Reporter for The Canyon Weekly
The North Santiam Chamber of Commerce will be passing out awards for good works in the community on Wednesday, April 24 at Santiam High.
Individuals, businesses and groups will be honored in 10 categories, with Mollie Richardson, the Chamber’s liaison noting that “the entire Santiam Canyon community is strongly encouraged to come show their support for the people and organizations that stand up and stand out to help make our Canyon the amazing place that we love. We hope to make it a standing- room-only night.”
Here are the categories and winners. Winners and nominees in some categories will not be announced until awards night.
Marion White Volunteerism Award: This honor is given out by Mill City. The winner will be announced on April 24.
Nonprofit of the Year: Christian Aid Ministries (CAM) is being honored for the 24 homes its volunteers have built since the 2020 wildfires. The group is planning for five more in 2024.
Business of the Year: Idanha Country Store is being honored for adding its Bar & Grill and other offerings of amenities that go with that.
Canyon Beautification and Improvement Award: Santiam Towing & Recovery for the recent modifications and beautiful flower beds on their property in Lyons.
Citizens of the Year: Ryan & Natasha Steele, owner/ operators of Weddle Funeral Service in Stayton. The Steeles are being celebrated for their tireless dedication to serving the Canyon community and touching people’s lives with kindness & compassion during difficult times.
Student of the Year: Peyton Forste, Santiam High School. More information on Peyton will be announced at the awards night.
Young Adult Citizen Award & Presidents Choice: These two awards are going to be announced at awards night.The recipients are not aware they will be recognized until the awards are presented.
Canyon Service Center: The Mill City nonprofit is recognizing and thanking all first-responders and firefighters from Lyons up the Canyon to Detroit.
Mike Long Youth Benefit Golf Tournament: The September, 2023 event brought in $26,000, with $15,000 going to 9 scholarships for students at Santiam (2), Stayton (3), Regis (3) and Oregon Charter Academy (1). $11,000 in 7 mini-grants were awarded to Missoula Children’s Theater, Santiam HS Leadership, Lyons Library Summer Reading, Diamondback Clovers 4H, Regis-St Mary’s playground upgrade, the Santiam music program, and the Santiam International Club.
