LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – At the 14th annual Stars of Lake County on Saturday, March 5, 22 Stars of Lake County statuettes were handed out to those working to improve the community.

The awards were drawn from 67 nominations that were submitted from all around Lake County.

The selection committee, which reviews all the nominations and meets to vote on the final recipients is comprised of Wally Holbrook, Lakeport; Judy Thein, Clearlake; Gloria Flaherty, Kelseyville; Jeff Smith, Clearlake; John Tomkins, Lucerne; Sandy Tucker, Rick Hamilton and Linda Diehl-Darms, Middletown; Barbara Flynn, Cobb; and Trena Pauly, Kelseyville.

The chamber board of directors extended its gratitude to all those who took the time to write nominations for the very deserving individuals, organizations and businesses this year.

“There are so many in this county who share their time and energy to make Lake County a great place to live and we take great pride in being able to present this program every year,” said chamber President Armand Pauly.

 

 

The list of 2011 recipients follows.

Humanitarian: Ben Finneston, Clearlake.

Senior: Ginger Frank, Clearlake Oaks.

Volunteer: Lorrie Gray, Kelseyville.

Student-Female: Alexis Marie Valdovinos, Middletown.

Student-Male: John- Wesley Davis, Middletown.

Youth Advocate-Volunteer: Dennis and Ruth Darling, Lakeport.

Youth Advocate-Professional: Connor Snyder, Kelseyville.

Agriculture: Scully Packing Co., Finley.

Organization-Nonprofit: AmeriCorps of Lake County, Lakeport.

Organization-Volunteer: Delta Iota Tau, Lakeport.

Environmental: Marilyn Waits.

New Business: Sweet Freedom Sensitive Bakery, Hidden Valley Lake.

Small Business: RAH Outdoor Media, Lower Lake.

Large Business: Konocti Vista Casino Resort & Marina.

Best Idea: AgVenture, All Around Lake County.

Local Hero: Frank Toney (posthumously), Clearlake Oaks.

Arts-Amateur: Cobb Mountain Artists, Cobb.

Arts-Professional: George Waterstraat, Kelseyville.

Spirit of Lake County: Henry Anderson.

Woman of the Year: Julie Kelley, Lakeport.

Man of the Year: Ron Quick, Kelseyville.

Lifetime Achievement: Bill Knoll, Lakeport.

 

 

Recognition was given throughout the evening by a video of all the nominees photos and names of the category/event sponsors. The video was created by Alex Humphrey of www.ActionHD.com.

Music for the reception was provided by the wonderful David Neft, a 2007 Star recipient; Neft has been providing music for Stars every year since the beginning of this community awards program.

Following Neft at the end of the reception was Tony Barthel, owner of the Featherbed Bed & Breakfast, a DJ of extraordinary talents who was able to find music to match the recipients and their award category in just seconds, much to the delight of everyone. Barthel also played for the dancing crowd following the awards presentations.

Category sponsors for 2011 are Cliff & Nancy Ruzicka, WestAmerica Bank, Calpine Corp., Mendo Mill & Lumber, Mt. Konocti Truck & Auto Parts, RAH Outdoor Media, Umpqua Bank, Strong Financial Network, Lake County Land Trust, Kelseyville Lumber, Food’s Etc., Bruno’s Shop Smart, Kathy Fowler Auto Dealerships, Congressman Mike Thompson, Shannon Ridge Winery & Vineyards, Jonas Heating & Cooling, Northlake Medical Pharmacy, John Tomkins the Lake County Record-Bee and St. Helena Hospital, Clearlake.

Additional sponsors are Anna Girod, AGM Property Management Inc., Bob Bartley Pump Inc., Moran & Associates, Robinson Rancheria Resort & Casino and the Lake County Chamber of Commerce. Star Awards have been purchased through Disney Trophies & Awards for several years.

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