MORRIS COUNTY — Denville’s Richard Yobs, Sr., was honored at the Patriots Path Council Boy Scouts of America “Good Scout Awards Dinner” at Winnebago Scout Reservation, Rockaway.
The “Good Scout Award” is a recognition given by the Boy Scouts of America to individuals who have demonstrated outstanding community service, leadership, and support for Scouting. It is intended to honor individuals who serve as role models and inspire others to impact their communities positively.
It is impressive that Rich has been a Kiwanis Club of Denville member for over fifty years! He must have seen many organizational changes and developments over that time.
It is also commendable that he chaired the annual pancake breakfast for ten years. This would have required significant organizational skills and dedication to ensure the event ran smoothly and successfully each year.
Additionally, arranging for circuses under the tent for 12 years has been a unique and exciting addition to the community. Rich’s commitment to bringing such entertainment to Denville shows his passion for enhancing the lives of those around him.
Overall, Rich’s contributions to the Kiwanis Club of Denville have likely positively impacted the community and demonstrate his dedication to service and leadership.
Rich started volunteering early in the eighth grade.
He volunteered to help celebrate Denville’s anniversary. A couple of years later, he joined the ground observer corps.
In 1971 Rich had a busy year. He opened his business, Painten Place. Rich joined Pride Council in its formative years with Muriel Heppner D Dr. Shult, and Howard Shaw.
As a 25-year member, a lot was accomplished. Rich chaired the first annual Denville Rid Litter Day, including Rockaway River.
At a sub-meeting, Rich, Muriel, Dr. Solti, and several others set the groundwork for the Denville Blood Bank. As president of Pride, Rich was most proud of facilitating the Denville gardens and hosting a town-wide meeting opposing Route 80’s expansion announcement.
It would have completely separated Denville. Rich and his committee prevailed.
In 1971 Rich joined Denville Kiwanis and is a 52-year member. Rich chaired the annual pancake breakfast for ten years and arranged for circuses under the tent for 12 years.
Rich joined the Denville Chamber of Commerce in 1971. Rich was an assistant parade starter that first year and Christmas the following year. Rich was the starter and has been every year since. Denville Kiwanis now chairs the committee. Rich was chairman of Pride Council, Denville Chamber, and Kiwanis all the same year. Rich served on the Denville parking and economic development committees for over 20 years. He was on the Denville planning board for four years fighting the Mount Laurel decision.
Rich lobbied for an anti-loitering law in Denville that was passed. Most are unaware Rich signed off on painting merit badges for about eight years.
Rich rang bells for the Salvation Army for 20-25 years and worked on harvest festivals for years.
Rich was a certified lay leader at Denville community church for 20 years. He started a men’s breakfast group and did the cooking. Every Thanksgiving, Rich worked with Kiwanis delivering food from the local pantry to seniors. He worked with the Mccarter family, the township, and Kiwanis to rebuild MacArthur Park; He was honored to be named small businessperson of the year in New Jersey and represented New Jersey in Washington at the White House. As a Kiwanis member, he donated paint and helped paint the VFW on Ford Road and a special project at Celebrate the Children on Diamond Spring Road. He is a member of the American Legion Post 290 in Denville.
Yobs was in the submarine forest in the 1960s. Rich has been a Joe Bella Memorial Fund member since its inception. And for the last five years, has been its president.
