The Santa Barbara South Coast Chamber of Commerce has named Gregg and Geri Ann Carty Carpinterian(s) of the Year for 2022, and Stephanie Ramirez Garcia the 2022 Junior Carpinterian of the Year.
The top awards and others, honoring individuals for their remarkable contributions to the Carpinteria community, were presented at the 64th Annual Carpinteria Community Awards Gala April 1 at Rincon Beach Club in Carpinteria.
In keeping with tradition, the names of several of the honorees were kept secret until the awards ceremony, including the 2022 Carpinterian of the Year.
The fact that the honor went to an exceptional couple, rather than an individual, added to the surprise as that has happened only three times in the event’s history.
The Cartys were recognized for their contributions over the years to the California Avocado Festival, Alcazar Theater, Lynda Fairly Carpinteria Arts Center, Carpinteria Woman’s Club, Carpinteria Bluffs, Carpinteria Education Foundation, Girls Incorporated of Carpinteria, Carp Cares for Kids, Orchard to Ocean run, the new Carpinteria Skate Park, Compassionate Care of Carpinteria, local elementary schools, and Mentor Match.
The 2022 Junior Carpinterian of the Year, Ramirez Garcia, who is a senior at Carpinteria High School, was selected for her hard work, dedication, and leadership qualities that make her a role model for her peers and a valuable member of her community, the chamber said.
She received a $10,000 scholarship thanks to the generosity of a former Junior Carpinterian of the Year who was on hand to present the award.
The two runners-up Hugo Alvarado Carmona Aldair and Monica Adriana Delgado each received a $3,000 scholarship.
A Special Recognition Award was given to Dave Durflinger for his service as city manager over the last 24 years. He recently announced his plans to retire.
“We are honored to thank him and celebrate his many contributions to the Carpinteria community,” the chamber said.
Two outstanding Educators of the Year were honored for their impact on their students, colleagues, and the school community. Matthew McPherson, a special education teacher at Aliso Elementary School and Jennifer Foster, a math teacher at Carpinteria Middle School, were presented their awards by Diana Rigby, superintendent of the Carpinteria Unified School District.
The program also lauded the exceptional work of volunteers and individuals who have made a significant impact on nonprofit organizations through Merit Awards.
The awards are intended to celebrate outstanding accomplishments and contributions of community members toward the growth and development of the Carpinteria Valley Community.
The 2022 Merit Awards were granted to:
Steve Sullivan – California Avocado Festival
Christina Martinez – Carpinteria Children’s Center
Robert Stokes – Carpinteria Lions Club
Jeff Moorhouse – Carpinteria Masonic Lodge
Nadia Lytecheko – Carpinteria Women’s Club
Andy & Kathy Shaeffer – City of Carpinteria
Barry Kaufman – Help of Carpinteria
Lourdes Trigueros – Rotary Club of Carpinteria Morning
Karen Graf – Rotary Club of Carpinteria Noon
Geri Ann Carty – The Alcazar Theater
Valerie Powdrell – The Lynda Fairly Carpinteria Arts Center
The chamber thanks the following sponsors:
Presenting Sponsors: Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck and Chevron.
Event Sponsors: Agilent Technologies, BEGA North America, City of Carpinteria, Dirt Botanicals/PacWest Blooms, E.J. Harrison & Sons, Events by Rincon, ExxonMobil, Granite Construction, Island Brewing Company, LinkedIn, MarBorg Industries, and NAPA Coast Auto Parts, Inc.
For pictures from the gala, click here. To learn more about the Santa Barbara South Coast Chamber of Commerce, visit sbscchamber.com.