THE COUNTY SCENE
Citizens of the Year
Each year, many of Douglas County’s communities take time to honor the citizens that make a difference.
From Reedsport to Glide, and from Drain to Canyonville, it is heartwarming and energizing to meet and honor those who make Douglas County a great place to raise a family, retire, volunteer, be in business, and serve the common good.
Common threads run through each of these celebrations. First, they are upbeat. Even in these harrowing economic times, First Citizen banquets focus on the good things that are happening, and there are lots of good things to focus on. I have been introduced to very talented, hardworking and bright young people who have been awarded scholarships that will help them attain their educational goals. I have been overwhelmed when listening to the history of contributions of those men and women that have been honored for a lifetime of achievement. Year after year, this group has rolled up their sleeves and kept working at all the things that we take for granted: services to the vulnerable, elderly and very young; community beautification; local governance and business development, just to name a few.
In your community, those chosen to be honored as Man of the Year, Woman of the Year, and Business of the Year will be familiar folks to you. Chances are you will have crossed paths and worked with them, or heard something about their activities over the years. The list of personal accomplishments and the time invested in our communities will remind you that giving back and paying forward are strong ethics in Douglas County.
Another common thread is the food. The food is amazing. Some are potlucks, and there are few things more satisfying than filling one’s plate with great cooks’ best dishes. Some feature local caterers who roll out their finest and know what the local folks like to eat. Regardless of who provides it, I don’t recall ever having a bad meal, or even a mediocre meal.
If you are new to the county, or if you have a hankering to do more for your community, please know that each of these remarkable people started out just where you are. Then they got involved.
The strength and spirit of our communities is a testament to the great people that live in Douglas County. My sincere thanks to all those honored this year for your commitment and your strength.
Susan always welcomes your questions or comments. Please contact her by email at morgan@co.douglas.or.us; by mail at Douglas County Courthouse, Room 217, 1036 SE Douglas, Roseburg, 97470; or by phone at 440-4201.