2009 events |
2008 events |
2007 events |
2006 events |
2005 events |
2004 events |
2003 events |
2002 events |
2001 events
WARM WEATHER FOR HOLIDAY KICKOFF
An unseasonably warm evening greeted those attending the 2006 Dorothy Fritz Cope Tree Lighting Ceremony in Huntington Park.
Several hundred neighbors and friends attended the yearly tradition atop Nob Hill.
Once again Nolan Gasser provided his musical trio, delighting adults and children alike.
With Mr. Gasser on piano, Roger Glenn on reeds and vibes and Terry Miller on bass,
the assembled group was treated to a concert of exceptional quality. And as has become tradition,
the San Francisco Girls Chorus, under the direction of Elizabeth Avakian, sang holiday carols to everyone's delight.
Dean Alan Jones of Grace Cathedral gave an ecumenical invocation and Catherine MacMillan made remarks celebrating the
season and the importance of Huntington Park in the lives of all those who live on Nob Hill. As Mayor Newsom was unavailable,
the giant switch illuminating the trees was thrown this year by Aaron Peskin, President of the Board of Supervisors
and the representative for Nob Hill. Then it was back to the music as the guests slowly left the area.
For photos from the holiday event, click here.
Festive Mood Reigns Over NHA Annual Meeting
More than 300 of the Nob Hill Association's some 735 members turned out for the 2006 annual meeting of the Association graciously hosted by the Fairmont Hotel in conjunction with the Association. As always, the business meeting preceded the sumptuous reception that was to follow in the Hotel's signature Crown Room, high above San Francisco on the top of Nob Hill.
Catherine MacMillan, completing her second and last year as president of the NHA, gave the president's annual "State of Nob Hill" address on this the 74th year of the Association's existence. Reviewing the highlights of the last year, she pointed to the Emergency Preparedness Event sponsored by the San Francisco Fire Department and organized by the Association for everyone who lives on the Hill; the dedication of the Jones Street Tank project, also a collaboration with SFFD, which beautified this run down parcel on Jones Street; and the dedication of the new Emergency Room at San Francisco Hospital which is the hospital closest to Nob Hill. Looking forward to 2007, Catherine reported that the NHA would hold an appraisal fair in collaboration with the famed auction house Bonhams & Butterfields in the spring. She also pointed to the continued challenge of maintenance and security for Huntington Park and well as her desire that additional progress be made to renovate and improve the Children's playground.
But as always the highpoint of the Annual Meeting was the awarding of the Firefighter and the Police Officer of the year awards. San Francisco Fire Department Chief Joanne Hayes-White presented a certificate and cash award to Firefighter Chase H. Wilson who attended with her search and rescue dog Jaeger. Also recognized by Chief Hayes-White were the SFFD's Toy Program and its coordinator Sally Casazza. The Police Officer of the Year Award was awarded to two officers this year: Officers Paul Doherty and Dominic Discenza. The awards were presented by Lt. Robert Mosier of Central Station. Also attending the ceremony were SF Police Chief Heather Fong and Commander Steve Tachini, formerly Captain of Central Station. And, as is tradition, the Dean of Grace Cathedral Alan Jones was present to thank the Association for its contribution to the Cathedral's stained glass project, a beautification project for Nob Hill.
The reception for members followed in the Fairmont's famed Crown Room, high above Nob Hill with 360 degree panoramic views. Sumptuous food was served and copious drink flowed as the members mingled and discussed plans for the upcoming holiday season. A special thanks to Francisco Gomez, General Manager of the Fairmont, and his fine staff, for making this an unforgettable evening. A special thanks also to all the committee chairs, members and other volunteers who make the Nob Hill Association the best neighborhood association in San Francisco.
For photos from the 2006 annual meeting and reception, click here.
Sparrow Nob Hill Opens
Members of the Nob Hill Association were the first to be invited to the latest restaurant to open on Nob Hill: Sparrow. Located just across from Grace Cathedral in the Gramercy Towers, Sparrow showcases the contemporary French-Asian cuisine of Chef Terry Lynch. Association members caught up on each other's summer while enjoying sumptuous highlights from the menu's wide selection of fresh and organic meats, seafood and produce.
For photos of the opening reception, click here.
Restored Garden at Jones Street Tank
On a sunny, calm late afternoon in mid-September, the restored garden at the Jones Street Tank (on Jones between Sacramento and Clay) was dedicated. Everyone who donated to the project was invited, and a bronze plaque memorializing major donors was unveiled. Among those joining in the celebration were members of Fire Station 4, Assistant Fire Chief Lorrie Kalos, Chief Joanne Hayes-White, Supervisor Aaron Peskin and his wife Nancy, NHA President Catherine MacMillan, and many of the generous neighbors who made the restoration possible. Following a brief dedication ceremony led by Steve Farrand and Torey Presti, all repaired to Sparrow restaurant in the Gramercy, where the celebration continued with champagne, wine and sensational hors d'oeuvres.
For photos of the dedication ceremony and reception, click here.
NHA Board Visits new St. Francis Hospital ER
On Tuesday, October 3, the NHA Board of Directors was offered the opportunity to tour the new Emergency Room of the St. Francis Memorial Hospital, just hours before it was to open to the public. Outgoing CEO Cheryl Fama, who has served on the NHA Board for many years, along with COO James Jackson, offered this exclusive tour to our Association. Abbie Yant, Sr. Director of Community/Advocacy conducted the tour, James Jackson and interim CEO Tom Hennessey accompanied us.
The innovations and disaster readiness of the Emergency Room was very impressive. One of the items that will help in the delivery of services to non-English speakers, is a blue "translation" phone with two handsets. One is for the patient and one for the care-giver. Both can be connected to a medical translator. A translator will be available for every language. With the changing demographics of the area served by St. Francis, this is a vital service aimed at improving the quality of care patients receive.
Another major benefit to our community is the level of disaster preparedness that St. Francis will offer. The entire emergency staff is trained in disaster relief. The facility has decontamination areas, should chemical warfare occur. Also, safeguards are in place for highly infectious patients, which could occur should infectious agents be used by terrorists. There are two negative pressure rooms that prevent any infectious agents present from contaminating areas outside of the rooms.
The two entrances to the facility are on Bush Street. One entrance is for ambulances and one for walk-ins, each with its own space for receiving and "triage." There is a large loading zone outside the entrances and valet parking is available during peak times!
The space now has 18 beds, many of which are private. There is a room for children, 2 rooms for patients who may be physically dangerous to themselves and others, a "quiet room" for VIP's and those needing a tranquil spot (for example, those with migraines). Overall, the emergency room is equipped with the latest in service and equipment, which will give our community the latest and best in service.
After our tour, St. Francis hosted a lovely reception for us. We were very excited by all the great new innovations that we now have access to and all agreed that we are very lucky to have such a high quality facility like St. Francis Memorial as part of our Nob Hill Community.
For photos of the new ER, click here.
NHA Members Inaugurate New Ferry Building Line
Thomas Escher, owner of the Red & White fleet invited the Nob Hill Association to take part in three inaugural cruises of his new Ferry Building Line on May 19. This new venture leaves from the Ferry Building, cruises south to the AT&T Ballpark, around Yerba Buena Island, past Alcatraz Island, and then back to the Ferry Building. During the cruise, participants may choose from three different Audio Tours: Architecture, Natural History and Native American.
In spite of it being a gloomy day, many of our members came out to participate in what was a delightful event. We were presented with a luncheon buffet and open bar, all compliments of Mr. Escher. There was indoor seating below and on an upper deck as well as outdoor seating. It was great to see AT&T Ballpark from the water, as well as the shores of Yerba Buena and Alcatraz. It was especially interesting to see the construction of the new Bay Bridge from close up.
To see photos of the inaugural cruise, click here.
LARGEST CROWD EVER FOR CALIFORNIA MILLE 2006
The California Mille 2006 attracted hundreds of Nob Hill Association members, guests, friends and car enthusiasts to its 17th annual affair to celebrate the drivers and vintage sports racing cars. Longtime attendees said it was the biggest crowd ever. That shouldn't surprise anyone as it was one of San Francisco's warmest and most beautiful days after what seemed like months of non stop rain. There was an air of enthusiasm throughout the crowd, and one man, Harold Boucher, was there to celebrate his 100th birthday. All this was captured by KRON 4 and broadcast live.
The California Mille unites an international group of rare sports racing and production cars dating from 1927 through 1957 for a 1000 mile journey throughout Northern California. The tour is patterned after the world-famous Italian "Mille Miglia," a 100 mile open road race which ran from 1927 through 1957 from Brescia in the North of Italy to Rome and back. It was revived in 1982 as an annual event and, today, the California Mille is the only American event recognized by the Mille Miglia Storica (Historical Society) of Brescia, Italy.
Held in front of the Fairmont Hotel, San Francisco, manager Francisco Gomez and his staff provided a sumptuous Italian buffet with Champagne, wine and cocktails. Proceeds from the event benefit the Nob Hill Association which serves to preserve the beauty and history of Nob Hill and Huntington Park. Special thanks go to DaimlerChrysler and the Nob Hill Gazette as well as to Chairman Bella Farrow and Co-Chairs Sylvia Clough, Francisco Gomez, Lois Lehrman and Martin Swig.
For photos of the 2006 California Mille, click here.
|
