Chamber recognizes Masi, Aspel as Man, Woman of the Year
Redondo Woman of the Year Pam Aspel is congratulated by her husband Councilman Steve Aspel.
Incoming president Steve Goldstein took the Redondo Chamber installation dinner’s theme, “Let’s Rock n’ Roll, literally Friday night at the Portofino Hotel and Yacht Club.
While the Silver Beatle’s tribute band played “Revolution,” Goldstein took “Paul’s” mic and began singing lead vocals and playing air guitar.
There was a serious purpose to Goldstein’s showmanship. “Next year, this chamber is going to rock n’ roll,” he said.
Emcee Steve Napolitano underscored the message by reminding guests, “You’ve all survived the worst recession since the Great Depression. And you’ll continue to survive by working together and with the chamber.”
Following the new board’s introduction, Herb Massi and Pam Aspel were recognized as the 2010 Man and Woman of the Year.
Masi was the long time executive director of the South Bay Children’s Health Services, and remains a board member. The SBCHS offers dental and mental health services to low income children, kindergarten through high school age.
City treasurer Ernie O’Dell praised Masi for his community contributions, which trace back to the 1970s when he was manager of Tokai Bank in Riviera Village. Most recently, O’Dell said, Masi has almost single handedly raised over $200,000 for the new Redondo Beach Veteran’s Memorial planned for Veteran’s Park.
Pam Aspel was named Woman of the Year. “Most people would say she deserves this award just for putting up with her husband, [Councilman] Steve Aspel,” joked Mary Lynn Lukasik, who introduced her. Aspel devoted 14 years to AYSO, coached softball while serving as the Redondo High team coordinator, and was a Girl Scout Leader and Hands on Art docent. “And she was a Miami Dolphin cheerleader,” her husband volunteered.
Wendy Walchenbach, head of the city’s Housing Services Division, was named City Employee of the Year. Walchenbach has managed the HUD program for the past 22 years and has worked for the city for 35 years.
Dinah Lary, manager of the King Harbor Yacht Club, was named Chamber Volunteer of the Year. Lary was recognized for her work on membership development, a promotional video for the city and organizing travel writers tours to Redondo Beach. ER