Shirley Wild: Aquatic Capital of America banquet honors Long Beach’s finest athletes, coaches and volunteers
Jan 24, 2020 Long Beach Press Telegram
Long Beach has a storied aquatics history.
And Drew Satariano wanted to drive that point home when he served as the master of ceremonies at a recent awards ceremony for water-based athletes.
“In the recent Olympics, held in London, there were more aquatic competitors by Long Beach than any other city in the world,” Satariano said. “We have more aquatic everything — more activities, more participants — than all others.”
He said that at the Aquatic Capital of America awards banquet on Jan. 16 at the offices of Keesal, Young & Logan.
Athlete of the Year went to triathlete Jack Nunn, whose acceptance speech reiterated a point his father, Olympian John Nunn, used to make.
“The journey is the reward,” he said.
Coach of the Year went to Eric Berg, who has been the head coach of Wilson High School’s swim team since 2006, winning the Moore League boys’ swimming championship each of those years. Jason Davison and Sophia Rivera received the Outstanding Achievement award. These Millikan High School teenagers both competed in the World Water Ski Racing Championships in France as members of team USA.
Blair Carty received the Community Service award for her work with the Long Beach Sailing Foundation’s STEM program, which stimulates an interest in science, technology, engineering and math through sailing. Parks Wesson received the Dick Miller Waterman of the Year award and Fairfield YMCA garnered the Organization of the Year award. The Tom Shadden Citizen of the Year award went to Long Beach artists Bob Senske Jr. and Kirsten Anderson.
A Special (in memoriam) Honoree award was given to John Callos, who was on the board of the Aquatics Capital of America. Former Harbor Commissioner Alex Bellehumeur delivered a touching speech regarding Callos’s contributions to the aquatics community.
Seen at the scene: Olympians Kathy Heddy-Drum, Bruce Bradley, John Nunn, and John Van Blom, Dick and Melva Miller, Neale and Dane Hickerson, Scott and Kendra Dixon, David and Jo Murray, Vice President of AES Stephen O’Kane, Jack Cunningham – Chief of Staff for Suzie Price, Assistant Fire Chief Matt Gruneisen, Chief Operating Officer at YMCA of Greater Long Beach Brandi Collato.
Dramatic Allied Arts Guild
Kay Berg and Lesley Scheller, co-presidents of the Dramatic Allied Arts Guild, welcomed 64 members and guests to the DAAG Annual White Elephant auction. The popular luncheon, chaired by Carolyn Powers, was held on Jan. 15 at the Long Beach Yacht Club.
In keeping with the theme “Eat, Drink and Be Merry,” Kay offered several toasts.
In keeping with the theme “Eat, Drink and Be Merry,” Kay offered several toasts.
“May your troubles last only as long as your diet,” she said.
Nearly $4,000 was raised for scholarships supporting junior or senior students demonstrating artistic and technical expertise in their given field of study. The auction committee included Marissa Autrey, Penny Wilds and Myrna Wigod, and the new provisionals. The next fundraiser, a pop-up boutique, chaired by Jan Foster, will be held March 11.
Seen at the scene: Jo Murray; and the 2019 Provisionals, under the direction of membership chairwoman Gail Meredith: Beverly Butters, Lynn Gesner, Diane Gleason, Betty Hercus, Lorrie Hutton, Gloria Kucenas, Julie Tonks, Susan Townsend
Long Beach Retired Teachers Association
Many of the 71 members of the Long Beach Retired Teachers Association felt it was a déjà vu moment, stating, in essence, that it felt as if they returned to the classroom — as students.
Instead, they were at the Grace Presbyterian Church on Jan. 17 to hear an address from James Mahoney, the president of the California Retired Teachers Association.
Long Beach President Julie Mendell’s inspirational message encouraged realistic resolutions for 2020.
Becky Carroll, Area 10 director, gave brief reports. Membership co-chairs Janice Wilcox and Toni Tawzer noted that a new brochure has been developed. They provided postcards to be given to prospective new members. The winners of the monthly drawing, for those who provide volunteer hours, were: Linda Alexander, Gretta Mahan, Julie Mendell, Pam Sich and Amy Tsubokawa. Sandy Shelly presented each with a beautiful orchid plant.
Program Chair Frank Dayak introduced Mahoney, who came from Sacramento. The California Association has the largest membership in the United States. Mahoney opened his address, stating that the education in the state is in very good hands.
“Each day, newly trained teachers are hired to meet the challenge of technology,” he said.
Mahoney added that over the last five years, $600,000 has been given in scholarships for education. He suggested enlarging the scholarship programs for teacher prospects. His closing remarks stated how proud he is to be in the teaching profession and he is looking forward to continuing to recruit the best candidates for teaching.
Seen at the scene: Cynthia’s Clark who creates the beautiful centerpieces, Mary Ann Erdman, Doug Skare, Sare Forrester, Carol Zuck, Camille Lang, Beth Morse, Victor Backstrom, Masumi Hogan, Emilo Furuta, Helen Hagen, Tony Diaz, Dwayne and Karen Larson, Bob and Carmen Hedges, Jean Bakke, Susan Chadbourne, Jim and Joy Mullen, Marnos Lelesi, Nancy Martinusen, Sonia Woitovich, Cris Witkowski, and Jean Dayak.
News of social events with charitable purposes may be sent to Shirley Wild at spwild@verizon.net or by fax to 562-594-9668. Please include a contact phone number. Send high-resolution jpeg photos, by attachment, to spwild@verizon.net and include group name and identification of individuals from left. Call Shirley at 562-594-9468 for more information.