SEPTEMBER 1, 2021
SALUTING
WOMEN
IN BUSINESS This section is dedicated to all of the women who help to drive businesses, large and small, in the Oakdale, Riverbank and Escalon area.
A SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT TO
THE OAKDALE LEADER, ESCALON TIMES AND RIVERBANK NEWS
2— Women In Business • Wednesday, September 1, 2021
Spread The Love With Jars Of Delicious By VIRGINIA STILL
This October will mark one year that business owner, jammer, and mother of three Cheree Hill will have
had her commercial kitchen that brings consumers all over the area those very delightful Jars of Delicious. Although she does not have
A three-jar mini sampler is a hugely popular item for Cheree Hill and her Jars of Delicious, with people able to purchase a trio of flavors at once as they try to find their favorite.
a storefront, the immense assortment of homemade jams, jellies, fruit butters, syrups, canned fruit and pie fillings can be found at several local farmer’s markets, stores throughout the area and online at www.jarsofdelicious.com. This is a busy time of year for Hill as she is in “full farmer’s market mode” setting up shop throughout the week and weekends all over the area and also attends other events. On Wednesdays she is at the Oakdale Farmer’s Market, Thursday mornings she is in Modesto, and on Thursday evening she is in Ripon. With a little help on Saturdays she is able to be at both the Turlock market and Modesto Farmer’s Market. “It is wonderful to see people out,” added Hill. “We still have seen a steadiness in all of the markets across
the board that I attend. It is pretty encouraging. It has been good. The markets have been so well attended. People want to be outside, they want fresh air, they want to know where their food comes from and they want to support local. All things that are important.” The commercial kitchen in downtown Riverbank is certified by the State of California as a wholesale manufacturing business. This is the first full season that Hill has had the commercial kitchen which has allowed her to separate home from business and expand her offerings. “It has been a good transition,” stated Hill. “It has been a bit of a learning curve as far as living 20 minutes from the shop. It took some jars Page 3
Jammer and local businesswoman Cheree Hill explains a little bit about her product at a recent Oakdale Farmer’s Market. She attends several markets around the area and also has an online presence.
Jackie Wozniak Escalon Body & Frame
Making your vehicles beautiful again for over 40 years
Reputable • Honest • Experienced We work with all insurance companies. Celebrating 21 years with Escalon Body & Frame, Jackie is the friendly voice on the phone helping you with your damaged car. Efficient and professional, she will make sure your vehicle is repaired to the very highest standards of performance. Jackie can help with the insurance claim and billing, easing the difficult process of an auto accident. Customer service is of paramount concern and she will treat you with the utmost courtesy. Jackie is the glue that holds the office together. Stop in and say hello before you need us! 2228 Main Street, Escalon • 209-838-7783
Standing Left - Right
Standing Left - Right
Michele Flanagan
Sharon Roche
Human Resources Manager • 21 years
Accounting Assistant 4 years
Caroline Ylioja Nutritionist • 2 years
Yvonne Ortega
Since 1892
Lesly Muncy Accts Rec / Sales Asst 17 years • Not pictured
Accts Rec / Accts Pay • 21 years
Zoe Kilkenny
Dr. Marit Arana
Regulations Coordinator 6 years • Not pictured
Nutritionist • 18 years
A.L. GILBERT
304. Yosemite Avenue • 847-1721
Serving California’s Agricultural Industry Since 1892
Women In Business • Wednesday, September 1, 2021 — 3
jars
Continued From Page 2
Canned peaches, as well as jams and syrups in a variety of single and combination flavors, are offered through Cheree Hill’s business, Jars of Delicious.
time getting used to it. It has been nice being in the shop because there has been such an expansion. I expanded my spicy flavors, the canned peaches and so many things that I didn’t have the space for like the breakfast syrups that really fill the booth.” Hill learned the art of canning and preserving from her late mother-in-law, Peggy. After Peggy passed away in 2014, Hill decided to continue the tradition and Jars of Delicious was established. There are a variety of flavors created with fresh local fruits year round in Hill’s kitchen that include traditional flavors like strawberry, blackberry, apricot and some unexpected flavors like customer favorite Hawaiian which is coconut, mango, and pineapple or the summertime top seller of strawberry watermelon
that has bits of strawberries and watermelon juice. Some other customer favorites are the strawberry peach mango, and the blackberry pomegranate. The breakfast syrups are not just for breakfast even though Hill noted that they can be used on pancakes, waffles, oatmeal and granola. Some of the other uses for the syrups are for cocktails like the coconut with pineapple and rum, mocktails, and milkshakes. The cherry syrup has been drizzled on cheesecake. The fruit butters like the pumpkin butter that can be used in milkshakes and the spiced apple butter are hits in the fall. There are also a variety of marmalades which Hill said have been a really big hit this year and is her first year making them. “They (products) are pretty amazing,” expressed Hill with a smile. “I don’t make anything gross; that is kind of my rule. There are things
There is plenty to look at and take home to enjoy, and the Jars of Delicious booth is always a busy one at area farmer’s markets.
Photos By Virginia Still for all palates whether you want to try something fun or stick with what you know. A straight strawberry is delicious on purpose.” The one year celebration will be held in October and Hill explained that she will be doing something special. The anniversary falls on the same weekend as the Cheese and Wine Exposition in Riverbank, the week-
end of Oct. 9 and 10, and she plans to be a vendor at the two-day fest. For those that may not attend the farmer’s markets or festivals the products can be purchased online and shipped or picked up at the location in Riverbank. Every jar has her phone number on it and also stated on the jar is a reminder to “be a friend - give a jam.”
KRISTEN EATON AND TEAM APPROACH INSURANCE SERVICE FROM A DIFFERENT POINT OF VIEW.
Yours.
OAKDALE LEADER ESCALON TIMES • RIVERBANK NEWS
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4 — Women In Business • Wednesday, September 1, 2021
Ingrid Walker, TWFG Branch Owner And Agent By KIM VAN METER
Ingrid Walker, a TWFG – The Woodlands Financial Group – Branch Owner and insurance agent as well as a busy mom, is a working example of a hard-working woman focused on her goals, providing a solid role model for young women looking to make their mark on the world with their own business. Walker started in the insurance industry seven years ago, choosing to branch out with her own business only a year into her new career. Her decision was made easy when she realized what an important service she offers to the people she cares about. “I’m in the business of helping people prepare for the worst and not pay
more than they have to while having an agent who takes care of them like family,” she said. When asked if she wouldn’t mind sharing her experience as a woman entrepreneur for the annual Women In Business publication, she was happy to participate. Here is her story, in a ‘Question and Answer’ format. What do you enjoy most about your business? Everything! I enjoy educating people while I am helping them. I love people, my community and have made so many new friends. I like being there for people when things go wrong. I feel like that is how I make a difference.
What are some of the challenges inherent to being a woman in your field? The only time I feel challenged being a woman in my field, is the feeling that I am not taken seriously. There have been times my husband and I can be standing in the same room for my business and he will be approached before I am because they assume he is the “owner/agent.” How are you a role model for young ladies and future businesswomen? It doesn’t matter where you came from, what you have been through or who has labeled you in the past. I am using my story to inspire and help others to grow. I am re-
minding young ladies and women that they are beautiful, powerful and can make the life they want a reality. You have two options in life. You can use your story to feel sorry for yourself or you can use it to create the life you were destined to have. Learn to love yourself, have faith in yourself and believe that you will achieve greatness as long as you work for it. What is the most important value you bring to your current role? Strength! I feel so uncomfortable talking about myself, but I continue to remind myself that I am one strong independent women. ingrid walker Page 5
Lisa Norris
Balancing home and work life is not easy but it is doable, and Ingrid Walker is managing the juggling act, serving as Branch Owner and insurance agent for TWFG, The Woodlands Financial Group, from her office in Oakdale.
Theserendipitysocial.com
The owner of The Serendipity Social an event business out of Oakdale started her entrepreneurial quest with a vision in late 2015. She followed her dream and by 2016 she implemented her ideas in building a successful event business within the 209 area. With an home interior, art and Do it your self’R background she decided to put her creative & business skills to work. First with creating her paint and sip business Serendipity Paint & Sip Workshops which is the creative experience of painting on reclaimed wood. Which has grown steadily into a successful business hosting corporate events, private gatherings in her barn in east oakdale & a regular at The Fruit Yard in modesto. Within the same year she created an outdoor market for crafters, home based business, artisans, pickers, vintage junkers, artists etc. to showcase their products and sell. The idea came to her after her experience of owning her own consignment boutique in the bay area ,she knew she did not want to own a brick and mortar again so created something different. Started on her family’s small farm in east oakdale shortly outgrowing & moving to Bloomingcamp Ranch for 3 years, to finally come to Kerr Park in Oakdale as of 2019. Funky Market 209 was created with the love for community & the drive to support small businesses. The Market has a variety of vendors, classic cars , food & fun for everyone. It stands for unity & uniqueness with a small town feel. With 3 large shows a year, spring & fall market at Kerr Park in Oakdale & a summer market at The Fruit Yard. She is always looking for vendors to incorporate into all her events, especially creative type vendors, she welcomes all and would love to hear from you. With both of her main projects winning best in the 209 year after year she is grateful for the support of the communities. She believes in giving back when she can, donating to fundraisers or donating a percentage of proceeds to certain causes that are close to her heart. Norris also hosts events at her home White Blossom Ranch in Oakdale, farm to fork events, fundraisers, client appreciation events and even runs a fun unique bingo event. She has many more innovative ideas she is working on. In 2022 she will launch a new fun way for businesses to advertise and interact. The small biz social will be launched as well as her own personal podcast, and is even working on writing a book. All of her drive to succeed came from a life changing experience, she decided to take a negative situation and create a positive life. All while encouraging & supporting the people she comes in contact with along the way. Theserendipitysocial.com
Women In Business • Wednesday, September 1, 2021 — 5
ingrid walker Continued From Page 4
What is the most recent “feel-good” moment you’ve had in your role as a businesswoman? At one time I felt like I had lost it all, the feeling of starting over scared me. My feel-good moment was realizing I am succeeding and continue to accomplish my goals while crushing the fear I once had. I overcame the fear and used it as fuel to continue to move forward. What do you enjoy about doing business in a small town such as Oakdale? My competitors are companies that are based off of call centers. You get a good price but you are dealing with an 800 num-
ber. Our small town allows me to replace the 800 number and provide personalized service to my clients. My clients become family. I also love going to the grocery store, football games or local events and seeing my clients. If you had a wish list for your business, what would it look like? Large insurance broker with multiple departments, locations in different states. I want to be a one-stop shop by offering multiple services in one location. In today’s world, do you feel it is easier or more difficult to balance work and home as a strong, independent businesswoman?
It is definitely more difficult to balance the work and home life. I want to be the best wife, mom, and business owner. It’s hard to give each role 100 percent. Social media shows us a picture of what perfection looks like. It’s not the reality that when I go home the house is a mess, my kids are screaming and my husband is begging for attention. What is the best advice you can give to future businesswomen as they prepare to make their mark in the world? Being a business owner is not easy but it is doable. It takes hard work, dedication, long hours, and you will need to get used to rejection. You have to surround yourself with people who believe in you and will encourage you when you are
feeling down. You need to make sure you implement self-care and do things that make you happy. You need to be passionate and fearless about what you do because others will see it. When you get a “no” don’t dwell on it but look for those that will give you the opportunity to provide your services. You need to celebrate the small wins and not compare yourself to others. You need to know you are a boss and don’t allow others to put you down. Remember it’s progress not perfection and the fact that you have made the decision to start a business already makes you a role model.
is now
2 0 9 M U LT I M E D I A . C O M
Your local news source. Now locally-owned.
For more information on TWFG, Ingrid Walker Insurance, call 209-9180677 or go to her website at www.twfg.com/IngridWalker
Come in and Meet the Women of Diana James - Has been working at River Oak Pharmacy for 21 years. She is an expert at dealing with insurance challenges. She helps our Spanish speaking patients, and enjoys helping all our patients get their prescriptions filled accurately and quickly. Jackie Bustos - Is a bilingual patient service expert who works diligently to get your medications in your hand and out the door as quickly as possible.
Back Row: Diana James, Jackie Bustos, Rene Moreno Front Row: Sara Garcia, Karlie Reep Not Pictured: Lupe Ordaz Schedule your COVID vaccine appointment: RiverOakPharmacy.com Clinic Hours: Wednesdays and Fridays, 8:30-11:00am & 3:00-5:30pm; walk-ins welcome. Call us at 209-847-2226 or like us on Facebook!
Rene Moreno - Is a Registered Technician, has been working for River Oak Pharmacy for 25 years, and is working in our compounding lab making custom prescriptions to meet our patients’ individual needs. Sara Garcia - Is a Registered Technician, and has been working at River Oak Pharmacy for 21 years. She is an excellent patient-oriented technician. She also helps our Spanish speaking patients. Karlie Reep - Is a Registered Technician. She is excellent at meeting patient’s needs. She is now serving as a compounding technician. Lupe Ordaz - Is a Registered Technician and our customer service expert.
Katie Cosner - Is Ken Cosner’s daughter and has been helping to manage the pharmacy since last fall. You can find her creating efficient processes, overseeing the COVID vaccine clinic and enhancing the pharmacy’s marketing. Chris Courtney - Is a Registered Nurse who has been volunteering with the vaccine clinic since March and can be found answering Covid questions and handing out lollipops to the vaccinated patients. Sofia Meza - Is a Clerk who energetically greets people curbside for the Covid vaccine clinic and supports Spanish-speaking patients who come to pick up prescriptions. Kelley Sundborg - Is a dedicated Pharmacy Typist who values being able to work alongside her colleagues. She drives from Sonora every day to work at the local pharmacy where she can connect with patients daily. Esmeralda Lee - Is the newest addition to the River Oak family. As a Pharmacy Technician, she can be found helping patients in all aspects of the operations - filling prescriptions, typing, and supporting our Spanish-speaking patients. Jessica Sing - Has been working for the pharmacy for over 10 years. As a Technician, she speeds through filling prescriptions and is our expert in solving insurance billing issues.
Back Row, left to right: Katie Cosner, Chris Courtney, and Sofia Meza Front Row, left to right: Kelley Sundborg and Esmeralda Lee Not Pictured: Jessica Sing Located at 1080 West F Street, Suite D, next to Subway Open Monday - Friday 9:00am - 5:30pm and Saturday 9:00am - 12:30pm
6— Women In Business • Wednesday, September 1, 2021
Oakdale High Alum Shipman Shines In Real Estate By TERESA HAMMOND
Some might say Sara Shipman was born to be a Realtor. While her initial postOakdale graduation plans were much different, today Shipman finds her joy as the Sales Manager for the Modesto office of Century 21MM. She also oversees the Commercial and Ag Division for the company. In her combined roles she oversees approximately 90 Realtors. Yet with 17 years of experience in real estate to her name, Shipman shared she originally thought she would be a teacher. “If I could do it all over, in retrospect all over again, I would have finished in three years,” she said of her time in col-
lege, a journey which ended for the 1994 OHS alum prior to completing her college education. Post-college, she worked at a number of places including spending seven years with Sward Trucking, her family’s business. “I love my family a lot but at that time, I couldn’t do it,” she said of leaving the family business and beginning her real estate journey in 2004. A wife and mother of two at the time, she shared as a ‘people person’ real estate was appealing as well as family-friendly for a working mom. “I loved it because it did have the flexibility of growing with your fam-
ily, being around your family,” she shared. “I could go to class parties and be present for my kids. “Although my kids, if you were to ask them, when they grew up they thought it was horrible because we didn’t go on a lot of summer vacations,” Shipman confessed, noting the summer months as a busy time for real estate. Raised by hardworking parents herself, the young mother of two proved she wasn’t afraid of hard work. While she admits to not hitting the market exceptionally hard in the earlier years, the market crash in 2008 not only sparked her interest but fueled her drive.
Longtime Century 21MM Realtor Sara Shipman currently manages and assists close to 90 Realtors working hard for clients and achieving their goals.
shipman Page 7
Oakdale’s Mortgage Team!
Photo By Teresa Hammond
Oak Valley Community Bank Women in Business
The Reviews Are In As a first time home buyer, I was unsure of how to buy a home. Allison and her team were there for me through every step of the process. The progress was incredibly fast. I would recommend them any time to all first time home buyers.” Sarah - Client Allison and her team are AMAZING! They made this entire experience a breeze. There was constant communication and honesty about every step of the process. Every member of her team is awesome! I would HIGHLY recommend Allison and her team to anyone who need assistance.” Ashleigh - Client
Allison Schwartz
Loan Officer | NMLS #248573
D: (209) 848-8130 C: (209) 505-0993 102 Grove Avenue, Suite A Oakdale, CA 95361 teamallison@academymortgage.com academymortgage.com/allisonschwartz
Corp NMLS #3113 Equal Housing Lender Licensed by the Department of Financial Protection and Innovation Under the California Residential Mortgage Lending Act MAC822-1476578
Elisa Luna
Tara Lee
Laura Weaver
Area Manager & Escalon Branch Manager
Kim Karp
Oakdale Branch Manager
Oakdale CSM
343.7632
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821.3078
www.ovcb.com Oakdale • Sonora • Modesto • Turlock Patterson • Ripon • Escalon • Stockton Manteca • Tracy • Sacramento Member FDIC
Escalon CSM
Women In Business • Wednesday, September 1, 2021 — 7
shipman
Continued From Page 6 “Once the end of 2007 hit, the market crashed and we were already starting to feel it,” she said of the real estate climate change. Shipman then joined forces with long time real estate friend Sherry Kupper and the two decided to take advantage of the short sale specialization. “Although it was a lot of feast or famine, we decided to really go in and specialize in that area,” she explained. “At times we had 10, 12 transactions going on and they were all in different phases.” The real estate also turned out to be just one aspect of the business, so to speak. “You were more of a counselor sometimes than a real estate agent,” Shipman continued, “because they were going through divorce, they were losing everything they owned and they didn’t know how to pick up any of the pieces.” Through the bulk of her career, the early days of being an active mom and agent, short sale, thriving market, to today, the Realtor shared feeling “extremely fortunate” for the support of her husband. She noted his continued employment, as well as help in all areas of their lives as being critical to her overall success. Now well into her 17th year, while she maintains her role as Realtor and manages her “book of business,” the longtime local resident shared her focus is really on managing and helping her agents with their
business. “I manage my regular Book of Business or if I get referrals from my Book of Business I utilize them. I never compete against my agents,” she stated. “I want to see their successes as well. I always feel that it’s huge that we lift everybody else up. Lift our fellow Realtors up, because you’re only as good as they are.” Entering into the management areas in 2017, Shipman shared she felt it was a natural progression in her career, bringing former experience with assisting in training and other aspects of the business. “I was very involved with Central Valley Association of Realtors. I was on the board. I was the chair, then I was an acting director for the actual Board and so I felt that was always a huge importance to be part of your association and know what was going on. It set you above everybody else,” she said. All in all, the onceaspiring teacher shared looking back she feels through all her professional endeavors, she’s landed exactly where she should be. “I could never see myself behind a desk 24/7. I mean I did accounting and human resources for seven years and I just wanted to be up and about,” she confessed. “I’m such a busy person. I like the change of every day.” And while she may feel she’s found her “home” in the real estate business, Shipman is not one to credit herself and her personal hustle completely for her success. Her grace as well as humility is apparent as she
speaks of her journey through the business. “It’s very hard for me to talk about myself, because there’s far more people that are so much more deserving,” the Realtor confided. “I like to see people flourish, that’s my thing. “I will tell you that in Oakdale, even Modesto and within my business, there are so many people who have given me either the confidence or the opportunities to completely grow my business,” she said. “It’s a relationship business. I never want to be taken care of,” she added of clients and colleagues reciprocating their gratitude through gifts, “but there are people who like to reciprocate sometimes.” In the end, for Shipman, be it through family, agents, community or the like … it all circles back to relationships. The veteran Realtor shared when she began in the business it was such a busy time in the market. A time which was so busy it was hard for a starting agent to find a mentor, someone to help them along the way and show them the ropes. Shipman remembers that time and works to be that person for others. “Now being the experienced and the seasoned agent, you see the agents that want to help the new agents, because like I said before you’re only as good as the next agent. “Not all agents that have been mentors are easy to work with,” she acknowledged. “Learned a lot from each of them. I’m very grateful. I’ve been very fortunate.”
8— Women In Business • Wednesday, September 1, 2021
Oakdale Flowers Continues To Bloom
By DENNIS D. CRUZ
Oakdale Flowers owner Kelli Sinkevich is more than just an owner; she has kept the business alive and by that kept the previous own-
er’s memory alive as well. They were friends for over two decades, their children grew up together. Sinkevich was friends with the previous owner, Cydni Balleste-
A portrait of the former owner of Oakdale Flowers, the late Cydni Ballesteros-Stall, hangs prominently in the East F Street shop; current owner Kelli Sinkevich worked with Ballesteros-Staal for many years.
ros-Staal, and they worked closely together at the shop. Sadly, Ballesteros-Staal passed away nearly four years ago – in November of 2017 – and the business was then taken over by her best friend. “Cydni and her mother Leanne Huntemann owned the shop before I did,” Sinkevich said. Paying homage to her friend and mentor, Sinkevich has a large picture of Ballesteros-Staal hanging in the shop near the register. “They were both so influential for me and the reason I am in the business,” she shared of Staal and Huntemann. “They taught me so much. It was very difficult, Cydni was like a sister. When she passed away, the thought of not keeping the place open never crossed
Kelli Sinkevich enjoys working hard to make sure customers get exactly what they want in their arrangements. my mind.” Sinkevich has been with the company for nearly a decade. She began as a de-
livery person and processed flowers. Two years later she began helping with designing arrangements. Sinkevich
stressed how demanding the job is, both physically and mentally. flowers Page 9
Introducing the Professional women of... C.T. Brayton & Sons, Inc., General Engineering and Building Contractor, established in 1946. We are proudly celebrating our 75th year in business. We proudly salute our women providing Accounting and Management support.
Vicky Siegfried Controller
Bonnie Muniain Senior Staff Accountant
Sandy Azevedo Billing/Payroll Specialist
Whitney Vona Billing Clerk
Theresa Seldon Contract Compliance
Pam Galbreath Project Coordinator
Katie Anderson Project Manager
Harlee Araujo File Clerk
Brittany Siegfried Data Entry Clerk
Sonja Azevedo Receptionist
Women In Business • Wednesday, September 1, 2021 — 9
flowers
Continued From Page 8 “It’s a hard, hard, hard industry to work at. Some people think it is just flowers and arrangements and it really is not. Lifting, cutting, arranging, re-modeling, water; it really does take its toll on someone.” Part of what she enjoys about being in the business is the opportunity to grow and help meet the needs of a variety of clientele. “I still learn every day. I am truly blessed and thankful to have this shop and to have the best and loyal customers. Being a small shop owner in Oakdale is a real blessing. People are so supportive out here.” With the growing industry and online stores, Sinkevich said you have to adapt but there really isn’t a substitute for meeting face to face. “When you order online, you lose the human connec-
tion and interaction. When you come in to a shop, you get that personal touch and you know and see exactly what you are getting in your order,” she explained. “It seems like when you order online you are either really happy with what you get, or you are really upset with it. There is no in between. When you come in, you see it and get to see your vision of your order come to life.” Like all businesses, large and small, COVID made an impact on Oakdale Flowers. However, it was not all bad, stressed Sinkevich. “As with most florists, COVID kept us busy. Our doors were locked but we were still doing non-contact deliveries. The people of Oakdale were ordering flowers and giving them to their neighbors to show they cared and to just show some compassion to each other,” she explained. “It was truly amazing to see.” On the downside, there
were some funeral services and/or memorials for which they did arrangements as a result of the pandemic. More recently, however, they have found that baby showers are taking up a lot of their time, with orders for flowers coming in on a regular basis. And despite the ups and downs of the last 18 months and the business world in general, Sinkevich believes that anyone can be successful with the right people behind them. “My journey has not been traditional if that makes sense. I got this business because my friend left it to me. However, keeping it going and thriving takes a lot of hard work and a team that is always there for me,” she said. “My close group of helpers are the best. My friend, simply known as ‘Jo’, is a very big help. She is always there when I need her.” Sinkevich also wanted to acknowledge the support
Gale Willms Health Insurance Services G
ale has been a life-long resident of this area and involved in the insurance industry since 1997. Her goal is to make sure you have the right health insurance plan at the right price, therefore providing you with the best health care protection. In addition to offering a full range of health care plans, Gale specializes in Medicare Advantage, Medicare Supplements, and Medicare prescription plans. If you are turning 65 or have questions about Medicare and the Medicare plans being offered, let Gale’s knowledge and expertise assist you in making these decisions stress free as possible.
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from her husband, Eric. “He is one of my biggest supporters in this venture and has always been from the beginning. He always comes through for me in so many ways. I would suggest to any woman wanting to start a business, having your family and supportive partner is such a huge thing.” Oakdale Flowers offers a wide variety of products, and can do everything from a simple bouquet to elaborate settings for weddings. Sinkevich uses locally grown as much as possible, including summertime blooms as one of her specialties. “We have a huge selection of things, not just roses and mums but we specialize in your specific needs. We do a lot of custom orders that fit the customers’ needs,” she said. Oakdale Flowers is at 304 E. F St., downtown Oakdale. You can reach them at 209847-5331.
There are more than bouquets and arrangements available at Oakdale Flowers. Owner Kelli Sinkevich stands among some of the other items, most with a rustic, country feel.
Photos By Dennis D. Cruz
Soroptimist International of Oakdale Celebrating 67 years of service to our community! Our organization helps women and girls live their dreams through our Dream Programs and other scholastic programs. We also provide hands-on and monetary support to our community. For more info, check our Oakdale Soroptimist Facebook page, website www.oakdalesoroptimist.org, or E-mail sioakdale@soroptimist.net. Please join us for our upcoming events: Mixer, Sept. 30, 2021, 5:30 pm-7:30 pm, Oakdale Tourism & Visitors Bureau Holiday Luncheon Fundraiser, Dec. 1, 2021, 11:30 am-1:30 pm, Community Center Motor Madness Fundraiser, March 26, 2022, 6:30 pm-9:00 pm, Community Center Soroptimist is a global volunteer organization that provides women and girls with access to the education and training they need to achieve economic empowerment.
10— Women In Business • Wednesday, September 1, 2021
Wozniak Tackles Diverse Workload At Escalon Body & Frame By MARG JACKSON
Spending over two decades in the auto collision repair business, Jackie Wozniak is described as ‘the glue’ that holds Escalon Body & Frame together. And you won’t get any argument from the staff that works with her. The office manager at
the 2228 Main St., Escalon, business, Wozniak has been with the local firm for 20 years, coming up on her 21st anniversary on the job on Nov. 1. “I was just applying for a job,” she said of putting in an application at the auto repair shop all those years ago, adding that she didn’t
She is the smiling face that welcomes you in through the doors at Escalon Body & Frame, Jackie Wozniak has been on the job as officer manager at the Main Street collision repair shop for nearly 21 years.
have a background in the office work. “I was mostly self-taught,” she explained. “I was going to stay here two years.” But once she settled in and found she enjoyed the work, those two years turned in to two decades. Her favorite part of the job? Putting people’s minds at ease when they are faced with an uncomfortable situation. People come to Escalon Body & Frame for collision repair, after their vehicle has been damaged in an accident. It can be a stressful time, Wozniak said, and she likes to provide that calm in the midst of an unexpected storm. “Talking to people, getting their insurance information, setting up the rental cars,” Wozniak said of how she gets the process started. She also does the required calls to the insurance com-
Ashley Vella
Mary Rocha
Managing Partner FDR 3639
Funeral Arranger
Advanced Planning • Funerals • Cremations We are honored to serve the families of these communities with two locations that offer full service burial, cremation, funerals, live streaming services and pre-planning. The families we serve are our top priority and we care for them as though they are our own. We are thankful for the opportunity to help others during a time of grief and healing. Please stop by or call our chapel for more information about any of our services.
We welcome Nicole Wallace to our team.
www.deeganfuneralchapels.com Deegan Funeral Chapel • 1441 San Joaquin St. • Escalon (FD932) • 209-838-7321 Deegan Ripon Memorial Chapel • 111 S. Palm Ave. • Ripon (FD987) • 209-599-3413
panies involved and handles the repair order paperwork for vehicles brought in for repair. “We can handle it,” she explained. “All we need is their name, phone number and the insurance claim number and they don’t have to worry about anything, we take the leg work out of it for them.” Aside from that, her office manager position also sees her busy with payroll, bookkeeping, filing, time sheets, vacation scheduling and more. Also the only woman on the job, she works with a dozen men between the office and repair shop, but said they have a great camaraderie. “I enjoy working with all the guys,” she said, noting that they do occasional office parties for birthdays, body & frame Page 11
Standing with the sign outside the Main Street business, Jackie Wozniak has been with Escalon Body & Frame for more than 20 years, ready to observe her 21st year on the job in November.
Women In Business • Wednesday, September 1, 2021 — 11
body & frame Continued From Page 10
holidays and the like, and also all pride themselves on getting every job done right. Escalon Body & Frame has been in business for 46 years and Wozniak said they are the ‘go to’ business for body work and collision repair. Another aspect of the job
she has enjoyed though the years is seeing people start their careers there, maybe working part-time just out of high school, progressing in their skills and then establishing themselves in the area, getting married and raising a family. “We’re very family-oriented,” Wozniak added. “The business is owned by Ray and Cathy Scott, the mom and dad, and their son Steve
They refer to her as the ‘glue that holds the office together’ and Jackie Wozniak of Escalon Body & Frame proves that to be true, keeping the collision repair business running smoothly.
is the general manager.” The biggest change since she started in 2000 has been one of technology. “We went from everything handwritten, ledger sheets, to all computerized,” she explained. “But I had to fight to get the computers here.” Moving to California from Wisconsin in 1987, Wozniak lives outside Escalon with some acreage on which to raise her horses and dogs. She enjoys going to casinos in her spare time, as well as traveling and wine tasting. And even though she stayed well beyond her “two year” time frame, she does plan to retire within the next couple of years. “Twenty more months until I’m 70 and then I’ll go,” she said of retiring. “Or at least mostly go, maybe just help out part-time.” She said that every day is busy and that helps make the time go by fast, what with parts deliveries to handle, payroll issues to
There’s always something to keep Jackie Wozniak busy at Escalon Body & Frame, including making sure General Manger Steve Scott stays on task at his computer.
Photos By marg jackson address, customers to care for … it has all added up to a diverse, challenging and rewarding career. Escalon Body & Frame is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Wozniak said each customer is important, treated with respect and kept fully updated throughout the entire repair process. “I just like easing people’s minds,” she said. “I look
forward to work every day, there is never a dull moment and we are like one big extended family.” Escalon Body & Frame can be reached at 209-8387783.
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TOUGH TIMES? Access Emergency Funds in your 401(k)
If you need help to pay your rent, Medical bills, or mortgage, check with your 401(k) Provider for details on Hardships and Loans. Ask your employer for a copy of the Summary Plan Description for the 401(k) Plan, which will detail what options your plan offers, so you can take distributions based on the assistance you need. For example, if you are facing eviction from your principle residence and your 401(k) Plan allows for Hardships, you may have the option to pull out some of your money to pay the amount needed to prevent your eviction. Check with a Tax Preparer before taking the funds out to see how they affect your taxable income. In the Summary Plan Description, look for this language in the Section called In-Service Distributions: Immediate and Heavy Financial Need. You may receive a hardship distribution only if the Plan Administrator finds that you have an immediate and heavy financial need where you lack other available resources. The following are the only financial needs considered immediate and heavy:
1. Expenses incurred or necessary for medical care, described in Code section 213(d), for you or your spouse, children, or dependents;
Diane Rovedatti, CFO & Sonia Casares, President
2. The purchase (excluding mortgage payments) of a principal residence for the Participant; 3. Payment of tuition and related educational fees for the next 12 months of post-secondary education for you or your spouse, children or dependents; 4. The need to prevent the eviction of you from your principal residence (or a foreclosure on the mortgage on your principal residence); 5. Payments for burial or funeral expenses for your deceased parent, spouse, children or dependents;
For people looking for non-taxable distributions, look for the availability of Loans from your 401(k) Plan. With this option you can take a loan of up to 50% of your vested account balance not to exceed $50,000. To learn more about your options, contact your employer about accessing emergency funds in your 401(k). Established in 1999, Valley Pension Services, Inc. is a Third Party Administration Firm that specializes in retirement plan design, installation, administration and consulting services.
6. Expenses for the repair of damage to your principal residence that would qualify for the casualty deduction; or 7. Expenses incurred on account of a federally declared disaster.
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Hardship distributions may be made for certain expenses of your primary beneficiary in addition to your dependents, including medical, tuition, and funeral expenses.
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209.572.7410