Honorees
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2010 Honorees: Wisdom, Beauty & Strength |
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Cheryl Colstadt, 72, is a cultural force in Oakridge, where she and her husband moved from Southern California in 1991, seeking a simpler lifestyle. Cheryl’s lifestyle may be simpler, but not less busy. In California she painted large murals and taught art classes, which she continues to do in Oakridge. She recently finished a 10’ x 10’ mural for an Oakridge shop. At her church she leads the congregation in song and participates in the Oakridge Singperation, a gathering of church choir members to perform solos. She began acting with Zero Clearance Theater six years ago and just finished her 17th role. Along the way she became property manager in charge of gathering and making props. She also serves as a board member of the Friends of the Theater. |
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Jerry Williams, 68, is an artist, set designer, educator and art donor who spends his time and money promoting local artists. Through his self-financed art publication, quARTerly, he has spotlighted the works of countless Lane County artists for the past five years. The publication has recently become available online and reaches 10,000 readers. Jerry views his talents as a gift to be shared. As Professor Emeritus of the University of Oregon’s Theatre Department, he is a nationally acclaimed set designer, but now he donates most of his time and talents to a wide variety of institutions and causes. Although not a Catholic, he donates sculpture and other art to St. Alice Parish in Springfield. He donates works and volunteers at DIVA, the Emerald Art Association, the Pearl Buck auction and serves as a volunteer instructor at Clay Space. Dorothy Velasco, who nominated him for the award, says he is “as wise as Obi Wan Kenobi, beautiful inside and out, like Santa Claus, and has the strength to stubbornly make the impossible happen.” |
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John Attig, 74, a retired high school history teacher from California, moved to Eugene with his wife in 1993 and soon began making his mark on the community. He presents classical films for the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute and the Oregon Festival of American Music. Most of Attig’s attention is focused on creating a Nobel Peace Laureate Monument in Alton Baker Park. In 2003 he started a grassroots volunteer project to honor the 24 American winners of the Nobel Peace Prize. In 2005, he and an arts consultant formed a citizen art selection committee, which chose a design by Presentation Design Group of Eugene to be implemented when funds become available. Attig was concerned that many American Nobel winners have been virtually forgotten. A Web site, www.nobelpeacemonument.org, now provides education to thousands who visit the site. When the Novel Peace Laureate Monument is completed, it could become a destination landmark for tourists. |
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Lois Mortensen, 70, is a kind-hearted, energetic person known for unstintingly giving help where needed. She worked at a series of jobs while raising her children. Although retired from Oregon Child Services, she continues to devote much time to children through CASA, Court Appointed Special Advocates for children who have been abused or neglected. Each summer Lois grows an organic garden and flowers, and shares the bounty with the Viking Sal Senior Center in Junction City, where she lives with her husband, Pete. Because so many feral or unwanted cats are dropped off in the countryside, Lois live-traps as many as possible, has them spayed or neutered, and shelters them in a “cat house” in her back yard. Lois says her philosophy of life is a balance of mind, body and soul. Marcia Scalise, director of Viking Sal, calls her, “an extraordinary woman who quietly uses her strength and wisdom to enhance the lives of others.” |
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Lu Herr, 80, is one of the busiest people in Florence. She and her husband Bernie, retired schoolteachers from New Jersey, moved to the coastal town in 1984. To meet their spiritual needs, they helped organize a Havurah, a group of Jewish friends who meet monthly and participate in Habitat for Humanity. “I feel it is my duty to do all I can to make our world a better place for all,” she says. She does so in countless ways, serving on the Florence Events Center (FEC) advisory board and as treasurer of Friends of FEC. Lu works on Florence Beautification, Art Walks, the Siuslaw Women’s Center, free lunch programs, library expansion, transportation and voting issues. In addition, she represents Western Lane County on the Lane County Cultural Arts Committee. Dianne Burch, executive assistant to Lane County Commissioner Bill Fleenor, calls Lu “a woman of worldly wisdom, bountiful in her boldness to build a better world and ageless in her never-ending advocacy of human rights for all.” |
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Petra Austrebertha Tirado Mena de Wagoner, 88, is the matriarch of a large, multi-generational family. Born and raised in Mexico, she was visiting an uncle in San Francisco when she met and fell in love with her future husband, Herbert T. Wagoner. After several moves they settled in Springfield. Throughout her life she has given loving care to four generations while working as a strawberry and bean boss for Charlie Bryson’s farm. Her lasting legacy is evident in the way she has taught her children to work hard, get an education, choose a career that helps others and develop a strong ethical base. Equally important, she has instilled in them a love of her rich cultural heritage and native language. Many of her offspring are bilingual and have made numerous trips to Mexico to learn about their roots on the maternal side of the family. Asked about her philosophy of life, she responded, “de lo que siembras, recojes,” meaning “you reap what you sow.” |
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Ruby Brockett, 74, successful realtor since 1968, has worked tirelessly as a volunteer throughout her adult life. According to Ginevra Ralph, who nominated her for this award, “she is a role model for businesswomen and was a groundbreaker in the real estate world. Her service to a broad base of community organizations will benefit the community for years to come.” Brockett serves on the board of directors for The Shedd Institute for the Art and is chair of the Shedd’s capital campaign committee. The list of other boards she has served on is exhaustive, including the University of Oregon Foundation, Sacred Heart Foundation, PeaceHealth Regional Board, Eugene Symphony, Oregon Bach Festival, Eugene Educational Fund, Boy Scouts of America, Fanconi Anemia Board and many others. She has been named Eugene First Citizen, one of Oregon Magazine’s top ten businesswomen of the year, Soroptimist Business Woman of the Year, American Business Women “Business Woman of the Year,” Eugene Realtor of the Year, Oregon Realtor of the Year and more. |
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Beverly Farfan, 61, and her mother Donna Farfan, 88, are a team of dynamos. They say that helping people is in their genes. Both of them volunteer for Meals on Wheels, and Donna’s sister in Colorado and two brothers in Nebraska do the same. For 14 years Beverly has been event coordinator and president of Whiteaker Community Dinners, a not-for-profit organization that sponsors a Thanksgiving dinner for up to 2500 people and distributes clothing, sleeping bags and other essential gear. Donna is her assistant and among many other duties she makes hundreds of hand-made hats to be given away at the event.
Another volunteer activity is the one-day event, 2010 Lane County Project Connect, which brings together human service agencies for Homeless Connect, Children’s Miracle Network and Relay for Life. |
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Willa Reich, 72, dedicates over 800 hours each year to volunteer work in Eugene/Springfield. Willa, who spent 40 years giving piano and organ lessons, is a born teacher. She was instrumental in starting kindergarten programs in Eugene School District 4J. At Campbell Center she teaches health-related topics, exercise and doll making. As a diabetic, she has made herself an expert in diabetes education and gives frequent talks. “I’ve had doctors call me from Kansas and San Diego,” she says. “My number is listed on the American Diabetes Association Web site.” Willa’s volunteer efforts include Campbell Center Advisory Board, PeaceHealth Medication Oversight Safety Team, PeaceHealth Patient Advisory Council, Diabetes Support Group Facilitator, Diabetes Walk-a-Thon Committee and many others. |
2009 Honorees: Capturing the Oregon Spirit |
Alfretta Spores Lifelong Plant Lover 89 Years |
Dick Smith Recognized Community Organizer
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Leslie Brockelbank Peace & Social Justice Activist 85 years |
Pat Patterson OSU Master Gardener™ 70 years |
Joe Blakely Author of Oregon History 69 years |
Theodore Palmer Long-time Arboretum Volunteer 73 years |
Joan Acker Sociologist of Gender Equity 85 years |
Marcia Allen Advocate for Historic Preservation 85 years |
2008 Honorees: Active in the Arts |
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Ayla Talpai 67 years |
Con Sheffer 79 years |
Juretta Nidever 75 years |
Kenke Kobayashi 81 years |
Philip Bayles 61 years |
Shirley Froyd 71 years |
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2007 Honorees: Working for a Better Tomorrow |
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Dr. Donald England 83 years Research and education in brain function
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Howard Pinnock 100 years Supporting sustainability and community |
Jerry Prud'homme 62 years Social justice and affordable housing |
Margaret Graziano 90 years Working with prisoners |
Marian Malcom 68 years Human rights activist |
85 years Mental health educator and counselor |
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2006 Honorees: In Motion After 60 |
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From left to right: Carol Clark, 77 years, weight lifting Jane Dods, 70 years, hiking Beth Feris, 92 years, fitness enthusiast Ruth Frohmuth, 81 years, fitness instructor Mary & Marv Krenk, 86 & 89 years, dance instructors Melanie Reske, 75 years, shotput |
2005 Honorees: Adventures After 60 - Opening New Doors |
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Annadon Sage 71 years Choir director |
Bob Davis 65 years Encore performer |
Bob Wilson 62 years Theater director |
Connie Pomeroy 74 years Active volunteer |
Earle Elison 76 years Community builder |
Rosie Mock 83 years Web master |
Thelma Doak 102 years Writer |
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2004 Honorees: Adventures After 60 - Opening New Doors |
In clockwise order Louis, 91 years, Walks, gardens, bakes, enjoys life to its fullest
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