Club member Kurt Schuster has been selected as the recipient of the Rotary Club of Salisbury’s Ace Parker Community Service Award.
Named after long time club member Ace Parker with the financial support of his and his family’s endowment, the club established this annual award to recognize an active club member who makes meaningful contributions to the well-being of our community. The recipient receives a $1,000 gift to be directed to the charity of his or her choice.
In presenting the award, then-president Chris Peek said “So when someone steps forward, again and again, to take on real-world problems — and shows through their actions that “Service Above Self” isn’t just our motto but how they actually live their lives — that deserves to be recognized.”
Mr. Schuster has given hundreds of hours to the Rotary Club of Salisbury, to its programs, volunteer work, special events, and to making the Rotary Scout and Community Center the place club members look forward to meeting in on Thursday nights.
Mr. Schuster has, among other things:
- Cleared the area between the Rotary Scout and Community Center and the adjacent lot
- Managed the sale of that lot, with the proceeds going into the Rotary Club of Salisbury Endowment
- Used his own tractor to spread stone evenly across the parking lot
- Treated the lot for weeds, removed trees that needed to come down, planted grass, landscaped the grounds, and worked with George Vickers to install the large flagpole and flag
- Secured a Rotary District Grant to build an outbuilding and pavilions bearing the Rotary name — leading the project himself, with help from other members, and Bob Malone as a great project partner
- Done extensive outdoor work at the Fruitland Community Center
- Built a display case at the Wicomico County pickleball field, alongside fellow Rotarians
- Traveled to Belize to help build an accessible bathroom for a disabled girl
- Served as President of the Rotary Club of Salisbury Foundation for the past six years
- Served as co-chair of the club’s Special Events longer than anyone can count
- Kept the Rotary Scout and Community Center in top condition, year after year
