“We’re not just a spot on
the map. San Martin is an
important contributor to
South County today, and
we also want to keep our
history alive. There are
some amazingly talented
and committed people here,
and we’re welcoming more
people to join us and get
involved so we can make
a difference.”
C
onnie devoted more than three decades to the field
of healthcare. She worked as a state certified surgical
assistant in San Jose. From there she ventured into
the world of dentistry, working for a Saratoga orthodontist
before joining the practice of Dr. Bas Waflebakker. She
worked as his treatment coordinator and community
relations specialist for 17 years until her retirement.
Soon after settling down in San Martin in 1988, Connie
jumped into community service. Connie was among the first
board members of the San Martin Neighborhood Alliance
(SMNA), a group organized to advocate for San Martin’s
interests for everything from storm-related sewage issues to
the High-Speed Rail. Early on, Connie and other members
went door to door to talk with neighbors about community
issues of concern and to mobilize support for change.
36
GILROY • MORGAN HILL • SAN MARTIN
To raise funds in support of community needs, they’ve
held fundraisers like the annual Spaghetti Social and the
Happy Days Car Show. San Martin residents were working
to incorporate San Martin when the recession hit and the
effort was tabled. Connie and other members of SMNA have
worked hard to develop good relationships with county
officials and support the efforts of the San Martin Planning
and Advisory Committee. When San Martin’s Ch