Salute to those who made difference continues

Editor's Note: This is part of an ongoing series focusing on the people who made an impact on Folsom.Orval Wegat moved from Galt to Folsom in 1976. The day he arrived, an effigy of council member Bill Boxler had been hung.This made him wonder if he had made a mistake in moving to Folsom.Orv had purchased a 50 percent interest in the Folsom Telegraph and ran the "back shop," where the type was set and the newspaper was printed. After being here a few years, Orv joined a group of Folsom business people in building the Lake Bowl. The Bowl was opened, but did not work out as planned. Orv sold his interest in the Telegraph, and along with his wife, Delores, put in long days and nights running the Bowl until he finally had it running properly, turning a small profit.Incidentally, during this time period, the Bowl featured the Anchor Room Restaurant, which was the best restaurant in town. Delores and Orv put a crab feed on a couple of times a year. Were they famous!!!For several years we had a big Fourth of July Parade in town and Orv almost single handily obtained the units for the parade. It was a huge job, but Orv thought it should be done, so he did it. Orville and Delores were workaholics. Orv is a long time Rotarian and Past President of the Folsom Rotary Club. * * *A few weeks ago, I really "blew it" on the column about Neva Cimaroli. I made the mistake of saying Neva developed Lake Park Estates. Neva built and still operates Pinebrook Mobile Home Park. I also discussed the sad apartments on Duchow. It was Neva who convinced the Sisters of Mercy to acquire and refurbish those apartments. Those apartments had so badly deteriorated that they had become home to drug and alcohol addicts. Today they look great, thanks to Neva's efforts.* * *John "Spider" Jorgensen was called to play for the Brooklyn Dodgers, along with Jackie Robinson. That year, the Dodgers infield consisted of Robinson (first base), Eddie "the Brat" Stankey (second base) and Pee Wee Reese (shortstop).-- Jack Kipp is a long-time Folsom resident and former mayor.