Dedicated to all the women who help to innovate ideas, gather and produce products and build successful businesses, large and small, in the Oakdale, Escalon and Riverbank area
It is a business which was the result of two loves: a love for her daughters and a love of Paris.
It is a business which was the result of two loves: a love for her daughters and a love of Paris.
Now, 22 years later since first opening the doors on the east end of Oakdale, I Love Paris continues to have a faithful following and is a thriving business.
Now, 22 years later since first opening the doors on the east end of Oakdale, I Love Paris continues to have a faithful following and is a thriving business.
Founding business owner Eleanor Colombo shared the motivation to first open the business came at the request of her daughters, Jill and Vivian, seven years after closing her former home décor business, “Country Home.”
Founding business owner Eleanor Colombo shared the motivation to first open the business came at the request of her daughters, Jill and Vivian, seven years after closing her former home décor business, “Country Home.”
Always welcoming clients with a smile is the I Love Paris mother/daughter team of Eleanor Colombo, left, and
The family lost Vivian to an airplane crash several years after first opening the business on her birthday in November 2001.
The family lost Vivian to an airplane crash several years after first opening the business on her birthday in November 2001.
Now run primarily by daughter Jill Haney, Eleanor Colombo still spends time working and visiting with her valued customers at the 325 East F Street, Oakdale location.
“We love Paris. We loved going to Paris and fell
Now run primarily by daughter Jill Haney, Eleanor Colombo still spends time working and visiting with her valued customers at the 325 East F Street, Oakdale location.
Monday-Friday 9am-5:30pm and Saturday 9am-12:30pm
in love with it,” Colombo said of the inspiration behind the shop.
By TERESA HAMMOND“We love Paris. We loved going to Paris and fell in love with it,” Colombo said of the inspiration behind the shop.
With their love of Paris and French décor, Colombo and her daughters toyed with a number of French influenced names. The final shop name, however, came from a man: Henry Colombo, Eleanor’s husband.
With their love of Paris and French décor, Colombo and her daughters toyed with a number of French influenced names. The final shop name, however, came from a man: Henry Colombo, Eleanor’s husband.
“He said why don’t you do something people can remember,” Haney said of her father’s suggestion of ‘I Love Paris’ and so, the name stuck.
“He said why don’t you do something people can remember,” Haney said of her father’s suggestion of ‘I Love Paris’ and so, the name stuck.
“People loved it,” Colombo shared of the initial opening. “We were busy right from the very start, because we had our old customers and they were very sweet. You know how our community is.”
“People loved it,” Colombo shared of the initial opening. “We were busy right from the very start, because we had our old customers and they were very sweet. You know how our community is.”
The current space situated in the center of Oakdale, allowed the mother/daughter business team a larger space to expand on their love on French inspired wares. Shoppers can find a variety of candles, French soaps, home décor, gift
The current space situated in the center of Oakdale, allowed the mother/daughter business team a larger space to expand on
paris page 3
Jill Haney.
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their love on French inspired wares. Shoppers can find a variety of candles, French soaps, home décor, gift wrap, leather handbags, baby items, clothing and jewelry. A little bit of everything for the shopper needing a little pick me up or a nice gift.
wrap, leather handbags, baby items, clothing and jewelry. A little bit of everything for the shopper needing a little pick me up or a nice gift.
“There has been a lot of change,” Colombo said, from then to now. “We carry more and I think the décor has changed over the time that we carry. We’ve tried to keep it French as much as we possibly can.”
“There has been a lot of change,” Colombo said, from then to now. “We carry more and I think the décor has changed over the time that we carry. We’ve tried to keep it French as much as we possibly can.”
With a degree in Business/ Marketing, Haney stepped right out of college and into helping run the shop. The background and enthusiasm has now put her at the helm of the thriving boutique.
With a degree in Business/ Marketing, Haney stepped right out of college and into helping run the shop. The background and enthusiasm has now put her at the helm of the thriving boutique.
“The store really is Jill’s now. I work for her,” Colombo beamed. “We opened it for our daughters and we lost our daughter Vivian in a plane crash. Finally when we moved here a few years later, she (Haney) had finished school and got married and it was finally time to give it to her.”
“She doesn’t like the bookwork. Mom still does all
“The store really is Jill’s now. I work for her,” Colombo beamed. “We opened it for our daughters and we lost our daughter Vivian in a plane crash. Finally when we moved here a few years later, she (Haney) had finished school and got married and it was finally time to give it to her.”
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“She doesn’t like the bookwork. Mom still
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the buying,” Haney interjected.
does all the buying,” Haney interjected. In addition to still doing the buying, Colombo also continues to come into the shop semiregularly to see the customers, many of whom have become friends.
In addition to still doing the buying, Colombo also continues to come into the shop semi-regularly to see the customers, many of whom have become friends.
“Our customers are faithful, they kept us here,” she said. “If it wasn’t for our customers we wouldn’t have made it.”
And making sure there are unique items for all is just another part of the fun.
“Our customers are faithful, they kept us here,” she said. “If it wasn’t for our customers we wouldn’t have made it.”
“The friendships that you make through your customers,” Colombo added of what she finds most fulfilling. “You have to enjoy doing it. It doesn’t feel like a job to me, because I really enjoy the customers.”
And making sure there are unique items for all is just another part of the fun.
“The friendships that you make through your customers,” Colombo added of what she finds most fulfilling. “You have to enjoy doing it. It doesn’t feel like a job to me, because I really enjoy the customers.”
As testament to that, the staff at I Love Paris still hand writes each sales ticket. An act the mother/daughter duo shared they’ve maintained to continue a connection with their clients, using that final stop as an opportunity to get to know the customer just a little bit better.
“We considered it quite a few times,” Haney
As testament to that, the staff at I Love Paris still hand writes each sales ticket. An act the mother/ daughter duo shared they’ve maintained to continue a connection with their clients, using that final stop as an opportunity to get to know the
said of going to a point of sale system, “but people like the personal touch.”
customer just a little bit better.
“We considered it quite a few times,” Haney said of going to a point of sale system, “but people like the personal touch.”
“We try to give good customer service. We really try our best and I think people really appreciate that,” Colombo explained, “because our customers to us, they’re right and we try to help them.”
“We try to give good customer service. We really try our best and I think people really appreciate that,” Colombo explained, “because our customers to us, they’re right and we try to help them.”
As for continuing to be successful women in business, Haney shared staying true to their families and business hours which support them have been important. Since the pandemic, the shop has maintained hours of Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with the store continuing to have a strong customer base.
As for continuing to be successful women in business, Haney shared staying true to their families and business hours which support them have been important. Since the pandemic, the shop has maintained hours of Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with the store continuing to have a strong customer base.
As for the founder, her love for her customers may almost run as deep as her love for her family.
As for the founder, her love for her customers may almost run as deep as her love for her family.
Jewelry continues to be not just a customer favorite, but the favorite of I Love Paris owners Jill Haney and Eleanor Colombo as well.
“Loving what you do. Really enjoying what you do so it’s not work,” Colombo said of her key to success. “Really caring about your customer. They know you care about them. We just have such neat customers and I think that’s a big part of it.”
“Loving what you do. Really enjoying what you do so it’s not work,” Colombo said of her key to success. “Really caring about your customer. They know you care about them. We just have such neat customers and I think that’s a big part of it.”
847-8025
With 30 years in the industry Lucy brings experience, knowledge, professionalism, and service to you day in and day out. Besides being an agency owner with her husband she also brings corporate insurance company experience so she knows the business from all sides. As an Independent agent she represents a variety of carriers which allows her to look for the best product for your needs at the best price. Lucy knows your time is valuable so as a full service agency writing all lines of insurance she welcomes the opportunity to service ALL your insurance needs now and in the future. Contact her for a no obligation quote or come by their new office.
As one of the oldest locally owned agencies in the area we know what it means to be local and present for our customers. Good customer service is hard to find these days but it has NEVER wavered at Stewart Kriese Insurance Agency. Our office is open, available, and always local. Lucy has over 34 years in the industry and in an everchanging market stays up to date to help you service all your insurance needs now and in the future. Her and her husband Brian look forward to continuing to serve their loyal customers as well as new customers. Give Lucy a call for your insurance needs.
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Just as it’s not uncommon for people to deal with food allergies and turn increasingly to more natural products, the same can be said for pet owners when it comes to their dogs.
Just as it’s not uncommon for people to deal with food allergies and turn increasingly to more natural products, the same can be said for pet owners when it comes to their dogs.
Don’t consider it pampering, consider it an investment in treating your four-legged friend right: natural treats are a wholesome alternative to commercially produced, full-of-filler products.
Don’t consider it pampering, consider it an investment in treating your four-legged friend right: natural treats are a wholesome alternative to commercially produced, fullof-filler products.
Among those in the business of offering fresh treats is Sara Bulygo of Riverbank, owner of Pure Paws Biscuit Bar. She creates colorful pupcakes, flavored cookies, bone-shaped treats, pup tarts and other items perfect for your canine companion. She said getting involved in the small-scale production of natural treats was a path that seemingly just opened up for her.
Among those in the business of offering fresh treats is Sara Bulygo of Riverbank, owner of Pure Paws Biscuit Bar. She creates colorful pupcakes, flavored cookies, boneshaped treats, pup tarts and other items perfect for your canine companion. She said getting involved in the small-scale production of natural treats was a path that seemingly just opened up for her.
the food they’re eating,” Bulygo explained. “So, I came up with all-natural dog treats and they’ve been a hit; it has taken off so much faster than I had ever anticipated.”
Colorful frosting and sprinkles, sugar free and dog safe, help create bright, tasty treats for your favorite canine companion.
“I was working at a dog grooming salon in Modesto and I realized there were so many dogs with so many skin issues that come from
She has been producing the treats for about a year now and has taken advantage of the variety of outdoor venues for selling the product over the last several months.
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“I was working at a dog grooming salon in Modesto and I realized there were so many dogs with so many skin issues that come from the food they’re eating,” Bulygo explained. “So, I came up with all-natural dog treats and they’ve been a hit; it has taken off so much faster than I had ever
She has been producing the treats for about a year now and has taken advantage of the variety of outdoor venues for selling
“I do the Oakdale Morning Market every Saturday, the Turlock Market on Sundays,” she said, adding that she was also a regular during the summer at Escalon’s third Wednesday of the month market; and
The local independent businesswoman is also on Instagram at @purepawsbiscuitbar and enjoys the creative process as she transforms ingredients into fun and flavorful dog treats.
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“I really like the pupcakes and the donuts,” Bulygo said of her favorite items to prepare, with both mini and full-size decorated donuts offered. “I really like the big donuts, actually.”
“I do the Oakdale Morning Market every Saturday, the Turlock Market on Sundays,” she said, adding that she was also a regular during the summer at Escalon’s third Wednesday of the month market; and then any others that come up.
Some treats are plain, others are decorated with all-natural dog safe sugar free frosting and sprinkles, including some with peanuts, coconut and the sprinkles she gets from another company.
The local independent businesswoman is also on Instagram at @purepawsbiscuitbar and enjoys the creative process as she transforms ingredients into fun and flavorful dog treats.
“They’re good for all dogs, all dog breeds, they’re all natural ingredients, no preservatives, additives, all human grade, no sugar, nothing like that,” she noted of the treats. “Everything is sugar free, dog safe.”
“I really like the pupcakes and the donuts,” Bulygo said of her favorite items to prepare, with both mini and full-size decorated donuts offered. “I really like the big donuts, actually.”
There isn’t any one specific item she can pinpoint as the top seller, however.
Some treats are plain, others are decorated with all-natural dog safe sugar free frosting and sprinkles, including some with peanuts, coconut and the sprinkles she gets from another company.
“Actually, every single market, every single event is different,” Bulygo said. “Every time, something different sells out. I would say all the peanut butter ones are the most
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popular; however, the apple cinnamon pupcakes and donuts sell just as well.”
“They’re good for all dogs, all dog breeds, they’re all natural ingredients, no preservatives, additives, all human grade, no sugar, nothing like that,” she noted of the treats. “Everything is sugar free, dog safe.”
There isn’t any one specific item she can pinpoint as the top seller, however.
“Actually, every single market, every single event is different,” Bulygo said. “Every time, something different sells out. I would say all the peanut butter ones are the most popular; however, the apple cinnamon pupcakes and donuts sell just as well.”
For her donuts and pupcakes, ingredients include whole wheat flour, cinnamon, baking powder and unsweetened applesauce. Key ingredients in the parmesan pretzels are whole wheat flour, eggs, oat bran, chicken broth, baking powder, parmesan cheese and sesame seeds. The poplar s’mores, pup tarts and dipped bones are made with a combination of whole wheat flour, natural peanut butter, baking powder and cinnamon.
For her donuts and pupcakes, ingredients include whole wheat flour, cinnamon, baking powder and unsweetened applesauce. Key ingredients in the parmesan pretzels are whole wheat flour, eggs, oat bran, chicken broth, baking powder, parmesan cheese and sesame seeds. The poplar s’mores, pup tarts and dipped bones are made with a combination of whole wheat flour, natural peanut butter, baking powder and cinnamon.
She said one of the treat options that gets a lot of attention is the dog-shaped bones, which come in a variety of breeds, Bulygo utilizing dog cookie cutters to craft the unique snacks.
“I try to have all of the most popular breed of dog faces so everyone can find their breed,” she added of the peanut butter flavored cookies.
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She said one of the treat options that gets a lot of attention is the dog-shaped bones, which come in a variety of breeds, Bulygo utilizing dog cookie cutters to craft the unique snacks.
Her slogan is “Because Your Pup Deserves Real Food” and the reasonable prices and all-natural ingredients can make owners feel good about that special treat they are offering to their pet.
She can also create specialty birthday cakes for your dog; contact Bulygo at purepawsbb@yahoo.com for more information.
“I try to have all of the most popular breed of dog faces so everyone can find their breed,” she added of the peanut butter flavored cookies.
Her slogan is “Because Your Pup Deserves Real Food” and the reasonable prices and all-natural ingredients can make owners feel good about that special treat they are offering to their pet.
“I love that they’re safe for all dogs. People love them; people say how cute they are and I just love it,” Bulygo added of the joy she has in the process. “I get to be creative with them, every week is something different, I can decorate them in different colors, different sprinkles … every week can be different.”
She can also create specialty birthday cakes for your dog; contact Bulygo at purepawsbb@yahoo.com for more information.
“I love that they’re safe for all dogs. People love them; people say how cute they are
Bulygo noted that she had initially been involved in the same type of effort several years ago but has found the marketplace much more interested in the products now. “Many years ago, before I had kids,
and I just love it,” Bulygo added of the joy she has in the process. “I get to be creative with them, every week is something different, I can decorate them in different colors, different sprinkles … every week can be different.”
Bulygo noted that she had initially been involved in the same type of effort several years ago but has found the marketplace much more interested in the products now.
“Many years ago, before I had kids, probably about 15 years ago I had tried dog treats and dogs weren’t as important to people as they are now,” she pointed out. “They weren’t like their babies, like they are now. But people will always spend money on their dogs and their kids, you know, and so I tried it again and it has taken off so fast, faster than I could have imagined it would.”
probably about 15 years ago I had tried dog treats and dogs weren’t as important to people as they are now,” she pointed out. “They weren’t like their babies, like they are now. But people will always spend money on their dogs and their kids, you know, and so I tried it again and it has taken off so fast, faster than I could have imagined it would.”
Customers take a look at the offerings during the Morning Market on a recent Saturday in Oakdale; one of the local venues where Riverbank businesswoman Sara Bulygo sells her Pure Paws dog treat products.
Adriana Alves was in a new stage in her life and turned to something she knew and loved - fashion! She opened her shop Wynfull + Wonder in 2022 in downtown Oakdale without realizing just how much the interaction with customers would be exactly what she was looking for. Carrying an impressive size range, x-small to 3x, of boutique styles and brand names, the shop offers a casual city vibe in women's clothing and accessories. You can find big names like Sanctuary, Steve Madden and Joe's Jeans. In addition, the Career section provides business wear for professional women. Adriana is bringing her love of fashion in quality, name brands to the local area and you are invited to stop in, browse and meet Adriana.
In an always evolving field, staff members at River Oak Pharmacy in Oakdale agree that one thing is constant: their connection to customers.
Several women are on the staff and, on a recent day, those working ranged from the newest employee – who has been there just since February of this year – to one of the longest tenured, with more than 23 years on staff.
Manager Katie Cosner has been there fulltime for just over two years but has been around the business, owned by her father Ken Cosner, her whole life.
“I have been in and out helping him through the years but now am employed here,” she explained. “I am also a licensed clinical social worker so I use those skills every day.”
Dealing with the customers on a one-to-one basis draws on those skills, and Cosner said it is all about the communication and connection, something that she believes helps set River Oak Pharmacy apart.
“I think the best part is how we personalize our service to patients and know them by name, we try to go above and beyond for them, make sure that whether it’s getting medication delivered to their house, putting it in the mail or checking them out at the register, we all try to have that personal touch with our patients.”
Cosner, who also holds a Masters in Public Health, said the pharmacy does have the new RSV vaccine as well as this year’s flu vaccine ready to go, along with the latest COVID-19 vaccine. She has been working in health care administration since 2016.
With regular classes, open studio events, birthday party opportunities … there always seems to be something going on at the Happy Artists Children’s Creative Studio in Escalon.
With regular classes, open studio events, birthday party opportunities … there always seems to be something going on at the Happy Artists Children’s Creative Studio in Escalon.
Situated in the Vineyard Square Shopping Center on McHenry Avenue, they have been at the location since the spring of 2019 and got their start a few years prior to that.
Situated in the Vineyard Square Shopping Center on McHenry Avenue, they have been at the location since the spring of 2019 and got their start a few years prior to that.
“Happy Artists Children’s Creative Studio was born in September of 2016. We’re getting ready to celebrate seven years of making and creating,” noted owner/founder Alicia Johnson. “Creating art with children is my joy and love. There’s nothing else I’d rather do!”
Summer art camp and holiday classes are the busiest times of the year, with multiple camps
“Happy Artists Children’s Creative Studio was born in September of 2016. We’re getting ready to celebrate seven years of making and creating,” noted owner/
founder Alicia Johnson. “Creating art with children is my joy and love. There’s nothing else I’d rather do!”
staged for youngsters throughout the summer months and lots of craft/art projects drawing in clients during the holiday period.
“Happy Artists offers a Homeschool Makers course, Art Club after school, Art Play for the little ones, Pizza + Paint Nights, Open Studio, Birthday Parties, Holiday Workshops, Summer Art Camp and more,” the local businesswoman said of having a variety of options for the young and young at heart.
Summer art camp and holiday classes are the busiest times of the year, with multiple camps staged for youngsters throughout the summer months and lots of craft/ art projects drawing in clients during the holiday period.
Johnson and her Happy Artists business is also very busy during the school year, as an approved vendor for a number of homeschool charter schools. Those include the local Gateway Academy in Escalon, along with Hickman Charter School, and Hart-Ransom Charter School.
“Happy Artists offers a Homeschool Makers course, Art Club after school, Art Play for the little ones, Pizza + Paint Nights, Open Studio, Birthday Parties, Holiday Workshops, Summer Art Camp and more,” the local businesswoman said of having a variety of options for the young and young at heart.
“Homeschool students are able to use their state funding to cover the cost of our art classes. We have an amazing ‘Homeschool Makers’ program, where students explore their creativity through reading, writing, making and creating,” Johnson explained. “Partici -
Johnson and her Happy Artists business is also very busy during the school year, as an approved vendor for a number of homeschool charter schools. Those
It’s Christmas time and I’m 3 years old packing up my suitcase to go to Idaho to be with my Grandma for Christmas. On the Christmas duty list, Santa sugar cookies. I can still remember the coconut flakes for the beard, raisins for the eyes, and decorating cookies for dear old Santa Claus. Random fun fact, the sugar cookie recipe my grandma taught me, is the same recipe I still use today!
My love for baking evolved from that year to now. I’ve always enjoyed baking, testing new recipes, seeing the smiles on others faces, it brought me such great joy. I remember perfecting my chocolate chip cookie recipe and making them often for the local high school volleyball team as my mom was a coach there. I always say, the chocolate chip cookie got me to today.
After graduating college at Brigham Young University Idaho I moved to Marina Del Rey to do an internship with the Ritz Carlton pastry department. From there, I transferred over to the Grand Cayman Islands where I spent the next year learning all things pastry. What an experience!
There was still something missing and after a few more baking jobs, I moved back to Oakdale, where I pursued having my own business.
I have been able to really grow and develop a love not only for baking but for the friendships and relationships I have been able to develop through running my own business. My dream as a three year old little girl was to one day have my own bakery. With permits in to the city, the next step in my journey, is to make that dream come true. If there’s one piece of advice I can share, it’s to never stop dreaming and to never stop believing in yourself . Do what you love, enjoy it, and never give up. You are capable! 209-681-4838
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include the local Gateway Academy in Escalon, along with Hickman Charter School, and Hart-Ransom Charter School.
pants learn the fundamentals of art as they are introduced to a wide variety of mediums and new processes to make beautiful masterpieces in our signature style. They learn art history through an in-depth study of famous artists.”
Also, said Johnson, students spend time practicing the seven Elements of Art – color, line, shape, value, form, texture and space –through the creation of a fun Interactive Sketchbook.
Also, said Johnson, students spend time practicing the seven Elements of Art – color, line, shape, value, form, texture and space – through the creation of a fun Interactive Sketchbook.
“Homeschool students are able to use their state funding to cover the cost of our art classes. We have an amazing ‘Homeschool Makers’ program, where students explore their creativity through reading, writing, making and creating,” Johnson explained. “Participants learn the fundamentals of art as they are introduced to a wide variety of mediums and new processes to make beautiful masterpieces in our signature style. They learn art history through an in-depth study of famous artists.”
“At the end of the school year, we showcase the artwork during a really special Art Show for
“At the end of the school year, we showcase the artwork during a really spehappy artists page 11
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joined on staff by instructors Sonya Huff and Kasin Alves, and Lorie Macsenti serves as an assistant.
cial Art Show for each class,” she said.
A trio of youngsters busy at a recent Saturday afternoon Open Studio were enjoying the opportunity to work on a craft.
Along with Johnson as owner/instructor, she is joined on staff by instructors Sonya Huff and Kasin Alves, and Lorie Macsenti serves as an assistant.
“I like coming here with my friends,” noted eight-year-old Jace Johnson.
A trio of youngsters busy at a recent Saturday afternoon Open Studio were enjoying the opportunity to work on a craft.
Twin sister Summitt had similar thoughts. “I like painting and doing art,” she said.
“I like coming here with my friends,” noted eight-year-old Jace Johnson.
Emerson Smith, also 8, stated simply: “I love painting, it’s fun.”
Twin sister Summitt had similar thoughts. “I like painting and doing art,” she said.
Emerson Smith, also 8, stated simply: “I love painting, it’s fun.”
Mom Shannon Johnson said she was happy to bring the twins to a local studio.
“I like that they can be creative in someone
Mom Shannon Johnson said she was happy to bring the twins to a local studio. “I like that they can be creative in someone else’s space,” she said, smiling about having the materials and workspace already provided.
“I do art with Emerson,” dad Michael said
of working with his daughter during the year, adding that it was nice to have the structured classes and open studios both available as well.
else’s space,” she said, smiling about having the materials and workspace already provided.
“I do art with Emerson,” dad Michael said of working with his daughter during the year, adding that it was nice to have the structured classes and open studios both available as well.
Emerson’s mom said her daughter has also done some of the summer camps, coming away with many unique pieces of art.
Emerson’s mom said her daughter has also done some of the summer camps, coming away with many unique pieces of art.
“We are open Tuesday through Saturday. Hours vary during the week due to our class schedule,” Johnson added. “We are open every Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. for Open Studio and our retail shop.”
“We are open Tuesday through Saturday. Hours vary during the week due to our class schedule,” Johnson added. “We are open every Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. for Open Studio and our retail shop.”
Open Studio gives kids the chance to work on a number of different take-home projects. They also can stock up on supplies to continue the fun at home.
Open Studio gives kids the chance to work on a number of different take-home projects. They also can stock up on supplies to continue the fun at home.
“We have a darling little boutique, filled with children’s party supplies, art supplies, and fun gifts for kids,” Johnson said.
“We have a darling little boutique, filled with children’s party supplies, art supplies, and fun gifts for kids,” Johnson said.
www.Your209RealEstateLady.com
@ms.laura.lou
FB @Laura.M.Catrina
FB Business @lauracatrinarealtor
Laura Catrina, Realtor ®, is proud to be a 3rd generation Escalonian, graduate of Escalon High School and CSU Stanislaus. After many years of working for “the man,” feeling unfulfilled and searching for purpose, she made the decision in 2014 to venture into the world of real estate. There she found her passion and purpose!
Laura is grateful that she is able to help her fellow Escalonians find a place to call “home.”
Ms. Catrina provides real estate services to the greater 209 area, including selling and purchasing of real estate, specializing in residential properties and ranchettes. She also works on Probate and Trust Estates and Real Estate Owned Properties and Short Sales.
Laura’s favorite focus of her career is helping people fulfill their dreams. Clients seem to appreciate that focus.
“Laura is just amazing!! She made buying our first home a fun, smooth, and enjoyable process! She is very professional, attentive, honest and did a great job explaining each part of the process as we moved forward.
Laura is extremely knowledgeable, hardworking and personable, you will not regret choosing her as your agent!” -local resident testimonial
Laura’s plans to continue being a steward of this great community while providing outstanding service with care and integrity. She believes in creating long lasting relationships by providing an exceptional real estate experience. She aims to delight and surprise her clients, delivering outstanding service and exceeding their expectations at every step in the transaction.
When Laura isn’t making dreams come true, she enjoys spending time with her two Labrador Retrievers, cooking for her family and friends, and volunteering.
Our team knows that thoroughly understanding your perspective is the key to achieving the results you desire. We work as your insurance coaches with your best interest in mind.
To learn more about the Eaton Agency, call us today! You’ll find it a pleasure to talk with an insurance agent who sees things from your point of view.
Please visit our website and spend a few minutes getting to know us. www.kristeneaton.net Hablamos Espanol
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“We ship medications throughout California, that’s one feature we offer,” she added. “And we deliver within specific city limits for free in Stanislaus County.”
More information about the delivery service is available by calling the pharmacy at 209-847-2226 or stopping by the shop at 1080 West F Street, Suite D, Oakdale.
On Fridays, the pharmacy brings in Tobin, their therapy dog, to meet and greet customers, another unique touch.
One of the popular services is the creation of ‘bubble packs’ for people that need to take a lot of medications. The pack is set up in a tray with a pack of pills for each day of the week, negating the need for the customer to have multiple pill bottles. Each day’s medication is already set up for them.
That’s where Traci Hagen comes in; the technician has been with the business since February and currently handles the bulk of preparation for the bubble packs. She also is completing her training in the compounding side of the business.
“I used to groom dogs before, but physically I couldn’t do it anymore because of pinched nerves in my neck,” Hagen explained of how she found her way into the pharmacy business, needing to get into a different field. “For some reason, pharmacy just always interested me and I decided to pursue it.”
She especially appreciates the fact that, at River Oak, the focus is on people, not numbers. They treat each client as a friend and strive to personalize the service as opposed to rushing them through, assembly-line style.
Cecilia Nelson’s career began as a bookkeeper - now with 20 years experience, and added tax preparation later as the need grew. Self-employed for 14 years, she currently offers bookkeeping for individuals and small businesses, Tax Planning and Preparation, Quickbooks set up, Payroll, and bookkeeping training and consulting. Occasionally visiting client offices, she is mobile.
Cecilia’s services give her the opportunity to work with a client and create the best plan for them. The bookkeeping helps to keep clients organized and informed of their business finances, so the business owner can focus on doing what they do best – running their business. Taxes services help to keep the clients informed of their tax situation so they can recognize the specifics affecting the outcome of their tax return and plan better for future tax situations.
“We have worked with Cecilia for the past 4 years and are so happy with her work each year. She is knowledgeable, professional, friendly and trustworthy. She goes above and beyond to make sure your taxes are correct and you have the best outcome for your tax situation.” Travis and Kate Cardoza. 209.595.7964
And she also is enjoying the bubble pack assignment.
“It kind of gets me into my own little zone, I am focused,” she said.
On the opposite end of the spectrum in terms of time, Sara Garcia has been with River Oak for 23 years. She is a technician and bookkeeper.
“As a technician, I fill prescriptions, order medications, put away stock … pretty much whatever needs to be done,” Garcia explained. “As the bookkeeper, I do mostly the third-party billing and pay the bills.”
Garcia, who is bilingual, also helps with Spanish speaking patients when necessary.
There have been innumerable changes in the more than two decades she has been there, but she said by far the most came during the pandemic.
“There have been a lot of different transitions we have experienced, and especially with COVID and the vaccines, that was the most drastic,” she said.
And even after 23 years, Garcia said each day is an opportunity to be helpful, something that can’t be replaced.
“I just enjoy my job in general,” she said.
Clerk/supervisor Jackie Bustos has been on the job more than 14 years and has a background in the medical field.
“I enjoy my job; I love working with patients, customers, I enjoy serving them, help-
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Working on the ambulance together for years as Escalon Community Ambulance staffers, Vanessa Herrero and Leah Truelove knew something was missing. “We knew we didn’t have a frozen yogurt place in district, and we wanted a frozen yogurt place in district,” Truelove said simply. “So, we decided to open one.”
Both are paramedics and have worked countless shifts together on the ambulance; Herrero is also the current ECA Manager and serves as the Collegeville Fire Chief. Truelove has a 5-year-old daughter but the two thought they could squeeze out some time in their tight schedules to become business owners.“ For both of us, as paramedics, our jobs are pretty serious so it is really nice to have this; it allows us to see the community in a different way,” explained Truelove. “In a fun, uplifting, lighthearted way and that’s really important to have for us.”
Herrero said they also wanted to make it a fun place for kids to go, so there is a specific area set aside for kids with a magnet board, there are games set up on tables for youngsters to enjoy and lots of café style tables for eating the frozen treat.
Bring the family and neighbors in!
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ing them,” Bustos said. “I’ve always been in the medical business; this is one of the places I’ve stayed at for the longest time.”
Bustos also doesn’t see that changing anytime soon.
“I’m a lifer,” she said, chuckling.
The fact that it’s a fast-paced environment also helps the days go by quickly, and each one can bring something a little different.
“Definitely, it’s always busy,” Bustos said.
River Oak Pharmacy encompasses 2500 square feet and, along with the variety of medications, also has over the counter items including vitamin supplements, first aid items, pain management medication and more.
“All of those kinds of over-the-counter items we either have in stock or could get within a day,” Cosner pointed out.
They also have wheelchairs, walkers and canes for sale, have a full line of compression stockings and home health aids such as shower benches, raised toilet seats, joint braces, crutches and more.
Originally known as The Medicine Shoppe, the local pharmacy has been around since 1989 and has been at the West F Street location since 2000.
Cosner said that longevity, a local business thriving in the community for decades,
Meet the ladies of Escalon Body & Frame, who will assist you with your damaged car. Efficient and professional, they will make sure your vehicle is repaired to the very highest standards of performance. To ease the difficult process of an auto accident, the staff will help with the insurance claim and billing. Customer service is of paramount concern and you will be treated with the utmost courtesy. Jackie celebrates 23 years with Escalon Body & Frame. Dani Quintana is also an estimator and brings years of experience to her position.
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Oakdale Station Shopping Center - 1214 West F St, Suite A-1 - (209) 844-5018
Oakdale Station Shopping Center - 1214 West F St, Suite A-1 - (209) 844-5018
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