Over the years, I have attended hundreds of Signal Hill City Council meetings. Although the agenda items differ from meeting to meeting, there is one constant— the presentation of proclamations.
I’ve seen proclamations presented to individuals, families, businesses and nonprofits who were being recognized for various reasons including, heroic actions, retirements and volunteerism, as well as business anniversaries. Oh, I’m sure there are a dozen or more categories I have failed to mention here, nevertheless, my point is to recognize the kindness and thoughtfulness of the City of Signal Hill and all the other cities who take the time and make the effort to publically thank and/ or recognize those who have made a difference in their neighborhoods.
At Tuesday evening’s Signal Hill City Council meeting, my pal Debbie King was presented with one of those coveted proclamations. The honor was bestowed on her for her years as the business owner of Wille’s Tin Shop and in recognition of her retirement.
[aesop_image imgwidth=”500px” img=”http://www.signaltribunenewspaper.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Thoughts-pic.jpg” offset=”-200px” credit=”Photo by Patty Norman ” align=”right” lightbox=”on” caption=” Debbie King and her mother, Agnes King, standing in front of Signal Hill City Hall after Debbie received a proclamation from Mayor Larry Forester” captionposition=”right”]
Debbie and I have so many connections. Besides her ownership of a business in Signal Hill, we also have a couple of personal connections. I went to school with her elder brother Delbert, and my husband Steve worked with Debbie’s mother Agnes at the Long Beach Police Department.
In the last few years, we have found reasons to get together for social occasions, including two birthday parties for Agnes, and a fun night out at Azteca Restaurant in Garden Grove.
Seeing Debbie receive the well deserved recognition brought tears to my eyes, and I was so happy to see her mother there in the audience beaming with pride. Congratulations, Debbie.
Here is the wording on the document— the same words read Tuesday evening by Mayor Larry Forester:
Proclamation in Recognition Wille’s Tin Shop, Inc.
WHEREAS, Wille’s Tin Shop was first opened in 1906 in Long Beach, California, by Augustus Wille and was handed down through the family eventually to Warren Bud Wille; and
WHEREAS, Debbie King went to work at Wille’s Tin Shop as a book- keeper and learned everything she could about the business, obtained her contractor’s license then purchased the business in 1997; and
WHEREAS, Debbie relocated the business to the City of Signal Hill in 2004 to continue as a sheet metal contractor in the construction trade and fabricating and repairing sheet metal items for individuals; and
WHEREAS, Wille’s Tin Shop has served the area for over 109 years providing galvanized, copper and stainless metals to commercial businesses and residents; and
WHEREAS, Wille’s Tin Shop is closing after 109 years in business and has been called the “Tin Men with a heart.”
NOW, THEREFORE, be it pro- claimed that I, Larry Forester, as Mayor of the City of Signal Hill, along with the entire City Council, do hereby recognize Debbie King and Wille’s Tin Shop, and wish her the best in her retirement.
In recognition thereof, this Proclamation is presented this 7th day of July 2015.
Larry Forester, Mayor
Lori Y. Woods, Vice Mayor
Tina L. Hansen, Council Member Michael J. Noll, Council Member Edward H.J. Wilson, Council Member
