The entire group of award recipients from the Community Asset Awards. Courtesy photo
Randi Simmons. Courtesy photo
COMMUNITY News:
Sunday, thirty-two community members were acknowledged for their charitable deeds at the 16th annual Community Asset Awards. Nominations are open all year long ending Dec. 24. All people nominated are recognized where they learn who nominated them and why.
One member is heralded with the Spirit of the West Award named for former County Councilor Jim West, in an idea that took hold with the Leadership Los Alamos class of 2007. Additionally, two receive added recognition with the Director’s Choice Award. The Director’s Choice winners receive a small gift bag, while the Spirit of the West winner receives a hand-crafted award by Richard Ronquillo.
The nominees come from all levels of society, teachers, volunteers, programs, organizations, and great employees going beyond the call of duty, day after day. Each year Champions of Youth Ambitions hears the same refrain, “I didn’t do anything special,” or “I don’t deserve to be singled out.” It is never true when so many incredibly special people have their often-unsung deeds finally told to the masses.
While there’s not enough space to tell all the stories, if you are a Facebook fan, the Champions of Youth Ambitions Facebook page will highlight as many as they can over the next few weeks.
A recent story in the Los Alamos Daily Post shared the Spirit of the West story of Randi Simmons and her magnificent work that makes this community a special place to live. Here we would like to highlight the Director’s Choice Awards for three programs and their great services that reach the community and across the state of New Mexico.
Carl Iverson is a recently retired Scout leader of Troop 22. He was recognized for his efforts providing leadership, mentorship, wisdom, and experience to youth not done in an unselfish manner just to have a positive impact on the youth but has translated in exponential ways to the community. He changed lives and life trajectories in immeasurable ways for the future that are yet to be seen beyond today.
Healing America’s Heroes owner and Veteran, Eddie Crain has worked hard to have his statewide program available to veterans and first responders in our community. He has met with the Chamber of Commerce and local veterans’ groups to not only offer the classes, but at no cost to those who attend the program. He even has great local volunteers that assist him in the process.
Dance Arts Los Alamos (DALA) has worked for 30 years to offer dance programs from toddlers to adults. Their new Adaptive Dance program allows students with special needs to experience the joy of dance. Plus, their boy’s programs continue to flourish.
The local non-profit offers this taste of the fine arts with experienced instructors and volunteers that add costumes and stage design to exceptional choreography.
Finally, a salute to those that go about their daily work, with caring, dedication, hard work and panache. Smith’s employees Sergio Dominguez, James Fallon, Ken Spicocchi and Marlene Trujillo work hard every day, always with a smile and always with customer service. Trujillo has been the most nominated person over the 16-year history and by a variety of customers.
Los Alamos County is probably proud of many of their employees, but three shown like the sun this year. Atomic City Transit employees Cliff Sisneros, Corrine Salazar and Ramon Trujillo had the best written nominations in the history of the program. The nomination was two full pages in length and written with the expertise of a grant proposal. The nomination came from a frequent rider of the bus system and every word was read at the ceremony.
The nomination process is open all year long and additional information can be received by calling 505.695.9139. This year the ceremony was made possible with them help on 100 Men Who Care.
Richard Ronquillo has handcrafted the Spirit of the West Award for 15 of the 16 years. He charges the non-profit no fee and this year surprised Lauritzen with his own special Recognition award for her service to the community. It depicts the two of the things Lauritzen loves, baking and dogs. Courtesy photo