Longtime village administrator to
receive President’s Award
The Garden City Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the presentation of its President’s Award to Robert (Bob) L. Schoelle, Jr., a Garden City resident for 43 years, at the 2014 Pineapple Ball at the Garden City Hotel on Friday evening, May 9. Initiated in 2011, the Chamber of Commerce’s “President’s Award” recognizes above and beyond volunteer spirit and contributions within the Garden City community and beyond. Not an annual award, it is only presented occasionally, which makes this recognition for Schoelle all the more special.
Bob Schoelle has served as chief administrative officer of the Incorporated Village of Garden City for the past 34 years, working with 18 mayors and many boards of trustees. He has served as a member of both the Village Planning Commission and Board of Police Commissioners. His contributions to numerous village projects have contributed remarkably to the quality of life in the village.
A life member of the Men’s Association (TMA), Schoelle’s dedication and contributions toward its missions are exemplary and have been well recognized. The TMA has supported the athletic and social activities of the students of the Garden City schools and promotes both good sportsmanship and ideal citizenship. The 1997-98 TMA Yearbook was dedicated to Schoelle and he also received the “Unsung Hero Award in 1996, an award which created by him some years before. As was noted in this year book dedication, “A public figure, Bob is visible on many fronts, yet never seeks the limelight. He is the perfect diplomat, guiding and advising TMA with aplomb. His biggest asset is that he leads by example—remarkable in that he does it with grace and modesty.”
Bob Schoelle has been a member of the Mineola-Garden City Rotary Club, the world’s largest service organization since l982 and currently serves as president. He also serves on the RotaCare Board of Directors. RotaCare was established by the club in l992 to provide free health care for individuals who have the most need and the least access to medical care. Schoelle has also supervised the Rotary Club’s assistance to the Salvation Army’s Holiday Bell Ringing Project for more than 25 years. Additionally, he has received the Paul Harris Fellow Award, Rotary’s highest honor.
Bob Schoelle has been recognized many times over by those with whom he has served, including both the village trustees and executive department heads for his integrity, dedication to the Village of Garden City and commitment to excellence in all of his endeavors. Mayor John Watras, who has known Schoelle and his wife Monica for some 40 years comments that, “Since the day I first met Bob, he has never changed his demeanor—never wavered in dedication and commitment to so many areas within the Village. He is remarkable—the best of the best!” Bob and Monica Schoelle have three grown children, all who reside in Garden City.
Please join the chamber in saluting Bob Schoelle who will also share honors with the Garden City Turkey Trot Committee, Anne Sullivan, Garden City High School Swimming and Diving Coach and Lisa Smith, Business Person of the Year. To receive an invitation or for detailed information about sponsorship opportunities, please call Tracey Gittere at 516-222-0550 or visit the chamber website at www.GardenCityChamber.org.
– Submitted by Garden City Chamber of Commerce
