Joel Bergman Named Volunteer of the Year

City Council recently announced the recipient of the 2016 Volunteer of the Year award is Joel Bergman. This award recognizes a Milwaukie resident who has made a significant contribution to the community during the past year. 

Bergman was nominated by several members of the community for his work as the Rotary Club of Milwaukie’s Community Service Chair, active membership in the Linwood Neighborhood District Association (NDA), ongoing service with the Elks Club of Milwaukie, participation as a Clackamas County Peace Officers Benevolent Foundation board member, contributions as a Clackamas County Advisory Board member to the Milwaukie Center, and service with the city’s Citizens Utility Advisory Board.

Nominators had this to say about Bergman’s volunteer work:

“He’s not out in the spotlight saying ‘look at me,’ but always behind the scenes, helping organize, lending a hand, moving and placing things, and organizing others, so events go smoothly.” – Zac Perry, Lindwood NDA chair

“He’s constantly positive, a great role model for everyone in the community, and a shining example of the purposes of this recognition. Any community would be fortunate indeed to have a guy like Joel Bergman, who is so deeply committed to his town and its people.” – Deanell Tacha

“Joel speaks to people at meetings, on the street, at the Sunday Farmers Market, presenting opportunities for those he meets to join in and lend a hand to help our community. He does this with heartfelt interest, concern and desire to make Milwaukie a great community.” – Margaret Tarbox

Bergman was formally recognized by City Council at its Tuesday, April 4 meeting, and will have his name engraved on a permanent plaque at City Hall.
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Milwaukie City Council created the Volunteer of the Year program in 2012 to recognize community members for their outstanding service. Council selected Ed Zumwalt as the first recipient of the award in 2012, followed by Dion Sheppard in 2013, Alicia Hamilton in 2014, and David Aschenbrenner in 2015.

Nominees can include anyone who resides in Milwaukie or is a member of a non-profit organization or business that serves the Milwaukie community.

For more information about the Volunteer of the Year award, contact Jason Wachs, community programs coordinator, at wachsj@milwaukieoregon.gov or 503.786.7568.