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Museum announces first Heritage Awards
Recipients lauded at 'Brothels' fundraiser

by Dolores Fox Ciardelli

Museum On Main recognized the first recipients of its new Heritage Awards on Saturday at its annual fundraiser, "Brothels, Bar Rooms and Bandits."

The awards were established earlier this year to recognize efforts to preserve the community's history. The Board of Directors felt that recognizing people for their often unsung work is a central part of the museum's mission.

For several months, the Museum solicited nominations, which were reviewed by history and preservation professionals along with members of the board.

The recipients of the awards were chosen as follows:

* Historic Preservation-Commercial: Bud Cornett, for significant and lasting contributions to the history of Pleasanton through the renovation and restoration of the Kolln Hardware Building as an extraordinary effort to maintain the historic character of the downtown.

* Historic Preservation-Residential: Teri and John Banholzer for the renovation and the restoration of their home on St. Mary Street as an outstanding effort in the use of original and replicated historic materials to reconstruct their building to maintain the character of the neighborhood.

* Historic Organization: Alameda County Fairgrounds as it approaches its 100th anniversary for its contributions to the quality of life and by maintaining community traditions.

* Historic Business: Christesen's, which has been a part of the downtown Pleasanton landscape since 1923 and has done much to keep the community connected to its historic roots as a farming and ranching community.

* History Educator of the Year: Nicole Dalesio, a third-grade teacher at Fairlands Elementary for her innovative work with her students in studying local history and for promoting her love of this community and its history worldwide through her amazing video productions.

* Phoebe Apperson Hearst Award: Bill Apperson for his significant and lasting contributions to the history of Pleasanton and sustaining the important contributions and legacy made by the Apperson and Hearst families in this community.

Museum On Main is located at 603 Main St. in Pleasanton. Call 462-2766 or visit www.museumonmain.org.