RSVP honors volunteers

0 Comments | Oakland Tribune, Jun 10, 2006 | by Column by Carolyn Livengood

CECILE Winton of San Mateo, who will be 89 in July, was recently awarded a 30-year pin for her volunteer service (more than 9,000 hours) as a life member of the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program of San Mateo County. She also received certificates of commendation from various federal, state, and county legislators at RSVP's 32nd Annual Volunteer Recognition Luncheon, sponsored by Mills-Peninsula Senior Focus, at the South San Francisco Conference Center.

Winton, chosen as "Woman of the Year 1980" for the county and named "First Citizen of the Year 1991" for the City of San Mateo, has volunteered in many ways through the years. She has phoned, visited, and baked cookies for shut-in seniors, served as a Mills Hospital Auxiliary member, helped with flu shot programs and blood drives, and was instrumental in getting the San Mateo Senior Center built.

A pin and certificates were also given to Phillis Flinn and Marie Forster for 25 years of volunteering, and to Ofelia Corona, Irma Eisenberg, Aurelia Hippely, John Hippely, Eleanor Lang, Anita Lollar, Frank Sakurai, Marie Samora, Wanda Stafford and Olivia Vizzi for 20 years.

The President's Volunteer Service Award was presented to 14 RSVP members who completed more than 4,000 hours or more of volunteer service to qualify for the lifetime achievement award. Honorees were Sofia Asaro, Thomas Atkinson, Donald Bradlor, Dorothy Brockamp, Jean Camp, James Clarke, Athy Galinsky, Katherine Louie, Mary Palomares, Beverly Schierenbeck, Judy Snipes, Very Summey, Arthur Therry and Vizzi.

Each earned a personalized certificate, a signed letter of congratulations by the President's Council on Service and Civic Participation (established in 2003 to recognize and encourage volunteer service and civic participation), a note from President Bush and an official President's Award pin.

Deborah Owdom, RSVP program coordinator, presented a large, fictitious check for

$3,932,070 to Jerry Hill, San Mateo County Board of Supervisors president, representing the dollar value of the 217,964 community- service hours provided by 953 RSVP members in 2005.

About 530 people attended the event emceed by County Supervisor Adrienne Tissier. Introductions were made by Owdom and Tessie Calligeros, chair, Senior Focus Volunteer Services Advisory Council.

The uplifting San Francisco Banjo Band provided entertainment.

CULTURAL CELEBRATION -- Daly City honored the culture of its Asian and Pacific Islander residents at the Third Annual National Asian Pacific American Heritage Month Celebration, hosted by the Daly City Parks and Recreation on May 17 at City Hall. Emcees were Jennifer Tom, the Daly City parks department's recreation supervisor, and Marjorie Kalaveras, Daly City Police Department. Councilwoman Carol Klatt made opening remarks.The festive event -- coordinated by Leslie Peay Heckmen, class development and cultural arts coordinator -- also tried to communicate some of the historical aspects of these groups. The Daly City Public Library shared a list of popular books written by Asian and Pacific Islanders.

More than 100 guests, including preschoolers from Imagination Station School in Daly City attending for the first time, were captivated by the entertainment provided by six delightful groups:

Holy Angels School Dancers, choreographed by Samantha Luster, danced to "We're All in This Together."

Tai Chi was demonstrated by Vivian Wu and Stephen Gale of Anthony Wong's Chen Tai Chi class at Daly City Parks and Recreation (and also of Bay Area Chen Taiji).

Karaoke was led by Rufo Cahiles, owner, Star Express Video & Karaoke in Daly City. Grace Coronel, Saly City Police Department records clerk, also performed.

The Pilipino Bayanahan Dance Troupe -- Sonia Reyes, Monica Abello, Dome Tansiongco, Josie Yee, Nenita Payad and Crystal Goosens, all of Daly City -- shared the art of traditional Philippine dance.

The West Coast Chinese Lion Dance was directed by Anthony Shui of Daly City; some members are from Westmoor High School.

The Hui Hoonanea Ukelele Group, led by George "Keoki" Lindsey, was composed of members from Doelger Senior Center in Daly City.

Information tables/vendors, raffle drawings and delicious food for sale also highlighted the gala, supported by Asia Pacific Group, Asian Art Museum, Boulevard Cafe, In-N-Out Burger, Serra Bowl, state Sen. Jackie Speier's office and Trader Joe's.

Carolyn Livengood's columns appear Fridays and Saturdays. If you have any news tips about our county communities, please call or fax Carolyn at 355-5533.