FORKS — The Forks Chamber of Commerce selected State Patrol Trooper Allen Nelson as the 2019 Citizen of the Year.
The 19th Annual Best of awards luncheon at Blakeslee’s Bar and Grill in Forks on Wednesday was attended by nominees, recipients and members of the public, said Christi Baron, president of the Forks chamber, as well as editor of the Forks Forum, in a press release.
Also given awards were Glenn King as Volunteer of the Year and Concerned Citizens as Business of the Year.
Nelson was recognized both for his professional career and his community volunteer work, Baron said.
Nelson has worked with the Masons to provide veterans with Thanksgiving meals and has contributed to the State Patrol donations to the annual Quillayute Valley Scholarship Auction.
Nelson was unable to attend as he is still recovering from a stroke he suffered last year, but he sent a message of thanks, Baron said.
King was recognized for his years volunteering at the Forks Food Bank, the Forks Elks Lodge and his ongoing support of area veterans.
Robin Schostak accepted the Business of the Year Award on behalf of Concerned Citizens, a nonprofit formed in 1979 to start a child development center.
It was recognized for providing job opportunities for community members and services to a variety of people.
The Inez Halverson Award, which is bestowed on a local entity that makes a difference, was awarded to the Forks Police Department and Cheif Mike Rowley. Rowley was also a nominee for citizen of the year. The chief works with youth sports activities and this past New Years’ Eve organized a “Sober Bar” giving a venue for those that wanted to celebrate in an alcohol-free atmosphere.
A special Cornerstone Award was given to Sully’s Drive-In and accepted by Bruce Guckenberg.
Sully’s is the longest-operating family-owned business in the community. It also was nominated for the Business of the Year, Baron said.
Sully’s conducted a fundraiser for Nelson last November to assist him and his family during his recovery. It donated a portion of sales for one day; almost $3,700 was given to the Nelson family, Baron said.
Also nominated were volunteers Tom and Janet Hughes, Robin Poole, Richard Halverson, Laura LaFrenz, Diane Edwards, Warren Johnson, Dixie Gaydeski, Joe Wright, andMonty and Donna Burt; outstanding citizens Mark and Mary Raben, Mike Blair, MelvinJohn Ashue, Linda Offutt, Warren Johnson and Juanita Weissenfels; and businesses Brent and Tena Gagnon, Pacific Forest Management and True Value.
