GILROY
– Directors of the Gilroy Garlic Festival Association have
honored Ted Kubota, Brian Jones and Mary Yates as its volunteers of
the year for 2002.
GILROY – Directors of the Gilroy Garlic Festival Association have honored Ted Kubota, Brian Jones and Mary Yates as its volunteers of the year for 2002.
“The board couldn’t make just one selection,” said festival Assistant Executive Director Joann Kessler of the three volunteers, who were honored with speeches and ceremonial plaques at the organization’s annual meeting last week.
Kubota, who has volunteered at the festival for 20 years, was honored for his strong work ethic and quiet, unselfish manner. He served on the ticket committee, which is responsible for sale of all passes at the festival, but also helps out with parking, setup and cleanup.
“(He) is a no-nonsense, ‘let’s do it and get it done’ type with no personal agenda or expectations,” said assistant committee chairwoman Lisa Sheedy.
Jones served at the “Garlic Grove” educational station, where he spent the course of the three-day festival answering questions from visitors and media about farming techniques, health aspects and anything else about the stinking bulb.
Officials credited Jones for his enthusiasm and knowledge.
“He is a true garlic lover – he knows everything you ever wanted to know about garlic and loves to talk about it,” said committee chairman Robert Lujan. “Working with it and loving it is one thing, but festival weekend is when this person really shines.”
Yates served on the sign committee, which creates and displays the festival’s many signs and banners. Besides working on festival days, officials said she spent many hours organizing supplies and inventory – allowing the festival to save money by purchasing ahead.
“During the festival, every committee needs an individual that can be relied upon to get things done,” said committee chairman Dennis Harrigan. “(She) is the first to show up and one of the last to leave, has a willingness to do things others have not and are not afraid of getting down and dirty to get projects done.”
