LAKEPORT — The Soper Reese Theater was again the venue for the 22nd annual Stars of Lake County on Saturday, where members of the community are honored for their contributions to Lake County, recognized as those who have created a better place to live and work and who have shared their talent with the area.
The well-dressed crowd buzzed with conversation while David Neft, the Piano Man, entertained the crowd for his 22nd year, while they snacked on appetizers provided by O’Meara Brothers Brewery and refreshments from the bar in the lobby.
Melissa Fulton, CEO of the Lake County Chamber of Commerce, opened the ceremony to a full house, by first honoring military personnel audience members. Columnist Gene Paleno, in his 90s, who served in the U.S. Navy during WW II, got to his feet along with several other veterans.
Fulton told of how Stars of Lake County was the brainstorm of former publisher of the Record-Bee, Judi Pollace, in February 1998, starting out with 12 categories, which has grown to 23.
Nominations were submitted throughout the year. A selection committee received the book of nominations and had up to seven days to read the details of each nominee and to make their decisions. “It’s not a popularity contest,” said Fulton, “it’s definitely the details. We read through them [the nominations] and if there’s not enough details, we do the research in time for the selection committee.”
The selection committee consisted of: John Tomkins of Lucerne, Linda Diehl-Darms and Yvette Sloan from Middletown, Alan Flora from Clearlake, Sandy Tucker of Middletown, Kim Tangermann of Hidden Valley Lake, Trena Pauly of Kelseyville, Robert Boccabella of Clear Lake Riviera and Linda Kelly from Lakeport.
The Soper Reese stage, highlighted by the giant lighted star under which the award recipients, the presenters and sponsors stood also held tables lined with golden, glittering “very heavy” awards, said Fulton, which were made by a fine art foundry in New York, Polich Tallixs; the same foundry that makes the Oscar statuettes for the annual Academy Awards.
Lacey Green Deas, executive assistant to the president of Adventist Clear Lake Hospital dressed in faux fur and lace, one of three women nominated for Woman of the Year, handed out each award to the presenters.
Congressman Mike Thompson (D-CA 5th District) slipped into the audience unannounced for a few minutes before Fulton called him to the stage to partake in handing out his personal certificate to each of the award recipients; a task he’s faithfully carried out throughout the 22 years of the event [with the exception of last year].
Fulton told how some awards have new names, honoring individuals around the lake. She then introduced Faith Hornby, former Miss Lake County (2016), a Star recipient at age 13 and the granddaughter of Naomi Bruce, who sang “Stars” from Les Misérables and ended the song with a solo trumpet performance.
Representatives of the sponsors went to the podium to read a letter announcing the name of the recipient. Some of the letters were pages long, touting what for and why each recipient was honored.
Bill Kearney presented the Special Star Award to Leanna Costello of Hidden Valley Lake (sponsored by Bill and Dana Kearney.)
The Marla Ruzicka Humanitarian Award was presented to Luisa Acosta of Finley by Nancy Ruzicka (sponsored by Cliff and Nancy Ruzicka).
Senior of the Year; awarded to Claudine Pedroncelli/Upper Lake (picked up by Olga Martin Steele) by Lacey Green Deas (sponsored by Adventist Health Clear Lake).
Naomi Bruce Memorial Volunteer of the Year; awarded to Sara Sanchez from Upper Lake by Janice Hornby (sponsored by Naomi Bruce family).
Student of the Year – Female was presented to Ashley Dahl from Lakeport by Cynthia Lenners (sponsored by Lake County Office of Education).
Student of the Year – Male was presented to Vann Wilkins of Clearlake Oaks by Brock Falkenberg (sponsored by Lake County Office of Education).
Youth Advocate of the Year – Volunteer; awarded to Katy Evans of Lower Lake, presented by Bailey Bramlett (sponsored by Savings Bank of Mendocino).
Youth Advocate of the Year – Professional; awarded to Tracy Lahr of Clearlake, presented by Chuck Sberna (sponsored by West Coast Fire and Water).
Organization of the Year – Non-Profit; awarded to Clear Lake Gleaners/Finley, presented by Roby Bera (sponsored by North Coast Opportunities).
Organization of the Year – Volunteer; awarded to Moose Lodge No. 2284/Clearlake Oaks, presented by John Burke (sponsored by Community First Credit Union).
Agriculture Award; awarded to Brenna Sullivan, presented by Jennifer Strong (sponsored by Paradise Skate Roller Rink and Arcade)
Small Business of the Year; award to DJ’s Pizza & Game Hub/Lower Lake, presented by Ariel Carmona (sponsored by Foods Etc.).
Best Idea of the Year; awarded to Jim Steele of Clearlake Oaks, presented by Robert Boccbella (sponsored by WestAmerica Bank).
Amateur Arts – The Joshua Blair Memorial Arts Award; awarded to Laura McAndrews Sammel of Lakeport by Barbara Clark (sponsored by Lake County Theater Company).
The Arts Award of the Year – Professional; awarded to Marcie Ann Long of Kelseyville by Peggy Clark (sponsored by Sutter Lakeside Hospital).
Public Safety Award; awarded to Andrew White of Clearlake by Sheriff Brian Martin (sponsored by Sheriff Brian Martin).
Environmental Award; awarded to Debbie St Cyr-Bloomquist of Lake County by Congressman Mike Thompson (sponsored by Congressman Mike Thompson).
Spirit of Lake County Award; awarded to Carl Web of Clearlake by John Tomkins (sponsored byJohn Tomkins).
Woman of the Year; awarded to Terry Dereniuk from Kelseyville by Bill Kearney (sponsored by North Lake Medical Pharmacy).
Man of the Year; awarded to Kevin Cox from Middletown by Jill Jensen (sponsored by Bruno’s Shop Shop).
Lifetime Achievement; awarded to Marilyn Holdenried from Kelseyville by Jennifer Strong (sponsored by Strong Financial Network. Holdenried said about receiving her award, “I’m humbled and delighted.”
Woman of the Year Dereniuk said, “I’m shocked and honored. I’m humbled. I’m going to take it home to show my husband, who couldn’t be here.”
Chief White said of his Public Safety Award, “It’s certainly humbling. Although my name is on the award, it’s reflective of the good work by the men and women of the Clearlake Police Department.”
Fulton thanked the Stars sponsors: Michael Chandler, Third Eye Visuals, Lake Event Design, Lake County Record-Bee, Disney’s Trophies and Awards, Sam Euston, Euston Productions and all volunteers who helped, as well as the ‘traditional star’ for the stage, provided by Russ Hamel of Konocti Harbor Resort and Spa.
She summed up the event, “The Stars of Lake County embodies so much of what is special about our county and the people who live and work here. We are surrounded by some of the nicest, most talented and most giving people in this county. We care about each other and that is what the Stars of Lake County is about – caring about our communities and showing appreciation for each other.”
