The Battle Ground Senior Citizens organization will hold its upcoming luncheon in memory of Jill Kurtz, a beloved figure in the Battle Ground community who died on Jan. 21, 2018.
Lori Lindberg, the director of the Rocksolid Community Teen Center who also helps the senior citizens, said the monthly luncheon will still include a time for socializing and will feature a raffle.
“Since Jackson, Jackson, & Kurtz is sponsoring the lunch, July would have been Jill Kurtz’s birthday month, so the lunch will just be in her memory,” Lindberg said. “I think either Ryan (Kurtz) or one of the seniors will say a few words about Jill and all she did in the community.”
Kurtz was known as a partner at Jackson, Jackson & Kurtz law firm which she established with her two brothers, Earl Jackson Jr. and Peter Jackson. Her son, Ryan, is now a lawyer for the firm.
Kurtz’s birthday would have been on July 30. Lindberg said Kurtz dedicated a lot of time to numerous organizations like the Battle Ground Rotary Club. Kurtz also had a “special connection” to the senior citizens in the community and oftentimes had lunch with them so they wouldn’t be alone, Lindberg said.
Lindberg said she was acquainted with Kurtz, who would often help the Rocksolid Community Teen Center.
“She was a very kind woman, and she was very busy as a professional, but she always took time to serve her community how she could,” she said.
While this will be the senior citizens group’s first time holding a luncheon in Kurtz’s memory, Lindberg said her family held a “well-attended” memorial service after she died.
Their son Ryan, has followed in his mother’s footsteps.
“He has a young family, so he’s pretty busy with family, but he is trying to find time to get involved in the community in steps that his mother took. He learned from her,” Lindberg said. “He is wanting to get more involved with the senior citizens group how he can, and that was when I discussed with him the idea of sponsoring this luncheon in memory of his mom. Plus, he can serve the community in that way.”
She added that Ryan also aims to attend the luncheon and develop relationships with the seniors in attendance. Lindberg said the Battle Ground Senior Citizens group is currently looking for ways to support the luncheons, which includes sponsors.
“A lot of the seniors are on a limited income, so they can’t afford the suggested $5, and with the BGSC group as a whole, their funds are limited,” Lindberg said. “They’re always looking for sponsorships to help out with the luncheon expenses, the rental of the community center, and things like that.”
Lindberg said BGSC president Jim Daly’s term will end in September. The group currently does not have a secretary. The group’s vice president, Sharon Wodtke, will take Daly’s place, so the vice president and secretary positions will need to be filled. She highlighted the group is also in need of volunteers to help at their events.
The luncheon will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on July 11 at the Battle Ground Community Center, 912 E. Main St., Battle Ground.
