Each year, the Hemet-San Jacinto Exchange Club chooses a recipient of its “Book of Golden Deeds” and on Dec. 8, Vincent Record was awarded the 56th one. Currently the Director of CTE and Special Programs for San Jacinto Unified School District, he has been a leader in the San Jacinto Valley for many years. He joined the Exchange Club in 1986 and said he enjoys being part of a group that truly cares about the community and has given their time and resources to benefit the community.
“With a focus on God, country and youth, the Exchange Club aligns with my personal values,” Record said. “Many of our most impactful projects have been starting the nursing program at MSJC in the early 80s, building Searl Park for Valley-Wide Recreation and Park District, and coordinating community resources to assist in the building of the Valley-Wide Aquatic Center at Diamond Valley Lake.”
The Weekend and Autumn Elegance are the Exchange Club’s two main fundraisers each year. Additionally, members set up 1776 flags at Gibbel Park every Veteran’s Day and the club annually provides more than 20 scholarships for high school seniors in Hemet and San Jacinto.
Club treasurer Tom Wilson, who is also a past president, said the purpose of the Book of Golden Deeds award is to honor a living person who has given unselfishly for the betterment of his/her friends and neighbors without thought of acclaim or recognition. It is the objective of the Exchange Club to seek out, solicit information and honor this individual. Without this type of award many “golden deeds” would go unnoticed, and the individual would not be recognized.
By way of introduction of the honoree, Exchange Club member and Valley-Wide Recreation and Park District General Manager Dean Wetter shared a few words, as did a few others. “Tonight, we celebrate not just an individual, but the very best spirit of our community,” he said. “We honor someone who hasn’t just lived here but has woven themselves into the fabric of our lives, strengthening it with every thread of his dedication, compassion and unwavering spirit.”
Wetter said many years ago, when he returned to Valley-Wide, Record was one of the first people to welcome him home. “In true spirit, he was welcoming and patient in getting me up to speed with our collective programs,” he said. “This is his trait that he has done for so many as a true leader. It is my experience that Vince is one of those people that comes into your life and as of the first minute you meet him, it was as if you were lifelong friends.”
He went on to list Record’s numerous and impactful achievements, saying, “You haven’t sought accolades, but your actions have spoken volumes. You’ve led by quiet example, showing us that the greatest reward lies in the collective good. You’ve reminded us that even the busiest hands can find the time to lift others up to a brighter tomorrow.”
Directing his next comments to Record directly, Wetter said, “Vince, you haven’t just accomplished, you’ve inspired; you haven’t just spoken, you’ve given voice and mentored; you haven’t just given, you’ve taught us the profound act of giving back with infections enthusiasm; and finally, you’ve shown us that being part of the community isn’t just a label, it’s a verb. It’s about rolling up your sleeves in the quiet courage of everyday acts. This award is a reflection of the countless lives you’ve touched. I feel that I can speak on behalf of everyone here when I say that we applaud you, we salute you and we are inspired by you.”
After thunderous applause, Record humbly prefaced his acceptance speech by saying, “If you look at the past recipients listed in your program starting in 1967 (with Fred Creen), you will see a history of community servants, and there are many in this room that have made significant contributions to our community over the course of their lifetimes and are just as deserving, if not more so. I consider tonight a celebration of all of us that truly love our valley.”
Record was raised in San Jacinto and was the third generation in his family to graduate from San Jacinto High School and the third generation to manage the Record Rancho dairy farm that began in 1922. In a speech sprinkled with “dad” jokes and other examples of his well-known sense of humor, he said, “In the span of 15 years, I successfully turned two thriving dairy operations, one in Texas and one in San Jacinto, into nonprofit organizations.”
This led him to seek a new career path and through his community involvement with the Exchange Club and its connections, Record was able to begin working for the San Jacinto Unified School District, where he has remained for the past 28 years.
“The field of education transformed my life,” Record said. “Not only did I get a check every month regardless of the weather, economy or acts of God, but it led me to my soulmate, Susan. Despite the fact that we were both divorced, we each had two daughters, we were both in education, and we both loved being outdoors, it was tough trying to date Susan. She was a teacher, so every time I tried to ask her out, she made me raise my hand and ask for permission to speak. If I messed up, she would call my mom. As a matter of fact, my mom should be expecting a call soon. Just the other day Susan complained that I never buy her flowers. Heck, I didn’t even know she sold flowers! But seriously, when I met Susan it was love at first sight, but to quote Tom Wilson, ‘It took her a little longer.’”
Record said their marriage of 20 years resulted in a blended family with three sons-in-law and seven grandchildren. He added that all of their children have become successful, independent adults. He said he hopes his children and grandchildren present at the event were able to get a glimpse of how special it is to be part of this community and “that they can forgive me for the many games and events I’ve missed and understand why I missed them.”
“My passion for community service was the result of being raised in a family that loved this valley and the people in it,” Record said. “My grandfather Clayton Sr., my father Bill, mother Janice, Uncle Clayton, and my siblings and cousins were all involved in the community. My late brother Bill Jr. even spent some quality time with local law enforcement.”
He went on to say, “As I look around this room, I see many community servants that I have been lucky enough to call friends. My career has allowed me to work alongside many of you in organizations that support our community while honoring God, country and youth.”
In closing, he dedicated the evening to his sister Terri’s late husband Rich, who passed away unexpectedly in June. “He was a proud Marine, a great father and husband and a great friend,” Record said. “He supported every event I was involved with and was the first to volunteer to help anyone in need. Please always remember the sacrifices of our servicemen and women that allow us to enjoy evenings such as this.”
