The City Council on Monday recognized a good Samaritan, the senior “recycling family” of the quarter, and two Marines from the 
Headquarters Battalion of the 1st Marine Division.
Council recognitions are designed to honor those who make a difference in Mission Viejo.
Monday’s meeting began with an impressive piano recital by Shelby Wong, a gifted Carl Hankey Middle School student. Shelby, who began studying piano at age 4, delighted the audience with her talent and zeal. The youngster has won several awards including a gold medal at the Seattle International Piano Festival and the composer category at the Southwestern Youth Musical Festival.
Robert Minch was recognized for his courageous efforts July 4 in helping to stop a house fire from spreading. While driving on Felipe, Robert spotted a fire on Bahamonde Street and called 911. He went to the home and sprayed it down with a garden hose until firefighters arrived. His selfless actions prevented the flames from completely engulfing the house and spreading to neighboring homes.
The City Council also recognized residents Micky Scholte and his wife, Marie, for receiving the Community Recycling Program Award. The award from Waste Management and the City is bestowed on people who go above and beyond the call of recycling to benefit the community. The couple lives in the Casta del Sol senior community and take pride in incorporating environmentally friendly habits into their daily lives.
The final recognition of the night went to two Marines from Mission Viejo’s adopted Headquarters Battalion of the First Marine Division at Camp Pendleton for their outstanding efforts this past quarter.
Lance Corporal Daniel Godina was recognized as “Marine of the Quarter” and Sergeant Cory L. Kingston as “Noncommissioned Officer of the Quarter.” The recognition of these dedicated individuals is part of an ongoing effort by the City’s Marines & Sailors Adoption Committee to provide year-round support to Mission Viejo’s adopted troops. The honor, which includes impressive gifts, is meant to help boost morale and remind the selfless Marines and Sailors of this community’s unwavering support.
The Marines were selected by their peers for their “stand-out” performance over the past three months. Possessing strength and spirit, the men are already at the top of their class in annual training requirements such as rifle marksmanship; water survival and physical fitness; academic testing; professional military and off-duty education; community involvement; and military specialty qualifications. Joining several hundred of their peers, the Marines then competed in a physical fitness test, uniform inspection, and faced an interview panel.
The fruits of their labor have also earned each Marine a one-night stay at any Courtyard by Marriott Hotel, courtesy of Courtyard by Marriott at Foothill Ranch plus a $150 gift certificate for dining and entertainment. They also received four tickets to an Angels game on Labor Day weekend compliments of Margo Serron with the Mission Viejo Activities Committee.
The City Council meets at 6 p.m. on the first and third Monday of the month. To watch council meetings, visit the City’s website at http://cityofmissionviejo.org.
