Again, the Best of our Community will be recognized at the annual Forks Chamber of Commerce Best of Awards for 2023. The honoring will occur on Wednesday, April 17, at Blakeslee’s Bar and Grill, 1222 S. Forks Avenue, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Everyone is invited to attend! The following people and businesses were nominated this year. Some of the nomination letters had to be edited for space.
Citizen of the Year
Don Grafstrom
Don is an Active member in the community being on several boards and organizations, Parks and Rec Chair, Feeding 5000 Chair, Active member of West End Business, and Chamber of Commerce Member. Don has the best interest of the community of Forks and Westend in all his endeavors.
Shannon Damron
Shannon has put in endless hours of paid and volunteer hours to Forks Hospital, Forks High School, and Forks Chamber of Commerce. She is a highly respected and valued member of our community.
Chief Mike Rowley
Above and beyond the call of duty, endless concern for the community, and public involvement.
Devennie Anderson
Devennie supports so many events in our community, she steps up when many of or community members have public events, she supports the school, gives back in so many ways! This nomination is for her, because she fits into every criteria! Devennie does so much for our community, and does it without asking nor recognition! I have seen her cover costs for so many things to keep out community going! I could go on all day!
Jessica Sorenson (Jessica received multiple nominations)
Jessica is one of the kindest people I have ever worked with in the last five years as a school counselor in Forks. Jessica works above and beyond daily to ensure our students have access to many resources as a PTO president in our Elementary School. Jessica is flexible and selfless in her time when volunteering at our school. Jessica is involved in many events in the community as part of the organizer for the Truck or Treat” event. She participates with West End Youth League, benefiting many students who need to be engaged in sports and need extra support with payments or mentoring.
Susie Brandelius
I know Susie has been nominated many times and not selected she really is an amazing asset to the senior population in our community as well as helping find resources for grandparents raising grandchildren and she will probably retire any time now …maybe even a Cornerstone Award would be appropriate?
Volunteer of the Year
Bruce Guckenberg
West End Business Association.
Jessica Sorenson
Jessica is such a valuable volunteer to our schools. She is here every day working on one project or another. She has made such a positive impact in our students and staff’s lives. She is also active in West End Youth League and her church. She plays a big role in “Truck or Treat” which serves almost every child in this community. She also helps support events happening at the Forks Middle School.
Jim Strong
Jim saw a need and stepped up to help West End Thunder. Jim saw a need with road kill going to waste and created “Road Kill Recovery” an activity that we didn’t know we needed but do. And he does it all on his one time and dime.
Mike Leavitt
Mike is a good guy always willing to help whenever asked and wherever he can. Many people and organizations are grateful for his time and commitment to his community. Mike has volunteered his time to the Elks, the Forks Community Food Bank, the Forks Old Fashioned 4th of July, the Kids Fishing Derby and much more. If you call Mike, he is always willing to help, he’s just a happy, pleasant and giving guy. We are lucky to have him!
Linda Keen
For her volunteer work with Gingers Closet.
Business of the Year
Bug n Bufs
Miller Tree Inn
For all of the volunteer work that they do in the community and for going above and beyond when they host community meetings.
Olympic Artforge
Vern Hestand, owner of Olympic Artforge is the one-stop printing, graphic arts, wood carving, vinyl sign, video production and photo restoration business in Forks if not all of Clallam County. If you have something broken, Vern can fix it for you.
Forks Athletic and Aquatic
FAAC has really made some significant upgrades to the facility and it’s great to see the gym welcoming a lot of new members as well as a variety of new classes.
Kim’s Creations and Tulle Shed
Kim uses her business to elevate so many other small businesses in the region
Evergreen 76
I nominate Evergreen 76 for business of the year, because of the way they treat their employees, as well as the community! I have heard of things they have done for the people that work with them that is absolutely above and beyond an employee/ business owner status! And the way this small business steps up for our community is amazing! They give back and help when needed without being asked! They definitely should be recognized as an outstanding asset to our community!
Sasquatch The Legend
A huge draw bringing people to Forks from all over the world. They generate hotel stays, other stores seeing increased purchases, food and beverage sales. The support industries sell more fuel, vehicle repairs and clothing sales.
Sasquatch The Legend hires locals and leases a home from locals. Their May long-weekend Sasquatch Festival has put Forks on the map as a place to visit. Sasquatch is now a regional draw for Forks and the surrounding region.
John & Glenda at Westend Taproom
The environment John and Glenda have curated at Westend Taproom is one that almost can’t be described—it must be experienced. Over the past few years, we’ve watched these two create a steadfast business that offers much more than food and drink. Though we frequent the tip n sip for its tasty drinks and yummy food, it’s the friendly faces, lively banter, and great atmosphere that keep us coming back over and over again.
When I think of Forks’ hospitality and values, I think of the Westend Taproom, and I know you do too. Though we all know John and Glenda don’t do what they do for the recognition, I think it’s time to recognize the contribution they’ve made to this community and its people.
Ginger’s Closet
Ginger’s Closet, formerly known as Forks Clothing Bank and Disaster Relief, is an incredibly important part of the Forks community. Not only does it provide support to families and individuals in need after a disaster, it helps people in need with gas money to get to a doctor’s appointment or an overdue power bill. It also provides clothing, free of charge to people in need as well as for those of us who just want to find some great clothes at a really great price.
Over the past year, Ginger’s has started teaching people how to sew and mend; how to reuse, rather than trash. More than anything it is a business built on the idea of taking care of our community and in doing so it is an integral part of what makes Forks the great community that it is.
