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The year 2009 has proven to be a turbulent one for Danville, with amazing highs, surprising lows and new beginnings. Much of the year’s events were reviewed during the annual Mayoral Installation and Community Service Awards held Tuesday at the Danville Community Center.
The recent loss of Town Councilman Mike Shimansky was felt keenly by those present, although some joy was found amid the tears as the town unveiled a new award named in honor of the fallen councilman.
The councilman’s daughter, Cindy Shimansky, went up to the podium to present the first time award, but after only a few words was overcome by emotion and unable to continue. Her friend, Alfred Kazaryants quickly joined her, addressing the audience and describing the award, presented to the person who exemplified the type of community service Shimansky was long known for.
“Her Dad’s hero, Abraham Lincoln said, ‘I’d like to see a man proud of the place he lives, and I’d like to see a man live so that place will be proud of him,'” Kazaryants read.
The Shimansky award was given to Christy Dodge. She is a well-known advocate of the Special Olympics, having been involved with them as an athlete in 1995, and having gone on to become a global ambassador for the cause. In addition she has helped raise funds for a number of other causes and works as a volunteer for the Danville Police Department.
Outgoing Mayor Newell Arnerich congratulated Dodge and told the audience that the Shimansky award will be given out annually, and the family had donated a portion of the funds received from well-wishers during Shimansky’s hospital stay to set up a scholarship.
“Christy Dodge, we are so proud of you. What you do, the service you provide our town, is so invaluable,” Arnerich said.
He then went on to give out the year’s Danville Award, which led to another of the evening’s bittersweet moments.
“It was one year ago tonight that we stood here and it was my honor to recognize this individual for 24 years of service … that was Mike Shimansky,” Arnerich recounted. “This award is going to be given in Mike’s name for his extended service to our great town.”
“Normally, when a council member retires, we often award this,” Arnerich added. “We did not get that opportunity.”
Shimansky’s widow Sue and daughter Cindy came up to accept the award, offering thanks to all of the Danville residents who showed their love and support for their husband and father in the weeks leading up to his death.
“The amount of cards we got at the hospital, the physicians couldn’t get over it. Everyone said they didn’t think anyone’s ever gotten so many cards,” Sue Shimansky remembered. “And he did hear each and every card. Every card and personal note was read to him.”
In addition to the Danville Award, Arnerich also announced that they town would be installing a bench in Shimansky’s honor at Oak Hill Park.
Police Chief Chris Wenzel was honored with a special commendation for his six years of service to the Town. The award, although joyful, was not without some amount of sadness as the council also announced that Wenzel would be stepping down at the end of this month, to return to the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Department. Normally, under the town’s contract with Contra Costa, the chief returns to the Sheriff’s Department after four years, but Wenzel was able to stay an additional two.
An award of merit went to VFW Post 75 Commander Tony Carnemolla for his efforts on behalf of veterans throughout the area. Councilwoman Karen Stepper, in presenting the award, said Carnemolla is someone who not only shows up, but gets things done as well.
“This is the chance to honor what our veterans do in the community, through Tony,” she said. “He’s the person who not just comes to the 4th of July parade but stands and does the barbeque for all the people who come and work so hard at the parade.”
In addition to these awards, dozens of others were honored at the gathering of more than 160 people for their service to the Town of Danville. Those receiving awards Tuesday included:
• Parks and Leisure Services Commission Volunteer of the year: Valley Youth Council
• Arts Commission Volunteer of the year: Kevin Chen
• Danville Volunteer of the year: Richard Schumm
• Arts Commission Service Award: Pam Greenan
• Planning Commission Service Awards: Steve Condie, Sara Welch & Robert Storer
• 4 year Service Recognition: Jane Joyce, Stewart Proctor
• 8 year Service Recognition: Susan Ritner
• Award of Special Recognition: Police Chief Chris Wenzel
• Award of Merit: Robin Kelley
• Award of Merit: Danville Police Reserves
• Award of Merit: Tony Carnemolla
• Award of Merit: Sports Alliance
• Award of Merit: CPC Job Connections
• Award of Merit: Colette Ankenman
• Award of Merit: Melony Newman
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Cindy Shimansky presents the first Mike Shimansky Award to Christy Dodge for her work with Special Olympics. Photo by John Reese. -
Councilwoman Karen Stepper presents an Award of Merit to VFW Commander Tony Carnemolla. Photo by Geoff Gillette. -
New Mayor Mike Doyle with Colette Ankenman, a 16-year-old who received an Award of Merit for her community service, including starting up her own non-profit Baragwanath Blessings, which provides blankets and hats for newborns in South Africa. Photo by Geoff Gillette. -
State Sen. Mark DeSaulnier visits with Danville residents at the Community Service Awards. Photo by Geoff Gillette.
