March 10, 2010

A CHANCE TO HONOR THE PEOPLE WHO MAKE NAPA SPECIAL

“Everyday heroes” sought for fourth annual Napa Valley Community Awards

The golden glow of mustard fields warmed by spring, the crimson tint of vineyards chilled by autumn, the superb restaurants and premier wines – all these features make the Napa Valley a magnet for visitors worldwide. But what makes it an extraordinary place to live is its spirit – a thriving sense of community that brings out the best in the people who call it home.

This is the spirit honored by “Celebrating Community,” the fourth annual Napa Valley Community Awards. Nominations are open to pay tribute to everyday heroes for their outstanding leadership, contributions and achievements. The awards are co-sponsored by the Napa Chamber Foundation and Mechanics Bank.

Categories include Outstanding Community Booster, Outstanding Healthcare Professional, Outstanding Napa Valley College Student, Outstanding Hospitality/Tourism, Outstanding Nonprofit Employee and Outstanding Nonprofit Organization.

Nominations will be accepted through Monday, March 22, with winners announced at 9 a.m. Friday, April 9 on KVON 1440 AM’s “Today in the Wine Country” show. Additional awards will recognize the Outstanding Teacher and Outstanding Public Safety Person of the Year.

Last year’s winners included:

• Healthcare Professional Peter M. Haines, a nurse at an adult mental health facility, for bringing piano music, books and love to the daily lives of his patients
• Hospitality/Tourism winner Patricia Cline, a vivacious pioneer of women tour guides in the Napa Valley
• Nonprofit Employee Michelle Williams, who steered her Arts Council of Napa Valley through funding cuts while expanding its projects
• Napa Valley College Outstanding Student Kirsten Raschko, who maintained a 3.7 GPA with an astonishing array of activities including theater, student government, tutoring, and collecting more than 400 pounds of food for the needy
• Teacher Jennifer Veveiros of Phillips Charter School, who shares her techniques with other teachers
• Community Booster Gary Rose, who embraces his nickname “Mr. Napa Valley.”
• Public Safety winner Charlie Rhodes, a sensitive Napa Fire Captain who also scores as a grant writer
• Nonprofit of the Year, Napa Emergency Women’s Services.

All of the 2010 winners will be honored at a luncheon Tuesday, May 18th at the Napa Valley Marriott Hotel & Spa. Nomination forms are available at http://www.napachamberfoundation.org. For more information, call the Chamber at 707-226-7455.

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