For Immediate Release: December 12, 2002
Contact: Evan Manvel, (503) 497-1000

1000 FRIENDS OF OREGON ANNOUNCES ANNUAL AWARDS

Bank of Astoria, Hacienda CDC, Bend Activist Ann Wheeler,
Corvallis Mayor Helen Berg Lead List

The Bank of Astoria, Portland’s Hacienda Community Development Corporation, Bend activist Ann Wheeler, and Corvallis Mayor Helen Berg are the winners of 1000 Friends of Oregon’s 2002 Citizens Awards. The annual awards honor elected officials, developers, and citizens who have worked—in the words of 1000 Friends founder, the late Governor Tom McCall—to keep Oregon “livable and lovable.”

“The success of Oregon’s pioneering land use planning program depends on the commitment of Oregonians to protecting our farm and forest land and building communities that we are proud to call home,” said Evan Manvel, Director of Education and Research for 1000 Friends. “These awards honor citizens who have distinguished themselves through their dedication to making Oregon a better place to live, both today and in the future.”

2002 award winners include:

Developer of the Year: This year 1000 Friends presented two awards focused on the theme of community to emphasize that community and neighborhood building are fundamental elements of “smart growth.”

The Bank of Astoria was honored for its Manzanita branch, an outstanding commercial infill development project that integrates smart development and community sustainability. This innovative architectural project, designed by Tom Bender, features efficient use of both land and energy. Community activism was instrumental in bringing the Bank of Astoria to Manzanita, and the bank used local resources -- including the architect, builders and artists -- to create a magnificently crafted and inspiring human-scale building. This community bank truly embodies the spirit of community lending and community-based values.

The nonprofit Hacienda Community Development Corporation was honored for its work in developing the Baltazar F. Ortiz Community Center and several nearby affordable housing projects in Northeast Portland. Established in 1992, Hacienda CDC empowers and develops the potential of the Latino community by integrating access to health, education and social programs with safe and affordable housing.

The Ortiz Community Center combines community revitalization efforts with smart growth principles such as land efficiency, affordable housing and access to multiple transportation options. The center and the affordable housing projects were designed with cultural sensitivity by Carleton Hart Architects in their detailing, color, and provision of gardens, play areas for children, pleasant walkways and welcoming entries. Located along Killingsworth Street, a major transit corridor, the completed projects are part of a broader neighborhood master plan including the renovation of 178 units of Villa de Clara Vista and 71 new units combined at Villa de Sueños and Los Jardines de la Paz. The community center includes a health clinic as well as counseling, educational and youth facilities.

This ambitious project at the heart of the re-emerging Cully neighborhood has transformed one of the most crime-ridden areas in Portland. The project has been a catalyst for strengthening neighborhood stability and safety.

Citizen Activist of the Year: Ann Wheeler. Wheeler was recognized for her tremendous work in creating Friends of Bend and leading the organization to its current status as a respected and credible voice in the community that gets invited to serve on new committees created by the City. Her work with Friends of Bend on various issues, including the recently adopted Water Overlay Zone, demonstrates an ability to get things done in a contentious political climate. “Ann is effective, committed, and experienced,” said Kate Kimball, 1000 Friends’ Central Oregon Advocate. “But most of all, Ann is a delight to work with and a trusted resource when good judgment is needed.”

Also nominated were Carol Doty of Bandon, Craig Shelby of Lane County, Ellyn McNeil of Washington County, Rob Handy of Eugene, and Clif Kenagy of Benton County.

Local Official of the Year: Helen Berg. Corvallis Mayor Helen Berg has long been a strong advocate for the sorts of things 1000 Friends believes in – affordable housing, good urban design, transportation choices, and open space. She served on 1000 Friends’ steering committee for the Willamette Valley Alternative Futures Project, a project that examined the implications for the Valley of three distinctly different development scenarios. Her recent re-election despite unpopular stands on annexation requests demonstrates her commitment to standing up for what she believes is right. 1000 Friends’ Manvel noted, “Berg’s dedication and character make her an especially impressive representative of the people.”

Other nominees for Local Official of the Year included Michael Jordan of Clackamas County and Charlotte Lehan of Wilsonville.

1000 Friends honored all the nominees at the organization’s annual citizens’ conference on December 7th in Corvallis. In announcing the awards, Manvel recalled the words of Governor Tom McCall: “Heroes are not giant statues framed against a red sky. They are people who say, ‘This is my community, and it’s my responsibility to make it better.’”

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