By Melissa Wagoner
Stephen Miller is quick to make it known that he and Connie, his wife of over 51 years, come as a package – but really that’s obvious. They finish each other’s sentences, laugh at one another’s jokes and spend a lot of time together volunteering for various organizations.
“I guess I won’t trade him in,” Connie said smiling at him fondly.
Extraordinarily active within their community of Mount Angel, the couple will receive the Distinguished Service Award from the Mount Angel Chamber of Commerce March 19 during the First Citizen Banquet at the Festhalle.
“Steve and Connie Miller epitomize volunteerism to our community,” nominator Scott Wall said. “They consistently, and with strong dedication, volunteer for Mount Angel Oktoberfest, the Oregon Garden, Mount Angel Abbey, Wurstfest, the American Legion, and throughout the year when opportunities present themselves.”
Originally from the Rogue Valley, the Millers moved to Mount Angel 17 years ago to be closer to the abbey, which they had been visiting since 1970.
Right away a neighbor suggested they become community volunteers as a way to make friends.
“We’ve had a lot of fun,” Stephen said. “It keeps us active too. An active life is what we wanted.”
Stephen, a retired firefighter for the Medford Fire Department and Connie, a retired legal secretary, met in high school but didn’t begin dating until they ran into each other years later at a youth club.
The couple went on to raise two children – Natalie and Steve – and spent their early marriage camping, refinishing old cars – of which Stephen is an avid collector – and, of course, working in their community.
“To me it’s paying back,” Stephen explained. “I’ve had a very good life. You’re paying back and paying forward – and then there’s the social benefit.”
“It’s a nice side benefit,” Connie agreed.
When the Millers found out about the award nomination they were surprised because they had already been awarded the Helping Hands Award in 2004, but they were also humbled.
“Everybody deserves the award because everybody contributes. There is no ‘I,’” Stephen said. “Some people don’t realize O’fest is raising money for the community. Everybody works together and they raise money, then the money is donated locally.”
“The way things are now with taxes there are so many little organizations that wouldn’t survive,” Connie agreed.
The couple’s modest reaction does not surprise Wall at all.
“The two of them do not seek recognition or the spotlight,” he wrote. “They do what the best volunteers do, quietly get the work done that needs to be done and look for any opportunity to help or make the lives of others better. Through their kindness and strong work ethic they set an example for others to strive towards.”
