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Honoring Dennis Ham
In this issue, we'd like to take a moment to recognize outgoing board member Dennis Ham.
Dennis's family moved to Hanford in 1962, where he attended Hanford High School East. His father, Stan Ham, was a former Hanford mayor.
He earned a degree in electrical and electronics engineering from Fresno State College in 1971. Dennis began his career in Seattle as an engineer for the FAA. He was later transferred to Los Angeles, eventually returning to Hanford to be closer to his aging parents.
He worked for his family's business, Hanford Title. He has expertise in real estate, including reading legal descriptions and performing title searches.
Dennis is a certified Trikke trainer and manufacturer's representative for Trikke Tech, Inc. (a company that designs and builds 3 wheel carving vehicles used for exercise and personal transportation).
Dennis Ham has been deeply involved with the China Alley Preservation Society in Hanford, holding various leadership positions and committing decades to the effort. His work with the society is dedicated to restoring and protecting the historic district, especially in the wake of the 2021 fire that damaged the Taoist Temple Museum.
Ham was most recently re-appointed to the Hanford Planning Commission in June 2022. He has served on the commission three times since the 1990s and helps make recommendations on city growth and development.
For over 18 years, he has been a citizen volunteer with the Hanford Police Department. He previously assisted with patrols and impounding vehicles and now helps with departmental records.
In September, Ham was sworn in as a volunteer for the Hanford Fire Department's Community Emergency Response Team.
Dennis is a long-time member of Toastmasters, a public speaking and leadership organization.
He has served as the Secretary for the CMKC Executive Board since it's inception in 2020. His behind the scenes efforts have contributed to our success. He is a friendly face at the front door when visitors arrive for a tour. He continues to be a strong advocate to improve access to the museum building for all.
As Dennis leaves us as a member of the board, we are glad to retain him as a valued volunteer. Here are some thoughts of gratitude expressed by members and supporters.
His attention to the details definitely made our car show better each year. I really enjoyed our talks and learning about all his interests and hobbies.
- Karla Orosco
He has always been our rock for the China Alley Preservation Society. A tremendous asset to our community, Dennis just shows up and gets the job done.
-Ariane Wing & Steve Bannister
Dennis’ quiet dedication is one of the key things that got the Carnegie through its first few years. He always noticed and cared for the small details that others might overlook. His efforts truly shaped the experience for everyone who visits.
- Evan Gelsi
Dennis' creative capability as a member of the CMKC board has been essential, but his practical efforts, his willingness to provide manual skills to repair our aged facilities were crucial.
-Michael Quinn
In 2020, when the need to start a new non-profit corporation to manage the museum became necessary, Dennis was one of the first people to step up to help. Since then, he has been involved in every aspect of the museum's operations from keeping the historic facility operating, staffing rentals, curating displays, being the corporate secretary and so much more.
-Jack Schwartz
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