Committee members waited together inside North County Community Food Bank on Wednesday, March 13, to announce 2023’s Battle Ground Citizen of the Year, Ken Steinke.
As Steinke entered the food bank for his morning volunteer shift, Kendra Laratta, 2022’s Citizen of the Year, congratulated him on his achievement. Steinke was then ushered into another room to celebrate with a breakfast of coffee and donuts.
“I was not expecting this,” Steinke said. “You just go through life, doing what you’re going to do, and sometimes these things happen. It’s very much appreciated.”
Steinke is known for his involvement in many community projects. He volunteers at North County Community Food Bank every Wednesday morning, driving the donation van to collect items from local stores across Battle Ground. He also cares for the benches at Florence Robinson Park, repairing and repainting them as needed. He also aids the local Boy and Eagle Scout troops with park projects.
“I think it’s a great honor, and I think Ken is well deserved to receive the honor,” Laratta said. “He does a lot of things behind the scenes, and I think he prefers to do things behind the scenes. It’s a lot of little stuff that, if it wasn’t being done, you would really feel the impact on this community.”
Steinke has served the Battle Ground Lions Club for 36 years and has coordinated multiple Walk and Knock food drives for the organization.
“He makes sure everyone has the maps, and that everybody knows what they’re doing and where the route is,” Laratta said. “It feeds a lot of people in our community. I think that deserves recognition in this day and age where food prices have just gone through the roof.”
This year’s Citizen of the Year Committee consisted of Lori Lindberg, Laratta, Laura Venneri, Stefanie Adams and Bev Jones. Jones recused herself from the vote as she is Steinke’s wife.
The public ceremony to honor Steinke will take place from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., Thursday, April 18, at Battle Ground Community Library, 1207 SE Eighth Way, Battle Ground. For questions about the reception, call 360-798-9764.
