Hobart Rotary Honors Barbers’ Commitment to the Community

SOUTH KORTRIGHT –  Mel Carpenter was the first president of the Hobart Rotary Club and for a few years now, the local club has been honoring his memory with the annual presentation of the Mel Carpenter Award.

This year's recipients, Joyce and Davae Barber, embody Carpenter's dedication to the community and his vision for the club to nurture and sustain the community.

Andrew Flach, who made the presentation, said to the room full of people gathered at the Hidden Inn in South Kortright for the event, said, "When we look at the fabric of our community, we often talk about the grand events and visible milestones. But true community is built in the quiet spaces - the decade of showing up, rolling up one's sleeves, and doing the work when no one is watching. That quiet support is the very thread holding our community together, and Joyce and. Dave Barber have been weaving it for years."

Their leadership, said Flach, spans decades and includes service to the Hobart Rural Fire District, the Locust Hill Cemetery, the Hobart Fire Department and the United Methodist Church. Dave also provided mentorship as an assistant basketball coach, to help shape teamwork and the character of Hobart's youth. Joyce served the fire department auxiliary in the 1970's, participated in Soup's On and in 2015 initiated what is now the Hobart Business/Community Alliance.

Most recently, the Barbers helped spearhead the creation of a new fitness center for the community. bringing access to state of the art exercise equipment for all ages. "And if you have ever admired the vibrant greenery downtown, you have crossed paths with Joyce and Dave’s labor of love; planting and tending the gardens along Main Street."

Flach said they have a quiet love for Hobart, as they do not seek the spotlight. Their service to the community is defined by consistency, humility and their love of the community. They have helped with many educational scholarships and grants for arts, music, field trips and sports.

"They remind us that a community is not a mere a place on a map, but a living, breathing network of people who care for one another," said Flach in his tribute.

"Mel Carpenter would be immensely proud to see his legacy reflected in the lives of  Joyce and Dave Barber."

 In addition to a plaque and flowers, the couple received a framed proclamation. In it, the Hobart Rotary Club extends its deepest gratitude and appreciation for their outstanding contributions, remarkable leadership and enduring commitment to the people and community they faithfully serve.

Prior to the presentation, they reflected on the global commitment of Rotary, made up of professionals from diverse backgrounds that could exchange ideas, build lifelong friendships and give back to their community. They rotated their meeting locations among their respective offices - which is where the name Rotary was born.

It has grown into a global powerhouse for good, according to Flach. Rotary International has 1.4 million members with more than 46,000 clubs around the globe.

The Club then welcomed the Barbers as honorary members into the fold.

Pictured: Joyce and Dave Barber with the Mel Carpenter Award for their dedication, service and commitment which has made a meaningful and lasting impact on the Hobart community. The award was presented last Thursday by the Hobart Rotary Club.