Lotus Restaurants Give Back to the Community for Thanksgiving



For the eighth year in a row, the Lotus Family of Restaurants gives back to the community by hosting the annual FREE Thanksgiving Dinner

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San Rafael's Lotus Cuisine of India and Fairfax's Cafe Lotus will serve a free Indian buffet at these two locations on Wednesday, November 21, the night before Thanksgiving.

Doors open at 5:00 p.m. No reservations.

Lotus invites anyone in need a good free meal!
Come enjoy our healthy tasty Indian food FREE.

This year Lotus Restaurants will also be collecting donations for local Marin Community Food Bank. We thank all of you who can donate for your generous support.

This is their way of saying THANK YOU to the community.

Please help spread the word by forwarding this message to someone you know. Anyone who is homeless, needy, poor, or hungry is welcome to join us for a wonderful meal.

NOTE:  The free Thanksgiving Meal Offer is ONLY valid at our other Lotus restaurants (Lotus Cuisine of India in San Rafael and Cafe Lotus in Fairfax), but NOT at Lotus Chaat.


Fresh off the Cart!

Nothing Beats Fresh Homemade Sorbet from Sweet Peabody’s, a Northern California Mobile Vending Cart

 

Made in the Napa Valley, Sweet Peabody’s sorbet is handmade weekly in small batches with an emphasis on fresh seasonal flavors. It's available by the scoop or in pre-packaged pints.

Sweet Peabody’s mobile vending cart can be found at the following Farmer’s Markets:

Benicia:  Thursdays,  4 – 8p.m.

St. Helena:  Fridays, 7:30a.m. – Noon

Napa:  Tuesdays and Saturdays, 7:30a.m. – Noon

Sweet Peabody’s can also cater your private party or event up to 500 people, be it a birthday, wedding or even a corporate event.

Why Sorbet?

By far, the healthiest alternative to ice cream and gelato, sorbet is naturally fat free, and the calorie count can be half that of ice cream.

It's all dairy and gluten free! Because it's made from fruit you can assure the nutritional value of sorbet. Typically less than 28 grams of sugar per serving so its good for everyone... especially kids!

Party with Sweet Peabody's!

Are you or is someone you know planning a holiday party? Does your company need some employee recognition? Sweet Peabody's Homemade Sorbet Vending Cart would be the perfect addition!  Available throughout the San Francisco Bay Area and Napa Valley.

For more information about Sweet Peabody’s Homemade Sorbet call 707-373-2764 or visit http://www.sweetpeabodys.com/

 

Warm Wishes Holiday Campaign 2012

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We provide  5,000   “StreetPacks”   for  our  street  communities

Bags

Our 19th Year of providing Warm Wishes!
Each “StreetPack” is filled with NEW gloves, scarf, hat, rain poncho, socks and holiday card made by local school children to offer warmth and Warm Wishes! during the coldest months of the year.   Filled “StreetPacks “ are distributed throughout the entire Bay Area through over 40 agencies and on the streets by volunteers~ like YOU!

Call  415- 472-0211 to  volunteer or donate  go to www.warmwishes.org 
     Send your tax deductible donation to 

Warm Wishes!  5800 Northgate Mall Ste 250,  San Rafael, CA 94903
We need your suppport this holiday season to continue to serve the following agencies: We serve……Adopt a Family, Asian Women’s Shelter, BOSS - Building Opportunity for Self Sufficiency, BOSS – Oakland,
BOSS Berkeley - MASC Multi Agency Service Center, Helen Vine-Buckelew, Catholic Charities Family Support Center,
Cedars, Conservation Corps North Bay, Cotts Shelter, Faithful Fools Street Ministry, Interfaith Winter Shelter, Family Service Agency, Gilead House, Homeward Bound, Interfaith Street Chaplaincy/Shelter, Marin Juvenile Hall  and Probation,
La Casa De Las Madres ( SF), Lucas Valley Community Church, Marin City Clinic & The Outreach Collaborative,
Ritter Center, San Geronimo Valley Community Center, Sacred Heart Church in Olema, SF Community Clinic Consortium @Street Outreach Services- Mobile Medical Vans, St. Anthony's, St. Vincent's Dining Hall, Stinson Bolinas School, Sunny Hills, Timothy Murphy School for Boys, Urban Ministry/InnVision, West Marin Services West Marin Services, Westminster Church, Novato Human Needs Center, Thursday Soup Kitchen, Chinatown Community Development Center, American Red Cross, Treasure Island Permanent Housing, Compass Community Services, St. Joseph’s Family Center,

                  W.O.M.A.N….and on the streets throughout the Bay Area… 
               
                                        Volunteer on Saturday, December 1, 2012 
           
                 Help us assemble Warm Wishes “StreetPacks” at   
                 
                                         Unity In Marin, 600 Palm Drive, Novato


9:00 AM  SHARP!  Suggested donation: Adults $10.00/children FREE!  (no one turned away!)


 “I wondered why somebody didn’t do something, then I realized I was somebody.”   Author Unknown           

Wynne Law Firm specializes in Overtime, Wage and Consumer Class Actions


Overtime laws in California are often not followed by employers, resulting in overtime lawsuits. Make sure you have the right overtime lawyer.

Do you work in any of the following industries?

          Retail/Restaurant and Hotel

          Computer Software

          Banking/Financial Services

Interested in finding out more information regarding California Labor laws?

         Meal Periods

         Rest Breaks

         Outside Sales Exemption

         Commission Based Exemption

         Administrative Exemption

         Executive/Managerial Exemption

         Vacation Benefits

         Deductions

If you have questions about any of these items please call Wynne Law Firm right away for a free consultation.
About Wynne Law Firm

Wynne Law Firm's office is located in the Drakes Landing office complex in Greenbrae, California, near the Larkspur Landing ferry terminal and Highway 101 at the Sir Francis Drake Blvd. exit. After working at Righetti Wynne for the past 13 years, Edward J. Wynne decided to open his own office.

Wynne Law Firm will continue to represent plaintiffs in federal and state courts throughout the nation in cases involving violations of state and federal law such as unlawful employment practices, employment discrimination and unfair business practices.

Attorneys at Wynne Law Firm are well known in their area of expertise and have reputations for professional integrity, vigorous advocacy and remarkable achievements. Our expertise extends to both trial and appellate advocacy. They possess the specialized legal skills and the financial resources necessary for prosecuting large, complex cases. They take great pride in our responsible and innovative approach to the practice of law.

Many of the cases start as the result of a complaint by one or a handful of persons. If you believe you have been harmed by an unlawful employment practice, a fraud or a deceptive or unlawful business practice, contact Wynne Law Firm for help.

PRACTICES AREAS

Employment Litigation

We can help you with these questions:

         Do you know your rights as an employee in California?

         Are you being paid correctly under wage and hour laws?

         Are you being paid correctly pursuant to the overtime law in California?

         Are you entitled to overtime pay?

         Are you paid on an hourly basis?

Employment Discrimination

Employment discrimination occurs whenever an employer or its representatives adversely single out employees or applicants on the basis of age, race, gender, sexual orientation, disability, religion and a variety of other reasons.

Generally, employers can't discriminate against you in any aspect of employment, such as:
     
·         Hiring and firing
     
·         Compensation, assignment, or classification of employees
     
·         Transfer, promotion, layoff, or recall
     
·         Job advertisements
     
·         Recruitment
     
·         Testing
     
·         Use of company facilities
     
·         Training and apprenticeship programs
     
·         Fringe benefits
     
·         Pay, retirement plans, and disability leave

 
Contact Wynne Law Firm at (415) 461-6400 regarding California Labor Law Attorney, CA Overtime Law and California Overtime State Law. Visit us online at http://wynnelawfirm.com

EcoLogic Landscaping provides ecological Landscape Architecture, Construction, and Maintenance Services for Marin and surrounding counties.

EcoLogic Landscaping provides Landscape Architecture, Construction, and Maintenance Services for Marin and surrounding counties.

 

With over 14 years in sustainable landscaping in Marin County and the San Francisco Bay Area, Ecologic Landscaping has the knowledge and expertise to create your garden from concept to completion. 

 

Whether renovating an existing landscape or creating a new garden, the company is committed to excellence that show in every detail. 

 

Ecologic Landscaping primary goal is to facilitate a dynamic, meaningful relationship between people and the land. They create gardens that are not only beautiful, but also provide an abundance of fresh food. Lets not forget the use of all-organic materials and highly efficient low water use irrigation systems.


About Ecologic Landscaping                        

 

Leith Carstarphen is the landscape designer and project supervisor for Ecologic Landscaping. He holds degrees in Landscape Architecture and Horticulture. Leith has been working in the San Francisco Bay Area in the field of landscape architecture, construction, and maintenance since 1994. He regularly leads workshops and classes on sustainability issues and has a passionate commitment to edible and useful plants, and is an avid home gardener.


Quality, Commitment, Service


With more than a decade of experienced in landscaping, EcoLogic Landscaping has mastered the knowledge and expertise in creating a garden from concept to completion.

 

The crews have extensive skills in constructing gardens of exquisite craftsmanship and lasting beauty, using sustainable and organic materials and methods.

 

The services include all facets of landscape construction: patios and pathways, rock walls and retaining walls, waterfalls and fountains, decks, arbors, fences, drainage systems, irrigation and dramatic lighting.


Sustainability

 

Ecologic Landscaping believes that the best gardens grow naturally.  Using only the finest organic fertilizers to help your landscape grow and mature. They never use harsh pesticides or herbicides but instead rely on non-toxic alternatives that are safe for your family and pets. They support thriving ecosystems, and pests are controlled naturally, by beneficial insects such as ladybugs. Flowering plants will attract hummingbirds, butterflies, and songbirds to your yard. They also create thriving ecosystems for all the microclimates of Northern California, whether shady or arid, and we strategically design landscaping to optimize growth and conserve water.


Edible Gardens

 

Ecologic Landscaping creates gardens that are not only beautiful, but also provide an abundance of fresh food. Imagine strolling through your garden with your children and harvesting perfectly ripe berries, vegetables, and culinary herbs. Landscape Services:


Architecture - Creative landscape designs are the specialty of EcoLogic Landscaping

 

Stonework - Custom stonework improves the lay of the land while adding a timeless quality to any garden

 

Carpentry / Gates - Wood helps define the boundaries of the garden, while providing structure and shade

 

Gates - Gates create a definition of spaces.  They create a separation of private from public space

 

Planting - Plants are what bring gardens to life! Plants attract hummingbirds and butterflies

Tree Care - Provides care for trees of all ages to treat diseases such as 'Sudden Oak Death'

Outdoor Kitchen - Increase the usability of your garden, and take advantage of California's mild climate with an outdoor kitchen

 

Waterfalls - Water in the garden soothes the spirit and completes the garden experience.

 

For more information about green landscape architecture services call Ecologic Landscaping at 415-454-8903. 

Nonprofit Charity, Fiscal Sponsor and Incubator, MarinLink serves Marin County and the San Francisco Bay Area


Who is MarinLink? A San Rafael based organization providing fiscal sponsorship to individuals and groups in Marin County and the San Francisco Bay Area. An Incubator for community based projects.

MarinLink is Marin County's Community resource. For over a decade MarinLink has helped community-minded people realize their dreams.

About MarinLink

MarinLink finds and fills community needs by connecting resources, ideas, and expertise.
MarinLink helps community-minded people realize their dreams, serving as an incubator, fiscal sponsor, and multi-faceted resource for real solutions:

Homeless services,

Community gardens,

Environmental education projects,

Veterans programs,

Health and transportation initiatives.

Marin Link Projects

There are dozens of nonprofits projects that have benefited from working with MarinLink.
Connecting people to resources and expertise, MarinLink identifies and fulfills unmet community needs, strengthening Marin with nimble, solution-based innovation, and collaboration.

Sample Projects:

Warm Wishes distributes 5000 “StreetPacks” filled with new warm globes, scarves, hat6s, wool socks, and rain ponchos to homeless men and women throughout the Bay Area every winter. 

GetMoneySmart.Info provides a comprehensive resource for financial education, trainings, and counseling in Marin.

Earth Day Marin is a family-oriented, environmentally centered annual celebration at Marin Civic Center.

Marin Trolleys is working for a demonstration line providing connectivity from SMART to Fairfax. The vision is for six lines connecting Marin’s cities and linking to regional transit. Marin Trolleys is rooted in “Back to the Future.” Marin County was established along rail lines, making Marin unique in that 70% of urban Marin is still within ½ mile of an original rail right-of way.   Most of the original rail routes in Marin still exist. www.marintrolleys.org

Stroke Directory – The Marin County Stroke Directory — Resources that may save your life or someone you love.

Fiscal Sponsorship Program and Projects

Through its Fiscal Sponsorship Program, MarinLink assists individuals and community organizations engaged in projects consistent with its mission by providing administrative support and tax-exempt status.

For more information about MarinLink and their fiscal sponsorship program visit, http://marinlink.org or call (415) 472-0211.

What are Warm Wishes? Winter Holiday Backpack Donations packed by Volunteers for Homeless in Marin County and Bay Area

What is Warm Wishes? 

Warm Wishes is nonprofit distributing warm clothing items to San Francisco Bay Area homeless. Warm Wishes is a MarinLink project founded by Bill Hamm.

Mission

Warm Wishes creates a personal relationship between our volunteers and the street community when once a year volunteers distribute 5,000 “StreetPacks” or backpacks stuffed with new, warm gloves, scarves, hats, wool socks and rain ponchos to homeless men and women and children, living on the streets of the Bay Area. The winter accessories, manufactured under the direction of and funded by Warm Wishes, help them survive the difficult weather months.
One of the most valued pieces in each StreetPack is the heart-warming, personal holiday card hand-written by one of 5,000 Bay Area children.

Join Founder Bill Hamm on Distribution Day for this year on Saturday, December 1, 2012 8:00am. Volunteers, including families and their children, meet at Unity in Marin (Novato) and within two hours assemble the StreetPacks. They then take to the road to personally distribute the packs to the Bay Area homeless. The purpose is for the homeless people to stay warm; perhaps to save a life. But Warm Wishes purpose is for volunteers to reap the rewards of looking into the eyes of a stranger, of coming closer to understanding his or her plight, and filling with the feeling of doing good for others.

This year Warm Wishes is requesting donations at the door on Distribution Day to offset the cost of the items for the homeless. Suggested donation is $10.00 for adults (children FREE) but please be as generous as you can. Warm Wishes is committed to providing NEW items that are purchased specifically for this population and need your support.

Volunteer on Warm Wishes Assembly & Distribution Day

Come one, come all and join in the fun! Experience the true meaning of giving this holiday season. This project is for anyone; of any age–so bring your family, friends or just yourselves. Warm Wishes needs volunteers to stuff backpacks and/or distribute them to the homeless. They have items that include gloves, socks, caps, rain ponchos and holiday cards that all need to be put inside 5000 backpacks (StreetPacks). And will then literally distribute them to over 40 agencies that serve the street communities, and go out into the Bay Area streets and shelters to distribute them one on one to homeless people.

Warm Wishes Art Project

Are you a teacher? Warm Wishes needs your help with a special project that will brighten up the lives of the homeless during the Holiday Season. This year, they will be handing out 5,000 backpacks filled with a pair of socks, a scarf, gloves, knit cap, and a rain poncho. Warm Wishes would love to include a holiday card from a local child to warm the heart of the recipient.
The card should say “Warm Wishes” and the FIRST NAME ONLY of the child who makes the card.

Please note: No glitter,  crayons or paint (or anything that will run or come off on  the clothing in the pack). 

Call for more information: 415-472-0211

Send your student’s cards to (or drop them off):
Warm Wishes/MarinLink
5800 Northgate Mall Ste250
San Rafael, CA 94901

Bocce Tournament Fundraiser

Every year Warm Wishes hold its Bocce Invitational fundraiser to benefit the Homeless Holiday Backpack Project.

Warm Wishes ask philanthropists for their support with a Bocce Ball Court Sponsorship and they as businesses to donate items for auction.

All proceeds are then used for the Warm Wishes Street Packs project.


For more information and to volunteer please call Warm Wishes at (415) 472-0211. Visit http://www.warmwishes.org/ .