John Dreher was recognized as Menifee’s Citizen of the Month on Wednesday for more than three decades of service to local youth and the community.
Dreher has spent much of that time with Menifee Valley Little League and has also been involved with local scout troops and the Antelope-Menifee Rural Center.
Mayor Pro Tem Bob Karwin, who selected Dreher for the recognition, said he first met him through Little League more than a decade ago. Karwin said Dreher’s work with the league has given local children more than an opportunity to play baseball.
“He’s been with the Menifee Valley Little League for over 30 years as a coach and an administrator, making sure our kids have an opportunity for sports and camaraderie and team building and character building and all of those great things that go along with it,” Karwin said.
Dreher said he first got involved with Little League while coaching his younger son. When the team’s manager moved to Hemet, Dreher said he was told he now had a T-ball team to manage.
Councilman Dan Temple said Dreher’s involvement in baseball and scouting has also allowed him to serve as a mentor to young people.
“I don’t think there’s any greater service you can do to a community than to be an example of how you should be as a man,” Temple said.
Dreher thanked his children for supporting his involvement over the years and gave special recognition to his wife, Lynn.
“She does all the work,” Dreher said. “I do all the kissing of the babies and shaking the hands. Thank you, Lynn, for being by my side for all those years.”
He also thanked the thousands of Little League volunteers he has worked with over the years, saying most have become friends and some have become like family.
