The Elk's Club's Citizen of the Year Award

BY ALYSSA QUACKENBUSH

Last we checked in with Maureen Godding, she was planning another line dancing event after the Matty K’s Seven Seas Organization held a very successful first go at a social-distancing friendly dancing event in June. The most recent event took place, Wednesday, July 22, and had another great turnout. The parking lot at Rexhame Beach was filled with smiling faces and dancing bodies as Maureen’s high-energy and easy-to-follow instruction encouraged the crowd. Even from afar, the positivity and light coming from the dancers were contagious.

After the first song, Kool & The Gang’s upbeat disco classic “Celebration,” Maureen was surprised with the Elks Club recognizing her as Citizen of the Year. Surrounded by friends and family (who were in on the surprise, of course) Maureen was honored with the award and some beautiful flowers for her many selfless contributions to the community.

During her acceptance speech, she was sure to mention how humbling the experience was and reflected on how much Marshfield has helped her back on her feet after the tragic loss of her son Matt Kelly in 2016, and for their continued support through all of her endeavors since, most notably the Matty K’s Seven Seas playground right there in the Rexhame parking lot.

Marshfield’s 2020 Citizen of the Year didn’t hesitate to keep the party going after receiving the award, and jumped right into instructing the next dance to Zac Brown Band’s “Knee Deep.”

Congratulations Maureen!

(Left to Right) Chipa beside his wife Maureen Godding as she is presented the Citizen of the Year award by Elks Secretary Terri Farmer and Tom Farmer Elks Past President and Exalted Ruler.