‘Quiet leader’ and a ‘tireless volunteer’ are named Kennewick man and woman of the year
Candice Bluechel, a “quiet leader” who avoids the spotlight, and Wayne Bell, a tireless volunteer through his involvement with the Kennewick Kiwanis Club, were honored as the 2022 Kennewick Man and Woman of the Year on Monday night.
The 2022 awards are presented to individuals who make Kennewick a better place and are sponsored by the Kennewick Past Men of the Year Club and Kennewick Women of the Year, which took over from the past sponsor, Soroptimist International.
Kennewick Man of the Year
Wayne Bell, who served two terms as president of the Kennewick Kiwanis Club, is credited with improving the lives of countless children through his work as a teacher, coach, Boy Scout leader, church member and active Kiwanian.
“His passion for the projects he embraces is contagious and he is not shy about recruiting those he thinks can made a difference,” wrote the nominators Bob Kelly and Gerry Berges.
Bell of Richland led the Kiwanis club in 2010-2011 and again a decade later in 2021-2022.
He chaired the committee that funded and built a playground for children at the Boys & Girls Club, coordinated a pen pal program for fourth-grade students at Amistad Elementary and serves on the Camp Kiwanis Foundation board, which maintains the Camp Kiwanis building in Columbia Park.
He has been active in the Seniors Helping all Kids Education program, coordinated parking at the Benton-Franklin Fair to raise money for the Kennewick and Kamiakin high school bands and is a longtime coach for Kennewick American Youth Baseball and for Kennewick Parks & Recreation.
He led Boy Scout programs through St. Joseph’s church in the mid-1980s.
“Wayne is a man of discipline, integrity and persistence who simply responds to need when he becomes aware of it,” the nomination said.
Kennewick Woman of the Year
Candice Bluechel is a dedicated leader and volunteer who has spent 19 years improving Kennewick and the Tri-Cities, according to the nomination.
She has worked as business services manager for WorkSource Columbia Basin, served on the Kennewick Arts Commission, the Kennewick Planning Commission and the Children’s Developmental Center.
Her civic resume includes lending her talents to the REACH Museum, Soroptimist International of Three Rivers and Columbia Center Rotary.
Bluechel moved to Kennewick 19 years ago and immediately jumped into the community, responding to needs wherever she found them.
“Candice is a quiet leaders who does not seek recognition for herself but is satisfied that the work has been accomplished,” Laurie Church wrote in her nomination.
She spent 12 years on the planning commission, which guides development and growth in the community. She is a supporter of public art and supported development of the Kennewick Entertainment District. She volunteers with organizations, including church groups working to confront human trafficking and has been a personal support to her family, including elderly aunts.
Bluechel, whose husband Rod died of causes related to exposure to Agent Orange during service in Vietnam, has been an advocate for veteran-related causes, including arranging for employment and social services and preparing grant applications that supported housing.
For past winners and information about the Kennewick Man and Woman of the Year awards, go to kmwoy.com.