May-June 2005 Volume 7, Issue 4
BALBOA ISLAND CALENDAR
SUN. JUNE 5 BALBOA ISLAND PARADE—”SALUTE THE TROOPS”
BRIDGE WILL BE CLOSED AT 10:45 am
FRI JUNE 24 BIYC SIGNUPS—Beek Center Park—For Further
Information Call Quincy ,
SAT. JUNE 25 PANCAKE BREAKFAST—BEEK CENTER 8:00 am—
11:00 am, $6.00 Adults/ $3.00 Children
MON JULY 4 CHARACTER BOAT PARADE, APPROX. NOON—
CALL THE AMERICAN LEGION FOR INFORMATION
http://www.balboa-island.com
GOLDENS ON PARADE
Welcome all golden retrievers—dogs and owners.
We will steal the show at the Balboa Island Parade—Meet at Bayside Union Bank at 10:30 am June 5th to Parade down Marine Avenue.
All dogs please wear your favorite scarf. All owners please bring a leash and bags for accidents along the way.
See you June 5th.
Questions call the Manclarks.
949.723.0103
Garage Sale Success
The 16th Annual All Island Garage Sale was a tremendous success—gauged by the number of participants who signed up and paid. I have included an accounting of the funds—100 participants @$10.00 each = $1,000.00!
4200 Applications Printed and Delivered $251.00
Posters—Shops 195.66
Posters—Trees and Boardwalk 192.66
Advertising—Recycler 80.00
Advertising—Daily Pilot 210.00
Advertising—Register 99.99
Advertising—LA Times 18.00
Advertising—Pennysaver 77.95
Change Date on Banner 16.16
Staples—700 Lists of Locations 38.25
Misc.—Tape, Maps of Island, Coffee Creamer
Labor to take down signs on Monday 100.00
TOTAL COST $1279.67
It is only because Steve Bromberg and the City of Newport Beach have been kind enough to donate funds to the Garage Sale that we are able to continue to do the quality and quantity of advertising that brings crowds of buyers to the Island. Thank you Steve for making the Garage Sale the bargain it is.
Thanks to you who signed up and participated in the Garage Sale—hopefully our total will reach 130 signed up next year and we can get a new improved banner and more signs in stores off the Island!!!
Last, and certainly not least, thanks to our good neighbor Starbucks, who donated the coffee and condiments again this year—we love you!!!
PEOPLE We Share The Island With—Steve Bodenhoefer, Balboa Candy
Steve Bodenhoefer is a product of Newport Beach. He was born at Hoag Hospital in 1955 and attended school at Newport Harbor High School. Steve’s Dad and Grandfather attended Newport Harbor High School as did all his family except his mother who went to Laguna Beach High School.
Steve’s grandfather started the Pottery Shack in Laguna Beach in 1936. In 1974 he sold the business to Pier One who has recently closed it down.
After graduating from school Steve ran a manufacturing plant in Costa Mesa for 25 years. He went from pipe welder to Plant Manager.
Then Steve decided he wanted to do something else—to be his own boss. Steve was ready to open escrow on a different type of business when he saw Balboa Candy for sale and decided to investigate. And he is glad he did.
At first being on his own was different. There weren’t the boys to hang around with and talk to. In fact after Labor Day it seemed like there was No One around. So Steve created a website for the store—www.balboacandy.com.
During the crowded summer many customers had asked Steve if he had a website they could buy candy from during the off season. Now there is one. You can buy all the products from the store from nostalgic 1960s and 70s candies to saltwater taffy and Teaberry Gum.
As I stood in Balboa Candy I looked at a display right out of Pink’s Drug Store in the 1970s—McCraw’s Giant Taffy, Cow Tales in Vanilla and Chocolate Flavors and Ice Cubes. Steve says it is the kids who want to come into the store, but it is the parents who do are attracted to the candy of their childhood. Myself I love those Chocolate flavored Necco Candies.
Steve is also adding more gift items—Balboa Island Pops to take home as souvenirs, gumball machines, lunch boxes, etc. And he has some wonderful homemade candies made in Laguna Beach—I tried some of the Dark Chocolate Macadamia Nut Turtles and the Victoria Toffee—MMMMMMMMM!!!
The Internet site has been a great marketing tool and also the source of surprises. One man from Texas ordered five pounds of candy for his son in Iraq and here is what he wrote:
Dear candydeals,
I hope you remember me. I was the one who bought 5 pounds of candy from you to ship directly to my son who is deployed in Iraq (US Army). You were so nice as to ship the candy for free (without me even asking). I just wanted to let you know that my son told me recently that the candy was not only enjoyed by him and his buddies, but the candy was also used by his group to “pay off” informants. A large weapons cache was located using the information and your candy! So kudos to you! That has to make you feel good! Thanks again for your support dtusa.
Balboa Candy is located at 301A Marine Avenue, 949.723.6099. You can catch Steve there when he isn’t with his three children—Bobby, age 10 or Claire (19) and Tim (17) who are continuing the tradition at Newport Harbor High School. And even though his wife of 25 years is originally from New Jersey, she too attended school locally at Ensign. As I said in the beginning this is a Newport Beach family business if there ever was one—come in and try the candy it is wonderful and so is the friendly company.
What’s New in the Village—Danielle Winchell, Cinnamon Roll Fair
Danielle Winchell saw an ad on the internet for a bake shop and that is what she was looking for. She already had a company called Cookie Run “Simply Homemade Desserts”, but she needed a commercial kitchen to bake her cookies, banana bread, pumpkin bread and brownies to attract corporate gift accounts. Cinnamon Roll Fair was the perfect place. And as a bonus she inherited a ready-made audience here on Balboa Island.
Danielle has been baking cookies since she was 9 years old, so this is nothing new to her. However for the past 20 years she was the CFO of a property management company. She wanted to get out of the office and see people. Cinnamon Roll Faire is perfect.
Every morning Danielle gets up at 4:30 am and comes to work and starts baking around 5:00 for those first 6:00 am customers. She stays open until 3:00 when she takes whatever is leftover to one of several children’s homes in Newport and Huntington Beach.
Danielle started at Cinnamon Roll Faire on March 28 and loves the locals. She says everyone treats her nicely, although at first they thought the previous owner had hired someone to help him. I can’t say that isn’t what I thought.
Danielle has kept many of the same products—the Cinnamon Rolls, the Twists and the Croissants. She has added Banana Bread, Pumpkin Bread and Cookies. I tried to Peanut Butter Cookie and it was the best one ever—so moist and full of flavor. Several days later I was at a party where Danielle’s Lemon Bars, Carrot Cake and Brownies were served—I have to admit Mike and I tried one of each—I will order the same trio for my next party—and the price was reasonable!!
Cinnamon Roll Fair is located at 220 Marine Avenue, 949.673.4522.
Tips of the Month
My Client, Pat McAlearney, gave me a great tip this month. Several of the ends of her blinds had cords with missing or damaged ends. Instead of trying to match the old ones, she went to the local emporium and bought small seashells, threaded the ends of the cords through the shells and glued the tip to the shells. What a great look for the beach!!
Shredder Sales are expected to soar after a new law goes into effect this summer. This law says that even if you employ one person—a nanny, a gardener, a maid—and you have their personal information because you are doing the right thing by paying Social Security, you have to “destroy” the information before you throw it away. That means you need to shred it or burn it. Or you could get sued, fined and become part of a class-action lawsuit by enraged nannies whose personal information has somehow gotten out. So don’t forget to buy that shredder soon—it is protection for you as well.
Tax Corner . . . . . Candace Yeamans
Medical Travel Expense Deduction
Most people know that medical expenses can be tax deductible. But did you know that transportation and travel costs to get qualifying medical care are also deductible? For travel by auto, you can deduct 15 cents per mile in 2005. You may also deduct over night travel expenses. The medical travel deduction has also been allowed to retirees who travel back to the place of their old residence to visit a doctor with whom they have a long-standing, trusting relationship. The costs of taking a companion for medical purposes may also qualify for medical deduction if the companion provides nursing-type care and your doctor requests such care. The companion does not have to be a nurse, but may be a child or spouse so long as the companion’s services are medically necessary. Qualifying travel expenses are limited to $50 per day, per person. The rules are strict and the travel must be primarily for an essential to medical care to qualify for deduction. For additional information call Candace Yeamans, CPA, 323-1/2 Crystal Avenue, Balboa Island, 949.903.4242.
This article is intended to provide general information only without taking into account any particular person’s objectives, tax situation or needs. Before acting on this information readers should consider its appropriateness with regard to their personal objectives, tax situation or needs. Always get tax advice specific to your situation before making any decisions.
Dee’s Balboa Island Talk . . . . Dee Dawson
June is upon us and it is that time once more—for fun in the sun, sand and surf! Not to mention our wonderful Balboa Island Parade. Another annual tradition not to be missed.
To prepare for warmer weather, I dropped into Persimmon Tree—229 Marine Ave.—an Island “fixture” and favorite among locals, forever! Though recognized for their great swimwear, I would classify this an “all around sun & sport” shop. There are so many separates, cool and comfortable, which would be perfect for tennis, golf or beach. One of my favorite collections was the modestly priced “Lucy Love” group featuring comfy Lycra-Cotton Yoga and leisure wear. Jam’s World fans will be thrilled to discover that the shop carries this colorful group of brushed silk prints—the “signature” sundress for beach culture! The newest trend in bikins for this season is embellishment. Sparkles and sequins were everywhere! You will observe swimsuits by the hundreds and all styles sold separately for that perfect fit. Finally, don’t forget footwear! Popular Island favorite Havaiana sported rubbery soft thongs in colorful dots—only $12.00 per pair. And Billabong goes “Designer” this summer with initialed soles on their thongs.
Naturally, when the temps heat up we all want to look trim and healthy right? Balboa Island welcomes to its new store line-up Green Blender at 211 Marine Avenue. Owner Michael Irkhin brings us healthy smoothies infused with wheat-grass, protein powder, energy-boosting Ginseng and more. All their juices are 100% natural—not that sweet stuff some of the other chains peddle. These drinks work well as a meal replacement or for a quick boost. Stop and try one!!
At the other end of Marine I wandered into a colorful little cottage known as Melange Gallerie/Atelier, 327 Marine Avenue. As I entered I was instantly cheered by all the colorful paintings, accessories and whimsical pieces for the home!! Artist/Proprietor Holly Wojahn paints distinctively French-inspired watercolors and does in fact live in Paris part-time. She has created an explosive merchandise mix of color including other Parisian vendors in the shop along with her own art pieces. Garden enthusiasts will adore this place between the eye-popping garden clogs adorned with brilliant roses, the water-can shaped purses at $18.00, and the flower accented rubber gloves or handy nylon totes. You will become the most “artful gardener” on your block!! Also don’t forget to check out the French-imported Bath Mousses and lotions. Custom orders on paintings and other crafts are welcomed. Call Holly at 723.5086 or visit her website at http://www.MelangebyHolly.com.
With summer fast approaching vacation homes on Balboa Island are a hot commodity. Many people also relocate around this time of year. Currently a first time home buyer and seller myself, I am very selective and realize the importance of the right connection between real estate agent and client. For this reason I highly recommend a call to the Coldwell Banker office at 201 Marine Avenue. Drop in and say “hi” or pick up the phone to schedule an appointment at 673.6900. reminder: Sunday, June 5th BALBOA ISLAND PARADE. 11 am start. Don’t be late.
Island Flooring has carried Anderson hand scraped Vinyard’s Collection distressed wood for several years—in fact I have it in my office. The representative recently told me the fascinating story behind its fabrication. The wood is hand-scraped in Georgia by prisoners. The program is a win-win situation for the prisoners. They learn a skill that will carry over into civilian life and they earn money that is put into a bank account for them when they leave the prison. You can see why there is a huge waiting list to be accepted into the program.
My representative says he often takes female decorators on tours through the factory where the product is made. The prisoners keep their eyes glued to their work—to do otherwise would mean they would be eliminated from the program. I would love to go on a tour of the factory—in my case at least the workers wouldn’t be tempted to look!!!
Education, Education, Education. That is my main job as a salesperson. Otherwise you will not come back to me the next time you need a floor. I need to sell you the right floor this time. And I also need to let you compare the prices between carpet, hardwood, ceramic, stone and vinyl.
Traditionally, and still in our store, carpet is sold by the square yard. The big box stores have started selling it
by the square foot—so it looks less expensive. But make sure you are comparing apples and apples. There are 9 square feet in one square yard. So carpet that sells for $3.99 a square foot is almost $36.00 a square yard.
Vinyl also is sold by the square yard and sells for $25.00 and up—comparable to a midrange carpet. Vinyl can go up to the mid-50s for some of the more exotic patterns.
Wood, Stone and Ceramic are always sold by the square foot. Wood starts out $10 installed per square foot—so you can see at 10/sq. ft—that is a $90/per square yard carpet budget—some expensive carpet!!! On the other hand, once you put wood in you never have to change the floor again—just an occasional screen, buff and coat, or refinish—depending on the wear and tear. I have had the wood in my office for three years and haven’t had to do anything to it—even with commercial traffic!!
Finally, what I really love about wood. As a person who owned a cleaning service for many years—I find my house is much cleaner and less dusty with my wood floors. Carpet traps loads of dust no matter how much or how often you vacuum—and as you walk it flies into the air and onto the furniture. I love my wood—and I love my clean house.