The following is a reprint from the Farmington Independent June 22, 2006.

 

June 25, 2006 Farmington's Rambling River Days three-day celebration includes a Grand Day Parade to be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, June 25. Bev and Leon Orr will be recognized as Hometown Honorees. Bev and Leon moved to Farmington in 1961 and have been busy volunteering wherever needed since then.

 

Bev started the local animal rescue organization Last Hope in 1985 and has managed it since then. The organization now places over 2,000 animals each year and provides veterinary service to animals in the area. Bev has remained a tireless, unpaid volunteer and fund-raiser for this organization. Her dedication and hard work have grown to the point that it serves as the south metro area's major animal rescue network.

 

Leon served on the city's first park and recreation commission. He served as chairman for the first eight years of its existence. During this time, Farmington opened the municipal pool and Leon led the effort to create Farmington's first park, Rambling River Park. Leon was also instrumental in the successful effort to build an ice arena. Leon was a Farmington City Council member for 12 years and served on the housing and redevelopment committee for eight years. The Farmington Senior Center and the current Dakota County Library in Farmington benefited from Leon's contribution of time and talents.