On the pages inside, you will find feature stories on the North Bay Athletic Association programs for young athletes, and the Summer Camps for children sponsored by the Greater Vallejo Recreation District.

Read about North County Riders 12th Annual Poker Run, and a free workshop will help seniors prepare themselves for a natural disaster.

For those inclined to enjoy the cultural arts, there are details on the Company D Ballet Theatre’s upcoming performance at the historic Empress Theatre, and a scholarship program offered by Horizon Arts.

All this, and more, inside. Read and enjoy. Happy Mother’s Day – Happy Spring!

The non-profit North Bay Athletic Association (NBAA) was founded to promote, support, and provide facilities and services to the youth athletes of Napa and Solano counties. NBAA serves over 600 children with affordable, quality programs that help develop the whole child through training in the sports of recreational and competitive gymnastics and cheerleading. In addition, services include summer camps, fitness training, hip-hop, and Capoeira classes.

One of NBAA’s primary objectives is to advance education in the art of gymnastics and related athletic forms. The means of providing such education includes maintaining facilities for instruction and training, which are open to the general youth population along with conducting public performances and workshops. Children are provided the opportunity to develop their skills in leadership, teamwork, self-confidence and physical conditioning.

Not only does NBAA offer the largest and most complete facility of its type in the area, but it also caters to the recreational child-athlete as well.

The well trained staff is dedicated to not only improving a child’s physical fitness and teaching them the importance of good health but also to instilling in them the values of good sportsmanship, perseverance, discipline, pride of accomplishment and self-confidence in a fun and safe environment. As parent Kris Wehrmeister notes, “Everyone who works there goes out of their way to make sure that my daughters have a squealing, joyful, giggly, bouncing fabulous time every time we visit.”

NBAA has all the equipment you’d expect from a first class gymnastics facility: there is a large spring exercise floor, foam filled in-ground pit, high bars, tumbling track, uneven bars, balance beams, vaults, a trampoline, pommel horses, etc. Equipment is introduced at an age and ability appropriate level, with more gifted and desiring students quickly moving on to more structured and intense sessions.

Besides the structured team and recreational classes, NBAA also sponsors regular “Open Gym” sessions. Every Saturday, from 12:30 – 2:00, members and non-members can use the gym’s equipment to practice or play on whatever they like. NBAA is also available for birthday parties on the weekends: forget the usual party fare, and let your child and his or her guests jump on trampolines, hop on mats, swing on ropes, and experience the fun of working with a trained coach.

Moreover, in the summer, a series of seven, week-long camps to provide hours of enjoyment for children, and a healthy alternative to sitting around the house. Each week is differently themed (Magic Week, Around the World Week, Gladiator Week, Music Week, Fantasy Week, Art Week, and Olympic Week) but they will all include exercise, games, healthy snacks, and arts and crafts.

On Saturday September 13, NBAA will host a free open house to celebrate National Gymnastics Day. The gym will welcome the public with gymnastic demonstrations, a carnival and barbeque, an auction, and chance for all kids to tumble, bounce and generally have a “giggly” good time!

Open Gym hours and pricing: Every Saturday from 12:30 to 2:00 pm. Occasionally, there are weekend competitions held at the facility (during which there is no Open Gym), so please call before heading over. Admission is free for NBAA members and only $5.00 for non-members. Non-member children must have a release form on file signed by their parent or legal guardian and children under age 8 must be accompanied by an adult.

For directions or more information about NBAA membership or classes, please contact Sarajane or Angie at (707) 643-9622.

Prizes will be awarded for Hi/Lo Poker Hand, and there will be a 50/50 and a large number of raffle prizes. While riders are eating and relaxing, they will be entertained by music provided by a great blues band – Black Cat Bone (www.blackcatboneblues.com).

Other activities include horseshoe games, volleyball and paddle boats in the creek. A number of vendors will be on hand with a variety of merchandise.

The North County Riders M/C was originally called Riders M/C, a single piece patch club founded in 1990 in Daly City. In 1994 several members split off and relocated to Northern California, and in 1996 they founded a three-piece patch club named North County Riders M/C, thereby separating themselves from the former Riders M/C group.

The new North County Riders M/C is made up of members from all walks of life. Most of the North County Rider members are former military who take the “Loyalty, Honor and Respect” that we learned during our military service and apply it as the club’s moral foundation. The club members are hard working average Americans, many of us with families and businesses right here in the community. As club members we are “Club Brothers” that form a family and believe in family values and support – not only for the brotherhood of the club but every club member’s family.

We also believe in protecting the freedoms and rights that were established by our forefathers – thus the creed “Live Free and Ride Free” displayed by many motorcycle riders throughout the nation. This is just one of the numerous reasons why we support many of the groups that help with that freedom, no matter how large or small those groups may be.

Because of our strong constitutional and family beliefs, we do what we can to limit the erosion of those truths we value so highly, and served our country in the military to preserve. Examples include the decline in local and state funding of school programs, educational and youth groups. Members of the club sponsor events and motorcycle runs to help programs such as Little League, Police Activities League, Firefighter’s Children’s Fund, Baskets of Hope, Toys for Tots, and others.

Most of our events are focused toward motorcycle riders and clubs, so we donate a percentage of the proceeds to these activities to help parents offset the rising costs of the programs. The children throughout our communities benefit from our events and activities. After all, the future of America is in our children’s hands. How we educate them, take care of them, support them, and treat them now could reflect on how they will take care of, support and treat us when they control the reigns of the nation.

For more information about our run and others in the area, please check out our website at www.ncrmc. com or call 707-249-9476.

Scholarship applications may be obtained by email, mail or given by an instructor. Students may write or email Horizon Arts Group to request a copy of the forms. Address all correspondence to address below:

Horizon Arts Group
Scholarship Foundation
P.O. Box 1881, Vacaville, CA 95696
(707) 220-8355
<a href=”mailto:horizonartsgroup@yahoo.com”>horizonartsgroup@yahoo.com</a>

After verification of eligibility, applicants will be invited for an audition to showcase their talent in front of our preliminary panel in June. After the final decision is made, finalists will need to participate in the show to be held the first weekend in August in Vacaville. Applicants who do not hear from us by June 30th unfortunately did not qualify for the finalist round. Each finalist will have 2-3 minutes to showcase talent if applying as a performing artist. In addition each performing artist will be involved in other numbers and are required to participate in at least two other numbers beside their own. Each visual artist must prepare three pieces to display at the performances. Finalists will subsequently be notified in writing if they receive a scholarship by any of the Scholarship Committees.

There are four scholarships to be given; each applicant can only receive one scholarship. Each scholarship is the same amount. Each scholarship receives an equal percentage of ticket sales and therefore will be determined later. Scholarship recipients should expect to receive anywhere from $500 to $1,500. If a finalist does not hear from us by August 30th, they unfortunately did not receive one of the scholarships available.

We are seeking Performing Artists- All areas of singing (i.e. opera, musical theatre, pop), music (i.e. string instrument, piano, wind instrument), dance (i.e. ballet, tap, jazz, hip-hop, folk), and acting; and also Visual Artists- All areas of painting, sculpture, drawing, and textiles.

SCHOLARSHIP TIMELINE

May 23, 2008- Applications must be postmarked and mailed by this date.

June 9-20, 2008- Preliminary Panel Auditions and Interviews.

June 30, 2008- Finalists Notified.

July 7, 2008- Rehearsals Start for Production.

August 2, 2008- Show at VPAT in Vacaville.

August 4- 23, 2008 Scholarship Committee meets to decide scholarship recipients.

August 30, 2008- Scholarship recipients notified and checks are mailed.

Our goal at Horizon Arts Group is to create strong relationships with those who work with talented young individuals in our area. We are also seeking individuals to sit on our preliminary panel for all applicants. This usually requires a commitment of a few nights, one week for the entire year. If you are interested in participating, please <a href=”mailto:emailhorizonartsgroup@yahoo.com”>emailhorizonartsgroup@yahoo.com</a> or call 707-220-8355.

“The earliest Lasik patient can still maintain 20/20 vision, ” says Leonard Newman M.D. and that was more than 14 years ago, so we know it’s a very safe procedure…. If glasses or contacts make you see better, the laser will make you see better.” Lets say you are considering LASIK surgery. The first step is to get into the office for a free comprehensive eye exam that will take a little over an hour. Dr. Newman utilizes State-of-the-art equipment to ensure all health aspects are covered.

“The exam is very involved. We look at everything to ensure the patients are excellent candidates for LASIK, ” states Newman. Most people are LASIK candidates, but an average of about 12 % don’t qualify for the surgery at my center.

Dr. Newman is a YALE-educated fellowship trained corneal specialist and very closely screens for inherited disease of the cornea. Those with the inherited disease keratoconnus or those with thin corneas don’t fare well, and Dr. Newman won’t risk any complications, period. The good news is that about 90% of people with vision problems that include nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism can greatly benefit from LASIK.

The laser surgery itself only takes about two minutes per eye. The most commonly heard comment after surgery is “That was a piece of cake” Generally the anticipation of the procedure is worse than the surgery itself,” Dr. Newman notes, He’s performed over 42,000 Lasik procedures and is often used as a clinical consultant to one of the major keratome and laser manufacturers in the industry.

Dr. Newman did some of the early custom wavefront studies that are now using this technology for the Custom Lasik procedure. “What we’re finding now with the latest lasers is that the results are much more predictable. The technology allows us to take a “FINGERPRINT” of each eye and create a treatment profile based on these findings. The measurements are very specific for each eye which only ensures the best possible outcome.”

Eye exams theoretically can’t measure as precisely as the newest technology. ” Custom technology looks at 250 data points spread across the visual axis as opposed to just averaging the power of your eye. The limitation of glasses is that they do the same thing, but with lasers we are obtaining the additional information to treat more specifically. This should theoretically correct vision beyond what you see in glasses, and clinically we get excellent results with our technology.”

“We can now diagnose and treat 20% more information regarding the imperfections within your eye, and obviously the more information we can obtain, the more precise and unique the outcome.” During the actual surgery we create a microscopic “FLAP” that allows for rapid healing. It takes about 5 seconds and is painless. The keratome system I use is very predictable and compact which is important to me because it maximizes the patient’s comfort. Newman is also impressed with the 3-D tracking capability and IRIS registration of his laser.

It’s very difficult to keep your eye in one position for even 20 seconds, but technology has developed a way to track the eye during the procedure and stay on it with pinpointed focus. This way, the beam stays at a right angle to the cornea, which is necessary for the best results. This instills confidence in the patients. But all this is just the technical side of Lasik, What about the human side of it?

“You’ll be happy to know that we have patients who are constantly raving about how comfortable they feel with the staff, the technology and the procedure. In regards to our pricing structure my goal is to make this life changing procedure affordable for everyone. Cost doesn’t have to be a barrier for Lasik anymore. Our price is lower because I own the lasers and they are onsite in my center, other Lasik providers have to contract out surgery centers and charge the patient surgery center fees. We simply offer the same technology at a much more affordable price.

If you are tired of not seeing the alarm clock in the morning or hate contacts or glasses, with Dr. Newman’s simple Lasik procedure that are very affordable, you’ll be back seeing the world in a whole new light. Give him a call at 1-888-527-4515.

“FRESH” Summer Camps at Children’s Wonderland for ages 9, 10, 11 & 12 year olds. FRESH = Future Rising Entertainers Star Headquarters, is the new camp at Children’s Wonderland. Campers participate in park activities in this whimsical, fairy tale park. Mr. Ant and Ms. Gina will work with the campers in putting on a theatrical performance at the end of each weeklong camp - Poetry, dancing, acting, singing and short skits; also making props and designing costumes. Camps run Monday through Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. with a performance on Friday evening (open July 4th). Limited to 25 per camp, pre registration required. Check GVRD web site or call the park at 707-980-8004. Register at 395 Amador St., or contact Toni Millholland DeHaven@648-4611 or <a href=”mailto:tmillholland@gvrd.org”>tmillholland@gvrd.org</a>.

Counselor in Training Program for grades 7, 8 & 9 is being offered at the Vallejo Community Center where they will receive both classroom and hands on training to become a camp leader. This program is designed for those who enjoy working with children and want to learn more about the field of recreation and want to become a camp leader. There are 2 two-week camps, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. These campers will be working with our Top of the Bay Camp at the Vallejo Community Center.

“Top of the Bay” camps for grades 1 through 5 are located in the north at the North Vallejo Community Center; the south at the Norman C. King South Vallejo Community Center; the east at the Community Building on Heartwood Ave. next to Cunningham Pool; the west at City Park; and in the middle at the Vallejo Community Center and at Dan Foley Park the Foley Cultural Center. All Top of the Bay Camps are theme based with activities that include arts and crafts, science, outside organized sports, inside recreational games, singing, hiking, cooking, swimming, theatrical activities and field trips. Counselors are trained GVRD staff that is also certified in CPR and First Aid. Ratio is 10 campers to 1 leader. One-week and two-week sessions (closed July 4th). Core program rate for 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and extended program rate for 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Contact Anthony Kenaston, Recreation Coordinator at 707-648-4483 or <a href=”mailto:akenaston@gvrd.org”>akenaston@gvrd.org</a> or our Main Office at 648-4600.

“Davey Jones Aquatic Camp” for ages 5 through 8 years old will be held at both Cunningham Pool (801 Heartwood Ave) and The Plunge (801 Nebraska St). Spend part of your summer hanging out at the pool with our fully certified lifeguards and camp leaders. Campers learn basic water safety, first aid and boating safety skills. No past swimming experience necessary, campers will be taught swim lessons. Camps are two weeks long and offered both 9 am to 3 pm and 7 am to 6 pm (closed July 4th). Space is limited so register early. Contact Justin Saroyan, Aquatic Coordinator at 707-648-4663 or <a href=”mailto:jsaroyan@gvrd.org”>jsaroyan@gvrd.org</a>. Registration may be done at our Main Office 395 Amador Street or Cunningham Pool, 801 Heartwood Ave.

Guardstart is for ages 9, 10 & 11. Camp is held at Cunningham Pool, 801 Heartwood Ave. This is an American Red Cross Program that emphasizes on a wide range of knowledge, team building, and skills on injury prevention, emergency response, physical fitness, self-esteem, communication and decision-making. The aquatic staff is certified as lifeguards, and will be teaching the campers the basics of first aid, CPR, and basic water rescue. Organized water and land sports as well as free swim time are part of the program. (Closed July 4th) Advanced registration is required. Contact Justin at 648-4663 or <a href=”mailto:jsaroyan@gvrd.org”>jsaroyan@gvrd.org</a>.

Jr. Lifeguards and Jr. Lifeguard Work Experience is for ages 12, 13, 14 & 15 and both take place at Cunningham Pool. The Jr. Lifeguard program is an advanced camp designed to physically train and mentally prepare young adults for the exciting job of lifeguarding, focusing on the following core principles: leadership, communication, team work, good decision making, sound work ethics, professionalism, responsibility and respect. Camps run 2 weeks, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Discount if you register for all 4 camps. Campers who have completed two Jr. Lifeguard Camps are eligible to enroll in the Jr. Lifeguard Work Experience Program where they will learn practical experience assisting Lifeguards with teaching swim lessons and lifeguarding. This is a great introduction to the profession of lifeguarding. Contact Justin Saroyan at 648-4662 or <a href=”mailto:jsaroyan@gvrd.org”>jsaroyan@gvrd.org</a> for more information. Registration can be done at the Main Office, 395 Amador Street or at Cunningham Pool, 801 Heartwood.

This spring, Company D. Ballet Theatre collaborates with other Solano county non-profit organizations to bring performances to Vacaville and Vallejo showcasing many local young talented artists through live theatre productions! Our emphasis on collaboration this year is an effort to enrich our local communities by bringing more fine art productions to the greater Solano county region. It is exciting to watch these young artists “rub elbows and collaborate” in their artistic endeavors. These performances are sure to please every member of the family!

In May, Company D celebrates the grand reopening of the historic Empress Theatre in Vallejo after a 7 million dollar renovation. This event features collaboration with Baci Ristorante for brunch or dinner and a ballet! Company D brings back an original lyrical jazz ballet, “Dukes Place”, choreographed by Artistic Director Anita Darbonne to music and singing by Duke Ellington and Louis Armstrong. Also included is “Duets”, an original contemporary lyrical ballet choreographed by Co-Artistic Director Sarah Hayward. Come celebrate with us and bring back a tradition of fine food and great entertainment!

Company D. Ballet Theatre is a multi-cultural, pre-professional ballet company organized to foster and educate excellence in the art of ballet for aspiring young dancers between the ages of 10 and 18 throughout Solano County. The purpose of this organization is to enrich the lives of young dancers and our community through the art of ballet and other forms of dance. Dancers from Company D. Ballet Theatre are involved with the local community through outreach programs. These outreach programs requires Company D. dancers to perform special presentations at public schools, retirement and senior residences, and other community events.

In addition to covering event costs, proceeds from performances and fundraisers help to fund Company D. Ballet Theatre’s Scholarship Programs for young women and men who attend summer intensive dance programs outside the Solano County area as well as many other exciting opportunities. Company D. artists have been accepted into programs at American Ballet Theatre of New York, San Francisco Conservatory, Alonzo King / LINES Ballet, Miami City Ballet, Nutmeg Conservatory, Marin Dance Theatre, City Ballet of San Francisco, Diablo Ballet, San Diego City Ballet, and Contra Costa Ballet Center.

Company D will be holding its 2008-2009 season auditions for dancers aged 10-18 during dance classes at Darbonne Academy for the Arts in Suisun City throughout the summer. Dancers should be at an intermediate or advanced ballet level and live in the greater Solano County area. Pre-registration is required! Please call Artistic Director, Anita Darbonne, at 421-9866 to register or for more information.

Tickets for the May 18 performance at the Empress Theatre in Vallejo are available on-line or call 707 552-2400 ($10.00 child and senior, $20.00 adult). To reserve a table for brunch or dinner call Baci’s Ristorante at (707) 552-4888.

Included in the training are instructions on how to make communication plans, information on local emergency resources, and how to get and store essential supplies. Of special significance to seniors, the course includes valuable information on health and mobility considerations, and the need for personal support networks.

Upon completion of the free program, participants aged 60 or older will receive a free disaster preparation kit. The kit consists of a zip-up 10″ x 6″ pouch with a carrying hook, a wind-up flashlight, an energy bar, purified water, a facemask and other essential items.

The event is presented by the American Red Cross, Bay Area Chapter in partnership with the Area Agency on Aging of Napa and Solano. For further information contact John F. Kennedy Library at 553-5568.