NEIGHBORS

James F. Kerins, an art and design veteran with more than 19 years of

experience, has been promoted to vice president of the Miriam Tate

Company in Costa Mesa. Kerins, who joined the company in 1994, was

formerly project manager. He is also the recipient of the Irvine Fine

Arts Center’s Curator’s Award. Kerins received his bachelor’s degree from

the Art Center College of Design and has pursued postgraduate work in art

education at Cal State Long Beach. He lives in Costa Mesa with his wife

and two daughters. ... Local names were honored Monday at Orange County’s

annual “Spirit of Philanthropy” luncheon at the Hyatt Regency in Irvine,

held two days before National Philanthropy Day. Garry Brooks of Newport

Beach, Sylvia Burnett of Corona del Mar, Alice Culver of Corona del Mar

and Jennifer Henry of Newport Beach were named outstanding volunteers.

Ellen Feldberg Gordon of Newport Beach was honored as an outstanding

philanthropist. Niles Gates of Corona del Mar and Debbe Magnusen of Costa

Mesa were named outstanding founders and C.J. Segerstrom & Sons of Costa

Mesa was among the businesses named outstanding business or corporation.

A total of 89 individuals and organizations from Orange County were

honored at the luncheon. ... Strategies, an Orange County strategic brand

communications agency located in Costa Mesa and specializing in the

high-tech/industrial and medical industries, added four account team

members to its public relations group. Maria Garza, Andrea Margules,

Vanessa Riggle and Jaime Untz have been named account assistants. Their

responsibilities will include copy writing and proofing all public

relations account activities. ... Barbara Wallace of Corona del Mar

recently completed the second phase of an educational program on the

wedding business and has been designated an accredited bridal consultant.

She operates Barbara Wallace Weddings in Corona del Mar, which serves

brides in coastal Orange County. ... The Friends of Orange Coast

College’s Norman E. Watson Library collected a total of $1,350 at the

group’s annual fall campus book sale. Hardbacks were sold for $1 and $2

each, paperbacks went for 50 cents and $1. Magazines sold for 10 cents

each. ... Newport Beach-based Point B Inc., a full-service strategic

marketing communications agency, announced that Mernie Caro has joined

them as an account coordinator. Her responsibilities will include

supporting the account team in meeting client requests and assisting in

the development and trafficking of projects throughout the agency. ...

Point B has also been named the agency of record for Oridion Medical Inc.

and will take on the responsibilities of U.S. corporate brand

development, advertising and strategic communications.

* NEIGHBORS spotlights achievements in the community. Please direct

noteworthy information to Young Chang via fax at (949) 646-4170, or send

e-mail too7 young.chang@latimes.comf7 .