Marlene Wilklow grew up in Voorheesville, New York and always thought that she would be a teacher. After she married Ted Wilklow, her first career became that of a wife and mother. When her three sons were in school, Marlene entered the State University College at Oneonta, where she earned her teaching certification.
From 1971 to 1983 she was a junior high/high school English teacher in the Sidney Central School District. Marlene has fond memories of helping students create a local folklore magazine and showing teens that Shakespeare was to be enjoyed, not feared. Her expertise in teaching was recognized by the Sidney Central School District when she was chosen Teacher of the Year for 1977-1978
Marlene received her administrative degree from Pace University and subsequently became a teaching principal at Sidney Center and Masonville Elementary Schools. She held these positions from 1983-1990 after which she served as principal of the Sidney Elementary School until her retirement in 1994.
Upon her retirement, Marlene decided to involve herself in special projects connected to education. Therefore, it was no surprise when she became an adjunct instructor for the State University at Oneonta, and also supervised student teachers throughout central New York. Marlene stated that it was very rewarding working with young people who were excited about becoming teachers.
Her experience as an educator made Marlene the ideal choice to help as the Sidney Area Volunteer Coordinator for the Delaware County Youth Court from 1994-2002. She received a Vision 21 Community Pride Award partly due to her work in this area. Marlene's involvement in community organizations is extensive. She was involved in Tri Town Theater productions for over forty years. She volunteered at Camp Brace to help young men improve their reading skills and set goals for their futures. Marlene served in leadership roles on many boards including The Sidney Chapter of the League of Women Voters, the Sidney Town Planning Board, the Roxbury Arts Council, and the Board of Delaware County Cooperative Extension.
In recognition of her many contributions to the Sidney community, Marlene was honored as First Lady of the Year in 2006, by the Preceptor Beta Kappa Chapter of Beta Signa Phi. Marlene continues to live an active retirement at Good Shepherd Village. She has been a Therapy Dog Handler and a member of the Resident Council Environmental Committee since its inception.