The 93rd Annual Community Awards Banquet
PROGRAM November 20, 2014
Cocktails & Social Hour—6:00 pm Program 7:00 pm Welcome & Pledge of Allegiance
Michael Ayala
Introduction of Dignitaries, Past Leaders & Current Board of Directors
Michael Ayala
Invocation
Ridge Schneider
Dinner 2014 President’s Remarks
Wendy Gast
Installation of 2015 Board & Officers
Michael Ayala
2015 President’s Acceptance
Amelia Harrison
Ambassador Recognition
Teri Brockmire
Students of the Year Award Sponsored by MOCSE Credit Union
Amelia Harrison
Teacher of the Year Award Sponsored by The Union Democrat
Peggy Pietrowicz
Small Business of the Year Sponsored by The Junction Shopping Ctr.
Margaret Davis
Entrepreneur of the Year Award Sponsored by Mother Lode Bank
Charles Milazzo
Excellence in Government Award Sponsored by Black Oak Casino Resort
Ron Patel
Non-profit Organization of the Year Sponsored by Blue Mountain Minerals
Jeff Redoutey
Administrative Professional of the Year Sponsored by Sierra Pacific Industries
Dayna Davis
Citizen of the Year Award Sponsored by Tuo. Co. Chamber of Commerce
Michael Ayala
Adjourn—Pick up Gifts
2014 Chamber Board of Directors Wendy Gast—President Union Democrat
Mark Truppner Clarke Broadcasting
Peggy Mosley Groveland Hotel
Amelia Harrison—Pres. Elect Umpqua Bank
Dana Mayo J. S. West Lumber
Brad Menary Business First
Jeff Redoutey—Vice Pres. Blue Mt. Minerals
Dayna Davis Sierra Pacific Industries
Justin Myers Caldwell Insurance
Jim Costello—GAC Chair Mt. Brow Winery
Jamie Lloyd Chicken Ranch Casino
Nanci Sikes T. C. Visitors Bureau
Margaret Davis—Treasurer Junction Shopping Center
Sherri Langley Black Oak Casino Resort
Teri Brockmire Itty Bitty Balloon Shop
Chamber Staff Michael Ayala CEO/Executive Director
Ex-Officios James Nagle Yosemite Chamber of Commerce Shirley Sarno Sonora Chamber of Commerce Steffanie Reed T/Harte Chamber of Commerce Constance O’Connor Tuolumne County Arts Alliance Ron Kopf T. C. Business Council Steve Farrell SCORE Thyra Lawrence Leadership Tuolumne County Gary Neubert Columbia Chamber of Commerce Larry Cope Economic Dev. Authority Joe Silva Superintendent of County Schools
Monique Robertson Office Manager
Candice Kendall Administrative Assistant
Ambassadors Diane Nowack California State Auto Association Erin O’Hare Golden State Cellular Donna Ledwick Sonora Insurance Agency Teri Brockmire Itty Bitty Balloon Shop Jeanne Shenefelt Paralegal Dick Southern Carol Southern VVA Chapter 391 Carole Mutzner American Red Cross Jamie Lloyd Chicken Ranch Casino
Nancy Gottschall Let’s Go! Travel Paula Cheatham Glenn S. Caldwell Insurance Charlotte Hague TuCARE Gat Slor Legal Shield
Brandon Russell 4th Dimensional Marketing Michelle Dean New York Life Lyn Wilson Linda Eskandary Mary Gorgas Oak Valley Community Bank
Citizen of the Year Mike Albrecht - Sierra Resource Management Mike Albrecht is president and co-owner of Sierra Resource Management, Inc., a forest management company that specializes in forest thinning. He earned a Bachelor of Science Degree from Doane College in 1975, and a Master of Forestry Degree from Duke University in 1977. Mike is a Registered Professional Forester in California and has been working in the forest products industry for over 30 years. Currently, he is chairman of YSS (Yosemite Stanislaus Solutions) and on the board of directors of Associated California Loggers and of TuCARE (Tuolumne County Alliance for Resources and Environment). Mike is married to Vicki, and they have a blended family of five children and three grandchildren.
Entrepreneur of the Year Ridge Schneider - Sonora Subaru
Ridge and his wife Sally moved to Tuolumne County in 1975 and started Mt. Ridge Sandwich Co. on Bradford St., Sonora. For 10 years they met everyone in the county there! They opened three other restaurants during that time - a breakfast lunch and dinner venue called Ridgeley's in Twain Harte, a health food restaurant inside the Country Store Natural Foods in Sonora, and The Leaning Tower Take n Bake Pizza in Mono Village. The beginnings of a serial business owner were becoming evident. During that time their son, Jeruel, and then our daughter, Ariel, were born. In 1985 Ridge and Sally decided to follow in his father's footsteps and open a vehicle sales and leasing company called Leasemobile. Twenty-three years later in 2008 they opened the Subaru Franchise in town where they strive to provide the best service and best automobiles possible. Their son "Jay" is the General Manager of the store and they are proud to have him and a talented staff of 22 employees open 7 days a week serving the transportation needs of Tuolumne County and beyond. To this day Ridge employs the lessons learned as a youngster working for his dad in the automotive business in the Bay Area. The ideas of always providing a quality product, of treating your clients the way you'd like to be treated and of giving back to your community are ideas that will never die. Ridge is proud to be part of a great crowd of people here in Tuolumne County who have been an integral part of his success and hopes that Sonora Subaru continues to make the citizens of this community proud.
Small Business of the Year Steve & Cindy Zelinsky - Lazy Z Resort Steve and Cindy Zelinsky have resided in Tuolumne County for over 30 years. Steve moved from Hawaii in 1983, to help renovate and operate the Lazy Z Resort, a family owned property since 1947. Cindy moved from Oakdale in 1989, and began working in the restaurant business at an early age. They met at a Visitors Bureau function at the Lazy Z, and were later married in 2000. Together, they have a daughter, Parkyre, who currently attends Sonora High School. In 2002, they bought, renovated, and operated Papas New Roost restaurant, which they sold 10 years later. Their latest venture is Emberz Woodfired Foodz Restaurant, in downtown Sonora, which just celebrated its 4 th anniversary. They both continue to manage the Lazy Z Resort where Cindy performs catering for various functions. Steve also continues to operate S.K. Zelinsky Painting, Inc, which he started in 1986. Cindy recently became the Culinary Arts teacher for Sonora High School, where she is able to showcase her talents and teach her students the art of cooking. Steve has served on the Board of Directors for the T.C. Chamber, served 10 years with the Twain Harte Rotary Club, and is in his 19 th year with the Tuolumne County Sheriffs Posse. Cindy has served in two separate terms as the President of the T.C Visitors Bureau, and continues to give yearly lectures to motivate students at the Columbia College culinary program. They contribute their ability to manage multiple businesses, by always working as a team. They feel blessed that they are able to be a part of this community, and thankful for their employees who help make it all possible.
Administrative Professional of the Year Chris Mc Coy - Black Oak Casino Resort Chris McCoy has lived in Tuolumne County since 1990. Before joining Black Oak Casino Resort she worked for Tuolumne County and then US Bank in Twain Harte. Chris started working at Black Oak Casino Resort in 2004. Since August 2005, she has been the Executive Administrative Assistant for the Gaming department. Chris is married to Ernie McCoy who also works at Black Oak Casino Resort as a Public Safety Officer / EMT. She has a passion for dolphins, mustangs, and helping others whenever possible. This passion for helping others has led her to take a leading role (through the Casino) in the ATCAA Adopt-a-Family program for the last 9 years. She is also a Notary Public and offers her services as a benefit for anyone working at Black Oak Casino Resort.
Excellence in Government Randy Hanvelt - Board of Supervisors Randy Hanvelt grew up on the beaches of Southern California where he graduated from Newport Harbor High School as a National Merit Scholar. Randy earned his undergraduate degree in engineering with Department Honors from Harvey Mudd College. Shortly thereafter he married the “love of his life,� Gloria . They have two children, Erik and Janelle. Even before moving to Tuolumne County in 2005, people were asking him to run for a supervisor position. He successfully won election in the 2010 primary and took office in January 2011. Since taking office, he has been active as both the County alternate and delegate to the California State Association of Counties (CSAC), serving on the Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee. Randy has also served as an advisor and an instructor for the CSAC Institute and earned a Credential as supervisor and is now recognized as an Institute Fellow. Randy also serves as delegate to the Regional County Representatives of California (RCRC) organization, where he also serves on the executive committee. In his position as Chairman last year, Randy also served as the Emergency Services Director. He was a leader in the County response to the recent Rim Fire and now the recovery efforts. Randy is a dedicated public servant who believes that Government owes its constituents the very best possible and should add value to their lives. No excuses, just results!
Non-profit Organization of the Year The Black Hat Foundation The Black Hat Foundation was organized in 1991 by a group of Tuolumne County residents for the purpose of supporting community events and local non-profit organizations needing help. The Black Hats have raised funds by producing events such as the Black & White Ball, the Wild West Film Fest Celebrity Golf Tournament, and Music Madness, which benefits local High School Music Departments. Beneficiaries of these events have been The VNAHospice, The Mother Lode Women's Center, The Special Olympics, Sonora High School & Summerville High School Music Departments, Habitat for Humanity, ICES, Smile Keepers, WATCH, Tuolumne 4-H, ATCAA, Central Sierra Search and Rescue, Tuolumne County Search & Rescue, The Center for a Nonviolent Community, TeenWorks of Tuolumne County, Mounted Dream Center, Sierra Repertory Theatre, Boy Scouts of America, Interfaith, Foster Parents Association, Foundation for Excellence in Education and Meals on Wheels among others. The Black Hat foundation is an all-volunteer organization. All income raised from the Charity Ball after expenses is donated to local charities. The success of this program comes from the hard work of its members, generous donations from local business owners and community members. Since 2002 we have raised and donated over a quarter of a million dollars to local nonprofits in Tuolumne County!
Teacher of the Year David Winslow - Sonora High School I have been teaching at Sonora High School since the fall of 1997 and think it is the best job in the worldhonestly! I attended Tulane University in New Orleans for one year but received my bachelor's degree in anthropology and teaching credential from Cal State, Fresno. I lived in China and Taiwan for a total of two years attending Hangzhou University, Taipei Teacher's College and teaching English at a trade school on an island off the coast in the late 80s and early 90s. My teaching has been revitalized recently through the new curriculum emphasis on group problem-solving and Sonora High's commitment to connect every student to modern technology. Perhaps the thing that has helped me the most, however, is having my own two children attend the school where I teach. It has reminded me that each and every one of my students is supremely important and worth more than I could ever give them. For this reason I have started a program for high school students to mentor students at Jamestown Elementary. I am deeply grateful and humbled for the recognition from this wonderful community.
Students of the Year Sonora High - Tess Houghton
Tess Houghton believes in dreaming, and then working to achieve those dreams. She is the fourth of five children born to Mark and Denise Houghton, and has lived in Soulsbyville since she was three years old. Serving as the “tuba queen� in the Sonora High Golden Regiment Band this year, Tess began her music studies eleven years ago with the violin. She plays viola, flute, piccolo and directs the choir in her LDS church congregation. She also loves the water and has played water polo, swims long distance events for her SHS team, and has worked as a lifeguard for two summers. Tess has demonstrated unusual determination, self-discipline, organization, and attention to detail as she has tackled academics—competing at the State level in mathematics, excelling in all her courses through local public schools, and completing two online courses, including an AP Calculus course! In addition, Tess distinguishes herself as a leader and friend with strong values, and serves as the Treasurer for the Sonora High student body organization. Tess plans to attend Brigham Young University next year and study either Nutritional Sciences or Engineering.
Students of the Year— continued Tioga High - Dylan Marburg Dylan is a senior at Tioga High, attending all four years at Tioga. Dylan is a good student, taking college preparatory classes and holding a 3.7 G.P.A. He is also a standout in our Senior Finance class. Dylan has participated in athletics, playing basketball and running track. He has a serious interest in producing music and he has written three short stories, and hopes to see them published in the future. Dylan plans to attend Columbia College next fall and continue to pursue his passions. We wish Dylan all the best in his future endeavors.
Summerville High - Cassidy Weathers
Cassidy Weathers is an exemplary model of outstanding work ethic, involvement in school and community, and excellent academic achievement. Cassidy carries a 3.75 G.P.A. and has consistently given 110% throughout her four years of high school in everything she pursues. Cassidy’s work ethic is outstanding, her attendance is practically perfect; she’s honest, trustworthy, and dependable; she works well with others; her appearance is always appropriate; her attitude is positive; her productivity is high; she’s organized, communicates well and is cooperative and respectful at all times. Last year the general business class ran a business selling mason jars and Cassidy was always in attendance, ready to work, very productive, and helpful at all times to get the job done. Cassidy has been involved in volleyball and basketball for the past four years. She’s received awards for ‘Best Offense,’ ‘Most Improved’ and ‘Pursuing Victory with Honor’ (character award). She’s volunteered to help the community through the Bear Service Club, and for the past four years has worked to put together free meals on holidays and Sundays through her church. Her future plans are to attend the Culinary Institute of America (St. Helena), focusing on baking and pastry arts and eventually become an entrepreneur and own her own bakery. She excelled in the general business/ entrepreneurship class and is currently learning accounting to prepare her for the business world. Cassidy has the intelligence and work ethic to be successful in any path she pursues.
Past Presidents & Chairpersons Charles Goelz
Clement R. Fye
Jenny Hennager
Ganet Barron
Walter E. Ronten
Neil Burckart
C.H. Segerstrom, Sr.
Frank Momyer
Ray Suess
H.A. Butchart
Richard Thomason
Betty Woods
Rowan Hardin
Wendell H. Kerr
Jerry Keith
Frank Holman
Earl Purdy
Paul Tuck
George W. Patterson
Edmund Gorgas
Jerry Cambra
W.E. Burden, Sr.
J.V.Howell
Dave Switzer
William Wenneson
Walter C. Sundborg
H. Randolph Holder
Fred Leighton
Richard W. “Bill” West
W.K. “Bud” Baker
R.F. Odgers
Ernest Olivieri
George Segarini
George Dalmas
Rolland W. Anderson
Danny Heuton
J.V. Wulff
Beverly Barron
Dan Buckman
A.C. Hender
Jack Eddy
Carol Krawchuk
Hubert C. Nead
Milton Schroeder
Fred Esch
William E. Gagen
Dr. Harvey B. Rhodes
Roger L. Stevens, Sr.
C.H. Segerstrom Jr.
Jack Rucker
Ray Miller
J.H. Neman
Cliff Pratt
Margaret Davis
J.C. Rassenfoss
Harvey C. McGee
Patrick Greenwell
R.E. Cowden
George Geiger
Margie Lang
I.J. Symons
Jack Rucker
Dave Butler
Vernon Rue
Ken Kram
Ty Wivell
Henry Ruoff
Pete Kleinert
Jim Costello
T. Wesley Osborne
Joe Devereux
Tom Berry
Norman L. Hill
Betty Paulson
Alicia Wuebker
Oscar J. Oswald
Marvin E. Taylor Jr.
Chris Caldwell
Donald I. Segerstrom
Ralph Squire
Margaret Davis
Previous Citizens of the Year, from 1921 Fred R. Beerman
Ross Carkeet
Marjorie Coffil
C. A. Dambacher
Vernon Dunlavy
Ray Eproson
Margaret Fahey
Dorothy Glass
Aurthur C. Hender
Michael Lackey
Fred Leighton
Harry Lepape
Dr. J. E. McConnell
Frank Momyer
G.P. Morgan
John J. Muzio
J. H. Newman
T. Wesley Osborne
EarI Purdy
Lowell Ralph
Henry Ruoff
Miller Sardella
Charles Segerstrom, Sr.
A. D. Stevenot
Mitchell Terzich
V. W. West
Lewis H. Bach
Beverly Barron
Donald Brady
Stanley Churchill
Carlo DeFerrari
Morris Doyle
William Eskew
William Fuller
Ralph Francis
Clem Fye
Jack Garrison
Stuart C. Gibbons
Lloyd Haigh
Rowan Hardin
Ernest Hodge
S. S. Hudson
Arthur Martin
Vernon McDonald
Hugh McLeon
Dorothy Nelson
Ruth Newport
Don Segerstrom
Alvin Sylva
lrving Symons
Ralph Thiel
C. H. Burden, Sr.
Ruth Clarke
Vance Clinton
Harry Hinkley
Cleta Marsh
Geraldine McConnell
Ed Michel
James R. Oliver
Ernest Oliver
Laura Patton
Harvey Rhodes
Jack Rucker
Margaret Sylva
T.F. Symons, Sr.
Josie Terzich
Julius Baer
Harriet Baird
William Burnham
Ernest Durham
Dr. E. M. Graham
Jim Opie
Dr. George Richardson
Milton Schroeder
Ed Wenzel
Gerald Engler
Marie Rozier
Frank Salel
Eric Segerstrom
Richard W. West
Delaine Burks
Harry Hurst
Frank Ralph
Madeline Poe
Marcel Baer
Harvey McGee
Dottie Francis
Otis Rosasco
Rex Heath
Ed Gorgas
Vernon Hatler
Jack Dambacher, Sr.
Betty Linderfelt
Robert Patton
Floyd Stirewalt
Louise McLean
Harlan Dunning
John Stansfeild
Bonnie Perry
Oro Morgan
Jack Dambacher, Jr.
Patricia Rhodes
Jack Eddy
Mary E. Segerstrom
Ron Wano
Robert Patton
Cecil Mathews
Pete Kleinert
Warden Black
Agnes Black
Joe Martin, Sr.
Bill Scott
Lino Borelli
Fred Ellis
George Geiger
Nancy Rosasco
Joe Martin, Jr.
Shirley Campbell
William Segerstrom
Richard Nutting
Lorraine Cassina
Theodore Bird
Frank Salel
Dean Cunningham
John & Millie Wise
Bill McEntire
Cathie Peacock
Jim Grossman
Duke York
Bud & Betty Baker
H. Randolph Holder
Jim Riggs
Ty Wivell
Stephanie Suess
Pete Kerns
Kevin Day
Gail Witzlsteiner
Dr. Jim Mosson
Sue Moore
Ray Emerald
Tom Aitken
Randy Hunsaker
Ron Hamilton
Jamie Smith
Ron Patel
Julie VonSavoye
Anthony Pallante
Benefits of Chamber Membership
Opportunity to expand your business by NETWORKING with other Business Owners and Managers at monthly Chamber functions.
The Chamber is the Largest Business Organization in Tuolumne County.
Opportunity for new customers through our "Chamber Referral System."
A strong and effective voice for business in Local, State, and National politics through the efforts of the Governmental Affairs Council. They are YOUR advocate with the strength and influence representing over 6,000 employees.
Free listing on the Chamber's Website with a free link directing customers to YOUR web-site.
News about YOUR business can be featured in the Business Brief section of the Chamber's Monthly Newsletter.
Exclusive Advertising Opportunities in the Chamber’s Business Directory, Website, Monthly Newsletter and County Map.
Grand-Opening/Ribbon Cutting Services for new members or your new/re-opening business.
Membership Discount Program encourages Shopping Locally. Members offer and receive discounts from other members.
Ongoing Programs and Activities of the Chamber of Commerce: Member Discount Program
Shop Local Campaign Governmental Affairs Council
Leadership Tuolumne County Youth Leadership Tuolumne County Welcome Home Vietnam Vet’s Community Awards Banquet
Acknowledgements For Wine & Auction Items Mt. Brow Winery
Taylor Jewelers
Giannelli Vineyards
Bearly Quilting
Indigeny Reserve
Caldwell Insurance
Dodge Ridge
Oak Valley Community Bank
Michael & Nancy Ayala
Jeanne Shenefelt
The Junction Shopping Center Merchants
Chicken Ranch Casino
Sierra Repertory Theatre Lazy Z Resort Seven Sisters
Let’s Go! Travel The Basket Diva Banyan Tree Black Oak Casino Resort
Thank You for attending the 2014 Community Awards Banquet
Choose Tuolumne County!