Each year, City Club of Eugene presents its coveted Turtle Award to a person or persons who have distinguished themselves in a turtle-ish manner. No, this is not a special award to the slow or awkward who crawl on all fours. It has absolutely nothing to do with people who have unique hexagonal patterns on their hard exteriors. The turtle metaphor is meant to emphasize those who have fearlessly stuck their neck(s) out -- often at great personal risk -- to improve the well-being of our community.

Since 1991, we've had 23 such awards and so far no severed necks.

The Turtle Award is also intended as a remedy for the public's misunderappreciation of those who serve generously and without great fuss or fanfare, just because of who they are. Last year's winners -- Bob Dritz, for his work at White Bird Clinic and Steve Moe, for his many years of planning contributions to Glenwood and Springfield -- are prime examples.

Head Turtle, John VanLandingham, first winner of the Turtle Award, has once again convened his Turtles, who in turn have chosen this year's awardees. And the winners are: Ibrahim Hamide, Sue Prichard and Hugh Prichard.

What have these people done to deserve the Turtle accolade? Why should we honor them and attend to their visions and their passions? To find out, join us for our final City Club meeting of the summer on Friday, July 27th.