The community is invited to the 23rd-annual Wine & Cheese Fundraiser featuring “ghost” chowder and spooky treats, homemade root beer, assorted beer, wine by Harbinger and of course — cheese!
The theme is “Hall-O-WINE” so dress in costume or come as you are – your choice! The Forks Chamber will recognize Chamber volunteers, announce the “Best Of” winners for Business, Citizen, and Volunteer of the Year and announce the 2018 Board of Directors and At Large Members.
And the nominees are … the following are highlights from the nomination letters that have been received for the 2017 Awards.
Business of the year
Jerry’s Small Engine Repair
“I nominate Jerry’s; they are what I consider to be an unsung hero. This longtime business not only supports local industry but they are major supporters of the community.
From coordination and support of the scholarship auction to support of the WEBPA and keeping the little train on the road, they contribute. They are also great participants in the annual 4th of July parade and festivities.”
Clear River Construction got two nominations
“Conner Nielson put everything aside to work on the stage platform for the FTF Collection and then again when it was time to install the glass. His contribution to the success of the gallery will make an impact for years to come. He also makes time to do small jobs, which makes me feel valued as a customer. To show that he is very community-minded, when he first went into business he took the time to help build a Habitat for Humanity Home, and he always has a smile on his face.”
And another:
“I nominate Clear River Construction as Business of the year Conner Nielson, Marine Corps veteran who served in Afghanistan, is a Forks resident, husband, father, and small business owner. Businesses are the embodiment of the people who lead and run them and Clear River Construction is the embodiment of integrity, commitment, and service, in these times of questionable deal-making and unscrupulous players.
Clear River Construction represents the future of Forks and it, and other companies like it, will inherit our community and shape its future. It is innovating new and smarter ways to do business and manage business and have embraced technology to enhance quality and manage costs. Clear River Construction deserves to win Business of the Year.”
Forks Avenue Real Estate
“I hereby nominate Forks Avenue Real Estate for Business of the Year. The business is owned by Erin Queen, a Forks native who took a risk by purchasing a business and investing in her community. She has created jobs and professional career paths for young and aspiring employees and cares for them as a mentor and coach. It is often the case that local real estate professionals become the face and spirit of a community because they are in the business of making homes. Erin and Forks Avenue Real Estate are a fantastic advertisement for our community and its businesses. She continues to invest in the community by moving her offices to the town center and continuing the momentum behind the modernization of Forks. Forks Avenue Real Estate survived the great recession and Erin is programming it for success in the future, it should be Business of the Year. “
Upper Left Studio
“Jaymi Goetze and Upper Left Studio have brought activities and fun to downtown Forks, for residents of all ages! She has even opened her studio as a venue where prison inmates were able to showcase their artwork. I appreciate her vision to always try something new and different.”
Mamabear Boutique
“Although not open a year, owner Crystal Calloway has had a positive impact on the community. Her business on Forks Avenue sells infants and children’s clothes but in addition, she has helped with a school supply drive and collected items for less fortunate single mothers. She also was complemented during Forever Twilight in Forks for providing free water to thirsty customers. Her caring and compassion for others is evident in the way she does business.”
Nominees for
Citizen of the Year
Bruce Guckenberg
“Bruce doesn’t have an ‘off switch’ despite physical disabilities you can’t stop Bruce from being there when needed …The town Christmas decorations, pictures at Breakfast with Santa, the Easter Egg hunt and on and on …Bruce is there.”
Lonnie Archibald
“Next year Lonnie will have been taking photos for 50 years for the Forks Forum, he is now taking sports photos of the grandkids of the athletes he started photographing in 1968. In addition to freelance photography, he has written multiple books documenting and preserving our local history.”
Bill Plumley
“What can you say about Bill? He is a driving force behind many activities (selling tickets) with the Forks Elks as well as a Red Cross Volunteer, Bill also is available when you need a Spanish interpreter he is there for you!”
Linda Offutt
“Since Linda has taken on the job of Forks Timber Museum Director many new displays and other improvements have taken place. The use of camper volunteers has helped with staffing and many projects. The museum is open more and now more people have an opportunity to learn about our area.”
Jerry Leppell
“With Jerry’s recent illness it makes one realize we never really know how long people will be around! So let’s thank them NOW for what they do in our community every day. His record-smashing work on the scholarship auction is amazing and fireworks at the football game is a crowd favorite. Glad you are still with us!”
Volunteer of the year
Dean Wilson
“Please consider Dean Wilson for this award. He is the oldest and currently longest serving EMT on the Forks Ambulance. In the last 40 years, he has dedicated thousands of volunteer hours as well as his own money on many things for the ambulance.”
Joe Offutt
“Even though Joe calls himself a voluntold he has been a lot of the elbow grease that keeps the Forks Timber Museum looking good.”
Mark Soderlind
“A few years ago (maybe 15?) Mark took on the job of keeping the Forks Old Fashioned Fourth of July alive. Not an easy thing to do … everyone has ideas but few people help, but Mark does it all with a smile. When he couldn’t get royalty for the float he instead uses the Forks Float to honor Hometown Heroes in each community it travels to, and he gives up almost every summer weekend to take that float to those communities. “
Pam Suslick
“Pam has taken photos of high school athletes for years, not only during games but she sets up mini-photo sessions for groups. She never gets paid and sometimes gives pictures to kids that have no other photos.”
Karen Beyer
“Karen is a one-woman dog-saving machine. She has helped better the lives of many unwanted, abandoned and abused dogs in our area by finding them forever loving homes. She works with Friends of Forks Animals, and where there is a lost dog there is Karen!”
Jerry King
“Jerry has kept the Forks weather since Dec. 25, 1972, the day his mother died. His mother had kept the Forks weather before him and he has never missed a report and never received a penny for his dedication! His record keeping and measuring are entirley volunteer.”
Randy Simmons
“Randy is operations manager of the Forks Food Bank. His efforts go way beyond normal day to day operations. He coordinates with other food banks and travels far and wide to get the best supplies at the lowest cost. He oversees the community food baskets for Thanksgiving and Christmas and volunteers at food bank fundraising activities like the shred events and others.”
Nik Ness
“Nik is a great guy with an ever constant smile. As a volunteer firefighter and EMT you can see and hear his commitment. He recently obtained his amateur radio license so that he is even more prepared to help when needed! “
There will be a silent auction to benefit the Visitor Information Center and more!
Tickets are $10 per person and include 1 drink ticket (good for alcoholic beverages and home-made root beer). All ages are welcome.
