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Posted: Thursday, August 10, 2006

Party like it's 1956

1956 was a great year. Let's cast our memories back 50 years. Elvis hit the US charts with Heartbreak Hotel, Dick Clark becomes host of "American Bandstand," and "Rock around the Clock" enters the movie theaters, causing riots. For more highlights of this watershed year in American history and pop culture, check out this story.

In 1956 there were also some noteworthy weddings:

• Marilyn Monroe married playwright Arthur Miller.
• Grace Kelly married Prince Ranier III of Monaco.

and most importantly:

• Mary Jane Marshalek married Opto 22 co-founder Bob Engman.

To celebrate the Bob and Mary Jane Engman's 50th anniversary, Opto 22 employees hosted a surprise 50's bash.

 All of the employees got into the spirit, contributing to a fabulous potluck spread, turning the conference room into a 50's diner, creating flower centerpieces that looked like old-fashioned ice cream sodas, and even dressing the part. Mary St. John, one of our talented engineers, took a break from coding to create not a poodle skirt, but a Boston Terrier skirt, in honor of the Engman's dogs, Amy and Ben. The festivities were highlighted by a hula hoop contest, the cake cutting, and a few heartfelt tributes to the Engmans and their successful partnership. When asked what the secret to their marital success was, Mary Jane laughed and gave the same answer she always does: "Ask Bob!" Bob Engman reminisced a bit for us, recalling Mary Jane's unwavering support, even through the early hard times when every bit of spare cash was invested in the business, buying things such as $100 transistors from Westinghouse.

We also presented the Engmans with a special gift, which was the brainchild of Product Support engineer Shaun Brodie. Mounted in a unique frame made from cactus wood are 50 golden Sacagawea coins, perfect for a 50th Golden Anniversary. The Engmans also happen to be fans of Native American art, and the coins honor Sacagawea, a Shoshone Indian. There was yet another personal connection for the Engmans, this one historical. Sacagawea's son, Jean Baptiste Charbonneau, helped lead the Mormon Battalion to the Pacific. They reached Temecula, home to Opto 22 headquarters, in 1847. Next time you come to Temecula, make a visit to Old Town and see Sam Hick's Monument, "They Passed This Way." This 15 ton granite boulder honors 56 pioneers who influenced Temecula, including Kit Carson, Erle Stanley Garnder, and yes, Jean Baptiste Charbonneau. Pretty cool, eh?

Afterwards, Bob thanked his employees: "Thank you all for the surprise party party for our 50th anniversary. I cannot think there are many companies where a group of employees would go to so much trouble. Let's be honest, a successful company such as Opto is composed of a bunch of people working together...A company that is to be successful for a long period must strive for a culture that acknowledges and recognizes people as the important ingredient. The team spirit in evidence yesterday by all you people cooperating to create such a nice event is a good sign for the future of Opto 22."

Happy Anniversary, Mr. and Mrs. Engman. We wish you many more happy years.

--Alexi

Posted by agray at August 10, 2006 11:07 AM

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