The 2007 Tom Casey Lifetime Achievement award was awarded by Jay County Civic Theatre to Greg Ashley On April 20, 2007, after a production of "Cotton Patch Gospel," JCCT Board President Jason McGraw introduced the award, speaking about how it was established by the Board in order to honor those people who have made a profound effect on theatre in Jay County. He then called out Diane Whitenack and Bev Wolford. Diane was the 2006 recipient of the award, and Bev was supposedly the recipient of this year's award. However, when Diane pulled the award out of her handbag the three of them acted surprised. Jason announced that the 2007 recipient was Greg Ashley, who was completely fooled into thinking that it would go to Bev. His name being announced and him stepping forward elicited the first of several standing ovations of the ceremony. Jason then called the Homepage Webmaster, Russell Burbage, to the stage to read the following prepared statement: I am happy to have this chance to say a few words to honor Greg Ashley as the recipient of the 2007 Tom Casey Lifetime Achievement award. Greg was born and raised right here in Portland. From an early age he showed an interest in musical theatre and comedy. From a young age, he enjoyed going to Civic shows. In high school he performed in the Madrigals and the Swing Choir. As a young man Greg went to Anderson College, majoring in music. After graduation, he returned to Portland and has been active in Jay County theatre ever since. In 1982 Greg was one of a group of young people from Jay County who saw a certain production of "Godspell." That was the impetus for them to form the theatre group that would come to be known as The Jay County Performance Company. For more than twenty years this group presented musicals and revues in and around Jay County until it was finally absorbed into the Jay County Civic Theatre organization last year. The driving force behind all of those performances all those years was Greg Ashley. However, Greg is not your stereotypical ego-driven performer. He is always willing to take on a supporting role if that is where he believes he can do the most good. So his performances have ranged from such unforgettable leads as Grandpa in "You Can't Take It With You," TWICE in 1990 and again in 2002 and Ben Franklin in "1776," to such blink-and-you'll-miss-him supporting roles of Eugene in Grease (1988) and The Major in The Secret Garden. Always, Greg is the epitomy of professionalism. He rehearses diligently, and never speaks an ill word to his fellow performers. Because he is an exceptional director, he never harangues his cast with mean-spirited comments or throws fits...or chairs! And as Musical Director for the 2005 Reunion Show, he was even able to coax a harmony vocal out of me....so you KNOW the man is talented! When he is not initimately involved in a production, however, Greg can always be counted on to run box office, or to serve as an usher, or to organize the intermission. He loves being a part of Jay County theatre THAT much. Greg's biggest asset is his good-natured personality. Not only is he known and respected by all of us in Jay County theatre, he is known, respected, and loved by all of us in Jay County theatre. For all these reasons and so many more, I believe there is no other person who can even come close to what Greg has done, and continues to do, on behalf of Jay County theatre. In fact, I believe that to many in Portland, Greg Ashley IS Jay County theatre. Therefore I am deeply honored to help present to you the 2007 Tom Casey Lifetime Achievement award winner, my good friend, Mr. Greg Ashley. Russell also announced that there was a poster-card in the lobby for people to sign and give Greg their condolences. Eveyone laughed, and Bev corrected him. He asked people to leave their wishes of CONGRATULATIONS. Bev and Diane then both spoke, thanking Greg for all the support he had given them over the years. Bev spoke emotionally, saying, "Without you, there would never have been me." The award was presented by Diane, who also began to cry. Then Greg said a few words. He admitted to be completely "gotten," and admitted to the audience that he had been sent emails out and phoned people because he had been concerned that "not enough of a big deal was being planned for Bev's award ceremony!" Now he had understood why, and laughingly apologized to any special guests in the audience who had come expecting to participate in Bev's big night. He also gently corrected Russell, saying that his biggest asset is the fine people he has been able to work with through the years. He graciously thanked everyone for the award, and was met with another standing ovation and a group hug by the "Cotton Patch Gospel" cast. Photos by Anna Toyama or Jennifer McGraw Click on the picture to see the larger version
Jay County Civic Theatre President Jason McGraw introduces the award and calls on the presenters	Diane Whitenack pretends to make the presentation to Bev Wolford as Jason assists	Gotcha! Greg Ashley upon hearing that he is the recipient of this year's award
Jason explaining how the JCCT Board managed to fool Greg into thinking the award would go to Bev.	Jason calling Russell to the stage as Diane, Bev, and Greg looks on.	Russell Burbage prepares to read a speech based on the letter he sent nominating Greg for the award.
"There's a poster-card in the lobby, so please send Greg your condolences."	"Oops! I mean send him your CONGRATULATIONS, of course! Sorry about that!"	Russell reads from his prepared statement (reprinted above) as Greg looks on.
Greg Ashley reacting to some of the comments in Russell's speech	Bev Wolford says a few words of praise for her good friend Greg Ashley	Bev Wolford starts to get emotional. "Without you, there would have been no me."
Bev Wolford and Greg Ashley hugging it out	Bev Wolford and Greg Ashley	Bev Wolford hands the mike off to Diane Whitenack
Diane Whitenack presents the award to Greg Ashley	Greg Ashley receives another standing ovation	Almost Speechless! Greg Ashley manages to piece together a fine acceptance speech
Group Hug!	Group Hug!!	2007 Tom Casey Award Recipient and Sue Casey (Mrs. Tom Casey)
Greg Ashley 2007 Tom Casey Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient

2006 Award Winner
Diane Whitenack