Onions & Orchids

by Debbie Francis

To our readers: If you know of a neighbor in our community whose behavior is worthy of note, either good or bad, please contact me at psych7045\@sbcglobal.net.

Orchids to Bernice Johnson, owner of First Class Boutique, 3815 MacArthur Blvd., also founder of Victorious Models Productions Company, for believing everyone is beautiful and for her selfless outreach work with community youth.

Orchids to Willie Hendrix of Dimond View Condominiums, 2901 MacArthur Blvd., for keeping the garden beautiful for all of us to enjoy.

Orchids to Gregory Gavin, of Riveropolis in the Fruitvale District, for the 50-cent family art days and the free outdoor river play days.

Orchids to Kris Mueller and her tiny dancers at Kids'N'Dance, 3841 MacArthur Blvd., for their delightful production of Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, where Violet really blew up.

Orchids to the volunteer readers at HEROES (Helpers Engaged in Reaching Oakland's Excelling Schools) for their commitment to our community children's futures.

Orchids to Abdo Alawdi of Two Star Market, 2020 MacArthur Blvd., and Joe of Farmer Joe's Market, 3426 Fruitvale Avenue, for generously providing the food for the Third Annual Dimond Picnic and Dimond Recreation Center Open House, July 22, at Dimond Park.

Orchids to Breht Clark for his volunteer work on organizing the free festivities at the annual open house and carnival at the Redwood Heights Summer Day Camp on July 11.

Orchids to Erin Merritt of Woman's Will, 5753 Hermann Street, for bringing her Shakespearean actors to the Fruitvale Salvation Army to teach acting classes to homeless youth and give free performances to local audiences.

Orchids to Maria Perez for her long-standing work with the homeless and youth, which most recently includes organizing community resources and facilitating means for local children to participate in the resources.