By Jennifer Eisenbart
Staff Writer
Long-time Burlington resident Paul Edwards admits he isn’t one to chase awards.
So, when he found out earlier this year that he had been chosen for the Kiwanis Club’s annual Frank Tobin Award – given for outstanding service to the club and the community – he didn’t really know how to handle it.
“When I first heard, it was, ‘That’s very nice, but I don’t know how to handle it,’” said Edwards. “It is a nice honor, and my wife says I deserve it.”
He then added with a laugh, as his wife talked in the background, “She says I more than deserve it.”
Edwards’ long list of community involvements spans tens of years, and Kiwanis Club Frank Tobin Committee member Tim Boyle had difficulty paring the list down just to name some of the important accomplishments when giving Edwards the award Monday night.
Edwards is involved with a number of charitable organizations in Burlington – including the Kiwanis Youth and Family Assistance program and the Burlington Community Fund – and also with Fellow Mortals Animal Hospital and Plymouth Congregational Church.
He was also in charge of the Burlington Babe Ruth League as commissioner, treasure of the Burlington High School Scholarships program and manager of the Burlington Chamber of Commerce.
He has been a member or is a member of the Jaycees, Kiwanis and helped lead Boy Scout Troops 303 and 373.
With the award comes a donation of $250, which Edwards designated for Boy Scout Troop 303.
Edwards found out he was receiving the award a few months ago, but couldn’t get to a meeting until after the tax season. Edwards is a certified public accountant.
“That’s why it’s later than normal,” Edwards said.
The award has been given every year since the mid-1980s, and was started to honor Tobin – someone Edwards knew from his early days in the club.
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