GILROY
– They serve Gilroyans in need, from residents living in an
ailing neighborhood to low-income families and students who have
fallen behind in class.
By Lori Stuenkel
GILROY – They serve Gilroyans in need, from residents living in an ailing neighborhood to low-income families and students who have fallen behind in class.
Three public servants were honored as volunteer, business and educator of the year at the 23rd annual Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Installation and Awards Dinner. The chamber’s new board of directors was also installed in front of a crowd of 100 community members gathered at the Strand Theater Friday night.
Volunteer of the year
Mail carrier Art Barron was awarded Volunteer of the Year for his dedication to the Eigleberry neighborhood. Barron, a full-time post office employee who walks the street as part of his regular route, adopted the Eigleberry neighborhood in 2002 and has since organized the Gilroy Eigleberry Neighborhood Association with local residents. Barron also wrote a grant application to receive $3,215 from the Community Foundation South Valley in March for social events and neighborhood beautification projects.
“He just found a need and got the passion and the vision to do this,” said presenter Rachel Munoz, a member of the Hispanic Chamber’s board of directors. “He felt that if he could tell the people how to better access different (services), then maybe some of their problems could go away.”
Barron has coordinated and organized numerous neighborhood clean-ups, socials and a crime watch.
“I got the impression that these were very good, hardworking people,” Barron said. “They just needed a voice …”
The result of Barron’s voice is neighborhood pride, more police patrols, better lighting, abandoned car abatement and united neighborhood families, Munoz said.
As he accepted his award, Barron thanked Gilroy residents and businesses who have helped him support the neighborhood.
“One thing that keeps me motivated is how supportive the people of Gilroy are,” Barron said. “When I go out to solicit raffle prizes for our events, local merchants are always happy to help us out. … I have never been turned down.”
Business of the year
South County Housing, Gilroy’s foremost affordable housing provider, received the Hispanic chamber’s honor for Business of the Year.
“South County Housing has proven that the very low- and upper-income families can live together without the fear of … undesirable neighborhoods,” said Ralph Zertuche, who presented the award.
The nonprofit corporation has acquired, rehabilitated and constructed more than 1,600 affordable apartments and single-family homes.
South County Housing recently celebrated the success of Los Arroyos, a 373-home development in north Gilroy that serves seniors, disabled adults and low-income families with market-rate or subsidized housing. The corporation is currently developing the Sobrato Family Transitional Center, which will provide 60 units of affordable transitional housing, and La Maestra, a 25-home development with 12 homes that are being marketed to Gilroy’s teachers.
“We are truly humbled and proud to accept this award,” Director of Housing Jan Lindenthal said.
Lindenthal said the organization has grown from a staff of two full-time employees in 1979 to 81 today, 60 who work in Gilroy.
Educator of the year
The Educator of the Year award was granted to Olivia Schaad, Gilroy Unified School District’s director of curriculum and instruction and a longtime educator who has served as a classroom teacher, principal and administrator.
Schaad was the driving force behind GUSD’s application for a $4.5 million 21st Century After-School Program grant. Gilroy will receive $428,750 for each of the next five years to serve at-risk students with an after-school program that incorporates homework help, academic enrichment and physical activity.
“She has done an enormous job of helping our school district reach its bold goals,” said Jacki Horejs, the district’s assistant superintendent of educational services. “Olivia is one of the most talented educators I’ve ever seen. With her vision, she totally recrafted the way we offer our services.”
Schaad credited school district officials with supporting teachers, staff and administration while focusing on raising the bar.
“What a joy it is to work with children, because we know that they are our future and that’s what drives us,” Schaad said. “It is truly energizing to work in a place that is so supportive.”
Schaad also praised the Hispanic Chamber for creating a sense of community in Gilroy.
The chamber, formed 23 years ago, has awarded community members for the past 13 years. The 2004 board of directors was installed following the awards presentation by Tony Fuentes, who will begin his second year as board president.
“You will continue to see our commitment to business. You will continue to see our commitment to the schools. You will continue to see our commitment to the community,” Fuentes said.
School Board President Jim Rogers stepped in for the event’s scheduled keynote speaker, East Side Union High School District Superintendent Esperanza Zendejas, who was ill. Rogers praised Gilroy schools’ Academic Performance Index scores released Friday, which showed that all GUSD schools are improving students’ test scores.
Several City Council and mayoral candidates in attendance were also put in the spotlight Friday. Peter Arellano, Bruce Morasca, Roland Velasco, Lupe Arellano and Al Pinheiro all submitted to an informal political forum on the whim of emcee Raul Vega, 2004 vice president of the Hispanic Chamber’s board of directors, who organized the dinner and installation.
“They were sitting in the audience, and I thought it was a good way for them to give us their views,” Vega said. “I think there’s a lot of people in our community … that do believe in our community. I got to see some good points of view.”
Each candidate present was asked to describe what he or she would do, if elected, to promote business and education in Gilroy. The Hispanic Chamber does not endorse political candidates.
