Stars of Lake County (re-run per special request)
KELSEYVILLE ? Sunday evening a sliver of a moon hung in the sky, but Konocti Harbor Resort & Spa was filled with stars.
The 12th annual Stars of Lake County awards celebration hosted a variety of deserving nominees.
“You are all stars among stars,” Tom Lincoln, Master of Ceremonies said.
At the onset of the event, Lincoln, asked that everyone observe a moment of silence for the police officers who were killed in Oakland.
Melissa Fulton CEO of Lakeport Regional Chamber of Commerce, explained the nomination process. Fulton is largely responsible for the orchestration of the annual event.
Congressman Mike Thompson greeted each award recipient as well as sponsoring the award of ?Local Hero of the Year,” received by Walt Foster, a man who was making an appliance delivery and found the customer ill. Foster learned that the man hadn”t had water in days. After retrieving water for the man, he proceeded to arrange for medical care. Without Foster”s assistance that Lake County resident would not be with us.
Special thanks were given to Tammi Silva who made it possible for a number of recipients to attend the event with “Angel Tickets.” Participating in the event can be costly and Silva thinks that all of the selfless people who make Lake County a great place to live should be able to attend.
Patsy Mitchell is honored with the ?Arts Award of the Year, amateur category.” Presenter Joey Luiz called her “A social bubble with a bright smile.”
There were tears of joy and tears of sorrow.
“I was so grateful to represent Barbara LaForge, I teared up and choked on my words to hear my friend”s name,” Gail Salituri said after accepting ?Arts Award of the Year, professional category.” Salituri is raising money to support the Freedom House, domestic violence shelter, in memory of LaForge, whose murder remains unsolved.
The ?Spirit of Lake County” award went to Duane Furman who spent more than 40 years serving the community. From pre-teens to senior citizens, Lake County displayed some of its brightest, kindest, most humanitarian faces, not just the recipients of the awards, but the many nominees who prove to be assets in every way, to Lake County.
Award Recipients
Humanitarian – Faith Hornby
Senior of the year – Treva Ryan
Volunteer(s) – Bill and Carolyn Tobin
Student (female) – Alma Martinez
Special recognition award – Academic Decathlon Upper Lake
Student (male) – Anthony Tavares
Youth advocate (volunteer) – Shel Bush
Youth advocate (pro) – Ana Santana
Agriculture – Lake County Co-op
Organization (NPO) – People Services Inc.
Organization (volunteer) – Operation Tango Mike
Environmental – Leona Butts
New Business – Harbor Village Artists
Small business – Solo Flight Academy
Large Business – Umpqua Bank
Best Idea – Ageless Dream Day
Local Hero – Walt Foster
Arts (Amateur) – Patsy Mitchell
Arts (Pro) – Gail Salituri
Spirit of Lake County – Duane Furman
Woman of the year- Georgina Lehne
Man of the year – Willie Sapeta
Lifetime achievement (woman) –
Eva Johnson
Lifetime achievement (man) –
Father Phillip Ryan
