Sharon Wodtke, president of Battle Ground Senior Citizens Inc., was celebrated Wednesday, Nov. 19, as the recipient of Clark County’s Silver Citizen Award, a recognition chosen unanimously by the Clark County Commission on Aging.
The honor capped a landmark year for the volunteer-led group, which she has helped grow from 90 participants to more than 700 since joining in 2018. The county’s Commission on Aging voted unanimously to honor her this year.
“I prefer to stay under the radar. This isn't it,” she said during Wednesday’s ceremony.
In previous interviews with The Reflector, Wodtke said the greatest problem seniors face is loneliness. During her remarks, Wodtke spoke about her personal experiences, which pushed her to become a board member roughly seven years ago.
“When I became a senior [I] was living the way many seniors were, without a spouse or without a regular home or without the necessities that you have or grew up with,” she said. “It was evident to me that I wasn’t the only one out there. Because of that, when I found a home at Battle Ground Senior Citizens, it was obvious that they just needed a push.”
Friends, family, past award recipients and city officials gathered at 1300 Franklin Street in Vancouver to honor Wodtke.
“Well, Sharon, I'm sorry to be a downer, but I take issue with this award,” Battle Ground Mayor Troy McCoy said. “I don't think it … and any award could adequately show how much you are worth to Battle Ground.”
In a recorded message, Police Chief Dennis Flynn commended Wodtke's enthusiasm. Prior to Flynn's hiring, local police officers assisted Wodtke and other BGSC Inc. members in connecting with seniors to identify and stay updated on their needs during the pandemic.
“I would be hard pressed to think of somebody who is more tuned in, who's more passionate, who's given more of themselves than what Sharon Wodtke has,” he stated.
In an interview following the ceremony, Wodtke said she was elated and overwhelmed when she learned she would be this year’s recipient. She said that BGSC none of what BGSC inc. accomplished could not be done without the help of its board of directors.
“I can come up with all kinds of scathingly brilliant ideas, but unless you have people to carry it out, nothing happens,” she said.
This year was packed with milestones. The senior center’s renovation reopened the facility in April with a covered patio and new accessibility features, giving BGSC space to add more activities. The additional space has paved the way for new initiatives this year, including EnhanceFitness classes and a grieving group. The group also marked its 50th anniversary in June and has continued drawing new seniors every month.
“It’s been an overwhelming year of getting our feet back on the ground,” she said.
As Wednesday’s celebration wrapped up, Wodtke said she was grateful but eager to get back to work.
