![](../images/for_pdf/0826-02001.jpg) | | Shelly and Dennis shop in the new Moraga Produce Photo Sophie Braccini | | | | | | Moraga Produce Changes Ownership and Adds New Choices
576 Center Street, Moraga, (925) 377-1000
Changes are happening at Moraga Produce, which opened in 2012 in the Rheem Shopping Center, next to CVS. "We are adding new grocery products, more variety, more organics," says Christy Soronz, the daughter of the family that now owns the store. The Soronzes live in Berkeley and Moraga Produce is their first grocery store. They have plans to open another store next summer. "We immediately liked this produce center and thought it had great potential," says Soronz. Shelly and Dennis, two Moraga residents and regular customers of the store said they immediately noticed that there were changes in the air when the market was bought. "As long as the prices stay good, we are very happy to see new groceries, meats, nuts and dairy," they say. Soronz adds that if people would like them to have some of their favorite items available, they should just ask for it. "We want to tailor our offerings to what people here want," she adds.
Whole Foods Grant
Whole Foods started accepting applications Feb. 17 for its Small Producer Grant. Last year, Moraga-based Hollie's Homegrown, an herb business, won the competition for the Lafayette Whole Foods location and received 5 percent of a day's sales from that store, which she used to purchase a greenhouse. The deadline for the application is March 4. The application is open to producers of food, body care, makeup, supplements and lifestyle products (books, toys, fitness equipment, etc.). Products must be made and sold in the region to qualify. For specific information, visit smallproducergrant.com.
Aegis of Moraga Celebrates 16th Anniversary
950 Country Club Drive, Moraga, aegisofmoraga.com
Aegis of Moraga will celebrate its 16th anniversary in style and with local flare at its Art and Wine Celebration from 4 to 6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 26. The event includes wine tasting by Captain Vineyards, music by Lafayette Gold Coast Chamber Players, artwork by Lamorinda artists, chocolates from Powell's Candies and Aegis' executive chef's selections of fruit and cheeses. Aegis Living is an assisted living and memory care community.
Moraga Employee of the Month
The Moraga Employee of the Month for January is Jessica McCormick, the assistant director of the Moraga Royale retirement community. McCormick began working at Moraga Royale as a part-time receptionist in 2010 and rapidly worked her way up through many different roles at the facility, including office manager, activity director and director of marketing before assuming her current position. "Jessica excels at every job she undertakes and does them with enthusiasm and perfection," said Moraga Royale Executive Director Dianne Wilson. "She has the innate ability of letting our residents know they are valued and important." McCormick will receive gift cards to Safeway and Chef Chao in Moraga at an upcoming Moraga Rotary luncheon.
News from the Three Chambers of Commerce
Lafayette
Monthly mixer begins at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 25 at Indigo & Poppy, 1009 Oak Hill Road.
Young Professionals Group 'Meatup' at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 25 at La Finestra Ristorante, 100 Lafayette Cir #101, Lafayette. RSVP at www.Meetup.com. Must be under 40 for this gathering.
Nominations for the Lafayette 2014 Green Awards can be submitted until Feb. 28. Complete the nomination form on the city's website at lovelafayette.org/GreenAwards if you know a resident, student, teacher, local business, community organization, or architect/builder that took impressive steps to become more environmentally friendly and sustainable in 2014.
Orinda
Save the date for Live at the Orinda 2015 Comedy Night at 8 p.m. Friday, March 6 with Jimmie "JJ" Walker, Jeff Applebaum and Master of Ceremonies Anthony Hill. Advanced tickets available on the chamber website at www.orindachamber.org.
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