Terry Moehnke is an optometrist, but he’s been known to joke that being an eye doctor is actually his side job.

There may well be some truth behind his joke, because when one considers all of the volunteer activities Moehnke is deeply involved in every day it is hard to figure out how he has the time to actually practice optometry.

Moehnke’s decades of devotion to various causes were recognized Thursday night when he was presented the Catalyst Award by the Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance during its annual banquet at the Best Western Starlite Village Inn & Suites.

Moehnke has not been one to call attention to his community activities, and he doesn’t boast about any of the accolades he has received.

Among his endeavors was establishing the Backpack Buddies program to provide food to elementary school children so they have something healthy to eat over the weekends.

He envisioned a special place that would be a tribute to local men and women who served in the armed forces and led the effort to create Veterans Memorial Park near Badger Lake.

He has served as a member of the Fort Dodge City Council since 2014, representing Ward 1.

He has also worked with the Humane Society of North Central Iowa, Lights at Kennedy, American Red Cross, Fort Dodge Noon Sertoma Club and the Pleasant Valley Awareness Committee.

The Catalyst Award is given to someone who has the qualities of inspiration, charity, wisdom, leadership, volunteerism and commitment to our community and region. We think that description sums up Moehnke perfectly. He is very deserving of this honor.

Also on Thursday, Jennifer Crimmins was honored as the Alliance’s Volunteer of the Year. She has worked with Market on Central, Leadership Fort Dodge and the Human Development Committee.

Crimmins has spent a lot of time to advance the priorities of the Alliance and is worthy of this honor. We thank her for her efforts.