Last Thursday, it was the Chamber’s honor to recognize a number of outstanding individuals in our community. The Annual Recognition Banquet was held at Oakmont Country Club and proved to be a night full of heart, sincerity and laughter. I will say a few words about the honorees below but first let me quote the opening remarks of our board president Calvin Chock and honorary mayor Chris Aristo.

“It is truly an honor to welcome all of you here to recognize those who have put aside their personal needs in order to unselfishly put long hours into working for the benefit of our community. The recipients are truly the backbone of our community and need to be recognized for the services they have provided to make our community what it is today. I thank you for joining us and sharing this special occasion for these selected individuals.” – Calvin “Kaipo” Chock

“I would like to welcome everyone to the 2016 Crescenta Valley Chamber of Commerce Recognition Banquet. It is rare when we get to celebrate and honor those in this community who work so hard to make this area such a great place to live.  What makes this community an unparalleled place to live is that there is a lengthy list of people who are deserving of recognition. Those who are being honored stand out for their exemplary charitable nature and selflessness. Thank you to our winners and congratulations!” – Chris Aristo

Man of the Year Mark Yeager, a clergyman and chaplain for 22 years, has supported youth and parents in this community for decades and currently heads up Heartstrings and Notes International, an organization that works to help youth locally and globally.

Woman of the Year Cynthia Livingston is the outstanding principal of Rosemont Middle School. Her experience in team building, her respect for collaboration and innovative thinking, and her innate desire to see all students succeed and feel valued are the reasons other administrators look to her leadership.

Business of the Year went to Dream Dinners-La Crescenta co-owned by Stephanie and Ray Carnes. The Carneses donate generously to the community and offer a service – prepared meals and meals that customers assemble from ingredients prepped by DD, then freeze and serve to their families later – that helps our local families stay sane at dinnertime.

Organization of the Year went to YMCA of the Foothills. Their renewed commitment to healthy living, youth development and social responsibility make them a vital resource for our community.

It took four presenters to list the many accomplishments of our Student of the Year Jessy Shelton! Besides leading Prom Plus Club for many years and volunteering with Life Rolls On, she can be seen helping out at virtually every community gathering in this town.

We’ll introduce you to more honorees next week.

Upcoming Events

CVHS JROTC is having a rummage sale this Saturday, Nov. 5 from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the CVHS cafeteria. Donations gladly accepted on Friday from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Mixer at US Bank, 2649 Foothill Blvd., La Crescenta next Wednesday, Nov. 9 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Jackpot is up to $625!

  Lisa DUPUY