Celebrating Community Service With the Mayor’s Awards

While Sunday night brought the stars out for the Oscars, Monday night honored those who shine on the local level.

Mayor Leo Scoda presented his Mayor’s Awards for Community Service, celebrating the work of 13 residents. Those honored serve in many different ways. Some are active in churches, others help make the community a safer place, several work to culturally improve the town and still others help encourage the youngest Phoenixville residents in local sports.

The seats of borough hall were packed with family members and supporters of award recipients. After the mayor read and spoke about each, those receiving the awards said a few words.

Common themes ran throughout the speeches. Fire Policeman Leo Custer added a funny punch line (the fire police motto: tell them where to go before they tell us where to go) and all focused on family and what made them turn to community service. One theme running throughout was a love for the borough.

“I came here in 2008 and I really love this town,” said Kevin Kincaid, honored for his service to the Phoenixville Public Library.

Richard Rosmos, a former funeral director whose contributions were too many to name, echoed the love of community. Rosmos said he came from a broken home, but neighbors and other stepped up to help him grow.

“I wanted to give back to the community what was given to me growing up,” Rosmos said.

Chuck McQuiston, who does a lot of work with the Phoenixville Marian Youth Club, pointed out others in the sports community in the audience.

“Everybody’s involved in everything,” he said.

Erin Burke, whose work with the Phoenixville Town Watch was lauded, said her parent always encouraged her to bloom where she was planted.

“I planted myself here so I’m just trying to bloom,” Burke said.

Each recipient thanked family members, noting that they wouldn’t be receiving the awards if not for the support of family.

“You can’t get one of these things unless your family is behind you,” said Larry Gubanich, who received the award for numerous contributions and his work with the Kiwanis Club.

After all awards were handed out, Scoda told the standing-room-only audience and recipients that while people give in different ways, giving of your time is sharing one of the most valuable things we have.

“They have made a noble gesture,” Scoda said.

To see a full list of the recipients and their accomplishments, check out and the .