COTTAGE GROVE – The Lane Council of Governments (LCOG) held its annual Member Appreciation Dinner and fundraiser on March 6 at the historic Cottage Grove Armory. Each year, LCOG celebrates regional accomplishments for the prior year and recognizes outstanding work and accomplishments in the region.
More than 160 elected and appointed officials, business and community members, and public employees from across Lane County attended the dinner, which raised more than $14,000 for the LCOG Senior Meals Program.
That’s 1,400 meals.
■ State Representative Lisa Fragala was honored with the Outstanding Elected Official Award for her exceptional service to the region in the Oregon Legislature, Lane Community College Board of Directors, City of Eugene Planning Commission, and as an educator.
■ The Outstanding Citizen Award was presented to Bethany Cartledge for her service-oriented leadership and dedication to the Lane County community. She serves as the Executive Director of St. Vincent de Paul Society of Lane County, and a volunteer for Lane County Against Trafficking, a coalition making strides to stop human trafficking in Lane County community while supporting survivors.
■ Jessica Mumme, Deputy Finance Director for the City of Springfield, was recognized as the Outstanding Up-and-Coming Leader.
The award for Outstanding Regional Team was presented to Housing Our Veterans for partnering with housing providers, service organizations, and employment programs to make sure no veteran ever faces homelessness alone.
■ Niel Laudati, Assistant City Manager for the City of Springfield, was given the Outstanding Leadership Award. He was honored for over 19 years in Springfield and 25+ years in public service, spearheading initiatives that foster partnerships, strengthen communities, and enhance regional collaboration.
■ Brian Steffen, Executive Director of the Eugene Family YMCA, was honored as the Outstanding Non-Profit Leader, for his relentless pursuit of a healthier, happier community and tirelessly working to find new solutions to grow the Y’s reach into underserved areas of Lane County.
■ Tony Scurto, Superintendent of Lane Education Service District, was recognized as the Outstanding Public Employee for his deep commitment to equity, collaboration, and service to students and districts across Lane County.
■ The City of Florence was awarded the Outstanding Economic Enhancement award. They’ve formed a public-private collaboration that will soon bring more affordable housing and childcare to the coast in Lane County.
■ Several people were honored with long-time achievements. The award for Outstanding Public Career was presented to Frank Lawson. The outgoing General Manager of Eugene Water & Electric Board, Oregon’s largest customer-owned electric utility, has been working there for more than a decade.
■ Greg James was honored with the Outstanding Lifetime Public Service Award for more than 23 years of service to Willamalane Park and Recreation District and Lane Council of Governments.
■ Outgoing Eugene Manager, Sarah Medary, was given the Outstanding Lifetime Leadership Award.
■ State Representative John Lively was awarded the Outstanding Lifetime Elected Official.
