NEW — 5:43 p.m. Nov. 4, 2015
It’s time to once again roll out the red carpet for the Newcastle community’s top contributors.
The Newcastle Chamber of Commerce’s 2015 Diamond Awards ceremony, honoring community members who do good things in the greater Newcastle area, is Nov. 19 at The Golf Club at Newcastle.
The recipient of a Diamond Award is chosen based on his or her contribution to the community. Winners, selected by the Newcastle Chamber of Commerce Board, and nominees demonstrate dedication, integrity and caring, with a passion for doing what needs to be done.
Tickets are $35 for members and $40 for nonmembers. They are available online at www.newcastle-chamber.org. The community celebration is not exclusive to chamber members or nominees. Appetizers and a no-host bar will also be available.
The event goes from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at The Golf Club at Newcastle, 15500 Six Penny Lane.
Here are the finalists, along with comments from their nominators:
Dennis Yarnell Inspiration Award: An individual whose steadfast commitment and contribution to the community and/or residents inspires and motivates others in the greater Newcastle area.
- Grace Stiller — Known for her steadfast dedication to the environment in her role as steward of the Newcastle Weed Warriors, Stiller puts time, energy and sweat into making Newcastle a better place. She works closely with Newcastle Trails and is responsible for organizing the city’s annual Earth Day event for the past eight years.
- Sue Stronk — The longtime Olympus resident is dedicated to making her neighborhood a better place. In addition to expanding the Olympus blockwatch, she also organizes community events, such as the garage sale, and goes out of her way to help neighbors. This past season, Stronk dusted off her sewing machine and made Seahawks flags for all of the neighbors.
Business Award: An owner or manager of a greater Newcastle area enterprise who consistently donates energy, time or resources for community causes.
- Jeff Green (B & E Meats and Seafood) — Ever since Green, owner of B & E Meats, joined the Newcastle community in 2013, he has always been quick to support local events and organizations.
- Dr. Bobby Virk (Orthodontic Excellence) — Virk heads the team at Newcastle’s Orthodontic Excellence. He consistently supports Newcastle Elementary School, donating to the PTSA directory, auction and in other capacities.
Community Leadership Award: A greater Newcastle area individual who demonstrates uncommon initiative, caring, and leadership in the community.
- Mayor Steve Buri — Buri has served the city of Newcastle since 2007 as a councilman, deputy mayor and mayor. Buri is personable, charismatic, friendly and always willing to stop and talk.
- Karin Blakley — Blakley is dedicated to bettering Newcastle as a community volunteer through her work on the Newcastle Chamber of Commerce Board and the city Planning Commission.
Customer Service Award: A greater Newcastle area individual, organization or public employee that demonstrates an uncommon commitment and enthusiasm that enriches the community and its residents.
- Wendy Kirchner — As city community activities liaison, Kirchner is responsible for facilitating the city’s slate of community events, including Newcastle Days and Concerts in the Park. She always is very supportive, positive and smiling.
- Carvin E. Travis — As a Newcastle Safeway employee, Travis goes out of his way to make sure customers are satisfied. He makes every effort to truly get to know regular customers and their families.
Education Award: An individual whose personal interest and enthusiasm affects the education, enrichment and development of our greater Newcastle area students and their advocates.
- Kate Ingalls — Ingalls is the mastermind behind the Hazelwood community garden, a valuable, living teaching tool for Hazelwood Elementary School students. As a second grade teacher, she is patient and nurturing with the multitude of personalities.
- Laura Olszewski and Linda Wakeman — It takes a special person with a special heart to teach, mentor and lead a student of special needs. These Hazelwood Elementary teachers and para educators love their students, play with them, teach them and inspire them.
Youth Award: A greater Newcastle area youth who demonstrates exceptional service and dedication to the local community.
- James Ricks — While just a teenager, Ricks has shown great intiative and dedication to the Newcastle community with his participation on the Newcastle Youth Community Engagement Board. He has opened the door to teens to find a niche and make a difference as a community member in Newcastle
- Aunica Budgeon — Budgeon, also a member of the Newcastle Youth Community Engagement Board, is an exceptionally compassionate and kind-hearted young individual. A routine volunteer at the Coal Creek Family YMCA, she has also travelled to attend a leadership camp in order to attain skills to better serve her community.
Finally, Newcastle Detective Christy Marsalisi will receive the Mayor’s Award for her work to curb city crime.