Gazette, The (Colorado Springs): Timely gift recognizes Tafoya's contributions

Roman Tafoya, president of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, was presented a watch with the Hispanic Chamber logo on it during a surprise ceremony Jan. 26 at the chamber's 13th annual gala at the Sheraton Hotel.

Chamber director Ken Romero presented the watch and award to Tafoya for his success in achieving the chamber's goals and mission.

A second surprise award, the Nuestro Amigo (Our Friend) Award, was presented to Pikes Peak Broadcasting for its support and sponsorship of the Hispanic Chamber.

More than 600 people attending the gala heard keynote speaker George Herrera, president of the U.S. Hispanic Chamber, outline the goals and objectives being accomplished on the national level.

The awards given to 11 Hispanic-owned businesses that had been nominated by chamber members included Troy Valdez, Tranex; Linda Schaefer, Art Floral; Jose Gonzales, Tres Margaritas; Robert Armendariz, Hispania News; Michael Berniger of Berniger, Berg, Diver, Noecker & Wood-Ellis, LLC; Gene Sanchez, Zehcnas; Michael Cornejo, Spice of Life; Ben Gallegos, American Express; Irenio Canales, Irenio Construction; Juan Hernandez, Management Systems Technology; and Anthony Garcia, Take 2 Motorcars limousine service.

Enjoying the songs sung by Michelle Lobato and the group Latin Sounds were Lionel Rivera, vice mayor; Lorne Kramer, acting city manager; Ken Barela, mayor of Fountain; Leticia Calzada, Mexican general consul; Will Temby, Colorado Springs Chamber of Commerce president/CEO; Luis Velez, acting police chief; Terry Maketa, undersheriff; Scott Flores, director of the USHCC; Norm Ridder, District 11 superintendent; Ron Wynn, D-11 chief of staff; Sandy Gutierrez, president of the Pueblo Latino Chamber; Sharon Vigil, president of the Denver Hispanic Chamber; Ray Ortiz, chairman of the Denver Hispanic Chamber board; Brenda Quinones, Colorado Springs Women's Chamber; Emi Tafoya; George Manchev; Joseph Garcia; Phil Tollefson; Floyd Abeyta; and Henry Reyes, former Pueblo mayor.

THREE OPENINGS: A record crowd of 1,000 people came to the Fine Arts Center on Jan. 24-25 for the opening of three exhibits.

Sixty-five of Colorado's finest contemporary artists are represented in "Colorado 2002: A Juried Exhibition of Contemporary Art." The show is the first major project of the center's new curator, Scott Snyder, who served as juror for the 78 works of art.

Also opening were "Frida Kahlo Unmasked: Photographs by Various Artists," and "The Enduring Word: An Uncommon History of Writing, Art and Coinage."

Mingling with the art-lovers was "Enduring Word" curator Jim Bixler.

He answered questions and spoke of the coins, illuminated manuscripts, Babylonian cylinder seals and pre-Columbian terra-cotta figures among the rare books he gathered for the exhibit on the history of writing.

Among those at the members' opening Jan. 24 were Rob and Lila Wrubel, Juliette Helson, Jean and Ralph Peters, Gerry Riggs, Sally and Kyle Hybl, Helene Knapp, David Watts, Marlene Hallenbeck, Carole Wolfswinkel, Matt Birnbaum, Cindy Taliaferro, Steve McClung, Sarah Kawano, Sean O'Meallie, Connie and Art Eggers, Dr. Tobias and Summer Kircher, Harriet Brundin and Wayne Mackin, Barbara Budd, Jamie Brown, Peggy Marshall, Sue Tyson, and artists Jean Gumpper, Charles Beck, Dawn Wilde, Laurel Swab, Carol Dass and Tom McElroy.

The FAC also unveiled its new graphic look featuring a logo with a red square, lobby redesign, new Web site, and a new compelling message to "Find Your Center."

As the center continues growing its programming, planning its building expansion and improving upon its business practices, the FAC also is gaining a whole new visibility, said Erin Hannan.

"The new graphic look - featuring the red square - represents the sleek, simple sophistication that embodies the history of the FAC, while at the same time expresses a bold statement about the FAC's presence for the future," she said.

CARNIVAL TIME FOR JUNIOR LEAGUE: Sweeping swaths of gold lam, purple and green satin decorated the Red Lion Inn for Carnival Colorado Springs on Jan. 26.

A jester handed out beads and masks as more than 100 guests entered a replica of New Orleans' famous Bourbon Street for the event, which raised more than $8,000 for the Junior League of Colorado Springs' Community Service Corps, Public Action and Court Care.

Mimes, jugglers and magicians entertained as guests feasted on a Cajun dinner buffet of fried frog's legs, oysters, shrimp gumbo, alligator steaks, blackened red fish, red beans and rice, and king cakes. Palm and tarot card readers were on hand as well as gaming tables for blackjack, roulette and craps.

KKTV's Kimberly Price introduced the king and queen of Carnival, Rick and Diane Price. Longtime supporters of Junior League and children's programs in the community, Rick is principal of Carmel Middle School (and a member of the JL's Community Advisory Board) and Diane is executive director of Child Nursery Centers.

The Fort Collins band Big Ed and the Shakers entered Bourbon Street for a rousing rendition of "When the Saints Go Marching In." Guests followed band members into the Garden District for dancing to swing, big band and Dixieland tunes.

Among the revelers were Mark and Ann Hazuka, Ann and Kent Bowman, Rick and Michelle Wilson, Kathy and Blake Wilson, Jim and Marty Keene, Michael and Erin Collins, Judy Lakin, Connie O'Murray, Jon and Cathy Wicklund, Kim and Mark Mehalko, Jan Fisher and Jan Weiland.

A WOMAN'S PLACE: Rabbi Anat Moskowitz, the first female rabbi at Temple Shalom, will discuss the changing role of women in Judaism's conservative tradition at a luncheon sponsored by the Women's Educational Society of Colorado College on Feb. 20 at Gaylord Hall.

Her talk, "A Woman's Place is on the Bimah," will be after the coffee and light lunch. Admission is $5 for both members and guests.

Reservations are due Saturday by sending a check payable to WES to Betty Enderson, 3215 Austin Drive, Colorado Springs 80909.

- Diane Wengler is The Gazette's society columnist.