by Pete Mazzaccaro

The Chestnut Hill Community Association will recognize three Hill residents and one institution for their support of Chestnut Hill. The awards, which will be presented at the CHCA's Annual Meeting on Thursday, April 24, were determined this year by the CHCA's Awards Committee.

Hill resident and current Chestnut Hill Community Fund trustee Stanley F. Moat will receive the Chestnut Hill Award.

Moat was first elected to the CHCA board in 2002, served on its Aesthetics Committee and was Vice President of the Physical division from 2003 to 2004. Later, in 2007, as a fund trustee, Moat oversaw maintenance of the fund's properties, including 8434 Germantown Ave., where the CHCA and Chestnut Hill Local offices are located.

According to the awards committee that nominated him, Moat's “vision and determination to preserve the community’s Town Hall is a gift to future generations, and an example of how a person can make meaningful contributions throughout one’s life, even into one’s ninth decade.”

The Meritorious Service Award will be presented to Anna Herman, who for the past 17 years has served as the volunteer coordinator for the Morris Arboretum's organic gardening plots. As coordinator, she oversees 108 organically-grown vegetable and flower plots maintained by between 70 and 90 gardeners from Northwest Philadelphia and its nearby suburbs.

Herman also manages her own garden plots and raises both chickens and bees.

According to the committee, “Anna's long-time contribution of her time, knowledge, and energy make her a tremendous asset to our community.”

CHCA board member Bob Rossman will receive the Distinguished Service award.

Rossman, a 30-year Chestnut Hill resident has served on the boards of the Chestnut Hill Business Association, Mt. Airy Learning Tree, Germantown Republican Club, Mt. Airy Day and Weavers Way.

According to the Awards Committee, “It's often been noted that 'Bob is everywhere.' He sees a need and fills it, from serving in officer positions in many organizations to volunteering at many community events including Circle of Trees, Hoops Madness, the Chestnut Hill Holiday Parade, and the Pastorius Park summer concerts, where he began his service. He's often the first one to report and the last to leave.”

Finally, Chestnut Hill Hospital will receive the Benefactor's Award.

The hospital has given tens of thousands of dollars in support of the community association, particularly its annual Pastorius Park Concert Series.

According to the committee, “Their financial contribution has earned Chestnut Hill Hospital the Benefactor's Award, but their true strength is their continuous commitment to the Chestnut Hill community. As one of the region's significant institutions, the hospital's leadership understands the importance of ensuring that the community is thriving for residents, visitors, business owners, and institutions.