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Moorpark Chamber of Commerce honors volunteers, organizations for service
Whether it's through a business, as a volunteer who helps others, or because of an amazing personal milestone, in the eyes of the Chamber every one of the more than 40 people who received a nomination deserves praise. "This is a chance for the community to get together and recognize those who do service and make this community the great place that it is to live and work," said Lisa Masotti, Chamber president and CEO. "Our gifts were given to us to share with the world," said Chamber member Linda McCarthy. All the nominees received a certificate and 12 were called back to the podium to receive a 2007 Top Ten Award at the Moorpark Country Club luncheon. About 150 attended the event. Chamber leaders and last year's winners handed out the awards to this year's winners. Alice Cantwell Woman of the Year Cantwell is a mother, businesswoman, mentor, educator, volunteer, and a staple of the community. She's involved in many organizations and causes. As the owner of Away We Grow, a preschool that she founded, Cantwell helps shape the lives of local youth. She's remained strong and active despite the loss of her husband, who died from a heart attack last year. Rob Dearborn Man of the Year Dearborn is the athletic director at Moorpark High School. He's a leader for Moorpark's youth and has been involved in the Relay for Life, the Rotary Club, the Boys & Girls Club and his church. Dearborn is a past president of Packers Football and the Moorpark Striders as well as the Fellowship of Christian Athletes at Moorpark High School. Peter Carrube Chamber Member of the Year As a board member and ambassador for the Moorpark Chamber, Carrube consistently goes above and beyond his commitments. He serves on several committees and does everything he possibly can for the betterment of the Chamber and its members. Eric Dee Volunteer of the Year Dee works quietly behind the scenes in almost every activity in Moorpark. From Chamber activities and events to making sure Country Days is a success year after year, donating countless hours of service to the community, Dee does it all. He volunteers for the Relay for Life and at his church. As a member of the Kiwanis Club, Dee supports the needs of local youth and makes himself available to lend a hand with whatever is needed. Jillian Baker Youth of the Year Baker, a senior at the High School at Moorpark College, maintains a consistently high grade point average and is accomplished outside of the classroom as well. In addition to playing varsity tennis, Baker contributed time to the school newspaper. She's a member of the California Scholarship Federation and won the Rotary Youth Leadership award for assisting and working toward making her community a better place to live through Interact. Hung Le Youth of the Year Le, a senior at Moorpark High School, has a 4.55 gpa and is ranked fifth in the class of 560 students. He's a leader and role model for other students, spending many hours volunteering for community projects. Le is a member of the Future Business Leaders of America, the National Honor Society and the Active Citizens of Today. Jesse Vasquez Senior of the Year Vasquez has given her time and energy to the Moorpark Active Adult Center and the Ventura County senior nutrition program for the past six years. She works out of the limelight and never asks for anything in return. Tony Bellasalma Senior of the Year Bellasalma assists disabled Moorpark residents through the Lifeline program, installing and repairing emergency response devices. He also delivers hot meals to home-bound seniors and was instrumental in bringing Food Share's Brown Bag program to Moorpark. Bellasalma was a representative on the Ventura County Aging Advisory Board for more than eight years and volunteered on funding committees. He also served as president of Moorpark Senior Citizens Inc. Rotary Club of Moorpark Service Organization of the Year Local Rotarians organize the Civil War reenactment and the Celebrity Golf Tournament. This year, the club raised and distributed $100,000 to 40 different groups, from students seeking higher education to charitable organizations to sports leagues in the community. The Rotary Club hosts a lecture program at Moorpark High School called "Guidance for Career Planning" and organized the Moorpark High School mentor program, sponsoring a Student of the Month. Keith Millhouse Public Servant of the Year Millhouse is a self-employed attorney and a dedicated council member who volunteers for many civic organizations and events in the community. He's been involved with youth sports groups, the Moorpark Relay for Life and the Boys & Girls Club. Millhouse co-chaired the American Diabetes Association Tour de Cure bike ride event and is a member of the Rotary. He served on the planning commission from 1996 to 1998 and was elected to the Moorpark City Council in 2000. He is the vicechair for the Metrolink Commuter Rail Services Board of Directors and is a member of the Ventura County Transportation Commission, which led the fight to widen the 23 and 118 freeways. Brian Doherty Entrepreneur of the Year Doherty, who owns eight service stations, recently opened Campus Plaza Shell service station in Moorpark. The stateofthe-art station includes a car wash, Café Amore coffee shop, a Subway sandwich shop, and a convenience store. Doherty still makes time to give back to the community. Gabino Aguirre Educator of the Year After 30 years in public education, Gabino is retiring from his post as principal of Community High School. He started his career as a second-grade teacher at Flory Elementary and became a school counselor before he was chosen to head Community High in 1988. Aguirre is highly regarded by both his students and his peers in the Moorpark Unified School District. A council member in Santa Paula, Aguirre has established an organization that helps at-risk youth in Ventura County. He is also involved with several anti-nuclear weapons groups. |
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