‘A Pioneer of the town’

CLARKS SUMMIT - The next time you find yourself with an idle moment in your busy schedule, close your eyes and think of all the community service and volunteer-based organizations that operate in the Abingtons and the surrounding communities.

Chances are, if you name one, Warren Watkins is involved. And in most cases, he’s not only a volunteer, but a centerpiece of the operation.From his Clarks Summit home on Stone Avenue, Watkins, 77, has spent the better part of five decades contributing to various charitable causes in and around Clarks Summit and Northeastern Pennsylvania. Together with Phyllis, his wife of 55 years, Watkins has spent much of his time giving back to the community he calls home. In recognition of his commitment to community service, Watkins was nominated and selected as the 2009 recipient of the R. Matthew Burne Lifetime of Service Award, as presented by The Abington Journal.

To name each activity in which Watkins participates would likely fill an entire newspaper, and the stories he can share would surely take up a year’s worth of issues. Born in Scranton, Watkins spent his earliest years there before his family moved out of the area to follow his father’s job with the Atlantic Refining Corporation. The family settled in Clarks Summit as Watkins began seventh grade and later he graduated from Clarks Summit High School before attending Westminster College in Western Pennsylvania. After graduating with his bachelor’s degree in economics, Watkins was drafted into the U.S. Army, where he served in a NIKE missile battalion in the Pittsburgh area.

Upon the conclusion of his military service, Watkins spent time working for Blue Cross in a junior executive program, before returning to Clarks Summit to work with the family lumber business. Seeking a change in direction, he then went to work for International Salt Company, where he remained for 37 years until his retirement in 1998. While he continued some private consulting work in the salt industry, the vast majority of his time has been spent volunteering with numerous charities and civic organizations.

“Warren is a person who feels community service should be a part of everyday life,” said Eileen Christian, a longtime friend of Watkins whose husband serves in Rotary of the Abingtons with him. “He has been a good friend of everyone in the community for as long as I can remember.”

“It’s hard to sum up Warren’s contributions to the community in one sentence, but perhaps the best thing to say is that he has always been involved in whatever he can be,” added Jan McCabe, who works with Watkins on the boards of both the United Methodist Homes and the Clarks Green Cemetery Association. “If you are on his list to volunteer for an event, you don’t get off of it easily.”

Community reaction

Ask nearly any longtime residents of Clarks Summit about Watkins, and it is almost assured that they can tell you how long they have known him, and give you several stories about the activities with which he has been involved. Part of the reason for that has been the selfless dedication to community service that Watkins has displayed during the course of his lifetime. From student government in his high school years to Rotary and more at the present time, Watkins has kept fit, happy and healthy by enjoying what most people try to escape: a busy schedule.

“When I retired, I knew what I wanted to do in terms of community service,” Watkins said. “I enjoy giving back to the community.”

As citizens of the Abingtons have come to discover, Watkins is an advocate in the community for people of all ages. Gerrie Carey, a Clarks Summit resident and current president of Borough Council, has known Watkins for much of her life and currently serves with him on the board of Clarks Summit State Hospital. She also worked with him on the creation of a memorial plaque for Laura Lee DeFazio Morabito, an area native who was killed in the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.

“Warren is a pioneer of the town,” Carey said of her friend. “No matter what project Warren is involved in—big or small—he stays with it until the end. He’s always willing to be a part of any project or committee.”

It was former Clarks Summit Councilman Watkins who suggested that Ystradgynlais, Wales and Clarks Summit form a sister-city relationship. The idea was submitted to both Councils and was unanimously approved in 1991 and continues to this day.

In terms of involvement with the borough, Watkins is now in his 47th year of continuous service with the Clarks Summit Fire Company, now serving in an administrative capacity. He also served 22 years as a member of borough council and filled in as borough manager on a volunteer basis for several months in 2000. He also helped found the Shade Tree Commission and has been a fixture in Rotary of the Abingtons for 41 years.

Alan Hughes, another longtime friend of Watkins, worked with both him and Carey in creating the DeFazio Memorial, and also recommended Watkins for the board of the Salvation Army.

“I can’t think of anyone more deserving of such an award than Warren,” Hughes said. “Warren is heavily involved with Rotary, and for many years they have been a huge contributor to the kettle drive campaign that the Salvation Army does at Christmas time. Warren has been a driving force behind that fundraising effort for years and years.”

Presently, Watkins serves on the board of directors for a number of community institutions and organizations. These include Clarks Summit State Hospital, United Methodist Homes, Telespond Senior Services, Salvation Army and Meals on Wheels of Lackawanna County. He also served as chairperson of his 50th reunion at Westminster College, and vice-chairperson of his 55th college reunion held this fall.

More to come

While some people scale down their activities as they retire, Watkins and his wife take a different approach.

In addition to spending time with two daughters, Betsy Warburton, Factoryville, and Amy Watkins, Minneapolis, MN, and one granddaughter Alicia Warburton, they treat the greater Abington area as an extended family.

If the recent past is anything to go by, Watkins is sure to be a fixture around the community for many more years. As an example of his ever-expanding role, Watkins is currently president of the Site Committee at the Abington Senior Center, a group responsible for making many decisions involving the center’s operations. In addition to his work with the Site Committee, Watkins pitches in with whatever he can at the center. From maintaining the grounds to planning events, nothing escapes the careful eye and kind heart of a man who continues to serve his community with nothing but selfless service.

“There’s no job too big or too small for Warren,” said Mary O’Donnell, director of the Abington Senior Center, who also works with Watkins on the board at Telespond Senior Services. “You never know what he’s going to be up to next.”

Service, honors

Clarks Summit Fire Company: 47 years of continuous service; current secretary; member of first EMT class in Northeast PA; served on Harrisburg-based task force for creation of EMT programs

Clarks Summit Borough Council: 1974-1996; filled in as borough manager on voluntary basis, 2000

Leadership Lackawanna: Board Member Emeritus; honored as “Leader of the Year” in 2003

Clarks Green Cemetery Association: current President; involved with cemetery since 1974

Rotary of the Abingtons: Joined 1968 (41 years involvement); past district governor; involved with student exchange program for 32 years

Westminster College: Vice President of Senior Class; Chairman: 50th reunion committee; Vice-President: 55th reunion committee; fraternity President

The Abington Journal R. Matthew Burne Lifetime of Service Award will be presented to Warren Watkins at a dessert and coffee reception. The public is welcome to attend on Thursday, Nov. 19 at 6 p.m. at the Inn at Nichols Village Common Room. RSVP required by Monday, Nov. 16 to 570.587.1148.