Danville Selects Major and Vice Mayor; Announces Community Awards
The Town of Danville selected its Mayor and Vice Mayor for the new year during the 44th Annual Mayor’s Installation and Community Service Awards on December 2. The Council selected Newell Arnerich to serve as Mayor and Robert Storer to serve as Vice Mayor through a vote at the meeting. The Council also recognized several community organizations and individuals for their service to the Town.
Prior to Arnerich accepting the appointment for his 8th term as Mayor, Renee Morgan reflected on her third time serving in the position. Danville’s mayoral rotation follows a one-year term beginning the first meeting in December, with both the Mayor and Vice Mayor appointed and rotated annually among the Councilmembers.
The Council also recognized milestone years of service and contributions of outgoing commissioners. Two special awards were given for significant and lasting contributions to the Danville Community:
The Michael K. Shimansky Community Service Award recognizes individuals who make significant contributions to Danville’s youth community and is traditionally presented to a young Danville resident. Named in honor of the longtime Councilmember who, prior to his passing in 2009, inspired local youth to enhance their community through service, the award carries a legacy of leadership and civic engagement. This year, Connor Fitzpatrick was recognized for his exceptional leadership, dedication, and impact as a member of the Town of Danville Bicycle Advisory Commission.
The Danville Award, the Town’s highest honor, was awarded to the All Wars Memorial Board of Directors for their extraordinary contribution to the full remodeling of the All Wars Memorial. The project, funding through resources raised by the Board, included new benches, monuments, granite signage, and additional enhancements that ensure the Memorial remains a meaningful place of remembrance for the community.
During the Community Awards, Councilmembers recognized the following individuals and organizations with Merit Awards:
- American Legion Post 246 for providing important programs, services, and donations that substantially benefit veterans, youth, and the Danville community as a whole.
- The Valley Oak Respite Center and Gary Peer for providing an invaluable resource to families living with the challenge of dementia, keeping members engaged, connected, and safe in a secure environment, and allowing family caregivers the time they need to recharge.
- Madeleine Roytfeld for her service-driven leadership and dedicated commitment to mentoring, excelling as a writer, and representing Danville youth and the SRVUSD in events and organizations throughout the state.
- Danville Ramp Clean-Up Crew for assembling a dedicated team of volunteers each month to put on gear, clean local creeks, and pick-up trash along Danville’s freeway ramps, ensuring that everyone who lives, works, or visits our Town feels welcome.
- Katrina Broome for bringing together 324 homeowners in her role as president of the California Chateau homeowners’ association to build a new playground, organize the community dedication, and coordinate the annual National Night Out.