BUSINESS Section

Muralist Calls Oakdale Home But Eyes International Work
Sometimes it is astounding the amount of talent lurking in the small town of Oakdale. Such is the case with Lacy Knudson.

Irrigation District Earns Engineering Award

Irrigation District Earns Engineering Award
The North Side Regulating Reservoir is a project that was initiated in 1997 when the Oakdale Irrigation District acquired the first piece of land for the project. There were delays due to funding issues and then taking time to implement the Water Resources Plan to better plan for the reservoir, but the project began picking up steam in 2007 and is now very near completion — only ...
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Pitassi Marks 25 Years With OVHD

Pitassi Marks 25 Years With OVHD
When Karen Pitassi first began working as an emergency medical technician for the Oak Valley Hospital District in 1977, the ambulances that served the Oakdale, Riverbank, and Escalon communities were staffed a bit differently than they are today.
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Woman Offers Creepy Crawly Care

Woman Offers Creepy Crawly Care
Even mention the word “lice” and people start scratching their heads and shuddering at the thought of the creepy crawly nuisances doing the mambo in their children’s hair but for Oakdale resident Melanie Steele, the critters don’t bother her at all — which is a good thing seeing as people pay Steele for her delousing skills.
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OVHD Employees Seek Union

OVHD Employees Seek Union
A majority of the employees of the Oak Valley Hospital District — including those working at the Oak Valley Care Center — have signed a petition seeking representation by the United Steelworkers Health Care Workers Council, according to union officials.
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Real Estate Snapshot For 2010
In the absence of a crystal ball to gaze into to discern the health of the real estate market, industry analysts are busy deciphering hard numbers to determine how 2010 is shaping up in terms of economic recovery, and the status of the real estate market.

Work Continuing On New Hospital

Work Continuing On New Hospital
Construction of the new Oak Valley Hospital is on track and continuing, despite issues with the state and the economy.
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Smooth Move: Tai Chi Class Expanding To Meet Need

Smooth Move: Tai Chi Class Expanding To Meet Need
Want a way to improve your strength and flexibility? How about reducing your stress level and warding off depression and anxiety?
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Fabulous Nails Going Green

Fabulous Nails Going Green
Elizabeth “Liz” Vo and her husband, Cach Vo, are bringing Fabulous Nails into the green era by transforming the 7-year-old local business into one that uses natural botanical blends imported from Oregon and Canada that are paraban-free for their facials.
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Shipping Christmas
Punctual people who wanted to avoid the Christmas shipping rush that typically happens each season actually started sending their packages out Dec. 7 but the real crush didn’t get into full swing until the following week — and even then it wasn’t as crazy as it has been in previous years, said Myrna Nordstrom, owner of the local UPS store.

Old Fashioned Christmas Creates Holiday Spirit

Old Fashioned Christmas Creates Holiday Spirit
The temperature was enough to cause your breath to curl in wispy clouds but that didn’t stop people from bundling up and heading out to the second annual Old Fashioned Christmas to enjoy wagon rides around town and picking up a few items on the Christmas list.
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Cowboy Christmas Draws Shoppers

Cowboy Christmas Draws Shoppers
The wind didn’t deter shoppers eager to find hand-crafted or unique gifts for the cowboy on their Christmas list as the annual Cowboy Christmas hosted by the Oakdale Cowboy Museum packed in 2,500 visitors to the community center Saturday, Nov. 28.
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Landscape Architect Lends Grace, Function To Projects

Landscape Architect Lends Grace, Function To Projects
Monica Perrone, a local, licensed landscape architect with more than 20 years experience, is one of those lucky people whose creative talent is balanced by an analytical mind, which comes in handy when she’s approaching a project because she can immediately envision beauty without losing the details.
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Spa Owner Offers Positive Pampering

Spa Owner Offers Positive Pampering

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Local Stores Push Early Deals
According to economists the recession is over but local and big box retailers may disagree as the shopping climate remains cool, prompting bigger and earlier holiday sales meant to draw those reluctant consumers into tackling those gift lists now instead of later.




Oakdale Merchants Sought For Sidewalk Sale
The Oakdale Chamber will be coordinating with the City of Oakdale for a one-day holiday sidewalk sale on Saturday, Nov. 28. Merchants interested in participating should contact the Chamber right away to get on the participating list that will be submitted to the City of Oakdale.

Kona’s Chips Offers Gourmet Pet Treats

Kona’s Chips Offers Gourmet Pet Treats
Tom and Cynthia Darmstandler, owners of the gourmet pet treat company Kona’s Chips, never imagined that when they started a very personal journey to create healthy treats for their beloved Pomeranian puppy Kona, they’d stumble upon a need within the pet-owning community.
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Haidlen Golf Tournament Raises Funds

Haidlen Golf Tournament Raises Funds
Oak Valley Hospital Foundation announced that the 25th Annual Sid Haidlen Memorial Golf Classic raised over $42,617 dollars for the benefit of Oak Valley Hospital District. The proceeds raised from the tournament this year will be used for facility enhance at their skilled nursing facility, Oak Valley Care Center, and a portion of the money will also be set aside for medical equipment for the new state-of-the-art ...
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Local Indie Film Premieres In Oakdale

Local Indie Film Premieres In Oakdale
In April of 2008, Escalon native and EHS graduate Tony Conte came to Rio Arts’ Board of Directors looking for support to make an independent short film he wrote, called The Revenant, for his senior thesis project. At the time, he was a Digital Motion Picture student at Cogswell Polytechnical College, where he graduated with high honors in May of this year.
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Oakdale Pet Station Adding Cat Condo For Shelter
It’s no secret that Ron Panelli, owner of the Oakdale Pet Station and sponsor of Pet of the Week in the newspaper for the past 20 years, loves animals but what people may not be aware is that, once again, he’s going that extra mile for his furry friends.

Oak Valley Hospital Foundation Hosts Haidlen Classic

Oak Valley Hospital Foundation Hosts Haidlen Classic
Oak Valley Hospital Foundation will host the 25th Annual Sid Haidlen Memorial Golf Classic Tournament on Monday, Oct. 12 at the Oakdale Golf and Country Club. Proceeds from this event will be used to purchase state-of-the-art medical equipment for Oak Valley Hospital District and for facility improvements at Oak Valley Care Center, the hospital district’s skilled nursing facility.

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OID Centennial Party Draws Large Crowd

OID Centennial Party Draws Large Crowd
“You only turn 100 once.”
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Local Vet Earns UC Davis Fellowship

Local Vet Earns UC Davis Fellowship
Wendi Dudley, DVM, is one of a handful of veterinarians granted a fellowship through the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine and the California Veterinary Medical Association, which will entail 20 days of study on a specific discipline at the UC Davis campus.
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Hospital Tours Under Way

Hospital Tours Under Way
It might not be open for patients yet, but the new Oak Valley Hospital facility is certainly drawing a crowd.
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Taste Of Oakdale Draws Healthy Crowd

Taste Of Oakdale Draws Healthy Crowd
For the first time out of the gate, the Taste of Oakdale event held at the FES Hall on Thursday, Sept. 17 drew 200 people to sample and discover the local culinary talents available at their disposal when it comes time to choose a company or caterer for their events.
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OID 100th Anniversary
The Oakdale Irrigation District will celebrate the 100th Anniversary of its founding in 1909 on Saturday, Sept. 26 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the new Gene Bianchi Community Center, and the event will be open to the public.

SIGN ME UP

SIGN ME UP
Chrissy Warner, above, a lab scientist at Oak Valley Hospital, signs a steel beam at the new hospital’s ‘topping out ceremony’ on Sept. 15. In the ceremony, people sign the final steel beam used to complete the frame construction of a building, which is then raised with a tree sitting on top. At side, Oak Valley Hospital District board members, employees, construction personnel, and others were present ...
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Residents Learn About Flu Prevention

Residents Learn About Flu Prevention
Frequently wash your hands, get a vaccination, and stay home if you become ill.
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Taste Of Oakdale Slated For Thursday

Taste Of Oakdale Slated For Thursday
Time is running out to buy advance tickets for the first “Taste of Oakdale” sponsored by the Oakdale Chamber of Commerce on Thursday, Sept. 17, from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the FES Hall, 190 No. Lee Ave.
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Gold’s Gym Opens F Street Facility

Gold’s Gym Opens F Street Facility
It’s taken longer than anyone anticipated — including owner Sanjiv Chopra of Zeus Fitness — but the massive, state-of-the-art fitness facility and newest location of the Gold’s Gym franchise has staked its claim on Oakdale, opening the 25,000 square foot building on Monday, Aug. 31.
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OID 100th Anniversary Event Open To Public
The Oakdale Irrigation District is celebrating its 100th year. To commemorate the OID Centennial a celebration open to the public will be offered on Saturday, Sept. 26 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the new Gene Bianchi Community Center.

Mr. Pickles Deli Shop Opens

Mr. Pickles Deli Shop Opens
It’s hard to miss the dancing and waving pickle standing alongside East F Street. But just in case you missed it, Mr. Pickles Sandwich Shop has come to Oakdale and they’re offering top-notch deli sandwiches made to make your mouth water.
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Bargain Shoppers Eager For Deals

Bargain Shoppers Eager For Deals
The last of the ‘80s excess mentality is officially gone: Bargain shoppers rule and they’re on the prowl for a good deal whether they’re looking for furniture, clothing, or even electronics.
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Local Chiropractor Offers Lower Price For Service

Local Chiropractor Offers Lower Price For Service
Times are tough and in the wake of the economic downturn, people have been tightening their belts, which as Dr. Bruce Turley discovered, means sometimes his patients go without critical care.
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Memorial Poker Tournament Hosted By Hospital Foundation

Memorial Poker Tournament Hosted By Hospital Foundation
The Oak Valley Hospital Foundation will kick off its first ever JGS Poker Tournament on Saturday, Sept. 19 at the Oakdale Saddle Club Rodeo Grounds at noon. Depending on the pace of play, the tournament is expected to last into the late afternoon.
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Pointe of Dance Open House

Pointe of Dance Open House
Children of all ages were invited to try a free day of dance lessons on Saturday, before the official season starts in September.
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Airport Workshop Explores Future

Airport Workshop Explores Future
Looking to upgrade facilities and attract more pilots, a workshop to gather ideas for improving conditions at the Oakdale Airport was offered on Saturday, Aug. 8. Don Foster Gutridge II, a business coach and consultant who is in the process of moving to Oakdale, volunteered his services to the city and Airport Commission.About 25 people attended the workshop, including acting public works director Dave Myers and Fire Chief Mike Botto, as well as Oakdale Mayor Farrell ...
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Super Produce Story Time At Save Mart

Super Produce Story Time At Save Mart
Tucked away in part of the produce section at the Oakdale Save Mart, a group of youngsters snacked on wheat crackers and salsa while listening to a story on Saturday morning. Then they got to take a guided tour, looking over the variety of fresh fruits and vegetables available at the store.The gathering was the latest in the summer Super Produce Story Time series at the local supermarket, offered each Saturday from 10 a.m. to ...
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Healthy Pond Keeps Water Clean, Fish Happy

Healthy Pond Keeps Water Clean, Fish Happy
For those who like the thought of a gurgling pond, filled with pretty koi and floating lily pads in their backyard, Don Bradley, owner of Healthy Pond, is the man you should pencil into your calendar first.Bradley moved to Oakdale and started his new business after his job with Georgia Pacific was downsized after 30 years of employment. Wary of just doing nothing, he turned what had been a relaxing hobby for the past 20 ...
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Oak Valley Community Bank Announces Promotions

Oak Valley Community Bank Announces Promotions
Oak Valley Community Bank announced the promotions of June Lopez to Assistant Vice President, Branch Manager and Kimberly Karp to Assistant Customer Service Manager. Both Lopez and Karp work in the Bank’s full-service branch in Escalon, located at 1910 McHenry Ave.Lopez has 18 years of banking experience and has been with Oak Valley Community Bank since 2002. She was instrumental in the opening of the Escalon branch, serving as Customer Service Manager.“This promotion is in ...
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State Budget Bad Medicine For Hospital Project

State Budget Bad Medicine For Hospital Project
  Along with the City of Oakdale, the Oak Valley Hospital District (OVHD) will also be impacted by cuts made in the state budget, recently signed by California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger. The state Senate approved the budget plan on Friday, July 24 and the state Assembly passed its version earlier in the week.
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Local Business Supports Creative Fundraising

Local Business Supports Creative Fundraising
It’s been a few years since Shiloh Foust has seen his name grace the pages of The Oakdale Leader. Foust, a Class of 2004 Oakdale High School graduate, was once described by past Aca Deca coach Leigh Ann Gobel as someone who, “takes his commitments seriously.”Now, five short years following his departure from Oakdale High, Foust is proving to still be one that does not take life, or a job assignment, for that matter, lightly.Upon ...
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Local Chiropractor Works U.S. Open

Local Chiropractor Works U.S. Open
Dr. Jasper Cummins, owner of Yosemite Chiropractic, was among three California-based chiropractors invited to be on staff at the U.S. Open Golf Championship held at Bethpage Park, New York July 15-21 and the experience was, in his words, amazing.
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Kitchen And Bath Direct Opens In Oakdale

Kitchen And Bath Direct Opens In Oakdale
Looking to upgrade the kitchen? Want to spruce up the bathroom? There’s a new place in town where you can do all these things without breaking the bank.
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AT THE MARKET

AT THE MARKET
The Oakdale Certified Farmers Market is a popular destination on Thursday evenings, with local residents shopping at a variety of vendor booths and enjoying entertainment and connecting with friends and neighbors. The market will continue throughout the summer. Shown are scenes from the July 2 event. Top photo, Oakdale musician Don Glor provided the entertainment for shoppers as they strolled the street or sat down to enjoy the show. At side, Vanessa Deleon of Fisher ...
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Steves Chevrolet Survives GM Cuts

Steves Chevrolet Survives GM Cuts
Jeff Steves, part of the Steves family who owns Steves Chevrolet, admits in the wake of the General Motors Chapter 11 tsunami, there were some sleepless nights caused by fear for the future of the locally-owned and operated dealership.
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Sheriff’s Website Let’s Citizens Email Local Area Command Offices
Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Department announces that citizens can now email information and special request directly to their local Sheriff’s Area Command office.  The Sheriff’s Department decentralized its patrol services earlier this year in order to get officers closer to the neighborhoods.

Oakdale Museum Slates June 16 Opening

Oakdale Museum Slates June 16 Opening
The Friends of Oakdale Heritage (FOH) has announced they will reopen the Oakdale Museum on Tuesdays from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. beginning June 16. The group received the keys to the facility on May 6, and since then has been working to prepare the museum for visitors.
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Car Stereo Shop Makes Big Noise

Car Stereo Shop Makes Big Noise
Whether you’re looking for a little thump in your trunk or just some crisp, quality sound, chances are Audio Plus, the new shop on West F Street next door to Pizza Plus, will have it.
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London Fox Opens With Bling

London Fox Opens With Bling
If baubles, bangles and bling are your thing, check out the newly opened London Fox clothing store on Sierra Avenue.
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