Politics & Government

State of the City Gala Brought Out the Crowds Saturday

From the City of Aliso Viejo:

The Aliso Viejo Chamber of Commerce's 2nd annual Gala and State of the City attracted City, civic and business leaders and others who gathered outside the Soka Performing Arts Center for Mayor Cave's address and a special concert that followed.

Mayor Cave recognized the City's Youth - Katie and Sarah Sweet; Senior - Lonnie Grabham; and Citizen of the Year - Patti Mooney.  Microsemi Corporation was honored by the chamber as Business Leader of the Year.

Citizen of the Year - Patti Mooney
Volunteerism runs through Patti Mooney's veins.  This fact is evident by her endless hours of volunteering for numerous events and causes. Patti is a longtime City volunteer who has devoted her time to the City's Snow Fest, Holiday Concert, Pet and Vet Clinic, Aliso Viejo Community Association Winter Holiday event, Lip Dub, Aliso Creek Clean Up and Founders Day Fair. If that weren't enough, Patti finds free time to volunteer with Cub Scout Pack 700 and was the Troop Leader for Girl Scout Troop 408 for 13 years. Over the past four years, she has volunteered as a course marshal for the Aliso Niguel High School Boys Cross Country team and delves into volunteer outreach opportunities with Working Wardrobes, United Way, the Boys & Girls Club and other efforts. Volunteerism is a certainly a family affair, and Patti is often seen giving back in the community with her husband, Joe, a local chiropractor in town, and three children -- Samantha, Jacob and Travis. Samantha was recognized as the City of Aliso Viejo's Youth of the Year in 2011. 

Youths of the Year - Sarah and Katie Sweet
Sisters Sarah and Katie Sweet simply epitomize their last name.  The girls, 10 and 8, are working to make a difference in the lives of others and giving back to this community. After their grandmother was diagnosed with skin cancer and received a special gift bag that lifted her spirits while under medical care, the girls jumped at the opportunity to develop a similar project to benefit others. They started out by painting stones with a few simple words of encouragement like "believe"; "love"; "faith"; and "hope" for cancer patients. They expanded their creativity by developing ocean themes and turtles and animal prints and other colorful scenes on the small stones.  The girls, who attend Oak Grove Elementary School, gave the stones to friends or neighbors or someone going through a tough time. Most recently, Sarah and Katie made and delivered 108 stones for cancer patients at Hoag Hospital.  Their project is meant to bring a little bit of happiness and encouragement to others.

Senior of the Year - Lonnie Grabham
With an extensive background in education and social services, Lonnie Grabham has learned to see things from many perspectives. Her professional experience has helped to shape who she is and the work she does as a dedicated volunteer today.  Lonnie has led a life of volunteerism and touching the lives of others. Before moving to Aliso Viejo, she volunteered in the public schools in Portland, Oregon and for the Community Alliance of Tenants. In Arizona, she volunteered for the Fresh Start Women's Foundation before landing a job there. These days in Aliso Viejo, Lonnie spends her time volunteering at City Hall as a receptionist. She's also been key in helping the City host a free mammogram screening and three tax filing workshops at the Aliso Viejo Family Resource Center. Along with volunteering, Lonnie is passionate about family and embraces "the privilege of being a grandparent."


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here