JEFF DIXON
President
When did you move to Morgan Hill?
April 2002
What is one thing that you love about Morgan Hill?
The fact that you can be driving down a city street, make a turn be the immediately be in a rural setting. The valley look with mountain ranges on either side isn’t bad either. LOL
Why are you involved with the Freedom Fest?
Morgan Hill is a community filled with people who love to give back. I couldn’t think of a better way to give back than to help Morgan Hill celebrate America with a six event party.
DIANA WOOD
Vice President of Events
When did you move to Morgan Hill?
Moved back to Morgan Hill in 2013.
What is one thing that you love about Morgan Hill?
One of the many things that I love about Morgan Hill is the home-town family culture that embraces like a great big hug you when you are out and about living life in the community.
Why are you involved with the Freedom Fest?
My family and I love our great country with all of our heart. It is my honor to be part of my hometown celebration of our country’s Independence Day Celebration.
KIM MOYANO
Treasurer
When did you move to Morgan Hill?
I lived in Morgan Hill from 1987 to 2000, I currently live in Gilroy.
What is one thing that you love about Morgan Hill?
Was a wonderful little town to raise my kids in.
Why are you involved with the Freedom Fest?
My good friend Charles Weston has been involved in Freedom Fest for many, many years and I got involved in the Freedom Run to help him out. It then expanded to become a Board Member as Treasurer for the group.
ELIZABETH JOLISSAINT
Secretary
When did you move to Morgan Hill?
I moved to Morgan Hill in 2011
What is one thing that you love about Morgan Hill?
I love Morgan Hill because of the generous community spirit I have experienced while living here.
Why are you involved with the Freedom Fest?
I am involved in Freedom Fest because I enjoy making a contribution to my community and celebrating our freedoms and patriotic spirit and making new friends.
EVENT CHAIR MEMBERS
CHARLES WESTON
Freedom Run Chair
When did you move to Morgan Hill?
Moved from college at Cal Poly SLO in 1980
What is one thing that you love about Morgan Hill?
Just one thing? there are so many reasons !!!!! I love the small town community feel.Also, I love the physical surrounding. Morgan Hill is so beautiful, mountains so close by in our narrow valley plus lots of beautiful oak trees. Another is being able to have a business here and the support of the community for over 35 years.
Why are you involved with the Freedom Fest?
It’s my way of giving back to the community and celebrating our country’s Independence Day is important to me and want to remind us all how important that we continually thank the signers of the declaration of independence for risking their lives for us.
BOB & MAUREEN HUNT
Freedom Parade Chair
Parade Chairs, Bob and Maureen Hunt have been producing the July 4th Parade since 1995. Prior to taking the reins as chairs of the event, both had worked in all phases of parade planning and coordinating before taking over the Morgan Hill 4th of July parade. Between them they have a total of 70 years of parading experience. In addition to planning the Morgan Hill July 4th Parade, the team has worked as consultants for several other area parades and served as judges for the San Francisco Carnival Parade. The Morgan Hill July 4th Parade is a definite labor of love for this duo.
In 1970 they moved to Morgan Hill, which was then a sleepy little town of under 6,000! They love being part of such a diverse and dynamic community as Morgan Hill. The best thing about the Freedom Fest organization is working with the dedicated individuals that make up the team. Several of us have been involved with Freedom Fest for over 15 years and some even more! Isn’t Morgan Hill a great place to live! Events such as these July 4th celebrations that Freedom Fest produces make us proud to be a part of this community that we call home.
KAREN CRANE
Patriotic Sing Chair
When did you move to Morgan Hill
My family moved to Morgan Hill in l982. My husband is a retired rocket scientist who worked at the United Technology test facility off of Metcalf Road.
What is one thing that you love about Morgan Hill?
It is difficult to choose one aspect I love about Morgan Hill, but, because I work with children, I will say the opportunity Morgan Hill presents to our youth. Our community has a myriad of activities for children. Scouting encourages children to do and be their very best. Our community sports programs and their facilities provide children with the opportunity to work as a team, or compete against one’s individual best. Our 4H and FFA groups teach children responsibility. Our local churches provide music, art, and drama for our youngsters. Summers are filled with camps offered by Scouting, band, the YMCA, and local children’s theatre.
Why are you involved with the Freedom Fest?
I have been a classroom teacher for thirty years. I graduated from Cal Poly and did my student teaching at Vandenberg AFB. This was during the time of the Viet Nam War. Obviously, my days were filled with patriotism and tradition on the base. When I moved to San Jose, I sat down with my first graders and encouraged them to join me in singing “God Bless America”. They had no knowledge of the song. This experience was life-changing for me. It is up to us to preserve the traditional songs of America. That’s the goal of the Patriotic Sing. For twenty-nine years now, we have been teaching the children of our community the songs of our country.
DENNIS DAL POGGETTO
Family Music Fest Chair
When did you move to Morgan Hill?
1977
What is one thing that you love about Morgan Hill?
After being here for more than 40 years it is a wonderful feeling to walk down the street and always be able to say hello to someone you know.
Why are you involved with the Freedom Fest?
I am involved in the Freedom Fest because I am a true patriot and I want to give thanks to the men and women that keep this country free and provide a tribute to them on the 4th of July.
STAN SEAGREN
Car Cruise Chair
When did you move to Morgan Hill?
Moved from New York in May of 2013.
What is one thing that you love about Morgan Hill?
Being close to my sons, their wives, and our three grand-children. And the weather (especially the winters) is so much better than New York. And the residents are so friendly.
Why are you involved with the Freedom Fest?
It’s my way of giving back to the community, my way of celebrating our country’s Independence Day.
KIRK BERTOLET
Fireworks on the Green Chair
Kirk Bertolet has been a resident of Morgan Hill for 2 ½ years. Born and raised in Southern California he relocated to the San Jose area around 1989 after serving in the United States Air Force. He currently works for Valley Transportation Authority in the Light Rail Division maintain the signaling system that keeps trains and people safe.
Kirk enjoys being an active participant in the community volunteering to help whenever and wherever he can. When the opportunity came to help with the fireworks display he jumped at the chance. Kirk is also on the committee to help organize, fund and build the new Inclusive Playground for all residents in Morgan Hill.
Kirk is currently participating in Leadership Morgan Hill class of 2017.
JOHN CHOATE
Logistics Chair
John started his career as a ten year USAF global logistics and Data Systems Officer. After that a fast track career in all aspects on Business, Project Management, Supply Chain, Distribution, and Logistics throughout the USA, Americas, Asia and Europe with leadership roles from site manager to Vice President. In 2008, due to the economic downturn he started his open Business- Technology consulting service and has clients such as America’s SAP Users Group (ASUG), China Link, Juniper Networks, Nokia, Samsung, Bayer Healthcare, T Systems, and Sutter Health Services.
BS from Washington State, MS from Troy State, and an Executive MBA from Pepperdine. In his spare time is a globally recognized speaker on Using Project Management for team focus, alignment and solution execution and Technology Innovation to enhance ones business and increase team productivity.
John and his wife Vanda located to Morgan Hill in 2014. Their children are a hairless cat (Sphinx) named Bessie and a Miniature Bull Terrier, Sophie.