New Frontiers Store Manager Stephen Dominguez and Marketing Manger Dusty Colyer recently presented a check for $2,250 to Big Brothers Big Sisters of SLO County Executive Director Anna Boyd-Bucy and Development Director Patty Carpenter.  Five percent of all sales on July 20 were donated to support Big Brothers Big Sisters youth mentoring programs.

For more information on volunteering or contributing to Big Brothers Big Sisters, call 781-3226, or log onto www.slobigs.org.

For more information, please visit their website: www.slomissionfamilydental.com

Joshua Roberts, PE recently joined RRM Design Group’s Civil Engineering Group as a project manager. With over 15 years of local engineering experience, Roberts will complement RRM’s multi-discipline design firm which is comprised of architects, engineers, landscape architects, planners and surveyors. In addition to being a registered engineer, Roberts is trained in storm water management and LID design principles.

Roberts has a deep understanding and passion for the civil engineering profession and land development industry having been an engineering manager, business partner, land planner and real estate investor. This is evident in his portfolio of projects which range from large community residential master plans to civic buildings and education projects.

A Cal Poly SLO alumnus, Roberts and his family are longtime residents of the Central Coast. He is very active in the local business and development community including the Home Builders Association (HBA).

One of the finest handmade, locally produced salami are now available direct from the kitchens of Buona Tavola Restaurants.  For years, Owner and Chef Antonio Varia created his old world style salami in small amounts for the enjoyment of his restaurant customers.  Now he has created a new brand: Allesina Fine Cured Meats with four varieties of salami available at local stores and during the Templeton and San Luis Obispo Saturday Farmer’s Markets.  Perfect for picnics, wine and cheese pairings or just eating alone, these delicious salami are all hand crafted and do not contain hormones or nitrates. 

Every aspect of the creation of this fine cured meat is overseen by Chef Varia. Nearly all the ingredients are locally sourced.  The pork comes from hogs raised in ideal conditions, and is hormone and antibiotic free.  All the spices used come from The Spice Hunter, a San Luis Obispo company. The salami does not contain any MSG or artificial nitrates or nitrites, as they are preserved with naturally occurring elements in celery.  This commitment to local, high quality products insures the finest taste and excellence in every bite.

Charlotte Alexander has been named executive director of ARTS Obispo, the San Luis Obispo County Arts Council, effective September 1.

Alexander, a resident of Nipomo, has been active in the SLO County nonprofit community for more than 20 years in both executive and volunteer positions. She was CEO of United Way of SLO County from 2004 to 2007, and most recently was executive director of the SLO County Emergency Medical Services Agency. Elected in 2010 as a trustee of Cuesta College, she taught journalism and public relations at both Cuesta and Cal Poly.

As a volunteer, Alexander served as president of the board of directors for the North County Humane Society and the Central Coast Natural History Association, and was chair of SESLOC Federal Credit Union’s Supervisory Committee for several years.

Cuesta College Community Programs, in partnership with Boston Reed College, is pleased to announce that three new allied healthcare training programs will be offered this year. The new, not-for-credit programs include training for veterinary assistants, electronic health records systems technologists and pharmacy technicians. These programs are designed to provide fast-paced training to prepare students for the healthcare workforce.

To introduce these new training opportunities, a free online information session will be offered to prospective students.  The information session will address program specifics, including pre-requisites and financial assistance opportunities.

The classes for each of the programs are held on Saturdays or online, beginning in October. Students will also experience a hands-on externship at a local healthcare facility. Textbooks, classroom materials and externship placement fees are included in the program’s registration fee.

For information or to register, call Karen Linn, Cuesta College Community Programs coordinator, at (805) 546-3132 or visit www.communityprograms.net.

United Way of San Luis Obispo County is looking for teens that will bring new energy to community involvement. Now in its fourth year, the United Way Youth Board brings together high school students from across the county to fulfill many of the same duties as a Board of Directors. Students gain valuable leadership skills, learn about the community, and connect with peers outside of their own school community; all while earning community service credit. During the year, board members award three $1,000 grants to local youth programs.

Ben Lowerison, a Templeton High School senior and President of the 2011/12 Youth Board said, “The Youth Board is a learning experience unlike anything else I have done… The Youth Board really showed me how important and rewarding community service is, and I know that each of the board members will continue to better their community wherever they go in life.”

United Way of SLO County is an independent, nonprofit organization governed by a board of volunteers. It is affiliated by membership with United Way Worldwide and strives to build a stronger, healthier, more compassionate community through investing in programs serving education, income and health.

Recruitment for the 2011-2012 board is underway. Representatives must be high school students who are responsible, caring and have a desire to serve the community. Prior leadership or nonprofit experience is not required.

The board meets the second Tuesday of each month at Sierra Vista Regional Medical Center in San Luis Obispo. More information and applications are available at www.unitedwayslo.org. For further information regarding United Way SLO County, e-mail at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , visit unitedwayslo.org, or call (805) 541 – 1234.

The San Luis Obispo County Community Foundation (SLOCCF), an organization established in 1998 and dedicated to the quality of life in the community, has recently purchased and moved into the historic Barneberg House at 550 Dana Street in downtown San Luis Obispo. The new offices bring to life the theme of the SLOCCF’s most recent annual report, “Inspired by the Past, Creating the Future.”

“When this opportunity became available to us, we knew it was a perfect fit,” explained Executive Director Barry VanderKelen. “This historic home has deep, strong roots in the same community we are committed to supporting and enhancing.” VanderKelen adds, “Owning our building will enable us to put more resources towards supporting the nonprofit community. It was with the help of the Hind Foundation and the Duenow Family that we were able to secure the building, and many others have also contributed to this effort, knowing that the Community Foundation will be here – for good and forever.”

 The SLOCCF is the third owner of the Barneberg House and plans to preserve this cultural treasure. The 4,350 square feet gives the Community Foundation plenty of room to grow, and also enables them to make meeting space available for nonprofits and community groups to use. 

For more information about SLOCCF, log onto www.sloccf.org or call (805) 543-2323.