Champions of community
Mcnutt, Wong and Hatfield honored for contributions to city
Positively impacting the lives of many and contributing greatly to the city and helping make it a better place for all is something all three Wall of Fame honorees had in common at the city’s 11th annual induction ceremony.
With the addition of Richard B. Hatfield, Todd “Hoss” Mcnutt and the late Teddy Wong, there are now 44 individuals honored on the city’s Wall of Fame inside the Porterville Heritage Center.
Each year since 2007, council members have nominated individuals for the honor of being placed on the city’s Wall of Fame. All individuals are recognized for their significant efforts and service to the heritage of the Porterville community.
Vice Mayor Brian Ward nominated and introduced Mcnutt.
Mcnutt is hailed for his unwavering commitment to education and encouragement of exploration. He earned degrees in Forestry and Civil Engineering and graduate degrees in Forest Fire Science and Thermo Dynamics.
He landed in Porterville in 1970 when attending a horseshoeing school and spent time as a farrier until a thumb injury forced him to retire. He went on to work for the Porterville Sheltered Workshop and opened his own woodcarving business.
Mcnutt’s passion then led him to earn multiple teaching credentials and become a longtime educator in local schools. Mcnutt started his own science consulting business and did school-wide science assemblies in over 250 schools in 11 states.
He also served as a Scout Master and Odyssey of the Mind coach helping his teams with projects such as designing and building prosthetic limbs and a modified electric wheelchair
which allowed a student to play the cymbals in the Panther band.
Mcnutt served for many years on the committees for the Veterans Day Parade and Banda-rama and earned numerous awards and honors for his quest to share his passion.
“I like to thank the city council for allowing me to be honored with such wonderful people,” Mcnutt said. “I have been blessed all of my life to work with wonderful people.”
Councilmember Martha Flores nominated Hatfield.
Hatfield was transferred to Porterville in 1970 by Southern California Edison and the community truly received a treasure. For nearly 50 years following that, his civic mindedness greatly benefited Porterville and allowed citizens to prosper culturally, as well as in everyday life.
Early on, “Dick” was instrumental in organizing the Community Chest of the United Way. He also served on the Sierra View Local Healthcare District’s board of directors, leading this group as its president, and was involved with the hospital’s Foundation. His dedication to the local hospital ensured its continued growth, and deliverance of high quality medical care for the community.
Hatfield was a dedicated supporter of cultural art in Porterville. While serving on the board of directors for the Tulare County Symphony, he developed a program to bring the symphony to Porterville, playing concerts for young, fledgling musicians and area residents. He also worked tirelessly with the Porterville Art Association and the Mural Committee to design, build and dedicate the Marching Through Time mural at Centennial Park.
For Hatfield’s efforts to improve the quality of life for Porterville’s residents and outstanding leadership and dedication to the community, the Chamber of Commerce honored him with the Allan R. Coates Award and selected him as Porterville’s Man of the Year in 2013.
“I am really honored today to be here amongst this group of honored people,” Hatfield said. “To the city council, I thank you very much, Martha Flores in particular. It is an honor, it is a pleasure and thank you.”
Wong was nominated by Councilmember Cameron Hamilton and introduced by City Administrative Services Director Patrice Hildreth.
Wong was a prominent businessman and longtime owner of Town & Country Market. Born in 1926 to immigrant parents, Wong developed an early work ethic as he shined shoes on the streets of San Francisco.
After serving in the Army during World War II, he entered into the grocery business and opened Town & Country Market in 1953.
For over 60 years, Wong remained the consummate grocer, highly regarded and respected by his peers. He was customer oriented and believed in giving the highest quality goods for the lowest possible price.
Wong was also involved in the local community and very generous in supporting events and organizations.
In 1990, he was instrumental in making it possible for Porterville to be designated an All-america City. Wong was named a “Friend of Education,” Porterville’s Man of the Year, and placed on Porterville High School’s Wall of Fame.
For his achievements as a store-owner and champion of the community, he was also awarded the Allan R. Coates Award for lifetime achievement by the Porterville Chamber of Commerce.
Vernon Sue, Wong’s son-in-law, accepted his award and said a few words.
“On behalf of Teddy, and all the Teddy Wong family, I humbly accept and thank you for this prestigious award that you have so graciously bestowed upon him,” Sue said. “I’ll tell you one thing, if Teddy were here today, he would be very happy and very proud to be included amongst all these past honorees, many of whom were his friends and acquaintances.”