Museum Scoops Chamber Awards
Fire Chief Named Citizen of Year

The 2006 Ramona Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. Back row, left to right: Directors Patrick Meskell, Dan Vengler, Doreen Smith, Chuck DeMund, Kathy Smiley. Middle row, left to right: Patricia Hansen, Charlotte Jensen, Jennifer Jenkin. Front row, left to right: Executive Officers Vince Franano, Treasurer; Bill Jenkin, 1st Vice President; Jeff Ruland, President; Sharon Davis, 2nd Vice President; Jo Fox, Secretary. (Not Pictured: Bryan Woods) Photo By Jamey Ritter

By Ruth Lepper

It was Ramona Historical Society’s night to shine in the spotlight at the annual Ramona Chamber of Commerce Installation dinner. Judy Nachazel, society president, was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award for her work with the society as well as in the local art community. The society owns and operates the Guy B. Woodward Museum, which was named Business of the Year 2005 by the chamber.

“What a wonderful honor this is,” said Ken Woodward, museum director, in accepting the award. “It’s really representative of all of us sitting here in this hall, past pioneers as well as current pioneers in this community.”

Directors Patrick Meskell and Bryan Wood presented Ken Woodward with Business of the Year 2005, and Judy with a Lifetime Achievement Award. Photo By Carol Kinney

In presenting the award, Bryan Woods praised the museum for its continuous value to Ramona in preserving the history of the community.

Nachazel also is past president of Ramona Art Guild and the San Diego Water Color Society. She has co-chaired the annual Open Studios Tour in Ramona and is a well-known artist.

In addition to her duties as president of the historical society, Nachazel volunteers her time as a docent for museum tours. She started the annual Pioneer Day that takes place in April on the museum grounds and was instrumental in the recent opening of a schoolhouse replica, circa 1880s, built at the museum. She also coordinates an annual quilt show for the museum.

Cary “Dusty” Coleman, chief of the Intermountain Volunteer Fire & Rescue Department, received the coveted award for Citizen of the Year 2005 as he was commended for his service and dedication to the department. He heads a group of volunteers serving an area of 125 square miles between Ramona, Julian and Lake Henshaw. A new fire station was opened on State Route 78 during 2005.The department was founded in 1988 and is funded by grants and donations.

Cary “Dusty” Coleman, Citizen of the Year 2005.

Jennifer Jenkin, former Ambassador and newly elected Director, received the Ambassador of the Year 2005 award.

Directors Installed

County Supervisor Dianne Jacob installed the incoming directors for Ramona Chamber of Commerce. Jeff Ruland will continue as president, with Bill Jenkin as first vice president, Sharon Davis as second vice president, Jo Fox as secretary and Vince Franano as treasurer.

Directors are Jennifer Jenkin, Charlotte Jensen, Patrick Meskell, Bryan Woods, Dan Vengler, Patricia Hanson, Doreen Smith, Kathy Smiley, Ralph Mittman and Chuck DeMund.

County tax assessor Greg Smith served as auctioneer for lively bidding that raised more than $2,600 for the chamber. The donated items included an air tour over Ramona, a helicopter ride over San Diego, a tour of the USS Midway, a harbor cruise on the Hornblower, a stay at Barona Resort, a baseball bat used by Padres player Tony Gwynn and dinner with the chamber directors.

Jennifer Jenkin, Ambassador of the Year 2005. Photos by Carol Kinney

The installation dinner was held on Jan. 20 at Barona Resort & Casino in Lakeside. Dignitaries attending, in addition to Supervisor Jacob, included US Congressman Duncan Hunter and his staff members Joe Browning and Rick Terrazas, Jerry Van DeWegne for State Senator Dennis Hollingsworth and Debbie Beyer for State Assemblyman Jay LaSuer.