ALPINE — The 2007 Alpine Alps Awards brought us an evening to remember. This gala event at the Viejas Dreamcatcher Lounge celebrated the excellence in leadership and public service in our community. The Alpine Chamber of Commerce is to be commended for their concentrated efforts at centering the community and bringing to life a formal event that required Mr. Chuck Taylor to be tux tailored as Master of Ceremonies, and emulated some of the best awards ceremonies on television with flowing draperies and bright blinding lights.
     The glitter gleamed on all the ladies, as they pulled out their glitziest outfits for this formal affair. Pat Cannon was in a long flowing suit that complimented her style and panache, Joan Waterworth presented herself in a formal gown wrapped in an evening shawl, Nina Gould roamed the floor in a black velvet cocktail dress, complimented with tuxedo tails and top hat, and completed with white gloves and cane. With her gleaming smile and winning personality, Gould circulated the floor assuring all, who were present, were enjoying themselves.
     Supervisor Dianne Jacob presented the installation of the Alpine Chamber directors: Laurie Hallihan as president, Becky Kirkwood, Drucilla Espinoza, Julie Ramirez, David Dow, George Wood, Virginia Fellows, and Greg Fox who promised to uphold the dignity of Alpine and fulfill all the duties of their office without question.
     The chairperson’s award was presented to Waste Management for their efforts in providing waste removal in the “I Love a Clean Alpine” program. Greg Fox, the 2006 Honorary Mayor of Alpine, was awarded the Ambassador of the Year award.
     The Alpine Community Organizations recognized their members with special honors as well. Among these organizations were The Alpine Library Friends Association, the Alpine Community Center, the Alpine Woman’s Club, the Alpine Artist’s Association, the Alpine Historical Society, the Back Country Land Trust, the Alpine Kiwanis, the Soroptimists International of Alpine, and the Alpine Stagecoach Lions.
     Dinner was a savory serving of roasted chicken, potatoes augraten, and a sautéed vegetable medley accompanied later by coffee and a selection of individual desserts. The awards ceremonies resumed, and the rest of the winners included:
Business of the Year: Alpine Animal Jungle,
Citizen of the Year: Dana Zeno,
Organization of the Year: Alpine Little League,
Beautification Award: Coldwell Banker,
Humanitarian of the Year: Chris Ramey.
The Alpine Sun’s Newsmaker Award: Bill Weaver and the Alpine High School Citizens Committee.
     Special Recognition Awards were presented to Virginia Fellows for her work with the DC Kids, and to the Jim Perkins for his work with the Bond Advisory Commission. Congratulations to all for your esteemed awards and on gala evening event. 

Cutline: Top left, Chamber employee Nina Gould was all decked out in a top hat and tails. Right from the top, ALPS Emcee Chuck Taylor was also tailored by Friars Tux for the evening. Bond Advisory Committee members Jim Perkins, Patrick Waters and Mark Price pose for a picture after being honored for the group's work with the GUHSD Prop H bond. Local attorney and APG member Chris Ramey was the recipient of the Humanitarian of the Year award for his pro bono work to help Alpine businesses who were hit with ADA lawsuits. Bottom, Evan and Linda Dee Ames, owners of Alpine Animal Jungle, were the recipients of the Business of the Year awards at this year's ALPS, presented by Duncan Hunter representative Joe Browning, who presented them with a honorary American flag that will be flown in their honor in the nation's capital.