May 16, 2008

NEWS BRIEFS

Announcing the Second-Annual Irene Dalis Vocal Competition

Opera San José, in association with Arts Management Services of San Francisco, will present this year’s event on May 31 at 7 p.m. in the California Theatre in San José.

Ten finalists will compete for $49,000 in cash prizes. First prize is $15,000, second prize is $10,000, and third prize is $5,000. In addition, there will be a $5,000 prize for the Audience Favorite to be selected by voting during the final intermission. The remaining seven contenders will receive $2,000 each as Encouragement awards.

New to this year’s vocal competition is a final-intermission drawing for four prizes: a one-week stay for two in Puerto Vallarta, a signed iPod nano featuring arias sung by Irene Dalis during her professional singing career, a week’s stay for six in a villa in Portugal, and an overnight opera package that includes a suite at the Hotel Montgomery and tickets for two to an Opera San José performance. Prize-drawing tickets will be sold at the competition for $20 each or six for $100 (winner need not be present at the competition finals) and in advance at (408) 437-4450.

Event tickets this year are $50 (general seating) and $75 (premier seating, as well as hosted champagne on the California Theatre patio during the first intermission). In addition, Opera San José this year is offering a limited number of $200 tickets, which include an opportunity to meet and talk with the judges prior to the finals, platinum seating one prize drawing ticket, and a post-event dessert and champagne reception at the Hotel Montgomery. Tickets may be purchased at the door on May 31 or in advance by calling Opera San José at (408) 437-4450.

Gloria Chacon

Gloria Chacon designated a Freedom Fighter

The NAACP presented a 2008 Freedom Fighter Award to Gloria Chacon for her dedication to diversity and community activism at its annual gala.

Chacon has successfully worked in the California state legislature and with the Santa Clara County Superior Court serving as Court Manager for the Civil Grand Jury. The award noted that Chacon is “known for her passion and tireless advocacy on bringing diversity to the panel.”

A graduate from San Jose High School, she attended San Jose State before becoming an involved volunteer and fundraiser for a variety of causes. She joined the fight against breast cancer, AIDS and childhood diseases and stood up for the protection for battered women, rights of farm workers, the homeless and the incarcerated.

Chacon has lived in Evergreen for 33 years, and has two children, Melinda and Gilbert.

AUTO MIXER – Nearly 400 people attended the San Jose -Silicon Valley Chamber of Commerce mixer at Beshoff Motor Cars on May 15 with great food and conversation. Two prizes were awarded: A miniature Mercedes Benz and the free use of a new Mercedes Benz for any three day weekend.

Local Business Notes

COVERING YOUR ASSETS - State Farm Insurance agent Andre Nguyen hosted at the Evergreen Business & Professional Association Networking Mixer on May 15. Nguyen spoke about the importance of insurance coverage to “protect your family, your business, and your assets.” Marilyn Leonard with BeaconRidge Health Insurance Services spoke on affordable health insurance alternatives available for employers. Hors d'hoeuvres and beverages were provided by Charles Brown with Edward Jones. For more information on joining the EBPA, call EBPA President Carla Evans at (408) 270-4333.