ELK GROVE, CA (MPG) - The Elk Grove City Council recently announced the 2024 recipients of the city’s Stars of Service Awards, which Mayor Bobbie Singh-Allen said recognizes the “significant contributions that volunteers make by generously donating their time and talents to worthy causes.”

The winner in the Residents, Neighborhoods and Community Groups category was Hollis Erb, who has served as a volunteer on the parks advisory committee and as a member of the Measure G oversight committee. She helped start a pollinator program designed to provide a haven for native birds, bees and insects, and the first pollinator garden was established this year at Lawrence Park. Erb also donated a little library to Lawrence Park. Last year, she spent over 250 hours volunteering in Elk Grove. Erb said she loves keeping busy and contributing to the community: “I’m so happy doing what I can.” 

In the Social and Community Services category, the winner was Robert Rhymes, who supports the youth of today in becoming the leaders of tomorrow. 

Rhymes serves as a volunteer for Cub Scout Pack 255 and Boy Scout Troop 255, is a member of the Council Advancement Team, a merit badge counselor, part of the Boy Scout National Leadership Team and a mentor to youth leaders. He has served as president of the Laguna Sunrise Rotary Club and donates time at the Elk Grove Teen Center. Rhymes said, “To me, it’s all about giving back to the neighborhood, to Elk Grove, to these youth so they’ll have a better future.”

In the Supporting Culture and Heritage category, the winner was Kelly Le, who organized the Mid-Autumn Festival of 2023 and the Lunar New Year Festival in 2024. She was the primary organizer for the Tết Festival for the local Vietnamese community, which created enduring memories and strong bonds in the community. Le also serves on the city’s Diversity and Inclusion Committee. Le thanked the council for the opportunity to establish events that “foster diversity in your community. Your support is instrumental toward making Elk Grove a vibrant and inclusive city for all.” 

In the Supporting Arts category, the winners were Carolyn and Brian Baptista for establishing Elk Grove’s first and only Free Little Art Gallery in front of their home. There, residents can contribute or collect a piece of unique handmade art. Carolyn Baptista said, “This award is the result of our community’s spirit and promotion of the arts. So I want to thank every single artist who shared their artwork and every single person who took the time out of their day to stop by the gallery to support the artists.”

In Sports and Recreation, the winner was Joshua Green, who inspires and supports female athletes and youth throughout the community. He has been the assistant coach for the Cosumnes Oaks High School (COHS) women’s basketball team for the last five years and he volunteers more than 400 hours to the team each season. He started a scholarship for students from Cosumnes Oaks High School and also coaches the third-grade girls’ team at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic School. Green is a board member of the Sacramento County Children’s Coalition and the Golden Empire Scout Council. Green said he loves coaching, as well as the camaraderie of working with other volunteers to support the athletes.  

In Service Organizations and Groups, the winner was Boy Scout Troop 118. The current members volunteered more than 2,000 hours serving the community in the past year, from serving breakfast at Lions Club holiday events to supporting the annual community campout. The troop contributes to Elk Grove events and fundraisers, and their service generated the donation of more than 1,800 items supporting the Elk Grove Food Bank and more than 200 pairs of pajamas for women and children of St. John’s. To date, 115 from the troop have earned the top rank of Eagle Scout. The troop leader said the Scouts are happy to contribute to their city.  

Young Volunteer of the Year was Kassi Parsons, who is the city’s longest serving Youth Commission member, now in her fourth year. Her work on the commission has supported several successful events, including a Youth Mental Wellness event and Family Fun Day. 

Parsons thanked her parents for being her “biggest cheerleaders” and always supporting her as she serves her community. 

Singh-Allen thanked all the recipients for the “significant impact on the quality of life you’re making in our city.”