Countywide : Red Cross Presents Public Service Awards

The achievements and humanitarian contributions of Orange County women were celebrated Thursday when the local chapter of the American Red Cross presented its third annual Clara Barton Spectrum Awards.

Keynote speaker at the fund-raising luncheon was California First Lady Gayle Wilson, who praised the spirit of volunteerism in America but said there is a critical need for additional service, especially as mentors for young people.

The 1995 award categories and winners are:

* Cultural arts: Brea resident Delaina Hofacre, a city cultural arts commissioner and a member of the Brea Community Center design team.

* Education: Irvine resident Marcia Adler, a founder of the New Directions halfway house for recovering alcoholic and drug-addicted women.

* Environmental issues: Elisabeth M. Brown of Laguna Beach, a biologist who heads the Coastal Greenbelt Authority and is vice president of the Laguna Canyon Foundation.

* Health Care: Tustin resident Jo Lindberg, founder of the Hugs for Health Foundation and publisher of the Embrace America newsletter.

* Humanitarian: Ronna Kelly of San Juan Capistrano, a volunteer with the Red Cross, an interfaith shelter, the Boys and Girls Club of Capistrano Valley and other charities.

* Personal achievement: Elvia Ruiz of Seal Beach, who heads the Latina Immigrant Women’s Program at the Interval House shelter.

* Youth: Concepcion (Connie) Mier of Garden Grove, who works with disadvantaged children at the Clinton Kids Club.

* Business or Group Award: Merit Property Management, Inc. of Mission Viejo, owned by Melinda Masson, for its contributions to local charities.

* Elizabeth Dole Glass Ceiling Award: Julie Newcomb Hill, chief executive officer and president of Costain Homes in Newport Beach.