Robinson named Distinguished Citizen
Published: October 7, 2009
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Master of Ceremonies Frank O'Connor reads from citations to be presented to Rob Robinson, on right.
It was toasting and roasting in store for Rob Robinson, of Hallstead, as he received the 2009 Distinguished Citizen's Award on Sept. 25.
The award is given annually by the Baden-Powell Council Delhanna District of the Boy Scouts of America to someone from the community who best exemplifies in their daily life the ideals of the Boy Scouts of America; has shown outstanding community service and has the respect of his employees and colleagues.
Robinson has contributed greatly to the community since he purchased what is now Rob's Market in July of 1988, and there were many attending a dinner in his honor to let him know how much he is admired.
Rob and his wife of 36 years, Barbara, are the parents of two daughters, Heather and Kristen; two sons-in-law, Shawn and Anthony and two grandchildren, Sarah and Lydia.
The dinner was held in the Hallstead American Legion with Lori Moore, Flo Brush and Randi Blank as the committee for not only the dinner but the Silent Auction that drew spirited bidding for the items donated.
Following his graduation from Chenango Valley High School, Rob joined the United States Marine Corp. His enlistment included a tour in Vietnam that earned him a Purple Heart. Rob is a lifetime member of the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars. He is an associate board member of Peoples National Bank and the Great Bend/Hallstead Volunteer Ambulance Association.
Following the welcome by 2008 Distinguished Citizen Tom Chamberlain and the invocation by Belinda Richardson, Eagle Scout Brian O'Connor, a second generation Eagle, gave the Scout remarks.
O’Connor said it is a team effort to become an Eagle and takes years of work. "My father is as proud of my accomplishments as his father was proud of him," O'Connor said.
O’Connor, also an employee of Rob's Market, said that any charity that goes to Rob's Market does not leave empty handed and he thanked Robinson for all he does for the community.
Master of Ceremonies Frank O'Connor introduced Ed Arnold, retired military and very close friend of the honoree. Arnold spoke of Robinson’s service to his country and the commendation he received for his service in Vietnam. He said that Robinson is kind, generous, honest, has integrity and he leads by example. I have experience with leaders and Rob leads better than any military leader I have served under, Arnold said.
"That's My Dad" was given by daughter, Kristen Coppola. "Our father loves what he does. He is generous, kind and has always had our best interest at heart," Kristen said.
She spoke of the Flood of 2006 that could have been the end of Rob's Market. Dad had two choices, either give up or pick up and go on, she said. He is now more successful than he was before, she added.
At this point a slide show of Robinson from early childhood to becoming a grandparent was enjoyed by all.
Another good friend, Ed Slick was not to be outdone as he not only praised Rob but told of typical boyhood escapades. "He has been loyal to me most of my life and I would trust Rob with my life," Slick said.
Scout Executive Stephen Hoitt spoke of the six county area served by Baden Powell Council and the accomplishments of the young men who are part of the BSA program. He thanked everyone for their contributions allowing the Boy Scout program to move forward
Frank O'Connor presented Robinson with citations from Governor Ed Rendall; Congressman Chris Carney; US Senator Arlen Specter; State Senator Gene Yaw; Pa Representative Tina Pickett; Susquehanna County Commissioners MaryAnn Warren, Leon Allen and Michael Giangrieco; Hallstead Borough; Great Bend Borough and Township; Hallstead/Great Bend Lions Club; Peoples National Bank; Great Bend/Hallstead Ambulance and the statuette from the council.
Peoples National Bank has not only been a generous supporter of the Distinguished Citizen Award but President Richard Lochen and retired President Jack Ord have encouraged their employees to take over leadership roles and made space available for the numerous meetings necessary to have a successful event. They were thanked along with Moore and Blank for their part in working with the Boy Scout committee.
"I was overwhelmed when I was asked to be the honoree for 2009," Robinson said. If it wasn't for the community I wouldn't be here, he added.
Robinson thanked the Baden Powell Council and especially Moore and Blank for going up and beyond to make the evening a success.
As he introduced he wife, Barbara and his other family members present, Robinson said his family means the world to him. He thanked Ord for giving him his start when he first arrived in Hallstead.
In speaking of the devastation caused by the Flood of 2006, Robinson said he had a lot of support to rebuild. Without my employees I would be nothing, Rob said, and thanked everyone for a great evening.
The Boy Scout DCA began in Susquehanna County in 1988 when the late Judge Donald O'Malley was honored. Past recipients attending the 2009 dinner were Robert and Mary Jane Reddon (1995); Jack Ord (1998); Helen Foster (2004).
Troop 89 of Great Bend and Pack 90, New Milford presented the colors, led the Pledge of Allegiance and the Boy Scout Oath.
