Wednesday, December 19, 2007 5:24 PM PST

gus thomson/auburn journal A Meadow Vista resident for more than 60 years and a font of historical knowledge, George Lay displays the Placer County commemorative coin.

Placer County honors dedicated and brave citizens for their achievements

By: Gus Thomson, Gold Country News Service

George Lay was one of two honorees from Supervisor Bruce Kranz's District Five. Lay served nine years as president of the Placer County Historical Society.

He moved with his parents to Meadow Vista in 1945 and his community service includes 30 years on the Meadow Vista Design Review Committee.

"It's a great honor," Lay told the board. "Placer County means the world to me."

The other District Five award winner -- Squaw Valley ski pioneer Sandra Poulson -- died in September and was remembered posthumously. A postmistress, developer and outdoorswoman, her family of eight children included two Olympians.

Placer County employees Ruth Alves and E.J. Ivaldi came to the aid of a visitor having a serious medical problem while they were in a meeting at the county Administrative Center. Alves, an EMT, cleared the room and started CPR, while Ivaldi assisted. The victim was eventually revived. Supervisor Jim Holmes, who witnessed the incident, nominated the two for the award.

Former Supervisor Bill Santucci and his wife of 58 years, Norma, were each awarded coins for long-term service to the community and the county.

Roseville Supervisor Rocky Rockholm also awarded a coin to Carol Garcia, South Placer Breast Cancer Endowment co-founder.

Stacy Longmire was presented with a coin by Supervisor Robert Weygandt in honor of her son, Michael, who was electrocuted fighting a roadside fire near Sheridan last August.

The 19-year-old former Roseville resident had been driving by with a friend, saw the fire and tried to put it out. He was killed when he came into contact with a fallen power line.

-- Gus Thomson can be reached at gust@goldcountrymedia.com.

A Meadow Vistan with a nose for history, a Roseville couple with a long track record of community service, a teenager who died fighting a fire and two workers who helped save a life are among the recipients this year of commemorative Placer County coins.

The coins are awarded for outstanding achievements, from acts of heroism to longstanding community service.