Saratoga Citizen, Business People of the Year to Be Recognized

The Saratoga Chamber of Commerce is hosting a special dinner to honor its 2012 Citizen of the Year, Dr. Ann Waltonsmith and Business People of the Year, Bill and Doris Cooper, co-owners of the Cooper-Garrod Estate Vineyards.

Held at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 14 at the Saratoga Foothill Club, 20399 Park Place in Saratoga, the dinner recognizes Waltonsmith and the Coopers for their extraordinary community involvement, said Debra Cummins, president of the Saratoga Chamber of Commerce.

“Their work symbolizes the volunteerism for which Saratoga is known,” said Cummins.

Dr. Waltonsmith is a longtime volunteer for Saratoga establishments such as the Saratoga Historical Foundation and the Saratoga Senior Center.

“It was an honor and something I didn’t expect,” said Dr. Waltonsmith, an outdoor enthusiast who also volunteers for the Saratoga Parks and Recreation Commission.

She hopes the dinner will also shed light on all of the volunteer work that takes place in the city, encouraging more Saratogans to lend a helping hand.

The award also came as a surprise to Bill and Doris Cooper, who recently became involved in the new Destination Saratoga movement to market the city as a go-to tourist and recreation destination.

“We’re happy to be one of the businesses involved in bringing attention and more visitors to Saratoga’s myriad attractions,” said Doris, a Girl Scout leader and library volunteer, among a slew of other community activities.

“We would encourage more people to get involved in Saratoga activities, in part, because you meet the nicest folks when you are working side-by-side.”

Bill Cooper is also director of the Saratoga Foothill Club Historic Landmark Foundation, which helps preserve the historic clubhouse and its grounds in downtown Saratoga. He is a board member of the West Valley Mission Colleges Foundation and district director of the Wine Institute.

According to Saratoga Mayor Chuck Page, the Coopers and Dr. Waltonsmith are “active community participants who deserve to be recognized.”

Tickets for the event are $50. Details: Marlene Duffin, 408-997-7528 or Sharmaine, 408-867-0753.