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2010 Community Awards May 3, 2011
In 1988 El Ojo del Lago sponsored the first community awards to honor those who have so generously contributed their time, talents and often a part of their own good fortunes to the community during the previous year. Tod Jonson co-founded the award ceremonies and according to Tod, the Chapala government assumed sponsorship in the early 1990s. Following a two-year break in service, this 21st year’s bilingual ceremony was supported by private parties within the Mexican community and sponsored by the Municipality of Chapala Pleasantly, it seemed that half the audience was Mexican. One of the officials present was Congressman Sr. Hector Alvarez from the State of Jalisco, based in Mexico City. Another Mexican official talked about the blending of cultures in this unique community and how valuable the contributions are of those who live here and care about their neighbors. Tod Jonson spearheaded the entire project, acting as MC too. Shown here are those who won engraved crystal trophies:  Man of the Year – Penny Reynolds accepted posthumously for husband Loren Reynolds for his 8 years with the Chili Cook-off
 Woman of the Year – Joan Frost, many Lakeside charities & Ajijic National Mexican Chili Cook-off  Couple of the Year – Rosemary & John Keeling renovation project for Auditorium  Project of the Year Anabel Frutos, Love in Action children’s shelter  Pioneer of the Year – Alejandro Grattan-Dominguez, founder of the Ajijic Writers Group
 Female Student of the Year Lily Barker with a 99+ average Teacher of the Year JoseFrancisco Cervantes Alvarez Male Student of the Year Luis Edgar Oliva Amezquita
 Humanitarian of the Year James Don for contributions to Niños y Jovenes
 Environmental Award of Year Todd Stong, Dr. Stong received a total of 10 awards, mostly from Mexican communities
 Keeper of the Flame Libby Townsend for 5 years support of the Tarahumara
 Lifetime Achievement of the Year Harry Wylie for his biographical work on Jack Kevorkian and the HBO movie made from that, “You Don’t Know Jack”
 Restoration Award Margaret Rose Quinn & Lee Carson accept for the Garden Guild for their Wipe Out Graffiti
 Cultural Achievement Rosemary Keeling accepting for VIVA for their generous annual scholarships to music students
 International Award Dan McTavish accepting for Tom Gladney for bringing us Scotiabank Northern Lights Music Festival
There were two awards for which no photos are available: Those organizations honoring members with  Roberto Moulun by Ajijic Writers Group
 Luis Enrique Martinez Hernandez by Lake Chapala Society Children’s Art Program
 Reynol Contreras Chapala Police Chief re Public Safety
 Emmanuel Mendelez CREM
 Rich Peterson Niños Incapacitados
 Charlie Klestadt Cruz Roja dedication  Jim Parker Musical Appreciation Soc.  Perry King presents award to the widow of Richard Clayton Crabtree – Shriners
 Richard Bansback Sawdust Award for Have Hammers Will Travel
 Robert Salvatore Rotary International |
