City of Ridgefield, Washington Announces the 2008 Outstanding Citizen

Ridgefield, WA, December 8, 2008 – The City of Ridgefield, Washington is pleased to announce Marie Wilcox as the recipient of the City’s 2008 Outstanding Citizen Award.

Ms. Wilcox was honored at the Ridgefield City Council meeting held on December 4, 2008 for her tireless devotion and efforts toward the betterment of the community. Born and raised in Ridgefield, Marie raised her own family here and has been involved in and supported a number of community activities and groups throughout the years.

As a prior member of the General Federated Women’s Club, Marie spent hours cooking for the Lion Club members at their monthly meetings, she has also helped with the annual 4th of July pancake breakfast, volunteers for Loaves & Fishes weekly luncheon, Birdfest, was a Ridgefield May Day Queen and was recognized by the Pekin Ferry Grange as an Outstanding Citizen.
Marie is active with the Red Cross and has coordinated the Blood Drives in Ridgefield for numerous years and even bakes dozens of cookies for those who donate.

Marie has served as both an Officer and Board Member for the Ridgefield Community Center and was one of the persons instrumental in getting the project off the ground. She earned money for the center by collecting recyclable materials and participating in countless fundraising dinners. While serving as the Administrative Assistant, Marie scheduled the usage of the center and opened the building for renters.

The City began the Outstanding Citizen Award in 2001 to recognize and honor those individuals who provide the community with their contributions, labors and commitment for betterment to the community. The recipients name may be viewed on the entrance marker to the Ridgefield Community Park located near the Clark County Fire & Rescue Station on 3rd Avenue.

A committee to nominate and bring forward individuals whose efforts was formed and currently serving on the committee are Ann Margaret O’Reilly, Marie Stephenson and Allene Wodaege. Prior recipients include David Dynes (2001), Gladys Doriot (2002), Allene Wodaege (2003), Ralph Kraus (2004), Roy Garrison (2005), Tevis Laspa (2006), and Helen Maul (2007).