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8 FOUR SEASONS BREEZE | MAY 2022 By Andrea Henderson The selfless volunteerism by residents Vince and Kathy Conway is exceptional and was recognized Jan. 27 in a ceremony at Beaumont City Hall. They received multiple awards from Beaumont, Banning, Riverside County, and the State of California to recognize the hours they've spent in service to our city and the neighboring areas. The awards presented were signed by Banning Mayor Kyle Pingree, Beaumont Mayor Lloyd Wright, Supervisor Jeff Hewitt, State Senator Rosilicie Ochoa Bogh, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla, U.S. Representative Raul Ruiz, and the Beaumont Chamber of Commerce. Their plaque read "Citizen of the Year 2022 for Outstanding Performance of Service to the Community." But they also received several certificates from the County and State, "enough to create an award wall," said Vince. Six years as residents in Four Seasons allowed them time to look around for something to occupy their retirement years. Marty Bauer, former President of the Board at Carol's Kitchen shared an opportunity with them, and they have stayed with the work for five years. "When we joined Carol's Kitchen it was in survival mode after some difficulties, and we saw opportunities for growth," Vince said. As President of the Board, he has stabilized the Kitchen financially, although it still depends heavily on donations and grants. He has seen an expansion from six to eight kitchens in four different cities, the latest being San Jacinto. They are currently "looking to expand into other possible areas such as Yucaipa/Calimesa, Moreno Valley and Hemet, cities where there is great need," said Vince. Kathy Conway is the Marketing Manager, and as such, has added many events, some for fundraising and some just to promote the Carol's Kitchen name in all the communities. For example, this year it is involved in the Soboba Foundation Golf Tournament, a bowling tournament, a volunteer recognition luncheon, Carol's Kitchen Birthday Celebration, a Freedom From Hunger Food Drive with the Grocery Outlet, the Stagecoach Parade, the St. Stephens Christmas Tree Festival, Banning Pass Little League, the Cherry Festival, the Cabazon Outlet Shopping Extravaganza, the Annual Comedy Night, along with newsletters and appeal letters. She is an organizer and a busy woman. Kathy was born in Illinois and received a BS and MA which led to her teaching career of 30 years in Chino. She also worked in data processing for 10 years. Vince was born in Louisiana and received a BS degree in business. In addition, both she and Vince are Certificated Master Gardeners and love cactus and succulents. They volunteered through the University of California and shared their expertise with many volunteers to produce community gardens and a nursery where they actually were able to grow 40-year-old seeds. Vince was active with the Four Seasons Landscape Committee. So, why do they spend so many days and nights of their retirement years working for Carol's Kitchen? "It's the people," they say. They love the people and feel strongly motivated to help those less fortunate with hot, nutritious meals. Their mission is expressed by Carol's Kitchen… "To strengthen the San Gorgonio Pass of Southern California by ensuring the men, women, and children of our communities do not go hungry regardless of their age, religion, cultural background, employment or economic status, and physical and mental abilities." WHY? IT'S THE PEOPLE… Vince and Kathy Conway Honored RESIDENT SPOTLIGHT