Alpine’s finest honored at 2006 leadership and public service awards gala

By Lori Bledsoe
The Alpine Sun

     ALPINE — The 2006 ALPS Award Ceremony held at the Stardust Room in the Viejas Casino was a welcome celebration with a wonderful steak dinner and dessert for Alpine community leaders.
     The ALPS awards included a certificate of recognition for George Wood who is not only a recognized icon in Alpine, but was heralded as a consummate volunteer. Included in his repertoire is 15 years on the Freedom Ranch, Kiwanis, and Knights of Columbus. He has a true commitment to fostering community participation.
     Supervisor Diane Jacob designated Oct. 17 as George Wood Day throughout San Diego County.
Gary Weinstein, president of the Alpine Friends of the Library, was honored, and while speaking to the audience, related the need for another location for the ALFA facility as the Alpine Creek Shopping Center will soon be renovating to accommodate other stores. He reminded us that the ALFA store front has hosted many Alpine functions, such as the Anne Frank exhibit, and Alpine Art Exhibits.
     Weinstein is confident, with the continued help of the community, ALFA will continue in their efforts to bring a new library into reality.
     Joe Brunold, the outgoing president of Kiwanis, was also honored for his 26 years in the Kiwanis Club. Brunold is responsible for bringing in 120 fellow Kiwanis, and managed their 200 thousand dollar budget. He is responsible for a $75,000 donation to Children’s Hospital, and was involved in the recent Walk for Life held at Joan Mac Queen Middle School, that raised $30,000.
     The Alpine Sun’s own Vonnie Sanchez was surprised and a little emotional when she received the Chairman’s Award at this event. Sanchez has been serving Alpine citizens for so long, that many people who mention Sanchez’s name are answered with, “Oh, I know Vonnie!”
     Her smiling face and welcoming manner make anyone entering The Alpine Sun office want to stay and chat a while, or pick up a pen and write for the paper!
     Mary Wiggins, who has served on the Alpine Union School Board for 20 years, received a special award for her service as well. Wiggins’ hard work and undying allegiance to Alpine shows in all the community service she does.
     Duncan Hunter made a smiling appearance and presented Viejas Enterprises with the Humanitarian Award. Charlie Brown graciously accepted for Humanitarian of the Year for Viejas.
    So many Alpine citizens were honored for all they do in our community, that this ALPS award ceremony makes one stop and take notice. People in Alpine are involved, and they work hard for the benefit of Alpine.
     The Honorary Mayor Candidates were all present and were all able to give their “vote for me” speeches.
     Joe Brunold, who has been around for a long time, by his own admission, said that Alpine just needed to get out and vote, as all of these dollars earned benefits our kids by benefiting our schools.
     Chuck Taylor promises no more city taxes, if he is elected.
     Greg Fox admitted that all the candidates must be nuts to be running for this position, but again reiterated that all the proceeds goes to our schools, so please vote.
     Steve Wiley presented a very emotional reason why he is running. His aim is to help children who are desperately in need.
     Brandon Casey asked residents to put him at bat as the honorary mayor, brandishing a baseball bat and wearing a patriotic Uncle Sam top hat.

And the winners are...
Special Fire Awards
Carveacre Fire Safe Council — David Duke & Wendi Cornelius. S.D. County Sheriff’s Department, Alpine Substation — Lt. Tony Salazar. U.S. Forest Service — Tom Gillette and Acree Shreve. California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection — Pete Scully. Viejas Band of Kumeyaay Indians — Alan Barrett

Community Organizations Recognize Members
Alpine Historical Society recognized Elma Terry, AYSO recognized Paolo Landini, Alpine Library Friends Association recognized Gary Weinstein, Soroptimist International of Alpine recognized Becky Kirkwood, Alpine Woman’s Club recognized Ann Hill, Alpine Woman’s Club recognized Carol Walker, Alpine Stagecoach Lions Club recognized John Errickson, Alpine Planning Group recognized David Waitley and Brad Bailey, Alpine Community Center recognized John Krempp, Alpine Community Center Auxiliary recognized Joan Cunningham, Alpine Kiwanis Club recognized Joe Brunold.

Youth Organization Award — AYSO Scott Valenti

Community Organization Of The Year — Lions, Tiger and Bears

Customer Service Award — Jeanine Buchanan

Beautification Awards — Alpine Fire Station

Chairman’s Award — Vonnie Sanchez, Alpine Chamber of Commerce Education Committee

President’s Award — Gerry Turro

Chairman’s Circle Recognition
Gold — Michael E. James Insurance
Silver — Viejas Enterprises
Bronze — Ewiiaapaayp Band of Kumeyaay Indians

Special Recognition Awards — Andy King, Jane Firth, Sue Roff, Mary Wiggins

Business Of The Year Awards — Alpine Physical Therapy & Wellness Center

Citizen Of The Year Award — Carol Lewis

Humanitarian Of The Year Award — Viejas Band of Kumeyaay Indians

Special Memorial for Adeline York

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