January 26, 2006

LCOG Celebrates 60th Birthday With Appreciation Dinner

EUGENE—More than 100 elected and appointed officials and active citizens attended LCOG’s 2005 Appreciation Dinner, held on January 26 at Lane Community College, which also marked LCOG’s 60th anniversary. Lane Council of Governments presented State Senator and former Springfield Mayor Bill Morrisette with the Outstanding Elected Official award; Ted Stevens, retiring director of LCOG’s Senior and Disabled Services Division; Rose Zehner, active citizen and proprietor of Rose’s Diner in Springfield; and the Rexius Company.

Senator Morrisette’s award was presented by State Representative Phil Barnhart, who praised Morrisette’s service as an educator and policy maker at both the city and state levels. Morrisette was cited for his long-standing and energetic support of the interests of the people, both in the region and the state of Oregon.

In presenting Ted Stevens with LCOG’s Outstanding Public Employee Award, EWEB Commissioner and Vice Chair of the LCOG Board, Patrick Lanning, noted Stevens’ nineteen years of leadership and dedication to addressing the needs of senior and disadvantaged citizens. He was praised for his dedication, talent, and compassion. He has “led a dynamic division of the LCOG organization with creativity and wisdom,” Lanning said.

Rose Zehner was named the 2005 Outstanding Citizen by Springfield Police Chief Jerry Smith. Noting that Zehner had “invested endless heart, inexhaustible energy and countless volunteer hours,” Chief Smith highlighted her contributions to Headstart and her caring support of children. Her commitment “serves as a model for others” and has “enriched and advanced our community.”

Also a recipient of recognition at this year’s dinner was Rexius, which received the Regional Award of Merit for Economic Enhancement from Jack Roberts, Executive Director of Lane Metro Partnership. The award recognized Rexius’ long-standing contributions to the community and for being “an example of a successful, environmentally sensitive business.”

In addition, the evening also included an address by John VanLandingham, Chair of the State Land Conservation and Development Commission, and the presentation of the 2005 LCOG Annual Report (PDF).