Lori Ogorchock (source: 2024 campaign) and Mike Green (source: LinkedIn).
Lori Ogorchock, Mike Green are 2024 Citizens of the Year
By Allen D. Payton
The Antioch Chamber of Commerce has announced the winners of the annual awards for 2024.
• Citizen of the Year for Lifetime Achievement – Former Councilwoman Lori Ogorchock • Citizen of the Year for Most Impact- Mike Green • Small Business of the Year- Mike’s Pastry • Large Corporate Business of the Year – Travis Credit Union • Non-Profit of the Year – RCF Connects • Student of the Year – Mina Aljanaby, Dozier-Libbey Medical High School student
More details on each winner will be provided by the Chamber later.
An additional Citizen of the Year for Lifetime Achievement will be posthumously to the late Jimmy Bean, a former business owner and community leader, who passed away in December. (See obituary, here)
All seven award winners will be honored at the Chamber’s Annual Gala at the Lone Tree Golf & Event Center on Saturday, March 28. Tickets are $85 per person or $680 for a table of eight and are available on the Chamber’s website at www.AntiochChamber.com.
To be honored posthumously with Antioch Citizen of the Year for Lifetime Achievement Award at annual Chamber Gala
Jimmy Gray Bean, born, October 12, 1939, in Pleasant Garden, N.C. passed away December 26, 2024, at age 85 in Antioch, CA. Jimmy is survived by his spouse Jane, children, Laura, Mark, Ken and Regina, plus eight Grandchildren: Danielle, Kris, Carl, Cheyenne, Nicole, Robbie, Brianna and Melissa, and seven Great Grandchildren: Anthony, Alexis, Aubry, Madison, Ashley, Magnum and Jordan. Jimmy dedicated his life to his family as well as his community.
He served in the National Guard in his home state of North Carolina then as a business owner and life-long member of the Antioch Lions Club as well as the Chamber of Commerce and Delta Advocacy. Jimmy owned the A Street Chevron station for many years. He also owned the Bridgehead Chevron Station and the Chevron Station near Somersville Towne Center.
He loved his family, golf, taking photos, wine, Elvis, celebrating accomplishments and assisting anyone in their time of need.
Friend Martha Goralka shared, “Jimmy was a life-long member of the Antioch Chamber of the Antioch Chamber of Commerce. He always paid his bill on time and when we suddenly had to close and volunteers had to make calls to see if members were willing to continue their membership, I was assigned to call Jimmy Bean. He said ‘yes, of course I want to continue,’ and paid immediately! My boss at the Daily Ledger, Bob Smith, always said Jimmy was an amazing man who put community first and was a self-made man. Bob thought very highly of Jimmy Bean.” She also mentioned that during the annual County Fair, Jimmy volunteered in the Lion’s Club beer booth.
Mike Green of the Delta Advocacy Foundation said, “Jimmy was one of our esteemed Spearhead members, alongside Leo Fontana, Jack Roddy and Gordan Gravelle. He was actively involved during the organization’s early years and played a significant role in its growth, eventually part of the organization becoming a million-dollar donor. His contributions were instrumental in all our major fundraisers. Jimmy ensured we had ice and that the Lion’s Club was available to help serve food and beer.”
“In honor of Jimmy and his dedication to the Lion’s Club, Delta Advocacy is purchasing a $9,000 vision assessment tool. This will enable the Lions of Byron and Brantwood to conduct vision screenings for elementary students in their communities.
“Without question, Jimmy’s life leaves behind a lasting legacy—an example for all of us to follow.”
According to friend George Boring, the Antioch Chamber of Commerce will be honoring Jimmy with the Citizen of the Year for Lifetime Achievement Award at their annual Gala on March 28, 2025.
A celebration of the life and times of Jimmy Bean was held on Feb. 8, 2025, at the VFW Hall in Antioch. In lieu of flowers, donations can go to the Antioch Lions Club, P.O. Box 324, Antioch, CA 94509.
Help shape the future of Antioch’s Police Leadership! También en Español
By Antioch Police Department
The City of Antioch is searching for its next Police Chief, and we want your input! Join us for a Community Meeting to share what qualities and experience you believe are essential for our city’s next law enforcement leader.
Thursday, February 20, 2025 6:30 PM Antioch Police Department (Community Room) 300 L Street, Antioch
This is your chance to shape the future of public safety in Antioch—don’t miss it!
En Español
¡Ayuda a dar forma al futuro del liderazgo policial de Antioch!
La ciudad de Antioch busca a su próximo Jefe de Policía y queremos conocer tu opinión. Únete a nuestra Reunión Comunitaria para compartir las cualidades y la experiencia que consideras esenciales en el futuro líder de nuestras fuerzas de seguridad.
Jueves, 20 de febrero de 2025 6:30 PM Departamento de Policía de Antioch (Sala Comunitaria) 300 L Street, Antioch
¡Esta es tu oportunidad de moldear el futuro de la seguridad pública en Antioch—no te lo pierdas!
For ages 10-17 Meeting: Tuesday, Feb. 11 at 7:00-8:00 PM
By Jeremy Gamez
Antioch girls’ Scouting troop starting. This is part of Scouting America, not Girl Scouts. We have a meet-and-greet for girls who are interested in forming a girls’ troop. This is for females interested in Scouting This is for ages 10-17.
Americans feel concerned about the growing partisanship in our country and the difficulty it has created in communicating with one another. Join a Community Conversation webinar on February 20, 2025, from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. titled Bridging the Gap through Respectful Conversation.
People are looking for tools to help them have civil and respectful conversations with one another. Expert panelists will offer resources, skills, and opportunities for individuals to help build bridges across divides in our families, communities, and country.
· Ellie Sears, Braver Angels organization · Dick Patterson, Braver Angels organization · Kristin Connelly, Contra Costa County Clerk-Recorder-Registrar · Cheryl Graeves, National Institute for Civil Discourse
Information on how to access the Zoom webinar will be sent to your email address 24 hours before the program. Audience questions will be collected and answered through the Zoom chat.
Sponsors include the League of Women Voters of Diablo Valley, the League of Women Voters of West Contra Costa County, the Contra Costa County Library and Contra Costa TV.
Help shape the future of Antioch’s Police leadership!
By Antioch Police Department
Join us for a Community Meeting on the recruitment of our next Antioch Police Chief! This is your opportunity to share your thoughts on the qualities and experience you believe are essential for our city’s next law enforcement leader.
Saturday, February 8th at 11:00 AM Antioch Community Center, 4703 Lone Tree Way
Don’t miss this chance to make a difference in our community!
