March Local Legend: Duane Taddei

Some people become known around town because they run a business or hold a title.

Others become known simply because they never stop showing up.

This month, the Groovin’ in the Grove community voted to recognize someone who has spent years doing exactly that.

Duane Taddei was voted March’s Local Legend for his ongoing involvement in community projects, volunteer work, local meetings, fundraisers, and his willingness to stay engaged in the conversations that shape Cottage Grove.

If you have ever driven just south of town and noticed a roadside marquee sign that made you laugh, shake your head, or start a conversation later that day, you may have already seen one of Duane’s contributions to the local conversation.

If you have attended a fundraiser where someone was cooking an impressive number of tacos for a good cause, there is also a good chance Duane was involved there as well.

But behind the humor, the opinions, and the well known roadside sign is someone who has spent years giving his time and energy to the community.

Because of the incredible community support and outreach through Groovin’ in the Grove, I had the opportunity to connect with Duane, hear more about his story in his own words, and learn more about the path that brought him to Cottage Grove.

This is exactly why the Local Legend program exists.

To give the people who help shape this town an opportunity to tell their story themselves.

For neighbors who may not know you yet — how would you introduce yourself and your role in Cottage Grove?

“HI, I'm Duane(but you know that already) My family and I, (Father, Mother, Wife & Son) moved to Cottage Grove from the central California coast in the summer of 2002. This is where my parents purchased a home on 6 acres home just south of town. We helped them build up the farm and then eventually bought our own place on W. Main & R. Street. More on that later. Over the years, I've been involved in local politics (city budget committee, city council meetings, school board member, a regular KNND Beeper show complainer, school budget committee member & recall election helper, just to name a few), local service clubs(Cub Scouts, Elks, Graffiti Rapid Removal and helping restore the Cottage Grove Carousel) and personal projects like food drives, fundraisers, creating a number of Facebook pages (No-Holds Barred and Cottage Grove Happenings) signs on my fence(LOL) or the marquee sign in the front yard just south of town(because I'm a loud-mouth and have so much to say).

But back to the beginning. After moving to Cottage Grove in 2002, I worked at Cascade Home Center for several months, meeting many really nice local folks, learning so much about the history of the community that I chose to call home. A few months later I hired on with the Railroad, in June of 2003 where I continue to work today.”

What originally brought you to Cottage Grove and what made you decide to stay?

“One day back in 2001 my dad asked me if I would consider moving my family to Iowa with them. After careful consideration (I hate tornados) and talking to my wife and close friends, a suggestion was made that we look at Oregon (specifically Roseburg to Eugene for jobs sake) I mentioned this to my dad and he was willing to take a road trip with me to check out Oregon. I had never been here and he had traveled through Oregon only once before. Once we were here, we met with a local realtor and looked at only two properties(that's all it took for us to fall in love with CG) and the rest is history. We moved up here together in 2001 and found great jobs and never looked back.”

In your view, what makes this town special compared to other places?

“There is too much to list and even if I had the room, I'd forget something, but since you insist, I'll try. First, the people of this community are amazing(If they can accept a Californian, they can accept anyone). Even if we don't get along day to day, we can and will come together for those in real need. We've done this more than once, so I truly beleive that to be true. This town also has a lot of history, like many towns across Oregon, but it's cool history(at least to me) The mining, the timber industry, the movies just to name a few, but our location between the mountains and the coast is also great for recreation and quick getaways. The weather is ideal, not too hot or too cold. The distance away from the large cities is ideal to remain independent but close enough for important needs.”

What does being involved in the community mean to you personally?

“It means that we remain a tight knit community. Accountability, feeling safe around our neighbors and our neighborhoods. I like knowing that my contributions won't and haven't gone unnoticed, which helps others become motivated to do the same as I and so many others do, but also knowing that when a tough project comes along, people will trust that I utilize their resources like donations responsibly and wisely to put them to the best of use.”

What is something you care deeply about when it comes to Cottage Grove’s future?

“I care about growth, keeping the small town feeling, our values, really focusing on the great ones, and an opportunity to continue to really know the people in town, not just the neighbors on your street. I know we've grown, too much in my opinion, but it's not too late to stop. I care about housing, increased units do not result in lower rent and sale prices because people want to live here because of who we are. I care about creating real jobs, that allow our children and friends to become financially stable and remain in Cottage Grove. I've tried to help people understand these things but feel we can't completely control it. Politicians and greed have won, for now anyways, but we can't and won't give up.”

You were voted Local Legend by your neighbors. What does that recognition mean to you?

“I heard from a few people that voted for me, we haven't always agreed on politics, local issues or life, but they know that I have a heart and a great love for this community. I've given myself to the community sometimes even before thinking about myself or my family because a real need was there and I know this community wouldn't hesitate to give back to me or my family in a real time of need.”

What is something people might not know about you outside of your public involvement?

“I really am a good dude with a huge heart. I tear up easily but try to hide it. I'm married to the love of my life Birdella, who I met and began dating in high-school. We've been together since December 10th, 1993 She is an awesome partner who puts me and my kids first even after a full day of driving students around Cottage Grove as a School bus driver of almost 10 years. I'm proud of my two children Nick and Shelby, they have grown to be respectful human beings, my 24 year old son Nicholas, serving this country in the U.S. Navy overseas for 4 years, my daughter Shelby, just starting her adult life and almost 21, a gentle sweet young woman with a heart bigger than mine.

In 2021 I sold my home in town, that I raised both of my children in, something I thought is never have to do because I really enjoyed the history of the home, the original A-frame built in 1910, and I loved decorating the front yard for the holidays, especially Halloween and Christmas. Not to mention that my wife loved that home dearly, but we couldn't care for that place and the farm we'd eventually call home. We sold our home after my mother Arlene passed away at a young 64 years of age from cancer. Many of you knew my mother from the bread club, farmers market or her little farm where she sold her produce, eggs and crafts. I miss her dearly, but now we live and take care of her little farm that she and my father built. My dad,who I can't THANK enough for having the GRAND IDEA to move out of California, but also for working so hard for decades to provide what he did for my mother, so that she wad able to live out her life on her little piece of heaven in Cottage Grove. I now enjoy helping him live his life in retirement and had the great honor of working with him on the railroad for 12 years prior, making many train trips over the Cadcade mountains. It really brought us closer together.(I highly recommend working with your dad if you are ever lucky enough to get an opportunity like I was)

I know that the answer to this question was supposed to be about me, even though it doesn't appear that way, it really is and this is why. My family allowed me to be who I am. Many people are held back by those around them, my family NEVER did that. Neither did my friends in Cottage Grove, They allowed me to be ME!! I could name the friends, but that list is really long, you all know who you are and it wouldn't be fair to list only a few.”

Is there anything you would like to say directly to the Cottage Grove community?

“Thank you for the opportunity to be a part of this community. Even though my daughter and my nephew are the only blood family born here, I feel like I am a native resident and that doesn't happen by chance. That is this community accepting me as I am, and for that I am eternally grateful.

Please, if you are me in public say HI! I'm just a gentle man playing a tough guy. And if you ever want to help make my delicious tacos at an event in the future, you're gonna have to sign up on the waiting list because those who've stepped up so far to serve tacos for a good cause aren't going anywhere, anytime soon.(that's what they tell me) I couldn't do it without all of you!!(you know who you are!! Thank you!!!)

And last, and most importantly, keep being the community I've always known you to be.

At the end of the day, don't stop caring for each other. It really does matter, sometimes goes unnoticed(or appears that way) and always makes a difference in someone's day or their life.

Thank you for the opportunity to be a local legends for the month of March 2026, but I'm not done yet, and you shouldn't be either. The best part of this award isn't the award or the publicity, it's that you guys made me reflect on my life, and that's priceless!!! THANK YOU!!”

Why the Community Chose Duane Taddei

Duane Taddei was chosen as March’s Local Legend for his years of community involvement, volunteer work, and his willingness to stay actively engaged in the conversations and efforts that help shape Cottage Grove.

From service clubs and public meetings to fundraisers, community projects, and the now recognizable roadside marquee sign just south of town, Duane has become a familiar voice and presence within the community.

But beyond the humor and the headlines, what truly stood out to the community during voting was his commitment to participation.

Showing up. Helping where he can. Speaking up when it matters.

That spirit of involvement and care for the community is exactly what the Local Legend program was created to recognize.

Because a Local Legend is not defined by a title or a spotlight.

It is defined by someone who keeps showing up for the town they care about.