May 2, 2008

D9 Stars Shine Bright at Council

At the April 8 City Council meeting, Councilmember Judy Chirco recognized several individuals to receive the District 9 Stars Award. The recipients were Ed Beckman, Barbara Stover, Mary Ann Ward and Ann and Jim LaFrom. Also receiving D9 Stars were the Beautiful Day – Better Homes Kooser Rehabilitation Team composed of Venture Christian Church members and the city of San Jose’s Code Enforcement and Housing departments.

At the April 8 City Council meeting, Councilmember Judy Chirco recognized several individuals to receive the District 9 Stars Award. From left to right: Ed Beckman, Barbara Stover, Mary Ann Ward, and Jim and Anna LaFrom.

“Over the years, through service on the Cambrian School Board, and now on the San Jose City Council, community members have shared stories about the talent and heroes in Cambrian Park and its surrounding area. These stars and their stories fueled my decision, and desire, to serve in public office,” commented Chirco. Each D9 Star was recognized with a commendation and a chocolate D9 Star.

The intent of the Stars Program is to learn more about the extraordinary students, teachers, employees, employers, athletes, musicians, activists, and parents who add courage, compassion, and comfort to our community. Below is a snapshot of the stars that shine so bright in our community.

Ed Beckman
Ed Beckman has not only given hundreds of hours of his time and energy, but years of dedicated service in several ways from using his insurance background as a counselor in the HICAP (Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program) for the past 22 years to fundraising for children’s services as a 40 year member of the Cambrian Park Kiwanis Club. He has fought for children’s health insurance and youth programs as a leader of PACT. His many volunteer efforts are extensive. Karen Fillmore, who remarked that “Ed has a big heart and we appreciate all he does to make our community a better place,” nominated Ed.

Barbara Stover
Barbara Stover has filled the past 17 years of her retirement by volunteering as a “surrogate parent for students with disabilities who are residing in group homes. She assists them in navigating through the education process and advocate for their Special Education rights. The children and youth have benefited enormously from her concern, knowledge and skill. She has played a vital role in transforming lives and allowing each student to have a chance to be a successful, contributing member of the community.

Greg Zieman, executive director of Second Start and Breenu Sra, of Santa Clara County Office of Education, nominated Barbara.

Mary Ann Ward
Mary Ann Ward is “an extremely positive role model for the special needs students.” This is how Susan Guerrero, principal at Alta Vista Elementary School described her. Mary Ann has been a member of the staff at Alta Vista for the past two years working as an aide. She went the extra mile by initiating a food drive at the school and gathered enough turkeys and food to feed 70 hungry families. Those qualities of caring and action make her a D9 star.

Jim and Anna LaFrom
Jim and Anna LaFrom are caring dog owners. Butcher Dog Park is one of the cleanest, friendliest and most beautiful dog park in the city thanks to the volunteer efforts of this couple. They are instrumental in coordinating 40 volunteers for monthly cleanup days. Anna is the official liaison to the Adopt a Park Program while Jim organized the planting of 15 trees with Our City Forest thus insuring shade for our dog park for years to come.

Don Zonic, San Jose Parks maintenance supervisor, nominated the LaFroms.

The Beautiful Day – Better Homes Rehabilitation Kooser Team: Venture Christian Church and Carlos Azcona, City of San Jose Housing Department.
The volunteers from Venture Christian Church worked in collaboration with City Code Enforcement and Housing to dramatically rehabilitate a home on Kooser Road for a couple who had fallen on hard times. This is the city's version of “Extreme Home Makeover.” These volunteers took a home on the verge of being condemned to become one of the most beautiful and safe homes in the neighborhood. The Beautiful Day Team from Venture Christian Church worked for several months and donated over $200,000 of building materials.

The church's site coordinator was Dennis Conte, a D9 resident for over 40 years.

Other members of the team are: Rick Ruiz, landscape team leader; Sean Kellar, construction leader; Kevin DeBella, assistant construction leader; Steve Andrew, irrigation team leader; Sandee DeBella, volunteer coordinator; Jennifer Cabrol, client relations; Cesar Olmos and Kim Schwartz special projects.

Carlos Azcona, from the Housing Department was also recognized for providing $30,000 in Housing Rehabilitation Funds and facilitating the needed City Building permits for this project.

Jamie Matthews, Code Enforcement Administrator for San Jose, nominated the Beautiful Day Rehabilitation Team.

Councilmember Chirco looks forward to honoring more D9 Stars throughout the year. This program recognizes people who live, work, play, and learn in District 9. They are nominated by their fellow community members by filling out a nomination form at the District 9 Web site: (www.sanjoseca.gov/district9/).