2012 Holiday Luncheon Highlights

The Chula Vista Genealogical Society celebrated another successful year of serving the Chula Vista area genealogical community with the annual Holiday Luncheon on Tuesday, 11 December, at the Chula Vista South Branch Library.

After a moment of silence for the CVGS members who passed away in 2012, and for our armed forces everywhere, the assembled crowd of 30 hungry members and guests dug into the feast prepared and organized by the Hospitality Committee.  The society provided ham, turkey and beverages, and the attendees brought everything else as potluck.  There was plenty of great food and wonderful conversation at the tables as we enjoyed the meal.

President Gary Brock narrated "Steps in Time," a slide show presentation of CVGS historical highlights - mainly involving food and holiday parties, it seemed, from 1986 to 2003.  Many of the persons shown were identified on the slides, and most others were named by attendees at the luncheon during the show.

Gary next introduced the two new Honorary Life Members of the Chula Vista Genealogical Society - cited for their long membership and service to the society.  Dottie Johnson and Helen Thompson were introduced through short photo presentations, then introduced and honored.

Above:  Dottie Johnson and Gary Brock

Above:  Gary Brock and Helen Thompson

The outgoing Board officers present were honored with certificates, applause and gratitude - Bobbie Lane, Mary Lou Montez, and Virginia Taylor.

Above:  Virginia Taylor, Bobbie Lane, Gary Brock and Mary Lou Montez

The outgoing Committee Chairs present were also honored with certificates.

Above (left to right):  JoAnn Bonner, Dorothy Alvord, Kevin Brown, Gary Brock, Olive Lenane and Janice Nevills receive certificates of appreciation.

Gary then introduced and swore in the 2013/2014 Officers - Diane DeVincenzo (Treasurer), Karen Yarger (Secretary), Barbara Ibaibarriaga (Second VP), Ralph Munoz (First VP) and Virginia Taylor (President).  A notebook containing the Bylaws, Standing Rules, and Officer Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) were presented to each Officer.

Above:  The 2013/2014 Officers (left to right): Barbara Ibaibarriaga, Diane DeVincenzo, Karen Yarger, Ralph Munoz and Virginia Taylor.

There were a number of door prizes, including a Father Christmas, a Nutcracker, and a Christmas Angel.  The table decorations were won in the opportunity drawings.  Lastly, the bring one-get one gift exchange was held.

The attendees donated a large amount of canned food and children's toys for the Salvation Army.  All in all, this was an excellent, and filling, holiday luncheon.