Valley-Wide board members honored by state association

From left: Valley-Wide Board Members Mike Juarez and Angela D. Little, Board President Nick Schouten, General Manager Dean Wetter, Board Secretary Dr. Steve Simpson and Board Vice President Jan Bissell.  (Photo courtesy Valley-Wide)

Dr. Steve Simpson, a member of the board of directors of Valley-Wide Recreation and Park District, was recently honored by the California Association of Recreation and Park Districts as the Outstanding Board Member for 2021.

Simpson was presented the award at the 2021 CARPD Awards Banquet June 24 in Monterey. Dean Wetter, general manager of Valley-Wide, also was honored as Outstanding General Manager. Pete Gregory was honored at Outstanding Volunteer and Healthy Valley Foundation of Hemet was honored as Outstanding Community Organization.

“Dr. Simpson, an optometrist who practices in Hemet and the current board secretary, not only has been a vocal advocate for the District, but an extremely active one,” Valley-Wide stated in a news release. “As a member of the National Exchange Club, Dr. Simpson has been actively fundraising for the community for many years; he has also hosted events, served as master of ceremonies, and participated in every fundraiser the District has organized.”

“Dr. Simpson is very deserving of this prestigious honor,” Wetter said. “He is a calming influence who gives deep thought to every decision he makes, ensuring the public gets the best possible services while being a good steward of public funds.”

Gregory began volunteering with Valley-Wide about 15 years ago through a French Valley soccer program. He also has organized donations for the French Valley Community Center’s Halloween Spooktacular, providing hundreds of dollars in candy each year. He also has been active in Valley-Wide’s weekend auction and Breakfast with Santa event.

Healthy Valley Foundation provides donations to programs that promote fitness. The Foundation has paid for fitness trails at three Valley-Wide Recreation and Park District facilities.

“The CARPD Awards of Distinction are among the highest recognition our agency can receive and our awards are a credit to our staff and partners who made this happen,” Wetter said. “We are honored to receive this award on behalf of our residents.”