Sublimity resident Tass Morrison’s enthusiasm is immeasurable.
Whether she’s cheering for her three grandchildren at Stayton High School athletic events or the Oregon State Beavers, or rallying community members to support the Stayton Library or North Santiam School District, Morrison is eager to do what she can to support her community.
The Stayton/Sublimity Chamber of Commerce selected Morrison as its Woman of the Year.
“It came as a huge surprise to be chosen for the award,” Morrison said. “I was stunned when I learned I had been chosen.”
Many of the past recipients of the award are her friends, Morrison said, adding she was in awe of the significant contributions they had made to the community.
“I had no idea any one felt I had made that kind of contributions to our community,” she said. “I love this community and I love serving the people who live in it.”
About 10 years ago, Morrison and her husband, Tom Anderson, moved to Sublimity where Anderson was the principal of Sublimity Elementary School.
Thursday, April 23, 5:30 p.m.
Social, 6:30 p.m. dinner, 7:30 p.m. awards
Regis High School Activity Center
Tickets: $25, available at local banks, credit union, or at the
Stayton Sublimity Chamber of Commerce office,
175 E, High St., Stayton 503-769-3464
Morrison continued to work for the Corvallis School District and Marion-Polk Education Service District until she retired.
Then, she began looking for ways to use her experience and expertise to enrich Stayton and Sublimity.
Morrison was integral in helping get the new Stayton Library remodeled and the addition completed, including serving on the fundraising executive committee for three years. She has been the library foundation’s vice president since 2004 and is also a member of the marketing committee
“The addition of the library and its remodeling adds to the community,” she said. “It provides as a meeting place for many groups and adds to the quality of our lives.”
When her stepdaughter, Tonya Fagan, became ill last fall, Anderson and Morrison took in their three grandchildren – a freshman, junior and senior.
“We have been going to their events and now that Tonya’s recovered from her illness, we are raising the children together,” she said.
Morrison’s love of education caused her to run for the North Santiam School Board, where she serve as the vice chairwoman in 2007-08 and now as the chairwoman.
Morrison encourages community members to lend their skills and energy to volunteer in area they are interested in.
“I believe if I have the opportunity to do something that betters my community that I will do anything to make that happen,” she said.
By community members stepping up and serving in “all kinds of capacities,” the community reaps “all kinds of rewards,” she said.
“There are so many talented people who live in Stayton and Sublimity,” she said. “Our communities pride themselves on the high level of volunteerism. The communities are only going to get better by people continuing to serve.”
