By Mary O’KEEFE

The Crescenta Valley Chamber of Commerce recently held its annual Recognition Awards at the La Cañada Flintridge Country Club.

Each year the chamber collects nominations for the award. They are looking for those organizations and individuals that have gone above and beyond for their community.

The awardees for 2013 are: Woman of the Year – Cheryl Davis; Man of the Year – Alex Woo, Educator of the Year – Dr. Greg Neat/Crescenta Valley High School; Student of the Year – Joy McCreary/Crescenta Valley High School; Volunteer of the Year – Julie Dowse; Business of the Year – Crescenta Valley Tow Service; Organization of the Year – La Crescenta Woman’s Club; Chamber’s President’s Special Recognition – California Dept. of Fish and Wildlife; Beautification – Two Strike Park War Memorial Wall / American Legion Post 288 and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1614. Safety personnel recognized were Los Angeles County Firefighter Specialist Kevin White, Glendale Fire Station #28, California Highway Patrol Officer Manuel Rodriguez, L.A. Sheriff’s Deputy Mike Winter, Glendale Police Officer Peter Robinson.

This year, the chamber bestowed the inaugural Don Carpenter Award. Carpenter, publisher of the Ledger Newspaper, was an influential person in the Crescenta Valley. The chamber wanted to recognize a special individual who knew Carpenter, was aware of his many contributions to the Crescenta Valley, and has made many contributions himself. Joe Kroening was recognized this year with the prestigious award.

  Mary Okeefe