Lindsay honors community
Cook is Woman of Year and Gutierrez is Man of Year
The Lindsay Chamber of Commerce handed out 18 awards to community members and business owners for their contributions to the chamber and the community at a luncheon Tuesday.
Ten of the honorees were able to attend the celebratory gathering at the chamber office in downtown Lindsay and receive their recognition. Chamber director Virginia Loya spoke highly of each recipient as they opened the envelope that revealed the award they were receiving.
Cheryl Cook, a retired Lindsay school administrator, was the Woman of the Year and Adrian Gutierrez, a Spanish and AVID instructor at Lindsay High School, was the Man of the Year.
“You do so many things for this community,” Loya said of Cook, who was teary-eyed as she listened to the remarks. “Everywhere I go you are there helping and donating.”
Cook lives in Exeter, but considers Lindsay her community. She spent 22 years with the Lindsay Unified School District holding various positions prior to retiring.
“This is where my heart is,” Cook said, playfully adding this was one of the few times in her life she was speechless. “This is a great community. I am so honored, so honored.”
Gutierrez, who grew up in nearby Orange Cove, said coming back to a small town and teaching has been rewarding.
“I have felt at home here for the last 10 years,” Gutierrez said. “Many of your children have been students of mine over the last 10 years and it has been the honor of my life to serve them and their families.”
Rosalia Verbeek accepted the American Spirit-hometown Hero award. Her son Marine Lance Cpl. Jared Verbeek died in the war in Afghanistan in June of 2011. The 22-year-old was killed while on combat patrol.
Following the tragic loss of Jared, the Verbeeks have become ardent supporters of the Wounded Warrior Project and similar groups that help wounded veterans and their families.
Jagmohan Singh, known affectionately in the community as Mr. Chevron because he owns Chevron City Food Mart, was awarded Business of the Year.
Willies Market owned by Kulwinder Sbains received the Beautification Award.
“He has done great improvements to his business. It looks very nice, very attractive and very inviting,” Loya said.
The Lindsay Sikh Community, which is made up local business owners, was honored as Organization of the Year for their willingness to give freely to the community, Loya said. A couple of times during the year, the group takes the opportunity to feed people in the community such as at the end of the annual Christmas Parade. This year’s parade is scheduled for Dec. 15.
Ruben and Yadira Peinado, owners of La Fortuna Bakery, received Citizen of the Year and were described by many as “always giving. They never say no.”
“Anything we have for the chamber they are very supportive,” Loya said.
Lisa Waggoner and Alice Gutierrez were chosen as Volunteers of the Year.
Proud grandfather Eddie Martin of Martin’s Tire and Auto Center, accepted the President’s Award on behalf of his son and daughter-in-law, who were caring for their newborn. “Thank you we appreciate it very much,” Eddie Martin said.
The renovated Lindsay Food Center owned by Abdulla Obaid was awarded New Business of the Year. Supervisor manager Airife Ahamed accepted the honor at the luncheon.
Unable to attend but still recognized were: Philip Lobue, Man of the Decade; Barbara Tienken, Woman of the Decade; Lindsay High student Ikonkar Khalsa, Female Youth of the Year; Lindsay High student Ricard Gonzalez Espinoza, Male Youth of the Year; City of Lindsay employee Mari Carillo, Employee of the Year; and W. Palmer Company, Inc., Lifetime Achievement.