SALT LAKE CITY (Grassroots Newswire) August 26, 2015 – The following local students have earned degrees from Western Governors University (WGU). The university held its 29th semi-annual commencement ceremony in Salt Lake City on August 15 and celebrated the graduation of more than 8,500 graduates. In addition to recognizing students who graduated in the past six months, the nation’s first competency-based university marked another major milestone— 50,000 graduates in just 15 years.

*Carla Boyer-Satterfield of Antioch has received her Master of Science in Nursing – Leadership and Management

*Yiffta Pahoma Elsea of Antioch has received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing

*Michael Fronda of Pittsburg has received his Master of Science in Nursing – Leadership and Management

WGU was founded in 1997 by 19 U.S. governors with a mission to expand access to high-quality higher education, and in 2000, the university awarded its first degree. The nonprofit university focuses on providing flexible, affordable degree programs that meet the needs of busy working adults, particularly those who have started, but not completed, a bachelor’s or master’s degree. Of WGU’s 50,000 graduates, nearly 20,000 are first-generation college students.

At its August 15 commencement, the university awarded 5,292 undergraduate and 3,220 graduate degrees in business, information technology, K-12 teacher education, and healthcare professions, including nursing.

Graduates reside in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, as well as Armed Forces personnel stationed overseas. President and CEO of Intermountain Healthcare, Dr. Charles W. Sorenson, delivered the commencement address. Students who were not able to attend the ceremony in person were able to watch the event via live video stream on the WGU website.

About WGU

Established in 1997 by a bipartisan group of U.S. governors with a mission to expand access to high-quality, affordable higher education, WGU is the pioneer and leader in competency-based education.

The nonprofit, online university has been recognized by the White House as what works in post-secondary education, was named one of Fast Company’s Most Innovative Companies, and has been featured on NPR, NBC Nightly News, CNN, and in The New York Times.

WGU is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. In 2014, the National Council on Teacher Quality ranked WGU’s secondary teacher education program as number one among a nationwide list of 2,400 programs. WGU has earned the support of a number of leading corporations and foundations, including AT&T, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Lilly Endowment, HCA, Hewlett-Packard, Lumina Foundation, Microsoft, Oracle, SunGard Higher Education, and Zions Bank.

More information is available at www.wgu.edu or by calling 866.225.5948.

A screen shot of Derek’s winning design on the Barber Battle TV show.

By Allen Payton

Derek “Tha Barber” Hernandez is not just another barber who enjoys cutting hair. He’s an artist and his talent won his fame and money, earlier this year on Cedric The Entertainers’ “Cedric’s Barber Battle” TV show.

Plying his trade at Ajja’s Barber Shop in Antioch’s historic downtown Rivertown, Hernandez is known for his portraits and design work.

“I’m only 22 but I’ve been cutting hair since I was 12,” he said.

He flew to Los Angeles where the competition occurred inside an actual barber shop.

Derek competed against a barber from Long Island, New York and another from El Paso, Texas. They were judged by three barbers to the stars.

The three contestants had to use soccer balls as the inspiration for the “buzzcut challenge” and had one hour to create their designs.

They had fun joking around and talking smack to each other as they cut their way through the show.

Derek, in Ajja’s, with his championship belt and a new design on a client’s head.

While Derek’s competitors buzzed the hexagonal shapes into the head of the men in their chairs, he went a different direction, buzzing in the design of a soccer player kicking a ball into pieces, instead.

He survived the first round, as one of his competitors got cut.

The second round was literally a head-to-head battle.This time they had to incorporate super heroes into their design. Derek was given Batman, while his opponent was given The Flash. More smack talk ensued, but it was Derek who came out on top.

Cedric referred to Derek as “DTB” and said “Your color work brought the Caped Crusader to life.”

The show aired on May 1st, and Hernandez won a championship belt, a package of hair supplies, a feature editorial on Barbershopconnect.com and $15,000. The editorial appeared on the website June 29th and can be viewed here. http://www.barbershopconnect.com/detail/054760/barber-of-the-week-derek-tha-barber/

Derek is married and lives in Antioch.

The show aired on May 1, 2015 and can be viewed on The CW website (www.cwtv.com) by clicking here.

Ajja’s is located at 508 W. Second Street in Antioch. To make an appointment to get a haircut that’s a work of art call Derek Tha Barber Hernandez at (925) 550-5602.

The crowd at the candelight vigil for Jeremy “Lumpy” Sturgill gathers in front of Lumpy’s Diner in Antioch, and listens as his father Dave “Digger” Sturgill speak, Friday night, June 19, 2015.

By Allen Payton

An estimated 4,000 to 5,000 people gathered in the parking lot near Lumpy’s Diner in Antioch, Friday night, June 19^th to remember owner Jeremy “Lumpy” Sturgill, who died suddenly at the age of 35, the previous Tuesday morning.

Those in attendance held lighted candles and listened to family members and friends share their thoughts. Speakers included his father and mother, car club leaders and then, finally, his wife Marci.

Lumpy’s mother, Kathy Sturgill speaks to those gathered, last Friday night.

“You can’t outgive the Lord,” said his mother Kathy Sturgill speaking of her memory of the first fundraiser Lumpy held at his restaurant and the conversation she had with him about it. “All he wanted to do was make everyone proud of him. I can tell you we are proud of our son. I’m gonna miss my son. But, I love that boy.”

“This is the hardest thing I’ve had to do,” his father Dave “Digger” Sturgill, owner of Diggers in Brentwood, said. “They call me Digger because I’m a grave digger. Today I had to pick out the casket for my son. But I believe he made things right with God, and I will see him again. If you give your heart to Jesus you will see him again. That is the desire of my heart.”

Following Sturgill’s parents, leaders of various car clubs, which had participated in car shows in the same parking lot, spoke

“It didn’t matter what connected you to Lumpy, whether it was sports, art, or just good food,” said Arami Picazo of the Pastimes Car Club. “He made a connection with you. I’ll always remember Lumpy for the loving, caring person he was. As we celebrate Lumpy’s life let’s take a moment to remember the moments that were special.”

Gena Noack, Manager of Lumpy’s Diner, spoke as the female servers, known as the angels, stood next to her.

“I’m going to make this diner, with Marci, what he wanted,” she said. “This is the angels. Now, Lump now you’re our angel.”

Then, Marci Sturgill spoke and offered an emotional thank you to all those who attended.

Family and friends, seated in the center of the crowd, were then handed lanterns, which when lit, floated into the sky. Although it was a windy night, most all of the lanterns were able to launch.

The funeral service for Lumpy will be held this Wednesday and visitation will be Tuesday night. For details, please click here.

Friends and family light the lanterns at Lumpy’s vigil, Friday night.

The lanterns rise into the sky on the windy evening in memory of Jeremy “Lumpy” Sturgill, Friday night, June 19, 2015.

Nathan Bingham, owner of Hawaiian Style Rentals & Sales in Honolulu.

Nathan Bingham’s Hawaiian Style Rentals& Sales offers mopeds, scooters, bicycles and more

HONOLULU, HI, June 16, 2015 – When entrepreneur, Nathan Bingham, started his business out of the back of his pick-up truck at the ripe old age of 19, little did he know that it would grow into one of the most popular locally owned and operated activity companies in Hawaii. Established in July 2005 with just a couple of mopeds, Bingham has proudly grown the business slow and steady to a staff of six employees, a fleet of mopeds, bicycles, and the new environmental friendly Scoot Coupes, along with its headquarters now located in the heart of Waikiki.

With a lot of hard work and determination, Bingham and the staff of Hawaiian Style Rentals & Sales (HSRS) are on their way to celebrating their 10-year anniversary on July 4, 2015. As anyone knows, getting to such a successful milestone anniversary is no small feat for any business.

“At HSRS, we have a sense of purpose,” said Bingham. “Most of our customers are first-time riders and visitors to Hawaii. We not only show them how to safely operate their new vehicle, but we also help give them cool suggestions on where to go and what to do for that day. They always have a great time and we receive a number of reviews and compliments about how much fun they had on their rentals.”

Nathan Bingham, front center, with his Hawaiian Style company staff.

The company has also found itself in the position to reach out and give back and have established several partnerships in the community including the Hawaii Food Bank, Parents And Children Together (PACT), and Make-A-Wish Hawaii.

“At the end of 2014, our staff was able to collect 546 lbs. of food consisting of canned goods and bags of rice during the holiday season,” Bingham shared. “In February 2015, we partnered with PACT, and each quarter, will donate a bicycle for an under privileged youth through our Bikes For Tikes program.”

“In April 2015, we worked with our friends from Make-A-Wish Hawaii and donated a portion of proceeds from our brand new blue and white Scoot Coupes (an enclosed three-wheel scooter that seats two people side-by-side) to assist with local wishes,” he added.

With an international clientele of guests, every day at HSRS is exciting and different.

“We connect with people from all around the world and have visitors from U.S., Germany, Australia, Canada, Japan, Korea, Italy, Brazil – the list goes on and on,” stated Bingham. “It is amazing how many cultures we get exposed to and they all come here to for one common purpose, and that is to experience the beauty and culture of Hawaii. Our job is to assist in making that experience come true, two-wheels (and sometimes three-wheels) at a time.”

About Hawaiian Style Rentals & Sales

Hawaiian Style Rentals & Sales is Hawaii’s premier rental specialist for touring Oahu. Whether cruising the bustling streets of Honolulu by bicycle, burning up the highway on a scooter, or zipping up and down coastal roads on top-of-the-line mopeds, many quickly discover that experiencing Hawaii really is better on two wheels. Every Hawaiian Style Rentals & Sales booking includes lessons, maps, helmets, and locks. If you’re in or planning a trip to Honolulu, visiti their website at www.hawaiianstylerentals.com or call 866.91-MOPED (866.916.6733). You can also connect with them through social media via Instagrams: HSRS, Twitter: @HIStyleRentals or Facebook: Hawaiian Style Rentals & Sales.

A photo of Jeremy “Lumpy” Sturgill, center in red hat, with family and friends posted on the Facebook page for Lumpy’s Diner.

Flowers were placed in front of the door which bore a sign saying “closed until further notice” at Lumpy’s Antioch location, Tuesday afternoon.

By Allen Payton

Friends and customers of Jeremy “Lumpy” Sturgill, owner of Lumpy’s Diner in Antioch and Pittsburg, and Lumpy’s Express in Brentwood, mourned his passing, via social media, on Tuesday morning just after 8:00 a.m.

Flowers were placed at the door of the Antioch location, and a sign on the window there stated “Lumpy’s Diner will be closed until further notice.” However, both the Brentwood and Pittsburg locations were open on Tuesday.

The business’ website provides information about Sturgill and his business:

“Lumpy’s Diner was built in 2008 by Jeremy (Lumpy) Sturgill. He grew up in the restaurant industry. His parents created Digger’s Diner in Concord, CA. Lumpy started running that diner at the age of 14. After dedicating his life to the business, it was time for him to strike out on his own path. With the first Lumpy’s Diner being built in 2008, two more locations followed shortly after.

The Pittsburg Lumpy’s became the second location and after noticing a huge demand for the quality of food and service Lumpy expects, the idea to streamline the process and create a faster, over the counter version of Lumpy’s Diner was born. That extension of this brand is Lumpy’s Diner Express. The first LDX, as we like to refer to it, was opened in 2012 in Brentwood, Ca.

So much has changed for Lumpy since beginning his exciting adventure… he met a woman who truly is his companion, she helps him in every way. That woman is Marci and the two got married in 2011. As life tends to be, the two quickly had their first child and welcomed Jaxx into the family, November of 2012. This family has worked together, hand and hand, to make Lumpy’s Diner and Lumpy’s Diner Express the best locally owned restaurant in the East Bay.

Recently the Lumpy’s Diner crew’s operations have expanded to include a catering business known as Elle Dee’s. The team caters everything from car show to weddings (check out our catering page). As we continue to grow one thing remains true… without all the strong support we get from our customers, we wouldn’t be where we are today. With 5 successful years behind us we thrive to continue as a community based establishment and offer a fun and exciting environment for you and your family to enjoy. Make sure to visit us at one of our annual events (fundraisers, car shows, burger contest and toy drive) or during the week for a laid back dining experience. Thank you for your continued support and we look forward to seeing you!

World Famous Since 2008!”

Lumpy’s was known for their burgers, as well as their car, truck and bike shows and burger eating contests. Sturgill was known for his generosity, having his business sponsor Christmas toy drives with former 49er Jeremy Newberry.

On his Facebook page, Newberry wrote “R.I.P. Lump. You will be missed by many.”

Others posted photos they had taken with Sturgill, including one with East Bay Regional Parks Director Diane Burgis and her family.

Maria Lazzerini, the night manager at the Deer Valley Safeway in Antioch, wrote “R.I.P Lumpy! You will be missed! The community has lost of of the most caring and giving guys!! Way too young! Prayers to his family.”

Referring to a fundraiser held at Lumpy’s, for her daughter who had a brain tumor, Lazzerini added, “So young and so caring. He…was always so giving with the communities fundraiser, including Alison’s.”

“RIP Lumpy Sturgill,” wrote Doug Knowles who posted additional photos and a TV commercial for Lumpy’s on his Facebook Page. “You and Your Family are in our Thoughts and Prayers.”

A GoFundMe page has been set up by LaTasha Renée, entitled The Sturgill Family Fund.  By 5:00 p.m., on Tuesday, the goal of $10,000 had been surpassed by $1,570. Following is the message on that page:

“Last night our Fit Family member and friend, Marci Sturgill and their 2 boys, suffered a devastating loss and the earth lost an angel. Lumpy, beloved husband, son, father and owner of Lumpy’s Diner passed away.

Lumpy was known and valued for all he gave to others and for the friend and business owner he was in our community. He loved his family and his infectious smile, his passion for his customers and for his business will be missed

Please consider making a donation to help The Sturgill Family. They need the community that Lumpy so willing loved on to give back in an effort to help ease the financial pain that this devastating loss can cause a family that is self employed. All funds donated will go directly to the Sturgill Family.
Thank you in advance for your donation and it comes with much love and many prayers to you and your boys Marci! Xo”

Please check back for details on his official obituary and possible memorial service.

Antioch centenarian Crenna Boyd speaks with her daughter Margaret Dossey, recently. photo by Teresa Klein.

By Teresa Klein

Birthdays are a time to celebrate. While everyone has one each year, there are a few that are considered “milestones.” A child’s first birthday is, of course, something to celebrate. Hitting double digits at age 10, and then the parent-dreaded teens at 13. Teenagers get excited when they become “adults” at age 18 and in college their 21st birthday is often a blow-out celebration. As we age, though, adults seem to space their big celebrations further apart, often in 10-year increments–30, 40, the big 5-0! What about the BIG 1-0-0? Not many have the chance to hit this centurian milestone. Yet, here in Antioch there are a few.

One such woman – Crenna Boyd – not only celebrated 100, but has surpassed that by five years, once again celebrating each year as a milestone.

Born March 6, 1910, Crenna is a witty, spry 105 year old who is in really good health and still washes the dishes and takes care of herself. While her middle child, daughter Margaret Dossey now lives with her, Crenna takes each day as it comes and enjoys a life filled with family.  She lives in the house her late husband Roy built in 1962 on Texas street, back when their neighborhood was an almond orchard and highway 4 was a small-town road.

Born in Oklahoma to farmers, she was the oldest of six. Her family moved often between Oklahoma, Kansas, Missouri and Antioch. When she was 19, she married Roy (d. 1991) and they had three children, Margaret, her older sister Dolores Sugarman, and her younger brother Don. Crenna also has 12 grandchildren, 19 great, great grandchildren and 25 great, great, great grandchildren.

Living in Antioch when the city was smaller and slower paced, Crenna started working at the steel mill turning tin during World War II and continued until she retired in 1963. After retirement, Crenna decided she wanted to have some fun. Hse decided to travel the world and try things she never had until that point. Cruises with family, Jamaica with her granddaughters, the Cayman Islands, and England a few times were just some of her outings.

But her most adventurous – and some would say dangerous – trip was from 10,000 feet when she went skydiving. Talk about celebrating a milestone birthday in a big way! When Crenna turned 95 – yes only 10 years ago – she got the OK from her doctor, went out to Byron and met her skydiving instructor.

“It had been something she had been talking about for awhile,” said Margaret. “When she was talking with her granddaughter, she said ‘If I don’t like the guy [that I will jump with], I’m not going.’”  

Crenna Boyd skydiving in Byron at age 95.

But Crenna liked what she saw (she said he “looked good”) and he was very nice and helpful, so the jump was a go. When asked if she had been afraid to jump, she said “Heck no! He wanted to get down to the ground safely as much as I did, so I knew I could trust him.”

With her family looking on, turning 95 became a birthday she’d never forget.

That was the only time Crenna jumped – once was enough, she said – and her adventures slowed down after that, but she still likes to travel – mostly to her summer home in Sequim, Washington. Margaret and Crenna head north to get out of the Antioch heat, and Crenna says it is her favorite place. “You can look up at the tall trees forever.”

Situated not far from Port Angeles, her Sequim home is isolated among the forest at the base of the Olympic Mountains and by the Dungeness River. Crenna enjoys spending the day sitting outside listening to the flowing water and the singing birds, and watching the scampering black squirrels.

Margaret says they usually spend June-September in Washington, but last summer extended all the way until February, 2015. “She likes it so much she didn’t want to leave,” said Margaret.

They did return to Antioch in time to celebrate her 105th birthday in March with 43 people and a white cake.

“Chocolate cake is too rich,” says Crenna, but adds still loves chocolate. At 105, her doctor says she can eat whatever she wants.

When Crenna turned 100, the family asked that no one bring gifts but instead bring 100 of something for fun. She received 100 pennies, 100 marbles, and even 100 packets of Taco Bell hot sauce. At that party Crenna told everyone “I’ll see you in five years,” and she did.

Now, after her big, big, big milestone of 105, she said “I’ll see you next year.” Smiling, she admits that one–year increments are long enough. As she reads her birthday poster she laughs because it says “Born 1910: many, many, many, many, many years ago! 105 and counting!”

Jason Agopian spikes the volleyball during a match. Photo courtesy of UC Irvine Athletics.

By Allen Payton

Antioch resident and college junior, Jason Agopian, plays on the men’s volleyball team as a middle blocker at U.C. Irvine. He was recently chosen First Team All MPSF (Mountain Pacific Sports Federation).

The federation is made up of 10 sports, 93 teams at 38 institutions in nine states.

Jason Agopian. Courtesy of UC Irvine Athletics.

Besides UC Irvine, men’s volleyball includes teams from Brigham Young, Cal Baptist, Cal State Northridge, Hawaii, Long Beach State, Pepperdine, Stanford, UCLA, UC San Diego, UC Santa Barbara and USC.

Agopian’s older brother, Corey posted a comment on his Facebook page about the accomplishment.

“No big deal or anything. Just like the best middle in the nation and stuff,” he wrote.

The youngest child of the late Antioch Councilman Gary Agopian, and Robin Agopian, Jason is a 2011 graduate of Deer Valley High School where he also played volleyball, and football, as well. He is studying psychology and social behavior.

For more about Jason and his performance at U.C. Irvine, click here.

By Allen Payton

Steven S. Kavanaugh has been promoted to the rank of master sergeant in the U.S. Air Force Reserve.

Kavanaugh is currently serving as a ramp superintendent with the 82^nd Aerial Port Squadron, Travis Air Force Base, Calif. He has served in the military for a total of 22 years, serving 18 years with the California Army National Guard, and reenlisting with the Air Force Reserve after a ten year break in service.

A former Antioch resident, Kavanaugh currently resides with his wife, Julie in Brentwood. They have three adult children. He is a member of the Ex-Schooner’s Patrons Network, which meets at various East County restaurants on Thursday nights.

He is a 1983 graduate of Northgate High School, Walnut Creek, Calif.

Main information provided by the Joint Hometown News Service of the Defense Media Activity.