FORKS — The Forks Chamber of Commerce will host its Best of Awards on Wednesday.
Nominees for Volunteer, Business and Citizen of the Year will be honored and awards will be presented at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday at Blakeslee’s Bar and Grill, 1222 S. Forks Ave. A lunch of lasagna, salad and bread will be available for purchase.
One of the nominees, former Mayor Nedra Reed, was nominated in two categories: Volunteer of the Year and Citizen of the Year
Here are the nominations — with all nominators unidentified — the selection committee received:
Volunteer of the Year
• Nedra Reed — Reed has served on the Quillayute Park and Recreation Board as board chair since she left the city mayor’s office.
“As the lead commissioner of the Quillayute Valley Park and Recreation District, Nedra is a fierce and tireless advocate for keeping the district solvent and well-maintained through grant writing and pleading with our state government representatives,” said one of her nominators.
“Through Nedra’s diligence, the bond that created the pool was paid off this year which likely would not have happened without her. She is an example of what an effective volunteer can be.”
• Wesley Romberg — Romberg has served on the Beaver Fire Department for almost 20 years, coached Little League baseball for 10 years and helped lead/coach Babe Ruth for Forks and Beaver for the last four years, according to a nominator, who added that this is also his 15th year running Conservation days in Clallam Bay for all sixth-graders.
He also has been involved with the Assembly of God and leading the Royal Ranger program, according to the nomination. This year, he volunteered with the scholarship auction and being on the board after having donated to the annual event for years.
“Wesley is definitely a face that the youth recognizes because of his support and involvement,” the nominator said. “He supports every kid and has their respect because of his leadership.”
• Deborah Scannell — “As a volunteer at the Forks Branch Library, Deborah embodies selflessness, integrity and promotes the good of the community through her volunteer activities,” the nominator said.
• Jessica Sorensen — “Continuing President of Forks Elementary PTO, Jessica continues to go above and beyond with ideas and execution of activities, celebrate recognition and advance learning activities for FES kids, staff and families,” the nominator said.
• Eugene Fraker — Fraker is the cook, chef and manager of the Feeding 5000 program.
“The core group of volunteers who work under Eugene’s direction are indeed lucky to have such a committed volunteer dedicated to this program,” the nominator said.
• Jerry Leppell — “Jerry consistently gives back through the Scholarship Auction each year. He truly cares about our kids.”
• Bob Kratzer — Kratzert, a fishing guide, was nominated without comment.
Citizen of the Year
• Nedra Read — Reed was nominated in this category with the first letter provided for Volunteer of the Year.
• Joe Wright — Wright represents many organizations, such as the American Legion and HAM radio operators.
“He participates, he communicates, he problem solves, he is the very role model of what we all should aspire to be in making this community a great place we love so much,” the nominator said.
• Tara Huggins — Huggins, Forks Middle School counselor, “an exceptional person who has dedicated her life to helping others,” said the nominators.
“She is kind, empathetic and always lifts us all up. We would be lost without her.”
• Susie Brandelius — Brandelius is the senior citizen advocate for the State of Washington, “but she can be seen or heard helping many who need her knowledge about health insurance, social security, grandparents raising grandkids’ needs, and retirement questions. Many are not necessarily her clients, but she is always willing to help,” the nominator said.
• Lissy Andros — Andros, the Forks Chamber of Commerce executive director and organizer of Forever Twilight in Forks, was nominated without comment.
• Shelly Castellano — Castellano, the culinary teacher at the high school, also owns Catering with the Castellanos “and in addition to her regular clients, she always makes herself available for funerals and community events,” according to her nominator.
In addition, she contributes baked items and catering services to the Quillayute Valley Scholarship Auction each year.
Business of the Year
• Decker City Hardware — Owner Dean Dekker “is always there to lend a helping hand, is active in the West End Business group and gives back with donations and coordinated community sales at his location,” his nominator said.
“He stocks his store with community-focused products and has very helpful, caring employees.”
• Forks Outfitters — This one-stop shopping center — which offers groceries and baked goods, clothing, housewares and hardware, sporting goods, Forks and Twilight souvenirs, fishing and hunting licenses among other items — was nominated without comment.
• Olympic Adventure Camp — A new RV/tent camp, open year-round, “serves Forks and tourism; hires local youth to work at the business,” the nominator said.
• Sasquatch the Legend — The Sasquatch the Legend store just celebrated its first anniversary, a nominator said, “and is planning its second annual Forks Sasquatch Days, bringing customers into the area and attracting people to stop in Forks and shop.”
• The Beaver Grocery Store — “The Beaver Store sat empty for quite a while and now that Carrie and Jonas have reopened it they are really part of the community,” the nominator said.
“They have sponsored holiday events, and have made many great improvements as well as hired locals to work. They offer many items by request and are friendly to all that enter the store, improving both the inside and outside of the store.”
• End Taproom Tip and Sip — “John and Glenda Aldana had the dream and the conceptualization to open a new business endeavor in Forks serving locals and tourists top quality, small brewery beers and cider in an intimate, cozy setting conducive to conversations and collegiality,” the nominator said.
They bought the building in January 2020 and officially opened July 1, 2020.
“Even though it is for sale, so these two business owners might really retire, they are zealous in protecting the vibe they’ve created and nurtured these last three years: a place for solitude and socializing, sharing the good things in life as well as a really good brew,” the nominator said.
