2004-2005

Dana Huffman

Category: 2004-2005

Dana Huffman is passionate about education and equal opportunity for all children. In 1991, she incorporated Smart Start Child Development Center, a community-based non-profit childcare organization. Smart Start began providing services in 1994 at Topa Topa and Meiners Oaks Elementary Schools. The program has expanded to include Mira Monte, Downtown Ojai, and Oak View. It serves school-age children and income-eligible families with children age two through five. On a daily basis, Smart Start provides full- and half-day preschool and before- and after-school childcare to over 250 Ojai Valley Families.

 

Mae Waugh

Category: 2004-2005

Mae Waugh is an outstanding student, community service leader, and intern reporter to the Ojai Valley News. She is President of the Rotary Interact Club at Nordhoff High School. She is the winner of the Bronze Congressional Award, Cesar Chavez "Help the Most Needy" award, Governor's Scholarship, Optimist Club Community Service Award, and many others.

Ms. Waugh works with Matilija Students' Club MAD (Make a Difference) and varied Community Services.

Manny Sprague

Category: 2004-2005

Mansfield Sprague served this Country in World War II as a Navy Officer, has served 3 terms in the Connecticut State Legislature, a special counsel advisor to the Assistant Secretary of Defense in the Eisenhower Administration, and an U.S. Military Advisor. He walks a mile every day and swims 300 yards. Not bad for 93 years of age. His presentations are informative and interesting as a witness to the pivotal events in the history of the 1950's.

Peggy Russell

Category: 2004-2005

Since moving to Ojai in 1999, Peggy Russell has been very active. She joined the Women's Committee of the Ojai Music Festival and co-chaired the Ojai Holiday Home Look-In. She is the President of the OFWC, co-chaired the formation of the Ojai Valley Community Hospital Foundation Guild, and is currently Treasurer of Board of Directors of The Mountain Lion Foundation. She holds a certificate in wildlife rehabilitation and cares for many animals at their home. Her hobbies include gardening, cooking, and has received many awards for recipes and food preparation

Penny Balicki

Category: 2004-2005

Penny Balicki became Program Director of Oak Tree House, Help of Ojai's Senior Daycare Center. This program provides daytime support and activities for Seniors who cannot plan their day or be left alone at home for any length of time. She and her staff create a safe and stimulating haven for "club members" where goodwill and humor prevail.

Roger Phelps

Category: 2004-2005

Dr. Phelps is an Ojai Optometrist and Adjunct Professor at Pacific University. He is Past-President of the Rotary Club of Ojai, member of the St. Joseph's Advisory Board, Ojai Village Center Association, Ojai Lion's Club, Ojai Red Cross, and is serving locally at Christ Church of Ojai. He is very active with the Ventura Chapter of the American Diabetes Association. He currently teaches and trains Optometric interns in his practice.

Steven North

Category: 2004-2005

Steven North is a Senior Software Engineer at O.C. Systems, Inc. He uses his flexible telecommuting arrangement at the company he helped found in Virginia to make time to volunteer at local schools. Steve brings his interest in technology, science, and math to kids in the form of after-school enrichment programs.

William Wagner

Category: 2004-2005

Bill Wagner has taught instrumental and vocal music at Nordhoff High School for the past 18 years. Under his direction, the school's symphonic band, jazz band, jazz combo, marching band, A Capella Singers, Gold 'n' Blue Singers, women's choir, jazz choir, and barbershop quartet have garnered many awards throughout the state and nation for excellence. He was a finalist this year for the Bravo Awards, presented by the Music Center of Los Angeles Education Division. Through his tireless efforts, he has fostered a growing and successful Music Department at Nordhoff.