Common Threads Awards

By Jodie Mocciaro
University Communications student-intern

Five women from five Central Valley counties will be recognized as the 2005 honorees for the Common Threads Awards at Fresno State on March 11.

The Common Threads Awards acknowledge women from the San Joaquin Valley for their agricultural, philanthropic and community service.

The 2005 Common Threads Awards recipients are Jacqueline Giacomazzi of Kings County, Michele Lasgoity of Madera County, Linda Macedo of Merced County, Debbie Poochigian of Fresno County and Joanne Marie Watte of Tulare County.

The five Valley women have strong agricultural backgrounds and are active participants in their counties through philanthropic endeavors and community service.

They will be recognized at the luncheon on March 11. The educational workshop begins at 9:15 a.m. in Madden Library, room 1209. Luncheon check-in begins at 11:15 a.m. in the Residence Dining Hall. Mistress of ceremonies will be Lucy Ruiz, director of public affairs at KGPE-TV Channel 47.

Morning workshop panel speakers are Debbie Jacobsen, past president of the Fresno County Farm Bureau; Octavia Diener, owner of a farming operation and clean air advocate; and Kim Ruiz Beck of Ruiz Foods.

Common Threads is a collaborative effort of the California Agricultural Leadership Foundation, Fresno State’s College of Agricultural Sciences and Technology and the Fresno State Ag One Foundation. The program was designed to recognize the Valley's many women committed to making a difference.

Net proceeds from the luncheon go to the California Agricultural Leadership Foundation, Ag One and charities of the honorees' choice.

Reservations for the luncheon can be made by calling the Ag One office at (559) 278-4266. The cost is $30 per person.