity to introduce themselves and give their 'elevator speech,'" said Breedlove. "There will be nibbles and drinks. We will have a good time."
The Orinda Chamber elected a new president, Sylvia Jorgensen, Financial Advisor with the Hurd Jorgensen Group/Merrill Lynch Wealth Management.
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Lamorinda Weekly, Moraga CA