Congratulations to the seven winners and 14 finalists for the 30th annual Community Awards, which represent a fraction of the thanks owed these fine people for making a difference in our hometowns.
The awards were distributed at a luncheon last week that carried on a traditional formerly shepherded by the Carson City Chamber of Commerce. It was a privilege for the Nevada Appeal, along with Carson Access Television, to take on sponsorship of the awards.
Reading the summaries in the Appeal and listening to master of ceremonies Craig Swope recount their accomplishments at the luncheon, it was easy to understand why these people are considered leaders in our community. In many ways, they go about their jobs quietly and effectively and don't think of themselves as accomplishing extraordinary things. Yet they do.
In fact, the short descriptions of their accomplishments often could only scratch the surface. They are leading lives as contributors to all our lives. For us to pause a moment to thank them - to recognize them - was the least we could do.
We should also point out that in addition to the 21 people honored - plus Mary Fischer of Gardeners Reclaiming Our Waysides, who received special recognition - we received many nominations from which the final list was pared.
In most categories, the panel of judges had to choose from up to a dozen nominees, all of them deserving. It took several rounds of voting to arrive at three finalists in each category, and a single winner, on which we could agree.
The results were a group of individuals who represent the best of the Carson City area - academic Tom Badillo, artist Karen Chandler, athlete Darrel Rasner, boss Richard Linkul, employee Bob Williams, humanitarian Sam Waldman and organization Boys & Girls Club of Western Nevada.
We're already looking forward to the opportunity to honor another group next year.
