The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints honors community leaders

VISTA – “Giving Thanks” was this year’s theme of the bi-annual Fall Festival of Art and Music, presented by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on Nov. 5 at the Vista Stake Center in Vista. Three people were honored at the evening’s events for their many hours of service to their communities, Manny Ortega and Jackie Heyneman from Fallbrook, and Karen Adams from Vista. President Paul M. Hatch and John Howells presented the honorees with a gift and a certificate to recognize their contributions to North County, and to thank them for their unselfish years of service.

Manny Ortega is the administrator of the San Diego Sheriff’s Senior Volunteer program in Fallbrook; he also serves seniors and low-income families in the community by doing taxes for free, and serves as the current CEO of the Fallbrook Senior Center.

Karen Adams is the Southern California representative for the “Dress a Girl” campaign of Hope 4 Kids, an organization that has provided over 55,000 dresses for poverty stricken girls in over 55 countries, including the United States. Adams has personally delivered over 500 dresses to girls in need around the world, and members of the Vista Stake supported this cause by donating material, dresses, and pillowcases.

Jackie Heyneman has been volunteering in Fallbrook since 1972, by organizing and facilitating the planting of over 6000 trees in the area. Her fundraising efforts have generated over $230,000 in grants to purchase, plant, and maintain trees and landscaping in the Fallbrook area, making a huge difference now and for many generations to come.

Local members joined with the San Diego Mormon Choir in a musical program, narrated by Greg Greenwood, directed by Justin Gray and Jackie Abernathy, and accompanied by Elan McMahan. A combined youth and children’s choir also entertained the large audience, directed by Rowena Greenwood. Soloists included Craig Heesch, Elizabeth Urie on the flute, Nathan Cox on the cello, and Hayden Norris on the bagpipes. Many talented artists displayed their works at an art show after the performance, and children’s talents were also displayed, with many artistic and written expressions of thankfulness. The women and children’s auxiliaries of the church showcased many culinary talents by providing a beautiful visual display of salads, desserts and hors d’oeuvres in the reception area, all for consumption by the guests.