Fair Dignitaries 2011

Grand Marshal – John Helsper is the Owner/Operator of Gardens and More, a Landscape design & build firm with offices in Kirkland and Quilcene. John is a life long garden builder. The opportunity to work in Quilcene, and the subsequent privilege of heading up the Beautification Committee has made for a busy, and satisfying year for him. The Committee has to date performed over 300 hours worth of projects, and has much more to do. They, as a group, are a real asset to the community, and as John says: “ It is a pleasure to work with all of them on the various projects here in Quilcene. It has been particularly gratifying for me personally to have been welcomed into the community by the folks in town, and to have the committee be the recipient of their generosity when it comes to helping fund our projects.” When not working, he likes to fish for Steelhead, Salmon, Tarpon, Roosterfish and pretty much anything else that will take a fly.

Citizen of the Year – Linda Herzog made Quilcene her new fulltime home in October 2009. She and husband Stan Nealey first set out to see how much of the family’s food needs could be grown in the back yard. After harvest a year later, she looked around for an un-filled “niche” in Quilcene’s hardworking and dedicated volunteer community. Quilcene Conversations resulted; a series of neighbor-to-neighbor discussions about Quilcene’s assets, needs, visitor attractions, and community improvement opportunities. Over the past year of projects, events and endless email notices, Linda has met, worked with, and PLAYED with dozens of new friends here – every one a loyal Quilcene booster. She and Stan (with his roto-tiller and his commitment to Quilcene beautification) could not have hoped for a finer place to spend the rest of their lives.

King & Queen - Tom and Cass Brotherton have been in Quilcene for 5 years—and have loved every minute. The area is beautiful, but they know it is the people that make Quilcene so special; where some families go back generations. Tom and Cass have been on the Dollars for Scholars Board; involved with Quilcene Conversations and have had a great time getting to know more people in town as well as seeing the projects chosen by the local folks coming into being due to local efforts— “aren't the plantings and the swim float grand?” Tom has organized a free legal clinic in Quilcene and is on the Jefferson County Planning Commission. Cass is just ending two years as president of the Quilcene Brinnon Garden Club and worked with K – 2 teachers to help start a volunteer phonics program. Their oldest son and family have decided to move to Quilcene. Cass & Tom look forward to working with the Quilcene community in ways yet to be invented to benefit everyone's children and grandkids. “We are honored to share the area with so many wonderful folks.”

Pioneer Citizen – Nancy Stickney born in Portland, OR, with her family settled in PT and Chimacum where her parents owned and operated Stuart’s Barn on Center Valley Road. Nancy completed grades 8 – 12 and graduated from Chimacum HS in 1945. Engaged to Joe Stickney in high school, they started married life in 1946 in Kingsville, Texas where Joe was stationed as an ARM 3rd class in the US Navy Aircorps for 9 months. After his Navy service and some time in Alaska, Joe became a Quilcene Logger and Nancy a homemaker to their 3 children: Jay, Linda and Laurie. Having lived in Quilcene since 1946, Nancy has been active in Quilcene Grange, Quilcene Fire Dept, Quilcene Museum and teacher’s aide for grades 3, 4 & 5. She has 7 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. With partner Ted Paine, they traveled to Dawson City, Yukon Territory, Canada to work on their gold claim for 11 straight summers. Now retired to Quilcene in her house of 54 years, they both say: “Quilcene is the best place in the world to live. We thank our lucky stars to live here.”

Educators of the Year – Larry McKeehan (Teacher) and Pam Mack (Classified Employee)
Larry McKeehan is starting his 40th year of teaching in the Quilcene Schools. Born in Wilson Creek, WA, number 8 of 9 children, Larry received a BA in Zoology & Teaching Certificate from Seattle Pacific University and an MA in Spanish Linguistics from Ohio State University. After a 2 year tour with the Peace Corps in Colombia, South America he came to teach math, science, Spanish and French at QHS in September 1973. He presently teaches Middle School math & science and HS Spanish. Larry has been an active member with the Quilcene Education Association, Quilcene School Sunshine Club, student clubs & organizations, Quilcene Fair & Parade, Quilcene Museum as well as serving and helping with other organizations in Jefferson County. He has also been a co-owner of several businesses. After 40 years, Larry is quick to note that “… now I am teaching the kids of kids; but hopefully will find retirement before it becomes grandkids of kids.” Pam Mack is a 1981 Graduate of Quilcene High School; the 3rd of 3 children of Kenny & Darlene Harris. She studied business administration after high school and has worked in the administrative field for 30 years. She, husband Art and children Alexis and Kristian moved back to Quilcene from Seattle in 2000. Pam is the Quilcene School District Secretary and the Secretary to the Superintendent. She is Co-President of the Quilcene PTK, a previous class advisor, booster club member, and assistant leader with the 4-H Quilcene Clovers. She volunteers her time as the Middle School cheerleading advisor through JeffCo Parks and Recreation. She states “Quilcene School District is a great place for children to receive their education. Take it from someone who has already run the gamut”. In her spare time, Pam designs and makes bead jewelry and manages to hit a craft fair or two. Pam and her family enjoy fishing, crabbing, clamming, hiking and spending time at the ocean. “Quilcene is and always will be my home”, says Pam, with her signature smile and laugh.

Teen Citizens -- Quilcene High School ASB Officers for 2011 / 2012 School Year:
President Angel Perez Vice-President Charles Herbst
Secretary Heather Steele Treasurer Avis Collins
Assist Treasurer Samantha Rae Parliamentarian Kelsey Hughes Tammy Thompson - Advisor