By Ed Martin, Editor
Dr. Ernie Smith accepts the Citizen of the Year Award from last year's recipient Bill Black.
Dr. Ernie Smith accepts the Citizen of the Year Award from last year's recipient Bill Black.
Bill Burris, Photography for Kings County

It was a big night for several of Lemoore’s finest citizens, businesses, organizations – and at least one police officer. The Lemoore Chamber of Commerce held its 60th Annual Installation and Awards Banquet Friday night at the Tachi Hotel and Casino.

The evening’s highlight, of course, was the recognition of the 2018 Citizen of the Year. This year a longtime patron of education and community involvement, Dr. Ernie Smith, became the latest honoree and was introduced by last year’s celebrant, Bill Black.

Officer Jason Stephens, the inaugural Public Safety Person of the Year.
Officer Jason Stephens, the inaugural Public Safety Person of the Year.
Bill Burris, Photography for Kings County

Other highlights included the first ever Public Safety Award, an honor that went to Lemoore Police Officer Jason Stephens and like the others that night, earned recognition from the Chamber as well as Assemblyman Rudy Salas, Kings County Supervisor Joe Neves, and Mayor Ray Madrigal.

The 2018 Organization of the Year Award went to God’s Breadbasket, a small but productive agency that helps distribute food to locals.

The 2018 Business of the Year Award went to Dr. Terry O’Hare and his Kings Dental Group.

One of the primary purposes of the banquet is the installation of new officers. Chairwoman Grace Parreira will lead the organization’s board of directors in 2018 while Gina Arcino will serve as vice chair. Assemblyman Salas also swore in board members Frances Perkins, Lousie Najera, Dustin Fuller, Paul Rodarmel, Sunny Law, Crystelle Davis and Allen Fortune.

This year’s Citizen of the Year is a well-known Lemoore native and educator. Smith is also a two-time Recreation Department Volunteer of the Year who created a program called “Witness for Fitness,” a walking program that enhances the exercise habits of local seniors, buoyed his reputation with his selection as Citizen of the Year.

Twice a week Smith leads a happy band of 50-70 seniors, between the ages of 55 and 95, on a brisk half-hour walk in the recreation complex, followed by hand weights, chair exercises, and resistance bands.

Dr. Terry O'Hare accepts honor for Organization of the Year.
Dr. Terry O'Hare accepts honor for Organization of the Year.
Bill Burris, Photography for Kings County

Last year Smith was presented with his second “Volunteer of the Year Award.” Over the course of his five-year tenure as the program’s leader, he has accumulated roughly 1,560 hours, translating into 65 days of walking.

Smith, who served a distinguished career as an educator and college administrator, currently serves on the Lemoore Parks and Recreation Commission. The 70-year old has a master’s degree in psychology and has doctorates in educational leadership and community college administration.

“When I got on the (Recreation) commission … I didn’t see anything that was being done for seniors,” said Smith, a 1965 Lemoore High School graduate. “I said we need to get our seniors out that were 55 to 90.

“Walking is very simple. I wanted to start a walking group. We started out with four people,” he remembered. “As we grew I started adding more activities, like building strength… and endurance. It’s a program for seniors who want to increase their quality of life. It became a real winner for a lot of people.”

God's Bread Box accepts proclamation from Assemblyman Rudy Salas.
God's Bread Box accepts proclamation from Assemblyman Rudy Salas.
Bill Burris, Photography for Kings County

The former Lemoore High School student-athlete attended Oregon State University where he was a star athlete. He told The Leader he was surprised when Lemoore Chamber officials called him about the honor. “I was surprised, pleasantly, and I was elated. I was humbled and just totally elated that this was bestowed upon me,” he said.

“At first, I was kind of quiet, and then I just gave out a big yell. It was kind of personal, I’ve been in this area all my life. My parents were sharecroppers. I thought of the statement: you’ve come a long way baby. I was just honored.”

Smith also serves on the Kings County Commission on Aging and still works with the State of California Recreation Society. He is married to wife Deborah, and together they have five children and seven grandchildren.