LAMORINDA WEEKLY | business briefs

Theaters for Sale

Just as the 17th Annual California Independent Film Festival gears up for opening night comes word that the two different owners of the Rheem Theatre and Orinda Theatre Square are putting up "For Sale" signs. In Orinda, GLL Properties is selling Theatre Square after completely turning the center around during its eight years of management. And in Moraga, Mahesh Puri wants to sell the property that encompasses the theater and shops all the way to Ristorante Amoroma. Commercial real estate broker Dave Schnayer said that Puri is asking $4.75 million for the property. Derek Zemrak, co-founder of the California Annual Independent Film Festival Association that leases and operates both theaters, said that he and his team are planning to continue to manage the businesses as usual.

The Secret Phrase is "Orinda-mazing"

ECHO Grove

2 Theatre Square, #112, Orinda

(925) 253-1266, www.echogrovestore.com

Orinda's newest gift shop has announced a fun fall promotion that reflects the store's appreciation for the warm welcome it has received from the city. Starting Sept. 1, shoppers who say the secret phrase will be rewarded with a free handmade charm. The charms are custom designed and handmade exclusively for Echo Grove by one of its favorite makers. They can be attached to backpacks, key chains, charm bracelets, or wine glasses. No purchase is necessary, and the charms will not be available for purchase, so the only way to get them is to utter the secret phrase. September's secret phrase is "Orinda-mazing." The first two charms highlight a "back to school" spirit. One features the Miramonte Matadors logo and the second charm bears a small detail of the historic Orinda Union School. Subsequent charms will feature Orinda landmarks, events, people and other images that honor Orinda, its history and community. "Our hope is that people get excited about collecting the charms and we continue issuing a new design throughout 2015," said Echo Grove co-owner Margaret Doty.

Free Flagship Seminar

Career Wisdom Institute

1036 Country Club Dr, #100, Moraga

(925) 212-7805, www.careerwisdominstitute.com

The Career Wisdom Institute will be offering a seminar, "Inside Job, 8 Secrets to Loving Your Work and Thriving," from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Sept. 26. There is a $10 seat-holding fee. "This seminar is great for men and women in career transitions," says institute partner Sherry Berman. "Anyone struggling with work, either finding it, keeping it or wanting work to be more meaningful, will benefit from this event." The seminar is designed to teach the secrets of satisfying and lucrative work and that passion, heart, and spirit have cash value in today's market.

Moraga Employee of the Month

Danielle Gossell, a lead dental assistant and community relations assistant for Lamorinda Dental, has been named the Moraga Employee of the Month for August. Gossell has played a critical role in building the new dental practice operated by Dr. Julia Hoang, which began in 2012 and has over 600 current patients. She will be presented with her award, along with gift cards to Safeway and Mountain Mike's Pizza, at the Moraga Rotary luncheon on Sept. 23.

News from the Chambers of Commerce

Lafayette

The Art & Wine Festival is just around the corner! The annual event will be open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 20, and from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 21 in downtown Lafayette. The festival offers non-stop music and dancing, unique wine and beer offerings, food choices everywhere, original fine art and crafts. New this year, local artists will create original pieces of art to the rhythms of the Fiesta Stage (see article page A1). The fair is family and dog friendly and features a large Kids Zone. For more information, go to http://lafayettefestival.com.

Moraga

Shred Event next to 5A Rent A Space, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Sept.13, 455 Moraga Rd. - $5/Banker Box size.

Orinda

Don't miss the 10th Annual Orinda Classic Car Show, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 13. Go to www.orindacarshow.com for information about this and other events taking place during the Classic Car Show Weekend.