Animal/Pet – Solano

Featherer Pet

Family owned and operated since 1983, the shop is co-owned by sisters Karen Hubbard and Kimberly Duchene. They offer full-service, professional pet grooming for dogs and cats and they also have 2 self-service pet washtubs for those that prefer to do it themselves.  They now offer mobile grooming as a bonus luxury service. Walk-in nail trim service is also available. You can call them for information on pricing and appointment availability. They are open seven days a week. They offer dog and cat supplies and premium dog and cat food. They are very excited to be chosen for the Local’s Choice Awards 2019 in the Animal/Pet Business category—Featherer Pet is looking forward to helping you with your pet care needs!

1202 E. Fifth St., Benicia, CA, 94510

(707) 745-5016

feathererpet.com

Business Services – Contra Costa

Morello Accounting Group

For everything from financial assessments to set up, clean up, training, conversions, bookkeeping, and all accounting functions, readers have decided that Morello Accounting Group Inc. is the best place in the county for helping to assist you in timely financial reporting so that you can make sound business decisions.

By embracing technology, Morello Accounting Group Inc. allows the opportunity to create efficiencies, transparency, as well as accurate, timely financial reporting as aforementioned.

“Morello Accounting Group Inc. will provide training to client staff, or provide services to achieve their desired results,” said CEO and President Diana Morello. “We care about our clients and providing the highest level of service possible; feedback is important for us to accomplish your goals.”

Morello Accounting Group Inc. specializes in the QuickBooks accounting software—desktop and online—utilizing integrated third-party applications (if necessary) for providing consistently accurate and timely results.

If you’re in need of accounting services, you might want to contact Diana, as you have nothing to lose! “Morello Accounting Group Inc. offers a complimentary, one-hour, initial consultation by phone to exchange information regarding client business requirements and the services we provide,” she said. “To schedule your complimentary appointment email me at diana.Morello@morelloaccountinggroup.com.”

And to all of our readers, Diana said, “Thank you for taking the time to vote!”

1250-I Newell Ave. #131, Walnut Creek, CA, 94596

(925) 708-5578

morelloaccountinggroup.com

Business Services – Napa

RSA+

RSA+ is a consulting civil engineering and surveying company that has served the Northern California region since 1980. They pride themselves in their approach to projects, coming from both an innovative and practical perspective.

Composed of a team of innovators and leaders, RSA+ customizes preparation of their plans and specifications to meet requirements and facilitate a timely, successful review.

Noting their established company infrastructure, breadth of experience, wide-ranging capabilities, innovative philosophy and personal approach to business, RSA+ is ready and able to provide consulting services to help guide your project’s challenges. Their goal is to leave an “indelible impression” of a positive experience for you, the client.

The consulting civil engineers, surveyors, and land planners at RSA+ can make countless dreams come true. For example, they’ve worked on many vineyard and winery projects over the years. From pre-property purchase consultations to final inspections, they helped B Cellars Winery become what it is today. They worked with Quintessa Winery to obtain permit approval for a 50,000-case winery. RSA+ was also called to assist in the permitting, design, and construction of Ovid Winery’s 35-acre vineyard and 20,000-gallons-per-year winery.

Other projects have included work at Oxbow Market, Napa Riverfront, hotels like the Westin Verasa and the two separate but adjacent 100-unit hillside resorts of Meritage and Vino Bello.

If you like to dream big, RSA+ can help make that dream a reality.

1515 4th St., Napa, CA, 94559

(707) 252-3301

rsacivil.com

Business Services – Solano

Edward Jones

Everyone needs a little advice from time to time, and that is what Ken Casper CFP® Financial Advisor specializes in. Since 2001, Ken has been working diligently to help individuals and businesses navigate their finances. Ken, his Branch Office Administrator Carla Williams, and Senior Branch Office Administrator Chris Simonson, provide their clients with great customer service.

Edward Jones has also been recognized nationally by J.D. Power and Associates in March 2019 as “Highest in Investor Satisfaction with Full-Service Brokerage Firms,” and won the prestigious President’s Award in 2016 for its commitment to excellence in customer service. In J.D. Power’s 40-year history, only 11 companies have received the award. In July 2018, Edward Jones ranked No. 5 on the “50 Companies that Care” by People Magazine. The honor recognizes outstanding companies that have succeeded in business while also demonstrating respect, compassion, and concern for their communities, their employees, and their environment. In the February 2019 Fortune Magazine issue, for the 20th year, Edward Jones also was named as one of the “100 Best Companies to Work For” in the magazine’s annual listing.

Sit down with Ken and learn why they have developed such a loyal group of clients.

555 First St., Benicia, CA, 94510

(707) 745-8133

edwardjones.com/ken-casper

Children’s Activities – Contra Costa

Poison Apple Productions

Growing up doing theater doesn’t necessarily mean that your child will become the next Oscar-winning performer, but it does mean they get to earn some valuable life experience with creative play. “Theater is an incredible vehicle to teach and encourage literacy, self-confidence, appreciation, empathy, public speaking, teamwork, and love of storytelling—and Poison Apple fosters all of that and more,” said Noelle Arms, Poison Apple’s Artistic Director/Educational Director. “We love offering these opportunities to Contra Costa, and we’re honored to be chosen as our community’s favorite children’s activity for the third time!” In addition to programming for children, there are also about two to three occasions per year when adult performers can place themselves in the spotlight. In February, the group’s teen performers will be traveling to the Junior Theater Festival in Sacramento to be adjudicated by theatrical professionals for their interpretation of Frozen JR and Godspell JR. Poison Apple’s next big production will be The Diary of Anne Frank, playing at the Poison Apple Playhouse in Martinez. Willy Wonka KIDS and summer camp productions of Moana JR and The Little Mermaid JR follow that. Find them on Facebook, or just attend one of their shows! It’s always a fine night for the theater.

847 Arnold Dr., Martinez, CA, 94553

(925) 957-0773

poisonappleproductions.org

Children’s Activities – Napa

Read With A Ranger

Officials of the Carolyn Parr Nature Center are grateful to Local Happenings Magazine and its readers for the recognition.

The Read with a Ranger program was created by the Napa Parks and Recreation Services department. The Napa Valley Naturalists organization was founded in 1978 by a group of local citizens with environmental concerns. In 1980, one of those members, Carolyn Parr, passed away, leaving her modest estate to establish a nature center, which was named after her. The Center and its affiliated museum are dedicated to helping people of all ages learn more about their local, natural environment.

The nonprofit education group Napa Valley Naturalists (NVN) sponsors the Center, with the fundamental belief that education is the key to the preservation, protection, and conservation of our precious natural habitats. Its goal is to operate and maintain a natural science museum where individuals of all ages may acquire a greater understanding of, and have opportunities for a closer relationship with their natural environment.

Through dioramas, seasonal, topical, and hands-on displays, and adult and children’s libraries, the Center introduces visitors to the area’s natural wonders and ecology.

The Center is open on Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and on Saturdays and Sundays from 1 to 4 p.m. Admission is free. All its programs are free to Nature Center members, $5 for non-members. Group tours and school classes can be scheduled during the week by calling the Nature Center.

The Center is an all-volunteer organization, staffed on Wednesday and weekend afternoons by docents who host tour groups. Interest and enthusiasm are the only requirements for volunteers, and all necessary training is provided.

C/O Carolyn Parr Nature Center 3107 Browns Valley Rd., Napa, CA, 94558

(707) 255-6465

cpnaturecenter.com

Children’s Activities – Solano

On the Fringe Youth Theatre

On The Fringe Visual and Performing Arts is a non-profit organization based in Solano County, completely run by volunteers. Its mission: “To bring culturally diverse, female-driven theatre and arts education to children and adults in Solano County.”

They invite and embrace participants and players of all diversities and backgrounds, including LGBTQ communities. They provide visual art and drama classes, camps and workshops, produce engaging and thought-provoking theatrical performances, and much more.

“We are the county’s only all-inclusive, 100% free youth theatre program focused on arts education,” said Co-Founder Bryan Payne. “Thank you so much for this recognition.”

As of this writing, On The Fringe was planning its return to the Junior Theater Festival in February. “Last year we brought home an award for best ensemble and we are excited to compete again,” Bryan said. “We will also be holding our annual costume drive and fall musical.” So, stay tuned for upcoming events like those, and inquire see how they did at this year’s festival!

Past youth productions have included Seussical Jr., Alicia en Wonderlandia, and Wind in the Willows, to name just a few. To keep up with what they have planned for 2020, visit onthefringevapa.org.

“We are so excited to start our 5th season creating theater and serving Solano County kids!” Bryan exclaimed. “We look forward to continuing to serve the youth of our community.”

Vallejo, CA

artteacherstats@gmail.com

facebook.com/onthefringevapa

Customer Service – Contra Costa

Cottage Jewel

Another repeat winner of the Local’s Choice Award, Cottage Jewel is definitely a “jewel” of a store. If you are looking for a treasure trove of antique, vintage and artisan embellishments with great customer service, look no further! “I love helping my customers find unique talisman and a connection with the history behind each heirloom,” said owner Marcia Harmon. There is literally something for any gift or occasion that you are shopping for and tons of things you didn’t even know you needed or wanted. Cottage Jewel hosts Danville’s Relics on Railroad Antiques Fair and the D.A.M.E. Makers Market; they also host monthly artisan trunk shows. Follow them on Instagram @CottageJewelAntiques and make sure to get on their email list at info@CottageJewel.com for special invites, new finds, and insider events. “Thank you once again for all of your votes and trust for your special purchases,” Marcia added. “I value your patronage.”

100 Prospect Ave., Danville, CA, 94526

(925) 837-2664

cottagejewel.com/cms