Congratulations are in order for five recent graduates. Tim Chae, Brandon Greenwood, Julia Nguyen and Alexander Vaughn, all from Oak Ridge High School, along with Stephen Matzat of Ponderosa High, received $500 scholarships from the El Dorado Hills Chamber of Commerce.

The criteria on which the money was doled out based half of it on community service, followed by work experience and extra-curricular activities at 15 percent each and 10 percent each on grade-point average and financial need.

As I’m always telling my 16-year-old daughter, she’s gaining valuable experience on these father-daughter community-event volunteering gigs.

All the students who received scholarships are planning to further their education at a “university, college or technical school,” according to the chamber.

Good luck, gang. It seems like you’re all off to a good start.

BUSINESS BEAT

Cassidy, the lovely lady who is known by one name in El Dorado Hills, is reminding everyone of some upcoming events.

From 5:30 to 7:30 tonight (Wednesday, June 10) is the monthly EDH Chamber of Commerce Mixer at Bass Lake Golf Course, 3000 Alexandrite Drive in Rescue.

The Highway 50 Corridor Power Lunch meets on Friday, June 12 at 11:30 a.m. at Romano’s Macaroni Grill in Folsom. Call 984-9401 to register. These lunch meetings are held at various locations as joint chamber functions throughout the Highway 50 business corridor.

STAR GAZING

Janet Kenneweg is touting the new astronomy program at the El Dorado Hills Senior Center, 990 Lassen Lane.

From 1 to 2 p.m. on Friday, June 12, Frank Dibbell will discuss “Our Galazy, Our Universe.” Dibbell is the chief docent at the Cameron Park Rotary Community Observatory. To reserve a spot, call 358-3575.

CLARKSVILLE TALK

Betty January tells me the Clarksville Region Historical Society will meet at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, June 24 at the El Dorado Hills Library on Silva Valley Parkway. The guest speaker is Melinda Peak. She’ll be discussing the ins and outs of archaeology.

The group will also check out photos (and hopefully video) from the recent Clarksville Day celebration. They will also be making plans for next year’s big bash in honor of the ghost town. She tells me everyone is welcome. For more info, call 933-3173.

Don Chaddock can be reached at donc@goldcountrymedia.com.