Assistants given heartfelt thank-you
By David Smith Special to the Acorn

When Terri Cruz headed off to lunch last Wednesday, little did she know that before the lunch hour was over she was going to be the recipient of some very special prizes, all courtesy of the Camarillo Rotary Club.

Cruz, who works with Camarillo Police Department's Cmdr. Stephen DeCesari, was one of nearly 50 guests of Rotary for the club's annual Administrative Assistants Appreciation Day. In all, 112 Rotarians and their guests enjoyed the lunch catered by Marie Callender's restaurant in Camarillo at the club's regular meeting location, the Boys & Girls Club of Camarillo.

For several years the Camarillo Rotary Club has chosen Administrative Assistants Appreciation Day, as club President Stephen Ware noted, "As a time to say thanks to those make the job much easier for their bosses. Without them our jobs would be much more difficult."

This year's special recognition day was organized by club members Jane Rozanski and Randy Churchill, with assistance from club members Gary Cushing, Lyda Noble, Jeff Walker, Charlie Stiegler and Mitchell Crespi.

Each luncheon guest received a special bamboo planter from Noble, who is a professional florist, but the grand prize for the day was awarded through a drawing to Terri Cruz, who left the luncheon the recipient of the following:

•The use of a shiny Mercedes for one day from Auto Stiegler of Camarillo

•Breakfast for two at Marie Callender's of Camarillo

•Two tickets for a movie at the Roxy Theaters

•Dinner for two at JJ Brewsky's restaurant

•An overnight stay at the Courtyard by Marriott Hotel in Camarillo

Maria Sanchez, talk radio show hostess for KVTA 1520 AM, was the featured speaker at the luncheon.

"Everyone had a great time," said Ware. "The club was pleased to be able to show our guests a great time."

Smith, president and CEO of the United Way of Ventura County, is also a member of the Camarillo Rotary Club.