Sequim to name top citizen today

SEQUIM — The Sequim-Dungeness Valley Chamber of Commerce will announce its Citizen of the Year for 2014 at a luncheon today.

Four finalists for the honor were announced last week — David Blakeslee, Melissa Murray, Judy Reandeau-Stipe and Cliff Vining.

They were selected by past Citizen of the Year recipients.

Blakeslee is recognized for his activities with the Sequim Valley Lions Club, serving as project manager in building handicapped-accessible ramps for disabled Sequim residents and helping with the biannual veterans dinner.

Blakeslee also is active on the Sequim Irrigation Festival board, according to Shelli Robb-Kahler, chamber executive director.

Murray is volunteer coordinator for the Lavender Farmers Organization and the Lavender Farm Tour and Fair and also volunteers with numerous other community groups.

Reandeau-Stipe, a member of a Dungeness Valley pioneer family, works toward the preservation of 
local history and the long-term 
health of the Sequim Museum & 
Arts Center as its volunteer executive director.

Vining has performed many duties at the Sequim Food Bank, where his volunteer work dates back to the 1980s, Robb-Kahler said.

Today’s awards luncheon starts at 11:45 a.m. at SunLand Golf & Country Club, 109 Hilltop Drive.

The emcee will be noted Dungeness Valley farmer Gary Smith, honored in ceremonies last year as 2013 Citizen of the Year.

Reservations for lunch closed Friday, but coffee or tea and seating will be available for $3.

Further information is available by emailing office@sequimchamber.com or phoning 360-683-6197.

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