Six nominated for Lodi Community Hall of Fame

Inductees in the Lodi Community Hall of Fame for 2008 include leaders in education, space research, Downtown revitalization and agriculture.

Sponsored by the Lodi Boys and Girls Club, the Hall of Fame program recognizes local men and women who have made enduring contributions to the Lodi community. Inductees are to be honored at a dinner and program set for Oct. 11.

Honorees this year are:

The late Guy P. Wakefield, a high school teacher for the Lodi Unified School District for 34 years. Wakefield began teaching U.S. government and history at Lodi High School in 1942. He stayed on the East Campus, which became Tokay High School in 1972. For over 20 of his years, he served as CSF adviser. Following his retirement, he was active with the annual Retired Teachers Luncheon for high school teachers. He was also active in his church and visited members who were in convalescent homes.

Bertram Bulkin, a retired director of scientific space programs in the Space Science Division at Lockheed Missles and Space Company, where he was responsible for the Hubble Space Telescope and the Mission to Planet Earth environmental research. Bulkin continues to be active in the community by serving as a volunteer for the Lodi Unified School District, where he shares his experiences and knowledge with students.

Barbara McWilliams, former owner of Poser's TV and Radio in Lodi and leader in community improvement programs. She has been involved in the American Association of University Women, Nichols PTA and Lodi Sunrise Rotary. McWilliams was instrumental in the Downtown improvement project, the annual Christmas light parade, establishing the Lodi Public Library Foundation and planning the Lodi Wall Dog project.

Jerry Fry, manager of Mohr-Fry Ranches, Inc. Fry has been a leader in Lodi's farming industry and was involved in the formation of the California Association of Winegrape Growers. He served as president for the Lodi District Grape Growers, as a board member of the Lodi-Woodbridge Winegrape Commission and a board member of the San Joaquin Cherry Growers. In 1994, he received the Lodi Grape Festival Blue Ribbon Award for his service and in 1999, he was inducted into the San Joaquin County Agriculture Hall of Fame.

Richard Jones, president and CEO of the Lodi Boys and Girls Club. Jones has worked with several Boys and Girls Clubs throughout the U.S. Since 1993, he has been involved with the Lodi Boys and Girls Club, where he has been instrumental in helping hundreds of children. He has been a part of California's foster care program and has spent most of his life as a single adopted father to 10 boys and one girl. He has also served as a foster parent.

Carol Marvel, a retired Lodi Public Library librarian. Following retirement, Marvel worked part-time for the Lodi City Clerk's office. She has served in various community organizations including the Lodi Community Band, where she served as president for 10 years, as president for the Modesto Branch of the American Association of University Women, board member and secretary of the Lodi Veterans Plaza Foundation, trustee of the Hill House Museum and co-chair of the Lodi Centennial Task Force, and was one of the original members of the Lodi Arts Commission.

Those interested in attending the Hall of Fame dinner may contact the Boys and Girls Club at 334-2697.