The resolution honors Arlene Wagner, a centenarian born in 1925 in St. John, Washington, for her significant contributions to her community and her passion for the arts. Arlene grew up on a wheat farm, where she developed skills in cooking and performance, becoming a baton twirler, majorette, and ballet dancer. She married George Wagner in 1970 and raised three children, while also becoming a proud grandmother and great-grandmother. Together, they co-founded the nutcracker museum in Leavenworth in 1995, which now houses one of the largest collections of nutcrackers globally, attracting tourists and showcasing Arlene's extensive knowledge of nutcracker history.
The resolution recognizes Arlene's dedication to educating others about nutcrackers through her published works and her efforts to preserve cultural traditions. It acknowledges her meaningful contributions to society and her commitment to sharing knowledge with future generations. The Washington State Senate congratulates Arlene on reaching the milestone of 100 years of age and honors her appreciation for the arts, her generosity, and her impact on the community.