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The Roseburg News Review - April 1, 2007
The Canyonville Lions Club present to Sue Shaffer, tribal chairman of the Cow Creek Band of the Umpqua Tribe of Indians, a special award in appreciation of the tribe’s “generous support, past and present”.
Leon Oakes, a captain in the Canyonville Volunteer Fire Department, and resident Wayne Lloyd shared the male first citizen award at Friday's 2007 Canyonville Lions Citizen of the Year banquet.
Oakes is a captain in the Canyonville Volunteer Fire Department. Lloyd serves on the city Planning Commission, has volunteered for the Pioneer Days Committee, and continues to help with preparations for the Memorial Day and Veterans Day celebrations.
Mary Laurance, owner of Mary's Garden, was announced as the woman citizen of the year.
The dinner was held in the convention hall at Seven Feathers Hotel and Casino Resort. More than 100 people attended the event, which gave recognition to individuals for their efforts toward making Canyonville a better community.
Fire Chief Ray Brown, who accepted a special award on behalf of the fire department, described Oakes as a dedicated firefighter for all of the 35 years Oakes has been with the department.
"One thing all of us guys need to do is to thank our wives, because when we get called out, they get up too," Oakes said.
Oregon Rep. Susan Morgan, who served as the master of ceremonies, praised Lloyd for his efforts.
"Whenever he is complimented on his volunteerism or thanked for his help, Wayne just grins and says he likes to keep busy," Morgan said.
Laurance received a raucous and immediate standing ovation when her name was announced.
"She has crossed mountains, gone up rivers, traveled to strange countries but is always glad to get back to the best place -- God's country -- beautiful scenery and great people," Morgan said.
Laurance received her award speechlessly, but thanked everyone for the recognition.
Other award winners during the banquet included Frank Brandt, who was named educator of the year.
Brandt began teaching in Canyonville in 1965, teaching almost every subject except shop class and home economics to middle school students. He was also a student council advisor, and rose through the ranks to become the Canyonville principal in the early 1980s. He later developed the curriculum for South Umpqua High School. He's retired from the Canyonville school system after 34 years, but remains active in education.
"I love the school here. My desire is to see Canyonville school back to the way it was when I was here," Brandt said.
Lions Club Vice President Chuck Mauldin presented the Cow Creek Band of the Umpqua Tribe of Indians with a special award in appreciation of its "generous support, past and present," Mauldin said.
Chairwoman Sue Shaffer received the award with board member Tom Rondo.
"There have been times when it seems that there has been a turnaround ... in our community that this tribe has never been subjected to before, and sometimes things get discouraging. So thank you very much all of you who have been a part of this special award tonight," Shaffer said.
Mauldin added that Canyonville was a wonderful town owing much of its community spirit to its residents.
"If you don't think Canyonville is a great little place to live, just look around. Just stand up and look around at these great people," Mauldin said.