Local Event Staffing Firm Offers a Passion for Excellence
On Call! Hospitality Staffing, LLC is a woman-owned local small business established by Diane Harris. Joined by partner Patti Restaino three and a half years ago and, most recently, adding party manager Juanisha Elder, they are located on the second level at 378 Village Square.
Stepping into their Orinda office one can’t help but become enthusiastic about hosting and organizing the next party. “We manage everything from small intimate cocktail parties and dinners in private homes to a product release party for Google and other corporate clients. We employ individuals on a part-time basis. Some of our employees are retired and simply want a shift each week and for some it is their first job,” explains Diane Harris.
Regardless of experience, every staff member must attend On Call!’s own in-house training seminars. “At our Sterling Service Academy, we teach the finer points of hospitality and reinforce the basics so our team will deliver excellent service for clients. We provide servers, bartenders, cooks and general support staff for events. It is a pleasure to offer the opportunity to our staff that every time they go to work it is literally a celebration,” says Harris with a smile.
“Our firm is one of three temporary agencies selected by the University of California at Berkeley to provide staff. Whether it is a private party or a corporate event, our people are professionals and On Call! Hospitality Staffing offers the support you need to ensure a successful event,” explains Patti Restaino. “Among the more interesting events was Kentucky Derby Day at Golden Gate Fields,” she adds.
“Too often a hostess or host figures their friends or family will help out. While this is sometimes a good idea, it is not practical because people want to socialize and the service needs to continue throughout. Our staff makes it easier for them to enjoy their family time during their event,” says Harris.
A new trend these days is the “Who Done It?” party. The mystery theme can be played out over a lunch or dinner with a small group of 10 or a larger group of up to 200. “We can accommodate so you enjoy the party with family and friends,” adds Harris.
While Harris and Restaino are virtually on call for their clients, when they do have some time off they both enjoy sports. Harris prefers spending time in the great outdoors and kayaking, but is especially addicted to playing pickle ball. Restaino enjoys hiking and is a season ticket holder to Cal Women’s Basketball games, attending home games along with 10 friends. She is a Healing Touch practitioner and is pleased to work with Anne Rogers offering free sessions for patients at Kaiser Permanente in Oakland.
For more information about On Call! Hospitality Staffing, visit the website at http://www.oncallhospitalitystaffing.com or call Diane and Patti at 510-388-9932.
Olive Leaf Pediatrics Provides Family Centered Care
Nazia Sheriff, MD, FAAP, established her boutique pediatric practice in Orinda this winter focusing on delivering pediatric care that is holistic and family-centered. As a house call based pediatric practice, Dr. Sheriff brings back the personal touch of home visits for the convenience of parents and patients, providing all care within the comfort of their home.
“I provide a comprehensive and holistic approach, meaning that I treat the whole child and all the different factors affecting the child. In essence, we bring back the roots of medicine and focus on the patient. Being a medical micro-practice allows us to limit the number of patients in the practice so the focus is on building personal relationships and not assembly-line medicine,” says Sheriff.
Olive Leaf Pediatrics is a direct primary care (DPC) based practice and is taking new members at this time. Non-member rates are available. Some “out of network” insurance plans may provide some coverage, so it is best to consult your insurance carrier for any coverage that may be available.
Providing full pediatric checks, sick calls and basic office lab tests within the comfort of the patient’s home, Dr. Sheriff uses technology effectively so all her notes are paperless and sent to the patient in real time. She has privileges at Children’s Hospital in Oakland.
The olive leaf is symbolic of Dr. Sheriff’s philosophy of treating body, mind and spirit, hence the name, Olive Leaf Pediatrics. “Its nutritional and medicinal properties symbolize two of the major approaches our practice uses to heal the mind and body. In spirit it grows into a universal for peace and tranquility. Our practice strives to help your little leaf flourish into a wholesome tree,” maintains Sheriff.
Originally from Pakistan, Dr. Sheriff lived in Saudi Arabia and moved to Chicago at the age of five. She earned her medical degree from the University of Illinois in Chicago and fulfilled her pediatric residency at Loyola. She and her husband, Ashfaq Mohiuddin, moved to Orinda two years ago with their two young children, Nura and Zayd.
A lifelong hiking enthusiast, Sheriff enjoys exploring the verdant trails of Northern California as well as traveling with her family. She took up Taekwondo since moving to Orinda and is pleased to have earned a Purple Belt.
For more information about Olive Leaf Pediatrics, call Dr. Sheriff directly at 925-297-5573, send her an email to doctor@oliveleafpeds.com or visit the website at http://www.oliveleafpeds.com.
The time has come for me to hand the baton to Elana O’Loskey, my most capable colleague at The Orinda News. Elana will be taking over the Business Buzz column next month. It has been a privilege and pleasure to report to you over the past 15 years on the talented Orinda business owners.
A heartfelt thank you to Sally Hogarty for being a great editor, who allowed me to create the column from scratch every month, and to the wonderful business people who contribute to the vibrancy of this outstanding community.
