It was both a packed house, as well as a room filled with great energy, as family and community members gathered for the 76th Annual Oakdale Awards Banquet, presented by the Oakdale Chamber of Commerce.

The sold out crowd filled the Gene Bianchi Community Center on Friday, March 11 for the dinner and awards program.

Oakdale Chamber President Kim Talamantes addressed nominees and the crowd, offering a welcome and thanks to those attending.

“We’re so grateful for the hard work, dedication and spirit of helping this community has tonight and always, our community has so many leaders that step up when we need it,” Talamantes said. “And this last couple of years, there’s been a tremendous amount of lifting each other up. For that, I am very grateful. I thank you all for coming tonight. Let’s get on with the celebration. God bless America. God bless you all. And God bless Ukraine.”

Pete Simoncini served as Master of Ceremonies beginning with Lifetime Achievement recognition for both Norm Antinetti and Lloyd Stueve, honored posthumously, with their families on hand to receive the honors.

Simoncini highlighted the bios of both men, demonstrating their giving spirits, as well as dedication to the community.

“We appreciate everybody being here and supporting this,” Norm’s son David said in accepting the honor on his father’s behalf.

Following the presentation of Stueve’s bio, son Guy approached the stage to receive the honor on behalf of his father.

“Thank you everybody for coming out,” Guy stated. “My dad was a great man.”

The following recipients were also named in the given honors: Junior Achievement Award, Matthew Van Dyke; Community Service Award, VFW Post #2922; Small Business of the Year, Noble Kennels; Large Business of the Year, Fritz Hummer Trucking Co.; and Citizen of the Year, Nick Birchall.