Farm, stage unite couple as Sequim Citizens of the Year

SEQUIM – This couple isn’t of the generation that uses words like “synergy.” Instead, they live it.

Bob and Elaine Caldwell, partners for 45 years, have lived in upstate New York, Washington, D.C., Colorado, Indiana and India.

Then Sequim got them, and named the Caldwells the 2006 Citizens of the Year.

Bob, 68, and Elaine, 67, sat at separate tables during the Sequim-Dungeness Valley Chamber of Commerce awards luncheon Tuesday.

“He’s got his supporters,” Elaine joked, “and I’ve got mine.”

His are farmers and lovers of local food, since Bob is the founder of Friends of the Fields, a nonprofit group that raises money to preserve Clallam County’s farmland.

Hers are the performers and supporters of Olympic Theatre Arts.

Elaine, a retired schoolteacher, brims with infectious passion for the community theater, which she sees as a gathering place for artists and other thinkers.

She’s among the chief fundraisers for the renovation and expansion of the playhouse at 414 N. Sequim Ave., and never misses a chance to invite passersby to whichever show is on the stage there.

The Caldwells work on each other’s projects, of course.

Bob has helped orchestrate productions and fundraisers at OTA.

Elaine dished out farm-fresh eggs, ham and home fries at the annual Friends of the Fields breakfast last Sunday at Macleay Hall.

More in News

East Jefferson Fire Rescue Chief Bret Black describes the 2,500-gallon wildfire tender located at Marrowstone Fire Station 12 on Marrowstone Island during an open house on Saturday. (Steve Mullensky/for Peninsula Daily News)
Marrowstone Island fire station open for business

Volunteers to staff 1,300-square-foot building

Woman charged in animal cruelty

Jacobsen facing 30 counts from 2021, ‘22

Measures passing for Quilcene schools, Clallam Bay fire

Next ballot count expected by 4 p.m. Thursday

A repair crew performs work on the observation tower at the end of Port Angeles City Pier on Wednesday as part of a project to repair structural deficiencies in the tower, which has been closed to the public since November. The work, being performed by Aberdeen-based Rognlin’s Inc., includes replacement of bottom supports and wood decking, paint removal and repainting of the structure. Work on the $574,000 project is expected to be completed in June. (Keith Thorpe/Peninsula Daily News)
Repairs begin on tower at Port Angeles City Pier

The city of Port Angeles has announced that Roglin’s,… Continue reading

No one injured in Port Angeles car fire

No one was injured in a fire that destroyed… Continue reading

Quilcene schools, Clallam Bay fire district measures passing

Voters in Jefferson and Clallam counties appear to have passed measures for… Continue reading

Tribe seeking funds for hotel

Plans still in works for downtown Port Angeles

Clallam County eyes second set of lodging tax applications

Increase more than doubles support from 2023

Olympic Medical Center reports operating losses

Hospital audit shows $28 million shortfall

Jefferson County joins opioid settlement

Deal with Johnson & Johnson to bring more than $200,000

Ballots due today for elections in Clallam, Jefferson counties

It’s Election Day for voters in Quilcene and Clallam… Continue reading

Jefferson PUD has clean audit for 2022

Jefferson County Public Utility District #1 has received a… Continue reading