Move Belize up on David Nichols-Roy's travel itinerary.
The Escondido resident has a new reason to go to that tropical paradise. His brother-in-law, Vinai Thumalapally was just confirmed to be the new ambassador to Belize. Thumalapally is the first native of India to serve as a U.S. ambassador.
Nichols-Roy's sister, Barbara, was a friend of Barack Obama while they attended Occidental College. Thumalapally lived in the same apartment complex as the future president. They retained their friendship throughout Obama's rise to renown, holding major roles in his presidential campaign, explained Nichols-Roy.
"We're all excited. It's a very big deal," said Nichols-Roy. "It's a great honor, a tremendous appointment. We're very proud. We wish them all the best."
The new ambassador is expected to take his post in September. Family shouldn't be too far behind.
"I think I will probably visit them," said Nichols-Roy. "Absolutely."
No ice here: Downtown Escondido got some international exposure last week. Mingling with the business owners at Thursday's Downtown Business Association Block Party were Gulla Bjornsdottir and Oli Jonsson of Reykjavik, Iceland. They were guests of Penny and Les Abshire. Bjornsdottir was a foreign exchange student 40 years ago who spent a year with Penny's family in Clearfield, Utah. They have remained friends, with each making visits to the other's home over the years. They plan to attend their 40th high school reunion in Utah this weekend. Before that, the Abshires are giving their Icelandic visitors the nickel tour, which included the Block Party and Cruisin' Grand. They enjoyed the outdoor activities, reported Abshire, something not all that common in Iceland.
Who's the best?: Speaking of the block party, the DBA handed out several awards to downtown businesses. Most notable was the "Queen of Downtown" recognition, presented to honor the late Dolly Santrach, longtime owner of Rosemary-Duff Florist, for her many years of dedication to downtown Escondido. Santrach died last month. Bank of Escondido was selected as business of the year. Vinz Wine Bar & Tasting Room was picked as best new business. Most positive attitude went to X's & O's Lingerie and Gift Boutique. Champions Family Restaurant was honored as the longest-standing business. Noted for outstanding community involvement were Stone Brewing Co., Top End Tees, California Center for the Arts, Escondido, Mercedes-Benz of Escondido and Bernie Munn.
Lexus-less: The Carlsbad Hi-Noon Rotary Club nearly got some unexpected excitement at its charity golf tournament on Friday. Rudy Zavora teed off on the 16th hole at La Costa Resort and watched his shot fly onto the green and head straight for the hole, rolling perhaps four inches right of the hole. Had it gone in, Zavora would have won a brand-new Lexus, without even having to trade in a clunker. That was the highlight of the sixth annual tournament, reported chairman Walt Weggener. Turnout and fundraising lagged because of the economy, he said, but plenty of fun was had, and many participants got some great deals on auction items. Neal Stehly was one of those beneficiaries, buying the Chargers package. That included four tickets to this year's opener with dinner before, a LaDainian Tomlinson jersey, a Freedom Grill gas barbecue and lots of other stuff for $500.
Around town: Early risers may be able to catch Jason Graham, executive chef of the Cal-a-Vie Heath Spa in Vista, when he appears Wednesday morning on NBC's "Today Show." … As part of the upcoming "Quint" contemporary art exhibit at the California Center for the Arts, Escondido, participating artist Kim MacConnel will paint a mural on the footbridge between the center and the parking lot to the north. MacConnel, known for producing large, colorful works of geometric patterns, will start painting at 8 a.m. Wednesday. The subject of the mural remains unannounced.
Contact staff columnist Jeff Frank at 760-740-5419 or jfrank@nctimes.com.
