Future Foundation selects CLvFFie Awards finalists
By Stephanie Bertholdo bertholdo@theacorn.com

Local teachers, musicians, clubs, business owners, philanthropists and other people at the top of their fields are among the finalists for the Conejo/Las Virgenes Future Foundation seventh annual CLvFFie Awards.

The CLvFFie (pronounced "Cliffie") Awards honor individuals and groups in the Conejo/Las Virgenes region in eight categories: the arts, education, community service/individuals, community service/organizations, business, public safety, youth leadership and youth sports.

Winners will be revealed Nov. 17 at a dinner event at Los Robles Greens Banquet Center in Thousand Oaks, said Fran Brough, executive director of the foundation.

Foundation members selected finalists from more than 50 applications, CLvFFie co-chair Jeff Blum said. Applicants live or work in the region spanning from Calabasas through Newbury Park, he said.

"Our region has so many dedicated individuals and groups working toward keeping this area an ideal place to live and work," Blum said. "The caliber of the nominees makes choosing our finalists a very difficult job."

The finalists selected are:

The Arts: Village Voices Chorale, Cabrillo Music Theatre and Matthew Finders

Education: Heidi Cissell, Nancy Bowman and Harry Leff

Community Service/Individuals: Steece Koukl, Daryl Reynolds and John Hodak

Community Service/Organizations: Habitat to the Max, Community Conscience and Assistance League of Conejo Valley

Business: Sage Publications, Bunnin Automotive Group and Madelyn Alfano

Public Safety: Disaster Assistance Response Team of Thousand Oaks, Disaster Communication Service-District 22 and Malibu/ Lost Hills Sheriff's Booster Club

Youth Leadership: Elliott Bowles, Thousand Oaks High School Link Crew, Virgillo Garcia and Jacob Sipos

Youth Sports: Greg Le Gore, Randolf Riley and Ed Corridori

Brough said the CLvFFie Awards process is conducted much like the Oscar, Grammy and Emmy awards shows. One recipient from each category is selected by secret ballot to receive the foundation's top honor- the CLvFFie Award.

Don Stark, an actor known for his role on television's "That '70s Show," will serve as master of ceremonies.

The Arts Council of the Conejo Valley will receive the Doris La Violette Award for its success in advancing cultural opportunities for residents, Brough said. The council also helps people cultivate their creativity, which in turn is enjoyed by the community at large, she said.

Members of the community are welcome to attend the CLvFFie Awards, Brough said. The $80 ticket price includes dinner, the awards ceremony and entertainment by the Kingsmen Shakespeare Company, last year's CLvFFie award-winner.

For invitations or further information about the event or sponsorship opportunities, call the foundation at (818) 880-1054.