Community is everything when it comes to the children. The city we live in plays a big role in how we’re brought up, and the services and resources they offer us can set the tone for the rest of our lives. Benicia Parks & Community Services offers up some tremendous activities for kids, obviously, as they’ve earned an honor in this category, but they take it a couple steps further by offering three activity guides throughout the year, which means they’re constantly fine-tuning the opportunities these kids have to experience life to the fullest. “We offer a wide variety of programs and classes for children and families,” said Ann Dunleavy, Superintendent of Parks & Community Services. “Our staff is top notch and works hard to provide programs that are safe, fun and enriching for all children.” These programs include activities like gymnastics, skateboarding, tap dancing, sewing, tennis and volleyball, judo and karate, and much, much more—their latest activity guide is 76 pages long! Check it out on their website, stop by, or give them a call if you have any questions.
370 East L St, Benicia, CA 94510
707-746-4285
facebook.com/BeniciaPCS or ci.benicia.ca.us.
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. “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 second year in a row!” In addition to programming for children, there are also about 2-3 times 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 Fiddler on the Roof JR. They’ll be fully prepared as they just honed their roles with a January run at the Lesher Center for the Arts in Walnut Creek. Poison Apple’s next big family production will be A Three Leaf Clover, an original musical opening on St. Patrick’s Day at the Poison Apple Playhouse. Make sure to also inquire about Poison Apple’s Children’s Musical Theater Classes, Disney’s Cinderella KIDS, and Spring Honk JR. 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
www.poisonappleproductions.org
Spinal surgery is a pretty serious operation, and we don’t need a medical degree to say that. It’s obvious. So if you’re in need of such a procedure, wouldn’t you want to go to the best specialist you can find? Well when it comes to Napa County, our readers have confidently referred you to Jason T. Huffman, M.D., one of the surgeons at Napa Valley Orthopaedic Medical Group, Inc. “The most rewarding part of my profession is hearing how I have helped people,” said Dr. Huffman. “To those who voted for me I want to send a sincere thank you.” Dr. Huffman and his staff go above and beyond to ensure that patients get the treatment that they need, providing patients with clinical outcomes that are among the best in the country by offering individualized attention that is only available in a boutique practice such as this one. “I specialize in true, comprehensive, minimally invasive spine surgery,” he adds. He performs those same outpatient “bandaid” surgeries that you see advertised on TV, as well as complex spinal deformity surgeries using minimally invasive approaches. “I’ve taught these techniques to other surgeons in courses across the country and around the world,” he said. “They have significantly improved their surgical outcomes compared to the techniques most surgeons currently utilize.” So maybe not just among the best in Napa County, but the world? Perhaps you should give Dr. Huffman a call.
3273 Claremont Way, #100, Napa, CA 94558
707-254-7117
www.napavalleyortho.com
Since 2004 Mount Diablo Solano Oncology Group (MDSO) has been here to remind us, our family, our friends, and the community as a whole, that we are not alone in our fight against cancer. People are getting diagnosed at earlier and earlier cancer stages as our technology evolves, but that doesn’t mean that life won’t drastically change for a while from that point on. You aren’t just another patient at MDSO. Here, you are a specific patient with a specific situation. “Our healthcare team strives to recognize the unique needs of each individual, and deliver care based on that individuality, not just the disease,” said Beau DeFehr, Administrator for MDSO. And who you are doesn’t determine if you can receive treatment either. “We support all patients and accept most insurance plans, including state Medicaid programs,” said Beau. “We employ financial counselors to assist patients with obtaining financial assistance, help with co-pays, and other similar programs to aid those patients with financial needs.” Although they’ve been voted Best Health Care in Solano County, let it be known that MDSO Group has locations in both Vallejo and Concord. They are the only all-female private practice oncology group in the Bay Area, they treat all types of adult cancers, and they’re here to help. If you or someone you love is in need of a cancer specialist, see their contact information below.
100 Hospital Dr. #110B, Vallejo, CA 94589
707-551-3333
www.mdsogroup.com
If you looked as good as you felt, you’d probably feel even better! Over the last 25 years, Barbara L. Persons, MD, FACS, and President/CEO of Persons Plastic Surgery, has been developing and perfecting her cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery skills. Specializing in pretty much everything, Dr. Persons could practically transform you into an entirely different person! A rare request, of course, but good to know you have the option. Providing facelifts, necklifts, tummy tucks, breast augmentations, scar revisions, “mommy makeovers” and more, we dare you to find something she can’t do … within reason. Persons also offers a wide variety of non-surgical procedures, such as botox, laser hair removal, vein treatment, dermal fillers, and much, much more. “We would like to sincerely thank our 6,000+ patients in the Bay Area for their continued support, encouragement, and loyalty,” said Dr. Persons. “Our patients are all amazing people with amazing hearts and have shown unbelievable gratitude to our staff over the years.” And the staff returns the favor, making patients feel like part of the family. If you’ve had a specific procedure on your mind for what feels like too long now, get a consultation at Persons Plastic Surgery and figure things out from there.
911 Moraga Rd #205, Lafayette, CA 94549
925-283-4012
www.personsplasticsurgery.com
Most of our Local’s Choice Award winners are businesses that are unique to our region, that only exist here and aren’t connected to any major corporation. In fact, all of them are! Except one. U.S. Bank operates 3,114 offices in 25 states. It’s the fifth largest bank and third largest SBA lender in the country. In California, the bank has more than 650 offices and $35 billion in deposits. And yet, one little branch in Napa has stood out as having the Best Business Services in Napa County. “We’re humbled to receive this honor and know it’s only possible because of the trust we’ve built together with the community and our customers,” said Sanjay Prasad, Business Banking Officer and Associate Vice President for U.S. Bank, Napa. “Our goal is to bring the bank to you, the customer, to help you achieve what’s possible.” U.S. Bank’s Napa office provides a wide range of business services, including deposit accounts, cash flow management, card payment, real estate lending, equipment leasing, and wealth management. Committed to being a responsible community partner, U.S. Bank is one of only two domestic banks on Ethisphere’s list of the World’s Most Ethical Companies. They were also recently named Best Brand for Small Business and for Middle Market Banking by Greenwich Associates … please read the rest of our magazine before transferring all your funds to U.S. Bank.
880 Jefferson St, Napa, CA 94559
707-226-9391
www.usbank.com
Movin’ on up? If you’ve yet to find a contractor you can truly rely on, our people have spoken and they say H. Bray Construction! They’ve been in business in Benicia since 1978 and have served customers throughout all of Solano County, Napa and beyond. “I do a wide variety of residential work, including custom homes, many of which I’ve designed myself,” said Harold Bray. “I can help you with the design and draw a lot of the plans myself.” Do all contractors do this? Probably not. And word seems to have gotten out as according to his wife, Debbi, they don’t need to do much advertising. “We’re proud of the fact that almost all of our customers are referrals, or repeat customers,” she said. “Over the years, many of our customers have become good friends. We truly appreciate the confidence and loyalty of our customers. We can’t thank them enough.” Even after remodeling a customer’s home, years later when it’s time for an update, they call back to the quality of H. Bray Construction. From commercial to residential, concrete patios, retaining walls and driveways, H. Bray is the way.
305 W M St., Benicia, CA 94510
707-745-6040
www.hbrayconstruction.com
No matter how different we are, one thing that we all have in common is we all need insurance! It’s a pretty convoluted process if you don’t know what you’re doing, which is why having the right agent is extremely important. When it comes to the areas of home, life and auto insurance, Bill White, Exclusive Agent and Personal Financial Representative Agent for Allstate in Danville, might be the guy you’re looking for. “Our agency and everyone who works for us feels the importance of getting it right the first time,” he said. “We take our time with every single client so they know what their coverage is, how we conduct ourselves, and if they need us—we’re here for them.” He explains how it’s important to get things right the first time because the whole point of insurance is to protect you in case things go wrong, and when they do, your insurance has to be right on for a claim to go smoothly. “We’re happy to serve our clients. They become family to us and we care for them seriously,” Bill added. “We even give our clients our personal cell phone so they can reach us after hours.” So at this point, you only need to ask yourself one question … Are you in good hands? Sorry, we couldn’t help ourselves.
472 Hartz Ave, Danville, CA 94526
925-820-7500
www.allstageagencies.com/BillWhite
