The 2022 Holiday Party
Was a Welcome Return to High-Flying
Holiday Merriment
Our 64th Annual Holiday Gathering took off in a venue dedicated to the world of flight, and from all accounts, it was a roaring success.
A record number of guests turned out for the event, held this year at the Lyon Air Museum, on the back side of John Wayne Airport. The Lyon provided an impressive setting for the party. With its extensive array of authentic aircraft, rare vehicles, and related memorabilia, the museum highlights the important role our nation has played in shaping the modern world through captivating, thought provoking exhibits.
Two cash bars open throughout the evening ensured everyone had refreshments all through the night. And new to party this year was a special whisky tasting bar. Those who partook enjoyed a taste of three different blends all distilled in California, including one from Santa Ana. All agreed, it was a unique experience, one they thoroughly enjoyed.
However, as with previous parties, socializing proved the evening’s most popular activity. The pandemic interrupted so many occasions the past few years, and attendees were eager to get reacquainted, as was evident in the many happy, animated discussions seen around the room all evening.
Pictures of the Evening's Festivities
can be Viewed Here . . .
The evening’s “business” was a time of merriment for all. Outgoing OCWA President Sandy Scott-Roberts passed the gavel to Incoming President Dave Jones. Dave reciprocated by presenting Sandy with a commemorative award for her service, a beautiful crystal water drop on a base of black marble. Inscribed on the plaque, Sandy was commended for her “exemplary leadership” throughout her tenure.
Dave then introduced OCWA’s 2023 Board officers: Vice President Candice Espinoza, Treasurer Bobby Young, and Secretary Derek Kurtti, along with returning Board Directors Taryn Kjolsing and Tanner Bennett, and the Board’s newest member, Todd Dmytryshyn.
And then it was time for the evening’s opportunity drawing.
We were blessed this year to have a record number of Sponsors. With their support, a great many opportunity prizes were awarded to our many winners. Among the numerous prizes were two Samsung televisions: a 43" and a 58", both Crystal UHD; three different Ninja kitchen appliances: a Digital Air Fry Oven, an Air Fryer Max, and a Cresmi Ice Cream Maker, along with a Cuisinart Food Processor. In addition, there was a Celeston Telescope, a set of electronic toothbrushes, an Aura Digital Photo Frame, a Sharper Image Power Percussion Massager, a Bose Bluetooth Speaker, a set of Apple AirPod Earphones, and a GoPro Camera. There were also numerous gift certificates and a nice selection of prime beverages to enhance some lucky winners’ holiday cheer. To top the evening, Civiltec Engineering provided tickets for both a Lakers vs Warriors basketball game, and an L.A. Kings vs Anaheim Ducks hockey match. Some very generous, well-received prizes.
For a complete listing of this year’s sponsors,
please visit the Holiday Party Sponsors section of our website.
Gifts for our guests weren’t the only presents distributed. Through the generosity of our attendees, a record number of toys were collected for the Orange County Fire Authority’s “Spark of Love Toy Drive” for underserved children and teens throughout the county. The Orange County Water Association is very grateful to all our guests for their generous support in this worthy endeavor.
The OCWA Board of Directors would like to extend our sincere appreciation to all those who helped organize and plan this year’s Holiday Party. In addition to our many Sponsors this year, without whom our event would not be possible, we are indebted to both Jill Zander, from Michael Baker International, and Michelie Little, from MKN Associates, whose efforts both before, and during, the event ensured the evening’s success.
Should any readers have ideas for next year’s Party, or wish to volunteer their services, we encourage you to contact any of the Board members. New ideas and suggestions are always welcome.
We were happy to see so many new faces at this year’s event. After enjoying an evening of merriment with us, we hope you’ll join OCWA, to take advantage of the many networking and educational opportunities our Association offers.
With wishes for all for a happy and prosperous New Year, we hope to see you again at next year’s Holiday Party, where we promise an event that will soar again to wonderful new heights of holiday cheer!