Saratoga News

Photograph by Robert Scheer

Don Peterson has been named the Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year.

Active volunteer picked as Chamber Citizen of the Year

By Michelle Gabriel

Don Peterson, former Saratoga mayor, long time Saratoga resident and dedicated community leader, has been named Citizen of the Year by the Saratoga Chamber of Commerce for the work he did during 1996, said a Chamber spokesperson.

Described by friends as a man committed to the well-being of Saratoga and a driving force behind several of the community's special events, Peterson says being named Citizen of the Year is the highlight of his 27 years of volunteer service. "It's the culmination of everything I've done, and I'm very honored by this recognition."

So are his friends and fellow supporters. Adrian Stanga, a longtime friend and former Citizen of the Year recipient, says Peterson is a "sterling example of good and compassionate citizenship and an individual who has served Saratoga unselfishly and with great distinction for 27 years."

Sheila Arthur, executive director of the Chamber of Commerce, agrees, acknowledging Peterson's efforts on behalf of Saratoga as a "great asset to the community."

Peterson's community involvement has been extensive. From his work with the Saratoga Education Foundation, the Rotary Club and the Good Government Group, to serving as race director for the Chamber's Chamber Chase and assisting in raising $3,000 for earthquake relief for Los Gatos, Peterson has given community support and commitment a high priority. He has also served as event chair for the closing of Paul Masson Winery, which drew more than a thousand attendees and helped raise $5,000 for the Chamber of Commerce and other nonprofit organizations.

Other credits include serving on the Friends of the Library task force that facilitated the housing of the Book-Go-Round at the Oak Street Library, and originating and hosting KSAR's "Inside Saratoga" program, on which Peterson frequently interviewed local politicians and community leaders.

In addition, Peterson has been an active member of the Historical Foundation and Hakone Gardens, where in 1987, at his own expense, he presented gifts to Japanese officials on behalf of Hakone Foundation.

Originally from Wisconsin, Peterson came to California in the early '70s and became involved in local activities soon after settling his family in Saratoga.

At first he volunteered at his children's school and in their sporting activities, such as soccer, basketball, little league baseball and competitive swimming. Once the kids were in high school, he moved on to civic involvement with the City Finance Committee and the Planning Commission.

When asked why he places such a strong emphasis on community participation, Peterson says he's always had a strong interest in being involved in things. "Maybe it has something to do with having been adopted," he adds.

Maybe it does. But until last June, Peterson never really knew much about that part of his life, other than the fact that he was adopted at age 2 months by the Peterson family in Wisconsin.

In 1942 the family moved to Oregon, where Peterson attended high school and college, joined the Navy and went to work for IBM. He had no knowledge as to his background until last June, when he received a a phone call from a young woman who identified herself as Peterson's niece. Thinking at first that she meant half- niece, Peterson says he almost choked when she informed him that her mother, Betty Lou Thompson, was Peterson's full sister. "After 63 years, to discover a full-blood sister was a complete surprise! So was the knowledge that I now had 26 first cousins, two nieces and a nephew."

One month later, Peterson, his wife, Ann, and their three children headed to Waukon, Iowa, for a family reunion with his sister and the rest of the family.

Don Peterson will be honored June 19 at a dinner hosted by the Saratoga Chamber of Commerce at the Saratoga Country Club. For tickets and additional information, contact the Chamber at 867-0753.

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