Teacher, businesswoman honored for community service

Terry Umstead and Karin Ann Park are this year’s winners of the Valley Women’s Club Hammer-Marcum Awards, recognizing the pair’s contributions to the San Lorenzo Valley.
The award, which originated in 1987 with its presentation to Mary Hammer and Annette Marcum, is biennially given to two people who embody a sense of community service, according to Valley Women’s Club board member Nancy Macy.
Umstead, co-founder of San Lorenzo Valley High School’s Watershed Academy, has taught science courses at the school since 1981. He is being honored for his dedication to educating the community’s young people about environmental issues, Macy said.
Park, who owns Joe’s Bar in Boulder Creek, is recognized for her efforts to make her establishment a welcoming environment and a positive part of the community.
Both Park and Umstead will be recognized at an afternoon celebration Sunday, Oct. 23, at the Highlands Park Senior Center, with presentations by county Supervisor Mark Stone and representatives of Rep. Anna Eshoo, state Sen. Joe Simitian and Assemblyman Bill Monning.
The event is scheduled to begin at 1:30 p.m. and will feature desserts created by Jeri and Bruce Oneto. Entry costs $12 at the door, but space should be reserved in advance.
Macy said that Park and Umstead will be presented with redwood boxes carved by local artists David and Kim Okrant, containing a plaque to commemorate their service. Each box will be festooned with a silver medallion that bears the images of Hammer and Marcum, made by Jerry and Sheila DeLany of Blind Pilot Jewelers.
“I think there’s a lot of people that do a lot for our community,” Umstead said. “I’m honored to be considered for this.”
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