By Mary Lewis
Elk Grove Citizen
October 7, 2005
A“The unsung heroine of numerous community activities,” Marsha Green
Holmes, a lifelong resident of the area, has been selected as Elk
Grove’s Citizen of the Year for 2005.
Letter after letter cited Holmes as a tireless,
behind-the-scenes worker who “keeps many organizations and
committees…working like clockwork.” Her cheerfulness and calmness,
her unassuming attitude and her “terrific sense of humor and fun”
were all mentioned.
It was a very surprised and touched Holmes who
received the news of her selection from the committee Tuesday night.
“I’ve known almost all of the past Citizens of the Year,” she said,
“and have always thought of them as a very special group. I’m
overwhelmed that you think I belong on that list.”
Of all her many activities, she is probably
best known for her involvement with the Strauss Festival. She was a
charter member of the committee, headed by Iris Zimbelman, which
created the original festival now held annually before 30,000
spectators in Elk Grove Regional Park.
Holmes was the publicist whose efforts “put Elk
Grove on the map,” and she continued in that job while chairing the
festival for two years, 1997-1999.
She has also served on the Chamber of Commerce
board of directors, Elk Grove Cares (David Simpson fundraiser),
Franklin Community Library Task Force, Sacramento Metropolitan Arts
Commission, Sacramento History Center Public Relations, Volunteer
League of Methodist Hospital, and Soroptimist International of Elk
Grove charter member.
Current activities include Elk Grove City
Council Committee for the Arts, Elk Grove Community Foundation board
of directors and secretary, and Community Services District Park
Names Committee.
In connection with the Community Foundation’s
recent ‘Spotlight on Elk Grove,’ letters called her a “stalwart
force in creating the success” of that event.
Another nominator commented on her ability to
communicate the need for culture. “She can explain a painting, an
opera, a play, or a ballet, and make you think that you actually
know something about it.”
“Marsha represents a beautiful duck – swimming
gently about while paddling furiously beneath the water!” wrote
another person. “I seriously believe that most groups…do not know
how much she does with other organizations.”
Marsha Green was born to Burton Green and
Dorothy Dart Green, members of two of Elk Grove’s pioneer families.
She graduated from Elk Grove High School and received her Bachelor
of Arts degree in Journalism at California State University, San
Jose.
Her career has covered reporting for the Palo
Alto Times, assistant tasting room manager for Gibson Wine Co. of
Elk Grove, editor of the Elk Grove Citizen, travel consultant
with Sophia’s Travel and secretary of Reclamation District No. 800,
a position she has held and continues to hold since 1973.
She is married to Cy Holmes and is office
manager and co-owner of his business, Cy Holmes Fire
Investigations.
In 1999 the Citizen honored her as its
Woman of the Year.
Holmes will be honored at the annual Citizen of
the Year dinner, slated for Tuesday, Nov. 1 at Valley Hi Country
Club. Cost is $40 per person, and reservations may be made by
calling the Chamber of Commerce office, 691-3760.
Sponsoring the Citizen of the Year along with
the Chamber, are service organizations Elk Grove Lions Club (chair
of this year’s event), Elk Grove Historical Society, Elk Grove
Optimist Club, Kiwanis Club of Elk Grove, Pride of Laguna Creek
Lions Club, Rotary Club of Elk Grove, Rotary Club of Laguna/Elk
Grove and Soroptimist International of Rio Cosumnes. |
