Dedicated volunteers honored for their community service with concert

VIPs GATHER- A recent concert at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints honored individuals for their community service. Among the honorees were, from left, Newbury Park Stake President Garry Pace; Kathy and Bob Lewis, a former council member in Thousand Oaks; former T.O. city manager Grant Brimhall; Heidi and Dennis Ritterbush; Frank Turner; and Vince Hull of the LDS church. Bob and Kathy Lewis, Frances Prince and Dennis Ritterbush were recently honored for their service at a concert dedicated to them at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on Sept. 13.

Each person received an engraved crystal vase and flowers to thank them for their contributions to the community.

The concert, "My Whole Life Through," featured a 65voice choir and soloists directed by conductor and educator Frank Turner of Newbury Park.

Grant Brimhall, former city manager of Thousand Oaks, introduced the Lewises and Prince. Vince Hull, bishop of an Agoura LDS congregation and longtime resident of Agoura Hills, honored Ritterbush.

Bob and Kathy Lewis were honored for their service to the city of Thousand Oaks.

Bob Lewis served as mayor, City Council member, and 12 years as a planning commissioner. He was a co-author of Measure A which encouraged open space, affordable housing and trail expansion. He was also a key supporter of the development of the Civic Arts Plaza.

Kathy Lewis spent 20 years on the board of Friends of the Thousand Oaks Library, and served as president to help raise $80,000 to assist in the refurbishment of the library following the damage from the Northridge earthquake.

Prince is a former mayor of the city of Thousand Oaks. She also served on the planning

commission for four years and the City Council for eight years. "If you like your community, library, open space and protected ridgelines, equestrian and hiking trails, you

should give thanks to Frances Prince," said Brimhall.

Prince was instrumental in preserving 14,000 acres of permanent open space, including Rancho Sierra Vista, Wildwood Mesa and Danielson Ranch. She also helped establish the Thousand Oaks Library, the Civic Arts Plaza and has served twice as the president of the Library Foundation.

Ritterbush is the head wrestling coach and a teacher at Agoura High School. He has taught for 30 years in the Las Virgenes School District, including 23 years at Agoura High School. He has taught a variety of subjects and has served as athletic director and head coach for wrestling, football and baseball.

"He is especially known for his 'never give up' mentality and his ability to positively influence at-risk youth," said Hull.