Reporter for The Canyon Weekly
The North Santiam Chamber of Commerce is bringing back its annual Awards Night after disasters during previous years delayed the event.
The 2022 Awards Night is scheduled for 6 p.m. April 27 at Santiam Jr/Sr High School, with a full slate of presentations honoring people and businesses who have supported their community, particularly through a global pandemic and devastating wildfires.
“We don’t know anyone who has not been adversely affected by life circumstances in the last couple of years,” said Mollie Richardson, the Chamber’s public liaison and a member of the Board of Directors.
“Reaching out to help make your community a better place in trying and challenging times is what heroes are made of,” Richardson continued. “We feel privileged to be able to publicly recognize and appreciate some of those folks with the return of our Annual Awards Night.”
The event will feature the return of many familiar honors including:
Business of the Year, Santiam Hospital, has been chosen because of their robust response to the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the pivotal work of their Service Integration Team and their support of the Wildfire Relief Fund.
Non-Profit of the Year, Santiam Outreach Community Center, is being honored because of their work with those seeking mental health and addiction services, and for health and wellness events that have helped bring the community together.
Student of the Year, Matthew Brady of Santiam Jr/Sr High School, was chosen for his hard work, dedication and dependability. In addition to being a reliable volunteer, Brady is president of the senior class, and has set himself apart as a student and athlete.
Young Adult Citizen of the Year, Mill City Councilor Brett Katlong, was selected because of his involvement in community programs such as Santiam Young Life, and because of his efforts personally and through his business, B&B Excavating, LLC, to help with wildfire recovery.
Citizen of the Year, Santiam Canyon School District Superintendent Todd Miller, was chosen for his encouraging and competent leadership during the pandemic and wildfire recovery, having earned a reputation as a kind, patient and caring person able to help with a smile.
Canyon Beautification and Improvement Award, Rich Duncan Construction, was chosen for its role in rebuilding the Detroit Lake Community Center, having inspired more than 50 contractors and volunteers to help, in addition to support for the Santiam Rebuild Coalition.
President’s Choice Award, Mike Stair pastor of Gates Community Church of Christ, was chosen for helping make the church a recovery hub for wildfire survivors, and the large impact he has had through small actions in the everyday lives of Canyon residents.
Marion White Volunteerism Award, Mill City Mayor Tim Kirsch, will announce the recipient during Awards Night, honoring one or more residents who mirror the civic-minded dedication of Marion White, who founded the Mill City Beautification Committee.
In addition to the awards, the evening will feature a meet-and-greet period as an opportunity for community members to catch up with each other as they may not have had an opportunity to connect during the last two years, while also meeting new members of the community.
“We think spending quality time face to face with your community is critical to health and happiness, but we might be admittedly biased,” she said.
The evening will also feature an election for volunteers to serve on the Chamber’s 2022-2023 Board of Directors.
Richardson said the Chamber is excited to return to holding Awards Night, and said just because it has not been held in its full glory since 2019 does not mean people have stopped being worthy of recognition.
“We are overdue for a celebration highlighting our canyon family members that have continued to ‘shine in the darkness,’” she said, referencing a phrase that stood out among the nominations.
2022 Awards Night
6 p.m. Santiam Jr/Sr High
300 W Cedar St.
