Pacific Eye is very pleased to announce board certified optometrist, Rupert C. Chowins, O.D., Diplomate of the American Board of Optometry.

Dr. Chowins was one of less than 2 percent of all optometrists nationwide to attain ABO Board Certification.  The inaugural Board Certification Examination was given in June 2011 by the American Board of Optometry (ABO).  The Diplomates are from 45 states and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. 

“We extend congratulations to Dr. Chowins,” said Pacific Eye Ophthalmologist and surgeon, Robert W. Higginbotham, M.D. “We encourage our physicians and staff to continually improve their knowledge and skills through training and education. Our commitment to lifelong learning will help us better serve our patients on the Central Coast.”

Ten years ago, Shopatron founder Ed Stevens had a choice of where he wanted to live and do business. He sat down with his family, considered a number of cities and decided upon San Luis Obispo. "San Luis Obispo seemed like the perfect place,” said Stevens. “A great location, fantastic weather, good schools, a strong technical university and friendly people. What more could I want for both my business and my family?"

Stevens had come up with a novel idea that would revolutionize the eCommerce industry and eventually become the preferred eCommerce solution for brands worldwide. The idea, based on his experience growing up in retail and owning a hobby brand, was simple—branded manufacturers can take advantage of the online sales channel and boost their retail distribution by sharing online sales with their trusted retail partners.

A new article released by the journal NeuroImage features the results of a study that examined changes in gray matter volume (GMV) in the brains of children with dyslexia who received intensive reading instruction using Lindamood-Bell’s Seeing Stars® program for reading and spelling.  The study, conducted by researchers from the Center for the Study of Learning, Georgetown University Medical Center, and Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center, found that “training-induced changes” in GMV in the brain can be seen in a pediatric sample, and that the changes are accompanied by improvements in reading.  Furthermore, changes in both reading skills and GMV were maintained after the training ended.

Fully one-third of the San Luis Obispo Symphony’s annual budget goes to support extensive Music Education Programs serving the county of San Luis Obispo. More than 16,000 children and adults take part in one or more of these programs, which are based on California State educational standards every year. Rabobank has been a Symphony supporter for over a decade, sponsoring the popular “No Ties Allowed! Free Dress Rehearsals” at the Performing Arts Center. Rabobank’s generous $10,000 donation also earns them the title of “Signature Music Education Sponsor” for their support of the infrastructure that makes the Symphony’s Music Education programs possible.  

Nine distinct programs comprise the Symphony’s music education continuum, including Everyday Etudes, Strings in the Schools, The Music Van, and a range of professional training and performance opportunities offered through the Symphony and Youth Symphony. 

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.

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.