Agoura Hills honors volunteers

JANN HENDRY/Acorn Newspapers HELPING OUT- Among the organizations applauded for their volunteer spirit is the Community Emergency Response Team. Old Agoura volunteer Kevin Austin mans a CERT donation booth. Volunteerism is alive and well in the city of Agoura Hills.

To thank the hundreds of volunteers who keep the city's events and programs humming smoothly, Agoura Hills hosted its 20th annual Volunteer Recognition Night on Jan. 23.

According to recreation supervisor Meredith Petit who organized the event, 275 people were invited to attend a reception at city hall. Agoura High School's Jazz Combo performed at the catered event, followed by a presentation ceremony at the beginning of the city council meeting.

Councilmember Denis Weber conducted the presentation in the memory of longtime volunteer Thom Bancroft, who died last May.

Bancroft helped run the city's community tennis league and served as program coordinator for over 16 years. To commemorate Bancroft's dedication to the city, a special sign in his name will be displayed at the new tennis courts at Agoura High School.

"(The sign) will forever memorialize him in the community he loved and served," Petit said.

Tony Wertenbruch also received special acknowledgement.

Wertenbruch has logged nearly 300 hours of service to Community Emergency Response Team. Petit said Wertenbruch serves as the

CERT logistics chief and "spends countless hours in emergency training and helping others success in training as well."

As a group, the CERT has 41

members who have donated more

than 4,000 hours to the community, Petit said.

The city's 25th Anniversary Committee was also recognized for spending more than a year planning and preparing for numerous events, including a December gala celebration at The Canyon club.

- Stephanie Bertholdo