The Scotts Valley Chamber of Commerce has announced its annual awards for 2016, which will be presented at a Jan.21 Community Awards Gala.
The awards are for Business, Woman, Man, Organization, Educator and Youth of the Year.
The theme of the January event is “For Your Eyes Only,”which will feature a dinner, live music, a raffle and live auction. Fifth District County Supervisor Bruce McPherson will be master of ceremonies.
Tickets for the 6-11 p.m. event at the Green Hills Event Center may be purchased online.
Here are the 2016 award winners.
Business of the Year: Malone’s Grille
“For 36 years Patti Malone has selflessly served our community in ways too numerous to count. She is a Past President of Scotts Valley Rotary, has served on the Board of the Directors for the Chamber of Commerce and was Scotts Valley Woman of the year in 1996.
“Whenever there has been a need in our community, Patti is always there, doing whatever she can.”
Alvin Scarborough Man of the Year: John Weiss
Chief John P. Weiss has been with the Scotts Valley Police Department for 26 years, serving the last ten as Chief of Police. (He retires next week.).
“John was the Department’s first Drug Abuse Resistance Education (DARE) officer, and received the Medal of Merit for the programs he implemented as a Juvenile Detective. During his years, as Chief he worked with staff to upgrade the Department’s Emergency Dispatch Center.
Annette Marcum Woman of the Year: Elizabeth Walch
Elizabeth Walch is a 25-year resident of Santa Cruz County who is the general manager of Lindsay Properties where she has been managing residential real estate for 30 years. Elizabeth enjoys humanitarian work through the community and her congregation at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She participated in choosing and advising the architects in the creation of the Scotts Valley Library.
Educator of the Year: John Postovit, Scotts Valley High School
John Postovit graduated from the University of North Dakota in 1985 with degrees in Physics and Visual Art. “After working several years as an engineer in the night vision goggle industry, he earned a master’s degree at Stanford University and began teaching. Since 1993, he has taught all levels of high school math. He was Scotts Valley High School Educator of the Year in 2015. John is most well-known for the inspiration he provides to his students.“
Youth of the Year: Elana Weingord, Scotts Valley High School
Elana Weingord is a full International Diploma Candidate at Scotts Valley High School. Her athletic endeavors are; Varsity Tennis Team, Santa Cruz Coast League Champion & California Regional quarter finalist, Scotts Valley High School Track Team, Pole vault and 200 meters. Extra-curricular activities included the Board of Trustees.
Organization of the Year: Scotts Valley Park Advocates
The Scotts Valley Parks advocates is a 501c3 organization consisting of 4 volunteers: Bill Turner, Diane Bianconi, Lisa Bustichi and Joe Nedney, and one city staff member Kirstin Ard, the Parks and Recreation Director. They are a small but mighty group that raises funds via the 4th of July fireworks celebration for parks and other recreation activities
Special Award for Volunteerism: Jeanette Larkin
Many know Jeanette Larkin through Malone’s Grille and as Patti Malone’s.Jeanette was the Chair of the Scotts Valley Art Wine Beer Festival and was instrumental in rebranding this event and making last year’s festival being the most successful one to date. Jeanette and her husband, Seth, are also the proud owners of Larkin Precision Machining Inc.
