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Eleven Petaluma citizens and businesses were honored for their
outstanding community contributions at the annual Petaluma Community
Recognition Awards ceremonies on
April 27. The honorees were:
Lifetime of Service: Connie Mahoney
Connie Mahoney was honored for a half-century of contributions to
Petaluma, with a strong emphasis on education. A former supervisor of
instruction for the Petaluma elementary schools, she subsequently served
as president of Wilson Elementary School PTA, Petaluma Junior High PTA,
Petaluma High School PTSA, and the Petaluma PTA Council.
Citizen of the Year: Carol Ann Libarle
For many years, her contributions have included the Santa Rosa Junior
College Foundation Board, SRJC Friends of Petaluma Board, the Petaluma
Valley Hospital Foundation Board, Petaluma Educational Foundation,
American Cancer Society Fashion Show, Santa Rosa Symphony Board, and
Boys and Girls Club of Petaluma.
Small Business of the Year: Central Animal Hospital
Matthew and Jennifer Carter are both involved in community projects
including the River Cleanup, annual Chamber Jazz Festival, and
Rebuilding Together. Dr. Carter currently teaches a class on Small
Animal Disease Recognition and Transmission Control.
Large Business of the Year: V. Dolan Trucking Co., Inc.
Erik Fowler was nominated for extensive community service throughout
Sonoma County, including extensive contributions to the Engineering
Contractors Association. He has also been the driving force behind
implementing the use of biodiesel in V. Dolan trucks.
Excellence in Education: Dennis Orner, Old Adobe Developmental
Services
An adult education teacher employed by the Petaluma School District,
Orner spent his career assigned to OADS, training the adult
developmentally challenged. He died last month and was recognized
posthumously.
Service to Youth: Oralee Bean
Oralee Bean is a long-time member of the Community Guild and the
Petaluma Educational Foundation. Both groups serve the youth of
Petaluma. For many years, she has been a tireless behind-the-scenes
worker for both organizations.
Excellence in Agriculture: Margaret Gambonini, Gamlake Dairy
She has been involved in North Bay Dairy Women, California Women for
Agriculture, Sonoma County Farm Bureau, Dairy Council of California,
National Dairy Board, Dairy Management Inc., and the Chamber’s
Agri-business Committee.
Service to Seniors: Bill Fishman, PEP Housing
He has served on PEP’s board for five years and has been president the
past three years. His dedication to seniors has been extraordinary. A
local attorney, he gives and inordinate amount of his time and resources
to further the mission of PEP Housing.
Volunteer of the Year: Ann Kiefer and Howard Smith
They have been preparing Meals-on-Wheels for Petaluma People Services
Center for ten years. They prepare more than 150 meals a day, always
adding a special touch. Last year, they provided 1,536 hours of service
to seniors, and are an inspiration to other seniors.
Firefighter of the Year: Captain Kevin Marks
This is the second time Captain Marks has been named Firefighter
of the Year, having also received the honor in 2003. He is in charge of
the department’s gift giveaway program during the holidays. In the past
few years, he has helped revitalize the program.
Police Officer of the Year: Officer Jason Lechleiter
He was chosen for the award based on his work in enforcement,
recognition and education while serving as the department’s gang
enforcement officer. He came to the Petaluma police force in 2003, and
is an integral part of the department’s efforts to address gang problems
locally.
Service Person of the Year: Cassie Ensminger, DaVinci’s Espresso
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She is the barista at DaVinci’s, where she has worked for three and a
half years. She enjoys serving customers, getting to know the regulars,
and working with fellow employees.
Click here for Awards Nomination Form.
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