Chamber recognizes community at awards ceremony

Douglas Pop Warner President Jim Valentine was named the unsung hero of the year by the Carson Valley Chamber of Commerce on Saturday night.

Valentine has participated in the program for more than 20 years.

"Working with the Pop Warner program, Jim is in his element," Chamber Executive Director Bill Chernock said in introducing him. "Jim focuses on what the Pop Warner program can do to help families. He as the vision and knowledge that recognizes that we can only change the world if we change our own small portion of it in any way we can."

Valentine received at least 40 nominations from people all over the Valley in the annual Carson Valley Community Awards.

He was honored at the Carson Valley Chamber of Commerce and Visitor's Authority's annual gala.

The Minden-Douglas Elks Lodge No. 270 was recognized as service club of the year. The Elks participate in a number of annual fund-raisers to support causes such as Project Santa Claus, Project School Days, the Kids Fishing Derby, Student of the month, Cub Scouts, Explorers, Department of Recreation basketball and girls' soccer.

The Elks lost their exalted ruler this year when Joe Denton died Oct. 20. They are paying tribute to departed members at a 1 p.m. Dec. 7 memorial service at the Elks Lodge.

The Carson Valley Arts Council work to convert the old Copeland Lumber building in downtown Minden into a performing arts center earned them the award for tourism business of the year.

The award was accepted by Brian Fitzgerald.

Todd Whear and Shelli Schilt of Stor-All accepted the award for Carson Valley business of the year.

The family-owned business was recognized by the chamber for its efforts to keep business dollars in the Valley.

Austin's House Director Terry Palmitier was recognized for her work in establishing the Carson Valley Children's Center.

Palmitier has worked to bring the center to fruition since its inception. In its first year Austin's House has provided shelter and care for nearly 50 children from Douglas and other rural counties.

Carson Valley Inn employee Archie Walker was named the employee of the year for 2008.

"For years he has been the ultimate gentleman, providing extraordinary service for each and every event held at the Inn."

Nominations for the community awards are solicited in October in The Record-Courier, a sponsor of the event, along with G.E. Energy, Bing Material, Pro Group Management, Gregory and Melinda Klick, Carson Tahoe Regional Health Center, The Ridge Tahoe/Resorts West. Wine for the event is supplied by Rick and Kathy Halbardier of Tahoe Ridge Winery. Centerpieces were prepared by Bouquet & Bouquet Floral, A Wild Flower Floral, Scolaris Floral Department and Raley's Floral Department.

The gala was held at Antoci's Supper Club at Genoa Lakes Golf Course.