By Clyde Noel

Town Crier Correspondent

Bob Adams was the recipient of the 39th Community Service Award, presented last Thursday at Michael’s at Shoreline Restaurant.

Sitting with his immediate family at the front table, in a packed dining hall full of realtors and Rotarians, Adams drew applause and numerous compliments for his years of leadership and meaningful volunteering.

“Adams represents a special spirit in volunteering and becomes a role model for the community to emulate,” said Katherine Frey, co-chairperson of the CSA award committee. “He is this year’s hometown hero.”

The award is given to an individual in the community who has volunteered his or her time to assist community members. The award also recognizes leadership qualities, lifetime experiences and heartfelt emotion.

“You go along minding your own business and don’t think about any awards and it catches you totally by surprise,” Adams said.

Cindy Luedtke introduced Adams as “a citizen of our wonderful community” and thanked him for his volunteering efforts.

“Bob is the glue that keeps the Partners for New Generations program going,” Luedtke said. “The ambitious program has been successful because of him.”

Adams is a graduate of the University of California, Berkeley. His numerous contributions to the Los Altos Rotary, which he joined in 1986, led to his being elected president in 1996. He is an El Camino YMCA board director and active in fund raising for numerous organizations. He is also an active member of the Los Altos Community Foundation.

As a Rotarian, Adams has been instrumental in the mentoring program. He has mentored children for six years. He was also coach of the Alta Vista High School basketball team and is proud of the team’s successes.

Adams and his wife of 47 years, Lois, have three married children and eight grandchildren.

“When I quit work, I was wondering what I would do, but I looked around the community and found there was a lot to be done,” Adams said. “I found that great communities are built by citizens who volunteer.”

Adams suggested that people find out what is needed in their community, look at their schedule and take the time to go do it. They can find a friend and get them involved too. They can become involved in the mentor program at local schools, where the teachers and staff need all the help they can get.

“This program is the right opportunity to bring the community together,” 1998 recipient Marge Bruno said. “It’s honoring the volunteers, and Bob is the perfect choice.”

The Community Service Award is sponsored by the Los Altos-Mountain View district of the Silicon Valley Association of Realtors and the Town Crier.

The first award was given in 1964 to Roy Dunnett, cited for his work with youth. He was present at Thursday’s award ceremony, along with numerous other past recipients.