Oregon City, ORE. - Several of Oregon City’s volunteers and volunteer organizations were recognized by the City during the annual Volunteer Appreciation event Tuesday evening.
A total of five awards were given out, celebrating the work of people who donated their time and services to various departments, boards and commissions. The winners were:
- Social Impact Award: Oregon City Parks Foundation, accepted by Damon Mabee
- Emerging Volunteer Award: Bella Bone with the Youth Advisory Commission
- Outstanding Committee Member: Timothy Lainhart
- Volunteer Organization of the Year: Friends of the Oregon City Library
- Volunteer of the Year: Dave McCloskey with the Friends of the Ermatinger House.
Volunteers put in more than 12,400 hours of service to Oregon City and its residents in Fiscal Year 2023/2024. All of that work would have cost more than $314,000 in salaries, which freed up staff hours to handle other services in the community.
City officials were on hand to share their appreciation with the more than 120 volunteers on hand for the event.
“Today, maybe a child learned to swim because of what you do. Or learned to read at our library. Perhaps a person in need was connected with services that will keep them off the streets, all because of you.,” said Assistant City Manager Alex Rains. “When you look at your community, and see the things that make you proud, be sure to remember: You did that.”
“Words cannot adequately express the depth of gratitude felt by myself, the City leadership, and the staff of the Parks and Recreation Department. Please know that your volunteerism is recognized, appreciated, valued, and cherished,” said Parks and Recreation Director Kendall Reid.
Oregon City has numerous volunteer opportunities still open. From ivy pulls to board and commission openings, residents can learn more about their choices on the City website at orcity.news/volunteer.
About the awards:
Social Impact Volunteer Award
Honors an individual or group who have shown exceptional dedication to advancing social equity and fostering sustainable community change through innovative volunteer efforts. The recipient of this award demonstrates a commitment to addressing systemic issues, promoting inclusivity, and implementing creative solutions to create lasting positive impacts in their communities.
Eligible Nominations:
- Oregon City Parks Foundation
- Natural Resource Committee
Emerging Volunteer Award
Honors an individual or group of high school, college, or young professionals under the age of 40 who have made significant volunteer contributions to improve the community within the past year.
Eligible Nominations:
- Emma Lugo, Arts Commission
- Bella Bone, Youth Advisory Commission
- North Clackamas Christian High School
Outstanding Committee Member Award
Honors an individual within one of the City of Oregon City committees/boards/commissions. The recipient of this award has shown outstanding commitment to fulfilling their responsibilities, actively participating in meetings, contributing valuable insights, and working cooperatively with fellow committee members to make significant impact through their committee/board/commission.
Eligible Nominations:
- Cara Stadiewicz, Library Teen Advisory Commission
- Triste Andrews, Arts Commission
- Timothy Lainhart, Parks & Recreation Committee
- Samatha Wolf, Natural Resource Committee
- Josh Planton, Arts Commission
- Nancy Broshot, Natural Resource Committee
- David Goldberg, Library Board
2024 Volunteer Organization of the Year
Honors an organization that has made a significant collective impact during the past year through collaboration with City staff on a program, facility, or community project. The recipient organization has demonstrated exceptional teamwork, dedication, and effectiveness in working alongside City staff to implement initiatives that benefit the community.
Eligible Nominations:
- Friends of the Ermatinger House
- Youth Advisory Commission
- Clackamas Amateur Radio Emergency Service
- Friends of Oregon City Library
- Arts Commission
Winning Nominations:
Social Impact Volunteer Award - Oregon City Parks Foundation
This year, the Oregon City Parks Foundation has dedicated countless hours to volunteer activities, including grant writing, supporting the Oregon City Ivy League program, beautifying Promenade Park with continued pollinator plantings and maintenance, collecting bottle deposits, and fundraising to provide scholarships for youth to attend the Oregon City Parks & Recreation Summer Camp programs. Oregon City Parks Foundation’s mission to enhance Oregon City’s parks, trails, and historical and cultural assets has made a lasting impact on the Oregon City residents of today, and of the future.
Emerging Volunteer Award - Bella Bone, Youth Advisory Commission
Over the past year, Bella has demonstrated what it means to be both dedicated and innovative. As a member of the Youth Advisory Commission, Bella has fulfilled her role as a member and has gone out of her way to give back to her community. Bella has had a huge role in creating marketing materials for Youth Advisory Commission projects and her advocacy for youth issues has amplified voices that often go unheard. During the Youth Advisory Commission Clothing Drive and free shopping event, Bella took on a leadership role in assisting in planning and coordinating the Clothing Drive event, and without her assistance, the event would not have been possible. We wish Bella the best as she heads into her freshman year at San Diego State and look forward to her continued impact on her local communities.
Outstanding Committee Member Award – Timothy Lainhart, Parks and Recreation Committee
As a member of the Parks and Recreation Committee, Tim not only fulfills his responsibilities but also exceeds expectations in his commitment to serving the community. His dedication to Oregon City and its future is clearly demonstrated through his ongoing efforts to engage with the community at various outreach events. The Parks and Recreation Department would not have been able to achieve or effectively communicate their successes to the same extent this year without Tim’s presence. The City of Oregon City thanks you for your continued support and enthusiasm as a member of the Parks and Recreation Committee.
Volunteer Organization of the Year Award, Friends of Public Library
The Friends of Oregon City Library has contributed over 37,000 volunteer hours this past year which is equivalent to nearly 18 full time employees. The Friends of Oregon City Board, Bookstore staff, and Bookstore management team consist entirely of volunteers. In 2023, the friends received and processed 49,681 donated items, including books, movies, puzzles, audio books, and more. With the profits earned by selling these items, the Friends (on average) provide more than $10,000 of direct financial support to the Oregon City Public Library each and every year. Their contributions directly support impactful programs and important initiatives through the Oregon City Public Library such as the Library’s Cultural Pass Program, Summer Reading Programs, Tentpole programs such as May the 4th and Juneteenth, eBooks and eAudiobooks access, and so much more. The Friends of Oregon City Library are always looking for creative ways to increase revenue to support the Library and it does not go unnoticed. It is with great honor that we present the 2024 Oregon City Volunteer Organization of the Year Award to the Friends of Oregon City Library.
Volunteer of the Year Award, Dave McCloskey, Friends of Ermatinger House Volunteer
Dave McCloskey has been a dedicated volunteer to the Friends of Ermatinger House and was a critical piece to the success of the field trip programs at the Ermatinger House this year. The City would not have been able reach the 400-student audience they did without the volunteer time Dave dedicated to the program. Dave also spent many hours developing a Murder Mystery program for the Ermatinger House this year which generated a notable amount of funds for the organization and provided a fun and interactive way for members of the public to engage with Oregon City’s rich history. It is with great honor that we present the 2024 Oregon City Volunteer of the Year Award to Dave McCloskey.
See photos of the winners here.
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