“PUPS N’ PURRZ ADOPTION DAY BY THE BAY WAS A HUGE SUCCESS,” company owner James Long said. “The weather was great, and all rescue groups in attendance had adoptions throughout the day.”

It was the second Adoption Day by the Bay for the pet store, 422 First St. During the event, Umbrella of Hope saw three of its dogs find new homes — and they weren’t the only ones.

The first agency to visit the store, Tony LaRussa Animal Rescue Foundation, placed four dogs with new owners, Long said. And three cats and two dogs brought by the Solano County Sheriff’s Animal Care Division found homes, too.

“So the grand (adoption) total for the event — nine dogs and three cats,” Long said.

Long’s store also won the Benicia Main Street scarecrow contest for the second consecutive year.

United Healthcare California offers health insurance tips

Californians often have health insurance open enrollment in fall, when they can change or choose their benefits for the next year. Brandon Cuevas of United Healthcare described selecting coverage as “one of the most important decisions people make.”

Most people still get benefits through their employers, which often set aside a two-week period in October to December for coverage selections.

Cuevas said residents should check their options and ask questions, evaluating what various plans cover before making a decision. They should make sure their doctor is in the chosen provider network, he said and they also should determine whether a plan offers vision and dental plans.

He said his company’s website, www.uhc.tv, has several visual programs on open enrollment, choosing a health plan and saving on insurance.

NorthBay Hospice and Bereavement ceremony helps survivors deal with loss at holidays

An annual ceremony by NorthBay Hospice and Bereavement will help survivors cope with loss during the upcoming holidays, Sally Wyatt, public relations specialist, said.

The Tree of Memories ceremony, at 1 p.m. Dec. 6 at NorthBay Healthcare Green Valley Administration Center, 4500 Bsuiness Center Drive, Fairfield, is a two-hour event with music, an invocation and a reading of names, with light refreshments served afterward.

Those attending may receive free butterfly-themed ornaments they can put on a tree in memory of a loved one, and they also may order a keepsake ornament designed each year for NorthBay Healthcare, through Tim Johnson at the NorthBay Healthcare Foundation, 707-646-3132, or by email at txjohnson@NorthBay.org.

The agency offers free holiday support sessions meeting at 6 p.m. Tuesdays from Nov. 11 to Dec. 16. The meetings take place at NorthBay Hospice and Bereavement Center, 4520 Business Center Drive, Fairfield, and those planning to attend may call 707-646-3517.

Crossfit 707 among ‘Best CrossFit Boxes In U.S.’

Shape Magazine has included Crossfit 707 as one of the best CrossFit Boxes in the United States.

“We are the first CrossFit gym to open in Benicia,” co-owner Kara Purves said. “CrossFit 707 started out with just a few friends at the local parks back in July 2010, and has grown into a large community of people of all shapes, sizes, ages and abilities.”

The family-owned company opened in June 2011. It is located at 538 Stone Road, Suite B. Those interested may call 330-671-3841 or email Purves at kara@crossfit707.com.

All About Jackie owner certified as soap maker

Vivian M. Salas, who started her All About Jackie organic soap company in 2011, has been certified as a soap maker.

The company is named for her daughter, Jaclyn, who was diagnosed with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), an endocrine disorder and who got pregnant and successfully delivered a daughter, Raegan Marie, after switching to organic products.

Salas’s company sells soap, hydrosols, bath fizzies, bath salts and lotion bars, and soon will add lotion made with organic and essential oils.

Salas has been studying at the Nova Studio, Point Richmond, to learn about soapmaking. Her products are sold at Romancing the Home, 617 First St., and at home parties.

Its website, allaboutjackie.net, will be built soon, Salas said.

The Benicia Herald’s weekly Benicia Business Beat column is an opportunity for local businesses and companies to tell our readers about such news as moves, grand openings, awards, promotion of employees, staff changes and changes in goods and services.

Submissions will be edited for length and content and need to answer the questions who, what, when, where, why and how, preferably in the body of an email. They also must provide contact information.

Deadline is 3 p.m. Friday for news items that will appear in the next Tuesday edition’s Benicia Business Beat. Please email news releases and accompanying high-resolution photographs and logos to beniciaherald@gmail.com, and put “Attn. Business Beat” in the subject line, as well as the name of the business.

The Benicia Herald also appreciates area companies’ advertising patronage. For advertising services, call 707-745-0733 or email adsbenicia@yahoo.com.