NEWS

Parsons, a veteran of city council service, named Keizer First Citizen

Marlene Parsons, who just returned for another tour of duty on the Keizer City Council, was named Keizer First Citizen on Saturday, Jan. 18.

Parsons was honored at the annual awards banquet of the Keizer Chamber of Commerce, held at the Keizer Civic Center.

She won election to the council in November. She previously served as a councilor from 2013 to 2021.

Parsons, a military veteran, has volunteered in the community in various capacities since 1997.

“Marlene’s ability to listen to the concerns of residents and find practical solutions has earned her the respect and admiration of her colleagues and constituents,” said the nomination for the award submitted by Lore Christopher, former Keizer mayor and Keizer First Citizen in 2015. “Marlene Parsons is not only an exceptional leader but also a compassionate and caring individual.”

She has served on the city Parks Board and the Keizer Parks Foundation. She led the installation of the Big Toy complex at Keizer Rapids Park, work involving more than 100 volunteers. The play feature opened in 2015.

Corri Falardeau, Keizer Chamber of Commerce executive director, escorts Dan Borresen to the stage to accept the Service to Education Award at the Keizer’s First Citizen Awards Banquet held at the Keizer Events Center on Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025. (LAURA TESLER/For Keizertimes)

The chamber also recognized Dan Borresen, former assistant principal at McNary High School, with the Service to Education Award. He started at McNary in 1989 as an English teacher and served as a behavior specialist and athletic director. He also was head tennis coach and volleyball coach and was an assistant coach in football, boys basketball and track and field.

SMI Property Management, based in Keizer, was cited as Merchant of the Year. The company is active in chamber and community events.

The President’s Award went to John Illingsworth, a sales executive with Star Rentals. Chamber President Jeremy Turner said Illingsworth supports the chamber’s events with equipment and vehicles.

“He’s one of those behind-the-scenes guys,” Turner said.

Valor Mentoring, which provides youth mentoring programs, was recognized with the Non-Profit of the Year Award.

Lincoln Isom, a student at McNary High School, was presented the Dennis Koho Future First Citizen Scholarship.

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Four representatives (right) from SMI Property Management accepts the company’s recognition as Merchant of the Year at the Keizer’s First Citizen Awards Banquet held at the Keizer Events Center on Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025. (LAURA TESLER/For Keizertimes)
Tim Davis from Valor Mentoring addresses the crowd after the organization was cited with the Non-Profit Award at the Keizer’s First Citizen Awards Banquet held at the Keizer Events Center on Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025. (LAURA TESLER/For Keizertimes)
John Illingsworth addresses the crowd after winning the President’s Award at the Keizer’s First Citizen Awards Banquet held at the Keizer Events Center on Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025. (LAURA TESLER/ For Keizertimes)
Lincoln Isom addresses the crowd after winning the Dennis Koho Future First Citizen Scholarship at the Keizer’s First Citizen Awards Banquet held at the Keizer Events Center on Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025. (LAURA TESLER/For Keizertimes)
Past Keizer First Citizens line up for recognition by the audience at the Keizer’s First Citizen Awards Banquet held at the Keizer Events Center on Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025. (LAURA TESLER/For Keizertimes)
Darrell Fuller serves as master of ceremonies at Keizer’s First Citizen Awards Banquet held at the Keizer Events Center on Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025. (LAURA TESLER/For Keizertimes)
State Rep. Kevin Mannix locates his table at the Keizer’s First Citizen Awards Banquet t the Keizer Events Center on Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025. (LAURA TESLER/For Keizertimes)
Ashley Torrez and Jen Self attend the Keizer’s First Citizen Awards Banquet at the Keizer Events Center on Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025. (LAURA TESLER/For Keizertimes)
It was a night to dress up and socialize at the Keizer’s First Citizen Awards Banquet at the Keizer Events Center on Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025. (LAURA TESLER/For Keizertimes)
Nick Hunter, Marion County sheriff, talks with a friend at the Keizer First Citizen Awards Banquet at the Keizer Events Center on Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025. (LAURA TESLER/For Keizertimes)
Attendees sit down to dinner at the Keizer’s First Citizen Awards Banquet held at the Keizer Events Center on Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025. ((LAURA TESLER/For Keizertimes)
Representatives of Willamette Valley Bank enjoy dinner at the Keizer’s First Citizen Awards Banquet held at the Keizer Events Center on Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025. (LAURA TESLER/For Keizertimes)
Samantha Hunter wears her best cowgirl hat to the Keizer’s First Citizen Awards Banquet held at the Keizer Events Center on Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025. (LAURA TESLER/For Keizertimes)

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