Roots & Wings Online

On Saturday, May 18, Ladera Ranch Community Services (LARCS) and Ladera Ranch Maintenance Corporation (LARMAC) hosted the annual volunteer appreciation event at the Terramor Aquatic Park.

The event celebrated the culture of volunteerism that Ladera Ranch is known for and honored those who foster a strong sense of community through their generosity of time.

The resident volunteers were presented with Service Award Pins for 5, 10, and 20 years of service, and the 2024 volunteer service award recipients were named. They had the opportunity to enjoy a day at the water park with their families. 

Service Award Pins RECIPIENTS 

5 Years of Service

• Aleena Ali 
• Heather Redd (7 years)
• Amy Griffin (7 years)

10 Years of Service

• Feeroozah Rangrazha
• Kathryn Ririe
• Kelly Hallbeck
• Mark Hallbeck
• Tom Debellis

20 Years of Service

• Heidi Anne Duerr
• Bohdanna Witiuk

2024 VOLUNTEER SERVICE AWARD RECIPIENTS

Family Volunteer of the Year: Chris and Diana Weber

The Family Volunteer of the Year award recognizes a Ladera Ranch family that volunteers both as a family and individually. The family demonstrates a positive impact on the Ladera Ranch community throughout the year. 

Chris is a pillar of our youth sports community, dedicating countless hours to coaching multiple Little League teams since 2018. With a passion for instilling the love of the game in his players, Chris’s positivity and encouragement resonate with all who have the privilege of being under his mentorship. From managing seasons to coaching All-Star teams, Chris’s tireless efforts on and off the field embody the true spirit of volunteerism.

Diana has been a driving force within the P.T.A. at Oso Grande Elementary, serving as a board member since her oldest son started kindergarten in 2019. Her commitment to enhancing the educational experience for all students is truly commendable, as she volunteers tirelessly as a room mom, library assistant, and classroom helper. Diana's infectious smile and warm demeanor make her a beloved presence at the school, where she consistently goes above and beyond to support students, teachers, and staff alike.

Together, Chris and Diana epitomize the essence of community service, radiating positivity and kindness in all they do. Whether on the sports field or within the school walls, their unwavering dedication and uplifting spirits leave a lasting impact on all those around them.

Chris and Diana are remarkable individuals whose contributions make our community a better place for all.

Community Group of the Year: Ladera Pride Club 

The Community Group of the Year award recognizes a volunteer-led group that has demonstrated a commitment to the community through their volunteer service over the past year. The Ladera Pride Club is comprised of a remarkable group of individuals who exemplify the spirit of community and volunteerism through their unwavering dedication and tireless efforts in organizing and executing the Ladera Pride Community Celebration event. From the inception of the event in June 2023 to its successful culmination on November 4, the Ladera Pride Club has demonstrated an unparalleled commitment to fostering inclusivity and celebrating diversity within our town.

Led by a committee of 15 highly motivated individuals, the Ladera Pride Club embarked on a journey of planning and coordination, dedicating countless hours to ensure the success of the event. their passion and enthusiasm were infectious, inspiring an additional 25 volunteers to step up and contribute their time and energy on the day of the celebration. the impact of their efforts was truly profound, as evidenced by the overwhelming support and attendance from the Ladera Ranch community. With over 25 vendors and nonprofit booths, the event provided a vibrant and inclusive space for residents to come together, connect, and celebrate diversity. Through their self-funded initiative, the Ladera Pride Club raised over $6,000 from sponsors and donors, further highlighting the depth of community support for their cause.

Perhaps most importantly, the Ladera Pride community celebration provided a safe and welcoming environment for LGBTQ community members and allies to gather, network, and celebrate together—a testament to the transformative power of community-driven initiatives. in addition to its flagship event, the Ladera Pride Club continues to make a meaningful impact through its ongoing monthly events, further solidifying its commitment to fostering unity and understanding within our community.

Congratulations to the Ladera Pride Club on its outstanding contributions to making Ladera Ranch a more inclusive and welcoming place.

Neighborhood Representative of the Year: Heather Redd

The Neighborhood Representative of the Year award recognizes a Ladera resident who has demonstrated leadership in a volunteer role and has had a positive impact on their neighborhood and the Ladera Ranch community throughout the past year. Heather Redd was named 2024 Neighborhood Representative of the Year. 

Heather’s journey of service and commitment to our community began in 2017 when she assumed the role of Neighborhood Representative. Her deep-rooted commitment to serving and advocating for the needs of our community and willingness to go above and beyond in her duties is a testament to her selflessness and dedication to fostering a sense of unity and understanding amongst residents. in 2018, Heather's journey took a pivotal turn as she joined the LARMAC Covenant Committee, where her impact has been transformative. As the committee chair since 2021, Heather has exemplified the highest standards of professionalism and leadership, guiding the committee with wisdom, compassion, and unwavering dedication.

One of Heather’s most remarkable attributes is her exceptional ability to communicate with homeowners during Covenant Committee hearings. In an environment often fraught with tension and uncertainty, Heather's welcoming and kind demeanor serves as a beacon of reassurance for homeowners who may feel intimidated. Her fairness, empathy, and judiciousness in assessing disciplinary measures have earned her the respect and admiration of all who have had the privilege of working with her. Heather’s steadfast commitment to fostering a sense of understanding and unity within our community is truly inspiring. Her tireless efforts to ensure that every voice is heard and every concern is addressed exemplify the true spirit of servant leadership. 

Heather is deserving of this honor, and we are grateful for her invaluable service to our community.

Ranch Hand Volunteer of the Year: Steven Bova

The Ranch Hand Volunteer of the Year award recognizes a Ladera Ranch resident who has consistently demonstrated an extraordinary commitment of time and talent to the LARCS board, a LARCS committee or task force, or in any other capacity to support LARCS community events as a Ranch Hand volunteer throughout the past year. 

Steven Bova was named the Ranch Hand Volunteer of the Year. For the past three years, Steven has been a shining beacon of service, dedicating over twenty hours of his time to various community events and initiatives. From the Spring Celebration to the July 4th Parade and the Teen Haunted Maze & Movie Night, Steven's presence has been felt at every turn, enriching the experiences of residents, young and old alike. 

Steven serves as a judge for the July 4th Parade, and Harvest Festival Costume Contest, his genuine desire to make every participant feel like a winner shining through with every smile and encouraging word. Steven's contributions extend far beyond his role as a judge. recently, amidst the hustle and bustle of the Spring Celebration, Steven exemplified true leadership and dedication by braving the elements, standing in the rain for two hours to ensure that every child had the opportunity to participate in the egg scramble. also, when faced with a shortage of volunteers, he didn't hesitate to stay extra hours to ensure that the event ran smoothly and seamlessly. Steven has an unwavering commitment to innovation and excellence. He implemented a new check-in system for the Teen Haunted Maze & Movie Night, which significantly improved the event experience, checking in over 100 tweens in less than 15 minutes—a testament to his ingenuity and dedication to creating exceptional experiences for our residents. 

Steven's passion for our community is palpable, his heart of gold shining brightly at every event he attends. His innate ability to take charge and his impeccable organizational skills guarantee that every event he volunteers for is a resounding success, leaving a lasting impression on all who have the pleasure of interacting with him. In Steven, we find not only a dedicated volunteer but a true community champion—a beacon of light whose passion, leadership, and unwavering commitment inspire us all to strive for greatness. please join me in extending heartfelt congratulations to Steven Bova for his outstanding contributions to our community.

Teen Volunteer of the Year: Anur Narayan

The next award recognizes a Ladera Ranch teen who has demonstrated leadership in a volunteer role and has had a positive impact on the Ladera Ranch community throughout the past year. 

Over the past year, Anur Narayan has demonstrated an extraordinary level of commitment to our community, generously donating an impressive 50 hours of his time to various events and initiatives. His tireless efforts have played a pivotal role in ensuring the smooth and efficient operation of numerous community events.

Anur's productivity and devotion have not gone unnoticed. time and time again, he has stepped up, lending a helping hand wherever it is needed most. Whether setting up for events, assisting attendees, or ensuring that everything runs seamlessly behind the scenes, Anur’s hard work and dedication have truly made a positive impact on our community and events alike.

More than simply being willing to volunteer his time, Anur’s passion and enthusiasm for every task are remarkable. His positive attitude and unwavering commitment inspire those around him, creating an atmosphere of camaraderie and teamwork that is truly uplifting.

Adult Volunteer of the Year: Kim Diaz

The Adult Volunteer of the Year award is presented to a Ladera Ranch resident who has demonstrated leadership in a volunteer role and has made a positive impact on the Ladera Ranch community throughout the past year. Kim Diaz is Ladera's 2024 Adult Volunteer of the Year. 

For seven extraordinary years, Kim has been an integral part of the Ladera Ranch Elementary School community, serving on the PTA board with exceptional leadership and unwavering dedication. As president for two consecutive terms, she led with passion, empathy, and an unwavering commitment to the well-being of all.

Kim's impact extends far beyond her official roles. She is a beacon of inspiration and a source of support for students, teachers, staff, and community members alike. her tireless efforts have helped shape a stronger, more compassionate community, leaving an indelible mark on all who have had the privilege of knowing her.

Kim's advocacy knows no bounds. with a background rooted in business and hospitality, her true passion lies in volunteerism and youth advocacy. As a Girl Scout troop leader for 15 juniors and the AYSO Division Coordinator, she goes above and beyond to empower our youth and foster a sense of community spirit.

During the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic, Kim’s leadership truly shone. Navigating the PTA through uncharted waters with unwavering resolve, she demonstrated a steadfast belief in unity and perseverance that propelled our community forward, emerging stronger and more united on the other side.

Her tireless dedication to service and unwavering commitment to our community serve as a guiding light, inspiring us all to strive for a brighter future together. LARCS and LARMAC are pleased to recognize and celebrate Kim Diaz as a true community hero.

Spirit of Community Services: Armando Rutledge

This award was established by the Ladera Ranch Community Services (LARCS) Board to recognize Ladera Ranch resident volunteers who consistently demonstrate an ongoing commitment to our community through volunteer engagement, supporting the Ladera Ranch community service events and programs for multiple years.

This year, the Spirit of Community Services award is presented to Armando Rutledge. Armando exemplifies the true spirit of volunteerism and has consistently demonstrated an unwavering commitment to our community through his exceptional engagement and dedication to LARCS events and programs for over two decades.

Armando's involvement with LARCS is truly remarkable. He has generously contributed countless hours of his time and energy, always going above and beyond to support our community initiatives. Armando's commitment is evident at every LARCS event, where he is a familiar face and a vital member of our volunteer team. Notably, Armando willingly steps in to assist wherever needed, often taking on critical roles during events when our volunteer numbers are insufficient.

Armando has been an integral part of the Ladera Ranch community since 2002, volunteering his time and resources to make our neighborhood a better place. As an original homeowner, Armando's roots in our community run deep, and his dedication to service has been unwavering throughout these years.

In addition to his volunteerism, Armando has served on the LARCS Board of Directors since 2016, further demonstrating his deep investment in the betterment of our community.

Armando’s consistent volunteerism and leadership over the past two decades exemplify the core values of community service that this award seeks to acknowledge. His passion for giving back and his selfless commitment to improving our community are truly inspiring.

Armando is a deserving recipient of the Spirit of Community Service Award. His enduring contributions and steadfast support have significantly enriched the fabric of our community, embodying the very essence of this esteemed recognition.

The LARCS and LARMAC Boards congratulate the 2024 Volunteer Service Award recipients and thank all who have positively impacted the Ladera Ranch community this past year.