LAMORINDA WEEKLY | Business Briefs


Walgreens grand opening Photo Sophie Braccini

Walgreens Opens in Lafayette

3614 Mt. Diablo Blvd., Lafayette. (925) 385-2385

The new Walgreens pharmacy and convenience store opened Oct. 9 on Mt. Diablo Boulevard, in the former Citibank and Mountain Mike's Pizza building across from Diablo Foods. Jay Lifson, the Lafayette Chamber of Commerce executive director, welcomed Cindy Ma, the district manager for Walgreens, at the opening. The store is open every day from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., the pharmacy is open from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. during the week and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekends.

Shop Orinda Campaign: Win a $100 Gift Certificate

The Orinda Chamber of Commerce has put together a fun way to entice people to visit businesses on both sides of Orinda, with the Shop Orinda Campaign. "Just go to the 10 participating businesses and have them stamp your card," explains Chamber of Commerce president Sylvia Jorgensen. There is no obligation to purchase anything as you visit Echo Grove, McDonnell Nursery, Hello Tiara, Morrison's, Parker Thatch, Hilton House, Orinda Cleaners, Orinda Designer Shoes, Republic of Cake and Orinda Motor. "You just have to visit," adds Jorgensen. Each of the 10 participating businesses have contributed $100, and 10 winning $100 gift cards will be drawn from the completed cards collected. "This is just a way to get people to know the Orinda businesses better," adds Jorgensen. The completed cards must be dropped at the Chamber of Commerce office, 26 Orinda Way, by Nov. 28.

Sustainability and Green Building Award Winners

Sustainable Contra Costa hosted its 7th annual Sustainability & Green Building Awards gala Sept. 23 at the Concord Hilton. Moraga-based nonprofit, 4CL, which stands for Contra Costa County Climate Leaders, took home an award for its work with policymakers to find solutions to local, environmental issues. Environmental advocate and teacher Sheila Hill received an award for her ongoing work in the Sustainable Schools program, the Wellness City Challenge, Generation Green, and Parents for a Safer Environment. Three outstanding Green Building projects were recognized this year: Woodbury, Lafayette's newest eco-friendly residential complex, the Milovic residence in Lafayette, and Orinda's Old Yellow House.

Moraga Employee of the Month for September

Ariela Araquistain, a popular waitress and cashier at The Golden Palace restaurant, has been named the Moraga Employee of the Month for September. Araquistain has developed a loyal following during the seven months she has worked at Golden Palace and her managers and co-workers have noticed her enthusiasm and unflagging work ethic. She often stays late after her shift to assist in other restaurant duties. The Moraga Rotary and Chamber of Commerce awarded Araquistain gift cards to Safeway and the Home Goods store in Moraga at an Oct. 6 Moraga Rotary meeting.

John Gillham Starts Fitness Coaching Practice

3385 Mt Diablo Blvd., Lafayette, john@marathonjohn.com

www.marathonjohn.com

"I specialize in fostering freedom through FUNctional fitness," says John Gillham, a former ultra-marathon runner. "I coach and guide my clients to find their strength and do things with their bodies they only dreamed of before." Most of Gillham's clients are individuals who let their health become a lower priority than their job or children. He guides them back to where they once were and beyond through personal strength training. Gillham is a NASM certified personal trainer, CHEK Exercise Coach as well as an Underground Strength Coach. He guides clients with diet and lifestyle and trains in a variety modalities ranging from kettlebells to powerlifting and gymnastics. Gillham operates JG Fitness within BeFit Exercise studio, offering a free training session for new clients.

News from the Three Chambers of Commerce

Lafayette

Lafayette Reservoir Run at 8 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 25. The run is a family event, with optional costumes. To register, visit lafayettechamber.org.

October Mixer at Bradley School of Music from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 28 at 1042 Brown Avenue.

Moraga

Business meeting open to members and interested parties at 8 a.m. Friday, Oct. 30 at in the Hacienda de las Flores Fireside Room, 2100 Donald Drive. Speaker Stephanie Shaterian, owner of fLO Content Marketing, will discuss how to create marketing videos.

Orinda

Fall into Oktoberfest Mixer at Landhome Financial from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 22 at 2 Theater Square, #146, Orinda. Complementary brews and nibbles will be served.