By TR Robertson
The Vista Chamber of Commerce and Vista Education Foundation 14th Annual Heroes of Vista Community Recognition Gala, held Friday afternoon at The Vistonian in Downtown Historic Vista, didnโt let a little bit of rain keep the over 200 attendees from celebrating the accomplishments of businesses, educators, police and firefighters, and Chamber members.
This yearโs theme was The Rhythm of Success. Beginning around 4:00 P.M., those arriving socialized and networked as they enjoyed wine or beer from Booze Brothers, served by Tiffany Garcia and Dave Firth. On the tables individual charcuterie selections were supplied from Blue Oak. The Rancho Buena Vista Jazz Band performed, directed by Eric Weirather, for an hour leading up to the 5:00 P.M. start for the Recognition Gala. Master of ceremonies Joe Green welcomed those in attendance and introduced Betsy Heightman, from the Vista Community Clinic and Chair of the Vista Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. She welcomed everyone, reminding them that this awards ceremony is also held with the assistance of the Vista Education Foundation. Betsy then brought Joe back to the microphone, who introduced the dignitaries in attendance and went over the agenda for the Recognition Gala. He reminded everyone that videos would appear on the large screen that would feature interviews with the recipients and short films about each one. These videos were filmed and edited by Chris Ryan. Joe also pointed out the charcuterie was sponsored by North County Ford. He introduced the Table Sponsors for the evening that included California State University San Marcos, EDCO, Retread, Tri-City Medical Center, The Veterans Writing Group, U.S. Bank, Vista Unified School District, Vista Fire and Rescue and North County Ford. The Program sponsor was Dr. Bronnerโs All-One and the Video Sponsor was The Film Hub.
The first Community Award presented was for the Veteran of the Year, going in memoriam to Lieutenant Charlie Wyatt, U.S. Navy veteran who served during the Vietnam War. Lt. Wyatt passed away just a few weeks ago at the age of 84. In attendance to receive his award was his grandson, Michael Morales.
The next Community Award was for Sheriff of the Year, going to Deputies Robert Oliveri and Craig Vanden Bossche.
Firefighter of the Year recipient was Fredick Eibel.
Each of these individuals was featured in a video explaining significant events which they had been involved in or programs they run or assist with at their stations.
Vince Hinojosa, President of the Board of Directors for the Vista Education Foundation, next stepped to the microphone to introduce the Education Award winners.
The first award was given to Kurdy Turner, Assistant Principal, The Vista Innovation and Design Academy for Administrator of the Year.
The Classified Person of the Year was Christina Lupola, Executive Assistant to the Superintendent.
Arts Educator of the Year was Elizabeth Swensen, Drama Teacher at Vista High School.
The Technology Educator of the Year was Steven Pak, Systems Support Tech at North Avenue.
The Education Award was to Cynthia Boley, Nurse at Grapevine Elementary, Rancho Buena Vista High School and Lake Elementary.
Presenting the Vista Chamber Longevity Awards was Zeke Corley, Past Chair of the Board of Directors for the Vista Chamber of Commerce. Those Chamber Longevity Award recipients present included Tri-City Medical Center โ 50 years, EDCO โ 45 years, Vista Adult School and Vista Unified School District โ 35 years, North County Ford โ 30 years, and Solutions for Change โ 25 years.
Vista Chamber CEO Rachel Beld presented the Nick Ljubic Chamber Champion Award to Carla Yriqui from Santa Fe Dental Group.
MC Joe Green enthusiastically encouraged those in attendance to use the QR Code in their programs and donate what they could to support the Vista Education Foundation programs and the Vista Chamber workforce development programs.
The final Heroes of Vista Awards for the program went to the various businesses that had been nominated. Three businesses in each category were introduced with the winner announced via a video of the business shown on the screen.
The first award was presented to Non-Profit of the year, going to Heavy Breathing Foundation.
The next award was to New Business of the Year going to Galvanized Strategies.
The Small Business of the Year went to Handelโs Homemade Ice Cream.
The final award of the afternoon was for Large Business of the Year that went to MAAC.
The Heroes of Vista Community Recognition Gala is always a popular event, sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce and the Vista Education Foundation, which gives members of the community a chance to recognize and honor those in a variety of fields for excellence in their chosen profession and a chance to socialize with all of these people from the different fields of work. If you are interested in finding out about how you can be involved or how you can nominate people and businesses for these awards, go to www.vistachamber.org or call 760-726-1122.
