Jan 29, 2007

Los Altan of the Year's leadership honored

By Janet Duca Norton / Society Columnist

Jeanne MacVicar was selected as the 2006 Los Altan of the Year and presented with the award at a celebratory dinner at the Los Altos Golf and Country Club on Jan.11. More than 150 past recipients, family and friends turned out to honor the longtime volunteer for her leadership of the Los Altos Relay for Life, benefiting the American Cancer Society.

"I love connecting people," MacVicar said, and she does that exceptionally well. The 2006 relay attracted at least 2,000 participants, honored 325 cancer survivors and netted $585,000 for research, education, programs and services.

The American Cancer Society awarded the 2004 relay with the state's first-place rookie rating, and rated the 2006 relay first-place in online fundraising.

"Our Relay has achieved national recognition because of the dedication and hard work of many people," MacVicar said. "This says a lot about our community and what a community can do in the fight against cancer. I was completely surprised and feel incredibly honored to be named Los Altan of the Year."

Various moments of the celebratory dinner evoked smiles, laughter, and a few tears from MacVicar and her family, who have assisted her on her three year project. Her husband, Duncan, was her co-sponsor the first year; her daughter Bryn Pennington was the 2005 and 2006 co-sponsor of the luminaria project; and son-in-law Chris Pennington created the unique Web page and has been online auction chair all three years.

The evening's speakers shared amusing memories and glimpses of her achievements. Retired superintendent Rich Fischer of Mountain View-Los Altos Union High School District (and 2004 Los Altan of the Year recipient) called her "a force of nature."

She was relentless in her pursuit of the newly completed Los Altos High School track for the relay's venue. Eventually, the superintendent acquiesced, saying, "Go for it, light your candles and turn the music down at 10 p.m."

"Next year I participated" he added.

Volunteer Anne Hambly and Los Altos American Cancer Discovery Shop manager Ardy Bazarian proudly spoke of how the first Relay for Life meeting was held in their shop.

After professional storyteller Joel ben Izzy told a Chinese story about "what seems like a curse may be a blessing" - and vice versa, he called Jeanne a catalyst and an angel who gives hope for finding a cure for cancer.

Jane Bigelow, a former real estate colleague and relay committee member, described her good friend MacVicar as having "grace under pressure."

For 13 years, The Town Crier has given this award to individuals whose activities have contributed to the reputation of the community's high quality of life. Well-known chef and founder of Chef Chu's Chinese Restaurant, Larry Chu (the first recipient of the award in 1994), always attends and thinks this is one of the best annual events in town.

Former honorees included Marge Bruno, Dick Henning, Marge Gratiot, Bob and Marion Grimm, Dick Liewer, Dick Hasepflug and Gay Krause.

A community kick off rally is planned for March 7, and the Relay for Life event at the Los Altos High School track is set for June 23.