LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – The final list of nominees for this year's Stars of Lake County Community Awards event is now set as the event gets set to take place next weekend.
The 18th annual awards ceremony will take place at the Soper Reese Theater beginning at 5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 14.
There are more than 50 nominees this year, bringing the total of nominees for all years to more than 1,800 individuals, businesses and organizations, according to the Lake County Chamber of Commerce.
By the end of the Nov. 14 ceremony, the total number of Star Awards presented will be 380. The chamber said there will be a sign on display in the theater lobby listing all recipients for all years, beginning in 1998.
The reception hour, hosted by The Lodge At Blue Lakes, will feature appetizers and a no host bar, with longtime Lake County favorite David Neft performing. Neft has performed 17 out of the 18 years of Stars of Lake County.
The Lake County Chamber is pleased to also have the singing talents of Shelly Mascari, lead singer for The Funky Dozen, performing during the event.
Tickets for Stars of Lake County are $25 per person and all seats are reserved. Tickets may be purchased through the Lake County Chamber of Commerce at 875 Lakeport Blvd. at Vista Point, Lakeport.
Stars of Lake County is open to the general public and everyone is encouraged to get their tickets soon as there are a limited number available.
The chamber expressed its gratitude to all who made time to submit nominations honoring people who make Lake County a special place.
The organization also thanked event sponsors, including Cliff and Nancy Ruzicka, Westamerica Bank, Sutter Lakeside Hospital, Disney Trophies & Awards, SERVPRO of Lake Mendocino, Savings Bank of Mendocino, Mendo Lake Credit Union, Konocti Vista Casino & Marina, Foods Etc., Bruno’s Shop Smart, Rep. Mike Thompson, Calpine Corp., John Tomkins Tax Consultant, North Lake Medical Pharmacy, Strong Financial Network, Twin Pine Casino/Middletown Pomo Indians, Meadowood Nursing Center, Lake County Record-Bee, Lake Event Design, The Lodge at Blue Lakes and Tony Barthel.
For further information, contact the Lake County Chamber of Commerce at 707-245-7431.
The full list of nominees is shown below.
STARS OF LAKE COUNTY 2015 NOMINEES
Marla Ruzicka Humanitarian of the Year
Sponsored by Cliff and Nancy Ruzicka
1. Barbara Flynn, Cobb
2. Robert Stark, Cobb
3. Liliana Edwards, Lakeport
4. Jose “Moke” Simon, Middletown
5. David Norris, Lakeport
Senior of the Year
1. Gene Paleno, Lakeport
2. Bob Specht, Kelseyville
Volunteer of the Year
1. Mary Beth Woodward, Lakeport
2. Wally Fuller, Lakeport
3. Bill Bennett, Clearlake
4. Aaron Onstad, Lower Lake
5. Phyllis (Suzy) Shoop, Clearlake
Student of the Year – Female
1. Gracie Pachie, Middletown
Student of the Year – Male
1. Abel Serrano Jr., Upper Lake
2. Christopher Vincent, Lakeport
Youth Advocate of the Year – Volunteer
1. Rick Walker, Lower Lake
Youth Advocate of the Year – Professional
1. Marisol Becerra-Valdez, Lakeport
2. Kim Costa, Lower Lake
Agriculture Award
Sponsored by Savings Bank of Mendocino County
1. Schuyler “Sky” Hoyt, Lakeport
Organization of the Year – Nonprofit (has paid staff)
1. Highlands Senior Center, Clearlake
Organization of the Year – Volunteer (all volunteer staff)
1. West Shore Little League, Lakeport
2. KPFZ radio station, Lakeport
3. Moose Lodge No. 2284, Clearlake Oaks
4. S.A.F.E.R./North Counties Horse Rescue, Lake County
5. Middletown Art Center, Middletown
Environmental Award
Sponsored by Calpine Corp.
1. The Lake County Land Trust
New Business of the Year
1. Mutt & Jess, Cobb
2. O’Meara Bros Brewing Co., Lakeport
3. Fresh and Bangin’ Eatery, Lucerne
Small Business of the Year
1. The Village Pub, Cobb
2. Wholly Bowl, Lakeport
3. Loving’s Fireplace Service, Lakeport
4. Art House Gallery, Clearlake
Large Business of the Year
Sponsored by Bruno’s Shop Smart
1. Twin Pine Casino & Hotel, Middletown
Best Idea of the Year
1. Robin Fogel Shrive, Cobb
2. Diana Liebe, Nice
3. Certified Tourism Ambassador Program, County of Lake
Local Hero of the Year
Sponsored by Congressman Mike Thompson
1. James Wright, Lower Lake
2. William “Bill” Davidson, Lakeport
3. Warden Tim Little, Lakeport
Joshua Blair Memorial Arts Award-Amateur
No nominees
The Arts Award of the Year – Professional
1. Nick Biondo, Lakeport
2. Adam Moore, Middletown
3. Lisa Kaplan, Middletown
Woman of the Year
1. Cheryl Cole, Clearlake
2. Susan Feiler, Upper Lake
3. Jeanine Burnett, Hidden Valley Lake
4. Marta Fuller, Lakeport
Man of the Year
No nominees
Lifetime Achievement
1. Pamela Phillips, Nice
2. Clifford D Ruzicka, Lakeport
3. Mike Salter, Lower Lake
Spirit of Lake County Award
Sponsored by John Tomkins
Winner is chosen by the selection committee from nominations received in other categories.