Walnut Creek news briefs

Oakland Tribune, Aug 13, 2008 by Theresa Harrington

Society hosts antiques and collectibles sale

The Walnut Creek Historical Society will host its Antiques and Collectibles Show and Sale from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sept. 14.

Antique dealers from all over Northern California will once again set up shop around the historic Colonial Revival mansion that houses the Shadelands Ranch Museum, at 2660 Ygnacio Valley Road. Vendors will offer vintage items for sale, including furniture, ceramics and pottery, glassware, fine jewelry, toys and dolls.

Jumbo hot dogs, sandwiches, cookies, beer, lemonade and other beverages will be for sale. Children's Living History learning activities will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. And guides will be leading special $1 reduced-price tours of the historic Penniman house. Built in 1903, this house was once the centerpiece of the Shadelands Ranch. Walnut Creek in the 1950s will be the exhibit at the museum.

Parking is free and all proceeds benefit the non-profit Walnut Creek Historical Society. For more information, contact the Shadelands Ranch Museum at (925) 935-7871.

-- Elisabeth Nardi

Choir seeks new members

The Diablo Women's Chorale is welcoming new members to sing two, three, and four-part harmony.

New members are encouraged to join the group at the first fall rehearsals Aug. 26 or Sept. 8, including informal audition with the director. The group's annual holiday concert will feature music from around the world as well as traditional favorites.

The chorale rehearses Monday evenings at 7 p.m. in the Trinity Lutheran Church Hall, 2317 Buena Vista Ave. Call 925-256-8961 or visit www.angelfire.com/ca/dwchorale for more information.

-- Elisabeth Nardi

Junior league seeks new members

The Junior League of Oakland-East Bay, Inc. invites prospective new community-minded women members to attend a social and orientation from 6:30-8 p.m. today at the Claremont Resort and Spa, Claremont Resort, 41 Tunnel Road in Berkeley.

The nonprofit organization offers social and philanthropic opportunities to members for women over 21 interested in improving their communities. To RSVP or for more information, contact jloebmembership@gmail.com or visit www.jloeb.org.

-- Theresa Harrington

Mental illness, depression, bipolar discussion

The Ygnacio Valley library will host a free talk called "Turning Depression or Bipolar to Your Advantage" from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the library.

Author and consumer advocate Tom Wootton will talk about overcoming serious conditions such as bipolar disorder, depression and mania. He suggests accepting, rather than fighting, bipolar disorder.

Ygnacio Valley Library is at 2661 Oak Grove Road in Walnut Creek. More information is at 925-938-1481 or www.ccclib.org. The program is sponsored by the Walnut Creek Library Foundation.

-- Theresa Harrington

Cheesecake Factory signs Plaza Escuela lease

The Cheesecake Factory has signed a lease to operate at Plaza Escuela in downtown Walnut Creek, said Kim Fraser, marketing representative for Capital and Counties, which owns the shopping center.

The family restaurant has begun construction on improvements to the former Andronico's Market at Locust Street and Olympic Boulevard and plans to open next year, Fraser said.

-- Theresa Harrington

Calypso Twist named top retailer of 2008

NICHE Magazine recently named Calypso Twist among the top retailers of 2008 during an awards ceremony at a wholesale craft show.

The awards program recognizes craft merchants who employ fair business practices and are committed to strengthening the North American craft community, according to a news release.

"This awards program honors galleries and retailers for their commitment to supporting the artists," publisher Wendy Rosen said in the news release.

A complete list of winners is at www.AmericanCraft.com. Details about Calypso Twist, at 1357 N. Main St. in Walnut Creek, are at 925- 944-4860 or www.CalypsoTwist.com.

-- Theresa Harrington

Reach Elisabeth Nardi at 952-2617 or enardi@bayareanewsgroup.com. Reach Theresa Harrington at 925-945-4764 or tharrington@bayareanewsgroup.com.