Each year, the La Verne City Council recognizes community volunteers for their outstanding contributions and service to the City. During its meeting on April 18, the City Council celebrated the recipients of the Jack Huntington Award, the Jim Scranton Award and the Outstanding Older American Award.
“The annual recognition of individuals that exemplify the Pride of La Verne spirit by going above and beyond for our community is such an important tradition,” said La Verne Mayor Tim Hepburn. “I am proud to serve a community filled with so many individuals that love La Verne and do whatever they can to help create such a wonderful City to live, work and play.”
La Verne Historical Society President Sherry Best received the Jack Huntington Award for her selfless service to the community. From providing recreational services to children to training teachers at California State University, Los Angeles and holding office at the state and national levels, Best’s lifelong commitment to public education and community service is unwavering. She has been a member of the La Verne Historical Society for almost 10 years and continues to educate people about La Verne’s local history to bring the community together.
The Jim Scranton Award was awarded to AYSO VIP (Very Important People) Program Director Michelle Arvidson for her commitment to youth sports. Arvidson has worked with AYSO for over 10 years, is a Board Member of the Lazers Soccer Club and volunteers for Bonita High School’s soccer program. As the AYSO VIP Program Director, she teaches individuals with mental or physical disabilities how to play soccer.
As part of the Los Angeles County Commission for Older Adults’ Annual Older Americans Recognition Day (OARD) Awards Program, the La Verne Senior Advisory Committee nominated Sherry DiGregorio for the City’s Outstanding Older American Award. DiGrego exemplifies the true spirit of community engagement and has dedicated countless hours of service to La Verne.
Each recipient received an individual Pride of La Verne plaque for their positive impact on the La Verne community, and their names have been placed on plaques displayed in City Hall. They will also be publicly honored at the City’s 4th of July celebration during the “Home Sweet Home” Parade that begins at 10 a.m.
Daniel Lopez, a member of the VFW Post 12034 Band of Brothers, has been nominated as this year’s Community Grand Marshal and will lead the parade. Lopez served in the United States Air Force from 1969 to 1973 and is a Vietnam Veteran. Since 2015, he has been involved with La Verne Troop 411 and has been the Advancement Chair since 2016.
The annual parade will start at the corner of 10th Street and D Street, travels through Bonita Avenue, Magnolia, Third Street, G Street and F Street and loops back to D Street. To ensure the safety of all parade participants, attendees must remain in the spectator areas at the curbs and refrain from walking or running into the parade route.
Prior to the parade, Boy Scout Troop 411 will be hosting a Pancake Breakfast at Methodist Church from 6:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Parking will be available across the street at Bonita High School.
To close out the holiday celebrations, the City is hosting its annual fireworks show from 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at the Bonita High School Stadium. Admission to the show for ages five and up is $10; children that are four years old or younger are free. The City’s Skate Park will be open from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., and the City is also offering free swimming at the La Verne Aquatics Center from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
The City of La Verne wishes everyone a safe and enjoyable 4th of July! For more information about 4th of July celebrations, visit the City’s website.
Contact: Yvonne Duran
Telephone: (909) 596-8700