Publisher
It seems that our holiday calendar is quite full this year with various events and festivities. With both of us healthy and in high spirits, we are accepting most invitations. So far, we haven’t faced much in the way of double bookings. This past Tuesday evening, Steve and I we were invited to attend the City of Signal Hill’s inaugural Volunteer & Sponsorship Awards and Recognition Banquet. We were tickled to be asked since we love our volunteer status with our not-so-little city.
During the event, Mayor Larry Forester welcomed volunteers and sponsors and expressed thanks to all for their support of the Signal Hill community and to celebrate a year of accomplishments. A Powerpoint presentation of photos from various events emphasized the importance of the volunteers. The images taken during the year were both humorous and poignant, and it was an honor to have our photos up there on the big screen. Â
As he spoke, the mayor highlighted the programs and events provided by the City’s Community Services Department and called attention to the enrichment those activites bring to residents. Larry went on to say, “From the library to the parks to the playgrounds to the amphitheater, we make every effort to ensure that every resident of Signal Hill has an opportunity to enjoy the things that make life a bit fuller!such as after-school programs, story times, meal programs, music concerts, sports and much more.” His words brought a thunderous round of applause and a collective nod of heads from all in attendance.
Community Services staff prepared a pasta dinner with all the fixings to express their appreciation to the volunteers. As dessert was served, Community Services Manager Aly Mancini gave her thanks to the sponsors and volunteers by saying, “All of us in the Community Services Department feel very lucky; no matter how hard we work or creative we are at finding ways to make life for our residents better, we still need each and every one of you to make the rubber meet the road. It is the incredible amount of time and resources that you all dedicate that allow us to provide the highest quality of parks, recreation and library services to the children, adults, seniors and families that are lucky to live in this fantastic city. So tonight we give you this small token of our appreciation for all you have given us.”
Looking down at the program on the table, I noticed that, according to the timeline, awards were going to be given in several categories. I went and poured myself a cup of coffee and waited for the awards to be announced. At that point I was mad at myself for not bringing a camera. Huh— some publisher I am! Nevertheless, the first award announced by the mayor and Aly was that for Outstanding Youth Volunteer. Taking home the honor was Jasmine Simpson. “Jazzy” seems to help out at every event that I attend— and some that I miss as well. No wonder she was chosen. I’ve watched her grow from a pretty little girl into a lovely young lady. I was so glad she was recognized.
From there, the rest of the program is rather a blur because Steve and I were totally shocked to be named Community Volunteers of the Year. Going up to the podium to accept our award and pose for the traditional photo with the mayor seemed like a dream. We were totally caught off guard. What a terrific surprise! The other awards given were to the Associated Radio Amateurs of Long Beach as the Valued Volunteer Organization of the Year, and the award for the Celebrated Business Sponsor went to the folks at Mesa Environmental Services, Inc.
The evening came to a close, and I was presented with a lovely bouquet of flowers. We quickly called my mother, told her of our big honor and made arrangements to bring the flowers to her. As a past city treasurer, and a former decades-long resident of Signal Hill, she certainly put in her time volunteering for the city. It was so nice to share the honor with her.
