Christian group salutes Johansen's 'exemplary' service

By Sue Nowicki
snowicki@modbee.com

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Peter Johansen will receive the first Lifetime Achievement Award at the 15th annual Christian Public Servants breakfast on Oct. 29.

"We decided that as Peter approaches his 90th birthday, his service has been exemplary and worthy of such an honor," said businessman John Evans, chairman of the event.

Johansen is a former Modesto mayor, businessman, pastor and education fund-raiser with a high school named in his honor. He also leads Pinnacle Forum, a Bible study for community and business leaders who may or may not be Christians.

"Even though I'm up in years, I still get excited about sharing the love of Jesus and seeing men come to receive Jesus as savior and Lord," Johansen said in an October 2008 Modesto Bee story. "It's so exciting to watch their lives gradually change."

Retired Modesto Fire Department Battalion Chief Rich Sasser will be the keynote speaker at the event, which honors Christians who are involved in their communities through civic clubs, nonprofit organizations, elected posts or other community activities.

Other individuals to be honored include:

John Grover for the Walter C. "Bud" LaCore award — The Ohio native moved to Modesto in 1955 and owns J.A. Grover Construction Inc. The licensed contractor also owns a property development and investment firm and is a board member for Sutter Health and Memorial Medical Center. He also has served with Community Hospice and The Salvation Army, among several other business and service organizations.

Bryan Nicholes for the 911 Public Safety Award — Nicholes, the Ceres Fire Department battalion chief, has been a firefighter for 39-plus years and is an elder for Ceres Christian Church. "In the course of his mentoring young firefighters and in his leadership as a company officer, Bryan always exhibits the virtues and attributes of a strong Christian man," said Ceres Deputy Chief Brian Weber.

Lt. Cliff Harper for the Gerald McKinsey Excellence in Law Enforcement Award — Harper began his career with the Stanislaus County Sheriff's Department in 1984 and serves in the court division. He attends Shelter Cove Community Church, where he serves as the volunteer director of children's ministry for ages 6-12, and on the church's board of directors. "Cliff's faith in God is remarkable, and he is well-respected throughout the Sheriff's Department and community he serves," said Sheriff Adam Christianson.

The late Bob Schmal for the Neighborhood Champion Award — This is another new award. "The committee only regrets that we did not honor him while he was still with us," Evans said of Schmal, "as he practiced what we believe the spirit of the breakfast is all about — ordinary people doing extraordinary things."

Schmal, who moved to Modesto in 1998 and died in late September, helped bring the Weed & Seed program to southwest Modesto to combat crime and blight. He also was involved with Harvest of Hope and Advancing Vibrant Communities. His wife, Barbara, will accept the award for him.

Hollis Scholarships were awarded in April to Downey High School student Christian Kline, Modesto High's Catherine Malone, Turlock High's Anne Coleman and Pacific Union College student Megan Tresenriter. The $500 scholarships are in memory of John L. Hollis, former Modesto City Schools trustee, to students who are high school seniors or college students and who plan to enter a career in public service. Winners are also chosen based on community service, academic grades and involvement in church or Christian ministries.

The Christian Servants breakfast will be held from 7 to 8:30 a.m. Oct. 29 in the DoubleTree Hotel's Tuolumne Room. Tickets are $20, available at the door. Table sponsorships are $160, $250 or $500 (the two higher amounts fund the scholarships) and are due by Friday. Call John Evans at 988-5597 or Rex Cline at 324-7457.