Winners of 2000 Community Awards to be announced Thursday

The 21 finalists for the 2000 Community Awards will find out Thursday who receives the award in their category.

There are three finalists in each of seven categories. They are profiled below in alphabetical order.

Thursday's luncheon, which begins at 11:30 a.m., will be at the Pinon Plaza and will be televised on CAT 10.

The awards are sponsored by CAT 10 and the Nevada Appeal.

Reservations for the luncheon, which costs $15, may be made by calling Karen at 881-1249.

Academic of the Year

Tom Badillo - Originally from Chula Vista, Calif., Tom Badillo has been Carson Junior High School principal for 11 years. Before that he taught English at Carson High School, and was assistant principle at Eagle Valley Middle School.

Recognized by the University of Nevada, Reno, as K-12 Administrator of the Year for 1999-2000, he credits his success in part to an excellent staff. He feels any recognition needs to be shared, because an award like this doesn't belong to one person.

Badillo also said he likes what he does.

"I just show up every day, and do the best I can," he said.

Badillo graduated from the University of California, Riverside, with a bachelor's degree in English literature, received a master's degree in physical education from Long Beach State, and 20 credits in administration from UNR.

Kathy Bakst and Paula Davies - The Fritsch Elementary School second-grade teaching team of Kathy Bakst and Paula Davies came about due to a room shortage at the school, but if the accolades for these two are accurate, it was a blessing in disguise.

"They go beyond standard curriculum with challenging packets that include word problems, mazes, and difficult mind problems for extra credit," wrote Becky and Carl Linvill.

"They treat the children with kindness and have respect for each students' learning ability," Tony Torkeo said. "I sincerely thank them for being a part of my child's education."

Bakst received her bachelor's degree from Cal State University in Long Beach, and a master's in human development at Pacific Oaks College. Davies received her bachelor's degree from Buffalo State College in New York.

Nick Reinhardt - Carson High School senior Nick Reinhardt has racked up an impressive list of credits during the last four years.

He served as junior counselor at the National Association of Student Council, and has shown exceptional leadership qualities as student body president.

"He oversees and follows through on projects, such as Make-A-Wish, the FISH food drive, and Christmas for families, to name a few He's a wonderful young man," Activities director Cheryl Stoddard said, noting that Carson High School made many thousands of dollars for these groups and Reinhardt was always involved.

He will be attending WNCC in the fall, and transferring to UNR the following semester, with an eye on a career in government and politics.

Artist of the Year

Stephanie Arrigotti - Director of WNCC's performing arts department since 1977, Arrigotti founded the theater arts program at WNCC in the summer of 1990.

She has since produced 41 musicals and seven dramatic shows including classics such as "Camelot," "Oliver," "Gypsy," and "Damn Yankees." Under her leadership, the program has experienced steadily increasing visibility and popularity, drawing performers and audience from an ever-growing radius.

"She is genuinely concerned about the quality of life in Carson City, the arts community in all its forms, and the well-being of those with whom she associates," Dr. John C. Hall said. "She acts with compassion, professionalism, and a sense of teamwork Stephanie Arrigotti richly deserves your consideration as artist of the year."

Karen Chandler - Carson High School drama teacher Karen Chandler has been an actress, director, set designer and jack-of-all-trades in the local theater for many years.

"She has worked tirelessly for Carson High School as their drama teacher, putting in long hours . . . and has directed countless young adults in drama, comedy, and musicals," said Maizie Harris Jesse.

This past president of the local theater group Proscenium Players Inc. is also a founding member of the Northern Nevada Theater Company.

And while juggling duties as wife, mother, teacher and performer, she went to summer school to complete her master's degree at Roosevelt University in Chicago.

She will also be starring in "The Beauty Queen of Lenane," to be presented at the Brewery Arts Center in November under the direction of UNR's Jim Bernardi.

Carol Foldvary-Anderson - For more than 20 years Carol Foldvary-Anderson has been involved with various aspects of the visual arts including graphic art, illustration, calligraphy, painting and sculpting.

She teaches drawing, art and crafts in Reno and Lake Tahoe as well as at the Brewery Arts Center and Western Nevada Community College. She created, developed, and implemented several art courses for both children and adults, and is an active member of many local cultural and creative organizations.

She has exhibited her work throughout the area including Reno, Carson City and South Lake Tahoe, and has commissioned works for the Legislative Counsel Bureau, Western Nevada Community College, The Genoa Enterprise, and more.

Athlete of the Year

John Chirila - Carson High School senior John Chirila was this year's captain of the varsity golf team, which finished first in the Northern AAAA regular season.

He represented Nevada at the Junior World Gold Tournament in Torrey Pines, and has received numerous accolades, including overall champion from both the Northern Nevada and Northern California Junior Golf associations. He played in the Future Collegians World Tour (1999-2000).

Off the links Chirila enjoys piano, poetry writing, and lettered in tennis in 1997.

Chirila has signed a letter of intent to play golf at St. Mary's College of California in Moraga, where he plans to major in the health sciences, and possibly pursue a career as a physician's assistant.

Darrell Rasner - At Carson High School, pitcher Darrell Rasner earned All-League honors for all four of his varsity seasons, and that was just the beginning.

This year as a freshman at the University of Nevada, Rasner pitched a 14-2 season, tying the Big West record for most wins with Fresno State's Erik Schullstrom. Schullstrom's record has stood since 1988.

This former Carson Capitol player was chosen for this year's first team in the Big West Conference. Known as winningest freshman pitcher in the country, Rasner is expected to be the university's ace next season.

Nicole Scott - Carson Middle School sixth-grader Nicole Scott isn't afraid of an athletic challenge. She participates in a broad range of sports including cross-country running, basketball, track and field, and soccer.

"She loves it all," said mom Judith Scott.

Standing 5-feet,10-inches tall, Scott played center for her community center basketball team, which finished the season undefeated. She plays fullback, half-back and goalie for her spring league soccer team, which won first place at the Davis 2000 World Cup Soccer Competition in Davis, Calif., in late May. Her track and field events include the triple jump, high jump, and long jump. She also participates in a number of relays. She ran for the Carson Middle School cross-country running team in October, and is a member of the Silver State Striders, a local cross-country running organization.

Scott maintains an A/B average in school.

Boss of the Year

Robert L. Crowell - Employee Sally Zola nominated her boss, attorney Robert Crowell for his dedication to family and community.

Zola noted that last summer, her adolescent goddaughter was at a crossroad.

"Bob's strong family commitment was readily extended to both of us. He allowed me to transport her to the Boys & Girls Club where she volunteered as a Leader in Training, and to volleyball camp at Galena High," Zola said. "Bob's support, generosity and understanding helped very much at a time when it would have been easy for her to take the wrong path."

Zola lauds Crowell for giving her the time to participate in community service organizations like Soroptimist International, and the Mentoring 2000 Task Force.

"Having a boss who is not threatened by an employee who wants to learn more, grow more, and participate in community activities makes working a very pleasurable activity," Zola said. "I consider myself very fortunate to have found a boss like Bob Crowell."

Richard Linkul - The staff of the marketing department at Carson Tahoe Hospital has nothing but praise for marketing director Richard Linkul. His positive outlook and easy-going style make coming to work a pleasure.

"Even though his job is full of high pressure demands, he knows how to take it all in stride," wrote his staff. "He encourages his staff to never stop learning, as well. In fact, he has three of us going to college right now so we can be experts too."

Originally from St. Louis, Linkul worked as vice president of marketing for Caesar's Tahoe, and as a commercial real estate broker in the Lake Tahoe area before taking the marketing position at the hospital. He received his bachelor's degree in business administration with a major in marketing in 1966.

Married 35 years, Linkul has three children.

Steve Smith - As chief executive officer of Carson-Tahoe Hospital, Steve Smith has played a pivotal role in its success.

"Steve has done an exemplary job of running one of the most unique hospitals in the nation," wrote marketing director Richard Linkul. "Carson Tahoe is a stand-alone hospital that has never accepted one tax dollar. It takes a pretty great man to be able to achieve such a hard task."

This success has given the hospital the ability to reinvest millions of dollars into the community every year through specialized services, programs, capital improvements, and many other avenues that benefit the community both directly and indirectly.

Smith has been instrumental in the development of numerous hospital services, including physician recruitment, and a proposed cancer program.

A family man, Steve loves Harleys, mountain biking and snow skiing.

Employee of the Year

Frances (Tiny) Thursteen - "I teach to inspire, nothing more," said Frances (Tiny) Thursteen.

During her four years as children's activity director at the Children's Museum of Northern Nevada, she has done just that. She created and developed Toddler Tuesday, a special art program geared for the younger set. A major developer and primary instructor for home schooling programs, she hosts craft activities Tuesday through Saturday for 300 to 600 children using recycled materials and found objects in a "trash to treasures" learning experience.

In addition to her work with toddlers and children, she works with the juvenile program and the handicapped.

An artist, Thursteen taught art and therapy in hospitals throughout the United States. She has lived in the area for four years, coming from Orange County, Calif.

Bob Williams - As production manager for John Jantos Menus & Advertising Specialties, Bob Williams has displayed exceptional professionalism and a willingness to go the extra mile when the chips were down.

In June of 1986 when the wife of founder John Jantos was dying of inoperable cancer, Williams became both trusted employee and friend. When Jantos retired and daughter Laurel Stadler assumed ownership responsibilities, Williams provided the much-needed continuity during that transition.

Stadler runs a Mothers Against Drunk Driving chapter in her business, and because of the proximity, Williams is often the first contact for a variety of calls, from distraught victims, to agency representatives and crank calls.

"The most difficult part of being a small business owner is finding capable supervisory staff who can be trusted with the business when the owner is away," she wrote . "I am grateful that I can pursue my other interests because I know my business is in the capable hands of Bob Williams."

Sarah L. (Sally) Zola - This long-time Carson resident works for law firm Crowell, Susich, Owen & Tackes as a legal assistant. She is an alum of Truckee Meadows Community College where she served on their Legal Assistant Advisory Committee, and was instrumental in gaining the approval of the American Bar Association for the College's Legal Assistant Program.

Appointed to serve as Justice of the Peace Pro Tem in Carson City's Justice Court, Zola has filled in for Judge Robey Willis or Judge John Tatro when they need assistance.

She is committee coordinator for the Soroptimist Legal Fund that assists individuals seeking relief from abusive relationships when they could not otherwise afford legal assistance, and will become president of the Soroptimists on July 1.

"It is rare to find a person as energetic and dynamic as Sally Zola," wrote Attorney Robert l. Crowell. "We consider ourselves lucky to work with her and sincerely believe Carson is a better community for her involvement."

Humanitarian of the Year

Dorothy Crosby - Dorothy Crosby has been nominated by the Carson City Senior Citizen's Center for the Community Humanitarian of the Year Award.

Involved with Carson City's Senior Center for 10 years, she spends many hours volunteering her time as chairwoman of the Senior Gift Shop at the Senior Center.

She serves as a member of the Senior Center's Advisory Council, as tour coordinator, and works with the Senior Center's and Meals on Wheels program.

She personally drives Seniors volunteers, She also performs periodic well-being checks for seniors living alone, which led to saving the life of one senior who had been found unresponsive.

Lora Miles - Attorney Lora Miles joined CARE in the Retired Senior Volunteer Program in 1994.

She now travels throughout rural Nevada offering legal advice and help for those at senior centers, hospitals and convalescent centers.

"It is a privilege to know someone of Lora's dedication and generosity in this legal profession who doesn't bleed seniors of their earnings or deny them help ... There are too few Lora Miles in the world and when we find one we should use every opportunity to recognize their significant contributions.

Originally from Reno, Miles received her law degree from Vermont Law School. She has a master's degree in environmental law, and a doctorate in law.

Sam Waldman - Originally from New York state, this retired business owner made Incline Village his home in 1991. Waldman now lets his children handle the day to day business operations, while he spends most of his time working with the "Kids on Horses" program in the Minden area.

"He (Waldman) personally financed the charity the first year," Mike Lashkoff said. "We are in our second year, and Sam continues to give his time and money to our charity."

The program encourages freedom and self-fulfillment for children and adults with physical and/or emotional disabilities. The North American Riding for the Handicapped Association is a national organization that provides the operating and safety rules by which the organization operates.

Organization of the Year

Boys & Girls Club of Western Nevada - In existence just seven years, the Boys & Girls Club provides new and exciting programs each year to reach underserved youth.

It appears to be working.

Last year, the organization registered 1,600 youth as members, and served another 2,480 through school lunch visits and outreach programs.

Daily attendance last summer totaled over 500 youth per day: 100 more than the total number of children served during the first year of operation.

The employees in Carson City continue to be recognized by regional and national staff of Boys & Girls Clubs of America for their outstanding accomplishments in the Youth Development movement.

Carson City Kiwanis Service Club - The Kiwanis Club works quietly to benefit a host of local charities in the Carson City area. The Kiwanis have been active for over 40 years, augmenting almost every type of civic function from laying sod to sponsoring Boy Scout troops.

The club established the Marilyn-Elaine Kiwanis Scholarship fund, which has given $102,000 to CHS graduating students over the past nine years, plus an additional $22,500 to CHS graduates. Kiwanis built the original Senior Citizens' Center, and contribute $3,000 annually in continuing support.

They have received a federal grant to establish and maintain "meals on wheels" for the Senior Citizen's Center. Sponsors annual Children's Activity Fair/Health Screening. Sponsors Boy Scout Troop 145, Cub Scout Troop 145, and Explorer Post 16.

"Anyone who has coordinated a fundraiser in Carson City knows that teamwork and planning are essential for success," Kenneth Beaton Sr. said. "I ask you to try to visualize what Carson City would be like today if the Kiwanis had not been quietly serving our community for the past 40 years."

Eagle Valley Children's Home Respite Program - An offshoot of the Eagle Valley Children's Homes, the Respite Program has been offering in-home service for those wanting to keep handicapped children at home since 1985.

"Caring for handicapped children is a stressful, 24-hour job," respite coordinator Mary Huetig said. "We relieve parents so the can have a break from the stress. That way, they can continue to keep their children at home." Funded by grants, United Way and parent fees, the program employs 19 workers and serves 80 families from Fallon, to Reno, to the Minden/Gardnerville area.

"There are 28 families on the waiting list," Huetig said. "But we can't serve more until we get more funding."