Medical Lake Kiwanis member Duane Wolfe (right) tells a story about Wayne Fugere (left), the 2016 Senior Citizen Volunteer of the Year recipient, helping him deliver eggs for the annual Easter Egg hunt.
Janet and Brett Dodd, known as "The Acoustic Duo," provided the entertainment at the 33rd annual Medical Lake Senior Citizen Valentine's Day Dinner.
See a photo gallery from the event here.
"This man fits the bill."
That is how Duane Wolfe, Kiwanis member and master of ceremonies for the 33rd annual Medical Lake Kiwanis Senior Citizen Valentine's Day Dinner, held Feb. 11, described longtime resident Wayne Fugere, the recipient of the 2016 Senior Volunteer of the Year.
Fugere's response to receiving the award was a quick "I thank you all," which was met with a roaring applause and even a "yeah Wayne!" from the crowd.
Fugere and his wife Rita Fugere have lived in the community for 18 years, raising four children who all entered the military. He currently volunteers his time at the Medical Lake Food Bank.
Terri Worl, co-director of the food bank, said Fugere helps the food bank in any way he can. One example she gave of his efforts was him going to Fairchild Air Force Base in the middle of the night to collect food donations.
"He's our top man and helps keep us afloat," Worl said.
Wolfe said Fugere served in the Kiwanis for several years.Though Fugere is no longer a member of the organization, he still helps with the club's annual Easter Egg hunt.
"Every year I ask Wayne, 'you want to give me a hand in delivering these eggs?' And he says 'yeah,'" Wolfe said. "Afterwards he always comes over and asks me 'Do you need anything else?'"
Like previous recipients, Fugere was honored with a plaque inscribed with his name and desk clock in a wooden cabinet. He also received a boutonniere from his wife.
"He deserves every bit of it," Rita Fugere said of her husband receiving the award.
Fugue also serves on the city's Planning Commission. His generosity is not just limited to the work he does with local service groups. He is always ready to volunteer if someone needs help.
"He's the first person they call," Rita Fugere said. "He helps everyone and anyone. He's just a good man."
"We had a plumbing problem the other day and right away I called Wayne," Worl added.
Fugere and fellow seniors also enjoyed a traditional turkey dinner, along with cake and ice cream for dessert. Members of the Medical Lake High School JROTC performed a color guard ceremony, and live music was provided by Brett and Janet Dodd - known as "The Acoustic Duo."
Before he announced Fugere as the winner, Wolfe honored previous award recipients, many of whom were in attendance. He also commended his fellow Kiwanis members, the Medical Lake High School Key Club and JROTC cadets for volunteering their time to help with the dinner.
"We live in a pretty good community, a lot of people in this room do a lot of good things," Wolfe said.
Fugere said he volunteers his time as a way to keep himself busy.
"I just can't just sit down and do nothing," Fugere said. "I volunteer, I'm active. It helps keep me young, it's as simple as that."
Al Stover can be reached at al@cheneyfreepress.com.
See a photo gallery from the event here.
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