Pat Suggs is a resident of Washougal and has devoted her volunteer time to the Camas-Washougal community through a variety of organizations

VANCOUVER – Clark County recognizes that older adults are valuable contributors to the vitality of this community. To encourage and support older adults for their contributions, the Clark County Commission on Aging established a program to recognize older adults who go above and beyond in service.

The recipient of the 2023 Silver Citizen Award is Pat Suggs. Pat is a resident of Washougal and has devoted her volunteer time to the Camas-Washougal community through a variety of organizations. 

Pat volunteers with Unite! Washougal and leads the Unite! Washougal Community Coalition working to increase community connection and thereby reduce substance misuse and underage drinking. Pat and her husband Ernie started the Weekend Backpack Program for the Children’s Home Society of Washington over 10 years ago, providing breakfast, snacks and lunch items to kids for the weekends. 

Pat also serves her community as a reading buddy through the Washougal School District reading to, and tutoring, kids in the Dual Immersion Spanish Language program at Hathaway Elementary. She volunteers with the General Federation of Women’s Clubs of Camas-Washougal in the Reach for the Stars through Books program; is Co-Chair of Washougal Safe (WSAFE), a nonprofit organization that provides financial assistance to students in need and is an active member of the Camas-Washougal Historical Society Board of the Two Rivers Heritage Museum.

The award presentation will take place at the commission’s Wednesday, Nov. 15 meeting at 4:30 p.m. The event will use a hybrid format with both in-person and virtual participation options. Attend in the sixth-floor Hearing Room of the Public Service Center, 1300 Franklin St., or join by phone or computer through information provided at: https://clark.wa.gov/community-planning/commission-aging-meetings.

The award recognizes the valuable contributions older adults make to the vitality of the community and is open to any county resident 60 years or older who has enhanced the community through their life’s work, engagement of others, volunteerism and or other impactful acts of service to the community for any age group. The next nomination period will begin in summer 2024.

The Commission on Aging, supported by the Clark County Council, is a nine-member volunteer group that implements the Aging Readiness Plan and provides leadership addressing needs of aging community members. 

For more about the commission, visit www.clark.wa.gov/aging. 

Information provided by Clark Co. WA Communications.