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Warren Watkins honored with Lifetime of Service Award

Gerard Hetman/Abington Journal Reporter

CLARKS SUMMIT- In recognition of his tireless and selfless record of community service, Warren Watkins was honored as the recipient of the third annual R. Matthew Burne Lifetime of Service Award presented by The Abington Journal.

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Shown on Thursday, Nov. 19 at an award presentation hosted by the Abington Journal at the Nichols Village Hotel and Spa are, from left: Rich Cresiski, Telespond Senior Services, Inc.; Linda Steier, Meals on Wheels, Inc.; 2009 R. Matthew Burne Lifetime of Service Award recipient Warren Watkins; Denise Burne Fein and Kristie Grier Ceruti, Abington Journal Editor.

Abington Journal/Don McGlynn

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Watkins was honored with the presentation of the award at a reception at the Inn at Nichols Village on Thursday evening, with approximately 90 guests in attendence at the event. To accompany his award, Watkins received a $1,000 award for donation to the charity of his choice. Watkins chose to split the award between Meals on Wheels of Lackawanna County and Telespond Senior Services, with a check being presented to each charity by Watkins.

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.”

As this year's honoree, Watkins received $1,000 from the family of R.
Matthew Burne, who sponsor the award annually. The award was established
in the fall of 2007, with the first honor made posthumously to the
family of R. Matthew Burne. Burne originated a fundraising event in the
Abingtons known as the "Haunt on Sean Drive," was a lifelong advocate
for the St. Joseph's Center in Scranton and dedicated himself to
numerous other organizations and individuals in need. In 2007, the Burne
family generously agreed to partner with The Abington Journal in
continued support of the award.

More images of the event will appear in print on Nov. 25 and video
coverage and photos will appear on www.theabingtonjournal.com