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Citizen
of the Year Bios - compiled by Olga Batey
1955
– Raymond Case
A
science teacher, and then Elk Grove Elementary School principle
whose concern for students who needed some financial help established
a loan program. This has evolved into Dollars for Scholars.
1956
– Alvin Bartholomew
A
true son of Elk Grove. Individually and as a member of many
organizations Alvin did everything within his power to make Elk
Grove a wonderful place to live.
1957
– Tom Karamanos
As
a small businessman, organized a group of men to for the Elk Grove
Business Men’s Association and was its first Chairman. Today
it has evolved to the Elk Grove Chamber of Commerce.
1958
– George Henderson
A
true Boy Scout at heart, started the first Boy Scout Troop in Elk
Grove. Continued to support scouting his entire life.
1959
– Volunteer Fire Department
For
its outstanding service and excellent leadership and volunteers
this was the popular choice of all Elk Grove citizens.
1960
– Cantrell Castello
A
man of many activities from Chamber of Commerce, Western Festival,
Cemetery Board and California Dairy Breeders Association, plus Area
Chairman of American Dairy Association.
1961
– Gerald Brown
Active in Western Festival since its inception – as an announcer,
publicist and active committee member. Also, loved to ride
his horse in the parade when not announcing.
1962
– Edna Sperry
A
truly active woman in all phases of Elk Grove life. Girls Scouts,
Red Cross trainer, Mothers Club, Blood Bank – the list goes
on. All done with dignity and gentleness. (Still alive
today, 100 years old and very mentally alert.)
1963
– Raymond Russell
A
quiet, effective man who spent hours maintaining Elk Grove Park
and was the primary force in getting a swimming pool in the park.
With honestly and creativity constructed many homes in Elk
Grove.
1964
– Paul Betschart
A
true sport enthusiast. Helped in any way he could at all the
sports events at Elk Grove High School. Also, an assistant
in the Elk Grove Fire Department. All done unobtrusively and
with good humor.
1965
– Jessie Baker
Known locally, state wide and nationally as the woman who revolutionized
the education of the mentally retarded. And – it all
started here in Elk Grove!
1966
– Theodore Smedberg
An
outstanding educator who rose from teacher, elk Grove High School
principal to Sacramento County Superintendent of Schools.
Yet, all the while continuing as an active citizen in many local
affairs.
1967
– Hilma Colton
A
teacher at Elk Grove High School who retired and became active in
many community groups – Girl Scouts, American Field Service,
Elk Grove Cosumnes Cemetery District – a true active citizen.
1968
– Ida Fleming
The
flower lady! Active in the usual activities but love to decorate
her church, at friends’ weddings or any activity that needed
flowers.
1969
– John Zehnder
Seen
everywhere in Elk Grove when things need to be done – as a
volunteer fireman, Lions Club barbecues, manager of sporting events
– a true community activist helping in any way he can to improve
Elk Grove.
1970
– Robert Fite
A
man who couldn’t say no to any organization or person that
asked for help. A beloved teacher, principal who’s bubbling
personality and optimism are still missed. “One of a
kind” in this world.
1971
– Jack Hill
A
first rate volunteer – volunteer fireman, cooking for worthy
causes, helping youngsters build soapbox racers. Always willing
to help in worthy causes.
1972
– Anabel Gage
A
true historian of Elk Grove. Her many pictures from early
days of Elk Grove have preserved our history. Also her notes
have helped identify many old places.
1973
– Douglas Berner
Athletic background and concern for young people enabled him to
organize many groups. Especially helping retarded children
participate in sports activities.
1974
– Bernice Gallup
A
woman who could never say “no” to anyone who needed
help. And a reporter of news around Elk Grove in the “Citizen”
for years – all worth reading.
1975
– Marvin “Bud” Jones
An
active citizen of Elk Grove in too many organizations to mention.
Known to many as owner and provider of water to Elk Grove and manager
of the Gibson Wine Co.
1976
– Glen Beeman
Educator, business manager of Elk Grove School district and in his
retirement years the essence of a community spirited citizen. Especially
at the Jessie Baker School. And – always with a smile
and a kind heart.
1977
– Henry Kloss
A
highly respected Supervisor of the Fifth District who served with
honestly and integrity. Attended district events faithfully
and served Elk Grove well.
1978
– Jeanne Womack
The
Western Festival “Lady” – the guiding light of
the important event. She has been event chair and parade chair.
She has unselfishly given of her time and ability for years.
1979
– Carl Amundson
The
“mover” on relocating the Rhoads School to Elk Grove
Park and instigator as first president of the Historical Society
in building a replica of the Hotel and Stage Stop that is today
our museum.
1980
– Roy Herburger
As
community leader and a positive force in organizations too numerous
to mention he has edited the Elk Grove Citizen with distinction.
1981
– Elizabeth Pinkerton
As
extra special historian of Elk Grove! Has captured the history of
Elk Grove through her diligent research and compiled them in her
books.
1982
– Glen Houde
Superintendent of Schools in our community and a man dedicated to
educating all children. A leader in our community in many
organizations especially those pertaining to education.
1983
– Richard Lichtenberger
“Mr.
Senior Center” is best known for the six years he devoted
to the development of the Senior Center of Elk Grove. He was
active in many organizations but this was his love.
1984
– Mel Oneto
A
leader in many ways – Lions Club, Boy Scouts, Senior Center.
In his quiet way he contributed much time and effort in every
organization he belonged to.
1985
– Margit Kloss
Active in Royal Neighbors, Eastern Star and Native Daughters.
Also, Charter member of the Franklin Parents Club and the Elk Grove
Historical Society. But, mostly known for the kindness and
help to people in need.
1986
– Gerald Derr
A
contributor to the Elk Grove Community in many ways, but especially
known for building the finest Fire District in the state as fire
chief. A true leader in the finest sense.
1987
– Dorothy Hrepich
A
caring human being who has volunteered all her life – helping
people or being active in organizations such as St. Joseph church,
Western Festival, The Historical Society – groups that contribute
to make Elk Grove a good place to live.
1988
– Gary Lawson
A
person driven to help those less fortunate led him to become principal
of Jessie Baker School. He became a true leader in the education
of the handicapped, writing eight workbooks for instruction that
are sold throughout the US and overseas.
1989
– Iris Zimbleman
Almost single handedly created the Strauss Festival, a one-of-a-kind
event that has brought credit to Elk Grove. Her diligence
and perseverance brought together people to create this beautiful,
professional event.
1990
– Pat Braziel
A
woman of diversity and talent who did so much for Elk Grove. From
concern for children to improving transportation and coordinating
the construction of Straus Island, Rotary Grove and Dance Slab.
1991
– Jerry and Jeanne Strong
Virtually every community service organization and charitable organization
has benefited from this team. From Project RIDE to other worthy
causes they have given of their time and talents – and their
catering was a great addition to many a fundraiser.
1992
– Mike Zehnder
“Fireman Mike” started his career locally at age 17.
He continues to care about the youth of the community by educating
them on fire safety and prevention. He is an exemplary role
model of active citizenship in many areas.
1993
– Olga Batey
Community activist who gave many fundraisers for worthy organizations
and candidates. Instrumental in founding Helter Shelter Theatre
Group, Friends of the Library and a unit of League of Women Voters.
As an activist, first woman board member of Elk Grove Unified
School District.
1994
– Roger Shaffer
A
man generous in his time for many community service organizations
– Elk Grove Community Foundation, Dollars for Scholars, Project
RIDE – too many others to mention. A dependable volunteer
who helped various organizations in any way that he could.
1995
– David Simpson
An
important voice in Elk Grove in his Elk Grove Citizen column - lets
us know what is going on. Especially helpful with the Senior
Center and the Western Festival. His breathe of experience
and accomplishments have contributed much to our community.
1996
– Roy Sharp
Active in Ag programs, ROP and animal care. Loved to educate
youth about animal care.
1997
– Hal Bartholomew
Tremendous leadership and dedications to Elk Grove through various
organizations too numerous to mention, though his dedication to
Elk Grove Parks and Recreation and Home Field Advantage are outstanding.
He dares to dream of a community with a strong quality of life.
1998
– Jim Ring
A
true humanitarian who strives to enhance the lives of others.
He worked tirelessly for Project RIDE, faithfully put up flags on
Elk Grove Boulevard and help raise money for worthy causes.
More importantly, ask him for help in any project and there he is!
1999
– Sophia Scherman
A
leader in many ways, especially in creating a community in which
all residents can enjoy the quality of life the area offers. In
getting audible crossing signals and getting approval for Clarence
Frank Baker Park are just two examples.
2000
– Cathy O’Neil
A
woman who saw a need and filled it. She worked tirelessly
collecting and distributing clothing to fulfill the needs of our
community. Her heart is so caring for children, her fundraising
for children school uniforms is well known. Most of all, she
gives the greatest gift, the gift of time.
2001
– Frances Fite
A
woman of quiet dignity, dedicated to the Elk Grove Community. Without
fanfare she is Superintendent of the Rhodes School, active in Friends
of the Library, Strauss Festival – the list goes on –
all done in an unassuming way.
2002
– Dan Lawrence
A
man who always goes the extra mile. He is involved in many
organizations that make Elk Grove a good place to live, but it’s
his humanitarianism of his do-unto-others life philosophy that makes
him so unique.
2003
– Jean & Lyn Hawkins
A
couple that is involved in many ways in the community to make it
an enjoyable place to live. The Elk Grove community Food Bank,
mentoring Junior and Senior High students, the Sierra Service Project,
Harvest Festival, and Project RIDE are recipients of their time
and energy.
2004 -
Stanley Carrothers
2005 -
Marsha Holmes
2006 - Arnold Adreani
2007 - Jim
& Elaine Wright
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