Thilken Continues to Head Julian Chamber of Commerce

Julian Chamber of Commerce Board from left to right: Betty Birdsell, Wayne Moretti, Mike Menghini, Dick Thilken, Julie Degenfelder, Mike, Hart, David Cole, Paul Tullius and Carol Kinney. Photo Courtesy of Julian Chamber of Commerce

By Ruth Lepper

County Supervisor Dianne Jacob installed the 2006 Julian Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors on Feb. 10 as a roomful of safari-garbed guests looked on.

Dick Thilken will continue as president of the nine-member board. New directors this year are Carol Kinney, owner/publisher of Julian Journal and Ramona Home Journal, and Mike Hart, owner/ publisher of Julian News.

Mike Menghini will serve as vice president, with Paul Tullius as treasurer and Betty Birdsell as secretary. Other directors are David Cole, Wayne Moretti and Julie Degenfelder.

"2005 was a pretty interesting year," Thilken said. "There was lots of construction going on. We have made progress in rebuilding the houses that were destroyed (in the Cedar fire in 2003)."

Jacob updated community members on recent improvements in response time for fire calls and ADA requirements for the business area in Julian, among other issues.

Watching the festivities are from left: Mary Ellen Thilken; Dick Thilken, chamber president; County Supervisor Dianne Jacob; and Paul Jacob. Photos by Amber WArd

Special recognition was given to Arlene Howe and Gregg Sallee for their inspiration and fortitude, despite physical limitations. Howe was left a quadriplegic following an automobile accident in December 2004. Sallee continues to recover from a stroke suffered in June 2003. Howe's husband, Ron Howe, and Sallee's wife, Bobbi Zane, also were recognized for their caregivership for their spouses.

The installation ceremony, chaired by Birdsell and Barbee Skinner, had a "Safari" theme, with many guests dressing for the African flavor of the evening, as well as the theme being carried out in decorations throughout the lower level of Julian Town Hall. More than 100 people attended the dinner catered by Howling Pigs Catering Company.

Enjoying time together are, from left, Marge Rubenson; Eireann Huthcinson, Miss Julian 2005; Juli Zerbe; and Joe Hutchinson.

Patricia McConnell and Tracy Turner check out the table decorations. Photos by Carol Kinney Bobbi Zane and Gregg Sallee received an inspirational award from Julian Chamber of Commerce. Bribery with bananas from Betty Birdsell did not keep this hairy ape from carrying Barbee Skinner away. Arlene and Ron Howe were honored by the Julian Chamber of Commerce for the inspiration they have been to others. Photo by Darrel Kinney Howling Pigs Catering Company prepared the dinner for the Chamber installation. The company consists of Roger and Lynn Travis and their daughters Bridget and Alexis. Photo by Carol Kinney