TAAR holds awards and installation event
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Laura Lynne Wyatt at RE/MAX Tehachapi was honored as Realtor of the Year by the Tehachapi Area Association of Realtors.
Chris Walters of United Country Tehachapi Real Estate was honored as the outgoing president of Tehachapi Area Association of Realtors.
Laura Villacana of Mortgage was honored as the Affiliate of the Year by the Tehachapi Area Association of Realtors.
Diana Williams, new president of the Tehachapi Area Association of Realtors, is pictured here during the association's recent installation gala, with Assemblywoman Shannon Grove.
This year marks 25 years of membership with the California Association of Realtors for our local Tehachapi Area Association of Realtors. In keeping with the guidelines for membership of the National Association, Tehachapi's local association members held their annual installation dinner for the incoming officers and directors on Jan. 6.
It was a beautiful evening held at the local association meeting room which was transformed into a magnificent winter wonderland by Laura Lynne Wyatt of RE/MAX Tehachapi and her social committee including Tammy Wallace of Country Real Estate, Carol Lawhon, association executive, Carol's nephew and Jason McClain.
The appetizer course for the evening began in the lobby where complimentary champagne was enjoyed by all, donated by Solvieg Thompson of Bear Valley Springs Realty. From there the dining room was unveiled to show tables swathed in black cloaks, each adorned with a winter wonderland centerpiece. A vase of clear glass containing lighted branches, white feathers and winter sprigs carried the theme throughout the room.
The colors of the evening were red, black and white and in that theme the pillars, wrapped in red lights cloaked in sheer fabric gave off a soft magical glow.
Guests enjoyed a delicious meal catered by Tehachapi Culinary Studio where Teri Gardner, Barbie Herziger and Linda Petit used their culinary skills, tickling the tastebuds and leaving everyone satisfied and happy for the evening ahead.
Distinguished guests of the evening included Tehachapi's own mayor, Ed Grimes and his wife Ruthie, former mayor Linda Vernon and her fiancé Bruce Jay, Michelle Vance from Supervisor Zack Scrivner's Office -- who presented Certificates of Recognition to the outgoing officers -- and Shannon Grove California 32nd District Assemblywoman accompanied by her Field Rep, Javier Reyes. Master of Ceremonies was Marty Pay.
Other honored guests at the dinner were incoming President Diana Williams' mother, Barbara Besenthal, aunt, Jeanette Forster and sister, Cathy Varner-Seagrave.
An entertaining and humorous video depicting incoming Williams as being "everywhere" was enjoyed before the ceremonies of the evening began. The video -- created and produced by Sally Lawrence of Town & Country Real Estate, assisted by Laura Lynne Wyatt of RE/MAX Tehachapi -- literally showed Diana as the four faces of Mount Rushmore as well as the person of the hour in many infamous events over the years. It was a cute play on Diana's almost 24 years of experience in Tehachapi real estate where she seems to be "everywhere."
Following dinner, awards were presented by outgoing President Chris Walters of United Country Tehachapi Real Estate. The President's Choice Award was bestowed upon none other than Carol Lawhon, association executive. The Affiliate of the Year award was given to Laura Villacana of iMortgage, also the Affiliate Committee Chair for 2011 and 2012 and the coveted Realtor of the Year Award was received by Laura Lynne Wyatt of RE/MAX Tehachapi.
Wyatt not only chaired the membership and social committee for the year 2011 but has served the association throughout her years as a Realtor. She is also a director for Golden Hills Community Services District where she has been appointed Vice President for the year 2012. As if that wasn't enough, Wyatt has agreed to chair the association's Local Government Relations Committee for the year 2012.
The installation of officers and directors was officiated by none other than Assemblywoman Shannon Grove.
Outgoing directors and officers for 2011 were acknowledged and given certificates of recognition, followed by the swearing in of the 2012 officers and directors.
The 2012 officers and directors are a group of leaders who share a vision for the association with this year's theme, "Building Leaders With Heart." Officers and directors include incoming president, Diana Williams of RE/MAX Tehachapi, president elect, Linda Costelloe Clough of Town & Country Real Estate, vice president, Denise Meek, of RE/MAX Tehachapi, secretary-treasurer, Mary Lou Priest of Coldwell Banker Best Realty and directors, Sally Lawrence of Town & Country Real Estate, Bernie Connolly of Coldwell Banker Best Realty, Al Crisalli, Jr. of United Country Tehachapi Real Estate and last but not least, Carol Chase of Coldwell Banker Best Realty.
Photos for the evening where taken by Sam Franko and music was provided by Russell and Lindsey Carlson playing the harp and banjo.
The evening ended with dessert and coffee with soft background music from the entertainers.
