Mary Fegraus Honored with Legacy Award
Laguna Beach Seniors have announced that Mary Fegraus will receive their 2012 Legacy Award in recognition of her decades of advocacy for the environment and local philanthropy. Fegraus is a founding member of the Laguna Canyon Foundation and the Laguna Beach Community Foundation, as well as a trustee for the Laguna Beach High School Scholarship Foundation, a director for Laguna Greenbelt, and a past Laguna Beach Planning Commissioner.
“Mary prefers to talk about the many people who are still standing shoulder to shoulder to protect Laguna’s natural beauty and promote our sense of community,” said Laguna Beach Seniors board president Chris Quilter. “But the extent of her activism and vision is exceptional—and she’s done it all with a gentle touch.”
“Mary Fegraus is an incredible, energetic woman who continues to do so much for Laguna Beach,” added Darrcy Loveland, executive director/CEO of the Laguna Beach Community Foundation. “As Executive Director of the Laguna Canyon Foundation, Mary ensured beautiful open space will remain forever in the Canyon. Mary also had the foresight and vision, along with the other founders, to establish the Laguna Beach Community Foundation with the mission to encourage philanthropy in the greater Laguna Beach area.”
The Legacy Award honors individuals who have made a lifelong commitment and contribution to the quality of life in Laguna Beach. Previous recipients include past City Manager Ken Frank (2011), Al Roberts and Ken Jillson (2010), and Elizabeth Pearson (2009). The presentation will be made at the Sixth Annual Legacy Ball, which returns to The Resort at Pelican Hill on Friday, March 9.
American Legion Welcomes Honored Veteran
The American Legion was honored to receive WWII veteran Louise Buckley at their recently held January social. Named Patriot of the Year for this year’s Patriot’s Day Parade, Buckley volunteered to join the Women’s Army Air Corp as a young woman during WWII and served their until the end of the war. Among all of her other civic activities, Buckley is a Legionnaire and a member of both the Laguna Beach Post 222 and the Post’s Ladies Auxiliary.
Chamber Announces Spirit Award Winners
The Laguna Beach Chamber of Commerce installed their 2012 board of directors last week and announced the winners of the Spirit of Laguna award winners for 2011:
Business of the Year – Mission Hospital; Laguna Beach campus Volunteer of the Year – Hans Scharer; Citizen of the Year – June Neptune; Green Enterprise of the Year – Montage Resort; Building Industry of the Year – Tresor Development; Nonprofit of the Year – Boys and Girls Club of Laguna Beach; Restaurant of the Year – House of Big Fish & Cold Beer; Government Official of the Year – John Pietig; Retail Store of the Year – Hobie Surf Shop; Gallery of the Year – Saltfineart Gallery; Professional Service of the Year – Doctor’s Ambulance; and Board Members of the Year – Chris Keller and Larry Nokes.
Michael Kinsman, 2012 president of the board of directors presided over the ceremonies and recognized the outgoing board members John Campbell, Tom Simpson and Emanuel Patrascu for their commitment to the Chamber. Kinsman also recognized the new executive director Kristine Thalman and the distinguished board of directors. Mayor Jane Egly presided over the installation of officers.
High Marks for Laguna Wedding Officiant
Laguna Beach wedding officiant Michael J. Ahren has been selected to receive the WeddingWire Bride’s Choice 2012 award for Wedding Officiant. The annual awards program recognizes the top local wedding vendors from the WeddingWire Network who demonstrate excellence in quality, service, responsiveness and professionalism within the wedding industry. Rev. Ahren is recognized as part of the top five percent of wedding professionals in the WeddingWire local vendor community, comprised of over 200,000 wedding professionals throughout the United States and Canada.
