My parents and I came to Seal Beach in 1953. This year I have the great privilege and honor of receiving the Woman of the Year award from the Seal Beach Historical Society. I am thrilled to be following in my mother’s footsteps. She helped save the Red Car and establish the Museum and Historical Society and now it’s my turn to give back to this wonderful town I was raised in.
I designed and purchased the banners that hang on the outside of the Red Car when it opened. This has improved the foot traffic and donations have risen as a direct result. I’m so glad this will help keep the Red Car open on the second and fourth Saturdays of the month for the public to enjoy and learn about our beautiful town.
I’ve done many things with my character “Aunt Gertie” that benefit the community and the less fortunate, like entertaining the seniors at Sunrise Senior Living and the veterans at the hospital during this past holiday season. “Aunt Gertie” has even become a roving ambassador for Seal Beach. I also help my friend Katie Parkes with her crochet business.
My neighbor, Marc Loopesko, will be receiving the Man of the Year award. He has done a lot of wonderful things for the community, especially the Run Seal Beach event for many years.
Please come and cheer for Marc and me as we each receive a sash on Saturday, Aug. 26, from 1 to 5 p.m., at the Red Car on the Greenbelt next to the little blue house and the Mary Wilson Library. We will also be celebrating the 46th Anniversary of the Red Car and Seal Beach Historical Society’s founding.
