By Janet Duca Norton

Wyatt Allen, a vice president with the Bank of Los Altos, was honored with the Walter and Marie Singer Award for his community service at the Los Altos Chamber of Commerce’s 19th annual “Salute to the Mayors” banquet Friday in Palo Alto.

The award, also called “Order of the Bow,” recognized Allen for his myriad of volunteer activities, including active participation on the Rotary Club of Los Altos. Fellow Rotarian Mel Kahn introduced Allen.

Allen called the award “an amazing honor” and noted he still wears Walter Singer’s watch and that he was very close to the couple for whom the award was named. Walter Singer, often called “Mr. Los Altos” for his community spirit, died in 1992, followed by Marie in 1997.

Los Altos Hills Councilman Steve Finn introduced Mayor Toni Casey as “the change agent of the town.” “We’re running (the town) as a business for the first time,” Finn said, thanks to Casey.

“What a journey - 1988-2002,” she said, referencing the years she has spent on the council. “Thank you for the opportunity to be a leader of Los Altos Hills - what a blast it has been.”

Rotary member Ed Sox introduced Los Altos Mayor Francis La Poll. La Poll thanked his family, city staff, the Chamber and congratulated Allen, saying, “You do a heck of a lot for the community.”

La Poll offered “no pearls of wisdom - I did that last year.”

Former Walter and Marie Singer Award winners were on hand at Friday’s event. These included Larry Chu, Roy Lave, Joe Renati, Mary Prochnow and Kahn. The event drew approximately 155 attendees.