ALPS Awards celebrate area’s finest
By Christy Scott
The Alpine Sun
ALPINE — Hundreds of local Alpine business owners and residents gathered at the Dreamcatcher Lounge at Viejas Casino last Wednesday, Oct. 19, to celebrate the annual Alpine Leadership and Public Service Awards night.
Guests mingled and visited with friends and colleagues, enjoyed a fancy meal and watched presentations of several civic awards including Organization of the Year, Beautification Award, Humanitarian Awards, Business of the Year, Citizen of the Year, and various other honorary presentations.
The master of ceremonies for this year’s event was Alpine Lite owner and DJ Gerry Turro, who kept the evening moving along fairly smoothly and kept the audience entertained.
Throughout the evening, guests had the opportunity to bid in a silent auction for a number of gift baskets that were on display, or purchase the centerpieces on the dinner tables, with all proceeds going to benefit the Washington DC Kids 2006 trip.
Several community organizations recognized individuals for their leadership and public service benefiting Alpine. These individuals are: John Kirkwood of the Alpine Stagecoach Lions, Pat Wood of the Alpine Soroptimists, and Kiwanian Debbie Jackson. The Back Country Land Trust honored four individuals, Steven Colburn, Tori Pool, and Tim and Beverly Todaro. The Alpine Historical Society honored Carol
 Walker; the Alpine Mountain Empire Republican Women Federated honored Grace Johnson; and the Alpine Library Friends Association honored Christine Connell. Finally, the Alpine Community Center honored three people; Ross Provence, Teresa Johnson and Rose Urdahl.
The 2005 Organization of Year awards went to the Chaparral Service Unit of the local Girl Scouts of America troop. The 2005 Beautification Award went to the Alpine Regional Center, and the 2005 Business of the Year was La Carreta Mexican Restaurant.
There were also several recognition awards presented throughout the evening. Special recognition awards went to; Alice Villa, Cinda Jauregis, Carol Lewis, Steve Colburn, Paula Dickensen, Laurie Hallihan, Susan Roff, and Mike and Sandy James.
The Chairman Circle Recognition awards were presented as follows: Gold to Michael James Insurance, Silver to Viejas Enterprises, Bronze to Ewiiaapaay Band of Kumeyaay Indians, and Copper to Exit Realty and Real Estate International (REI).
The Alpine 2005 Citizen of the Year award was presented to Joan Waterworth of the Alpine Woman’s Club.
Some other special presentations made during the evening included, the Humanitarian Award, which was given to Neville Connell and the President’s Award, which was presented to Scott Lamb.
One very special presentation, made by District 2 Supervisor Dianne Jacob, honored long time Alpine resident and activist Dr. Al Haven.
“Al Haven has faithfully and diligently served the Alpine community for many years, enhancing the quality of life for all residents,” said Jacob. She continued to list some of his accomplishments throughout the years including his efforts to maintain the “619” area code in Alpine, and the founding of the Vintage Alpine event.
“Through his outstanding leadership and service, Al Haven has established himself as an invaluable community asset,” Jacob said. “The County of San Diego is committed to recognizing and honoring those individuals who are dedicated to the best ideals of public service, and Al Haven is one such worthy citizen.”
“Be it proclaimed by all members of the San Diego County Board of Supervisors,” Jacob said, “that on this 19th day of October 2005 they commend Dr. Al Haven for outstanding service, leadership, and commitment to area residents, and do hereby declare this day to be ‘Dr. Al Haven Day’ throughout San Diego County.”
Wednesday was also the first opportunity for the Alpine honorary mayor candidates to pitch themselves and begin their campaigns.
This year’s candidates are Dave Stall, Michael James and Gerry Turro.
Top: Joan Waterworth makes her acceptance speech after being named Alpine’s Citizen of the Year.
Middle: Gary Weinstein and Alanna Light share a laugh prior to dinner.
Below: Supervisor Dianne Jacob swears in the new officers and directors of the Alpine Chamber of Commerce, Becky Kirkwood, Al Haven, Joel Anderson, Virginia Fellows and George Wood.
Photos by Christy Scott/The Alpine Sun
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