Danville’s Marcia Harmon is what our Humanitarian category is all about. She is a past president of Discover Danville, a creator of dozens of community events, and the proprietress of Cottage Jewel, so it’s very fitting that our readers voted to give her this honor. “I am shocked, humored, humbled … and a bit embarrassed. But appreciative!” Marcia exclaimed. Most of her community service has revolved around getting residents connected with small businesses, local artisans and nonprofits. She sits on the Executive Board of the Danville Area Chamber of Commerce, is keeping the now-inactive Discover Danville Association’s main events alive and well, and has earned the Arts Commission Volunteer of the Year Award in 2014, among many other distinctions. Not a day goes by where Marcia isn’t thinking about her local community. “Helping to improve the welfare and happiness of people is a daily objective,” she said. “Being active in your community is the only way to live fully! It takes a village to raise a healthy community, and it sure makes it more fun to go to work everyday knowing that you’re part of something bigger.” She invites you to come check out her “packed-to-the-rafters treasure trove of antique and vintage artifacts,” at Cottage Jewel. “You will discover the trip back in time is quite fulfilling,” she said. Throughout the year, Marcia will be hosting Friday night socials from 6-8 p.m. at Cottage Jewel, with each event featuring a new special guest, topic and taste for a unique mind-body-spirit experience. Find more details by searching #CottageJewelAntiques on Facebook and Instagram, or just pay her a visit at Cottage Jewel in Danville.
100 Prospect Ave., Danville, CA 94526
925-837-2664
www.cottagejewel.com
Known as one of the most eclectic places to shop in Napa Valley, Tews Treasures Consignments & Collective has made a name for itself in customer service, despite only three years in business. Its employees are making waves already and are looking forward to more successful years to come. “Everyone who visits Tews is a guest in our home,” said Amanda Tews, Events/Marketing Collective Coordinator and daughter of the owners, Toni and Steve. They are a family-owned and run business, and the community has gotten to know them pretty well. Amanda and her sister Sarah have become known as the “Tews Sisters”—search #tewssisters on Facebook and Instagram—and they treat their guests like family, too. “If you can’t find what you’re looking for, give us your ‘wish list’ and we’ll contact you when we find it,” said Amanda. “We believe every interaction is an opportunity to brighten our guests’ day, and we’re delighted to assist you in the hunt for a thoughtful gift or functional piece of furniture by sharing our knowledge and experience.” Expect to be greeted with a smile, and invited to some of their awesome events. More on that in our Best Retailer section where Tews Treasures is also a winner!
1774 Industrial Way, Napa, CA 94558
707-226-8397
www.tewstreasuresconsignments.com
When one thinks of customer service, one generally thinks of a business of some kind: Great customer service at that restaurant! Or on the phone with American Express. But when it comes to the local city employees? Not often a go-to for impeccable customer service. Unless you’re in Benicia, of course, and you’re dealing with Benicia Parks & Community Services. Customer service is practically part of their name, so they oughta be pretty good at it! “Customer service means so much to both the Parks & Community Services Department and to the entire City of Benicia,” said Ann Dunleavy, Superintendent of Parks & Community Services for the City of Benicia. “I believe it’s the result of our staff and their willingness to go above and beyond, daily, for our customers and community.” The agency has recently upgraded its registration system so that it’s even easier for customers to access information about classes and programs. That’s right, they got best customer service yet they’re still perfecting it! Check out the new registration system online at apm.activecommunities.com/cityofbenicia.
370 East L St, Benicia, CA 94510
707-746-4285
facebook.com/BeniciaPCS or ci.benicia.ca.us
Given that it won this category in our Local’s Choice Awards story last year, it may not be a surprise to see A Dress Change Consignment here yet again. However, there’s been one big change since last year—it’s under new ownership! It was first established in 2009 by Donna Read, who decided to join her husband in his retirement and thus, on March 1st 2016, Jonni Smith became the new owner of A Dress Change. Perhaps one of the greatest testaments to the success of this peaceful exchange of power is that customer service at A Dress Change is just as good, if not even better, than before. “I’ve been striving to keep the same great reputation that the store has had—especially when it comes to the customer service,” said Jonni. She has made some changes. First she began with re-merchandising the clothes to give the shop a refreshed look, then she started accepting younger-looking clothes to appeal to the younger crowd, and a big move was repositioning the front desk to face the front door. So far, her hard work has certainly paid off. “I’ve received many compliments on how much easier it is to shop,” she said. So if you haven’t been in a while, come on by and see what’s new.
125 Railroad Ave #B, Danville, CA 94526
925-855-5581
www.adresschangeconsignment.com
When making one of the biggest decisions of your entire life—buying a home—and if you’re looking to settle in Napa County with options galore, our readers (you) recommend turning to Christina Winegar-Anderson, Realtor, CRS, GRI with Heritage Sotheby’s International Realty. Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer or a savvy investor, Christina will take care of you every step of the way, even after the fact! “As my slogan states: I go beyond the close,” she said. “My services don’t just stop when the house closes escrow. I’m there for my clients the entire time they own their home; they can always call me when they have a problem, need a reference, an appraisal on their property, or just have a question in general.” With 20 years of real estate experience, Christina has navigated through the complicated world of negotiations, contracts and inspections time and time again. She knows what her clients need, and she knows how to provide for them in more ways than just escrow. “I’ll also help with making phone calls to movers, storage units, utilities, and all the other things involved in buying and selling a house,” she said. “Plus, since I’ve recently taken on a Realtor partner, Linda Parzych, my clients will now have the benefit of two agents working for them!” If the time is now to buy or sell your home, give Christina a call.
780 Trancas st, Napa, CA 94558
707-815-9800
www.sellingnapavalley.com
It’s no secret that Solano County is an amazing place to live. The question is, though, when searching for a home, how do you find the best of the best? Well, for the Solano region, our readers recommend Desiree M. Everett, Realtor/President of Powerhouse Real Estate & Mgmt., Inc., for all your escrow needs. Literally, all. “I have the unique opportunity to offer real estate services and expertise in different forms—whether it be selling, buying, leasing, or managing property,” she said. “I enjoy the time I get to spend with clients, learning about what their needs are and how I can help.” Powerhouse Real Estate is a family-owned and operated business that’s been assisting Solano County residents new and old for more than two decades. She bought the business about four years ago, and has also worked for the Solano Association of REALTORS as well as for BAREIS Multiple Listing Service. Desiree has the experience and the drive to actively help you with your real estate needs. “I’m available and responsive to my clients,” she says. “I also have a great supportive staff that allows me to better serve my clients.” Be sure to contact her if you or a friend or family member has interest in the Solano County housing market.
831 East 2nd St. Ste 101, Benicia, CA 94510
(707) 745-8800, ext. 110
www.powerhouserealestatefamily.com
When it comes to finding a home in Contra Costa County, contact Nikki Biama, a Realtor with J. Rockcliff Realtors, who has won this category now for the second year in a row! “I am very honored and forever grateful for the continuous support and business all of my wonderful clients continue to bring me,” she said. Born and raised in Pleasanton, Nikki has gotten to know Contra Costa County pretty well. She makes it a point to utilize her knowledge of the Tri-Valley geographies and beyond to better serve her clients, by providing all sorts of statistics for the varying regions, helping her clients to make the most educated decision possible on where to settle down. J. Rockcliff Realtors, by the way, is one of the top real estate companies in gross sales in the East Bay. “We base our business on the simple principles of honesty, integrity, professionalism and innovation,” she said. “I look forward to hopefully working for you one day as a Realtor you can trust!” We trust her. You should too.
15 Railroad Ave., Danville
925-520-5989
www.NikkiBiama.com
It takes a village to raise a child. It also takes the City of Napa Parks & Recreation Department, which has been voted as the top contributor for children’s activities in Napa County. “Our staff works tirelessly to ensure children have a positive, fun-filled experience in our programs,” said Katrina Gregory, Recreation Division Manager. “We provide safe, engaging, and meaningful programs to support a healthier community and a higher quality of life for all families in Napa.” Napa families are pretty lucky to have the Napa Parks & Recreation Department for providing such a wide variety of affordable recreation programs for kids and adults alike. Whether it’s through aquatics, summer camps, enrichment classes, youth sports classes and leagues, family-oriented special events, preschool programs and more, kids are sure to find their calling by participating in enough of these activities. “Families can also enjoy the outdoors at one of the 31 playgrounds, 56 neighborhood parks, and 26 miles of trails for biking, hiking and walking,” Katrina said. “Or visit our state-of-the-art skate park located at Kennedy Park.” Sounds like enough to get started, yeah?
1850 Soscol Ave #201, Napa, CA 94559
707-257-9558
www.naparec.com
