It’s truly the end of an era for Community Connection of Northeast Oregon, who after 40 years, won’t be able to count on the full-time services of Margaret Davidson.

Davidson is retiring at the end of the month after serving 25 years as the executive director and putting in 40 years overall with the organization. Davidson began her career as a data entry clerk with the precursor to Community Connections — Eastern Oregon Community Development Council. That was in 1978. 

“I have really enjoyed the journey,” Davidson said in an excellent story done by The Observer reporter Dick Mason.

When Davidson took over as executive director in 1997, Community Connection had a budget of $2.3 million. Last year it reached $14 million, a direct reflection of the growth in the services it provides. The growth is a direct reflection on Davidson’s leadership and vision. 

Under Davidson’s watch, Community Connection has certainly became a valuable community resource, providing a variety of services that have been added or expanded in the last two decades. 

Davidson will be replaced by Connie Guentert, who has served as director of Wallowa County’s Community Connection programs for the past eight years. Davidson leaves large shoes to fill but I’m confident that Guentert will continue to build upon the foundation left by Davidson. 

The work and dedication of Davidson is yet another example of the type of determined and talented people our region continues to produce. We sometimes look outward for talent but the reality is we have lots of individuals locally who can, and do, contribute and make a difference every day.

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If you missed one or more issues of The Observer this week, here are a few items you might have missed out.

Reporter Davis Carbaugh did a good job localizing the horror going on in Ukraine by highlighting La Grande resident Anne Morrison’s family connection to the frontlines in the war-torn country. Davis also did a feature on Idaho State transfer Emmit Taylor III and his expectations joining the Eastern Oregon University men’s basketball program.

Coming next week, look for a story about the Elgin High School band earning its first ever trip to state competition after earning an automatic qualifier at its district competition.

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As always, I want to take this opportunity to thank our subscribers for their support. We can’t do this work without you.