Emerald Grove event salutes land donors, major contributors

FALLBROOK — Emerald Grove members and land donors, plus a “Gem of a Volunteer,” were saluted by the Fallbrook Land Conservancy (FLC) at the Seventh Annual Recognition Dinner held at Grand Tradition on Wednesday, April 11.

This year’s “Gem” award was presented by FLC chairman Wallace Tucker to Jody Williams. Williams was cited for his work on six different volunteer groups in the community – the Conservancy’s Save Our Forest, Native Plant Team, Invasive Plant Team, and Trails Council, as well as serving as a docent at Live Oak Park and the Santa Margarita Ecological Reserve.

Jackie Heyneman, chairman of Save Our Forest, also presented a special award to Gene Heyden of Bobcat Specialties, for his many hours of service – removing asphalt and digging numerous holes for tree plantings throughout the community.

To qualify for Emerald Grove membership, individuals and businesses donate a minimum of $1,000 a year to FLC, or make a bequest of land. Through the end of last year, Emerald Grove co-chairman Dawne Goodwin McCullough recounted, the program had raised $594,540 for the Land Conservancy. She invited guests to help round that number out to $600,000 – and more than exceeded that goal with pledges received during the evening!

During 2006, 52 donors qualified for Emerald Grove membership and plaques were presented to the following newcomers: Malabar Ranch LLC, Peters Paving & Grading, Art & Cultural Center of Fallbrook, Bank of America, Fallbrook Wellness Spa, Jim & Karen Hall, Renee Ingold, National Charity League, Rainbow Sign Company, Mark Robilliard & Lisa Waggoner, Jack & Lila Sandschulte, Buzz & Joyce Schultz, Bill & Janet Schultz, and Gerald & Sheila Walson.

The Emerald Grove event was underwritten in part by the Grand Tradition.