ClvFFie Award recipients annouced

Exceptional citizens were honored in several categories this month at the Janet and Ray Scherr Forum in Thousand Oaks. More than 200 guests attended the sixth annual Conejo/Las Virgenes Future Foundation CLvFFie Awards.

The Nov. 5 awards (pronounced Cliffie) recognize exceptional acts of citizenship in the arts, business, healthcare, community service and education.

According to Fran Brough, the foundation's executive director, more than 40 nominations were received for this year's awards.

Award winners were:

The Arts: The Kingsmen Shakespeare Company. Michael Arndt accepted the award on behalf of the theatrical group.

Education: Miriam Sprankling won the award by "making history come alive," Brough said, through her work with the Conejo Valley Historical Society.

Business: John C. Woodward Sr., founder of Westoaks Chrysler

Dodge, accepted the award. The dealership was one of the original members of the Thousand Oaks Auto Mall Association and supported various community events, including the Westlake Street Fair, Conejo Valley Days, youth sports and Under One Roof. The business also provided parade vehicles for the Thousand Oaks Kiwanis Club.

Community Service, Individuals: Gary Finefrock received the award for philanthropy on behalf of the Support the Kids organization.

Community Service, Organizations: Norm Tardif accepted on behalf of the Thousand Oaks Kiwanis Club.

Health Care: Long Term Care Services of Ventura County's Ombudsman Program received the Health Care Award, which was accepted by Sylvia Taylor.

A reception for the honorees, their friends and families, and community leaders preceded the awards ceremony. Entertainment was provided by the Agoura High School Ellington Jazz Band and A Class Act from Westlake High School.

Randy Kerdoon of radio station KNX 1070 was master of ceremonies, and a PowerPoint presentation illustrated the finalists' accomplishments.

"We have so many individuals and groups in this region that deserve recognition," said Jeff Blum, the awards chair. "The CLvFFie Awards is our way of saying 'thank you' to the many who contribute to making this region a special place to live."

The 34-year-old nonprofit Conejo/Las Virgenes Future Foundation is an apolitical "think tank," Brough said. The organization studies and reports on a variety of issues of concern to residents of the Conejo Valley. The foundation sponsors an annual Youth Congress for high school students, Senior Congress, and a variety of forums including the recent "A Day in Your Life in 2016." On Jan. 31 the group will present "Roadmapping Your Future-Plan While You Can" as part of the Senior Congress.

For more information, visit www.clvff.org or call (818) 880-1054.