Thanks for help with Nishimoto tribute event

I want to publicly thank all of the people and organizations that worked on the “Nishimoto Tribute” that was held on June 23.

I want to express my gratitude to the following: Mayor Andy Medellin; Bill Dawson and staff for arranging the delicious food that was served; Bob Winslow representing the Madera County Historical Society ; the Madera County Historical Society for providing the delicious desserts; the editor and the staff of the Madera Tribune for promoting the event; David Hernandez and the Madera Unified School District for providing so much time and the audio/video equipment and stage;

Debi Bray and Toni Jordan of the Madera District Chamber of Commerce for handling ticket sales and the video production; Jim Taubert for his work on the logistics of the event; John Anderson from Senator Canella’s office; Julie O’Kane for being the mistress of ceremonies; Lorna Dumont and Teri De Frank for their expertise, skilled guidance and the food; Supervisor Robert Poythress and City Councilman Will Oliver for their support; Cindy and Steve Schafer and the staff at San Joaquin Wine Co. for being so generous and accommodating; Julie Herd, Tricia and Rocky Protzman and Mika Petrucci (From Assemblyman Bigelow’s office) for the ambiance, decorations and setting up and cleaning up after the event; The Madera Unified School District Orchestra for providing the musical entertainment.

I also want to thank the following presenters of proclamations and testimonials and speakers: Dr. Cecelia Massetti; Dr. Sally Frazier; Robert Frausto, superindentant of Kerman Unified School District; Raul Lozano, former principal of Washington Elementary School; and Isabel Guzman Principal of Nishimoto Elementary School.

I want to express my gratitude to the following Sponsors for their generosity: Madera Evening Lions Club; Richard and Lynn Kuckenbecker; Lee’s Concrete; La Tapatia Tortilleria Inc.; and Robert and Carol Poythress.

I also wish to thank all of those who attended the event. This was truly a “good” event for the Nishimoto Family the Madera Community and for the attendees.

Most importantly, I want to express my gratitude to the Nishimoto Family, both current and past generations, for the inumerable contributions they have made to the Madera community.

It was truly an honor for me to work with a committee that was made up of the most talented, capable and caring group of people, that the Madera Community has to offer.

Thank you all.

— Steve Copland, Seabury Copland & Anderson, Madera