And the “Petta” Goes To...

Since its inception, Grand Terrace has held a tradition of volunteer service to the community. Now, more than ever, volunteers are renewing their commitment to help others and making new connections, bringing the members of the community closer together. Tony Petta was known by many to embody the spirit of this volunteerism and service. According to those who knew him best, he lived his life as a model of devotion to the community he founded, shaped and loved. In recognition of Petta, and others who follow in his footsteps, the Grand Terrace Lions Club has created and established an award, known as the "Petta," to recognize citizens who have set a standard for service in the community, who encourage and sustain commitment to civic participation and who inspire others to make service a central part of their lives. This year’s nominees were Roger Kowalski, Roy and Pat Nix and JoAnn Johnson. The Grand Terrace Lions Club is proud to award JoAnn Johnson the 2014 “Petta” award. Johnson believes that volunteers are vital to a city or community. She is a former teacher and has volunteered in many groups in Grand Terrace over the past 20 years. She has been a member of the emergency response team, citizens on patrol and on the crime prevention committee. Johnson has been long-associated with the Grand Terrace Senior Center, helping it grow from a small portable to a new building next to the Senior Villas. When the suggestion was made to name the senior center "The JoAnn Johnson Senior Center," she turned down the offer stating it would be hard for people to know where it was located. This past year, Johnson retired from her position as the Grand Terrace Director of Senior Services, Director of the Grand Terrace Senior Center and President of the Grand Terrace Senior Association, however she continues to remain very active in the community. On behalf of the Grand Terrace Lions Club, Chairperson 1st Vice District Governor Lion David Radtke presented Johnson the “Petta” on Dec. 17 during the Grand Terrace Lions Club breakfast meeting.