Seven smiling Morgan Hill residents were given pats on the back
and a series of plaques Saturday night for contributing mightily to
their community.
Seven smiling Morgan Hill residents were given pats on the back and a series of plaques Saturday night for contributing mightily to their community.
The annual Chamber of Commerce Showcase Awards were presented by Ramona Etchebarne, the new chamber board chairwoman to John Quick – Man of the Year, Margaret Johnston – Woman of the Year, Anna Friebel – Teacher of the Year, Jennifer Moody – Student of the Year, Garrie Bryant – Chamber Volunteer of the Year, BookSmart Bookstore – Small Business of the Year and Anritsu – Large Business of the Year.
Besides Etchebarne, a line of other government agencies lined up to bestow their congratulations and proclamations to the winners. County Supervisor Don Gage was on hand to personally give the traditional large, framed thanks from the county. Moses Sanchez, representing Congressman Richard Pombo, R-Tracy; Councilwoman Hedy Chang, representing state Sen. Bruce McPherson, and Mayor Dennis Kennedy for the City of Morgan Hill, all added their acclaim to the stack of plaques each winner took home.
The evening began, in the Hiram Morgan Hill room at the new community and cultural center, with a silent auction and a solid hour devoted to chatting, schmoozing and keeping up with the news by the more than 200 guests, many of whom have known each other for decades.
Chamber Executive Director Sunday Minnich shepherded the event so that everyone was kept on schedule. Each award winner was introduced by an admirer, in most cases, one of the people who nominated them. Then the winners had a chance to speak.
Friebel, who has taught in the district for 44 years, pointed out that she had been taught by (former Women of the Year) Phyllis Thomas and Elena Moreno and, in turn, taught their children. There were several generations of past students in the audience along with Thomas and Moreno.
“The respect the students have for her,” said Britton Midddle School Principal Jim McDonald, “is unbelievable, even though she’s hard on them. Anna, you are part of the real bedrock of Morgan Hill.”
Johnston was introduced by last year’s Woman of the Year, Anita Mason, who applauded her devotion to the flowers planted in dozens of brick planters that brighten up downtown.
Lisa DeSilva of Community Solutions listed the many events and organizations Anritsu sponsors annually. Though many are at Community Solutions, others involve sports or schools. President Mark Evans accepted the award for his employees.
“Anritsu is the sleeping giant,” DeSilva said.
Quick, a veterinarian, took the microphone and chided Kennedy and Gage for past conflicts. Then he settled down to business and talked about how much his work with the Wildlife Education and Rehabilitation Center – and his children – have meant to him.
Minnich introduced Bryant, only the second person to receive the chamber volunteer award. Bryant, she said, is one of those people on whom everyone can count. He is a stalwart behind the Friday Night Music Series, first organized by Brad Jones of BookSmart. The popular series brings hundreds of people downtown during the warm summer months to hear a different live band each week, to dance, dine and generally have a good time – and shop in downtown stores.
Moody was lauded by Live Oak Principal Rich Knapp for her success in academics, music and as a person and BookSmart was applauded for its commitment to the community.
Several honorees had family arrive from distant points. Johnston’s son and daughter flew in from Michigan and Minnesota and Cinda Meister (a co-owner of BookSmart) had her parents in from Florida.
Minnich also introduced, and outgoing Chamber president Alex Kennett installed, the new Chamber board of directors and officers: besides Etchebarne of Best Western Country Inn, were Teri Nelson of Alain Pinel Realtors, Ted Fox of Saint Louise Regional Hospital, Gina Varela-Faust of Anritsu, Laura Brunton of California Meeting Management, Rose Capistran of Media Arts, Dan Craig of the Morgan Hill Downtown Association and Attorney J. Randall Toch of Hopkins and Carley.
Continuing Chamber board members are Michael Brookman of the Morgan Hill Police Department, DeSilva, Brad Ledwith of Edward Jones Investments, Jeff Perkins of South Valley National Bank and Kennedy who is an honorary member.
Assemblyman John Laird was scheduled to attend but had to cancel because of a family emergency.
