[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 3 (Friday, January 25, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E29]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     2001 GILROY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE CITIZEN AND BUSINESS AWARDEES

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. ZOE LOFGREN

                             of california

                         HON. MICHAEL M. HONDA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, January 25, 2002

  Ms. LOFGREN. Mr. Speaker, today we rise to recognize the recipients 
of the 2001 Gilroy Chamber of Commerce Citizen and Business Awards. The 
six individuals and businesses being honored on February 8 have 
contributed their time and talent to the city and the people of Gilroy, 
California. We wish to express to them our gratitude for their hard 
work and our congratulations for this honor. The 2001 Gilroy Chamber of 
Commerce Citizen and Business Awardees are:
  Michael Bonfante, the 2001 Man of the Year. As owner of Nob Hill 
Stores, Mr. Bonfante was extremely supportive of Gilroy schools, clubs, 
sports groups and community organizations. It was said that he could 
never say ``no'' to any group asking for help. Students working in his 
stores knew that their managers would be sensitive to the pressures of 
school and activities; a corporate retreat on Hecker Pass made game 
fields, picnic areas, and a gym available to all employees. After the 
sale of the Nob Hill Foods chain, Michael Bonfante invested $79 million 
into his dream of creating a family park designed around trees, which 
ultimately became the basis for a non-profit organization benefiting 
the Gilroy community.
  Susan Starritt Jacobsen, the 2001 Woman of the Year. Ms. Jacobsen has 
been active in Gilroy for over 25 years and on so many levels it is 
difficult to list them all. She was the 2000-2001 Gilroy EDC President 
and served as the Secretary-Treasury for three years. As the 1999-2000 
Gilroy Chamber of Commerce President, she was serving her second term 
as Board Member of the Chamber. In a professional capacity, she is a 
Past President of the South County Board of Realtors and the Past State 
Director for the California Association of Realtors. For 20 years 
visitors have seen her at the Gilroy Garlic Festival, helping out in 
one way or another, and Gilroy schools and organizations know they can 
always count on her to volunteer her time for a fundraiser or event.
  Aitken Associates, the 2001 Small Business of the Year. Aitken 
Associates is a local landscape design firm that has created beautiful 
and award-winning designs throughout Gilroy and other communities. 
Karen Aitken, the President, has been in private practice as a 
landscape architect for over 18 years. Among Aitken Associates' 
endeavors are: the public grounds at Goldsmith Seeds, Del Rey Park, and 
the Gilroy City Hall. One of Ms. Aitken's most notable projects is the 
Bonfante Gardens theme park, whose founder Michael Bonfante praises Ms. 
Aitken's devotion and creativity. Civic activity is one of Aitken 
Associates' founding principles; as such, the firm has donated its 
services to the Gilroy High School landscape improvement plan, the 
Willey House and the student gardens at the Morgan Hill Country School. 
Karen Aitken is active in the Rotary Club of Gilroy and the 
Beautification in Gilroy Committee.
  McDonald's of Gilroy, the 2001 Large Business of the Year. McDonald's 
of Gilroy, purchased by Steve and Jan Peat just over five and a half 
years ago, has become an integral part of the Gilroy community and an 
example of civic excellence. The Peats are the recipients of the 1999-
2000 McDonald's ``Partners in Paradise'' award for increased sales and 
the 1998 McDonald's Corporation ``Best of the West'' award for 
excellence at the Outlet location. The Peat's son, Steve, is one of 
only four people who teach McDonald's management classes in Spanish for 
the entire Northern California Region--a program he helped initiate. 
Among countless other activities, the Peats' assistance was vital in 
securing a $5,000 grant from the Ronald McDonald Children's House 
Charities Foundation for Jordan School's ``Music Alive'' program, and a 
$25,000 grant for the recreation center at Rebekah Children's Services.
  Frankie Munoz, the 2001 Firman B. Voorhies Volunteer of the Year. 
Because of her dedication to and support of the Gilroy Chamber of 
Commerce, Frankie Munoz was named the 2001 Volunteer of the Year. For 
many years, Ms. Munoz has served as a Chamber Ambassador, chairing the 
South Valley Business Showcase and Mixer, and co-chairing the Business 
After Hours with the Rotary Club of Gilroy. Frankie Munoz is the 
incoming president of Leadership Gilroy, and is also active in the 
Rotacare Administrative Council, the Gilroy Senior Center, the Morgan 
Hill Mushroom Mardi Gras, and various other charitable organizations. 
Ms. Munoz is a tireless volunteer for her children's schools, sports 
and 4-H clubs.
  Betsy Henry, the 2001 Gilroy Educator of the Year. Betsy Henry is a 
first grade teacher at El Roble School in Gilroy. Along with first 
grade, Ms. Henry has taught Special Education classes, third grade, and 
second/third combination classes. She has organized several programs 
within her classroom including the Star of the Week program, the 100% 
Spelling Club, Just Read, and Peacebuilders of the Month. Her use of 
cooperative learning activities and Peacebuilder social norms within 
her classroom creates an atmosphere that promotes each individual 
child's belief in themselves. Additionally, Ms. Henry is the on-site 
trainer for ``Success For All'' reading program at El Roble School. She 
has served on Key Planners, as the PTA teacher representative, and 
School Site Council.
  Again, we wish to extend our gratitude to these individuals and 
organizations for their tireless enthusiasm and dedication. 
Congratulations to them on this prestigious award.

                          ____________________