What’s your job title and department?

My job title is CSFP Coordinator. CSFP stands for Commodity Supplemental Food Program.

When did you start working at the Foodbank?

I started my trial run on Oct. 3, 2005. The full-time position started on (I believe) the 17th of March, 2006.

Where do you live, where are you from?

I have always been a Vermonter and have lived in Barre Town since 1987. I was born on Sept. 15, 19947 and was in the service from 1967, right after I graduated from high school in 1966, until October of 1972 being honorably discharged from service.

Can you tell us a little more about yourself, personally and professionally?

I have had about 3, maybe 4, jobs since school days. The last, previous one being shy of 25 years with Kenco, Inc. where I delivered all over the state of Vermont, most of New Hampshire, some in Maine, most of Massachusetts, and some in N. E. New York. I had to leave my last job because of tearing a tendon in my  right shoulder.  I was on workman’s comp for over two years and finally came to the Foodbank to work. I have loved my position and job duties ever since.

I married Kathy Mason of Washington, Vt. She lived in Barre Town at the time we were married. We bought the house that she and her mother lived in and have been there ever since. No children. We kind of look at other people’s children as our own. We both love people.

On the 31st of January, 2014 I had a heart attack. There was no damage done to my heart, but I have been given instructions that I am not to be lifting anything heavy.

If you could work in another Foodbank department or job for a day, what would it be and why?

I don’t know what I would like doing other than CSFP. I love what I do; love talking to the seniors and helping them as much as possible.

What’s one of your favorite memories, so far, from working here?

A long time before I started working here, I was driving on Main St. here in Barre, and as I approached the big flag that used to hang over the road, I took a picture of it. Unknowing that I would work here someday, there, not too far from that flag, was a Vermont Foodbank truck. My picture shows the Foodbank truck and the American flag. How American is that?

Personally, the one thing that I feel has helped the Foodbank since I have been here is when John Sayles

[Vermont Foodbank CEO] came on board. I feel he has what a leader needs to see the success of ANY business.

Tell us what you like about working at the Vermont Foodbank.

The biggest thing is knowing that you are doing something to help people who can’t help themselves very easily. It is knowing that we are putting food on their tables and keeping them from starving. It is knowing that you love everyone you work with and enjoy working with them. It is feeling good about getting up and going to work in the morning, and hearing a “Good morning” and “How are you today?”

Bonnie and Connie have been  my supervisors since I have been here, other than a short stint with Robin when she was here. I can’t say enough good about Bonnie and Connie.  They have really been there for me in all this time and I feel I personally couldn’t ask for better supervisors.

Wayne has another hobby that we thought it would be fun to share:

Most people know that I am an Elvis fan. I have most of the records (back when they were vinyl) that Elvis did; I sing, with karaoke, his songs when I am at a party. I have a niece and her husband who do karaoke at parties.  I do go with them sometimes and have a good time. I will only sing when karaoke is involved. Not to a band.

It’s always fun getting to know your coworkers better. Thanks for answering our questions, Wayne!