SPRUCE VIEW – Friends, family and members of the community gathered in Spruce View to honour the Citizens of the Year.
The award was presented to Dick and Jean Foesier during the Spruce View and District Lions Club 41st annual charter night and banquet at the Spruce View Community Hall on Jan. 19.
“We’re honouring Dick and Jean Foesier for all the good things that they’ve done in the community,” said Gary Stroh, Lions Club president.
The evening included a banquet, speeches, an award presentation and a dance with entertainment by Dickson musician Mary Anne Message.
The Foesiers have lived in Spruce View since September of 1979.
Dick, 74, and his wife Jean, 70, have been giving back to their community all their lives.
Dick was honoured for his tireless work and many contributions in and around Spruce View.
“I looked in the dictionary today and I could not find the words (to describe) how I felt about this,” said Dick. “It is a real honour for us. I was totally blindsided and did not expect this.”
Dick was recognized for his contributions as president of both the Gwendale Elks and the Caroline Elks, the rural crime watch program he founded 32 years ago, as well as his work with reopening the Kevisville ball diamonds.
“We raise a lot of money (as Elks) and donate every dollar of it back to the community,” he said, noting the Jaws of Life they purchased for Caroline and Spruce View, along with funds donated to retirement, long-term care homes and area hospitals over the years.
In addition, Dick has played Santa Claus every year since 1981 with the Kevisville Church and also at Red Deer's Bower Mall for several years.
Dick was also recently honoured by the Alberta government.
“I was awarded a plaque from the Alberta government, RCMP K Division in Edmonton, last year for 30 years of crime watch,” he said, noting the difference such a program has made in the area.
“We have signs on our vehicles and we drive around. People who are not supposed to be there when they see the signs, they leave immediately,” said Dick.
He said he's thankful for the support he’s received from the community and from the people of Spruce View.
“You look around tonight and it shows me that there are people who care,” Dick concluded.
