Zimmermans, Nemelka Honored by Boy Scout District

Menifee residents Bill and Julie Zimmerman were named Distinguished Citizens of the Year by the 3 Peaks District of the Boy Scouts of America during a special program Thursday night. Menifee 24/7 photos: Doug Spoon

Longtime Menifee residents Bill and Julie Zimmerman were honored as Distinguished Citizens of the Year and Larry Nemelka was named Good Scout of the Year for his years of service during a Boy Scouts of America ceremony held Thursday night at the Bouris Ranch in Menifee.

The event was hosted by the 3 Peaks District of the BSA. More than 100 guests, including local politicians, gathered to recognize the honorees for their service to the community.

The Zimmermans have been very active in the community in their 25 years in Menifee. Bill is a former Menifee Planning Commissioner and currently a member of the city's Parks, Recreation and Trails Commission, in addition to serving as a governing board trustee for Mt. San Jacinto College. Julie is a former troop leader in the Girl Scouts. They each have over 30 years experience in the architectural and civil engineering fields.

Together, they have served the community through Arts Council Menifee, the Menifee Valley Historical Association and the Boys & Girls Club of Menifee Valley. Bill is a former Boy Scout and Julie was a Girl Scout.

Nemelka served as a police officer for 15 years with the Santa Ana Police Department. He also worked in the department's juvenile detective division. Continuing his commitment to young people, the former Boy Scout first became a scoutmaster in 1963. He has since been a scoutmaster in five troops and has helped more than 100 scouts earn their Eagle Scout Award.

Larry Nemelka, named Good Scout of the Year, addresses the audience.

Guests enjoyed a country-theme dinner at a local ranch owned by longtime resident Betty Bouris.