Civic leaders are honored at annual recognition banquet.

By Mary O’KEEFE

The Crescenta Valley Chamber of Commerce took time on Nov. 5 to honor and recognize the people and businesses that make Crescenta Valley a special place to live and raise a family.

The evening began with Honorary Mayor Howard Hakes welcoming everyone to the Angeles National Golf Club.

Former Crescenta Valley High School Principal Ken Biermann introduced the Man of the Year Steve Pierce.

Pierce is the current president of the Crescenta Valley Town Council, a member of  the CV Chamber of Commerce and is on the boards of Montrose Christmas Parade, CV Sheriff’s Support Group and Volunteers, CV Fire Safe Council and CV Fireworks.

Biermann joked that he wanted to find an appropriate statue that would honor Pierce. He held up an Energizer bunny.

“I think this is symbolic of Steve,” he said.

He spoke of Pierce’s service to his community and service to his country in the Navy during Vietnam.

“We are fortunate to have him in our community,” he said.

Pierce took the podium and thanked everyone, saying that there were many past honorees in the room and more that deserved recognition.

He said he felt out of place and quoted actor/comedian George Gobel who said, “Did you ever get the feeling that the world was a tuxedo and you were a brown pair of shoes?”

Woman of the Year went to Rita Even who is the force behind the La Crescenta Woman’s Club. She joined the club in 2003 and has been its president for the past five years. Through her leadership the club has received numerous awards.

“I want to thank you. And thank these ladies [of La Crescenta Woman’s Club] who are so dedicated and so giving of their time,” she said. “Being able to volunteer enables me to give back to the good life we have here today.”

The student of the year Yoon Lee was recognized as a role model by showing dedication to her classwork as well as fellow classmates. She is an honored member of Crescenta Valley High School’s JROTC program.

California Highway Patrol Officer Andre Primeaux was honored for his service to his agency and to the community. The recognition was bittersweet for the officer who will be transferring next year to the San Bernardino station.

“I feel as if I am leaving a family,” he said of his planned departure.

Primeaux lives in the San Bernardino area so the reduced travel time will be welcomed but, he added, he will miss the relationships he has formed with the CV community.

“He is known as the ‘go to’ man,” said Capt. Dave Silversparre of Deputy Randy Forney who was honored from the CV Sheriff’s Station.

The deputy is a 24 year veteran of Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, 15 of those years served at the CV Station. He has received many awards including the station’s “Deputy of the Quarter.”

Glendale Police Department’s Capt. Kirk Palmer introduced honoree Agent Charlton Vidal. “Yes I do answer to Capt. Kirk and no I can’t beam you up,” Palmer joked. He then turned to the agent who was being honored. “He is a Medal of Valor recipient,” he said. “But it is not what he does, it is about who he is.”

Captain David Inman was honored from the L.A. County Fire Department. The firefighter began his career with the U.S. Forest Service 25 years ago. He has served with LACoF for 18 years, eight of them in Crescenta Valley.

The Beautification Award was given to the new La Crescenta Library and Business of the Year was awarded to The Trophy Shoppe.

Owner Cathy Kerley and long time friend and fellow worker Judy Padula were praised for their dedication to the community and for their generosity.

Volunteer of the Year went to Steve Goldsworthy who was recognized for the thousands of hours he has served for his community through the CV Sheriff’s Volunteer on Patrol, volunteering his skills as a helicopter pilot for numerous fundraisers and for his service as member of the CV Town Council.

Lisa Reed was honored  as Educator of the Year. CVHS Principal Linda Evans praised her dedication to her students and their achievement in the area of math.

The Organization of the Year went to Montrose Search and Rescue. Capt. Dave Silversparre came ready with some impressive statistics. From 1970 to 2008, the team has volunteered 78,512 man hours, been on 2,961 call-outs, they rescued 2,490 people and 3,351 mountain patrols. So far this year they have responded to 72 calls.

“And for all this they are paid handsomely. Each member is paid $1 a year,” said chamber member and presenter David Drucker.