Chamber gives out annual awards
When the Siesta Key Chamber of Commerce handed out its annual awards last week, outgoing Chairman Aimee Holmes began her introduction of the 2009 Volunteer of the Year with the comment, "Words can’t do this presentation justice ...."
As it turned out, the recipient himself was at a loss for words.
When Aimee announced the name "Vern Johnson," a huge wave of applause filled the meeting room at the Gulf & Bay Club.
I’d be willing to wager that just about every person who has had even intermittent contact with the chamber is well aware of Vern’s good cheer and very hard work. He’s a wonderful ambassador for the key.
Aimee, who works with the Hyatt Siesta Key Beach, pointed out that whenever anyone with the chamber asks for Vern’s help, "Yes" or "We can do this," are his answers.
Vern Johnson accepts his award from Aimee Holmes.
As Vern came up to the podium, he was a little overcome with emotion. "I certainly did not expect this. I’m really almost speechless, which never occurs," he told the approximately 60 people present.
He accepted the award in recognition of the work of all the chamber’s volunteers, he said, then added, "I will do almost anything for anybody at any time if I don’t get paid for it. ... This chamber has been extremely good to me and for me."
Next up, the chamber’s 2010 chair, Cheryl Gaddie of CG Designs, presented the Shining Star Award. It comes from the chamber, she said, but the nominations come from business owners. It’s designed to recognize not only exceptional work in the person’s job but their community work as well,
The winner was Alana Tomasso of Cunningham Property Management, who also was practically at a loss for words.
The winner of the Community Partner Award – in only the second year it’s been presented – was the Siesta Key Village Association for spearheading the village beautification process.
Mark Smith, SKVA president, came forward to accept the award. "I’m just happy to say that we didn’t kill the patient during the operation," he said of the ordeal that the village makeover became. He added jokingly, "The fact that I can still walk in the village is a real plus."
The Businessperson of the Year Award went to Jan Solomon of Key Sailing.
Jan was very excited as she addressed the audience, telling them that January marked the 50th anniversary of her family’s arrival in Sarasota and the 50th anniversary of her meeting her eventual husband, Tim – her co-captain on the Morgan sailboat the couple uses for its charter and sightseeing trips in area waters.
Jan Solomon
Sheila and Mike Lewis of Siesta Sports Rentals were named winners of the Small Business of the Year – and the speechless trend continued. Sheila managed an emotional "Thank you."
The Large Business of the Year honors went to Pietro and Susan Migliaccio of Café Gabbiano.
Cheryl pointed out that the chamber had received outstanding nominations for that award, making it all the more difficult to pick a winner. She added that she personally never had asked anything of the Migliaccios that they had not been willing to do since she had been involved with the chamber.
"Why don’t you just eat tonight at Gabbiano’s, everybody," Tom Kouvatsos, co-owner of Village Café, called out as Pietro and Susan accepted the award.
Speaking of Tom: Two years ago, he entertained the chamber’s annual meeting audience with a variation of Elton John’s "Your Song." This year, he used the melody of "Yesterday" to craft another ode to the chamber, earning plenty of laughter for his efforts. Among its lyrics, the song included a reference to Mark Smith’s entry into the Republican primary for Sarasota County Commission this year:
"Commissioner: That’s Mark Smith when we hit November," Kouvatsos sang. "Have you noticed he’s been sweet and tender? After elected, who will he remember?"
Jim Haberman, the chamber’s executive director, offered a few interesting statistics as he discussed the past year. The chamber’s visitor center had 16,438 walk-ins and 18,749 telephone inquiries last year. Its website, handled by Jim and Wendy Shurtleff of Suncoast Web Services, had 169,256 unique hits.
Jim also introduced his two new staff members: Tess Herschman, visitor services manager; and Kevin Cooper, membership services manager. Carmen Ramsey is serving as temporary administrator.
As Cheryl takes over as chair, Brad Stewart, co-owner of Captain Curt’s Crab & Oyster Bar, is the new chair-elect; Russell Matthes, co-owner of the Daiquiri Deck Raw Bar, is treasurer; and Rosenda Calloway of AAA Travel is the secretary.
The breakfast meeting this year was catered by the Broken Egg, Co-owner Bob Kirscher did the serving honors at the buffet table.
MORE HELP FOR HAITI
Clayton’s Siesta Grille has planned a fundraiser for the victims of the horrific earthquakes last month in Haiti.
A $25 Caribbean dinner will be held from 4-6 p.m. on Feb. 28. The event also will feature a raffle to raise funds for the American Red Cross and the AGAPE Foundation.
Live and silent auction items are needed. Anyone with donations may call Clayton at 586-5890 or 587-5525.
Clayton’s is located at 1256 Old Stickney Point Road on the key.
REMEMBERING CHARLIE
A ceremony will be held on Feb. 14, Valentine’s Day – a fitting day, to be sure – at the Siesta Village gazebo to dedicate a plaque in memory of Charlie Valentine, the late SKCC executive director. The program will include remembrances of Charlie and refreshments.
With her outgoing personality and her buoyant sense of humor, Charlie was loved by many, many people.
HAVE A HEART – ADOPT A PET
On Feb. 13, Siesta Key Hardware, the Humane Society of Sarasota County, Easter Seals and the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office’s Animal Services program will host a pet adoption event at Siesta Key Hardware and Garden from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The Humane Society will have its famous Smooch a Pooch Booth, and Easter Seals will be selling animal paintings made just for the event. Additionally, everyone who adopts a pet will receive a long-stemmed rose.
Animals needing good homes will be available from both the Humane Society and Animal Services.
Siesta Key Hardware is located at 215 Canal Road, right next to Siesta Village Market. For more information, call 349-0332.
Being the daughter of a veterinarian, I know better than many people that some of the most lovable pets in the world are those people adopt from a shelter. We gave homes to more than a few strays when I was growing up and we were richly rewarded with their affection.
VALENTINE STROLL
Finally, but certainly no less important: the Siesta Key Village Association will host its annual Valentine Stroll on Friday, Feb. 12, from 6-9 p.m. The slogan is "Everyone Gets a Kiss."
The SKVA promises a romantic atmosphere in the village, with live music, flowers available for purchase outside the Daiquiri Deck on Ocean Boulevard, and participating merchants’ shops adorned with red and pink balloons – not to mention the candy kisses that will be given away.
So parking worries won’t put a damper on the event, the Siesta Island Trolley will offer free service from the Siesta Public Beach parking lot to the village parking lot between 5:30 and 9:30 p.m., compliments of the trolley and Daiquiri Deck.
For more details, visit the website at siestakeyvillage.org or call or e-mail Helene Hyland (685-2274; helenehyland@comcast.net).