6.19.2008

Kirshner's chess school bears wiz kid


Dr. Alan Kirshner not only teaches political science at Ohlone, but he also runs the Weibel Elementary School chess program. The program has recently made headlines due to one amazing seven-year-old girl named Alisha Chawla.

Chawla is currently the highest-rated female chess player for her age group in Northern California. She is fast becoming one of the best players in the country.

Kudos to Krishner and his efforts with the program.

For more about
little Alisha, read the related article linked here.

6.18.2008

Pics from #6 - Sly and the Family Skunk

Officer Stewart Dawson (#6) is Ohlone's resident wildlife photobug and we here at the Fac/Staff will regularly check in on his adventures.



We now have a family of skunks living on the Newark campus. I almost got sprayed by one the week before last, while patrolling the campus at night. I think we both surprised each other, but thankfully I saw the little guy soon enough to avoid having to take a tomato bath!


On the nights following, I saw the skunk again and again, but in different spots on campus. Last night, I figured out why I’d seen it so frequently and in so many places. We’ve got a whole family of ‘em!


I spotted five different skunks last night, and three of them in one location at one time. The family appears to consist of a mama, papa, and three juveniles. By the time I got the camera into action, only two of them were still in the same place. The picture quality isn’t great, but I got some decent close-ups of one of ‘em.




Observing the commotion from the safety of a nearby “no trespassing” sign was one of our burrowing owls. The owl let me get pretty close and photograph him, but the picture quality is pretty poor, and for that I apologize. I guess I’ll have to take one of Paul Mueller’s classes.


6.12.2008

The Board says goodbye to Dr. Treadway


Last night was President Doug Treadway's final board meeting. Board President Garrett Yee and the other trustees honored Dr. Treadway for his service on the board and presented him with gifts. At the end of the evening, Treadway gave his final recommendations to the board.


The Board gives President Treadway the large Ohlone
Indian dance print that had been in his office for many years.


It was also the final board meeting for Faculty Senate Representative, Susan Myers and Student Trustee, Ken Steadman.

6.11.2008

Out To Lunch



Yes, I know, most of the time you don't leave your desk at lunch. It's a big hill, it's hot outside and a gallon of gas costs more than your sandwich, but sometimes you just gotta get out.

Here are some favorite places to eat off campus. Click the restaurant name to find the location.

Mission Coffee
Who agrees: Inga Bellamy (Student Services); Shelby Foster (President's office) likes the Italian sodas; and Deb Parziale (Title III) likes the salads and the WiFi.

Cheese Taster
Who seconds that motion: Sue Steffen (Student Services/Counseling ); Joy Olla (Special Programs); and Ann Burdett (DSPS). They all agree you should hold the bean sprouts.

Yuki
Which minds think alike: Yongshan Chen (Information Desk); Sarah Daniels (President's office) thinks the price is a bit higher, but so too is the quality of the food.

Mission Burger
Who's calling shot gun on that trip: Jamillah Gabriel (Library); Liz Crisp (IT); and Carlene Moralez (Campus Police).

Rene Gonzales (Student Affairs) and many others likes Subway on Mission Blvd across from Ohlone.

Sila Marques (Math, Science, and Technology) likes Claim Jumper when she has the time.

Kathleen Schoenecker (DSPS) winds up and McDonald's more than she would like to.

Ann Burdett (DSPS) and many other like the service and the food at Mission Jarrito.

Hal Griffin (Mail Room) along with many others likes Mission Pizza.

Debbie Trigg (EOPS) never gets out, but likes Red Lobster.

Mona Farley (Bookstore) likes The Elephant Bar.

Selena Sin (Cashier's Office) likes Seisho near the Mission post office.

Many people also mentioned Wok City and Zorba's Deli -- both are in Warm Springs.

Both Frank Hoang (Chemistry Instructor) and Selena Sin like the little known Chinese restaurant across from Ohlone, but neither knew the name of it. "Hometown Favorite Chinese Cuisine" is all I can read on the to-go menu, so that's what I'll call it -- even though I know better. You cannot see a sign from Mission Blvd, so pull into the parking lot and find it tucked away.

Editor's Picks (or Mostly In Defense of Irvington):

Z Pizza in Warm Springs. Really good pizza close to Wok City and Zorba's Deli.

Sala Thai #2 - It is in the middle of nowhere, surrounded by light industrial, but once you have the address, it is not hard to get to from Ohlone. Sorry to blanket statement here, but everything is good. And treat yourself to the Roti for dessert (those forks are just adorable aren't they?)

If you have time to travel to Warm Springs, you have time to travel to Irvington. When you get there, try any of these fine restaurants:

Dosa Place - Great Indian food, all vegetarian, good spice.

Taco Truck (La Perla) near the Irvington post office. Try the torta with pastor (marinated pork) or the chicken tacos. Best food in town. Cheap, quick, always the right decision.

Habibi - Really good Middle Eastern food near the Safeway. Everything from kebab sandwiches to vegetarian sample platers. Yum!

Carmen & Family BBQ - The menu is full of tasty food, but Southern food is slow and for a working lunch that doesn't work (go back later). Someday you must go down for lunch simply to get the sweet potato pie. The best in Fremont and a rival with any Bay Area S-P-pie. Wait... just pie for lunch? Yes!

If you recommend something we missed, post a comment below.

6.09.2008

Jan Blanchard - Be at Peace


Jan Blanchard passed away Friday morning. Blanchard was one of Ohlone's earliest employees and ran Ohlone's Purchasing Department. See our previous post.

The service will be held on Friday, June 13th at 10:30am at Fry Memorial Chapel located at 550 S. Central Avenue in Tracy, CA.

A Celebration of Life will follow at The Portuguese Hall located at 430 W. 9th Street -- 1 mile from the Fry Memorial chapel.

If you plan to attend, please email nicholewinter@comcast.net

Treadway's Final Board Meeting

Wednesday, June 11, 2008 will be Dr. Treadway's last Board Meeting. If you would like to send him off with warm wishes, be at the Child Development Center at 7:00PM.

Additionally, Trustee Bill McMillin has been elected to serve on the board of trustees of the California Community College System. Congratulations!

6.05.2008

Fremont Symphony Garage Sale


If you would like to help support the Fremont Symphony, come find some great deals at their fund-raising garage sale Saturday June 14th.

Located on Brophy Drive in Fremont off of Farwell Drive.