Food bank director ‘cites’ those who help
‘Sheriff for a day’ program used to recognize local residents

By Larry Meyer
Argus Observer
LarryM@argusobserver.com
Wednesday, October 28, 2009 10:07 AM PDT

Frank Moloney (left), Next Chapter Food Pantry and the New Hope Community Meal Site, Ontario, looks over his ‘citation’ from ‘Sheriff for a Day’ Peter Lawson, branch coordinator of the Southeast Oregon Regional Food Bank.

VALE — “Sheriff for a Day,”  which is offered as an auction item by the Malheur County Sheriff Andy Bentz at various charitable events, usually gives the buyer an opportunity to ride around with the sheriff to see what the sheriff’s office does.

Tuesday, though, the officials decided to “change up” the scenario.

Instead of a car ride, the “sheriff for a day” was used to write citations.

But not citations for crimes.

Instead, people received citations for doing good deeds.

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 Peter Lawson, branch coordinator of the Southeast Oregon Regional Food Bank,  who bought the  office of sheriff for day at the Ontario Chamber of Commerce Auction earlier this year, used his one-day as “sheriff”  to honor people who operate programs that provide food to people in need. Southeast Oregon Regional Food Bank, in a joint effort Bentz ‘cited’ a number of local citizens to recognize their efforts in ending hunger and its root causes, Lawson, who was escorted by Bentz, said.

“They’ll be found ‘guilty’ of outstanding leadership and dedication and sentenced to accept the grateful thanks and recognition of their peers and colleagues,” Lawson said.

 The citations were drawn up by Lawson, Bentz said.

“He did all the art work,” said Bentz.

Those receiving the citations included Kathy Oliver, Tom Cook and Roni Laikin, who are leaders in the  Nyssa Community Food Pantry; Frank Moloney, a leader in Next Chapter Food Pantry and New Hope Community Meal site for homeless people and others, Ontario; Renee Cummings, Harvest House Missions/SEASON Youth Center, who is involved in meal programs in the local area; Michael Bannon and Dick Thompson, leaders in Vale Food Pantry; and Andree Scown and Karen Echave, who are involved with food programs in Jordan Valley.

Those receiving the honors were adequately surprised.

Moloney said he knew that Cummings was being honored and was not expecting a citation for himself.

“We are shocked,” Laikin said.

Oliver said the Nyssa pantry is gearing up for Thanksgiving and hoping to provide around 100 food baskets.

Last year they provided about 150 baskets, Laikin said.