Elmwood resident Don Fritz, who is devoted to serving his community, was named the Most Admired Senior Citizen for 2024 at the Pierce County Fair.

Each year, the fair honors person(s) age 60 and older known for their community service and activities. They are nominated by fellow community members and must consent to the nomination.

Fair Manager Liz Dietsche read a nomination letter submitted by Staying Put Board President Sue Christopher. Staying Put is an organization dedicated to helping Spring Valley and Elmwood seniors stay safely in their own homes.

“I have seen firsthand how much Don deserves this award,” Christopher wrote. “Don has increased his community involvement since his retirement and Staying Put is grateful to currently have him as a member of our Board of Directors, and as a volunteer.”

Christopher lauded Fritz as an active participant of board meetings and his positive, “can do” attitude.

“He brings thoughtful, considerate views to our board discussions. His background in safety brings the extra contribution of safety considerations for our clients. This is very important since our mission is to help seniors and adults with disabilities ‘stay put’ in their homes,” Christopher said.

Fritz joined the Staying Put Board in 2023 after the organization expanded its services to Elmwood in 2022.

“Since the majority of our staff, board, volunteers and clients were in Spring Valley, we were making a slow inroad into the Elmwood community,” Christopher said. “Being a resident of Elmwood and eager to see his community benefit from Staying Put’s services, Don quickly stepped in to help open doors for us.”

Fritz is a volunteer driver taking clients to medical/PT appts, grocery runs and special errands. Christopher said they receive compliments from clients who appreciate Fritz’s cheerful attitude, engaging conversation, and safe driving.

He also helps deliver Meals On Wheels for the ADRC (Aging & Disability Resource Center) of Pierce County, who partners with Staying Put in coordinating the drivers for Spring Valley and Elmwood.

“He enjoys delivering a delicious, nutritious meal to his fellow Elmwood residents, and checking on their safety,” Christopher said. “Don enjoys helping in any way he can, so when staff mentioned that our clients sometimes had difficulty retrieving items from the small refrigerator on the floor for Coffee Klatsch, Don designed and built a stand to lift the fridge for safer access and allow storage underneath for non-refrigerated coffee supplies.

“When staff ordered an outdoor bulletin board for displaying our activity flyers to the public, Don appeared with his tools to hang it. He noticed the outside door wasn’t always closing on its own, so he’s been adjusting it. He saw that an inside office door lock wasn’t working well, so he fixed that. Don’s wife is a patron of the Elmwood library and mentioned to Don that the Director Nick expressed interest in Staying Put’s activities, so Don talked to Nick in more detail about our mission, which led to Nick joining our board, too.”

Fritz has also been part of the Trishaw (a three-wheeled, pedal-powered vehicle) committee that is preparing for the arrival and use of a Trishaw that will give clients a fun, outdoor ride.

Fritz and his wife attend numerous Staying Put events, such as the spring dance at the Spring Valley Community Center

“We are proud of Don and everything he does to contribute in many ways to make the world a better place,” Christopher said.

As he received the award, Fritz gave credit to his wife, who he called his “most admired citizen.” He said to volunteer, things have to come together at home and she does that and then some.

“It’s an honor and privilege to be part of this community and help out wherever I can,” he said.