Recognizing their own at awards banquet

By RHEA-FRANCES TETLEY
Staff Writer

 

At the 23^rd annual Mountain Communities Awards Banquet – sponsored by the Crestline-Lake Gregory Rotary Club – seven organizations honored one of their own who deserves special acknowledgement for their contributions and achievements.

At the event – held on May 15 at Thousand Pines Conference Center – 16 individuals were honored, nine of them from the Rim of the World Unified School District. In addition, Jack Cooperman was honored as this year’s Mountain Hero.

The evening began as every Rotary meeting does with the Pledge of Allegiance, the reciting of the Rotary 4-Way Test and a song – “Aloha Oe” with lyrics written by Rotarian Stanley Oswalt.

Each honoree was introduced by host Mary-Justine Lanyon and then presented with framed certificates from the Rotary club and other certificates from Rep. Jay Obernolte, Senator Rosilicie Ochoa Bogh and Assemblyman Tom Lackey.

Carrie Forebear, honored by the Crest Forest Senior Citizens Club. Carrie has used her considerable social and networking skills from her working years to help the seniors in fundraising and team building. Kareen Nowlin said about Carrie, “She gets things done efficiently and people are very happy to work with her.” “Carrie gives her all for the club and deserves this honor,” said Candace Pierson, and Vicki Vargas added, “She has an undying love for this community with an endless dedication for others.”

Amber McCauley: At Lake Arrowhead Elementary School, Amber goes above and beyond for the students at LAE, where she is the attendance clerk. An example is that, during the holidays, she partners with local agencies to provide families with a happy holiday season, providing resources to families, such as counseling support, gift cards for groceries and LAE’s Cubby Closet for those students with clothing needs. She’s kind and facilitates community relationships, both at LAE and at Sandals Church, helping out in the children’s ministry.

Andis Strauja: Mary Putnam Henck Intermediate School honors Education Specialist Andis Strauja for his unwavering dedication to all students, especially for bringing students out of the margins and empowering the students to be self-advocates and agents of positive change. He has improved student outcomes, especially for some of the school’s most vulnerable students. With unselfish dedication of his time for all students, he is a gift to MPH’s school culture.

Carla Malagoli-Vitti: Born in Surrey, England, Carla spent her childhood traveling across Africa with her family, shaping her deep sense of empathy, resilience and cultural understanding. As a moderate-to-severe special education teacher at Rim of the World High School, she is a fierce advocate and her classroom is a place of safety, inclusion and joy, where every student is valued and supported. She makes each person she encounters – student, staff or parent – feel genuinely seen and special.

Colleen Stebbing: Colleen began at Charles Hoffman Elementary School as a noon duty supervisor, fondly recalling playing basketball with students who were having a tough time, building connections with them and encouraging positive choices during recess. She has worked in the health office and is now the attendance clerk. She is known as someone who can always be counted on, consistently volunteering to help others and genuinely cares for others. Collen’s passion for serving others shines through everything she does.

Darlyn Phillips: Darlyn taught 27 years at MPH, was chair of the math department, on the school site council and leadership team. She established the AVID program at MPH, growing from eight students to more than 100 in just three years. In 2022, Darlyn transitioned to the Rim Virtual Academy as one of RVA’s high school teachers. She helped it grow and was pivotal in helping it earn its initial WASC accreditation. Her touch and approach to education have made a lasting impression and impact on the district and its students.

Elizabeth Harryman: Born at Mountains Community Hospital, Elizabeth grew up in Lake Arrowhead. She has served as a librarian and administrative secretary at several Rim schools. She currently serves as the administrative secretary at Mountain High School, contributing significantly to the success and support of the school’s alternative education program. Elizabeth volunteers at community events, including the Art and Wine Festival, the Blue Jay Christmas Parade and she cooks for special events at the Elks Lodge.

Julia Daigle D’Amico: Julia is a 2017 Rim High grad and was part of Mountains Little League and played sports through Rim Rec and Park while growing up on the mountain. She has served as the head coach for Rim High School’s varsity softball team and the assistant coach for the girls’ varsity basketball team. Julia passes on her love for sports through coaching and community recreation leagues, plus she is a classroom aide in the special day class at Valley of Enchantment Elementary School, inspiring the youth of the mountain communities to strive to be their best.

Micaela “Mickey” Caballero: Mickey is a noon duty supervisor at Valley of Enchantment Elementary School. She has raised six children who inspire her every day and is active with the Blue Star Moms. During Snowmageddon, Mickey organized a food drive at her church to help feed the community. That food distribution has continued monthly.

Veronica Pelayo: Veronica taught English in the adult education program in the Rim School District, was a substitute teacher and taught Spanish at Kids Korner, discovering great fulfillment in working with English learner parents and families. She is currently the assistant to the Office of Educational Services, where she consistently goes above and beyond to serve students, staff and families with unwavering commitment.

Chief Kat Opliger: Although Kat had been called out of the area to help others, her praises were highly sung by all, including Assistant Chief Jason Serrano who said, “It’s been tough to fill her shoes, as she did so many great things for the mountain division. I hope to be able to make her proud in my efforts following all the leadership lessons she taught us.” Chief Opliger served her community for 36 years, starting as a firefighter with the U.S. Forest Service, and just retired as the Assistant Chief for the San Bernardino County Fire District, Division 3 (Mountain Division). Chief Opliger dedicated her life to the service of others.

William Carlson: Engineer William Carlson has dedicated his career to serving in the mountain communities where he grew up. He’s worked with the Running Springs Fire Department and the U.S. Forest Service and now is with the San Bernardino County Fire Department. He protected the community last fall by staging resources at the right places at the right times during the Line Fire. “He has been a rock for this organization and our hearts are with you. It is an honor to have William Carlson in our division,” said Chief Serrano.

Linda Miller: Linda was honored by the Women’s Club of Lake Arrowhead for her lifelong dedication and service to others. Linda’s passion for helping others began in Girl Scouts, and she was president of the Boys & Girls Club before moving to the mountain in 1981. Linda and her husband, Bill, purchased Bill’s Villager restaurant. Many organizations, including the Rotary clubs, held meetings there, making plans to improve the community. Linda has always stepped up when needed. “The Women’s Club of Lake Arrowhead honors Linda not just for what she’s done, but for who she is – a woman of action, compassion and quiet determination. Her story is one of resilience and generosity, a legacy she continues today,” said Polly Sauer.

Robert “Bob” Mosby, honored by the Mountain Sunrise Rotary Club. Bob is an integral part of the Mountain Sunrise Rotary team as treasurer, Foundation chair, Grants Committee chair, Paul Harris Fellow, 2016 Rotarian of the Year, 2020 Rotarian of the Year and club photographer. Bob is the embodiment of Rotary’s motto: Service Above Self. He is a member of the Rebuilding Together Mountain Communities board of directors and does fundraising for the American Cancer Society. His fellow Rotarians said that “no one is more deserving of community recognition than you.”

Annette Karnes, honored by the Mountain Homeless Coalition. Annette, who lives in Big Bear, became a realtor in 2002 and uses those skills to find and assess properties for potential housing for those who are unhoused. She also organizes “Welcome Home” baskets for those who become housed. She is a member of the Lions, the Elks and the Big Bear Lake Rotary Club.

Michael Pasquarella, honored by Rim of the World Youth. Michael joined the Air Force in 1978, serving this country proudly for 12 years and is now a disabled veteran. Coach Mike ran Rim Scots Youth Football for eight years and coached for nine, was Mountain Little League head baseball coach for 10 years and has worked for Rim Rec and Park as their basketball coach for 11 years. He was joined on the stage by five teens who thanked him for being there for them.

Mountain Hero Jack Cooperman: The whole room clapped and rose as his name was announced and he walked to the stage. For more than 20 years, Jack has been involved with Mountain Meals on Wheels, starting with partner Lori Pearson as a driver. He is now serving as the Meals on Wheels board president. “Mountain Meals on Wheels always needs more drivers for their four routes. The drivers pick up the prepared meals at Mountains Community Hospital, so please see our website and volunteer,” Jack said from the podium.

Jack’s other passion is Rim Special Athletes, which he founded more than 10 years ago to fill a lack of opportunities for individuals with disabilities and special needs in this community. He set up an adaptive ski center at Snow Valley. Prior to founding Rim Special Athletes, Jack had been working with veterans and disabled skiers for nearly 20 years. One day, he was at Snow Valley and noticed a family with one member who couldn’t join them due to a special need. That is how RSA started. Rim Special Athletes is now a year-round program that includes golf, yoga, bowling and a variety of summer water sports. RSA gives them a social life and it gives the parents a chance to talk and share their experiences.

“These mountain communities,” Jack said, “give me the opportunity to do something worthwhile. I do not believe we were put on this planet just to do for ourselves. That’s what keeps me going.”

For those who have special need adults and children, see their website at www.rimspecialathletes.org.

The evening ended with Rotary President Jeri-Lynn Miller thanking all who do so much for the mountain communities.