July 3, 2007

Chirco awards District 9 volunteers

At the June 5 City Council meeting, Councilmember Judy Chirco recognized several individuals to receive the District 9 Stars Award. The recipients are Rob Dewis, Reed Elementary School parent volunteer; Kristin Engineer, founder of Cambrian Park Kiwanis Music Camp; Ken Hazen, Kirk Senior Center volunteer; Wally Pownall, Ida Price Middle School Homework Center volunteer; Sum Tran, Union Middle School custodian; and the Tiffany Way Clean Up Team consisting of staff from Code Enforcement, Green Team and the San Jose Conservation Corp.

Pictured, left to right: Top Row: Sum Tran, Rob Dewis, Roger Falkowitz, Rafles Warnars, Wally Pownall, Jamie Matthews. Middle row: Kristin Engineer, Darlene Marquez, Raul Hernandez, Lyle 'Marty" Pardun. Bottom: Adolfo Praga

“Over the years, through service on the Cambrian School Board, and now on the San Jose City Council, community members have shared stories about the talent and heroes in Cambrian Park and its surrounding area. These stars and their stories fueled my decision, and desire, to serve in public office,” commented Chirco.

Each D9 Star was recognized with a commendation and a chocolate D9 Star.

The intent of the Stars Program is to learn more about the extraordinary students, teachers, employees, employers, athletes, musicians, activists and parents who add courage, compassion and comfort to our community. Chirco looks forward to honoring more D9 Stars throughout the year.

This program recognizes people who live, work, play, and learn in District 9. They are nominated by their fellow community members who fill out a nomination form at the District 9 Web site: (www.sanjoseca.gov/district9/). Below is a snapshot of the stars that shine so bright in our community.

Rob Dewis
A parent volunteer at Reed Elementary School, Dewis has hosted several Kindergarten tours for undecided parents where he shows them the video he made of the activities and people that make up Reed School. Since producing the video, Rob has stepped up to the role of official school photographer and the coordinator of the school’s yearbook. Juan Correa, Reed’s principal nominated Rob.

Kristin Engineer
Engineer created the Cambrian Park Kiwanis Summer Music Camp four years ago. Through this program, over 300 children have enjoyed a week of musical training. Due to her good management skills, the cost of camp is kept at a very affordable rate with the Kiwanis club assisting with financial aid to some students. Fellow Kiwanian, Sue Cordingley, nominated Engineer.

Ken Hazen
Hazen has been an outstanding volunteer at the Kirk Community Center for over 15 years. He was instrumental in establishing the duplicate bridge group that currently has 75 seniors playing bridge three times a week. Hazen has been donating his time at several senior centers in the tax preparations programs and the homeowners/renter’s assistance program. Recently, he has started to work on the landscaping at Kirk and recruiting others to help weed and clean-up. Rosalie Burns and Marian Goodman, two seniors at he Kirk Senior Center, nominated Hazen.

Wally Pownall
Pownall has been a tutor at the Ida Price Middle School Homework Center since it opened in 1993. His dedication has allowed him to help thousands of students over the past 14 years. The teachers are particularly happy that his specialty is math. The student’s love and respect show in his nickname of “Mr. Wally.” Marla Garrison, librarian at Ida Price nominated “Mr. Wally” with the whole-hearted support of the school’s staff.

Sum Tran
Tran has been an ambassador of goodwill for Union Middle School as an outstanding employee for over four years. He goes the extra mile to make the school a beautiful place for students and staff. He has an inspirational story of survival and perseverance. In Viet Nam, Tran was a military helicopter pilot who was a prisoner of war for six years. He immigrated to San Jose 16 years ago. Donna Lewis, Union Middle School principal, nominated Tran. She says that he is the best custodian that she has ever had the pleasure to work with.

Tiffany Way Clean up Team
The Tiffany Way Clean up Team consists of Roger Falkowitz, Jamie Matthews, Mary Pardun and Rafles Warnars from Code Enforcement, and the San Jose Conservation Corps members Raul Hernandez, Marcella Morales, Darlene Marquez, Ana Barragan, Victoria Ramirez, Adolfo Praga, Wendy Cruz and Green Team employee Todd Hansen.

These 12 individuals worked together to solve a code enforcement problem and they also offered a helping hand to an elderly couple. San Jose’s Code Enforcement team under the leadership of Rafles Warnars brought together everyone to clean up the yard and home of a couple unable to do it themselves. He also enlisted the help of the San Jose Conservation Corps. Chirco received a wonderful thank you letter from the couple that said, “The crew was made up of hard-working and meticulous young people among others… We appreciate all the hard work that went into this endeavor and the sensitive, dignified manner in which we were treated.”