ABOUT OUR POT-LUCK HOLIDAY DINNER:

Living in Deerhorn Valley brings so much to us all.  It’s a place where one can be part of a real community.  This month’s Holiday Potluck was another opportunity for neighbors to share good times and good eats.  Our DV Fire Auxiliary sponsored the event, with Phyllis Dozier keeping us all on track.  It was a low-key and informal event… just like Deerhorn Valley.

Under Sandra Ignosci's skilled guidance, Ruth Brewer, Sharon Gladding, and Kim Hamilton, created the decorations that adorned the tables. (Did you notice that each one featured a deer? )  Ruth took charge of the basic menu (baked potatoes and green salad), and dozens of donated potluck dishes rounded out the meal.  Debbie Sandvig managed the kitchen and kept the firefighters out of the food until it was dinner time. Coffee, tea, hot cider, and chocolate were on tap, along with plenty of candy canes and goodies. 

Dawn Folkeson greeted folks and offered the chance to register for the DV Emergency List and/or Directory. Reflective signs were there to order, and there were DV license plates and t-shirts for sale.

Vendor and crafts tables included home-made wreaths, gift baskets of soaps and cosmetics, hand-made baby clothes, and even kelp/yucca ferilizer.   

Rob Deason (deerhornvalley.net webmaster), gifted a copy of his DVD, Deerhorn Valley Coming Back to each household there.  There were some tears as we remembered back to October 2007, but far more smiles as we looked at images of our beautiful valley and its people coming back.  (Rob says to give him a call if you’d like a copy: 468-3218. It is free to all DV residents.)

The firefighters had cleared the bay and erected a beautiful live Christmas tree which was donated by Debbie and Mike Sandvig. Adding to the decor was a large (REALLY large) paper maché fire truck piñata deonqted by Jesus and Jovita Perez. (The FF's joked that they finally got that ladder engine to park in the first bay!) Hand-inscribed tree ornaments from those attending included heartfelt thanks and wishes for a safe upcoming year for our volunteer firefighters/EMTs.

Anne Evosevich conducted the Community Service Zone annual board elections and approval of its revamped bylaws.  Jill Powell and Mike Sandvig agreed to continue their much-appreciated service on this important board and were (unanimously!) re-elected . [CSZ members serve two-year terms and work with San Diego Rural Fire Protection District on bdget issues facility aintenance and imporovement, and genera fire/emergency services.

Sarah and Allisa Evosevich took charge of the Auxiliary Table.  Proud grandmother, Anne, says that Allisa has been participating in DV fundraisers and events since she was just 5 years old, and has the pictures to prove it.

Firefighters in attendance were Lars Sandvig, Dan Lounsberry, Eric Sandvig, Chad Demartini, and Justin Barta. Chad comes down from Ranco Bernardo and Justin drives all the way from Orange County. All were recognized for their dedication and thanked for serving our community. Station Managers Lars Sandvig and Dan Lounsbury, along with Battalion Chief John Kremensky were each presented with an "American Heroes" afghan in appreciation for their special comitment to our station. Chief Kremensky took a moment to thank the community in return and reiterate the commitment of working to provide firefighter coverage at Station #37 365 days/year.

Everyone pitched in to clear the tables and chairs and the evening ended with local kids and Firefighter Lars Sandvig dueling it out with a huge star piñata (found and filled by Sandra Ignosci). The guys will be finding tootsie rolls and little wooden dreidels for days!

Thanks to everyone who attended, helped, planned and participated

Kim Hamilton and Jill Powell contributed to this writeup.