By the time you read this it will be 2011! Where does the time go? Seems just yesterday I was running around trying to attend all of the Christmas parties and buying gifts for Foster Children as well as my own kids. Blake and Eric took a road trip from Michigan to Stockton in just 4 days, what a ride that was, after day 1 my boys stopped in Des Moines, Iowa for a sleep over at the Holiday Inn Express, my eldest Blake ordered some chicken wings from a nearby restaurant and woke at 4 a.m. with food poisoning! We got the call from him around 7 a.m., California time, saying he was so sick he would have to call an ambulance to take him to a hospital to hydrate and stop the illness. Next call we receive was from my boys saying he was released from the hospital (3 hours later and they were back on the road!) Being 22 and 23 years old and male, who could stop them? Not I! A quick shot from the doctor to stop the nausea, and “on the road again.” Eric had to drive double duty that day as Blake was completely out of it. When I questioned them what’s the hurry? They answered “CHRISTMAS” we want to be home for Christmas Eve. Well, 2 snow storms later and a traffic ticket, they were safely home for Christmas. YOUTH, need I say more? Augh, the power of presents!
I would like to say THANK YOU to those that sent donations to “The Business Journal and Calone Law Group Secret Santa Fund” administered by the Community Foundation of San Joaquin. See picture. Also note that our road trip to Lodi’s Berghold Winery resulted in my purchasing Sebastian, our newest member of CV Business Journal’s family. Sebastian is a life size Santa, handmade from mink, lamb’s wool, and various fabrics from Europe. Mrs. Berghold hand crafts each life sized Santa and sells them at the winery, they are truly a MUST SEE. Sebastian is featured in the background of the picture on this page. I’m told that some of their guests purchase a Santa and place Christmas gifts at his feet in lieu of a tree, now I can see why. They are over the top..Stunning!
Our employees led by Michelle Garibaldi and Jayne Freeman spent an evening shopping at Wal-Mart, filling over 130 foster children’s Christmas orders. We shopped for dolls, clothes, cars, trucks, computer games, infant bath tubs to just about anything one could imagine these little angels could ask for, what a memorable evening . How rewarding to contribute a small piece of one’s self to brighten up a moment in the life of those little children struggling with life’s difficult times. Each year I thank God for the opportunity to serve these children in a small but meaningful way. The letters they write thanking us for their toys are amazing and I’m so thankful for the special, loving, caring foster parents that provide a safe home environment for the less fortunate. God Bless each and every one of you, you’re the true heroes! My thanks to our employees and family members that shopped for the kids, Amy James, Raina Rochert, Rebecca Peralez, Jim Cunningham, Eric Alley, Mike Blanchard, Stephanie Capps, Kristen Tolleson, Jeff Johnson, Jason and Courtney Harrel, Tobi Parrish, Aaron Johnson and family, Wendy Morodomi, Rich Calone, Scott Beattie and Alec Beattie.
I’m so pleased with the rain/snow. We enjoyed a white Christmas at our cabin located in Kyburz 4,000 ft. above sea level. What a thrill to see all that snow. The kids are having the time of their lives skiing and snowboarding at Sierra with so much snow this early in the season. Sierra at Tahoe rep. tells me this reminds them of the snow levels in February! Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!
We are pleased to announce the first in a series about embezzlement and business theft, “It’s a sign of the times,” says Deputy DA Steven Taylor, we all must be more vigilant checking our own vital accounts. Safeguard your business by a system of checking and double checking your personnel background before hiring and then install safeguards in your daily banking and mail routines. Please see front page for more tips and true war stories from local victims. We must protect ourselves and our businesses from thieves, I’m amazed by the deceit and cruelty involved in these cases. Be careful out there!
May you enjoy a prosperous New Year, stay healthy, eat smart, exercise often, and by all means, keep the DOORS OPEN!
God Bless You and Happy New Year!
Shop locally!
Sharon Alley Calone
