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"Dr. B" earns rare lifetime achievement award
Dr. John Bideganeta was honored with only the third Lifetime Achievement Award ever given by the Chamber of Commerce, during its annual installation banquet Saturday at the Elk's Lodge, and Alan Bermensolo and Alain Isaac where honored as the 2003 Man and Woman of the year.
The overflow crowd of more than 270 people sat at gaily decorated tables that turned the lodge meeting area into a riot of color as area businesses competed for the honor of having the best table decorations.
Fourth District Judge Mike Wetherell gave the oath of office to the new Chamber leaders, Barb Fogleman, president, Shane Zenner, vice president, and the chamber board members, Denise Barresi, Albert Clement, Tami Downen, Mary Miracle and Paula Riggs.
Jerry Rost will serve as chairman of the Military Affairs Committee, Downen will head the Retail Merchant's Committee, Randy Valley continues as chair of the Air Force Appreciation Day Committee, Barbara Cresse will chair the Travel and Tourism Committee, Ron Swearingen heads up the Chamber's economic development effort, Mi Seyedbagheri and Karla Post will lead the Agribusiness Commitee, Donna Herron and Sue Gross will head the DIG-IT city beautification and improvement projects and Alan Bermensolo will continue to chair the Silver Wings organization that helps put on airshows at the base.
The award for "Most Fun" table went to Cristobal Construction, Moxie Java won the award for best representation of a business at their table, "Most Beautiful" table went to First American Title Co., and the winner for the best overall table went to Guarantee Title.
Perhaps the most moving moment of the evening came with the presentation of the rare honor of the Lifetime Achievement Award to Dr. John Bideganeta.
Chris Alizoa, who made the presentation, had called up both "Dr. B", as he's affectionately known in the community, and John Cristobal. She listed a number of qualities both men shared, and told several funny stories about the two on their hunting trips, then told Cristobal he hadn't won and announced Dr. B as the winner of the award.
Dr. Bideganeta had entered the Navy, then attended the University of Idaho and the Northwest Dental School before settling in Mountain Home to open his practice in 1957.
Over the years he has served the community in a number of ways, including holding just about every leadership position in the town. He is a past president (twice) of the Chamber of Commerce, has been president of the Rotary Club, the hospital association and chairman of the hospital board, has served on the school board, and his work on behalf of the airbase earned him the rare honor several years ago of being made an honorary chief master sergeant. He is one of the most respected members of the community and his support is often considered crucial in projects being accomplished successfully.
For many years, at his side, was his wife, Margaret, who in recent years has been sidelined with Alzheimer's disease. Dr. Bidegenata, who tearfully accepted the honor, said he accepted it on behalf of his wife, as well, noting all the support she had given him over the years.
"I am so happy, tonight," he said, noting the presence of most members of his large family. "This award means the world to me.
"I have so many friends here," he added. "This is the most important award in my life."
It was a good night for Basques at the banquet.
Alan Bermensolo was honored as the Man of the Year for 2003 by the Chamber. The award was presented by last year's winner, Tom Rist (also known in the program as Sir Tom Rist), who served as emcee for the banquet.
"Throughout his adult life," Rist said of Bermensolo, "he has been involved in giving back to the community."
A volunteer fireman for 25 years, Bermensolo is a past president of the Military Affairs Committee, and is a member of the Gunfighter Hall of Fame.
He also formed and has headed the Silver Wings committee that has helped put on the last two airshows on base, which Rist called "perhaps the finest achievement" of his civic involvement, which has included thousands of hours of volunteer time to community projects and tens of thousands of dollars in donations to various projects.
Bermensolo, owner of B Transfer and Storage, said he was "humbled and proud" to receive the honor, giving credit to his parents for his success. "My dad taught me the value of hard work and the value of a dollar," he said, "and my mom, the lady, she taught me to say please and thank you. I had great parents who taught be he value of life."
Sheryle Landon, last year's Woman of the Year, presented the honor for this year's award to Alain Isaac, owner of Lane's Appliance and TV and a member of the city council.
Landon described her as "a Mountain Home native who is no stranger to public service," and a tireless advocate of the retail community. She also has been a strong supporter of animal rights and the city animal shelter. She has served as a member of the Chamber, Rotary, Jaycees, as chairman of the Military Affairs Committee, a board member for Silver Wings, and has helped head up the Cheer Basket project.
Isaac, who thanked her parents for all that they have given her to help her achieve success, admitted she was at a loss for words upon receiving the award.
Col. Ted Thompson, vice wing commander who was filling in for a sick Col. Blair Hansen, thanked the Chamber for its support of the Gunfighter team during the last year, which he described as "very challenging" for the men and women on the base.
Outgoing Chamber president Sue Hickerson said 2003 was "a great year for the Chamber," and noted that the real secret to the Chamber's success had been the enthusiasm of the Chamber members.
New president Barb Fogelman stressed the need to continue moving forward, supporting existing businesses and reaching out to new businesses. She advocated continuing support for economic development, providing more activities to draw visitors to the community, and continued support of the airbase.