Spotlights shone on five Morgan Hill residents and two
businesses this week when they were singled out for extraordinary
service to the community by the Chamber of Commerce.
Spotlights shone on five Morgan Hill residents and two businesses this week when they were singled out for extraordinary service to the community by the Chamber of Commerce.
Peter Anderson and Daryl Manning were selected as 2004 Man and Woman of the Year; South Valley National Bank and Betsy’s Restaurant, the Large and Small Businesses of the Year, respectively; Tomasine Stewart, Educator of the Year; Wesley D. LaPorte, Student of the Year and Alex Kennett, Chamber Volunteer of the Year.
Anderson is a geologist who owns Pacific Geotechnical Engineering. He is a long-time Rotarian and Chamber member, part of the Morgan Hill Historical Society and the American Association of University Women. He is known as an involved, modest and committed man who works hard for his causes.
Kris Friebel, who works for Anderson said he was so overwhelmed when Sunday Minnich, executive director of the Chamber, showed up at the office Monday with flowers and the news that he could hardly speak.
“He was so overwhelmed he didn’t even call his wife (Elena, an administrator with the Hollister School District) for a while,” Friebel said.
Anderson joked that, when he saw Minnich and her bouquet of flowers, he wondered what she would be asking him to do and why she just didn’t call on the phone. But his actual reaction was different.
“I was absolutely shocked into silence,” Anderson said. He also said he was thrilled and honored.
Manning, unlike most Showcase winners who have given many years of service, has only been in town for a few years.
“She hit the ground running,” said the Chamber’s Chris Guisiana, echoing several others’ exact words.
Manning specializes in marketing and event planning, is the city’s art specialist and was a guiding force behind several recent spectacularly successful fundraising events. She planned the Mayor’s Ball in December 2002, that opened the Community and Cultural Center and gathered in money for the Morgan Hill Community Foundation, on which she serves as a board member.
Manning is planning a Directors’ Ball: A Night in Hollywood in February, a larger sibling of the Mayor’s Ball, with (legal) casino gaming, loads of entertainment and an opportunity to dress up. The community foundation will be the beneficiary of that black tie evening.
Leadership Morgan Hill is another favorite of Manning’s as is IDI, Independence Day, Inc., the local group that plans and carries off two huge days of Fourth of July celebrations.
“I was completely stunned,” Manning said Monday after she heard about the award. “I’m flattered and honored.”
Chamber Volunteer Alex Kennett was Chamber of Commerce board president during 2002, continues on the Chamber’s Economic Development Committee that tries to bring attractive businesses to town, was for many years, president of IDI and is a District Director on the Open Space Authority.
Kennett is also known about town as the owner of many Jaguars. But he, too, was taken by surprise when Minnich arrived at his office, though he recovered enough to voice his feelings.
“I feel honored to be doing what I’m doing,” Kennett said, referring to volunteering, “But it’s nice to be recognized.”
South Valley National Bank, the large business winner, has sponsored many Chamber events with volunteer time and money. Bank representative are involved with the Taste of Morgan Hill Custom and Classic Car Show, Chamber Board of Directors and Economic Development Committee, Morgan Hill Rotary, Leadership Morgan Hill, Morgan Hill Community Foundation, Independence Day, Inc., Go Kids, Morgan Hill Kiwanis, the 2002 Mayors Ball and many more.
Betsy’s Restaurant owner Jesse Nazzal received the Spirit Award from Gavilan College in 2002 and is following up with recognition from Morgan Hill. Nazzal’s restaurant, a Morgan Hill fixture for 22 years, has been generous with the ChildSpree program, has helped provide food for senior lunch programs on days when the lunch program was closed and, each year, provides a free Christmas dinner for anyone who comes by. Gifts are provided for the children, and Santa is on hand to pass out gifts.
Live Oak math teacher Tomasine Stewart was chosen Educator of the Year, because, the Chamber press release said, she supports her students and is willing to lead and expand staff development. Stewart tutors students and helps others with special needs.
Live Oak High School senior, Wesley D. LaPorte, is the Student of the Year, so chosen because he is an outstanding citizen and student leader and has a long list of awards and honors to his credit.
The Showcase Awards dinner will be held Saturday, Jan. 31, at the Community and Cultural Center. To reserve a place, call the Chamber, 779-9444. Tickets are $69 each.
