DAYTON-The Dayton Chamber of Commerce held its annual awards banquet last Thursday at the fairgrounds Pavilion.

The Chamber's Citizen of the Year Award was presented to Paula Moisio by city councilwoman Kathy Berg.

Berg said Moisio had an outpouring of support for her nomination, because of her dedication to the Dayton School District, where she is the business manager, and for her volunteer work with the Blue Mountain Heritage Society and with the American Legion.

"It seems every community event, even Bunco, is better when she is involved," Berg said in her introduction.

In retrospect, Moisio said she wondered why her daughter from La Grande was at the awards banquet.

"It was such an honor for me. It's just humbling," Moisio said.

Berg presented the Volunteer of the Year Award to Ginny and Dan Butler for their many years of service to the community.

"That was quite an honor," said Ginny Butler. "We had absolutely no clue."

"It surprised the heck out of me," said Dan Butler. "I have to live up to it now.

Ginny Butler is on the Dayton Development Task Force and the Historic Preservation Commission, and the Butlers have remodeled several historic Main Street buildings as well as the Weinhard Hotel.

Berg said Dan Butler has worked "tirelessly" in education, including developing an alternative school for Dayton High School Students. He currently serves as Chairman of the Board of Directors for the Dayton School District.

The Butlers are currently applying their time and attention to the development of a Boys & Girls Club for Dayton and Waitsburg students.

Berg presented Dale White with the Business of the Year Award. White has been the owner/operator of White Plumbing "for decades," Berg said.

Berg said White is a "wonder" at over 80 years of age. She said when he gets a call for plumbing services, he responds quickly, with a smile, does quality work at low rates, and always has time at the end of a job for a little chat.

Berg presented the Youth Citizen of the Year Award to 17-year-old student Neylan Bryan, listing some of her many character attributes.

"To put it simply, this young lady is truly loved by all that touch her life," Berg said.

Bryan has participated in FFA, ASB, the National Honor Society, and she is a varsity volleyball, basketball, and track player. She has worked as a summer lifeguard at the Dayton Municipal Pool and is currently an intern at the Dayton Veterinary Clinic.

Neylan's parents are Ginger and Paul Bryan. The award caught Bryan completely by surprise.

"I was very surprised since I had just gone to the dinner to serve, but I was extremely honored when they announced my name. I've always been affected by bigger things going on in the world and once I realized I could make a difference, starting with the little things, that's what I did," she said, when asked what motivates her to volunteer.

Teeny McMunn

Ginny (l) and Dan Butler are surprised and pleased to be named Volunteers of the Year.

"I have a passion for both helping people in need and initiating the things I think need to happen. I've loved growing up in this little town and I haven't felt the sense of community we have here anywhere else," Bryan said.