<p>Jon Rombach</p>

Im still wearing the tuxedo from last week when Dave Nelson and I got fancied up to emcee the Wallowa County Chamber Citizens Awards Banquet. I may not give this thing back. You wouldnt believe how differently people talk to you when youre wearing a tux. Dave and I were asked to manage a hedge fund, whatever that is. I guess well find out, because we said sure. After the event Dave signed autographs for several people who thought he was the guy from Monopoly. I tell you, these tuxedos are a game changer.

Another benefit to wearing a bowtie is that if I ever need to go into the witness protection program Ill just put on a rental tux and wont need to bother relocating. Apparently Im unrecognizable when I get a haircut, shave and put on formal wear. I think they were probably meant as compliments, but I kept hearing in excruciating detail how drastic the change was from how I normally look. True, my everyday wardrobe is mostly a collection of Soroptomist clothes that dont really fit, but I happen to like baggy flannel shirts. Im all about the comfort. But if a sketch artist had done a drawing based on these descriptions of my usual appearance, the result would be a Grapes of Wrath hobo down on his luck with no fashion sense and a shaving phobia. Sounds about right. I do like Steinbeck and hate shaving.

Congratulations to all the folks recognized for their exceptional work in Wallowa County. Before I return this rental tux Id like to announce one more award, in the special category of people who dont technically live in Wallowa County but are getting an award anyway because I have a tuxedo on. For their excellence in being all-around wonderful people and celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary this month, a special Golden Anniversary Award goes to . . . hey, look at this, its my parents! Mary Ann and Jim Rombach.

The nomination for this trophy was made by my sisters Jennifer and Jessica, myself, six grandchildren and a raft of family and friends who all have the good fortune of knowing Team Jim and Mary Ann.

Ive known these two fine people for 40 of the 50 years theyve been married. I dont remember a few of those years, on account of being a baby and then a tiny little kid, but Ive had a front row seat and can vouch for their outstanding performance and sterling record in the various fields of being mom and dad, grandma and grandpa, husband and wife, aunt/uncle, friends and family.

It really is no joke that good people doing good things results in benefits we often dont fully appreciate for the domino effect they set in motion by being dedicated to going above and beyond. That goes for the business world, volunteers, community leaders, moms and dads . . . everybody out there who deserves more recognition for jobs well done.

Taking things for granted is easy to fix. You just reserve Cloverleaf Hall, organize a fancy banquet and get Dave Nelson in a tuxedo to tell the people youre thinking of right now that you appreciate what they do. Or, on a smaller scale but also effective, just tell them. Maybe get a box of crayons and draw up a certificate to make things look official, but theres all sorts of heroes out there who could stand some recognition and Im telling you, this passing out awards thing is a good time.

Now, if youll excuse me, I need to start coloring a Wedding Anniversary Appreciation Award. Happy 50th, mom and dad.

Jon Rombach is a local columnist for the Chieftain.