WELLSBORO – A Mansfield couple with a history of community service that continues to the present are this year’s recipient of the top Tioga Publishing community service award.
The Cornerstone Award went to Dr. Robert and Helen Swinsick of Mansfield at a reception on March 27. Their story and the story of all of the award recipients is included in the “Landmarks” magazine in this week’s paper. The magazine also includes 16 stories about people, places and organizations that are “Made in Tioga County,” the theme of the 2018 edition. Landmarks is included in this week’s edition of the paper.
“This year’s honorees have certainly contributed to making Tioga County’s community what it is today,” said Managing Editor Natalie Kennedy.
A committee of community residents made the selection of the Swinsicks and 12 other recipients earlier this year. The committee choose to recognize the couple for Dr. Swinsick’s many years of service on borough council and other boards and for his wife’s commitment to supporting an area food pantry by hosting an annual picnic.
Four individuals are recipients of the Community Champion Award. This award is presented to people in recognition of dedicated service to the community. This year’s recipients include:
• Tom Freeman of Mansfield, for supporting community events through use of equipment from Blue Ridge Cable and his work on economic development groups.
• Harry “Chip” Harrison of Gaines for his involvement and support of developing Cherry Springs State Park as a dark sky attraction.
• Grant “Skip” Cavanaugh of Wellsboro for his work on developing the Marsh Creek Greenway trail to connect the Pine Creek Rail-Trail to Wellsboro.
• Jody Thomas of Mansfield for her work in creating early childhood education programs for area youth, service on the Tioga County Housing Authority and Area Agency on Aging.
Food pantries also became a theme in this year’s award. The committee decided to recognize all seven food pantries in the county plus one individual with an Unsung Hero award. This award is presented to an individual or group with a singular mission or action. Recipients are:
• Linda Stager of Wellsboro for her efforts to celebrate, preserve and document the unique beauty of Tioga County.
• Matthew 25 Food Pantry in Blossburg, serving 905 families a month.
• Wellsboro Food Pantry, serving 180 families a month.
• Mansfield Area Food Pantry, serving 235-240 families a month.
• Tioga Community Food Bank, serving 30-60 families a month.
• United Methodist Church Food Pantry in Millerton, serving 170-plus families a month.
• The Compassion Center in Westfield, serving 500 individuals a month.
• Strait from the Heart Food Pantry and Clothes Closet in Lawrenceville, serving 60-75 families a month.
If you have a story idea for next year’s Landmarks or want to suggest a person or group for an award, call Natalie Kennedy at 570-724-2287 or email nkennedy@tiogapublishing.com.
