McCann Award winners share a devotion to the community

Through Irish Eyes by Helen BaleWith nominations coming in for the Auburn Journal?s annual McCann Award, it?s been interesting to look back over previous winners and remember the great contributions each has made to our community.The award honors the memory of Vernon Gould McCann, a delightful gentleman who spent his lifetime in passionate dedication to Auburn, fighting constantly to make life better for all its residents. It was established following Mac?s death in 1978 by management of the Journal, where he had worked for 63 years.William Pfaff, publisher at the time, hoped it would be an incentive for others to demonstrate the same dedication Mac had shown. While the ranks of the winners have thinned over the years, many remain active in their devotion to the community. The first award went to the late Maurine Dobbas, who had just retired after many years of service as Placer County clerk/recorder. Despite a heavy work load, she was a longtime member of the Auburn District Fair Board, a staunch supporter of area agricultural interests and a dedicated worker for programs such as 4-H.In 1980 the award went to the late John Robinson, former Auburn postmaster, who had shared many projects with McCann, including the civic activities of the Auburn Host Lions Club.Next it was the late business leader Joe Chevreaux, a dynamo who responded to every perceived need in Auburn. He spearheaded work for Placer High School?s Hillmen Stadium as well as James and Beggs Fields at the Auburn Recreation District where he served on the board of directors for many years.In 1982 the award went to Jug Covich, former principal of Placer High School, a longtime area educator and supporter of youth activities.There were two winners in 1983, Virginia Fleming, one of the first women in the banking field in this area, and Vic Roumage, local ski enthusiast who promoted ski programs for young people. In 1984 the honor went to the late John G. ?Jack? Walsh, former postmaster and member of the Auburn Host Lions Club, who shared Mac?s interest in youth programs.The 1985 winner was Norma Harris, who was thrust into the business world as head of Auburn Iron Works by the death of her husband, and has since devoted unlimited energies to supporting community projects.In 1996 Ralph Roper, local jeweler, was recognized for his outstanding work for the community through the Merchants? Council. As an antique car buff, he organized annual outings for senior citizens, giving them rides in vintage cars they had known in earlier years.Jean Couzens, the 1987 winner, was noted for her work in behalf of the Auburn-Placer County Library, as well as her leadership in the art community.The late Steve Barooshian was honored in 1988, acknowledging his work as a teacher and lecturer. Early life under oppression in Armenia led to an impassioned patriotism for his adopted country and he inspired thousands of students to appreciate the freedom and opportunities offered here.In 1989 the late Cliff Merriam was honored for his long involvement with the Boy Scouts of America, as well as the Elks Club and its youth programs.The 1990 selection was Gloria Cavenee, associated for many years with the Bank of California, and active in many civic projects, especially the Auburn Area Christmas Basket Program.The 1991 winner was the late Ralph Swann, as crusty and feisty as Mac ever was, and just as dedicated to getting things done. Many downtown projects, including the clock tower, stand as monuments to his memory.There were two winners in 1992, both now deceased. Helen Harlow gave unstinting support to the Auburn Food Closet and the Auburn Area Christmas Basket Program. Harry Rosenberry, retired banker, participated in many community projects and helped to establish the first ski patrol in the area.Next Max Strawser, ?Mr. Kiwanis,? garnered the honor for his dedicated work with that service club. He helped plan the Auburn Centennial celebration, worked with the Volunteer Center of Placer County and the California State Railroad Museum.A husband and wife team, Vic and Bobbie Tamietti, took the 1994 award, recognized for their tremendous effort each year organizing the toy portion of the Auburn Area Christmas Basket Program.In 1995, Annabell McCord, then mayor of Auburn, was recognized for many years of civic activity and for encouraging others, particularly women, to participate in community affairs.Two awards were made in 1996. Longtime friends Jack Veal and Bob Robinson had made many contributions to civic and community life.In 1997 the honor went to E. Ken Tokutomi, who lent business and financial expertise to various community organizations, particularly the local Salvation Army.The 1998 honoree was Sue Dings, whose community contributions included working for the establishment of the Volunteer Bureau as well as participation in the Auburn Symphony and other musical activities.Marilyn Gehlbach, the 1999 winner, was chosen for her efforts in the fields of public education and the arts, including eight years? service as treasurer of the Auburn Symphony board of directors and many years as a trustee of the Placer Union High School District.Monroe De Jarnette was the award winner in 2000, honored for his great support of musical endeavors in the community and for his work as an outstanding volunteer.Most recent winner was Doris Viera, a third generation Auburnite, and a tireless worker for historic preservation.These are merely brief indications of the many ways in which each of the winners has served the community. And who will be next? That?s up to you.Nominations will be accepted through the close of business Friday, Feb. 8. They should include complete details of the nominee?s activities. Please don?t say merely that the individual is great and works hard for the community. Nominations should be sent to me, Editor Emeritus Helen Bale, Auburn Journal, P.O. Box 5910, Auburn, CA 95604 or left for me at the Journal office, 1030 High Street.Nominations are not held from year to year, but may be submitted again. Posthumous awards are not made. But don?t delay. The deadline is a week from today!!Helen Bale is editor emeritus of the Journal. Her column appears on Fridays.