First Citizen – Dana Smith honored for broad community commitment

February 2023 Posted in Community, People

By James Day

With someone like Dana Smith you have to look below the surface and keep in mind the layers of community commitment.

Yes, Smith has served in elected positions such as the Silver Falls School district board and her recent eight years on the Silverton City Council.

But in the nomination form that elevated her to Silverton’s First Citizen of 2022, it was noted that the district and council work “are just the tip of the iceberg of the work she has done for our community.”

Also cited were Smith’s effort on homelessness and affordable housing, particularly the St. Edwards Cottages project. A registered engineer with a master’s degree in civil engineering from the University of Missouri, she has advised numerous organizations on building purchase and has provided free professional advice in many cases.

Silverton Chamber of Commerce First Citizen of 2022 Dana Smith JIM KINGHORN

Silverton Chamber of Commerce First Citizen of 2022 Dana Smith
JIM KINGHORN

“It is difficult to thank people like Dana,” the nominator wrote, “who simply heed the call to every civic need, without question or fail. One small way we can show our appreciation for her service is to celebrate her with this award.”

The First Citizen Award will be presented to Smith on Saturday, Feb. 25, at the J. Frank Schmidt Pavilion at the Oregon Garden. This will be the 52nd time the Silverton Chamber of Commerce has honored the community’s top achievers in community affairs, business, education, and volunteer activities.

Other top winners announced in advance by the chamber were Meg Feight (Distinguished Service), Arlene Harris (Lifetime Achievement), Silverton Health Auxiliary (Club of the Year) and The Lucky Leaf (Business of the Year).

The evening’s program also will include top honors from local clubs and nonprofits as well as those of the Silver Falls School District.

Editor’s note: Profiles of the other chamber honorees will be published in the March 1 edition of Our Town.

Silverton’s First Citizen Gala

J. Frank Pavilion at The Oregon Garden

Saturday, Feb. 25. Social hour 6 p.m.

Program starts at 6:30 p.m. 

Dessert buffet and a no-host bar

Tickets: $25, available at the Silverton Chamber of Commerce, 426 S. Water St. or at
www.silvertonchamber.org/events. 

Call 503-873-5615 to reserve a table. 

More information: [email protected].

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