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 Andy Le and Jim and Jennise Mendoza, on Norton Ave., for their beautiful gardens featuring pink, red, and yellow roses for all of us to enjoy. Orchids to Robert Anderson, M.D., ("Dr. Bob") of Mills College for his commitment to community service demonstrated by collaborating with Fremont High School and Mills students as teaching assistants for service learning credits. Orchids to Kris Mueller, owner and dance instructor of Kids 'N' Dance, 3841 MacArthur Blvd., for her support of tuition scholarships to students for participation in musical stage theater productions and for taking these performing children to local retirement homes to entertain the residents. Orchids to the Altenheim Committee, 1720 MacArthur Blvd., for renovating their beautiful building that once housed German refugees, turning it into 93 units of affordable senior housing and becoming a thriving part of our community once again. Orchids to Joey Villadelgado, the friendly security guard at the Bank of America, Laurel Branch, who goes above and beyond the call of duty with his cheerfulness and door-opening, making the bank a pleasant place to visit regardless of what one's bank balance is.