Becky Armistead and Jim Seeley were recognized by the Greater Bandon Association as Bandon’s Volunteers of the Month at the January 7^th meeting of Bandon’s City Council. GBA presents this award to one the many outstanding individuals that contribute to making Bandon a better community to live in. Becky was presented the award for November in the form of a plaque and a gift certificate from Bandon Baking and Deli. Jim received the award for January, also with a plaque and a gift certificate from Edgewaters.

Becky, Principal at Ocean Crest Elementary School, was recognized for her countless hours assisting in getting the Bandon Child Care Center up and running. There is an acute shortage both in quantity and quality of available childcare services in our community. Becky’s initial vision helped catalyze the development and implementation of this project to address that issue. Becky lent her own time giving presentations, sharing expertise and completing grant applications to help secure philanthropic funding which was essential in getting the center up and running.

Jim recently retired after 9 years as Executive Director of Wild Rivers Coast Alliance. During Jim’s time there, this grant making arm of Bandon Dunes golf resort contributed many dollars non-profit organizations around the Bandon area. While those funds have helped many throughout our community, it was Jim’s leadership and drive on so many fronts that led to his being nominated for this award. He was the driving force behind gorse eradication along the South Coast and especially Bandon. On GBA’s economic development committee, Jim led the way on workforce housing and dealing with gaps on the Oregon Coast Trail such as the South Jetty pathway, Bullard’s Bridge and Riverside Drive. Jim excelled in fostering community collaborations and encouraged folks up and down the southern Oregon coast to work more closely together.

The Greater Bandon Association will be honoring one of Bandon’s many volunteers that are making a difference in the community each month. Nominations for the October award should be e-mailed to harv@greaterbandon.org or mailed to P.O. Box 161 by close of business on March 27th.