Village Laguna Announces 'Villager of the Year'

Submitted by Village Laguna:

Village Laguna will be honoring the Reverend Colin Henderson and former Councilwoman, Verna Rollinger, at its “VILLAGERS OF THE YEAR” celebration featuring dinner, wine and live music, on Saturday, October 5, 2013 from 4 to 7 p.m. in the garden at the home of Bill and Lynda Sharp. 

Reverend Henderson has been in Laguna since 1985. He had previously been an Anglican priest in England for 25 years and shortly upon arriving in Laguna, established what was to become the Friendship Shelter, a temporary shelter with services for homeless people  gradually developing independence.  Over the years, more than six thousand people have benefited from services provided by the Friendship Shelter. The shelter has expanded from the initial eighteen-­‐ bed facility to one that now houses thirty-­‐two people. It has also added a twenty-­‐four-­‐bed transitional facility, Henderson House, in San Clemente.

Verna Rollinger was Laguna Beach’s elected city clerk for more than thirty years, creating a climate of accessibility and openness during her tenure. She was a founding member of the Friendship Shelter and of Dialogue on Schools, a discussion group comprised of parents, teachers and students.

More recently, Verna served on the City Council, where she played an active role in representing neighborhood-­‐compatible development, advocating the protection of Aliso and Wood Canyons Wilderness Park, supporting the establishment of a marine reserve, adopting strict new regional water quality standards and working towards the preservation of significant trees.   She continues to work tirelessly to enhance life in Laguna for its citizens and to preserve the natural  environment.

Tickets of $85 per person may be purchased at www.villagelaguna.org.