Who’s the best in the Valley, for the Valley? | Opinion

Next week, the list for our annual Best of the Valley competition should be nestled in your newspaper. For some years, the Record has conducted a reader poll on favorite businesses, services and public officials in the Valley. It’s one of the more popular contests we do annually, with reason. We’re polling residents for their picks in nearly 60 categories in the contest, which is both an annual bragging-rights showdown among local business, and a snapshot of our community and its movers and shakers. It’s about more than business: It’s a way to gauge buzz for the best non-profit, the best Valley event, the best volunteer, firefighter, national treasure, police officer and city employee. Public servants and business people with a lot of friends, family and local connections typically get a good showing, but newcomers and dark horses can often shine.

By Seth Truscott • February 14, 2013 3:51 pm

Next week, the list for our annual Best of the Valley competition should be nestled in your newspaper. For some years, the Record has conducted a reader poll on favorite businesses, services and public officials in the Valley. It’s one of the more popular contests we do annually, with reason.

We’re polling residents for their picks in nearly 60 categories in the contest, which is both an annual bragging-rights showdown among local business, and a snapshot of our community and its movers and shakers. It’s about more than business: It’s a way to gauge buzz for the best non-profit, the best Valley event, the best volunteer, firefighter, national treasure, police officer and city employee. Public servants and business people with a lot of friends, family and local connections typically get a good showing, but newcomers and dark horses can often shine.

So it was with interest that I noticed the release of nominees last week for a new set of awards. Local Angela Craig set up a foundation, Give Good, and took nominees for the Give Good Awards this winter.

Entirely community centered, the nominees show an interesting mix of local charities, school programs and organizations. You may recognize some of these names; I know I do. Some, you may not, but consider it a good way to get introduced to these folks. I don’t recognize everyone on Angela’s Give Good list, but I suspect that there are reasons for them to make this list. In future, I hope to find out what those reasons are.

Awards lists change, as do the people who ‘move and shake,’ making things happen in their communities. Nomination to a ‘Best Of’ category isn’t the achievement that’s important. It’s what’s done to get there.

Who would be on your ‘Best Volunteer’ or ‘Best Community Spirit’ list? I think every Valley household might have its own take on the people who make a difference. What’s inspiring is that so many people actually do make a difference for others.

When you see our Best of the Valley ballot, don’t forget to vote. Show your ‘best’ neighbors that their efforts aren’t forgotten.

Giving of themselves

Nominees for the annual Give Good awards include:

The arts: Sue Korol, Aria Vickers, Nick Mardon, Michelle Dutton

Business: DMW Martial Arts, Down to Earth Photography, Boxley’s Place, Carnation Farmers Market

Courage: Peggy Fursman, PJ Duvall

Educational excellence: Nancy Baker, MSHS TEALS Team – JuanPablo Jofre, Steve Hollasch, Charles Parker, Hani Khoshdel-Nikhoo

Youth Advocate: Curtis Lily

Parent Volunteer: Cathy Renner, Lori Hollasch, Deanna Pleasants Haverfield

Inspirational Youth: Noah Riffe, Snoqualmie Valley Middle School Student Body, Keenan Fagan

Teen Spirit: Caleb Salmon, Amber Boyce, Conner Skylstad

Unsung Hero: Richard Terbrueggen, Nancy White, Sandy Mount, Jan Van Liew, Julie Blaskovich

Spirit of the Valley: Bev Jorgensen, Donna Padilla, Kelly Stokesbary

Nominees have been invited to a red-carpet awards night, March 1 at the Church of the Ridge in Snoqualmie. That event is open to the public.