A message from the Marshfield Chamber of Commerce.
CONGRATULATIONS Joan Garrity Pozerski !
In the more than two decades since making Marshfield home, Joanie Pozerski has committed herself to the town, its residents, and to the importance of service. For her leadership role in many town initiatives, her tireless dedication to giving back, and her dauntless spirit, the Marshfield Chamber of Commerce is proud to name Joanie Pozerski our 2023 Citizen of the Year.
"Joanie is such an asset and wonderful person for the community of Marshfield," said one person who nominated her. "Besides giving back to her community, she is a faithful, supportive and wonderful friend to all who know her. I can't imagine anyone more deserving of the honor of citizen of the year."
Pozerski is the co-founder of the We Are Marshfield Project, a passion she pours her heart and soul into which recently held its eleventh annual day of service. Each year, she coordinates 200 students and 75 chaperones and administrators as they perform work to give back at more than 40 locations in town.
She is also a board member of Grad Nite Live and she organizes many activities to benefit and recognize youth in the town, including graduating senior class recognition lawn signs. She can be seen volunteering at almost every major event in town throughout the year, from the Levitate Festival to the St. Patrick’s Day 5K and countless others.
"Joanie is selflessly involved with so much around town, and she never seeks (nor is comfortable with) any recognition," another nominator said. "She is the definition of a community-builder, and will continue to make a positive impact in Marshfield for years to come. If every community had just one person like Joanie Pozerski, the world would be a much better place."
Pozerski also served on the Martinson Elementary PTO for 18 years, leading the committee that successfully advocated for a new playground there.
We asked Pozerski how she felt when she learned she was named Citizen of the Year. "I was in shock because I did not expect it at all," she said. "I don't do all of my little projects for that reason, I just do them because I enjoy them and I like to help people."
Pozerski said she wants people to know they can give back in any way they have capacity for.
"You can volunteer and not be like me and jump in and spend 100s of hours planning something like We Are Marshfield," she said. "It's just as important to come and not even volunteer for the day but help check kids in or paint for one night for Grad Night or one Saturday a year drive for Simple Gestures for the Food Pantry. I just think I want people to know it doesn't have to be so all encompassing, it can be something small."
Most rewarding, though?
"I love that the projects have made a difference," Pozerski said.
REGISTER HERE! https://www.marshfieldchamber.org/leaders-of-the-year.html
