WHO’S ON FIRST
11-24-10
THANKS TO ALL
By
Carla Gallagher
I received an email asking what I was thankful for. I ran down my list: living in Benicia, our brave people in uniform here and abroad, wonderful friends, health, family, and on it went. My mind ran through the blessings that fill my life, and then I stopped. When you realize that over half the population on earth doesn’t know if they will eat today, my list seemed so small. I am most thankful for each and every one of you and the joy we are blessed to share.
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I have come off a rather interesting odyssey. A few weeks ago I went to log on to my Facebook Page and was informed that I was using an old password. I tried to re-instate the account, but got lost in a loop that got me now where. I emailed Facebook in every return address I could find and got no answer. I called the head office and got a recording that told me to go to their website which led me back to the loop. I waited and waited for codes that didn’t come or when they did and I used them the reply was that the codes were expired or invalid. Finally I went to an online tech who informed me that there is a virus connected to potential friends that when friended will destroy or unable the account. He went on to tell me it had happened to him and he had to begin a new account. So fair warning to all my Facebook friends–my account is dead at this moment and unless Facebook gets back to me, my email will be my only outreach.
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November 27 those “Kings of Strings” PEPPINO D’AGOSTINO
& STEF BURNS will make a return local performance at the BENICIA HIGH SCHOOL AUDITORIUM. These are world class performers and we are so lucky to get them performing locally! Doors will open at 7:30 and show time is 8 PM.
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November 27 the Benicia based band, SIDEFX will be playing at THE RELLIK TAVERN at 7 PM. Call 746-1137 for more info.
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November 26 is the opening of the “Camel Barn Christmas Tree Lot”. Yes, you will be able to buy a tree in Benicia again. THE BENICIA HISTORICAL MUSEUM has stepped up with the help from GENESIS HOUSE. Both organizations will benefit from the tree sales. The tree lot will be open 10 AM to 8 PM through 12-24. They will also carry wreaths and garlands. For more info call 745-5435 or 552-5295.
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November 26 ARTCENTRIC is offering one-day specials: Free Studio Fee 11-1 PM. First 15 customers get a free ornament and all jewelry if you buy one you get 50% of the next one. Then from 5-9 they will have a PJ night and if you come in your PJ’s you get a free studio fee on a $10 min purchase. Call 745-9552 for reservations–if none are made–no party.
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November 26 at 7 PM, November 27 at 2 PM & 7 PM and November 28 at 2 PM THE BENICIA BALLET THEATRE will present its 20th Annual Production of the “Nutcracker” Ballet. Performances will be held at the HOGAN HIGH SCHOOL AUDITORIUM in Vallejo. I have heard that there will only be one professional dancer, DAVID BIER of the SF Ballet. There are enough talented dancers in the local area to cast almost the entire production! For the Friday and Saturday shows the Ballet has teamed up with SIRENS IN SANITY who will dance the part of the Arabian dancers. Tickets are $20 for general admission, $15 for seniors and students with ID. Tickets are available at ABC MUSIC, THE BENICIA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE and at the door. For more info call 746-6757.
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November 27 the BENICIA COMMUNITY ACTION COUNCIL will hold a Christmas Boutique and Food and Toy Drive at the BENICIA SENIOR CENTER from 10-4.
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November 27 KEN COOPER will be back UPSTAIRS @ THE CAFÉ. This popular performer begins at 8 PM. No cover. Call 745-1400 for more info.
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November 28 and December 5 will be the Annual Teddy Bear Tea at THE CAMELLIA TEA ROOM. Paid reservations are a must and this special tea sells out early. Call 746-5293 to reserve your spot.
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November 28 at 2 PM there will be a reception at THE BENICIA HISTORICAL MUSEUM to celebrate the opening of the “Children’s Work Is Play” exhibit. The exhibit will run through January 30.
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November 28 THREE’S A CROWD will bring you your Sunday afternoon jazz UPSTIARS @ THE CAFÉ. From 2-5 PM come and mellow out to the cool tunes.
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November 29 author, GLORIA RODRIGUEZ will read from and discuss her book “There Are No Goodbyes” at the BENICIA PUBLIC LIBRARY at 7 PM.
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Sundays and Monday nights will focus on the NFL at THE RELLIK TAVERN. Stop in and cheer for your team!
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Do you know someone who is worthy? SOROPTIMIST INTERNATIONAL OF BENICIA is looking for two worthy women. The First would be a single head of household who has gone back to school or a vocational program to make a better life for her family. She will receive an award that can be used any way that makes her education easier from child care to transportation or books. The second is aged 14-17 and is involved in her community through volunteer work. She will receive a n award and a donation to her program. The deadline for filing is early in December so if you know someone worthy have them contact LESLIE LESSENGER at 751-0289.
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December 2 ARTCENTRIC will be holding a Holiday Party & Cookie Plate Painting Contest from 6:30-9:30 PM.. Groups of 5 or more get 50% off on their studio fees, 10 or more get studio fees waved on $10 min. purchases.
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December 3 is the Annual Holiday Open House! If you are new in town you are in for a pleasant surprise. They close First Street to vehicle traffic and it becomes the “Benicia Block Party”. Stores are open, carolers stroll, entertainment and BENICIA MAIN STREET will have it wine station, but no gardens.
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Did you know that the money tossed into the fountain at ANGEL HEART 4 YOU is donated to various Benicia charities each month?
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Saturday, December 4 THE WELL TEMPERED VOICES will present a benefit concert at ST PAUL’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH to benefit the St. Paul’s Community Meal Program. The benefit will begin at 7:30 PM and tickets are $10.
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December 5 THE UNION HOTEL RESTAURANT & BAR will host RUSSELL HANDS and TOM SCOTT. Scott ;has 13 Grammy nominations, 3 Grammys, TV and film credits and has appeared on many recordings with artists from George Harrison and Barbara Streisand to Steely Dan and Frank Sinatra. They will be accompanied by TERRY MILLER and BOB ATHAYDE who have credits of their own.
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December 5 the Oscar-nominated ROKO BELIC will have a Bay Area preview screening of “Happy” at 1 PM in the EMPRESS THEATRE. Proceeds from the $10 ticket will go to feed the homeless.
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December 7 THE ROLLING TONES, a hand-bell choir of the COMMUNITY CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH, will be playing Christmas Tunes outside BASKIN ROBBINS from 7:30-8:30 PM. BASKIN ROBINS will have its “Tuesday $1 a scoop special” that night as well.
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December 9 will be the BENICIA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Holiday Mixer at WESTAMERICA BANK 5:30-7:30 PM.
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December 10, 17, AND 18 ART FOR KIDS will hold workshops for Wax Works. Kids can draw with melted was, dip and cast, carve and construct–all with wax. For more info call 745-5788.
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December 11 is an Open Studio at ART FOR KIDS in concert with the Arsenal Artist Holiday Open Studios.
January 7 2011 will be the BENICIA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Installation Banquet and Business of the Year Awards.
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Get your name on the list if you want to help out at CHRISTMAS FOR EVERYONE. This is a non-profit in Contra Cost County with whom I have been volunteering every Christmas for years. The feed, give a gift to and offer free clothing to over 2500 people on Christmas Day! MARY PEREZ, the founder, is a recipient of the Jefferson Award. Call 925-228-2233 for more info.
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BENICIA MAIN STREET has begun it Holiday Shopping Spree. From now through December 2 for every $10 you spend in participating downtown businesses you get a ticket entering you in the Holiday Open House Drawing on December 3 for $500 in Downtown Dollars. The more you shop and dine on First Street the more chances you have to win. Look for businesses with the “Holiday Shopping Spree” posters posted in windows or on doors. For more info call 745-9791.
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MERNIE BUCHANAN is back in town and her FAUX LOUVE will be open 10-4 this Friday and 10-5 Saturday and Sunday
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Like to plan ahead? The 20th Trivia Bee which is slated for February 26th will have a Survivors–South Seas theme. Come dressed as your favorite Survivor or in tropical garb to contend for best costume bragging rights. Call 746-4341 for more info.
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Don’t forget DOWNTOWN DOLLARS for all those little gifts that you are unsure of what to give. The recipient gets their choice of over 70 First Street businesses in which to use the certificate. The demand was so great over the graduation season that they temporarily sold out! What a wonderful testimony as to how our community supports the local economy! They have been printed and are available again . You can find them at BENICIA MAIN STREET located in the depot at the foot of First Street (745-9791). Their hours are 9-5:30 M-F and 11-4 on weekends.
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BENICIA ANTIQUES has been a Benicia landmark for 50 years, but the owners will be retiring in February. Many thanks for their years of service to our community.
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GAYLA REITER is selling the 2011 Entertainment books to raise funds for her Sudden Infant Death Syndrome program. If you are interested call 745-0105 or email at gayla@mindspring.com for more info.
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I still think the “Love Train” idea is awesome. The idea behind it is to get a gift certificate from a local store and give it anonymously as a “love gift” to someone who is having a hard time, is dealing with a recent death, divorce, financial loss, etc. You get the idea. We are so lucky in Benicia, we have Downtown Dollars that are accepted in over 70 businesses. They give the recipient a choice as to where to cash them. I think we could turn this idea into the “Benica Love Express”.
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Guided tours of the BENICIA STATE CAPITOL and the neighboring FISCHER-HANLON HOUSE are available on Thursdays. The Capitol from 1-4 PM and the Fischer-Hanlon House at 2 PM. The Capitol is open for self guided tours 10-5. For more info call 745-3385.
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If you go to www.SoakinUpRaysTravel.com Vivian has a link to restaurants.com and a code where you can get great deals on four Benicia restaurants.
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I am now at carlagallagher@yahoo.com. Keep me posted on your contact list so I can continue to cover your events. My column is now at CarlaGallagher’sblog at WordPress.
