Think about it.

How would you go about choosing an individual or organization to honor for building community? Rule out elected officials and appointed leaders such as the superintendent of schools or the police chief, not because they are unworthy of the distinction but rather they have chosen this path and in many cases that’s what they strive at doing and expect to be measured by.

Unsung heroes could fit the definition of those we’re speaking about. And, indeed, that’s what they are. They are selfless and placing the benefit of others – the community – ahead of themselves.

How do you select such an individual or organization and why?

Annually, although the practice was interrupted by the pandemic, the Warwick Rotary Club bestows the Hayden Bentley Award in recognition of an individual or organization reflective of the Rotary motto, “service above self.”

This is not a uniquely Rotary activity, which is a good thing because fortunately there are many who deserve to be recognized for contributing to community.

The late Hayden Bentley, a Warwick insurance broker, was a charter member of the Warwick club chartered on July 1, 1949. Hayden went on to become president of the club and then governor of Rotary Club District 7950 comprising Rhode Island and southern Massachusetts.

Among the recipients of the Rotary award are Father Robert Marciano in 2005; the late Peter Koch who did so much to support and build Mentor Rhode Island (he was a hit of the first Dancing with the Stars of Mentoring, the show that has become the organization’s major fundraising event) in 2012; John and Irene Rooney, who did so much to build youth athletics in the city, in 2015; Ron Barnes, commander of the Pawtuxet Rangers, in 2019 and Brenda Juhnowski in 2009.

I wold guess that many have heard of, or know of, some of the recipients named here, but probably not Brenda unless they have a history with the Continental Little League. In fact, I had to resort to our online archives to get Brenda’s story.

Not surprisingly, past Rotary Club President Tom Celona nominated Brenda for the award along with John Rooney, former director of Warwick Parks and Recreation. As of 2009 Brenda had run the league’s snack bar for 15 years, often putting in 12-hour shifts on Saturdays to ensure that everything is running smoothly and, of course, that all are served.

In reading a profile written by Brian Dorman of the league, Celona said, “Brenda never seeks the limelight and she is never grumpy or mean. She knows all the kids who are struggling, or hungry, and magically but quietly, a free meal always appears.”

This year’s recipient is the Greenwood Credit Union and its president Fred Reinhardt.

Celona bestowed the honors at the club meeting Thursday at Tavolo on Post Road across from the airport.

Celona spoke of the GCU culture of giving back to the community, citing its support of organizations and community endeavors including the naming rights of the Warwick Plaza outdoor skating rink currently under construction. Speaking of Reinhardt, he said, “He has made the institution’s core values: Doing what’s right; team work; getting to ‘yes,’ and pursuing excellence.”

Back in 2009, Rooney sought to quantify the impact of so many who volunteer their time to make all the youth sports team run, estimating 1,120 volunteers are needed to run all these groups and if the city was faced with the responsibility of running the programs it would cost taxpayers $1.3 million a year based on six hours of work weekly at $12 an hour.

Thankfully, the business community – institutions like Greenwood Credit Union as well as mom-and-pop companies from landscapers to pizzerias – also pitch in.

And why should we shine the spotlight on those who make it happen?

The answer should be obvious, without them there isn’t community.