Appreciating emergency workers

Valentine’s Day in Fallbrook is not just a day for sweethearts. For the last eight years, recognition and thanks have been given to local emergency workers and healthcare personnel at an appreciation luncheon held at the Hilltop Center, sponsored by Pastor Guy Williams of Fallbrook Church of Religious Science. Thanked for their outstanding assistance to the community on February 14 were workers affiliated with North County Fire Protection District, the Sheriff’s Department, California Highway Patrol, California Department of Forestry, Fallbrook Family Health Clinic, Fallbrook Hospital and Hospice and volunteers with the Trauma Intervention Program (TIP).

“Doing this every year means a lot; it’s very nice to be appreciated,” said Genna Kingswood.

Jane Carpenter, along with her 15 helpers, has planned and organized the lunch for the past two years. “We really look forward to this event; we have over 200 emergency workers who we show our thanks and appreciation to,” Carpenter said. “If someone can’t make it [to the luncheon] we will box up a lunch and deliver it to them. We want everyone to be recognized.”

Carpenter and her volunteers decorated the tables with Valentine’s Day themed balloons and flowers and prepared, cooked and served the lunch. Local merchants donated food and party supplies. This year’s donations were rice, beans and vegetables from El Toro Market, balloons and decorations from Major Market and a half sheet cake from Albertson’s. Aramark Linen supplied tablecloths while Ace Party Production Rentals donated the use of warming trays. The Hilltop All-Stars provided the music. Volunteers from the church baked delicious homemade deserts and prepared freshly squeezed lemonade.

Those in attendance mentioned many times how much they looked forward to the luncheon and how great the food was.

“It’s a wonderful privilege to be asked to attend,” said Capt. Dick Wright.

“ great to get together with all the volunteers around town,” added Dr. Roy Hiscock.

A special song was sung by Sylvia Morgan of the Fallbrook Church of Religious Science, Pastor Williams gave a short appreciation speech and Fallbrook Honorary Mayor Rhonda Reinke gave a heartwarming personal tribute to the workers.