Chamber chooses four for 2004 service awards Chamber chooses four for 2004 service awards (November 26, 2004)

Luncheon to mark 42nd year of program
by Jeb Bing

The Pleasanton Chamber of Commerce has named two businesses, a senior service nonprofit and local Realtor Chris Miller as recipients of Community Service awards for 2004, the 42nd year the local business organization has held the program.

The awards will be presented Dec. 7 at a luncheon at Ruby Hill Golf Club.

This year the Business Service award is being given to the Stoneridge Drive law firm of McNichols, Randick, O'Dea, & Tooliatos. The Business Development award will go to Vic's All-Star Kitchen, a restaurant on Main Street. Named the recipient of the Nonprofit or Public Service Organization award is the Senior Support Program of the Tri-Valley, and the Individual Community Service award is being given to Miller.

Chamber President David Bouchard said the McNichols, Randick law firm is being recognized for philanthropic service "that is beyond the scope of normal business activity."

"The firm and its attorneys and staff donated more than 60 wheelchairs to the Wheelchair Foundation, which in turn were donated to underprivileged disabled people in Mexico," Bouchard said. "Along with buying more than 300 boxes of Girl Scout cookies, the firm collects and donates hundreds of dollars worth of food each year to the Tri-Valley Food Bank. It chaired the Special Olympics Walk for the Gold fundraiser for three years and raised several thousands of dollars on its own."

The firm, which has been located here for 35 years, is the largest independent law firm in the Tri-Valley, with 20 attorneys. Many of them hold leadership positions in local Rotary clubs, Axis Community Health Center, Junior Achievement and the Tri-Valley Growers Association, to name a few.

Bouchard said the Business Development award is being given to Vic Malatesta and his Vic's All-Star Kitchen in recognition of his ongoing support of youth sports programs and donations to school fundraisers.

"Vic Malatesta, himself, donates countless hours to worthy causes," Bouchard said. "The restaurant has provided employment to many of Pleasanton's youngsters, often providing them their first job and an opportunity to better themselves through work experience. Malatesta and his restaurant have made a positive impact on Pleasanton over many years and in many ways."

Citing the Senior Support Program of the Tri-Valley for its 23 years of service to the elderly, Bouchard noted that the organization serves over 600 each year through various programs, such as its Friendly Visitor program, case management services, in-home counseling, alcohol and recovery program, and care-worker registries.

"The Friendly Visitors program, alone, provides over 3,000 visits a year to seniors by more than 100 volunteers," Bouchard said. "These volunteers help with errands, drive seniors to appointments, and most importantly provide friendship for lonely elders who have given up much of their independence, yet wish to remain in their homes."

In giving the Individual Community Service award to Realtor Chris Miller, Bouchard said the retired Army lieutenant colonel "has led the charge to provide local support of our troops in Iraq and Afghanistan."

"Chris worked with the city of Pleasanton to create a program, similar to an effort he led in the 1990s during Operation Desert Storm, to place yellow banners on downtown street lights honoring men and women on active duty in our country's fight against terrorism," Bouchard said. "He has also assisted other groups in their efforts to support families of soldiers, and was instrumental in organizing people to gather every evening for a time this past year to stand at a busy local intersection in Pleasanton waving flags and showing support for our troops."

The Dec. 7 luncheon is open to the public. For information, contact the Chamber at 846-5858.

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