Corte Madera and Larkspur: People of theYear
If Time Magazine can do it, so can the TC Times! Here are some of the most positively influential people of the year in the Twin Cities, in no particular order. Many of these people don’t happen to live in Corte Madera or Larkspur, making them ineligible to be “citizens of the year”, but they are nevertheless involved and deserving of recognition. I know that we (I did consult others on this!) are leaving some wonderful people out, so please don’t think of this as an all-inclusive list, but as a starting point. If you know of an omission,please e-mail me now and I’ll add to the list next week.
Chad Carvey – This angel of a man and great amateur chef knows the way to a community’s heart is through its stomach. This assistant principal of Neil Cummins School has been the energy behind so many good fundraisers and community events in recent years, usually working his magic over a hot grill. Rallying the community for causes ranging from the tsunami to Katrina, and supporting the Lions Club’s Luau and other events, Chad says he’s planning to leave us now to sail around the world next year, and while it will be fun to track him around the globe, his absence will be sorely felt.
Larry Chu – No public official in recent memory has taken the time, or had the talent, to reach out as Larry has to communicate with the town. Larry’s thoughtful and clear explanations about everything from streets and sewers to why the town didn’t support the proposed rail system made us all a little wiser. Keep up the good work, Larry, we still have so much to learn!
Barbara Solomon and Jeannie Perry – These two Redwood High School parents have invested numerous hours in developing and putting on parent education programs. This year’s have focused on the problem of substance use and abuse by our teens, and they have done a tremendous job of getting parents to sit down, listen and think about what they can do to help protect our kids from the dangers of Marin’s decadent culture.
Robin Moller, Dena Van Derveer & Kathy Hartzel – Robin, Dena and Kathy have been hosting the monthly “First Tuesday” lunches of the Corte Madera Women’s Improvement Club, and have brought new life to this 100 year old organization. The longevity of this group seems assured now that these bright new members have stepped up.
Bernice Baeza & Vicki Creath Demenno – Bernice is the one-woman army whose commitment and ingenuity is keeping the Lark Theatre afloat in difficult times for single screen theatres. Vicki is once again rallying young filmmakers to create the second annual Youth Film Festival hosted by the Lark. She also oversees the weekly contributions to KidPix, the youth film reviews in our local paper. These two win our local Academy Award for their contributions to film.
Dana & Jackie Hanley – Former president of the Lions Club and his wife, this dedicated couple has been supportive of many community events over the years. Dana, a long-time leader in the Boy Scouts would have been named Citizen of the Year many years ago, if not for the fact that he is not a Corte Madera resident. On the subject of Lions, it would be remiss not to mention Guy Benstead, Rob Lopez and Danny Belloni, three of the new members who step up to support community events.
The Corte Madera “A” Team – You know who you are: Kitty, Beth, Jana, Clyde, Joan, Jan, Carolyn & Ben, and more! You always show up to support Corte Madera, especially in its efforts to stay beautiful. I write about your deeds so often, I’m sure people think you have incriminating photos of me. There are others who do so much: Liz Krakow, Donna Hart, Sue Bigall, Nancy Davis, Joyce Hebbard, Jan Strittmatter, as well as Bob and Linda Bundy. (Saluting those two would take a book!) Oh and of course, Dave Montero and then Gary Nilsen and… where do I stop?
Monica Clark and Dan Burke – Our community’s youth basketball and volleyball programs are run by an all-volunteer program, out of St. Patrick’s parish. These two parents stepped up this past year to take over: Monica for volleyball, and Dan for basketball. The community owes both of you a huge debt of gratitude. Thank you!
Bill & Elaine Petrocelli – Despite a difficult start to the year, with the announcement that The Town Center would welcome a big box competitor, these owners of the Book Passage have rallied to create new energy and vitality to their threatened flagship store on Tamal Vista Avenue. If you’re one of the people who say, “Noooo, they’re not threatened. People are loyal to them,” think again. People move and people die, and if you look at the long-term, the odds are decidedly against our keeping a viable independent book seller in this small town. But Bill & Elaine are doing everything possible to give their store a fighting chance. Support them.
Bob Sinnott and Jim Clark – Larkspur’s own “homeland security” public safety force, these two are always reaching out to help those in need. Bob takes a little ribbing for his fire-prevention enthusiasm, including the way he blows out candles at holiday parties in an effort to save lives. Jim has traveled across the globe to help rescue people in need and many of us will never forget his racing to the scene of a car that had tumbled off the cliff at Stinson Beach a few years ago at a friend’s birthday party.
And as Time put it this year, rather lamely I thought: the person of the year is YOU! For caring enough about the future to show up in the present; for making sure your elderly or ill neighbors are looked after this holiday season; and for staying in touch with me about what is most important to you in this excellent little community of ours.
Happy holidays from your devoted watchdog,
Neighbor Pat
P.S. Send news of my errors and omissions, as always, to pravasio@fhallen.com
