LAKE COUNTY— The Lake County Record Bee would like to congratulate this year’s Hometown Hero Nicole Gentry. Nicole Gentry is the co-owner of Grilligan’s Island in Lucerne, a restaurant specializing in grilled cheese, soup and cheeseburgers that she runs with her husband Nick Gentry. Nicole Gentry was nominated by Lucerne resident Lucy Llewellyn Byard for her outstanding community support and continued dedication to feeding the less fortunate in our county.
Nick and Nicole Gentry opened their restaurant in 2022 after struggling to regain stable housing, thus understanding homelessness on a personal level. Their very first day open, a man approached their back door saying he had two children, and that they were hungry. Instead of sending him off with some chips, they brought them all inside, made them some burgers, sides and some of Nicole’s signature tomato soup, and let them sit and enjoy their meal as long as they needed.
Nicole shared “When I have extra stuff at the end of the night that I don’t want to throw away I will offer it to customers like ‘hey you get an extra grilled cheese with your dinner tonight.’” They continue to serve the homeless as often as they are asked, and are often denied when they offer those in need a free meal as Nicole Gentry noted “We see a young man walking every day, I have asked him multiple times if we could get him a meal and he refuses. We still offer.” Although they can no longer allow for extended stays and ask for individuals to take their meal to-go after several incidents including a woman throwing a liquor bottle through their large store front window while Nicole was in the hospital after being life flighted for a critical neck injury.
Beyond donating to those in need inside their restaurant, Nick and Nicole Gentry have also donated meals and food to the Lakeport Warming Shelter as well as other nonprofits seeking donations to feed the homeless. The Gentry’s also donate their time and goods including food and gift certificates for local fundraisers, most recently attending and serving a skewered charcuterie for their second Lake County Wine Alliance this past Saturday September 16. Nicole shared a scenario when they once lost power, and instead of discarding any food that would go bad, she reached out to the Lakeport shelter and donated a freezer’s worth of food. Nicole stated “I don’t want to waste, I am big on not wasting if it’s still good. We had our generator going but I just had them take it as I was not going to use it in the next day or two.”
Nicole Gentry also shared that she has helped feed the homeless for almost seven years, founding the Facebook page Feed the Need of Clear Lake California, though in recent years she has had to back off some in order to operate her business, switching roles from seeking donations to giving them. Nick and Nicole are both very active in their local church Harvest Clearlake and thank God for their opportunities, explaining how, “I don’t know what it is, maybe it’s the building, but people have told us they feel God here.” The Gentry’s unknowingly project this feeling outwardly, and when awarded the Hometown Hero title Nicole Gentry stated, “I was blown away, I don’t see myself as a hero. I just and serve those in need, and sometimes those not so in need, we just help who we can.”
In her nomination Byard shared how Nicole Gentry’s inviting demeanor and culinary passion has not only helped improve the local economy, but has also enriched the lives of local citizens stating “Nicole and Nick have tirelessly worked to bring quality food to the community of North Shore Lucerne. Their commitment to serving delicious meals and creating a friendly experience for their customers is truly commendable”. Byard shared a list of reasons she chose to nominate Nicole Gentry noting “One of Nicole’s admirable initiatives has been donating food to a warming center. This act of kindness helps provide nourishment and comfort to those in need during challenging times.” Explaining the depth of this specific contribution Byard continued, “Additionally, she has gone above and beyond by offering soups and sandwiches to homeless individuals who have visited their restaurant. This compassionate gesture not only fills their bellies but also provides a warm, welcoming environment for those seeking respite.” Another reason for the nomination was how often Nicole Gentry donates her time, gift cards, and fundraising help whenever the community is in need. In closing Byard stated, “Her selflessness, creativity, and dedication to making Lucerne a better place deserve acknowledgment and appreciation.”
The Lake County Record Bee would also like to recognize the runners up and other finalists as there were many honorable nominations. The runner up, Shannon Stilwell, was nominated by Betsy Cawn who shared “Shannon is one of the founders of the Pitney Lane Firewise Community in Upper Lake, and a long-time member of the Upper Lake Community Council. The Council’s founders created the annual ‘Wild West Day’ as a fundraiser for the Northshore Fire Protection District, more than 20 years ago.”
Finalists included David “the Taco Guy” Correa, nominated by Thomas DeWalt who shared. “This man is always setting up fundraisers for people in our community he works tirelessly to help people in our community he is always supporting local business by posting on social media he has many times setup go fund me pages to help victims of cancer.” Patrick Jiron and his wife Barbara Jiron were nominated by Lorelei Franco who stated, “Patrick’s 20 years of service as a “road warrior” picking up trash on new long valley road stretching to Highway 20, is a big chunk of time. The last few years Patrick has carried on the tradition alone, his wife Barbara also participated for a decade up until an injury persuaded her otherwise.” Jessica Pyska nominated Cathy McCarthy who chairs the Cobb area council and Betsy Cawn, longtime programmer at KPFZ, was also nominated. Thank you for all of your nominations and dedication.
